Black River Life Nov. 2022

Chester-Based Artist Talks Inspiration, Method, and More

By Alexander Rivero

According to family lore, during church service one Sunday morning in 1973, Jon Collins— then a restless three-year-old—was being a little more difficult than his usual self. He refused to sit still and was testing the limits of his mother’s patience. Running out of ideas, she reached down into her purse and pulled out a pencil and some paper for Jonathan to doodle, and about an hour later, she was startled at what he managed to do.

“I don’t exactly know what I drew but she was very, very impressed,” says Collins, now 52, living in Chester, and hard at work adding to his already impressive collection of stunning watercolors. “From that day on I started drawing each day, and I still haven’t stopped.”

By ten, Collins was painting, and by fifteen he was committed to being the best painter he could be. Years of studying his craft helped him develop a more sensitive eye for the things in his daily surroundings that would later serve as the subjects of his paintings: nature, faces, light, and the games that light played with color.

“From my earliest days, I didn’t necessarily see painting as a difficulty,” says Collins. “But if I did have an obstacle early on, it was in taking on a medium [watercolors] that people don’t always see as a fine art outside of some of the greats, like Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, and Albrecht Durer.”

Through daily discipline, steady travel, a gradual refinement of his touch, and his voracious reading of the lives of the great masters, Collins began to see genuine progress not only in his own work, but in his belief in the things that brought him inspiration. Now more secure in his vision for what he sought to accomplish as artist, his eye became the portal through he sifted his daily reality. He grew comfortable with drinking up the beauty of his encounters in the real-world and recasting them on his canvas.

“As an artist, you have to remain fully open to the world, to the things that catch your eye and make the hair stand up on the back of your neck,” says Collins. “And as a painter, I have to contend with the questions of: how can I place this image that has inspired me into a blank rectangle? How do I condense it and keep the pearl?”

To help him in his preparation for painting, he

“I do this all the time,” says Collins, “and especially when I’m working on a portrait. I’ll draw, say, the back of the head from all angles.”

His leave-no-stone-unturned approach to his prepwork is Collins’ way of getting to the very truth of his subject.

“A lot of people think of art as a beautiful scene on a canvas, pretty,” says Collins. “But when I do a portrait, for example, I’m trying to find the very essence of my subject. It’s simply not enough to paint their likeness. I want to capture what they’re all about, their dreams, their fears. I try to get that in the layer upon layer I apply, and with each layer, you realize that what you’re doing is filtering that subject out through your own consciousness.”

Collins’ portraits are, indeed, striking. Rich in color and detail, and with dramatic renderings of light and shadow, each is an extraordinary testament to his pursuit of his subject’s deeper essence. Given his layering approach, in which the final portrait is not one but several versions of the subject distilled into one final meta-representation, one might say that these portraits are truer renditions of the subjects than a photograph.

Among the subjects in Collins’ portraits are Jack Kerouac, Walt Whitman, a former work colleague, a rabbi, a young girl, and infant, a mother and child. This

is not

all his works, however, it is the portrait which is Collins’ favorite genre.

“I really do prefer the portraits,” he says. “I love meeting different people that speak to me with their face. Not just someone that’s unusual, or pretty or handsome. What I’m looking for is whether I can—how do I say this?—whether I can see their soul in their face, you know? I want to catch eternity in the moment. I echo Van Gogh’s hopes that my portraits could serve as apparitions of their subjects a hundred years from now.”

For more information on Jonathan Collins and his artwork, please visit his website: www.jonathancollinsart.com, or find him on Facebook at Jonathan Collins Paintings.

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to mention the painting of pines before a fading pastel dusk, a view of a home during a snowstorm, a detailed glimpse of a side of the cathedral in Amiens, France, and a host of others. Out of

carries a camera and sketchbook everywhere he goes and photographs whatever it is he sees that inspires him from a variety of different angles and positions.

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material that is bonded to your own teeth. They can eliminate gaps, straighten crooked teeth, and brighten your smile. They are a great way to “freshen-up” aging teeth and rejuvenate them.

The traditional material is porcelain, while this article will discuss resin. Porcelain is stronger, more durable, and more resistant to discoloration over time. Resin may require more maintenance and will wear down faster. It will discolor more than porcelain will, but not in the short term.

What is resin? Resin is also known as composite. When you have a white filling placed by your dentist, they are using resin.

It is a pliable material that hardens when a blue light is applied and activates it.

The main reason why patients will opt for resin veneers over porcelain veneers is cost. They are approximately one-half of the investment. So you can still walk away with a gorgeous new smile for half of the money! Just note the trade-off is potentially more maintenance with time, and a higher chance of darkening years down the road.

Another advantage of resin veneers over

Morris

porcelain is the number of appointments: porcelain veneers require 2 appointments, while resin requires only one.

There are times additional procedures will be necessary before veneers can be performed, whether porcelain or resin. Cavities, damage to other teeth, and infections are examples.

The transformations we see in people’s lives from the results provided by veneers is one reason why we love providing this service for our patients. Reasons abound why patients undergo the treatment: increase self-confidence, improve social relationships, or increase employment opportunities.

Be careful to select a dentist who has had extensive training for veneers. It is easy to miss critical factors that can affect the long-term success of your investment. Dr. Goldberg has performed this service for many patients over his 27 years as a dentist, and is extremely experienced with cosmetic dentistry.

Patients who would not be candidates for veneers include people who currently

have crowns or multiple fillings, periodontal (gum) disease, and poor oral hygiene. Whitening might be an alternative.

If you would like a personal, generalized assessment to see if you’d be a candidate for veneers, give us a call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Goldberg. We’d be more than happy to listen to your goals and discuss additional details with you!

About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been a dentist for 27 years, and maintains an extremely well-respected practice in Succasunna, NJ. He performs general dentistry procedures, cosmetic procedures, as well as dental implant procedures. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Scholar of the Dawson Academy for Complete Dentistry. He is also a lecturer in the field of implantology. To schedule a consultation, please call his office at 973-328-1225 or visit his website at www. MorrisCountyDentist.com

fillings, Invisalign, dentures,

treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings,

more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.

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By Steve Sears

James Townsend talks about the humble beginnings of Long Valley’s JRT Bees. “I was only going to start a few colonies; it was just to get some honey for me, my friends, and my family. Then, I just decided to start a nice little business.”

Townsend purchased two nucleus colonies in the fall of 2019, and started in April 2020. The result was a little bit of honey, but also a lot of learning. “I got those two colonies through that first winter, which is really hard,” he says.

In 2021, the initial two colonies turned into seven colonies – and about 250 pounds of honey, which Townsend sold to Ort Farms, and they in turn sold it locally. This year, those seven colonies doubled to 14, and he is closing in on 900 pounds of honey as his third year concludes. He still sells his honey to Ort Farms, and in August also set up a table at the Fireworks, Food Truck and Green Festival at Long Valley Middle School. Townsend, who attended both West Morris Central High School in Chester and County College of Morris in Randolph, will also have his honey sold at Long Valley Pharmacy this winter. A member of the Raritan Valley Beekeepers Association, he has a JRT Bees self-serve stand in front of his home at 40 Parker Road in Long Valley.

Bees and the act of beekeeping have been a fascination of Townsend’s since he was a youngster. “I grew up on Ort Farms,” he says. “My father used to take me, and they’ve always had bees. I remember as a kid going down and talking to beekeepers, and getting big chunks of honey.”

In 2002, his boss started with two colonies of his own, with Townsend pitching in to help, and in 2019, Townsend decided to take his own interest to a new level. “Before the whole pandemic and everything, I studied for a year

and a half reading books, and YouTube was really big,” he says. Then came the two nucleus colonies purchased from Beehive Barn in Cranbury, and what would become JRT Bees was up and running.

Townsend has one apiary, which is located behind his home. A bear fence surrounds it, for obvious reason. Two things can significantly harm bee colonies, bears and Varroa mites, but thus far neither have plagued Townsend and his bees. “The Varroa mites are number one,” Townsend says regarding his primary concern. “I test for Varroa mites, and I’ve been able to keep the numbers low enough with some natural organic products that they have on the market.” As for wildlife, deer and raccoons have been curious enough to approach the fenced in apiary, but the lone bear Townsend has spotted hasn’t been an issue. “I think he could probably hear a little clicking or he could sense the electric fence maybe. He hasn’t gone near it yet, but I stay vigil, because I’ve been here since 2003, and never ever have I seen a bear on our property until now.”

Townsend is looking to expand his JRT Bees operation. Ort Farms has invited him to place colonies on their farm, and he also has friends five miles from his home who are interested in placing some colonies on their fenced in property. “I’m looking to expand a little bit more,” he says. “It was a lot of work this year, just doing the seven and that turning into 14. I don’t really even know what the plan is for spring yet, because it’s hard. They want to expand, they want to breed and swarm, and it’s hard to keep them tame.”

Another challenge for Townsend is his job as a carpenter, and how he works his profession while tending to his bees. “Springtime – April, May, and June – I literally had to take off one to two days per week to concentrate on the bees, and

you have to do it in the middle of the day,” he says. “When you’re working with the bees, it’s got to be warm and sunny, no rain. On the nicest days, I’m working on the bees instead of building decks and the other stuff that I’ve been doing. It’s been a little juggling act.”

dental group

James Townsend can be found amongst his hives as he tends to his bee colonies

Change Your Genes Everyday Yep…

I’m Referring to Your Genes Not Your Jeans

few days as well, but that’s a discussion for another time and another day.

You have probably been taught that the genes you are born with are yours for life. You excuse things like your angry behaviors, high blood pressure or your weight on your genetics. My patients often tell me that their illnesses are genetic, and because of that they can’t do anything about it. What if I told you that isn’t completely true? What if I told you that changing the way you think can actually change your life? That might sound like fantasy to some, but it’s true! I know, I know… now you feel like you’ve been living a lie, but it’s time to wake up!! Check this out… Research shows that those who practice Meditation/Yoga can “steer” their DNA, reducing inflammation and reducing their risks for diseases like cancer.

You may be asking how in the heck is that possible? Let’s break it down…

Our bodies have a sympathetic nervous system and a parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) aka “fight or flight” response is

activated by stressful situations. Historically this fight or flight response was needed for survival in the wild. For example, when being chased by an animal the SNS kicks in and all functions that are not needed for immediate survival (i.e digestion…) are shut down. Among other processes, the body speeds up, heart pumps faster, the muscles contract and the brain is more alert. Activating the SNS also triggers the production of a molecule called Nuclear factor Kappa b (NF-Kb), which is responsible for our gene expression. During this process NF-Kb activates genes that release cytokines. These cytokines are responsible for producing inflammation on a cellular level. During a life/ death event this is actually helpful short -term. However, in modern day life this same sequence of events occurs due to every-day stressors (that weren’t present in our early ancestors lives). Things like traffic, work-related stress and finances trigger this same “fight or flight” response, causing the same cascade of events that lead to increased NF-Kb and increased release of cytokines. In fact, just thinking about that stressful situation you had earlier will cause the same cascade of events to take place. Most people in

today’s society are living in a constant “fight or flight” state. This long- term “exposure” to these cytokines are linked to cancer, premature aging, mental disorders (including anxiety and depression) and other diseases.

On the other hand, it has been found that practicing yoga/meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS, known as the “rest and digest” state, is the way that the body should be functioning normally. In this natural state, the heart rate slows down, blood pressure decreases and digestion takes place. Studies show that practicing Meditation/Yoga, specifically, reduce NF-Kb, therefore turning off the genes that release the cytokines, which in turn reduces the inflammatory response and therefore prevents premature aging and diseases like cancer. This is all happening on the molecular level! You can actually leave a molecular signature on your cells to regulate your own gene expression! Boom… and there you have it! Now all you have to do is start Meditating to experience the benefits for yourself!

For more information about Acupuncture, contact Mount Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973-527-7978.

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By Elsie Walker

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Platinum Minds Helps Young Men Become Leaders

In 2004, Yvette Long read an article in a newspaper about the number of boys in New Jersey losing their lives to drive-by shootings and other homicides. Long saw “[There] was a loss of talent, God given ability.” She thought “how do we help them see they have the ability to make positive change?” She was inspired to do something about it. The result is that 15 years ago, she started Platinum Minds. It is a program for young men ages 13-17 from underdeveloped communities which helps them with leadership skills and education. The idea is not only to help the scholars (which is what they call the participants in the program) but their communities. “It’s great if you help these young men, but it’s even better to help them make their communities better,” said Long. A non-profit organization, Platinum Minds is headquartered in Chester with meetings in Morristown (though since the pandemic they have had their meetings and events virtually). Recently, Long, the director of Platinum Minds, talked about the organization.

Long remembers going through pages of paper when trying to come up with a name which would signify the work of the nonprofit. “Minds of Gold” and “Minds Better Than Gold” were two of those considered,

but they weren’t quite right. Then, it came to mind: Platinum was a premium metal. The name “Platinum Minds” was born.

To apply to join Platinum Minds, a young man must not do drugs or alcohol, want to do well in academics, be recommended to the program, have a 2.7 GPA, and be from a struggling community in New Jersey. Then, they are interviewed to see if they will be accepted into the program. Once in the program, scholars stay with it until they graduate high school.

The program runs from September to June. The scholars meet twice a month and learn skills such as problem-solving, giving presentations/speaking in front of a group, entrepreneurship, and more. Special speakers are brought in once a month to discuss topics, including careers the scholars may not have considered or known existed. Twice a year there are special sessions. Each November, there is the annual “Bridges Event”, a symposium which the scholars lead focusing on an issue facing communities. Youth from schools and communities are invited to attend and discuss the topic. This year the topic is homelessness in America. At these sessions, the youth are asked to share their opinions and to take back ideas to their schools on how to address the issue in their community. Each spring, there is reading

Erica Tattersall

Weichert Realtors

Broker-Sales Person, GRI, SFR

Weichert Chairman of the Board Club 2020-21 (Top 1% of Weichert Realtors)

NJAR Circle of Excellence 2020-21 Platinum, 2016-19 Gold, 2013-2015 Silver, 2011-12 Bronze

enrichment where the scholars read to, and tutor, young boys. Also, part of the program is that the scholars help their communities, and they don’t have to wait for the future to help. They are expected to be role models and take leadership roles in school.

Presently, 120 scholars have graduated the Platinum Minds program. Long noted that the program is not just about helping the scholars today or just helping them alone. Alumni of the program come back and share what’s happening in their lives. Some who have come back to share are now engineers; some work for high profile companies, etc.

They are active in their communities. “[It is not about] helping one life, but that life helping many more,” said Long.

A non-profit organization, Platinum Minds has 10-12 volunteers and does fundraising during the year while also looking for funding from educational organizations. Recently, Long moved to South Carolina. Her hope is to expand Platinum Minds into South Carolina and Georgia.

For more information on Platinum Minds or to volunteer, see its website at platinumminds.org/

142 Main Street Chester, NJ 07930 Cell: 908-914-7944 Office: 908-879-7010 etattersall@weichert.com www.ericatattersall.com

It feels great to know that I am one of the top local real estate agents in Warren, Sussex, Morris, Somerset, Union & Hunterdon counties. My website has a ton of resources that can help you search for your new home. Feel free to use my website, free of charge and with no strings attached. If you need representation or just have any questions at all, I’m always here to help. Call me today!

For More Warren, Sussex, Morris, Somerset, Union & Hunterdon counties Information Contact Erica Tattersalll at (908) 914-7944.

Platinum Minds scholars with youngsters they helped with their reading.

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County Sheriff James M. Gannon unveiled a new Hope One vehicle at a ceremony on Court Street in Morristown attended by human services and mental health professionals, law enforcement leaders, Superior Court staff and county employees. The new vehicle, dubbed the “mini” Hope One truck, will help to expand the popular Hope One program, transporting the team to community events and client visits throughout the county. Launched in 2017, Hope One is a highly successful and often replicated mobile outreach program by which teams travel Morris County, offering critical support for individuals and families struggling with mental health and substance use disorders, and providing Naloxone (Narcan) education, training and kits in the community.

Since the beginning, the Hope One team has stopped at over 900 locations, marking over 30,000 contacts in the community. Hope One has distributed over 5,800 Narcan kits to family members and friends of those struggling with substance use disorders, free of charge. Narcan is used to immediately treat a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency, and 114 people have reported using the

Narcan kits distributed by Hope One to save or attempt to save a life.

“Hope One works because we go out into the community, we publish where we are going and we have a plains clothes sheriff’s officer, we have a mental health clinician and we have a certified peer recovery specialist who go out into the community and talk to people where they are,” said Sheriff Gannon. “We truly deal with people where they are at, and we have been very successful.”

During the initial height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hope One Project witnessed an increase of individuals who required access to critical public services. It became clear there was an elevated need for an additional Hope One vehicle to serve the community.

However, due to production delays, the Morris County Motor Services Center could not obtain a new van.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners stepped in to provide the Hope One Project a 2019 Ford Transit passenger vehicle, which was converted into the “mini” Hope One vehicle dedicated this morning. All three vehicles now used by Hope One van were on display today.

“This is an immensely important program

that has had a real impact with partner programs in Morris County on reducing drug overdose deaths, suicides and pulling people out of a cycle of despair and poverty. It’s why the program has been replicated throughout the state,” said Morris County

The

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Commissioner Doug Cabana, the board liaison to Law and Public Safety.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Morris County Department of Human Services, the Mental

Hope Hub Coordinator Officer Chelsea Whiting climbs into the new van, with (right) Hope One Coordinator Corporal Erica Valvano following her. Standing to the left (left to right) are Community Connections Coordinator Officer Justin Sudol and CPRS Jon-Erik Randazzo of CARES.

Hope One...

Health Association and the Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES), staffs Hope One units with a plain clothes Sheriff’s Officer, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and a Mental Health Professional. In 2019, the team was awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Michael Shanahan Cooperation in Public and Private Partnership Award.

The simple yet effective Hope One model has been replicated in eight (8) other counties across the State of New Jersey.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One Project expanded in 2021 with the launch of the Hope Hub.

The Hub is a multidisciplinary panel made up of law enforcement, social services, mental health services, healthcare providers, treatment providers and recovery specialists. Struggling

individuals and families are referred to the Hope Hub and connected to life-changing services.

To date, the program has offered assistance in 295 situations, reducing what is called acutely elevated risk (AER) in 97% of those cases.

Since Hope Hub’s inception, the Interfaith Food Pantry Network has donated a total of 17,603 pounds of food and Nourish NJ has provided Hope Hub with over 300 meals! Sheriff James M. Gannon is pleased to announce that the Interfaith Food Pantry Network & Nourish NJ’s logos have been placed on the newest Hope One van.

From homeless outreach to special events, Hope One provides a stigma free environment and a safe place for individuals and families struggling. Hope is here.

Click on Hope One to learn more about the program.

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JERSEY GIRL BREWING COMPANY BREWERY

Jersey Girl Brewing Company brews beer on a 30-barrel brewing system. One barrel is equivalent to approximately 31 gallons of beer, meaning the system will be able to produce several hundred gallons of beer in each batch. 930 gallons to be exact. With state-of-the-art equipment, we will produce some amazing craft brew. Then we’ll up the ante with bold, small batch experimental beer on our Tippy system which we will serve in our sampling room. Our Tippy system can brew up to 27 gallons per batch. These are exclusive tap room only beers are available only while they last.

The Jersey Girl Brewing Company brewery is located in a 10,000-square-foot building. The tasting room occupies a little less than 10% of the building and will hold approximately 75 people.

The brew house, fermenting tanks, brite tanks, and cold storage will occupy the rest of the building with plenty of space for the business to grow. Currently there is capacity to produce about 4,000 to 5,000 barrels of beer a year, but there is room to add about ten more fermentation tanks and triple production.

In April of 2020, Jersey Girl Brewing added a new 5-head counter pressure canning line from Codi increasing packaging capabilities for broader distribution.

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By Richard Mabey Jr.

A Thanksgiving Story: The Precious Remembrances of My Beloved Grandfather

ne of the most endearing and cherished memories of the Thanksgivings of my childhood and youth is that of my beloved grandfather, heartily and enthusiastically celebrating this wonderful holiday. I remember, all so dearly, how Grandpa loved to carve the turkey after he took it out of the oven of the old Mabey Homestead in Lincoln Park. It was a task upon which Grandpa held as a most high honor.

Grandpa was a man who was governed by detail and precision. As a young man, Grandpa held the honor of serving as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East of the infamous Morris Canal. The need to be detailed oriented, plus having raised his family in the heart of the Great Depression, gave Grandpa the wisdom to carve each slice of turkey with great care.

“You never want to cut the slices too thick, Dicky Jim. But on the other hand, you don’t want the family to leave the table hungry,” Grandpa would tell me with a bit of a song in his voice. My grandfather was the man who bestowed me with the nickname of Dicky Jim. He was the last person to ever call me by that name. I would greatly protest when I got to be about 11 years old and my aunts and uncles would call me by that nickname. But, Grandpa was a different story.

It is all so hard to put into words what Thanksgiving Day was like at the old Mabey Homestead. When I was a young boy and my great grandmother, Dora Mabey, was still alive,

there had to be at least 50 people congregated within the warmth and love of the dear old farmhouse that my great grandfather had built when he was just a young man.

Great Grandma Mabey worked hard to keep Thanksgiving Day all so organized. There was the old, stately dining room table, which could only seat six people. So, on Thanksgiving Day, my dad and my uncles would set up four or five additional tables. These extra tables were made up of old pieces of plywood resting upon carpenter’s wooden horses. It was as down home as you could ever imagine. I remember the touch of class that Great Grandma would add to the long procession of plates, glasses and silverware. Great Grandma would have these folded oak tag nameplates, for every single member of the Mabey clan. Great Grandma would decide where you would sit at that table and nobody dared to argue with the proud matriarch.

After the Thanksgiving feast, the women would clean up and wash all the dishes. Most of the men would congregate onto the enclosed front porch and tell remembrances of growing up in Lincoln Park. And Grandpa would sit in the big, easy chair in the southwest corner of the big living room. My cousins and my sister Patti and I would all sit upon the floor at Grandpa’s feet. Then, dear old Grandpa would tell these wonderful and colorful stories of his remembrances of life along the old Morris Canal.

There were no video cameras back then, in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Oh, how I regret that none of Grandpa’s

enchanting tales were not videotaped.

My grandfather was an incredibly talented story teller. He would hold us all spellbound with his voice flexion,

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A cherished, old photograph of my grandfather, Watson Mabey, carving the Thanksgiving turkey at the old Mabey Homestead.

A Thanksgiving Story...

dramatic timing, facial expressions, and lively hand movements. I would do my absolute best to engrave Grandpa’s stories within the fibers of my mind and the deepest chambers of my heart.

Grandpa’s stories did not just center upon his work on Incline Plane Ten East. For when Grandpa was a boy and then through his teenage years, he worked with his father, William Mabey, at the old Mabey Ice House that stood along the banks of the Morris Canal, just a few yards to the east of Incline Plane Ten East. Great Grandpa Mabey had an agreement with Mr. Franciso, who owned the sawmill that was located just to the northwest of the end of Mabey Lane. Great Grandpa and his sons, Watson and Earl, would fill wheelbarrows with the sawdust from the mill and walk them over to the Mabey Ice House. In exchange, Great Grandpa would provide free ice for Mr. Francisco.

As a boy, and then later as a teenager, during the winter months Grandpa and his brother would cut ice blocks from the frozen water of the canal. They would tie a rope around the big block of ice, drag it to their father’s ice house and then thickly pack it with sawdust in the icehouse. It was

far from being the easy life.

In memory, I return to those wonderful and loving Thanksgiving Days. During my childhood and youth, I never really realized just how precious they were. An era has now long past. Like grains of sand slipping through the crevices of my fingers, time has passed all too quickly. Now, at 69 years old, I long to relive just one more Thanksgiving Day of that magical era.

To see Grandpa proudly carve the turkey. To see Grandma stirring gravy at the old stove. To see my father, young and proud. To see my mother, carefully placing the top crust onto an apple pie. To see my cousins all running around the old Mabey Homestead. To see my Great Grandma firmly, but lovingly, commanding everyone to different tasks. To see my aunts cutting up green beans and carrots. And to see my uncles, all gathered upon the enclosed front porch telling tall tales of their youth. And, for one more time, to be able to see and hear Grandpa tell just one of his colorful tales of life along the old Morris Canal.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please kindly write “Thanksgiving Story” in the subject line.

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By Steve Sears

Morris Museum Offers Something for All

he Morris Museum prepares to celebrates 110 years in 2023,

keep getting better and better.

With a wonderful mixture of education and entertainment, all age groups are covered at this wonderful location at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown.

“Gaby led the implementation of the Smithsonian Spark!Lab, and we just celebrated its one-year anniversary here, which is a huge endeavor for the museum,” says Morris Museum Director of Marketing and Communications, Marcus Romero.

Gaby Meyer is entering her second year as Director of Education at the Morris Museum, which welcomes school groups from preschool to 12th grade. “We have a bunch of programs for school visits and camps,” says Meyer. “Spark!Lab really helped to bring school groups back into the museum. It is from the Smithsonian and it is a hands-on invention space that incorporates the engineering design process. It allows everyone to act as an inventor, to create or innovate or tweak or change some sort of material. We have six different stations with things that range from a wind tunnel to build a vehicle to a towering teeter table. We have an exploratory phase place for our youngest friends, which is zero to five. There really is something for everybody. And what’s nice is in the world of STEM education, this fits very well into the curricular standards that are not only New Jersey-based but nationwide, where

kids are encouraged to think of things in a different way.”

The Morris Museum always has a tour or activity that’s based around current exhibitions. “We have for the fall the same type of idea, where it’s a specialized tour and then an activity, and that exists for our Native American Gallery, our dinosaur gallery, our rocks and mineral gallery, and then the two galleries that have just opened and we have programming for that,” says Meyer.

“The museum and it’s over 100 years of existence has been so many different things,” says Brett Messenger, Curatorial Director of the Bickford Theater. “And I think at a certain point, it was trying to be everything to everybody. In the last few years, the Board of Trustees and the staff here have really examined the resources we have, and what’s the most dynamic way we can serve this community and where do we fit into this cultural landscape.” A lot of the museum’s attention is in its Moving Art and Musical Machines: The Guinness Collection, which is one of the most significant collections in the world of music boxes, automatic musical instruments, and automata. Adds Messenger, “That’s also about the history of music and technology, of art and technology. So it relates directly to what Gaby is doing in Spark!Lab, where these kids are. You see them walking in and coming out with such a twinkle in their eyes as they’re doing these really dynamic projects, and then they walk into the Guinness collection or one of our art exhibitions and see it in a different way. So, that also informs how I

conceive of live arts at the Morris Museum; really looking at us as a place that can do things that are innovative, that involves technology, that are as entertaining as they are challenging, that make you look at something in a new way.”

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Youngsters taking part in Spark!Lab (credit: Marcus Romero)

Morris Museum...

Meyer and Messenger have been working hand-in-hand building theater experiences that have ties and links to activities, exhibitions, and Spark!Lab, exploring options out there so that children and family experiences can be multifaceted. “They can enjoy something amazing that Brett’s been able to find, and then we’re able to support in a back end, so it’s not a one off,” says Meyer. “It’s part of an entire day. It leaves a mark and a memory, and really secures or cements some of the ideas or the principles or the themes of the show, but that is in the works. I’m excited to have that be such a unique experience which is not currently offered anywhere else.”

According to Messenger, there are some things that really honor the history of the Bickford Theater, and one thing is its long standing Jazz series, which has enjoyed great success. Now, the theater also welcomes artists creating unique and unusual works, whose practices engage with technology in different ways. “A place where lots of world premieres are happening of works that will

be performed in many other cities and other communities,” says Messenger, who then mentions another new, key component of the museum and theater’s offerings.

“During the pandemic, when theatres went dark and obviously everyone that was in charge of theater wanted to find a way to connect artists and audiences as soon as possible, we were really, really lucky. In July of 2020, we built a stage on the elevated parking deck behind the museum, and we started the Back Deck, where we’ve had now 70 performances over the last three years. But for a short period of time, in addition to our jazz series, we were doing classical music out there, and we were really the only presenter of classical music in the United States.” The full Orpheus Chamber Orchestra performed last April at the Bickford Theater, and will return in November (with pianist Angela Hewitt) in the spring of 2023.

For more information about the Morris Museum, visit www.morrismuseum.org

Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation?

Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

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Dr. Brenda Rooney

Dr. Brenda L. Rooney has been a chiropractic patient since she was diagnosed with scolio sis as a teenager. “I was encouraged to attend chiropractic college by my own chiropractor. I was impressed by anatomy and biology and how chiropractic care can help the body heal itself naturally.” said Dr. Rooney. Dr. Rooney has always been involved in athletics and nutrition including competitive equestrian riding and competitive bodybuilding.

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By Steve Sears

Chester, Arkansas is a pretty small place, about ½ square mile

in size for its 144 residents.

Chester Township, New Jersey, is about 30 square miles in size, and is home to almost 8,000 people.

Front Avenue is the main roadway through the Arkansas-located Chester, and it turns into Route 282 once you enter town, which is bisected by serene Clear Creek.

Shannon Smith has been Mayor of Chester, Arkansas for almost 20 years, and prior to that was a secretary for the town and a member of the Town Council. She has lived in town for 42 years.

“My mom’s family is from Chester originally. We go back lots of generations,” Smith says.

Chester, New Jersey’s “Sister City”, which is located in Crawford County, was platted in 1887 and officially incorporated in 1889, while our Morris County’s Chester was incorporated in 1799.

The mid-western Chester boasts of a charming Bed

& Breakfast called the Bearded Lady, and a nice mountain spot called the StoneWind Retreat. Smith says, “It is a little retreat up there, they have hot tubs, and they’re heated and cooled. And it’s a nice view from there as well. You can see all the different

mountains just kind of rolling around from there.”

If hungry when in town, there’s a friendly little eatery where everybody knows everybody called the Chester County Café, formerly owned by Smith’s family. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served

here. “When we had the café, we always felt like it was the heart of Chester. We treated people just like family. As a matter of fact, if you sat close to the table next to the kitchen, you might be asked to help us work if we get busy. I’ve been known to hand the

480 RT 46, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 (973) 691-1315 • (973) 691-0340 sales@amishmike.com Mon-Fri: 9- 6, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4

phone and order pad to somebody sitting there and they took orders while I took care of business,” Smith says goodheartedly.

Homegrown Native Foods, which is located in the same building as the

he Ramey home, where future President Bill Clinton stayed. Photos courtesy of the town of Chester, Arkansas

Chester Community Building.

Clear Creek

town,” Smith says. “So, we can hit that interstate and be almost anywhere. I’m thinking we’re about three or four hours from Little Rock.” Chester, Arkansas is also a nice place for get-togethers, and Smith and her team like to do just that with the whole community at Chester City Park. “For the Fourth of July, we do fireworks and hotdogs,” Smith says. “And for Christmas, we like to do Santa in the Park, where everyone comes in and has pictures with Santa and they get goodie bags. And we buy pretty good gifts and let kids draw tickets and they get gifts. We also do a dinner for the community then.” Chester City Park and adjacent Clear Creek also have become a little swimming hole for the community. “Everybody comes to Chester to swim,” Smith says. “It’s something to see our little park is completely full.”

Chester, Arkansas has also served as home base for some well known folks. Included in the small list are country singer Royal Wade Kimes, who was born

in Chester, wrote a song for Garth Brooks, and is also an author and artist. Science Fiction writer Selina Rosen is also from the area and has won a few awards for her work. Smith adds, “When Bill Clinton was running for Governor, he did a speech here from the back of a passenger train. He had a friend that lived here that was the head of the Democratic party for a while, his name was Col. Weldon Ramey.” During his stay in town, Clinton was a guest at Ramey’s home.

Also, Hollywood has come calling in Chester for movie settings. For 1994’s Frank & Jesse, Rob Lowe, Bill Paxton and Randy Travis were camped out around town during the filming; Biloxi Blues had a few scenes filmed near the town’s railroad tracks, and both Resurrection County and HBO’s True Detectives television series used the Chester Community Building for filming.

For more information about Chester, Arkansas, visit www.citydirectory.us/ town-chester-arkansas.html

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Events and Catering Services in Flanders

Flanders Bagels is much more than just a family owned deli. We have a wonderful catering service that can provide you with fresh food for parties, business meetings, and other events almost anywhere in and around the Flanders area. We offer fabulous pasta dishes, enormous subs, gorgeous party platters and even giant bagels, as well as a wide variety of other foods available to cater your special event, prepared by our exceptional catering chef.

If you don’t see it on our catering menu, just ask – we are here to help make your gathering a great one!

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Master the Art of Italian Comfort Cuisine

like

classic

Italian cooking. Whether you’re Italian by heritage or simply by heart, learning the art of Italian cuisine may be easier than you may think.

Perfect your pasta game. Limp, mushy, overcooked pasta can ruin an otherwise delicious Italian dish. Aim for al dente pasta, which is soft but still firm. It’s important to note variables like the type of pasta, size of your pot and amount of water can all affect cooking time. Treat the package instructions as a guide and start taste testing 1-2 minutes before you expect it to be done. Be choosy about your ingredients. Many of the best Italian dishes are incredibly simple, so it’s important to select quality ingredients that allow the flavors to really stand out. Made in Italy, Bertolli d’Italia sauces are available in premium red and white varieties to elevate the at-home culinary experience and bring the authentic and delicious flavors of Italy to your table. Every jar reflects more than 150 years of authentic Italian culinary tradition using high-quality ingredients like tomatoes vine-ripened under the Italian sun, finely aged Italian cheeses, fresh cream and Mediterranean olive oil.

Give seasonings time to simmer. Great things come to

those who wait. That’s why the best Italian chefs sample their sauces along the way, adding and adjusting until the taste is just right. Then, they allow the ingredients to simmer together to create a perfectly balanced harmony of flavors.

Experiment with proteins and veggies. For many Italian recipes, you can create an entirely new dish by adding or swapping the protein and adding fresh produce. Try introducing juicy strips of grilled chicken and fresh, steamed broccoli to an alfredo pasta like this Cavatelli with Cacio e Pepe Sauce. Or, if you’re a seafood lover, reimagine this Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Chicken by swapping in a mild white fish like halibut, cod or snapper. Get cozy in your kitchen this fall with more comforting recipes at Bertolli.com

Cavatelli with Cacio e Pepe Sauce

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Salt, to taste

1 box dry Cavatelli pasta

1 jar (16.9 ounces) Bertolli d’Italia Cacio e Pepe Sauce

1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, or to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Bring large pot of cold water to boil. Salt water heavily.

Cook dry pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Strain pasta, reserving pasta water.

In large saucepan over low heat, warm pasta sauce 3-5 minutes. Add 1-2 tablespoons pasta water.

Transfer cooked pasta to saucepan.

Stir and toss pasta approximately 30 seconds over medium heat to integrate it with sauce. Add pasta water

Italian Comfort Cuisine...

continued from previous page

as needed for creamier texture.

Plate pasta and top with finely grated Pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Chicken Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 28 minutes Servings: 6

cup extra-virgin olive oil

finely chopped fresh basil, plus additional, for garnish

cloves garlic, minced

teaspoons kosher salt

teaspoon ground black pepper

teaspoon dried oregano

sliced boneless, skinless chicken

cutlets (about 1 1/2 pounds)

onion, thinly sliced

jar (24.7 ounces) Bertolli d’Italia Marinara Sauce 2 cups multi-colored grape tomatoes, halved 2 stems cherry tomatoes on the vine

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Preheat oven to 400 F.

In small bowl, whisk olive oil, basil, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano until combined. Combine 2 tablespoons oil mixture and chicken in resealable plastic bag. Let stand 5-10 minutes at room temperature to marinate.

In medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil mixture over medium heat. Add onions; cook 3-4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Stir in marinara sauce. Pour mixture into lightly greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Arrange chicken breasts in dish, overlapping if necessary. Top with grape tomatoes and cherry tomato stems. Spoon remaining oil mixture over tomatoes.

Bake, covered, 25 minutes, or until chicken is done (165 F) and tomatoes start to burst. Sprinkle with Parmesan, drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. (Family Features)

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A Chilly Day Dish with a Kick

icture in your mind a warm bowl cupped in your hands, defrosting your fingertips after you just walked inside from a chilly afternoon. The bowl is heavy, full of hearty vegetables and spicy peppers that in just a few short moments will overwhelm your palate.

You dive in with a spoon, savoring every flavorful bite as you dip down to the bottom of the bowl searching for more to slurp up with every spoonful. Onion, red bell pepper and even corn all blended into not only a vegetarian meal but a chili-lover’s paradise. It’s got the spices to make you say, “wow” but the smoothness that reminds you of something your mom once made when you were young.

You throw your sweater to the side of the couch as your body temperature begins to rise. You start to feel your energy return as you spoon a second helping into your bowl for round two.

Not only does this recipe for Chipotle Veggie Chili hit you with a wide array of balanced flavors, but there is a surprise hint of citrus added toward the end – lime juice.

Just to add a little more texture and vibrance to this dish, it can be topped with your favorite garnishes like guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro.

This Chipotle Veggie Chili is simple to make, needing just one pot throughout the entire cooking process. It simmers for about 25 minutes while you unwind from a long day.

So next time you need a pick-me-up after a chilly day outside, give this one a try. The savory aromas and wholesome consistency make this chili a 10-out-of-10 and a crowd favorite.

Find more recipes perfect for cooler weather at Culinary. net

Chipotle Veggie Chili

Servings: 6-8

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped 5/8 teaspoon sea salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 can (14 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes

1 can (14 ounces) red beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup vegetable broth

1 can (7 ounces) chipotles in adobo sauce

2 cans (15 ounces each) sweet corn with liquid

2 limes, juiced guacamole (optional) sour cream (optional) jalapeno slices (optional) cilantro (optional)

In large dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir and cook 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add garlic and red pepper. Stir and cook 8 minutes until soft.

Add tomatoes, red beans, pinto beans, broth, chipotles in adobo sauce, corn, remaining salt and remaining pepper. Simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened.

Squeeze lime juice into pot; stir. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro, if desired. (Culinary.net)

Make Dinner Memorable with Manicotti

Few cuisine styles are as diverse and beloved as those that have been exported from the Mediterranean nation of Italy. From pasta to pizza and everything in between, the rich and savory flavors of Italian cuisine are enjoyed across the globe.

Italian restaurants can be found in many cities and

towns throughout the world. However, it’s just as easy to create traditional, mouthwatering dishes at home with simple ingredients. Manicotti is a popular pasta dish that can be filled with cheese or other ingredients, and topped with a traditional tomato sauce or other saucy creations. The word “manicotti” is the plural form of “manicotto,”

which translates to “little sleeves” in Italian. They’re meant to be stuffed and baked.

While manicotti may seem complex, they’re rather easy to prepare. Enjoy this recipe for “Mom’s Homemade Manicotti with Crepes (Crespelle)” courtesy of the blog

3 Italian Sisters (www.3italiansisters.com). They present well for the holidays or any special occasion.

Mom’s Homemade Manicotti with Crepes (Crespelle)

Yields approximately 20 crepes

Serving size: 2 to 3 crepes per person

Crepes

4 extra large eggs

1 cup flour

11⁄4 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

Butter for pan

Ricotta filling

3 pounds part skim or whole milk ricotta cheese

1⁄2 cup fresh parsley, minced

1⁄2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese

2 extra large eggs, scrambled

1 pound mozzarella cheese cubed

Salt and pepper to taste

Premade tomato or meat sauce

Put all the crepe ingredients into a blender. Blend till smooth; scrape sides if necessary and blend again till all ingredients are blended well.

Melt a little butter in a 9” nonstick frying pan over medium heat.

Pour in small amount of batter and swirl to cover bottom of it with a thin film. Cook for approximately 20 seconds and turn to the other side and cook for another 20 seconds. Transfer crepe to plate. Continue until all batter is finished. Crepes can be stacked on top of each other. If you aren’t using them right away, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for 3 days or freeze for up to one month.

Ricotta filling: Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside to fill crepes.

Take 1 tablespoon of ricotta filling onto each crepe and roll gently and place on a cookie sheet, seam side down.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Layer large casserole pan with your favorite tomato or meat sauce. Place single layer of rolled manicotti in the casserole pan on top of sauce. Ladle thin layer of sauce on top of manicotti and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.

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By Steve Sears

New Jersey Based Man First Bodyguard Awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

New Jersey-based celebrity bodyguard, Adriano “Bubba” Almony, is the first in his profession to be awarded a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award as a Humanitarian honoree.

“Just to be a part of history, to be recognized on such a high, prestigious honor scale, that just shows people as well in my industry that you don’t just focus on being a bodyguard,” Almony says. “Obviously when you’re working, yes, be focused, be sharp, be proactive visually; be the best man and bodyguard you can be. But even outside of that, most importantly, be a leader. Get involved in your community, get to know people. If you have an opportunity to help children, whether it’s self-defense or mentoring, or volunteering with nonprofits in your communities, whatever it is, just be of service.”

Almony will receive his award on December 4, 2022 at the Hotel ZaZa in Houston, Texas. The recognition comes from President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. That afternoon, Almony will also receive special congressional recognition from Texas Congresswoman, Sheila Jackson Lee.

Almony, 28, is originally from Hanover, Pennsylvania, and in fifth grade moved to Ocean City, Maryland, where he grew up for the vast majority of his life. A Stephen Decatur

High School graduate in 2012, he thereafter headed for the Metropolitan area, and has resided in Fairfield, New Jersey the past four years. The owner of Bubba Almony Security Services, he recalls being bullied as a youngster, and suffering from abuse and neglect. He is only now truly opening up about both, and oftentimes he still faces these same challenges. “I’m learning to start to give my testimony,” Almony says. “Even as I was older, even with being an advocate for anti-bullying and for mental health, I experienced bullying as well, being I was on the frontlines with these things. A lot of people overlook that, but when you’re an advocate for something, sometimes you take on the problems head on, or you may experience your own trials and tribulations. I think it’s pretty impressive, though, if you can be a child at one point, you’re going through abuse, and then go on to be somebody who has protected some of the top names. As a respected leader in the industry, I think it just shows people that no matter what you’re going through, if it’s domestic bullying, abuse, anything toxic, you can overcome that. You can be something amazing. And without the struggle, you don’t develop strength. Sometimes we have to appreciate the struggle.”

Almony’s bodyguard services protects a number of well

continued on next page

Very professional work with conscientious follow-up. Great job all around. I highly recommend ASP! Stephen Reynolds, Flanders, NJ

known celebrities and their families, such as Dr. Khalilah Camacho-Ali, the wife of four-time heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, and her children, real estate tycoon Grant Cardone and his wife, Elena Lyons Cardone, P. Diddy’s children, and he also serves as a bodyguard at events, like the 10X Growth Conference (“the number one business event as voted by Forbes,” Almony says), and the 9/11 Memorial Commemoration in New York City.

Almony gives his definition of humanitarian. “A true humanitarian is somebody who understands most importantly over anything, money or monetary, giving your time, giving your words, just making people smile with a simple hug, handshake, or a fist bump,” he says. “Praying for others, using your voice and platform and influence - all of those amazing things. A lot of people think to be a humanitarian you have to have millions

and millions of dollars to help others, but it’s just simply not true. You just have to have a passion to want to volunteer and coach and mentor, and all those are things that I’ve been able to do on a consistent, persistent basis of just being involved. That’s very important.”

Adriano “Bubba” Almony has realized many dreams in his own life, and he encourages others not to give up on theirs. “Pursue your dreams. and don’t limit your dreams – dream as big as you can. Whether you want to be the Governor, the next President, the next award-winning bodyguard, the next elite martial artist, whatever you want to be, put your head down every day and go to work. Pray and keep pushing, and put God first in your life, and anything will happen for you, anything is possible. Just remember to be the best person you can be, and never forget where you come from.”

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Much like the three wisemen who brought their gifts to the baby Jesus, the Port Morris UMC (United Methodist Church) has hosted a yearly “Christmas Through the Arts” advent program where area churches bring together their gifts to tell the story of the nativity. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program through which the scenes of the nativity story are portrayed through song, instrumental music, puppetry, liturgical dance, chancel drama, chancel comedy and more. This year’s program is on Sunday, December 4th at 5pm at Port Morris UMC on 296 Center Street in Landing (parking on the street and in the back parking lot on Main Street).

“I am excited to be part of the 20th Annual Christmas Through the Arts program at the Port Morris United Methodist Church. Beginning Advent in a way that brings together not only the members of my own church but members from many different churches and denominations enables an expanded sense of community as we prepare for the

Christmas season. It’s always a pleasure to see, hear and feel how each church expresses its excitement and joy as they await Christmas Day,” shared Richard Boyer, Jr. of Budd Lake, director of the Port Morris UMC’s a capella choir.

The program started in 2002 as the result of a chance “how’s your week been” conversation between a pastor and parishioner at the Port Morris church. The parishioner had a part time job which brought her in contact with a number of small churches. She told the pastor, the late Rev. Karen McMartin, of how she’d learned these churches each seemed to have a different talent which they utilized to make their worship special, much like the Port Morris church had with its a capella choir. The other churches had liturgical dance, mime, chancel drama and bells. McMartin noted that though the holiday season was many months off, she’d been thinking of having something special one Sunday in Advent. She seemed to be thinking of asking one of the churches to share its talent. Before she could say anything, the parishioner started to suggest asking them all! It could be a

nativity program.

However, not every church had nativity costumes. Thus, it was decided not to use those but at the beginning of each year’s program, the audience was asked to use their imagination as each church performed its scene. That tradition has been followed since then with only a few costumes being used now and then. Also,

that first year showed it was difficult to get churches from different areas to be able to rehearse at the same time. Thus, each church prepares its scene on its own with narration linking them together during the program.

The first program shared the talents of St. James Episcopal Church (Hackettstown), continued on next page

Members of the Port Morris United Methodist Church a capella choir singing at a past ecumenical program.

Abiding Peace Lutheran (Budd Lake), Christ Episcopal Church (Budd Lake), Teabo United Methodist Church (Wharton), and the Port Morris church.

Over the years, churches have joined in sharing their talents while others took a break. Usually between five –nine churches take part each year. Besides the churches already named, others which have been represented in the program over the years include St. Margaret’s of Scotland (Morristown), Flanders United Methodist Church (Mt. Olive), Drakestown United Methodist Church (Hackettstown), St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church (Netcong), Stanhope United Methodist Church (Netcong), Valley View Chapel (Long Valley), Grace Church on the Mount (Netcong), St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (Wharton), Trinity United Methodist Church (Hackettstown) and Wharton United Community Church (previously St. John’s UMC).

“I am really looking forward to participating again in this year’s 20th anniversary of Port Morris United Methodist Church’s Christmas Through the Arts service in December. In past years, I have enjoyed this unique and creative ecumenical service which shares the Christmas story through a variety of performing arts with participants from many different churches…. A great memory was when our Stanhope UMC Jazz Trio performed

in the service [ playing “We Three Kings”]. This year I will be performing with some of my instrumental music students from Bedminster. We are hoping to put together a jazz duet and a jazz trio. My students and I really enjoy performing together. Last spring, we were fortunate enough to put together a jazz quintet for Stanhope UMC Mardi Gras Jazzy Worship Service,” shared Scott Lefurge of Byram, a music teacher in the Bedminster school system and member of the Stanhope United Methodist Church.

The mix of talents can be different each year and different kinds of “gifts” having been offered, such as singing and signing in American Sign Language done by the St. James Episcopal Church. However, one recent mainstay of the program has been “Camille the camel”.

An over-the-top diva, Camille is a puppet that helps introduce the audience to the program each year and would tell you that the camels with the wisemen were the most important part of the story.

In addition to coming together to tell the story, a sense of community and sharing has resulted from the program. Jack Amato of Landing, known by many in the audience as the “piano man” attends St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Netcong. Amato often brings friends who are singers with him, but also always does a piano solo for

the program. A participant for many years, Amato notes that he loves doing the program and ,“I love working with all the other churches, especially Port Morris United Methodist Church.” As a result of his connection with the program, Amato has also come to the Port Morris church to provide special music a few Sundays a year. Another example of sharing came from the director of the Abiding Peace Lutheran Church’s Messenger Dancers last year. When they couldn’t attend the program, the director taught someone from another church a liturgical dance so the program would not go without one.

The participants, as well the as audience, look forward to coming together to share the nativity story with each other. Katie Williver, of Oak Ridge, reflected on the program: “For the past five or six years I have been participating in the annual nativity program at Port Morris UMC. I have enjoyed participating because it has given me the opportunity to sing with my nieces and my son. Furthermore, it is such a beautiful program because people from all denominations come together to celebrate the birth of Christ. There are so many talented people involved in this nativity program; it is a beautiful night of music and storytelling.”

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Reducing Food Insecurity in Infants and Toddlers

Food insecurity isn’t a new problem in the United States, but the economic upheaval created by the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the problem.

During the pandemic, households in the United States with children experienced an increase in food insecurity, despite overall rates of food insecurity staying the same. In 2019, 13.6% of households with children were food insecure, but by 2020, that number increased to 14.8%, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In general, child food insecurity rates are higher than overall food insecurity rates, according to the annual Map the Meal Gap study conducted by Feeding America, a nationwide nonprofit network of food banks. According to data from the Children’s Defense Fund, this is particularly prevalent among low-income families, single mother households and Black and Hispanic households.

What Food Insecurity Means for Children

Food insecurity and hunger are closely related but not quite the same. People who are food insecure don’t have reliable, ongoing access to an adequate supply of affordable, nutritious food. Hunger is a physical condition; food insecurity reflects barriers to obtaining food such as finances, physical location and transportation.

Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies because their nutrient needs are high, especially in relation to the size of their stomachs and appetites. Caregivers in food-insecure households may have little choice but to settle for cheaper, energy-dense but nutrient-poor foods. As a result, foodinsecure infants and toddlers are not receiving adequate nutrition even when they may be receiving enough calories to satisfy hunger.

Even if a child isn’t physically starving, inadequate nutrition can negatively affect health in numerous ways, including immune system function, low weight, learning and developmental delays, vitamin deficiencies and more.

Ways to Help Promote Better Nutrition

Support good nutrition during infancy and toddlerhood for your own children and others in the community with these practical tips:

Participate in (or introduce those in need to) aid programs. Government

nutrition assistance programs help provide essential nutrition needs during infant and toddler years. One example is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which provides a variety of resources including food and health care referrals to support mothers and young children at nutritional risk, including pregnant, breastfeeding and post-partum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5.

Another example is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides benefits low-income families can use to purchase nutritious foods. For children and adults who are enrolled in certain care programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps ensure they have access to nutritious meals and snacks.

Make purchases that work extra hard. In addition to producing foods that encourage better nutrition for children, some brands also make contributions that help offset food insecurity. For example, for every box of Plum Organics Super Smoothies purchased, the company donates a pouch to a child in need through its “ The Full Effect ” program. The smoothie is a specially formulated blend of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains with no added sugars designed to fight malnutrition and help fortify the diets of children who don’t have access to regular, healthy meals.

Act as a role model for healthy choices. Children learn by example, so be sure your little ones see you enjoying nutritious snacks, filling your plate with appropriate portions and preparing well-rounded meals. When kids are exposed to a wide range of healthy options early in life, those food choices become the norm as they grow older.

Volunteer at a food bank. Getting handson by donating your time at a local food bank can help you understand the complexity of food insecurity. Many nutritious selections are perishable, and transporting and storing perishable goods is costly. Volunteers help offset a food bank’s operational expenses by contributing labor to sort donated items, prepare deliveries and more.

To find more information about foods that provide infants and toddlers the nutrients they need, visit plumorganics.

com. (Family Features)

What is Movember?

If you think you’re seeing more moustaches lingering over mens’ upper lips as November unfolds, chances are your eyes are not deceiving you. November has long been synonymous with Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season, but it’s also taken on a whole new persona in recent years, and moustaches are a significant part of that new identity.

Arguably as popular as ever, Movember® is a public health-focused effort designed to raise awareness of and support research into men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide. Men who participate in Movember typically begin growing moustaches on November 1 and keep them throughout the month.

The origins of Movember can be traced to 2003, when two men in Australia, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, met for a beer in Melbourne. At that point in time, the popularity of moustaches had waned, but Garone and Slattery joked about restoring the stache to its once-lofty status. At the time, a friend’s mother was fundraising for breast cancer, and Garone and Slattery were inspired to combine their efforts to bring back the moustache with efforts to raise awareness about men’s health and prostate cancer. In a testament to the two friends’

skills in the art of persuasion, they were able to find 30 men willing to take up the challenge to grow a moustache. Those who accepted the challenge agreed to follow the rules of Movember, which included paying $10 to grow a moustache.

That initial campaign generated significant enthusiasm among the initial participants, so the following year a decision was made to formalize their efforts and officially support a worthy cause related to men’s health. After some research, prostate cancer was chosen as the issue to formally support. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, though not an official men’s health partner of Movember, agreed to accept any funds generated by the 2004 campaign. By that time, 450 men, including some in Spain and the United Kingdom, had agreed to take part, ultimately raising more than AUD $50,000.

Nearly 20 years later, the moustachioed movement to raise awareness about various men’s health issues is still going strong, having funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects since its inception. Individuals interested in learning more about Movember can visit us.movember. com.

A not-for-profit professional regional theatre in residence at Centenary University TICKETS: ONLINE - CENTENARYSTAGECO.ORG OR CALL - 908-979-0900 @ LPAC

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Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

Cinderella

December 1-11

This Holiday Spectacular is a story of timeless enchantment. A magical fairy tale reborn with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s hallmark of originality, charm and elegance. The story of a young woman forced into a life of servitude by her cruel stepmother and self-centered stepsisters, she dreams of a better life. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella is transformed into a princess and finds her prince.

Sponsors:

NUTCRACKER

NEW JERSEY CIVIC YOUTH BALLET Dec. 16-18

Sitnik Theater

An enchanting ballet holiday favorite, with the talented young dancers of the NJ Civic Youth Ballet and professional dancers, this production is sure to delight!

YOUNG PERFORMERS WORKSHOP (YPW)

Winter Festival of Shows Dec. 9-18

“Robber Bridgroom“ YPW performance

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Morris County Proclaims October 2022 Blindness Awareness Month

Director Tayfun Selen of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners delivered a framed proclamation declaring October 2022 “Blindness Awareness Month,” as he toured the Denville headquarters of Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.

VLANJ President and CEO Bill Schuldt was on hand to accept the proclamation. He and Vice President of Development and Communications Jennifer Singer also updated Director Selen on the nonprofit’s programs. Serving adults with vision loss for 79 years, VLANJ helps people cope and adapt to vision loss, while also providing them with training in independent living skills and assistive technology.

Blindness and profound vision loss affect more than 160,000 people in New Jersey, an estimated 7.68 million people in the U.S. and those numbers are expected to increase as the nation’s population lives longer, according to the National Federation of the Blind.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 93 million adults in the United States are at risk for vision loss and projects the number of Americans of ages 40 years old and up with serious vision loss or blindness will double to nearly 9

million by 2050.

The proclamation, signed by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, commends VLANJ for its nearly four decades of exemplary service to the public. It also proclaims October 2022 to be “Blindness Awareness Month” in Morris County to increase awareness of eye disease and eye care, so all citizens understand the challenges faced daily by our loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers with vision loss.

The nonprofit began in Newark in 1943 as the New Jersey Association for the Blind, a place for people with vision loss to socialize.

Twelve years later, the organization opened a summer camp in Denville for women with blindness and, under the name NJ Foundation for the Blind, added life skills training to the summer camp experience.

Independent skills training became yearround in the late 1990s, and by 2006, the organization provided a comprehensive, nonresidential vision rehabilitation program for adults. Adopting VLANJ as its name in 2016, the nonprofit added low vision occupational therapy and other services.

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, VLANJ has grown tremendously as it added and expanded virtual programming.

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Director Selen presents the proclamation to Bill Schuldt and Jennifer Spring under a mural at VLANJ that carries the Hellen Keller quote: “Life is a daring adventure, or it is nothing.”

VLANJ receives the majority of its funding from individual donations, which can be made atvlanj.org/donations.

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