Vol. 2 • No. 11 • November 2019
FREE, Please Take One
All Veterans Memorial: The People’s Memorial in Mount Olive
Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 3
Are You Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired? Exploring Another Treatment Option For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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hronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome (CFIS) also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a disabling and poorly understood illness that is becoming more widespread in Western countries. CFIS is a term used to describe a myriad of neurological, neuromuscular, and immunological abnormalities. The initial onset of CFIS consists of flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, chills and extreme fatigue. The chronic manifestations of CFIS always include disabling fatigue but can also include muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders, headaches, hypo- or hypersensitivities, cognitive disorders, depression, malaise, anxiety, irritability, confusion, weight fluctuations, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle fatigue, worsening PMS, visual disturbances, tachycardia, paresthesias, dry eyes, dry mouth, night sweats, skin rashes and decreased sexual desire. The etiology of CFIS is still unknown, but the suspected cause is a viral infection. Some researchers believe that CFIS is actu-
ally a neurological response to a viral infection. Since there are no absolute markers or lab tests to confirm the illness, chronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome is often diagnosed by symptoms alone and by process of elimination. For the same reasons, western medicine has no treatment for chronic fatigue. Instead, doctors prescribe individual medications to deal with each of the associated symptoms. As with any illness, traditional Chinese medicine treats the individual on a caseby- case basis. A diagnosis is made based on the individual’s symptoms as well as their tongue and pulse presentations. The patient’s tongue is inspected and 6 pulses are felt on each wrist in order for the Acupuncturist/ Chinese Medical Practitioner to determine the diagnosis. Since chronic fatigue manifests differently in each person, this method of diagnosing is superior. The treatment plan is then formulated based on the individual’s diagnosis. As you can see in the chart- one Acupuncture treatment plan will address all of the individual’s symptoms as well as the illness as a
whole. This is known as a root and branch treatment. Addressing the root cause of the chronic fatigue is addressing the illness as a whole while treating the branch aims to relieve all of the symptoms associated with the illness. A single Chinese herbal formula can also be prescribed to treat both the root and branch of the chronic fatigue syndrome. For more information about Acupuncture and Chronic Fatigue Immunodeficiency Syndrome, call Kearstin R. Tripi, L.Ac at Mt. Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973527-7978.
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Page 4 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
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Page 6 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
All Veterans Memorial:
The People’s Memorial in Mount Olive
Founded in 2005, Mount Olive’s Turkey Brook Park’s All Veterans Memorial Park (AVM) fervently celebrates that type of patriotism. With Veteran’s Day approaching, there’s never been a better time to visit this inspiring site.
P By Dawn M. Chiossi
atriotism is much more than brass bands, flags, or parades. More than pageantry for many, patriotism is a personal feeling. Featuring an appreciation and reverence, patriotism encompasses a quiet surge of pride and gratitude for the people who battled for America’s freedom-knowing that democracy and liberty are hard-won. It is a feeling that encourages caring, empathy and giving back. Founded in 2005, Mount Olive’s Turkey Brook Park’s All Veterans Memorial Park (AVM) fervently celebrates that type of patriotism. With Veteran’s Day approaching, there’s never been a better time to visit this inspiring site. The All Veterans Memorial Park is
sponsored by the Hackettstown-based Publius Organization. During the Global War on Terror, this non-profit organization was originally designed to provide goodwill opportunities to various organizations and individuals who wanted to develop their own troop-support campaign. More than just a series of monuments, the All Veterans Memorial was created to honor the brave men and women who are and have been in the United States Armed Forces. Created with the empowering idea of fostering a sense of unity between civilians and the military, the AVM goes even further. Providing education, outreach programs, and events, the AVM’s mission is to promote public awareness, involvement and support for all U.S. Service Members. Located at 30 Flanders Road in Budd Lake, next to the historic Seward Mansion at the entrance of Turkey Brook Park, the All Veterans Memorial is open to the public and is completely free. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Expansive and pristine, a place of utter beauty and contentment, it is often said that a sense of peace comes over visitors the moment they enter. Affectionately nicknamed “The People’s Memorial,” the site was built exclusively by volunteers. Sprawling 1.3 acres, it celebrates the taste of freedom and what it takes to get there. “Many people believe that the township built the memorial,” Developer, Charlie Uhrmann tells. “However, after they learned that ordinary people--with pure love for their country--created every facet of the park, they are always shocked.” 100% funded by private donations and volunteers, “the All Veterans Memorial has kept its promise to never accept taxpayer funding,” Uhrmann prides. “No one
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Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 7
within our organization has ever received any compensation.” Born and raised in Wisconsin, and first residing in Florida, Uhrmann is passionate about a variety of philanthropic causes. After moving to New Jersey, and when the casualties from the Global War on Terror increased, she turned her efforts in that direction. “I think that 9/11 fundamentally changed people on the most basic level,” she remarks candidly. “I wanted to do something to pay it forward.” Although Uhrmann is very much the idea-person behind the park, she is eager to point out that the All Veterans Memorial is very much a team passion. She describes that the brainstorm for it was one of those rare and amazing coincidences where all elements just came together. It was a time when her son was in the final stages of his Eagle Scout community project--building a memorial of his own-- and when fellow friends and volunteers, Bill and Linda Sohl and Thea Dunkle were relocating the Mount Olive War Monument. “I saw the location allotted in Turkey Brook Park, and immediately all of these ideas began swimming in my head,” Uhrmann relates. “I wanted an all-inclusive place that would honor absolutely everyone, and give people a place where they could peacefully reflect. I wanted the memorial to show the aspects of America’s rich history, what America as a young country has gone through...for people to learn the facts behind wars, our three branches of government, our presidents, and the price of freedom.” To help with this awesome project she recruited five of New Jersey’s most admired hardscapers and an architect. In particular, Uhrmann mentions Karl Meier of Meier Stone in Flanders. “He was extremely instrumental in providing engineering and much of the materials and labor. His fingerprints are all over the park. Without Karl, we would not have nearly what we have today. He truly is one of the most talented craftsmen of all time,” she enthuses.
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Page 8 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
With an artistic eye and creative plan, Uhrmann relates that she intentionally sought to have every element of the park interconnecting and flowing into each other. This not only stresses symmetry and design, but it also shows off the almost magical element to the memorial. The memorials very shape was inspired by the Congressional Medal of Honor. “If you are flying overhead in a helicopter, you can see the shape. It’s amazing,” Uhrmann enthuses. The park holds several memorials with the All Veteran’s Memorial Ceremonial Ground being the main complex. In the center is Mt. Olive’s original war monument, The STAR or Pentagon Platform, The Presidents Preamble Stage, Bill of Rights Wall, the Charlie Johnson Memorial Gazebo, The North Star Seating Area, the Spiritual Cenotaph, the Warrior Obelisk Monument, the POW/Remembrance Wall, and the War Dog Memorial. Mt. Olive’s Original War Monument was donated by World War II Veteran, John Planker. Honoring Mount Olive’s lo-
cal fallen heroes, the inscription reads, “Erected in Grateful Tribute to the Men and Women of Mount Olive Township Who Faithfully Served In The Armed Forces of Our Country.” Originally it had been located at Budd Lake and dedicated in 1968. The monument found a proper home at the All Veteran’s Memorial in 2000. The STAR or Pentagon Platform is designed to resemble the U.S. Pentagon. It designates the five branches of service that are equally divided: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines. Pavers note the honorary military service of all who have served. The platform then flows into the Global War on Terror Memorial Bridge which honors New Jersey’s fallen. The bridge then connects the VALOR Bar, or Presidential Preamble Stage, paying tribute to all United States Presidents and their civil service. The Bill of Rights Wall displays templates of the first ten Bill of Rights Amendments that were ratified by Congress. The Charlie Johnson Memorial Gazebo was built to honor the memory of Mt. Olive resident and former Mayor, Charles H “Charlie” Johnson. Serving as a Sergeant in the Air Force 9th Division in World War II, Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Force Medal for his service to his country.
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The NorthStar Seating Area was built by the Home Depot and Karl Meier. Dedicated to New Jersey Gold Star Mothers and those who lost a loved one during war, the comfortable area is designed to give a sense of peace. Designed and funded by Eagle Scout Eric Wood, Uhrmann describes the Spiritual Cenotaph as something that “entombs every spiritual book of authority from every religion of our service members. It symbolizes the faiths and beliefs of all the fallen soldiers out there.” The Warrior Obelisk Monument represents the four consequences of war: Missing in Action, Killed in Action, Wounded in Action, and Prisoner of War. it honors those who have suffered for American’s very liberty. The POW Remembrance Wall was designed by Uhrmann, funded and sponsored by Peter King, and painted by world-renowned artist Doron Viner. With every element the AVM creates, Uhrmann researches it all. “I learn so much,” she asserts. “Take for example, our Presidents Preamble. It isn’t just a laundry list of all the United States Presidents, we include the events that the particular president is famous for, famous quotes, and more.” With so much, she takes great pains to make sure that all of the information is not overwhelming to visitors and is easily understood. “If you are visiting the Bill of Rights Wall for example, each amendment is separated. That way people are not only reading, but they are also completely focused,” Uhrmann says. “One visitor told me that this was the first time she had ever read the Bill of Rights in its entirety before. I love seeing the parents and children visiting the park and seeing parents explain everything. It really opens up a conversation between them.” Constructed in several phases, it seems that there is always another facet of the site to build and Uhrmann wouldn’t have it any other way. She discloses that upcoming plans for the park will include a prayer garden as an extension of the North Star Seating
Area. “The garden will be a complete zen area,” she remarks. “When visitors want more privacy to reflect or honor a
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loved one, this place will be perfect. It is meant to be a spiritual place.” She mentions there will be a waterfall, and people will be completely surrounded by nature. They will also have the opportunity to write messages if they wish. The Spiritual Cenotaph will be in view. The inclusive, religious spirituality is meant to give a sense of serenity and comfort to the “Each lifelike dog is painted grieving. to exact detail,” Uhrmann tells. Uhrmann points to it as her After researching each dog, visitors favorite monument, because can see them in the exact landscape that of the way it forges connecmade them famous. “Everyone has a tions between people. As soft spot for dogs,” Uhrmann quips. someone with a love of traveling all around the globe, she hunted various locations for just the right material for the Spiritual Cenotaph. “I learned so much researching every facet of the various religions and garnering as many books as I could. It was so rewarding to show the origins of how each of the various religions began. The project opened so many doors. I’ve met so many people.” Touching her the most, was the gift of a Bible given to her by a man named Marcus Goch. “Upon seeing the finished center, he insisted he wanted his Bible as part of it.” Uhrmann shares. “I didn’t want to accept it at first as it was a gift from his parents, both who are
gone now. It really says something about him that he wanted to share his gift with us.” When asked what display attendees find most popular, Uhrmann shares that it is hands down the War Dog Memorial, sponsored by Bill Wynne, Brian and Lorriane Huster, Helen BeeBe, and Bill and Linda Sohl. Knowing that canines were as much a part of the armed forces as their human counterparts, the monument spotlights five different dogs in various wars and missions. Uhrmann, along with canine artist Ashley Bogosta, captured the real, authentic likeness of each dog. “Each lifelike dog is painted to exact detail,” Uhrmann tells. After researching each dog, visitors can see them in the exact landscape that made them famous. “Everyone has a soft spot for dogs,” Uhrmann quips. The All Veterans Memorial hosts several notable, and often heartwarming annual events. During Armed Forces Week, (one week before Memorial Day) they provide guided tours to students. “Here they come to learn the many details and hidden secrets throughout the park,” Urhmann tells. “They learn the meaning behind each element and how it was built, as well as our rich American heritage and governments.” On Memorial Day, the AVM comes alive.
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For all, it hosts a deep emotional connection. “Our Memorial Day Celebration always captivates those who are in attendance,” Uhrmann prides. “We begin with a patriotic medley performed on the bagpipes by Vietnam veteran Mark Noyes. “As Mark plays, re-enactors from every war present the period flags of the war lines to the Path to Enduring Freedom, acting as a perfect backdrop to our color guard. As each Service Flag is raised, Mark plays each branch of the service medley.” OUR PROMISE TO LOSE She goes on to explain that they allow three families to set 20-35 POUNDS IN JUST their fallen loved one’s service paver at the Path to Enduring Freedom. In the past, they have had several World War II SIX WEEKS OR YOUR warriors set their own stone while their family members look NEXT ROUND IS FREE. on. The setting of the service paver is both videoed and photographed and given to the families after the ceremony. Both the Individual Results May Vary Boy and the Girl Scouts participate, and Mount Olive Girl Scouts and Brownies also place small bouquets of flowers or candles at each fallen warrior at the Purple Heart Bridge. There are unintended consequences of war, and with utter sensitivity and caring, the All Veteran’s Memorial hosts their POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil. Taking place every third Friday and Saturday of every September, it is co-sponsored by the Morris County American Legion. This ceremony seeks to help the families by giving them a sense of peace and closure, knowing how awful it is that a loved one has never returned home. This year, the All Veteran’s Memorial went the extra step researching the names, ranks, serial numbers, and dates of disappearances of every New EXCLUSIVELY AT Jersey POW/MIA member out there. They then created dog tags OPTIMAL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC, LLC containing that information. During the vigil they called out each name and info, securing the dog tags to the POW/MIA/PTSD Remembrance Wall. Always reaching out a hand, the All Veterans Memorial participates in a myriad of outreach programs to enhance the quality of life for those who need it. Among them, are the Helping Homeless Heroes and Homeless Hounds Campaigns, providing backpacks filled with necessary items for the homeless. With the cooler weather approaching, it is the perfect time to aid those who do not have warm shelter. “There are upwards of 3,000 homeless in Essex County alone,” Uhrmann relates. They include pets in the campaign simply beTo Schedule Your To Schedule Your cause “Shelters often do not accept people with pets, and ownFREE Consultation FREE Consultation ers won’t leave them behind,” Urhmann tells. Backpacks contain Call 973-584-4888 Call 973-584-4888 items such as a Bible, hats, scarves, gloves, warm blankets, socks, a comprehensive first aid kit, food, water, even things like cold Optimal Family Chiropractic, LLC Optimal Family Chiropractic, LLC pills (in case of illness) and moisturizers, hygiene items, chap22 Plaza Road, Flanders NJ, 07836 22 Plaza Road, Flanders NJ, 07836 stick, as well as much more. For pets, they will include a box of treats, a blanket, water, and more. Brenda L. Rooney, DC Brenda L. Rooney, DC Motivating others to connect, touching hearts, offering a beautiful, inclusive, non- political place to reflect, the All VeterPLUS an’s Memorial puts 100% of their hearts into everything they do. “I hope the All Veterans Memorial will continue to inspire others, that it will show what an amazing country we have here. (Regular Consultation Fee $50) With this coupon • Expires 12/31/19 That it conveys that freedom is paid by the blood of our children. To Schedule Your It’s a reminder of the people’s pride in their country and all that WWW.OPTIMALFAMILYCHIROPRACTICLLC.COM we have gone through,” Uhrmann says. “The FREE Consultation AVM is part of me.” For further information or details, please call 973-479-4959 Call 973-584-4888 or visit www.allveteransmemorial.org.
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Page 16 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
Netcong’s VFW Post 2347 has Been Dedicated to Veterans Since 1943
T By Steve Sears
“Yes, the Netcong VFW post is the oldest post in Morris County. he Veterans of Foreign Wars – VFW, for short – The building was purchased by the charter (Founding) members will soon be celebrating its 120th anniversary of the post. The building was a livery stable before it was purwith a commemoration ceremony to be held chased by the post, and the odd thing about it today is that the at their National Headquarters in Kansas City, post only owns the building and property that the building sits Missouri. on. The grassy area around the post and even the parking lot is Anniversaries are always nice, but what owned by someone else. The charter members were children of these celebrations are best made for is reflec- the great depression and didn’t see a need to purchase (spend tion: remembrances of earlier days, beginnings their hard-earned cash on) the entire piece of property.” perhaps, the good accomplished, all meant to forge continuous There are 1.6 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliamovement forward. ry throughout the world, and the organization lives by its “No And, it’s about history. The VFW has much of that, especially One Does More For Veterans” statement. The definition, mission at Post 2347 in Netcong. statement, and vision of the VFW since “It is the oldest post in Morris its 1899 inception, as gleaned from the The VFW’s core values are as follows: County and was formed in 1943 VFW website: Always put the interests of our members first during the WWII era. It has served The Veterans of Foreign Wars of Treat donors as partners in our cause veterans and the local Netcong area the United States is a nonprofit veterPromote patriotism since (that time),” says Steven Nibans service organization comprised of Honor military service lett, who joined the VFW in 2009 eligible veterans and military service Ensure the care of veterans and their families and became the Adjutant for Post members from the active, guard and Serve our communities 2347 in Netcong until 2015, when reserve forces. Promote a positive image of the VFW he became the Post Commander. “I Our Mission: To foster camaraderie Respect the diversity of veteran opinions am currently Post Commander and among United States veterans of overwas elected District 10 VFW Comseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, mander (Morris County) in 2018 and I am in my second year as the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all District Commander.” veterans. But, to find the building may be a challenge. “The post adOur Vision: Ensure that veterans are respected for their serdress is 45 Main Street, Netcong but most folks don’t know it’s vice, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recogthere because it sits so far back from Main Street and there are nized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on shops and apartments in front of it between the post and Main behalf of this great country. Street,” states Keith Nitka, who was Junior Vice Commander two All of the above is especially well on display in Netcong. No years and then Post Commander for four years, and also served matter the location, it’s there, and the good it does for its 100as Chairman for the Patriots Pen and Voice Of Democracy schol- plus veterans membership and beyond deserves to be bellowed, arship programs that the VFW holds every year. He weighs in and that’s in addition to being involved with events including on the Netcong VFW’s early days of its 76 years (and counting). Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the Netcong Days dis-
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Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 17
SteveNiblett VFW Netcong.
play. “We will have a solemn ceremony at the Stanhope Cemetery on Veterans Day, and post members and family usually go to Applebee’s for lunch on Veterans Day for fun and fellowship,” says Niblett. Nitka adds some more specifics. “This post as all others help Veterans and active duty military transition to civilian life, help with finding jobs and schooling. We also help out where needed with monetary support for those in the community, not just veteran or active duty. One of the bigger things that Post 2347 does is at Thanksgiving. In November the post, in conjunction with St. Michaels Catholic Church, will give out $50.00 gift cards to ShopRite to assist with the Thanksgiving meal for those who need it. We (also) take part in Toys for Tots, and also a big aspect of the post is to assist veterans in getting the mental health they require after deploying.” Nitka served in the United States Navy from 1987 to 1991 on active full-time duty, and then from 1991 until 1996 in the Navy Reserves. He did two deployments while on active duty. The first was a UNITAS cruise around South America and the second was to the Persian Gulf for Desert Shield and then Desert Storm. While in the reserves, he went to San Diego, California for drug smuggling intervention operations. He is adamant and upfront about his support of veterans. “The VFW is the largest Veterans advocate organization in the country, and we fight every day in Washington, DC and around the country to better the lives of our military and veterans.” He elaborates. “Through healthcare and compensation for injuries sustained in combat; assistance with widows, widowers and children of our fallen comrades; assistance with food and clothing in our communities and friendship to those in need; and we assist children in achieving their dreams of higher education through the Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy scholarship programs. We can help you get a new roof on your home if you can’t afford it yourself. We listen to veterans going through hard times mentally and physically. We don’t judge or shun them but embrace them and welcome them. We all have one
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Page 20 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
very tangible thing in common. Unlike the American Legion or American Veterans (AMVETS), to be a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) we have all been in Combat or served in a Combat zone, that is the one prerequisite that is needed for entry into this organization and sets us apart from the rest.” Niblett served in the United States Army, his tours of duty taking him to Korea, Honduras, and Iraq. He also served two three-year tours in the 1980s with the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, California, and a two-year tour at Picatinny Arsenal (located both in Jefferson and Rockaway) from 1989 to 1990. “I also served in the Army Reserves from 1991 to 2007. I retired as Lieutenant Colonel after 28 years of service in 2007,” he says, “and I joined the VFW to give back to fellow veterans in need and to serve my community.” Nitka, now stationed in Virginia, sums up what it truly means about VFW brotherhood -- Post 2347 and beyond. “I have friends in the community that I miss, but as a VFW member, no matter where I go in the world, I am welcome at the local VFW post as
a comrade and brother. I am now a member of post 8545 in Smithfield, Virginia, and just as in Netcong, there is a strong community in the post, and we help where and when needed in the local community here.” New members are welcome. “They (prospective) new members can visit the post on a Tuesday night when I am usually there,” says Niblett. “The candidate must have his DD214 Service Document to prove that he served overseas in a hostile war environment.” Also, members of the community can become a “partner” in the “Cause.” “The community can collaborate with us any time by calling us at the post,” Niblett adds. VFW Post 2347 is located on 45 Main Street (right near the Route 46 and 206 intersection) in Netcong. For more information, call (973) 347-9858. Mailing address is P.O. Box 252 Netcong, New Jersey 07857. For general VFW information, visit www.vfw.org. For New Jersey VFW details, located at 171 Jersey St, Building 5 2nd Floor, Trenton, 08611, call (609) 393-1929, or visit www. vfwnj.org.
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Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 21
The Budd Lake Diner: Thirty-Three Years Strong and Built on Family and Hard Work
O by Melissa Begley
n the first Springish day in what seems like forever, the Budd Lake Diner is buzzing with an inordinate amount of people for a Wednesday afternoon. Upon my arrival, I walk past a woman scurrying about outside moving some eye catching hanging plants from place to place. I soon learn this is Fotini Jelis, known fondly as Faye to patrons and employees alike, and to say she wears many hats is quite the understatement. In our brief half hour conversation, she is interrupted by various employees, as well as the soda guy, the coffee guy, someone looking for a job application, and someone else looking for a signature. There are
also customers who swing by the table where we talk with various updates about injuries, vacations, and simply to check in. Faye owns the diner with her husband of thirty-nine years, Valos, who goes by Bill. The other owners are Faye’s sister and her husband. Those are Agoritsa (Rita) and John Balaskonis. They are married for forty one years. The two sisters live around the block from one another. Each of the sisters has two children and two grandchildren. You hear about family businesses, but you won’t get more family than the Budd Lake Diner. September 10th, will marked thirty-three years in business. In a world where new is always better, and everything is disposable, it’s amazing that the diner has been able to sustain itself for so very long.
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Page 22 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
Faye and Rita moved to this country from Greece. Their mother was already here with her brother. Faye’s father and four daughters came in 1975. They went to Detroit, Michigan where their uncle had a restaurant. Faye’s aunt taught her everything “and thank God she did.” It became how they made their life. Faye and Rita met a pair of roommates from Jersey City who coincidentally had always wanted to marry sisters. These roommates had come from Greece in 1968. The friends’ dreams came true and the two couples were married They worked in both the Lyndhurst Diner and the Meadowlands Diner before purchasing the Budd Lake Diner. They bought it from a man who had built it four and a half years earlier. When he retired, the two couples saw an opportunity and they took it. I ask Faye about a typical day. Faye speaks matter of factly about her husband, Bill. “Bill’s day starts at 5 am. He goes to work and starts to cook roasts, soups, gravies, and vegetables. Everything is fresh daily. If Bill won’t eat it, he won’t serve it.” He leaves at twelve or one and comes back at about 4:30 to do
the sautees and dinners. John gets involved in the cooking too. Faye comes in a little later, and handles all the people who come in to provide various services to the diner. She makes trips to the bank, pays the bills, goes for flowers, handles insurance, and various other daily tasks that need attending. Faye is who you call at midnight when the credit card machine won’t work. Rita comes in the afternoon. She cooks cheesecakes, fruit pies, muffins, pot pie dough, and rice pudding. Many of these treats offer gluten free and sugar free options. Rita is also the hostess at night. I grow tired just listening to all that needs to be done on a regular day. I ask about Bill and Faye’s children and wonder if hey will join the family business. The second generation has no interest in the diner and their parents are understanding and supportive of their choice. They dissuaded them from this life. Faye says, “I told my kids: ‘Go to school. You can’t have the life we had. We understand. We did not know anything else. We did not know a trade. We were willing to work. You want to
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Page 24 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
I am in awe of the work ethic and the family aspect, but Faye is so matter of fact. “We’re average people. We are clean cut and church going people.” They don’t allow nonsense in the diner. “I call nonsense drugs and alcohol.” They haven’t had many problems from patrons or customers, but taught her children at a young age that nonsense will not be tolerated. have a family life? You have to go to school. You want to be off on the weekends? That’s ok. We understand. We always worked since we were little. We work now. It doesn’t matter with us.’” Faye and Bill ’s two sons are engineers (one with a PhD) who went through the school system at Mount Olive and now work at Picatinny. They are fourteen months apart and best friends. “I wouldn’t want them in here. It’s very stressful, ” Faye laments. Each son has two children. John and Rita have two daughters. One is a pharmaceutical inspector and the other is home expecting her third child. Faye speaks comfortably about her team at the diner. There are approximately ten full time waitresses and many more part timers. Bill and John do most of the cooking, and there are about six short order cooks as well. “We’re like a family here. We are not fast food. We are not a chain restaurant. I’m not the boss. We’re not better than anyone. We are all the same. We are all co workers. We are proud of what we do here.” I am in awe of the work ethic and the family aspect, but Faye is so matter of fact. “We’re average people. We are clean cut and church going people.” They don’t allow nonsense in the diner. “I call nonsense drugs and alcohol.” They haven’t had many problems from patrons or customers, but taught her children at a young age that nonsense will not be tolerated. They work closely with their church, Saint Andrew in Randolph, as well as with St. Jude here in town. The diner is often busiest when mass lets out. About the two churches, Faye says, “We take care of them. They take care of us. They don’t want us ever to retire!” Faye laughs easily and jovially. When I try to get her to pinpoint the most busy time in the diner, she can’t name just one. “We have awesome dinners…breakfast is always busy…. lunch was so busy yesterday and it was only Tuesday! Nighttime is busy…..You never know.” Working so closely with your family may not be everyone, but Faye speaks so highly of her husband. She speaks of a time when they would go to Greece every other summer “so our kids could know where we came from, know the culture, know where some of the homes and property” that they own are located. Now, they can’t get away. The diner keeps them too busy. Faye speaks about how on these trips, her husband would read a book a day. “He came to this country number one in his class. He traveled the world before he jumped ship in Jersey City and became legal thirty eight years ago. He is not just a chef. He is very knowledgeable about politics, world history, dates, and wars.” Faye knows ninety to ninety-five percent of her customers. They come back because, “They know it’s good. They say it’s tasty. Of course it’s tasty! Everything is fresh. Homemade. The turkey, the chicken …nothing is out of a can. Well, just tomato paste, tomatoe puree and apple sauce.” And she laughs again loudly and at home with her customers. “Everything is made to order. It’s like a little factory.”
I could’ve stayed all day. I’m fascinated by people who succeed in life by persevering and putting family about all. During our talk, Faye sent her young hostess off to school for the afternoon, and now Faye will be taking over those duties for the rest of the day. Faye tells me that Raeanna Cope is like a granddaughter to her and their easy banter supports this claim. Now that Raeanna is out the door, a number of people have been trying to catch Faye’s eye, and a few are waiting at the register for her to pay, so I start to pack up my belongings and make noises about leaving. She says she will go get a piece of cheesecake for me to take home. Faye returns with enough to feed eight tables worth of customers. With summer approaching and a winter’s worth of weight on my waist, I tell myself I’ll just have a bite, but one taste makes me a liar. I devour entirely too much upon my arrival home. It was supposed to be lunch’s appetizer, but it instead replaces lunch entirely. The food is delicious at the diner, but there’s a level of comfort reminiscent of home. You come for the food, but you return for the feel of family.
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Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 25
Mt. Olive Couple Hosts Free Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Senior Center
T
By Michele DiPasquale his year, Thanksgiving Day is November 28, and for many, it is a time to gather with our friends and family to give thanks for all that is good in our lives. Regrettably, there are those without family or friends with whom to celebrate this uniquely American holiday of gratitude, so for the fourth year in a row, Mary Lalama and her husband, Township Council President Joe Nicastro, both publishers and owners of New View Media Group - a network of local newspapers mailed to over 130,000 homes and businesses in Morris County - are hosting their Thanksgiving for all at the Mt. Olive Senior Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The feast will be a full Thanksgiving seated dinner, beginning with appetizers and antipasti, salad and pasta, continuing on to turkey, stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes, assorted vegetables, and finishing with an assortment of pies for dessert. Goody bags of the day’s menu are also given to everyone to take home to enjoy as leftovers. Branda’s Italian Grill in Budd Lake, LongHorn Steakhouse
in Flanders, Philly Pretzel Factory in Hackettstown, and corporate caterer Victoria Scherrer Onder are among the generous donators of the Thanksgiving banquet. Last year, table centerpieces were created by local Girls Scouts. When asked what prompted Lalama and Nicastro to open their hearts and offer Thanksgiving dinner to anyone who may have When asked what prompted Lalama nowhere to go for and Nicastro to open their hearts and offer the day, Lalama anThanksgiving dinner to anyone who may swered directly from have nowhere to go for the day, her heart. Lalama answered directly from her heart. “My family and I were sitting around on Thanksgiving four years ago and I said ‘Look at all this food we have. We are truly blessed and fortunate, and we need to think of a way to give back.’ So I said next year we’re going to host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who is less fortunate or anyone who will be spending the day alone.” Forging ahead further and embracing what Thanksgiving truly is all about, Lalama and Nicastro even provide transportation for those who otherwise may not be able
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Page 26 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
to join them for dinner. About 50 people have joined them so far, while some folks get their dinner delivered to their homes, as they may be unable to physically leave them. “The dinner is for anyone - single or a family - who may be less fortunate or who just are alone for the holiday. We hate to see people spend the holidays without family or friends, so we offer them a place to come and enjoy the company of others,” Lalama said. And though a buffet-style dinner would be easier, Lalama insists on a fully-seated dinner, in which her children and other volunteers serve everything.
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“We want everyone to feel like they are at a restaurant for the holiday,” she said. “I love the fact that we can help people come together and provide them with good food, good conversation, and good company. We get a lot of elderly people that just want someone to be with and know that someone cares about them. I love the look on their faces when they interact with each other and the volunteers,” Lalama said. Lalama said people are welcome to attend without reservations but are asked to sign up in advance by calling her at 973768-1815 or emailing her at mary.lalama@gmail.com.
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Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 27
erek Dougherty has been a scout since the 1st grade. He belongs to Boy Scout Troop 159. When Derek began thinking about an Eagle Scout Project, he approached his pastor, Father Stan Barron, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Flanders, to see if there was something he could do for his church. Father Stan told him that he would like to have a Prayer Garden. This discussion started in September of 2018 and the actual planning began the following February. According to his mom, Darlene Dougherty, “Derek was so excited to work on a project like this as it is something everyone could use and he could see every time he went to the church.” Derek spent the spring and summer designing and building the Prayer Garden which is now complete on the grounds of St. Elizabeth’s. On a recent Sunday morning, Father Stan blessed the garden, with parishioners and Derek’s parents, brother and extended family there to share in his accomplishment. The garden is in a convenient location right behind the church building, directly outside of the classrooms. On the morning of the blessing, the Garden was even being used by one of our teachers to hold her class. We encourage people to stop by and spend some quiet time
in this tranquil location. Shannon Jones, St.E’s Youth Minister and Confirmation Coordinator knows Derek well. “Not only is Derek an outstanding Scout, he also plays an integral role as a leader in our SPARK Teen Ministry program” says Shannon. “Derek serves on both the Teen Advisory Board and Peer Leader Team and was a key member of our 2019 Mission Team. I am so proud of Derek and grateful for his continuing leadership in ministry. With his enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication, Derek’s character is topnotch and we are blessed to have
him on our team!” The project took Derek on an amazing journey. It took time to put everything together and push through paperwork with all the Boy Scout committee reviews. During the process, he made so many connections with people/businesses/organizations and has been the recipient of many donations (monetary/product). He has also had many volunteers to assist him with this project. Derek’s parent’s, Darlene and Scott, say he has grown into an amazing young man, part of which they feel has to do with his commitment to his church and his involvement in Scouts. Well done Derek, you Eagle Scout project is a gift for St. Elizabeth’s to enjoy for years!
24th Annual Mount Olive Holiday Food Drive Now through Dec. 5 The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce, in association with the Mount Olive Kiwanis, and partners CBRE and The Padded Wagon, are here to help needy families enjoy the holidays. Please consider dropping off non-perishable food items at any of the drop locations at businesses around Mount Olive. We thank you in advance for your contributions! All donations benefit the Mount Olive Food Pantry.
*For a full list of locations, visit www.mountolivechambernj.com
Page 28 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
Shining Light in the Deepest Darkness:
Operation Chillout Lifeline for Veterans By Jillian Risberg It’s unfathomable to comprehend how someone who fought on the front lines of our military is now living on the streets— but the tragic reality about homelessness in America often focuses on our veterans. As New Jersey’s only all-volunteer mobile outreach for homeless veterans, Operation Chillout gives them the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives. “In a year we’ll be celebrating our 20th anniversary,” says Raymond Chimileski, who founded the organization Dec. 21, 2000 in Dover for a homeless Vietnam veteran living under a bridge. “We never expected to be doing this again, that’s for sure.” They have no office, no brick and mortar, no salaried staff or employees. They’re not professionals or caseworkers — just a group of friends. “Civilians curious why this was happening and what could we do,” says Chimileski, a former social worker with the state of New Jersey and New York, who did a lot of his work in Paterson, Newark, Trenton and NYC. According to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, there are roughly 2,500 to 3,000 homeless veterans in the Garden State, while the Bureau of Census’ figure is 630. And in 2015, the US Department of Veterans Affairs says it provided housing for almost 1,300 homeless vets here. “I was not afraid to take a ride down to Paterson to the railroad tracks where we used to meet homeless vets at the post office,” the executive director says. “I started the behavior of ‘this is okay, these people are not dangerous; it’s safe to go there.’” He says we have to give a lot of credit to our homeless vets for the role that they play in their communities, protecting non-veteran homeless, and they know how to survive. “They take the alpha position; make sure that nobody’s coming in and doing funny stuff with the other, more vulnerable people,” Chimileski says. “Veterans are well-trained, they’re very resilient — and have skills that you and I would never learn unless we become homeless.” It’s a 24/7 gig and Chillout has a core leadership team of 12 people that meet every month to determine how to provide services or care for the homeless in different areas. They continue to respond to homeless vets throughout the entire state of New Jersey and Chimileski says sometimes things are written in the stars. “We’ve been able, for one reason or another to go for 20 years — doing it as we do, the way we do it for the reasons that we do it,” the executive director says. “Every donation that comes in, every case of backpacks, every case of warm coats, sleeping bags, whatever — goes directly to the people that we serve. “We’ve been in every county and also have a rapid response team in six counties in Northeast Pennsylvania and a
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Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 29
Page 30 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
chapter in Rhode Island,” he says. They find many of the homeless vets through their two seasonal projects, the winter program begins in November and finishes when the last backpack is distributed, usually in the middle of February. As they prepare for Street Streak — where they ask for donations of new, warm clothing (hooded sweatshirt, knit cap, thermal underwear, heavy socks, waterproof non-leather gloves), they are reminded of how this all began. It was the homeless Dover vet who explained how he was hurting. ‘It’s cold, I need anything that you would need,’ he told them back then. “So we went down to the Army/Navy store, bought all those things and brought it back to him,” Chimileski says. And that formula stuck. “We’re still putting those same supplies in backpacks 20 years later and giving them away,” the executive director says. “We’ve been working this for so long that we know a lot of the areas where the homeless veterans congregate.” That could be a soup kitchen or interim temporary housing situation. According to Chimileski, they provide their resources to about 65 locations that they frequent throughout the winter and summer. For the summer campaign (starting Memorial Day and ending Labor Day), they collect and deliver cases of bottled water, t-shirts and baseball caps. “This year we’re targeting supplies for about 1500 backpacks and this past summer we distributed about 35,000 bottles of water,” he says. Another way that they get referrals is through their hotline, where agencies, police, EMTs, family members — the veterans
themselves can call, asking for assistance. “We check out that the person calling is a veteran,” the executive director says. “This could be a case where after several months the rent wasn’t paid and the vet is evicted, winds up on the street.” So far this year they placed about 340 homeless veterans, rescued them off the street and put them into temporary housing, which is usually local to where they’re calling from. “If they’re calling from Hackensack, we’re going to find a temporary location in Hackensack in a motel and put you up 3 to 5 days,” Chimileski says. “Whatever it takes for you to get connected to the agencies that are going to work with you, do case management, get your VA healthcare established and find you a spot for permanent housing.” And the VA and Catholic Charities bring in a number of referrals. “Up to 10/12 a week,” says the executive director. “We’re taking as many as we get and those are the numbers of people that we’re adding to our seasonal campaign.” In 2017, Chillout built their first micro (tiny) home — an RV on wheels that soon a formerly homeless veteran will live in for up to two years. “It’s transitional housing that’s going to be here right in Long Valley, where our headquarters is at a working farm — Ort Farms,” Chimileski says. “During those two years the veteran will be able to work on the farm with Rutgers Veteran’s Agricultural Program to get his certification as a Master Farmer.” According to the executive director, it’s a unique project and the only one of its kind in the Garden State. But you can find others in Farm Belt states such as Oklahoma and Kansas. “Home Depot Charitable Foundation is building our patio and deck for the home, pro bono; they gave us a grant,” he
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Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 31
says. “With the ordinance that Washington Township wrote, we are able to build up to five micro homes in Long Valley, one per property. And one of our volunteers works for the Ort family, so the property was given to us for free.” This micro home is mobile because Chimileski says they never intended to keep it there. They actually expected to take it on the move to different counties requesting temporary housing. It just so happens that this one will probably become permanent in Long Valley. As we approach Veteran’s Day, it is important to know that not all veterans are homeless. One out of every five homeless people that you see on the street probably is a veteran. “It’s 20 percent of the population and some places, like the urban areas and inner cities, one out of four persons could be a veteran,” the executive director says. “So it’s a time to remember that the people we pass on the street who we would like to help out; Operation Chillout is taking it to the next step — we actually are helping them out.” He says they are a dedicated, 501c3 not-for-profit, which means any donation to them can be taken as a tax deduction the following year. “When we thank our veterans for their service, we should remember them for all the good things they did and not paint them with a negative stereotype,” Chimileski says. Remember that veterans are our brothers, our sisters, our mothers, our fathers, our uncles and we’re all in this together. “We support them when they’re fighting for us and we need to make sure that we support them when they come back,” he says. Chimileski says it is by no means solving the problem. “We’re here to help each person as we find them; one person, one gift,” says the executive director. “With that low expectation, we’ve been able to do what we do.” The organization was audited a few years ago so they decided to look at their demographics to determine where their referrals were coming from. “And it was suggested that we let peo-
“When we met at the end of December (2000), a few of us with our wives — people compared notes, ‘what did you do on your winter break,’” Chimileski says. ple know that if all the homeless vets — the men and women that Operation Chillout has been serving since Dec. 21, 2000 could come together in one place and hold hands from Long Valley to the Green in Morristown, the line would be 22 miles long,” Chimileski says. “That’s pretty amazing.” The number of homeless vets is on the rise and they are actually meeting more on the street. As disheartening as this may sound, the executive director says they have monthly success stories. The numbers of veterans who they’ve helped is proportionate to how old they are when they meet them. “The Vietnam vets that we met 20 years ago, we know that some of them still live on the street,” he says. “They’re never gonna come in until they’re physically unable to live on the street. They’ve been acculturated to that system of dependency and care — of soup kitchens and agencies.” Chillout also gets the young men and women just returning from the Middle East, where they may have done three, four or five tours. “They come back and their whole lives are disrupted because they can’t continue where they left off,” Chimileski says. “ They have PTSD, emotional challenges, family challenges, economic challenges — and they wind up homeless very young, in their 30s.” If Chillout can intervene early, he says they can break the cycle of dependency and get the vets connected with services to turn their lives around, so they don’t end up like their brothers from Vietnam on the street for more than 50 years. When it comes to his endless efforts to make a difference for this population, the executive director says it’s a much needed thing. “When we met at the end of December (2000), a few of us with our wives — people compared notes, ‘what did you do on your winter break,’” Chimileski says. One friend went to Florida, another couple went skiing in Vermont and the executive director told them he helped out a homeless veteran. “‘Tell us more,’ so I told them the story about going there and meeting the guy,” Chimileski says, adding that one of the wives asked when it happened.
Page 32 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
Honoring and Aiding the Great Veterans of Our Great Nation in Morris County
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By Steve Sears hen it comes to honoring or veterans of war in November and year-round, Morris County leaves no stones unturned when vets need a hand. “Morris County yearly holds two formal events for veterans: Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Freeholders award county medals on both days, and there are many other events for veterans held around the county by towns and local organizations and veterans’ organizations throughout the year,” says Kenneth Brenzel, who is the Morris County Veterans Service Officer. The annual Memorial Day event was held in May, and the annual Veterans Day event on October 23. New for the latter event was a resolution presented to the county’s American Legion leadership for the Legion’s 100th anniversary. More than 19,000 veterans live in Morris County. The oldest veterans are World War II vets who are in their 90s. “The county’s veterans’ office,” says Larry Ragonese, Morris County Communications Director, “participates in some of those ceremonies. There is also a Veterans Administration clinic located in the county, which is run by the Veterans Administration.” “We attempt to make the county’s ceremonies special for the veterans,” says Brenzel, “to ensure they are treated with respect and that the ceremonies offer a dignified atmosphere. That includes finding a speaker who can offer a meaningful message, ensuring a color guard, appropriate music, and to ensure we follow military protocol in the ceremonies.” Brenzel also adds that the Board of Freeholders and Veterans Office have begun holding frequent veterans’ commanders’ summits. “They include leaders of county American Legion, VFW and other military organizations with county government officials, freeholders, and others. The goal is to have a continuing dialogue with veterans in the county to make sure we are attending to their needs.” It’s all about what’s currently being provided, but always improving. Ragonese then elaborates on the scope of the mis-
sion. “Morris County is working closely with its veterans’ community to try and better understand the needs of its members and to ensure that we offer programs and services of value to them. We also are trying to better communicate with our veterans, setting up regular meetings with veterans’ leaders, creating a new veterans webpage and calendar of events, and trying to help publicize events of importance to veterans.” Out of the auspices of the Morris County Veterans Services, events and medal ceremonies are held beyond those previously mentioned. “This office coordinates with the Morris County Communications Office to hold two Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal ceremonies,” says Brenzel. “One is held in May around Memorial Day, on the front lawn of the Morris County Courthouse, the other is held around Veterans Day, in the County Administration Building in the Freeholders Meeting Room. These ceremonies are to honor veterans who live or have lived in Morris County. The Morris County Freeholders present each participating veteran with a medal, a certificate, and a Morris County Veterans pin. A biography of each veteran is read prior to the award.” Brenzel then adds, “My office has also responded to requests of various veterans’ groups in Morris County that wish to have their veteran members receive medals at their locations, as well as participating in the Morris County Superior Court’s annual veterans ceremony.” Also, there are two new events this year. The Veterans Services Office is hosting bi-monthly “Munch and Learns”, where representatives of various veterans’ organizations will give presentations on what services their organization provides to veterans. Veterans Services also offers the previously mentioned and periodic “Commanders Summits”, in which the post commanders of the veterans organizations, such as the American Legion, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), Vietnam Veterans of America, Blind Veterans of America, and others meet with administrators of Human Services and this office to discuss various veteran topics, issues, problems,
to promote increased communications between the County offices and the veteran community, to better serve our veterans. “This office,” says Brenzel, “participates in numerous veterans’ events hosted by other organizations to inform veterans of the services this office can provide, give brief consultations, make appointments for veterans to start VA (Veterans Administration) claims, and talk about VA benefits.” Among the other services provided are assisting veterans and their families with claims to the VA, including claims for Service Connected Disability Compensation, Non-Service Connected Veterans Pension, Surviving Spouse Pension, Burial Benefits, Headstone/Flat Marker, and Presidential Memorial Certificate Requests; conducting home visits to elderly and/or disabled veterans regarding VA claims, and hospital and rehab facility visits for veterans in these facilities; distributing over 25,000 United States flags annually to veterans organizations in Morris County to decorate veterans graves for Memorial Day; hosting Veterans Free Legal Clinics and Resource Expos, where county lawyers provided free consultations to veterans, and several area organizations provide information regarding the services they provide for veterans, and much more. “As the office’s only accredited veterans service officer,” says Brenzel, “my primary duty is to assist veterans and their families with guidance to navigate the time consuming and often very difficult service connected disability compensation claim and non-service connected pension processes as well other non-monetary types of claims (burial benefits, grave markers, Presidential Memorial Certificates). I see roughly 50 veterans in the office per month; we make or receive about 250 phone calls per month as well as 700 to 800 emails per month. This coupled with committees, outside events, meetings, mandatory training, it can leave little time for planning and executing events, but we get it done. “ For more information, call (973) 2856866, or email Kenneth Brenzel at kbrenzel@co.morris.nj.us. The Veterans Services offices are located at 540 West Hanover Avenue in Morristown.
Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 33
Local Dentist, Dr. Ira Goldberg, Spends Weekend Teaching Implant Procedures
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r. Ira Goldberg, a leading local authority on dental implants, spent time at the end of September training dentists who were seeking to expand their dental implant knowledge and skills. As a respected educator, its not uncommon for Dr. Goldberg to share his knowledge and expertise with others. As part of the faculty of MaxiCourses, Dr. Goldberg states, “It always an honor to work with dentists who want to further their talents with dental implants. These doctors are spending time away from their families and own offices to learn skills that will make them better dentists for the benefit of their patients.” A MaxiCourse is a 10-month in-depth program dentists participate in when they wish to expand their knowledge regarding dental implants. There are programs worldwide, and are sponsored by the AAID, which stands for the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Goldberg is actually a past officer of the AAID on a District Level, where his current title is Immediate Past President. “Dental implants have revolutionized patients’ options,” says Dr. Goldberg. “Instead of removable dentures and aggressive bridgework being only options, we
are able to offer other services retained by implants. Whether a person needs a single tooth or a full jaw replacement, its amazing what we can now offer.” 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 over 24 years, and I’m always excited about it. I guess that’s why other doctors and dental professionals ask me for my thoughts, help, and guidance. Its quite an honor; I love to share.” Dr. Goldberg holds many honors in the field of implant dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, just to name a couple. Regarding his Diplomate status, there are only several hundred dentists world-wide that hold this distinction. It is an extremely grueling examination process. 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) 3281225 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com.
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hough women may notice various signs and symptoms that could be indicative of breast cancer, breast pain is generally not one of them. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® notes that there are various harmless causes of breast pain, such as puberty, menstruation and child birth, but that breast pain is not commonly a symptom of cancer. However, in rare instances breast pain may correlate with cancer. For example, breast tumors may cause pain, but cancerous tumors are not generally reported as painful. Though it may not be linked to breast cancer, breast pain should still be reported to a physician immediately, advises the NBCF.
Page 34 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
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National Winter Activity Center Announces Rebrand as Winter4Kids
head of the winter season, the National Winter Activity Center is Winter4Kids. Winter4Kids is programs, a facility (National Winter Activity Center) and the most committed and passionate team of individuals. It offers mentoring, meals, equipment and experiential winter learning for school age youth. Still located in Vernon, NJ, The National Winter Activity Center is the nation’s only 501(c)(3) nonprofit winter facility, dedicated to improving the lives of youth through winter activity. The aim is to leverage the “dark days of winter” and challenge the children to be much more active. This season Winter4Kids will accommodate almost 3,100 youth. From new lifts and trails, to an upgraded lodge along with state of the art, fully automated snowmaking, Winter4Kids welcomes a host of new upgrades. With the addition of a Nordic Center in 2019 and a 27,700 square foot lodge addition complete with full kitchens, expanded equipment rooms and a cafeteria coming online during the summer of 2020, the program and venue will be poised to accommodate 10,000 kids annually by 2023. “The goal for the National Winter Activity Center has always been to increase access to incremental, life changing, winter activity in children across the country. Through Winter4Kids, our original vision remains the same as aspects of the vision have been amplified,” said Schone Malliet, Founder and CEO of Winter4Kids. “At our core, winter activities are a means to end for the kids, and our programs makes unimaginable dreams inevitable opportunities.” Winter4Kids program school age youth receive experiential learning, life changing values from coaching mentors and are provided with the appropriate equipment, clothing and healthy meals
over the course of six sessions. Winter4Kids Progress • Nordic Center – Fully deployed this year, the Nordic Center features a 1.5KM loop with snowmaking and lights, supported by a new lodge with eating, equipment and storage areas. In conjunction with the Norwegian Ski Federation and Winter4Kids board member, Helen Ingebretsen, a “ski play” component has been developed for fun freestyle runs. • Winter Activity Club – Participating in programs will cultivate young enthusiasts who return year over year, have a love for the outdoors, and a desire to sustain their progress. An annual trip with parents and guardians is planned. • Team Winter4Kids - This program molds young athletes by supporting events and activities that are recreational, organized (US Ski and Snowboard), and interscholastic (NJISRA and USCSA). The development of the competition facilities supports high level Alpine and Nordic events as well. This year, we will host a NOR AM Cup Parallel Slalom event, as well as Regional FIS competitions with US Ski & Snowboard. “We’re being very intentional about being a resource for the winter sports community,” said Malliet. “Embracing a love for the outdoors, while acquiring skills, our participants look forward to new opportunities for their lives. Improving health, better attendance in school and the joy of new perspectives creates inflection points for these kids. We make a difference!” For more information about Winter4Kids, please visit www. winter4kids.org.
RE-ELECT NICASTRO FOR COUNCIL - NOV. 5TH Proudly Serving the residents of Mt. Olive
Joe
NICASTRO COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Questions or concerns? Contact me at 973-809-4784 Cell jnicastro@mtolivetwp.org
Next Council Meetings: November 12th, Nov 16 at 7:00pm Mount Olive Township Municipal Building
Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 35
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Gabriella Parisi Named Mount Olive High School 2019 Homecoming Queen
By Steve Sears t was a wonderful evening. Homecoming Game at Mount Olive High School is always a very sparkling event, and Friday, October 4 was perhaps the most special of them all. Not only during the chilly evening did the Mount Olive Marauders hold off the Randolph Rams, 15 – 13, in a terrific game, the awarding of the Mount Olive 2019 Homecoming Queen was a heartwarming tear-jerker. 19-year-old Gabriella Grace Parisi (aka GiGi), a senior at Mount Olive High School who has Down Syndrome, was announced as Mount Olive 2019 Homecoming Queen. “The moment when Gabriella was crowned Mount Olive 2019 Homecoming Queen was surreal,” says her mom, Rosemary Parisi. “All my fears and worries for my daughter were washed away in an instant. I realized love surrounds her, and not just familial love, but societal as well. The Mount Olive School community just elected GiGi as their Homecoming Queen. Her life is great! She is safe, loved, and appreciated for her uniqueness.” GiGi was elected to the Homecoming Court a few weeks prior by her peers. “Mount Olive did a photo shoot and we prepared a resume together. These items were then displayed in the Homecoming Election Showcase in the high school,” says Parisi. Gabriella is a lifelong student in Mount Olive, very active in the community, and currently interns at the House of the Good Shepard in Hackettstown, where she affectionately calls everyone her ‘grandma’ and ‘grandpa.’ She is also a participant in the Mount Olive PEAK programs, is a twotime varsity athlete in basketball and field hockey, a member of the Mount Olive Track & Field team, and captain of Mount Olive’s Unified Sports teams. Tack on that Gabriella is a gold medalist in the Special Olympics Track & Field division, has been active in Mount Olive’s Best Buddies programs since middle school (where she also volunteered in the Mount Olive Childcare and Learning Center), and you recognize this special young woman enjoys a very rich, rewarding life. “Gabriella enjoys a full life and loves giv-
ing back to the community that has been so good to her,” states her mom. “GiGi doesn’t let anything stand in her way and she proceeds through life with zeal, charisma, and grace.” Parisi says GiGi was so excited to win the Homecoming Queen Crown. “She felt love in her heart. She felt like a model as she walked across the football field, onto the risers. When she heard her name called for Queen, she stated, ‘That’s me!’ GiGi said that her crowning was the most exciting thing that ever happened to her, except for when she was escorted onto the field by the Prince, John Pignataro and crowned alongside King, Bennett Tilves. GiGi’s favorite parts of school are her teammates and her bus rides to away games, where she is just one of the ‘gang’.” “GiGi,” says Rosemary, “wishes she could stay in Mount Olive High School forever.” And for the Parisi family, the township of Mount Olive has been, in Parisi’s words, “a lifesaver.” “Our daughter has been embraced by a community that promotes inclusivity,” says Rosemary. “Mount Olive focuses on kindness and acceptance, throughout all grade levels. Mount Olive staunchly promotes the ideals of character. We believe that these initiatives have paid off. We are witnesses to the kindness and acceptance shown to those who are different. GiGi has been treated fairly, and equally, as she rose through the grade levels in the Mount Olive School System. The school is true to its mission statement of commitment to excellence and creativity in education by fostering a physically and emotionally safe environment. This environment promotes individual initiative and responsibility, while encouraging lifelong learning. For Gabriella, school has been her whole world. It is a place where she is academically and physically challenged. It is the center of her universe, where she finds friendships and camaraderie among peers.” “The Mount Olive School District is her second home.”
Page 36 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
Mount Olive Athlete Rewrites Record Books, Mentors Others
M By Steve Sears
att Kraemer’s story is one of improvement, adversity, overcoming adversity by not giving up, and success. Kraemer, a Mount Olive High School graduate, rewrote the Rider University Track & Field hammer throw record, but his career there was much more than just this accomplishment. Following a dissatisfying freshman year at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, Kraemer transferred to Randolph’s County College of Morris for a year. Anthony SanFilippo, Assistant Coach of Men’s and Women’s Track and Field at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is a former high school coach who knew Kraemer well and always remembered his work ethic, positive attitude, and leadership ability while at Mount Olive High School (where he threw shotput, discus, and javelin). When he learned of Kraemer’s desire to transfer from CCM, Sanfilippo immediately sought contact. “He came to Rider the following year with three years of eligibility left,” says SanFilippo. “His impact on our team was immediate. After the first year, he became our team captain, our top hammer and weight thrower, and an All-East performer in the hammer throw.” Kraemer’s junior year started out well, appearing to be a continuation of his sophomore season, but he was soon plagued by a herniated disk injury. “That rendered me pretty much useless,” says Kraemer. “It was right at the end of the indoor season and right into the outdoor season, and obviously anyone who does track will tell you outdoor is much better than indoor. You look forward to outdoor; they see indoor as training for outdoor. So, getting hurt like that was just terrible.” Kraemer approached SanFilippo as to how he could help the team while nursing
Photo credit Anthony SanFilippo
his injuries. SanFilippo’s advice carried much weight. “He struggled,” adds SanFilippo, “to regain form but never quit on his team and always looked for ways to help everyone else.” As Kraemer’s senior season was on the threshold, he sought to rehab from injuries, while at the same time mentoring other throwers. “As his back got better, his throws got longer...much longer,” says SanFilippo, who aided Kraemer by sitting with him many hours, studying his form via film and iPad, “breaking everything down, step-by-step,” per Kraemer, to better the senior’s scores and ability. “We built a really good relationship over the years,” attests Kraemer, “to be able to communicate like that.” In 2019, the 6’4” 230 lb. Kraemer would win his first conference title in the weight throw that indoor season, from the “seat” of the 4th seed, posting a 17.59m at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Indoor Championship. In the spring, he would go on
Mt. Olive Life • November 2019 • Page 37
to break the Rider University hammer throw record three times, earning a medal at the 125th Penn Relays with a career-high hammer throw of 56.99m, and garnering a silver medal in the same event at the conference championships at the Metro Atlantic Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Per SanFilippo, Kraemer “graduated as an irreplaceable part of our team and culture.” Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Head Coach Bob Hamer states, “Matt was a very accomplished athlete for us as a result of his strong commitment and dedication to his craft. I would see him in the weight room almost daily in the summer and he was always working closely with his event coach to make sure that he was doing everything that he could to be the best version of himself. It was also very admirable to see how he was such a great men-
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tor and inspiration to the younger athletes on the team. He led by example but also took the time to reach out and assist them in any way that he could.” “The guys at Rider will send me videos of their hammer or weight throws,” the 23-year-old Kraemer says, “and I’ll send a message to a thrower and say, ‘Just so you know, I’m going to rip your technique apart, but it’s all in love. I have to be honest. If I don’t tell you the hard truth about improving your technique, you’re
not going to get better.” “He really wanted to be great,” says Hamer, “but he also wanted this program to be great. He will always be remembered very fondly.”
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Page 38 • November 2019 • Mt. Olive Life
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To Find Her Daughter, Pamela’s Determined Search
By Richard Mabey Jr. have the honor and pleasure of knowing Pamela Reynolds Ross, since the first grade. For the most part, we were in each other’s classes all through grade school. We were very good friends. We stayed friends all through high school, but in attending a regional high school, sadly we lost a bit of the close friendship that we shared in grade school. Truly, Pamela is one of the kindest individuals whom I have ever known in my entire life. Pamela has been working very hard, for several decades, to find her biological daughter, whom Pamela gave up for adoption when she was only 17 years old. This was back in 1971. It was a different time then, a different culture. Nobly, Pamela signed adoption papers, thinking that would be best for her baby daughter. As the ink hit the paper, on the adoption papers, Pamela was truly alone. She was offered no legal counsel at all. She was offered no psychological counseling at all. The powers that be assured Pamela that she was doing the right thing. That giving up her baby daughter was for the best for her little daughter. In a room, the size of a closet, Pamela signed the adoption papers. Then, in a matter of seconds, her precious baby was whisked away from her, never to be seen by Pamela ever again. The biological father of Pamela’s beloved baby girl was a 24 year old Vietnam Veteran, whom Pamela had fallen deeply in love with. Dreams of marriage, a cottage, a white picket fence, were shattered, when the love of Pamela’s life, left her and shirked his responsibilities to help Pamela raise her beloved baby girl. Sadly, Pamela’s boyfriend at the time, suffered from a serious case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Fast forward to the present time. Pamela simply wants her biological daughter to have the option to have the opportunity to meet her, if she wants. Pamela’s daughter is now 48 years old and would be capable of making that decision on her own. In Pamela’s own words, here is her perspective in a nutshell. “The whole point is this: I’m not trying to replace the adoption family or win custody. I never wanted to put my daughter through a tuga-war. I simply would love to know she is well.
Importantly, she should have her vital health history. I’ve asked if someone would kindly contact her and let her know our contact information. At the age of 48, she can choose what she wants to do with that information.” So without further ado, here are the essential clues to the identity of Pamela’s biological daughter, whom Pamela relinquished for adoption back in 1971: Pamela gave birth to her baby girl on January 18th of 1971, at Chilton Hospital in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The adoptive father was an accountant. The adoptive mother was a registered nurse. The couple had a six year old son, at the time they adopted Pamela’s baby girl. Sadly, Pamela has not been able to find a court or agency that will attempt to contact the woman who Pamela gave birth to and relinquished for The biological father of adoption. Pamela’s beloved baby girl was The adoption process took a 24 year old Vietnam Veteran, place on November 16th of whom Pamela had fallen deeply 1971 at the Morris County in love with. Dreams of marriage, Courthouse in Morristown, a cottage, a white picket fence, New Jersey. The Adoption were shattered, when the love of Agency, Department of Children and Families, was also Pamela’s life, left her and shirked located in Morristown. The his responsibilities to help Pamela adoptive couple were both raise her beloved baby girl. Sadly, of the Roman Catholic faith. Pamela’s boyfriend at the time, From all indications, it apsuffered from a serious case of pears that this couple lived Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. in Morris County in 1971. Sadly, these are the only clues that Pamela has, in her search to locate her biological daughter. Pamela is now 66 years old. Her biological daughter, whom she gave up for adoption, is now 48 years old. Pamela is more determined than ever to find her daughter. Pamela is emotionally prepared, if her biological daughter does not want to talk to her or see her. But for Pamela, she just longs to know if her daughter is healthy, safe and sound. If any of these clues ring a bell for you, please do contact Pamela. Her email address is: paross@visuallink.com. Regardless of how far reaching it may seem, if you know anyone for whom these few clues fit, please do contact Pamela. It would mean so very much to Pamela.
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Tammy Abrusci (c) 973-229-3322 24 Yorkshire Drive, Washington Twp $481,000 Welcome home to this private 4 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, sanctuary in the highly sought after Yorkshire Estates in Long Valley. Open floor plan. Sun filled eat-in kitchen w slider out to deck w/pergola overlooking natures beauty. Cathedral ceiling gathering room w marble faced gas fireplace, great for entertaining. Spacious Master Suite w/ sitting area, walk-in closet and full bath. Partially finished walk-out basement, ample storage space. Shed/Horse barn. New Roof, July 2019. New HVAC, heat & A/C March 2017. Security System. Invisible Dog Fence. Includes Buyers Home Warranty. NJ TOP Rated School System #14. Great location for shopping, restaurants, farms and recreation. Easy access to Rt 46, 80, 206, 78. Great value!!
Martine Arndt (c) 732-801-7995 18 Sovereign Dr., Mount Olive Twp. $659,900 Best Value in Morris Hunt!!! Amazing 4750 sf Colonial w/ 5 BR, 3.5 BA, w/ quick closing available! Granite island & counter tops, formal DR, spacious FR w/ F/P & open flr plan, great for entertaining! Wonderful MBR suite w/ sitting rm, 2 WIC & sumptuous whirlpool bath & stall shower. 4 additional BR w/ jack & jill baths, private level yard w/ patio backs to woods w/ lots of room for a pool. 3 car garage, full basement can easily be finished for additional recreation. Quick closing available!
Sharon Caruso (c) 973-945-8142 95 Indigo Rd, Allamuchy Township $413,000 BETTER THAN NEW! No need to wait for TBB! - end unit with remodeled kitchen w/ white cabinets & Quartz counters -all new SS appliances. Buyer pays 1/10th of 1% of purchase price to PVPOA @closing. Located in the lovely community of Panther Valley, with a premium lot location, this home offers privacy and mountain views. Three bedrooms, including a very spacious master bedroom with a luxurious bathroom & large WI closet, a comfortable open living room with fireplace opening to deck, a formal dining room, a sensational finished lower level that opens to a patio are just some of the many outstanding features of this beautiful home. Offering 3 pools with tennis & recreational areas, it is conveniently located near to major highways, shopping, restaurants, hospitals, and houses of worship. Don’t miss it!
Kathy Hill (c) 973-219-6256
77 Fawnridge Dr., Washington Twp. $404,900 Wonderful opportunity to own a beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on over acre with all public utilities, natural gas and neighborhood playground area. Updated kitchen with granite counters, tile backsplash and breakfast bar, light and bright sunroom with natural gas stove overlooking private, wooded yard, warm and inviting family room with wood burning fireplace and adjacent office. Spacious living room with hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling and large picture window opens to formal dining room creating a wonderful open floor plan for entertaining. Generous master bedroom with access to full bath and two double door closets & three additional bedrooms. 2 car garage, expansive crawl space under living room for storage and beautiful private yard with patio. Great community and Long Valley top rated schools!
Vicki OLeary (c) 908-268-4345
HERITAGE Properties REMAX CONTINUES TO BE THE NUMBER ONE COMPANY IN CLOSED SALES IN OUR LOCAL TOWNS, YEAR TO DATE. MountOlive • Roxbury • Long Valley Mount Arlington • Hackettstown 7 Coursen Way, Morris Plains $565,000 Immaculate 4 BR 2 Baths brick front split level nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and surrounded by mature landscaped level property in the Holiday Ridge section of Morris Plains. MUST SEE! Upper level has over-sized bedroom with access to the attic through a walk-in closet. Main level features a beautiful bay window in the spacious sun lit living room and opens to the sizable dining area and eat-in kitchen with sliders leading to deck and patio for private outdoor entertaining. Perfect for the commuter! 5 minute drive to the Morris Plains train station, community center and pool, downtown shopping and restaurants, and Routes 202, 53 and 10. (SF per NJACTB)
Cindy Rec (c) 973-479-9266 14 Pathfinder Trail, Jefferson Township $229,000 Why rent, when you can buy? Great condo alternativ! Move right in ! Freshly painted, clean home ready for just your finishing personal touch .... Literally just move right in.... Great location, last home on the road, with privacy around ..... Central Air ... Newer Bathrooom, Beautiful and Bright Kitchen with Slider to Deck Area. Living Room with Vaulted Ceiling .... Bonus space in basement great for Rec Room or Office. Fenced level lot with detached Garage/Shed for storage or work area with extended driveway. Popular Shawnee Lake community with Park and Club House.... Recreations to include nearby park, 3 beaches, boat launch, fishing area and Clubhouse! Ideally located only minutes from Route 15/80 for commuting
Melissa Robertiello (c) 973-725-7175 938 Cedar Drive, Stillwater Twp. $249,000 One level living on a large corner lot, sheltered by shrubs and shaded by trees, a “true” ranch, with a large attached two car heated garage only a few steps to the house. New 3 bedroom septic being installed now, boiler 2017, roof 2010,updated Kitchen with Corian counter opens to a new sun drenched 14 X 12’ Dining Room overlooking the fenced garden .Large Master Bedroom , updated bath with a comfortable soaking tub. Large 21’ Great Room with cathedral ceiling warmed by a fieldstone fireplace. In a lake community with motorboating, tennis courts, lifeguarded beaches and the Paulinskill Trail. Both schools are blue ribbon Schools.
Sydney Uster (c) 908-246-8753 504 E Prospect St, Hackettstown $269,000 Adorable home in town’s most desirable neighborhood. This home is priced to sell! Extremely rare, oversized double lot, with plenty of space for entertaining outside\ In addition to the unbeatable location, this Home boasts a newer roof, newer windows, newer hot water heater, newer sump pump, newer basement waterproofing, and a new gas furnace that is approximately only 6 months old! Inside, the home has tremendous architectural appeal, lots of light, and gleaming hardwood floors! Home is conveniently located less than a mile from downtown Hackettstown, Centenary University, shopping, and restaurants. Located close to all major routes and highways. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Rebekah Weaver (c) 973-713-1690
Mount Olive Office Chester Office 293 Route 206 North 259 Main Street Flanders Chester 973-598-1700 908-879-4700 www.heritagepropertiesrealestate.com
Step inside this gleaming, move-in ready split level home with an oversized back yard for endless entertaining possibilities. This spacious home features 3 roomy BR, 1.5 BA and newly refinished hardwood floors throughout. You won’t want to leave the beautiful brand new kitchen, which is open to the living area. This house also features a brand new septic to the side of the back yard which leaves plenty of space to add an in-ground pool in the future if you so please. Come see this beautiful home before it’s too late!
Liza Wiley (c) 503-530-6166 4 Stone Briar Dr, Washington Twp. $739,900 If you appreciate quality, then this is a home not to be missed!Elegant custom home w many surprises to delight you! As you enter through the stone pillars up the winding driveway in a neighborhood of custom homes, you will know you are in for a treat! Large open outdoor spaces, beautiful landscaping & wooded areas surround this impressive home. Custom details: coved & tray ceilings, vaulted archways, custom moldings, trim. Rooms are light filled, generously sized, w/views & provide great entertainment flow.15 rooms include a Great Room, main floor office which overlooks the property. Master suite w sitting room, custom closet & luxurious bath. Paneled wine room, home theater, 2nd kitchen. custom bar, banquet area & exercise room. 3 car garage, front porch, koi pond etc .Conv. to shopping & commuter routes
Carol Borman (c) 908-581-9205 25 Hickory Ln, Washington Twp. $485,000 As you enter this home you will be amazed at the openness & light in the home. The rooms flow seamlessly into each other and the custom moldings enhance the space further. There is eucalyptus flooring throughout first floor along with a renovated full bath. The Ki tchen features Shaker style cabinetry, granite counters, Stainless Steel tiled backsplash & Stainless Steel appliances. There are sliders from the Kitchen & the Office/Den to the large patio & level rear yard. Upstairs the Master Suite has a large walk in closet, dressing area & renovated ensuite bath. The 3 other bedrooms are all a good size. There is hardwood flooring throughout second floor & an updated Main bath. This level open property backs up to town owned land. The solar roof panels are a cost saving addition too!
Mary Grant (c) 908-803-4523
254 Mission Rd, Washington Twp. $555,000 Magnificent 4-bedroom, 2 full & 2 half bath Colonial on 1.87 acres in Washington Twp w/ Top Rated Schools! Sweeping approach w/ manicured landscaping, paver path, portico entrance, & 2-car attached garage. Enter the 2 story foyer flanked by formal dining room w/ tray ceiling & living room w/ French doors to warm & inviting family room. FR feat. wood-burning fp & open flow to eat-in kitchen w/ door to large deck for easy entertaining. Kitchen incl: large center island, granite counters, custom cabinets, pantry, & high-end SS appliances. Upstairs, the primary suite feat. sitting room, boutique walk-in closet, & full bath w/ soaking tub & shower. 3 other bedrooms w/ roomy closets, & hall bath w/tub shower complete this level. Finished basement feat. bar, media room, recreation room, storage, & powder room.
Cindy Ruggiero (c) 908-399-3408 10 Noa Ct, Mount Olive $420,000 EXCELLENT price for this central hall colonial 4 Bd 3 full baths located at the end of a cul-de-sac over an acre of land. First floor boasts an open floor plan with EIK leading to spacious Family Room, complete with wood-burning Fireplace, plus formal Dining & Living Room, office. Expansive rear deck off breakfast room overlooking in-ground Pool/Yard. Master Bedroom Suite w/tray ceiling, sitting area, stall shower, jetted tub & walk-in closet. Full finished basement. hardwood floors, Home in need of TLC, AS is condition. 3th Party Approval Required
Dulce Ruivo (c) 201-993-0683
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