Cedar Grove September 2021 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

No. 3 Vol. 9

September 2021

Area Man Urges Others Not to Live in Fear Through His Story of Survival

By Steve Sears 7-year Chester Borough resident, William “Will” Jimeno, has co-authored his second book. You can certainly staple an “author” tag on him, but better yet, “grateful survivor” is perhaps more appropriate. Jimeno, an immigrant from Colombia who first grew up in Hackensack, became a Port Authority Police Officer in January of 2001, and was a rookie on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, now known historically as 9/11. When terrorists started that morning’s tragic events in motion, Jimeno called his wife, Allison, and was rushed from the pay phone as he told her he was going to the World Trade Center location, and didn’t have a chance to say, “I love you.” The aftermath of two planes purposely crashing into the World Trade Center towers was Jimeno being buried alive for 13 hours under fallen cement and debris, wondering if he’d ever see his loved ones again. “Something picked me up and just threw me on my back,” he recalls of the horror as the South Tower collapsed. “It was raining concrete down on us; suddenly there was just like 1000 freight trains - a billion freight trains - coming down on us.” He was rescued later that evening, and his Sergeant and fellow survivor, John McLoughlin, 9-hours later. ‘I mean, they were choking on smoke down there,” says Jimeno of his rescuers. “It was horrible. At that point, when they put me on the Stokes basket, they started passing me up the hole. I remember coming up out of the hole, and I looked up and asked, ‘Where is everything?’ Because I could see the moon, I could see the stars, I could see the sky, but I couldn’t see the buildings. That’s when a firefighter said, ‘That’s all gone, kid,’ At that point I started crying. That’s the first time I cried.” Jimeno got to say “I love you” to his wife of now-26 years again, see his oldest daughter, Bianca, grow, and see his wife give birth to a second daughter, Olivia, two months after his rescue. He details this and more in his latest book, “Sunrise

Through the Darkness – A Survivor’s Account of Learning to Live Again Beyond 9/11,” which he co-authored with friend and psychologist, Michael Moats, which was released on August 16. And for Jimeno, life and God gave him additional time on earth, and he’s using that time to inspire others. “I’m alive for that second sunlight, and I don’t take anything for granted,” says Jimeno, 53, who is also the co-author of a children’s book with illustrator, Charles Ricciardi, titled “Immigrant, American, Survivor – A Little Boy Who Grew Up To Be All Three.” His story was also told in the 2006 Oliver Stone movie, “World Trade Center.” “I’ve been doing speaking engagements since 2003, when I was asked to speak to a school, and exactly what I’ve told you is what I’ve told children: I inspire people because I want them to understand that you can’t live your life with fear.” His second book tells the reader about what happened to he and his team that fateful morning, but also talks about both his physical and mental recovery. “When I say ‘darkness,’ for me my darkness is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Some people have depression, anxiety; mine was anger. And it took a lot for me to learn on how to live again, in the sense of how to live again with the PTSD, and having a fruitful life.” Allison herself also delivers a chapter in the book on the secondary impacts of PTSD. Jimeno and McLoughlin still discuss 9/11 to this day. “A true example of heroism,” he says of McLoughlin. “I mean, he took double the injuries I had – still has open wounds. So, September 11 for us is not something that we celebrate or remember once a year. That for us is every day, and we’re blessed to be together. We have a great relationship, and I’m blessed to have him in my life.” Also, to be told that day in 2001 that he and McLoughlin were the only survivors was for Jimeno incredible. “20 years later, the lesson that I learned is not to look at the darkness but to look at the light, and to look at how we came together

Will Jimeno proudly holds his two co-authored books. Photo courtesy of Will Jimeno.

as a nation and as a world, and how people - total strangers - put their lives on the line to help other people. So, 20 years later, I want to remember what happened that day and those we lost, but I want to honor them by living a good life, and teaching future generations of the good that day.” Both of Jimeno’s books are available on www.amazon. com and www.bn.com, and his ﬁrst book is also available at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.

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Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 3

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Little Falls Annual Night Out A Huge Success

By Tina Pappas he Township of Little Falls held National Night Out on Aug. 3. The free event is run annually to allow residents to enjoy a fun evening while getting to know their local public service departments by highlighting first responder skills through a series of demonstrations. The national community-based campaign also aims to promote police and community partnerships.

Food, drinks, and entertainment were offered throughout the evening at the Little Falls Municipal Building parking lot. “Little Falls ‘National Night Out’ was a huge success,” said Mayor James Damiano. “Thank you to all of the first responders and public servants who made tonight possible.” Photos courtesy of The Township of Little Falls.

Page 6 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Little Falls Holds Ribbon-Cutting for Newly Opened Lorenzos Restaurant and Pizzeria

By Tina Pappas ribbon-cutting grand opening ceremony was held for “Lorenzos” in Little Falls on July 30. The newly opened restaurant and pizzeria is located at 101 Newark Pompton Turnpike. Several officials were on hand for the ceremony, which included Mayor James Damiano, Councilman Al Kahwaty, Councilwoman Tanya Seber, Councilman Chris Vancheri and Council President Anthony Sgobba. Afterwards, Damiano wished owner Michael Lorenzo nothing but luck and a long stay in Little Falls. Lorenzo said he is looking forward to getting to know everyone in the community by having them check out his new establishment. “I’m very excited, and hope everyone will get a chance to come by and enjoy the food,” Lorenzo added. Photo courtesy of The Township of Little Falls

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Page 8 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Dog Park Grand Opening

he Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, joined by Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik and Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council, recently cut the ribbon on Passaic County’s new dog park at Rifle Camp Park. Residents and visitors now have a new state-of-the-art pet-friendly recreational space for their furry friends. The dog park consists of two separate play areas - one for small and the other for larger dogs - each with several play and activity stations. There are also benches, waste

stations, water fountains and leash posts. “We have had residents asking for a dog park for many years. To be able to find this space here and deliver a dog park is truly exciting, not just for the residents of Woodland Park but all of Passaic County,” Mayor Keith Kazmark said. “We commend Passaic County in improving our park system here. The work that they are doing is putting Passaic County on the map.” Passaic County is making $2.3 million overall in improvements to the 169-acre Rifle Camp Park. In addition

to the $150,000 dog park, there are two new playgrounds, which will open soon, a renovated warming shelter and renovated bathrooms at the Carnie Bragg picnic area. Additional work to come includes a sledding hill that is expected to open this winter, and nature center and amphitheater upgrades. Dog park hours are Mondays to Fridays 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rifle Camp Park is located at 387 Rifle Camp Rd., Woodland Park.

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Fire Department Camp Visit

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embers of the West Paterson Fire Department visited the Woodland Park Summer Camp a number of times during the seven weeks of

camp. On this visit, campers learned about fire safety and had the opportunity to put out a small controlled fire using a fire extinguisher.

WP School Honor

n May 2021, the Woodland Park School District underwent the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) review. The executive county superintendent and team conducted an analysis of our district’s performance against critical indicators in five areas: Instruction and Program, Fiscal Management, Governance, Operations and Personnel. “I am proud to announce that our school district has satisfied all of the requirements

of each indicator and has been designated as ‘high performing,’” wrote School District Superintendent Dr. Michele Pillari in a letter sent to all parents and guardians. “The Commissioner of Education will be recommending to the State Board of Education that Woodland Park Public Schools be certified as providing a thorough and efficient system of education for a period of three years or until the next required NJQSAC review.”

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Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 11

United States Power Squadron Oﬀers State Boating Safety Course

orthern New Jersey Sail & Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons (USPS) and now America’s Boating Club, will offer the New Jersey State Police, Marine Services Bureau approved Boating Safety Course at James Caldwell High School from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday, September 22, 2021. The course taught by certified instructors licensed by the State of NJ, and which meets all the mandatory requirements necessary for obtaining your New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate, will run every Wednesday evening for six weeks which includes a night for review, and a night for the required state examination. The cost of the course is $90.00. Legislation in the state of New Jersey was passed a number of years ago requiring all boaters, 16 years of age or older, operating a power driven vessel including a personal watercraft (PWC), to complete a boating safety course. The legislation requires a minimum of eight

hours of instruction with at least six hours of in-classroom study, homework, and a proctored examination. Those successfully completing the course will receive a New Jersey Marine State Police certificate that must be in the operator’s possession when on the waters of the state. Failure to exhibit the certificate is presumptive evidence that the person has not completed an approved boating safety course and is subject to a fine. One must be at least 12 years of age to attend the course. Registration is made through the Caldwell/West Caldwell Center for Continuing Education, 265 Westville Avenue, Room 105, West Caldwell, NJ 07006. Register on-line at www.cwcboe. org/continuinged or by mail (print & mail registration form with check). All calls only after 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 973-228-2092. Questions concerning the USPS course can also be addressed to the Boating Course Chairman, Bob Rosselot at 973-228-5329; email: rosselot17@aol. com.

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Page 12 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

o o d l a n d Park Councilwoman Tracey Kallert and Council President Vincent DeCesare presented a $14,000 check to the NJ State PBA Survivor & Welfare Fund from the “Families Behind Badge” softball tournament. The tournament honors officers that have given their lives in the line of duty and their families, and raises funds to assist those surviving families via the State PBA Survivors Fund. This year’s event honored the late Francesco “Frank” Scorpo Sr., a Woodland Park native who succumbed to COVID on April 12, 2020 at age 34. Frank served as a police officer with the City of Paterson. He served in both the Patrol

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Technology and Facility Upgrades Underway at Passaic Valley

By Rae Allex here are some amazing academic, athletic and facility initiatives on the horizon at Passaic Valley. We kicked off by implementing a painting maintenance plan, adding more white paint with new patterns of green to keep that traditional PV feel, yet brighten up the halls with a fresher look. Our goal for the 2021-2022 school year is to embrace the concept of improving school facilities to provide students with a better educational experience. We believe that these modifications to the atmosphere of our school will have a real impact on the attitude and motivation of current and future students, as well as teachers and parents. Passaic Valley is also very excited to announce the rollout of a new Realtime App. The app will allow students and parents to easily access important school information and receive customizable push notifications right to their phones for grades, attendance, discipline, cafeteria alerts, lockers, transportation and more. “The new Realtime application is specifically a mobile version of the Student/Parent Portal,” said Mrs. Tara Torres, Director of Student Personnel Services, who believes the biggest takeaway for students and parents is that they can customize their push notifications to know the moment a teacher changes a grade or adds an assignment. Although we can send out announcements directly through the app, it is not built to replace our schools notification system, rather to help support Passaic Valley’s communication with the community. Our new website is also currently in the works and will

be up and running within the next few months. The major difference will be the user friendliness of navigating the website from your mobile device. Additionally, in preparation for a great new school year, we revamped our email address domain to username@pvrhs.org. The Griswold Gymnasium floor project is underway and it will benefit the entire student body. This renovation not only provides our athletic teams with a state-of-the-art new home court, but it is also used on a daily basis by our physical education classes. In addition to our new Superintendent, Mr. Bracken Healy, organizing smaller projects to update the existing school building, there is a continual need to modernize our beautiful campus. We asked Director of Athletics and Student Activities, Mr. Joseph Benvenuti what his thoughts were on the Griswold Gymnasium Floor project: Between sports and all the events that happen in the Griswold Gym, how do you feel about this momentous change? I am so excited to see these long overdue changes being made to our facilities here at Passaic Valley High School. We were finally able to secure funding to help push these improvements along and I could not be more grateful. I feel with the updates to the Griswold Gymnasium all Hornets, young and old, will feel a sense of excitement around the PV community. Our gymnasium has always been revered by rival schools as a phenomenal space. We use the “Gris” for so many events throughout our school year, such as sporting events, pep rallies, honor ceremonies, Girls’ Show and continued on page 15

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Upgrades... continued from page 14 state level competitions. It is great to see some work being done to bring the gym back to life. When the project is completed, I am sure everyone will feel Hornet Pride and passion for Passaic Valley’s Griswold Gymnasium. Given the history of the Gris, how do you feel the upgrades will impact hosting County and State level events? The Griswold Gymnasium was finished and officially opened in 1970. For over 50 years, Passaic Valley High School has been thought of as having one of the premier gymnasiums in the state of New Jersey. The “Gris” has played host to many local, county and state level competitions throughout the years. I am certain that with our ongoing improvements being made to the Griswold

Gymnasium, Passaic Valley will continue to host major sporting events and competitions through the NJSIAA. Most importantly, I

feel the new look court and upgrades will entice current and future Hornets to want to compete and ultimately win on this court here at PV!

Page 16 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Summon Your Spiritual Side with Psychic Sophia

973-256-3899 125 Paterson Avenue Little Falls www.hpcnj.com

By Lindsey Kelleher he situation happens so often for some people it’s run-of-themill. A man or a woman comes along that seems like Mr. or Mrs. Right but then things don’t work out. It’s happened to most of us. We meet the other person and we really hit it off at first, thinking we’ll get married and start a family. But then something doesn’t click, and the person becomes a distant memory or an enemy. The relationship ends and we are left broken-hearted. Sometimes we’ll even blame ourselves for what went wrong. The same situation may happen between you and a friend or a family member. You’re both close at one time in your lives, but then you have a falling out. Are you tired of trying to channel all that negative energy? Ever wonder what really went wrong? What does your future really hold? How can you live a better life? Then take control of your spiritual well-being. Psychic Sophia can help. Psychic Sophia is based in Woodland Park and specializes in chakra balancing, tarot card readings, crystal ball readings, palm readings, aroma therapy, and relationship advice for both singles and couples. So, whether you’re looking for insight about the tough decisions you’ve made in your life, want to learn about the deeper meaning behind some of these decisions, or want to know what’s next in your life journey, book a reading today. Psychic Sophia can also cleanse your body and mind through aromatherapy and Chakra balancing.

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Chakra balancing helps people improve their physical, mental, and emotional energy. It originates from the Indian belief that people have seven energy centers in different parts of their bodies, which are called Chakras. Psychic Sophia uses Chakra music and a candle during a Chakra balancing session. She advises her clients to eat a balanced diet for seven days before coming back to see her for a follow-up visit. “The goal is to guide and protect people and to point them in the right direction,” Psychic Sophia said. If you’re looking to cleanse your mind, try aromatherapy. Psychic Sophia uses oils, love potions, and lotions, which are supposed to relax people and improve their health physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Tarot card reading help people learn about their past and present life events and aim to predict how people will transitions through their life hurdles in the future. Major Arcana and Minor Arcana cards are used during the readings. Major Arcana cards tell people about changes in their lives such as a new job, career change, or romantic relationship. During a reading, these life-changing moments are described, and an explanation is given about why these moments happened. Minor Arcana cards focus on everyday life activities such as eating, sleeping, or exercising. When Psychic Sophia reads these cards, she gives advice on how people can change these activities to better continued on page 17

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continued from page 16 their lives. Crystal ball readings have been around for centuries and aim to better inform people about their negative experiences in life. The readings are done by a psychic who knows how to read a crystal ball, looks into the ball, sees images, and tells you about the images and what role they play in your life. Sometimes readers use the ball for focusing techniques. Palm readings strive to tell people about what to expect in their future involving their love interests and romantic relationships, among other life events. Psychic Sophia will do the reading(s) of your choice. She does readings at various events including birthday and anniversary parties. And if you’re in Woodland Park on a Saturday,

don’t forget to stop by the Woodland Park Farmers Market. Psychic Sophia will be there selling love candles and crystals. The Woodland Park Farmers Market is located on Dowling Parkway and is held on Saturday through

October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Psychic Sophia today to book a reading, for information on hosting an event, or to purchase a love candle or crystal, 973-861-3027. Address: 606 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ 07424.

Page 18 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

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Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 19

Woodland Park Police Department Camp Visits

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embers of the Woodland Park Police Department made two special visits to the Woodland Park Summer Camp. The Camp staff sends its thanks • Parking in Rear • Across from St. Catherine’s Church

to the officers for stopping by to chat with the campers, talk about safety, and show them the inside of the police vehicles.

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Page 20 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

National Night Out

he Woodland Park Municipal Alliance for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse’s annual National Night Out, held on Aug. 3, was a true community celebration. The event, which included all facets of the community, allowed the Borough’s volunteer first responders to be in the spotlight and showcase what they do. The West Paterson Volunteer Fire Department did three demonstrations. The first was teaching kids how to use a fire extinguisher on a controlled fire. The kids

had a blast putting the fire out. The second utilized a fire in a wooden “house” that showed why it’s important to keep your bedroom door closed when you sleep. The third was a demo of the Jaws of Life to remove the top of an overturned car to free victims. The event also offered a number of bounce attractions for the kids, free food, give-a-ways, music, and tables from community groups and businesses.

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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)

Page 22 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Savor These Holiday Centerpieces

elebrate the season and create long-lasting memories this year by serving tasteful main courses centered around tender cuts of beef. With hand-cut choices like a Bone-in Frenched Prime Rib Roast, Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons, a Beef Brisket Flat and Premium Ground Beef from Omaha Steaks, you can create elegant holiday centerpieces such as Steak Au Poivre or a unique generational recipe, the Simon Family Brisket. Each cut of beef is hand-carved by expert butchers, flash-frozen to capture freshness and flavor at its peak and delivered directly to your door. Find more inspiration to create a memorable holiday meal at OmahaSteaks.com. Steak Au Poivre Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 2 2 Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5-6 ounces each), thawed 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons butter, divided 1/3 cup brandy or cognac 1 cup cream 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Season steak with salt and pepper. Press seasoning into

meat to create even coating. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter until just smoking. Add steak and sear 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Once cooked to desired doneness, transfer steak to cutting board and tent with foil to rest. Reduce heat to medium and add brandy to skillet. Allow to cook down about 1 minute while stirring to scrape off any browned bits from bottom of pan. Once brandy reduces by half, add cream, Dijon mustard and remaining butter; continue cooking until mixture begins to reduce and thicken, 5-7 minutes. Slice steaks against grain and top with sauce. Simon Family Brisket Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 4 hours, plus 20 minutes resting time

Servings: 4 1 Omaha Steaks Beef Brisket Flat (2 pounds), thawed 1 package (1.1 ounces) dry onion soup mix 1 can (14 ounces) whole cranberries 1 cup chili sauce 1 cup ginger ale Preheat oven to 250 F. Place brisket in large ovenproof baking dish. In bowl, mix onion soup mix, cranberries and chili sauce. Spoon over top of brisket. Pour ginger ale around edges of brisket. Cover with foil and bake 4 hours. Remove from oven and let rest 20 minutes. Remove brisket from baking dish and place on cutting board. Slice brisket against grain and place in serving dish. Top with sauce and serve. (Family Features)

Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 23

How to Shake Up Mealtime: 10 Creative Kitchen Ideas

ue to quarantine and social distancing measures, Americans have found themselves cooking at home more than ever. However, after creating some of the same meals week after week, you might be hitting a home-cooking rut. To shake things up in the kitchen, consider these 10 ways to add excitement and creativity to your dishes. Explore cultural dishes: Look to other cultures for food inspiration. Whether inspired by a book you read, a movie you watched or a place you have visited (or want to visit), there are a lot of dishes that can open your eyes to the way people all around the world eat and enjoy food. Use a new ingredient: “Try a new ingredient you’ve never cooked with before to expand your palate,” says Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur Jordan Andino. “Experimenting with a new ingredient like SPAM¬Æ Classic is great because the product is flavorful, versatile, quick to cook, and when added to a dish, it can give your favorite recipe a whole new twist.”

Host a virtual theme night: Invite friends for a virtual dinner party where everyone shows off their homemade creations. To add a little excitement to the virtual party, pick a different theme to create a meal around - a luau, a crawfish boil or decades night are a few examples. Don’t forget to add some fun decor to make the virtual mealtime extra special. Get inspired online: With cooking classes going virtual across countless social media platforms, look to some of your favorite foodie influencers and celebrity chefs for inspiration in the kitchen. Your favorite cooking brands, restaurants and chefs are probably hosting online cooking classes where you can learn some new tips and simple tricks to make a tasty new dish. Get the gadgets and tools: Turn your culinary world upside down with a new kitchen gadget. Try out a vegetable spiralizer that’ll help you make zoodles (zucchini noodles) or a dressing mixer to create homemade dressings, marinades and sauces. Pick up a sushi kit for a fun

family dinner activity. Try trending recipes: Try your hand at one of the latest food trends for more motivation in the kitchen. A few recipes that are gaining popularity include bread making, cooking flavored gnocchi or eating the iconic Hawaiian snack SPAM¬Æ Musubi. Add new spices: An easy way to enhance any dish is by adding spices. Try a new spice or make your own blend. Whether you’re going for some heat or want to add a savory element, a spice you’ve never had before may do the trick. Furthermore, a new spice might even inspire new dishes you’ll love. Embrace backward day: Try shaking things up and eat breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast. Flipping around the traditional awakens palates and is a simple way to keep meals interesting. Plus, what kid doesn’t love waﬄes or egg bakes for dinner? Share a favorite, find a favorite: Organize a virtual or old-fashioned recipe swap with friends and family. Discover new meal options and walk away with a pile of fresh

recipes to cook at home. Make your own bowls: Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, make a “build your own bowl bar,” where your family can choose their own base and toppings for their custom creations. For example, try a smoothie bowl by pairing yogurt, fresh fruit and extras like grains and nuts for a nutrient-filled breakfast. For dinner, try rice bowls that can be customized to your liking, such as a bibimbap bowl. (BPT)

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Page 24 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Serve Up Steak for a Special Seasonal Dish

njoying a meal together at the table is surely one of the all-time holiday traditions for many families. Make this holiday season one to remember by turning to a centerpiece that’s tough to top: steak. By combining Premium Ground Beef from Omaha Steaks with flavorful additions like mushrooms and onion, you can turn a seasonal meal into a truly sensational dish to savor. While family and friends focus on sides or dessert, you can be the host with the most by serving up a flavorful main course to please nearly everyone’s palate. Visit OmahaSteaks.com to find more steak-inspired holiday solutions. Salisbury Steak Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 1 large egg 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or 1/2 cup dried plain breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 pound Omaha Steaks Premium Ground Beef, thawed 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 tablespoon butter 8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 1/2 cups beef broth 1 tablespoon cornstarch In medium bowl, whisk egg. Add breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and salt; stir to combine. Add beef and mix until combined. Divide mixture into four portions and shape each into oval patty about 1/2-inch thick. In large skillet over medium heat, heat canola oil until shimmering. Add patties and sear until dark brown crust forms, about 5 minutes. Flip patties and cook until second side is browned, 4-5 minutes. Transfer patties to platter. In same pan, add butter, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Add mushrooms and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are tender and onions are beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Mix beef broth, remaining Worcestershire sauce and cornstarch; add to pan, stirring until combined. Return patties and any accumulated juices to pan; cover and simmer until patties are cooked through and sauce thickens slightly, 10-12 minutes. (Family Features)

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Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 25

Showstopping Cookies with a Crunch

weet treats are a favorite food, especially when they have a unique or unusual twist that makes them stand out from the crowd. When a dessert isn’t the classic chocolate or vanilla flavor, it can pique eaters’ interest. Cupcakes, macaroons and even pies have some intense flavors, however, it’s hard to top the delightful taste of these Fresh Ginger Cookies. They are sweet and sugary with the perfect amount of ginger. Baked until golden brown, this dessert is a showstopper for family events and celebrations alike. Even the little ones will love to munch on this sweet treat with fresh, appealing flavor. In a mixing bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon and salt until combined. In a separate bowl, add butter, sugar and brown sugar then beat until fluffy. Add an egg and fresh ginger then beat the mixture again. Gradually add dry ingredients to this mixture until combined. In a small bowl, add sugar. With a spoon, scoop out a small portion of dough and roll it into a small ball before rolling in sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough then arrange balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 14 minutes until golden brown. Make sure your little ones wait to enjoy until the cookies have cooled completely.

From parties to picnics, these cookies can be a hit. They are simple to make, don’t take much time to bake and are unique enough to bring along to nearly any occasion. With ground and fresh ginger, these cookies are equally as appetizing as they are satisfying and sure to turn heads in the kitchen. Find more sweet treat recipes at Culinary.net. If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work. Fresh Ginger Cookies Servings: 24 2 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup salted butter, softened 1 cup, plus 3 tablespoons, sugar, divided 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

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In stand mixer, beat butter, 1 cup sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and fresh ginger; beat until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to mixer until combined. In small bowl, add remaining sugar. Using spoon, portion out dough, roll into balls then roll in sugar. Arrange balls on baking sheet at least 1 inch apart. Bake 14 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Transfer cookies to cooling rack and cool completely. (Culinary.net)

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Page 26 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Passaic Valley Summer Camps Oﬀer Students a Preview of Course Oﬀerings and Essential Skills

By Rae Allex ummer is here! At Passaic Valley we make the most of the summer months. We hold The Passaic Valley Summer for the Performing Arts Camp (PVSPA), a 4 week summer camp funded by the Passaic Valley Education Foundation, as well as a Summer Sports Camp Program hosted by the PV Athletic Department, Head Coaches and their assistant staff. The PVSPA camp provides 4th grade through high school students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and interest in the fine and performing arts courses offered at Passaic Valley. Enrolled students take a total of 4 classes over a 4 week span, 1 class per week. The class options Include: Concert

Band, Guitar Class, Piano Class, Voice Class, Acting and StageCraft, Musical Theatre, Dance Technique and Movement, Creative Writing, Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, Crafts, Cartooning, and Fashion Design. The look of excitement and strength of purpose on the students’ faces when they succeed at learning something new is what it’s all about. When I asked the Musical Theater campers to show me what they are working on they jumped on stage, eager and full of passion, explaining that, “In just two hours together, we learned this entire routine!” Our Summer Sports Camps include: Baseball, Girls Basketball, Track & Field, Softball, Football, Girls Volleyball and Gymnastics.

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Each sport runs an individual 3-4 day camp organized by Passaic Valley’s Certified Coaching Staff. These camps are a perfect way for students from 4th grade to high school to improve their skills or start a new sport. In fact, beginners are encouraged to start here! “It is so great to see new faces out here on the field, there is some tremendous talent in this group of kids. JOIN THE SWARM!” encourages Athletic Director, Mr. Joseph Benvenuti.

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Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 27

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Page 28 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Celeste Mancinelli Takes the Story of Her 200 Mile Walk to the Stage

By Jillian Risberg eleste Mancinelli is most at home on stage, so it was only natural that she documented the 200mile hike she took through Spain, to the Santiago de Compostela, as the authentic experience it was. She couldn’t wait to share it with others. She was inspired to take on such a challenge at a crossroads in her life, facing retirement as a Speech Language Pathologist. “I loved that career,” says the performer. “But all the while I was aching to get back to my former career as a professional actress/singer in New York City.” Celeste’s NYC theater credits include Nunsense, A Girl’s Guide to Chaos, 1-2-3-4-5, and My Big Fat Gay Italian Wedding/Funeral. She has performed at the Manhattan Theatre Club and the American Place Theater. When COVID brought the theater world to a grinding halt, the veteran performer wasted no time developing and rehearsing her funny and poignant one-woman show, ‘Crying on the Camino.’ The show was conceived and developed with Celeste’s mentor, the legendary director and acting teacher Wynn Handman, at his studio in New York. “I had never seriously considered writing an entire evening of theater myself,” says Mancinelli. “This theater experience is unlike any I’ve had because it combines acting and singing with a true story from my life.” That story details the joys and hardships that Celeste experienced during her walk on the Camino, with two wonderful friends and a 12-pound backpack for company.

According to Mancinelli, many people do the walk for religious reasons, but she didn’t. She wanted the physical and mental task - and she wanted time to reflect. The living conditions were challenging. “I was with two older

women who were like warriors, never choosing the easy way out,” Mancinelli says. “I walked with Dr. Lynn Burnham Liptak (her former boss) and Liptak’s sister Lauri Burnham continued on page 29

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200 Mile Walk to the Stage... continued from page 28 Massey. Both Liptak and Massey had walked the Camino many times in the past. “I made a choice to do something difficult to prepare for the difficult task of returning to theater after many years,” Mancinelli says. “The decision seemed crazy, but here I am telling the true story of what really happenedsome of it funny and some of it not so funny. During COVID she was able to develop her work-inprogress with director Richard Sabellico, performing the full piece at area libraries prior to getting actual bookings. She is presently slated to perform her piece at the Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point, New Jersey, in New York City at Theater 555 on 42nd St., and in North Carolina, at the American Pilgrims Association Convention (in March 2022). She will continue performing the show at local libraries as well. She believes she was summoned to the Camino for a reason… and is now embarking on a new Camino, bringing this true account of her walk to the stage. “The beauty is that it wasn’t with a direct goal in mind; it was to tell my story… but what has happened is that it’s grown from nothing,” Mancinelli says. “This piece is about minimalism and simplicity, self-reflection and honesty. In sharing this piece my goal is to inspire others to take their own journey — to fully live their own Caminos.” According to Mancinelli, there’s a saying on the Camino, “The real Camino begins when the first Camino ends and that’s what it feels like,” she says. “A new path of promoting and performing my own show. “

When asked, “What is next?” her answer was simple “Auditions and doing my work like all my fellow actors. You see I never left acting,” Mancinelli says. “Theater is in my soul. It’s something I was meant to do.” Shows are scheduled for Sept. 19 at the Fair Lawn Library, September 30 at the Gateway Playhouse, and a special one night performance on October 7 at Theater 555 in Manhattan to benefit the American Pilgrims on the Camino, a non profit organization. For more information or to make reservations, email crycamino@gmail.com.

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Page 30 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

I Remember Dad: Hold Dearly In Heart, Thy Steadfast Faith

By Richard Mabey Jr. nce in a lifetime, a most monumental moment comes to pass. At the time, the depth of the golden truth does not resonate to the core chambers of the human heart. Rather, it is only after a bit of time passes, that a person is able to really appreciate the shining diamond aspect of a sacred moment in time, never, ever to come back again. Love is the precious key that unlocks the bolted doors of loneliness, prejudice, fear, and hopelessness. It was in January of 2006, that my dad presented a talk to the good people of Edenville Methodist Church, in Edenville, Pennsylvania, one cold wintry Sunday morning. Dad had managed to beat prostate cancer, kidney cancer and skin cancer. Our beloved Pastor had asked my father to present a talk, that fateful Sunday morning, when she was away on vacation to visit her daughter and granddaughter. I had the distinct honor to introduce Dad, that wonderful Sunday morning. There, in this little country chapel, right before my eyes, my beloved father touched the hearts, minds, and inner beings of his fellow church members. When Dad was done with his presentation, that Sunday morning, I don’t think that there was a dry eye in the chapel. My father shared his inner most fears, of all of his anxieties, in his struggles of fighting cancer. And, then as if my dear father knew his fate, his destiny, he shared with the congregation that he was not feeling all that well lately. That the good Lord had come to him in a dream and told him that he needed to prepare for his journey Home to Heaven’s Gate.

My father’s intuition was keener than the team of doctors that he had. For it was shortly thereafter that Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Dad had two more surgeries after that fateful diagnosis, but neither one of them was to any avail. I think that I loved my father as well as any son could love his Dad. My father was also my Scoutmaster. He taught me how to survive in the forest. He showed me which plants were edible and which ones were poisonous. I walked hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail with Dad. I shared a canoe with Dad on six, week-long canoe trips down the Delaware River. We often walked the towpath of the old Morris Canal together, down into the forest behind the old Mabey Homestead. My father was all so much more than a father to me, in all so many ways, he was my best friend. I often think of that talk that Dad gave to the congregation of the Edenville Methodist Church on that fateful Sunday morning in January of 2006. For Dad went Home to be with the Lord in early May of 2006. I still deeply mourn for him. In his presentation, Dad stressed the need to always keep a strong faith in the good Lord, despite how things were going in our lives. That we need to believe in the infinite goodness of God. That even though we many not understand it at the time, all things are working for the good of the Lord. Sadly, Dad’s talk was not recorded nor videotaped. Something that, to this very day, I deeply regret. Hold dear the sacred love for one another. Keep thy candle of unconditional love burning brightly in your heart.

Dad steadfastly standing at the podium, presenting his heart moving talk, at the Edenville Methodist Church. I am standing in the left-hand side of this photograph, for I had just introduced my beloved father.

Hold dear to the faith of a mustard seed. For truly, when faith and love combine, miracles can occur. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

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Page 32 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

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Page 34 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 35

The Blessed September of 1966

By Richard Mabey Jr. uthor’s Note: Please note that I have changed Pamela’s last name, in this true-life story. For myself, turning of the calendar page from August to September, is in of itself the mark of my own personal new year. First, my birthday is in early September. Secondly, September marked the beginning of a new school year, a farewell to the joys and splendor of summer vacation. As I turned 13, in the early September of 1966, an old friendship was about to take a new turn, a new vista, the beginning of a kinder and deeper friendship. To understand the importance of the September of 1966, it’s necessary to rewind the timeline one more year, to September of 1965. It was then, when I was 12 years old and starting seventh grade, that I was diagnosed with having full-blown Rheumatic Fever. I did not attend all but a few weeks of school, during all of seventh grade. But, I did have a dedicated tutor, who even drove out in the wintry snow to teach me in the children’s ward of the old Barnert Hospital in Paterson. So, when I started the eighth grade at dear old Chapel Hill School, I was justifiably nervous. I had lost a great deal of strength

and was not as good at sports as the other boys. And, for that reason alone, some of the boys in my class were brutally mean to me. But, all in all, one dear friend from that era shines like the beacon light of a coastal lighthouse. My dear friend, Pamela Rawlings, showed me great kindness and most earnestly welcomed me back to the grind of daily school life at dear old Chapel Hill School. Pamela had sent me eight or nine get well cards during my year of battling Rheumatic Fever. She would always include a little letter with her get well card, as to what was happening in school. Louie had a fight with Sammy, Timmy had a crush on Laura Ann, and all of the important happenings and events of our class. At the time, I was a First Class Scout in Boy Scout Troop 170. I had great dreams and earnest ambitions to become an Eagle Scout. Most of my scout leaders, except for my dad, had very little faith in me that I could make Eagle Scout. When I would share my dream of becoming an Eagle Scout with my fellow scouts, most of them laughed at me. Not all of them, but a great number of them mocked me. If you drive down Chapel Hill Road, across from the Lincoln Park Municipal Building,

A photo of old Chapel Hill School from a bygone era.

proudly stands a two-story, red brick schoolhouse. That was the very building that was once known as Chapel Hill School. If you face the front of the school, on the righthand side of the school yard, at the corner of Chapel Hill and School Street, there are a number of tall maple trees. Hopefully, they are all still there. Well, it was at that little area of the schoolyard where Pamela and I would often sit upon the soft grass and talk

during our after-lunch recess period. It was in mid-September of 1966, that Pamela and I had a most wonderful and earnest heart to heart talk. I had shared my dream of earning Eagle Scout one day. Pamela did not laugh, she did not tell me not to get my hopes up, she did not tell me that the odds were all against me. Instead, Pamela looked me square in the eye and continued on page 36

Page 36 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

Did You Know?

Blessed September... continued from page 35 simply said to me, “you will, Richie, you will. I have complete faith in you. One day, you will become an Eagle Scout.” Pamela’s words melted into the deepest chambers of my heart. Her encouragement meant the moon and the stars to me. At that very moment in time, I pledged to Pamela that I would be her friend for as long as I lived. I remember Pamela shyly looking down upon the rich green grass and gently telling me that she would be my friend for the rest of her life. Sadly, after high school, Pamela and I lost track of each other. Pamela was the one person for whom I would look for in airports, malls, and grocery stores. I never stopped praying that one day, I would find Pamela and our friendship would be reborn again. To the dear readers of this newspaper, all I can ask is that you trust my story. As if the odds were a million to one, in 2019, I found Pamela again through a friend that Pamela and I both knew. At that time, Pamela was living in Florida, just a bit south of me. We began to email each other, and new life was brought to an old friendship. I know, without any doubts at all, that the good Lord dearly blessed our reunion. For in early 2019, Pamela wrote me about how there was a deep sadness residing in her heart. In her latter teen years, Pamela gave birth to a little baby girl. She surrendered her sweet baby girl for adoption. Pamela longed and longed to find her biological daughter before she went Home to be with the Lord. The remembrance of Pamela’s words of encouragement, from when we were in eighth grade sitting upon that grassy school yard, burnt brightly in my heart. I needed to help my

spiritual sister, in her quest to find her biological daughter. I wrote and sent articles to over 300 newspapers. Some of the articles were published, some were not. The endearing and joyful blessing came to Pamela’s life just a few months ago, when Pamela was reunited with her biological daughter. I cried when I read Pamela’s email to me that she had found her long, lost daughter. Modern miracles still do happen. Mr. Joseph Nicastro, the Publisher of this newspaper, had published an article of Pamela’s search to find her biological daughter. I am endearingly grateful for his immense kindness. That article set the wheels in motion for me to send my articles, of Pamela’s search for her biological daughter, to over 300 newspapers in the USA. Encouragement may well be one of the greatest gifts that you can give to another person. I did earn the coveted rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting. I truly believe that Pamela’s encouragement and belief in me, played a very big role in my bull dog determination not to give up on my idealistic dream to become an Eagle Scout. Today, Pamela and I keep in touch with emails. She is one of my dearest friends, my spiritual sister. If you know someone who could use a word of encouragement, please do take the time to share those words with him or her. You will never know how far reaching an effect, that your words of encouragement will play upon their life. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

ith more free time on their hands, retirees may spend a portion of that time dining out at local eateries. While it’s commendable to want to support local businesses, eating out can quickly devour a budget if those on fixed incomes are not careful. Certain strategies can be used to help retirees save money while dining out. • Shop to-go meals at supermarkets or specialty food stores, which can be heated at home or enjoyed as a picnic at a scenic spot. • Dine out for breakfast or lunch when meals tend to be less expensive than they are during dinner hours. • Consider splitting meals or ordering appetizers instead of entrees. • Stick to one course rather than filling up on an appetizer, salad and then having too much leftover food for the main course. This can help keep the bill lower. • Drink at home whenever possible. Enjoying a glass of wine, beer or cocktails at a restaurant will almost always cost you more than if you have drinks at home. Stick to the meal only, then enjoy a nightcap once you return home. It’s also a safe way to reduce the risk of drinking and driving. • Look for coupons or special discount days when seniors can enjoy a percentage off the tab. • Explore venues that offer tasting menus. These establishments provide small bites of various dishes and enable patrons to try out various foods before committing to one dish that may be costly. • Opt for inexpensive foods and save the high-end meals for special occasions.

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Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 37

Fall Tips for Protecting Your Pet’s Health

hether fall is when you switch out your exercise regimen or schedule your annual flu shot, staying healthy is at the top of most “to do” lists right now. Just remember your fourlegged family members when considering seasonal changes to your wellness program. Fall is the perfect time to take steps to keep pets healthy, too. 1) Plan that vet visit. Annual checkups that include immunizations, physical exams, routine blood work and prescription refills are as important to pet health as they are to human health. Routine wellness visits can also save pet-care dollars in the long run through preventive care and early disease detection. If your pet missed his or her annual check-up last spring, consider getting that visit rescheduled. Most veterinarians offer pet wellness appointments with curbside drop-off and pick-up to help safeguard owners’ health. 2) Get off the couch. Summer’s heat is giving way to cooler temperatures, so resist the temptation to forgo your dog’s evening walk for yet another movie marathon. Not only will outdoor exercise help whittle your pet’s waistline and promote joint health, but getting outside to enjoy the fall colors can boost your own caloric burn and mental

outlook as well. 3) Don’t “fall” back on parasite prevention. Just because you aren’t slapping mosquitoes like you did in July doesn’t mean you should stop protecting your pets from parasites. The American Heartworm Society recommends giving heartworm preventives - many of which prevent a host of common parasites - to dogs and cats year-round. While heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, it’s nearly impossible to guess when you’ll see the last one in the fall or the first one next spring. Diseasecarrying mosquitoes can also survive as temperatures drop by migrating indoors or to protected areas near houses and other buildings. 4) Rethink your pet’s fall wardrobe. Protective wearables make more than a fashion statement for many pets. Arthritic senior dogs, as well as short-haired dogs or lean breeds that chill easily, will be more comfortable if you slip on a cozy fleece coat when clipping on their leash. Just make sure your pup’s garment has a snug vs. a tight fit - and consider coats with reflective fabric if you favor nighttime walks. And if your fall activities include hunting with your dog, make sure to outfit your four-legged companion with a hunting vest.

5) Hide the Halloween treats. Whether or not your kids go trick-or-treating this year, you may be making plans to stock up on Halloween candy. Just remember that certain human treats may be toxic to your pets. Chocolate is hazardous to both dogs and cats, sugar can throw off your pet’s electrolyte balance and certain artificial

sweeteners can cause liver failure in dogs. So go ahead and keep the candy to yourself. Just keep it away from your pets while you’re at it. Staying healthy has never felt more important than it does this fall. Do your pets a favor and prioritize their health, too. (BPT) -

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Page 38 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

NJStarz NJ Starz: Natalie Lewis Hometown: Long Valley

By Steve Sears hen you speak to personal chef Natalie Lewis, you can tell – perhaps live, even – the beauty and satisfaction of her career. It’s in her description of the food itself, the process of preparation, how it all started for her and has evolved into what her career is now. She describes the end result succinctly in one paragraph. “I love to be able to give,” she very happily says. “I think that’s probably one of my love languages: to give to other people and to make them happy. And I think, at the end of the day, that is what really fulfills me and my career in terms of creating something that is artistic and beautiful and fresh, and I put my all into it, and somebody at the end of the day can sit down and it makes them happy. I find fulfillment in that. And it’s just so true, you have to be passionate in this field.” What Lewis, a personal chef of 14 years who has lived in Long Valley for about 6 years, unveils for her clients is the world of her unique, innovative cuisine. For some she goes into their homes and prepares their meals for the week, packing up the food, labeling it, and leaving it in the refrigerator with the heating instructions for them to repeat for the 7 days. For others, she does a little bit more of what is called private cheffing, where she prepares the food and sends it to them hot, on the spot, ready to eat. Lewis has traveled extensively, buttressing her knowledge of food, educating herself in many cultures and cuisines. A Le Cordon Blue of Paris graduate in French Cuisine, Lewis didn’t want the knowledge and training to stop there. There was much more to discover, and she has much fortified her skills. Lewis, who grew up in Ohio with three sisters – Jami, Courtney, and Sarah - had a very humble upbringing. “My family, they were all religious, and it was a very small country town outside of Cincinnati that nobody knows,” she says with a laugh. “My childhood was easy and quiet.” She and the world of cuisine both embraced each other at an early age. “I love the way that food is able to bring people together in a happy way and in a better way,” she says, “and I feel like nothing else is able to do it in the way the food can do it.” It all started at home. She credits her dad (Keith) with the inspiration to become a chef. “My dad never cooked professionally - he was working full time, and my mom (Beth) was home – but when he was off from work, he would cook for fun. He was the one that was always really very creative with food and coming up with very creative meals and things like that. So, he was a big influence on me in terms of wanting to pursue food.” Her father was a painter as well, and this encouraged his daughter in the artistic, creative side of culinary life, which ultimately has “fed” her career well. Lewis’s loving to eat (especially

different types of foods) also played a role, perhaps a more prominent one according to her. “That really more so was my motivation to pursue cooking. I just loved to eat the food, and I would love to eat growing up and explore different cuisines. When I was younger, I had a friend who was Japanese, and they would take us to this one little Japanese restaurant that was within a several mile-radius, and I would eat the Miso soup, and they would introduce me to all of these really traditional Japanese foods. So even kind of tasting that and loving that and thinking like, ‘Wow! This is incredible, so different than just the normal family dinner!’ was what really inspired me from a young age to kind of want to explore different cuisines and try out different types of foods.” Traveling was very important for her. “It was wanting to explore other cultures and the way other cultures ate,” she says. “When I was growing up, I was fortunate enough to travel to places out of the country. I went to Peru, I went to Japan, even before I went to college. I think that’s always been another passion of mine: to travel and to embrace other ways of life,” she says. “There’s so many cultures and food and things I’ve never heard of. I would love to continue to explore and I think being able to see how other people eat and how other people prepare things and what’s important to them and their cultures, it really expands not only your knowledge but your palate.” And all of the before-mentioned set her eyes on studying abroad. She had looked at schools in the United States which, in her words, “were great schools, but I just got excited about doing it in a different country, and there was the kind of cultural aspect of it as well. So that’s how I ended up in France.” When in culinary school, she and her classmates would take trips to the market and pick out different types of ingredients to try in various dishes. “It changes your whole viewpoint on how you want to cook,” Lewis says, “and what you want to serve to people, and you want them to experience them in the same way. You tried something new and that excited you, and you want to excite them in the same way.” Lewis, 38, in 2002 graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris with a diploma in French cuisine, and some of her stops afterwards as a chef have included Jag’s Steak & Seafood House in Cincinnati, and in Charleston, South Carolina she worked for smaller eateries, a country club, and a catering company, as well as the coastal Old Village Post House tavern and inn, and then her next-to-final trek was to Napa Valley. But now she’s in Morris County, Lewis dealing with and cooking for the community. “I definitely have worked with a lot of local farms,” she says, “and I work with a local butcher by me that is excellent. I know exactly where the food is coming from. The same with the fishmonger; I have a

Chef Natalie Lewis. Photo credit Anne Constance Photography.

trusted fishmonger that I work with.” And Lewis also takes advantage of the fertile Long Valley soil, she herself sowing and harvesting. “In terms of growing my own, occasionally I will grow in the summer things like small potted herbs, and I love growing like micro greens or things like edible flowers that I’ll use for garnishes.” Lewis also has teamed up with best friend and photographer, Annie Herrmann, to form the chef\food styling photography team called FishEye Design (www.fisheye-design.com). She explains. “Annie is my best friend,” Lewis says, “and starting several years ago she would take photographs for me and my personal chef website and portfolio. There’s a huge market for food photography and food styling in the area, and we just continue to do more and more, and now we have a food photography studio continued on page 39

Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 39

NJ Starz... continued from page 38 that we actually work out of.” Lewis, who is married to her husband, Grant, for 10 years, and is a mom to two daughters, Ella and Hadley, says there is one dish that she loves to make that gets received overwhelmingly. “I would have to say there’s a duck breast recipe that I make often, and I’ll make that duck breast with a Bourbon honey glaze. My clients always love it, and it’s one of my favorites, too. So it’s a little bit of comfort, but it also is lighter and fresh and not as heavy.” For Lewis, whose clients include Eli Manning and his wife, Abby, and their family, being a personal chef is advantageous to toiling daily in a restaurant. “There’s something about professional cheffing that’s different than the

restaurant, in the sense that oftentimes I’m not making the same thing twice too often. For the most part, I’m always just getting whatever is available fresh and what I’m inspired by, which is a nice part of that as opposed to being in the restaurant where you’re

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kind of making the same thing over and over again.” The most rewarding part of Natalie Lewis’s life? The creation of something memorable. “I feel like you can leave a lasting impression on somebody. And you know, I’ve had meals where I think that I

still remember everything about it and everything that was on my plate. So, if you’re able to accomplish that, then I think that you’ve succeeded at your job.” For more information about Chef Natalie Lewis, visit her website at www. chefnatalielewis.com.

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Page 40 • September 2021 • Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life

5 Prep Steps to Protect and Power Your Business

n unexpected event such as a seasonal storm can wreak havoc on your business. While you may not be able to manage Mother Nature, you can take steps to protect your business against the impact of a natural disaster. In honor of National Preparedness Month, consider these tips to help prepare your business in the event a disaster or emergency comes your way. Make a Plan If you haven’t mapped out how your business operations would change in the aftermath of a natural disaster, this should be your first priority. Consider scenarios in which the physical location of your business is inaccessible, a significant portion of your staff is unable to come to work or any other situation that could result in the inability to continue business as usual. Your plan should address minor impacts up to a worst-case scenario and outline how you’ll adjust accordingly, including which staff members will be responsible for leading each change. Define contingency resources and operating standards so you can quickly shift gears as soon as you can safely do so. Ensure a Reliable Power Source Power is often one of the first resources affected by weather-related disasters, and

depending on the severity of the storm, outages can be lengthy. Adequate power is essential for keeping your business moving and ensuring operations don’t come to a halt during a time of need. Establishing a partnership with a power expert like your local Interstate All Battery Center can help with your everyday power needs while also guaranteeing you’re prepared for unexpected events. A professional partner’s expert counsel can guide you toward the right power source for your system in addition to helping prevent the logistical impact of battery failures, unplanned downtime or subpar performance. Keep Insurance Up to Date As a business owner, you shoulder a great deal of responsibility, not only for your business and its assets but also for the people you employ. Maintaining a current and adequate insurance policy is an essential business practice. If you don’t make it a habit to review the terms of your policy each renewal period, take time to do so right away. If you find any areas of potential exposure, contact your insurance agent to discuss how you can better protect your employees, your business and, ultimately, yourself. Consider How Assets are Stored

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Whether your business produces tangible goods or you deal in data, your assets may become inaccessible in the event of a natural disaster. Regular backups, digital file management and remote access can protect vital business information. Be conscious of storage needs you may take for granted with your current business setup. Your backup storage plan should include vendors located well outside your region who you’ve vetted and know you can trust. Anticipate Communication Needs In the hours, days and weeks following a natural disaster, you can expect an elevated need for information by everyone

who is involved with your business, from your senior leadership team and other employees to customers and vendors. Think about how you typically communicate with each of these audiences and what changes may be necessary if your normal operations are disrupted. Decide ahead of time who will be responsible for leading communication updates and discuss your expectations about transparency and timeliness to ensure your business circle stays apprised of developments. Find more advice for protecting your business at InterstateBatteries.com/allbattery-centers.(Family Features)

Passaic Valley - Cedar Grove Life • September 2021 • Page 41

Help Others During the Holidays

iving during the holiday season can mean more than gifts. It’s the time of year when giving back to your community can make an even bigger impact – especially this year when so many need a helping hand. This holiday season, do your part to help deliver smiles to loved ones and people in need. Reap the feel-good rewards of helping others with these ideas on how to make a difference. Give time. One of the greatest donations an organization can receive is your time. Volunteer roles can vary significantly depending on the organization you choose but can leave you feeling like you’ve contributed in a real and meaningful way. From sorting donated items, preparing and distributing warm meals or wrapping gifts, organizations can almost always use an extra set of hands during the holidays. Make your shopping count. To help make the season even brighter, Amazon is donating millions of items to more than 1,000 charities worldwide through product and monetary donations and is making it easy for you to give back as well. When shopping for holiday supplies or gifts for

family and friends, you can give back and donate to your favorite charitable organizations. Simply activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app or on your web browser to get the same online shopping experience you’re accustomed to with the added benefit of donating a portion of eligible purchases to a charity of your choice. Spread information. People are more willing to contribute to a cause when they understand how they can help. Align with an organization or cause you care about and share details about how the community can help. That might include talking about the group’s mission and needs to your friends and family or simply sharing info about its cause on your social media feeds. Let the organization know you’re eager to generate awareness for its needs, and it can typically find a way to put your skills to use. Shop for a cause. One thing nonprofits often hear is people want to give, but they don’t know what items will be most useful. You can remove the guesswork with a resource like AmazonSmile Charity Lists, which offer a convenient way to donate to your favorite causes. Just search for your favorite organization and find its list of

most-needed items, purchase and have the donation delivered directly to the charity’s door. You can also make a donation to the organization of your choice through your Alexa-enabled device by saying, “Alexa, I want to make a donation.” Donate gently used items. This holiday season, you’ll probably add new clothes to your closet and new toys to the playroom, but others may not have presents to unwrap. As you receive gifts this holiday, see what gently used toys, clothes and household items could be donated to help others. Find more information and resources at smile.amazon.com, and share how you’re giving back by using #DeliveringSmiles on social media. Delivering Smiles to Charitable Organizations in Need Charitable organizations often maintain a wish list of items necessary to deliver on their missions. This holiday season, you can help fulfill AmazonSmile Charity Lists of nonprofit organizations supporting causes including homelessness, hunger and disaster relief, among others. Donations including food and pantry

items, blankets, sheets, toys, educational items for kids, socks, outerwear and other apparel items, as well as monetary donations to put toward the purchase of these items, can help provide organizations with essential items they need and products they want. Among the charities benefiting from this program are: Heifer International – You can help smallscale farmers transform their communities by donating essential tools. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Toys and game donations can help deliver countless smiles to children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases this holiday season. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Best Friends Animal Society – Essential pet supplies can be donated to help provide nutrition and enrichment to dogs and cats while they await foster or adoptive homes. Operation Nightwatch – Help protect homeless communities by giving necessary food and clothing.

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How to Navigate Family Feelings About Returning to School

hether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or the start of middle school, back-to-school season can bring a range of feelings – from worry to excitement – for the entire family. This year may be more emotional as many families spent the better part of the past two school years at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s important to remember that even in the best of times, it’s normal for children to express feelings of sadness, isolation or stress,” said Tyreca Elliott, from KinderCare Learning Centers’ inclusion services team. “Learning how to address those feelings helps us build self-confidence, resilience and independence. What’s important is the way adults respond to children’s stress. Offering comfort, reassurance and assisting with problem solving will help children learn and grow from stress in a positive way.” As an added bonus, Elliott said many of the most effective ways to help children learn to navigate their feelings work just as well with adults. Consider these three tips to help your children (and yourself) manage emotions during the transition back to school. Plan ahead: The fear of the unknown

can be stressful. Children who aren’t able to clearly articulate their feelings likely won’t be able to make the connection between new, uncertain situations – like going to school and being around other people – and their feelings. Instead they may become overwhelmed by emotions, which might look like more meltdowns, clinginess or a variety of other behaviors. Talk with your children about how they feel about going back to school ahead of the first day of class. Ask questions to help them determine why they feel particular feelings when they think about school then work together to solve potential issues. That could mean finding a way to meet your children’s teachers ahead of time, whether virtually or in-person, or practicing introducing themselves to classmates. Build a consistent routine: Routines can give children (and adults) a sense of security and structure, which in turn make it easier to cope with big emotions like stress and anxiety. Try to stay consistent, and if you need to make adjustments, talk them through with your children. Be sure to mention key milestones instead of times, particularly if they can’t tell time yet. Make sure your children have opportunities to ask

questions about any changes to routines. They may need reassurance before they’re ready to face something new. Create special family moments: As important as routine is, it’s just as important to prioritize quality time together. That could mean a vacation or something as simple as Saturday bike rides or Sunday morning pancakes. Plan a family outing or special

time together to celebrate completing the first week of school. Family rituals and celebrations can give children and adults something to look forward to. Quality time together also helps families build resiliency. For more tips to navigate back-to-school season, visit kindercare.com. (Family Features)

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