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January 2021

Push for Levi’s Law

By Steve Sears evi Spencer of Roxbury is a very active 8-year-old. “He loves life; he loves doing everything that other kids do,” says his mom, Jillian. “He is quick to adapt. He can do it pretty much quicker than adults can. We’ll be brainstorming and ask, ‘How can we get him to this place?’ Or ‘How can he interact with the kids?’ And then we look over and he’s already doing it his way and it’s better than what we could have planned. He’s very clever and innovative and positive about himself.” Levi was born with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, which affects 5-6 of his vertebrae. The organization, Pray for Levi, was started prior to his birth. It was a website and Facebook page to give updates about Levi, inform others and ask for prayers, and it evolved into a fundraiser when Levi’s family needed funds to adapt their home to be handicap accessible. $100,000 was collected for renovations. “We added a second story to put bedrooms upstairs so the first floor could be (handicap) accessible,” says Spencer. When the above wrapped up, the Spencer family started movement towards a bill called Levi’s Law, hoping that literature would be available in every healthcare office to give expected parents resources, and a place to go with up-to-date information that maybe the doctors don’t know firsthand. “And for support groups; there’s lots of support groups that I’m in that I just happen to find and stumble upon that doctors aren’t

aware of, and it’s great information and resources to give encouragement to expectant parents with a new diagnosis,” says Spencer. Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco has been working with the Spencer family on the bill, which will mandate up to date information on Spina Biﬁda during a prenatal diagnosis appointment, so parents can ﬁnd support, guidance, and encouragement. If passed, the hope is to provide pamphlets and more

to get the news out statewide. “Faith is a huge part – it’s the only thing that’s gotten our family through,” says Spencer, who received news about Levi following an ultrasound. “The ﬁrst couple of days after diagnosis were very devastating because

it’s just something you don’t think about. But after we prayed about it. I had a very clear moment where God spoke to me and he said, ‘It’s going to be okay.’ He didn’t say everything was going to be perfect, he didn’t say Levi was not going to be disabled. He didn’t say things like that, but he did say it’s going to be okay. And I take that to heart every single day: I wake up with that reminder that it’s going to be okay. And we do that with our faith, and we just believe that we make the best out of every situation. And God’s provided for us already, and we couldn’t have done it without that faith.”

Although still paralyzed from the waist down and using assistive devices that help him walk and sit, Levi is still strong. “We did hit a little bump in the road, where he had a pressure wound. And he just actually had surgery to close that up,” says Spencer, “so walking has taken a step backwards so to speak, but that doesn’t change our hearts. Our prayers aren’t so much that he walks, but that he has a relationship with Jesus, and that he is happy.” Jillian, who along with husband Jason are also parents to an older son, Shane, 10, and a daughter, Ruby, 5, adds, “He’s a carefree, active little love.” Visit the organization’s Instagram page at Livinglifelikelevi.

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Vitamin D and Dental Implants

itamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants are all very important components in a person’s well-being. In our busy world, its easy to become deficient in many of these due to fast foods, processed foods, and the toll stress can take on a person. Vitamin D is one of these extremely important vitamins. It is essential for absorption of calcium, muscle strength, immune system function, and deterrence of osteoporosis. It also has many other functions. However, Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide public health problem that spans all ages. Epidemiological studies have shown roughly 70% of society is deficient. This is largely due to the number of desk-related jobs that don’t allow us to get enough sun exposure, which is the main source of this important vitamin. Vitamin D is found naturally in very few foods. Within the last 10 years or so, we have realized the importance of vitamin D to the success of dental implants, and not having enough of it can be directly linked to implant failure. There are a number of studies revealing this correlation, but one paper evaluated 2,000 implants in roughly

1,000 patients. While heavy smoking (15 cigarettes per day) was associated with an approximate 50% increase in early implant failures, severe vitamin D deficiency was reported with a nearly 300% increase in overall implant failure! (Manganeo et al, 2019). What happens if a dental implant fails due to insufficient vitamin D levels? Typically, we will see an “early stage failure.” This means your bone does not integrate with the dental implant. For many years we did not know why a routine, simple implant placement procedure might fail: lately, we have been able to link it to poor bone metabolism, which is directly related to patients’ vitamin and mineral levels. So what are good and bad levels, and what should your level be for dental implant surgery? A level below 20 ng/ml is deficiency. Optimal levels are 30 ng/ml. If you are undergoing dental implant surgery, your level should be between 40 and 60 ng/ml. This is because stress (ie: dental surgery) will decrease your Vitamin D level. Be careful: there is such a thing as vitamin D toxicity: too much of a good thing can be bad. This level is defined as 150 ng/ml, or

greater. How can you test your Vitamin D level quickly and effectively? You can go to a lab such as Quest or Labcorp and utilize your medical insurance. As an alternative, a quick and simple in-office pin-prick test can be administered in the dental office. Costs are around $90, and results are determined in approximately 10 minutes. What can be done if your Vitamin D level is determined to be deficient? Dietary supplements of Vitamin D by itself will bring levels up to desirable amounts in 8 to 12 weeks. This is not conducive to moving forward with a dental implant procedure quickly. There is a supplement designed for dentistry and implant / bone grafting procedures that combines Vitamin D with other “co-factors” such as vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, and others: this supplement can decrease the “replenishment rate” down to 4 weeks. It is also recommended you continue the supplements for 2 weeks after the procedure. Vitamin D cannot provide its benefits for bone metabolism on its own. That’s why “co-factors” (mentioned above) are neces-

sary. These co-factors allow your body to utilize and activate the Vitamin D. In conclusion, the world of dental implants has found a new level of respect for vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. Overall health is important not only to your well-being, but also to the success of any dental implant procedure you might be considering! About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 25 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.

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Landmarks and Graveyards of Randolph

By Henry M. Holden hile there are various definitions of a landmark, most people can agree the definition is a building or an object that helps identify a location with a boundary. Landmarks also indicate that a location may have historical importance. Dating back to at least 1720, the Liberty Tree, located at the corner of Quaker Church Road, and Center Grove Road, in Randolph, was the last tree left living in Randolph since the Revolutionary War. The 298-year old tree is one of 26 designated historic landmarks in Randolph, but unfortunately, Friday, August 31, 2018, became its last day standing. In recent years, a claim was made that the tree was slowly dying. In 2017, an evaluation determined the tree had deteriorated to the point to where “it could easily be knocked down in a storm.” The recommendation was that it should be removed to protect health and safety of anyone passing it. Dr. Tom Ombrello, a professor at Union County College, specializing in propagating old trees volunteered to assist the township with an effort to grow a new tree from an acorn of the original tree. A seedling was planted in a greenhouse and overseen by Dr. Ombrello. According to Dr. Ombrello, “The White Oak is one of the slowest growing species of trees, and White Oaks are very hard to propagate.” Dr. Ombrello had recommended that the Liberty Tree seedling be given a protected environment for several years before it is placed outdoors. Unfortunately, the seedling did not survive its indoor environment.

The Township planned to save any of the healthy wood from the original Liberty Tree for the creation of a memorial to celebrate the tree. To date, four proposals have been made on the type of memorial to the tree. Landmarks come in other forms also. According to the 1830 census, there were 53 legal cider distilleries in Morris County, with four of them located in Randolph. Apple brandy can be distilled from hard apple cider making this activity an important part of the central New Jersey agricultural economy in the early 19th century. The first cider mill was built in 1809, at Sussex and Morris Turnpike. It was owned and operated by Samuel Barber Garrison. By 1869, the old distillery had been remodeled by Dorastus Logan Bryant, and became the home of “Bryant’s Pure Old Cider Brandy.” The distillery closed in 1934, after being in operation for 110 years. When in full operation, the D.L. Bryant Distillery produced more than 800 gallons of applejack a year. This “Jersey Lightening” was 100-150 proof. The earliest grist mills in America were built in the early 1600s. A grist mill can grind dill seeds, peppercorns, wheat etc., and can bring history to life and tell you something about the folks that live there. The first grist Mill was built in 1713 at Mill Brook. Its main purpose was to grind apples (which was a major crop at one time) into cider for Apple Jack or Jersey Lightning for the Bryant Distillery. Is it a graveyard or cemetery? Well, there is a small discontinued on page 8

More than two years since the Liberty Tree was cut down nothing remains except a historic land marker and a patch of earth sans anything growing. (Credit Henry M. Holden)

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The Gilded Age of Morristown

By Henry M. Holden he Gilded Age of Morristown (18801929) kicked into high gear in 1887 with the death of Cornelius (Commodore) Vanderbilt in New York City. To his heirs he bequeathed $105 million, a sum said to be equal to that in the United States Treasury the day he died. In today’s money we are talking about over two trillion dollars. More than 215 men and women of wealth lived in and around Morristown during the years of the Gilded Age. The aggregate of their wealth is staggering, more than two billion dollars. In 1892 the New York Herald put the number of millionaires living east of the Mississippi at 257, twelve of whom lived in Morristown. Four years later, the initial issue of the Morristown Social Directory contained the names of 76 millionaires with a total wealth in excess of $289 million. By 1914, this figure had grown to half a billion dollars with 92 millionaires, and the end was not in sight. Who were these men and women of unheard-of wealth? Heading the list was Charles W. Harkness, the third largest holder of Standard Oil Stock in the world. He died on May 1, 1916, before the federal es-

tate tax went into effect. His wife, who died seven months later, left an estate appraised in excess of ten million dollars. Many chose to settle in Morristown, a community of 8,300 persons, in 1890 because it was located on the tracks of the then fledgling Morris and Essex division of the Delaware Lackawanna & Western Railroad. Marcellus Hartley Dodge added to his wealth when he purchased the Giralda Farms (west of Madison) in 1906, to protect his privacy. He died on Christmas Day, in 1963, leaving behind a fortune appraised at $60 million. His wife, the oldest living member of the Rockefeller family was worth $50 million. At her death on April 13, 1973, she left behind her net worth of $101,000,000. Back in the 1870s, Morristown was described as “a village of good plain people.” But that changed. A few New York families discovered the area and made it their summer vacation destination. By early 1900s, more millionaires lived within a 3-mile radius around Morristown than anywhere else in the US. Vanderbilt’s estate funded the beginnings of the age of the palaces. A few of these sumptuous Gilded-Age mansions have survived to this day. A new era of splendor had set in. Wit-

This is the former mansion, Spring Brook House, the home of Robert Dumont Foote. Built in 1906, it was repurposed in 1927 to become the current 44-room of the Loyola Jesuit Retreat Center. (Credit Henry M. Holden)

nessing the evolving social scene, the quiet farming community they had known evolved into a town of crowds and carnival. There was a reckless extravagance of some constantly bent on pleasure. It was an age of licensed piracy, a great evasion of taxation, exploitation of the poor,

and profiteering. One resident described the area as an age of guilt. “It was an era of artificiality. Of the people who came here, too many leaned heavily on money and superimposed snobbery. They aped everything British, carriages, harnesses, even the continued on page 8

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The Gilded Age... continued from page 6 horses were imported from Ireland.” Hamilton McKeon Twombly erected $5 million replicas of English palaces along with a 500-acre model farm, 400-cow herd, a 100-horse stable and $75,000 greenhouse. The stock market crash in 1929 was the

beginning of the end for the Gilded Age. For a time, it lingered in the gloom of the Depression, and then it was Gone with the Wind. It struggled through the 1930s and 1940s as its heartbeat muﬄed from the sound of bulldozers razing many of the mansions.

Landmarks and Graveyards... continued from page 4 tinction. Graveyards are generally associated with a religious denomination. Cemeteries are non-sectarian and open to all regardless of any religious affiliation. Grave markers can also tell a story. Visiting your local cemetery is probably not on anyone’s bucket list but it can reveal the families who lent their names to the streets and neighborhoods. There are clues to what kind of environment, weather and climate they experienced. Looking at the age groupings and ages can bring history to life, but they are susceptible to the weather which can wear away the inscriptions on the gravestone. The graveyard of the Dover Randolph’s Friends Meeting House on Quaker Church Road, and Quaker Avenue, is the oldest (1758) religious structure in Morris Coun-

ty. Its cemetery divulged a way of life for the early settlers that was both harsh and revealing. Grave markers show octogenarians, but also many infant deaths. The Randolph Friends Meeting House graveyard contains grave markers showing burials of revolutionary war soldiers and soldiers of all the wars the U.S. fought in. What is surprising is a large area within the graveyard among the grave markers which has nothing on it except healthy grass. In 1992, the curiosity of what the vacant ground meant resulted in folks taking a look using ground penetrating radar. What the radar revealed appears to be 18th century burials without markers. The outcome was “nothing definitive, but graves that were not identified. The question remains, who is buried there and why no grave markers?”

Former president Ulysses S Grant, famous authors like Mark Twain, Brett Harte, Frank Stockton, and Thomas Nast, and boxing champ John L. Sullivan lived in or frequently visited Morristown. Overnight this new breed lined the main thoroughfare of Madison Avenue and South Street (dubbed the Great White Way) with fabulous mansions and suburban estates. They built polo fields, racetracks, golf courses, and elaborate clubs. These men and women belong to “the richest at least known colony of wealthy people in the world,” said the New York Herald.

But some of these multi-millionaires left behind legacies of social improvements. They aided the public welfare groups, built libraries, hospitals, and donated vast tracts of property for public use. Mrs. George Jenkins endowed a chair of medicine at New York University for $100,000. Marcellus Hartley Dodge gave $500,000 to Columbia University, his alma mater, for the erection of a dormitory. The Gilded Age of Morristown was a way of life, a life which could never again be duplicated, even by a person with hundreds of millions of dollars.

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Write On: Roxbury Writers’ Workshop Holds Its First Virtual Public Reading

By Steve Sears aren Cerreta, Roxbury Township Public Library Programming Coordinator, recalls the day she was approached by a local woman who wanted to start a writer’s group. “When I sat down with Rosemary (Szablewicz) at the library and she brought her idea to me,” Ceretta recalls, “she said she wanted a place where people who love to write could come together to inspire each other, to work on some writing prompts, to critique in a helpful, friendly way, and to talk about what are the next steps in getting published or doing things to be able to explore that a little bit more.” Cerreta thought the idea wonderful and born was Write On: Roxbury Writers’ Workshop, the caveat being that it be a volunteer-led effort. “And she (Szablewicz) agreed to take it on, very generously,” Cerreta says. That discussion was in 2019, and the group recently presented their first virtual reading on Wednesday, October 28. Pre-COVID-19, the group was meeting at the library. Since March, all monthly get togethers are ZOOM based. “We had a whole idea of how we would do it in the library,” says Szablewicz. “But then, COVID-19 came along and that turned everybody upside down, inside out, topsy-turvy, and we decided to do ZOOM. Quite frankly, it seems to have turned out very well.” Five writers took part in the reading, which was attended virtually by over 20 people. Szablewicz, who has been writing for many years and is published in many magazines and newspapers, is also the moderator for the Mount Arlington Public Library Writer’s

Forum, and the Nolan’s Ridge community writer’s group where she resides. “We’ve (the Roxbury Writers’ Workshop) been meeting for over a year, and we’ve had people come and go.” There are 6 regular members, and at the end of each meeting, Szablewicz gives them assignments to work on for the next meeting. “I always say, ‘You don’t have to do it. You can just sit there and gently critique.’ And that’s what they do. I give them 10-minute prompts to get the creative juices flowing, and we each read out loud. We do very gentle critiquing; we don’t make anybody cry or feel badly, because we all are some type of writer. We’re just there to encourage and support one another.” “We are thrilled to be able to bring our neighbors who are interested in writing to explore this on a community level,” says Cerreta, “with the sharing of ideas and being able to support each other. This is not a group that knocks each other down. This is a group that lifts each other up. The library is all about continuous learning, no matter whether you’re a child, a teen, a millennial, or a senior, or somewhere in between. We want everyone to feel that they have a place to learn at the library, and the Roxbury Writers’ Workshop does just that for people who are interested in writing, and want to be supported in a way that might help them come out of their shell a little bit.” The Roxbury Township Public Library is located at 103 Main Street in Succasunna. Visit roxburylibrary.org.

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The Summer of 1969:

By Richard Mabey Jr. ur true-life story so far: It is now the middle of July of 1969. I have begun taking swimming lessons at the Paterson YMCA. My swimming instructor, Lisa Ann, is a very pretty girl who had just completed her freshman year at Paterson State College. Lisa Ann is very kind to me. I have become quite smitten with her. I have just met Robbie, Lisa Ann’s boyfriend. He is crude, rude and obnoxious to Lisa Ann. The two of them have just left the indoor swimming pool area and I sit alone on the old, wooden bench beside the pool. I go outside the Paterson YMCA, to find my mom waiting for me in her old Ford Country Squire station wagon. As Mom drives me home, Mom tells me that Lisa Ann lives in Lincoln Park on Elm Street! There is a time and day when an event of paramount importance in our personal life correspondence with the very same time and day of an event of international significance. Such was the case of the Wednesday morning of the sixteenth of July in 1969. At approximately 9:30 that morning, New Jersey time, the Apollo 11 spacecraft was sent soaring into the heavens. And, it was at that very moment in time, when I was taking my swimming lesson from Lisa Ann at the Paterson YMCA. I was devastated by how mean and rude Lisa Ann’s boyfriend was to her. It broke my heart to see how he treated Lisa Ann, when he came into the indoor swimming pool room at the Paterson YMCA. Mom had driven me home that morning, after my swimming class was over. I was so hurt by how Lisa Ann was treated by her boyfriend, that I

Wednesday; July 16, 1969

had totally forgotten about the important Apollo 11 sendoff. Mom and I pulled into the driveway of the old Mabey Homestead. As we walked into the house, there was my sister Patti and Aunt Helen watching the television. It was now about 11:30 in the morning. I remember as soon as my sister saw me walk into the living room, Patti jumped up off the couch and enthusiastically shouted, “Richie, you missed it! The big rocket got shot off to go to the moon!” Aunt Helen gave out a big smile on her face. “It was something to see. It was really something to see!” Aunt Helen said with a certain abundant joy. Mom and I then both sat down to watch the continuing news coverage for a few minutes. Then Mom and Aunt Helen went into the kitchen to cook up some chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for all of us. Meanwhile, my sister told me all about the wonder and magic and majesty of the Apollo 11 launch. I had missed watching an historic event of international magnitude. It was good to be home, away from the smell of the chlorinated water of the indoor pool at the big city YMCA. It was so very good to be home, in dear old Lincoln Park. To be continued. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please place the wording “My Life Weekly” in the subject line. Apollo 11 was fired into the heavens on the morning of the sixteenth of July in 1969. The very time and day that I was taking my swimming lesson from Lisa Ann at the Paterson YMCA.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • January 2021 • Page 13

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Blood Donation: Giving the Gift of Life

By Chris Bauer MD anuary 2021 is National Blood Donor Awareness Month. Each year the American Red Cross designates this month in recognition of the vital role that blood donation plays in saving lives across America. Blood and its associated blood products are often needed for patients who are hospitalized with chronic disease, undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from surgery or who are hospitalized for a myriad of other conditions. According to the National Red Cross, 4.5 million people in the United States would die every year without a blood transfusion. Due to the increased number of hospitalizations this year especially from COVID -19 it is even more essential that people donate blood. Type O -negative blood is the most requested blood type from blood banks so people with this blood type are especially asked to donate. Since the time of the 1600s, blood first began to get transfused in its earliest known people. In 1628, the English physician William Harvey began studying the concept of blood circulation and demonstrated through his experimentation the path of human blood through the heart. Dr. James Blundell, an Obstetrician, has been credited with performing the first blood transfusion in 1825 in London, when he transfused a patient in order to save her from dying from bleeding post delivery. Eventually, in 1940 the United States created a national blood bank, and the American Red Cross becomes one of its most fervent supporters. The process of blood donation has been developed so that it is extremely user friendly. Initially people are asked

about their medical history before they give blood in order to determine their eligibility. After this, patients have their vitals taken at the donation center along with a short physical exam. Then, a small amount of blood is taken to determine if the donor has enough blood to donate. The donor is then placed in a comfortable chair and the donation takes place. During the donation process, donors are closely monitored to ensure a safe experience for all. All donor information is kept confidential and only a very small percentage of people experience unwanted side effects after a blood donation. After people donate their blood, the blood is carefully screened and rigorously tested for any infectious diseases and for different viral particles in the blood called antigens. Once this process has been completed and the correct blood type has been verified then the different components of the blood are then harvested. From each unit of blood that is donated the different components of blood can be collected. The four different components of blood are: red blood cells, plasma, platelets and granulocytes. Even if a sample that is donated is low in one of the blood components it may be higher in another component that could potentially be collected. In a year of unprecedented medical need, the donation of blood is truly a lifesaving endeavor. For more information or to arrange for you to donate blood you can call the American Red Cross at 1-800733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood. org . Each donation can save up to three lives. Be the change you want to see in the world. Please donate today!

Did You Know?

hough new flooring and ceiling tiles might not offer the wow factor of a remodeled kitchen, a 2019 study from researchers at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University found that replacing floors and ceilings was the most popular home improvement project in the United States in 2017, the most recent year for which data was available at the time of the study. More than five million homeowners replaced carpeting, flooring, paneling, or ceiling tiles in their homes in 2017.

The popularity of such projects may have something to do with the relatively low cost associated with them, as the experts at BobVila.com note that overhauling surfaces underfoot and overhead costs an average of $3,283. That places floor and ceiling tile replacement projects among the least expensive home improvement projects homeowners can undertake, even though such renovations can immediately and dramatically transform the look of a room.

Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • January 2021 • Page 15

Staying Healthy During a Global Pandemic

midst a global pandemic (and as we approach the colder months), it is more important now than ever to keep your immune system strong. By improving your immune system, otherwise known as your body’s own defense system, you can help to prevent unwanted illness. With the emergence of COVID-19, we have all been conditioned to wear masks, keep safe distancing and wash our hands regularly, but what else can you do to improve your immune health? Believe it or not, Acupuncture is one way to give your immune system a boost! Research has shown that Acupuncture can help to improve immune health in various ways including the following: • Increases Red and White blood cells as well as T-Cells (all essential to immune health) • Increases levels of Interferon ( the immune systems messenger hormone) • Increases blood and lymph circulation • Reduces stress hormones • Reduces inflammation

In addition to Acupuncture, here are some other ways you can enhance your immune health: • Get adequate sleep. Your body heals while you sleep and if you are overworked or overtired, your body is less likely to fight pathogens it comes into contact with. • Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Fruits and veg-

gies contain nutrients and antioxidants that your body needs to function optimally. • Avoid sugar and junk food. One study revealed that immune cells were paralyzed for 30 minutes following the consumption of sugar! If your immune cells are taking a break, how will your body fight pathogens?? • Exercise! Not only can physical activity help to flush out pathogens, but exercise helps to circulate lymph, White Blood Cell’s and Antibodies (all major players in your body’s defense system). Manage Stress with Acupuncture and Meditation! Your body is more susceptible to infection when stressed. Keep those stress hormones down! Continue following CDC guidelines! For more information on Acupuncture and immune support call Mount Olive Acupuncture and Wellness 973.537.7978 or visit us at www.mtoliveacupuncture. com. We are taking extra precautions during this pandemic to keep everyone safe! *Mount Olive Acupuncture does not claim to prevent, treat or cure any disease.

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A New Year’s Day Story: A Most Precious Gift of Trust

By Richard Mabey Jr. he gift of trust is one of the greatest blessings that one person can bestow upon another. Such a gift was given to me by Mayor David Baker, former Mayor of Lincoln Park. Mayor Baker appointed me to the high position of serving on the Executive Board of the Lincoln Park Public Library. I was sworn in to office on New Year’s Day on the dawn of Year 2000. I took this volunteer position very, very seriously. It was a lot of hard work and required a certain, steadfast dedication. It was truly a labor of love. I learned a lot during my four-year term. It was truly a golden opportunity. I learned the mechanics of the smalltown library system, way beyond the Dewey Decimal System. There were times when I would have a thousand and one things pressing on my mind. At the time, I was working in the Editorial Department at an advertising agency. The demands of impossible deadlines were talking a toll on me. A dear aunt was very ill and in the hospital. My Mom had just been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and needed to have brain surgery. And, I was in a most rocky relationship with a woman whom I simply adored. So, with all that going on, the roof of the

library had sprung a leak. I remember this so well. I was at the deli of the local grocery store on a Saturday morning. I was holding my little number ticket, waiting my turn to order some potato salad and a half-pound of turkey. I could feel the burden of all these things weighing heavily upon my mind. And along came dear, sweet Mrs. MacGruder, whom I knew from church. “You know, my grandson had to do a report on Daniel Boone and there wasn’t one single book in the whole library about Daniel Boone. I had to drive my grandson to Pequannock to take out a book on Daniel Boone. Ya’ really outa get more books on Daniel Boone in the library,” Mrs. MacGruder firmly told me as I stood there with the Saturday morning crowd at the grocery store deli. I took a deep breath, inwardly prayed for patience, then kindly told Mrs. MacGruder that I would bring it up at the next Library Board meeting. “Well, ya’ really should. How many books on Daniel Boone do you have in the library? Only one or two, I’d say. Ya’ know, Daniel Boone was a great American. You really should have more than just one or two books on Daniel Boone in the library,” Mrs. MacGruder reiterated to me.

Yours truly with Mayor David Baker, former Mayor of Lincoln Park. Please note that the lines on Mayor Baker’s suit are from the photo.

Once again, I took a deep breath and thanked Mrs. MacGruder for her interest in the betterment of the library. Then, I inwardly thanked the good Lord when my number was called to place my order with

the deli clerk. As funny as it may sound, looking back, I actually am grateful to Mrs. MacGruder for nagging me about there not being enough continued on page 17

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A New Year’s Day Story... continued from page 16 books about Daniel Boone in the library. But in defense of the Lincoln Park Public Library, one of the fourth-grade classes were studying Daniel Boone in their history class and the teacher gave a class assignment to write an essay about Daniel Boone. Of course, any of the many encyclopedias, at the library, provided a wealth of information about Daniel Boone’s life. Mrs. MacGruder awoken me to the need for the library to provide more books about the great American men and women who helped shaped America’s history for the better. From a leaking roof, to concerns about there not being enough books about Daniel Boone, to plumbing problems in the Men’s Room, to coordinating work-hour schedules, to staying within the budget, to safeguarding what the children were checking out on the Internet after school; it was all a most wondrous and valuable education to me. I learned, first hand, what was really involved in the management process of a small-town library. Looking back, I am most grateful to Mayor David Baker’s gift of trust that he gave to me, in appointing me to serve on the Execu-

tive Library Board of the Lincoln Park Public Library. Gifts do not always come in brightly colored wrapping paper. Sometimes, they are even invisible to the naked eye. For the gift of trust is beyond the third dimension. It was over 20 years ago that I was sworn in on that fateful New Year’s Day, to serve a four-year term on the library board. It was over 20 years ago that Mayor Baker shook my hand and told me that he expected me to do my best for the town’s library. Looking back at my term of service on the library board, there were some things that I may have done differently now. I made some mistakes. But I held 100 percent perfect attendance at the library board meetings, all four years. I did my best, even though at times, some people in my old hometown didn’t think so. But that’s the way life is at times. Serving on the library board was one of the most wonderful opportunities, ever granted unto me. So, to Mayor David Baker, thank you for your vote of trust and confidence. It meant the earth to me. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

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Make Virtual Learning Fun and Easier

earning remotely from home is now the norm for many families across the country. Kids and caregivers alike have settled into a routine, though keeping children engaged can still be challenging. While kids have had to be resilient and adapt to learning away from their school buildings, there are ways to make the adjustment easier. These ideas can help infuse more fun and moments of inspiration into school days to keep kids engaged and excited about learning. Create a reward system. Children typically respond well to positive reinforcement, and a thoughtful reward system can help incentivize them to stay on task. Try to align the rewards with the structure of your day so everyone wins. For example, you can reward the completion of a long assignment with a play break. Giving kids the ability to choose the reward from a set of options can also increase their level of investment in learning. Seek support from trusted sources. Many familiar kids’ programs have expanded their services at no extra charge to help families through the pandemic. One example is My ABCmouse Classroom Live!, a learning experience that features daily classes built around themes such as community, responsibility, change, communication and cooperation. Each class feels like a real classroom expe-

rience, is led by real teachers and contains more than an hour of high-quality, engaging learning as part of an expertly designed curriculum. The classes can be streamed on-demand then kids can complete independent learning activities related to the classes, including interactive games, art and puzzles. Maintain social ties. Connections with friends are hard to establish without in-person interaction. However, with a little creativity, you can find ways to build new kinds of connections with educational value. Coordinate with other parents to start a book club and bring kids together virtually to talk about the stories or start an old-fashioned pen-pal exchange with kids from your school. Establish a schoolwork zone. For children, doing schoolwork in an area usually associated with toys and free time like a playroom or bedroom can be hard, but in most homes, extra space is at a premium. Get creative with your available space and set some boundaries. Use a room divider, rugs or other visual cues to set aside a space in the house dedicated to doing schoolwork. Get your children on board by having them help design the space or add their own personal touches like artwork. For more ideas to help make virtual learning fun and engaging, visit ABCmouse.com. 5 Homeschool Hacks

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1. Use familiar toys to add playful elements to schoolwork. Building blocks and modeling clay can be used as part of lessons on colors, shapes and letters. 2. Laminate a password cheat sheet and keep it within easy reach so you’re always able to log in quickly. Also create a list of bookmarks and desktop shortcuts to save time accessing online learning tools. 3. Add some cheerful color to dry-erase sheets by using pompoms as erasers. Bonus tip: Slide a page protector over a worksheet

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so kids can practice with it again and again. 4. Get creative with household supplies. A dishrack easily doubles as a file sorter or book display. Cookie sheets can be used for working with magnets or as a hard surface for writing or coloring if your child needs a break from his or her desk. 5. Repurpose old puzzles by putting learning content on the back. Math facts, spelling words and shapes can make for easy puzzles. (Family Features)

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I Remember Dad:

By Richard Mabey Jr. hen my beloved father first arrived at Hickam Air Field in Hawaii, he was just 17 years old. How he did it, I’ll never know. But my dad was able to convince his mom and dad to allow him to quit school and join the United States Army Air Corps. My dad had intense motivation to join the service. The Mabey clan is a fiercely patriotic family. Since the Revolutionary War, from all of my research on my family’s history, there has been a Mabey fighting in every American war. And, since the name Mabey has a Southern deviation of Mabry, Mabey men fought on both sides of the American Civil War. My dad was no exception. Dad was such a patriotic man. Even now, looking back, Dad did his best to instill a love for the United States in the scouts whom he led as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. With all that in mind, there was still one more intensively motivating factor that inspired my dad to join the U. S. Army Air Corps at such a relatively young age. Just one month before Dad signed on the dotted line with Uncle Sam, Dad’s parents got the sad news that their son Edward’s ship had been sunk off the coast of England. It looked for sure that Edward had met his demise in the chilling cold waters of the deep Atlantic. My grandmother, Bertha Mabey, once told me that she prayed for her son Edward with all of her heart, mind and soul. That she quietly, inwardly prayed for her lost son while she cooked, washed dishes, washed clothes and hung the clothes out on the clothesline. My grandmother told me that

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • January 2021 • Page 19

she never gave up hope that Edward was still alive. As if the odds were a million to one, Edward was found by a British war ship. He was bobbing up and down on the waves of the cruel Atlantic Ocean, saved by his life preserver. The story goes that Uncle Ed was close to death when the British sailors heisted upon their ship. He had gone days without food and water. His survival was purely a miracle. I think that the hours and days upon which my dear father saw his mother and father worry and pray about their son, Edward, greatly influenced Dad’s decision to drop out of school and join the Army Air Corps. The two brothers, Dad and Uncle Ed, would not be reunited until World War II came to an end. Uncle Ed was sent home first. Uncle Ed served in the U. S. Navy in the European Theater. Dad served in the Seventh Army Air Corps at Hickam Air Field, right next to Pearl Harbor. They would finally see each other, both having survived the horrors at war, at the home their father built at the forested end of Mabey Lane. My grandfather, Watson Mabey, was not an outwardly religious man. He didn’t go around saying “praise the Lord” or “amen” or “alleluia.” But he had such a deep religious conviction that it was only by a miracle of God that his two sons came home from World War II. But the pain and agony and worry of having sons in harm’s way did not end for Watson and Bertha Mabey when World War II ended. Their two sons, Carl and David, would later be placed in harm’s way in the Korean War. Uncle Carl served in the U. S. Navy and Uncle Dave served in the U. S. Army. Then, in peace time, Watson and Bertha’s sons, Gerry and William served in the U. S. Army.

My grandfather’s brother, Earl Mabey, was killed in action in the First World War. My grandmother’s grandfather, William Storms, was killed in the American Civil War at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia. I don’t know how they endured having so many of their sons be placed in harm’s way. Grandpa used to simply say, “I just trusted the Lord to bring all my sons home.” There was no long-winded philosophical and theological discussion about it. Grandpa didn’t quote a dozen passages from the Holy Bible. He would just simply say, in the midst of the dozens of stories of family legends that he shared with his grandchildren, “sometimes, ya’ just got to trust in the Lord.” Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

Thank you to all of my clients for your trust and business in becoming the #1 Realtor in all of Roxbury for listings sold, sales and sales volume! It has been an unprecedented year in so many ways and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve so many of you in your real estate needs. Although the market was in a frenzy on a day to day basis, my team and I were able to stay organized, continually adjust to the changes and make sure the safety of our clients were a #1 priority. Roxbury came in the top 10 towns in New Jersey for market destinations for many buyers. We are proud to call Roxbury our home and continue to work with the buyers and sellers in setting records for our town. Please call or email us to find out what your home is truly worth in todays market. We would be happy to sit with you and give you ideas on how to prepare your home for sale as well as provide you with a market value of your home. Whether face to face, via phone or over a video conference call, we look forward to being of service to you. We wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

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Get Your Home Ready for Work and School This Winter

lthough preparing your home for winter is a fairly consistent process year-to-year, many homes have seen significantly more use this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. If your home will serve as your office or school throughout the winter months, it’s important to address issues that may have been noticed but tolerable during winters past. Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to help ensure your home is ready before winter weather strikes. Improve Indoor Air Quality Beyond proper physical and structural considerations of winter preparations, the increased daily usage of your home naturally increases the importance of indoor air quality. Since windows and doors will likely be closed more often, moisture levels within your home can be significantly affected. Use a humidifier, if necessary, to maintain a relative humidity between 45-50%, which is healthier and can feel more comfortable. It can also keep wooden doors and windows functioning properly and wood furniture and floors looking good. Get Your Furnace Checked To keep your furnace from failing when you need it most, get it inspected by a professional before you need to rely on it to heat

your home in the dead of winter. If you’re not leaving the house and turning down the thermostat each day, this will be especially important this year. Regular tune-ups can prolong your furnace’s life, help prevent carbon monoxide leaks and ensure your unit is working at maximum efficiency. If a wholehouse humidifier is included as part of the heating system, also inspect the humidifier and replace the element, if necessary. Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors Air infiltration is one of the largest culprits of reductions in a home’s efficiency. Small air leaks can add up to significant heat loss and a corresponding increase in energy consumption. If replacing window screens with storm windows and installing a storm door on your house isn’t realistic, increase energy efficiency by sealing gaps around window and door moldings with caulk to help keep heat from escaping. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall of your home, you can also use caulking and weather-stripping to help block potential entry points for cold air. Check Your Gutters Improper drainage away from the home is one of the biggest causes of water leaking into basements and crawlspaces. Gutters and downspouts have the single purpose of routing water away from your home to help prevent damage to your foundation.

Once leaves have fallen and before the first snow, ensure your gutters are properly secured and clear of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to improper drainage and potential overflow, ice damming or other water-related issues. Also adjust downspouts so they direct water at least 5 feet from the house to help minimize the possibility of water run-off back toward the foundation. Prep the Plumbing When water freezes, it expands. Any residual water in pipes that is exposed to freezing temperatures, including interior lines located in exterior walls or unheated areas,

can burst. Start by disconnecting hoses and shutting off exterior faucets, draining any water that remains in them and storing hoses indoors to prevent cracks. Drain any other pipes, valves or in-ground sprinklers that may be exposed to the elements and, for an extra layer of protection, wrap water spigots with covers to prevent damage. Sometimes a simple trick like keeping a cabinet door cracked open to allow warm air into the space can prevent frozen pipes. Find more expert tips to get your home ready for winter at RemodelingDoneRight. com. (Family Features)

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • January 2021 • Page 21

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How ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ Can Stretch Your Dollars

ou’ve probably wondered about it - various retailers and apps offering consumers the opportunity to “buy now and pay later.” It’s easy to confuse buy now pay later (BNPL) plans with using a credit card or layaway plan. While finances are tight for many, especially during and after the holidays, it’s good to know what plans would work best for your situation, without getting you into financial difficulties down the road. The credit card trap When cash is in short supply, especially if you are a recent grad or if you’re between jobs, it’s all too easy to max out your credit cards when buying holiday gifts or necessary expenses, from gas for your car to medical bills. But even if you have reasonably good credit and a generous credit limit on a card, relying too heavily on this payment method can lead to financial difficulties in the future. Even if your credit card charges interest that is not too high, any amount adds up over time, especially if you can’t pay off the balance. And even worse - if you miss a payment, that can not only lead to fees but will also harm your credit score, making it hard to borrow later if you

need a car or bank loan. Especially for anyone still paying down student loans, the lure of credit cards has definitely lost its luster - which is a good thing, in the long run. The old-fashioned layaway plan In your parents’ or grandparents’ day, layaway was a common method for saving up for large expenses, like appliances. But the catch was, you couldn’t take home the item until the total amount was paid off at the retailer. It was a great way for people to save up for later purchases, making sure they didn’t overextend their credit. But for today’s financial challenges, a plan like this does not help much. The layaway plan has evolved to fit our current needs, and buy now, pay later has revolutionized the way we purchase - like getting the item right away instead of waiting to receive it once it’s paid off. How to buy now, pay later Enter a new way to make purchases now and pay for it over time without exorbitant interest and fees later. For example, with Quadpay, you can make purchases without needing to go through a hard credit check that could affect your credit

score. Their app divides your purchase into four payments over a six-week period, and withdrawals for each payment are set up to be automatically charged to the bank account you provide, so you won’t have to worry about missing a payment - and there’s no interest and no hidden fees. The first payment is made at the time of purchase. With Quadpay, you can use buy now, pay later to shop anywhere, for anything - whether online or in-store. After downloading the app you can browse any store online or just add a Quadpay card to your digital wallet to conveniently pay in-store. The app even sends helpful reminders of upcoming payments via text message. Using BNPL beyond gifts Apart from buying others (or yourself) items you want, you can also use the Quadpay app to pay for medical bills, prescriptions, utilities and other necessary expenses - even parking tickets. “We created Quadpay to provide consumers savvier ways to pay and greater access to financial flexibility, believing the traditional credit model was broken,” said Adam Ezra, Co-CEO of Quadpay. “While a FICO score alone may make sense for car

loan eligibility, we’ve proven it’s not the case for smaller purchases.” Another bonus? If you’re shopping instore, you can touch and go to pay with the app for safer, contactless shopping. Tips for using buy now, pay later 1. Download the Quadpay app, and make sure you’ve added a Quadpay card to your digital wallet, for easy tap-to-pay in-store capabilities through your digital wallet. 2. When shopping online, purchase goods from any retailer through the Quadpay app to easily split payments. 3. Keep track of how much you’re spending and how it’s being divided over the next six weeks, so you’re not overreaching your expected income during that period. Using buy now, pay later, you can spread out payments over time to help you manage your finances smartly when money is tight, and avoid being late on crucial payments when you’re between paychecks. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play - or visit Quadpay. com to learn more. (BPT)

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • January 2021 • Page 23

5 Ways COVID-19 Changed Our Daily Drive

t is an indisputable fact that the COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot about our daily lives, including our relationships with our vehicles. While Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index found that 60% of Americans are driving every day, as opposed to only 19% in April 2020, many of our habits behind the wheel have shifted in light of everything this year put in front of us. 1) We’re spending less money at the gas pump. The COVID-19 pandemic quickly closed many regular driving destinations, including office buildings, schools, restaurants and retail, which in turn gave drivers fewer places to go. While the amount of driving we’ll be doing over the next few months is still uncertain, the positive impact on wallets is still there: 70% of Americans say that they have spent less money on gas since the start of the pandemic. And when they do need to fill up the tank, drivers are strategic about it. Since the pandemic, over three-fourths (77%) make a plan to get gas while running errands to limit their time out of the house. 2) There are designated errand runs - and designated runners. Americans are also strategic with how and when they leave the house for essentials. Many are not comfortable making a quick run to the store to pick up something they forgot for dinner. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they now save all of their errands for one day or do curbside orders to limit potential exposure to the virus. Another half (53%)

have a designated errand runner, so only one person has to leave the house. 3) Rush hour is less rushed. With more Americans continuing to work from home and students taking classes online, rush hour is proving less intense. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of drivers recognize that normal traffic patterns have shifted since the start of 2020. Another 65% confirm there is less traffic on their regular routes - though that largely depends on where you live. Hankook found that drivers in the Northeast saw the most significant impact on their regular traffic flow, where 71% of drivers say their daily routes have fewer cars on the road. 4) Comfort levels are shifting gears. As a result of the pandemic, 75% of Americans are not comfortable using public transportation. However, confidence behind the wheel is down, too - just over a third (36%) say they are less confident driving since the start of the pandemic, perhaps because they aren’t doing so as often. Interestingly enough, men are almost twice as likely to say they’re less confident behind the wheel as women ... 44% vs. 28%. Additionally, people are careful about who they drive with. Two-thirds (66%) are not comfortable getting into a car that belongs to someone outside their household. Another two-thirds (63%) are not comfortable having passengers from outside their household in their own vehicle. 5) Face masks are the new sunglasses. 2020 has not just changed when and where we use our

cars, it is also changing what we keep in them. Most Americans (81%) keep a face mask in their car, the Gauge found. More than half (55%) have a designated spot for it in their vehicles - be it in the glove compartment, center console, rearview mirror, or the gear shift. And 72% say they have hand sanitizer in their vehicle, too. We will have to wait and see which of these trends will stick around and which are more temporary reactions to a tumultuous year. However, one thing is for certain: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted how we view, use and depend on our vehicles

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A Classic Dish for Celebrating the Chinese New Year

or countless cultures around the world, food is an integral part of many traditions, including the Chinese New Year. Spring rolls, varieties of noodles and steamed fish represent a small portion of the dishes typically enjoyed on this occasion, yet one of the most common is dumplings. If you’re celebrating the Chinese New Year, consider this sweet take on traditional fare with Honey Pork Dumplings. Tender pulled pork is braised at low heat for 4 hours to slowly soak in the flavors of carrots, onions and wildflower honey. Once finished, the pork is wrapped inside small dough balls and steamed in a wok 15 minutes for a quick, contemporary version of a symbolic recipe. Find more recipe ideas for year-round holidays and occasions at Culinary.net. Honey Pork Dumplings Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 8 Dumpling Dough: 1 teaspoon yeast, dry active 3 ounces warm water 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting table, divided 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon vegetable oil nonstick cooking spray Honey Pulled Pork: 2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder salt, to taste pepper, to taste 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 1 large onion, roughly chopped 1 jalapeno, sliced in half 2 cups water 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup wildflower honey 1 1/2 cups rice wine vinegar water nonstick cooking spray To make dumpling dough: In mixing bowl, combine yeast and water. Let stand until yeast dissolves, about 15 minutes. In stand mixer fitted with hook attachment, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder and honey with

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yeast. With mixer on low speed, combine yeast mixture and oil. Increase speed to medium and mix until tacky dough forms, about 4 minutes. Turn dough out onto floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Form dough into ball. Spray bowl with nonstick cooking spray and add dough. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rise in warm area until doubled in volume, about 1 hour. To make honey pulled pork: Preheat oven to 275 F. Season pork with salt and pepper, to taste. In hot saute pan, sear all sides of pork until brown. Transfer pork to braising pan and add carrots, onion, jalapeno, water, soy sauce, honey and rice wine vinegar. Wrap braising pan with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Braise 4 hours. Remove pork from liquid and shred. To assemble dumplings: On sheet tray, use hands to roll approximately 1/2-inch diameter balls out of braised pork. Divide dough into eight portions. Flatten each with hands and place one pork ball in each dough ball. Bring all edges of flattened dough on top of pork balls to make dumplings. Place balls on lined sheet trays. Place bamboo steamer with 2-3 tiers in wok. Pour enough water into wok to reach just below bamboo steamer and bring to boil. Remove bamboo steamer from wok. Spray bamboo tiers or steamer insert with nonstick cooking spray. Working in batches, arrange dumplings about 1 inch apart on bamboo steamer tiers. Place bamboo steamer with dumplings in wok. Cover and steam until puffed and tender, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately or store in airtight container and freeze. (Family Features)

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • January 2021 • Page 25

A Main Dish for Busy Weeknights

ain dishes can sometimes be a challenge for the average home chef. Whether you’re looking for something healthy and filling for a family of five or just cooking up something mouthwatering for a couple to share, it can seem difficult to manage. With a million ingredients and a laundry list of directions, making a weeknight dinner can feel like a daunting task. However, this meal can reassure you that sometimes cooking is easy, fun and totally and completely worth it. This is a recipe you can make at a moment’s notice with a handful of ingredients, which you may already have in your pantry. This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu is perfect for families, couples and even individuals looking for a scrumptious main course. It’s wholesome, appetizing and covered in cheese and cracker crumbs for a gooey yet crunchy finish. The best part is it’s easy to make. It features a simple seasoning, lightly seared chicken breast and three toppings. It bakes for just 20-25 minutes and it’s done. It doesn’t get much easier than that. Fresh out of the oven, the first bite is steaming with hearty chicken cooked to perfection and melty cheese

dripping onto the pan. This recipe may quickly become a family favorite as kids can fall in love with the mixture of different textures and a main ingredient almost every child likes: chicken. It’s also fun to make together. Kids can even help sprinkle the cheese and cracker crumbs. Or, if you’re in a rush, an adult can make it in just a few moments. On busy nights, it’s a perfect meal to bring the family together around the table between soccer practice and getting homework done. For more easy recipes and main dishes that make cooking fun, visit Culinary.net. Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Brush baking sheet with oil. Place chicken on baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towel and season with pepper. Brush mustard over chicken. Top with ham and cheese. Sprinkle cracker crumbs over cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Serve. (Culinary.net)

Servings: 4 tablespoon vegetable oil 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon pepper tablespoons Dijon Mustard 4 slices deli ham, folded in half 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded 20 butter crackers, fine crumbs Heat oven to 475 degrees.

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