Mt. Olive_June 2025

MOUNT OLIVE LIFE

June 2025

Mt. Olive’s 1855 Church Reclaims its Glory with Dedication

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - After more than two decades of restoring the former Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Flanders, the historic building will be dedicated this month.

Its official opening to the public, however, is still about two years away as final visitor access upgrades get underway.

The Mt. Olive Twp. Council approved a resolution at its April 29 meeting authorizing a grant application to the New Jersey Historic Trust for visitor access upgrades and partial restoration of the church.

“There remain a few items that would overall enhance the historic Mount Olive Baptist Church which include providing a parking area, paths to the front entrance, enhancing the site drainage, minor stucco repairs and undertaking additional minor stabilization of the fabric ceiling,” the resolu-

tion states.

The town has applied to the NJ Historic Trust for a $214K grant with a 50% match coming from the Local Open Space Trust.

It has been 22 years since the town has taken over the Mt. Olive Baptist Church property, and with a sigh of relief, final renovations are here!

“I would say this is the last major renovation of the property, however, in the future the township may apply for grants to renovate the other schoolhouse building,” says Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko.

Anyone who drives by the property knows that parking is limited.

“The actual location and number of spots has not been determined at this time,” says Tatarenko. “The goal is to install a pervious surface materi-

al (grass and gravel, HexPave or similar system) for parking with a designated walking path that is barrier-free compliant.”

Another plan is to construct multiple paths from each parking lot area to get to the building, adds Tatarenko.

If the grant is awarded, funding would be included in the 2026 budget with a construction start date in 2027, he adds.

In the meantime, the excitement is brewing so a dedication ceremony was planned for June 7 at 10 a.m.

“A dedication ceremony is being planned and those who contributed to the project will be invited first,” says Tatarenko. “In the future, once the visitor access is complete, the general public will be invited to visit the site. There is no parking on-site. We are providing a shuttle service from

townhall at 9:30 a.m.

Once the building is complete, it has been decided that

“No church services” will be held. “Use is still to be determined,” notes Tatarenko, who previously suggested the building could be used for small gathering and

Warrior Walkway Sets Path For Freedom Celebration

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT

OLIVE - On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Events are being planned in all 50 states with festivities, parades, fairs and exhibits. A committee has been established in Mt. Olive to plan a local celebration to mark the day. The town is selling 24’’x48’’ Hometown Hero Banners for $300 to align Rt. 46, Budd Lake and Main Street Flanders for active duty, veterans, fallen heroes, EMS, police and firefighters.

Deadline to reserve the banner is June 13. For more info or to order, go to lmeininger@ mtolivetwo.org.

The All Veterans Memorial

organization is also gearing up by building a team to plan, coordinate and execute the AVM’s recognition and denotation of the founding father’s vision of independence and liberty.

“Our vision for this 250 year celebration is to relive and renew our nation’s founding principles by reminding our community that freedom has never been free - that it has been fought for and protected by true Patriots throughout history,” says AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann.

“We can think of no better stage than the All Veterans Memorial Educational Complex to re-enact and recite the quotes of founding fathers,

military leaders, historical figures and notable events,” she says.

Uhrmann plans to create a Warrior Walkway, a temporary display of photos at the AVM.

“This is absolutely separate from the Mount Olive Township Hometown Heroes campaign,” Uhrmann explains. “The Warrior Walkway will allow non-Mt. Olive residents to participate. Our campaign will provide a private, tranquil place for our visitors to learn about our nation’s many wars, pay their respect and reflect.

“The idea was mine,” she adds. “Since majority of AVM supporters are not from Mt. Olive and therefore unable to participate in Mt. Olive’s Hometown Hero campaign, we decided to provide them an opportunity at the AVM. The idea came to me while preparing and cleaning the complex for Memorial Day.”

minimum of six months and at the request of the sponsor, the plate can be removed and given to the family.”

The Warrior Walkway will have its own private, secluded area behind the War Horse and War Dog Memorials, she describes.

AI

Hits the Road in Mt. Olive with New Service

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - Paving the way to being the go-to source for information and service, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the secret source to determining what roads need paving and what holes need patching in Mt. Olive.

- The winners from May’s “Find Mr. MO the Mascot” are Patty MacDonald; Netcong, Niidharshan Dhineshkumar; Flanders, Mark Tullo; Flanders and Terri Laffan; Hackettstown. The ads that “Mr. Moe” were in: Remax Sharon Caruso, Vision Source, Flanders Car Wash, Mountain Top Church, Enzo’s Ristorante and Omaha Steaks. Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!

Sponsored by Hackettstown Home Depot., this campaign will begin at the AVM’s Memorial Day Ceremony, when the AVM will begin taking orders.

Prototype panels with information regarding the campaign will be installed in September, says Uhrmann.

“The cost to be added to the panel is $98,” says Uhrmann. “I love this project. This campaign will be a small part of a larger program for our Nation’s 250 Anniversary.

“Those who wish to participate will be asked to provide a military photo, the name, rank, dates of service and war served. The information will be transferred onto a 12” x 12” aluminum plate that will be coated with a commercial coating that would prevent rusting, fading and graffiti. After a

“Each section will be made up of a single 3’ x 5’ hardboard concrete supported by 4” x 4” braces,” says Uhrmann. “Each section can accommodate 15 individual warriors. We estimate there will be 25 panels on each side of the walkway. Since we are an educational complex, we will reserve the middle panel to add a real-life photograph and war stats of that particular war.

“The attached panel will be one contiguous panel along the asphalt walkway,” adds Uhrmann. “Each separate panel will hold (15) 12” x 12” military photo. They will be categorized by wars. The Vietnam War will be placed on the left (along soccer field) extending from the parking lot all the way down towards the pond. The other panels will be on the right side. With benches. This walkway will denote each war and provide brief details.

“We anticipate that the Vietnam War and Global War on Terror sections will garner the most support,” adds Uhrmann.

“But you never know.”

To get more information, visit https://www.allveteransmemorial.org.

The Mt. Olive Twp. Council approved a resolution at its April 29 meeting authorizing an agreement with an AI software provider to assist with road rating, mapping services and infrastructure identification. After soliciting various proposals, the council agreed to a comprehensive program with Vialytics, a road management web system.

Vialytics submitted a comprehensive program not to exceed $19,734.

Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Joe Nicastro says the township has talked about this service for many years as it would help detect road conditions sooner.

“Technology stuff is getting good,” says Nicastro at the meeting. “Always looking for something new to do; technology always gets upgraded.”

Nicastro explains how phones will be attached to certain vehicles. The system will be mapped to all roads in the township. The road conditions will then be graded, broken signs will be identified, problem water drains, sewers, manholes.

The roads will be updated throughout the years and within a year the township will have a map of all the roads and conditions of them, “which roads have holes and cracks,” says Nicastro. “It’s a really good system.”

With “seamless road management with the Vialytics web system, within hours, our advanced algorithm processes your data, allowing you to view results directly in your browser,” as explained on the Vialytics website. “Effortlessly monitor all roads and assets, filter for the most critical damage, and assign work orders—all in one intuitive platform. With Vialytics, planning maintenance and upkeep has never been easier or more efficient.”

Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko further explains how this new service will be effective.

“AI is becoming more prevalent and beneficial to local government,” explains Tatarenko. “This technology will automatically identify cracks, potholes and other defects in the road surface. That data will then be used to map, rate and prioritize the roads that need to be repaired.

“In addition, the technology will identify road signs, catch basins, manholes and other infrastructure which needs to be repaired,” continues Tatarenko. “It will help the township with early detection, improve efficiency and cost savings and assist with the decision making process in road resurfacing.” Funds for this initiative are coming from the 2025 capital budget, he adds. The technology can be installed on any smartphone device, says Tatarenko.

“I anticipate two to five vehicles will be used,” he concludes.

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Local Dentist, Dr. Ira Goldberg, Lectures At Prestigious Implant MaxiCourse

AREA - As a leading authority in dental implantology, Dr. Ira Goldberg was invited to lecture in Englewood, NJ last month. His presentation discussed CT Scanning for Dental Implants, along with Digital Implant Planning & Placement. As a respected educator, its not uncommon for Dr. Goldberg to share his knowledge and expertise with others.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

The AAID is the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. It has an educational branch called MaxiCourses, which are year-long programs dentists can enroll in should they wish to learn about dental implantology. Dr. Goldberg has been invited multiple times to teach these students regarding various topics related to dental implants.

Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.

when you need it, its great to have.”

ent pathways, same results.”

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Regarding dental implant placement, Dr. Goldberg spoke about two technologies he uses regularly within his private office: Dynamic Navigation and Static Navigation.

“Dynamic navigation is a type of robotic technology,” explains Dr. Goldberg. “It utilizes tracking sensors, similar to GPS. It allows for pinpoint precision when placing dental implants. Its not necessary for all implant procedures, but

Church Reclaims...

Revival and Italianate styles.

The building is associated with the settlement of the Mt. Olive area before the Revolutionary War and the emergence of the village of Mt. Olive from that time through the middle of the 19th century, according to the Morris County Historic Preservation description.

A date stone on the church has “Mount Olive Baptist Meeting House 1855” inscribed on it. Situated next to it, stands the original structure of The Mount Olive Academy which was built in 1837. This white stone building served as a school in the township until 1925.

Surrounding the property is The Baptist Churchyard

Cemetery, the Greenwood Cemetery, and the Mount Olive Union Cemetery, where many iconic and early founders and residents are buried.

The church, academy and cemeteries are part of the Mount Olive Village Historic District, a 7-acre area located along Mount Olive Road and Flanders-Drakestown Road in Flanders.

The township acquired the property in 2003, according to Tatarenko. Steps then followed to list the property on the historical registry so that grants can be applied for its rehabilitation.

Dr. Goldberg continues, “We have this equipment right in our office. Not many offices have it, nor does it make sense for them to invest in it if they are not performing implant procedures on a regular basis. We perform implant procedures regularly, so we definitely have found it an indispensable tool at times.”

At the end of the day-long session the students had an opportunity to try their hand at dynamic guidance, and they also had a chance to speak with Dr. Goldberg to review some of their own cases one-on-one.

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“Static Navigation is commonplace these days. Guides are fabricated digitally with special softwares, and are 3-D printed by laboratories. We actually print them ourselves in our office. Similar to dynamic navigation, the end result is the same: accurately placed implants based upon a pre-plan. However, static guides are physical devices while dynamic guidance are robotic. Differ-

over 30 years, and I’m always excited about it. I guess that’s why other doctors and dental professionals ask me for my thoughts and help. Its quite an honor, and I love to share.”

When asked about his role as an educator to other dentists, Dr. Goldberg thoughtfully stated, “I’ve always heard that when you’re passionate about something, it shows. I’ve been providing implant services for

through the Morris County Historical Preservation Trust with the township matching the grants with local Open Space Funds.

Projects included, all new exterior stucco, roof, mechanical systems for HVAC, electrical and plumbing, restoration of flooring windows and doors, preservation of canvas art ceiling, new bathroom and interior repainted to match historically, steeple repair, front entrance steps, finishes at the balcony, restoration of original paint scheme and faux graining, and accessible restroom.

With these last exterior renovations, the public will be able to access the property again and return to one of Mt. Olive’s original buildings restored to modern day. FROM FRONT PAGE

Since then, the township has been restoring the church through grants, in excess of $1 million spent throughout the years. A majority was funded

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Dr. Goldberg holds many honors in the field of implant dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Fellow of the AAID, and also a Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, just to name a couple.

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Regarding his Diplomate status in the ABOI/ID, there are only a few hundred dentists worldwide that hold this distinction. Dr. Ira Goldberg is the owner of Morris County Dental Associates in Succasunna. He performs all phases of implant dentistry, and rarely are referrals required. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at (973) 328-1225 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com

Dental Implants

Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant or complex full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

A Mother’s Grief, A Soldier’s Tribute: Remembering the True Meaning of Memorial Day

BY CHERYL CONWAY

Lance Cpl. Chris Cosgrove III, 18 years ago. Her son’s comrade, Sgt. Cleveland L. Atwater IV, spoke about Why We Serve. The ceremony brought light to the grief felt by parents who lose a child while serving in the military. It also reminded all those in attendance why it is so important to honor these heroes who fought for their freedom and remember those who paid the ultimate price of losing their lives.

“Grief never gets lighter; you just get used to carrying the weight,” shares Cosgrove-Bowie from a quote she holds dear.

“You cannot remind me of someone I cannot forget,” she shares another meaningful quote. “You can remind me that you remember. Say their names, that’s a gift we can really appreciate.”

A Gold Star Mother since 2007, Cosgrove-Bowie shared the heartbreaking story about losing her son while he was in Iraq serving in the marines.

“I’m a Gold Star mom,” says Cosgrove-Bowie. “I’m a member of an organization that no parent wants to be a member of.

A 2001 graduate of Whip-

pany Park High School, Chris Cosgrove III grew up in Cedar Knolls and had a desire to join the marines. He attended Monmouth University, majoring in history, and at the end of his junior year attended boot camp at Camp Lejeune. After graduating in 2005, he pursued further training at Camp Geiger. He wanted to become a police officer and get married in August 2007 after proposing to his fiancée in October 2005; but first he volunteered for deployment to Iraq in January 2006.

With less than two weeks from coming home, Cosgrove volunteered with another soldier to stay a little longer to show newer comrades how to manage at an entry control check point. But on Oct. 1, 2006, “our son was murdered by a cowardly suicide bomber” in Fallujah, Iraq. He was 23 years old.

“In an instant, our lives were changed forever!” says his mom. “How do you go on?

“Chris paid the ultimate sacrifice with his life” and his parents “have paid the ultimate price of losing their child, losing their family member.

“We began living a parent’s nightmare,” says Cosgrove-Bowie. Their son will never work in a professional job, get a brand-new car, get married, buy a house, have children.”

Cosgrove-Bowie says she and her husband “had to do something positive to go on. So, they got involved in two non-profit organizations to help the military, veterans and first responders, and established two perpetual scholarships for students from their son’s high school and college.

Through the N.J. Gold Star Families they have related to other individuals who share their grief of losing a loved one while serving in the military. The support has helped them as

they have come to realize that these military men and women share some common desires:

“They were selfish and wanted to do their part no matter what,” says Cosgrove-Bowie. “Those who put themselves in harm’s way every day. Those who volunteer to sacrifice everything to protect us and our country. Those who believe in pride, family, commitment and honor. Those who would and had laid down their lives to protect their brothers.”

One such soldier can relate to these desires—Sgt. Cleveland L. Atwater IV, also spoke at the ceremony, and addressed Why We Serve. His first time giving a speech, Atwater says “I’m honored to be here.” He was asked by Cosgrove-Bowie to speak as he served alongside her son in Iraq in 2006 Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He began by recognizing the Gold Star Families “who continue to inspire us and fight to keep their loved ones’ legacy alive and strong.”

About his comrade, he says, “Chris answered the call to protect our freedom of the people of this great nation when evil attacked on 9/11.” He explains why he serves:

“So we don’t have to relive the horrors of 9/11,” says Atwater. “I serve so we can walk

down the street without being imprisoned or executed for the God we believe in. So as a people we can be free of prejudice due to the color of our skin, level of education, political view or gender. For the freedom that some take for granted. And for the men and women who answer the call of duty before and long after we’re born.”

He lists the solders he lost while serving fighting in Iraq, including Cosgrove.

“Remember we live in their honor of those men and women who lost their lives,” says Atwater. “I called them my hero. Let us never forget the sacrifices of our men and women when they answered the call when this great nation needed them and remember the family friends who everyday live with that loss.

“How will you serve to honor those who serve you?” asks Atwater. “To the warriors guarding the gates of heaven and the freedom of this country I thank you and am forever in your debt. We live today be-

cause of you, and we will never forget.”

Other participants included Sherry Ottoman from St. Jude Church who sang the National Anthem; Traci Revac who gave the spiritual vocation and benediction; CMSgt Robert Bedell, AFJROTC aerospace science instructor at Mt. Olive High School, served as the master of ceremonies; the Mt. Olive Boy

laid the flowers. The annual Remembrance Day Ceremony at the AVM is organized and orchestrated by AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann, formerly of Hackett-

Scouts Troop 249 presented wreaths that were then set on some of the monuments by the MOHS JROTC; Mt. Olive Girl Scouts

Lance Cpl. Chris Cosgrove III and his mother, Charlene Cosgrove-Bowie in North Carolina.

New Jersey Gold Star mother, Charlene Cosgrove-Bowie.

Sgt. Cleveland L. Atwater IV, spoke about Why We Serve.

Remembering...

FROM PAGE 4

stown.

“Today, we are taking time to ensure the nation remembers the sacrifices of America’s fallen from the revolutionary war to the present,” says Bedell.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, Bedell shares its history.

“Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation’s civil war dead by decorating their graves,” he explains.

During the first celebration, Gen. James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National

Cemetery and 5,000 participants helped decorate the graves of the more than 20K union and confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery with flowers and flags.

By 1890, all the northern states followed suit and by late 1800’s many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day. After WWI, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America’s wars.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Memorial Day and this tradition of decorating military graves with flags and flowers continues throughout the nation.

At the end of the AVM ceremony, families set pavers in

of their

in the

were set for Lance Corporal Christoper Cosgrove of the U.S. Marine Corps; Sgt. Cleveland Atwater IV, Marine Forces Reserve’s 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Dover; Corp. Ryan Herrlich, of the U.S. Marine Corps who recently died unexpectedly; Mstr. Sgt. Crystal Williams who served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years; Sgt Major Ricky B. Gains Sr. served in the U.S. Army for 30 years; TSgt. Michael H. Williams, 20 years in the U.S. Air Force; and Frank Santarpia, who served in the U.S. Navy as a fireman.

“May God bless our troops and may God bless America,” concludes Revac.

Alexander Meininger showed his talents at the Hidden Treasures event creating beautiful painted pictures with canned paint.

memory

loved ones who served

military. Pavers

MOHS Boys’ Volleyball Team Has Been a Hit this Season

BY CHERYL CONWAY

MOUNT OLIVE - All those years of practicing that ace, rally, side out, rotation and kill during gym class is paying off for the boys at Mt. Olive High School.

In its second year at MOHS, the boys’ volleyball team has been a hit this season.

Established in 2024, the MOHS Boys’ Volleyball Team was undefeated 11-0. With a total of 15 games set to play this season from March to May, the team is serving at the top level and making its mark for the marauders.

Coach Lee Clowers and Assistant Coach Tom Reszka are proud of the team’s progress.

The team is “playing hard, doing well,” comments Reszka.

There are 19 players on the MOHS Boys’ Volleyball Team this year. Students are in grades

nine through 12. With more than a dozen games in one season, the MOHS Boys’ Team competes against other high school teams in Morris, Sussex, Bergen and Passaic counties.

“We hosted our first JV Volleyball Invitational (Tournament) this past Saturday, May 10,” adds Reszka who has been coaching volleyball for the past 18 years. “We hosted seven teams and came in second place overall losing to Ridge in the championship.”

While it is always amazing to be undefeated, teams and players learn many life lessons when faced with a loss. They learn adversity and how to play even better the next time around.

“Adversity, if you allow it to, will fortify you and make you the best you can be,” com-

mented Kerri Walsh Jennings, an American professional beach volleyball player, threetime Olympic gold medalist, and a one-time Olympic bronze medalist.

The MOHS Boys’ Volley-

Divine Design Hair Salon Celebrates Grand Opening

ball coaches’ goals are to “continue to improve and increase volleyball skills” throughout the season and future years as the sport increases in popularity.

The team has been considered a junior varsity level, but according to the MOHS Athletic Department, the team is on target to advance to the varsity level next year.

Boys’ volleyball is a grow-

ing sport now, MOHS athletics shares. There was really no push for the boys’ to have a volleyball team until it established in 2024.

The MOHS Girls’ Volleyball Team, meanwhile, has had a jump on the sport. It has been a staple in Mt. Olive since the late 1990’s, according to the MOHS Athletic Dept.

This year, the girls’ team finished with a 18-6 record; won its conference and Comet Invitational Tournament; and was semifinalist for the Morris County and N.J. State tournaments. With no more blocking getting in the way, volleyball in Mt. Olive is here to stay! Students in grades nine through 12 interested in playing volleyball for the boys’ and girls’ teams can look forward to tryouts next March.

Mayor Nicastro welcomed Divine Design Hair Salon to Mount Olive on April 25, 2025. They are located at 7 Naughright Road Hackettstown NJ.

Pictured are: Sarah Stapel, Caitlin Sutton, Mariah Davis, Kate Sutton owner of Divine Design, Kate’s mom, Michelle Sutton-Melgarejo and her 3 children Layla, Lorenzo and Audryella, Mayor Nicastro, Cassidy LaPola, Caitlin Keay, Olivia Emerick, Tami Quinn and Joey Dale.

Businessman of the Year, Charles S. Aaron Jr.

where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Advertising Art and Minor in Business Administration. He later attended NJIT where he earned his MBA with a focus in Finance and Technology. Chuck is the owner of Jersey Girl Brewing, a local Mount Olive Business which opened on Sand Shore Road, Budd Lake in 2016. Chuck is a results-oriented, decisive Business Leader with over 35 years of business development, sales & marketing, finance, information technology, and international operations experience. Skilled in analyzing existing business operations and implementing strategies, processes, and technologies to improve productivity, efficiencies, and operating results. Proven ability in facilitating organizational change to support corporate, financial, and operating objectives. His extended value is as a

MOUNT OLIVE - On June

11, 2025 Sean Abrusci will be receiving the Humanitarian Award for 2025 from the Mount Olive Area Chamber.

Sean was raised in Roxbury, New Jersey, where his commitment to service and

team player with solid financial management, information technology, human resources, and general management experience. Excellent organizational, communication and leadership skills with proven ability in managing, coaching, and developing teams to meet both corporate and long-term career objectives.

Chuck has had a wide range of roles in his career. Vice President and General Manager within The Stow Company with P&L responsibility for three of its businesses; EasyClosets, ProClosets, and Contemporary Closets. Global Director of Business Develop-

ment at AkzoNobel supporting 7 business units to fulfill the needs of 31 different markets served by the $1.4 billion Surface Chemistry Group. Sun Chemical, a $7 billion global chemical company recognized as the world’s largest producer of printing inks and organic pigments, Chuck participated in launching a new venture Vivitek to support growth into adjacent market space. Senior Global Marketing Manager and Call Center Manager at Myron Manufacturing. Here he managed programs to retain and reactivate clients, serving a customer base of 500,000.

Locally, Chuck has served

on the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce for the past eight years with 2024 being his fifth as president. He is the Vice President of the 200 Club in Morris County; is a member of the Economic Development Committee in Mount Olive; has served as President and Treasurer of the Mount Olive High School Parents Football Association; and was a coach of recreation football, baseball, and basketball. Chuck is a member of the Mount Olive Town Council, and as a member is the Council Liaison to the Board of Education. Chuck is a member of the Morris County Republican

Humanitarian of the Year Sean Abrusci

community began early. In 2009, he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving four years and completing two combat deployments. After his military service, he transitioned into law enforcement but felt a strong pull toward

building something of his own — something with purpose. In 2015, he began working in the nonprofit sector, traveling internationally to support veteran suicide prevention efforts while also working to address the global water crisis

through the organization Wine To Water. During his travels, he noticed a powerful common thread: wherever people gathered in community, coffee was often at the center. That realization inspired him to start his own coffee company — not just to serve great coffee, but to create connections. By roasting his own beans and partnering with a different

nonprofit each month, his mission became clear: bridge the gap between organizations doing good work and help them strengthen each other’s reach.

In a meaningful full-circle moment, Ashley’s Farms — where he held his very first job — became the first place to sell his coffee. A reminder that coffee is always surrounded by community!

Committee, and the Mount Olive Republican Club.

Chuck was born August 5 in Ruston Louisiana, and grew up in Louisiana, The Netherlands, and Virginia before settling in New Jersey.

Interesting Facts About America’s National Parks

AREA - America’s National Park Service is more than 100 years old. President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the NPS on August 25, 1916, and since then the parks have attracted a steady stream of nature lovers who want to take in all the beauty the parks have to offer. National parks are a source of price for hun-

dreds of millions of Americans, and the following are some interesting facts about these special places across North America.

• Acadia National Park in Maine is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River, tracing its origins to 1916. Landscape architect Charles Eliot and American preservationist George Dorr were influential in the establishment of the park, as was American financier John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who was vital to the construction of a network of carriage roads that ran throughout the park upon its opening.

• Arches National Park is appropriately named. The park, located in eastern Utah, features more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the well-known and widely recognized Delicate Arch.

• Biscayne National Park south of Miami, Florida, is 95 percent water. Perhaps that’s why a half dozen shipwrecks spanning nearly a century have been mapped on the park’s Maritime Heritage Trail.

• Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah contains rocks that History. com notes have estimated to be as much as 270 million

years old.

• Sea turtles are among the many notable features of Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located roughly 70 miles west of Key West. Accessibility is another notable quirk of the park, which can only be reached via seaplane.

• Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska is covered by 2,000 square miles of glaciers. No roads lead to Glacier Bay National Park, which is typically reached by air or sea travel.

• Great Basin National Park in Nevada features the Lehman Cave system, which began forming 550 million years ago while the area was still submerged in a shallow ocean.

• American fjord fans may think of Norway when seeking these beautiful bodies of water, but they can see some right within the nation’s borders as well. Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska contains numerous coastal fjords that were carved by glaciers.

• The national park system is so expansive it actually extends south of the equator. The National Park of American Samoa is the only national park south of the equator, and even features a World War II gun emplacement.

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

Mt. Olive Athletes Sign On to College Dreams

MOUNT OLIVE - Several student athletes have been recently recognized at Mt. Olive High School for their plans on playing a sport at the collegiate level.

Many gathered on Tuesday, May 20, to celebrate their accomplishments with family, friends, teammates and coaches for a school wide signing day. Their hard work and commitment over the years, whether in the classroom, court or

field, has not gone unnoticed and they achieved their goal of being accepted into college and to continue to play the sport they excel at.

From the list, looks like nine students, have so far announced

Innovative Learning Kitchen Opens in CCM’s New Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science

AREA - County College of Morris (CCM) is turning up the heat by expanding its facilities for the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs, opening a state-of-the-art baking kitchen. This new learning lab is part of the forthcoming 11,325-square-feet Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science, which is set to fully open for the Spring 2026 semester and will serve as the home to CCM’s Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ). This essential portion of the expansion enables students to specialize in artisanal baking and pastry arts, gaining hands-on experience in a professional-grade environment tailored for precise, high-quality instruction.

“This isn’t just a kitchen. It’s a launchpad,” said Mark Cosgrove, chairperson of Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts at CCM. “Our students now have the opportunity to learn, experiment and build their futures in a space that reflects the innovation and energy of today’s culinary world. I’m incredibly proud of what we have built here, and even more excited to see the incredible work our students will do in it.”

A Learning Lab Designed for Innovation and Enterprise CHAI-NJ blends culinary mastery with entrepreneurial thinking, preparing students for both leadership and ownership in their future careers. This stunning new facility reflects the highest standards of professional baking and culinary arts. CCM students will gain hands-on skills from advanced

pastry techniques, breadmaking and chocolate work to business planning, marketing and sustainable practices.

The cutting-edge space is outfitted with top-tier equipment, including:

Advanced Combi-ovens and a rotating bread oven for flawless baking

Marble-topped tables ideal for chocolate tempering and intricate confectionery work

Maple-topped “Boos” block workstations for classic breadmaking and pastry production

A 14-foot dough sheeter, allowing for large-scale lamination and dough preparation, paired with a dough divider to help students master portion control in high-volume production

Four 40-quart globe mixers, from delicate batters like meringues to heavy doughs

Four Vulcan stoves to support a full range of culinary instruction

With this advanced kitchen, CHAI-NJ continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for executive chefs, aspiring bakers and culinary professionals.

Built with the Community, for the Community

This initiative was shaped through meaningful collaborations with top local chefs, bakers and hospitality leaders who offered their expertise to guide the design and future use of the space. Many partners have committed to mentoring students, offering internships and co-hosting events at CCM.

“This expansion is about more than education, it’s about

community,” said Virginia Rich, Dean of the School of Business, Mathematics, Engineering & Technologies at CCM. “We’re providing our students a direct link to the culinary industry’s vibrant professional community. And we’re helping them acquire the skills to make dreams a reality.”

CCM aims to address the rising demand for culinary and hospitality professionals and support future food entrepreneurs. According to the American Bakers Association, the U.S. baking industry provides nearly 800,000 jobs, generates over $42 billion in wages and drives more than $186 billion in economic activity. Locally, “Accommodation and Food Services” is a leading sector in Morris County with projected employment growth for the next decade (Source: JobsEQ® Perkins V Report, 2023). CCM is proud to lead this momentum. About County College of Morris CCM is a leading community college in New Jersey for innovative education and workforce development. With a commitment to excellence and industry alignment, CCM prepares students to thrive in the fast-evolving culinary and hospitality landscape. For more information about this in-demand career pathway, plus CCM’s pre-vocational training program, for-credit certificates of achievements, and highly ranked associate degrees in culinary arts and hospitality, visit www.ccm.edu/pathways/culinary-hospitality.

Join the Spectrum Circle! A Social Group for High-Functioning Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum

AREA - Are you a high-functioning young adult on the autism spectrum residing in Morris, Warren, or Sussex County? Looking to meet new people, share laughs, and just be yourself in a fun and welcoming environment? The Spectrum Circle is a brand-new social group for young adults ages 20–35 who are ready to connect, make friends, and

enjoy good times together— while supporting each other.

Whether we’re enjoying a game night, catching the latest movie, going bowling, dining out at local restaurants, or having a BBQ in the park, this is a safe, positive space where you can be you. Our activities are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable, providing opportunities to build friendships and

create lasting memories.

Come and sign up for our very first meeting—we’re so excited to start this group!

A family member is welcome to join you for the first meeting if you’d like. For more information or to RSVP: Grace 917-716-4813, grace. stampf@gmail.com

and committed to playing football at the collegiate level. Other students plan to compete in other sports including soccer, field hockey, acrobatics and tumbling, lacrosse, ice hockey, volleyball, wrestling and track and field.

The list has been provided by Mt. Olive High School Athletic Director Colleen Suflay. The list is most likely not complete as there is still time to commit at the college level. Some students also announced their plans earlier in the school year. For any who are not listed here, feel free to email editor@ mtoliveonline.today for a future spotlight!

Mt. Olive High School students committed to play football at the collegiate level so

far are: Daniel McGarry, The College of New Jersey; Tyler Cumming, Hobart and William Smith Colleges; Lincoln Youtz, University of New England; Rondell Derrick Jr., Fairleigh Dickinson University; Richard Vanatta, St. John Fisher University; Johnny Reed, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Jekori Zapata, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Naseem Muheisen, Fairleigh Dickinson University; and Anthony Collier who plans to play football as well as track and field at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Mt. Olive High School students committed to play other sports include: Sophia Orellana, soccer, Montclair State University; Ellie Costanza,

field hockey, Connecticut College; Alexis Zweiback, acrobatics and tumbling, West Virginia State University; Emily Harris, field hockey, Belmont Abbey College; Maggie Tilves, lacrosse, Salisbury University; Natalie Watson, acrobatics and tumbling, Kutztown University; Talon Muscolino, ice hockey, Ramapo College; Mishka Fernandez, volleyball, University of Santo Tomas; Matteo Eagleson, wrestling, Roger Williams University; Brandon Beres, wrestling, Johnson and Wales University; Joseph Williams, track and field, Fairleigh Dickinson University; and Divyesh Narravula, track and field, Stevens Institute of Technology.

Happy Birthday Jerry!!

PARTY ROOM THE PARTY ROOM

Mount Olive High School AFJROTC:

MOUNT OLIVE - “Developing citizens of character” is the founding and guiding principle of the Mount Olive High School (MOHS) Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program. Since its inception in 2017, the program has grown in both popularity and commitment, now serving 124 high school students. The Mount Olive unit is one of 870 AFJROTC programs worldwide, with more than 85,000 high school cadets participating under the guidance of nearly 1,600 retired U.S. Air Force instructors.

The program is a five-credit elective that covers a wide range of subjects, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), History, Civics, Physical Training, Military Bearing and Discipline, and Leadership. As a college-preparatory course, it blends lecture-based and experiential learning to help cadets develop into citizens of character.

Cadets can join at any point during their high school years, with increased participation offering more diverse opportunities for involvement in both classroom activities and extracurricular Leadership Development Requirements (LDRs). These LDRs span a variety of disciplines—academics, athletics, military bearing, and community service—and include Drill Team, Raider, Rocketry, Color Guard, and the newly added Junior Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB).

ors the service and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces members. This event commemorates the Bataan Death March of World War II, during which 72,000 POWs were forcibly marched, resulting in over 600 American deaths. An impressive 97% of cadets take part in the vigil, with most walking all 14 miles overnight to keep the POW/ MIA flag moving continuously.

The MOHS AFJROTC is also regularly invited to participate in the New York City Veterans Day Parade and recently visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a trip to Washington, D.C.

A standout moment this year came during the Washington Township Drill Competition in March, where the Mount Olive team earned seven first-place trophies—sweeping every category they entered. Competing against 13 other high schools, their hard work and dedication paid off in a highly competitive environment.

In December, during a Regional Inspection by AFJROTC Headquarters, the program received the highest possible rating: “Exceeds Standards.” Cadets excelled in all areas, including uniform inspection, the 30-command drill sequence, and the Color Guard performance.

Community service is another cornerstone of the program. Cadets initially set a goal of logging 1,650 community service hours during the 2024–2025 school year. They surpassed that with 2,400 hours recorded.

Each of these activities builds upon the in-class curriculum. The rocketry team applies lessons from avionics and the scientific method, while the Raider team challenges cadets physically, reinforcing Physical Training elements. The Color Guard and Drill Team allow cadets to showcase Military Bearing and Discipline, and JLAB offers a platform for demonstrating knowledge in History, Civics, and leadership skills. These LDRs also provide cadets with leadership roles where they plan events, lead peers, and manage logistics.

While participation in LDRs does not impact a student’s grade, 86% of cadets take part in at least one, reflecting their dedication and enthusiasm.

In addition to LDRs, the program includes key volunteer and community service events tied to the curriculum. A highlight is the annual POW/ MIA 24-Hour Vigil, which hon-

Their efforts include roadside cleanups, volunteering with 11th Hour Rescue, supporting Wreaths Across America, hosting blood drives, fundraising through car washes, and presenting the colors for the National Anthem at events across the Mount Olive community and across the state of New Jersey.

In recognition of their exceptional service and inspection results, the program received the prestigious Distinguished Unit with Merit Award—a testament to the cadets’ outstanding performance and commitment.

Beyond academics and service, the program fosters camaraderie, helping cadets build lasting friendships and strong ethical foundations. Open to all students regardless of background or gender, AFJROTC emphasizes leadership, discipline, and personal growth. While the program teaches

military values, it does not require or expect cadets to pursue military careers. Instead, it prepares them for success in college, the workforce, or wherever life takes them.

Cadet Voices Gabriela Colon-Melendez, former Unit Commander:

“I joined the program as a sophomore in 2017 during its first year and stayed committed through my 2020 graduation as Unit Commander. AFJROTC helped me become a confident, kind, and responsible leader. The time management and organizational skills I gained have stayed with me. The program isn’t just for those pursuing military service—I went on to earn my bachelor’s in Industrial Design from Virginia Tech and recently completed a NASA internship at Wallops Flight Facility, inspired in part by the aviation and space lessons I learned here. Thanks to Chief and the unit, I found my voice and confidence.”

Noah Lopez, current Unit Commander:

“As the current Unit Commander, I’ve seen firsthand how AFJROTC transforms cadets from followers into leaders. It instills confidence, responsibility, and a sense of duty. It’s not just preparing us for careers—it’s preparing us for life.”

Keyaan Sekagya, rising freshman:

“I enjoyed Shadow Day at the high school and learning that the program includes classes in all subjects. What really stood out were the different activities available once you’re in the program. They combine fun, intelligence, and learning in the right balance. I realized you don’t have to be the best—you just have to have the opportunity to reach your full potential.”

Through the Mount Olive High School AFJROTC program, cadets are gaining not only leadership skills but also the tools to build a brighter future for themselves—and their communities.

If these values align with your beliefs and you’d like to support the MO AFJROTC program through a donation, please don’t hesitate to contact the Mount Olive Air Force JROTC Booster Club at mountolive.afjrotc@gmail.com You can also follow all the impressive achievements of the Cadets on social media: Facebook : Mount Olive Air Force Jr ROTC Booster Club, Instagram : mohsafjrotcbc.

Jerry Sheard of Mount Olive jusy recently celebrated his 90th birthday!

Tasha Cooper , Angie Deiling, Pat Deiling, Aruni Regismond, Mayor Joe Nicastro, Dr. Monica Burton and Sreejith Kaimal.

Spicing Up the Scene: La Mezcalita Open Hot Spot in Budd Lake

BY CHERYL CONWAY

MOUNT OLIVE - No need to go to the border to try authentic southern Mexican style cuisine.

Mt. Olive has a hot new restaurant right in its borders, with spicy delights and other traditional flavors of Mexico.

La Mezcalita Authentic Mexican Restaurant is now seating in Budd Lake, right across from scenic Budd Lake.

Located at 331 U.S. Route 46, where the former Lakeview Sports Bar & Grill existed, customers can enjoy the ambiance of the lake, Mexican style music and elaborate décor from its wooden booths, vibrant colors and ethnic wall art while choosing from about 40 entrees for lunch or dinner as well as a full bar for cocktails. Its grand opening was on April 16.

Owner Francisco Eleodoro Jimenez of Middlesex takes great pride in operating his restaurant in Mt. Olive.

“American people love Mexican food,” he says smiling. “It brings something to the community.”

While he hails from Guatemala, Jimenez learned Mexican cuisine as a teenager. After moving to the United States 23 years ago, he settled in New York where he began working in the restaurant business. At

the age of 13, he worked as a dishwasher at a diner in Carmel, N.Y.

“And I learned,” he says, soon moving up as a busboy, server and manager.

He worked 15 years at Maya Café & Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in Fishkill, N.Y.

“That’s how we learned the business,” he explains. “I used to work in this, and I like it.

“I love to deal with people; I like to see people,” he says. “It’s fun!”

Jimenez selected Mt. Olive to open his business based on its friendly people and need for this style of cuisine.

“There’s nothing in the area,” Jimenez says, in terms of Mexican restaurants. “Lots of people in the neighborhood,” he adds, which makes for a great recipe.

“Great customers, great area, everyone is friendly,” Jimenez says. “You have to be good with everybody.”

Some customers have already turned into regulars visiting the restaurant 10 times, Jimenez says smiling. Most come from Budd Lake, Flanders, Hackettstown, Chester and Long Valley, he adds.

“This is something that makes me happy,” says Jimemez, “to bring something to

that can seat up to 100 people at one time. One of the best parts of dining in is when one of the chefs makes the guacamole homemade right at the table. She scoops it right out of the avocado and then mixes in the chopped ingredients and seasons.

It does not get much fresher than that!

With up to 40 entrees to choose from, customers can opt in for spicy to no spice, from its lunch and dinner menu. Prices range from $12 lunch portion sizes to $18-$40 entrees.

the community. People are very happy. They bring a lot of energy. I feel welcome to the neighborhood.”

Jimenez’s brother works as a chef in another restaurant, but in time, may join his brother’s restaurant.

“We offer a unique culinary experience with a variety of dishes made from fresh ingredients and homemade recipes,” as it states on the menu. “We have everything,” says Jimenez.

Currently 12 employees work at La Mezcalita, just enough to serve the customers, whether they dine in, take out or cater. Door dash is available, and delivery is available for catering.

For those who dine in, the restaurant has several booths

Appetizers range from Nachos Supreme, served with fresh tortilla chips, cheese, refried beans, sour cream, guacamole and add-ons like jalapenos, steak, ground beef or chicken; to Budd Lake style crispy wings; quesadillas; black bean soup; and fried calamari to name a few.

Main entrees range from hard and soft tacos featuring a variety of fillings; burritos; enchiladas; salads; fajitas; steak; pork; chicken; ribs; shrimp; red snapper; salmon; fried tilapia.

Jimenez mentions his favorite dish: Cochinita Pibill, a classic dish from Yucatan featuring pulled pork marinated in orange juice with spices and slowly cooked in banana leaves.

Customers’ favorite dish-

es so far have included: Fajitas Monterrey, with choice of grilled skirt steak or chicken with peppers, onions, mushrooms, Monterrey jack cheese, grilled pineapple served with rice, black beans, guacamole, sour cream and tortillas; fresh Guacamole appetizer; and Ceviche De Cameron, which is Mexican style cold shrimp. Kids can choose from a variety of offerings such as quesadillas, chicken fingers, burrito, taco, cheeseburger and mozzarella sticks.

Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy some specialty desserts such as churros, tartufo, fried ice-cream and chocolate lava cake, as well as after dinner drinks such as an expresso martini or Irish coffee. With a full bar in the back of the restaurant, customers 21 and over can try a variety of special cocktails and house margaritas.

“We have a clean place, great customer service, fresh food, a lot of margaritas, lots of choices,” he concludes.

Open seven days a week, the hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Visit https://lamezcalitarestaurant.com for menu and more information.

BY DANA JACKSON

Q: What ever happened to actor Shia LaBeouf? I remember hearing bad things about him. Was he canceled? -- D.E.

A:While Shia LaBeouf’s film career isn’t what it used to be with blockbuster hits like “Transformers,” he’s still getting acting gigs. In 2024, he actually co-starred in a movie starring Adam Driver (“Ferrari”) and directed by Francis Ford Coppola (“The Godfather”) titled “Megalopolis,” but it was no blockbuster, having grossed only $12.5 million worldwide.

Coppola and LaBeouf also butted heads while filming, with Coppola later saying that “[Shia is] so talented, but he’s had a string of problems. And on set, he does create tremendous conflict. His method was so infuriating and illogical; it had me pulling my hair out.”

LaBeouf was also fired

BY DEMI TAVERAS

“Disney’s Snow White” (PG)

-- This live-action adaptation of the 1937 classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” might finally be the catalyst to get Disney to stop making reboots. Rachel Zegler, who nailed her last role as Lucy Gray Baird in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” leads the film as the soft-spoken, kind-hearted princess, opposite Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen. Disney Studios poured about $270 million into its budget, only for the film to become “memefied” during its release due to critiques of Gadot’s acting and the film’s poor CGI. Time to go back to the drawing board, Dis-

from the film “Don’t Worry Darling,” but despite all the bad press, he does have one upcoming project called “God of the Rodeo.” It’s based on the true story about inmates in the 1960s who participated in a prison rodeo.

***

Q: When is “Resident Alien” coming back? I know it was renewed, but is there a premiere date? -- K.S.

A: Mark June 6 on your calendar because this is when your favorite alien played by Alan Tudyk returns for an all-new season! Based on the comics from Dark Horse, the series was originally going to move to the USA Network, but SyFy decided to renew it as well. “Resident Alien” was originally facing cancellation on the network due to budget concerns, but I’m guessing that the show increased in popular-

Celebrity Extra Couch Theater ENTERTAINMENT

ney! Out now to rent. (Amazon Prime Video)

“A Minecraft Movie” (PG) -- Unlike the previous film, this adaptation of the video game Minecraft was an incredible box-office success, earning close to $1 billion and becoming the second highest-grossing film of the year so far. Jack Black, who’s a veteran of game adaptations (“The Super Mario Bros. Movie”), leads the film alongside Jason Momoa (“Fast X”). The film follows four characters who get pulled into the Minecraft world through a portal and must find their way back to the real world with the assistance of expert crafter

ity after season three recently aired on Netflix.

According to Deadline, the USA/SyFy simulcast model was previously used for the series “Chucky.” “Resident Alien” is the only scripted series on USA at the moment, whereas it’s one of four scripted shows on SyFy. All the core cast members from the prior seasons are returning to “Resident Alien,” along with two new additions: Jewel Staite (“Firefly”) and Stephen Root (“Barry”).

***

Q:Is there going to be another season of “Fargo”? I always look forward to hearing which time period the new season will take place in and who will star in it. -- A.D.

A:Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name, Noah Hawley created the anthology series “Fargo,”

Steve (Black). Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”) and Emma Meyers (“Wednesday”) co-star in “A Minecraft Movie,” out now to rent. (YouTube)

“Drop” (PG-13) -- This new thriller film out now to rent hails from Christopher Landon, director of a few notable horror films such as “Happy Death Day” and “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones.” He signed on Meghann Fahy (“The White Lotus”) to play the lead character, therapist Violet Gates. After the death of her abusive husband Blake, Violet is back on the dating scene, hoping to move on from the trauma of her past. She shows up

which has won a total of seven Emmys over five seasons. The most recent season with Jon Hamm and Juno Temple ended in January 2024, but there doesn’t appear to be another one on the horizon.

Hawley has a new upcoming series on the same network, FX, that is also based on a film. “Alien: Earth” will serve as a prequel to the 1979 sci-fi film “Alien” and will star Timothy Olyphant (“Justified”), Sydney Chandler (“Don’t Worry Darling”), and David Rysdahl (season nine of “Fargo”).

Hawley also has a feature film in the works called “Nowhere Fast,” which sounds more like “Fargo.” He wrote the original screenplay and will also direct Chris Pine in the film. It’s about a small-town criminal in Texas who inadvertently kills his boss’ nephew. Send me your questions at

for a fancy restaurant date with photographer Henry Campbell (Brandon Sklenar), but as she waits for him to arrive, she starts receiving threatening messages in the form of “digital drops” from an unknown person. Even after Henry arrives and the date commences, the threats only escalate, putting her young son Toby in terrible danger. (Apple TV+)

“Sirens” (TV-MA) -Meghann Fahy has had quite the busy spring! In addition to leading the previous film, she’s starring in this Margot-Robbie-produced TV series, alongside two other powerhouse actresses -- Julianne Moore (“Mary & George”) and Milly Alcock (“House of the Dragon”). Fahy plays Devon, an edgy young woman who pays a visit

entirely different from the sister Devon once knew. This five-episode limited series premieres May 22. (Netflix) (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

A Father’s Day Tribute

In Daddy’s Shoes

A daughter learning to walk, Likes to sit on Daddy’s big shoes. Putting one hand in them to play, With the other sucking her thumb. But Daddy’s shoes, too big to move, Too heavy with responsibility, Causes her to lie beside them; Finding comfort in their familiar smell, Because it means her Daddy is home.

A young son of vivacious 6, With glory on his mind; Thinks Daddy is hiding tales of adventure, The secret places to which he goes Wearing his big-man-shoes. Wherever Daddy’s paths, daily go wandering, For ‘rescue, war or plunder’.

It takes his hero ‘Knight’ all day, ‘Till he comes home dreadful tired.

This Lad and Lass, teenagers now, Know imagination has vanished, For Daddy’s shoes have new meaning: Rides to see friends, money for spending. Recitals and plays, concerts, lunch, And later cars with freedom’s keys.

Dad, hard working all these years, Putting food on his family’s table. Loving his children, his joy, his pride; Hoping they’ll follow his lead one day. They’re getting close to Daddy’s size, His shoes now worn, world-weary and wise, He dreams their success, picking up the pace, Joining their Father stride for stride, Then him passing to them, the next generation, His legacy in shoes.

Ms. Skip Friggle (Budd Lk) ©5/16/2025 questions/comments: skipfriggle@gmail.com

to her sister, Simone (Alcock), at the beach estate where Simone works. But upon arriving, Devon realizes that Simone’s boss, Michaela (Moore), has an intriguingly odd influence over Simone that has left her acting

Shia LaBeouf (Upcoming in “God of the Rodeo”). Photo Credit: Depositphotos

Milly Alcock, left, and Julianne Moore star in “Sirens.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

GAME TIME

After a Decade of Dedication, Stewart Plans for Family & Tee Time

BY CHERYL CONWAY

Thankful for

munity support over the years by voting for him, Stewart decided to allocate more time to spend with family, some “me time” and golf.

“At years end, December 2025 I will “officially retire” from township council,” says Stewart. “I decided on not running again in 2023 and have helped recruit potential candidates to run for election. I am proud to endorse Raffaele Ruggiero for MO Township Council in 2026.”

In his 10th year on council, Stewart, 72, has been elected to two full terms and initially was reelected for two years to replace a former councilman who had moved to North Carolina, he explains.

Stewart and his wife Sheila moved to Mt. Olive 40 years ago after living in Randolph.

“We are in a great neighborhood and love this township,” says Stewart.

For his profession, Stewart worked for 21 years at NexGen Management, focusing on helping business leaders improve their business operations. He last served as an ex-

ecutive adviser/coach, before retiring from day-to-day operations and now only doing a few custom business workshops, he shares.

Prior to starting NexGen Management in 2003, he spent 32 years with AT&T and N.J. Bell, starting after high school as a cable splicer, moving on to sales and product marketing.

He decided to run for council to give back to the community and make connections.

“I enjoy servicing my community,” says Stewart. “As a member of both the Morris County Chamber and the Mt. Olive Area Chamber of Commerce, I had the opportunity to meet many key executives and leaders in the community. (Retired) Sheriff Rockford and Mt. Olive Mayor Greenbaum were the key influencers who encouraged me to run and serve in office for Mt. Olive.”

As a councilman, Stewart served on the Economic Development Committee; MOMAC (Mount Olive Municipal Alliance Committee); and worked as Council Liaison for the Budd Lake & Flanders Fire & Rescue Teams and the Mt. Olive Police Department.

“I have chaired the Mt. Olive Business Community Holiday Food Drive supporting the Mt. Olive Pantry, for the past 11 years,” he adds. One of the greatest chal-

lenges he faced as a councilman, was satisfying all f the residents’ concerns and needs.

“The challenges of serving on council is to be available to reach out and respond to all of our residents and to help address their questions and requests with the correct township organization,” he says.

As far as greatest accomplishment while in his civic duty, Stewart says, “To be a member of this terrific township council team and administration that has always been focused on our community and not political influence.

“I loved being a voice for our community,” he continues. “This township council throughout my 10 years, has always worked together to focus on our community issues. We all have different backgrounds, and everyone’s voice, opinion, and ideas are shared, and we come to an agreement on how best to proceed.

Stewart’s favorite moments as a councilman has been “Honoring our veterans and 911 memorials each year as well as working with the terrific township council, administrative and organizational teams. I have enjoyed serving my community and look forward to seeing our township continue to prosper as we focus on our terrific community.”

In addition to serving on

the council, Stewart has been a member of the MO Economic Development Committee, The Morris County Governmental Affairs & ELC Committee, a member of the Foundation Board for Hackettstown Medical Center, the Essex Catholic High School Foundation, Leadership/Lead Morris Alumni Council and the Morris County Park Alliance.

As he looks toward retirement, Stewart is looking forward to more family time and relaxing.

“With closing my consulting & coaching business, I have increased playing golf three times a week and we will be able to visit North Carolina more often,” he shares.

He hopes the next council continues on a path of moving the community in a positive direction.

“I look forward to seeing our township council continue our mission of our focus is on our community and not politics, as we have done throughout my 10 years on council,” says Stewart. “Thank you to all in Mt. Olive who have voted for me in the past and I am honored to have served our community as a councilman,” he concludes.

Mayor Visits RANCO

MOUNT OLIVE - Ranco Precision Sheet Metal, Inc., located at 9 Flanders Netcong Road, Flanders, started in 1959 as a sheet metal manufacturer making material handling equipment to supply to the multitude of manufacturing industries in the Northeastern United Sates. In October of 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred and the United States initiated an embargo on all goods coming from Cuba. As Cuba was the main source of Latin musical instruments, Latin musicians and music retailers could not find quality Latin musical instruments in the market. Martin Cohen, a young engineer working for Bendix Corporation in Teterboro, NJ, who loved Latin music, heard the musicians complaining about

this dilemma and saw this as a potential business opportunity. In 1964 he started a new company, Latin Percussion, in an attempt to fill that void in the Latin music market. In that same year he came into Ranco inquiring if we could make a cowbell to which we agreed and as they say “the rest is history”. Today the music industry is Ranco’s main focus. For Latin Percussion we manufacture over 50 different cowbells for various music genres in addition to a range of other percussion instruments as well as other music related components. Formally located in Clifton we moved to Flanders in 2021. The Latin Percussion range of instruments has long been considered the gold standard and Ranco is a proud part of that legacy.

This year Ranco enjoyed our “15 minutes of fame”. In April of 2000, Saturday Night Live aired the famous “More Cowbell” skit featuring Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken. The cowbell used in that skit was a Latin Percussion bell manufactured by Ranco. SNL had contracted a production company to film 4 one hour episodes about the history of Saturday Night Live and one of those hours was dedicated exclusively to the cowbell skit. SNL tracked Ranco down and so for one day in May of 2024 we had a film crew spend the entire day at our facility. The show first aired in January of 2025 and is still available on the Peacock network under the title “SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night”.

John Karpi, Mayor Joe Nicastro, Reagan and John Karpi

for breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts, drinks and beyond. It easily fits your existing routines for morning smoothies and snacking on the go, or in make-ahead dishes you can serve when hunger strikes.

It’s easy to cool off quickly on hot summer days with Watermelon Ice Pops, a simple, kid-friendly favorite made with watermelon and chunks of fresh fruit. Bursting with flavor, these frozen treats make snack time a cinch while tackling cravings, boosting hydration and supporting wellness in place of added-sugar treats.

For a light afternoon bite before the dinner bell rings, try this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint that offers sweet

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Simple Summer Snacks Sweet, easy recipes to solve warm-weather hunger

summer flavor without the hassle. Pairing long-time favorites in feta cheese and mint, it’s a classic for a reason with delicious watermelon adding nutritional content.

Of course, as a kitchen staple to keep on hand throughout the year, watermelon is also perfect for enjoying all on its own at home or on the go. Whether it’s diced, sliced, balled or blended, you can toss it in a jar for a healthy, hydrating snack.

Cutting watermelon into convenient chunks is fast and easy so you can eat at home or toss in a to-go container to take to the office, beach or soccer practice. Just cut a grid pattern on the fruit and cubes will tumble out, ready to eat.

Don’t forget to wash and dry the rind on the watermelon before cutting.

1. Cut the whole watermelon lengthwise into quarters. Lay each quarter on its rind with the interior facing up.

2. Place the knife about 3/4 inch down from the peak of the wedge. Holding the knife parallel to the far side of the fruit and starting at the edge

of the rind, cut a horizontal line across the fruit all the way down to the rind.

3. Place the knife blade about 3/4 inch lower and make the same cut. Repeat. Turn the fruit to the other side and make the same horizontal cuts.

4. Starting at the end of the rind, make vertical cuts straight down the rind, 3/4 inch apart all the way across.

5. Remove the cubes and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To find more ways to serve watermelon this summer and all year long, visit Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Ice Pops

Recipe courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board

1 watermelon chunks of fresh fruit (such as grapes, strawberries or kiwi)

Puree watermelon and pour into ice pop molds.

Drop in chunks of fresh fruit, insert caps and place in freezer.

Serve when frozen.

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Recipe courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board

1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette

4 cups cubed watermelon

1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch half moons

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped Drizzle vinaigrette in bot-

tom of large canning jar. Layer with watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta and mint.

Cover tightly with lid and shake to combine. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Substitution: Use Greek dressing in place of lemon vinaigrette. (Family Features)

AREA - When the crisp air of spring tickles your face and sunrays splash you with warmth, you know salad season has arrived. With fresh flavors abounding this season, the options are nearly endless - just choose your favorite base, toppings and dressings and you’re set with a delicious first course or hearty meal all on its own. Not every salad requires leafy greens for the base, however. Consider this Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad, a Greek-inspired Jasmine rice dish loaded with fresh, tangy flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Made with Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice that cooks up soft and fluffy every time, this recipe offers a hint of floral, sweet flavor to keep you feeling full. In just 10 minutes, you can have sweetly aromatic Jasmine rice that’s perfect for your lifestyle needs - it’s naturally gluten free, non-GMO Project Verified and free of MSG and preservatives. Fruit salad may be nothing new, particularly when using

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Fresh, Filling Springtime Salads

fruits like oranges, cherries or grapes, but watermelon may be the fun new spin you need at your next cookout. The pairing of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, refreshing mint, earthy beets, nuts and fluffy rice offers a winning combination. Quick tip: Make sure the rice is fully cooled after cooking to avoid a warm, watery result. Fresh herbs, tomatoes, corn, basmati rice and a simple vinaigrette make Spring Corn and Rice Salad another delicious seasonal side that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Step out of your salad comfort zone with this refreshing solution that makes it easy to add veggies to your diet. When you’re drawing up weekly meal plans and tired of relying on traditional lettuce-based salads, consider rice salads as an alternative for enjoying chopped vegetablesplus, hearty rice can help keep you full longer.

Better yet, you can make this rice salad your own by experimenting with the ingredients. Try adding shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, fresh man-

go, ground cumin, fresh grated ginger, grilled corn or any other springtime flavors.

Remember, high quality doesn’t have to be high maintenance. Aromatic, premium long-grain Success Boil-inBag Basmati Rice is a no measure, no mess option that cooks up perfectly every time. Aside from being naturally gluten free, it’s also free of preservatives and MSG and is nonGMO Project Verified. It’s no stranger to versatility either - in 10 minutes, you can enjoy basmati rice’s subtle, nutty flavor and unique texture alongside other warm-weather favorites. Find more ways to enjoy spring salad season by visiting SuccessRice.com.

Greek Beet and Watermelon

Rice Salad Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

1 bag Success Jasmine Rice

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup thinly sliced, cooked

Make Family Barbecues a Breeze

waste too much time in the kitchen. This creamy Potato Salad is

for making quickly at

before heading off to your next barbecue. Find more easy summer recipes at Culinary.net. Potato Salad Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

3 pounds potatoes

4 boiled eggs, coarsely chopped 2 dill pickles

golden beets

1 cup thinly sliced watermelon

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup pitted black olives, halved

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon fresh mint, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons walnuts, toasted and chopped, for garnish

Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool completely. In medium bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add rice to bowl with dressing and stir to combine. Let stand 5 minutes. Transfer rice to serving platter. Lay beet slices down one side of rice. Lay watermelon slices down opposite side. Top with feta, olives, red onion and mint. Garnish with walnuts.

Tips: Substitute capers for olives, if preferred.

To diminish “raw” flavor of onions, soak in ice water at least 5 minutes before using in recipe.

Use roasted, boiled, steamed or grilled beets.

Spring Corn and Rice Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

1 bag Success Basmati Rice

1 cup frozen corn, thawed 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and

paprika, for garnish Coarsely chop potatoes. In Dutch oven, boil until fork tender. Drain then add coarsely chopped eggs and pickles. Add garlic powder, onion powder, bacon pieces, mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well. Transfer to large bowl and refrigerate 1-2 hours. Garnish with smoked paprika. (Family Features) Source: Culinary.net

1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing 2 green onions, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to

Elevate Your Menu for a Legendary Backyard Barbecue

AREA - Summer is here and it’s time to hit the grill. Take athome entertaining to the next level by upgrading everyone’s favorite cheeseburger with ground pork.

Family and friends will love this elevated twist on a summer favorite that is oh-so-deliciously different than the traditional beef patty. These Pork and Bacon Burgers are made with Heritage Duroc pork, known for its rich flavor and juiciness, and will be a hit at your next barbecue. The crispy bacon adds another level of texture and flavor, making these juicy burgers a gourmet treat that rivals any takeout burger. Celebrating 150 years as the premium all-natural meat choice for families, Coleman All Natural Meats offers a variety of products that are sourced from American family farmers who humanely raise livestock with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones.

Find more recipes to elevate your grilling experience at

ColemanNatural.com.

Pork and Bacon Burgers

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

2 lbs. Coleman Ground Pork

chorizo

(optional) 6 hamburger buns

6-8 strips Coleman Hickory Smoked Uncured

lettuce (optional) ketchup (optional) mayonnaise (optional)

Preheat grill to medium heat. In large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chorizo, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Gently mix ingredients, being careful not to overwork meat. Divide meat into six burger patties.

Cook burgers 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 F or desired doneness.

During last 2-3 minutes of cooking, place cheese slices on top of burgers to melt, if desired. Transfer burgers to platter. Assemble burgers with buns, bacon, tomato slices, red onion slices, lettuce, ketchup and mayonnaise, as desired. Tip: Burger patties may be frozen up to 1 month. Fully defrost before cooking. (Family Features)

A Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith

BY MEGAN ROCHE STAFF WRITER

AREA - In A Warrior’s Story, you’ll meet and learn about all the sides of Jamie Smith. Smith was a West Morris Central (WMC) High School graduate who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving as a US Army Ranger during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. You’ll hear from Jamie’s former teachers, his Army Ranger battle buddies, and how his legacy still lives on to this day in the halls of WMC. This series will be an on-going feature in the months ahead. Somalia, 1993.

Jamie Smith was deployed to Somalia as part of a U.S. humanitarian effort in 1993. The U.S. Army Ranger worked tirelessly to help distribute food and supplies to the Somali people as war lords took over the country. What nobody expected was for the humanitarian effort to turn into one of the bloodiest battles in American military history.

Smith and the Army Rangers

set out to capture Mohammed Farrah Aidid, one of the war lords who began attacking UN peacekeepers and disrupting humanitarian efforts. The US then began to shift their focus to capturing Aidid and his lieutenants on October 3. When two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down during that operation, the mission turned into a large firefight and rescue mission.

Lieutenant Larry Perino, a young grad of West Point, was alongside Corporal Smith during the battle.

“From the very beginning, Corporal Smith was one of my leaders in my helicopter. He would go into one of the blocking positions on the chopper,” Perino recalls.

According to a site dedicated to the history of Black Hawk Down, Smith was a part of Ranger Chalk One during the Battle of Mogadishu, who’s mission was to cover the southeast corner of the target building

while the Delta assault force arrested the targets of the operation. Smith was also labeled the “best shot” of the chalk. After Black Hawk Super-Six-One was hit by a RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) and crashed into the city, Chalk One, along with the Delta assault force and Ranger Chalk Three, were ordered to fight their way to the crash site and establish a defense perimeter until the rescue convoy arrived. While moving up to the crash alongside Lieutenant Perino and several other Rangers, Smith was shot in the femoral artery.

“Jamie was right up front. When we made that left hand turn onto that street, it was like a giant wall of lead and he was the lead element. He kept pushing all the way through. We had guys falling left and right and he didn’t stop,” Perino said.

The site continues to explain that with Perino by his side, Delta medic Kurt Schmid got Smith

into a nearby building where they attempted to save his life. Schmid realized that the only way to stop the bleeding was to find the severed femoral artery and clamp it. When told this, Smith asked for a morphine drip before Schmid attempted it, but because morphine would lower his heart rate too far (which could kill Smith) Schmid denied the request. Unfortunately, Schmid’s attempts to clamp the femoral artery ended in failure.

“It was really, really emotional. You could tell that Jamie was in a little bit of pain and that he was starting to go into shock. It was pretty hard and pretty gruesome. We knew it was a bleeder and we knew it was arterial. I was scared the entire time and that was the first time that I thought he may not make it,” Perino recalls.

After this, Perino and Ranger Captain Mike Steele pushed for JOC (the battle’s command center) to send a medevac for

Smith and Ranger Carlo Rodriguez, who was also mortally wounded. Because of four black hawks being hit with RPGs, JOC relayed that Smith would have to hang on until the rescue convoy arrived. Sadly, Smith would bleed out before the convoy could make it.

The battle ultimately lasted 18 hours and Perino remembers it almost vividly. “He was what I would call

Shelter’s Eviction Notice Threatens Safe Haven for Abused Women

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

AREA - After decades of providing a safe haven to abused women and their children, one of the five houses operated by a shelter program in Passaic County is in jeopardy.

On May 13 the tenants— quite ironic to the 13 current women who live at the Fay House shelter on Old Route 23 in New Foundland—found an eviction notice on their front door by the Township of West Milford.

The red note read: “This building is declared unsafe for human occupancy! No individual is to occupy this building until the structure is rendered safe and secure.”

The notice left Strengthen Our Sisters shelter program and its Founder/Executive Director Sandra Ramos in a difficult situation for the tenants who live there. It is in desperate need of support, financially and perhaps petitions and letters to officials as a call for help and suggest alternative solutions to remedy the problem.

“The town of West Milford is looking to close our home for senior women in Newfoundland leaving those women with nowhere to go,” shares Ramos. “We have an architect and lawyer on board to comply with their wishes and filed an appeal.”

Attorney Joel Bacher of Wayne placed an application to the Construction Board of Appeals on May 19 stating the position of SOS and explaining the nature of its relief sought.

SOS runs two daycare programs, a thrift store, five shelters and a food pantry in Wanque, he writes.

“This is an entirely volunteer organization,” writes Bacher. “No one is paid for their efforts or time. This organization always needs funds and relies on donations to pay the bills.

“At present 13 people are living at Old Route 23,” he continues. “If they are forced out, they will have no place to go and will be homeless. SOS is more than willing to do whatever is necessary to bring the house into compliance and will do so if given sufficient time. SOS is in touch with an architect and builders who will volunteer their time and materials to accomplish what needs to be done.”

Bacher then requested a “stay of the order to vacate the premises.”

SOS is grassroots, community based, nonprofit, shelter program serving battered/ homeless women and children. The mission of SOS is dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence, poverty and abuse by restoring balance and harmony through individual empowerment.

The program has been guided by Ramos since 1970 when she founded the first shelter for battered women in North America.

Serving hundreds of women each year, SOS programs and services include emergency shelter, short-term shelter, longer term shelter housing, comprehensive housing solutions and other integrated services.

A team of dedicated, non-paid volunteers help provide supportive compassionate services.

In addition to residential services, SOS runs a thrift store providing gently-used clothing, household items and furniture to families directly or sold at its thrift store to raise money for its programs.

Ramos didn’t just start the first domestic violence shelter in America, she empowered them to change their lives, start their own nonprofit organizations and carry on the principles to achieve the mission of healing, and breaking the cycle of domestic violence, poverty and abuse.

The success stories are many, as she and her colleagues

have created a safe haven to prevent women and children from falling deeper between the cracks of a system or society that has failed them.

“I was temporarily disabled after working my whole life. I was hurt and unable to work, displaced and ended up living in my car,” writes one victim.

“I couldn’t get help anywhere. A lawyer at legal aid called Strengthen Our Sisters (SOS), and they didn’t have an opening. Then, at the office of Human Services, they called SOS, and they were able to take me in. It was like it came from heaven, and I felt welcomed from that moment on. I didn’t feel like a throwaway anymore, and my healing began at their home for senior women. I was told that I could stay as long as I needed, but I got up every day and sat there making calls until I made a breakthrough. A family friend, not knowing of my situation, was able to find me an apartment. It took a month and after three months I was able to move.”

As a resident who sought refuge at SOS around 2012, Cheryl Bullock explains, “Many of

the women at Strengthen Our Sisters have fallen through the cracks in the system, and have no safe alternative, nowhere else to go. I came because I was in need and ended up volunteering my time as staff.”

Bullock— who serves as volunteer assistant to Ramos, acted as house mother and thrift store manager—knows firsthand the need women seek when in a tough situation. A victim herself, she has also been there to support the other women and children over the years and realizes how SOS has made a huge impact in so many lives.

The Fay House shelter is

just one of Ramos’ safe havens for women faced with abuse. Without this house, they face homelessness. It was owned by Monika Phillippe who ran a bed and breakfast, explains Bullock. She began to house senior women and would end up selling it to SOS that continued to house their senior women who were victims of domestic violence and eventually homeless.

SOS has operated there as a shelter for more than 25 years.

SOS has been faced with challenges before and it has overcome, hanging on a limb to survive.

Explains Ramos, “In addi-

tion to providing a clean and safe environment for single women and women with children fleeing domestic violence, we were able to have needPLEASE SEE SHELTER, NEXT PAGE

First Lieutenant Larry Perino, left, Sergeant Aaron Williamson, center, and Corporal Jamie Smith, right, stand by a helicopter while in Somalia in 1993.

the quintessential Ranger. I knew he was an athlete, I knew he was a big team player, he got along with everybody in the platoon. He died doing what he loved to do,” Perino said.

A Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith will continue in the July 2025 issue, where you’ll learn how news of Smith’s passing was felt at home and in the hallways of West Morris Central.

Sandra Ramos

Denville Volunteer Continues Quest for Living Kidney Donors

BY EVAN WECHMAN

AREA

who are in desperate need for one.

For Tissot, what started as an attempt to save a family member’s life several years ago, has now become a fulltime mission to help others who need a kidney.

“I have a passion for helping people, and I just I took this on. And it all started with my brother-in-law, who had chronic kidney disease. I said, I have

ed repairs done and pay for them to remain housed as they strived toward self-sufficiency.

We were able to do these things without funding from the State of New Jersey. However, to continue providing services to this underserved population, and keep single women and women with children safe from their abusers, we need assistance to bring the additional residences up to code according to State Standards for shelters.

“Strengthen Our Sisters has survived the fear of foreclosure and battled very tough obstacles to continue serving those in need,” says Ramos. “Rising costs are just one of the chal-

to do something to save his life. So, I started sending out flyers, and started with social media. And this is how I started advocating. I got the donor. We had five great years of life, and then word got around, so people started to contact me, and I started helping people from all over. To date, I have helped save 26 lives, and I have people waiting for me that want me to help, but I just have to get these other recipients transplants first,” Tissot said. Tissot, is consistently educating others about the process. For instance, many people don’t realize that you can live a healthy life with just one kidney. Also, if your healthy, without diabetes, cancer, or

lenges that many face in this world.”

With support from the media and the community, SOS has survived foreclosure over the years, adds Ramos. It has “been able to keep the lights on by raising $100K.”

SOS needs greater help, now more than ever, with the recent eviction notice.

“We need financial support and even possibly a sprinkler system,” says Bullock. Visit https://strengthenoursisters.org/ to help! Readers can also write to Construction Board of Appeals Office, 401 Grand Street, Paterson, N.J., 07505, to appeal for the support and understanding to keep

high blood pressure, the kidney transplant procedure should be relatively easy. The donors will also be able to recuperate quickly and will forever know they helped save a life.

Tissot also wants people to understand the paired exchange program. In this program, if a living donor is willing to donate a kidney on your behalf, but you are incompatible with the donor or want to try to find a better match, the kidney paired exchange program will donate their kidney to another recipient in exchange for a compatible kidney for you.

Tissot is actively looking for living donors who want to help touch others with the gift of life.

“It’s beneficial to get a living donor, because your chances of longevity are much better than getting a deceased donor. A lot of hospitals, will tell you, try to go out and get a living donor, and that’s where people contact me and say that I really need a

living donor. So that’s when I go into action, because organ donation means so many different things, because it’s hope, it’s an unselfish act of kindness and it is a gift,” Tissot said.

Tissot has become very close with the people she is seeking donors for, as most have families they want to help raise, and they know they can probably only remain on dialysis for a limited time. As a result, Tissot spends much of her free time at events at schools and medical centers advocating for these people and trying to find someone who wants to help continue with the gift of life.

Tissot is not looking for accolades but sees the real heroes as the people who step forward to donate their kidney.

Right now, she is actively looking for donors for six recipients. Karen Zabriskie, Jigisha Desai, and Maria Powers are all local residents who have families that need them.

Welcome to Resurrection Parish Father Yojaneideri Garcia

AREA - Father Yojaneideri Garcia (Fr. Yojan,) a native of Columbia, cones from a family of five siblings, two brothers and two sisters. He was ordained a priest from the Diocese of Paterson on May 24, 2014,.at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Clifton, N.J. Prior to that he was ordained a transitional deacon May 17, 2013, and served at St. Jude Parish in Budd Lake.

Fr. Yojan currently serves as Director of the Catholically office and Faith Formation for the Diocese (of Paterson (since 2001). He is also one of the Diocesan Censor Librorum, reviewing and approving Cathechical and theological materials in accordance with Church teachings.

He holds two Maste’s degrees with honors (Summa um Laude,) one in Sacred Scripture and another in Catechesis. He earned a Sacred Theology degree from the Pontifical Bolivarian University in Columbia and studied Philosophy with the Vincentian Fathers with whom he began his seminary formation.

His academic background also includes studies in accounting, and Business Administration, for which he received recognition as the best student of the year

and a technical certificate in economics and electricity from the Simon Duque Industrial Technical High School in Columbia.’

During his time in the seminary, Fr. Yojan was involved in various projects focused on the formation of lay leaders for the Church. He also served as a seminary instructor and held the position of secretary of the Internal Seminary for the mission (Vincentian Fathers) in Columbia contributing to the academic and spiritual development of future priests.

“I am happy that Bishop Sweeney has appointed me to Resurrection Parish, allowing me to join this vibrant com-

munity and walk with you in supporting and strengthening the remarkable legacy built by your former pastors. I have listened closely to the feedback you so generously shared, and I am committed to keeping the values that define Resurrection Parish: an inclusive and welcoming spirit, a joyful and community-centered parish life, a real spiritual family, a vibrant music ministry, strong Family Faith Formation, and a deep dedication, through your Samaritan Ministry, to outreach and service; and, more. I come as a servant leader, with a pastoral heart, ready to accompany you in faith, to listen to your stories, and to collaborate with our dedicated lay leaders. My role is to support the vision already alive in this parish and to help it continue to flourish. Together, we will continue building a Church that is relational - rooted in the Gospel, where all are truly welcome, and the joy of the Resurrection shines in everything we do.”

Mayor Visits Sterling Horticultural Services

If someone is interested in being a living donor, they can contact the hospital at http:// cbmclivingdonor.org. Tissot also

Kate Bowen, a 37-year old

Mark Zukovich; President of Sterling Horticultural Services, Mayor Joe Nicastro and Susan Olinger APLD

Certified Landscape Designer.

Morris County Chamber of Commerce Names 2025 Rising Stars

BY ELSIE WALKER

AREA - Michelle Seres, Michelle Faybyshenko, Raquel Rivera, and Laura Jennings Pitt are rising stars in business. On May 2nd, the Women in Business Program of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce honored each of those women with the Women in Business Rising Star Award which recognizes a woman 40 years old or younger whose performance demonstrates innovation, professionalism and leadership qualities. In addition to the being presented the award, each woman was presented with copy of a resolution noting her achievement that had been read into the minutes at a New Jersey State Assembly meeting.

Colette Moran, the chamber’s Director of Marketing & Communications, explained that the Morris County Chamber of Commerce is a 501c6 non-profit membership organization that’s “all about the power of connection”. She explained that when someone becomes a member they are “connected to valuable resources, opportunities for business growth and rewarding relationships with members across the

region”. Also, a person doesn’t have to live in Morris County to join. Moran shared that anyone who wants to do business in Morris County, connect with the Morris County business community, is welcome to join. The chamber has close to 700 member business organizations. It offers a variety of programs including the Women in Business Program.

The Women in Business Program offers a golf program for women, executive round table for women at higher levels in their careers, mastermind roundtable which helps female entrepreneurs connect with each other (a peer to peer program) and networking breakfasts and lunches and meetings. Also, last year the program started honoring Women in Business Rising Stars at one of its breakfasts. Moran shared the membership is asked to nominate women for the award based on accomplishments that set them apart or because they’re being tapped within their organization as future leaders. An internal committee vets the nominees.

This year’s honorees were Seres, Faybyshenko, Rivera,

and Jennings Pitt. The award is given to two women in the non-profit sector and two in the “for profit” sector. Jenning Pitt and Seres were the non-profit sector honorees. Seres, of Chester, is Associate Director of Development for Cornerstone Family Programs & Morristown Neighborhood House while Jennings Pitt is Director of Development, Marketing & PR for The Arc of Morris County. Seres is a 2017 Centenary University graduate with degrees in business, social media marketing, and equine Studies. She began her career in the equestrian world before transitioning to the non-profit sector in 2019. Her expertise includes marketing, fundraising, and event planning. Seres serves on the advisory committee for RISE Morris and is a 2024 graduate of LEAD Morris. Jennings Pitt, of Riverdale, is a graduate of Roanoke College and holds degrees in Philosophy and International Relations. She sees her role at the ARC of Morris County as “storyteller”. “I tell the stories of the people we support,” she said. Those stories are shared with people such

Credit MC Ward Images

as donors and the media. Also, she is a storyteller of a different kind in her personal life as she is the self-published author of the children’s book, The No Truck Tow Truck.

Faybyshenko and Rivera were the “for profit” honorees. Rivera is a lawyer working as counsel in Morristown at Porzio Bromberg & Newman. In her role there, she represents criminal defendants and largescale entities in civil litigation. She is a CJA panel attorney for the District of New Jersey, regularly appointed to repre-

Remembering the 1995 Stanley Cup Championship with Morristown Coach Bruce Driver

BY EVAN WECHMAN STAFF WRITER

AREA- The New Jersey Devils were recently eliminated from the NHL playoffs, so hockey fans have not had much to get excited about lately. However, thirty years ago, this June, the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals were won by the New Jersey Devils for the first time in their organization’s history.

Not only was it a thrilling victory for the team and its fans, but it remains a special memory for Morristown Beard School varsity girls ice hockey head coach Bruce Driver. Though Driver has had great success since his playing days as a coach, looking back on the 30th anniversary of the Stanley Cup championship he helped win is something that will always stay with him.

“Belief I would say is the one thing that comes to mind when I look back on that season. Using points as the barometer, we were the 9th ranked team going into the playoffs. This meant we would start each series on the road if the higher seed won while we advanced,” Driver said.

“We weren’t expected to win but the belief we had in our coaching staff and ourselves was the key to success. We saw everyone on our roster contribute to win the Stanley Cup. I can really only speak for myself, but I bet if you asked each and every player on the team, they would tell you the same thing, that they believed in themselves, their coaches and their teammates,” Driver added.

Though Driver, a standout defenseman for the team, believed in himself and his team-

mates, winning the cup was a difficult process with many hockey fans skeptical of the Devils’ chances of advancing even past the first round in the 1995 playoffs. They were underdogs even as they met the Boston Bruins in the opening round.

According to Driver, the team was starting to build confidence as the playoffs approached.

“I’ve always been a believer that you can’t just turn the switch on, and things will go well but we had a few really good practices leading up to the start of the playoffs. The practice the day before we started in Boston was very crisp. That first away game was the start of a dominant record on the road in the playoffs.”

After the Devils beat Boston and eventually ousted the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals, hockey enthusiasts across the nation still doubted their chances of emerging victorious against the heavily favored Detroit Red Wings. Also, Driver was dealing with a torn rib cartilage he suffered against the Flyers. However, the team was well prepared for anything they may face.

“There was a lot of talk about the Red Wings sweeping us. This made sense to many as clearly they were the best team in the league all season long and were now in the Stanley Cup Final. Their roster was filled with talented players, and they were well coached. The thing is we had confidence in our style of play and our coaches had us well prepared.,” Driver said.

Personally, I felt pretty good going into game 1 of the finals in Detroit but certainly had a little concern wondering how my body would truly feel. Getting through the first period for me was key in testing myself. We played so well in Detroit in the first two games limiting the Red Wings to less than 20 shots per game. After leaving Detroit with a 2-0 lead in the series and now being 10-1 on the road we were ready to take it home. We heard all the noise about Detroit having to figure out how to generate more but for us we just continued to do what we had been doing all playoff long,” he said.

The rest is history as the Devils swept the Red Wings in four games. However, because Driver had developed such a strong bond with the organization, a few years after he retired in the late 1990’s he was hired by general manager Lou Lamoriello. Hiis responsibilities were to help build a strong alumni base and participate in developing relationships with youth hockey leagues throughout the state. He has also since worked in forming greater bonds with fans and corporate sponsors.

Though Driver stays focused coaching at Morristown Beard School as well as his job with the New Jersey Devils, he will always fondly remember that special season in 1995.

“Two moments resonated with me about the night we won the Stanley Cup. The first was seeing one of the toughest players in the league, in tears, on our bench, when we all realized we had won the Cup. Our

Mayor Visits The Golf Zone

of course, having the opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup over my head after playing 12 years with the Devils was the pinnacle of my career in hockey. From the age of three, learning how to skate, playing minor hockey in Toronto, choosing US College hockey at Wisconsin over Major Junior A Hockey in Ontario, amazingly winning two NCAA Championships there, representing Canada in the Olympics, then being given the opportunity to play in the NHL, I know you need a little luck in making it to the NHL. Some are given an opportunity, and some aren’t. I’m one of the lucky ones who was given that opportunity and I was determined to take full advantage of it.

sent indigent defendants. She participates in prestigious leadership programs like the CJA panel, the HNBA’s Latina Executive Leadership Program, LEAD NJ and New Jersey Supreme Court’s District Ethics Committee for District XB. An active member of the HNBA’s LGBT Division, she champions LGBTQ+ representation in the legal profession. Faybyshenko, of Hoboken, is a Vice President (Senior Manager) in the Accounting Department at Valley Bank. She studied at the NYU Stern School of Business where she obtained a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Accounting. Prior to coming to Valley, Faybyshenko started her career in the Big 4 where she worked both in the audit and advisory practice at Deloitte and KPMG. The women each received a glass award and a copy of the resolution from the New Jersey State Assembly recognizing her achievement. Representative Aura Dunn helped the chamber get the resolutions. Moran not-

ed that the chamber has a good relationship with New Jersey elected and public officials and part of what the chamber helps to connect its members to are elected officials and public officials and creates opportunities for dialogue. Reflecting on the rising star honor, Pitt said she was surprised at being honored with the award and getting it was humbling and exciting. When asked what advice she might give to young women setting out on business as a career, Pitt noted that she’s thought about it as she’s watched members of her family grow up and enter the workforce. “Find your community” is her advice. She suggests joining their local chamber of commerce. She noted the chamber of commerce is not just a place to network but a professional community of support and that when they see a young person come to their meetings, they want to help to see that person succeed.

Captain, Scott Stevens putting his arm around Mike Peluso… you could just feel how much it meant to him and all of us,” Driver said. “And

Gary Danback Director of Instruction at Golf Zone and Mayor Nicastro.

Mayor Joe Nicastro and Steven Hong; owner of The Golf Zone.

NJStarz

NJ Starz: Janice Kent

Hometown: Plainfield

BY EVAN WECHMAN STAFF WRITER

AREA - Janice Kent, who now resides in California has been professionally acting for over 35 years. Her name might not be a household name, but the chances are likely most people have seen her in one role or another. She has been cast in everything from movies and cable sitcoms to well-known commercials. She had a major role opposite Tony Dow in “The New Leave it to Beaver,” and had guest roles in “Castle” and “Criminal Minds.”

Though she now lives on the west coast, Kent is a graduate of Plainfield High School and received her early training in acting in the great state of New Jersey.

Kent remembers as a child in Plainfield she was instantly drawn to the stage.

“Acting started with school plays and things like that in elementary school, and I just fell in love. I was five. I have never really looked left or right. It was sort of a straight shot to being an actor in my life. That was it,” Kent said.

Kent went on to star not only in school plays but was shortly selected for major roles in community productions in playhouses throughout the state. She was quickly progressing and was cast in adult theatrical productions before she was even thirteen years old. She also studied with some great acting coaches when she was still attending Plainfield High School and became well

French Conversation Group

Saturday, June 14 from 10:30 - 12:30

Let’s get together for some French conversation! Our goal is to practice French and improve our conversational skills in a casual environment while enjoying activities that will foster fun and learning. Activities will include charades and games such as “Pictionary”,

BY RICHARD MABEY, JR. GUEST WRITER

versed in classical theater and Shakespearean plays. Kent was falling deeper in love with her craft and her future looked bright.

“I really wanted to just go to the American Academy of Dramatic Art, which was a conservatory program for two years. But my folks were like, you are going to college. So, I got a scholarship to Emerson College in Boston, and I studied there and had some fabulous professors. It really had a great education in theater. In fact, one of my classmates was Henry Winkler,” Kent said.

“He was a couple of years ahead of me, but he was sort of the mayor of the school, and kind of took everybody under his wing. And I did a couple of plays with him actually and then came back and went to New York as fast as my legs would carry me. And started out really doing television commercials, which at one time, I had, like 11 national television commercials running in one year. So, I was pretty successful back in those days. I was a housewife; I was a flight attendant. I was the friend, and I was a spokesperson,” she added.

After doing some off-Broadway theatre in Manhattan, Kent moved out to California to try her luck at film a few years later. It was there that she obtained her breakout role in the 1977 film, “The Kentucky Fried Movie.”

From that point forward,

Kent’s career started to take off and she was soon cast as a regular in several television shows.

One sitcom that had great success was “The New Leave it to Beaver,” which started in 1983 and featured Kent in over 100 episodes. She starred as Maryellen Cleaver, the wife of Wally Cleaver, who was played by Tony Dow.

Kent is extremely proud of her work and time on that show. She even considers it one of her favorite roles in her decades long career.

“The five years I did on “The New Leave it to Beaver,” was such a huge experience, and I learned so much. And of course, working with Tony Dow, those were just precious experiences,” Kent said.

Since that show ended, Kent has stayed busy. She has done voiceovers, commercials and guest appearances in many major prime-time television shows. However, her career also pivoted slightly when she started coaching other actors for their roles.

According to Kent, it started almost by chance.

“Accidentally, while I was raising my daughter, a woman friend of mine who was a manager asked if I would talk to one of her actors who was having trouble, and I coached her, and I could see quite clearly what her issues were in terms of how she prepared to be an actress. But I also saw how she was sabotaging herself as

a person. And when I referred her back to this manager, she said to me, ‘Oh, my God, if you were a doctor, you’d be a diagnostician. I’m going to start sending you some of my clients.’ So, I developed an acting coaching process, and in that acting coaching process, I applied stuff that I innately used in my life as an actress always, which is the core values of what is this human being striving for in her life, within the scene, within the within the play, within the movie, the TV show,” Kent said.

Kent became very involved with coaching other people in her profession and shortly began studying the field of life coaching. This allowed her to apply her expertise to people from other fields as well.

However, her acting background has let her work with such esteemed actresses as Didi Conn who praised Kent for all her help. Through word of mouth, stories of how others in the business learned so much from Kent spread, and she has built up a successful coaching business.

According to Kent though, her coaching process still comes down to the basics.

“I find that I still work on the same tenants that I basically work with everybody. It’s about getting deeper into where they are in their own life, given the circumstances of the scene or of the part, really, of how are they actually

accessing their real-life experience, their real-life thoughts, fears, and values into the characters,” Kent said.

“So, I take it to a very primal human level, because I’ve had many, many years, and many wonderful teachers and I’d like to include myself among them. I sort of do the techniques of acting, training, of sense memory work, and just the things you learn as basic thing when you’re learning your basics as an actor. But I wanted to go deeper into what I didn’t get in my all my training which was that approach.,” she added.

For Kent, though her coaching business has blossomed, she still finds time to balance all her other pursuits. In fact, she is currently working on a film project as well as writing her memoir.

Kent loves to stay busy and believes being exposed to different pursuits helps her

Mount Olive Library Happenings

“Who Is It?”, and “20 Questions”. All levels are welcome. À bientôt!

Registration is required as spots are limited. Register at www.mopl.org

The Mount Olive Public Library Adult Summer Reading Program June 21 - August 8 Opening Day is June 21 at

the Mt. Olive Public Library. Summer Reading will be filled with fun for Adults, too! Here’s a peek at some of our programs: create jewelry, paint on canvas, make edible art, and enjoy a silent book club.

Event information will be available closer to Opening Day at WWW.MOPL.ORG. Hatha Yoga

Monday, June 23 at 6 pm

Come enjoy Hatha yoga with Danielle! Hatha yoga is practiced at a slower pace with a focus on breathing, meditation, controlled movements, stretching, and relaxation. Registrants will need to bring their own water and yoga mats.

Please note that this program starts promptly at the

Goodbye Dear Old 438

AREA - As I write this article, it is night time, Thursday, the first of May. On Saturday, the tenth of May, I will say farewell to my Florida home in The Villages. My sister and I are moving to Northern Ocala. It’s a long story, but it’s just time to move. Having purchased this home in June of 2008, I’ve lived in this home for nearly 17 years now. That’s a bit of a long time. My desk, in my bedroom, looks out to my front yard. I conservatively estimate that I have written well over 3,00 articles and true-life stories at this desk. I’ve seen all so many people walk by house. No doubt, a few hundred people, over the years walked by my front yard. Some I became good friends with, some I barely knew and some I knew not at all. It’s just the way it is in The Villages. It’s all bittersweet. In some ways, I’m looking forward

The best value in transportation since 1939!

to moving on. In some ways, I’m very sad. From 2009 till 2016, I wrote and published a little monthly neighborhood newsletter. Then from 2010 till 2025, I had the honor to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of a twice weekly newsletter that was published by The Villages Diabetic Support Group. I wrote stories and articles for my church newsletter. And wrote some public relations articles for my church, that were

published in local newspapers. And, for a few years, I wrote a regular column for a weekly newspaper in Belleview, Florida. Plus writing many articles and true-life stories for several New Jersey based newspapers. And, I wrote two books from this desk and self-published both of them. I love to write. It is a gift that the dear Lord has given to me. It truly is just that, a gift from God. I give all the credit

listed start time. Registration is required. Please register for each individual session at www.mopl.

org

Afternoon Book Club

Wednesday, June 25 at 1:30 pm

Join librarian Cynthia Washburn for a discussion of Pearl Buck in China: Journey to The Good Earth by Hilary

career. She wants young actors to know that the more well-rounded they can be, the more prepared they will be for whatever roles come their way.

“In terms of aspiring actors, I think it’s really key to be as diversified as possible. I know that one doesn’t think one can ever achieve being an actor without being sort of myopic and focused, which is really kind of what I’ve done. But the more you read, as much literature, as much as you can even be involved in career events and understand history, I think that the more diversified you are, the sports you play, the more well-rounded a person you are. It brings so much more to what roles you’ll be doing.”

Kent is still accepting coaching clients virtually and can be contacted at Janice@ janicekent.com.

Spurling. Copies of the book may be picked up at the Reference Desk.

Chess for All The second & fourth Tuesday of the month from 5-7 pm Mt. Olive Public Library This is a teen run, dropin program open to all ages. Those 12 and under need to have an adult present.

to God. I’m very serious about that.

Life is all so strange at times. My life has been filled with all so many twists and turns. Although I never married, I was blessed to know the love of a few very fine women.

I never met any of them at the alter. Sometimes their Daddy didn’t like me and put a wedge between myself and my beloved. Other times, religious differences brought a degree of strife. At one point in my life, I dated a very wonderful woman who was a devout Catholic. At the time, I was earnestly serving as an Elder, School School Teacher and Youth Minister at the First Reformed Church of Lincoln Park. I just felt all so strongly that God wanted me to

stay at FRC. My beloved, at the time, became more and more upset with me for not wanting to convert to be Catholic. I look back now, with a tinge of sorrow. Now at 71, tonight I wonder what view awaits me when I sit at my new home, looking out the window and writing my heart out, a symphony of truelife stories. There are many stories alive within my heart that I long to write. I hope and pray that the dear Lord gives me the time to write them all down. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.

New Jersey’s Extraordinary Inventors and their Legacies

BY HENRY M. HOLDEN STAFF WRITER

AREA -New Jersey, often referred to as the Garden State, has been a fertile ground for cultivating a remarkable collection of talent across various fields. From groundbreaking inventors and powerful politicians to iconic performers and sports legends, these lists not only made significant contributions to their respective provinces but has also left an indelible mark on the international stage. Here is a sample list of famous people from New Jersey showcasing their extraordinary accomplishments and influence in different areas of life.

Every day we use dozens of inventions, rarely thinking about who invented them. Inventors create solutions to problems to share with the world making life a little bit easier. Did you know that New Jersey ranks 5th in the number of patents granted in the United States? Here are just a few inventors most from the ingenious Garden State.

Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes Bubble wrap was invented in 1957 by engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Fielding and Chavannes sealed two shower curtains together, creating a smattering of air bubbles, which they originally tried to sell as wallpaper. When the product turned out to be unsuccessful as wallpaper, the team sold it as greenhouse insulation.

Although Bubble Wrap was branded by Sealed Air Corporation in 1960, it was not until a year later (1961) that its usefulness in protective usage was discovered. As a packaging material, Bubble Wrap’s first client was IBM, which used the product to protect the IBM 1401 computer during shipment. Fielding and Chavannes were inducted into the New Jer-

sey Inventors Hall of Fame in 1993. Sealed Air celebrated Bubble Wrap›s 50th birthday in January 2010.

George Franklin Grant (September 15, 1846 – August 21, 1910) was the first African American professor at Harvard. He was also a Boston dentist, and an inventor of an early composite golf tee made from wood and natural rubber (specifically, gutta-percha) tubing.

Norman Joseph Woodland - and Bernard Silver Born in Atlantic City, Woodland (and Silver) invented the barcode by figuring out a way to encode information using simple lines. They patented it in the US in 1952. The invention was based on Morse code that was extended to thin and thick bars. However, it took over twenty years before this invention became commercially successful.

Alexander Cartwright While Abner Doubleday is often mistakenly credited with inventing baseball, the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) states that the real inventor is Alexander Cartwright. Cartwright is credited with developing the modern rules of baseball in 1845, forming the basis for the game we know today.

Thomas Edison – Is America’s greatest and most influential inventor. While Edison was born in Ohio and grew up in Michigan, he began his career in Newark, New Jersey. Some of his most famous inventions include the phonograph, the light bulb, motion picture, electrographic vote recorder and the magnetic iron ore separator. In total, Edison had 1,093 inventions.

Les Paul - Inventor of the harmonica holder, electric guitar and multi-track tape recorders. He moved to Mahwah in 1951, the same year he and his

future wife Mary Ford topped the charts with “How High the Moon.” The song stood at #1 on the Billboard Magazine chart for nine weeks. Les Paul is the only person ever inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame.

Irwin Gerszberg aka “Mr. DSL” - As you may expect by his nickname, Gerszberg was a leader in Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology. In other words, he gave us the ability to obtain vast amounts of digital data from the Internet at high speeds. He lived in Kendall Park, New Jersey.

Anthony E. Winston The man from East Brunswick who has surely helped you smile bigger and brighter. Winston received thirteen patents for using baking soda to create toothpaste, gels and tartar-control agents. A deodorizer, an earwax removal aid and laundry detergents are also among his inventions. In addition to assisting with your personal hygiene, Winston also created products to help farmers kill harmful fungi on plants.

Arthur Nobile – (May 6, 1920 -Jan. 6, 2004) invented Prednisone in the early 1950s. Prednisone is a synthetic drug for autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, kidney diseases, and to prevent and treat rejection in organ transplantation. Nobile was inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007.

Forrest E. Mars, Sr (March 21 - 1904 -July -21-1999) is the son of the candy giant, Frank C. Mars, the creator of the Milky Way and 3 Musketeers candy bars. After a riff in their father and son relationship, Forrest left his father’s company to start his own. After traveling overseas to Europe and working under another food giant Nestle, he learned more about the candy

and food business to aid in his quest to start his own. It›s said that during his travels, he came across soldiers during the Spanish Civil War eating small pellets of candy-covered chocolate and that›s what gave him the idea to start his own candy business featuring M&Ms candies.

Sidney Pestka - Dr. Pestka was born in Poland on May 26,1936 and died on December 22, 2016. He moved to Trenton at age eight. Called “The Father of Interferon,” Pestka’s work has led to cures for cancers and viral diseases. He has paved the way for the possibilities of prevention, diagnosis and cures for many fatal diseases. Dr. Pestka, a resident of North Caldwell, died in December 2016. Hoffmann-La Roche, where Dr. Pestka worked, was one of the first companies to receive an FDA license in 1986 for the use of a drug to treat a rare form of leukemia.

Alfred Lewis Vail Alfred Vail was born on January 9, 1807, in Morristown, to Betsey Youngs and Stephen Vail. He passed on January 18, 1859. His father was a notable businessperson who founded the Speedwell Ironworks, where Alfred and Samuel Morse would later demonstrate their first electric telegraph. Vail attended public school and later worked as an iron molder in his father›s ironworks. In 1832, he enrolled at New York University, where he studied theology and became an active member of the Euclidian Society.

Vail’s encounter with Samuel Morse’s telegraph experiments in 1837 sparked his interest in the technology. He proposed to Morse to refine the device at his father’s factory in exchange for a 25-percent share of any future commercial profits. However, Morse later brought in Francis Smith as a

partner, reducing Vail’s share to one-eighth. Along with Samuel Morse, Vail was central in developing and commercializing American electrical telegraphy between 1837 and 1844. Vail and Morse were the first two telegraph operators on Morse’s first experimental line between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and Vail took charge of building and managing several early telegraph lines between 1845 and 1848.

Nikola Tesla (July 10, 1856 – January 7, 1943) was a Serbian-American engineer, futurist, and inventor. He is known for his knowledge and contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.

Alexander Graham Bell In the 1870s, Elisha Gray and Alexander Graham Bell independently designed devices that could transmit speech electrically. Both men rushed their respective designs for these prototype telephones to the patent office within hours of each other. Bell patented his telephone first and later emerged the victor in a legal dispute with Gray.

Today, Bell’s name is synonymous with the history of the telephone, while Gray is largely forgotten.

Bill Gates and his Windows software opened home computers to the world. The usability of his software provided an intuitive interface that proved a catalyst for the adoption of PCs and the worlds digital transformation. When Charles Babbage debuted his “mechanical calculating machine” in 1833 (that he continued to refine until his death in 1871), it’s unlikely he realized how important his concept would become over the next 177 years. Interestingly, Babbage also invented the

The candlestick phone was popular from thre late 1880 to about the 1930s although it remained. In

printer (that was likely more reliable than the average modern one!), as his “mechanical calculator” printed its answers on paper. Presumably because he hadn’t gotten around to inventing the monitor yet!

Richard M. Hollingshead the world’s first drive-in movie was built on a 10-acre plot in Camden County in 1933. It opened on June 6, 1933, on Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Pennsauken Township, NJ, near Central Airport. The theater was the inspiration of Richard M. Hollingshead, a Camden businessman living in Riverton, NJ, who received a patent for the idea. With a few investors, ParkIn Theatres, Inc. was formed, and construction of the theatre began on May 16, 1933. The first drive-in operated for only a few seasons before the difficulty of obtaining current, quality films to show led Hollingshead to focus his efforts on licensing the drive-in theatre concept to other operators. Today, parking lots and Zinman Furs occupy most of the location of the original drive-in.

Woman Drives Coast to Coast in an Automobile

BY HENRY M. HOLDEN STAFF WRITER

AREA - A New Jersey woman who deserves to be remembered for her famous “first” call back in the summer of 1909. Alice Hurley Ramsey became the first woman to drive coast to coast.

Alice Ramsey was born on Nov. 11, 1886, in New Barbados Township., On January 10, 1906, in Hackensack, Ramsey married Congressman John Ramsey (1862–1933), with whom she had two children. At the age of 22 she was the first woman to drive an automobile coast to coast.

The wife of a Hackensack attorney and Congressman could have lived a life of ease, but she had a taste for danger. She was appealing, self-possessed, and self-confident. To keep her from riding horses, which her husband considered too dangerous, he ordered a new automobile. This was just before the age of the Ford mass-produced model- T, and cars were just considered exotic and expensive toys.

Ramsey attended Vassar College from 1903 to 1905. In 1908 her husband bought her a new Maxwell runabout. That summer she drove over 6,000 miles around and near their Hackensack home.

Ramsey proved to be an excellent driver, and ace mechanic. In rallies, and in long-distance trips, she established a reputation as one of the best drivers in the Northeast.

A sales manager from the Maxwell Company had a public relations inspiration: Why not have a woman drive from New York City to San Francisco? When Ramsey heard him out she said, “I was embarrassed: My face was like a fireball, and I would like to crawl under the table.” The more she thought about it the more challenging it became. “So, I decided to take the challenge. I had three sisters-in laws and an unmarried female friend from Hackensack to be my chaper-

ones. It was 1909 and Ramsey still had to get her husband’s permission to make the trip. Her vehicle was a Maxwell 1909 four-cylinder with the potential for 30-horsepower or 40mph. By today’s standards the vehicle was primitive. A wooden yard stick was inserted into a special 20-gallon gas tank to measure the remaining gas. To start the car there was a front-mounted crank. There were no treads on the tires, which made it more dangerous on muddy roads. A canvas top was the only protection from rain or snow. The headlights were “lit” by dropping a pellet in water to generate gas which was then ignited with a match. The first leg of the trip, from New York to Chicago took 14 days.

In September 1908, she drove one of the three Maxwells which were entered in that year’s American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Montauk Point Endurance Race. She was one of only two women entered. She won a bronze medal by getting a perfect score in the race. One of the other Maxwell drivers was Carl Kelsey, who did publicity for Maxwell-Briscoe. It was during this event that Kelsey proposed that she attempt a transcontinental journey, with Maxwell-Briscoe›s company’s backing. The company would supply a 1909 touring car for the journey and would also provide assistance and parts as needed. Hotel arrangements were also provided. The drive was originally meant as a publicity stunt for Maxwell-Briscoe, and would also prove to be part of Maxwell›s ongoing strategy of specifically marketing to women. At that time, women were not encouraged to drive cars.

On June 9, 1909, the 22-year-old began a 3,800mile journey from New York City to San Francisco in a green, four-cylinder, 30-horse-

power Maxwell DA. On her trip she was accompanied by her older sisters-in-law and 19-year-old female friend Hermine Jahns. They were chaperons and none of whom could drive the car.

The women used maps from the American Automobile Association to make the journey. Only 152 of the 3,600 miles, that the group traveled were paved. Over the course of the drive, Ramsey changed 11 tires, cleaned the spark plugs, repaired a broken brake pedal and had to sleep in the car when it was stuck in mud.

Ramsey mostly navigated by following the telephone poles with more wires in hopes that they would lead to a town.

Along the way, they crossed the trail of a manhunt for a killer in Nebraska. Ramsey received a case of bedbugs from a hotel. In Nevada, they were surrounded by a Native American hunting party with bows and arrows drawn. Sitting Bull, one of the more notorious Native Americans had passed away and the tribes were at peace with the white settlers.

But it was still a perilous undertaking. Outside of one or two big cities, there were virtually no paved roads in the towns and no road maps to help. Friends advised Ramsay to take a gun because it was such a dangerous undertaking, but she refused to carry a firearm.

“I had good days driving 130 miles to Chicago on the bumpy first 14-day leg,” she said.

There was no storage space, so the luggage, spare tires, water, and tools had to be stowed in the back, and on the running boards.

Conditions deteriorated after they passed over the Mississippi River. In places there were no signs that a road ever existed. If they were careful and vigilant they could “sense” the vestiges of a roadway by the wagon wheels that left ruts in

the ground or by some crushed sagebrush. Ramsey became an expert on chuck holes, prairie dogs holes, mud holes, and arroyos. “Sometimes I got too far ahead of myself and had to be towed back to safety. I had to be towed out with my horse three times and actually it took 13 days of hard driving to make it to just Iowa. Iowa’s weather posed challenges. There was “no gumbo too thick” for the Maxwell, said its manufacturers, but some potholed, muddy roads proved practically impassable for the tread-less tires. From time to time, as conditions worsen her fellow travelers would hop a train, if available.

Ramsey persevered, taking 13 days to conquer 360 miles (and relying on horses for towing at times!). The maximum speed for the car was 40 miles per hour.

San Francisco, crowds awaited them at the St. James Hotel. In later years, she lived in West Covina, California, where in 1961 she wrote and published the story of her journey, Veil, Duster, and Tire Iron, between 1909 and 1975.

After her husband’s death in 1933, Ramsey lived with sisterin-law Anna Graham Harris in New Jersey, and then later in West Covina, California, until Anna’s death in 1953, and eventually with Elizabeth Elliott from 1968 until Ramsey’s death on September 10, 1983, in Covina, California.

Ramsey completed the trip on August 7, 1909, covering 3,800 miles in 59 days, although about three weeks later than originally planned. Ramsey was an American and the first woman to drive an automobile across the United States coast to coast.

After her brief bout with fame, Ramsey returned to New Jersey by train, where she resumed a relatively low-key profile raising two children. She continued her cross-country drives, losing count after

her thirtieth. In 1960, the Automobile Manufacturers Association named her their “First Lady of Automotive Travel” for her trek across a “trackless land.”

Ramsey was named the “Woman Motorist of the Century” by AAA in 1960. She also set an example set by not having a problem with the au-

thorities: throughout her entire driving career, she received just one ticket. She had made an illegal U-turn—though not, of course, on her famed cross-country trip. Ramsey passed away on September 10, 1983. October 17, 2000, Ramsey was the first woman inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.

until the end of WWII Photo author’s collection

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MACPA

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Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet

Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-320-2804 today!

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call NATIONAL DEBT RELIEF and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! FREE quote: Call 1-866-272-0492

Metal Roofing & Siding for Houses, Barns, Sheds, Liner. Closeouts, Returns, Seconds, Overruns, etc. Discount Prices. Made in Ephrata, PA. Email: sa***@********22.com 717-4455222

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www.dental50plus.com/macnet #6258

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-317-5246

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-356-1954

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-465-7624 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-791-1626 Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer – up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855338-4807 Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.