June 22, 2020 HT Online issue by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

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A Story from the Front Lines:

Former Pequannock Nurse Beats COVID-19

By Megan Roche lyssa Lobosco, a 23 year old RN from Pequannock, is on the road to recovery after beating COVID-19. Now a nurse in a Charlotte, North Carolina area hospital, Lobosco is sharing her story of her experiences with coronavirus. “It started with a slight tickle in my throat and a rising temperature. That Sunday, I felt weak, tired, and nauseous. I was unable to keep food, water, or Tylenol down due to excessive vomiting. Almost every hour (for 48 hours) I was vomiting. I could not sleep. My temperature ranged from 101-104 over the course of 3 days, unrelieved by Tylenol,” Lobosco says. After speaking to her employer, she was indeed tested for coronavirus. “On Monday April 6th, I was tested for COVID-19 through employee health. On Tuesday, I was so dehydrated that my boyfriend drove me to a nearby Emergency Department. I was given IV anti-nausea medication and IV fluids for my dehydration. I was positive for COVID-19. I was discharged a few hours later. I felt better from the medication. But as night drew on, my nausea/vomiting came back stronger. April 8th at 5 AM, I texted my mom and she told me to go to a different hospital. I was transferred to the ICU. My respiratory status worsened, and I was intubated on Easter Sunday. My parents immediately hopped in the car and drove 650 plus miles to me once I told them I couldn’t breathe, and I was going to be intubated. I was placed into a medically induced coma and remained on life support for 2 weeks. At one point, I had so many mucous plugs obstructing my airways that I needed an emergency bronchoscopy to improve my oxygenation. I was fed via a nasogastric feeding tube, I had various IV access lines. I was kept on vasoconstrictive medications to keep my blood pressure up for organ perfusion. I was given medication to fight Cytokine Storm. I sustained a few pressure ulcers that are still healing. I was left with multiple blood clots in my lungs which I am currently taking blood thinning medication to hopefully dissolve. I lost 30 pounds and I am currently going to physical therapy twice a week to improve my strength, coordination, and balance. I was in the hospital from April 8-May 4.” Although she has been discharged from the hospital, recovery still maintains its struggles. Even with the struggles,

Lobosco maintains her positivity. “Recovery has not been easy. I used a walker for the first week of recovery. I could not take more than 15-20 steps without my heart rate shooting up to 150-170s, which would prompt me to sit and rest for a few minutes in order to continue. I continue to work on breathing and strength exercises at physical therapy,” Lobosco says. “My family has been a big help; they have been caring for my dog and myself. My parents really have been the most supportive and caring of me; I am very grateful to have the support I do.” Her message to those who think the virus is a hoax? It’s not. “It frustrates me, especially when some people call it a “hoax” or compare it to the flu. I think there is a fine line between ignorance and lack of knowledge of the virus. Healthcare workers and first responders see it firsthand. Some people will truly never understand unless it has unfortunately happened to a loved one. I don’t like to think of it like this, but I almost died. A healthy 22-year-old (at the time) almost died. There are so many people dying from this and it hurts to see comments online about it being a hoax. It is real and like my case, it can worsen within hours.” Lobosco is extremely grateful for all the support she has received from the community as she embarks on the long road to recovery. “I learned that I had so many people supporting me. Not only family, but also friends, coworkers and doctors, and even strangers. The amount of messages I have been receiving from people all over is astounding. My mother (who is also a nurse) took a leave from work to aid in my recovery. My best friend had packages/letters for me that were sent to her house from people all over USA. My siblings had coordinated a huge “welcome home” parade in Pompton Plains with dozens of fire trucks, ambulances, and police officers escorting my parents and me into town. First responders showed support from Paterson (where my father is a firefighter captain) and my hometown, where I also volunteered previously. It was so amazing to see how much support, prayers, and love I received. Even though I was physically alone in the hospital, I was never truly alone. I had support from all over.” I would graciously like to thank everyone who donated to my GoFundMe page, started by my father’s childhood friend Carlos Cabrera and his wife, Jen.

Through it all, Lobosco has learned how strong she is as a person. “Everyday I learn how strong I am and how strong I can be; I see it in myself after each small victory like dressing myself or taking my dog for a walk in town. In the hospital, I couldn’t stand on my own after having my breathing tube removed. The following day, I stood up; the next, I took 3 steps. I felt very defeated. But it didn’t stop me. Two weeks after my discharge, I was much more independent. Now only a month after, I am able to ride my bike 3 plus miles and I can drive. It’s crazy to me that only a month has gone by and I feel amazing, not quite 100% but quickly getting there.”

Celebrate July 4th Virtually in 2020-But Not on the Morristown Green at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th. https:// www.facebook.com/MorristownNPS The program will remain on the Facebook page indefinitely. The Morris County Tourism Bureau and

Morristown National Historical Park are proud to bring the public this free virtual July 4th and look forward to presenting the program live once gatherings can safely take place again.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

long-established Morris County tradition will continue despite the restrictions of Covid 19. Each year the Morris County Tourism Bureau and its partners offer a free public Reading of the Declaration of Independence and other activities in and around the Morristown Green. It’s not possible to offer the program this year, but the “show must go on” and it will…

online. This year celebrate America’s birthday in Morris County with some history of the Declaration and conclude with the annual reading with costumed park rangers, Eric Olsen and Tom Winslow, of Morristown National Historical Park. You’ll be able to view the program at the Morristown National Historical Park’s Facebook page beginning

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A VIEW FROM THE LEFT

EDITORIAL &

Opinions

A Campaign Year of Less Wisdom and Less Wit

n the nine presidential elections between the 1952 victory of Dwight D. Eisenhower and George H.W. Bush’s 1988 win, just two Republicans won the White House: Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. One man was indispensable to the winning campaigns of these two very different Republicans. His name was John P. Sears, and as a young 25 year-old lawyer, he would begin spending the three years leading up to the ‘68 victory traveling with Nixon as political lieutenant, chief delegate hunter and unofficial press contact. He was later the manager of Reagan’s 1976 campaign, which almost captured the GOP nomination from President Gerald R. Ford and, until his forced resignation, he was the manager of Reagan’s 1980 campaign. Sears’ death earlier this year means, selfishly, that those of us lucky enough to report on politics will no longer have the benefit of this singularly wise and witty American political thinker and doer. You deserve evidence to prove that high praise. Well, still early in this 2020 campaign, let us remember what I called “the Sears rule,” which would require that, on the eight Friday evenings between Labor Day and Election Day, the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees each be given a half-hour of free, prime-time TV, which could only be used by the presidential nominee. Sears’ reasoning was straightforward: If a presidential nominee could not be interesting, truthful, coherent and factual for one half-hour a week, then, by all means, let the voters find that out long before election day. Sears could be clear-eyed about his candidate. In that 1968 campaign, John C. Whitaker, an admirable man, was responsible for developing the campaign schedule -- where the candidate would go, what the candidate would do and to whom he would speak. During a weekend preprimary visit to New Hampshire, Whitaker had scheduled candidate Nixon to attend Sunday services at a picturesque New England church. The visit went well and got positive coverage. When the schedule later called for Sunday services during a campaign weekend trip to Wisconsin, Nixon nixed another church visit, telling

Mark Shields Whitaker, “No, John, we did that already.” But Nixon could also be brutally honest to Sears about why he had lost the White House to John F. Kennedy in 1960: “People said it was because he was prettier than I was. ... No, it wasn’t that. ... When Martin Luther King was arrested in Alabama, I beat him by almost a day in denouncing King’s arrest. But the story the second day was that Kennedy had called him (actually King’s wife, Coretta) -- even offered to send a lawyer down there to get him out of jail. I was vice president ... I could have done a lot more than Kennedy could to free King. But he was smarter than I was about such things.” Sears was almost prophetic about 2020 when, years ago, he observed: “We want our President to have strong beliefs but we want him to care about all of us. ... We want him to fight hard but remain above the battle, since we expect him to make the whole thing work. We want him to be a better human being than we are, someone from whom we can gain confidence.” Our national supply of wisdom and wit, always in short supply, is depleted by the passing of John P. Sears, who both made me laugh and made me think. 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 100% MailedNewspaper Flanders, NJ 07836

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A VIEW FROM THE RIGHT

The White Supremacist Lynching Hoax

f you type “#HoustonLynching” in Twitter’s search engine, hundreds and hundreds of tweets appear. Thousands more appear under the hashtags “#Lynchings” and “#Lynched.” Social media activists supporting the Black Lives Matter movement have spread a terrifying story: Evil racists are hanging black men from trees across the country. In the wake of the George Floyd incident in Minnesota and three weeks of riots, America is in the grips of a purported epidemic of white supremacist violence that harkens back to the Jim Crow era with noose-wielding Klansman lurking on every corner. Except that it’s all a big fat lie. Actress Deborah Brooks exclaimed: “Their (sic) LYNCHING our Black men and no one is screaming like hell! So I will, the white racists are LYNCHING OUR BLACK MEN! California, Houston Chicago.” Ray McClusky, whose Twitter bio sports #EndRacism and #VeteransResist identifiers, fumed: “There’s no way they are suicide or coincidence. I think they are all connected & are serial murders by lynching. White supremacists are terrorizing the black community.” Self-described “foundational Black American” Tariq Nasheed raged that “cops are working with white supremacists” to cover up the “lynchings.” Rebecca Smirnov demanded to know: “Why isn’t the press reporting on these lynchings ... How many more must die before the press connects the deaths? Who is investigating the #Lynchings?” A BLM activist who calls himself “SJPeace” posited: “It can’t be a coincidence. There is no reason to rule out that these were racial terror lynchings! BLACK LIVES MATTER!” Just a few teeny, tiny problems. The “black man” in the Houston suburb of Shady Acres who was allegedly a “lynching” victim was, in fact, a Hispanic adult male “whose family said he was suicidal,” according to local authorities.

Michelle Malkin Moreover, of the other four alleged lynching victims lumped together by social justice propagandists: --Bronx native Dominique Alexander was found on June 9 in a Manhattan Park. His death was ruled a suicide. The family has declined to comment publicly except to disclose that they are grieving and loved Alexander. --Robert Fuller of Palmdale, California, had been the subject of a missing persons flyer describing him as having a “history of mental illness” before his body was discovered June 10 hanging from a tree. --Malcolm Harsch of Victorville, California, was found hung from a tree in his homeless encampment 10 days before Fuller on May 31. His death was initially reported to police by his girlfriend who lived with him in a tent. Law enforcement authorities did not recover any evidence from the scene suggesting foul play. Family members who have stirred conspiracy theories in the media live across the country in Ohio. Harsch reportedly had both a long-distance wife and the girlfriend. --TeTe Otis Gulley was a black, transgender homeless person who was found hanging from a tree in a park on May 27. He had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The continued on page 6

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“Suppers for Staff” Delivered to Chilton Medical Center

he Pequannock Valley Rotary with Community Partners for Hope delivered another “Suppers for Staff,” feeding the night shift workers at Chilton Medical Center, Pompton Plains, on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Tuesday’s turkey dinner with all the trimmings was prepared by Bardi’s Bar and Grill, Pequannock. The group has been sending meals to Chilton staff to show the community’s appreciation and gratitude for its neighborhood Front Line Heroes during the Covid-19 pandemic. Members of the Pequannock Valley Rotary, CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate and Chiropractic Healing Center of New Jersey were on hand to help deliver the entrees, which were sponsored this week by local business owners Pat Wojtyszyn, CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, and Dr. Donna Perillo, Chiropractic Healing Center of New Jersey.

Pequannock Library is Available Virtually

hile the Pequannock Library’s doors are not open to you at this time, we are available to you virtually. Go to www.pequannocklibrary. org, the bottom has all of our eresources. These are FREE to you with your library card. If you need a Library card, you can get one now—email

circ-peq@mainlib.org and we will get back to you via email. Find out about our virtual programming via our social media--#pequannocklibrary. Have a question? Email our Adult Services staff at peqref@mainlib.org.

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Hoax... continued from page 4 suicide rate for transgenders, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is nearly 10 times the national average. More than 40% of transgender men and women in the U.S. have attempted to take their own life. Fact: On average, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the U.S. Fact: In 2014, according to the American Association of Suicidology, “2,421 African Americans died by suicide in the U.S. ... The overall suicide rate per 100,000 was 5.46.” Fact: Hangings accounted for 26% of suicides in 2010, up from 19% at the start of the decade, according to a Johns Hopkins study published just last fall. But let’s not let facts, or the utter lack of them, get in the way of expedient narratives to paint our country as irredeemably bigoted and unsafe for non-whites. Mainstream outlets from Voice of America to National Public Radio to The New York Times and CBS have all failed to tamp down the lynching hysteria. Prominent, Twitter-verified influencers are fueling this Mother of All Hate Crime Hoaxes, too. Left-wing billionaire Tom Steyer baldly asserted: “Black people are literally still being lynched in this country.” Member NJ Arborists Association Commercial • Residential Owner Operated

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Liberal writer and “comedian” Tony Posnanski tossed his echo into the chamber: “Five African Americans were lynched this week.” And Democratic Rep. Joe Kennedy III lamented: “These horrifying deaths of Black men conjure up the worst racist sins of our nation’s past.” Here’s the ultimate truth: Fear-mongering opportunists and anarchy vultures don’t care about the dead black men they are using to advance their America-smearing agenda. Instead of confronting the nation’s suicide, homelessness and pandemic crises, we have callous race hustlers connecting random dots of real tragedies and conjuring up invisible hangmen to stir more hatred and division. Somehow, all these conspiracy theorists have escaped the increasingly authoritarian regime of Silicon Valley thought policing, “moderation” tools or algorithmic discrimination directed at any who dare criticizes BLM. On Tuesday, NBC News pressured Google to demonetize The Federalist and ZeroHedge websites because liberal activist reporters didn’t like the rival media outlets’ coverage of BLM violence. There’s only thing hanging from the end of the rope at the hands of an out-of-control lynch mob:

The credibility of American journalism is swinging in the wind. R.I.P. In the past, when once-mighty civilizations fell, their statues -- like Ozymandias -- outlasted them. Now, the barbarians destroy the monuments before time can erode them. What a “colossal Wreck” are we.

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

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A Congratulations Message from Lincoln Park’s Mayor David Runfeldt

e are all aware of many things that have changed since restrictions have been placed on our lives due to the coronavirus. Some of the greatest changes affected a segment of our population that happily was not greatly infected by the disease. Our children have had to make changes to the way they attend school and the way they learn. Personal interaction with teachers, friends and extended family has been limited. They have missed entire sports seasons, class trips, dances and proms. The pomp and circumstance of graduation has been cancelled this year. Graduations are an important celebration for not only the student, but the family, friends and teachers who helped the student complete this part of their education and prepare for the next part of their life. Congratulations to all Lincoln Park residents who have graduated from college and grad schools this year. Your community is proud of your accomplishment and we hope that as you move into your chosen profession you consider continuing to make Lincoln Park your home. For those of you who move to different locales, we wish you the best of good fortune and hope that you have warm memories of your home town.

In an attempt to give the recognition deserved to our graduating students from Lincoln Park, I would like to publicly mention the members of the various Classes of 2020 at the time they should have been celebrating in public. We have many High School and 8th grade students who will be graduating in the coming weeks. This week would have included graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 of DePaul and Morris Catholic High Schools. Congratulations to the following Lincoln Park residents who are 2020 Graduates from those schools: DePAUL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL: Alexa LoMonaco and Mikey Ramundo MORRIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL: Erin Benson, Lexi Elefante and Lauren Shirkey Congratulations graduates! The entire community wishes you continued success in fur-thering your education and your life endeavors. These are certainly difficult and trying times. We are hopeful that you play a part in making this a better world for us and for future generations. Good Luck and God Bless. Mayor David Runfeldt

Preschools Reopen Soon We Can Help

reschools in NJ will reopen soon but many local families will be unable to afford the cost as a result of the financial effects of the COVID-19 crisis. Preschool Advantage is here to help and is accepting applications for tuition assistance for children to attend its partner preschools for the school year beginning in September 2020. Children must be 3- or 4-years old by October 1, 2020. Preschool Advantage partners with 28 preschools in Morris and Somerset counties to provide a quality preschool education for families who could otherwise not afford it. We want to prepare children for a lifetime of learning that will create a better world for them, their families, and the community.

While there are federally funded programs to cover the cost of preschool for families living below the poverty line, many other families can’t afford early education due to the high cost of living in this region. Preschool Advantage, relying solely on private funding, is committed to addressing this need, one child at a time. We have provided families with financial assistance for high quality preschool education since 1995 and have paid over 1,500 tuitions throughout our history. In 2019, we helped 102 children. The application form and the list of partner schools can be found on www.preschooladvantage.org, call 973-532-2501 or email marketing@preschooladvantage. org.

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HWS Musicians Stay in Tune While Staying at Home

or the past two months, as most of us have been staying home to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus, members of musical groups like the Hanover Wind Symphony have been working to figure out ways to stay in tune during this era of social distancing. Rehearsals can’t be held and concerts have been canceled, yet the HWS musicians have found ingenious ways to keep up their skills and use this time to prepare for the day--hopefully soon--when we’ll all be able to get back to some semblance of life as we knew it. Len Stern of Kinnelon, an HWS trumpeter and the HWS treasurer, bought a good microphone, downloaded some jazz recordings, and has been playing duets. “We’re also doing a Zoom meeting every other week, which helps us maintain a cohesive family atmosphere,” says Stern. “We’re getting to know each other much better now. For instance, at one of these meetings we asked participants when each of us had an ‘aha’ moment--that is, when we knew we’d be going into music.” Kurt Zimmermann of Rockaway, HWS associate music director and conductor, recalls that, as a teenager he would always hear music in his head and pretend to be conducting an orchestra. “I knew music was always a part of me, and after my first semester in college, I became a music major,” Zimmermann notes. Dr. William Trusheim of West Milford, chairman of the HWS board, also enjoys the Zoom sessions, which are organized by Matthew Paterno of Parsippany, the HWS music director. Trusheim points out that talking about each musician’s biggest musical influence is not normally something the wind band has time for during rehearsals. “You get to know people in a different light now,” he notes. Trusheim, an HWS trumpeter who grew up in Balti-

more, began playing the clarinet in the second grade, but switched to trumpet in the third grade. “Trumpet was my original preference, but I played whatever instruments they had available,” he recalls. Playing at Rutgers University, under the direction of band director Scott Whitener--a major musical influence--he discovered that he wanted to do for other students what the band director had done for him. At that point, he switched his major from chemistry to music education, and went on to a career as a band director, music department chair, director of adult education, and then a school principal and superintendent. Now retired, he relishes playing in the HWS trumpet section. Paterno, the HWS music director and conductor, is helping his musicians stay focused during this pandemic by emailing them links to recordings so they can listen to how other groups play particular pieces. He encourages the HWS musicians to pay attention to the articulation of the performers in one piece, the dynamic range of a group in another, and the tone or intonation in yet another performance. “Besides enjoying the music, this helps them stay sharp,” Paterno points out. The music director observes that, “like a great sports team, an orchestra depends on each individual, and the skills they bring to the performance. We’re keeping the love and interest going in a time when we can’t make music together. It’s not the same as being together, but we’re calling this period ‘intermission.’ ” Zimmermann, the HWS associate music director and conductor, finds the Zoom meetings extremely valuable, with things to reflect on, like the blend and balance of a musical piece, as well as intonation, rhythm and dynamics. As a music educator at Hopatcong High School, Zimmermann works with students on rhythm and other musical elements, but

he finds it’s difficult for the students because they can’t play together. “Our job at the Hanover Wind Symphony is to carry this art forward, to keep this flame alive,” he says. Paterno points out that everything with the HWS is in flux at the moment: “If they make it so 10 people can play together, maybe we’ll have a rehearsal with the trumpets playing together, then the clarinets, and so on. We remain very positive and focused on the idea of doing this, but how we do it is still a work in progress.” For 35 years, the Hanover Wind Symphony has played to enthusiastic audiences. HWS members are volunteers who share a love for music and a passion for enriching the cultural fabric of the community with the thrill of live wind band performances. By day, HWS members are accountants, engineers, teachers and business executives. They share the enjoyment of music with live audiences, and help mentor the next generation of wind musicians. For further information about the Hanover Wind Symphony, visit www.hanoverwinds.org.

Morris County Sheriff’s Officer Family Donates Empanadas to County Correctional Facility Staff

he wife and daughters of a Morris County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer wanted to use their hands and hearts to create the perfect gift that would express their appreciation for the fortitude and courage shown by Correctional Facility Officers and Staff during the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. They cooked up a gift idea that would please the Officers’ stomachs. The morning of May 21, Stephanie Otaegui and her husband, Morris County Corrections Officer Anthony Otaegui and their three daughters, Krystal, Kayliee and Khloe, delivered to the Morris County Correctional Facility more than 130 handmade, fried empanadas. The delectable chicken and beef treats, with hot sauce home-prepared from tomatoes and seasonings, were packaged in individual containers on which bright messages – Smile, You’re appreciated, and similar sentiments – were written. The Otaegui family also presented Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Correctional Facility Undersheriff Alan J. Robinson, Warden Christopher Klein and Officers with three poster-sized signs that will be hung in the Correctional Facility lobby.

“We wanted to make something from our hearts and our hands,” said Mrs. Otaegui, a social worker who volunteers at the Correctional Facility. “What better way to say ‘thank you’ than with food?” Mrs. Otaegui said. Sheriff Gannon said the gift demonstrates not only appreciation for the rigors Correctional Facility Officers and non-sworn Staff have endured since the pandemic began unfolding in early March but kindness and generosity as a family. Speaking to the Otaegui family and Officers outside the Correctional Facility, the Sheriff held up one of the family’s signs and read its message aloud: “In case you haven’t felt it, you are appreciated. In case you wanted to quit today, don’t. You’re needed. In case you need to talk and feel no one will listen, there are many who will. In case you haven’t heard it today, THANK YOU.” “I don’t think anybody here could write a better policy than that,” the Sheriff said. He said the Correctional Facility Officers and non-sworn Staff have persevered through the crisis and emerged stronger. A total of 30 Officers and Staff had contracted COVID-19 and all have recovered and re-

turned to work. At the peak, 19 Correctional Facility inmates were ill with the virus and cared for round-the-clock in isolation units by Facility Medical Unit staff. All but five inmates, who are doing well, have recovered. “It’s been a little bit of a change for the Agency. I would suggest it’s been an excellent change. I’ve seen heroism here like no place else. I’m very proud of each and every one of you. I’m very proud of things that are

maybe more important than running a jail and that’s running a family,” the Sheriff said. Mrs. Otaegui said that she, her mother, Lucy Calderon, and her daughters who range in age from 12 to 4, started preparing the empanadas Wednesday and then fried them early Thursday morning, shortly before delivering them to the Correctional Facility. “We just had to do something to show our gratitude,” Mrs. Otaegui said.

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Bloomingdale Historian Tom Riley Releases Book Number Six

By Steve Sears orough of Bloomingdale historian Tom Riley has released his sixth book, and with it he continues his goal of educating about the area’s rich history. At 125 color pages, The History of Federal Hill tells the story of the local Native American rock shelters including the “Cave with the Iron Door,” the Revolutionary War’s Pompton Mutiny and Federal Hill Signal Beacon, Federal Hill area landmarks (including Slater’s Mill, the Powder Horn Mill, the Mica Mine, Hamburg and Newark Pompton Turnpikes, and more), Camp Bergwarld, the pre-WWII German American Camp on Federal Hill, and the history of the Tilcon Quarry, its expansion and plans for the future. The subject is important to him. He does not want to see local history forgotten, and he wants all to value it. “The history of Federal Hill and the story of DeLazier Field and the Bloomingdale Troopers were the two main topics I wanted to research when I retired in 2010,” he says. “Not only had their entire stories never been told in book form, but I used them for years to turn students on to local history. What better way to stir interest than to be able to say that these events took place right here in your own town.” He then refers to changing events being another factor in preserving history, and not doing so. “Slater’s Mill at the foot of Federal Hill is a perfect example. A major historical landmark with historical recognition, and then it is gone! The story of the quarry obtaining 95% of the Federal Hill property and the controversy over its expansion, has prompted major concern about the status of the important historical sites on Federal Hill and their fate. Like Slater’s Mill, there is no guarantee they will be preserved; they could be gone in an instant, too!” For Riley, who normally has various book projects he works on at the same time, planning and scheduling the completion of a book is not easy. “For instance, I have been working on the Federal Hill book on and off for about four years,” he says, explaining the process. “I started it, got involved with the Manning Avenue Cemetery restoration (“Local Historian Adds to

His Book Repertoire,” Hometown News, June 2019, www.mypaperonline.com/local-historian-adds-to-his-book-repertoire.html), decided to complete that book first, then came back to the Federal Hill Book. He cites inspiration as a key to his work. “Sometimes while doing research, I come across something interesting and go with it, then come back to what I was working on first. Alan Bird is a big help, as curator of the Butler Museum he comes across things he knows I’m working on and sends me a lead to follow up on which may or may not be what I am writing about at the time.” Riley, who primarily taught History for almost forty years in the Bloomingdale school system and also for twenty years served as an adjunct professor at Sussex County College, states that Bloomingdale is a historical treasure trove. “As a historian,” he says with emphasis, “when a new piece of unknown history is discovered, in a way it is like finding treasure.” Sloan Park, located along Bloomingdale’s Main Street, is a great example. A major reconstruction and flood control project have just been completed, but the rededication ceremony planned for May was postponed. “I was asked to give a talk about the history of the park,” says Riley, “and my research turned up all kinds of new information that tells an interesting story. The ceremony will eventually be rescheduled, and I’m looking forward to sharing the story.” Ever the researcher, Riley is at work on is next book, and it will cover a familiar subject. He has uncovered old information but newly founded by him, again. “I have been working on a second edition of my DeLazier Field/ Trooper book. Since the first edition, I have found a ton of new information about the construction of the field and the professional baseball team that played there in 1946, ‘47 and ‘48. That was a self-published and self-printed book. This time I plan to do it right with professional software and professional printing.” Riley’s books, which can be found at the Bloomingdale Public Library, are also available at cost for a donation of $25 plus postage. He can be reached at Tr07416@gmail.com.

Riverdale Public School Hosts Its First Virtual Career Day

By Steve Sears n Wednesday, May 20, the Riverdale Public School held is first Virtual Career Day. “Our Board of Education created a new committee this year called the Community Relations Committee,” says second year Principal Paul Kobliska. “Their goal has been to improve community and school collaboration and offer students opportunities to enhance learning. A Career Day was planned for April. When schools were closed, we pivoted and decided we could still accomplish this event virtually.” “Accomplish” they did, as students in grades 6 - 8 listened to provided advice and wisdom through Google Meet from the following: Riverdale Police officer Mike Reilly; Real Estate Agent Tina Cali; Author Susan Joy Clark; FBI Agent Patricia Revis; Sports Agent Alex Ott; Mike Rudge of Rudge Automotive Services & Payton Autobody; Performer Renae Semeraro (AKA “Melody Mom”); Pequannock High School teacher, Robert Lockatell; Medical Affairs Manager, Janine Sampong; and New Jersey Red Bulls soccer trainer, Grant Findlay. Kobliska says the event is critical for the young, developing minds as they look towards their future. “A Career Fair always provides students great value as it opens their minds to opportunities they can pursue in the future. As students approach high school this may help them make decisions about courses to explore and jobs to seek out. This

year, the Virtual Career Day also served as a nice break from our Remote Learning experience. Additionally, they were able to be part of large virtual meetings with peers from different grades, peers, and friends they saw regularly before COVID-19, but now may not have seen in quite some time.” He then adds, “We will do another Career Day next school year - hopefully in person!” “When I became a (school) board member it was important to me to have as much community involvement as possible. We are a small town with lots of love,” says Jill Morano. “We started a committee designated to this. I am the chair of the Community Relations Committee for the Riverdale Board of Education. This is one of the events I wanted to have for the school, it was planned to take place prior to the shut down as an in-person event. It is important to me and the rest of the board to let the kids know that even though the school building may be closed, we are still open for business. So, I had to make this event happen. Hence the Virtual Career Day was created. I am not that computer savvy, but I am a people person and can plan and imagine. Paul is my dream maker if you will. He created all the links and the student schedules. We make a great team.” Clark (www.susan-joy-clark.com), who is the author of the Jack Donegal Mystery series, was approached by Morano to take part. “She contacted me via my website and asked me if I would participate in Virtual Career Day. They wanted to do something

encouraging for the kids now that they were doing this remote learning.” Morano says all involved needed the special event as a fun and interesting reprieve. “The kids needed a break from the day to day routine and to know that there are options out there; the staff needed it to know that the board and the administrators and the community is all in this together to help them; and the presenters I think even took

something away from it.” Clark indeed did. “It made me feel really good, and they had some really interesting questions for me afterwards.” “This is my second year here and I love this place!” states Kobliska. “Riverdale is a tight-knit community that takes great pride in working together, helping their neighbor, being their best, and giving back.”

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Hopatcong Bands Hosted Their First Guest Speaker Gunnery Sergeant Michael Metzger, Percussionist in the United States Marines Band

n Wednesday, May 27 at 12:30, the Hopatcong Bands hosted their first Distinguished Guest Speaker, Gunnery Sergeant Michael Metzger, percussionist in the United States Marines Band - “The President’s Own”. Percussionist Gunnery Sergeant Michael Metzger joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in July 2005. Upon graduating in 2001, from Parkview High School in Lilburn, he earned a bachelor’s degree in 2005 from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Gunnery Sgt. Metzger studied with Chris Lamb of the New York Philharmonic, Duncan Patton of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and Erik Charlston of New York. He also worked as a freelance musician in New York and performed with the Columbia University Orchestra and Manhattan Percussion Ensemble, both in New York. Sergeant Michael Metzger spoke about a wide range of topics, including his professional training and development, the thrill of performing in the oldest musical ensemble in the county, performing 29 concerts a month, and performing under President Bush, President Obama and President Trump during his tenure in the band. Students participated in an enjoyable questions and answer session. Next week, the Distinguished Guest series will continue with James Markey, Bass Trombonist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Hopatcong School alumnus!

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Morris County Names New County Planning Director

orris County has appointed Joseph Barilla as the new Morris County Planning Director, to manage all aspects of the county’s Office of Planning and Preservation. A 14-year veteran of county government, Barilla will supervise all of the county’s preservation programs -- open space, historic, and farmland -- plus the county’s flood mitigation and recreational trail construction programs. In addition, he also will oversee the activities of the Morris County Planning Board and the Long Range and Development Review Section of the Office of Planning & Preservation. A native of Parsippany, Barilla started his educational journey at County College of Morris, where

he received an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences, and then moved on to Rutgers University’s Cook College where he was awarded a degree in Environmental Planning and Design, plus a certificate in Urban Planning. Barilla joined county government in 2006, starting as a senior planner in the Development Review Section, and has worked his way up to planning director. He replaced Christine Marion, who recently retired from county government after 38 years. Joe has a long history of community service, as a life member of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department, and now as current chief of the Manville Fire Department in Somerset County. “It is a privilege to fol-

low in the footsteps of Christine Marion, who did such an outstanding job for the county. I look forward to continuing to have our office provide excellent service to the residents of Morris County,’’ said Barilla. For more information on the county Office of Planning and Preservation, visit https://planning.morriscountynj.gov/

‘Watershed U” Offered to High School Students August 10-14

igh school students considering majoring in environmental science, conservation or environmental education in college are invited to “Watershed University,” a new program offered this summer by Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA), the region’s watershed watchdog. The one-week certificate program will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, through Friday, Aug. 14, at the Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Road, Bedminster. The program is designed for students entering grades 9-12 who want to gain insights in the environmental field, learn how to make impactful change and serve their communities. Each day includes a speaker, hands-on scientific exploration, and team building. “Participants will learn from experts, examining environmental and social topics that affect local and global natural resource challenges,” said Lauren Theis, education director for Raritan Headwaters. “On-theground conservation projects will allow students to gain skills in scientific research, communication, and building connections

within a group.” Watershed University topics include: Watershed conservation Creating habitat for native wildlife Native plant identification Pond and stream study Climate issues Environmental justice GIS mapping Environmental policies Students will have the option to participate in additional experiences, such as organic gardening, visual art projects, kayaking, hiking and yoga. Students will also connect with RHA staff and partners to explore opportunities for advanced learning, community service, citizen science projects and internships. The cost of the program is $200, which includes certificate of participation and a Raritan Headwaters hat and t-shirt. Needbased scholarships are available. To apply online for Watershed University, go to https://www.raritanheadwaters. org/watershedu/. For more information, contact Lauren Theis at ltheis@raritanheadwaters.org.

Diary of a Scout Leader:

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. After supper, Dad comes into my room, while I am at my desk and offers words of encouragement and hope to me. Our story continues.

The Power of Prayer

After Dad and I talked in my bedroom, I went downstairs to say goodnight to my mom and sister, Patti. Then I climbed up the 15 steps of the old Mabey Homestead and returned to my bedroom. I put on my pajamas and climbed into bed. I had an old Ford Philco radio on my little bedside table. Every night, I would listen to Jean Shepard on WOR-710 on the radio. Mr. Shepherd’s unique sense of humor and his great talent for story telling always brought a touch of joy to my heart as I would drift into sleep. But, that night, even Jean Shepherd’s wonderful story telling could not bring a feeling of peace to my heart. I tried and tried and tried to fall asleep. But the memory of hearing a fist pounding on the door of Thorpe Hall, earlier that day, while I was in the building all by myself, haunted me terribly. As I lied in my bed, I trembled with fear. I dreaded going back to Thorpe Hall, in the morning, to work on painting the church hall’s walls again. I deeply feared that the man would come back again and once again loudly pound on the door and scream out for me to let him in. I prayed. I simply prayed the Lord’s

I had an old Ford Philco radio that my Grandpa Mabey had given me. When I was in high school, I used to listen to Jean Shepherd every weeknight, before falling asleep.

Prayer, over and over again. Then I prayed the Twenty-Third Psalm over and over again. My prayers brought comfort to my heart. As I prayed, I could hear in the distance, the sound of a train rolling along the tracks that were about a half-mile away from my house, deep in the back woods. As odd as it may seem, the distant sound of a train brought some degree of comfort to my heart. I knew that if I wanted to become an Eagle Scout that I had to overcome my fears. I knew, no matter how anxious I felt, I had to return to Thorpe Hall and once again spend the day, painting the walls. I found my solace in praying and praying and praying. Finally, I drifted into sleep. At quarter to six, the next morning, my alarm from my Ford Philco clock radio sounded. I wanted to go back to sleep. I wanted to sleep till about eight o’clock, then get dressed and ride my bike down to the baseball field at Chapel Hill School and play ball with all of my friends. Just the way I had done, last year. But I knew if I wanted to be an Eagle Scout, I would have to forfeit playing baseball with my buddies, till I finished painting the inside of Thorpe Hall. I got up out of bed, walked to the bathroom and brushed my teeth and got washed. Then, I walked downstairs. My dad was already up and sipping his cup of tea and eating his Cheerios. Dad had a glass of orange juice set at my place at the kitchen table. Dad had also set up a spoon and bowl for me. “Good morning, Richie,” Dad said to me. “Good morning, Dad,” I replied to my father as I poured the Cheerios into my bowl

and poured milk over them. “I don’t want to rush you son, but we have to get going,” Dad said. “I know Dad,” I replied. “How much more painting you got to do?” Dad asked me. “Quite a bit, Dad. I only got half the wall on the side of the parking lot done,” I told my father. “Mmmmm…. The area by the stage is going to be time consuming,” Dad told me. “That’s what I figured,” I told my father. “Well, take your time, you got the whole summer to paint the hall,” Dad assured me. Dad and I ate our Cheerios. Dad finished his cup of tea and I drank all of my orange juice. Then we headed out to Dad’s truck. Dad drove me down to Thorpe Hall, on his way to work. When we reached the parking lot of Thorpe Hall, I sat in Dad’s truck and trembled a bit. “You’ll be okay, son,” Dad assured me. “I called Chief Tompkins last night. He said that he would keep an eye on you. You’ll be okay, son,” Dad calmly told me. “Well, okay, Dad” I replied. “Have a good day, Dad,” I told my father. “You too, son. I’ll see you tonight,” Dad said to me. Then I opened the door of Dad’s pickup truck and began walking to the staircase that led up to Thorpe Hall. Inside, my heart trembled. To be continued. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail. com. Please place the wording “My Life Weekly” in the subject line.

I Remember Dad:

How I Learned About Hickam Airfield

By Richard Mabey Jr. ince I began this series of true-life stories of my dad’s journey with Seventh Army Air Corps at Hickam Airfield, during World War II, I have received a few emails asking me how I came to learn about this fortress of the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. All I can say is that it was through a series of miracles. I first began learning about Hickam Airfield, through my dad, particularly in the time period between October of 1965 and August of 1966. I was 12 years old at the time and fighting off a very serious attack of Rheumatic Fever. As my beloved cardiologist, Dr. Martin Rosenthal, once told me that I had a full blown text book case of Rheumatic Fever. I was required to have full bed rest for almost a full year. During that time, I had three long-term hospital stays. And, I did not go to school, but had bedside tutors. During this time, every single night, after Dad ate his supper, my father would climb the 15 steps of the old Mabey Homestead and walk down the hallway to my bedroom. I had an old wooden desk chair placed beside my bed. Dad would sit at that old wooden chair and talk to me about everything from how things were going for him at work to what was happening with Boy Scout Troop 170 to how people in our church were doing and especially, his memories of serving in the Seventh Army Air Corps at Hickam Airfield, during the Second World War. At Hickam Field, my dad worked as an airplane mechanic. He mostly worked on the famous P-51 Mustang fighter planes. Although, he did also work on some of the bomber planes. Dad was a very good airplane mechanic. In fact, he was such a good airplane mechanic that an article was written about him and it appeared in the Hickam Highlights newspaper. This was the official newspaper of Hickam Airfield, during World War II. Jerry Siegal wrote for Hickam Airfield. He was at Hickam Airfield the very same time that Dad was there. Jerry Siegal and Joe Shuster were the creators of Superman. Dad once told me that it was Jerry Siegal himself who interviewed him for the article that appeared in Hickam Highlights. If you look up Jerry Siegal’s biography it will state that Mr. Siegal wrote for Stars and Stripes, which he did. But, he also wrote for Hickam Highlights. I was in high school, when Dad showed me the article that Jerry Siegal wrote about him. Sadly, after Dad went Home to be with the Lord, Mom and I went through Dad’s keepsakes from Hickam, but we were not able to find the article. I regret not making a copy of it, back when I was in high school. Also, while I was battling Rheumatic Fever, my paternal grandparents would visit with me, once or twice each week. Grandpa was retired then, so they would visit during the day. It is a funny thing because my bedroom was the very same bedroom that my grandfather had when he was a boy, growing up at the old Mabey Homestead. He shared the room with his brother, Earl. Grandpa came from a big family, so he did not have the luxury to have a bedroom all to himself. During those visits, Grandma and Grandpa would share their memories of the letters that they received from Dad during his stay at Hickam Airfield. My grandparents were very patriotic. But, they shared with me the anguish of

The entrance gateway to the infamous Hickam Airfield, as it looked during World War II.

having three of their sons serving in the military during the Second World War. They were my dad’s older brother, Edward, then Dad, then my dad’s younger brother, Carl. I learned a lot about how Dad felt about his stay at Hickam from Grandma and Grandpa. The one thing that both my grandparents stressed to me was that my dad was very homesick during his time at Hickam. My dad went Home to be with the Lord in May of 2005. At the time, my mom and dad were living in the small town of Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania along side the famous Lincoln Highway, also known as Route 30. When Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I left my job at the Chambersburg Public Opinion newspaper, to help take care of Dad. Dad chose to leave the hospital and be under the care of Hospice, in order to live his last months at home. Miraculously, about two months after dad passed away, Bill moved in to the house next door. Bill’s daughter and son-in-law were my neighbors. Bill was in his late eighties and amazingly, had served in the Seventh Army Air Corps, during World War II, at the very same time that Dad was at Hickam. I figure that the odds of that happening were easily a million to one. Every morning, Bill and I would take a walk around the neighborhood. And, during our walks, Bill would talk about his days and months at Hickam Airfield. After World War II, Bill went on to become a policeman in a small town in Pennsylvania. Bill was a good man. I often wondered if Dad and Bill knew each other at Hickam. About a year after I moved to Florida, I called Bill. His son-in-law then informed me that Bill had passed away. I was so very sad to hear the news. I am very grateful that the good Lord provided me the opportunity to become friends with Bill. I learned so very much about Hickam Airfield from Bill. And, of course, I have read every book I could find about Hickam Airfield. I have done extensive research on the Internet about Hickam. It was, and remains to be, a fascinating place. Almost haunting in its history. Like Pearl Harbor, Hickam was hit hard on that fateful day of the seventh of December of 1941. The men who served in Word War II, seemed to be so quiet and unassuming about their heroism. Having grown

A front page of Hickam Highlights newspaper, from the World War II era. The great Jerry Siegal wrote for this Army Air Corps newspaper.

up in the small town of Lincoln Park, many of my school teachers, Sunday school teachers, scout leaders, uncles and neighbors were veterans of the Second World War. But, they were so reluctant to talk about it. To coin Tom Brokaw’s phrase, they were truly the greatest generation. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

Seven Outdoor Decorating Tips

s we move into summer and the days get warmer and longer, consider making your backyard an extension of your family room and kitchen. For a few months each year, you can expand your living space while enjoying the great outdoors. To create a beautiful, functional space, treat it as you would an indoor room. Consider flooring, walls, furniture, lighting and accessories. Here are 7 tips for easy outdoor decorating. Start from the bottom up Whether you’re creating a space on a deck or a patio, placing your seating on an outdoor rug defines the space and makes it feel more like a room.  Outdoor rugs are made of synthetic, durable, all-weather materials. This makes them both stain and fade resistant for easy maintenance. The rug fibers won’t grow mold, but dirt stuck between the fibers can get moldy so make sure you vacuum (with a shop vac) or shake out your rugs every few weeks. Cozy Privacy If you have a gazebo or pergola, add some outdoor curtains to create a ‘wall’. Today’s beautiful performance sheers and linens are fade and mildew resistant and look lovely in a garden setting. They can enhance privacy and prevent sun glare. A trellis with climbing vines would also enliven the space. Have a seat Seating options are endless – natural and resin wicker, aluminum, teak – gliders, loveseats even sectionals! Lush cushions and pillows add color and texture. When placing furniture, consider sun glare (nothing worse than being blinded when trying to have a conversation with someone. Create a cozy conversation pit and have a basket with a few throws for chilly nights. Crank up the heat Speaking of chilly nights, fire pits are not just a great heat source – you can toast

marshmallows and roast hot dogs. If you’re not that adventurous, patio heaters also fill the bill providing stylish warmth. Romantic lighting Outdoor lighting can enhance the ambiance in your new living area.   Dangle a chandelier to define your dining area or hang some sparkling little orbs for a romantic starry look. Both functional and decorative, pathway lights can help you find your way and cast playful shadows. Don’t forget ‘up’ lights to make trees and shrubs look like artwork.    Dining al Fresco  Give your meals a European flavor without ever leaving your yard with a Tuscan inspired dining set like the one pictured here. Whether it’s an outdoor kitchen replete with fridge and sink or just a cooler and BBQ grill, enjoy a meal outside with family and friends. Bring the colors of the outdoors to your table...add some flowers from the garden and a garage sale mix and match dishware.  Keep the meal simple, or better yet, just get take out. I guarantee it will taste better on the patio than in the kitchen. Add a Water Feature And for those steamy summer nights, relieve the heat with some cooling water. Whether its ocean waves, a gentle rain or a splashing fountain, there is nothing more relaxing and cooling than the sound of water. Enhance your outdoor space with a water feature.  You can build an inexpensive pond and install a pump or purchase a beautiful fountain. As long as you have an outlet, you’re good to go.  Debi Pinelli is an award-winning designer who helps busy families create fabulous outdoor spaces. For more information about expanding your living area, please visit her website at https://aandjinteriors.com/ for more information or call 908.256.6338.

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