Roxbury December 2020 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

No. 18 Vol. 12

www.mypaperonline.com

December 2020

Campbell Jackson Seeks to “Kick Out” COVID-19 With Unique Fundraiser

By Steve Sears ight-year-old Randolph resident Campbell Jackson has a goal. “Kick out COVID-19,” she states. And hers is a unique, thoughtful way of doing so. She has created Campbell’s Kicks, where she creates colorful artwork on white canvas sneakers for donations. For Campbell, who attends Ironia Elementary School, it was a fondness for a performer that encouraged her fundraiser. “When I was decorating shoes, I was watching my video of my favorite artist, Jordan Fisher, and he was doing a concert to help raise money for charity. I said to myself, ‘Maybe I can make a difference in the world, too.’ So, I decided to start my own business, Campbell’s Kicks.” Each time she decorates a pair of sneakers, she gets the money and delivers it to charity. Here’s the process. Once someone drops off a pair of sneakers, Campbell uses Sharpie markers and colors them, then gets rubbing alcohol “to bleed it and make it nice and smooth. And then I paint them, and then I vinegar them, so they don’t bleed onto your socks.” Primarily Campbell does sneakers, but has done a few ballet slippers as well for dance teachers, and for aching brides’ feet for their receptions. Thus far, Campbell’s completed workload tally is at 80, and she has raised about $1,200, which has been donated to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund. Campbell has also been focusing

on donating to Feeding America, and since October has raised almost $700 for that worthy organization. She also made an appearance on “Good Morning America”, and Barbara’s Bakery donated $50,000 worth of products to Feeding America in Campbell’s Kicks name. The GMA virtual appearance was towards the end of the summer when producers saw Campbell’s Facebook page. “Someone shared it with a friend of a friend,” says Kristen Jackson, Campbell’s mom, “and she reached out to me towards the end of the summer and said, ‘Hey, someone forwarded me Campbell’s Facebook page, and I started reading her website and all the stories and watched her video,’ and it happened to be a talent producer for GMA. It kind of just snowballed from there.” Prior to the GMA episode, 90% of the orders came from the Garden State. Afterwards, orders have come in from California, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia. “(From) all over now,” says Kristen, happily. “It kind of changes the model a little bit, because we have (locally, at her home) a drop off bin, but now people are shipping them to a P.O. box in Morristown, so we can get sneakers from all over now.” Per Campbell, she accepts footwear donations, as well as Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol, but she also says that spreading the word is most important. Expanding has been discussed. “She (Campbell) has talked a little bit about this,”

says Kristen. Since the style that Campbell does tends to appear like it’s been tie dyed, there has been discussion about the potential for tie dyed socks to go with the footwear. “But other than that, we haven’t quite gotten there yet,” says Kristen. “We are still trying to catch up on orders that are

coming in from all around the country.” Campbell, whose favorite subject in school is (surprise) Art, closes by saying, “I love giving back to other people.” Visit campbellskicks.com for more information.

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Sensitive Teeth

ne of the most common patient concerns we see in a dental office is tooth sensitivity. Barely a day goes by when patients don’t point out to the hygienist or dentist areas that are sensitive to cold or hot food & drinks, toothbrushing, breathing in cold air, a fingernail rubbed on the side of a tooth, or the like. What causes sensitivity? There are many theories, but the most common is called, “Dentin Hypersensitivity.” Basically, fluid movement in-and-out of a tooth is thought to cause activation of nerve endings at the center of the tooth (pulp). There are microscopic tubes connecting the center of the tooth to the outer environment. These tubes are normally covered by bone and gum, but with recession of the gums and bone, these tubes are now exposed. There are many reasons for the gum and bone recession, but age, gum disease, poor homecare and bite issues are major reasons. Teeth have multiple layers: enamel, cementum, dentin, and pulp. For purposes of this article, suffice it to understand the dentin is covered by enamel or cementum. The tubes discussed above are located within the dentin. When the enamel or cementum are lost, the tubes are now exposed. Exposed dentin is subject to a number of undesirable processes, which can cause further wear. Some of these processes are “attrition,” “abrasion,” “abfraction,” and “erosion.” Some of these processes deserve further discussion. Attrition and abfraction are destruction of tooth struc-

ture cause by bite issues. When your dentist talks to you about grinding of teeth, attrition and abfraction can be the result. Abrasion is mechanical wear of your teeth, caused by improper brushing technique or too hard of a brush. Erosion is a chemical wearing of your teeth, caused by bulmia, morning sickness, GERD (stomach issues), and diet. So, back to the sensitivity. What can you do about it? The simplest way to try to correct the problem is by use of over-the-counter toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth, and rinses with fluoride. All major manufactures have these products. If you do try them, do not switch between types (tarter control, whitening, etc), and give it a whole month before expecting results. Your dentist can prescribe a high-concentration fluoride toothpaste, too. Your dentist can also offer you a myriad of in-office solutions, such as application of de-sensitizing medications. Insurance coverage can vary, but overall cost is not usually too extreme. You should note, however, results can also vary, and cannot be guaranteed. Your dentist can also fabricate custom trays that you can place fluoride or desensitizing gels into. This is an extremely effective way to deliver prescription-strength medications to your teeth. These type of trays become important as people age, recession occurs, and cavities develop deep in-between teeth. Time should be spent between you and your dentist to try and determine possible underlying conditions that

might be causing the sensitivity. If you have a systemic problem such as GERD, it would be helpful to your overall health to catch this. If you have a condition such as bulimia, it would also be beneficial to treat it. Other situations such as jaw / muscle (“TMJ”) could hopefully be identified, too. If your dentin hypersensitivity is being caused by excessive grinding (bruxism), it may be very beneficial to undergo an examination process to determine the underlying issues, and propose treatment options. Sometimes nightguards can be fabricated to help prevent further teeth destruction. They will also help to prevent you from fracturing teeth and fillings in the future, as well as relax muscles that you may not realize are being overworked. But just remember the nightguard is a protective measure, and not a cure for the underlying problem(s). About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been a dentist for 25 years, and maintains an extremely well-respected practice in Succasunna, NJ. He performs general dentistry procedures, cosmetic procedures, as well as dental implant procedures. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, and a Scholar of the Dawson Academy for Complete Dentistry. He is also a lecturer in the field of implantology. For a free consultation, please call his office at (973) 328-1225 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com

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Local Writer Shares Special Connection to President Jimmy Carter

By Megan Roche or then 33-year-old Bloomfield resident Steve Sears, the computer operator was slowly finding that his work was no longer fulfilling to him. Always having an interest in writing, Sears submitted many of his poems for consideration for publishing. That’s when all sorts of rejection letters came. Stopping by a bookstore after a long day at work, Sears found former President Jimmy Carter’s book of poems, Always a Reckoning and Other Poems, and picked it up. A fan of what he read, Sears penned the former president a letter, thanking him for keeping poetry alive while in the White House. After attaching some of his own poetry, Steve put the letter in an envelope, placed the stamp, and off it went to the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA. Fast forward about a month to March 1995, an envelope from the Carter Center arrived in Bloomfield. “I got the first page of my letter back. Both the second page of my letter, nor my poems were included in the response. The first page of my letter had a very kind note from him thanking me for writing to him, showing his appreciation for my liking his poems, and a PS that he liked mine,” Sears recalled. This was no official correspondence though. Sears received a personal, handwritten letter from the former president. “What’s unique about the letter is that he just handwrote a response on the first page of my letter. There was no official letter sent from the Carter Center on official letterhead. There wasn’t anything really presidential about it at all. It was like he was writing to a friend. I remember telling my mom, and my

mom said, ‘that sounds just like him.’ He was just so down to earth and that and the document itself is something I value to this day,” Sears said. That was the humble beginnings of where Steve Sears started his freelance writing career. The letter still draws inspiration for Sears; it sits right next to his writing desk in his basement in a frame. Now 58 years old, Sears has made the freelance writing career lifestyle work for him. Looking back on his longevity in the freelance world, Sears passed along some advice to others who are looking to start their own freelance careers. “Don’t let your career kill you and wear you down to the point where you don’t enjoy it anymore. You have to do something that you enjoy. No matter what you select, there are always going to be drawbacks, hard days, and peaks and valleys. But, you need to find out where the joy lies for you,” Sears said. That letter from President Carter came in 1995, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of Sears receiving the reply. Sears plans on sending a follow up letter to the Carter Center with a photo of the original letter, just to thank the former President for providing some inspiration for a very new writer. “A lot of people don’t know this, but when you write a letter to the White House, the interns respond to the letters. Our Presidents and Vice Presidents rarely see the correspondence that is sent to them, except in rare cases. This letter was very important to me, it was a huge source of encouragement, and it fueled my thirst for continuing on this writing journey.”

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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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Altfeld, Inc. found that the probability of selling to an existing customer is between 60 and 70 percent, while that probability shrinks to as low as 5 percent for new customers. Customer retention strategies like offering superior customer service and seeking input from customers can help small businesses generate more repeat customers, which can greatly improve their chances for long-term success.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2020 • Page 7

All of us at Heritage Properties thank you for allowing us to serve your real estate needs. Our Heritage 'family' wishes everyone Happy Holidays and many blessings in the New Year! The Area’s Finest Agents at Work For You Alyssa Abrusci Tamblyn Abrusci “Tammy” (c) 973-229-1462 (c) 973-229-3322

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A Christmas Story

By Richard Mabey Jr. he Christmas of 1973 was so very dear and precious to my heart. I was to learn the important spiritual lesson to never give up on a goal, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. I was 20 years old and my cousin, Howard Palmer, was 19. We both were born in early September, our birthdays were just a few days apart. So that was just one of the common bonds that welded our spirit of brotherhood to each other. Howard suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. From about the time he was five years old, he was confined to a wheelchair. We were close cousins, in all so many ways we were closer than a lot of brothers are. Howard was a very intelligent boy. He was an incredibly talented artist. He developed his own unique style in both oil paints and water colors. His forte was landscapes. But, he also had a great talent for painting portraits. In mid-December of 1973, Howard came down with pneumonia. It was a most sad thing. When he went into the hospital, I cried. When my mom told me the news that Howard was in the hospital, I took a walk in the woods behind my house, to the towpath of the old Morris Canal. I sat upon the foundation of my great grandfather’s old icehouse and I cried my eyes out. I knew that the odds were that Howard was not going to pull through. Evening came and that night, I cried myself to sleep. Howard was always like a brother to me. During the summer time, I would hop onto my bicycle and ride the ribbon

of road of old Route 202, down to Howard’s house. We both lived on Route 202, about a mile apart. Howard lived in Montville, I lived in Lincoln Park. We would sit at the kitchen table and I would write stories and Howard would draw and paint. I would arrive early morning to Howard’s house. I would help Aunt Bert, Howard’s mom, get Howard up from bed and into his wheelchair. Howard and I used to listen to Cousin Brucie play the hits on the old WABC-AM radio station, as we fulfilled our artistic and creative destinies upon that humble kitchen table. Aunt Bert would be stirring soup at her stove, with home-made bread in the oven. Aunt Bert would make soup from scratch that would put canned soup to shame. At lunch time, I had the high honor of cutting the warm bread into thick slices. Howard loved to sop up the soup with his buttered bread. When I saw Howard in the hospital, he was working on a painting for his dear mother. It was to be a surprise. It was early morning and there was Howard sitting up in his hospital bed, with his little bottle of oil paints spread all about his bed. It was a most heart-warming scene. Howard was fully aware that his time on this earth was coming to a close. The good Lord blessed Howard with a private room, in the hospital. Howard and I talked and talked and talked about the hereafter, during my many times of visiting him in the hospital. While we talked, Howard would keep on working on his painting for his mom.

A rare photo of Cousin Howard (left-hand side of photo) in his classroom.

Howard told me that his blessed angel had come to visit him several times, since he was first admitted in the hospital. He spoke of his dreams of visiting with our relcontinued on page 9

From my home to yours, may your holiday season be filled with peace, love and joy!

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2020 • Page 9

A Christmas Story... continued from page 8 atives who had passed on. There was an ethereal calm in Howard’s voice. A kind of acceptance that he knew he was soon to leave this earthly existence and cross over to Heaven’s Gate. Howard did finish his painting for his mom. It was a beautiful painting of a garden, with a white bench in its midst, a tall maple tree, and an angel in the sky. Truly, it was one of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen in my entire life. Christmas arrived. I had the high honor of being present, in Howard’s hospital room, when Howard gave his painting to his mom. I had brought the Christmas wrapping paper for Howard to wrap it with, the day before. Aunt Bert cried when she opened her son’s heart-felt gift. We all cried. Grandma Kemmerer was there. Grandpa had passed away just two years ago. But, I felt Grand-

pa’s presence in spirit. My mom and dad and sister, Patti, were also there. Howard’s dad and his two brothers and his sister were also present. Howard’s words were very simple. He looked at each and every one of us and simply said, “don’t cry. Please don’t cry. I’m soon going to be going Home to be with the Lord.” In early January of 1974, Cousin Howard peacefully passed away. My cousin Howard was a most courageous young man. I still miss him very much. I still deeply mourn his passing. His kind words still gently echo in my heart, “please don’t cry. I’m soon going to be going Home to be with the Lord.” 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.

Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

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Sensible Solutions for Holiday Gifting

ractically every year there’s at least one person on your holiday gift list that seems to have it all. One way to think outside the box is to sift through wants and needs to find something that can truly be put to use on an almost daily basis. For example, tools, binoculars, vacuum cleaners, knife sharpeners and security solutions can serve as practical gifts that give your recipient a functional piece of equipment for daily life. These types of presents show your thoughtfulness and can provide your loved one a frequent reminder of the relationship you share each time the gift is used. Find additional holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list at eLivingtoday.com. An Eye-Catching Gift If you’ve got someone on your holiday gift list that enjoys pursuits such as sports,

concerts, nature viewing or stargazing, help bring the action closer with a gift like the Bushnell Powerview 2 binocular. An evolution from the popular line, the versatile, general-use binoculars deliver clear views in multiple sizes and magnifications. The binoculars feature an aircraft grade, aluminum alloy chassis built for durability, and high-quality, soft-touch black rubber armor and brushed metal texture finishes provide eye-catching exterior design, easy handling and a confident grip. For more information, visit bushnell.com. A Cut Above the Rest This holiday season, get the chef or outdoorsman in your life a gift that keeps on giving, such as the Wicked Edge Go knife sharpener. Made from high-quality materials, it’s easy to use for both new and experienced knife sharpeners. It offers guided angle con-

trol, can sharpen a variety of knife types and makes cutting more efficient while increasing the longevity of your knives. Find more at wickededgeusa.com. Cleanliness On the Go Give the gift of cleaner living spaces anywhere and everywhere with the ultra-portable Raycop GO vacuum, which uses UVC light technology to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and viruses along with dust mites. It’s less than 2 pounds, easy to assemble and stores in four pieces, making it simple to take in the car, to the office or on vacation. It can even sanitize phones, handbags or luggage, and the battery lasts 30 minutes without recharging. Visit raycop.com for more information. The Gift That Protects If you’re looking to secure connected toys and devices received this holiday sea-

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son, consider internet security products that allow you to protect your family. With advanced protection for all your devices, ESET’s Smart Security Premium solution helps protect against identity theft with the latest malware detection, online banking, password security and smart home support. Find more security solutions at eset.com/us. Get the Job Done Help the handyperson in your life finish the job quicker with the Milwaukee M12 Drill and Driver Kit from Ace Hardware, the only tool in its class with an all-metal locking chuck. Its compact, lightweight and durable design delivers comfort and efficiency along with an onboard LED light and fuel gauge to help increase productivity and avoid interruptions. Find more information and holiday gift ideas at acehardware.com. (Family Features)

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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, continued on page 13

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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Landmarks and Graveyards... continued from page 12 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 distinction. 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 in-

scriptions 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 County. 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?”

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Three Gaels Sign D1 Letters of Intent

oxbury High School saw three seniors sign letters of intent on Wednesday, November 11th to continue their athletic careers at institutions of higher learning. Surrounded by only immediate family members and coaches due to COVID, baseball players Jack Findlay and Justin Bosland signed their D1 letters to attend the University of Notre Dame and Northeastern University next fall while Thomas Schulz signed on to continue his cross-country track and field career at Monmouth University. Roxbury Baseball Roxbury High School Head Baseball Coach Greg Trotter got to know his players over the past few years and shared these sentiments regarding these young men and their impact on the program. “Jack Findlay’s impact on the Roxbury Baseball Program has been immeasurable. On the field, he has pitched in numerous “big” games and has had a ton of success. As a freshman, he entered the program as a 15-year-old kid with a ton of talent and a competitive streak that was unmatched. He quickly became one of our top pitchers. As a freshman and sophomore, he earned the victory in both of our State Sectional Championship games. Unfortunately, we missed out on Jack’s junior season, however, the sky is the limit for what Jack can accomplish this spring as a senior.” “Justin Bosland has had a little different road to his tremendous accomplishment of becoming a Division 1 student-athlete. Due to injuries and the cancellation of last season, Justin has only played in approximately 15 varsity games. In those games, he has shown his tremendous

athleticism. Justin can do it all on the field. Offensively, he will be one of the most feared hitters in New Jersey. Defensively, he is a dynamic shortstop that can make all the plays. Justin will also give us significant innings on the mound. He is a hard thrower that is capable of dominating

an opposing lineup.” Adding, “Both players are obviously great players but they are also great students and tremendous kids. They are role models for all of the players in our program and our continued on page 16

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By Richard Mabey Jr. n the midst of the Summer to Bingo every Thursday of 2018, I began taking my mom then turned and returned to the hallway to the big storage container in our gated communi afternoon. Mom lived with lunch on wheels. me, ty in Central Florida. And, behold, there was a fun time, Playing Bingo it was the hospital for both, Mom of a Thanksgiving cafeteria’s version and myself. We very interesting dinner. Oh, I do met some here. people. And, we not want to be But, let’s just say, both learned the waiting for just unkind it was mediocre agony one number to at best. The turkey be called to complete of was that pressed turkey horizontal, vertical, that comes in a the simply sliced or diagonal line roll and someone to be able to joyfully out “Bingo!” it up. Mom was given two slices call roll with a of this turkey sparing amount I think it was in of gravy. There was the beginning of corrugated, paper a little white, 2018 that Mom began attending and I with cranberry cup filled about three-quarters classes, at our gated of the way community, for oping skill and style sauce. Not the real develfor writing children’s cranberry sauce, that Mom excelled but rathstories. I remembe er the cranberry sauce that has a slight resembla in the class. She made a lot of friends r tin. Then, there was a bit of nce people enjoyed stuffing, some green to gelahearing her array of children’s stories. and then some corn. Not the beans and It was in early 2018 greatest Thanksgiv that Mom needed Mom ever had, but ing meal that my wheelchair to get to depend upon still it around. The arthriti a I cut the turkey slices was better than nothing. s in her hips had so bad that she for Mom. She protested gotten slice of was hardly able to the walk. with knife. would not authorize Mom’s cardiolog every ist I assured Mom “I’m not an invalid,” Mom kept that she was stable telling me. placement surgery, that she wasn’t enough for hip rean invalid, that I because of the degree slice her turkey wanted to Mom, my sister Patti and mur due to Aorti for her. of her heart murmyself, on Mom’s c Stenosis. Mom ate her turkey 80th birthday. In the middle of think a day goes November of 2019, by ate our turkey sandwich dinner, while my sister Patti surgery to replace and I very short. None that I don’t think of my mom. Mom had heart her Aortic Valve. Life is so of us have any guarantee But it was definitely es. It was a joyful moment in There were post-oper tive complications time. blanketed with I live in a 55 s for tomorrow. and Mom needed ato stay in the hospital. We talked about past Thanksgiv a sprinkling of sadness. cause I worked plus, gated community in Central Thanksgiving Day came and Mom Florida. Being days. We remembe as a Security Guard, relatives, who were was still On Thanksgiving red been blessed to for now having their Day, my sister Patti in the hospital. come to know quite eight years, I have Thanksgiv Heaven. We remembe hospital, bright a few people. Whenred places, pumpkin ing dinner in ever I hear someone and early to spend and I arrived at the cook so say that they have pies that well, and Thanksgiving Day Mom. We made stopped talking with at the Thanksgiv times when there were so many didn’t loved one, it brings a certain turkey sandwich to a es and packed them sadness to my heart. little insulated lunch relatives or not, I have ing table at the in a Mom would Believe it even heard a few box, complete with of dry ice. We also pray that the turkey old Mabey Homestead, this. It deeply people in my church a plastic container packed two small would suffi saddens me. talk like ly, it always did. have with our special bottles of iced tea By Richard Mabey Jr. ce. MiraculousI think there are to Thanksgiving meal three elements None of us knew with Mom that day. An older woman to having good relati ships with loved it at the ntime, the midst came of the but that ones. Thosethen last Thanksgiv onSummer would three of 2018,again, be Mom’s high noon. She carried into Mom’s hospital room at turned thingsand I beganand to they are:returned Bingo every forgive, forgive taking about Valve, the ing meal. When forgive my mom to the hallway to yet again. storage Mom’s Aorti afternoon surgeons did not in our replacedThursday If yourcontainer kind woman smiled with her a tray, with lunch on it. the big lunch Mom is sti c of. Mom Heaven’s onllwheels. livedGate, properlygated on this side The withtell at Mom, put the aligncommuni me,her how it and ty Centralcould And, mobile, bedside tray down on Mom’s from a slowly leaking heartwas much behold, Florida. you love thereher. a fun time, for Momindied mine. valve. Playing Bingo it was table, said Happy I wish theIhospital cafeteria’ Mom went Home both, Mom and of a Thanksgiving to Thanksgiv myself. s version to be very ing dinner. Oh, RichardWeMabey with interestin Mom, of Decembe the Lord on met some g people. Jr. is a freelance I do not want to the twenty-th And, we here. But, r, that following writer. let’s He be unkind ird both at learned waiting richardma justcan say,beitreached for just thebeyjr@ho month, just last agony oftmail.com was mediocre at one year. number was that to be line: best. The turkey . Please I don’t pressed calledMytoLife horizontal, vertical, putturkey on thethat complete Publicatithe subject comes in a roll or diagonal line and someone to be able to joyfully ons. simply sliced it up. Mom was out “Bingo!” given two slices call roll with a of sparing amount I think it was in of gravy. There was this turkey the beginning of corrugated, paper a little white, 2018 that Mom began attending and I with cranberry cup filled about three-quarters classes, at our gated of the way oping skill and style community, for sauce. Not the real develfor writing children’s cranberry sauce, that Mom excelled but rathstories. I remembe er the cranberry sauce that has a in the class. She slight r tin. Then, there made a lot of friends people enjoyed was a bit of stuffing, resemblance to gelahearing her array some green beans of children’s stories. and then some corn. Not the It was in early 2018 and greatest Thanksgiv that Mom needed Mom ever had, but ing meal that my wheelchair to get still it was better around. The arthritis to depend upon a than nothing. I cut the turkey so bad that she in her hips had gotten slices for Mom. was hardly able She protested with slice of the knife. to walk. Mom’s would not authorize every “I’m not an invalid,” cardiologist I that she was stable Mom assured Mom that placement surgery, enough for hip reshe wasn’t an invalid, kept telling me. because of the degree slice her turkey for that I wanted to Mom, my sister Patti mur due to Aortic of her heart murher. and myself, on Mom’s Stenosis. Mom ate her turkey 80th birthday. In the middle of think a day goes November of 2019, by ate our turkey sandwich dinner, while my sister Patti surgery to replace and I very short. None that I don’t think of my mom. Mom had heart her Aortic Valve. Life is so of us have any guarantee But it was definitely es. It was a joyful moment in There were post-oper tive complications time. blanketed with I live in a 55 s for tomorrow. and Mom needed ato stay in the hospital. We talked about past Thanksgiv a sprinkling of sadness. cause I worked plus, gated community in Central Thanksgiving Day came and Mom Florida. Being days. We remembe as a Security Guard, relatives, who were was still On Thanksgiving red been blessed to for eight years, now Day, my sister Patti in the hospital. I have come Heaven. We remembe having their Thanksgiving dinner hospital, bright in ever I hear someone to know quite a few people. Whenred places, pumpkin and early to spend and I arrived at the cook so say pies that well, that Thanksgiving Day they have stopped Mom. We made and turkey with at the Thanksgiv times when there were so many didn’t loved one, it brings a certain talking to a sadness to my heart. little insulated lunch sandwiches and packed them relatives or not, I have ing table at the in a Mom would Believe box, complete with even old heard Mabey it a few people in Homestea of dry ice. We also pray that the turkey a plastic container my church talk like packed two small would suffice. Miraculou d, this. It deeply saddens me. ly, it always did. have with our special bottles of iced tea sI think there are to Thanksgiving meal three elements None of us knew with Mom that day. An older woman to having good relationships with loved it at the time, but came ones. last Thanksgiving that would be Mom’s high noon. She carried into Mom’s hospital room at meal. When they again, and forgive Those three things are: forgive, forgive about with replaced Valve, yet again. If your her a tray, with lunch the surgeons did Mom’s Aortic of Heaven’s kind woman smiled Mom is still on this not properly on it. The Gate, tell her how at Mom, put the side mobile, bedside tray down on Mom’s from a slowly leaking heart valve. align it and Mom died could mine. much you love table, said Happy her. I wish I Mom went Thanksgiving to Richard Mabey Jr. Mom, of Decembe Home to be with the Lord on the is a freelance writer. twenty-third at richardma r, that following He can be reached month, just last beyjr@hotmail.com year. I don’t line: My . Please put on Life Publications. the subject

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Letters of Intent...

continued from page 14 entire student body. We have been lucky to have Jack and Justin in our program and I look forward to watching them achieve great success at the next level.” Both players spoke highly of the high school baseball program and the coaches who have helped prepare them for the next level of play. “Roxbury baseball has had a great impact not only on my high school experience but also me as a person. The whole coaching staff has been nothing short of excellent since day one. As I came in as a freshman, I had heard so many great things about the program. Over these past few years, it has exceeded my expectations to say the least. Coach Trotter, Coach Murr, along with all the other coaches have built a program that is truly something every high school athlete would love to be a part of. Over the years they have taught me, along with many others, the importance of work ethic, discipline, and teamwork. Roxbury baseball is a culture that is unlike any other that has been a privilege to be a part of. It is a true family atmosphere, which has been attributed to the programs winning ways over many years. This coaching staff has played a great role in me maturing not only as a baseball player, but also as a person,” shared Jack. Justin’s reflection of the baseball program echoed that of Jack’s. “It means everything to be a Gael. It means that you’re representing the whole school when you go out on the field and play so you better play your hardest. You’re also playing for everyone who has graduated before you.” “I have learned a lot from each of our coaches. They haven’t just taught me how to be a good baseball player, they taught me how to carry myself the right way both on the

field and in life. This hasn’t just happened in high school either. I have been going to high school baseball camps since I was four and every year, Trotter made it a point to make sure he taught us how to play the right way.” Roxbury XCTF As Thomas Schulz heads to Monmouth University next fall, his coaches Laura Schmidt and Derek Bischoff reflected on his time with them and the program. “Thomas has been an integral part of Roxbury’s XCTF program since joining us as a freshman. Displaying talent that for a long time had been unseen, Thomas helped to put Roxbury boys distancing running back on the map. Winning nearly every regular-season conference race this season, Thomas has proven himself to be among the best distance runners in the area and even in the state,” shared Schmidt. Throughout his time with Roxbury XCTF, Thomas collected various accolades and awards including the 1600m indoor school record and numerous All-Conference recognitions. Schmidt added, “More importantly than the awards earned and medals won, Thomas is a true leader on our team. Elected captain by his teammates in both his junior and senior years, Thomas is someone that all members of our program look up to and admire. Young athletes on our team, quite literally aspire to be like him. The hard work, perseverance, dedication, and determination that Thomas exhibits when it comes to XCTF is unmatchable. Most likely, you have spotted him running around town on an easy run or long run day. A true student of the sport, Thomas knows the details and little things that matter most. Ultimately, though, he embodies our program’s values of believing it,

owning it, earning it, and above all, always compete. It has been a true honor and pleasure to coach Thomas over these past 4 years. I cannot wait to follow the next chapter in his running and academic career which he will pursue at Monmouth University, my alma mater! Congratulations! Go Hawks!” Coach Bischoff also shared, “Over the last four years, Thomas has been an incredible representative of our XCTF program, our school, and our Roxbury community. He is a great kid that does things the right way. Thomas has been one of the top runners in our conference since his freshman year. He’s elevated his performances to one of the top runners in the county and state over the past few seasons. He is a well-accomplished and well-respected competitor.” “Most importantly, his leadership has meant so much to our program. He has been a leader for us since day one. His teammates respond to his love and dedication for our sport and have followed his lead. He has been a model of competitiveness and resilience for our young athletes. It is difficult to really put into words what Thomas has meant to our program. In particular, our boys cross country team. Thomas has been a huge part of elevating Roxbury distance running from what it was his freshman year until now. This impact will allow our program to have continued success. It has been an honor to coach Thomas over the past four years. I cannot wait to see what he can do for the remainder of his high school career. I am even more excited that he will have the opportunity to compete at Monmouth University - where Coach Schmidt and I both competed (many years ago).”

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2020 • Page 17

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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

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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.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2020 • Page 19

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The Various Advantages to Shopping Locally

esidents of a given town or city are often encouraged to support local businesses by looking to these firms to fill their needs. Small businesses are not just integral parts of communities, employing millions across the country, they also are operations that fund the very communities they service. Efforts to promote shopping local appear to be working. According to the Commonwealth Financial Group, over the last several years there has been a shift in consumer purchasing behavior marked by a preference among consumers to support locally owned shops and stores over big-box retailers and even online shopping. The following are some key reasons why shopping locally not only benefits small business owners, but also the communities they call home and the customers they serve. • More money stays in the community: According to the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains in the community. Conversely, only 43 percent of every $100 spent at a chain retailer stays in the community. • Job creation: The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies says local business-

es create the majority of economic growth. They employ millions of Americans by creating roughly two-thirds of private sector jobs. Local business owners also tend to hire people who represent the demographics of the communities where the business is located, which may include historically underserved populations. • Diversity of products: Local stores tend to diversify their products and services to meet the needs of the local communities, whereas chain stores often stock their shelves based on national demands. • Personalized service: A small business owner may be more inclined to go to great lengths to make customers happy because the long-term success of the business depends on customers becoming repeat customers. • Personal connection: Knowing the people behind a business facilitates a connection not easily achieved with other companies. Customers may celebrate when a favorite business succeeds and look to spread the word about that business because they feel like they played a positive role in its success. Shopping locally has gained momentum and is fueled by the many advantages to supporting local businesses.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2020 • Page 23

Page 24 • December 2020 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Was Santa Claus Invented in Morristown?

By Henry M. Holden he image of Santa Claus is iconic. He strikes a portly figure, with a fluffy, white-as-snow beard, red coat with a white faux fur collar and cuffs, white fur-cuffed trousers, a red hat with white-fur trim, white gloves, and black belt and boots, carrying a bag of gifts for all good children. His jolly delivery makes young and old find a warm spot in their heart for this legend. And he is fondly remembered through the illustrations of Thomas Nast. Thomas Nast (1840-1902) and his family moved from Germany to Elmhurst, N.Y. when Nast was six years old. Nast was not a good student in the normal sense of the word, spending much of his time doodling. When his parents put him in art school when he was thirteen, he flourished almost overnight. The original drawing, Santa was an elfish-looking figure wearing a brown fur suit with stars on it. Nast’s Santa grew in size and shape and the suit evolved into the ensemble that resembles the image of the jolly St. Nick that is ubiquitous today. The first image of Santa Claus appeared in the 1862 Christmas issue of Harper’s Weekly, a political magazine of the day. By this time Nast was already known for his political caricatures. The image was not the iconic and beloved figure we know, but a likeness of Nast in a Union encampment giving gifts to the Union soldiers, basically saying they were the

Santa has evolved into the iconic figure that children love. (Credit Henry M. Holden)

The original Santa Claus wore a fur jacket with stars on it and hardly resembles the Santa we have come to know and love.

good soldiers, and Confederate soldiers were the enemy, and would not get any gifts. The Santa Claus idea had existed before Nast’s first ilcontinued on page 25

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2020 • Page 25

Was Santa Claus Invented... continued from page 4 lustration in 1862. Nast drew a picture of Santa Claus, inspired by a poem composed forty years earlier by Clement Moore who had written, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” better known as “The Night Before Christmas.” Moore had created the poem for the amusement of his six small grandchildren. But his wife had recorded the poem in the family Bible; and later made its way into print. Nast apparently read the poem and drew Santa Claus, with sleigh and reindeer, much as Moore had described him. Nast also modeled some of his early depictions of Santa after his own image, so, a lot of his early Santa Claus images resembled Nast. Nast provided Harper’s Weekly with annual Christmas drawings until 1886. It was during this time that the iconic image we know today evolved. Nast, a long-time Morristown resident, and Clement Moore, American professor of Biblical languages were responsible for creating the Victorian image of Santa Claus that we still know and use today. They gave the world a new image of St. Nicholas, one that would live in the hearts of children for generations to come.

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Nast’s Christmas themed work allowed him to use the Morristown neighborhood in which he lived and its backdrop of spires on the town’s churches, to drawings views of the town frequently in his Christmas drawings. In the latter part of the 19th century, there were no less than seven churches within a few blocks of Nast’s Morristown home, and most of them still exist. Nast and his family lived in a house on Macculloch Ave, (Villa Fontana) across from the Macculloch Hall and Museum (which today holds a large collection of Nast’s work). The house still stands but is under private ownership. This side of Nast’s work is significantly different from the world of political cartoons he is most famous for. Nast is most remembered for his cartoons that took down, “Boss” William M. Tweed, and the Tammany Hall Democratic party’s political machine in New York City, in 1871. Tweed was arrested, broke out of jail, fled to Cuba and Spain, before being extradited and dying in a New York City jail, in 1878. Nast is often considered to be the “Father of the American Cartoon”.

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An Appetizer Worth the (Short) Wait

ppetizers are many people’s favorite part of a meal. From dips and finger foods to little treats and fried pieces of perfection, there is a wide array of considerations for a pre-meal snack. Some appetizers are much more appropriate at certain events. For example, buffalo chicken wings are best enjoyed on game days, salads are normally served at showers and vegetable trays are a typical Thanksgiving Day classic. However, there are recipes that are too easy to make and too satisfying not to serve at almost every festivity you and your family attend. This Easy Crab Rangoon shines above the rest for many reasons, but the main point of this heavenly sample is it’s easy to make and bake. This appetizer is placed in the oven until it’s golden brown, topped with little green scallions with a creamy filling all packaged in a crispy outer layer. Plus, the cream cheese is mixed with luscious amounts of crab meat. This is a seafood lover’s dream. Actually, it’s any appetizer lover’s dream.

To make this mouthwatering recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients and a few kitchen tools. The little bites of perfection come out of the oven steaming hot, waiting to be topped with more crunchy, fresh scallions. Once they have cooled for a few moments, they are ready to be devoured. This bite-size, savory snack will be all the rage at family dinners and parties with the kids alike. They fit perfectly in the palms of hands and within a few bites, they are gone and your loved ones are asking for seconds. Find more appetizer recipes that are simple and made to impress at Culinary.net. Easy Crab Rangoon Servings: 12 Nonstick cooking spray 12 wonton wrappers 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 ounces lump crabmeat 1 scallion, sliced thin, green and white parts separated 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 teaspoon soy sauce Heat oven to 350 F.

Spray muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Press wonton wrappers into muffin cups. Lightly spray wrappers with nonstick cooking spray and bake until lightly browned, 6-9 minutes. Let cool slightly. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese un-

til smooth. Combine with crabmeat, scallion whites, ginger and soy sauce. Fill each wonton wrapper with filling. Bake until filling is heated through, 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle with scallion greens. Serve warm. (Culinary.net)

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