Denville Girl Scouts’ Videos Go Viral to Help Sell Cookies
By Evan Wechman
Lily Testa, a fourth-grade girl scout from Denville, has found a unique way to spend time with her father and give back to the community. Girl Scout Cookie season is well underway, and many scouts are trying their hardest to sell as many delicious cookies as possible.
However, for Testa, she has taken it a few steps further. To sell 500 boxes of cookies, and win tickets to the Broadway show Aladdin, she and her father have been shooting music videos of Lily singing parodies of famous songs and artists.
She has sold 391 boxes and looks forward to a big finish this month to help the Girl Scouts. However, she also plans on having a great evening with her father watching Aladdin on Broadway if the magic number of 500 is reached.
“I absolutely do (think will hit the goal). I think it would be a really fun experience for me and my dad,” she said.
Testa loves singing and producing videos with her father. Though they are not videographers, they have learned much about shooting and editing songs. Initially, they started editing the videos on their phones. But for Lily, the joy is in the process of working with her father.
“The thing I like most about it is I get to spend time with my dad. It
takes the whole day to edit. It’s really fun,” Testa said.
According to her father, Andrew Testa, the experience has been nothing short of rewarding.
“It has become such a fun, bonding experience for us. We are super creative. We have a lot of fun with it and it’s something that we just get to do together. It’s something all year, we are coming up with song ideas, and if we hear a song on the radio, it’s like, we ask would that make a good song.”
Last year Testa and her father created a video of the young scout singing her own lyrics to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” However, they substituted the words of the title for “Cookies, Cookies.” Their efforts sold about 100 boxes that year.
The first year they did
a parody of Taylor Swift ’s song “Anti-Hero” because the song was being played in the house all the time. However, things have gone viral this season as Testa and her father have created a video from the tune of Rick Astley’s famous song “Never Gonna Give You Up,” but instead titled it “Never Gonna Give Them (Cookies) Up”.
The video has taken off beyond their expectations. It was shared initially on social media platforms such as Facebook among friends and family. But then, due to its catchy tune and clever lyrics, people in Denville and its surrounding towns started sending the video to each other. Now, when the 9-year-old Testa walks with her dad throughout the area, strangers immediately recognize her.
The idea for the parody of the Rick Astley song started oddly enough during a holiday car ride.
According to the younger Testa, “This year we were coming back from my grandma’s on Christmas Eve, and the song was playing on the radio and it was like that’s the one. That’s continued on page 4
Lily Testa. Photo courtesy of Mr. Andrew Testa.
By Evan Wechman
JDenville Township Schools Holds Community Study of “The Anxious Generation”
onathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” caused a debate in education circles when it was released in 2024. The book by the renowned social psychologist claimed there was a link between the rise of mental health issues in students and the increase in their use of social media.
Haidt’s call for action was to limit children’s time on social media sites and restrict their use of iPhones, tablets, and other devices. He also said children would be better off participating in actual playtime with other kids, like the kind that was done before the rise of the internet.
This book is now featured in a large community study by The Denville Township Schools. This four-session study started this past March will hopefully create some great proposals to assist the students of Denville in reducing any mental health issues.
According to Denville Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Forte, the district thought it would be a terrific idea to involve the whole community in tackling this problem.
“I guess we realized that our mental health costs have been driven up a lot in the last few years and just speaking with a few colleagues, and other superintendents that read the book and thought it was interesting, I got it and read it and I said, Wow, this is really a book that we should use for a something like a community event,” Forte said.
Forte then contacted Saint Clare’s Hospital, and other organizations to help put together this event that impacts everyone in Denville, not just the school district.
“I feel like there’s really a lot of things that can be implemented, but it would take the community to do it. It can’t just be the schools. It can’t just be the police or anything. It has to be the parents in the community, and the community as a whole. That is why we’re calling it a community study, and not just a schoolbook study. So, anybody involved in the community in any way is welcome and invited to this, Forte said.
The district plans on having well over 100 people attend in person, the four sessions, with people joining online as well. The first three sessions will involve a discussion of the book, but during the last session, they
Dr. Sandra Cullis Assistant Superintendent. Courtesy of Dr. Steven Forte.
hope to assemble a panel of people from different sectors in the community who will address questions from the participants. The members have not been determined yet, but they hope to have a handful and a moderator.
From this panel, Dr. Forte said they may propose some new solutions to address this epidemic.
“One of the things could be just not allowing any type of cell phones or those Apple watches or anything like that in school. That could be one of the things that comes out of it. One of the quotes I thought was great in the book talks about how we over parent it in the real world, and under parent in the virtual world, like we’re not alcontinued on page 4
200 Club of Morris County 2025 Meritorious and Valor Awards
By Claudia Ehrgott
The 200 Club of Morris County announces their 2025 Meritorious and Valor Awards recipients. The awards recognize outstanding service of first responders. Those whose lives are placed in danger receive the Valor Award. An act of Valor is an extraordinary event in which a person put his or her own safety aside. It is an act of extraordinary courage, which went beyond the call of duty. Very often, one’s life is at risk.
Those who perform above and beyond the call of duty, but whose life is not actually in danger, receive a Meritorious Award. Meritorious awards recognize individuals whose professional or volunteer activity rises above the expected norm for their profession.
Each January, Valor and Meritorious candidate recommendations are presented to The 200 Club of Morris County by our Public Safety VIP Liaisons: President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association; Super-
intendent of the New Jersey State Police; President of the Morris County Alliance of Active Fire Chiefs; President of the Morris County EMS Alliance; Director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management.
973-627-0836
This year’s 30 local heroes are from the following 7 towns and departments serving Morris County: Police departments: Boonton, Dover, Morristown, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ State Police. Fire departments: Parsippany District #4 and District #5. A celebration takes place each April at which honorees are recognized by 200 Club members, their family and friends, members of the business community, as well as public safety officials from police, fire, emergency medical services and the New Jersey State Police.
This year’s 51st anniversary event will be held April 24 at Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ. The gala-style awards celebration event hosts over four hundred attendees. More than 700 dedicated first responders have been honored since 1972 and can be viewed here: https://www. 200clubofmorriscounty.com/valor-meritorious-awards
Show your support through a sponsorship, celebratory ad, and tickets! Come enjoy an evening of tribute to these women and men to celebrate their service for others.
What is The 200 Club? For over 50 years, the 501(c) 3 non-profit organization has provided emotional and financial support to Morris County’s first responders and their families. Over 5 million dollars has been distributed by our organization including death benefits for families of the fallen and over 725 scholarships to high school seniors.
Questions? Contact Club Administrator Lori Richmond at 973-630-7933 or admin@ 200clubofmorriscounty.com.
Little Patients, Big Heroes: Morris County School of Technology to Host Teddy Bear Clinic
The Morris County School of Technology’s (MCST) Academy for Education & Learning, Law & Public Safety, and Healthcare Sciences is excited to announce its Teddy Bear Clinic, a fun and educational event for children ages 3-9, taking place on Saturday, May 3rd. This event, running from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m at MCST’s Denville campus, will provide children with the opportunity to give their stuffed animals or teddy bears a “check-up” while interacting with local first responders from Denville Police, Fire, EMS, Morris County Sheriff ’s Office, Saint Clare’s EMS, and the NJ Forest Fire Service.
Children will build personalized first aid kits, gain essential fire safety skills, tackle a fire themed obstacle course, explore the science of fingerprinting, and try on real firefighter gear. Join us for a special reading by local author Heather Prinzo, featuring her book Lookin’ Within.
Also, children will have a chance to explore real emergency vehicles, including a fire truck, police car, and ambulance. This hands-on experience will allow them to see these vehicles up close and learn about the important roles they play in the communi-
ty. The event will also include face painting and temporary tattoos.
Scott Shaw, the Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) for Morris County School of Technology shared, “Unified Career Technical Education efforts by teachers and programs, including collaborations like the Teddy Bear Clinic, in Morris County create opportunity, build awareness, and deliver a positive impact for our students and community.” As a direct result of these unified efforts, the community benefits from the positive impact of CTE programs. The Morris County School of Technology continues to develop innovative programs that serve both students and the community.
The Teddy Bear Clinic would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses and organizations, including The American Cancer Society, The Pasta Shop, Pure Barre, Playa Bowls Denville, Thatcher McGhee’s Denville, Kona Ice, Fully Promoted, Morris County Vocational Technical Education Association and the Morris County School of Technology PTO. Their contributions have been instrumental in making this event a reality.
The event is free and open to the pub-
lic! To register please visit https://mcvts. jumbula.com/home. For any questions regarding the event, please contact Samantha Shane at mcstevents@mcvts.org
Community Study...
continued from page 2
lowing our kids to take a walk to Walgreens, because somebody might take them, but we’re still allowed to have a device where they can speak to people all over the world 24 hours a day,” he said.
Dr. Forte has been involved in education since the early 1990s and understands the problems that occur when social media is involved. However, he also believes we
need to teach our students better skills at handling disappointment in their lives.
“The kids post everything on social media, and it causes some problems. Kids have to be resilient. Just because someone doesn’t invite you to a party doesn’t mean that your whole world comes to an end, so I think that’s part of it. We have to work on some resilience for children,” Forte said.
Girl Scouts’ Videos...
continued from front page
the one we got to do.”
Both father and daughter admit that it is truly a mutual effort. Neither one is doing more work than the other, and both seem to love the process.
“It was my idea to start as far as coming up with the song idea, but I would say it’s definitely a collaborative effort as far as the songs and lyrics,” Mr. Testa said.
While both hope they will reach their
goal shortly, they are already planning for next year’s cookie season. Though nothing has been set in stone, the two are considering a parody of the Andy Williams Christmas classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
Regardless of what lyrics the two come up with, they know the time spent together is priceless.
“It’s become a family affair,” said Mr. Testa.
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Beloved
and precious creatures, I have known and loved:
Remembering Little Snowball
By Richard Mabey Jr.
Sometimes,
it’s hard for me to believe that it was only about a year and half that I had a rather successful dog walking business, in my neighborhood. Altogether, I had about 20 clients. When I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, back in December of 2023, my Cardiologist highly recommended that I give up my little business. On busy days, I was walking a good five or six miles a day, taking the little pups for their walks.
Lately, I find myself thinking, more and more, about the dogs who have touched my heart and life. Sadly, some have passed away. Some of their mommies and daddies have moved away, and I know I will never see those little dogs ever again. During my morning devotional time, after I’ve read a few pages of the Holy Bible, I pray for the dogs to whom I looked upon as friends.
And lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Little Snowball. She was a little pupper, all white in color. A most happy dog. A bit high strung, but for some reason, she would calm down whenever I would take care of her.
Little Snowball’s daddy and mommy were Ted and Jean. They were both in their early
eighties. They lived on the next street over from me. They would frequently drive out to a little town in North Carolina to visit with their daughter and son-in-law, for about a week at a time. They were very kind people and I would stay at their home and take care of Little Snowball, while they were away. I think that Ted had a very good pension, because they would always pay me very well for my time of taking care of Little Snowball.
In June of 2023, Ted went Home to be with the Lord. He had, had a heart attack. It was only a few days after Ted passed away that Jean’s daughter helped her mother pack up her stuff. They had a big garage sale. I bought one of Ted’s books, Ernest Hemingway’s first novel, “The Sun Also Rises.” I cherish it.
Right after they had their big garage sale, Jean put the house up for sale and moved to North Carolina to live with her daughter. It was very, very sad to say goodbye to Little Snowball. For I knew, in my heart of hearts, I would never see that adorable little puppy ever again. Sometimes life just isn’t fair.
About a week after Jean moved away, I received an email from her. She told me that she and Little Snowball were doing well. And, that they had plans to visit Mount Airy,
the real Mayberry. I had often talked about the real Mayberry with Ted and Jean. They had never visited there at all.
I wrote Jean back and told her that I was happy that she and Little Snowball were happy in North Carolina. I made a little joke to Jean that she needed to be careful driving in North Carolina, that there was a nervous Deputy Sheriff (namely Barney Fife) there that had given his own mother a speeding ticket.
Sadly, I never heard from Jean again. I was going to write her again, but thought that it was best not to push on the door.
The old adage, when one door closes, another one opens, is all so very true. I now am focused on educating as many people as I can possibly reach, about the detailed intricacies of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Just last week, my General Practitioner complimented me that she thought I probably knew more about HCM than most Primary Physicians know. I told her that I read and study, the latest cutting edge trials of HCM, anywhere from an hour to three hours a day. HCM is the single most difficult heart disease to diagnose. It is a silent killer.
Hold dear to your Divine Purpose. Be true
to the calling that God has placed in your heart. Falter not. Be not distracted by the nay slayers. Hold a love for all living things, deep within the chambers of your heart. Never abandon your dreams. Never give up! Never, ever surrender! For with God, all things are possible.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
A happy moment with Little Snowball and yours truly.
Chester Lioness Club Hosting Spiritual Medium at Special Event
Catherine McCall, a spiritual medium, is being hosted by the Chester Lioness Lions Club at a special event on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
With many years of experience and her intuitiveness, McCall bridges the physical and spiritual realms offering comfort, healing, and closure to those seeking answers or reassurance about loved ones who have passed on. Her compassionate readings provide insights into personal journeys, relationships, and messages from the other side, making this event a transformative experience for all who attend.
The event will be hosted at the Colonial Prospect Hall at 370 Main Street, Chester, New Jersey, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with doors
opening at 12:00 pm. A light lunch will be served.
Tickets for the event are $45 and can be purchased on the club’s website, chesterlioness.org, or via their Facebook page, facebook. com/chesterlionessclub.
A New Smile in One Appointment
Dental implants can help with all of these issues. They can provide comfort, stability, increased chewing efficiency, and improved self-esteem. Overall health improvement is another result reported by people soon after implant treatment is completed.
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term
gums have healed.
Dental implants can be utilized in many configurations, but this article focuses on the process where all teeth are removed in one jaw (upper, lower, or both), 4 to 6 implants are placed, and teeth are attached to them. This process goes by many names: Teeth In One Day, All-On-Four®, Same Day Smile, and the list goes on and on.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
For some people, there comes a point when they say to themselves, “OK, its time I did something with my teeth.” Reasons for this epiphany can vary greatly, and might include: frustration with constant pain, bleeding gums, a smile that they are ashamed of, inability to chew and eat, or dentures they just can’t wear.
New Patient Special
These Teeth In A Day processes have revolutionized implant dentistry. Although more expensive than dentures, it is less expensive than traditional full-mouth implant reconstruction. Costly and time-consuming grafting is usually avoided. Furthermore, pain levels are significantly decreased. The overall number of visits to the dentist is drastically reduced, too.
$149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films Regularly $362.00
But is it true that all this can be accomplished in one appointment: removal of teeth, placement of implants, and attachment of new teeth? Yes! We do this all the time. After initial records are taken at one or two non-invasive appointments, years of pain, dissatisfaction, embarrassment, and other negative feelings are gone in just a few hours at your only surgical appointment. It truly can be life-altering for some people: we see it time and time again. It should be noted that these are temporary teeth: the final teeth will be fabricated approximately 4 to 6 months later after your
Its important to understand not everyone needs this advanced implant procedure. It may be appropriate when all remaining teeth require removal, but oftentimes people leave my office after a consultation with a list of other options that help to save their teeth!
there is no bouncing between offices. In fact, myself and my team perform so many of these procedures we’ve built a surgical suite within my practice in order to deliver exceptional implant care to our patients. To learn more about All-On-Four or any other implant procedure, please visit the Implant Section of our website at MorrisCountyDentist.com When you’re ready, give us a call to schedule a free consultation appointment.
Cannot be combined with other discounts Refer to New Patient Specials on our website for details Coupon must be presented, & mentioned at time of scheduling Expires 2/28/22
Who should perform dental implant procedures? Only well-qualified dentists who have had extensive training in implant dentistry, and specifically these full-mouth implant procedures. I’ve practiced implant dentistry for 30 years, and I also teach these techniques to other doctors learning to become proficient with dental implants and full mouth procedures.
3/5/6
Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his website
Morris County
At Morris County Dental Associates, all treatment is performed in one location:
About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 30years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. He lectures to dentists in the field of implantology. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at (973) 328-1225 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist, and also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant or complex full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.
General
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
By Henry M. Holden
IThe Forge and the Development of Shongum
n 1715, William Penn, a Quaker benefactor received 2,500 acres of land provided from the proprietors of West Jersey which included Morris County, and the area later called Shongum.
Penn never visited the land since he was literally on his deathbed ill and living in England. At the time of his death, he left his children to develop Shongum.
The name Shongum is an Indian derivation. In 1935 historian and Indian expert, Reginald Pelham Bolden, stated that the word Shongum is a corrupted version of the words N’ashaue and Gunnuak meaning midway between or high place.
From the 1600s to the mid-1800s the construction and the operation of a forge remained standardized.
The name Forge is somewhat misleading in the sense of the word as we use it today. It is more properly called a bloomery, and the person operating it is called a bloomer.
At one time, several centuries ago Morris County and Shongum were heavily forested. As the human population increased some of the forests were stripped to make charcoal which in turn produced a heat that could be used to fashion iron products.
Waterpower, generally coming from man-made dams required to work a large bellows above the hearth to carry off the fumes and smoke. The forge was a hearth with a hood and earlier forges were made of stone or brick. When the bloom was removed from the hearth, and
while still hot, it was hammered in the early days with sledgehammers. Later a trip hammer driven by waterpower was used.
The heat of the fire was increased by the air coming from the bellows.
The bloomer stirred the hot mass using a stick of green wood which gave off more carbon monoxide as it charred. More and more of the growing iron particles came together and formed a spongy mass of iron, interlaced with veins of slag. This mass is called a bloom, and the forgers often spoke of the bloomery.
Later, power-driven rollers and squeezes were devised which would make the job faster and more evenly.
The finished product was wrought iron, and it was made from the iron from the Succasunna mine and in abundance around what would eventually be Randolph Township. It played a important role in the development of Shongum.
Two other ingredients essential to the forge operation were waterpower and charcoal. The ore, flux, and charcoal were heated in a hearth. Oxygen, to make the mix heat more rapidly was forced into the hearth through an opening called a tuyer. This bellows was operated by power supplied from a water wheel. After a few hours the proper temperature was reached and the iron started to melt.
With the constant reheating of the bloom, (this process could go on for days) until iron had been worked into a form of a “merchant bar.” The bar was three inches wide, one and 1/2 inches thick and four or five feet long. It could be
then melted, and shaped into usable articles that or sold, as is to other processors.
To remove the impurities tremendous force was needed.. This was accomplished by means of cams attached to the water wheel. They were connected to a huge log about 13 feet long. When the hammer was raised and released gravity brought it down on the anvil and bloom with approximately 500 pounds of force.
Between 1758 and 1773 Great Britain placed restrictions on the forge operators, and products made on the forges. It became illegal to process the iron bars which had to be shipped to England where they were processed and continued on page 10
Forge and the Development...
continued from page 9
sold back to the Colonists as manufactured articles such as shovels, axes, saws, etc. This would become one of the underlying causes of the rebellion.
The Dan Brook, which had its beginning north of Mount Freedom, was, and is an important feature of the landscape of Shongum. It was damned to form the 24-acre pond, which was the forerunner of Shongum Lake. This pond, referred to in early deeds and maps, as Shongum Pond formed the reserve of waterpower used in the operation of the forge and also a sawmill, which was built lower down on the stream.
In earlier days, the local, Minsi Indians, use the banks of the stream for a branch of their trail, which ran from Minisink in the Delaware River to Naversink at the Jersey shore.
In 1769 an important event took place in the area. The road which is now called Shongum Lake Road and Shongum Road was completed. This first portion began at the top of the mountain in the Succasunna (Hanover Avenue) Plains in the middle of the road that leads from Morristown to Suckasunny plains . It was four rods wide (66 feet) and passed the Shongum
Pond and ended at a certain apple tree in the lane on the southwest side of Robert Youngs orchard. This would place the ending where the present Openaki Road begins. The second portion began at the same apple tree and continues for 2.6, miles and ends on the road that leads from Millbrook to Skooleys Mill. Building this road allowed the mine operators easy access to the roads leading to the Succasunna mine, forge and iron markets.
On May 20, barely two months before the Declaration of Independence work began on the road from Shongum forge to Suckasunny plains which extended the road. It crossed the road leading from Mt. Freedom to Dover west of the Friends Meeting House (Center Groove Road).
Today, a visitor from two centuries ago would not recognize the Shongum he knew. The lake is surrounded by upscale housing and there are roads leading to 27 historic sites in Randolph.
The Shongum forge served from 1758, through the War for Independence, and closed in 1823, a span of 65 years. It was situated below the Shongum Lake dam. Today the site is a parking lot for the Shongum Lake Property Owners Association.
Religious School
By Richard Mabey Jr.
TThe Flame Within Thy Heart, Burns Ever So Brightly
his is the third condensed chapter of the book that I am presently writing, about my journey to earn scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. This is a true story.
In 1966, Lincoln Park was very much a different place than it is now. To the best of my memory, I don’t think that there was a single street light in the entire town. The town was more of a village than a suburban town. There were more farms back then. And, it seems that half of the town’s acreage was filled with forest land. And truly it seemed, everyone was related to everyone else, in some form or another.
In early September of 1966, I turned 13 and began the eighth grade at Chapel Hill School. It was a tough time for me. I had not attended school for practically all of seventh grade, being in and out of three long-term stays at the Barnert Hospital in Paterson, fighting off a full-blown case of Rheumatic Fever. So, when I began the eighth grade, I was not the strongest kid in my class. I was not the most coordinated, by any means. And, I wasn’t that good at sports.
The two things that brought great joy to my heart, were church youth group and
scouts. At the baseball field of old Chapel Hill School, I was the strike-out king, but I could shine like a diamond in church youth group and scouts. And in scouts, one thing burnt brightly in my heart, the dream of becoming an Eagle Scout.
I loved reading the little Merit Badge Pamphlets. They were composed of 8½ by 11 inch paper, folded in half. Each Merit Badge Pamphlet ran between 40 to 60 pages in length. And, there were dozens upon dozens of these wonderful little booklets to read. One such Merit Badge Pamphlet struck a chord within my heart and mind. It was the Conservation of Natural Resources, Merit Badge Pamphlet.
I remember that it was quite a bit thicker than most of the other Merit Badge Pamphlets. If I remember right, it was more than a hundred pages long. While I was in the eighth grade, I must have read that booklet more than a dozen times. I planted a dogwood tree along Mabey Lane. I built a bird feeder and bird house and kept a daily log of the bird activities. And, I studied and studied the importance of conservation of our natural resources.
I remember that a scout had to write an
essay about the importance of conserving our natural resources for this particular merit badge. I remember that Mom loaned me her pride and joy, Underwood Typewriter, so that I could type up my essay. I remember that my essay ran well over 10 pages in length. My dad bought me a plastic cover to put my essay in. I was incredibly proud of that essay.
My fellow scout, Donald Stone and I attended the classes together, for the Conservation of Natural Resources Merit Badge. It was after one of the classes, that was held at the Merit Badge Counselor’s home, that we waited for my dad to pick us up to take us home. There in the midst of our Counselor’s driveway, we made a pledge that we both would make Eagle Scout, no matter what. We even shook hands on it, thus cementing the agreement in concrete. We both kept our vows. We both earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout.
Now at 71, I look back at those days of innocence with great fondness. Although, a certain sadness fills my heart. It seems like I blinked my eyes and that 13 year old boy, became an old man. None of us can stop the clicking of the clock.
I now look back at how hard I worked on my Conservation of Natural Resources essay. I think that writing that essay was an important step in my growth to develop a deep love for putting words down on paper. It was an important step to my staircase journey to earning scouting’s highest rank.
To be continued.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
A photo of an Underwood Typewriter, very similar to the one that Mom loaned me.
By Henry M. Holden
New Jersey played a significant role in the American fight for independence. There were several New Jersey locations where battles were fought and where the outcomes created the atmosphere that contributed to the states’ ultimate united victory.
Boston Tea Party, (December 16, 1773), was a nonviolent protest which preceded the actual shooting war. Three hundred-forty-two chests of tea belonging to the British East India Company were thrown from ships into Boston Harbor by American patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians. The Americans were protesting both taxation without representation and the perceived monopoly of the East India Company.
With 165 principal engagements from 1775-1783, the Revolutionary War was the catalyst for American independence.
The American Revolution was an insurrection carried out by 13 American colonies that began in 1775 and ended with a peace treaty in 1783.
The first clash began on April 19, 1775, when more about 700 British soldiers were given what they thought were secret orders to destroy colonial military supplies in Concord, Massachusetts. Fortunately, and thanks to a sophisticated colonial intelligence network, led by the Sons of Liberty, the Patriots were aware that their supplies were at risk, and were able to move them before the British arrived. Also, thanks to the daring rides of the Sons of Liberty, the colonial militia knew that an engagement with the British Army was imminent.
There were five riders who collectively enabled the Colonists to make ready for an attack. But poets, historians, educators, and history buffs have retold the story of the legendary ride, of Paul
The Shot Heard Round the World
Revere for more than two centuries. The most popular retelling is the poem entitled “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It begins:
Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five; Hardly a man is now alive Who remembers that famous day and year.
Paul Revere was born in Boston in 1734, to a French Huguenot father and a Bostonian mother. He started his young life training to be a silversmith. After the death of his father in 1754, Revere enlisted in the provincial army to fight in the French and Indian War because was it was the best paying job available at the time.
When the war was over, he returned to Boston to take over his father’s silversmith business, only to fall into financial challenges during the Stamp Act of 1765.
This Act was the first internal tax levied directly on American colonists by the British Parliament. The act, which imposed a tax on all paper documents in the colonies, came at a time when the British Empire was deep in debt from the Seven Years Wars (1756-63) and was looking to its North American colonies as a revenue source. The angry mobs resulted in its repeal in 1766.
Frustrated by this gave Revere a reason to join the Sons of Liberty, a group of men initially responsible for organizing early revolutionary efforts and develop a close association with them.
On April 18, 1775, Joseph Warren, one of the Sons of Liberty, sent Revere to send the signal to Charlestown that the British troops were on the move. Revere rode through northern Boston, through what is now Medford, Somerville, and Arlington warning the American patriots about the enemy’s movement.
Contrary to popular beliefs, Paul Revere never shouted the phrase “the British are coming,” and instead rode swiftly and in secrecy northward. His journey ended in Lexington where he met other Sons of Liberty, such as John Hancock and other like-minded patriots.
In the 250+ years since its independence, the United States of America has developed into a thriving nation, based on the articulated freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet not every aspect of the Revolutionary Period is full of bright morals and good behavior.
When Britain imposed the Intolerable Acts throughout the 1750s and 60s, a great number of men became extremely angry, and began to act violently against British Loyalists in the colonies.
In response to colonial resistance to British during the winter of 1773–74, they were determined to reassert their authority in America and passed four acts that were known as the Coercive Acts in Britain but were labeled the Intolerable Acts by the colonists.
The Coercive Acts, were passed by Parliament in 1774, in response to colonial resistance to the British
rule. The four acts were (1) the Boston Port Bill, which closed Boston Harbor; (2) the Massachusetts Government Act, which replaced the elective local government with an appointive one and increased the powers of the military governor; (3) the Administration of Justice Act, which allowed British officials charged with capital offenses to be tried in another colony or in England; and (4) the Quartering Act, which permitted the requisition of unoccupied buildings to house British troops, and more mobs sprang up all over the colonies, reigning terror on those who remained faithful to the crown.
The displays of American patriotism, as exhibited by
the great war in 1776, one may to think of the great names which are prominently recorded in history. Such names as Washington, Jefferson, Lafayette, Kosciusko, are likely to draw all the attention, while others, equally meritorious in self-denial and endurance receive no mention. One of these groups would be a secret Boston association of elite gentlemen, mainly law men and artisans, who met discretely to organize ways to begin to effectively oppose the actions of the crown.
The Loyal Nine were responsible for putting boundaries on the rampant violence of Boston and set limits on how far the demonstrations should progress. They
actively stood against British policies they found to be immoral and unlawful and had their hands in projects such as the Boston Tea Party.
As time progressed, and frustration with the British crown began to heat up in the colonies, the Loyal Nine merged into the more famous organization known as the Sons of Liberty. The prominent members of this group were Samuel Adams, Joseph Warren, Paul Revere, and Benedict Arnold. John Hancock is most remembered for his singular classic name scrawled on the Declaration of Independence The second cousin of John Adams, Samuel Adams was a Massachusetts statesman, founding father, and
continued on page 16
This lithograph depicting the signing of the Declaration was drawn around 1850. (Credit National Archives)
Shot Heard...
firm voice of the American Revolution. He was one of the main forces behind the American movement for Independence and was infamous for his role in the turmoil in Boston in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. Where John Adams was strong spirited, Samuel was practically virulent, a master of propaganda and an instigator of mob violence. He had few qualms about acting in opposition to the British authorities, especially on issues he deemed to be “unfair” to the American colonists. His strong leadership inspired the New England colonies to take up arms against the crowns oppressors, and he continued to be a central figure throughout the latter part of the eighteenth century.
A notorious traitor to the revolutionary cause, Benedict Arnold started his political career as a Son of Liberty. As a pharmacist and bookseller in New England, Arnold fell into financial struggles after the introduction of the Intolerable Acts. He did not engage in any popular demonstrations but became a smuggler and continued to trade as if no “Act” had ever been passed on the colonial form of the black market.
Despite his early activity to oppose the British crown, and his relative success as a Revolutionary War General, Arnold eventually came to lose faith in the American cause, would change sides and join the British against the American colonies halfway through the war.
and Andre was captured and executed. Arnold, the former American patriot, fled to the enemy side and went on to lead British troops in Virginia and Connecticut. He later moved to England, though he never received all of what he’d been promised by the British. He died in London on June 14, 1801.
Battle of Trenton
On the night of December 25–26, 1776, General George Washington, , led 2,400 men across the Delaware River. After a nine-mile march, they seized the town of Trenton on the morning of December 26, killing or wounding over 100 (Hessians were German soldiers who served as mercenaries in several major wars in the 18th century, most notably the American Revolutionary War) and capturing 900 more. Soon after capturing the town, Washington led the army back across the Delaware into Pennsylvania. On December 29, Washington once again led the army across the river and established a defensive position at Trenton.
On December 31, Washington appealed to his men, whose enlistments expired at the end of the year, «Stay for just six more weeks for an extra bounty of ten dollars.» His appeal worked, and most of the men agreed to stay. Also, that day, Washington learned that Congress had voted to give him wide-ranging powers for six months that are often described as dictatorial.
back across the Delaware into Pennsylvania. On December 29, Washington once again led the army across the river and established a defensive position at Trenton.
On December 31, Washington appealed to his men, whose enlistments expired at the end of the year, «Stay for just six more weeks for an extra bounty of ten dollars.» His appeal worked, and most of the men agreed to stay. Also, that day, Washington learned that Congress had voted to give him wide-ranging powers for six months that are often described as dictatorial.
Battle of Princeton
The Battle of Princeton was fought on January 3, 1777, and ended in a victory for the Colonists. General Lord Cornwallis had left 1,400British troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood, in Princeton. Following a surprise attack at Trenton early in the morning of December 26, 1776, General Washington decided to attack the British in New Jersey before entering the winter quarters. On December 30, he crossed back into New Jersey. His troops followed on January 3, 1777.
In 1780, Arnold was given command of West Point, an American fort on the Hudson River in New York (and future home of the U.S. military academy, established in 1802). Arnold contacted Sir Henry Clinton, head of the British forces, and proposed handing over West Point and his men. On September 21, Arnold met with Major John Andre and made his traitorous pact. However, the conspiracy was uncovered,
On the night of December 25–26, 1776, General George Washington, , led 2,400 men across the Delaware River. After a nine-mile march, they seized the town of Trenton on the morning of December 26, killing or wounding over 100 (Hessians were German soldiers who served as mercenaries in several major wars in the 18th century, most notably the American Revolutionary War) and capturing 900 more. Soon after capturing the town, Washington led the army
Washington advanced to Princeton by way of a back road, where he pushed back a smaller British force but had to retreat before Cornwallis arrived with reinforcements. The battles of Trenton and Princeton boosted the morale of the patriot cause, leading many recruits to join the Continental Army in the spring.
After defeating the Hessians at the Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776, Washington withdrew back to Pennsylvania. He subsequently decided to attack the British forces before going into winter quarters. On December 29, he led his army back into Trenton. On the night of January 2, 1777,
continued from page 14 continued on page 18
Shot Heard...
continued from page 16
Washington repelled a British attack at the Battle of the Assunpink Creek. That night, he emptied his position, circled General Cornwallis’ army, and attacked the British garrison at Princeton.
On January 3, Brigadier General Hugh Mercer of the Continental Army clashed with two regiments under the command of Mawhood. Mercer and his troops were overrun, and Mercer was mortally wounded. Washington sent a brigade of militia under Brigadier General John Cadwalader to help them. On seeing the flight of Mercer’s men, the militia began to flee. Washington rode up with reinforcements and rallied the fleeing militia. He then led the attack on Mawhood’s troops, driving them back. Mawhood gave the order to retreat, and most of the troops tried to flee to Cornwallis in Trenton.
In Princeton, Brigadier General John Sullivan encouraged some British troops who had taken refuge in Nassau Hall to surrender, ending the battle. After the battle, Washington moved his army to Morristown, and with their third defeat in 10 days, the British left Central Jersey. The battle (was the last major action of Washington’s winter New Jersey campaign.
Following the loss at Trenton, General Cornwallis departed New York City and gathered a British force of over 9,000 at Prince-
ton to counter Washington. Leaving 1,200 men under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mawhood at Princeton, Cornwallis left Princeton on January 2, commanding 8,000 men to confront Washington’s army of 6,000 troops.
Washington dispatched troops to engage with the advancing British to delay their progress. By the time the British arrived at Trenton, it was almost nightfall. After three unsuccessful attempts to cross the bridge over the Assunpink Creek, where the primary American defenses were located, Cornwallis postponed the attack until the following day.
Mawhood ordered his troops to delay Mercer, while he brought up the other detachments. Mercer was walking through William Clark’s orchard when the British troops appeared. The British troops’ volley went high, which gave time for Mercer to wheel his troops around into battle line. Mercer’s troops advanced, pushing back the British light troops. The Americans took up a position behind a fence at the upper end of the orchard. However, Mawhood had brought up his troops and his artillery. The American gunners opened fire first, and for about ten minutes, the outnumbered American infantry exchanged fire with the British. However, many of the Americans had rifles which took longer to load than muskets.
Mawhood ordered a bayonet charge, and because many of the Americans had rifles, which could not be equipped with bayonets, they were overrun. Both Americans’ cannon were captured, and the British turned them on the fleeing troops. Mercer was surrounded by British soldiers, and they shouted at him “Surrender, you damn rebel!” Declining to ask for quarter, Mercer chose to resist instead. The British, thinking they had caught Washington, bayoneted him and then left him for dead. Mercer’s second in command, was shot through the head and killed.
After entering Princeton, the Americans began to loot the abandoned British supply wagons and the town. With news that Cornwallis was approaching, Washington knew he had to leave Princeton. Washington wanted to push on to New Brunswick and capture a British pay chest of 70,000 pounds, 90 but Major Generals Henry Knox and Nathanael Greene talked him out of it. Instead, Washington moved his army to on the night of January 3, then marched to Pluckemin by January 5, and arrived at Morristown by sunset the next day for winter encampment.
[ After the battle, Cornwallis abandoned many of his posts in New Jersey and ordered his army to retreat to New Brunswick. The next several months of the war consisted of a series of small-scale skirmishes known as the Forage War
The Battle of Monmouth
On June 28, 1778, in what is now Monmouth Battlefield State Park, was one of the longest battles of the American Revolutionary War took place on a scorching hot day. It was a pivotal moment for Washington, marking a crucial turning point in the War. This success dispelled doubts about his leadership, solidified his command over the army, and protected him from serious public criticism for the rest of the war.
In a day-long battle across hills, fields, and meadows, the retrained Continental Army repelled attacks by the British Army. By the end of the battle, over 600 men were dead or wounded, and the Continental Army held the field.
The battles, spanning December 26, 1776, to January 3, 1777, marked General George Washington’s first victories.
The Battle of Monmouth was crucial as it marked the debut of the American Army after training at Valley Forge. The Continental Army, now a cohesive unit with new confidence, proved their training had paid off. Holding the field the next day convinced the British to withdraw and continue to New York City.
Jockey Hollow
During the Revolutionary War, Henry Wick an American Colonist dominated the largest portion of this area—his farm comprised 1400 acres of timber and open field. The Wick farm and his neighbors’ property were considered the ideal location for a
winter camp due to the distance from British forces in New York and the amount of timber needed for shelter and firewood for a large army, and the availability of houses for officers, mainly generals and their staff, to quarter.
During the winter of 1779–1780, approximately 600 acres of timber in Wick’s land and about 2,000 acres total in Jockey Hollow were cut down by the soldiers to be used for the construction of huts and as firewood.
Molly Pitcher
During battles, there were colonial women who carried water to thirsty American soldiers on the battlefield. They were given the nickname “Molly Pitcher.” At the Battle of Monmouth, legend has it that a woman from Philadelphia named Mary Ludwig Hays carried water to the men. When her husband, who was with the artillery, was injured, she supposedly took his place on the battlefield and helped fire on the British.
Morristown
The Green has been at the center of Morristown for over two and a half centuries. When General Washington took his headquarters at the Jacob Arnold tavern during the 1777 winter encampment, the Green became a hub of military activities. Various buildings around it were used as officers’ headquarters, army hospitals, and a military store house. Opposite the Arnold Tavern site on the North Park Place side of the park, is a monument to mark the site of the courthouse and jail that stood here at the time of the Revolutionary War. There were shortages of food and other provisions which posed a serious challenge for the army at Morristown. Fresh meat was usually unavailable, and shortages of flour often made bread scarce. Washington noted that the soldiers sometimes went “five or six days together without bread, at other times as many days without meat, and once or twice two or three days without either, a situation made worse by the fact that Morristown was located amidst numerous local farms. Despite their proximity to the farmland, however, drought had created shortages in the harvest seasons before, and farmers were often unwilling to give up their crops to feed soldiers. Many farmers had cut back on the number of acres they were cultivating as the war progressed. This was due to the poor prices the Continentals offered for goods. The inclement weather added to the difficulty in transporting available supplies to the army. Community members’ restraint to offer their support to the Continental Army provided a constant source of frustration for the Commander-In-Chief. Though Washington was scorned to anger locals by allowing his troops to pillage their farms and fields, he eventually permitted the confiscation of grain and cattle from nearby properties to keep his troops from starving.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
GGod Loves You More Than You Will Ever Know
od loves you more than you will ever know. No matter how tough life gets. No matter the storm winds that seem to envelop you. No matter how hopeless a situation may seem to appear. No matter how bad a medical report you’ve been given by your doctor. Please, please, please remember this eternal truth: God loves you more than you will ever know.
My neighborhood friend, Brad, recently passed away. He lived two streets down from me. He had two little dogs, and it seemed that just about every time that I walked one of my clients’ dogs, he would be walking one of his dogs. Brad and I had a common bond of recollecting old landmarks of Lincoln Park and Mountain View. As if the odds were a million to one, Brad had once lived in Mountain View, for many years. In many ways, it would always feel as though Brad was one of my close cousins.
Not far from my home, there is this little park. It’s a cozy little park. There’s a horseshoe set up, Bocce ball court, and a shuffleboard court. There’s a good six or seven park benches scattered about this little park. One bench in particular sets just be-
low a tall, towering Live Oak that provides welcomed shade from the hot, Florida sun. Brad and I used to let the pups run free and talk about life in general.
It was about three years ago, sitting on that shady park bench, that Brad broke the news to me that he was diagnosed with cancer. At the time, I had no idea that I had Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. At the time, my Cardiologist was convinced that I suffered from the beginning stages of A-Fib. Brad told me that he recently broke the bad news to his wife.
Brad was a deeply religious man. At the time, during our heart to heart conversations, Brad told me that he wasn’t afraid to die. Brad told me that he knew God loved him. That death was nothing to fear. That it was simply like walking from your living room into your bedroom. It was just that simple. Brad would often say to me, “God loves you more than you will ever know.”
Yesterday, I walked the short distance to my little neighborhood park. I sat in the shaded park bench, where Brad and I would watch our dogs run and play. Brad is gone now, at least from this physical plane. And, I don’t take care of dogs any more. I just
got too easily winded, taking the pups for walks.
Brad’s insightful words gently echo into my heart, mind and soul, that God loved me more than I would ever know. And, it’s true. It’s very, very true. God loves you more than you will ever know.
In the last couple of months, I’ve had moments where I just wanted to quit everything. To give up writing. To just give up and watch Gunsmoke and Bonanza all day long. But something would stir, deep in the chambers of my heart. That simple statement, God loves me more than I will ever know, would echo within me. My father would often tell me that my writing, was my ministry.
No matter how tough things may seem. No matter how hopeless your situation may seem. No matter what struggles you are enduring. You simply cannot give up. You absolutely must roll up your sleeves and continue on. Give it all you got. Focus. Let the flame of determination burn brightly in your heart, mind and soul. Never, ever surrender!
Tell yourself a hundred times, no a thousand times, “God loves me more than I will
Yours truly with Pepper, one of the many dogs I once cared for and took for walks.
ever know.” Burn that truth into the core fibers of your heart. For it really is true, God loves you more than you will ever know. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
Ever Wonder How Car Insurance started? The History and Evolution of Car Insurance
Car insurance is a critical aspect of modern life, ensuring that drivers and pedestrians alike are protected from the financial risks associated with accidents, theft, and other unfortunate incidents on the road. But where did this vital safety net originate? To fully appreciate the concept and structure of car insurance as we know it today, it’s essential to delve into the history of the automobile itself and the societal shifts that necessitated the creation of this industry.
The Origins: From Horse-Drawn Carriages to Motor Vehicles
Before cars dominated the streets, there were horse-drawn carriages. These carriages occasionally caused accidents, leading to damage and injury. While the formal idea of “insurance” existed centuries before cars, with practices like marine insurance in the 14th century, it wasn’t until the invention of the automobile in the late 19th century that the framework for car insurance started to take shape.
The late 1800s marked the dawn of the automobile era. Early cars, such as those produced by Karl Benz and Henry Ford, were revolutionary but far from perfect.
They were expensive, slow, and prone to mechanical issues. However, as more people adopted these vehicles, accidents became inevitable. With limited traffic laws and no real system to determine liability, disputes about damages were common, often leading to legal battles.
The lack of protection for both drivers and pedestrians highlighted the need for a structured system to manage risks. Enter car insurance.
The First Car Insurance Policies
ing the need for insurance.
In 1898, a policy was issued in Dayton, Ohio, to Dr. Truman J. Martin. This policy, underwritten by Travelers Insurance Company, covered Dr. Martin against liabilities associated with accidents involving his car. Like the British policies, it focused primarily on protecting third parties.
The Legal Push: Compulsory Insurance Laws
The first recorded car insurance policy was issued in 1897 in the United Kingdom by the General Accident Corporation. This policy focused on third-party liability, covering the damage a driver might cause to others but not the driver’s own vehicle. It reflected the understanding that automobiles, though revolutionary, posed unique dangers not seen with horse-drawn carriages.
In the United States, car insurance took root shortly after. By the early 20th century, automobile use was growing rapidly, particularly due to the success of Ford’s Model T, which made cars more affordable for the average person. With the rise in car ownership came an increase in accidents and property damage, further emphasiz-
As cars became faster and more common, governments began implementing laws to ensure road safety and financial responsibility. One of the significant milestones in car insurance history was the introduction of compulsory insurance laws.
In 1927, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to require drivers to carry car insurance. This mandate was aimed at ensuring that all drivers could compensate others for damages or injuries they caused. Other states soon followed suit, recognizing the importance of protecting their citizens and reducing the burden on courts and individuals involved in accidents.
Compulsory insurance laws also paved the way for the concept of “no-fault” insurance, which emerged in the mid-20th century. Under no-fault insurance, drivers’ own insurance policies cover their damcontinued on page 20
How Car Insurance started...
continued from page 19
ages and medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. This system was designed to streamline claims processes and reduce litigation.
Innovations and Expansions in Coverage
As the automotive industry evolved, so did the insurance sector. Early policies focused solely on third-party liability, but by the mid-20th century, insurers began offering more comprehensive options. These included: Collision Coverage: Protecting a driver’s own vehicle in case of an accident.
Comprehensive Coverage: Covering non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Safeguarding drivers against damages caused by individuals who lacked adequate insurance.
Medical Payments and Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Ensuring that medical expenses for the driver and passengers were covered after an accident. These developments reflected the growing complexity of modern transportation and the increasing costs associated with vehicle repairs and medical care.
The Role of Technology in Shaping Car Insurance
Technology has always been intertwined with the car insurance industry. Early policies were handwritten, and claims processes were slow and often contentious. However, the advent of computers and data analysis in the mid-20th century revolutionized how insurers assessed risk and handled claims.
Insurers began using actuarial science to analyze historical data and predict the likelihood of accidents, allowing them to set premiums more accurately. Additionally, the introduction of telematics—a system that monitors driving behavior through GPS and sensors—has become a game-changer in recent years. Telematics allows insurers to reward safe drivers with lower premiums, creating a more personalized and fair pricing model.
Modern Car Insurance Challenges and Innovations
The 21st century has brought its own set of challenges to the car insurance industry. With the rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, insurers had to develop policies that covered commercial and personal driving scenarios. Similarly, the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous cars has forced insurers to rethink traditional risk models.
For instance, EVs often have higher repair costs due to their specialized components, leading to higher premiums for their owners. Meanwhile, autonomous vehicles—designed to reduce accidents caused by human error—pose questions about liability. If an autonomous car causes an accident, is the driver, manufacturer, or software developer at fault?
To address these challenges, insurers are partnering with tech companies to better understand and adapt to these emerging trends. Some insurers now offer coverage specifically tailored to autonomous vehicles, while others are exploring blockchain technology to streamline claims processes.
Car Insurance Around the World
While car insurance is ubiquitous in many countries, its structure and regulations vary significantly. For example:
In the United Kingdom, car insurance is compulsory, and drivers must display a valid policy to register their vehicles.
In Germany, third-party liability insurance is mandatory, and uninsured driving is a criminal offense.
In the United States, each state has its own regulations, with some requiring only liability insurance and others mandating additional coverage.
These differences reflect cultural and legal nuances but also highlight the universal importance of car insurance in modern society.
Conclusion
Car insurance has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 19th century. What started as a simple liability policy has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, offering a wide range of coverage options to meet the needs of diverse drivers and vehicles.
As technology continues to reshape the automotive landscape, the car insurance industry will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities. From autonomous vehicles to climate change, insurers will need to adapt quickly to stay relevant and provide the protection drivers expect.
In a world where cars are no longer just modes of transportation but also symbols of freedom, innovation, and progress, car insurance remains a cornerstone of modern life—ensuring that the road ahead is as safe and secure as possible for everyone.
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