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CCM Training Allows Student to Serve as a Good Samaritan During COVID Crisis

n Exercise Science student at County College of Morris (CCM), Alayna Kreilis, of Millington, recently put the first aid training she learned in class to good use when she was driving and noticed a woman on the ground who had been out bike riding with her husband. “I pulled over and asked if she was ok,” recalls Kreilis. “Her arm was clearly broken and I splinted her arm, taped it and gave her an ice pack.” Occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, other people kept driving by the scene. Kreilis, however, donned a mask and gloves and got out of her car because she was confident she could help. Kreilis, 26, was able to help because she always keeps in her car the first aid kit that Professor William McHugh, from the Department of Health and Exercise Science, had his students put together. Along with developing the kit, Kreilis learned in his First Aid and Emergency Care class how to assist people in emergencies. “I definitely felt prepared,” she says. “The first aid kit Professor McHugh had us develop is packed with more essentials than any other standard first aid kit I have

n Wednesday, June 10, 2020 the Wayne Public Library’s Lunchbox Learning Zoom Series will feature Evelyn M. Hershey, American Labor Museum Educator who will present a program entitled Women Who Dared to Inspire. The program begins at 12:00 pm. You must Register on the Wayne Public Library’s Cal-

ever seen,” notes Kreilis. Kreilis initially began her college studies at Monmouth University but left in 2014. When she decided to go back to college, she chose CCM because of the warm reception she received when she visited the college. “When I went to visit the school as an option, I felt extremely welcomed and everyone I spoke to in the Admissions office was incredibly helpful and understanding,” she says. “I was nervous about going back to school with a young daughter, but everyone who helped me that day took the weight off my shoulders and made me excited.” Kreilis is a single mother of a 3-yearold girl Remi. After she enrolled at CCM and came back to register for classes, the professors she worked with helped her to build a schedule so she could take her classes while her daughter was in school. “It was just an overall welcoming and incredible experience,” says Kreilis. When she finishes her studies at CCM, she plans to attend Rutgers with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer for a collegiate or professional sports team.

Alayna Kreilis, an Exercise Science student at County College of Morris, holding her daughter Remi.

Women Who Dared to Inspire endar in order to receive your Zoom invitation. Just Click on the date of the program. This program is free and open to the public. Many women stood up demanding rights for women starting in the late Nineteenth Century and early Twentieth Century, especially in the garment industry.

Ms. Hershey will present a program about some of the many women who were active in the labor reform movement in this country. This is one of the many programs on women featured by the Wayne Public Library in 2020 in honor of the Centennial passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the legal

right to vote. This program is sponsored, in part, by the Wayne Public Library and the Friends of the Wayne Public Library. This project is funded in part by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Page 2 • June 8, 2020

MPAC to Present Its First Ever Drive in Concert

ive music returns to Morristown with a new twist on a classic style of entertainment - the Drive-In Concert! Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), in partnership with the Morris County Park Commission, will present a Drive-In Concert featuring John Ginty and Friends at Fosterfields Farm in Morris Township on Thursday, June 25 at 6:30 pm. (Rain date is June 26) Tickets are $100 per car and go on sale Wednesday, June 3 at 12 pm. All proceeds will benefit MPAC’s recovery. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the MPAC Box Office at www.MayoArts.Org or 973-539-8008. No tickets will be sold at the gate. “MPAC is thrilled to be doing what we do best -- presenting live entertainment again -- for the first time in over three months,” said Allison Larena, President and CEO, MPAC. “Even though our doors may be closed, our mission is stronger than ever as we find alternative creative, innovative and fun ways to continue to serve our community. We are grateful to be partnering with Dave Helmer, Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission and his team, and John Ginty, and thank them for all of their help to make this live concert possible.” “The Morris County Park Commission is pleased to collaborate with the Mayo Performing Arts Center on furthering its mission to enrich the lives of its community by finding alternative ways of showcasing the performing arts,” added Dave Helmer, Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission. MPAC is working with the Morris County Park Com-

mission and local health authorities to create a safe environment that allows attendees to enjoy live music from the comfort of their vehicles. The Fosterfields site will be able to accommodate approximately 150 cars that will be spaced out with social distancing guidelines provided by local authorities. Attendees must remain in their vehicles throughout the concert. No tailgating is allowed. Since March 12, MPAC, a non-profit performing arts center, has had to cancel over 50 events and reschedule another 25 as a result of the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Much like other local businesses, MPAC’s revenue has been significantly impacted by the shutdown, with no date in sight to reopen. “Now more than ever, we need the support our community to help us through this difficult period until we are able to reopen,” Larena said. “As a non-profit performing arts center that serves our region, this unique collaboration with the Park Commission speaks to the heart of what we do.” Despite being physically closed, MPAC actively presents a variety of virtual arts related experiences. Programs include: a curated Virtual Arts page offering links to performing arts events across the web; Facebook Live concerts featuring diverse local artists every Friday at 12:30 pm; virtual Performing Arts School classes for children and adults; and more. MPAC’s entire virtual program is viewable at MayoArts.Org. “Large gathering concert halls such as MPAC will be among the last allowed to reopen,” Larena said. “MPAC has been at the heart of arts and entertainment in Morris-

town for over 25 years, and we are determined to continue to be the resource that our community relies on to be uplifted and inspired by the performing arts. We appreciate the support that our donors, patrons and community members have provided us in this time.” MPAC will be working with local restaurants to create take out specials that attendees can pick up prior to arriving and enjoy during the event. Additional information for attendees will be available on MPAC’s website when tickets go onsale. “Our stage may be dark, but music will light up the day,” Larena said. “The Drive in Concert will be a truly unique and fun experience. Come out for a great time, while helping to sustain the theatre while our doors are closed.” Organist John Ginty has literally covered a lot of ground. Fresh off playing Hammond B-3 for the Dixie Chicks on their MMXVII World Tour, the Morristown resident has now joined the Allman Betts Band, featuring Devon Allman, Duane Betts, and Berry Duane Oakley, all sons of founding members of the Allman Brothers Band. As a solo artist. his first offering on American Showplace Music, 2013’s Bad News Travels, features A-List artists such as Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule), Albert Castiglia and Neal Casal. His sophomore album, No Filter was named RMR’s #1 Blues/Rock album of 2015 and featured a groundbreaking performance by hip-hop legend, Redman. For information about John Ginty, please go to: http://www. johngintymusic.com/

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Page 4 • June 8, 2020

A VIEW FROM THE LEFT

What Leadership Means

EDITORIAL &

Opinions

istory can be cruel. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., who was unquestionably America’s most prominent prophet and practitioner of nonviolence, was followed by riots, arson and looting in 168 American cities and towns. The numbers are staggering: 2,600 fires were set; 21,700 people were injured; 2,600 were arrested; 39 were killed. One city that was spared all that in the days following King’s murder was Indianapolis. Credit for that must be given to the citizens of Indiana’s capital city and to its leaders, both black and white, and also to a remarkable American political leader, who, on that April night in 1968, delivered the news of King’s death to an Indianapolis rally of mostly African Americans. Here, speaking with neither prepared text nor teleprompter, is what this white American presidential candidate said that terrible evening: “I have bad news for you, for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world, and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and killed tonight. Martin Luther King dedicated his life to love and to justice for his fellow human beings, and he died because of that effort.” Then sensitive to those present who were hearing from him the tragic news, this American politician continued: “For those of you who are black and are tempted to be filled with hatred and distrust at the injustice of such an act, against all white people, I can only say that I feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man.” Thus, for the first time since that awful day in Dallas some four and a half years earlier, Sen. Robert Kennedy referred publicly to the assassination of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence

Mark Shields or lawlessness but love and wisdom and compassion toward one another and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be black.” Kennedy then spoke directly to those within the sound of his voice: “So, I shall ask you tonight to return home, to say a prayer for the family of Martin Luther King, that’s true, but more importantly to say a prayer for our own country, which all of us love -- a prayer for understanding and that compassion of which I spoke.” Full disclosure: I worked for Robert Kennedy in that 1968 campaign, which would end just two months after King’s assassination, once again from an assassin’s bullets in a Los Angeles hotel kitchen. Robert Kennedy was not a perfect public servant. Like all of us, he was fallible and flawed. But in Indianapolis on that April night, Robert Kennedy, with empathy earned in his own and the nation’s earlier tragedy and with simple eloquence, gave us the timeless example of what true political leadership can be. We could use some more right now. To find out more about Mark Shields and read his past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2020 MARK SHIELDS DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

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A VIEW FROM THE RIGHT

Get Up Off Your Knees

ear law-abiding Americans: You have done nothing wrong. Being white is not a crime. Being a Trump voter is not a crime. Being a police officer sworn to “protect and serve” every day is not a crime. Being a non-white police officer proud to uphold and enforce law and order is not a crime. Being a black or brown or yellow American who rejects excusing criminal behavior is not a crime. Rejecting collective guilt is not a crime. Refusing to acknowledge “white privilege” when you were born poor, or in a broken home, or with physical or psychological challenges, is not a crime. Embracing the historic American nation, instead of erasing it, is not a crime. Enforcing your private property rights is not a crime. Teaching your wife and children to use a gun in self-defense is not a crime. Owning an AR-15 or two is not a crime. Do not let the media, Hollywood, academics or politicians gaslight you. Stop internalizing lies. Who are the criminals? Who are the heroes? Who are the makers and keepers of peace? Who are the sowers and reapers of hate? The Proud Boys, who have guarded their communities and country for the past three years, were the lone citizen soldiers in the battle against antifa that no one else on the ground wanted to fight. The group and its leader, Gavin McInnes, have suffered greatly for trying to stop the violence now raging nationwide. McInnes has been deplatformed everywhere and falsely labeled a “white supremacist.” Scores of Proud Boys of all colors have lost their jobs after being doxxed by antifa vigilantes. Two Proud Boys are in prison, railroaded by New York Democrats, after a Kafkaesque trial in which the cop-hating antifa “victims” who lured the Proud Boys into an October 2018 street brawl refused to press charges or testify. Their crime? These unapologetic Americans stood on their feet, not on their knees. Journalists and photographers who documented antifa violence for the past

Michelle Malkin three years, such as Andy Ngo, Chelly Bouferrache and Brandon Brown in Portland, Oregon, have endured physical assaults, death threats and harassment. Many others have gone into hiding and suffer in silence. Their crime? Exposing antifa anarchy, standing eye to eye against their assailants, on their feet, not on their knees. Working-class Irish, German and Polish-American men of Fishtown, a northeast Philadelphia suburb, came together this week to prevent their neighborhood from being pillaged and burned in the name of “social justice” like the rest of the City of Brotherly Riots. They banded together outside the 26th police precinct, armed with bats and golf clubs, and faced down Black Lives Matter protesters who were there to taunt and provoke the cops. Turn off CNN and tune into the facts on the ground. At least 25 Philadelphia cops have been hurt during mob violence this week. It’s an all-out war on the thin blue line. At least 150 cops have been assaulted -- four nearly murdered -- in New York City as of Tuesday afternoon. Two Buffalo, New York, law enforcement officers were run over late Monday night. In addition, 51 members of the U.S. Park Police were injured; a Cincinnati cop was grazed by a bullet aimed at his head; four St. Louis officontinued on page 6

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June 8, 2020 â€¢ Page 5

Page 6 • June 8, 2020

Wayne Library Hosts Virtual Program

n Wednesday, June 17, 2020 the Wayne Public Library’s Lunchbox Learning Program will be “Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Central Role in the Fight for Women presented by professional story teller Carol Simon Levin. The program begins promptly at 12:00 pm. You must Register on the Wayne Public Library’s Website Calendar in order to receive your Zoom invitation. Just click on the date of the program. This program is free and open to the public. This program is told through the voice of Lillian Feickert, president of the NJ Women Suffrage Association from 1912-1920 and explores the overlooked role of New Jersey in the long frustrating fight for women’s suffrage. Feickert shares stories about how nationally-known suffrage advocates Lucy Stone and Elizabeth Cady Stanton staged tax and voting protests in the state. She describes how Alice Paul became the dynamo who re-energized the push for a federal amendment and how Dr. Florence Spearing Randolph brought black women into

the movement. Participants will learn that women were not “given” the right to vote, but fought for it for generations. Carol Simon Levin is an experienced storyteller and a member of the New Jersey Storytelling Network. She has always been fascinated by the history of technology, as well as women’s history. She has previously presented Lunchbox Learning programs on Emily Roebling, the women who helped to build the Brooklyn Bridge, and Ann Baumgartner Carl and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II. She brings her presentations to schools, libraries, senior citizen centers, historical societies and other venues. This program is sponsored, in part, by the Wayne Public Library and the Friends of the Wayne Public Library. “This project is funded, in part, by the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council at Passaic County Community College, through a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.”

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Get Up Off Your Knees... continued from page 4 cers were shot; one retired St. Louis police captain was killed; a Las Vegas Metro cop was shot; and a federal officer was shot and killed in Oakland -- all in the name of peace, tolerance and reparations. Yet, against this bloody and retributive backdrop, Democratic leaders in Philadelphia who have coddled looters all week condemned the peacekeeping Fishtown Brigade as a “mob” of “vigilantes.” Their crime? Standing tall on their feet, not on their knees. Scot Mendelson, a world record-holding powerlifter, protected his Southern California gym on Monday afternoon. “If you’re going to destroy something that somebody worked so hard to build, well, you know what, maybe you should be put down,” he told Fox 11 Los Angeles. “You walk through my door, you threaten my life, I’m aiming for the head.” Mendelson’s crime? Standing muscle-bound and honor-bound on his feet, not on his knees. Proud and good people hold their chins and guns up in a crisis. It is how Korean grocers responded when the police abandoned them during the Los Angeles riots in 1992. It is how armed small-business own-

ers of all colors are now facing an onslaught of crazed, greedy and evil barbarians hellbent on destroying every enforcement bulwark that protects our civil society -- from our borders to our neighborhoods to the White House. Weakness is not strength. Confessing sins for which you bear no guilt is not noble. It makes me sick to my stomach to see virtue-signaling police chiefs kneeling before barking rioters calling them “pigs.” I am nauseated by the sight of sobbing white people groveling for forgiveness before sadistic Black Lives Matter demagogues -- as if this will appease the unappeasable. It will not and never will. America, straighten your spines. Unbow your heads. No home or nation was ever saved by kowtowing to invaders or ransackers. Unless you are praying to God, get up off your knees. Michelle Malkin’s email address is MichelleMalkinInvestigates@protonmail. com. To find out more about Michelle Malkin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM

Wayne Clergy Fellowship & Peace Islands Institute

e, Wayne Clergy Fellowship, and Peace Islands Institute are appalled, outraged, and devastated by the unjustified killing of George Floyd. We condemn this, and all acts of unnecessary, senseless killing of and violence against innocent human beings. Acts of violence cannot be tolerated whether perpetrated by individuals,

groups, or public functionaries. We believe in government of the people, by the people and for the people regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, country of origin or economic status. We not only condemn the attitude and actions that led to the death of George Floyd, but the lack of intervention on the part of the other officers present at the time. The Bible teaches, “Do not stand

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idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed” (Leviticus 19:16). Conversely, we commend those officers who stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters. This is an issue for all caring human beings of good conscience. We appeal to all rioters and provocateurs to cease and desist. Peaceful demonstrations are the proper path of protest. We do not want the police, that we have been cheering for weeks as essential workers protecting us, to be put in unnecessary danger. We call upon all residents to join us to-

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Page 8 • June 8, 2020

Infants in Passaic County Desperately Need Formula, Diapers

he COVID-19 pandemic has left infants, particularly those from low-income and at-risk communities, without necessities like formula, diapers, and baby wipes. Panic buying, unemployment or underemployment, and social distancing has made it nearly impossible for many Passaic County residents to provide these essentials for their families. To meet this increasingly growing need, Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) has launched a donation drive and is seeking the following baby items: diapers, formula, wipes, and clothing. “Our focus is always on child safety and wellbeing,” Passaic County CASA Executive Director Erica Fischer-Kaslander said. “Recently, the families and foster parents we work with, as well as their caseworkers, have been calling Passaic County CASA staff in a panic unable to locate or afford basic essentials for the children we are all charged to protect. Families are running low on formula, diapers, and baby wipes, and some parents have children who are rapidly outgrowing their clothing and are in desperate need of new clothing,” Fischer-Kaslander said. “We knew we had to do something because child welfare is at Member NJ Arborists Association Commercial • Residential Owner Operated

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stake.” Passaic County CASA is a non-profit organization that normally recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to advocate on behalf of children involved in the foster care and child welfare systems. However, since the beginning of this national crisis, Passaic County CASA has broadened the scope of its services to ensure the best interests of all children in the child welfare system are met by supporting community issues like food insecurity, mental health, and education. Donations to the drive will go to support children in foster care, the broader child welfare system or struggling families that have sought help through Passaic County CASA or another member of the Passaic County Pandemic Partnership. The Passaic County Pandemic Partnership, or PCPP, was founded when Passaic County CASA joined forces with five other Passaic County-based non-profits at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic after the Executive Directors of the six organizations realized they could amplify their impact by working together. In collaboration with Passaic County CASA, the five other member organizations, The Boys and Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, CUMAC, Oasis - A Haven for

Women and Children NJ, Paterson Habitat for Humanity, and Star of Hope Ministries, are now able to ensure that families in need continue to have uninterrupted access to crucial services while minimizing community spread of COVID-19. All donations to the drive must be new, and all deliveries must adhere to social distancing and other CDC guidelines. To

schedule a delivery time and for additional information on how to donate, please visit https://www.passaiccountycasa.org/ donategoods. Families involved in the child welfare system in Passaic County who are in need of help should e-mail help@passaiccountycasa.org. For more information about Passaic County CASA, visit www.passaiccountycasa.org.

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Denville’s Beloved Packey Not Forgotten During COVID-19

By Megan Roche ith everything going on during the coronavirus times in the state, Denville has been facing the challenges as best as they can, just like every other town. The residents have been

cooped up in the house, food and supplies have been hard to come by, while some are still reporting to work as normal. The residents have not forgotten about their beloved Packey though in this crazy time. Packey Butler is a familiar smiling face

around the township. What started out when his older brother went to Kindergarten, the Packey proudly waving tradition began. He continues waving to the school buses as they ride by after school to this day. Diagnosed with Autism and an intellec-

tual disability at the age of two, Packey is a Denville treasure that brings a smile to all who meet him. “He has a big personality for someone who is severely disabled in all areas. He has continued on page 11

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Denville’s Beloved Packey... continued from page 10 developed this big social personality and I don’t know what it is, but people are drawn to him. It’s the most incredible thing to witness,” Lesley Butler, Packey’s mother, said. When the schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, things became hard emotionally for Packey and the Butler family. According to Lesley, Packey didn’t really understand the concept of why things were changing. There would be no more school buses to wave at for the time being. “The social distancing thing has been very hard for him. It’s been horrible. It’s been devastating. Everytime the governor announced another extension, it would lead to a major meltdown with tears. He would get through it and he’d share his feelings on Facebook. People would offer comments with supportive messages and vent with him. He’d get over the hump and then the process would start all over again when another extension would come,” Lesley shared. Denville came to the rescue for Packey, not once or twice, but three times. Michael Andersen, a Board of Education member and Steven Forte, the K-8 school superintendent, developed an idea to host a drive by parade for Packey with the school buses.

The bus drivers in the town have come to know and love Packey; he is a smiling face that greets them on their bus routes daily. “That original bus parade saved us from him drowning in misery. It’s really really hard, it’s hard on everybody. It’s heartbreaking and it’s painful when he doesn’t get to do his “job” as he calls it. We’re doing what we can to schedule Zoom calls and FaceTime calls, but the drive by parade was an opportunity to see people who he hadn’t seen since this all started,” Lesley shared. A family friend of the Butler’s, Gary Beumee, decided to also pitch in to help Packey at this crazy time. Wanting to host a drive by parade for anyone, lines and lines of cars drove by the Butler home on a Saturday morning. Packey was indeed at the end of his driveway, happily waving to car after car. “Gary’s parade was open for everyone to drive by because he knew that Packey was struggling. It just brought such a smile to his face. He was running up and down in front of our house, there were so many cars coming in both directions, people were coming by multiple times. It was such a beautiful display of humanity,” Lesley said. Lesley couldn’t be more grateful that the town has come to Packey’s aid.

“Every single person who drove by, he has connected with. There is this light in him that people respond to. I know I always

have. To watch other people see the light in him, it’s really special. I feel like I have to share him with the world,” Lesley said.

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Page 12 • June 8, 2020

Wayne Resident Releases Second Children’s Book

By Steve Sears ayne resident Jolie Della Valle, affectionately known as “Miss Jolie,” recently released her second children’s book, Searching for Good Luck, about a cute character named Lucky who encourages looking at the bright side in everyone and every moment. Illustrated by Laurie Tormollan, the offering is a follow up to her first book, Georgie and the Ants in the Pants. Della Valle’s future plans include continued tour of schools, libraries, and educational centers throughout New Jersey, bringing with her a powerful message about the magic of mindfulness and positivity. Per Della Valle, Searching for Good Luck is all about “bringing awareness to a lot of parents and people about, just as important as teaching about colors and shapes and numbers, I think talking about feelings and emotions and bringing awareness to the present moment and gratitude is so important. That’s why I wrote this book.” Della Valle, who is supported by her husband, George, and son, Georgie, is unique. She comes from a family with a musical love and background, plays a number of musical instruments (especially her favorite, a red ukulele, which she taught herself to play and is most recognized by kids, and she is now learning to play the harmonica), and connects with her young audience via music, reading, and dancing. It’s interactivity at its most fun and finest. Della Valle’s path, which has taken her to where she is now, initially was – due to her hesitance to sing in public - going to feature her on instruments only while another woman

would vocalize. However, the duo became a solo act as her partner’s schedule and family obligations unfortunately made it difficult to plan performances. “I said, ‘You know what, if I’m going to encourage kids to follow their dreams and believe in themselves, I have to lead by example.’ So, I kind of got over my fear of singing in public and in front of people, and one thing led to another, and I’m here now and it’s the main thing I do: entertain and sing. It’s really a huge part of my journey. You can do anything you put your mind to; just believe in yourself.” The bubbly Della Valle is a 2009 graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, and afterwards she became a sales rep and marketing executive for a children’s wholesale jewelry company. She who wrote much poetry when younger then launched Ants in the Pants, LLC, a children’s clothing company where she made her own clothes, which ultimately became a book publishing company. With the publication of Georgie and the Ants in the Pants, Della Valle began writing children’s music, and recorded Ants in the Pants Jams, her first EP, to go along with her first book. Her newest album, SO LUCKY, was released on April 1. Della Valle knew that the very talented Tormollan was the one to call for illustrations. “I knew I needed her,” she says. “I’m so honored that she worked on this with me because she is the top of the top in terms of being professional and is an incredible talent. She blew me away.” SO LUCKY and Searching for Good Luck are now available on Della Valle’s website, www. MissJolieMusic.com.

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Page 16 • June 8, 2020

I Remember Dad:

The Beloved Younger Brother

Dad (left) and Uncle Carl (right) on their bicycles, in front of the big chimney of the home that my grandfather built at the end of Mabey Lane.

This picture of Dad (left) and Uncle Carl (right) shows the birth root of the spiritual tie between the two brothers, that existed all of their lives.

By Richard Mabey Jr. f all my dad’s seven brothers, I believe that it was Carl to whom he had a most uncanny spiritual connection with. Uncle Carl was just one year younger than Dad. They shared a very special bond all of their lives. When Uncle Carl was 10 and Dad was 11, Uncle Carl nearly died from an attack of acute appendicitis. Back in those days, in old Lincoln Park, there were not a lot of hospitals close by.

As a matter of fact, there weren’t a lot of doctors around in the area. Most fortunately, Uncle Carl was operated on and had his appendix taken out. But it was something that, from time to time, Dad and Uncle Carl talked about. Dad used to say to Uncle Carl, “I don’t ever remember seeing Mom pray so hard, as when she was praying for you to survive that operation.” continued on page 20

June 8, 2020 • Page 17

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A Few Things We Want You to Know About COVID-19 & Your Eyes

Dr. J says, “Please get familiar with these few pointers on COVID-19 and your eyes.”

yeCare Consultants of NJ and The American Academy of Ophthalmology* share eye health tips and advice to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has impacted the way we live for now as well as concerns about how it may affect our health. We want to share with you a few pearls that may guide you about COVID-19 and your eyes: Avoid touching your eyes; this is so important! By now you’ve heard about the importance of hand washing, coughing into your elbow, and keeping your hands away from your face and eyes. The last one is easier said than done, right? Here’s a suggestion, switch from contact lenses to glasses for the time being. Substituting glasses for lenses can decrease irritation and make you pause before touching your eye. Pink eye is a COVID-19 symptom, but it’s rare. About 1 to 2 percent of reported coronavirus cases show symptoms of conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye. If you or a family member gets pink eye, don’t panic, especially if you’re not experiencing the more common coronavirus-related symptoms, such as a dry cough, shortness of breath and fever. Viral conjunctivitis is very common, plus it’s allergy season. If symptoms continue, consult with your doctor to determine if you need an in-person office visit. The malaria drugs used to treat coronavirus will not blind you. Patients who rely on hydroxychloroquine to treat autoimmune conditions such as lupus rarely experience eye damage. Only about 1 to 2 percent of patients develop retinal problems during a 5-year course of treatment.

Even though patients with COVID-19 receive double the dosage, they are treated for a fraction of the time, only one to two weeks. However, if you are older than 50 and have a history of retinal disease, macular degeneration or have been exposed to the breast cancer therapy tamoxifen, discuss these drugs with your doctor. We also want to emphasize that there currently is no definitive scientific evidence these drugs are effective in treating the virus. Have an upcoming routine eye care appointment? Call your ophthalmologist first! Most ophthalmologists are performing emergency care only right now to keep patients safe and to conserve much-needed medical supplies. If you receive regular treatments to maintain your vision, such as injections for macular degeneration, talk to your ophthalmologist. They can tell you if you need to come in for treatment. Many eye care providers, like ECC-NJ, are having interactions that are meaningful with patients using TELEHEALTH and a simple video/telephone chat. Make sure you have refills of critical medications. If you take medicated eye drops or other medical prescriptions that you cannot or should not go without, make sure you have enough to get by if quarantined or if supplies become limited. Your ophthalmologist or pharmacist may be able to help obtain approval through insurance. Consider home remedies for nonurgent relief. Some eye conditions can be treated from home, such as dry eye or eye strain. Try these at-home remedies, including artificial tears, cool or warm compresses, reducing computer-time, and others. If symptoms persist, call your ophthalmolo-

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Page 20 • June 8, 2020

I Remember Dad...

Uncle Carl (left) and Dad (right) on their tricycles, in the side yard of their childhood home. This picture beautifully shows how the end of Mabey Lane was once surrounded by forest.

continued from page 16 Dad often told me that when he was at Hickam Air Field, during World War II, that he missed all of his seven brothers and his sister, Violet; but that he missed his brother Carl the most. Whatever it was, it was an unmistakable bond. I remember one time, my grandmother told me that Uncle Carl woke her up at about ten o’clock at night, crying that his brother Dick had just got hurt really bad. Hawaii is six hours earlier than the time on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. So, it would have been about four o’clock in the afternoon, at Hickam Air Field. Grandma told me that about a week later, she got a letter from my dad telling her that he had fallen off the wing of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Plane and had hurt his shoulder. The two brothers grew up in the home that my grandfather built at the end of Mabey Lane. At that time, Mabey Lane was surrounded by woods to the north, to the west and to the east. And, to the north lied a great big open field that separated my grandparents’ home from my great grandparents’ home. So, Dad and Uncle Carl, relied on each other from a very early age for friendship and moral support. Dad was the big brother, who always looked out for Uncle Carl, even though Dad was only a year older than his brother Carl. There were countless other examples of how Dad and Uncle Carl had a very special spiritual tie. One Christmas, they both bought each other ties that had an uncanny similar color and pattern. I re-

member one Saturday afternoon, when I was in high school, Dad said to Mom, “I think I better give my brother Carl, a call.” And, when Dad called Uncle Carl, he found out that Uncle Carl had just gotten laid off from his job and was feeling very, very sad. Dad was an incredibly patriotic man. He loved America. He was proud to his serve his country during World War II in the Seventh Army Air Corps. But, I think that deep down, Dad was very homesick a lot of the time, during his stay at Hickam Air Field. Sometimes, when we get lost in an old black and white movie about the heroism of the men who fought in the Second World War, we walk away thinking that the one and only mark of heroism came from the fighting on the front lines. And, yes, that was true heroism. But, the men who served our nation in times of war, also fought a different kind of enemy. They stood tall and proud and fought the sad, empty feeling of being homesick. Of missing their mom and dad. Of missing the pretty girl who sat upon the rock wall, of her front yard, while reading a book. They yearned to return safe and unharmed to the towns and cities from which they had come from. And, they earnestly prayed for peace to befall our planet, once again. For truly, they were all super heroes! Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

June 8, 2020 â€¢ Page 21

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Page 22 • June 8, 2020

Diary of a Scout Leader: Five Fifteen

By Richard Mabey Jr. ur story so far: It is the first day of summer vacation of 1969. I am 15 years old and have just completed my sophomore year at Boonton High School. It is nearing high noon and I have spent the entire morning painting Thorpe Hall of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, for my Eagle Scout project. After eating my lunch, a man comes to the door and begins banging on the door and demanding that I let him in. Fortunately, I had locked the door. I try to huddle out of sight of this man, who is continuing to hammer on the door and scream for someone to let him in. Shortly after that, my mom knocks on the door of Thorpe Hall. My sister, Patti, is with Mom. I clean up and we all go to Moe’s Sweet Shop. Cute Mary Tafano is at Moe’s. To my utter surprise, Mary asks me to her birthday party on Saturday. Later that afternoon, I help Mom to get supper ready, while my sister Patti plays in the yard, with her neighborhood friend. Our story continues. I had finished peeling and cutting the potatoes. Mom had just finished peeling and cutting the carrots. I looked up at the clock, just to the left-hand side of the kitchen window. It was 10 minutes past five. Mom had already added water to the potatoes and they were cooking on the stove, along with the carrots. The roast was in the oven. Dad would be pulling into the driveway, with his Ford Econoline pick-up truck, any minute now. Dad usually got home about quarter after five, every afternoon. He would come into the kitchen carrying his Star-Ledger and Newark Evening News, beneath his arms, with his lunch pail in his right hand as he turned the doorknob with his left hand. As soon as he entered the kitchen, he would always comment, in one way or another, that supper cooking on the stove, “sure smelled good.” I sat at the kitchen table, watching my Mom stir the pots of potatoes and carrots. As Mom opened the door to the oven, to check how the roast was cooking, I looked out the kitchen window, to see Dad pull into the back driveway. I watched my sister jump off of her swing and run to Dad. Patti gave Dad a great big hug and the two began walking into the old farm house, hand in hand. As soon as Dad opened the kitchen door, coming in from the side porch, he put down his Star-Ledger and Newark Evening News on the kitchen cabinet. He placed his lunch pail on the kitchen table. Then, he gave an exaggerated act of inhaling the aroma of the kitchen. “Sure smells good. Janet, you got the Prince of Wales coming to eat with us tonight?” Dad jokingly said to Mom. “Daddy, we don’t have a prince coming for supper tonight,” Patti shouted out to Dad.

“Well, it must be the Mayor’s coming for supper with us,” Dad jokingly added. “No, Daddy, the Mayor’s not coming for supper either,” my sister replied then laughed. “Well, son, how’d your day of painting go?” Dad asked me. “I got about a quarter of the painting done,” I replied. “And, he had some problems too. Someone tried to break in to Thorpe Hall, while Richie was painting there,” my mom told my dad in a rather serious tone of voice. “Well, is everything okay?” Dad more or less asked both of us. “Everything’s okay, but I don’t like the idea of Richie being alone all day in that church hall, with things like this happening,” Mom steadfastly stated. “If that mean man broke into the church, my brother would just beat him up,” my sister interjected. “I gotta admit I was a little scared. Some fella just kept pounding on the side door, you know Dad, the door by the outside steps,” I told my father. “Beat him up. My brother would just beat him up,” my sister kept chanting. “Maybe I better call Chief Tompkins after supper. He’s on the troop committee. Maybe he’ll have one of his men keep an eye out at the church tomorrow,” Dad said to Mom. “Well, that’s good, but Dick, I’m telling you, I don’t like Richie being alone in that church hall all day,” Mom firmly stood her ground. “It’ll be alright, Janet. Chief Tompkins’ll have one of his men drive by a few times, tomorrow,” Dad replied to Mom’s protests. “My brother’ll just beat that man up. That’s what he’ll do. My brother’ll just pulverize that mean man,” Patti continued to chant. We ate supper shortly. Then Dad read his Star-Ledger and Newark Evening News, in his favorite chair in the living room as he watched Walter Cronkite on our old television. My sister and I helped Mom clean up after supper. In a few minutes Dad called Chief Tompkins and told him what had happened, that some man kept banging on the locked door at Thorpe Hall of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. And, Chief Thomas thanked Dad for letting him know about it and that he would have one of the Police Officers keep an eye on Thorpe Hall during the day. For the most part, I have found that truth is not only found in the sacred doctrine of religious orders. For often times, truth is found in the most plain and mundane moments in life. Sometimes, we may think that a moment in life is too unimportant and ordinary to hold profound meaning. And, sadly, we often miss the love, the grandeur, the

My sister and I, many years ago, standing beside Dad’s Ford Econoline Pick Up Truck. In the background you can see my old tree fort atop the apple tree. The swing set was placed beneath the apple tree, shortly after this photo was taken.

beauty and the charm of the most ordinary and seemingly unimportant moments of life. For love and truth come to us in a variety of ways. 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.

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My Daughter – My Inspiration

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4 Ways Science Exploration Can Shape Students’ Futures

he impact of scientific exploration has vastly shaped the world we live in, and in this challenging time, it has never been more relevant than it is today. As families navigate the new reality of working and learning from home, there’s an opportunity to think creatively about how children learn and explore science. Parents and educators can turn to project-based activities to combine learning with fun, help kids stay curious and occupied while also providing an avenue to put their passion for problem solving to good use. In short, science exploration can positively fuel, nourish and encourage the great minds of tomorrow. According to the 2019 3M State of Science Index, 59 percent of the world’s population believe scientific advancements will benefit future generations. Beyond paving the way toward vibrant career opportunities, a STEM education can shape a young person’s mind and transform their future in these fundamental ways: 1. Active learning instills confidence. Whether it’s positing a new hypothesis or learning a new programming language, the process of active learning required by STEM pushes students out of their comfort zone and creates an environment where taking calculated risks is encouraged. Becoming comfortable with taking risks to solve problems and learning from these outcomes builds confidence. These skillsets can be applied to any future challenges a student may need to navigate. 2. Problem solving encourages creativity. Who says STEM can’t be creative? Problem solving forces outside-the-box thinking and hones creativity. Without creativity, innovation is impossible, making this an invaluable quality that can translate into all areas of life and work, particularly in fields using cutting-edge STEM principles. 3. STEM helps students develop key life skills. From communication to decision-making to teamwork, STEM learning helps students develop practical skills inside and outside the lab. Fortunately, this learning can happen independently. Anyone can turn their home into a laboratory by visiting, youngscientistlab.com, a free resource offering science project ideas

and step-by-step directions for grades K-8. Whether students collaborate or work independently, they’ll feel accomplished after finishing projects. 4. Young scientists can make an impact on tomorrow’s world. Educational science programs encourage students to think about tomorrow’s challenges today. Some programs even offer exciting opportunities for students to put their ideas and theories directly into practice. For example, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, hosted in partnership with Discovery Education, offers students the chance to be named America’s Top Young Scientist. The national science competition for students in grades 5-8 gives young inventors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M scientist, compete for a $25,000 prize, and learn new skills. Last year’s winner, aspiring microbiologist, Kara Fan, 14, invented a first aid liquid bandage using nano-silver technology to reduce the risk of superbug infections caused by antibiotic overuse. Fan is a great example of what can happen when science skills are applied to making a positive difference in the world. “I entered the challenge because I wanted to show my invention of the nanosilver liquid bandage to more people. I think it is important for more people to be aware of the antibiotic-resistance bacteria crisis and do something about it,” says Fan, who worked with her 3M mentor for several months to refine her invention. Now open, this year’s challenge asks students to identify a problem in one of six categories—health, safety, mobility, environment, energy consumption, or community—and come up with a unique innovation to improve lives for the future. To learn more, and for important dates and deadlines, visit YoungScientistLab.com/challenge. STEM learning can shape students’ futures, and ultimately make communities safer and healthier. Be active, be bold, and explore opportunities outside the classroom that will instill a lifelong love of STEM learning. (StatePoint)

June 8, 2020 • Page 27

How Math Can Become Your Child’s Favorite School Subject

sk kids what their favorite school subject is and fewer and fewer will say “math” as they age. While 37 percent of 4th graders report that math is one of their favorite subjects, only 15 of 12th graders say the same, according to National Center for Education Statistics. At a time when a strong math foundation is more important than ever before, you may be wondering how to keep the subject fun and interesting for kids, even as the workload grows more complex and challenging with each passing year. Here are a few ideas for infusing fun into the equation: • Set a good example: Don’t make math out to be a subject you yourself don’t enjoy. Whether you’re talking about the batting average of your favorite player, working out your budget or watching a news report citing statis- (c) Antonio_Diaz / iStock via Getty Images Plus tics, you can point out the many ways in which math is used to think about the world and spark a numbers-fueled conversation. • Embrace a love of tech: Your children are digital natives, so when it comes to mathematics, let them use the tech tools that feel most natural to them without limitations. You can feel particularly good about this decision when it comes to calculators. Many calculators today are much more intuitive to use than their predecessors, allow-

ing students to spend more time learning the joy of math rather than figuring out how to operate the device. For a high-quality scientific calculator, check out the fx-300ES from Casio, which has over 250 functions. Once a graphing calculator is needed, a good choice is the fx-CG50, which has a high-definition, three-dimensional display. • Check in: Many students stop loving math once it gets hard. Unfortunately, a lot of students don’t mention they are struggling until it’s too late to easily catch up, as most lessons build on previously taught material. Periodically check in with your student to ensure they are keeping up with their classmates. Let them know there is no shame in getting an extra bit of help. Many teachers will meet with students before or after class to offer assistance and answer questions. Study buddies, tutors and online tutorials can also help students grasp the material, achieve good grades and ultimately, continue to enjoy math. There is no doubt about it, a love of math is a good thing. By making it approachable and offering the right tools, you can help your young mathematician continue to embrace the subject. (StatePoint)

Page 28 • June 8, 2020

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