Cedar Grove Feb 24 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

A YUM Publication

No. 6 Vol. 2

FEBRUARY 2024

A Valentine’s Day Story By Richard Mabey Jr. n August of 1942, my father had just finished his basic training, in the United States Army, at Fort McClellan in Alabama. He was granted a week’s leave. Dad was about to be assigned to the Seventh Army Air Corps, to be dispatched to Hickam Airfield in Hawaii. While on his week-long leave, Dad had lunch with his brother Earl and Uncle Earl’s wife, Eleanor. Uncle Earl and Aunt Eleanor had just gotten married in June. They moved into Aunt Eleanor’s homestead, in the 600 block of Boonton Avenue in Boonton. They lived with Aunt Eleanor’s widowed father. It was a Sunday afternoon that Dad visited Uncle Earl and Aunt Eleanor. A most fateful Sunday. After lunch, Dad and his brother took a walk to the front yard of Uncle Earl’s new home. They stood beneath a maple tree and talked. Across the street, on Boonton Avenue, a young high school girl sat upon the rock wall of her home, reading a book. In the dozens of times that Dad told this story, he always said that he asked Uncle Earl who was the girl sitting upon the rock wall. And Uncle Earl simply replied, “she’s one of the Kemmerer girls.” Then Dad was quiet for a moment and he simply said to his brother, “she’s such a pretty girl. I’m going to marry her.” Fast forward to February of 1943. Dad is at Hickam Airfield. He is assigned the task of fueling up airplanes. He is all so homesick. There is a certain anxiety and fear in the air. For rumors are abounding of another Japanese attack. It is now Valentine’s Day of 1943. Janet Kemmerer (my Mom) is working an after-school job at the A&P in Boonton. She is working in the Bakery Department. It is close to closing time. Three Valentine’s Day cookies are still on the shelf. They had not been sold. Mom’s boss simply says, “Janet, why don’t you take those Valentine’s Day cookies home with you.” So, Mom does. Mom gives one Valentine’s Day cookie to her Mom, and one to her Dad. And, the other one she carefully wraps in a box, to send to the Airman at Hickam (being my Dad). Mom had become pen pals with Dad. Aunt Eleanor, knowing of Dad’s homesick blues, gave Dad’s Hickam Airfield address to Mom. Dad always said that Mom’s Valentine’s Day cookie, sealed the deal for him. That the second that he opened Mom’s box and saw the carefully wrapped Valentine’s Day cookie, that this really was the girl he was going to marry. Fate and Destiny are strange twins. How much of our lives, are totally our of our hands? Now at 70, I look back at all the times my father told the story of his Valentine cookie that Mom sent him. Dad would often laugh about how the cookie came broken in pieces and that the box was a little crushed. Then Dad would say that it was the best Valentine’s Day gift he had ever received. Was it by Divine decree that those three Valentine cookies were left unsold? And, Mom’s boss, at the A&P, could have easily taken those cookies home for herself. And why three cookies? If there were just two cookies left, Mom would have probably given one to her Mom, and one to her Dad. I often wonder, what if Mom had not been sitting upon the rock wall, that bordered her front yard, that fateful Sunday afternoon in August of 1942? And, what if Dad had not visited his brother, Earl, on that very same Sunday afternoon? And, what if Aunt Eleanor had not given Dad’s Hickam Airfield address to Mom? At times, it all seems so eerie and haunting. I believe that God is guiding our lives, more than we will ever know. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

An old photo of my Mom and Dad, taken shortly after Dad received his Honorable Discharge from the United States Army Air Corps.

Happy Valentine’s Day

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February 2024 • Page 3

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Page 4 • February 2024

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t its annual reorganization meeting, the Woodland Park Mayor and Council appointed Ron Arnau as Councilman. Arnau filled the vacancy left behind after Tracy Kallert took over the seat of Mayor. "Your expertise in business and human resources, your dedication to public service, and commitment to our community made this such an easy choice," Mayor Kallert said. "We are excited to work alongside you." A seven-year Borough resident, Arnau has served on the library board and was instrumental in negotiating an agreement to bring the library to the Berkeley campus while it undergoes construction. He also serves on the WP Stigma Free Task Force.

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oodland Park Borough officially welcomed Tracy Kallert as its new mayor on Jan. 1. Kallert took on the position in an acting capacity after former Mayor Keith Kazmark resigned. She is the Borough's first-ever elected female mayor. "I'm overwhelmed," said Kallert, who served on the Borough Council for 11 years. "It's hard to believe that six months ago we came together to embark on this new journey. After a very eventful six months, I can honestly and confidently say, I love this job. I stand here before you today, ready, willing, able and so excited to be the Mayor of Woodland Park.”

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New Veterinary Hospital in Little Falls Offers Exotic Pet Care

By Tina Pappas

new animal hospital just opened in the Township, with an added focus on exotic pets. Paws, Wings & Scales Animal Hospital, is located at 125 Paterson Ave, and serves dog, cat and exotic animal pet needs. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its grand opening was held by Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council on Oct. 8. The practice is owned by Dr. Christopher Stancel, who hails from Nutley and has been a Clifton resident since 2006. He graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He received multiple community service awards as Vice President/President, Website Manager and Treasurer of People for the Animal Welfare on St. Kitts (P.A.W.S.) prior to completing his last clinical year at

Louisiana State University. During his clinical year, he received a large amount of training in the field of Avian, Exotic, including Wildlife and Zoo Medicine. He first worked in New York at Central Veterinary Associates. He eventually came back to New Jersey and joined Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital. He worked at Dog, Cat Bird Clinic of Nutley for ten years prior to starting Paws, Wings & Scales Hospital, which opened on Aug. 14. The married father of a 3-year-old boy, said the animal hospital provides all of the services for routine care, as well as for illnesses. They also have a broader scope of in-house services such as blood machines, X-rays and ultrasounds. They also highlight their services for exotic pets. "The services that we can offer for our exotic pets, most veterinarians

don't," he explained. "We offer compassionate care and experienced veterinarians. We have another doctor interested in joining us here, so we'll definitely have more doctors coming soon." Damiano commented after the ribbon-cutting ceremony and appreciates the exotic pet care that Stancel offers to pet owners, in addition to other pets. "Welcome to Dr. Christopher Stancel at Paws, Wings & Scales Animal Hospital, who cares for cats and dogs, as well as almost all exotic animals," he said.

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Dr. Christopher Stancel, owner of Paws, Wings & Scales Animal Hospital, and his staff, pose with Mayor James Damiano during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its grand opening.

Pictured is Dr. Christopher Stancel, owner of Paws, Wings & Scales Animal Hospital, during its grand opening .

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Passaic County Surrogate’s Court Breaks Ground with AI Integration for Multilingual Assistance

he Passaic County Surrogate Judge, the Honorable Zoila Cassanova, is proud to announce a pioneering leap into the future of public service with the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities on her official webpage. This groundbreaking addition positions the Passaic County Surrogate’s Court as the first county office to leverage AI technology, offering residents a seamless and multilingual experience. With this innovative AI integration, visitors to the Surrogate's Court website can now access a responsive and versatile virtual assistant capable of answering questions in various languages. This enhancement comes as part of Surrogate Judge Zoila Cassanova's ongoing commitment to provide efficient and accessible services to the diverse community of Passaic County. Key Features of the AI Integration: 1. Multilingual Capabilities: Users can now interact with the AI in their preferred language simply by stating the desired language following the question mark. This feature empowers residents who speak languages other than English, ensuring they can access vital information on to probate, estate administration, and other Surrogate’s Court matters effortlessly. 2. Instantaneous Assistance: The AI is designed to provide immediate responses to frequently asked questions, streamlining the process of obtaining information related to probate, estate administration, and other matters han-

dled by the Surrogate's Court. 3. User-Friendly Interface: The AI interface is user-friendly, enabling residents to navigate the website with ease and receive information in a timely manner. The conversational nature of the AI enhances the overall user experience. Users can engage with the AI by visiting the Passaic County Surrogate's official website and utilizing the AI chat feature. To receive responses in a specific language, users can indicate their preference by including their preferred language after the question mark of their question. "I am excited to introduce this cutting-edge technology to our residents. The integration of AI on the Surrogate Court’s website is just another new means of providing accessible and responsive services to the residents of Passaic County. I believe this innovation will significantly enhance the user experience and facilitate communication between my office and the public." – Hon. Zoila Cassanova, Esq, Passaic County Surrogate. The Passaic County Surrogate is responsible for overseeing the probate process, ensuring fair distribution of estates, and safeguarding the interests of Passaic County residents during challenging times. The introduction of AI on the official website reflects the Surrogate's commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of the community. For media inquiries, please contact: Giuseppina Sardina at Email: giuseppinas@passaiccountynj.org or Phone Number -

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Page 12 • February 2024

Christmas Made Brighter For Flooded Residents in Little Falls

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Photo/Caption: A toy drive was held for residents impacted by recent flooding in Little Falls. Residents had their toy donations delivered right to their door on Christmas Eve.

By Tina Pappas toy drive was held in the Township at the spur-ofthe-moment in order to help make a brighter Christmas in the Township. The Little Falls Police Department (LFPD), in conjunction with other agencies, brought the true meaning of Christmas to residents who were affected by recent flooding. According to Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, the word got out and the town was able to show its holiday spirit this season to many who were dealing with flooded homes. “Although there is never a good time for flooding, certainly just a few days before Christmas could not be a worse

time,” she said. “Our wonderful officers of the LFPD, especially Officer Matt Yannuzzi, Lieutenant Ryan Hoyt and Corporal Jon Vanak, worked diligently with other departments.” Hablitz added that through the LFPD’s connections, the Township was fortunate to have both the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Secaucus Police Department come to the aid with huge donations of toys. Local residents, always willing to help, did their part and donated additional toy donations once they heard a drive was being organized. Families that were affected by the flood were initially asked to pick up toy donations at the Little Falls Recreation

Center building. However, that’s when Little Falls Fire Chief Ken Cichy, along with several Little Falls Fire Department volunteer firefighters, LFPD officers, Hablitz and Councilman Chris Vancheri, decided to go door-to-door through the streets of Little Falls so they could deliver the toy donations directly to residential homes on Christmas Eve. “It was in the true spirit of Christmas and just what it means to come together in times of need.” Hablitz noted. “It is truly what Christmas is all about.”

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Page 14 • February 2024

Sgobba Reelected As Little Falls Council President Marks His Eighth Year By Tina Pappas ouncil President Anthony Sgobba was reelected to lead the Little Falls Township Council in 2024. Sgobba was sworn in by Mayor James Damiano, with his family by his side, during a ceremony at the Little Falls Township Council Reorganization meeting held on Jan. 2. The position of Council President is elected for a yearto-year term. Sgobba has served in the position since 2017, marking his eighth year to be selected once again by his fellow council members. He previously served on the Passaic Valley Board of Education, the Little Falls Board of Education, and the Little Falls Library Board of Trustees. A longtime resident of Little Falls, Sgobba said he looks forward to continuing to secure the Township's financial future in his role, and also improving the lives of the residents. "It's a great honor to be elected to another term as Council President by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle," he added. "I love this job and am looking forward to the year ahead." The Township of Little Falls marked the first week of the new year by also swearing in numerous individuals who serve the community during the meeting.

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Pictured is Anthony Sgobba being sworn in by Mayor James Damiano for his eighth straight year as Council President during the Township’s reorganization meeting Jan. 2.

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Little Falls Touts Holiday Lights Decorating Contest Winners By Tina Pappas he Township recognized the winners of the “Light Up Little Falls” Holiday House Decorating Contest during the Township Council Workshop Meeting on Jan. 2. The contest was presented by the Little Falls Farmers Market. Prizes went to first, second and third place winners.The voting began in early December with the Township providing lawn signs to be displayed at participating residences. A map was also distributed listing the residential locations. All Little Falls residents were encouraged to view the map and tour the town. Votes were cast for the “Holiday Spirit Champion” by emailing Tyler Passero, Director of the Little Falls Department of Recreation. The voting ended on Dec. 18. The contest began as

a vision of Councilwoman Christine Hablitz and former Councilwoman Tanya Seber. Both continue to work on the contest together, as it is sponsored by the Little Falls Farmers Market and the Little Falls Department of Recreation. Mayor James Damiano commended the contest and then presented the trophies to the winners, along with Hablitz. The first place winners are the O’Neil Family. The second place winners are the Burrell Family. The third place winners are the Miraglia family. Hablitz said the contest is an enjoyable event each year. “Being able to see the joy it brings to our residents warms my heart,” she added. “Congratulations to the winners and participants. I’m hoping it will be even bigger and better next

year!” Seber also commented after the meeting, saying it’s great to bring back the contest, which is now in its third year. “Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all participants for making Little Falls bright and merry this holiday season,” she said. “I’m excited to see what next year brings!”

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Photo/Caption: Pictured is Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council, along with the winners of the “Light Up Little Falls” Holiday House Decorating Contest.

Page 16 • February 2024

The Secret Code of the Quilts By Henry M. Holden n our 2021 December issue of Randolph Life, we shared the story of the Underground Railroad. Since then, we have discovered new information about navigating the UGRR safely. It involves coded quilts, and it follows below. The Underground Railroad was a network of safe routes and safe houses established in the early to mid-19 century. It was used by enslaved African Americans primarily to escape to a free state or Canada. All the underground railroad signal-to-slaves stories were orally transmitted for several generations, but there has never been written corroboration. This does not mean the codes and the story did not happen. There is no doubt that there were communications between enslaved Africans on the run and safe

houses. One story describes a small wood painted, black coachman, figure, used as a hitching post, or as a yard decoration,. It was in effect a signpost for fugitive black men. When the coachman’s light was lit, escapees knew that they had reached a safe house. According to folklore, coded quilts were used to indicate a safe house along the underground railroad route. Often the quilts would be hanging from a clothesline or windowsill, in plain sight. The quilter embedded a kind of code, which by reading the shapes, colors and the design the enslaved person on the road could know the area, and whether there was any immediate danger, or even where to head next. Under certain circumstances the quilt may have a bow tie stitched on to the cloth. This would tell

the fleeing person to dress in disguise to appear of a higher social status, for example, his master’s personal property. A bear’s paw would tell someone to follow an animal trail through the mountains to find water and food. A log cabin would indicate that the people there are safe to speak with. This writer can picture quick fingers working either in secret, or with a small group of like-minded women also working on quilts. The quilters knew that if they were caught there would be serious repercussions. But that was secondary to their cause. They were knitting quilts that would show an escaped black man (and sometimes, but not often, his whole family) a route to freedom. Escaping men were often told to follow the north cont. on page 17

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February 2024 • Page 17

The Secret Code... cont. from page 16

star for safe journey into Canada. Often, they began the trip at the first sign of spring when the weather was warming, and the snow had melted in the north. The quilt was embedded with a kind of code, so that by reading the shapes and motifs in the design the enslaved person would know if the area posed an immediate danger. At its center, a quilt is a gathering of historical and creative clues in the form of fabrics, shapes, symbols, textures, and colors, knowledge known almost exclusively to the African culture. Many ancestors of the enslaved people believe it happened, but others question the legitimacy of such events. Sharon Tindall is a Virginia-based quilter, educator, and one in a tradition of contemporary quilters

who designed informational works inspired by this “quilt code.” “When I’m creating a quilt, I’m focused on the purpose of the quilt,” says Tindall. “I’m thankful I am able to create something of comfort.” Not all believe the quilts are coded, but Tindall is a believer and defender of the codes. For Tindall, the quilts become vehicles for the voices and footprints of people running for their lives. For Tindall, a quilt can be like a prayer. The pretext for her belief in the quilt codes is not unlike a person trying to explain supporting evidence for a belief in God. Simply put, Tindall is a believer. “I have the gifts God has given me and I am returning them back to Him through the quilt codes.”

Quilts were often made to commemorate important family events such as marriage, a birth, or moving to a new place. Often made from scraps of various cloths, it gives physical, even functional, form to a family or individual’s past and present. Prior to 1999, the codes were unheard of even in the African American quilting community. That’s according to Marsha MacDowell, a quilt scholar and director of the Quilt Index, a massive online catalog of more than 90,000 quilts. In 1999, Jaqueline Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard published Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad. The story made it through the usual established protocols of the the New York Times Book Review, NPR, and others. cont. on page 18

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The Secret Code... cont. from page 17

National Geographic and the Kennedy Center developed elementary school curricula that referenced the codes. It should be noted that none of these institutions ever questioned the veracity of Tobin and Dobard’s claims; instead, they published book reviews as human-interest pieces and the public accepted it as fact. When we see an inspiring story online, from publications that have been around for more than 100 years there should be no doubt. Soon the story had stand-alone status and there was no stopping it. “Almost every February, stories appear in papers across the country,” MacDowell explains, referencing African American History Month. “If you’re wondering about our irritation, I think it’s more frustrating that the codes keep getting presented as fact.” That is to say, the authenticity of quilt codes is, among other things, a matter of emphasis. Maybe the protocols for experiences of belief versus fact are just different. When a person believes something, they have no need for proof. They don’t need dates, examples, nor firsthand accounts. They don’t have to do anything except believe. For something to qualify as a fact, it needs evidence. To define “fact”

is no easy undertaking. Some historians float the issue that many of the quilt patterns cited as directives for enslaved peoples probably did not yet exist during the height of the Underground Railroad, between 1850 and 1860. Based on surveys of quilts made during these years, the evidence for some of these patterns just isn’t there, breaking the spell of this captivating story. By 1793 enslaved Africans, were being imported in large numbers. There was a great deal of money to be made in the slave trade and for cotton farmers. White plantation owners began to see threats by black men and women who wanted their freedom. In 1793, and again in 1850, Congress passed the fugitive slave laws (which were repealed in 1864) that provided for the seizure and return of runaway Africans who escaped the plantation. Between 1850 and 1860 many saw an extreme need for the codes. White plantation owners began to fear for their lives and lobbied Congress to pass a Fugitive Slave Act. The first Fugitive Slave act of 1793 was a federal law that was written with the intent to enforce Article 4, Section 2,

Clause 3, of the US Constitution which requires the return of escaped black men to the plantation. It was ineffective so Congress passed a second Fugitive Slave Act in 1850. It imposed sever penalties on the white offenders thus some say in creating the codes for survival. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 said captured fugitives could not testify on their own behalf, nor were they permitted a trial by jury. Heavy penalties were imposed upon federal marshals who refused to enforce the law from where a fugitive had escaped. The pros and cons as to whether there were codes is a debate that occurs every February during Black History Month and probably will continue for years to come.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at jeff@mylifepublications.com

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Newark Academy Graduate Makes Big Splash in Debut Novel By Evan Wechman en Purkert recently had his debut novel The Men Can’t Be Saved published by the major New York publishing house, Abrams Publishing and is already receiving lots of attention. Though Purkert reached wide acclaim in 2018 when he published a collection of his poems in For the Love of Endings, critics and fans both believe he has made a tough but successful transition. His name might not be known throughout the United States yet, but doors are starting to open for him. He has recently garnered great reviews from The Washington Post and Kirkus Reviews. He is also starting to attract a following in the North Jersey area since he graduated high school at Newark Academy in Living-

ston. Though Purkert was always fascinated by words and poems, the education he received there was profound. He remembers fondly his teacher, Betsy LaPadula and her passion for writing. “She made me fall in love with English Literature, but especially with poetry. It just felt like poetry, especially was the place to go for anyone obsessed with words. And I love language more than anything, so she had a huge impact on me and the trajectory of my life and career,” Purkert says. Though the author was initially passionate about poetry, he continued to write short stories and study fiction while attending Harvard University. After his collection of poems was published, many might have assumed this would be his favored track. However, Purkert was fascinated by

writers who had switched styles and wanted to craft fiction as well. Though he had some doubts as to whether it would be a success, the young author worked for about ten years to make sure the book would be a success. “My background is as a poet. I didn’t know how to write a novel or book of this size other than to just labor over every sentence and to try to care as much about every word in the novel as I care about every word in a poem.” Though the book’s success has been felt among both casual readers and literary pundits, the meaning of the book has people chatting. The main character Seth is a witty but arrogant copywriter who often jeopardizes himself and cont. on page 21

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others due to his inflated ego. According to Purkert, some readers see it as a comedy while others see it as a cautionary tale about narcissists. Either way, the author is satisfied leaving the book&#39;s message open to be interpreted by the reader. Even the title The Men Can’t Be Saved has been interpreted differently by his following as well. According to Purkert though the title came towards the end and was not the initial working title. “All of the book is sort of

leading to that question, is Seth going to redeem himself or not,” he says. Either way, the change from poetry to fiction has worked out and Purkert admits that part of being an artist is taking chances and crossing boundaries. According to him, “experiments across genres is sort of an artist making art in the highest sense because they’re taking a big experiment, they’re making a big leap.” Many of his readers are now wondering what is next for the young author. Since he has successful-

ly published both poems and novels, there is again a small debate over what his next project will entail. However, Purkert is keeping his lips sealed. “I can’t say too much other than that I’m continuing to write poems and I’m continuing to write novels and I love working in the two media. They offer me different things and I’m grateful for both.”

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I Remember Mom:Mom’s Last Apple Pie By Richard Mabey Jr. n late October of 2019, right after Mom, my sister Patti and I had breakfast, Mom announced that she was going to make an apple pie. The day before, we had just visited the Farmer’s Market and bought a big bag of apples. Actually, Mom picked out the sack of apples. She had it in her mind, at the Farmer’s Market, that she was going to make an apple pie. For Mom, making an apple pie, was a work of art. Just the right amount of sugar. Not too much cinnamon. Peeling the apples, then slicing them up into just the right sizes. And then slicing the slits on the top crust, so they were not too long and not too short. Mom never made just made an apple pie, she created a masterpiece. From the time I was a little boy, I always enjoyed watching and helping Mom make an apple pie. She would almost always hum the simple hymn, “Jesus Loves Me.” Sometimes Mom would quietly sing the words to this hymn. I remember as a boy, a certain inner peace would come over my heart, as Mom hummed “Jesus Loves Me” as she peeled and sliced the apples. As long as I can remember, going back to when I was three years old, Mom would tell me stories of her childhood growing up in Boonton, on the Sheep Hill area of Boonton Avenue. It was always a magical time when Mom made an apple pie. If I struck out playing baseball with my buddies, or got the cold shoulder from the little girl who sat next to me in Mrs. Raimo’s fifth grade class, or was strug-

Mom peeling the apples for her apple pie, in late October of 2019.

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gling through science class, making an apple pie with Mom always healed my inner emotional hurts. It was while Mom was making her last apple pie, in late October of 2019, that she told me of the time that Dad came to her home, riding his motorcycle. Dad had just come home from serving at Hickam Airfield, during World War Ii. Mom laughed as she peeled the apples, as she told me how upset her father was that Dad had the nerve to drive his motorcycle to take her for a date. Mom told me how they had planned to go to the diner in Boonton, then go to the State Theater. Dad had brought an extra helmet for Mom to wear. But Grandpa Kemmerer put his foot down and told Dad that he had to watch television with him and that he could eat with the family. Mom laughed as she recalled how her father really laid the law down to Dad. “The expression on your father’s face. All he kept saying to my father was, ‘yes, sir,’ as my father made it perfectly clear that that he was not going to allow me to ride on a motorcycle,” Mom recalled as she cut the apples into little wedges. The next day, Mom had a cardiac incident. My sister called the ambulance. They took Mom off to the hospital. We followed the ambulance. On the eleventh of November, of that year, Mom had surgery to replace her Aortic Valve. Sadly, Mom passed away on the twenty-third of December, a little over a month after her surgery. With great fondness, I look back upon that day in late October, when Mom made her last apple pie. I am immensely grateful that she told me the humorous story of how Dad came to her house on his motorcycle, during the time when they were dating. None of us have a guarantee for tomorrow. Forgive those who have hurt you. Love one another. Help the poor. Be kind to others. Offer a kind smile to a stranger. Find your true purpose in life. Forget political differences. Love is the key that unlocks the strains of human relations. For love knows no boundaries. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

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Accounts Vary on Valentine’s Day Origins

alentine’s Day is a bright light in the middle of the winter . Come February 14, sweethearts celebrate their love and affection for one another on this day devoted to happy couples. The origin of Valentine’s Day has generated much speculation over the years. Most early accounts do not point to heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. Rather, a few distinctive tales may paint the picture of early Valentine’s Day, and they have nothing to do with stuffed animals or romantic dinners. Roman festival One of the earliest records of the term Valentine’s Day is traced to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was a fertility festival. This annual event held on February 15 included animal sacrifices and priests called the Luperci who would take pieces of animal hide and touch it to the foreheads of women in the hopes it would make them more fertile. Fortunately for the squeamish (and the sacrificial animals), Pope Gelasius I ended Lupercalia and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day by the end of the fifth century. Two or three St. Valentines? Most people attribute the origins of Valentine’s Day to the holiday’s namesake, St. Valentine. But it seems that Valentine was the surname of a few different individuals. According to History.com, the Catholic

Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus. One Valentine was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who decided that single men made better soldiers than those with families or wives. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine disagreed with the decree and would perform marriages in secret. Others believe it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop beheaded by Claudius II outside of Rome, who was the true namesake. Yet another Valentine may have been jailed and fell in love with a jailer’s daughter while in prison. He purportedly wrote to her, beginning the first Valentine card or letter tradition. Other stories say the imprisoned Valentine actually was writing to a blind woman he purportedly healed, and signed the note “from your Valentine.” It is hard to know who is who in regard to the name Valentine, as the stories and the people behind them are used interchangeably. Some historians believe they actually are the same person rather than several Valentines, while others insist there were multiple martyred individuals. However you slice it, the defiant actions of one or more people named “Valentine” set the course for centuries of romance to follow.

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3. Improve Insulation - Cold air can seep in through openings around windows and doors. Install weather stripping and seal openings with caulk to insulate cracks and crevices.

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By Dana Jackson : Is it true they’re doing a new “Snow White” movie like they did with “The Little Mermaid”? When will it be released? -- A.J. A:Yes, Disney is planning a live action remake of the 1937 animated classic “Snow White.” It’ll be a musical, starring Rachel Zegler as the title character and Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) as the Evil Queen. For those unfamiliar with the name Rachel Zegler, she was a high school student who auditioned for the lead role of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of another classic “West Side Story.” She’s since moved to Hollywood and starred opposite Zachary Levi in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.” She’s also featured in the upcoming film “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”

Celebrity Extra The “Snow White” screenplay was written by Greta Gerwig, director of the billion-dollar blockbuster film “Barbie,” and Erin Cressida Wilson (“The Girl on the Train”). Barring any delays, the film is set to hit theaters in March 2024. Q: Is “Virgin River” returning anytime soon with new episodes? I hope it didn’t get canceled. -- K.F. A:Season five of the beloved Netflix series “Virgin River” will premiere on Sept. 7. According to TVLine.com, Mel’s (Alexandra Breckenridge) high-risk pregnancy causes her to “rethink her future at the clinic, while Jack’s [Martin Henderson] new glamping venture is sure to suffer as a dangerous wildfire hits the town.” Also, don’t forget -- they still have a wedding to plan. Joining the cast this season as a “mystery woman” is Kandyse McClure (“Battle-

star Galactica”). Returning cast members include Annette O’Toole as Hope and Tim Matheson as Doc, the latter of whom has been facing health challenges due to his degenerative condition. Expect bigger stories from Preacher (Colin Lawrence), Brie (Zibby Allen) and Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth), as all three of their portrayers have been moved up to series regulars. Lexa Doig, who plays Paige, and Barbara Pollard, who plays Melissa, have both been bumped down to a recurring status. Even though Ricky (Grayson Gurnsey) is off at basic training, he will be back at some point, hopefully before the end of the upcoming season. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith told TVLine in 2022 that the character is a “fan favorite” and “everybody loves him.” Q: What is the latest regarding the tragedy on the

set of Alec Baldwin’s movie “Rust?” Is anybody going to prison for what happened to the poor woman who died? -- N.B. A: Alec Baldwin, who was both the producer and star of the movie “Rust,” learned in January that the charges of involuntary manslaughter against him had been dropped. Prosecutors, however, have stated that Baldwin could still face charges pending further investigation. The film set’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is set to go on trial in December for the same charges Baldwin faced, as well as a charge of tampering with evidence. She has pleaded not guilty. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when a prop gun carrying live rounds was fired by Baldwin on set. “Rust” director, Joel Souza, was injured in the shooting, but survived.

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