Issuu

Zone 13

No. 15 Vol. 8

New View Media Group • 1-800-691-7549

August 2019

Cops N Rodders Car Event to Raise Money for Smiles for Margaret

by Elsie Walker n Saturday, August 17th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (rain date August 18th ), The Dukes of Hazard Car, the Batmobile, a Don Prudhomme 1000HP

Mustang Shelby and other specialty cars will be on display, while other vehicles vie for trophies. at the Lowes and Wendy’s Shopping Center at 219 Mountain Avenue in Hackettstown. It’s

the 13th annual Cops N Rodders car show, a free admission event for spectators, with a 50/50 going to Smiles for Margaret, a foundation which helps families of children fighting cancer. Military trucks and emergency vehicles from Hackettstown and surrounding areas will also be on display; plus, there will be music, food and vendors selling a variety of items. Open to all years, makes, and models, there’s a $15 pre-registration fee for vehicles, $20 on the day of show. Questions about registration can be directed to Ed Barricella, president of Cops N Rodders of North Jersey at 973-945-5287. Recently, Barricella talked about what Cops N Rodders is, this year’s event, and the cause that will benefit from its 50/50. “Cops N Rodders started about 20 years ago,” said Barricella. He explained that early on, its members were from the military, state police, firefighters, etc. and not only liked cars, but most of them had hot rods, thus how the group got its name.

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Today, it includes not only those from its original member base, but also regular car enthusiasts. “Last year, we had over 300 cars,” said Barricella when asked about how many cars are expected at the upcoming event. Trophies and awards will be given out, plus there will be door prizes. In the specialty car areas, besides those already named, will be a car from an episode of tv’s Street Outlaw, a Blue Sky Performance & Restoration car display, a Hillwick Trucking Custom Car and Truck display, and a Valhalla Restoration &

Fabrication car display. Valhalla Restoration & Fabrication is also a sponsor of the event. Other sponsors include Johnson Dodge, Smith Motors, Autosport Chevrolet of Mt. Olive, and Callaremi Cadillac, Buick, GMC. A 50/50 will be held benefiting Smiles for Margaret. Hackettstown resident Margaret Walling was 12 years old when she died of a brain tumor. Originally, Walling had planned to pay it forward and help other families who had kids with cancer, just as she’d been helped. Now her wish to help continued on page 4

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Marine Father Surprises Son with Homecoming at Bloomingdale Baseball Game

By Dawn M Chiossi aseball is often called America’s National Pastime. Generally, boys from all over enjoy this warm weather amusement. It’s a time for fun, sports, teamwork, friends, and so much more. For eight-year-old Ryan Batista, the game of baseball now holds a special place in his heart for a totally different reason. At a recent game, he received the best and happiest surprise of his life, his father, Marine Staff Sergeant Steve Batista, came home from his military deployment in Afghanistan. He is now home for good. When Ryan got up in the morning to go to his Little League game at Bloomingdale’s Anderson Field that day, he had no idea of the surprise that awaited him. His game started out like any other, until he stepped up to the plate. Although Ryan didn’t take any notice of the PA System’s announcement that there would be a change regarding the opposing pitcher, he was stunned when he saw the familiar face of his father throwing him a pitch. The family hadn’t seen Steve Batista for approximately 10 months. That was the time of his last deployment from the Marine Corps. Batista, who joined the Marine Corps in 2004, has endured several years of active duty in both Iraq and

Afghanistan. Throughout that time, he and his family have only seen each a handful of times during his approximately four deployments. Batista explains that each deployment lasts about seven months, something that is understandably emotional for all of them. For Ryan, when the shock wore off, pure pleasure set in. It was then that the boy scurried to his dad’s arms. When his wife Jillian and his two-year-old daughter Eden joined father and son on the field, it soon became a family hug, making all four of them a unit. It was a moment that Steve Batista called the best moment of his life. “When he saw me, he ran into my arms. I picked him up and hugged him. We both cried pretty hard. I was away for a long time,” Batista says emotionally. “The last time I talked to Ryan was on Facetime in July of 2018. He’s gotten so big since then. He’s a young man now.” He shares that surprising Ryan during his baseball game was completely his wife’s idea. “She planned the whole thing,” he prides. “She spoke to the coaches and officials and arranged for me to surprise him on the field. Everyone was so supportive and completely on board.” Batista explains that after his Welcome Home Ceremony he, along with the police piloting the fastest route to Bloomingdale, made it to Anderson Field in plenty of continued on page 4

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • August 2019 • Page 3

Butler Fire Department Hopes to Renovate 1955 Fire Truck

By Steve Sears itting all by its lonesome off of Carey Avenue in the last parking space in the rear parking lot of the Butler Volunteer Fire Department building is an aged Ward LaFrance fire truck that may have lost its gleam in color, but still sparkles in the hearts of local firefighters. The 1955 truck has served many purposes. In 1957, it was on the front line of fighting the major Pequanoc (Pequannock) Rubber Company weeklong fire. “This was our only pumper then,” says Richard Dean, who has been a volunteer member of the Butler Fire Department, Kinney Hose Company, for 46 years, but also from 1975 to 2009 worked as a telecommunicator at the Butler Police Department. “This pumped continuously for the first three days of the fire. Then, they decided to change the oil. It was shut down for a couple of hours, and then it resumed (pumping) for another 2 -3 days. It was also the fastest one we had at the time.” The relic has also been used as a funeral truck, transporting the caskets of deceased members with many distinguished years of service to the Butler Fire Department. Dean’s grandfather, William Dean, was Mayor when the truck was purchased, he himself a fire department member from

1912 until his passing in 1982. “In 1955, Butler had to replace their fleet of 1929 and 1930 fire trucks,” says Dean. “This one arrived in December of ‘54, it was a 1955 model. It was in service until March of ’76.” In 1976, the truck was sold to the Sussex County Fire Academy where it served as a training vehicle and a loaner engine for different fire companies in the county. It was replaced with a newer model a 1990, and the Butler Fire Department was offered the opportunity to buy the truck back - for just $1.00. “It had been kept outside,” recalls Dean, “it needed a lot of restoration work, and I think the Kinney Hose company spent $25,000 with money received from fundraisers to get it restored. It was beautiful.” The truck was kept inside the fire house from 1990 – 1997 when the borough ordered its removal from the building and borough property. It then was parked outside in a large local yard for about 10 years. In 2009, the fire department asked a local body shop to attempt restoration. All was going well until the body shop owner sadly perished in a shipwreck, and the truck got held up in estate. Two years later, the fire department regained the truck, approached another company in Rockland County, New York to attempt restoration. A third of the work just

about completed, the company then suffered bankruptcy. The fire department had to scramble to get the truck back, again, and afterwards the truck sat in storage in Oak Ridge for a few years before the borough permitted it back on site in Butler. “As you can see,” says Dean as he walks towards the truck, “there’s some stuff missing. There are some doors missing, there’s a pile of stuff on the other side – it’s a sad situation. To get it restored again, you’re talking a lot of money.”

Some fire department members want to see it shining bright red and running once more, and a third attempt at restoration has been occasionally discussed. But for now, it rests as a large, broken “toy,” doors removed, discolored by age, and inside one of its storage compartments, courtesy of time and weather, a few green plants and weeds grow wild, the only sign of life. “It’s part of our history,” says Dean, looking at the truck with a touch of melancholy, knowing it deserves a better fate.

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Marine Father Surprises Son...

Cops N Rodders ...

continued from page 2 time. “We had our fingers crossed the whole time that we could pull this off,” he remarks. Pull off the plan, they did. “Ryan had no idea,” his father discloses. “We totally kept the secret. “My wife (along with Eden) was so excited.” For those in the stands, just watching was a heartwarming moment for all. Amid cheers and applause and thanks of gratitude, they witnessed much more than a typical baseball game; it was a reunion. “Everyone was pulling out their cellphones to take pictures and crying along with us. Everybody was in tears. There wasn’t a dry eye around,” Batista tells. When talking to Batista, it is easy to see the love and utter pride he has for his family. Now that he is going to be home, he intends to make the most of being with them. He explains that baseball is something that his whole family enjoys, a pastime that was passed down from his own dad. “It’s something that we wanted to share

continued from front page others continues through the non-profit “Smiles for Margaret”. Barricella explained that when they were younger, some of Margaret’s friends used to have a Pink Ladies lemonade stand at the car event as a fundraiser for her organization. As the kids got older, the Cops N Rodders decided to jump in four years ago and made Smiles for Margaret the recipient of its 50/50, which goes to a good cause. Also, the car club knows the family, as they are also car enthusiasts. Besides the vehicles and 50/50, there will be entertainment including music by D.J. Cruzn, Chris & Kari s.c.3 Entertainment, Atlanta Cafe Band (oldies and 80’s rock)

with Ryan. He tends to be shy,” he says of his son. “But through sports and little league, Ryan has a lot of good friends. He really enjoys it.” Of his wife, Jillian, he can’t say enough. “She had to be both parents to our kids, while I was away. I couldn’t have done any of this without her.” After Ryan’s Little League game ended that day, Batista said that they started on their quality family time right away. They enjoyed a family barbecue, with the whole extended family attending. “Nothing over the top, just a nice simple barbecue,” he shares. Batista is full of plans regarding his family and his future at home. He is still with the Marine Reserves and has been working as a police officer in the Lyndhurst Police Department since 2015. So what’s next for this family? Batista shares that he is looking forward to their upcoming family vacation. “Just relaxing, catching up, and being together,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about.”

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and Mojohand Band (rock). There will be flamed golf cart rides available from Papa Dan who will take people for a two-lap ride around the lot. Food vendor Piggy’s Deli will be on hand, and about 60 other vendors are expected, selling a variety of items such as kettle corn, hot dogs, Jax Wax, die cast models, and more. Vendor spaces (20’ x 20’) are available for a $20 pre-registration fee. Set-up is 7 to 7:30 a.m. on the day of the show. In addition to the car event, Cops N Rodders holds a weekly cruise night at the same location. For more information, see the Cops N Rodders of North Jersey Facebook page.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • August 2019 • Page 5

183 Mane Studio Celebrates Re-Opening

83 Mane Studio, formerly known as Elysium Salon and Spa is now re-open for business after a three week renovation and complete re-branding process. “We are excited to introduce a new space

for hair care with the newest technology in the salon industry. Providing hair services for the entire family as well as skin care, our entire team is excited to introduce you to our new salon!” 183 Mane said.

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ith summertime activities in full swing, tax planning is probably not on the top of your to-do list. But putting it off creates a problem at the end of the year when there’s little time for changes to take effect. If you take the time to plan now, you’ll have six months for your actions to make a difference on your 2019 tax return. Here are some ideas to get you started. Know your upcoming tax breaks. Pull out your 2018 tax return and take a look at your income, deductions and credits. Ask yourself whether all these breaks will be available again this year. For example:Any changes to your tax situation will make planning now much more important. Are you expecting more income that will bump you

Effective Tax Planning Starts Now!

to a higher tax rate? Will increased income cause a benefit to phase out? Will any of your children outgrow a tax credit? Make tax-wise investment decisions. Have some loser stocks you were hoping would rebound? If the prospects for revival aren’t great, and you’ve owned them for less than one year (short-term), selling them now before they change to long-term stocks can offset up to $3,000 in ordinary income this year. Conversely, appreciated stocks held longer than one year may be candidates for potential charitable contributions or possible choices to optimize your taxes with proper planning. Adjust your retirement plan contributions. Are you still making contributions

based on last year’s limits? Maximum savings amounts increase for retirement plans in 2019. You can contribute up to $13,000 to a SIMPLE IRA, up to $19,000 to a 401(k) and up to $6,000 to a traditional or Roth IRA. Remember to add catch-up contributions if you’ll be 50 by the end of December! Plan for upcoming college expenses. With the school

year around the corner, understanding the various tax breaks for college expenses before you start doling out your cash for post-secondary education will ensure the maximum tax savings. There are two tax credits available, the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit. Plus there are tax benefits for student loan interest and

Coverdell Savings accounts. Add 529 college savings plans, and you quickly realize an educational tax strategy is best established early in the year. Add some business to your summer vacation. If you own a business, you might be able to deduct some of your travel expenses as a business expense. To qualify, the primary reason for your trip must be business-related. Keep detailed records of where and when you work, plus get receipts for all ordinary and necessary expenses! Great tax planning is a year-round process, but it’s especially effective at midyear. Making time now not only helps reduce your taxes, it puts you in control of your entire financial situation. Robert P. Sokoloff and Associates, PC, is a year

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • August 2019 • Page 7

Wayne Furniture Landmark Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary

1949

erbyshire’s Furniture is celebrating their 70th anniversary and is inviting everyone to join them in the fun! To show their gratitude and mark this momentous occasion, they will be hosting anniversary events from August 10

through August 18. The festivities will include refreshments every day, a wine and cheese party each weekend and terrific giveaways. Guests can enter to win gifts including awesome furniture, fun home accessories, gift cards and more! There

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is no purchase necessary and you do not need to be present when winners are announced on August 18. Please stop in to congratulate Derbyshire’s on this incredible milestone and enter to win some great prizes! Derbyshire’s Furniture was opened by Walter Derbyshire in 1949 in the same location on Rt. 23 that it stands today. For seventy years Walter’s family ran this Wayne landmark, starting exclusively with unfinished furniture and kitchen cabinets that were built on site. Later they started bringing in solid wood furniture from other manufacturers and, in the mid 1980s, adding custom finishing services. Derbyshire’s is now run by Walter’s grandson, Bob, and his wife and business partner,

Mary. Derbyshire’s showroom features two floors packed with very affordable, high-quality solid wood furniture in an incredible array of styles including modern, mid-century, industrial/reclaimed, traditional, mission, shaker and more. Almost every item is available in any finish you like or unfinished for DIYers and many pieces can be made in custom sizes for those hard-to-fit spaces. Derbyshire’s staining and painting services are very popular with today’s busy families and customers love having so many color and finish options available to fit their personal styles. Educated furniture shoppers today not only want fair pricing, good value and secontinued on page 8

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Pequannock Brothers Win Wrestling Championships

70th Anniversary...

continued from page 7

arch 10, 2019 marked a historic day in New Jersey Wrestling and Pequannock Township wrestling. This was the first time ever in the State of New Jersey that 3 brothers all won NJ State Wrestling Titles together on the same day. Vincent Anello - NJ State Champion 60 lbs. Jack Anello - NJ State Champion 50 lbs. Michael Anello - NJ State Champion 41 lbs. While doing so, the Anello Brothers also known as the A Team, achieved wrestling’s ultimate goal finishing with a perfect 19-0 combined record. Over the 19 matches they competed in (which included the NJ State Qualifiers and NJ State Championships), they did not allow a single point scored on them. Not only did the brothers make history in NJ Wrestling, they also made Pequannock Township history by all becoming our first and only 2X NJ State Champions to date. Over the past four seasons, the A Team has captured a combined 6 New jersey State Wrestling Titles representing Pequannock with class and excellent sportsmanship. The 3 brothers are coached by their father, Vince Anello Jr., co-owner of Freedom Fence in Pompton Plains, NJ. Congratulations to Vincent, Jack and Michael on all your outstanding success. Keep making Pequannock Township proud!

lection, they also want furniture that is healthy for their homes and families. Derbyshire’s takes this very seriously, considers the environmental and health impact of their products and does not carry any furniture made of artificial woods. Unlike furniture built with particleboard and MDF, which contains dangerous toxins, solid wood furniture is healthy and safe for your family and pets, can be refinished many times and lasts for generations. Come in to Derbyshire’s for their 70th anniversary celebration and see the difference yourself. You’ll wish you’d found this gem sooner! Derbyshire’s Solid Wood Furniture is located at 1267 Rt. 23. Visit their (soon-to-be revamped) website, www. derbyshires.com, to get an idea of the selection and find them on Facebook, Instagram, Yelp and Pinterest. Feel free to call them at 973-694-2108 to find out more!

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary? Have a human interest story? Email us at editor@newviewmg.com

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Brought to you by Dr. Matthew Krupnick, the owner of Pequannock Animal Hospital

What to Know About Sharing a Bed with Pets

ets provide companionship for thousands of people around the world, so it is understandable that pet owners want to be around their companion animals as much as possible - with many even welcoming them into their beds. According to PetMd, an online animal healthcare resource, around 80 percent of pet owners allow pets to share beds with human family members. Data from the American Pet Products Association has found at least half of all pet parents allow pets to sleep with them every night. Whether this is safe, healthy, or wise is a matter of debate. There are pros and cons to sharing a bed with pets. Understanding those pros and cons can help pet owners make more informed decisions.

Pro: Get into a relaxed state. Companion animals can help relieve stress, which may translate into better sleep for their owners. Some people find that the rhythmic breathing of dogs or cats can help lull them to sleep.

Con: Possible transmission of illness or zoonotic agents. Snuggling so close to a pet may put people at risk of acquiring illnesses that are transmitted from animal to human. In the past, MRSA skin infections and H1N1 influenza have been transferred from

pets to people. Pro: Pets are warm. If the goal is to get cozy under the covers, animals can provide a little extra warmth, as their body temperatures run a few degrees warmer than their owners’. Con: An extra body in bed can disturb sleep. Just as individuals may have trouble with a spouse or a child being in the bed next to them, pets can bring about the same disturbances. In a study from the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, 53% of pet owners surveyed said their pets disturbed their sleep in some way each night. Dogs that snore and cats that chase “prey” around the room can disturb their owners’ sleep. Pro: A deeper connection forms between pet and owner. Many pets like to be around their owners because it gives them continued on page 11

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • August 2019 • Page 11

Jersey Cares School Supply Drive

hroughout the summer months, Jersey Cares works alongside corporations, schools, and individual volunteers to prepare for the upcoming school year. Each year, thousands of New Jersey children attend their first day of school without basic educational tools such as backpacks, notebooks, and calculators, leaving these under-resourced students at a disadvantaged as they struggle to succeed academically. It can be extremely difficult for families to purchase new supplies year after year. With a goal to eliminate that struggle for families and students across New Jersey, Jersey Cares works to ensure that no child starts the school year off without the necessary supplies - bridging the gap between disadvantage and academic success. Volunteers are needed to help Jersey Cares reach their goal of donating 5,000 packed backpacks to schools, shelters, and community organizations across the state.

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Donating is easy and can even be done from the comfort of your home through their Amazon Wish List or online with YouGiveGoods. The Jersey Cares School Supply Drive runs until August 21st. All donation can be delivered or shipped to their office in Livingston. If your office, club, or group of friends would like to host a collection drive, please visit the Jersey Cares website at www.jerseycares.org/School_Supply_Drive for more information.

Jersey Cares, a nonprofit organization, established in 1993, recruits and engages volunteers in rewarding, effective efforts that address community-identified needs. They partner with local nonprofits to identify needs and implement volunteer projects to meet these needs providing individuals, families, corporate employees and community groups with a wide variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities.

Sharing a Bed with Pets... continued from page 10 reassurance and comfort that they are loved. Animals that were rescued or are anxiety prone may be especially comforted by snuggling in bed with their owners. Happy pets often make for happy owners. Con: It may cause behavioral problems. Dogs in particular may mistake sleeping in their owners’ beds as a sign of dominance. Some veterinarians suggest puppies that are more prone to issues with aggression may fully develop these behaviors if allowed to sleep with humans. At the very least, it is advisable to wait until dogs are trained and exhibiting good behavior for extended periods of time before allowing them to sleep in their owners’ beds. Pro: It’s a sign of trust. According to Victoria Stilwell, an internationally renowned dog trainer, dogs only sleep

with the people or dogs they trust. Therefore, dogs who like sleeping with their owners are exhibiting trust and recognizing the same from their owners. Whether or not to allow dogs or cats to share personal spaces like beds, is a decision pet owners have to make. It should be based on safety, comfort, and mutual agreement with any other bed partners. Dr. Matthew Krupnick is the owner of the Pequannock Animal Hospital. He grew up in Kinnelon and is happy to be home – with his wife, three cats, and two dogs – to provide quality and compassionate care for pets in the community. The Pequannock Animal Hospital is located at 591 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. You can reach the hospital by calling 973-616-0400.

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Historic Butler Museum Keeps History Alive

By Steve Sears or a history on anything Butler, New Jersey, a visit to the Butler Museum is recommended. In fact, you’ll need a few visits to really digest all that is displayed. The museum is located in an apropos spot: a 1888 former railroad freight house at 221 Main Street. Call it history at home within history itself. “It was in the early ‘60s that Ken Carpenter from the high school was getting together history fair projects and stuff like that,” says Ken Montanye, a Co-Chair and member of the Butler Museum and Historical Committee, as he explains how the museum was developed. “They had a building up by the high school that burned down and a lot of stuff was lost, and stuff was moved around. So, in 1976, for the Bicentennial, the opportunity came for the town to buy this building from the railroad, because they (the railroad) didn’t need it after the mid ‘60s because they had no more passenger service.” Mary Anne Holdsworth serves as the other Co-Chair of the museum, Cindy Sokoloff is Corresponding Secretary, Alan Bird Curator, Carolyn Mynett serves as Recording

Secretary, Remy Donnard is Sergeant at Arms, and they are aided by Sherry Bednar Mosier, Helen Ebers, and Board Liaison Bob Meier. The railroad’s decided loss was Butler’s gain. Although freight service still runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the museum reigns, four rooms full of a variety of Butler history. Montanye explains why it’s such a gem. “Because it’s history, and if you don’t preserve history, then it’s lost.” Need to check out some history in a Butler High School yearbook? You can do so in the Butler Museum in the Reference Room, the years represented are 1920 to the present. Want to learn more about Frederic Bartholdi’s (for whom Bartholdi Avenue is named) involvement with the building of the Statue of Liberty? You’ll learn a lot here, where original documents and models are on display. Famed inventor Thomas Alva Edison stayed in town at the Park Hotel, as did his son, William. Both of their signatures are in the hotel ledger book, as is Roy Roger’s, who stopped in town with his companion, Trigger. As you peruse all of this, former Mayor Richard Butler views the room in entirety from a framed wall photo.

Depending on interest, there is bound to be something here to be fascinated by, and maybe the opportunity to learn about something new.

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Lincoln Park Day – An Annual Community Celebration of Unity and Cooperation

By Melissa A. Kay eptember 28, 2019 will be a delightful day to celebrate all that the bustling borough of Lincoln Park, New Jersey so proudly represents. Bringing the residents of the community together in unity for tons of fun, festivities, and family-friendly activities, Lincoln Park Day will be held on Main Street and lower Chapel Hill Road. A rain date is scheduled for the 29th. Since 1992, this much-anticipated annual event has embraced all that Lincoln Park and its citizens hold dear, with free activities and entertainment, plenty of food, and so much more for all who attend. This fourth Saturday in September festival is artfully arranged and organized by the multiple members of the Lincoln Park Day Association, Inc. with the heartfelt support of the Borough Council. Members of the Lincoln Park Day Association include numerous volunteers representing non-profit organizations, beloved local businesses, and varied cultural enterprises who are happy to work together to bring forth a fantastic Lincoln Park Day each year. Participants organize as one to show their pride and passion for the Lincoln Park community, its many accomplishments and achievements, and to increase the public’s awareness of local resources. The annual Lincoln Park Day celebration first launched in 1992 to mark the town’s 70th anniversary, and the thrill still runs

high, as year after year, locals and visitors have embraced the excitement and carry on the longstanding tradition that is sure to continue into the future. Each year’s event is filled with lots of fun for the whole family, with so much to see and do throughout the day. As per secretary Rhonda Naidoff, “We rent the Showmobile from Morris Count Park Commission, there are inflatables for the kids, and have various types of entertainment throughout the day. Besides the local restaurants, we have other food vendors who come out for the day. All of the stage entertainment is provided by local artists and local groups who volunteer their time and talent. We have participating flea market vendors, local businesses, and organizations (from in and out of town) who set up tables at the event. They give away information about their businesses and have free activities to enjoy.” There will also be exhibitions and demonstrations, games, crafts, shopping, and other amusements for folks to partake in throughout the day. For those who choose to drive to the festivities, a large parking lot will be conveniently located right on the field at Chapel Hill Academy (31 Chapel Hill Road) and at the Lincoln Park train station parking lot as well. Expect to see plenty of familiar faces walking around taking in all the day’s to-dos and must-sees. Balloons will wave through continued on page 15

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Friends of the Kinnelon Library Annual Book & Media Sale

housands of gently used books and media, shelved by subject and author, go on sale August 23-26 (Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m. and Monday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Kiel Avenue Firehouse) with special sections for children’s books,

collector’s editions, classics and bestsellers. Books are sold at incredible bargain prices. For more information please call the Kinnelon Library at 973-838-1321, ext. #4, email friends.cll@kinnelonlibrary.org, or visit our website www.kinnelonlibrary.org.

Lincoln Park Day...

continued from page 14 the air and the smell of food will waft. In previous years, live animals were part of a look-and-learn activity, so plan to pet and take photos of some furry new friends. There will be plenty of room and time to walk around, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. All that walking will work up an appetite, so thankfully, the food will be delicious and hit the spot. If you’ve attended in the past, you know you are in for a treat. As for first-timers, this year’s Lincoln Park Day is sure to be the start of an annual tradition for you and your family and friends. Lincoln Park Day is not only time for plenty of outdoor fun, but a chance to connect and collaborate with the Lincoln Park

community. Come out for a well-spent Saturday to support the locals, meet up with old friends and make new ones, and celebrate all that is wonderful about Lincoln Park. It takes a team to put together this annual event, and even more like-minded individuals to make it a success. Stop by for an hour or make a full day of it. Hopefully the sun will shine and make the already-amazing day even more delightful. Everyone looks forward to another year of Lincoln Park love. For more information about the event, please visit the Lincoln Park Day website: www.lincolnpark.org/387/Lincoln-ParkDay.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary? Have a human interest story? Email us at editor@newviewmg.com

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Six Ways To Help Prevent Bullying

utting an end to bullying is everyone’s responsibility. Whether at home, school or elsewhere, it’s important that we’re proactive. Here are five ways that kids and parents can do their part. 1. Don’t be a bystander. It’s true that it takes a lot of courage to stand out from the crowd and defend a victim of bullying. After all, the risk is that you’ll become the next target simply for speaking up. But reporting bullying and being there for someone who needs it are actions you’ll be proud of for the rest of your life. 2. Stop sibling bullying at home. You may think it’s harmless, but it’s not. Disdainful eye rolling, relentless teasing, humiliating taunts, hitting and verbal abuse directed at a sibling can cause depression and anxiety. Make sure your home is a safe place for everybody who lives there. 3. Enlist the help of adults. If you see a need for increased adult supervision at high-risk times and places at school or at home, ask for help from a trusted adult. 4. Get on board with an anti-bullying campaign at school. These campaigns show kids that bullying is not cool and won’t be tolerated any longer. Make an anti-bullying banner and use social media to advertise

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the fact that you stand up against verbal and physical violence. 5. Parents: get involved. If your child is a victim of bullying, you need to take the situation seriously. Schools, the police and child psychology experts vigorously object to the belief that bullying is a childhood rite of passage. If the problem doesn’t stop, talk to the school authorities, and then to the police if there are no further improvements. At home, be vigilant about sibling bullying, and make it stop. 6. Pay attention to cyberbullying. Those who use cell phones, internet or other devices for social media interaction open themselves up to the latest form of bullying. Parents, be aware and get involved. Teach your child proper usage of these devices and reinforce that sending any text, message or photo that is cruel, hateful or threatening is as harmful as face to face bullying. Learn about the internet and pay attention to what your child is doing online. All users should be taught cyberethics and the law to prevent cyberbullying. Don’t be a victim. Don’t be a cyberbully. Bullying is no longer seen as a normal rite of passage for children; it’s a preventable behaviour that we can eradicate through education, awareness and action.

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Image Makers Printing and Sign Celebrates 35 Years in Business

mage Makers Printing and Sign company was started by owner Gino Nuzzo back in August of 1984. At the young age of 22 and with only 4 years of on the job training, he knew that he wanted to be his own boss. Starting out in the printing field at just 14 years old, he attended Passaic County Technical High School right here in Wayne and was immediately fascinated with graphic arts. After just one year starting the business out of his Mom’s garage in Pompton Lakes, the business which was quickly growing was moved to Wayne and has been there ever since. Image Makers has seen many changes in the printing industry including the high demand for full color printing. As much as print has evolved from the traditional offset presses (which they still have and run daily), the color digital print presses have evolved and can print hi-quality short run full color in record time. Booklets, brochures, business and postcards are run daily or overnight in most cases. Keeping up with industry changes over the years was quite the challenge, but over time, with state of the art equipment upgrades they have branched off in many directions including large format poster printing, blueprints and a full service sign shop including vehicle lettering, storefront signs and window graphics which are all produced in-house at the Route 23 location. continued on page 19

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Image Makers... continued from page 18 Throw in a complete screen shop business including shirts, hats, custom jackets and embroidery and you’ve got onestop shopping for anything at all that you need printed. In 35 years, you can bet they have seen many shops open and close within just a 5-mile radius, including some big box supply stores. How have they survived many storms and persevered for 35 years? “Our philosophy has always been to just always treat our customers like they are good friends and that is exactly what most have become to us. We thank all of our loyal customers for sticking with us and supporting small business. You are the reason for our success,” said owner Gino Nuzzo. Stop in soon with whatever project you may have, large or small, you won’t be disappointed.

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Bloomingdale Free Library Recognized for Their Family Literacy Program

By Steve Sears he Bloomingdale Free Public Library was recently recognized for its Family Literacy Program, as was local resident, Amtul Basit, who recently became a United States citizen, and cited the program for its aid. The event was held at the Workshop Meeting of the Governing Body of the Borough of Bloomingdale. “Ms. Amtul Basit was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Bloomingdale Free Public Library in recognition of her participation in the Family Literacy Program with congratulations on becoming a United States citizen,” says Patricia Perugino, Library Director. “The Family Literacy Program volunteers report their monthly attendance and activities to the library director. I reported to the Library Board Ms. Basit’s achievement and that the Mayor (Jonathan Dunleavy) offered to recognize her at a council meeting. The Board and I were ecstatic to acknowledge and award her with a plaque.” Basit presented the following speech that evening: “I wanted to pursue my United States citizenship status because it has always been a dream of mine and I wanted to vote. America is such a great country in that it offers life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. I have always valued the freedoms that America offers. I love this country and look forward to voting in the next election.” “The library’s Family Literacy Program has been a blessing. I was fortunate enough to have been matched with Maureen Howard as a tutor. Maureen, a retired nurse, has a lot of knowledge about American history. She worked very hard preparing me for the citizenship exam. English is not my first language, but Maureen put forth a lot of effort to help me understand the details of the language as well as providing me lots of materials to educate me on American history. Linda Bennett also did an amazing job of connecting me with Maureen and providing me ongoing support throughout the process.” “I can fully attest to what the amazing Family Literacy Program has to offer. My citizenship application was submitted in the summer of 2018 and my interview was in March of 2019. Throughout that 8-month process, having the support system of Linda and Maureen made all the difference and gave me much more confidence in my ability to pass the exam.”

“I appreciate everyone’s efforts and hope that we can inspire others to take the same steps towards their pursuit of becoming a U.S. citizen.” The Family Literacy Program - which Bennett helped found in the fall of 2017, who then was Children’s Programming Coordinator and is currently a Library Trustee - in 2018 held 66 classes for 97 students. Prospective students are first interviewed regarding their specific needs (such as filling out job or rental applications, banking, citizenship, etc.) prior to engaging in a constructive program. The highlight areas are English as a Second Language (ESL), Reading Skills, Writing Skills, High School Equivalency Preparation (GED), Basic Remedial Math, and U.S. Citizenship Exam Preparation. “Once we have a better idea of the needs of our students, we tailor our program accordingly. Matching

a student with a tutor is the next step, followed by an initial assessment of need. The student’s input into goal setting is vital in developing a specifically geared program for the individual student. The intent is to fine tune a specific plan using various materials and activities, ensuring they are realistic for the student’s skill level,” says Perugino. She also adds, “By way of background and according to the 2010 U.S. Census, more than 300 languages are spoken across the United States. One in five households do not speak English in the home. Every multilingual community benefits from this type of program.” The Bloomingdale Free Public Library is located at 101 Hamburg Turnpike. Visit www.bloomingdalelibrary.org or call (973) 838-0077.

What Travelers Should Know About Zika

s the weather warms and people take vacations from school and work, minds may shift to travel plans. Those with passports may find they can travel just about anywhere in the world to see the sights and soak up the culture of various lands. Travelers should be aware to keep safety in mind whenever traveling, especially as it pertains to personal health. The Zika virus remains a cause for concern when traveling to regions beyond North America. People who plan to travel overseas, especially those who are pregnant or immunocompromised, should take precautions against Zika, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Zika is a mosquito-borne disease that proliferates in damp, muggy climates, particularly along the Gulf Coast and areas of Latin America. Brazil was a notable epicenter of Zika activity in 2015. While the disease can be spread through mosquito bites, it also can be passed from person to person through sexual activity. The CDC says there is no vaccine to prevent infection with the Zika virus. While most people, even those bitten by an infected mosquito, may be fine and experience few to no symptoms at all, the disease is particularly scary for pregnant women. Zika can be passed to the fetus and cause various birth defects. It has been linked to microcephaly in

the unborn child, a condition in which the infant’s head is abnormally small and the brain is underdeveloped. The CDC offers a Zika Travel Information interactive map that shows current areas of outbreak, as well as past areas and those where Zika infection is unlikely. Anyone concerned about Zika is urged to visit wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ page/zika-travel-information to help determine safe travel destinations. For those who have just returned from a Zika-prone area, signs of the disease can include fever and rash, muscle and joint pain, headache, and conjunctivitis. Report any concerns to a doctor.

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Quick Family Meals Filled with Flavor

hen cooking for the family, don’t sacrifice flavor in order to create a quick meal. Mouthwatering recipes can be at your fingertips with simple, tasty twists on family favorites for the dinner table. Consider Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa featuring Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets or a READ 3 Bean and Steak Salad to make dishes without delay the whole household can enjoy. For more fast, family-friendly dinner ideas, visit auntnellies.com and READsalads.com. (Family Features)

Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa Prep time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 Pickled Beet Salsa: 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets 2 tablespoons chopped red onion 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/3 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon jalapeno mustard 4 soft flour tortillas (6 inches) 2 cups fresh arugula 2 cups chopped cooked rotisserie chicken (hot or cold) 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese To make Pickled Beet Salsa: Drain beets;

chop. In medium bowl, combine beets, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. In small bowl, stir together sour cream and mustard; set aside. On one half of each tortilla, place equal amounts Pickled Beet Salsa, arugula, chicken and cheese. Top with dollops of mustard-sour cream. Fold over.

oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt. In skillet, cook steak 4 minutes on each side, or to desired doneness. Remove from pan. Allow steak to rest 10 minutes, covered lightly with aluminum foil; slice. In bowl, combine arugula and herbs with bean salad. Toss gently to combine. To make dressing: In small bowl, whisk oil, yogurt, lemon juice, horseradish, salt and pepper. Set aside. Whisk again before serving. Divide salad between two plates. Top evenly with steak slices. Drizzle dressing over salads.

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Simple Summer Dessert

njoy your summer with fresh fruit like strawberries in this Easy Strawberry Shortcake recipe. Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net. (Family Features) Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe courtesy of Pillsbury 1 can (5-8) Pillsbury flaky buttermilk biscuits

Separate biscuits. Dip tops and sides of biscuits in melted butter. Dip biscuits, covering tops and sides, in sugar. Place sugar-side up on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 13-17 minutes, or until golden brown. To make strawberry mixture: In medium bowl, mix strawberries and sugar. Set aside. To make whipped cream: In small bowl, beat whipping cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and beat into mixture. On plate, split biscuits and put dollop of whipped cream mixture on bottom half of biscuit. Add strawberry mixture. Replace biscuit top and dollop with whipping cream.

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Pequannock Valley Rotary Club: Serving Others with Passion

By Michele DiPasquale stablished by charter in 1953, Pequannock Valley Rotary (PVR) is a local branch of Rotary International - a worldwide service organization of more than 1.2 million professional men and women who are dedicated to helping others.

Serving the large and densely populated communities of Pequannock, Lincoln Park, and Riverdale, Pequannock Valley Rotary’s motto proclaims “Service Above Self.” Like Rotary International, PVR’s mission is to build goodwill and provide humanitarian services, support education, provide clean water, fight disease, encourage high ethical

standards in all vocations, grow local economies, ensure the growth of community outreach, and work toward making the world a better place. In only just the last two years, Pequannock Valley Rotary has been significantly engaged in a vast number of continued on page 25

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Rotary Club...

continued from page 24 events, as shared by Mr. Jay Wanczyk of Pequannock Valley Rotary. “We are one of the larger and more dynamic Rotary clubs in our district – I’m not bragging – that’s what other Rotary clubs say about us,” he said. Among PVR’s many accomplishments, it has worked with the “Save-A-Life” program, a fund that’s provided state of the art ballistic (bullet-proof) vests to Pequannock, Lincoln Park, and Riverdale First Aid Squads, Police and Fire Departments. PVR has an annual scholarship program to merited high school seniors for college or technical schools, has worked with a highly successful after-school program for children in Paterson, NJ, and hosts a Veterans’ Appreciation Lunch where hundreds of veterans are honored from all local towns to give thanks for their service. Pequannock Valley Rotary hosts an annual charity 5K Run/Walk, as well as a Dictionary and Literacy Program in which all third-graders - in both public and private schools in all three towns PVR serves - receive dictionaries thanks to a grant received by PVR in order to help promote literacy. Pequannock Valley Rotary hosts a summer food drive by placing bins in several locations in town to benefit the PVR Food Pantry to families in need. PVR hosts a fundraiser with a golf outing in which resources were raised for Community Partners in Hope, Market Street Mission, and Good Shepherd mission, all in areas PVR helps to serve. PVR also supported the Columbia Bank Charity golf outing, the Lincoln Park PBA golf outing, the Pequannock PBA golf outing, and the Pequannock

Off

Township First Aid Squad with a Tricky Tray donation. PVR supported Madison Rotary’s Hunger 3.6 event and supplied food for those in need, as well as the “Fighting Pretty” fundraiser cruise around Manhattan to benefit those battling breast cancer. PVR has donated funds toward local Eagle Scout projects - one of which aims to recreate the area around the Historic Pompton Plains Station Museum - and donated funds to build a storage shed by the bleachers at the Pequannock Township High School field for band props and equipment. PVR built and donated benches and storage cabinets for the New City Kids mentoring program in Paterson, as well as a Girl Scout Bronze award project in Lincoln Park to improve their dog park. PVR members also attend and support the Boys Club and Girls Club dinner dances. Internationally, Pequannock Valley Rotary participated in the Gift of Life annual meeting in which thousands of dollars were donated to pay for the cost of life-saving heart surgery equipment to those in need overseas. PVR also continues to support the Massai Girls Fund which sponsors an educational opportunity for girls and to work toward ending child slavery. Pequannock Valley Rotary contributes to and participates in Grains of Hope, becoming the largest single contributor of food that went to both NJ and overseas to Haiti. Rotary members believe in a shared responsibility to take action toward the world’s most persistent issues, and work to help to enhance health, stability, and prosperity across the globe.

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Garden State Fondo 2019 Will Remember Life of Founder Marty Epstein

By Greg Ziegler s summer fades and the calendar turns to September, it’s time again for the Garden State Fondo (formerly the NJ Gran Fondo) held annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day since 2011. The Garden State Fondo is a one day bicycle ride that begins on the Green in Morristown and travels the most scenic and bucolic roads that North Jersey has to offer. This year the organizers expect over 2,500 participants, making it one of the largest Gran Fondos in the country, with riders from over 30 states as well as participants from other countries. The term “Gran Fondo” is loosely translated from Italian to mean “big ride” and this year’s event really lives up to the name. This year’s edition of the Garden State Fondo offers five different routes designed to accommodate riders of every level. There is a double metric century of 200 miles named the “Estremo”; the traditional “Gran” route of 107 miles; the “Medio” route of 75 miles, which was named one of the best rides in NJ by the editors of Bicycle Magazine; the “Piccolo” route of 42 miles; and the “Breve” route of 18 miles. The Garden State Fondo is designed to offer participants the opportunity to enjoy a day of cycling on some of the most scenic roads New Jersey has to offer. For those riders who enjoy a little competition while on the bike, all the routes, (aside from the Breve), offer timed climbs where riders can challenge themselves and com-

pete with other riders for designation as King or Queen of the Mountain, via a point system. Other than these timed sections riders are encouraged to simply ride and enjoy the scenery and support as there is no special award for finishing first. Each route provides support stations strategically located along the course. Along with the standard fare provided to cyclists, this year’s rest stops will offer wood-fired pizza, affogatos (a shot of espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream) cannoli’s, s’mores, and a number of other items not typically found at ride support stations. The Garden State Fondo was established by Marty Epstein (of Marty’s Reliable Cycle) whose vision was to showcase the amazing riding that is available in northern New Jersey by creating a fun and challenging cycling event and to also be able to give back to the community. Epstein passed away earlier this year. The Garden State Fondo has raised over $1.25 million dollars for both local and national charities. One of the beneficiaries of this year’s event will be the Raritan Headwaters Association, a non-profit conservation organization that protects water in our rivers, streams, and homes. The Garden State Fondo covers over 140 miles of roads through 25 different municipalities in Morris, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties. Routes will go through Morristown, Chester, Mendham, Bernardsville, Far Hills,

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Peapack, Gladstone, Pottersville, Tewksbury, Califon, Clinton, Pittstown, Milford, Spruce Run, Long Valley, Randolph, and Morris Plains. The organizers work diligently with local authorities to secure the permits necessary to ensure the safety of both the cyclists, and the citizens, of each town the ride passes through. New Jersey has a long and distinguished place in the history of cycling with races being held throughout the state in the late 1800s and continuing into the 1900s with the Tour de Somerville which held its inaugural race in 1940. The Garden State Fondo is a terrific addition to the history and legacy of New Jersey cycling. For riders registered for the event the Garden State Fondo is offering training rides on Sundays that leave from Marty’s Reliable in Morristown, and from Strictly Bicycles in Fort Lee. More information on registration and additional details about the event can be found on the Garden State Fondo website at www.granfondonj.com/. Bike rentals are available for those riders who have the inspiration but not the equipment. There is a ride and a route for everyone and no reason not to participate in this year’s edition of the Garden State Fondo. Ride the long route, ride the short route, or ride one of the medium routes, but just ride.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • August 2019 • Page 27

Paper Mill Trained Actress, Ali Stroker, Makes Tony Awards History By Stefanie Sears

li Stroker made history at the 73rd Annual Tony Awards hosted by James Corden at Radio City Music Hall on June 9. She was the first person who uses a wheelchair to ever be nominated and receive a Tony Award for acting, winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Ado Annie Carnes in the reimagined 2019 Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Also nominated alongside her in the category was Lilli Cooper as Julie Nichols in Tootsie, Amber Gray as Persephone in Hadestown, Sarah Stiles as Sandy Lester in Tootsie, and Mary Testa as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma! Past notable credits of Stroker’s include being a finalist on The Glee Project, a guest star on“Glee, originating the role of Anna in Deaf West’s 2015 revival of Spring Awakening, and playing Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 2011 at Paper Mill Playhouse, where she had trained in the Summer Musical Theater Conservatory program. At the Tony Awards, Stroker performed Ado Annie’s solo number I Cain’t Say No and then Oklahoma with the rest of the cast. Much like the liberated Ado Annie, she is unapologetically herself. At age 2, Stroker suffered injuries from a car accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down due to a spinal

cord injury. Finding it difficult to participate in extracurricular and athletic activities growing up, she discovered at age 7 that she could act and sing just like anyone else. She starred in a fun backyard production of Annie, directed by her 12-year-old neighbor Rachel Antonoff. For the first time, she was in control of why people were looking at her. She was powerful because she was a star. Originally from Ridgewood, Stroker attended New York University to study drama. Though she has faced some difficulty in the busy city, such as being unable to hail a cab, managing New York gave her the confidence to handle any surroundings. When she was first cast as Ado Annie, the Circle in the Square Theatre was not equipped for someone with a wheelchair to get onstage. On Tony Award night, Stroker waited in the wings of the stage when her category was being announced, wearing a yellow gown created by Antonoff, now a fashion designer. Stroker’s victory raises awareness and makes the need for representation and accessibility for those with disabilities that much more apparent. Upon receiving her award, Stroker lifted up her trophy, stared into the camera, and while trying to hold back tears, said, “This award is for every kid watching tonight who has a disability, who has a limitation, or a challenge, who has been waiting to see themselves represented in this arena. You ARE.”

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This statement was met with applause and cheers, with a very determined and satisfied Stroker nodding at the camera with a smile forming on her face.

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Seeing Eye Unveils $7.6 Million Renovation

By Jason Cohen non-profit organization that provides specially bred and trained dogs to guide people who are blind recently unveiled a $7.6 million renovation. On June 13, The Seeing Eye held a dedication ceremony for the newly completed Robert H. Harris Canine Pavilion on its Washington Valley Campus in Morris Township. The state-of-the-art kennel upgrade took approximately 18 months to complete. The Golden Dome Foundation, a Middletown based 501(c)3 non-profit organization, donated $2 million in memory of its founder, Dr. Robert H. Harris. Harris is the late husband of the organization’s President, Mary Ellen Harris. The Harris’ created the foundation in 2015, to support charitable causes. Dogs at The Seeing Eye campus were previously housed in two separate buildings, one that had become outdated. The new structure combines the living quarters, and gives all dogs direct access to covered all-weather exercise areas. The facility was designed to be open and airy, allow for an abundance of natural light, state-of-the-art

ventilation and air exchange systems, heated floors, newly designed dog grooming and food prep areas and much more. When creating the new space, research was done that specifically was aimed at increasing stimulation and a sense of well-being, making the dogs feel more comfortable, and improving the success of the overall program. Peggy Gibbon, director of canine development at the Seeing Eye, feels the renovation will benefit the dogs and the staff. “The kennel is great,” Gibbon said. “We’re very excited to have this new facility. I think it’s going to be a great living quarters and a nice place for the staff to work.” She told the Morristown News that residents and elected officials praised the organization for the recent upgrade. “I think the community has been very positive about it and happy to see the new facilities,” Gibbon said. The Seeing Eye was founded in 1929 and allows blind people to experience enhanced mobility and independence and to retain their active lifestyles despite blindness. The Seeing Eye is a 501(c) 3 non-profit supported by contributions from individuals, cor-

porations and foundations, bequests, and other planned gifts. If you would like more information on The Seeing Eye, visit the

website at www.SeeingEye.org, call (973) 539-4425, or email info@seeingeye.org.

The Humane Rescue Alliance and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center Announce Merger

he Humane Rescue Alliance of Washington, DC, and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center of Madison, announced that the organizations are merging to create the first regional, community-based, multi-state animal welfare organization in the nation. The combined group will provide direct rescue and care of animals in need, cruelty investigations and local animal control services, robust regional community support programs that allow pets to stay with their families, and a premier transport program that invests in partner communities to solve pet overpopulation sustainably and nationwide. The merger will leverage and export the strengths of its founding organizations, which rest on the professional competence of their staffs and the depths of their roots in their communities. Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of the Humane Rescue Alliance and a nation-

ally-recognized leader in animal welfare, will lead the combined organization as President and CEO. “By unifying two industry-leading organizations, we are building an alliance that can tackle the systemic challenges facing animals in our region and beyond, with the goal of saving more lives,” said LaFontaine. In 2016, LaFontaine oversaw the merger of the Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League, resulting in the formation of the Humane Rescue Alliance – the first unified organization in a major urban area to provide all the animal welfare programs and services to the community. “The merger of WHS and WARL was never a final destination. Rather, it was an expression of the imperative that animal welfare organizations must work more collaboratively, and rather than compete, they should share a sense of responsibility for

the overall population of vulnerable animals,” LaFontaine added. “The future of animal welfare is about cooperation, consolidation, a deepening of community support, and the sensible balancing of resources and animal populations between partnering animal welfare groups.” St. Hubert’s WayStation program has emerged as a best-in-class animal transport program, creating unprecedented collaboration among shelter organizations to address animal population disparities between communities, and to provide a critical lifeline in times of natural and manmade disasters. The combined organization will invest further in the WayStation program and will continue to connect communities that have extra capacity for placing and caring for homeless animals with communities where animal overpopulation remains a significant problem. The WayStation program is a vehicle for animal welfare groups

to increase their collective capacity to address the challenges facing people and animals in their respective communities. According to LaFontaine, “By enriching the organizations on both ends of animal transports, we can weave a safety net for animals in every corner of the country. Today is a happy day for HRA, St. Hubert’s, and our 83 partner organizations throughout the nation.” The merger was initiated by conversations between LaFontaine and Heather Cammisa, the long-time CEO of St. Hubert’s whose vision and dedication enabled the organization to become a regional powerhouse. It has been approved by unanimous votes of both the HRA and St. Hubert’s boards of directors, and the organizations have been working at the leadership level for the past several months to lay the groundwork for a smooth and efficient combination.

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@newviewmg.com

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Giving Homes a Face Lift:

Magnolia Home Remodeling Group Does it All

By, Dawn M Chiossi home is much more than a house. It is much more than four walls, a foundation, and rooms. Much more than just a place to eat and flop down for the night, homes are often an extension of the people who live in them. At their best, homes can be a place for family dinners, a place to binge-watch favorite shows, a hub for sociability, or just a comforting oasis away from the world. Homes are an investment, literally and figuratively. It is often said that people do not own their homes--their homes own them. Even though the saying is often uttered off the cuff, there is a nugget of truth in it. The best homes give off good vibes. Everyone strives to make their home be a place of comfort, a place that is both restful and pretty. They aim to make their home a place where they can enjoy their solitude as well as the company of others. It is a fact that, invariably with time, homes will deteriorate. As every homeowner knows, there will be wear and tear on them; they will need improvements, renovations, and refurbishments. In time, people may decide to do a home makeover, or even make improvements to sell it. In all of these instances, their homes will need a kind of face lift. When this happens, people need to put their house and home into the hands of trusted professionals to rejuvenate it for whatever purpose they need. Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is just such a business. Founded in 1995, Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is a New Jersey Home Remodeling & Home Improvement Contractor. Located at 1640 Vauxhall Rd in Union Township, these hard workers seek to help their customers make their home its best. Whether customers would like their homes to go the nip and tuck route, or seek to have a showstopper of a home, Magnolia Homes strives to make them as pretty as a magnolia

and several times as strong. Serving areas in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties, Magnolia Home can do it all. They specialize in both interior and exterior remodeling in the New Jersey area. With over 25 years of industry experience, they are a licensed New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor. This family owned business was founded by brothers-in-law and partners, Vic Fiore and Chris Fontana. For this close-knit staff, family pride and reputation is everything. At Magnolia Home Remodeling Group, they take pride in their work as well as their business. Fully insured and licensed, Magnolia Home Remodeling is a full-service business. They specialize in installing vinyl siding, roofing, and windows, as well as kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling. They also offer porch remodeling, decks, masonry, patios, additions, levels and more. Additionally, they offer a variety of affordable product choices to fit any budget. They facilitate affordable, no-hassle financing to help their customers. They also offer custom options to cap off the look of the home to make it unique to homeowners. Offering the best in customer service, Magnolia Home seeks to make their customers feel comfortable and satisfied with their progress throughout the home projects. They stress communication, workmanship, professionalism and so much more. According to Fiore, “We describe this business as family owned and operated. I chose to work in this industry because I enjoy working with people. Every home project is so different that it makes every day new and exciting,” he says. The same sentiment is echoed by Fontana, “I didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day, I wanted to work with people. They have their own personalities and the work is different every day.” It’s all paramount at Magnolia Home.

They ask that all homeowners be present at the consultation so everyone is on the same page, and will have confidence in Magnolia and the job they are doing with their home. “We give the personal touch to each job,” Fontana says, “We sit down with everyone so that nothing gets lost in translation. We are always available for our customers.” Knowing that a home improvement job can be scary for their clients, Fontana explains that they strive to make their customer’s experience a positive one. “That includes taking pride in the level of workmanship and transparency, having a real relationship with the customers and making sure that the customers have trust in the project,” he tells. “The customers in turn, appreciate what we do.” For the owners of this family contracting business, having respect, professionalism, and consistency is key. Not only for their customers, but to build a stellar reputation as well. For them, it is all in the details. Even something as simple as cleaning up when the job is finished creates a positive and lasting impression on homeowners. With consistent five-star ratings, Magno-

lia Home Remodeling Group has even been named a Super Service Award Winner for several years running from Angie’s List. They have many repeat customers as well. The reason for that lies in their customer service and desire to make homeowners happy. When a question needs answering, or someone has a concern, it is guaranteed that they will speak to an owner. “I’d use them again,” is something people say over and over again. Magnolia Home Remodeling Group fervently believes in giving back to the community as well. The company was even featured on TV’s George to the Rescue on April 27th, when they lent more than a hand to Union County’s Munt Family. The family suffered a terrible tragedy on Thanksgiving in 2017 when husband and father, 46-year-old Alex Munt passed away suddenly from a heart attack. The community quickly rallied around the family doing all they could to help, and that included George to the Rescue and Magnolia Home Remodeling Group. They jumped right in to help the family with their home continued on page 31

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • August 2019 • Page 31

Magnolia Home Remodeling... continued from page 30 improvements by giving the house a total makeover. Magnolia Home not only donated construction supplies and labor for the project, they were the lead contractor as well. “We are proud to be able to do this,” Fontana enthuses. “To take the worry and the risk out of a job for our clients. It is an honor.” Fontana mentions they have also worked on projects for the Make A Wish

Foundation and in South Jersey helping a disabled child. They also work on a regular basis with police, firemen, and first responders to use their talents and skills to make their lives a little better. That’s what it’s all about for the owners of Magnolia Home. Perhaps nothing demonstrates this more than a memory Fontana shares. “There was a widow whose husband had just recently passed. Her house needed work, and her money was understandably

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tight. She had been suspicious and hesitant to work with us at first because she’d had a bad experience with another contractor.” Undaunted, Magnolia Home Remodeling set out to help. “We worked with her,” Fontana explains. “Starting out, she had been very affected by her previous experience. We understood that, took everything into consideration, and went above and beyond to change it for her.” Check them out on Yelp, Angie’s List, Bet-

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