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MOUNT OLIVE LIFE Vo l . 2 1 • I s s u e 8
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Budd Lake Mom Brings Endless Story Time at Home and On the Go
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - “The end” ….a popular catch phrase on the final page of a book does not exist for this local mom who has taken her love for reading to her kids to a whole new level. Joanna Randazzo of Budd Lake started a new chapter two months ago by reading to thousands of children on her YouTube channel and Instagram page. Her initiative—Once Upon a Page with Miss JoJo— is free to any listeners who desire to tune in. “I take videos of myself reading children’s books and then post them to my YouTube Channel for children of all ages to watch and listen to,” shares Randazzo, a mother of two who works as a postpartum nurse at Morristown Medical Center. “I try and make story time come to life in a fun, silly and entertaining way!” she says. Randazzo provides “Hours of entertainment while learning through books. I am also col-
laborating with children’s book authors to read their books!” Reading aloud to children boosts language skills, sparks imagination, strengthens bonds, builds vocabulary, improves focus and encourages a love of reading. “It is a way to expand children’s knowledge on different topics in an enjoyable way for them to learn,” says Randazzo. But children are not the only ones who learn and benefit from story time. “The idea for this channel was inspired by the sweetest book buddy I know—my oldest son,” says Randazzo, who has a 3-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. “From the time he was tiny, we would spend hours reading the same stories again and again. But instead of feeling repetitive, those moments became something I looked forward to every single day. With each retelling, we’d find new ways to make the stories silly, surprising and
full of giggles. That special time helped us build an incredible bond, and it’s something I’ll treasure forever.” Right now, Randazzo is reading mostly children’s books appropriate for those aged 0-6 years old. “There is a mixture of classic books and new books,” she shares. She is also interested in reading books for older children as well as incorporate learning materials for school aged kids and chapter books. Reading to her two children has been such a positive experience that she wants to share that joy with others. “I created Once Upon a Page with Miss JoJo not only to share that joy with other children, but also to give fellow moms (and dads, grandparents, and caregivers) a few precious moments to breathe—whether that’s throwing in a load of laundry, taking a shower or just enjoying a well-deserved cup
of coffee,” she explains. She hopes the parents also utilize the story channel for some “me time.” “The YouTube channel gives parents a little break and peace of mind,” she says. “It is as if the children are at the library but in their own homes. An educational way to watch TV.” Another nice thing about her initiative is the convenience as the videos are always available for story time. “There are over 40 videos on there now and many more coming!” she says. “I would love to hear recommendations too!” What is also great is that it is free for all to view. “I have about 3.5K views so far!” she says proudly, “from all over the U.S. to Canada! It would be wonderful for more people to subscribe to the YouTube Channel if they find themselves or their kids enjoying the books being read. Don’t forget to share with family and
friends too! Listeners can turn in at https://youtube.com/@onceuponapagewithmissjojo?si=vmggg6XVF3sNHdMu She is also on Instagram at Once Upon a Page with Miss JoJo.
“It’s my hope that children find as much joy in listening to these stories as I do in reading them,” says Randazzo. “I want the kids to grab their favorite stuffie, cozy up and we’ll turn the page together.”
AVM Warrior Walkway Underway Budd Lake Community Event Warms Hearts & Helps Heroes
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - Too many wars and so many heroes, military men and women who fought in battles to protect America’s liberty and freedom—our nation has so much to be grateful for especially with its 250th anniversary approaching next year. To denote all of those conflicts the United States has been involved in and its war heroes, The All Veterans Memorial will be adding On Behalf of a Grateful Nation Warrior Walkway at its site in Budd Lake. Board displays with heroes’ photos will be going up as early as this September for visitors to see and honor. “Beginning with the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror, the display of
war heroes will line the entire asphalt walkway located at the far corner of Parking Lot A, between the soccer field and War Horse and War Dog Memorials,” explains AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann. “Temporary benches will be installed for the convenience of our visitors.” It was Uhrmann’s idea to create such a walkway and how fitting it be placed at the
Winner from July’s “Find Mr. MO Mascot” Contest
AREA - The winners from June’s “Find Mr. MO the Mascot” are Vincent May; Flanders, Monica A. Smith; Budd Lake; Julia Zisa, Hackettstown and Irene Lindner; Netcong. The ads that “Mr. Moe”
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AVM, a one-of-a-kind veterans memorial that serves as a place for remembrance, prayer, volunteerism, creativity and education. Established almost 20 years ago, the AVM has become a premier memorial in New Jersey with ceremonial grounds for multiple vigils and events throughout the year. Individuals and families visit regularly to learn some American history and the battles fought, sponsor military pavers for friends and loved ones and pay respect to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Uhrmann explains that the idea for the On Behalf of a Grateful Nation Warrior Walkway was inspired by Mt. Olive Parks and Recreation Ed Lata, who expressed wanting to honor his son who is currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. “I had originally thought to purchase banners and affix them to the soccer field fence,” says Uhrmann. “After speaking to Hackettstown Home Depot Manager Ed Flynn regarding the project, he was immediately supportive of the idea. “When our proposal was declined, Park & Recreation Department Head and longtime supporter John Geiger suggested free standing billboards,” shares Uhrmann. “He and I walked along the walkway discussing the details. Geiger’s offer to help bore the holes
made the decision easy.” Project Details The 3’ x 5’ board panels will display 30 12” x 12” aluminum (action or military) photos of service members, details Uhrmann. A special coating will be added to protect the photos from weather and possible graffiti. Panels will be categorized by war: A 12” x 24” historical war scene will show the treacherous condition of war. “Sponsorship opportunities are available,” adds Uhrmann. “If your company or organization is seeking a way to show your support, we are offering sponsorship opportunities for $300 per 3’ x 5’ panel. Your name or the name of your organization/company will be donned front and center. As a sponsor, you will receive one of our limited edition challenge coins as a token of our appreciation.” The price for a 12” x 12” aluminum photo plate which will include a certificate of authenticity that the photo played a key role in the AVM’s 250 Year Celebration of Independence is $98. Applications can be obtained by emailing: info@ allveteransmemorial.org or picked up during the All Veterans Memorial’s annual National POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil set for Sept. 18-19. “Several panels will begin
AREA - Check out our mascot...Mr. Moe. Look for him in the ads in this issue and enter (no purchase necessary) to win a $25.00 gift card to different establishments (4 winners).
It is easy to enter. Look through the paper and read the ads and look for “Mr. Moe” in the ads. He will be located throughout the paper in 6 random ads. Then go to https://www.my-
PLEASE SEE WARRIOR WALKWAY, PAGE 2
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER MOUNT OLIVE - Four hours of family fun on July 5 raised money for the fire department, educated kids about fire and safety and melted some hearts. The Fire Truck Tour for Kids and Family Night was sponsored by the Mountain Ridge Estates community in Budd Lake last month. Many kids and adults came out to the first-time event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to interact with their community while supporting a good cause. “As part of our community’s [Mountain Ridge Estates] events we planned for the summer of 2025, we collaborated with our Budd Lake Fire Department to have them bring their fire trucks onsite so kids of our community can explore the fire engines and learn about fire and safety,” explains Visu Kondeti, president for Mountain Ridge Estates Homeowners Association. As part of this event, kids of the community raised money for the fire department by organizing food stalls with all proceedings going to the fire department. One of the newer communities in Budd Lake, it is located at 12 Force Drive.
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A total of 14 stalls were set up by the kids ranging in ages from 5 to 20. “All food items were homemade,” says Kondeti. “We have lot of Indian food, sweets, pastries, cakes, fruit mocktails, fritters, lemonade. One of the stalls was operated by adults who featured bakery items and conducted games for the kids. “We raised a sum of $400 and community members generously donated $345,” he says. “A total of $745 was raised and handed over to the fire department. “Kids of the community handed over handmade posters and greeting cards to the fire marshals,” shares Kondeti. “This melted their hearts, and they read every single one of them with joy. Chief Kevin [Maloney] spoke during the event and expressed happiness of his team being onsite and promised to come back next year.” Fire trucks were onsite between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. “This was followed by families spending quality time togethPLEASE SEE HELPS HEROES, PAGE 2