M t . O l i v e’s H o m e t o w n N e w s p a p e r
MOUNT OLIVE LIFE Vo l . 1 7 • I s s u e 1 0
October 2022
Member of Mid-Atlantic Community Papers • Association of Community Publichers • Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL (CVC), ST. LOUIS, MO.
No Puppy Left Behind - A Woman’s Mission to Bring Safety and Shelter to Dogs
BY MEGAN ROCHE EDITOR
AREA - When you talk to Jessica Donnelly-Knissel, you can tell that her heart beats for any and all canines. Rescuing dogs of all shapes and sizes is one of the things that keeps her going back for more. She’s a proud canine advocate. “When we saved the original six, I never anticipated falling in love with them the way that I did. I ended up with a beagle and she has provided me with so much joy. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and going through my own medical issues, I felt this finally gave me a reason to keep moving forward. As a human, I am able to advocate for myself and these dogs cannot. I’ve designated my whole entire being to advocating for these dogs and getting them the care they deserve,” Donnelly-Knissel shares proudly.
In February of 2022, No Puppy Left Behind was born. “Our mission is to bring light to the public that puppy mills do exist. While we cannot save them all, we have saved 60 puppy mill survivors to date, but there are still so many more who need our help. The basic needs of the poor animals are not being met. They never know when they are going to have their food and water bowls filled, and some have serious medical concerns that need to be treated. If we do not intervene, and get these dogs out, they will continue to suffer in silence,” Donnelly-Knissel says. Donnelly-Knissel and her team continue to rally behind dogs, helping to bring them to safety as soon as possible. “I have seen firsthand just how stressed out these dogs are
because they are starving, or so thirsty that when I give them water, they drink the whole bucket in one sitting and get sick,” Donnelly-Knissel shares. The No Puppy Left Behind team is actively rescuing dogs from puppy mills. According to the humane society, puppy mills are inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for a profit, ignoring the needs of puppies and their mothers. In most puppy mills, once a mother and father are no longer able to breed, they are often killed. How can the public help No Puppy Left Behind? Continue to spread the word, donate toward the rescue, and even adopt one of their furry friends. “We’ve had many people reach out and ask how they can help, and we’ve had so many people step up to ac-
cept these precious souls into their homes…but realistically speaking? Not everyone is in a position to do so & we get that. The outpouring support of our friends, family and community has been so heartwarming! Without all of you, this would be way more difficult than it already is! We’re trying to get as many dogs out as possible before the winter. If you, or someone you know is looking for a new ‘furever’ friend please contact me directly. Please share our mission to spread awareness for puppy mills, as they are far more common than people realize,” Donnelly-Knissel says. Donnelly-Knissel has set up a GoFundMe page, www.gofund.me/7c0cfb12, where donations are being accepted for the cost of transporting dogs, medical attention, and more.
BY JILLIAN RISBERG STAFF WRITER MOUNT OLIVE - She is fascinated by science and cares about the environment, so with the recent emergence of the spotted lanternfly it was important for Olivia Casale to inform the Mount Olive community about this environmental threat.
“I am working on my Girl Scout Gold Award project to stop the spread of the invasive species,” says the high school senior. “It’s important for us to protect the environment so we can maintain our ecosystems because Earth is our home.” For Casale, the best possible
outcome would be everyone doing their part until the lanternfly becomes extinct in the United States. This would help many industries that have been affected. But first she wants everyone to capture and kill spotted lanternflies.
“Build circle traps, scrape eggs off of trees — and dispose of them in a bag with hand sanitizer or alcohol. I want them to know these insects are detrimental because they climb up trees, consume their sap and release honeydew (inducing) fungi and mold growth which damages trees,” says Casale. “This causes a fungal disease that inhibits the plant’s ability to carry out photosynthesis and make the energy it needs to survive and grow. The honeydew also encourages other insects to feed on the trees.” According to the Girl Scout — spotted lanternflies also cause serious plant damage, including oozing sap, wilting, leaf-curling and dieback. They are a tremendous threat to the agricultural and logging industries. And the lanternflies are detrimental to grape vineyards. In Pennsylvania alone if the spotted lanternfly isn’t contained the insect could drain the state’s economy by up to $324 million each year and cause the loss of 2,800 jobs. However, we can prevent them from damaging the environment by checking our vehicles and items for the lanternfly to make sure not to unintentionally transport them. Avoid parking under trees because the insects can use their hind legs to jump but just fly short distances, so cars are an ideal way for them to travel. “It’s helpful to kill a spotted lanternfly by stepping on it when its head is facing you because it can only jump forward and will jump into your shoe,” says the Girl Scout, adding if you miss it to keep trying be-
Many of the dogs who come through No Puppy Left Behind need to be treated for raging ear infections, open wounds, nails growing into paw pads, and some have even tested positive for heartworm. “Their stories will literally bring tears to your eyes, as we see dogs who were once completely shut down that now open up and get to enjoy life like every dog should,” Donnelly-Knissel shares. In the end, Donnelly-Knissel knows the dogs are grateful to be saved. “If you can donate even $5 towards our mission, or share our fundraiser, we would be forever grateful, as will these dogs. Even after all they’ve endured, they are the sweetest, kindest souls you will ever meet,” Donnelly-Knissel says. To keep up with No Puppy
Jessica Donnelly-Knissel’s beloved beagle Violet, saved from a puppy mill
Left Behind’s rescue efforts, follow them on TikTok at @ nopuppyleftbehind and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ jessica.donnelly.54
Mount Olive Girl Scout on Mission to Stop Spread of Spotted Lanternfly
Mount Olive Remembers 9/11
MOUNT OLIVE - The Remembrance Ceremony for 9/11 was held at Turkey Brook Park at 8:20 a.m. on September 11, 2022. Bag Piper was retired officer Rob Herzog. Colors were presented by Mount Olive High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard. Michael McEntee performed the National Anthem and God Bless America. Invocation was presented by Pastor Kody Vagile from Mountain Top Church. Council President Joe Nicastro thanked all our first responders and those who give their lives every day.
“As we stand here, let’s remember all who have perished, especially Hilda Marcin who was on Flight 93, Arcelia Castello who was in one of the towers and the vision of this 9/11 Memorial was Former Councilman Ray Perkins with the Administration and Council.” On September 11, 2001, two planes crashed into the Twin Towers, American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower at 8:45 and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower at 9:03. Another plane, American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.
A final plane, United Airlines Flight 93 plowed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after the passengers stormed the cockpit. We will never forget where we were 21 years ago. That evening, residents could drive by the 911 Memorial at Turkey Brook Park as two beams of light were turned on to signify the twin towers. Council President Joe Nicastro read Lest We Forget by Regina. The benediction was given by Pastor Kody Vagile.
Your Chance to Win a $25 Gift Card to West Lake Chinese Takeout with the “Find Moe Life Mascot” Contest
MOUNT OLIVE - Check out our new mascot...Mr. Moe Life. Look for him in the ads in this issue and enter (no purchase necessary) to win a $25.00 West Lake Chinese Takeout gift card.
It is easy to enter. 4 Winners will be selected each month. Look through the paper and read the ads and look for Mr. Life in the ad. He will be located throughout the paper in 6 random ads.
Then go to www.mtolivelife. com scroll down and fill out the form to be entered. Winners will be notified and printed in the next issue.
Winners From September’s “Find Moe Life Mascot” Contest
MOUNT OLIVE - The winners from August’s “Find Moe Life Mascot” are JVicki Wille, Flanders; Margaret Esposito,
Budd Lake; Diana Gensthaler, Netcong; Susan Bruyere, Flanders. Mr. Moe was hiding in the
following ads: Anthony Paterno, Beaumonte Landscaping, Mommy n Me, Entourage, Bea McNally and Leaf Guard.
Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!
Girl Scout Olivia Casale next to the lanternfly trap she installed at the Mount Olive Municipal Building
cause after a few jumps it will lose energy and be easier to kill. It is important to Casale that we protect trees, the environment and agriculture from the threat of the lanternfly.
As humans we often negatively affect the environment; my project influences people to make a positive impact,” she says her favorite part of this
MOUNT OLIVE - 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 23. MUST CALL TO RESERVE! Please call Mary at 973-768-1815 or email at mary.lalama@gmail.com to reserve your seat now.
PLEASE SEE SPOTTED LANTERFLY, PAGE 2
Free Thanksgiving Dinner 2022
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