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Making Life Better Stories And Songs Matter More Than Ever Right Now

ere’s a thought that may make you feel like singing: In times like these, when so many people feel like little islands, connecting with other people to share stories and songs takes on a special significance. It’s long been popular. For much of human history, the center of people’s light and life was the humble campfire. It was a place to teach, share, connect, and give thanks. It was the hub of culture, where our ancestors gathered nightly to fight back the dark with their myths, stories, and the joy of their voices raised in song. Stories and songs are basic units of shared culture that remain, even as the source of flickering light changed from fire to screens. These days, many social networks and streaming services are reporting global spikes in member activity. For example, on the “stories” side, nearly 16 million new people joined Netflix during the first part of the year, which was twice as many as expected. Other streaming services have seen rises as well, including Disney+. And underscoring the many benefits of engaging in these libraries of “once upon a time,” watching streaming video has quickly become the #1 leisure activity for people at home. On the “songs” side, social singing network Smule has also seen a significant rise in new users joining in from all over the world. Smule is a global online community of music lovers where millions of people from all over come

together each day to sing along with millions of popular songs, often with other people—and sometimes with the stars who first sang the songs—plus make new friends, cheer each other on, and simply have fun. Your singing ability doesn’t matter; the thing all the members have in common is a love for singing, and a love for connecting with other people through the shared experience of performing songs together. It’s somewhat like Snapchat and YouTube, mashed up with an automated sound and video recording and effects studio. You can sing or record songs on video with new friends, karaoke by yourself, or sing a cappella. Members include people from all walks of life, including real-life superstars, such as Lewis Capaldi, who upload recorded versions of their top hits for other members to sing along with and repost to the network and other social media platforms. Fans can even sing along with Disney characters such as Moana to the hits from popular Disney films. Thousands of independent singing communities and teams have sprung up around the world, using Smule as the platform to showcase their singalongs. One such community, Apex Team, is a group of 46 young, talented and dynamic voices from all parts of the world who came together as a virtual choir that inspires online audiences with their enjoyable musical performances. Apex produces more than a hundred group collaborations a year, including a phenomenal performance

of “Fight Song,” by Rachel Platten and Dave Bassett—edited into a “Thank You” to frontline professionals in the fight against COVID-19. Meanwhile, some things haven’t changed. Shared light is better, stories and songs still matter. To learn more, go to www.smule.com or get the app at Google Play. (NAPSI)

Fraud And Coronavirus

he warning bells are ringing. From regulators, law enforcement agencies and consumer organizations around the globe, the message is clear: Fraudulent schemes related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have arrived, and they are coming in many forms, from investment fraud to fake CDC emails to phishing scams. Job loss, financial strain, and social distancing are conditions that present fraudsters with an opportunity to pounce. A study by the FINRA Foundation, the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, Stanford, and the Federal Trade Commission found that social or physical isolation can increase anyone’s susceptibility to schemes.

In times like these, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Now is the time to move slowly, pay attention to details and not make rash decisions. Dramatic news coverage of viral outbreaks and pandemics can be an opportunity for scammers to pump inaccurate information into the marketplace to try to manipulate markets and investors. Following these hints can help you keep your money and personal information safe: Tips for Avoiding Coronavirus Scams 1. Ask and Check. Before you make any investment decision, ask and check to verify information about any incontinued on page 2

Page 2 • May 18, 2020

Census Time

ey Morris County, please take 5 minutes today and response to your Census. It’s quick, easy and important! Federal funding for your community is based in part on Census data. All responses are required by law to be kept confidential, and all residents whether U.S. Citizens or not need to respond. Please visit www.2020census.gov today! Also, check your Town’s response rate daily at https://2020census. gov/en/response-rates.html “

Did You Know?

o you relish the idea of an afternoon nap? If so, you’re in good company. According to the National Sleep Foundation, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Napoleon, and Albert Einstein each fancied afternoon naps. Youngsters nap, and so do many seniors. But by and large, humans are part of the minority of mammals that do not sleep for short periods of time throughout the day, instead dividing their days between sleep and wakefulness. However, there are

some benefits to catching a midday snooze. The Mayo Clinic says napping can be a way to catch up on sleep lost during the night or if a person is feeling sleep-deprived. It also may be a way to relax, increase alertness and improve mood. Naps should take place before 3 p.m. and not exceed 20 minutes. The longer and later one naps, the greater the potential it will interfere with nighttime sleeping or backfire and cause daytime grogginess.

Fraud And Coronavirus... continued from front page dividuals you are dealing with and any investment product you are considering. You can use FINRA BrokerCheck, a free online tool, to get information on brokers and investment advisers. 2. Be skeptical. If an unknown company becomes the subject of press releases, emails, and promotional materials hyping the company and its products to cure the latest pandemic, hit pause. Be wary if you are flooded with information over a short time, especially if the communications only focus on the upside with little or no mention of risk. 3. Read a company’s SEC filings. Check the SEC’s EDGAR database to find out whether the company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Verify these reports against promotional information put out by the company or third-party promoters. Exercise caution if they don’t align. And be suspicious of solicitations to invest when products are still in the development stage, where no actual products are on the market, or if the company’s balance sheets only show losses. 4. Question companies new to the

“cure” market. Changes to the name or business focus of a company to capitalize on pandemic fears may be a sign that a company is engaged in, or the subject of, a potential fraud. These changes can turn up in company press releases, Internet searches and, if the company files periodic reports, in the SEC’s EDGAR database. 5. Run it through the Scam Meter. Before you make any investment decision, the FINRA Scam Meter can help you tell if an investment you are thinking about might be a scam. Reliable Resources on Scams and Coronavirus Fortunately, there are a number of resources that provide accurate, unbiased information to help you spot and avoid coronavirus-related scams: • FINRA • Securities and Exchange Commission • Federal Trade Commission • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau • Better Business Bureau. For further ideas on how to protect your money, or to file a complaint or a tip, visit www.FINRA.org/LearnMore. (NAPSI)

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Page 4 • May 18, 2020

A VIEW FROM THE LEFT

EDITORIAL &

Opinions

Many Republicans DO Have a Sense of Humor

n American politician can help herself politically by being able to believably use self-deprecating humor, which sends a clear message: “I am not pompously self-important or thin-skinned; I do not take myself completely seriously.” No one was better at self-deprecation than former President Ronald Reagan, whose robust sense of self-confidence enabled him to confound his political opponents by laughing at himself. Washington, sadly, can be a city where, because we do not grow corn or build cars, we sometimes measure input rather than output. I may not be able to tell you exactly what I did yesterday in concrete terms, but instead, I can tell you how long I didn’t do it. My explanation goes something like this: “I got to my desk before 7:30 a.m. and did not leave until almost 8 p.m.” Compare this to, “President Reagan, by refusing to arrive at his office before breakfast and rarely remaining there after 4:30 p.m., offended the Puritans in the press who questioned whether the then-oldest elected president was really ‘up’ to the demands of the office. At a press dinner, Reagan routed his critics with one simple line: ‘It’s true hard work never killed anybody, but I figured why take the chance?’” As proof that Gipper’s one-liners were not all written by joke writers and he simply expertly delivered, I recall an exchange from the 1980 campaign with a wire-service reporter when then-candidate Reagan’s critics regularly disparaged his career in Hollywood. The reporter had located an old promotional glossy photo of Reagan and one of his co-stars, a chimpanzee named Bonzo. With good nature, Reagan signed the photo and added, “I’m the one with the wristwatch.” Nor was Reagan the only major Republican who could make fun of himself. GOP White House nominee John McCain, having agreed with the description of him as an “American hero” and “an incredibly self-effacing guy,” recalled what had motivated him to become the leading Republican advocate of campaign finance reform: “As I was lying there in my prison cell in Hanoi having my legs broken by interrogators, one thought and one thought alone kept me going -that someday I would come home and do

Mark Shields something about soft money PACs.” How had McCain become a prisoner of war? “I was able to intercept a surface-to-air missile with my own airplane.” As the Republican nominee in 2012, Sen. Mitt Romney faced the thorny political issue of same-sex marriage, which many in his party vehemently opposed, and explained his own position this way: “As a Mormon, I believe marriage is between a man and a woman ... and a woman ... and a woman ... and a woman.” Acknowledging his own often fractured syntax and verbal gaffes, former President George W. Bush quoted approvingly a tough line form Garrison Keillor: “George Bush’s lips are where words go to die.” One major Republican leader has never had either the comfort level or the self-confidence to make fun of himself through self-deprecating humor. Denigrating public persons with whom you disagree as “loser” or “crooked” or “failing” or “low-IQ” or “crazy” is ridicule. It is not humor, and it is not appealing. Perhaps President Donald Trump’s inability to ever laugh at himself or to admit a flaw or a mistake explains why Reagan, McCain, Bush and Romney are all more favorably regarded by American voters today than is President Donald J. Trump. 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

Who Sent COVID-19 Positive Patients Into Nursing Homes?

n a multicountry trip to South America, President Ronald Reagan couldn’t restrain himself from the inane observation that every tourist finds himself saying about such trips. “Every country is different.” So, it seems, is every virus capable of spreading into pandemic. The influenza pandemic of 1918-19, for example, tended to kill otherwise healthy people in the prime of life, ages 20 to 40. COVID-19 tends to kill people age 70 and above, especially those with comorbidities. Yet, despite that being apparent early on, America’s governors have done a poor job of protecting those most atrisk — residents of nursing homes with physical frailties and, often, cognitive impairment. The result: One-third of reported coronavirus deaths in the United States, according to New York Times reporting, are of nursing home residents or workers. Nursing homes accounted for a majority of deaths in heavily hit states like New Jersey (52%), Massachusetts (59%), Pennsylvania (66%) and Connecticut (55%), and for 80% of the deaths in otherwise lightly hit Minnesota. That percentage is much lower (20%) in America’s COVID-19 epicenter, New York, but it still leads the nation with 5,403 nursing home deaths — about one of every 14 COVID-19 death in the country. Why so many? On March 25, the state health commissioner ordered that nursing homes to accept patients with the virus. It’s unclear why he made this fatal decision. Maybe he wanted to keep hospital beds available, or maybe he feared that sick people would be dumped onto the street. When asked about this policy in late April, Governor Andrew Cuomo professed ignorance. Two weeks later, on May 9, after 46 days in effect, he reversed it. New York wasn’t the only state that insisted on placing infected patients in

Michael Barone nursing homes. New Jersey’s policy was similar, explicitly barring homes from requiring testing before admitting patients. California had the same policy but dropped it after 10 days. Other states, recognizing the dangers of infecting the vulnerable, required or encouraged nursing homes to set up separate units or staffs to handle patients testing positive. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, widely criticized in the national media for avoiding a total lockdown, zeroed in on nursing homes, encouraging repeated testing and temperature-taking of residents and staff and isolating anyone testing positive. Florida, a state with 2 million more people than New York, had just 714 nursing home deaths, 13% of the number in New York. It’s hard to disagree with the verdict of National Review’s Jim Geraghty: “These decisions are so spectacularly wrongheaded, so epically foolish, that those responsible deserve to be remembered forever.” Let’s hesitate a moment before piling on. Remember that, in March, epidemiologists and governors were worried that hospital facilities would be overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients in need of ventilators, which had been previously used to treat patients with continued on page 6

H Publishers: Joe Nicastro & Mary Lalama H Graphics: Mary Lalama, Terri Armswood H Editor: Megan Roche

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Please e-mail all press releases and calendar information to editor@mylifepublications.com. Advertising in My Life Publications is affordable and effective. We are a “family friendly” publication and therefore reserve the right to accept only advertisements that appeal to the entire family; the final determination of which is made by My Life Publications. Views expressed in My Life Publications are those of the respective columnists and writers, and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, or My Life Publications. Advertising is open to anyone desiring to reach the public and is subject to approval, revision and/or rejection at any time by the publisher. Many of the articles are paid for by the author and are in effect advertisements. Publication of any advertisement does not constitute, either implied or inferred, an endorsement of services, products or businesses advertised.

May 18, 2020 â€¢ Page 5

Page 6 • May 18, 2020

Nursing Homes... continued from page 4 severe respiratory function reduced by other viruses. So they were focused on getting recovering patients out of those supposedly needed hospital beds. The nursing home mandates of the Cuomo administration and others were obviously mistakes, with fatal consequences. So was the Centers for Disease Control’s failure to produce virus tests, and so was Donald Trump’s failure to cut off air traffic from Europe, as he had in January from China. And given the negative public health effects of economic collapse, these continued lockdowns may also be seen as fatal mistakes. Government officials’ decisions about a novel virus will often turn out to be mistakes that cost lives. But decisions to send viral patients into nursing homes comes the closest to justifying screams of, “There’s blood on your hands!” Fortunately, societies can learn from mistakes. We have learned that the virus is not easily spread in open spaces. We have learned that the risk of fatalities among children and adolescents is near zero, per-

haps less than that of seasonal flu. We have learned our hospitals aren’t going to be overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and that ventilators don’t always help. We have learned that it’s possible to protect elderly people, even nursing home residents with comorbidities, with high but not total effectiveness. And we have become aware, if only out of the corner of our eyes, that the lockdown of large segments of the economy wreaks not just economic damage but also has enormous negative consequences for public health, especially among disadvantaged people. All of this points in the direction of phasing out lockdowns and allowing reopenings, at various rates depending on particular circumstances, and avoiding obvious blunders, like sending infections into nursing homes. Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

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Women’s Association For Morristown Medical Center Announces 2020 Scholarship Awards

he Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) is pleased to announce its 2020 Scholarship Awards. WAMMC Scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding Morristown Medical Center employees to help further their continuing education, development and leadership skills in the hospital and healthcare field. WAMMC’s Scholarship Program dates back to 1957 and supports the staff at Morristown Medical Center by granting scholarships to hospital employees pursuing careers in the healthcare field. WAMMC Scholarship recipients are chosen based on applicants demonstrating extraordinary care and service to patients, their peers, colleagues and the community. In 2020, WAMMC’s Scholarship Awards Committee awarded $50,000 in scholarships to 25 employees. This includes $4,000 raised by WAMMC’s Chatham and Cromwell Twigs which enabled us to provide two additional employees with scholarship support. WAMMC’s ongoing commitment to its Scholarship Program can be

attributed to the hard work of successful fundraising and the generous donations of WAMMC members. “We are pleased to be able to award these scholarships to an exceptional group of Morristown Medical Center employees, especially at a time when they are being called to the front line to care for patients of the Covid-19 virus,” said Katie Nolle, President, Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center. “We are grateful to all of our donors for their generous contributions to this program, enabling us to continue our Scholarship Program to assist hospital employees in attaining their advanced healthcare-related educations.” “We are more than grateful to the Women’s Association for their ongoing support of our employees through its Scholarship Program,” said Carol Jones, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, Morristown Medical Center. “As we have experienced with this Covid-19 crisis, continuous education for our nurses is critical to our expert care of our patients and the community.”

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MPAC Performing Arts Company Releases Video “You Will Be Found” to Spread a Message of Hope in a COVID-19 World

he MPAC Performing Arts Company has released a video of the group singing “You Will Be Found” from the Broadway show Dear Evan Hansen remotely from their homes. It was directed by Cathy Roy, MPAC Director of Education. Musical Director is Darius Frowner. The video was edited by Dayna Grayber. The video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/JMZOAqwsYPo “Members of our Performing Arts Company, a group of talented teens who are dedicated to using their talent to better the community, recorded a virtual version of “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen as a message of hope to those who are suffering or feeling lost during this difficult time, and a message of gratitude to

all those essential workers who are sacrificing so much for our community!” said Cathy Roy. The children featured on the video are: Carley Bachrach (Park Ridge), Bobbi Baitey (Morristown, Bobby and Danielle Becht (Morris Township), Will Delargy (Morristown), Cole Grey (Bridgewater), Meghan Jenkins (Bridgewater), Hope Keil (Randolph), Sarah Lepre (Lake Hiawatha), Sam Lewis (Morris Plains), Michael Luciano (Randolph), Maxton Lukes (Bernardsville), Jenna Manderioli (Randolph), Gina Marasco (Morris Plains), Carigan McGuinn (Morristown), Carly Nicolai (Morristown), Lauren Onufryk (Flanders), Francesco Pontoriero (Warren), Nicholas Profito (Chester), Libby Schmitt (Basking Ridge), Maya and Naina Slaughter (Morristown), Juliette Trumbell

(Morristown), Maggie Waldron (Morristown) and Alexa Yudoff (Succasunna). “Our Performing Arts Company would have been very busy this spring performing at over 35 events raising money for non-profit organizations around Northern New Jersey. It is important for us to keep this commitment alive for our students and to allow them to continue to use their talent to give back to others,” Roy added. “Although we’re not able to perform live together yet, it was a really special group effort to share this song. I’m so proud of all of these kids! They are so committed to what they do and really represent our mission in the greatest way!”

Letter to the Editor: My Daughter, My Inspiration

y daughter, Christina Paternostro, lives in Pequannock with her husband Mike and their two young children. She is by far the strongest, most positive person I know. Throughout this entire Coronavirus outbreak, she has been so uplifting not only to her family, but to her community as well. For more than a month now, Christina has “posted” a message in her front picture window for all to see. Some are funny and witty, some serious, some in

thanks and some for birthday shout-outs! But always leaving a smile on someone’s face. Each day her neighbors look forward to seeing her new message. In addition to putting up daily messages, she makes “Pandemic Pancake” breakfasts and has “Pandemic Picnics” with her family. Each day the kids have their “Corona Chores” of wiping down doorknobs and handles. She and her husband try to make “serious” fun out of it while teaching the kids to be safe. Having a somewhat compromised

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Top Gardening Trends for 2020

Blooms and beyond: The Top Gardening Trends for 2020

hether you have an outdoor oasis or are a nurturing indoor plant parent, gardening offers a multitude of benefits and has the power to brighten up any space or mood. Spring is the time to plan what plants to grow, and with some expert insight on top trends, you’ll be gardening with success and enjoying the results. The team at Ball Horticultural Company shares the top trends for 2020, guiding plant lovers at all levels to confidently grow a garden, big or small. Indoor Garden Rooms Mother Nature has made her way indoors with more people planting inside their homes in a variety of ways. Whether it’s creating a soothing space by a windowsill filled with houseplants or growing your own edible herbs and microgreens in your kitchen, planting indoors is on the

rise. Serious plant-lovers are even dedicating entire interior spaces to gardening, creating “garden rooms” or “indoor jungles.” Indoor gardening lets homeowners experience the benefits of plants wherever they live, regardless of the weather outdoors. Easy-to-carefor houseplants, such as Dieffenbachia, a strong and sturdy plant that has stunning and unique tropical leaves, makes people feel like they are on vacation in their own homes. Studies show that foliage plants also clean indoor air and lift overall spirits. Finally, don’t be afraid of indoor flowering plants like Gerbera or Cyclamen. Their flowers last 3-4 weeks and are available in many colors to fit your mood or match your seasonal d√©cor. continued on page 26

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Page 12 • May 18, 2020

Mountain Lakes Brothers Bring Special Occasion Joy During Coronavirus

By Megan Roche or Luke and Wesley Dunn, sitting in quarantine without taking action was just something they couldn’t do. On April 19, Luke was turning the big 21. Not wanting to let the occasion go by without a celebration, Luke’s mom Melissa, ordered a big happy birthday sign for the front yard. With a birthday parade going by, Melissa gave Luke and Wesley the idea that they should repurpose the sign for others celebrating birthdays in quarantine. “The sign that my mom had ordered for my birthday had come in late. My mom posted on Facebook that my brother would go out and put the happy birthday sign in other people’s yards. We started scheduling different things and it really just took off. We had 20 people requesting the sign after the first day. After that, my brother quickly realized that he was going to need help so I joined in right away,” Luke shared. Yankee Yard Card was born. The two brothers, wanting to earn money toward college, are charging $40 for sign set ups

the night before the special event. What started out as just birthday signs has now morphed into graduation, birth announcements, and more. The two brothers will come by your home the night before the event, set up the signs in the yard, and come by the next evening to pick them up. The two are learning valuable skills, while bringing joy to others. “We both really like new projects and problem solving. We are really learning about the challenges of a small business. We’ve been enjoying the operations and although there have been challenges, it’s been really eye opening. We never in a million years thought that this would take off like it has,” Luke said. The two brothers do not want anyone to feel like their celebration or special day is less important because of the coronavirus pandemic. Just like Luke, celebrating a birthday at this time, is something that will not be forgotten. “We really want to do this so that continued on page 14

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Page 14 • May 18, 2020

Remote Programs Offered at NCJW/Essex Center for Women During COVID-19 Pandemic

he Linda & Rudy Slucker NCJW/Essex Center for Women is offering several classes and programs remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic while their offices remain temporarily and respectfully closed. Computer classes in WORD, Excel, and Outlook, and legal consultations are available to all women. Additional online services, which include Job Clubs presented by Executive Business Coaches, Staffing Agencies, and Meditation and Yoga instructors are available to Center for Women Career Services clients. One-onone career coaching via phone or zoom, as well as linked-in classes, are also provided. If you are interested in learning about these and other opportunities, please contact centerforwomen@ncjwessex.org, call 973.994.4994 or visit www.centerforwomenNJ.org. Their dedicated team of professionals will be responding to phone calls and emails to discuss your needs. Details

about ongoing services, classes, and office re-opening will be posted on their website. The National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section, and the State of NJ Department of Children and Families Division on Women fund the Displaced Homemaker Program at the Center for Women. The Linda & Rudy Slucker NCJW/Essex Center for Women is a nonsectarian, nonprofit community service sponsored by the NCJW Essex County Section that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, families, and the elderly through a variety of programs regardless of religious affiliation including career coaching, computer classes, self-empowerment workshops, and legal consultations. Lesley Greenstein of Summit is President of NCJW/Essex and Andrea Mintz of Livingston is Vice President of the Center for Women.

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Special Occasion Joy... continued from page 12 younger kids who maybe don’t understand what is going on or it’s not what they are used to, we want to bring them joy. It’s something that the two of us can do that is easy that helps us both make money for college and it’s a pick me up. It makes a huge difference for a kid when they go outside and they see a sign, they know people are thinking of them,” Luke said. Luke, an economics major at NYU and Wesley, a graduating Mountain Lakes High School senior and Villanova bound in the fall, are proud of their business. The two have grown closer through their endeavor to bring happiness to others during these trying times. “Everybody in town has really rallied behind our entrepreneurial spirit. Everyone in the town has been so great to us. People are so grateful for what we are doing and it’s helping us in the meantime.

We’re getting out of bed and getting out of quarantine and actually doing something. We thought it would just be a fun project, we never thought that this many people would be responding,” Luke said. The brothers are currently accepting orders for signs through their website. Due to popularity of the project, many dates are currently sold out. The Dunn brothers suggest making arrangements early. While they are currently only limited to Morris County, the brothers are considering expanding as the business grows. Mom Melissa couldn’t be prouder of her boys. “I am truly so proud of not only my boys’ entrepreneurial spirits, but more so of their desire to spread a little happiness during these challenging times,” Melissa shared. To purchase a sign package, visit www. yankeeyardcard.com or email dunnbros@ yankeeyardcard.com.

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

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Lycoming College Senior Art Show Moved to Online Format

n response to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing regulations, the Lycoming College Senior Art show has been displayed in an online format this year. This digital exhibition features the thesis works of Lycoming College graduating senior art students. The art gallery is available to view at https://www.lycoming.edu/art/senior-show/20/. The Lycoming College Juried Senior Show is the culmination of thesis projects for all seniors with a major in studio art. All studio art majors are required to produce a cohesive body of professional thesis work and must be chosen by an outside juror to exhibit in the Senior Show in order to graduate. The juror for this year’s thesis exhibition was originally planned to be Eva Frosch, the owner of Frosch & Portmann, a gallery located on the Lower East Side of New York City. However, a few days before her scheduled arrival, the nation went on lockdown due to COVID-19, and Frosch was unable to fill the role. “The students worked hard on their senior projects and Lycoming College’s art department believes that, at a later date, they will be able to showcase their fantastic work at the Lycoming College Art Gallery in downtown Williamsport,” said Andreas Rentsch, assistant professor of photography at Lycoming College. The 2020 Senior Art Show features works from the following, including artist statements: Member NJ Arborists Association Commercial • Residential Owner Operated

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May 18, 2020 • Page 17

Diary of a Scout Leader: Remembering Thorpe Hall, Part II

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. It was now a quarter to 12. I began to feel hungry, so I put my paint brush down, atop the can of paint and walked into the kitchen to get my brown bag lunch out of the refrigerator. I decided to eat lunch at the long table that looked out to the parking lot of Thorpe Hall. It had been slow going. The molding around the many windows of Thorpe Hall were taking a lot of time to paint. They required extra care in painting, so as not to get any paint of the glass. As I began eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I looked out to the empty parking lot and felt a deep sense of sadness. There was a long-standing tradition in Lincoln Park, that on the first day of summer vacation the boys in the town would all meet at the baseball field at Chapel Hill School. As I ate my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I felt a dull, laden emptiness abiding within

my heart center. I longed to be playing baseball with the gang. For one solid moment, I wondered if it was all worth it. I felt very insecure. I wondered if I would ever really earn the rank of Eagle Scout. I was now a Life Scout, the rank that came before Eagle Scout. I now had 19 merit badges. I needed only two more merit badges to complete the merit badge requirement to earn Eagle Scout. Those two merit badges were Swimming and Life Saving. I sipped my lemonade from the little plastic cup of my thermos, as I wondered if I would ever be a strong enough swimmer to earn these two difficult merit badges. I had spent the last two summers, attending the classes for the swimming merit badge. The classes were held at the shore of the Rockaway River in Boonton Township. After spending two entire summers, taking the swimming merit badge classes, I had failed to successfully meet the requirements, both summers! I could not allow myself to think negative thoughts. I told myself that I had to be positive. That this was the summer that I was going to pass the requirements for the Swimming Merit Badge. As I took the last bite of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I

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looked across the width and breadth of Thorpe Hall. I still had a lot of work to do. And, I could see that there was a lot of time-consuming detail painting to do. I longed to be playing baseball with my buddies. Then, once more, in the corner of my eye in a flash of a matter of a couple of seconds, I saw the ghost of my 11-year-old self. It was a rather eerie feeling. I took a bite of my apple and wondered if I was going to have enough paint to finish this big job. And then, once again, I wondered if I was really, ever going to actually become an Eagle Scout. The thought shook something deep in the inner chambers of my heart. I finished eating my apple and wrapped the apple core in the wax paper upon which my sandwich was encased in. I carefully folded my brown paper bag and put it in my back pocket to use for tomorrow’s lunch. I took the last sip of lemonade from the little plastic cup that was atop my thermos and threw away my apple core. I had now reached the point of painting the middle of the wall that faced the parking lot of Thorpe Hall. And, I returned to the mundane drudgery of painting the area around the windows. I remember this so well. It is as if this moment is set in my mind with indelible ink. As I was focused and concentrating upon painting the molding around one of the glass windows, a knock came on the door, half-way across the large hall, to my right-hand side.

This knock was not a friendly tap. Everything about this knock on the door, frightened me. To say that there was a knock on the door, doesn’t quite define it. For, it was more like a hammering fist, rapidly pounding on the door. The door had a window on the upper half of it. I could see that it was a man at the door. A rather disheveled, late middle-aged man. Everything in my gut told me not to answer the door. I could hear the man’s muffled voice shouting, “anyone there! Anyone in there! If there’s anyone in there, open this door right now!” The loud, demanding voice of this man, left me wondering if he was drunk or high on drugs or just emotionally unbalanced. I put my paint brush down, atop the paint can. I sat on the floor, with my back tightly against the wall. I brought my knees to my chest to do my very best to be as inconspicuous as possible. The man continued to hammer at the door. He continued shouting, “I know someone’s in there. Open this door, right now. Ya’ hear me, open this door right now!” As I sat on the floor, my back against the wall, crunched up in a ball, I prayed and prayed that this distraught man could not see me. Fear began to seep into the chambers of my heart. To be continued next issue! 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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May 18, 2020 • Page 19

I Remember Dad: The Rock Wall

By Richard Mabey Jr. hortly after the First Word War ended, my maternal grandfather, Edmund C. Kemmerer built a wall in the front of his home atop Boonton Avenue. My mom was the ninth of nine children. On a Sunday afternoon in the mid-summer of 1943, my mom sat upon this very special wall and was reading a book. On the surface it seems like a very ordinary and mundane event. But, in reality, it was a most profound moment. In the middle of the Summer of 1943, my dad had completed his basic training at Fort McClellan in Alabama. Dad had a week-long furlough. He was then scheduled to report to Hickam Airfield in Hawaii, to be a part of the Seventh Army Air Corps. And, on the Sunday afternoon, of his week-long furlough, he visited his brother Earl and Earl’s wife Eleanor, who lived directly across the street from the Kemmerer family. This is how the story goes. This is how my dad told my sister Patti and I, a few hundred times, over the years. Before supper, Dad and his brother Earl, took a walk around the yard. They walked to the front yard of Earl’s home. They stood beneath a maple tree and Dad saw my mom, for the very first time. My dad often told my sister and me that it was love at first sight for him. Dad was 18 and Mom was 15. My dad would often tell the story, with great heartfelt drama. Dad would tell how he had been looking at

this beautiful girl, sitting on the stone wall in front of her house and she never once looked up from her book. Dad told the story of how he asked his brother Earl who this cute girl was, and Earl told Dad that she was Janet Kemmerer, the youngest of the Kemmerer clan. Dad would often say how, standing beneath the shade of that maple tree beside his brother, he decided he was going to marry this pretty girl. Those few precious minutes, where my dad saw my mom, from across Boonton Avenue that Sunday afternoon, was the only time that Dad saw Mom before reporting to Hickam Airfield in Hawaii. But fate and destiny were to be kind to be beloved father. The Kemmerer family attended the Boonton United Methodist Church, as did my Uncle Earl and Aunt Eleanor. During World War II, the church had a program where they encouraged people to write to the men and women who were serving in the armed services. My Aunt Eleanor gave my mom, my dad’s name and address at Hickam Airfield to write to him. I suspect that my Uncle Earl told Aunt Eleanor that my dad had asked about my mom, during the few minutes that Dad and Uncle Earl stood beneath the maple tree, while Mom read a book sitting on her rock wall. Well, Mom did write Dad. And, I’m glad she did because I don’t know where I would be if she didn’t. Dad often said continued on page 22

My mom looking so cute, at the age of 15, hugging her niece Sharon. Both of them are now residing in Heaven. I am looking forward to seeing both of them again.

May 18, 2020 â€¢ Page 21

Page 20 â€¢ May 18, 2020

Page 22 • May 18, 2020

I Remember Dad... continued from page 19

Perhaps the only photograph that exists of the rock wall that my maternal grandfather built on the front yard of his home on Boonton Avenue. Across the street, you can see the old maple tree.

that when he was granted leave, he stayed in his barracks and wrote his mom and dad a letter. And, also wrote a letter to the pretty girl who was reading a book, sitting on the rock wall, across the street from his brother Earl’s house. Dad would put a little flannel in his remembrances and say to my sister and me, “I think I used to write three letters to your mother before she finally wrote one back to me.” Then my mom would say something like, “that’s not true, Dick and you know it. It was more like the opposite way around.” And they would go on

and on, with this joyful bickering about who wrote to each other the most during the time that Dad was stationed at Hickam Airfield. I remember this happening, from time to time, all through my years of growing up in the old Mabey Homestead. To some extent, I believe in fate and destiny. Sometimes, it causes me to shutter to think what if Mom had not been sitting on her rock wall, reading a book, that exact moment in time when Dad and his brother Earl walked along Uncle Earl’s front yard and stopped to talk beneath the shade of that old maple

tree. I don’t know where I’d be today. Life is funny, with its twists and turns. I never did thank Grandpa Kemmerer for building that rock wall, when he was a young man. For without that rock wall, my mom might have resorted to sitting in her backyard, out of sight from Dad on that fateful Sunday afternoon. You just never know how carefully the good Lord has planned everything out. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

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orris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq. said that, “Citizens concerned about the current COVID-19 pandemic should utilize the vote-by-mail ballot for this year’s election.” She continued, “We are currently awaiting direction from Governor Phil Murphy concerning the manner in which the 2020 Primary Election will be conducted.” “No person should feel they cannot vote out of fear of exposure to COVID-19. Our priority in making this announcement is to

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May 18, 2020 • Page 23

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Roll Call of the Departed 2020

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Page 26 • May 18, 2020

5 Steps to Painting Like a Pro at Home

othing transforms a home quite like a fresh coat of paint. In fact, painting your own house is one of the smartest and easiest DIY upgrades a homeowner can accomplish, especially as they find themselves spending more time at home. With 71% of homeowners undertaking improvement or renovation projects that include paint, according to an iProperty Management Study, here are surefire tips to ensure you are painting like a pro. 1. Clean your canvas - Paint adheres better to a smooth, clean surface. While living room walls may only need a dry dusting, kitchens and bathrooms, where dirt, grease, oil or mildew can build up, need extra attention. Wash surfaces with soap and water, rinse well and allow to dry completely. For bathrooms, remove mold and mildew by applying a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes. Then scrub mold and mildew with a soft-bristle brush, rinse the surface and allow it to dry. Be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when working with this bleach and water solution. For surfaces that are particularly grimy, spray with Rust-Oleum¬Æ Original Krud Kutter Cleaner & Degreaser, wipe off with a clean cloth and allow to dry. 2. Ensure a smooth surface - Now that the surface is dry, smooth down any uneven or rough surfaces with a bit of fine-grit sandpaper. Another pro tip is to shine a bright light at a low angle across the surface to spot any problem areas. After you have sanded or scraped the area, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue and allow to dry. 3. Don’t forget the details - Anyone can paint over a wide, smooth surface, but it’s the attention to detail around windows and doors that truly gives a job that professional look.

Start by removing any loose or cracked caulking from windows, doors and trim, and apply a fresh bead of sealant for a smooth, sealed surface. DAP ALEX FLEX‚Ñ¢ Premium Molding & Trim Sealant is paintable in just 30 minutes, saving time and resulting in a seamless, more professional finish. Next, use painter’s tape to protect windowsills, molding, baseboards, door hinges and the ceiling perimeter, taking your time to ensure that all areas are properly covered. 4. Fill in imperfections - Now it’s time to tackle the main surface. Cracks, holes and dents will mar the finished project, so apply spackling to fill in these areas. Open a container of pre-mixed spackling compound and apply a small amount over the damage with a flexible putty knife. Spread the compound over the hole or crack in a smooth, downward motion. Overfill slightly and sand smooth using fine-grit sandpaper. Need to tackle a larger drywall repair? Reach for DAP¬Æ FAST DRY Premium Spackling. This professional-grade spackling compound is uniquely formulated to provide strength and durability while drying fast. Depending on the size of the repair, it can be painted in as little as 15 minutes. 5. Paint with precision - Make the job go easier and faster by having a variety of brushes and rollers on hand. Rollers are great for covering large, wide surfaces, but for a professional look around edges and corners, you’ll need smaller brushes for the right amount of detailed work. Allow the first coat of paint to completely dry, and then apply a second coat to ensure smooth, even coverage. Once the second coat is dry, carefully pull up any painter’s tape and voila! Your space is transformed! For more information on DAP products for your next DIY project, visit DAP.com. (BPT)

Top Gardening Trends... continued from page 10 PanAmerican Seed offers the Kitchen Minis¬Æ collection as an option for gardeners who want to grow and harvest their own vegetables year-round. These potted vegetable plants can thrive on a sunny windowsill or counter. With Kitchen Minis, such as the Siam Edible Potted Tomato, people can pluck ingredients right from the container in their kitchen to use in a recipe. The collection also includes sweet and hot peppers with more options to come. Gardening for Health and Wellness It’s no secret that consuming fresh vegetables and herbs is beneficial to one’s physical health, and gardening at home puts a variety of flavorful produce within arm’s reach. The benefits of gardening also extend to mental health, as tending a garden and being close to nature helps reduce stress, calm anxiety and acts as a mood-booster. Herbs are a simple place to start when growing your own food. You can’t go wrong with Everleaf Emerald Towers Basil, which adds flavor to many dishes like fresh Caprese salad. This beautiful, column-like plant not only gives a bountiful harvest, it is also late to flower and can be paired with colorful flowers in a mixed container for

month after month of hand-plucked flavor and garden enjoyment. Mardi Gras Fun Snack Peppers from Burpee Plants are the perfect healthy miniature peppers that add a conversation piece to any garden. They’re available in four eye-catching color options that can be grown together in one container for a fun patio display, and kids adore helping to grow, pick and eat these crunchy snacks. Aromatherapy is also a popular wellness practice, with lavender plants topping the list of must-haves because of its reputation for inspiring relaxation. SuperBlue English Lavender grows rich blue blooms on short flower spikes, providing a calming scent and great garden texture. Alternatively, Primavera Spanish Lavender flowers throughout the summer, displaying great heat tolerance with bushy, scented florets that attract bees and other pollinators. Bold Colors Bold colors are planted in gardens across the country and different hues blanket landscapes large and small. Additionally, people with container gardens are planting flowers known for their vivid color for instant impact, making this trend accessible to all, including those who

live in a condo or apartment with limited outdoor garden space. Some standout plants that feature the best bold hues include Galaxy Geranium, a brand-new series that is vigorous enough to keep its large, semi-double blooms in-color all season. Look for stunning dark red, pink, purple, salmon, violet, watermelon and white, giving gardeners the option to choose their favorite shade or create a rainbow of flowers. Another bold option that is wonderful for sunny borders or bright corners is Rose Marvel Salvia. Its mega-large bloom stems result in spectacular displays in spring and summer so you’ll enjoy color throughout the warm months. The rose-pink flowers are deer and rabbit resistant, plus they rebloom without being cut back, saving time and minimizing maintenance. Ask for these plants at your favorite garden retailer, and you’re on your way to experiencing all that flowers have to offer. To learn more about these plants and the top gardening trends of the year, visit the plant experts at www.ballhort.com. (BPT)

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How You Can Help Children in Poverty During the Pandemic Without Leaving Home

Stuck Inside? 6 Fun Enrichment Activities for You and Your Pet

t’s no secret that pets provide love, loyalty and affection. This is even more apparent now that you’re spending more time at home with them. In fact, according to the 2020 Purina Pet Ownership Survey, 94% of pet owners rely on their pet for emotional support, which is particularly important during times of uncertainty. You may be tempted to spend your time snuggling with your furry friend, but there are a lot of fun new things you can do to engage your pet mentally and physically while you are at home together. Now is a great time to integrate enrichment activities that will keep both of you healthy, happy and engaged. “Setting and keeping a daily pet care routine to feed and walk your pet is important in alleviating stress for your pet. But scheduling play and incorporating enrichment activities into your pet’s day can also do wonders in keeping them happy and healthy,” says Alex Johnson, senior designer & pet enrichment specialist at Purina. Johnson shares her favorite at-home pet enrichment tips and ideas: Making it new: It is important to expand your pet’s world by providing opportunities for exploration. Try creating temporary indoor spaces to explore with boxes and paper bags or closing off a bedroom for a week to give your pet a space to rediscover. Hide some treats or favorite toys in the room before reopening it. Remember to keep toys in rotation to help create newness. Treat time: While at home all day, it can become difficult to track when your pet gets a snack, so try adding a treat time to your schedule. Keep in mind, pets should get no more than 10% of their daily calories from treats. If you have kids, let them earn the reward of treating the pet that day by cleaning their room or finishing homework early.

One-on-one time: Having everyone constantly at home together can be stressful for pets. Provide opportunities for pets to have time on their own in addition to oneon-one time with family members. Spending 15 minutes together in a quiet space with no distractions can allow you to focus on engaging and bonding with your pet. Exercise: When stuck inside, it’s important to find indoor activities to help pets burn energy. Try tug toys, laser pointer play, or playing tag or hide and seek. If you live in an apartment building, try throwing toys up or down steps in the stairwells or down hallways (if your landlord permits). If you’re spending more time watching TV, consider keeping a drawer or basket close by with some of your pet’s favorite toys, feather wands, tug-toys, balls, lasers, cat dancers, mechanical toys and stuffed animals. These toys allow you to interact with your pet from the comfort of the couch. Box of invisibility: Providing pets with safe spaces is a great way to give them some downtime while still being close to everyone. For example, set out a box or sign in the family room, and when the cat is in the box or the dog is in the designated area, have the whole family pretend you can’t ‘see’ them, as if they were invisible. If the rule is followed, your pet will learn they can enjoy downtime in these spaces. Sensory spot: If you have a cat, you know they love exploring textures and smells. Try getting a box or basket just as big as your cat loosely curled up, and place it in an outof-the-way area, preferably near a safe heat source, vent or sunny window. Each week, try putting in a new material such as a worn T-shirt, packaging paper or bits of textured fabric for them to explore. To learn more about how to keep pets happy and healthy during quarantine, visit www.purina.com/homewithpets. (BPT)

hile most of the world has hit pause on daily life, kindness and giving can be considered essential services. Socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 health pandemic are challenging families across the globe, as schools have closed, after-school meal programs have paused, businesses have shut down, and families are feeling greater strain on finances. Children living in poverty are especially vulnerable, needing the support of nonprofit organizations and community assistance now more than ever. Providing this support has always been the mission of Red Nose Day - the annual fundraising campaign encouraging Americans to aid organizations working to end child poverty through the purchase of Red Noses at Walgreens. This year the campaign is back, but instead of selling the iconic Red Nose in Walgreens stores, the retailer created a way to engage in kindness and giving from the safety of your home to support children in need and those affected by COVID-19. Due to public health concerns and the need for social distancing because of the COVID-19 outbreak, Walgreens is bringing Red Nose Day digital. The online shift offers a way for everyone to rally around the Red Nose in support of those in need during a critical time, even while remaining physically distant. Get your digital Red Nose on Now through May 30, when you donate a minimum of $1 at Walgreens.com/RedNoseDay, your donation will unlock a digital Red Nose filter to share proudly on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Invite your friends and family to join you, sparking a wave of online donations and keeping the Red Nose spirit alive by spreading virtual joy. You can feel good knowing that 100% of funds raised will benefit Red Nose Day partner organizations that help keep kids safe, healthy and educated. How it helps

The efforts of the Red Nose Day campaign are especially crucial during this year of economic upheaval and health crisis. Your donations provide funds for nutritious meals, essential medicine, clean water, education-based services and other vital aid to help children in America and around the world. Grantee partner recipients of the Red Nose Day Fund include: * Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which provide safe places for children to learn and play after school * Children's Health Fund, which brings essential medical services to underserved children * Feeding America, the hunger relief organization * Save the Children, which provides critical early childhood programs * City Year, which provides the social, emotional and academic skills to young adults in low-income households to succeed in school and life * Covenant House, which provides housing and support to youth facing homelessness * International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian aid organization * Laureus Sport for Good, which uses the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage for young people * UnidosUS, which advocates for Latinos in civic engagement, education, health and housing * The Global Fund, a partnership to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria Join the cause You can join the celebration when stars unite for a world of good during the Red Nose Day TV Special, Thursday, May 21, at 8/7c on NBC. Want to get your own Red Nose on and get involved? Visit walgreens.com/RedNoseDay to learn more. (BPT)

May 18, 2020 â€˘ Page 29

4 Tips: Zing Up Your Menus with a Tasty Summer Garnish Garden

s people are spending more time at home, many are learning new activities and finding simple joy in doing the things they love, such as cultivating their own gardens. Now is the perfect time to start planning a summer garden that can add fresh flavors to your kitchen all year long. One growing trend is to create delicious and bountiful garnish gardens filled with herbs and produce to serve as the final touch for different food and beverage options. Even experienced gardeners often choose to focus on a few simple, high-in-flavor items that will elevate summer meals and cocktails such as juicy berries, savory herbs and other seasonal produce. As a bonus, gardening can provide stress relief and a sense of accomplishment in a fast-paced and challenging world. According to a 2020 study conducted by Fiskars, 46% of people in the U.S. say gardening is beneficial to their overall happiness. In that spirit, here are several tips from Fiskars to prepare and plant a summer garnish garden that will provide all kinds of delicious options for your at-home summer recipes. Plot your growing area Evaluate the growing season in your area and consider which of your outdoor spaces may provide enough sunlight for a viable garden. Depending on your ambition and commitment level, your garden could be as vast as your entire backyard or as simple as a few large pots on your patio or balcony. If you go big, be sure to allot extra time for cultivating, weeding and watering. For your first venture, you may want to start small with a few plants that are easy to

shelter, grow and harvest. Assemble effective tools Having the right tools on hand is the best way to prepare to garden, especially if this is your first time putting a garden together. In fact, those who have gardened before know just how important this is - according to the same study, 77% of gardeners in the U.S. say having the right tools increases their happiness when gardening. This year, trade in your old tools for newer, ergonomically designed products that are not only more comfortable but also highly effective. For example, The Fiskars Xact Cultivator is made with deep, curved tines to efficiently loosen and aerate soil and a weighted handle for advanced comfort and control. The Xact Trowel can be comfortably gripped from multiple angles to pry through tough turf and dirt clots, and The Xact Hand Edger offers precision control when removing weeds, moss and debris from harder-to-reach places. All are equipped with SoftGrip handles and are perfect for planting herbs and fresh produce. Choose versatile varieties Consider which herbs, fruits and veggies will best contribute to the meals and beverages you like to prepare. For example, cucumbers or tomatoes can add a refreshing zing to salads and drinks, while rosemary and basil complement a range of both sweet and savory flavors in cocktails, grilled meats, vegetables, soups and salads. Other popular and easy-to-grow herbs include thyme, parsley, dill, cilantro and chives. Berry choices may include strawberries, raspberries and blackberries - just make sure you have enough room to let these bushy plants grow!

Optimize your harvest There's nothing as refreshing as the taste of fresh produce, and being able to incorporate it into meals and tasty treats is one of the best perks of summer. Consider creative presentation ideas, too - try adding sprigs of rosemary sprinkled into ice cube trays, colorful berries atop summer cocktails or cutting cucumbers or strawberries into multi-petaled roses. You can also set aside ingredients for later; berries can be frozen, tomatoes can be canned and herbs can be dried to season meals throughout the colder months. Saving some of your hard-earned harvest will be sure to remind you of the simple pleasures derived from your own backyard. To find more tips on effective gardening as well as DIY inspiration and ideas, visit Fiskars.com. Happy growing! (BPT)

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