MOUNT OLIVE LIFE
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - Flames flickered across Budd Lake one early October evening—not from fireworks or bonfire, but from a handcrafted Viking ship set ablaze in memory of a beloved wife, teacher and friend.
Budd Lake resident Errol Ernstrom, 80, honored his wife’s life with a ceremony unlike any the township had seen before. About 25 family members and friends gathered at Budd Lake beach on Sunday, Oct. 19, for the Viking funeral of Carole Ernstrom.
With family roots from Swe-
den—Ernstrom’s dad was born in Sweden and lived there for 20 years before settling in the United States—Ernstrom was born and raised in New Jersey but wanted to have a traditional, meaningful ceremony to honor his wife.
“It is a Viking tradition and I wanted to have my wife remembered in this manner,” says Ernstrom, Budd Lake resident of the past eight years.
Carole Ernstrom lost her battle to cancer on August 16 at the age of 76.
“We were together for nine
years and married for four years,” details Ernstrom. They lived in Vasa Park taking ownership of his parents’ home after they died. A member of Arlington Lodge that meets in Vasa Park, Carole Ernstrom was a retired middle school teacher who taught French and Spanish in the Jefferson School District.
Just two weeks after she died, Ernstrom met a wood carver who wound up being the inspiration behind her funeral service. They were at Scanfest
Cheerleaders Lift Their Voices & Hearts Against Domestic Violence
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - They’re used to cheering for touchdowns, but this October, the Mt. Olive Jr. Marauders cheerleaders were rallying for something far more meaningful— hope, healing and a home free from violence. Through its annual Pink Sale— part of the MOJMCA Gives Back initiative— more than 180 cheerleaders traded their signature red and gold for
pink bows and spirit wear to raise funds for JBWS, a local nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic violence.
“This year we thought we’d do something different by donating money to support victims of domestic violence,” says Beth Figueira of Flanders, vice president of the Mt. Olive Jr. Marauders Cheer Association.
MOJMCA Gives Back is
Free Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Please come and Be Our Guest on Thanksgiving Day! We will be hosting a Traditional Thanksgiving Family Dinner for anyone who will be alone or any individual or family facing financial hardship on Thanksgiving Day at the Mt. Olive Senior Center starting at 1:00 p.m. Meal deliveries will also be available for drop off on November 26. MUST CALL TO RESERVE! Please call or text Mary Lalama at 973-768-1815 or email at mary.lalama@gmail.com to reserve your seat now. If anyone is interested in donating, please contact Mary Lalama as well.
an ongoing initiative, she explains.
“Every October we hold a Pink Sale spirit wear fundraiser and donate the proceeds,” says Figueira. “Last year we donated the proceeds of our Pink Sale to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We also donated to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry last year as part of our MOJMCA
Gives Back initiative.” With October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, MOJMCA thought the JBWS would be a fitting recipient.
JBWS is a local non-profit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and promoting safe homes and healthy
PLEASE SEE CHEERLEADERS, PAGE 6
From Loss to Light—Budd Lake Man Holds Viking Farewell for his Wife
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - When it comes to public health, Mt. Olive is at the top of the charts with a health officer recently named number one in the state and the health department striving for national accreditation.
Just 18 months serving as Mt. Olive’s Health Department Director of Health/Health Officer, Derrick Webb of West Orange has been named The N.J. Local Board of Health Association’s Health Officer of the Year for 2025. He was notified of his accomplishment just one week before the New Jersey Public Health Association’s Award Ceremony and dinner held on Oct. 16 at National Conference Center in East Windsor when he was recognized and presented with “a nice glass plaque,” de-
Derrick Webb scribes Webb. With Webb and Mt. Olive being a first-time recipient for this award, the health department and township leaders are quite proud of this achievement.
“Since formal recognition is rare in the public health field, receiving the award was a genuine shock,” shares
PAGE 2
Gobble Up the Goodness at MO’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
AREA - The winners from October’s “Find Mr. MO the Mascot” are Bernadette Russo; Netcong, Donna-Jean Lynott; Flanders, Reyansh R Pillai; Flanders and Thomas J Sulik; Budd Lake. The ads that “Mr. Moe” were in: Berk’s, Enzo’s Pizza, P&J Landscape Design, Beaumont Landscaping, Vision Source and Mountaintop Church. Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!
MOUNT OLIVE - Gobble, gobble gobble—it’s just about that time of year for Thanksgiving and for anyone alone or hungry to attend the annual Mt. Olive Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
In its ninth year, the dinner is set to be held Thursday, Nov. 27, at 12:30 p.m. at the Mt. Olive Senior Center in Budd Lake. For those not able to attend in person, volunteers will deliver meals on Wednesday, Nov. 26, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
AREA - Check out our mascot...Mr. Moe. Look for him in the ads in this issue and enter (no purchase necessary) to win a $25.00 gift card to different establishments (4 winners).
“Flanders Fire & Rescue for the last few years volunteer to deliver most if not all of the dinners,” says Councilmember Mary Lalama, organizer of the event. “They are great; and Jim Staszak just let me know they voted on helping us again this year.”
Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of year where families and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company and a festive meal. But not everyone has family nor friends around to share this traditional holiday with.
paperonline.com/fi nd-contest. html scroll down and fill out the form to be entered. Winners will be notified and printed in the next issue. Your Chance to Win a $25 Gift
It is easy to enter. Look through the paper and read the ads and look for “Mr. Moe” in the ads. He will be located throughout the paper in 6 random ads. Then go to https://www.my-
Longtime Mt. Olive resident Lalama has put her feather in her cap for almost a decade now to fill that void. When asked how many people she has fed since she began this initiative, she responds, “Wow….a lot! Over the past few years, we have been deliv-
Errol and Carole Ernstrom
Cheerleaders from left to right: Katherine Ottoson, Giulia Laverty, Lucy Jeannette, Brooke Figueira, and Elena Corro. Colleen Bewalder of Flanders accepted the check on behalf of JBWS. She works as their Wellness Coordinator for their W.I.S.H. program.
My Most Common Dental Implant Questions
Ira
Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
I’ve been performing & teaching dental implant procedures for 30 years. Throughout these 3 decades I’ve fielded lots of questions, so I thought I’d present some Q&A’s here. After reading this article, look at our website for more information, or give us a call for a personalized consultation.
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work I need?
A: Treatments can vary significantly, and you would need a consultation and/or proper exam to determine your particular financial investment. An implant, abutment, & crown for a back tooth without an extraction, grafting, or temporary is approximately $4,500. A full jaw of implants in an arrangement called “All-On-Four” can be as much as $25,000. Some patients will manage their financial investment outright on their own, while others may need assistance from financing programs such as Care Credit or Proceed Lending. Over the last number of years we have been seeing dental insurance kick in funds, but don’t expect it to cover the majority. Treatments may also span a number of months, so a monthly financial arrangement may also be possible.
Health Officer...
Webb. “More than anything, I felt immense appreciation for the acknowledgment it brought—a clear sign that our health department’s hard work was not going unnoticed.
“This is the first time I’ve been chosen for this award, which annually recognizes one health officer among the nearly 100 active health officers currently serving in New Jersey,” adds Webb.
Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro says, “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Derek on receiving this well-deserved recognition. He is an outstanding leader who continues to set a high standard for excellence in public health.
“Thanks to his leadership and the dedication of our entire team, Mt. Olive has one of the best health departments in the area,” adds Nicastro. “We are proud of the incredible work they do every day to keep our community healthy and safe.”
Agrees Michele Doucette, administrative health officer assistant and BOH Secretary, “The Health Officer of the Year awarded to Derrick is well deserved. I have worked with Derrick for over 11 years his hard work and passion for public health is outstanding.”
Susan Downer, chief environmental health specialist who has worked with Derrick for 12 years says, “I would like to extend my congratulations to Derrick on his selection as Health Officer of the Year.” Webb was nominated by
Take a look at our website under the financing options; we have links to our two primary lending vendors.
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the New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association Executive Committee for this award.
Recipients are generally recognized for: Exceptional Professional Service, demonstrating outstanding performance in the execution of the health officer’s administrative and statutory duties throughout the year; leadership and impact, implementing significant, innovative programs or initiatives that demonstrably improve public health outcomes within the state; commitment to public health standards, ensuring that local health departments meet or exceed the Public Health Practice Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health; and community and association involvement, providing leadership and service to the broader public health community, Webb details. Hard Work Pays Off Webb was promoted to health officer of Mt. Olive on July 1, 2024, working his way up since 2013 when he began his first role for the Mt. Olive Health Department as a registered environmental health specialist.
“I quickly advanced,” details Webb. “This progression included a promotion to deputy director of health in 2017 and later to assistant health officer, serving under Health Officer Trevor Weigle.”
Studying public health in college and then working in the field ever since, Webb has the expertise and background that led to his excellence in the health field.
Webb received a bachelor’s
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am-7pm Sat.: 9am-6pm • Sun.: 11am-4pm
264 Route 206, Flanders
856.842-0427 sale@gmail.com
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.
in public health, with a concentration in Public Health Preparedness, from Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School and a master’s in public health from Walden University.
“My professional background encompasses over 16 years of dedication to local public health, specifically in environmental health and supervisory capacities,” details Webb. “I have gained valuable, hands-on experience working in several distinct municipalities: The City of East Orange, Camden County, Wayne Township and the Township of Mt. Olive.
“Beyond municipal service, I actively shape state policy and practice through various leadership positions, including president-elect of the New Jersey Environmental Health Association (NJEHA), Board of Director for the N.J. Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO), chair of the Morris Regional Public Health Partnership (MRPHP), treasurer of the Morris County Health Officer Association, and a member of the N.J. Department of Health’s Licensing and Examination Board,” he adds.
As a health officer, Webb has a healthy list of responsibilities. As the chief executive officer (CEO) for the Mt. Olive Health Department, his core responsibility is the “strategic maintenance, protection and promotion of resident health across a broad jurisdiction. I currently direct all public health programs and activities for six distinct municipali-
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ties—Mt. Olive, Netcong, Mt. Arlington, Mine Hill, Wharton and Mountain Lakes—collectively serving a population exceeding 50,000 residents.
“My administrative leadership is centered on strategic planning, beginning with evaluating current health problems using assessments like the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to ensure resources are accurately deployed,” details Webb. “I am responsible for developing comprehensive programs, ranging from communicable disease control and immunizations to emergency preparedness and environmental health services. Ultimately, I ensure that all departmental activities uphold the strictest state and federal public health regulations.”
Health Department Also Recognized
grafting, full arch implants such as All-On-Four or bite issues, then you may need to attention of other implant experts. The best advice I can give is that if you have any questions or hesitations, go for a second opinion. We rarely see new patients anymore that have not gone for one or two other consultations; its just the way consumers evaluate the marketplace anymore.
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Recognition for Mt. Olive was contagious this year as the Mt. Olive Health Department also received an award for achieving PHAB Pathways Recognition.
“We are the first Health Department in New Jersey to receive this designation,” Webb shares proudly.
The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Pathways Recognition Program
“is a significant national distinction in the public health field,” says Webb. “The health department had to demonstrate that it was committed to continuous performance improvement in pursuit of full public health national accreditation. The department will receive support and guidance toward full public health accreditation efforts.”
Looks like a bright healthy future is on the horizon in Mt.
aware that their patients require specialized attention. Its likely that I’ve treated your situation before, and I can help you. About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 30 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. He lectures to dentists in the field of implantology. 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 Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist, and also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Olive with new initiatives and a larger space. Plans were recently approved and announced that Mt. Olive will be expanding the Mt. Olive Senior Center to include an addition to house the Mt. Olive Health Department, which is currently in a shared building with the Mt. Olive Police Department.
“In 2026, the department plans to expand our capacity to support community social service needs and increase our presence on social media to enhance health education efforts,” adds Webb.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to the Board of Health, the mayor, and the council,” concludes Webb. “Your continued support is essential to the success of our work. We deeply appreciate your commitment to the department.”
Dental
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
Viking Farewell...
on Aug. 31, held every Sunday during Labor Day, when he met 35-year old Lionel Mauclaire of Englewood, a professional Viking ship builder and founder of Viking Farewell at VikingFarewell.com.
“He told me about the boat and wanted to do this in memory of my wife Carole Ernstrom, who passed away recently,” explains Ernstrom.
“We coincidentally sat next to each other for lunch and struck up a lively conversation,” explains Mauclaire. “When I learned that this lively friendly fellow had undergone such a loss so recently, I wanted to do something meaningful for him.
“We got to chatting about what I do, and Errol was curious about the ships,” he continues.
“When I learned from him that his wife Carole had passed only two weeks prior, I was drawn to dedicate something to her memory as it was clear from the raw sadness in Errol’s eyes that the loss of her was a massive blow.”
It really was a meeting by chance as Mauclaire was not local to the area, but his work drew him to the Scandanavian festival. He attended the fest to understand more about the N.J. Norse cultural events and organizations for his new celebration of life company.
“I believe that doing beautiful things for good people is core to my mission at VikingFarwell,” explains Mauclaire. “I want to enable people to connect with the profound experience of loss at a primal level again. At the stage that my newly founded business was in, I was close to prepared to test out the aquatic ritual. It didn’t take me long to decide that my very first boat burning would be for Carole as a tribute to her life and community involvement.”
Viking Funeral Ritual
For a traditional Viking funeral, “Typically the body is on the full-size boat, and it is set on fire and burns,” explains Ernstrom. “This allows the person to enter Valhalla which is heaven.”
Mauclaire explains it further. “I don’t deal with actual human remains and this leaves it open to the specific interpretation of the event rather than implying a set of established practices,” he shares. “In my version of this ritual, a scaled down ceremonial version of a dragon warship is launched from shore bearing a memento or two from the life of the deceased, so that the ship can bear the spirit of the beloved Viking to the Viking afterlife realm, Valhalla.
“The typical interpretation has the ship set on fire, possibly with a flaming arrow shot at it,” he continues. “The consumption of the ship by the fire, represents the spirit being set free from its earthly material bindings. While burning ships on water is not known as an actual Viking period practice from the historical evidence, I believe that the beauty of this ritual and its symbolism are a unique sort of therapeutic theater that helps naturally evoke the grief which we as a society have fewer healthy ways to process than ever.
“Using motifs and symbols from those ancient times gives the scene an older, timeless feel, evocative of cruder, more raw experiences and an age where death could be around the next bend,” continues Mauclaire.
“My goal is to use my ships as a setting for bespoke end of life celebrations in a Viking style tradition. The specific details of each ritual are more custom to each customer’s wishes and offer a great amount of personalization.”
For Ernstrom’s service for his wife, Mauclaire built the Viking ship and conducted the burning ritual which he explains.
“Generally, there is a ship christening ideally using water from the nearby lake, a verbal invocation inviting the Valkyrie to carry our dear friend to the afterlife and a ceremonial ship launch followed by a burning of the effigy ship,” details Mauclaire.
“This amended grief ritual
represents the final journey that we make after leaving the mortal plane in the norse tradition,” he continues. “I also make and use magical looking rune stones and mostly handmade replicas of Viking tools and clothing from their daily lives to deepen the immersion.”
After 400 hours, Mauclaire completed the ship for Ernstrom’s service.
In charge of the entire operation, “I cut down the pine tree, make planks, sand them, shape them, fit them into boat pieces, design the ship, build it, advertise it, cut the sails, shape the oars everything from start to finish,” he details.
Mauclaire’s passion for his work developed from his heritage, youth and education in this craft and ritual.
“My interest in Viking shipbuilding began due to my adopted Finnish heritage and I even speak portions of old Norse through an old Swedish dialect my folks spoke at home, and I learned growing up,” he shares.
“I’ve always worked with detailed crafts and wood since I was a boy learning to whittle,” he explains about his passion which led him to his expertise.
He began by reading portions of the Icelandic sagas and academic work about Viking ships and their use, he says.
“After a lot of education, I learned and, in some cases, even made tools to use modern and traditional methods to start making prototype ships,” he shares. “The curved planks are bent over time with heat and water. The dragon head is hand carved oak whittled by me.”
Mauclaire got serious five years ago when “I started it as a hobby during the pandemic when I was working from home at my corporate tech sales job,” he explains. “I am almost entirely self-taught although I’ve been lucky enough to have a few key resources in the wood working space. Working on his fifth ship, he
has embraced his purpose.
As they watched the handcrafted Viking ship drift away in Budd Lake, Ernstrom was grateful to his new friend as he said his final goodbye to his beloved wife.
“It was a great ceremony,” says Ernstrom, “however we had a gust of wind that disrupted the service.”
The wind may have scattered the smoke that night, but those who gathered at Budd Lake knew they had witnessed something timeless. It wasn’t just a farewell for Ernstrom, but a celebration—a reminder that love, memory and community can carry us farther than any ship ever could.
Contact lionelm@vikingfarewell.com for a grief ritual service and Vikingfarewell. com for a newsletter, ship orders and accessories.
Santa Swaps Sleigh for Fire Truck in Flanders Holiday Tradition
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - Ho, ho, ho and away we go—December is right around the corner and so is Santa ready to pull up to homes in Mt. Olive for family photos and holiday sparkle, spirit and festive joy.
Returning as seasons’ past for the past five years, the Flanders Fire and Rescue Department will be delivering Christmas cheer through its beloved Santa Gift Tour, led by Flanders Fire Chief Tyler Wargo and EMS 1st Lieutenant Jim Staszak.
Dressed in red and fueled by holiday spirit, these hometown heroes turn sirens into sleigh bells—bringing joy, laughter, and a little Christmas magic to doorsteps across
town when they roll up in their fire truck.
“The biggest and most rewarding aspect is touching the hearts of the kids and families within the community,” says Chief Wargo. “Just seeing the children’s expression when Santa steps out of the Fire Truck is the most rewarding part of the Santa Gift Tour,” adds Staszak. “I know the members who assist Santa have said it helps bring out the Christmas spirit in them.”
The Santa Gift Tour Committee consists of Wargo and Staszak, long-time volunteers who also live in Flanders.
Wargo has been with Flanders Fire and Rescue for 22 years
and Staszak for 11 years.
Their efforts of bringing holiday cheer to the town date more than two decades.
Explains Wargo, “18 years ago I took over as Santa after Larry Cooper passed away. My initiative was going to the children and would seek out children with disabilities and grew it to what it is today with collaboration amongst other members.”
He started the Santa’s Gift Tour five years ago and he and Staszak are the two Santas that show up on the fire trucks to take family photos.
“Our members do most of the work and enjoy dressing up,” says Staszak.
This year they started
the tour Nov. 1 to allow for enough dates for families to participate.
Parents sign up and pay for a date and time for Santa’s Visit to their home, details Staszak. Parents can sign up at cur8.com and search Flanders Fire. Santa arrives on a Flanders Fire Truck accompanied by Flanders Elves. Each stop can have an unlimited number of children present for the visit.
The dates and times vary with morning, afternoon and evening time slots, with the final date set for Dec. 17.
“Parents can use their cell phones for pictures with Santa and his elves,” says Staszak. Parents can take as many photos as they want during Santa’s visit, which lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.
Last year The Santa Gift Tour visited about 48 homes, he adds.
“Santa visited with children with serious illnesses and escorted two Flanders Military Service Members returning home from their deployments to surprise their children,” says Staszak.
While the tour brings cheer and smiles to families around town, it also helps to support Flanders Fire and Rescue and its other initiatives. Last year, The Santa Gift Tour raised more than $5,000, shares Staszak.
“Proceeds from the Santa Gift Tour are used to purchase fire prevention education materials that are used during our visits to the elementary schools,” says Staszak. “Also helps pay for the Glow Safety sticks and Glow Safety necklaces that are given out to children trick or treating on Halloween as well as the candy
canes each child gets during the Santa Run before Christmas.
“If any funds are leftover, we use them to maintain our firehouse,” adds Staszak. “Flanders Fire and Rescue owns and maintains the firehouse.”
Parents can sign up for the Santa Gift Tour at cur8. com just search Flanders Fire on the site.
“We hope to raise a little more or the same as last year,” he says.
The Christmas festivities do not end with the tour.
Flanders Fire and Rescue also hold an Annual Santa Run on the Saturday before
Christmas, adds Staszak. This year it is set for Dec. 20 starting about 9:30 a.m. lasting until about 5 p.m.
“The Annual Santa Run has Santa visiting every street in the Flanders Fire and Rescue Response Area,” details Staszak. “Santa usually walks down each street and wishes the children a Merry Christmas. Each child is given a candy cane by Santa or an elf.” For the “Annual Santa Run, just listen for the sirens,” he says with a ho, ho, ho laugh.
“Flanders Fire and Rescue want to thank the community for their continued support of us and our events,” he concludes.
What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at production@mylifepublications.com
Estella Johannsen with Santa(Chief Wargo)
I Remember Dad: So Be, These Precious Attic Treasures
BY RICHARD MABEY, JR.
A great photo of my dad, Richard Mabey Sr., in 1997.
AREA - My grandmother, Bertha Storms Mabey, once told me that when my dad came home from the war that he became a bit of a recluse. He spent hours upon hours working on his train set layout in the upstairs hallway. Grandma also told me that Dad lost himself in book after book. Simply put, Dad loved to read. In 1946, when Dad came home to his family homestead at the end of Mabey Lane, Grandma told me that my father had become very quiet and withdrawn. Dad had returned from a long stay at Hickam Air Field in
Hawaii, which was located right next to Pearl Harbor. While Dad was not present at the time of the Japanese air attack, my father did help in cleaning up Hickam after the Japanese attack. It was something that my father could hardly ever talk about. And, the very few times that he did talk about it, he would get very emotional.
Right after he came home from Hickam Air Field, Dad began working at Moon Carrier Trucking Company. Grandma told me that Dad saved every penny he could. And, in 1950, Dad and his brother, Edward, founded Mabey Trucking Company. In the year, 2004, my father had a strong, spiritual calling to move to Central Pennsylvania, to live in the midst of the many Amish farms that abounded along the Lincoln Highway, just to the west of Chambersburg. My dear father was now weakened from being in the midst of fighting colon cancer. So, one Saturday, Dad asked me to climb the attic ladder and hand down the boxes and boxes of stuff that had been stored in our attic for years. As I stood in the attic, fac-
Cheerleaders...
relationships.
The MOJMCA is Mt. Olive Recreation’s cheer program. It is open to girls who live in Mt. Olive from grade two through eight. The girls cheer for the Mount Olive Jr. Marauders Football teams.
Help running the show alongside Figueira are Co-Presidents Sara Jeannette and Kristy Nicoli; Treasurer Lauren Lockhart; and Secretary Nikki Ottoson.
“My daughter has been a part of the rec cheer program for three years now,” explains Figueira of her involvement. She is also an advisor for her squad, a role she has had for the past three years, and she joined the exec board last year.
Its Pink Sale was open to all of its cheer squads, which adds up to about 180 cheerleaders
and their families, shares Figueira.
Held every October, the Pink Sale is an online store featuring pink Marauder gear for the local cheerleaders and their families to proudly show their Marauder pride.
“We raised money by selling spirit wear,” explains Figueira.
“All of our cheer squads wear pink/white socks and pink hair bows to our games during the month of October. This is different than our traditional red, gold and black ensemble that we wear during other months.”
Through its fundraiser, MOJMCA donated $500 to JWBS. The donation was given at a game on Saturday, Oct. 11.
“It was proudly accepted by Colleen Bewalder,” says Figueira. “She’s their wellness coordinator for their W.I.S.H program.”
ing the windows looking out to Route 202, there on my left hand side, in a corner, were four old cardboard boxes. They were filled with both, paperback and hard cover books. I hollered down to Dad, who was standing by the ladder in the hallway of the old Mabey Homestead of my find. Dad simply asked me to bring them down for him. There in those four old cardboard boxes were the golden gems of literature. Books by John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner abounded. And, then there was the most precious book of all, a first edition printing of Thomas Wolfe’s classic, “Look Homeward, Angel.”
As Dad and I went through his incredible collection of books, it felt like it was Christmas time. But instead of wrapped gifts, I was opening the cover to some of the greatest books ever written.
I remember this like it was yesterday, Dad proudly proclaimed to me, “you know, Richie, I’ve read every one of these books. Mostly from when I came home from the war, before I met your mother. All I really did back then was work,
The MOJMCA is proud of the fundraiser’s success this year and grateful for the community’s support.
“We’re thrilled to see our cheerleaders and families rally behind such an important cause,” MOJMCA shares in its social media post. “Thank you to everyone who supported the Pink Sale—your generosity is making a difference.”
Before they put their pom poms away for the season, the girls look forward to its next fundraiser.
“We are looking forward to an upcoming Kendra Scott jewelry fundraiser, hopefully in time for the holidays!” concludes Figueira. “We look forward to participating in more opportunities where we have our girls give back to their community and others.”
read books and work on my train layout.”
Then I remember how my father kind of laughed to himself. And then he said with a smile, “of course that all changed after I started dating your mom.”
I was in awe of my father’s incredible collection of books. The apple had not fallen from the tree. For the majority of the books that were in one of Dad’s four cardboard boxes, were the same authors and titles that I had read in my youth.
In May, it will be 20 years
ering about 150 meals and have about 50 people on Thanksgiving.”
Most of the attendees are typically from Mt. Olive “but it is open to anyone anywhere,” says Lalama who expects even a larger crowd this year.
“I am anticipating more than last year due to the high increase in food/living costs,” she says. “Hoping to help as many as possible.”
Attendees can expect a salad, pasta, complete Thanksgiving dinner: Turkey, stuffing, veggies, mashed and sweet potatoes, dessert (pies).
“The meals are the same, except in person we do have antipasti trays on each table, compliments of Branda’s Italian Grill, and we get pretzels from Philly Pretzels in Hackettstown,” adds Lalama.
And who knows if there will be any surprises this year.
“Usually we keep it the same, but sometimes we get surprises from local businesses bringing us extra things,” says Lalama. “One year the Girl Scouts made centerpieces and another year they made “special” notes to everyone that came to the dinner.”
Getting all of the turkey either donated or cooked may be trickier this year.
Last year, Lalama and her husband Mayor Joe Nicastro
since my beloved father went Home to be with the Lord. While my father won out in his battle with colon cancer, he sadly lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, in May of 2006.
My father was one of the wisest individuals whom I have ever known. While Dad left school to enlist in the Unites States Army Air Corps, he studied and earned his GED in 1972.
My father then attended classes and seminars at Drew University and became a fully recognized Lay Leader of the United
used their unique oven at Hackettstown Bagel, which they used to own. The oven had five shelves assembled like a ferris wheel that rotates so was able to roast several turkeys at one time sized 14 to 20 pounds.
They may be able to cook some turkeys at the BBQ Pit in Budd Lake if need be.
“I get a lot of people from the community to donate their turkeys, and I buy the extras,” says Lalama. “I will need about 15 turkeys again this year. Unofficially we have the BBQ place which we are trying to work out the details of cooking all the turkeys there…. being smoked.”
Lalama is grateful to any person or company who can donate to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner: “Turkeys, paper products, even gift cards for ShopRite, anything is really appreciated!
“I would love any company to donate and would so appreciate anything,” says Lalama. “LongHorn Steak house has always been amazing donating a lot of food…trays of veggies, potatoes, etc. I did get a donation of bags (150) for deliveries from Verizon of Flanders.”
Methodist Church. I am immensely grateful for all my father taught me in scouts and in life, in general. It’s a debt I can only recognize, but never repay. I so dearly miss my beloved father. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
“I try to help wherever I see a need as best as I can,” says Lalama. “I have a compassion for the elderly, especially those that have no one. I can’t imagine spending a holiday alone with no one to share it with, let alone not being able to afford to buy groceries.
“Also, I was a single mom and struggled for years with three children, working two to three jobs, so I know firsthand the struggles,” she adds. “I hate to see families, single moms/ dads financially strapped, so I try to offer a family dinner for those in need. Initially, when I first started, I wanted everyone to experience a holiday surrounded by people who truly care and make it like they are dining at a restaurant; that is why we have a sit-down dinner where they are all served and treated special.”
Pass the turkey please, and the invite.
“Please pass the information on to anyone in need or who is alone,” concludes Lalama. “I want no one to go without this Thanksgiving! We welcome families of all sizes.”
It was too early to tell how many dinners she will need to make but she “anticipates at least 150 dinners delivered.” Last year she fed 200 people through the initiative from Mt. Olive, Hackettstown and Netcong. That is certainly a lot of shopping, meal prepping and delivering but Lalama has not hung up her turkey cap just yet.
Halloween Kindness Casts a Sweet Spell at Goryeb
MOUNT OLIVE - Her trick: Welcoming and soliciting any donations from the community.
Her treat: Providing Halloween themed items to the children at Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown.
This past October was trick and treat for Danielle Fico Woelki of Budd Lake who organized the third Annie-versary Halloween Treats donation drive for Goryeb Children’s Hospital. With her collection bins open all October, Woelki brought some spooktacular cheer to many children to celebrate Halloween.
“With help from Andrew Tatarenko, the OEM of Mount Olive Township, and Jenna Murphy, a donation bin has been placed inside the Town Hall lobby for community dropoffs,” she explains. “Last year, we filled several large donation bins with hundreds of items, enough to bring smiles to many children at Goryeb.” They collected Halloween-themed items such as stickers, small toys, trick-or-treat baskets, pencils, trinkets, and individually wrapped snacks like animal crackers, Goldfish, and pretzels.
“We avoid candy due to allergy concerns and hospital
guidelines; everything donated must be individually wrapped and free of common allergens,” she explains.
“Approximately 50 children benefit from these donations each year, depending on how many patients come and go during the Halloween season,” adds Woelki. “I hope to double what we collected last year! The goal is to fill even more bins and reach as many children as possible.”
While so many children get to enjoy the holiday with their school parades and go door to door for some treats, there are others who are restricted from celebrating. Woelki explains why she chose the children’s hospital as its recipient for her donation drive.
“I’ll forever be grateful for how amazing the staff at Goryeb Children’s Hospital treated not only us as parents but, most importantly, both of my children when they were young and had to be admitted,” says Woelki.
“Their kindness and compassion left a lasting mark on my heart, and this is my way of giving back to a place that gave so much to us.”
Woelki learned about kindness from her mom.
“I started this in 2023, in
memory of my mom, Annie, who always made sure the children’s hospital was on her holiday giving list,” says Woelki. “My mom’s name was Annie. She lived in New Jersey and spent many years giving back to the community, especially through donations to Goryeb Children’s Hospital. She believed every child deserved to smile, no matter their circumstances, and she loved finding thoughtful gifts to brighten their days.”
Halloween was always a treat in her household.
“Halloween was one of my mom’s favorite times of year, she loved the creativity, the costumes, and the fun spirit of it all,” says Woelki. “October is also her birthday month, so this time of year holds extra meaning. I wanted to bring that same joy to children who may not get to go trick-or-treating because they’re in the hospital.
“Every small act of kindness adds up to something truly special,” she adds.
After the winter holidays, Woelki organizes another drive.
“Following this drive, I’ll be organizing our annual Valentine’s Day Donation Drive for local seniors in partnership with Jennifer Faines, Andrew
Tatarenko and Jenna Murphy,” shares Woelki.
“We’ve also already held a fun community group contest where three winners, voted on by the community, won Amazon gift cards and a custom-made Hello Mount Olive, New Jersey mug,” she adds. “It’s a great way to celebrate local engagement and give back to the people who keep these initiatives going strong.”
Woelki recently started a new community Facebook
page: Hello Mount Olive.
“The page is on Facebook, created to share updates, photos and future donation drives,” she says. “The only rules are kindness, respect and community spirit; everyone is welcome to be part of something good.”
To sign up, go to https://www. facebook.com/share/g/1FcPDTVDwd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
“The page is just getting started, but we already have several community members following and engaging with
posts,” says Woelki. “It’s growing every day! We are currently at 2,500 members.”
Woelki is very appreciative to anyone who gives back to help another.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who continues to support these initiatives,” concludes Woelki. “Each act of giving, no matter how small, carries my mom’s spirit forward and helps keep her legacy of kindness alive.”
Student’s Birthday Wish Inspires Love for Reading at Tinc
Chester Festival of Trees
AREA - The Festival of Trees will be held on Saturday, December 6th – Saturday, December 13 at the Barn at Highlands Ridge Park, 100 North Road, Chester, NJ. The Festival of Trees is a community event sponsored by the Senior Resource Center (SRC). It features a spectacular display of decorated holiday trees of all sizes for viewing and for sale, all within a winter wonderland setting. Donations are also accepted towards the purchase of trees for local families. Visit Santa and enjoy entertainment throughout the week. Visit the gift table for holiday items at reasonable prices! All proceeds
benefit the SRC.
Cost: Adults: $10, Seniors & Students: $5. Credit cards accepted.
For hours and additional information: https://sites.google. com/view/chesterfot/home.
Questions: festivaloftreessrc@gmail.com
Pop Tops Collected
MOUNT OLIVE - Mayor Nicastro would like to tahnk everyone in the community for their incredible support! Because of your efforts in collecting pop tabs, we’ve made our very first drop-off to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Your help provides vital assistance to families with children receiving medical treatment. Let’s keep the enthusiasm going—together, we can make an even bigger impact! Drop off locations are in the lobby at Town Hall, Branda’s Italian Grill, Enzo’s Ristorante and Pizzeria and Budd Lake Diner. In photo is John Geiger , Foreman Mount Olive Township and Eric Gabriel who is with RE-PUBLIC SERVICES.
asked to meet with Mr. Grilo in Nov. of 2024, about an idea she had,” explains Grilo about how the idea came about.
“It
the students a selection of books to borrow or exchange an old favorite and encourages them to develop their reading skills in a quiet location right on campus,” he adds.
The new little library is in the Tinc Road School Outdoor Reading Corner on the playground in front of the school.
Standing about 40 inches high and 24 inches wide, the little library is made of wood with a wooden door frame and Plexiglass window, describes Grilo.
While the main township library is situated about a mile up the street, this smaller library is perfect for students to utilize while on school grounds.
“This idea was the brainchild of Emma Florey, a kindergartner last year, when she
“Instead of having a birthday party for herself, she wanted to give something back to the Tinc Road School community that she was a part of,” he details. “She came up with the idea of using the funds her family would spend on a birthday party to donate a Little Library to Tinc Road School.”
A good idea which got only better when her peers joined the party.
“She involved other students by soliciting ideas of art to decorate the little library that would represent the students of Tinc Road Elementary,” adds Grilo.
Construction of the little library followed.
A small price to pay for a wish created by a big heart, the little library cost “Approximately $250 total donated by the Florey Family,” says Grilo. Unlike the traditional library where patrons need a library card, the little library operates two ways: “Students can donate a book and exchange it for a book in return. Students can borrow a book from the library while visiting or during recess and return it when they have completed reading it.” All books at the little library are age-appropriate books for elementary children in grades kindergarten through fifth. Happy belated birthday to Emma Florey and happy reading Tinc Rd. School community!
“The Florey family completed construction in the spring of 2025 and the Mt. Olive Township School District Facilities Department under the leadership of the Director of Facilities Mike Cimmino installed the library in September of 2025,” says Grilo. “The Florey Family donated books to stock the little library and it was inaugurated Oct. 1.”
MO Schools Get Smart with Digital Hall Pass System
MOUNT OLIVE - Do you know where your students are?
School administrators in Mt. Olive have gotten smarter when it comes to student safety and security.
The Mt. Olive Twp. School District has implemented a new technique to manage and tract students throughout the school day. SmartPass is now being used at Mt. Olive High School and Mt. Olive Middle School.
The initiative went into effect at the beginning of the school year on Sept. 2 and it is one school officials just could not pass up!
“The program allows us to better monitor students and prioritize safety and security,” says Susan Zwastetzky, acting principal at Mt. Olive High
Beginner:
School.
“It also allows us to determine how much class time is missed and utilize this information to better guide students towards academic success,” she adds. “The data can be utilized in parent meetings to provide a big picture of missed opportunities for learning.”
The initiative was developed by the company SmartPass and numerous schools now utilize it to “Take control of hallway traffic,” as stated on the company’s site. “SmartPass empowers both students and educators, minimizes classroom disruptions, maximizes instructional time and makes student management easier and less stressful.”
It provides a comprehensive
digital record of missed class time; manages virtual queues, room capacities and pass limits; and detects and automatically blocks students from meeting up, as described on the company’s site.
When school leaders in Mt. Olive learned of the initiative they discussed its benefits and agreed to invest in the technology.
“SmartPass was discussed during the board committee meetings with focus during the Curriculum and Instruction Committee,” shares Zwastetzky. “All board members were supportive of the idea platform to further enhance our safety and security.”
Cost for the program is $15K, she adds. It is being uti-
lized by all students in grades six through 12. That equates to approximately 1,150 students at MOMS and 1,490 at the high school.
With SmartPass, “Students request an electronic pass on their Chromebooks; the application grants the request based upon the number of requests previously made that day and the number of students in the restroom at the time of the request,” details Zwastetzky. “Students are placed in queue if there are too many students out at the same time. Staff can also create a pass for a student at any time.”
Zwastetzky explains why the initiative is just being used at the higher grade levels.
“At the middle and high
school levels, students have greater independence and more frequent transitions throughout the day, so SmartPass provides an extra layer of structure and supervision that keeps our buildings running smoothly,” she explains.
“Elementary schools, on the other hand, operate on a more self-contained classroom model, where teachers already maintain close supervision of students throughout the day,” she continues. “For that reason, the benefits of SmartPass are most impactful at the secondary level, where students are moving between multiple classrooms and staff members.”
When it comes to safety and accountability, there is no substitute!
Mt. Olive Library Happenings
brary! These small, intimate classes are perfect for anyone looking to learn the art of crochet, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced crocheter wanting to enhance your skills. Please register for a session based on your skill level.
Participants will need to bring their own crochet hooks and yarn. Registration is required at www.mopl.org.
Fall Workshop for Seniors - Thursday, November 13 at 1 pm
Come join the fun as we
make cornucopias! You’ll turn edible ingredients into a work of art.
All supplies are included.
This program is geared towards Seniors. Registration is required as spots are limited.
Watercolor With May - A four week session on Thursdays at 6 pm
Join May for a watercolor class at the library and reconnect with your inner creative side! Participants will have the chance to create different designs while applying the same techniques learned in class.
Supplies are included and no experience is needed.
The specific class dates are:
11/13/25, 11/20/25, 12/18/25 and 1/8/26.
Registration is required at www.mopl.org as spots are limited.
French ConversationSaturday, November 15 from 10:30 - 12:30
Let’s get together for some French conversation! More information is available at ww.mopl.org. Registration is required as spots are limited.
Hatha Yoga
Two Sessions: Monday, November 17 at 10:30 am and Monday, November 24 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 listed start time. Registration is required. Please register for each individual session at www.mopl.org.
Bingo for Adults - Monday, November 17 at 1 pm
Enjoy bingo? Come play bingo at the library and compete to win advance reader copies of interesting books! Registration is required as spots are limited. Register at www.mopl.org.
Bunco for Adults
Two Sessions: Monday, November 17 at 6 pm and Thursday, November 20 at 12 pm
Interested in learning how to play bunco? Come to our bunco program and have some fun! You must register for each session individually. A minimum of eight players is needed to play. Registration is required at www.mopl.org.
Morning Book Club - Tuesday, November 18 at 11 am
Join librarian Cynthia Washburn for a discussion of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. Copies of the book may be picked up at the Reference Desk.
Afternoon Book ClubWednesday, November 19 at 1:30 pm
Join librarian Cynthia Washburn for a discussion of Say Nothing: A Story of Murder and
“SmartPass has been a game changer for us in terms of safety and accountability,” adds Zwastetzky. “It allows us to know exactly who is in the halls at any given time, which greatly enhances our ability to maintain a safe and orderly environment. The transparency and data it provides have improved how we respond to situations in real time, whether it’s ensuring students get where they need to be or identifying when extra support is needed.
“It’s created a culture of shared responsibility and has strengthened the overall sense of security and trust within our school community,” she concludes.
in Northern Ireland by Patrick
Copies of the book may be picked up at the Reference Desk.
Facts & Fictions in Criminal Justice - Tuesday, November 25 at 6 pm
The purpose of this presentation is to clarify some of the “Myths” presented in the public sector and social media. In addition, the presenter will clarify and inform attendees with information acquired through his experience working over 50 years in the criminal justice system. The following themes will be discussed: Once a criminal always a criminal Does prison make better criminals?
There is no rehabilitation in prison?
Being on probation or parole is merely a “slap on the wrist” Police use excessive force on a regular basis Judges are too lenient More information is at www. mopl.org.
Registration is requested. Look out for these upcoming programs happening at the beginning of December! Registration will open approx. mid-November on our website.
Evening Bunco 12/2
Crochet with Mama J - Beginner 12/3
Author Talk with Maryann McFadden 12/3
Memory
Radden Keefe.
Revolution NJ Brings History and Civics to Life in Mt. Olive Schools
BY CHERYL CONWAY
MOUNT OLIVE - History has come to life in Mt. Olive classrooms as the district embarks on Revolution NJ: 250th Anniversary of Independence, a two-year statewide initiative that connects students to the story of America’s founding while strengthening civic understanding.
Under the leadership of Thomas Reszka, K–12 supervisor of social studies, business, communications & consumer science, the program will engage all 4,800 K–12 students in meaningful lessons and projects tied to democracy and community.
As the nation prepares to mark 250 years of independence, since the Declaration of Independence was founded in 1776, local students will dive
deeper into their learning. Their two years filled with lessons, events, civic-minded projects and activities are aimed at linking them to their citizenship and community.
“It bridges history and civic responsibility connecting past and present in a way that makes learning purposeful,” shares Reszka. “The program empowers teachers and students to celebrate New Jersey’s history while strengthening democratic awareness and community pride.”
This initiative originates from a statewide partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Dec-
laration of Independence, details Reszka.
All students throughout the MOTSD “will be engaged in learning experiences tied to the American Revolution and civics education,” explains Reszka. “Each grade level will connect to the initiative through age-appropriate lessons, projects, and activities related to history, citizenship and civic engagement.”
The program is being run during the 2025–2026 school year and continues through 2026, aligning with the national 250th Anniversary celebrations of the Declaration of Independence.
The initiative is supported and funded through the New Jersey Historical Commission’s Revolution NJ grants
Lions Club Donation
September
Mayor Visits Brazilian Restaurant, Churrascaria Paladar
On October 9, 2025, Mayor Nicastro visited Maria and Joe Galvao at their Brazilian restaurant, Churrascaria Paladar, located at 2 US Highway 46, Hackettstown. During his visit, Mayor Nicastro highlighted the restaurant as a place to experience and savor all the vibrant flavors of Brazil.
Jose Galvao, owner of Churrascaria Paladar, with Mayor Joe Nicastro
Mayor Nicastro Visits Budd Lake Bagel
Mayor Joe Nicastro is on the move, spreading positivity and support to our local businesses! On Friday, October 17th, he stopped by Lupi and Ed Muheisen’s shops—owners of Budd Lake and Hackettstown Bagels—to lend a helping hand and share some encouraging words. With his sig-nature warmth and enthusiasm, Mayor Nicastro asked how he could assist and possibly make a few bagels as well.
And of course, no visit to a bagel shop is complete without sampling the delicious specials! It was a tough call choosing which bagels to bring home—each one looked so irresistible. A true testa-ment to the talent and dedication behind our local favorites!
program, which provides funding and resources to participating schools.
“Revolution NJ connects schools to resources, professional development and local partnerships that help integrate history and civics into classroom instruction,” explains Reszka. “Teachers receive standards-aligned materials, access to historical sites and opportunities for students to engage in civic discussions, service projects and local history research.”
Participating schools must demonstrate a commitment to: Integrating civics and history into K-12 instruction; promoting civic engagement and democratic values; partnering with community or historical organizations; showcasing student learning through projects or events tied to the 250th Anniversary.
The list of activities and programs the students will be involved in varies, lists Reszka. They range from classroom lessons tied to NJ’s Revolutionary War history; civic engagement projects such as
community service, local history research and discussions on democracy; field trips to Revolutionary War sites or local museums; student showcases, assemblies or digital exhibits highlighting civic participation and historical understanding; collaboration with local historical societies and civic leaders.
Each lesson and project will be integrated into the students’ coursework.
“Participation is integrated into existing social studies and civics curriculum, with activities contributing to formative or summative classroom assessments,” explains Reszka. “Students may complete specific civic projects or written reflections as part of their coursework, but it is not a standalone graded requirement.” Reszka is excited about the program as 250th celebration of the nation’s birth nears.
“Revolution NJ allows students to: Connect local and national history to modern civic identity; develop a deeper understanding of democracy, citizenship and participation; celebrate New Jersey’s vital
role in the Revolution; build pride and engagement through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences,” he shares.
He explains why recognizing this milestone is so important.
“The 250th Anniversary (1776–2026) is a once-in-a-generation milestone that highlights New Jersey’s extraordinary Revolutionary War legacy and its influence on American democracy,” says Reszka. “This commemoration encourages reflection on how the nation’s founding principles continue to shape society today.”
Through this initiative, every Mt. Olive student will explore how the past continues to shape democracy today.
“Revolution NJ aligns perfectly with Mt. Olive’s mission to create informed, engaged, and responsible citizens,” concludes Reszka. “The initiative enhances cross-curricular collaboration, encourages project-based learning, and promotes authentic connections to local history.”
On Tuesday,
30, 2025, at the Council Meeting the Lions Club
Mayor Joe Nicastro, Loopie and Ed Muheisen, owners of Budd Lake Bagel and Hackettstown Bagels.
MO Shines as a Recycling Super-Star
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF
MCMUA District Recycling coordinator. Leaders recycled this news to the community during the September 16 Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting with great pride in the community’s efforts. It really does take a village to recycle properly and effectively to reduce the tonnage of garbage.
Through the STAR Recycler recognition, the MCMUA has named Mt. Olive as one “of the most adamant recyclers in the County of Morris.”
Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Joe Nicastro shares, “I’m very proud of the work we do here in Mt. Olive when it comes to recycling,” says Nicastro. “I’ve always supported any effort that helps protect and preserve our environment, and I’ll continue looking for new materials to recycle and additional ways to improve our program.
“I also want to thank all of our residents for their commitment to recycling and our Department of Public Works for the outstanding job they do every day to keep our township clean and sustainable,” he adds.
“Fifty percent of our waste
is being recycled,” shares Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko.
This is the first year that Mt. Olive Twp. has received this recognition, shares Tim Quinn, director of Mt. Olive Twp. Department of Public Works, certified recycling coordinator and clean community’s coordinator.
“We receive a grant each year after report is submitted for the prior year,” explains Quinn. “The MUA awarded us with the certificate.”
To qualify for this award, the township “must show 50% or higher recycling in Mt. Olive Township,” he adds. “This covers business and residential.”
Through education and committed practice, Mt. Olive
residents and businesses have made a dedicated effort to recycle.
“Removing recycling from the waste stream lessens tipping fees (cost of disposal) and decreases land fill amount,” explains Quinn. “Information to the public to educate them on the importance of recycling and what can and cannot be recycled always improves our numbers.”
Quinn offers some tips on how MO residents can improve even more when it comes to recycling.
“It’s knowledge of what can be recycled, the importance or recycling for the environment and sharing information with neighbors,” says Quinn. “All info. is on the township web page, or they can call for addi-
tional information.”
The Mt. Olive Department of Public Works also provides some educational tip to groups around town.
“There are programs available to groups,” says Quinn. “We try to focus of the grade school level with these programs.”
Quinn is thankful for all of the support the MCMUA has provided the township.
“I must thank Anthony Marrone and all the great staff at the MUA for all their assistance!” says Quinn. “They are a tremendous asset to the township and would not have succeeded in this goal without their help.”
I Remember Dad: Remembering The Unkind Letter
BY RICHARD MABEY, JR. GUEST WRITER
AREA - In early September of 1971, I turned 18 and began my college studies at County College of Morris. At that point in time, my father was a bit short handed for scout leaders, in his role as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. Mr. Jack
Floyd Sr. was only one Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 170. At the time, the troop only had about three or four Committeeman. Dad had asked me to help me lead the scout troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster. I gladly accepted my father’s vote
of confidence in my role as a scout leader.
It was in mid September that the fateful letter was written by one of the scout fathers in the troop. The letter was written to the Chief Scout Executive of the Morris-Sussex Area
Council. The letter basically stated that this father felt my father should be removed as the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. This scout father’s entire reason, for writing this terrible letter, is that my father used improper English when talking to the scouts.
This scout father was not accusing my father of using curse words. In all my life, I had never heard my dad ever use a curse word. Rather, this scout father had kept track of the number of times that he heard my father said the word “ain’t” and used double negatives in a sentence.
This scout father was very bold in writing the Chief Scout Executive, because he mailed a carbon copy to Dad. I will never forget this moment. It was a Saturday afternoon. I climbed the stairs down to the basement of the old Mabey Homestead. There was Dad sitting at his workbench. He wasn’t tinkering, fixing a toaster, he wasn’t building a birdhouse, he wasn’t organizing his hand tools. Dad was sitting on his work bench crying.
At 18, the only other time I had seen my dear father cry was the fateful day in mid May of 1968, when he got the telephone call that his father had passed away. I felt Dad’s pain as he showed me the horrible letter that the scout father had mailed to the Chief Scout Executive.
My father had spoken words of comfort to me dozens of times. From the time I got cut from my high school baseball team, till the time Penny Lancaster wrote me from Rutgers University that she had begun dating another boy. Now, it
was my time to speak words of comfort to my beloved father.
Fast forward two weeks later, in late September of 1971. Dad, Mr. Floyd and I were attending the District Round Table Meeting. The Chief Scout Executive was there. When we walked into the room, the Scout Executive asked Dad if he could talk to him outside, alone.
Mr. Floyd and I were very concerned about what the Chief Scout Executive could be telling Dad. I remember looking outside the meeting room window and seeing Dad and the Scout Executive walking around the green grass. When the two men came back into the meeting room, they both looked very happy.
After the District Round Table Meeting, Dad told Mr. Floyd and myself what the Scout Executive told him. Dad was so happy to tell us that the Scout Executive told Dad that he was one of the best Scoutmasters in the entire Morris-Sussex Area Council. Then, Dad showed Mr. Floyd and I a copy of the letter the Scout Executive had written to the disgruntled scout father.
The letter praised my father to the end of the earth. The Scout Executive’s letter made it clear as day, that he strongly felt that my dad was one of the best Scoutmasters in the entire council. In a subtle way, the Scout Executive kind of scolded the scout father for not seeing the forest for the trees. And, for not seeing how fortunate his son was to have such a wonderful Scoutmaster like Richard Mabey Sr. The long and short of it all, it was a most beautiful letter that the Chief
Scout Executive had written, praising my father’s dedication as a Scoutmaster. My father served as dedicated Scoutmaster, of Boy Scout Troop 170, for 30 years. I loved my father with all my heart. He was one of the wisest men I have ever known. It’s been almost 20 years since Dad went Home to be with the Lord. I still miss him, all so very much. Now at 72, and battling this horrible heart disease known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I am fully aware that my time on earth may soon be ending. If there are some words I can share with my readers, it is these words. Be kind to one another. Do not be too quick to find the fault in other people. Forgive, forgive and forgive those who have done you wrong. None of us have a guarantee that we will see the sun rise tomorrow. Cherish each and every moment of life. Love one another. Simply put, love one another.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
Dad as a young man
Journey of a Veteran — From Combat to Comfort
BY HENRY M. HOLDEN
AREA - Veterans in New Jersey and Morris County face an ongoing crisis with alarmingly high rates of substance abuse, homelessness, mental health struggles, suicides, and denied claims. Despite these challenges, veterans remain an immense source of leadership for our communities and nation and deserve the utmost respect and support. A major hurdle is the general public’s lack of awareness of the unique hardships faced by those who have served. To overcome this hurdle, Veterans Valor was created to help heal our veterans and to raise public awareness of their sacrifices, resilience, and the resulting need for generosity toward veterans ‘services.
Veterans Valor first proposed the project in February 2023; formal approval came that October.
Veterans Valor a nonprofit organization based in Morristown, dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. The organization focuses on raising public awareness, programs, and creating spaces for veterans to connect and heal from PTSD.
What is PTSD and what causes it? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health disease. Going through or seeing a life-threatening event can cause PTSD.
If someone has a lot of stress in their life they may start to feel better after a few weeks but if the stress lasts longer, it could be PTSD.
Having up-setting memories, feeling on edge or having trouble sleeping after a traumatic event can be difficult. For some people, the PTSD symptoms may start later. This new initiative seeks to honor our disabled veterans
and teach about how PTSD can be mitigated.
Veterans Valor will honor and stand with those who have served, transforming the scars of war into spaces of healing through nature, art, “The County Commissioners are proud to work with the Park Commission and Veterans Valor to create a space that not only honors the service and sacrifice of our veterans but also provides a place for them to help cope with some of the challenges they face when they return home,» said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, liaison to the Park Commission. «Many months of planning led to finally be able to break ground on this important project next month.
The garden will serve as a place for peace, reflection and spiritual renewal while allowing veterans and the broader community to connect. Envisioned as a “living tribute,” the garden will host veteran-related art, horticultural programs, wellness seminars and opportunities for creative expression. At its core is the Disarm PTSD initiative, a campaign to help veterans transform their experiences with service-related trauma into a source of purpose and connection.
Through the Healing Gardens, and supportive programs, will bring veterans and civilians together to restore body, mind, and spirit—turning pain into purpose, isolation into community, and sacrifice into hope.
The mission of The Healing Gardens is threefold: To help heal our veterans, to raise public awareness of their sacrifices, and the need for generosity toward veterans ’services.
“It takes at least 10 years to adjust back to civilian life,” founder Will Draper said. “This is about helping veterans
move from duty and hardship to a sense of belonging in the community.”
How is Veterans Valor going to achieve this? “We have been granted the use of 3/4 acre for the 7 gardens,” said Tom Miller, a Marine Corp veteran.
“I expect in the coming years that this concept will be going nationwide. It will be helping Veterans and civilians coping with PTSD.
“The Veterans Valor project is a collaborative initiative led by the Morristown Rotary in partnership with the County of Morris and various New Jersey nonprofits,” said Draper. “Our mission is to raise public awareness, support, and engagement for veterans and their families. Through our innovative programs, we aim to honor those who served and help facilitate their healing journey. There are factors that are not under a person’s control and can increase the chance that they will have PTSD. Combat is an excellent example. You have very intense or long-lasting traumatic effect or getting wounded during the event and make it more likely that a person will develop PTSD.
After a traumatic event, many times, but not always, the person starts to feel better after a week but if it lasts longer than a few weeks it maybe PTSD.
There are many Veterans struggling and living with post-traumatic stress disorder. With the stigma of PTSD, thousands of veterans do not seek professional help. We want to be part of the solution.”
Social programs and restorative retreats, Veterans suffering from the unseen wounds of service can build healthy, trusted relationships to help overcome mental health conditions, including PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
“Our mission at Veterans
Valor is to honor and support New Jersey veterans, especially those wounded in or from war, and their families through impactful initiatives,” said Draper. “We are establishing a healing garden at the, featuring art by or about veterans. This space will be used for seminars, lectures, and programs in art, horticulture, and healing. We aim to elevate public support for veterans and foster a stronger, more inclusive community.”
More than 70 people gathered at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum on October 3 for a signing ceremony launching The Healing Garden, also known as Veterans Valor.
Veterans’ Valor will see the creation of seven unique gardens, each designed to tell the story of soldiers’ sailors, airmen and Marines from the PTSD contact point to a New Life celebrating the journey of healing and reintegration for veterans and their families. How is Veterans Valor going to accomplish this? The first phase, Gateway to the Garden, is fully funded and will break ground Nov. 3, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Organizers hope to complete it by spring 2026.
SEVEN GARDENS, ONE MISSION
Plans call for seven themed gardens under the concept
From Trauma to New Life:
Point of Sacrifice: Honoring bravery and loss.
Medevac: The urgency of rescue and treatment.
Triage: The first steps toward recovery.
Homeward: The emotional return to loved ones.
Recovery: Ongoing mental and physical healing.
Fallen: Remembering those lost after coming home.
New Life: Renewal and hope for veterans.
We’re going to launch a larger fundraising campaign to finance the remaining six gardens, which Draper hopes to see under construction within three years.
He closed the event with a story of meeting a young veteran with prosthetic legs outside a Morristown restaurant. “I told him, the entire county is coming together for you,” Draper said. “He turned back before getting into his Uber and said, ‘Our paths will cross.’ That’s why we’re here.”
Two years in the making, the Healing Garden is a joint effort among Veterans Valor, the Morris County Park Commission, the Morris County Commissioners, the Rotary Club of Morristown, and other local partners.
“This will be a sanctuary for our veterans seeking peace and healing,” said County Commissioner Doug Cabana. “Morris
County puts our veterans first.” Every veteran’s journey is unique, but there are many who share common experiences as they transition from the battlefield to their homes. Our project seeks to honor this journey through storytelling and support.
In the garden, there is the opportunity to find, and restore self, by losing oneself in the moment instead of feeling isolated or alone what is in a “low flow” state also known as being in the zone. It is a mental state in which immersed in the activity with a positive food and energetic focus. Much as the runner finds himself on a new road or the artist loses time in the world of her creation, getting lost in gardening equates to a common connection beyond consciousness, the chance to experience the full of self-expression, a chance to experience a self beyond pain and loss.
Become a vital part of our mission by volunteering your time and skills. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of veterans. For more information about the Veterans Valor project, to learn about volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation, please reach out to us: veteransvalorofnj@gmail.com Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Browser Extensions That Can Help Consumers Save Money
AREA - Getting a great deal or discount on a product or service can help a customer walk away feeling satisfied with a purchase. No one wants to pay full price unnecessarily. Demandsage, a data insight provider, reports the global digital coupon market was valued at $10.6 billion in 2025, and nearly 90 percent of United States consumers use coupons, with 62 percent actively searching for promo codes online. In fact, digital coupons now account for one-third of all redemptions.
Scouring websites and seeking out discounts can be time-consuming, but various website browser extensions can take much of the work out of securing codes for money
off purchases. Here is a look at some extensions consumers may want to consider.
• PayPal Honey: PayPal acquired the shopping tool company Honey Science Corporation in January 2020. Users add the extension to their desktop browser or enable the mobile extension on their devices. The free tool helps users find coupons, earn cash back and compare prices across thousands of online retailers.
• Rakuten Rewards: Formerly known as Ebates, this is a cash-back and shopping rewards company that enables customers to use a browser extension to activate cash back directly at store sites. This means no longer having to click through from the Rakuten
portal first. The extension also automatically applies coupon codes at checkout.
• The Camelizer: Unlike browser extensions that apply coupon codes, The Camelizer is an Amazon price-tracking extension that provides users with a price history chart that enables a person to get a sense of a given product’s regular price. This means figuring out if a sale is really a deal or not.
• Capital One Shopping: The bank and credit card company Capital One participates in the coupon and cash-back game as well. One needn’t be a Capital One customer to reap the benefits, either. By using the browser extension Capital One Shopping, coupon codes come to customers as they shop.
BY HENRY M. HOLDEN
AREA - Early settlers in what became New Jersey faced challenges adapting to new environments and interacting with Native American tribes, which sometimes led to conflict but also created opportunities for cooperation. As these groups encountered one another, some individuals promoted mediation and peaceful solutions, showing that harmony was achievable.
Initial claim to the land was made by the English; nevertheless, it was the Dutch first who established a presence there.
Despite the difficulties, these early interactions set a precedent for negotiation and cultural exchange. Settlers learned valuable survival skills from Native Americans, such as local agriculture techniques and seasonal hunting practices, which helped them adapt more effectively to the New Jersey environment. In turn, trade and dialogue sometimes led to moments of mutual respect and understanding, laying the groundwork for more complex relationships in the years to come.
In the early seventeenth century, the West India Company, of Holland, dispatched an expedition with the resources to form a small colony.
Throughout this period, the region witnessed a dynamic interplay between various European powers and the Indigenous peoples. The Dutch, though outnumbered by subsequent English settlers, introduced new trade opportunities and maritime industries, further shaping the local economy and cultural landscape. Their efforts to establish settlements and engage in commerce highlighted the complexity of colonial ambitions and the resilience of Native communities faced with ongoing change.
Upon arrival in Delaware Bay, Commander Cornelius Jacobsen Mey took the group up the Delaware River to Timber Creek, located approximately ten miles from present-day Philadelphia, where they constructed Fort Nassau. These developments unfold-
Peacemaker and the Guardian Angel
ed against a backdrop of shifting alliances and constant adaptation, with both settlers and Native Americans navigating an uncertain future. The blending of cultures was gradual, marked by both tension and collaboration, and would ultimately influence the region’s identity for generations. As settlements grew, new customs and traditions emerged, shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities of life in early New Jersey.
This settlement, however, did not receive approval from the local Indigenous people, and the colony was abandoned.
The initial white settlement of New Jersey did not prevent the Dutch from continuing their activities in the region. Roughly twelve years later, Dutch commander De Vries traveled up the Delaware River—referred to by the Dutch as the South River with the primary goal of whale fishing established a small colony on the shore; however, opposition from local Indigenous people led to the destruction of the settlement soon afterwards.
Nevertheless, De Vries continued his participation in the whaling industry. Eventually, when supplies were depleted, he left his ship and proceeded upriver in a smaller vessel known as the “Squirrel.” He went up as far as the deserted Fort Nassau, and there anchored to trade with the natives.
It is quite clear that the natives of New Jersey were greatly troubled about the visits of white people to their shore ; for they perceived that these newcomers were inclined to settle and occupy such places as they pleased, without asking permission, or proposing to buy or to pay rent. All this was very distasteful to the indigenous who had never shown any temperament to open their country to foreign immigration.
When De Vries anchored, he was well received ; and about forty natives came on board his boat to call on him. They were dressed in their best, and, to make the visit more agreeable,
they brought some of musical instruments with them and gave the Dutch a taste of native music.
The dress of these visitors was a surprise to De Vries and his seven crewmen on the boat. It was winter, and most of the natives were dressed in furs, but several wore jackets made in the English fashion. The visitors were very friendly and urged De Vries to sail his vessel up a stream, to Big Timber Creek, which, they declared, was a much better place for trading.
Among the Lenni-Lenape, as well as the other tribes of North America, women often had a special role to play in national and social affairs. If ever the services of a peacemaker were needed, the position was always given to a woman. It was considered pejorative to the male ego and his dignity that he should at any time, desire peace. He and his enemy might both be exhausted from fighting; but neither of them would lower themselves to seek peace, and allow any of his countrymen, to know the state of his mind.
In such situations, according to some historians, a woman would be seem in the double character of peacemaker and guardian angel.
While the details were being worked out, his engineers planned a large fortification made up of earthworks ; and on this the men were put to work, as if it had been expected that the enemy would soon arrive and take the place.
The desire was to put their camp on the condition of defense, and the energy of steady labor, were of as much advantage to the spirits of the soldiers as bread and meat would be to their bodies rather than sitting in idle groups about their campfires, they worked on the new intrenchments, ramparts, and redoubts with cheerful energy.
Everything was done exactly as if the new fort were soon to be called upon to protect the town, and the engineers and officers were as careful in making plans and giving directions as if they
had been building a fort at the entrance of New York harbor. One man did not object to tell his wife that he wanted to stop fighting; and she, very gladly in most cases, would confer with the wife of the other brave.
When they had a truce, the two men would sit down together, smoke the calumet, and be friends; and all this without loss of dignity.
This method of making peace was pursued not only by individuals, but by nations. Very often women had this important political duty thrust upon them, a duty for which they were probably very well qualified, for it is seldom that women of a nation desire war.
This national disposition regarding peacemaking was once the occasion of a serious misfortune to the tribe of Lenni-Lenape. The tribes to the north, who had formed themselves into a powerful body called the Five Nations, had long been jealous of their neighbors, the Lenni-Lenape and created a plan to humiliate them and render them less important in the eyes of the natives. Actuality at war with some other tribes, these Five Nations came to the Lenni-Lenape and pretended to desire peace but stated that this was too important a case to be managed by women. They declared that this was a great work which should be given only into the hands of a quiet, dignified, honorable tribe, such as their neighbors, and urged the Lenape to undertake negotiations to end all hostilities.
This seemed reasonable enough, the Lenape were at last persuaded to become peacemakers, and they were entirely successful; but they suffered for their compassion and good feeling. Ever afterwards they were looked upon by other Native tribes as no better than women and sneered at as peacemakers and squaws.
But there was another turn in this story, the guardian angel. It was after a visit from the natives to the vessel of De Vries, that the peacemaking instinct
took possession of the wife of one of the native chiefs; she quietly and stealthily, managed to get on board the “ Squirrel.”
Some said it was the inspiration of her guarding angel. When she informed the commander of the real object of his visitors, who had invited him to sail up Timber Creek. It was the desire of the natives to destroy this company of white men ; and the narrow stream where they wished to make the attempt was much better adapted for their purpose than the broad waters of the river.
Wishing to prevent an encounter in which the Dutch would probably kill some of her countrymen before they themselves were destroyed, she had come to implore the whites not to run into the trap which had been set for them. She told them that the crew of an English shallop, which not long before had come to visit the place, probably from a ship afraid to venture higher up the river, had all been slaughtered, and that it was the jackets of these men that some of her countrymen were wearing. Like a sensible man, De Vries paid attention to this story, and did not venture into Timber Creek. Whether or not he rewarded the good woman who came to warn him of his danger, is not known; but his account of the affair places her in the position of one worthy of a monument by the women of the State.
Then the Indigenous people came again to De Vries, he declared to them that his Great Spirit, or “ Maneto,” had revealed their wicked purposes, and that he would not sail up Timber Creek, nor would he allow one of them upon his vessel ; and, having ordered them all on shore, he dropped anchor some distance down the river.
The Maneto is a dog breed native to Andalusia in Spain. It is used to hunt rabbits, partridges, quail, and for retrieving ducks from the water. The word “maneto” in Spanish indicates an impediment or defect in any of the hands or legs. This event led the Native American chiefs from nine tribes to board the “Squirrel” to establish a treaty of peace and commerce with the Dutch. All of these were now dressed in furs, which were their ordinary garments; but some of them were recognized as the same men who had formerly worn the jackets of the murdered English sailors. These individuals interacted in a manner consistent with previous behavior, and there is no evidence to indicate they had any intention of acting dishonestly. The visitors sat down on the deck of the boat, and held a regular council, and, with appropriate ceremonies, made presents of beaver skins to the whites, and solemnly concluded a treaty of friendship.
The Maneto is a dog breed native to Andalusia in Spain. It is used to hunt rabbits, partridges, quail, and for retrieving ducks from the water. The word “maneto” in Spanish indicates an impediment or defect in any of the hands or legs.
BY DANA JACKSON
Q: My husband and I just finished bingeing “Better Call Saul.” We’ve also watched “Breaking Bad.” Since there aren’t any other shows in this “universe,” what show would you suggest that’s similar? --
G.K.
A:If I had to choose a series in a similar vein, I would stream “Fargo,” which is an FX series available now on Hulu. It’s an anthology series created by Noah Hawley and based very loosely on the Academy-Award-winning film of the same name. The series debuted in 2014 and is similar to “Better Call Saul” in that both are black comedies about ordinary people who find themselves committing felonies.
Each season of “Fargo” takes place in the frozen tundra but during a different year. Season one starts out in 2006 and centers around a meek in-
BY DEMI TAVERAS
Celebrity Extra Couch Theater ENTERTAINMENT
“It: Welcome to Derry” (TVMA) -- The new prequel series to the “It” films just premiered its first episode in the nick of time for Halloween, although episodes will continue releasing weekly well into December. Taylour Paige (“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”) and Jovan Adepo (“His Three Daughters”) play a couple who move to the fictional town of Derry, Maine, to find some normalcy for themselves and their son. Little do they know that Derry, of all places, doesn’t have much normalcy to offer them. Just as they arrive at their new home, a boy goes missing, leaving the police department at a loss as to how it happened. But if you know the “It” franchise, you
surance salesman named Lester played by Martin Freeman (“Sherlock”), who finds himself mixed up with a sociopathic fixer played by Billy Bob Thornton (“Landman”).
Season two is set in 1979 and is arguably the best of the installments. It stars Jesse Plemons (“Civil War”) and Kirsten Dunst (“Roofman”) as they attempt to cover up a hitand-run homicide of the son of a local crime family. Its impeccable cast also includes Kieran Culkin (“Succession”), Jean Smart (“Hacks”), and Ted Danson (“A Man on the Inside”), just to name a few of the stars.
The remaining three seasons take place in 2010, 1950 and 2019. They didn’t earn as much critical acclaim as the first two, but they featured noteworthy performances by Ewan McGregor (“Star Wars”), Carrie Coon (“The White Lotus”), Chris
know it all comes down to the kids and their sleuthing. Hopefully, they’re prepared for what they’re going to find ... (HBO Max)
“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” (TV-MA) -- The final pick for spooky-season viewing this year is this truecrime drama series about the life of 1970s serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Michael Chernus (“Severance”), who’s usually known for more comedic roles, takes on the role of the titular character and presents a more menacing side to him than we’ve ever seen before. The series focuses on the many personalities of Gacy that he showed to his community -him as a contractor, a politi-
Rock (“The Trainer”), and Jon Hamm (“Landman”).
***
Q:Why is Amelia being written out of “Grey’s Anatomy”? She’s one of my favorite characters on the show. -- D.S.
A: Caterina Scorsone has played Dr. Amelia Shepherd on two different series since 2010: “Private Practice” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Her character decided to take a much-needed sabbatical, but the actress will be back in 2026 after an eight-episode break.
Deadline reported last year that “Grey’s” reduced its number of guaranteed episodes for its veteran cast members from 18 to 14 as a cost-saving measure. However, Scorsone will only appear in 10 of 18 episodes this season. This might be the choice of the actress. The good news is that the fan-favorite will be back!
cian, and even a clown -- but also the psychopathic side he kept hidden. As an investigation launches against Gacy and his crimes, viewers can watch along to see how he tries to slither out of the consequences of his own actions. All eight episodes are out now. (Peacock)
“Ballad of a Small Player” (R) -- Hailing from “Conclave” director Edward Berger is this new psychological thriller led by Colin Farrell (“The Penguin”). Based on the novel by Lawrence Osbourne, the film follows gambling man Lord Doyle (Farrell), who is down on his luck but still gambling his life away in Macau, China. Between his incessant gambling and heavy drinking, Lord
***
Q: With retail stores selling holiday decorations earlier and earlier every year, what about the TV movies, like the Hallmark Christmas movies? When are they starting? -- M.C.
A:As a matter of fact, the Hallmark Channel kicked off year 16 of its “Countdown to Christmas” programming on Oct. 18 with the movie “A Royal Montana Christmas,” starring Fiona Gubelmann (“The Good Doctor”) and Warren Christie (“The Resident”). The network plans to air 24 original holiday movies in total until Dec. 21.
One of the most anticipated Hallmark movies is the Buffalo Bills/Hollywood romance inspired by the love story of quarterback Josh Allen and movie star Hailee Steinfeld (“Sinners”). “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story” will
is a mess. So, when private investigator Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton) shows up in Macau looking for him to settle the debts from his past, the high stakes get even higher for Lord to win some money. The setting of Macau is a vibrant playground for the storytelling of this film to kick off, and viewers can enjoy yet another stellar performance from Farrell when the film premieres on Oct. 29. (Netflix)
“Hedda” (R) -- Last but far from least is this drama film based on the play “Hedda Gabler” written by Henrik Ibsen, but it puts an interesting spin on the original play. Tessa Thompson (“Creed III”) portrays the title character, a woman named
Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.
Send me your questions at
Hedda, in the 1880s who finds herself bored with her current life and marriage, even though money and a mansion are exactly what she thought she wanted. Then, over the course of one night, as if from wishful thinking, life tosses her the curveball she’s been wanting -- in the form of an ex-lover, Eileen, showing up at the party that she
Thanks For Giving
When it comes to a grateful heart, There are many places we can start. The first that should come to mind, Is the love of God gracious and kind. Certainly next family and friends, Through difficult days there to the end. In joyous times these who care, Are to whom we run, anxious to share. Food, clothes and money come at the end, For it’s God who also to these attend.
So remember when we sit at table, Cooking stress relaxed and we’re able, To reminisce the year gone by, Speak sweetly of those who’ve left our side. Be thankful for the good bestowed, Among the losses in life below. And as we celebrate the Pilgrim tradition, Let this one thing be our mission, To share with all what God has given, Throughout the year not just Thanksgiving.
Ms Skip Friggle ©10/11/2025 (Budd Lk) • (Questions/Comments) skipfriggle@gmail.com
and her husband are throwing. The sole presence of Eileen puts the vibe of the night at an imbalance, leaving it to Hedda to find an equilibrium not only for the night but for the rest of her life. Out on Oct. 29. (Amazon Prime Video) (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons in season two of “Fargo” Photo Credit: Courtesy of FX premiere on
2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Colin Farrell, left, and Tilda Swinton star in “Ballad of a Small Player.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
GAME TIME
BY ELSIE WALKER STAFF
Operation Christmas Child
But with the arrival of a shoebox of items and the sharing of the gospel stories, that changes. That is how Kimberly Blewitt of Succasunna sees Operation Christmas Child. Blewitt is a church relations member at Ledgewood Baptist Church, a part of the northwestern New Jersey area for Operation Christmas Child. Through Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse International, love is spread to children around the world.
A child’s life can be changed through items put in a shoebox, the love given in packing it, and learning the story of Jesus. The collection week for boxes is Nov. 17–24th. There are various drop-off locations. Blewitt has been involved in Operation Christmas Child for 26 years and recently shared about the project. It all starts with a regular size shoebox. Boxes are given to boys and girls ages 2 - 14. A box is made up of items by the gender and age. Blewitt noted that the box should include one item that, if you were a kid, you’d say “wow” when you saw it. That could be a stuffed animal, a toy car, a doll, etc. Other items could be clothing, school supplies, or hygiene items. It may be
thought that hygiene items like a toothbrush or washcloth aren’t much of a gift to give, but for a child who has to share a toothbrush or washcloth with 10 other people, to have their own is a wonderful thing.
There are certain things that can’t be put into a box such as items with expiration dates, perishable items, breakables, soap, and others listed on the Operation Christmas Child webpages of Samaritan’s Purse’s site.
Blewitt noted that people might consider putting a letter or photo in the box, too. She shared another thing to do is pray for the child getting the box. Also, to help the boxes reach their destination, Samaritan’s Purse asks for a $10 donation towards postage for each box.
Blewett shared that last year, the Ledgewood drop-off site got 4,025 boxes. Throughout Northwest New Jersey (Morris and Sussex counties), 13,722 boxes were collected. More are always needed.
The boxes go to over 140 countries. Some might wonder what to get since the person sending the box doesn’t know where it is going. Blewitt noted that “God knows what the child needs.” She shared about a child in Africa getting heavy mittens. People would not think the child would have use for those in his climate. However, the child’s mother supported the family by making pottery and the child’s job was to take the pieces from the fire pit. The mittens provided the protection the child’s hands needed.
The boxes have a long journey. They start at drop-off centers; locally, there are ones in Mt. Arlington, Ledgewood, Livingston, Oak Ridge, Parsippany, Basking Ridge, Cha-
tham, Wayne and Washington. From there, they are put into cartons and taken to collection centers. The collection centers load the cartons onto tractor trailers. From there, the boxes go to processing centers. There the boxes are checked to make sure the boxes have no items that would hurt a child or are on the list of things not to be included. After this, they are put in shipping containers and sent on to the different countries. Once there, local area teams prepare local churches to get the boxes to the children. Local travel, in some cases, could even be by elephant, donkey, etc. Once at a destination, the children hear the gospel story of Jesus and receive the boxes.
A copy of the gospel stories in the child’s native language is given with each box. Children are invited to come back if
they want to learn more about Jesus, but that is not required to get a box.
Boxes go on a long journey and don’t get to the children for Christmas the year they are given. Some are given out the next Christmas or some children experience Christmas in July. The gifts still mean the world to the children. “We hear a lot from these kids who have received these boxes and are now adults telling their story that they felt loved with this box,” said Blewitt. She shared that the children learn they are a gift to God.
Blewitt shared that she gets ”goosbumps’ upon hearing stories which reflect the miracle of the boxes. In one instance, although all the boxes are checked, a boy got a doll in his. However, he was so happy. His sister had been un-
able to come to get a box and now he had something to give her. Another child opened his box to find a couple of pencils among the items. He was thrilled because now he could go to school. In some countries, if you don’t have the supplies, you can’t attend school. A young man, who had received a box as a child, shared that in his box was a scarf, but he lived in a warm climate. However, he kept the scarf. It ended up that when he grew up, he came to the United States: to Buffalo, New York. He still had the scarf, and it came in handy. For more information on Operation Christmas Child, filling a box, and the local drop-off locations, visit its webpage at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-wedo/operation-christmas-child/
North Jersey Native, College Football Player, Earns Semifinalist Notch for 2025 Campbell Trophy
AREA - After distinguishing himself on the field, in the classroom and in the community, William & Mary senior tight end and New Jersey native Trey McDonald was selected as a semifinalist for the 2025 Campbell Trophy.
The award, which is announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame, honors an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
McDonald is one of 177 distinguished semifinalists vying for the national honor.
An All-CAA selection in 2024, McDonald earned preseason All-America honors by Stats Perform this summer.
Chosen as a team captain, McDonald is a three-year starter who has excelled as a blocker and also contributed in the passing game with 21 receptions for 254 yards and a touchdown.
An outstanding student, McDonald earned his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and
health sciences last summer and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business analytics.
The Kinnelon native garnered CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll distinction five times and was recognized on W&M’s Dean’s List. McDonald is also active in the community and is a team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Additionally, he has volunteered with Williamsburg House of Mercy and served as a Preparing for Life as a University Student (PLUS) Counselor. He is also a member of Black Stu-
dent Athlete Alliance (BSAA) and served on the Leadership Council.
Finalists for the award were announced in late October and each of them received an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class presented by Fidelity Investments. The overall award winner will be announced during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9 and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
commitments, crowded schedules and endless prep, the tension between a desire to create magical meals and wanting to actually enjoy them is real. The right cookware can help shift that balance. Inspired by the calming essence of the outdoors, the KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series brings a breath of fresh air into the kitchen, blending expressive design with performance that simplifies the season. From durable stockpots to versatile nonstick pans, these tools elevate both prep and presentation.
In the middle of the holiday bustle, they provide a sense of calm and control, helping you plan ahead, cut stress and truly savor the moments that matter most. Because the best holiday moments aren’t just about what’s on the table – they’re about the joy you feel when you’re a part of them, from the quiet satisfaction of chopping, stirring and creating to the connection that comes when you share the results with those you love.
Including 12 pieces, the Hard-Anodized Ceramic Induction Nonstick Cookware Set brings the emotive power of nature into the kitchen, elevating your cooking with deep forest-green hues and elegant bronze handles. Ideal for stove-to-oven-to-table cooking, the high-performance ceramic nonstick cookware is eight times harder than traditional aluminum and features thick, forged bases for fast, even heating. Shatter-resistant glass lids seal in heat, lock in flavor and allow easy monitoring. When you’ll be spending many special evenings around the table during the holiday season, these invaluable tools can help streamline the cooking process whether you need
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Inspired Holiday Entertaining
a dish that can be made in advance and frozen for easy entertaining like this Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with White Wine and Herb Butter Sauce or one that lets you focus on the fun and celebrations even with guests in town such as Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Bacon.
If those seasonal recipes call for stirring, whipping or mixing, the KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is up to the task with 10 speeds, a tilt-head design to easily add ingredients and more than 10 different available attachments. Blurring the line between appliance and art through its unique color, finish and walnut wood bowl, it gives makers unmatched potential for creative expression.
Find more recipes and tools to bring culinary inspiration to life during the holidays at kitchenaid.com.
Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with White Wine and Herb Butter Sauce Recipe courtesy of Marge Perry and David Bonom Servings: 4 Ravioli:
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus additional for serving (optional)
2 tablespoons plain dried breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1pinch ground nutmeg
48 round dumpling wrappers
water Sauce:
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided 1/3 cup chopped shallots
2/3 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon salt
To make ravioli: Line fine
mesh sieve with dampened cheesecloth. Add pumpkin puree and strain 1 hour. Transfer to bowl and stir in egg, cheese, breadcrumbs, sugar, salt and nutmeg.
Arrange six dumpling wrappers on work surface in single layer. Place 1 tablespoon pumpkin mixture in center of each and brush edges with water. Place second wrapper over filling, carefully pushing out any air bubbles then pressing edges to seal. Transfer ravioli to baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Place sheet of plastic wrap over ravioli. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
In KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series 6-Quart Ceramic Stockpot over medium heat, bring salted water to a gentle
simmer
To make sauce: In KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series 3-Quart Ceramic Saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Add wine, bring to boil and cook until mixture resembles wet sand, 8-9 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in remaining butter and heavy cream until melted. Stir in sage, chives and salt; keep warm, stirring occasionally.
To cook ravioli, add half to simmering water and cook, stirring gently once or twice, 3 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and divide between two plates. Add remaining ravioli to pot and repeat dividing between remaining plates. Spoon sauce over ravioli and serve with additional grated cheese, if desired.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Bacon 8 ounces elbow macaroni 6 slices center-cut bacon
1 onion, chopped 5 cups butternut squash, cubed
3 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
3/4 cup low-fat milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1 pinch pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided chopped parsley (optional)
In KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series 6-Quart Ceramic Stockpot, cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Set aside.
In KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series 5-Quart Ceramic Saute Pan, cook bacon until
crisp. Chop and set aside.
In same pan, add chopped onion and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until pieces are soft and lightly caramelized.
Add butternut squash cubes to onions along with 2 cups chicken broth. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and cook until squash is soft and most liquid is reduced.
Pour squash and onions into bowl and add milk, remaining chicken broth, dry mustard, nutmeg and pinch of salt and
pepper. Using KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series TiltHead Stand
puree
ture until smooth and creamy. Pour pureed sauce into saute pan. Over low heat, add Parmesan cheese and 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly. Add noodles and stir well. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Top with chopped bacon, remaining cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. (Family Features)
Mixer,
mix-
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Easy and Delicious Sides to Spruce Up Holiday Weeknights
them up with these Goat
Cook
Cheese and Thyme Mashed Potatoes. A classic dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, they make getting dinner on the table a breeze and bring a little calm during an otherwise busy season.
Sustainably grown on family farms, Little Potatoes from The Little Potato Company simplify weekday mealtimes during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. They come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough they don’t need to be cut, allowing for less time in the kitchen and more time at the table enjoying moments with family and friends.
Plus, they’re a fresh whole food packed with nutrients you can feel good about serving –balancing the rich, decadent indulgences of the holidays. They cook in as little as 5 minutes as a weeknight go-to solution to make the whole family happy. Available in the produce section, their convenience adds a bit of peace to the kitchen and brings little moments of happiness during the holiday season.
To find additional quick, delicious recipes for serving to your loved ones, visit littlepotatoes.com
Cheesy Baked Little Potatoes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes (any variety) 1 1/3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated small 1/2 cup
Preheat oven to 400 F. Pierce potatoes with fork and microwave for 7 minutes.
Cut in half and place cut side up in parchment-lined 9-by-13inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix cheese, cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour over potatoes, spreading cheese evenly. Bake for 10 minutes then broil 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Goat Cheese and Thyme
Mashed Potatoes Prep time: 5 minutes
In a small saucepot over low heat, heat milk and butter until butter is melted and milk is steaming.
Once potatoes are cooked, strain and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
Using potato masher, smash potatoes with milk and butter mixture and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove thyme from stems and lightly chop.
Once potatoes are mashed, stir in goat cheese and fresh thyme. (Family Features)
BY HENRY M. HOLDEN
AREA - Women MarinesBreaking Combat-Related Barriers.
Opha May Johnson became the first woman to join the Marine Corps on August 13, 1918.
This came after the Corps planned to enlist 300 female Marines, and Johnson was the first in line. Johnson primarily did clerical work, and managing records for all the female Marines. She was discharged the following year, although there is a difference of opinion whether she requested her own discharge first. She later worked as a civilian in the War Department until the 1940s and became active in the American Legion during World War II.
United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (USMCWR) was the World War II women’s branch of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. It was authorized by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 30 July 1942. Its purpose was to release officers and men for combat, and to replace them with women in U.S. shore stations for the duration of the war plus six months.
Over 20,000 women Marines served in World War II, in over 225 different specialties, filling 85 percent of the enlisted jobs at Headquarters Marine Corps and containing one-half to two-thirds of the permanent personnel at several major Marine Corps posts.
Sixty female recruits started their boot camp training at the San Diego depot in February 2021. By this time, both the San Diego and Parris Island depots had female drill instructors training female recruits. Fifty of the sixty recruits would successfully graduate from boot camp in April 2021, and became Marines.
The services had until May 2013 to draw up a plan for opening all units to women and until the end of 2015 to actually im-
Once a Marine - Always a Marine
plement it. In 2017, there were several women breaking combat-related barriers in the Marine Corps. On the enlisted side, PFC Maria Daume, who was born in a Siberian prison and later adopted by Americans, became the first female Marine to join the infantry through the traditional entry-level training process.
On the officer side, First Lt. Marina A. Hierl became the first woman to graduate from the Infantry Officer Course of the Marine Corps, and Second Lt. Mariah Klenke became the first female officer to graduate from the Marines’ Assault Amphibian Officer course.
Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said, “Accessions of female and minority officers into the service reached thirty-three percent in the fiscal year of 2016, an increase of about ten percentage points from previous years.[ Additionally, a 2016 study of enlisted recruits showed that in the Marine Corps, while nearly seventy percent of enlisted recruit females were white, this was followed by Hispanic women, who accounted for twenty percent.
The Marine Corps opened ground combat jobs to women in 2016, but Marines in those billets have remained predominantly male, with only a few hundred women in combat arms as of the end of 2019, according to data from the Center for a New American Security.
Vietnam War (1965-1975)In 1967, Public Law 90-130 was signed into law; it removed legal ceilings on women’s promotions that had kept them out of the general and flag ranks and dropped the two percent ceiling on officer and enlisted strengths for women in the armed forces.
Also in 1967, Master Sergeant Barbara Dulinski became the first female Marine to serve in a combat zone in Vietnam.
At the peak of the Vietnam War, there were approximately
2,700 women Marines on active duty, serving both stateside and overseas.
One thousand women Marines were deployed for Operation Desert Shield /Desert Storm (1990-1991).
Female Marines served in the Iraq War from 2003 until 2011.
Female marines also served in the Afghanistan War that began in 2001 and ended in 2021, and the American-led combat intervention in Iraq that began that began in 2014 and ended in 2021.
In early 2020, in his first year as commandant, Gen. David Berger stated that one of his goals was to have more women attending the challenging Infantry Officer Course.
Nearly 300 female Marines have moved into combat-arms jobs that were, up until less than five years ago, previously open only to men. Now female officers have led Marine infantry platoons.
During the Korean War (1950-1953) the number of women Marines serving peaked at 2,787. Most of them served as part of the clerical and administrative staff, in an effort to free male Marines of stateside duties so those men could join overseas combat.
On May 11, 1978, Margaret A. Brewer became the first female general officer in the Marine Corps.
On April 28, 1993, combat exclusion was lifted from aviation positions by Secretary of Defense Les Aspin, permitting women to serve in almost any aviation capacity
In 2013, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta removed the military’s ban on women serving in combat, overturning the 1994 rule. Panetta’s decision gave the military services until January 2016 to seek special exceptions if they believed any positions must remain closed to women. The services had until May 2013, to draw up a plan for
Chandlier at Flanders
opening all units to women and until the end of 2015 to actually implement it.
In 2015, Joseph Dunford, the commandant of the Marine Corps, recommended that women be excluded from competing for certain frontline combat jobs. That year a U.S. official confirmed that the Marine Corps had requested to keep some combat jobs open only to men. However, in December 2015, Defense Secretary Ash Carter stated that starting in 2016 all combat jobs would open to women. In March 2016, Carter approved final plans from military service branches and the U.S. Special Operations Command to open all combat jobs to women and authorized the military to begin integrating female combat soldiers “right away.”
One Marine made Corps history by becoming the first Black woman to serve as a two-star general in the service.
President Joe Biden appointed Brig. Gen. Lorna Mahlock to the grade of major general, the Pentagon announced. (2019) Mahlock, was commissioned 1991, is the deputy director of cybersecurity for combat support at the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, became the first Marine Corps officer to be superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in its 180-year history on August 9, 2025.
John Phelan, the secretary of the Navy, called Borgshulte “a decorated naval aviator and a veteran of three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan who’s led sailors and Marines at all levels.”
Borgschulte replaced Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, who in January 2024 became the first woman to be superintendent.
Now, the Marine Corps is calling on female lieutenants and captains to consider making
a lateral move into the infantry officer military occupational specialty. The decision would require women to attempt the arduous Infantry Officer Course, which prepares Marines to lead grunts in combat.
Milestones for women officers include: Col. Margaret A. Brewer was appointed to a general officer’s billet with the rank of brigadier general becoming the first woman general officer in the history of the Corps (1978); Col. Gail M. Reals became the first woman selected by a board of general officers to be advanced to brigadier general one star (1985); 2nd Lt Sarah Deal became the first woman Marine selected for Naval aviation training (1993); Brigadier General Carol J. Mutter became the first woman major general in the Marine Corps and the senior woman
Opha May Johnson became the first woman to join the Marine Corps on August 13, 1918. She was discharged the following year, although there is a difference of opinion whether she requested her own discharge first.
on active duty in the armed services (1994); Lt. General Mutter became the first woman Marine and the second woman in the history of the armed services to wear three stars (1996); assumed command of the 3d Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, becoming the first woman to command a Fleet Marine Force unit at the flag level (1992);
Nicastro continues to visit the businesses in the community. Recently he visited Brian Hoffman President of J. Van Houten Electric located in Flanders.
MOUNT OLIVE - Mayor Joe Nicastro visited the Chandlier at Flanders on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The Chandelier at Flanders Valley hosts one wedding at a time in a beautiful setting. Their exclusive one at a time wedding means that they have proper time needed to cater to all of your needs. Their goal at Flanders Valley is to help you create a perfect celebration . They are located at 80 Pleasant Hill Road Flanders .
John Fusari, Mayor Joe Nicastro and John Apicella co-owners of the Chandlier at Flanders
From Ridgewood to Radio City: The Sullivan Twins Make Rockettes History
said.
triumph.
The two set out to become Rockettes together and step one was the audition.
“Being a Rockette is a really coveted position to earn. They take the audition very seriously. It was very athletic, long hours but at the same time it’s amazing. It was so cool for us to be inside Radio City with actual Rockettes in the front of the room. It was inspiring and the cherry on top, was that we got to do it together,” Courtney said. The twins kept earning call-
Courtney and Caitlin began dancing as toddlers and quickly discovered their love for the art form. The two spent both their high school years dancing together before they ultimately ended up attending Rutgers University. As members of the Scarlet Knights Dance Team, the two spent time on the sidelines performing at football and basketball games. After graduating from Rutgers, the two honed their focus onto becoming Rockettes.
backs after each audition round and then came the dreaded waiting period. Sitting with baited breath, the two prayed that they would get a call that gave them a spot at their dream job.
“Whenever we would talk about getting that call, we always pictured ourselves getting that call together. It really did happen. When Courtney got a call that she received the job as a Rockette, they first asked if I was there. They were able to deliver the news at the same time that we were indeed going to be dancing together as Rockettes. We just burst into tears and it couldn’t have been more of what I’ve always dreamed of,” Caitlin said.
Step two: rehearsals.
“Going through those first six weeks of rehearsal to begin with, it was like every new thing we did was so unbelievable, special, and cool. The first day of rehearsal, the first day where we put the entire show together, the first day when we’re performing it on the stage at Radio City outside of the rehearsal space, everything was just a magical moment. Doing it with my sister and sharing that dream, you feel it even more,” Courtney said.
As the two prepared for opening night, the pinch me moments were still there.
The Rockettes, who have been around since 1925, are known for their high kicks, high energy dance numbers, sparkly costumes, and talent. Many flock to Radio City at this time of year to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Courtney and Caitlin are getting ready for year three on the line.
As opening night of the Christmas Spectacular nears, the two are anxious to get the show underway.
“With each season, you get more and more settled in the job. You just feel stronger and more confident. It’s a huge undertaking during your first season. You are learning a whole new show, it’s just all so stimulating all at once. You are on the greatest stage in the world, learning a new show, and with each year that comes, you feel that all settle into your bones. I feel like my sister and I get stronger together each year because we are in this together,” Caitlin said.
While the two mainly dance in the Christmas Spectacular, being a Rockette also gives them other performance opportunities. In 2024, the twins both performed with the Rockettes in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Rockette family right next to you dancing on Thanksgiving, was so special for us. It felt like we were in the moment and creating a new holiday tradition for ourselves,” Courtney said.
The twins also shared some advice to those dancers who come see the show that would love to end up as a Rockette one day.
“All those dreams of being on the stage, looking at your family in the audience, seeing them afterwards, standing underneath the marquee taking photos together, we really had to stop and take it in because you will never forget it,” Caitlin
“That parade was our main exposure to the Rockettes growing up. The Thanksgiving Day parade was our time as kids to get up close and personal with the Rockettes from our own living room. Now, to be away from our family during the holidays, but having a piece of your
“We are very big on the phrase ‘the work is never done’. Even now that we have this dream job, we are continuing to train. We really are so big on staying in classes, stay in all types of dance classes, be a well-rounded dancer because that makes you a stronger performer. Just keep believing and dreaming, you have to tell yourself that you can do this. We are here now because we remained positive and knew we could do this,” Caitlin said.
“Every single step for us has always been side by side. I have no other vision but doing everything with Caitlin. New York City is full of dreams. Arts and entertainment are so big, with so many opportunities in this city. If we continue on the track that we’re at, we could reach the stars as long as we’re doing it together,” Courtney said.
Tickets for the 2025 production start at $55 when purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets) and at $63 (including $8 in service charges) when purchased online at www.rockettes.com/ christmas.
For more information on the Sullivan Twins, visit their Instagram at www.instagram.com/ sullivantwins.
Once the Christmas Spectacular season wraps for the year, the twins will remain in dance classes, visit various conventions to teach, but through it all, they will do it together.
Precious Be The Loving Hearts of Family Elders
BY RICHARD MABEY, JR. GUEST WRITER
AREA - My paternal grandfather, Watson Mabey, was one of the wisest men I have ever known. He was all so well versed on the subjects of botany, the ways of wildlife and applied physics, from his days of working as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East.
From the time I was seven years old, Grandpa and I would walk the wooded path, behind the old Mabey Homestead. On a Summer’s morning, we would finish breakfast, then leave the warmth and comfort of the kitchen of the old family homestead, walk to Mabey Lane, walk down the country road, then begin out journey to traverse the maple, elm and oak to the banks of the old Morris Canal.
I remember that Grandpa had a leather sack that hung over his shoulder. Inside Grandpa’s shoulder bag would be two sandwiches, two apples and some oatmeal cookies that Grandma made and packed for us. Also, inside the leath-
er sack would be a thermos of apple juice. I remember just how much Grandpa loved apple juice.
As we would walk the forest path to the tow path of the old canal, Grandpa would point out to me which wild plants were edible and which ones were poisonous. We would take a moment to watch the deer drink from the flowing waters of the babbling brook that ran through the forest to the old Morris Canal.
When we reached the bank of the canal, we would perch up upon the stones of the remaining foundation of the old Mabey Ice House. The very ice house that Grandpa’s father, William Mabey, owned and operated during the hey day of the Morris Canal.
As we would eat our lunch, Grandpa would explain to the me the intricate and complex process of the workings of Incline Plane Ten East. Grandpa would sip his apple juice and chomp on his sandwich, made
with homemade bread. A twinkle would spark in Grandpa’s eye as he told me golden tales of life along the old Morris Canal. As I approach 72, fighting Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I find myself becoming more and more appreciative of the times I spend with my dear, kind, beloved grandfather. I loved him very much. I miss him dearly. I’d give up my entire comic book collection and my collection of first edition novels, to have just five minutes to once again walk the forest path with dear old Grandpa.
If they are still with you, in this physical life, love the elders of your family. Cherish your time with them. For there will come a time when they will pass from this earth. Life is short. Painfully short. Truly, the three key elements of the loving heart are forgive, forgive and forgive. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
Photo Credit: MSG Entertainment
Dear, kind Grandpa, Watson Mabey, when he was a younger man.
BY HENRY M. HOLDEN
AREA - When Americans visit grocery stores, they can purchase foods from around the world any time of the year. Meats, fruits, and vegetables can be grown in distant locations and shipped to grocery stores in the United States, thanks to refrigeration and preservation technologies, and modern transportation networks.
But in the 1770s, there was no refrigeration, and the fastest methods of travel were horse-drawn wagons and sailing ships.
While the Continental Army’s encampment at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778 is one of the most well-remembered events in American history, Washington’s winter encampment in Morristown, New Jersey in the winter of 1779-1780 marked another major milestone of the Revolutionary War.
According to Cornelius Ludlum, one of Washington’s engineers, (1717-1799) January 1780 rated as the most persistently cold calendar month in the history of the eastern United States, and “The severity of the 1780 season reached all parts of the colonies. Reports from Maine southward along the seaboard to Georgia, and from Detroit down through the interior waterways to New Orleans, all chronicled tales of deep snow, and widespread suffering.”
Ludlum believed that his research showed that the season of 1779-80 in the eastern United States was well deserved of the name given to it by the people that experienced its effects the “Hard Winter of 1780.”
Inadequate administrative procedures, a scarcity of money the failure of credit, a weak transportation system, and a lack of manufacturing all combined with the natural obstacles of geography and weather to create frequent shortages of food, clothing, tents, and other military supplies throughout the war. Food shortages were a major problem during the American Revolution, affecting both Continental Army soldiers and civilian populations due to a collapsed logistical system, British blockades, poor harvests, and food hoarding. Soldiers frequently went days without proper rations, resorting to foraging for food or eating things like tree bark and shoe leather, while civilians faced rising food prices and food riots as merchants hoarded essential goods like flour and sugar.
Revolutionary War food was heavily reliant on preserved items, with soldiers receiving daily rations of meat (often salt pork or beef), flour (or hardtack), and sometimes rum or cider, though shortages were common. Civilians also consumed preserved foods like salted meat and pickled vegetables, alongside seasonal produce like apples and root vegetables, with dishes varying by season and region.
The year 1778 fell within the generally cooler “Little Ice Age” (c. 1300-1850), with the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge being relatively mild but still challenging due to weather conditions and a lack of supplies for the Continental Army. To put the Little Ice Age in, context, the climate during the American Revolutionary, was part of the Little Ice Age, a period of widespread cooling that affected Europe and North America.
The Continental Army camped at Morristown for six-month from December 1, 1779, to June 8, 1780, During three years of the American Revolution the army, under General George Washington, spent winter in New Jersey. When an army goes into winter quarters, it
Soldiers of the Winter the Revolution
does so because weather prevents field operations. manifest as we know from the Battle of Trenton on Christmas Day and subsequently the Battle of Princeton shortly thereafter.
A winter in New Jersey was a good opportunity to rest the troops through still most periods of extended inactivity were during the coldest months.
Historians give us full accounts of the important battles but what did Washington and his army do during these restful periods?
There were no rest periods as we come to know them. Winter just happened. There has been only one winter in recorded American history during which the waters surrounding New York City had frozen over and remained closed to all navigation for weeks at a time. Winter life in New Jersey, appears to have been interesting, and in many ways a worried life.
The life of a fighting army in the long, cold months was almost impossible. It is something we are not well acquainted to describe since we do not understand what our troops were obliged to suffer, the responsibilities and anxieties that the men endured, were also conscientiously borne by Washington and his officers.
Into a quiet country neighborhood came an entirely novel element; an army which had not come t to fight, but to live. Washington’s first winter in New Jersey was spent in Morristown. It was 1777. While less well-known than Valley Forge, the encampment in Morristown significantly contributed to American victory. But it was not with the military operations that we are concerned, but instead with the winter life of the Continental Army in the camp.
Located between New York and Philadelphia, Morristown, provided a strategic location for Washington’s army to make camp. Laced with a network of roads, Morristown was the center for local farming to provide available foodstuffs and timber, which would later provide Washington’s army with necessary resources for a winter encampment. The Watchung Mountains also provided cover between the Americans and the British in New York City.
As Washington wrote to Congress, a camp near Morristown provided a location, “Compatible with our security which could also supply water and wood for covering and fuel.” This was not the first time Washington, and his men camped in the Morristown area. Washington had selected Morristown for the Continental Army’s camp in the winter of 1776-1777, following the victories at Trenton and Princeton. During that winter, Washington went to work inoculating the army and many of the civilians living in and around the town in order to combat the threat of a smallpox epidemic.
On December 14, 1779, the army reached a wilderness, about six miles from Morristown, where they build log huts for winter quarters on ground marked out by Ludlum. “The soldiers have started cutting down the timber of oak and walnut, of which we have a great abundance.”
During Washington’s stay, this was the home of widow Theodosia Ford and her four children, who stayed in separate parts of the house from Washington’s “military family.” Washington lived in the Ford Mansion from Dec. 1779 to June 1780 — the home provided living quarters and workspace for the Commander in Chief and his five aidesde-camp.
The house as headquarters became very crowded, with Washington, his wife, five staff and eighteen servants added to Mrs. Ford, her four children and their servants. (The number of servants working for Mrs. Ford is unknown.)
Across the road from the Ford Mansion was the Commander in Chief’s Life Guard, the regiment (200-250 men) with the primary job of protecting Washington, his papers, and his headquarters.
“You will by date perceive that we are in camp, tho’ expect, if good weather, to have the men’s Hutts so far completed that they may go into them on Sunday or Monday,” said Lt. Colonel Ebenezer Huntington December 24, 1779.
“ The severity of the weather hath been such that the men suffered much without shoes and stockings, and working half leg deep in snow. Poor fellows, my heart bleeds for them as I damn my country as devoid of gratitude.”
The first thing that must be done when an army arrives is to settle in and make itself at home in and about the countryside. It must provide a good house for the commander-in-chief and officers, and a suitable camping place for the men.
Washington settled into Ford’s mansion but not particularly attractive huts to warm in cold weather. But then, as we will see the accommodations were superior to the enlisted men.
The army stripped hundreds of acres of virgin forests to provide logs for building huts for the army and tried to keep themselves warm.
“There was poverty, in the ranks, and, it was hard to keep plenty to eat and drink in the surrounding country,” said Ludlum. “But there was very little money to buy anything, and Morristown was surrounded by people night and day with a guard of twenty-six soldiers. It was hard to have their streets made lively by soldiers on foot, while Washington, with the officers of his staff, galloped here and there, dressed in the regular Continental uniforms of blue and buff.
By 1781, provisions were difficult and the issuing of money that was rapidly losing value was a major issue; the Continental money, was depreciating so rapidly that thirty or forty dollars was barely equal to a dollar. There was a feeling in many circles that it would not be long before the war would end.
At this time, General Washington lived in the handsome house which is now known as Mrs. Washington’s Headquarters,” (aka Ford Mansion) and has been preserved in the same condition as it was in those Revolutionary days.
Communications were poor. There were only guards at the headquarters, two the front of the house, and two at the back, but care would show it was well maintained.
On one occasion a shot could be heard from of the most distant outpost. Then a sentinel near the town would fire, and so on until the gunshot would be heard by the sentinels at the headquarters. A detachment of Life Guards with their guns; were sent out to the camp, and very soon they would in hurry into the town at a quick step. But before they reached the place, the life guards the encamped near house, enter headquarters and would barricade rand ush to the doors; and five men at each window, with muskets loaded and ready to fire, would await the approach of the enemy. But the enemy never came.
Although no British entered Morristown, there were soldiers with good reason who
made frequent attempts which were the cautions made by large bodies of the Redcoats to penetrate to region occupied by Washington’s army. There were these men, small expeditions, even consisted of the possibility a of more dangerous attempts.
One of a party of handpicked British who started from their camp New York City, by way of Elizabethtown, for the express purpose of capturing Washington. They advanced in the direction Morristown about six miles distant, and there they were in one of several snow storms and finding so many difficulties they gave up their project.
“We had the severest of the plainest of food.,” said Ludlum. “We have had the virtue and patience of the army put to the trial. Not just once but have been five or six days together. Sometimes we got just bread; at other times as many days without meat; and twice, two or three days without either. Nor I hardly thought possible, at one period, that we should be able to keep it together. It could not it have been done, but for the actions of the magistrates in the several counties on whom I was obliged to call and expose our situation. We were reduced to them, and in plain terms thought of the alternative ourselves, of disbanding which would afford us their aid.
When Washington heard of the distress in the ranks heI allotted each county a certain proportion of flour or grain, and a certain number of cattle, to be delivered on certain days; and for the honor of the magistrates, and the good disposition of the people.
“I must add that my requisitions were punctually complied with, and in many counties exceeded,” said Washington. “Nothing but this great exertion has saved the army from dissolution or starving, as we were bereft of
every hope from the commissaries.
“At one time the soldiers ate every kind of horse food but hay. Buckwheat, common wheat, rye, and Indian corn composed the meal which made their bread. As an army, they bore it with the most heroic patience; but sufferings like these, accompanied by the need of clothes, blankets, etc., will produce frequent desertions in all armies; and so, it happened with us, though it did not excite a single mutiny.”
At this time, various circulars sent to the American and printed money from the British, urging the men to fly from all their hardships and miseries, and join the English force, where they would be received, and furnished with every comfort. In this of things it was very important to keep the American soldiers, cold, hungry, and idle, from thinking too much of their troubles. Washington could not invite them to dine; but he wisely considered that the best thing he could give them was content. Occupation.
His engineers planned a large fortification made up of earthworks; and on this the men were put to work, as if it had been expected that the enemy would arrive and take the place.
The desire to put their camp in a defensive position condi-
tion required steady labor, and the advantage of uplifted spirits of the soldiers as bread and meat would be to their bodies. Their campfires and huts provided the heat to work on the entrenchments, ramparts, and redoubts with cheerfulness and energy.
Weather played a significant role in 18th-century warfare, with even minor conditions like fog, rain, and snow affecting military operations. The winter of 1777-1778 it was where, 11,000 of Washington’s Continental Army faced one of its most trying episodes. While rain, snow, and cold temperatures afflicted the army, the situation was made far worse by the lack of supplies. An almost constant issue was the lack of adequate provisioning of food.
Like Valley Forge, the winter encampment at Morristown, became an important symbol of patriotism and persistence in the American Revolution. In the most severe winter encampment of the war, weather-wise at least, Patriot forces held together, despite all the conditions that threatened to tear an army apart. The Continental Army’s perseverance and determination to overcome the challenges they faced prepared them for the campaigns that would eventually secure American Independence.
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