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PASSAIC VALLEY
EDITORIAL
Passaic Valley Life Thank you for reading the premier issue of “Passaic Valley Life.” The Passaic Valley area is a great place to work, live and play. There is so much here for the residents to enjoy that we’ve decided to publish a new community magazine serving Little Falls, Totowa and Woodland Park. Our goal is to provide you with articles about people, places and things throughout your community. We are also asking our readers to send us photos and information on your life events, parties, birthdays, weddings, engagements or any other milestones. You can send them to editor@ mylifepublications.com. In this issue you will find stories featuring: Pencil Works Art Studio, Kidney For Little Falls Man, Little Falls Methodist Church, Amore Ristorante, as well other articles.
Each month you can pick up a copy of the magazine at local businesses or visit www.iwantmypaper.com and sign up for a free copy that will be sent directly to your email each month. You can also visit our website www.passacivalleylife.com or on Facebook under “Passaic Valley Life.” Please support all of the advertisers in our publications as they make this magazine available free to all with their advertising support. We want to help the local businesses and your support of them is appreciated. We welcome your feedback please send your comments to editor@mylifepublications.com Thank you for choosing “Passaic Valley Life” I hope you enjoy it every month. Jeff Koonjy Publisher
Next Issue January 2019, Deadline December 30 To receive your free copy of Passaic Valley Life direct to your email visit www.iwantmypaper.com and sign up! Subscribe $35 / year / $60 for 2 Call 800-691-7549 Editorial Jeff@ mylifepublications.com 5 Vista Drive., Flanders, NJ 07836 800-691-7549 • joe@mylifepublications.com turn our pages at www.passaicvalleylife.com © 2018 YUM, Inc. Oak Ridge, NJ
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Passaic Valley Life • December 2018 • Page 5
Page 6 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
E
By Popular Demand, Little Falls Public Library is Hosting Brand New Friends of the Library Group
“This group is much anticipated,” prides Little Falls Public Library Director, Christine Pelchat-Miller. “ It came about as an enthusiastic response to the many library patrons who requested it. Having heard about Friends’ Groups at other libraries, these patrons inquired about having their own.”
By Dawn M Chiossi very book lover knows that libraries are magical places, their reach touches so many. In a library, everyone is welcome: The only thing that is needed is a library card and an unquenchable desire for learning. Not only can patrons pick up their much-anticipated reads, they can enjoy all sorts of wonderful offerings: From media, to pro-grams and fundraisers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Oftentimes, these offerings are the result of the devoted efforts from a Friends Of The Library Group. These non-profit organizations work in conjunction with their respective libraries enhancing and supporting them-- both financially and through public awareness- making sure their library remains a vital part of the community. Through their desire to help, and their passion for literacy, the efforts of a Friends Group can make huge and lasting differences to both libraries and their patrons. Additionally for a library, having a Friends Group can
literally make the difference between a budget increase and a cut. The Little Falls Public Library is ecstatic to announce they are now hosting a brand new Friends Of the Library Group: Their first meeting was recently held on October 30th. “This group is much anticipated,” prides Little Falls Public Library Director, Christine Pelchat-Miller. “ It came about as an enthusiastic response to the many library patrons who requested it. Having heard about Friends’ Groups at other libraries, these patrons inquired about having their own.” Meetings are slated to be held once a month and all are welcome! Membership runs from January 1st to December 31st. Founded in 1916, the Little Falls Public Library was established with a mission to provide resources and services that encourage literacy and enrich the community
1
Passaic Valley Life • December 2018 • Page 7
library in providing services to the public. These goals can be as by opening doors to the lifelong enjoyment of learning. But in all of that time, the idea of Friends of the Library Group diverse as children’s summer programs to updated technology,” she tells. eluded them: until recently, that was. Going beyond simply learning what a Friends Group was all “From the documents we have on file, a Friends Of The Library Group did exist in the 1980’s,” explains Pelchat-Miller. “But about, members seized the opportunity to brainstorm ideas, exit seems as though the group dissolved before it could be offi- press their enthusiasm and creativity for the things wanted to see cially organized as a non-profit.” (the current Friends Group has at Little Falls library. “It was an excellent turnout for our first meeting,” enthuses achieved non-profit status already, so there is no need to worry) “With this new group, we anticipate a wonderful relationship with Friend’s Secretary, Karen Lichtenberg, “Of the ten people attending, three of them volunteered to be chair-persons - Fundraising, the library.” The “Friends,” as they like to be called, eagerly embraced their Membership and Communications.” “We hope that as our group becomes better established we first meeting. can attract more interest in fuKnowing they could do so “It was an excellent turnout for our first meeting,” enthuses ture meetings.”Puffin adds. much good for the Little Falls Friend’s Secretary, Karen Lichtenberg, “Of the ten people Impressively, “The Friends” community and the library attending, three of them volunteered to be chair-persons have already got the ball rolling itself, the group was formed Fundraising, Membership and Communications.” with their first holiday fundwith the idea in mind to proraiser entitled “Make a Book mote the use of the library by all, increase community awareness of their resources and ser- Art Christmas Tree,” recently held on Saturday, November 17th vices, and encourage others to donate to the library via fundrais- at the library. With this fundraiser, people made charming trees out of discarded books, jump starting their holiday spirit with this ers or other memorial gifts and bequests. Proceeds from the Friends’ fundraisers will be donated to the delightful form of origami art. Pages in the books were identically library to help purchase equipment, supplies, and to provide chil- folded, and then painted in green or gold glitter or both (if patrons dren and adult programs to the library that are beyond the reach didn’t choose to leave their trees bare, that was)! And then they were adorned with sparkling mini-garland, or bows of red and of the existing budget. That means ultimately that they can offer something for every green with a traditional star on top. A great time was had by all. taste, every passion. And there are plenty more ideas on the horizon for the Little Kristie Puffin, President of the Little Falls Friends of the Library Group, is extremely eager to begin. “Our goal is to support the Falls Library from “The Friends”. Suggestions ranged from
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book drives, author talks, bus trips, wine tastings, wing sponsorships, raffles and art projects and much more. Even a possible mini golf event! While most everyone is looking forward to all of the events, Lichtenberg is looking forward to one in particular. “I am very excited about having a wine and cheese night,” she enthuses. “I am thrilled about the interest that residents have shown in starting a Friends Group,” shares Pelchat-Miller. “I For further information, details, know that there or to become a member, just visit are many creative the library’s website at and energetic peowww.littlefallslibrary.org. ple in town who want to be part of it and I expect that the Friends will be planning great events and activities for all to attend and enjoy.” And Puffin agrees, having high hopes for the brand new Little Falls Friends of the Library Group. Keeping in mind how the library can span the generations, she strives to make Little Falls Library an inclusive place for all. “Libraries are more popular than ever, from people of my generation to Millennials: Friends Groups are a big part of that.” Sound intriguing? For further information, details, or to become a member, just visit the library’s website at www.littlefallslibrary.org.
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For the Love of Antiques Little Falls Woman Has Trove of Treasures
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By Jillian Risberg
fter retiring from a career in finance, 13 years ago Debbie Santucci happily welcomed a first love into her life, antiques — and getting to live her dream everyday made perfect sense. “I figured it would be a great hobby and I work harder now than when I was in finance,” Santucci says. “I made some contacts in the business, and I was in a few centers and didn’t like the way they were run so I decided to open my own, Main Street Antiques.” If you have something specific or unique in mind, that perfect set of China, antique dresser or pendant — set aside an afternoon to go exploring and you might just uncover all kinds of vintage riches. While it may seem like a leap, Santucci says she always had an interest in antiques. “I had an aunt that had antiques in her house and every time we went,
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I would touch and look at everything. Just had an appreciation for the age and beauty of the porcelains and the furniture, how much more well made it was than what we had at home ‘cause my mother was not into antiques at all.” This was back in the 60’s and the future antique owner says she was intrigued by the carved pieces of furniture from that time. Sure, every kind of website out there is hocking antiques, but what’s better than seeing these gems up close. When it comes to antiques, there’s something to fit every style and budget. To be considered antique an item must be 100-years-old. “When you hold something like that in your hand that’s not made today it’s just a special feeling,” Santucci says. There are many reasons why someone is drawn to antiques. “The people that bring that kind of stuff in - it could be this little old lady and she’ll start talking about how she can remember using this on the table when she was a kid and how her mother treasured the silver. You just don’t get that anymore.” Frank Kane taught Santucci everything she knows. “It was a great partnership and he was here with me until he passed away a year ago April.” According to Santucci, they were buying together. But she started the business and actually owns the whole building. “I figured if you’re gonna do it, just go all in,” she says. Jack Dorner started buying from Santucci from the time she first opened. The Montclair designer also knew Kane, who suggested he
check out the setup at Main Street Antiques. “There can’t be enough antique centers for me,” Dorner says. “I try to go back once a month to see what they have that works into my collections.” And those collections are vast. “I collect Oriental things, some small glass, Chinese and Japanese porcelain, English Basalt, Grand Tour souvenirs (tabletop items). The Center specializes in the purchase and sale of high end antiques and jewelry. They also handle estate sales. “We’ll go out to the house and buy one or two items or if the house is great, buy everything,” Santucci says. “We always make some sort of a deal if we can.” When it comes to some of her bestselling items, it depends on when you were born. “With the millennials what we sell to them is name recognition,” Santucci says. “I have some Chanel bags, the Fendis. Put that in the window, they come in — and a lot of ‘em come back; it’s amazing. “I can’t tell you how many mothers come in and say, ‘I have all this China and my kids don’t want it,’” she says, adding there are some items you can steer them to, while others just don’t fly. Pricing is very faceted. “We can buy from $10 and buy things that are thousands of dollars,” Santucci says. “Then we just pass it on to the next dealer. If we bought a whole lot, usually we make out okay,
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markets,” Nach says. Recently when a woman stopped in with some jewelry, the Little Falls dealer passed because a lot of it was broken and not what he needs right now. “We have so much and when you have so much you have to be a little picky,” he says. According to Dorner, Main Street Antiques has been a great resource for his custom-made finial business and beyond. “That’s one of the categories I always look for,” he says. “They have very nice jewelry, I’ve bought beautiful rings there. I bought a beautiful watch there. I like giving antiques for Christmas gifts so if I see something that I know would appeal to one of my friends — I’ll buy it because I’d rather give a re-
then we can donate what’s left.” The antique owner says they work very well with people and it’s not necessary to make an appointment. “Just come in, bring it in — and if we’re open we’ll look at whatever you have,” she says. “If they want us to come out to their house, we’ll go out to their house. We try to make people as comfortable (as possible) ‘cause it’s such a personal thing — you’re selling your stuff.” After being involved with antiques all these years Santucci still loves that it’s like a treasure hunt. “I like offering a fair price, hate the negotiation of selling,” she says. “When you have something worth $150 and someone offers you half and you’re still trying to be nice when you’re saying, ‘no’ — it’s tough.” Bruce Nach enjoys his line of work and appreciates the perks of being a dealer at Main Street Antiques Center. “I do a lot with costume jewelry, Debbie does a lot with costume jewelry, but there might be a lot that Debbie doesn’t want ‘cause I also do flea
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she says. “We were like, ‘let’s just put it on eBay, and whatever it goes for it goes for.’” They finally closed out the sale on September 12, 2001. “And it sold for $12,000,” Santucci says, adding that they paid $80 for the piece. They later found out it was the Meriden Jewel pattern with the stopper cut to match the base.
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If we buy Depression glass, we try to educate them up into maybe buying Sven or Lalique, we try to show them the higher end, nicer stuff that’ll hold the value,” she says. “So somebody stayed late at work and just cut it. It probably was a piece they took home themselves but the fact that the stopper was so rare and it went out to California, we were worried,” Santucci says. “We were like, ‘we’re not spending the money ’til this guy comes back.’” He did and the antique dealer says the man was pleased with the piece. If it didn’t sell the day after the towers came down, Santucci says Kane was willing to up their price to $14,000. “That was probably my biggest profit margin,” she says. Then there are those times when Santucci determines a piece just isn’t worth it. “We just say it’s too new or this isn’t really quality and if you have other stuff bring it, don’t be discouraged. Most people are very understanding.” According to Santucci, some customers start their antique journey by buying lower-end pieces. “Like if we buy Depression glass, we try to educate them up into maybe buying Sven or Lalique, we try to show them the higher end, nicer stuff that’ll hold the value,” she says. Dorner is starting another company designing custom made shower curtains from original art and he says Main Street Antiques is a critical resource.
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“Antique stores are really my main haunts. I can’t remember a time when I’ve gone in there and haven’t found something either for one of my collections or for my finial business or shower curtain business,” he says. Nowadays you can find just about anything online. “The Internet did hurt this business because nothing’s rare anymore,” Santucci says. “You still have to have the knowledge of what you’re selling. The Majolica and the pottery — that kind of stuff is just dead. I can always sell silver online.” One has to have a certain taste for classic antiques, because the changing climate of the business has taken on a different model. But Santucci learns something new everyday, there’s a certain nostalgia that accompanies selling antiques and she says you meet a lot of interesting people. “When the little old lady comes in and she gets to tell me her story and I remember,” she says. “A lot of times something like the piece of silver — I’ll take it home and won’t sell it and every time I look at it l think of that little old lady. I have a lot of things in my house like that. To me, that’s what this whole business is about.” Come visit Main Street Antiques Center, they are located at 87 Main St, Little Falls. You’ll be glad you did!
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Page 16 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
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Members of Woodland Park Cub Scout Pack 31 recently hiked the Morris Canal Greenway and helped to clean a portion of the path near the American Legion Post 238. Photo courtesy of Woodland Park Cub Scout Pack 31
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First Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey Passaic Valley Service Unit Halloween Bash
Members of Daisy, Brownie and Girl Scout troops from Little Falls, Totowa and Woodland Park joined together on Oct. 28 for the first aGirl Scouts of Northern New Jersey - Passaic Valley Service Unit Halloween Bash. The girls enjoyed Halloween crafts and activities and celebrated Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday as well. Girls brought donations of “birthday presents” for newborn babies to 12 month olds that were donated to Oasis - A Haven for Women, located in Paterson. In total they donated 56 clothing items, 21 toiletries, 13 food items and bottles, 12 bedding items and towels, 8 toys, 8 packs of diapers and 21 packs of wipes. Photo courtesy of GSNNJ Passaic Valley Service Unit.
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Thanksgiving Drive Helps Families Have a Bright Holiday
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oodland Park distributed over 30 turkeys and the “fixins” to local families who need a helping hand this Thanksgiving. The Borough sends its thanks to Fairway Market, who generously donates every year to the collection effort drive. This year, they donated 25 turkeys. A number of residents also donated turkeys and canned food. Thanks to School District Superintendent Dr. Michele Pillari and each of the schools, who coordinate with families in need. The food collection was coordinated by the Memorial School Student Council, Charles Olbon School, Beatrice Gilmore School together with donations from generous families of Woodland Park. In addition, the Borough expresses appreciation to its friends at Burn Boot Camp, under head trainer Joey Merlino, who helped the effort this year by donating numerous boxes full of supplies from its members. Coordinated by Mrs. Facciollio and Mr. Krakower, the Beatrice Gilmore School
By Christa Limone
community collected over 400 items for the drive and over three boxes of contributions for pets in need. Charles Olbon School collected over 600 items and held a drive for animals in need as well. Mrs. Tundo’s class collected the most with 143 items. At Memorial School, students were able to assemble 20 dinner bags. Families also received ShopRite gift cards donated by the staff to cover any additional items they might need.
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Page 20 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
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Shop Small - Shop Local
By Christa Limone he Borough of Woodland Park celebrates its local small businesses and the contributions they make to the local economy and community. Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Council issued a proclamation at the Nov. 7 Council meeting marking Nov. 24, 2018 as “Small Business Saturday,” and urged residents of Woodland Park, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants on “Small Business Saturday” and throughout the year. The proclamation was given to Woodland Park Business Association President and Secretary Pasquale Spinoso and Mary Ann Spinoso, owners of Trevi Fine Jewelry, by Mayor Kazmark and Councilman Gary Holloway. Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and U.S. consumers have reported spending an estimated $85 billion at independent retailers and restaurants over these eight days alone. Ninety percent of consumers say “Small Business Saturday” has had a positive impact on their community; and 89% of consumers who are aware of “Small Business Saturday” said this particular day encourages them to “shop small” all year long. Seventy-three percent of consumers who reportedly “shopped small” at independently-owned retailers and restaurants on “Small Business Saturday” did so with friends or family; and the most reported reason for consumers aware of a special day to shop and dine at small, independently-owned businesses was to support their community.
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Passaic Valley Life • December 2018 • Page 21
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Life-Size Living Chess Game
he Alfred H. Baumann Library recently held a “Lifesize Living Chess” game. The Woodland Park Chess Club coordinator Stephen McGorty partnered with the library to create chess as a team sport. Thanks to the help of the Department of Public Works, a life-size chess board was painted on the library lawn and library Junior Ambassadors and teen volunteers under the direction of Youth Services Librarian Allie Steiger helped make the chess piece headbands that were used to identify the players’ role on the board. Unlike the usual one to one play of a chess game, living chess brought the game to the next level. The players had to work as a team to strategize their moves to get to the ultimate move, “checkmate.” “Witnessing the intellectual thought process in action while working together as a team was remarkable,” said Library Director Linda Hoffman. “Stephen and Jeanine, his assistant, got right in the game helping the kids to strategize their next move.” The Woodland Park Chess Club
serves children in kindergarten to 8th grade. They will begin their 2019 season in January and registration begins in December. During play, Stephen told the kids when having to make a choice in moves, “Think about it first, and then make your best possible move!” This is not only good advice in a game of chess, but good advice for the game of life. Although the White Team prevailed, the Red Team lost with grace and the White Team won with humility. However, everyone won by accomplishing this small feat of playing chess as a team sport. Everyone enjoyed apple cider and cookies and left with smiles on their faces. Photo courtesy of the Alfred H. Baumann Library.
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Page 22 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
John Mazzo and Mazzo Jewelers From Auto Shop Welding to Jewelry By Steve Sears
I
t was 1979, and John Mazzo, owner of Mazzo Jewelers (384 Totowa Road, Totowa, 973-790-7400, www.mazzojewelers.com) was in Auto Shop class in Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls, welding together the pieces of a car. A meticulous chore, and Mazzo’s skill caught the eye of his teacher. “I was kind of doing that (welding) in high school,” he says, “when I was running the shops, and the auto teacher was the one who actually said, ‘Hey, if they let you get on the half day program, you can go to this jewelry store; they actually need a welder.’ I like working with my hands so that basically kept me going with the business. If you gave me something to take apart, I can put it back together without the book. Basically, my
whole family, all the guys, that’s the way we are.” Mazzo calls it “engineering out” everything he does, a lot of it beautifully displayed in his store. “When I’m making something, setting something, it’s all about angles and making things straight, whatever you’re setting, so you’re always looking for a way to do something better.” Mazzo first worked out of the basement of Barton Jewelers in Little Falls. “He was a really honest guy and taught me all the values I still stand by today,” says Mazzo of Barton Jewelers owner, Raoul Barton. “When I went in for the job, I wasn’t prepped at all. I went I with jeans, a jacket, a giant size afro – I was pretty bad. I was in there not really knowing how to do an interview. He said he was going to call me, but I knew he wasn’t going to call me. So, I called him the next day, went and got a haircut, went in there with slacks on, and he hired me as soon as he saw me.” Barton then educated Mazzo in the art of jewelry as well as the business end, for the next six years. Johnny decided to stick with the trade, and after that, he served as the main jeweler at Kevin’s Fine Jewelry in Totowa from 1986-2005. Johnny then decided to follow his own dream. “Now it’s 39 years later,” says Mazzo, 55. Mazzo Jewelers was opened by Johnny, a Certified Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Diamond Setter, in October 2005. The location was previously home to a printer and a dance studio. “There wasn’t much here,” says Mazzo, who unveiled his new business with a $10,000 investment. He took the printer side first, and the early days were buttressed by friendships and word-of-mouth. As clientele grew, expansion was necessary in 2010 to the current 1,400 square foot size, so Mazzo and team took over the space from the departing dance studio. No matter the size, from the beginning the same thing has got-
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Passaic Valley Life • December 2018 • Page 23
ten Johnny out of bed every day. “For me it’s dealing with my customers. Dealing with people – I love helping people.” Mazzo Jewelers has steady customers from Totowa, but also beyond its boundaries. Walk-ins are also prominent. “Customers come in and want to know what they have in a box of old jewelry…we never charge for anything like that. That’s for straight-up advice, we’re just helping our customers. All of our customers, after they come in the store for the first As far as getting a great price and time, they’re friends quality, I’ll stand behind it for life. of ours. We really It’s something that’s guaranteed for life. get to know them.” That makes a big difference. Mazzo Jewelers carries an extensive selection of fine gold, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, along with sterling silver and stainless steel. John also specializes in custom jewelry design. Resetting customer’s old pieces into something new and improved is one of his specialties. Mazzo believes his customers will, in addition to the friendliness and knowledge of his staff, leave his store respecting the honesty of their hosts. “They (customers) know they’re going to get a straight answer, no matter what. As far as getting a great price and quality, I’ll stand behind it for life. It’s something that’s guaranteed for life. That makes a big
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Page 24 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
difference. So, once people see that, that’s what brings them in, that’s what brings in the rest of their family.” Mazzo Jewelers supports the local community in any way he can ways. “We do a lot of donations in the area.” Included in the list are the local first-responders such as police and fire departments, local sports teams, and local churches. However, perhaps the biggest things Mazzo Jewelers delivers to the community is knowledge and courtesy. John Mazzo has been the on-site jeweler since day one, runs the store, and is proud of his team. Nicole Russomanno, also with Mazzo Jewelers since 2005, is lead sales representative and buyer. A recipient of a GIA Diamond Essentials Certificate and Diamond & Diamond Grading
Certificate, she also assists with Marketing and Advertising and maintains inventory and prepares jewelry appraisals. John’s sister, Deb Mazzo-O’Brien, is administrative assistant and bookkeeper, handles donations, marketing, and advertising. Vicky Mulroony, sales associate and administrative assistant handles all the watch repairs in and out of the store, and Debbie Deluca assists customers with repairs and purchases with her extensive knowledge of religious jewelry, and also writes the Mazzo Jewelers blog. “We have a great team,” Mazzo affirms. Mazzo Jewelers is open for all of your jewelry needs seven days week, Monday - Saturday 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm.
We wish everyone a happy holiday from Little Falls Biz Shop Local for the Holidays
Passaic Valley Life • December 2018 • Page 25
A
Woman Bewitched by Bees By Jillian Risberg
s a youngster, Alice Casey drew pictures of bees and loved to learn about bees in science class. Then one day she bought a bee hive. That was in 2014 and the beekeeper hasn’t looked back since. “Since I got into the bee world I won the spirit award in 2016 out of our Northwest Beekeepers Club,” Casey says, adding that it was a wow moment for her. Barbara Hill has known Casey for several years and calls her a dedicated beekeeper. “I am hoping she becomes the third VP of NWNJBA during the election process at our upcoming holiday party — she deserves it,” says Hill, the branch treasurer. Casey’s affection for bees stems from the fact that she wants to save them. “We gotta keep them going because if we lose the bees onethird of our food will be lost,” she says. “They pollinate our fruits and vegetables; cranberries, blueberries — and everything bees make is utilized.” As a mentor to aspiring beekeepers in Hunterdon and Warren counties, Casey can help anyone interested in getting started by ordering bee equipment/supplies and a package of bees. “She is constantly increasing her knowledge of beekeeping but also mentoring many along the way,” says Hill, owner and founder of Amberfield Honey Farm, in Ringoes. Lynn Wallen took up beekeeping almost four years ago and says Casey was an inspiration. The two knew each other back in high school and reconnected on social media. “She pretty much lives and breathes bees,” the Easton, PA beekeeper says, adding that she took her friend’s interest in stride and had one of her own. “Alice is just one of those cool people that doesn’t surprise you about anything they do.” Wallen is a member of Northwest New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Beekeepers but is much more active in NWNJ.
“I think it’s a tighter group of people and one of the reasons for that is Alice. She really gets people excited about beekeeping, encouraged me and helped me along the entire way,” Wallen says. She calls her friend an all-around great person. “She’s not overbearing with her mentoring, which I think is important,” says The Wallen Mountain Farm owner. “I don’t think I would have succeeded in beekeeping without Alice there to help me. It’s really hard and complicated and so varied.” The bees are usually shipped from Florida or Georgia in a truckload of three-pound boxes with a queen in each box. She goes on her mating flight with up to 15 to 18 drones and lays 2,000 eggs a day. According to Wallen, only about three to five percent of the hive are drones (male bees). “They kick them out in the fall because they don’t do anything except mate with the queen and she only mates once in her life,” Wallen says. “But you never know when you’re going to need a drone around to impregnate a new queen ‘cause something could happen to her.” The older bees forage out to collect pollen and nectar and then return to the hive. “Younger bees usually nurse the queen bee and groom and feed her, protect her and they’re very attentive,” Casey says. She’s chair of the Warren County Fair and helps New Jersey apiarist, Tim Schuler judge the Hunterdon County Fair honey shows. For several years she’s also attended the Eastern Apicultural Society conference. And she got her friend involved in the honey shows, where Casey took first place and Wallen took third at Hunterdon for their light amber honey. At Warren, Casey also took first and Wallen took second in the same class. “Alice is a tireless worker for the bees and was instrumental in upgrading our beekeeping booths at both the Warren County Fair in Belvedere and the Hunterdon 4H Fair in Ringoes,”
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Page 26 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
Hill says. Wallen echoes that sentiment. “Warren County Fair is her baby. And it did very, very well,” she says, adding that working with Casey is not just about managing the bees but also if you want to extract any honey.” She recognizes the beauty and brilliance of bees, and how they figured out the hexagon was the formation to put the queen’s abdomen in to make the eggs. The six-sided shape fits together perfectly and can store pollen and honey. One thing we can’t do is treat them like pets. But Casey says we can take steps to help safeguard the bees. “We can reduce using harmful pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides,” she says. “Avoid the chemicals, the neonicotines. We have to protect their habitats.” Casey says do that by planting bee-friendly gardens, including: maple trees, wild onions, asters, dogwood, columbine, *milkweed, daisies, mistflowers, nut trees, Joe-Pye Weed, violets, roses, irises and *goldenrod. “Another thing they need a lot especially when it’s hot in the summer is little bee baths,” she says. “We put buckets of water with sticks or twigs or leaves in it so they can get water (without drowning).” And in the fall we need more knotweed or mountain mint. Once you receive your bees, it’s time to put them in the hive and your mentor can help with that. Many bee aficionados keep their hives close by, which is what Casey says she does. “I keep mine on my property and the hives should try to face south so the sun gets them,” she says, adding that bees like to hang out by
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Passaic Valley Life • December 2018 • Page 27
the pool, for some reason they’re attracted to chlorine. “Just see how your neighbors are,” she says. “Some neighbors welcome bees and most of them do support the bees.” If you get the all-clear for your bees — remember that every queen bee has a pheromone. She stays in the hive and the bees go out and they come back to the same hives because they smell the queen. “Bees can fly three to five miles away from their hive,” Casey says. “So when people say, ‘organic’ I tend to worry. Your farm may be organic but is your farm five miles in every direction circumference wise, so you gotta think about that when you say organic. “And you don’t know what your bees are eating or bringing in.” According to Casey, in the spring the bees go out and forage the pollen (their protein), the nectar — in trees, bushes, weeds, dandelions, buttercups, crocuses, everything that blooms first, things you cut out of your grass. “That’s why my grass always looks like it needs cutting,” she says. “Part of my grass, I’m feeding my bees.” When they bring back the nectar, Casey says the bees flutter their wings to dehydrate the nectar until it solidifies into honey and permeates the cells of the honeycomb. The process includes selecting the frames ready to be harvested and scraping the wax off the frames. Next, put the frames in an extractor (it can hold approximately nine frames) and as the reels spin it creates a centrifugal force. The honey is whipped out of the comb and accumulates inside the extractor. Then open the tap and let it pass through a strainer in the honey pots to filter out the wax and other small particles. “A lot of people like to watch that and do it with you,” Casey
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Page 28 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
says. “I always try to get a new beekeeper in with me so they can learn the process. It could take a couple of hours to all day, depending on how much you have. A five-gallon bucket would be about 55 to 60 pounds of honey.” At the same time, Wallen says you don’t want to take too much honey. “You gotta make sure you leave some for the bees,” she says. “The bees have a spring/early summer nectar flow, then they have a fall nectar flow.” Casey says often people complain about the price of honey because they have no concept of what getting it entails. “You have to buy the bees, the hives, the frames, the bee suit, all the equipment, the extractor, the knives, the bottles, the labels,” she says. “That’s why it costs a lot but raw honey tastes a lot better than the ones you buy in the stores.” When it comes to beekeeping, it’s really a personal preference how you handle them. Some people just use the bees to
pollenate. “A lot of big farms, bee farms or apiaries may have 300 hives and put them all on a truck in New Jersey and bring them out to California to the almond trees and the farmers out there like that,” Casey says. “Then they pack them up and bring them down to Florida. They transport their bees from area to area.” Others like their bees for the honey. The little creatures survive the winter by staying active and clustering. But Casey says most only make it six weeks in the summer since they are hard at work. The queen can survive three to four years because she’s constantly being catered to by all the female worker bees. Once you make the decision to pursue an interest in beekeeping, remember that safety comes first. “There’s a full bee suit, which would include a hood (or veil), you can wear gloves and people wear boots even,” Casey says. “That’s full protection and nowadays there’s vented suits
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Passaic Valley Life • December 2018 • Page 29
“Sometimes you can tell by the way they’re flying,” Casey so you don’t sweat as much because they’re very, very warm and of course you’re doing all this in the G-d awfully hot mid-summer.” says. “Yellow jackets are erratic fliers.” And if you’re concerned about bees disrupting your summer Besides the suit, equipment includes a hive tool and a smoker — used to hold pine needles, paper egg cartons or some sort of vacation, she recommends putting something sweet on the other side of your campsite. fuel. Like dogs get fleas, you should treat your bees for mites, ac“And smoke the bees. They think it’s a fire or something and stay calm into the hive,” Casey says, adding that how often you cording to Casey. “There are some people that don’t want to treat and that’s use the smoker depends on the temperament of your bees. a real touchy subject,” she says. Some bees are aggressive and “Because we don’t know where others are very calm and docile. “Feed your bees, plant bee friendly flowers, protect them, your bees go. Say Mikey goes “Sometimes I sit in front of my don’t swamp them,” Casey says. “And if you see a swat, three miles down the road where hives in my little yellow chair and call a beekeeper — don’t spray Raid on them please.” that man doesn’t treat his hive relax,” Casey says. “Sometimes I and he might have mites. And can go into a hive with just my veil then he comes to my hives and that whole scenario could start.” on, no suit and no gloves and work my bees.” There are different species of honey bee and Casey says — The bees can feel it sometimes if it’s a nice, bright day and respond more calmly. If it’s a cloudy day, they may be a bit more Russian honey bees, Carolina honey bees and Italian honey bees aggressive and if the hive hasn’t been opened in a long time, they are the primary ones used locally in the Garden State. The beekeeper says she would like to get to the point where may also exhibit aggression, according to Casey. It depends on we don’t have to treat bees anymore. several variables. “‘Cause they have such a hard life,” she says. “Their predators Contrary to popular belief, most bees are not out to sting. “When people get stung it’s most likely the yellow jacket that are us, bears, mites, skunks, raccoons.” If you want to keep them around for a while, do the right thing. is the attacker than the honey bee,” Casey says. “Feed your bees, plant bee friendly flowers, protect them, That means don’t disturb — including swatting at them or apdon’t swat them,” Casey says. “And if you see a swarm, call a proaching their nests or hives. beekeeper — don’t spray Raid on them please.” And it’s not as tough as you think to identify the type of bee.
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Page 30 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
Gift-Wrapping Tips and Tricks
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uch of the focus of each holiday season is on gift-giving, but all those gifts will eventually need to be wrapped. Stacks of presents just waiting to be covered with paper and ribbon can overwhelm gift givers, prompting them to put off wrapping gifts until the last minute. Hesitant wrappers with a pile of gifts to wrap can use these tricks to make the process go smoothly. Find inspiration Instead of looking at wrapping as yet another chore, try to envision
how the recipient will feel peeling open the paper and finding the gift inside. Wrapping can be the prelude to the gift itself, and intensify the anticipation. The wrapping paper or style also may draw on aspects of the gift itself. For example, a knit scarf can be placed in a crocheted stocking. Handle oddly-shaped items Wrapping rectangular boxes can be a snap, but what about something that’s round or full of angles? Think about placing oddly-shaped items inside another item to make the shape more uniform. Shoe boxes, coffee cans and even paper towel rolls can hold items. Then place the wrapping on these containers. Cover prices To enable easy exchanges or returns, do not cut off the price tags of gifts. Instead,
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place a festive sticker over the dollar amount, but leave the scan bar visible. This way the gift recipient can return the gift with ease if necessary. Keep supplies at the ready Devote a bin or bins to wrapping supplies and tools. Having scissors, paper, tape, ribbon, and more in a designated spot will cut down on having to hunt and peck when it comes time to wrap. Martha Stewart suggests getting a rotary cutter to cut long straight or decorative edges on wrapping paper. Rotary cutters may be easier to use than scissors, especially when paired with a ruler. Wrap on a firm surface Devote a table or counter to wrapping gifts. This will keep the paper taut and neat and make it easier to cut and position. You risk tearing the paper or puncturing it when working on carpeting or bedding. Color- or pattern-code gifts It’s easy to visualize who gets what gift when each recipient has his or her own special wrapping paper. This is also a handy idea when wrapping gifts from Santa, as it will differentiate the Santa gifts from the ones being given by Mom and Dad. With a few helpful pointers, wrapping gifts can be easy. And for those who prefer to skip the wrapping themselves, many malls and retailers offer complimentary wrapping for a small donation to charity.
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1. All I Want For Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey 2. Mary, Did You Know? — Pentatonix 3. Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental) — Trans-Siberian Orchestra 4. Mistletoe — Justin Bieber 5. Christmas Canon — Trans-Siberian Orchestra 6. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree — Brenda Lee 7. Believe — Josh Groban 8. Last Christmas (Single Version) — Wham! 9. Jingle Bell Rock — Bobby Helms 10. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — Andy Williams 11. Hallelujah — Pentatonix 12. Wizards in Winter (Instrumental) — Trans-Siberian Orchestra 13. Winter Song — Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson 14. Hallelujah — Lindsey Stirling 15. Last Christmas — Taylor Swift 16. Feliz Navidad — José Feliciano 17. Santa Tell Me — Ariana Grande 18. A Holly Jolly Christmas — Burl Ives 19. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) — Nat “King” Cole 20. Hard Candy Christmas — Dolly Parton
Page 32 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
Get Christmas crafty with homemade ornaments
H
andmade gifts, trinkets and treats help make the holiday season special. Although cookies and other baked goods are some of the most popular homemade creations this time of year, gift-givers young and old can put their talents to use with various craft projects. Ornaments and decorations are one such idea. Here are some clever and, not-too-time-consuming craft projects to try this holiday season. Mini sleighs: Create miniature replicas of Santa’s famous sleigh. Paint several popsicle sticks to form the main body of the sleigh and glue them together. Put one at the top perpendicular to the others to serve as the steering rudder. Two silver-painted popsicle sticks placed on their thin sides act as the blades of a sled. Popcorn garland: Garland made of popcorn is a classic handmade holiday project. For a new twist, toss the popcorn with food coloring and allow it to dry before stringing for some bright color on the tree. Photo ornaments: Print out several different photos that you love. Purchase round or square thin wood pieces from a craft store and attach the photos with Mod Podge®. When dry, drill a hole through the top and thread with twine. Advent calendar: Make an Advent calendar to count down to Christmas by covering a foam board with fabric. Use paper tags or small ornaments and write a number on each for each day of the month. Hang these all from the board. As each day passes, move the tag or ornament to the tree. Wooden snowflakes: Have children collect small twigs from outdoors, as well as holly leaves and some sprigs of evergreen. Arrange similarly sized twigs in the shape of snowflakes and glue together, or tie with twine. Embellish with stickers, glitter, dried berries, and more. Dough ornaments: Anyone can have fun molding their own ornaments, letting them dry and then painting them. Use cookie cutters to get perfect holiday shapes. Craft stores sell various types of
modeling clays and lightweight modeling materials. Or, make your own salt dough. Reindeer bottle topper: Put to use any wine corks you have lying around. Attach googly eyes and a small fuzzy nose to the front of a cork. Insert twisted, brown pipe cleaners to make the antlers up top. Add ribbons, small snippets of faux fur or any other extras you desire. Sweet sentiments: Use old Scrabble® letter tiles to form a favorite holiday phrase, like “Joy to the World.” Glue the tiles together and hang from the tree on a piece of ribbon.
Passaic Valley Life • December 2018 • Page 33
Page 34 • December 2018 • Passaic Valley Life
Celebrate Safely
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this new year’s eve
ew Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate. But for hundreds of people each year, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day proves fatal. According to fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over the last five years an average of 300 people died in drunk driving fatalities between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Holiday celebrations, and New Year’s Eve festivities in particular, tend to include alcohol, raising the stakes during this festive yet too often fatal time of year. The sobering statistics provided by the NHTSA don’t have to prevent people from toasting a new year. In fact, there are many ways to have fun this New Year’s Eve without putting yourself in harm’s way. • Don’t overindulge in alcohol. For many people, overindulging in alcohol is part and parcel during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Such behavior puts everyone at risk, even people who don’t drive. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, conservative estimates suggest that roughly one-half of sexual assaults on American women involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim or both. While alcohol and its relationship to traffic fatalities draw the bulk of the attention on New Year’s Eve, even people who don’t intend to drive should recognize the dangers of overindulging in alcohol and drink responsibly.
• Arrange for transportation. If you need a car to get around on New Year’s Eve and plan to drink alcohol, arrange for someone else to do your driving for you. Groups of friends should choose someone to be their designated driver or pool their money and hire a taxi or bus service for the night so no one who’s been drinking gets behind the wheel. The NHTSA even offers a free app called SaferRide that is compatible with Apple and Android devices and enables users to call a taxi or a friend to be picked up. • Host responsibly. Even people who don’t intend to leave their homes can take steps to make New Year’s Eve safer for everyone. If you’re hosting a party at home, do so responsibly, making sure none of your guests overindulge and making the party less about drinking and more about having fun. Shift the focus from toasting drinks to games and activities that don’t include alcohol. Make sure to have plenty of food and nonalcoholic beverages on hand and encourage people who are drinking to eat full meals and drink water throughout the night. People who fill up on food and water during the party may feel full, which may discourage them from having extra drinks. While many people will expect to drink alcohol on New Year’s Eve, don’t stock up on too much alcohol, the availability of which may encourage guests to overindulge. Hosts also should keep the phone numbers of local taxi services handy just in case some guests cannot drive themselves home safely.
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