Denville Life June 23

Morris Catholic Softball Coach DeGennaro Gets 400th Win of His Career

By Steve Sears

Morris Catholic Crusader girls’ softball coach, Nick DeGennaro, has been at the coaching game for a long time, almost 30 years to be exact.

He recently attained another career milestone as he won his 400th game as head coach when his Crusaders on April 12 defeated a strong Red Bank Catholic squad, 10 – 1.

DeGennaro did not tell his team that he was on the doorstep of the historic win but did inform them afterwards. “The only reason I even told the team after the game about 400 was because I wanted them to share the experience that they made possible,” he says.

While at Morris Catholic, DeGennaro has won state titles in 2021 and 2022, and Morris County Tournament championships in 2021 and 2023. This year’s county title win came on May 13 against #13 Roxbury, whom the 17th ranked Crusaders defeated, 9 –1, with senior pitcher Hannah Streicher firing a 3-hitter.

DeGennaro says of his current squad, “We were a little bit younger. We had some inexperienced players. At one point we had three freshmen starting for us, and we had two sophomore transfers that had to sit out the first 12 games. And so, as the year has gone on, they have just grown with confidence. That was the biggest thing.”

DeGennaro then adds an example. “We had a game down at Hillsborough, and we faced the best pitcher in the state. We lost 4 – 1, but we had some good at bats. We did some good things, and we had one bad inning where we gave up three runs, but we grew from that. We have grown so much since the beginning of the of the year. They have worked very hard, do a great job every day, are coachable, want to learn, and want to get better.”

As of Mid-May, senior outfielder Jessica Brown was leading the team in hits with 43 and 38 runs scored. Fellow senior Carly Mockenhaupt, a pitcher and infielder, had 33 RBIs for the season, and had herself had attained a milestone of 100 career hits. Junior catcher

Kate Heslin led the team with seven homeruns, and from the mound, Streicher had fanned 127 batters and walked just 12 with an ERA of .070.

DeGennaro, who has also coached football and wrestling, initially was an assistant softball coach Kittatinny Regional High School from 2000 to 2002. In 2003, has was named head softball coach at Sussex County Community College, where his teams averaged 25 wins per season and won two Garden State Athletic conference titles. Jefferson Township High School was next up for DeGennaro, and while there his teams won 118 games and lost only 49 while snaring three Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference titles. His clubs also made two trips to

MCT semifinals and one appearance in the finals.

Next up for DeGennaro is the lofty 500-win total, but he is not even thinking about it. In fact, he values something much more. He says, “To me it is a credit to the kids and the coaches that I have worked with. I have had great assistant coaches through years of coaching. I would never have been able to be successful without them. And I have had great young ladies, and it is really a credit to them.

I am more worried about these kids being successful both on and off the field, and I am hoping that when they each leave Morris Catholic that they have grown, not just as a softball player, but as a young woman and as a person. That is more important to me.”

“From start to finish, Peggy was an absolute advocate and pleasure to work with. Whether advising us with pricing, staging, and selling, Peggy was there every step of the way.”

Mary

Nick DeGennaro and his Morris Catholic Crusaders after his 400th Career Win as a Head Coach (credit: Carly Mockenhaupt)

Since COVID occurred approximately three years ago, many industries have been plagued with staffing issues. Restaurants have had to modify

&

The Great Resignation Has Affected Dentistry, Also

their hours and menus, transportation companies such as trucking are having a hard time finding drivers. Healthcare has also been hit very hard.

The rise of remote working has been a game changer within the workforce. This has also led to the realization from the workers’ standpoints that an improvement to their work-life balance can be achieved. Unfortunately no one has yet figured out how to deliver professional dental services from home, so the dental industry is feeling the pain of the Great Resignation, too.

Dr.

Patient Special

$149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films

New data is constantly emerging, and the term Great Resignation is being modified to the Great Reshuffling. Its been observed that workers are leaving certain industries to achieve a more desirable work-life balance, and are simply changing jobs or professions.

Within the field of dentistry assistants and hygienists have been hardest hit. It is difficult to find a dental office that has not had, or currently has, a shortage of one, the other, or both. In the past if a team member called out sick at the last moment, a phone call to one of many temporary agencies would result in the problem being resolved within an hour. Now, the rosters of these temporary agencies have fallen from hundreds of qualified temps to just a handful.

Its not the rate of pay that is the problem. Hygienists have always made a great wage or salary. Now those figures are even higher. It’s the quality of life that workers seek and demand.

How does this affect you, the patient? It may take months to get a cleaning appointment, and if either you have to

cancel or the office has to reschedule, it can take months to get a new date. You may also see a “revolving door” of new faces every time you’re at your dentist’s office. These issues are unfortunate, but unfortunately it’s the new reality. NJ.com just published an article on May 21, 2023 entitled, “Can’t get a dental appointment? NJ dentists grow desperate as works quit in droves.” Its an interesting read.

Dr. Ira Goldberg is the owner of Morris County Dental Associates in Succasunna. The offices provides a wide scope of services such as general, cosmetic, & implant dentistry. Please visit his website at www. MorrisCountyDentist.com or call his office at 973-328-1225 if you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment.

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

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

entire families,

dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

Academy for Performing Arts Dance Student Honored

Morris County Vocational School District’s Academy for Performing Arts Dance student, Diana Dandrea, was selected as one of the State Level Winners for the Dance New Jersey NHSDA State Level Award.

The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) adjudication committee also selected Diana as an “Honorable Mention” for the 2023 NHSDA Artistic Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award.

The Academy for Performing Arts - Dance will hold their Spring Concert on Jun 2, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the County College of Morris in Randolph.

For tickets, visit http://vpadance.weebly. com

The Morris County Vocational School District (www.mcvts.org) provides vocational and enrichment programs that inspire and prepare students to succeed in today’s world and pursue tomorrow’s opportunities. The Academy for Performing Arts, located and in partnership with Morris Knolls High School, is a four-year,

full-time public arts high school program offering majors in Dance, Theatre, and Vocal Performance.

The Academy for Performing ArtsDance major: Students with this major will work with master teachers and professional choreographers. Theatre major: Students with this major will be ready for almost any college major or career path encountered in the 21st Century, having acquired enhanced and developed imaginative capacity, flexible ways of thinking, self-discipline, and sophisticated presentation skills. Vocal Performance: Students with this major will acquire advanced skills in solo vocal performance (classical and musical theater), ensemble performance, music theory, piano studies, and audition techniques.

An eighth-grade student eligible to attend a Morris County high school may consider applying to an Academy of the Morris County Vocational School District during open application period (September – November). For more information, contact Gina DiDomenico, Community Relations at didomenicog@mcvts.org or 973-627-4600 ext. 277.

Czig Meister Brewing Company Wins Award at World Beer Cup®

Czig Meister Brewing Company claimed a bronze award in the 2023 World Beer Cup, a global beer competition that evaluates beers from around the world and recognizes the most outstanding brewers and their beers.

Awards were given in 103 beer-style categories during the World Beer Cup award ceremony on May 10, 2023, at the Music City Center in Nashville.

Czig Meister was awarded a bronze medal in the German-Style Schwarzbier beer style category for its Miner Black Lager, a 4.8% schwarzbier, which is a dark and smooth lager that showcases the rich flavors of roasted malts and noble hops. It has a deep black color with a tan head, and a medium body with a crisp and clean finish. Czig Meister is a 15-bbl craft brewery located in Hackettstown, New Jersey that specializes in having a wide variety of styles with 24 beers on tap, from award-winning traditional lagers, New England IPAs, & fruited sours, to their extensive barrel aging program.

“Miner is easily one of my favorite seasonal beers we make here at the brewery. Having it get recognition in a competition of this scale means a lot to us, and emphasizes the great work our brew team is doing every day.” said Matthew Czigler, Owner, at Czig Meister.

World Beer Cup winners were selected

by an international panel of 272 beer judges from 26 countries. Widely regarded as the “Olympics of Beer,” the 2023 World Beer Cup featured 10,213 entries from 2,376 breweries in 51 countries.

“The World Beer Cup brings together the finest brewers and beers from around the globe and celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and passion for great beer,” said Chris Williams, World Beer Cup competition director. “Receiving a World Beer Cup award is a testament to quality and innovation, and we commend this year’s winners for setting the bar higher than ever.”

Presented by the Brewers Association, the World Beer Cup is held annually to celebrate the art and science of brewing by recognizing outstanding achievement. For additional information, visit the World Beer Cup website.

Czig Meister, recently named the 2023 New Jersey Brewery of the Year by the New York International Beer Competition, is about to celebrate their 7th anniversary from 12-10pm on June 10th, with a Field Day inspired event where teams can sign up to participate in different activities throughout the Czig Meister wins medal in international beer competition 2 day. Czig Meister will be releasing two beers for their anniversary, along with having market vendors and live music throughout the event.

I Remember Dad: A Most Endearing Klondike Derby

Swimming Merit Badge. Basically, he told me not to give up. I remember my father telling me that he believed in me. That even though it might take me a longer time to earn the Swimming Merit Badge, he knew that if I put my mind to it, I could do it.

“I believe in you, Richie,” my father told me, in the midst of the two of us talking about my trials and tribulations of working toward earning my Swimming Merit Badge. I can still hear the echo of my beloved father sharing those cherished words with me.

When we reached the big parking lot of Camp Allamuchy, the six scouts of Troop 170’s Junior Klondike Team came running to Dad’s blue Ford Econoline truck. It was

poetry in motion as I helped my fellow scouts lift the big Klondike sled from the back of Dad’s truck and ever so gently place it to the ground.

And then, Jimmy Anderson, the Captain of the Junior Klondike Team grabbed the back handle of the glorious dog sled, the other five boys grabbed the rope handles, attached to the thick manila rope that ran from the front of the sled, and they ran off to the starting line.

At the starting line, the grand and glorious Junior Klondike Team of Boy Scout Troop 170 had about four other teams in front of them, awaiting to approach the continued on page 7

By Richard Mabey Jr.

My father served 25 years of volunteer service as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170, of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Lincoln Park. Of all the many scouting activities that Troop 170 was involved in, I think that the Klondike Derbies were one of Dad’s dearest remembrances. A special memory of my father’s love of the Klondike Derbies, came in January of 1968.

The Klondike Derbies were always held on the first weekend after the first of January. So in 1968, the Klondike Derby for the junior teams (scouts between 11 and 13 years old) was held on Saturday, January sixth. The Klondike for the senior teams (scouts between 14 and 17 years old) was held on Sunday, January seventh.

In January of 1968, I was 14 years old and in my freshman year at Boonton High School. I was to be part of the senior team. As Dad and I rode home from the Friday night scout meeting, Dad asked me if I

wanted to ride with him to Camp Allamuchy the next day, to see the junior team get ready and take off from the starting line. I didn’t miss a beat. I told Dad that I would love to go with him.

Well, the Klondike Derby sled had been packed and put on the back of my dad’s Ford Econoline truck, at the Friday night scout meeting. Dad and I rode alone together on the long journey to Camp Allamuchy in Northwest New Jersey.

Driving from our little Mayberry of Lincoln Park to the wooded mountains of Camp Allamuchy, Dad shared with me his perspective and philosophy of the adventuresome and keenly competitive Klondike Derby.

“I don’t care so much about the boys winning the boy First Place Trophy, just as long as they put their best forward,” I can still hear my father telling me, as if it was just yesterday.

Also, along our hour ride to Camp Allamuchy, Dad talked to me about my

From January of 1968, the very photograph of Dad and the Junior Klondike Team that I took with my Kodak Instamatic camera. Dad is standing third from the left hand side.

Looking for Some Fun Things to do this Summer?

Come to Denville!

9/17

9/17-21 Taste of

9/22-23 Joey Bella Memorial Fund Event

Pink Witches Night Out

Friday, October 13th, 5:30pm-9:30pm

Holiday Open House,

Friday, November 24th, 5:30pm-9:30pm

I Remember Dad...

continued from page 6

shot gun start. Each shot gun shot, would send off two Klondike teams, one running to the left and one running to the right. Mr. Spotts had the high honor of starting the teams off with his famous cap pistol. It was such a magnificent sight to behold.

Back in the line, I watched Dad give a pep talk to his scouts. Suddenly, I saw the grand and glorious leadership of my father come to life. There was no doubt about it. Dad was incredibly proud of his scouts and he cared about each and every one of them.

I took a picture of the moment with my Kodak Instamatic camera that I had in my coat pocket. That very picture was to appear within the pages of the noteworthy

Lincoln Park Herald, along with a story that I wrote about the big event.

Now at 69, I would give an eye tooth, give up my entire comic book collection, give up most of my worldly possessions, to just relive that day once again. This past May twelfth, marked 17 years from when my dear father went Home to be with the Lord. I still deeply mourn for him. In all so many ways, my father truly was the Beloved Scoutmaster.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. Richard hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He most recently published a book of poems and short stories. Richard can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

Maritime Museum Grows in Importance in 16th Year

by Jeff Garrett

On the southern tip of Long Beach Island sits a museum housing a huge collection of shipwreck files and artifacts almost unlike anywhere around.

On July 3rd, the New Jersey Museum of Maritime Museum will celebrate its sixteenth year showcasing rare stories only few may have known about at sea.

The collection, largely cultivated from New Jersey maritime historians, comes from pieces of shipwrecks and disasters pertaining to the state’s maritime history.

The idea for a museum came almost 25 years prior to its opening. Bob Yates and Deb Whitcraft, who serves as President of the Museum, possessed strong desires to learn about wrecks off New Jersey’s shores. Whitcraft was a collector. As her collection grew, she wondered if there might actually be a good place to put all of this stuff for others to learn about.

In 2007, dream became reality for the collector and the New Jersey Maritime Museum was born. There’s a rich history of shipwrecks and disasters inside. From a shipwreck database and map to a rare

book library and lending library for readers wanting to know more. An Atlantic City exhibit, Women’s Surf Fishing Club exhibit and a collection of New Jersey storm photos are all inside. You can even get married at the museum.

Presentations by those related to the maritime world are frequent, on a monthly basis, often taking place at Buckalew’s Restaurant & Tavern in Beach Haven.

Recent speakers in 2023 have included Gene Peterson a member of the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), and founder of Atlantic Divers. His series was presented in two parts – the first concerning those of divers pursuing dreams of finding lost treasure amidst the rubble of sunken ships along the New Jersey coast. The second part was discussing those discoveries themselves and the friendships created as divers discovered china, clay pipers and other out-of-the-ordinary things sea-goers and many others found interesting.

In Summer, the Maritime Museum sees a big thrust of people, perhaps enjoying bigger visitation than in any other season of the year mainly since visitors flock to

the Jersey shore to vacation.

The Museum is ready to educate students too offering a Marine Science Camp presented by New Logic Marine Biologists and Environmentalists. There are several kindergarten through eighth grade classes beginning June 26 and two Teen camps the weeks of July 24 and Aug.7 from 9am to 2pm each weekday. Kids programs exist on Fridays from June 23 to Aug. 25 from 1030am to Noon offering educational activities for kids age 3 to 13.

So how does the state’s premier maritime museum exist on donations alone?

While fundraisers are held each Spring and Fall, the museum is a registered 501 (C)(3) non-profit and has a membership program for the community with annual and lifetime options.

The community appears to have adopted the Maritime Museum with open arms While the museum simultaneously has upped its offerings between its walls at 528 Dock Rd in Beach Haven to meet the curiosities of all curious to learn more about New Jersey’s maritime history.

To learn more about the New jersey Maritime Museum, call 609-492-0202 or logon to www.NJMM.org.

A Father’s Day Story: Of Dreams Stored in an Attic Trunk

By Richard Mabey Jr.

It was in early June of 2004, that my dad decided to clean out the attic of the old Mabey Homestead. I remember it was a Saturday morning. The events that followed that very fateful day would allow me to see my beloved father, in an entirely different light. For my father had a secret dream, that for whatever reason, he had never even shared with Mom.

So, after breakfast, Dad and I climbed the 15 steps of the old Mabey Homestead, walked down the hallway to the attic door at the end of the hall. I placed the old wooden ladder, that my great grandfather had built, in place. Dad was first to begin the climb up the ladder. I followed.

When we got up to the attic floor, Dad pulled the string that hung in the middle of the attic. It was attached to a single, unshaded, 40-watt lightbulb.

“There that’s better,” I remember my dad saying as the light suddenly lit up the entire attic. Then Dad pointed to the old, wooden, vintage storage trunk that was located in the far, northwest corner of the attic. The trunk had belonged to my great grandmother, Catherine Cavanaugh. She used it to bring all her earthly possessions from Ireland to America, over a hundred years ago.

“I’ve been meaning to go through this

old trunk. Every time I would think about it, something would come up. I’m 76 years old now, I think it’s time I’d better clean it out,” Dad quietly and reflectively shared with me.

We walked over to the old, antique trunk. Dad opened it up. The hinges squeaked. There, within that trunk were stacks of yellowed, drawing paper. They were tied up by pieces of blue ribbon. Each tied stack had about 50 sheets of drawing paper, neatly stacked.

They were stacks of pencil drawings. Some were of trees and lakes and open fields. There was even a pencil sketch of the old Mabey Homestead. There were also sketches of Mabey Lane, Earl’s Meadow, the old apple tree, and the original old barn that once stood in the backyard of our homestead.

“I used to fiddle around with drawing stuff when I was a kid,” Dad told me. There was a certain sadness in my dear father’s eyes, as together, we looked at the old drawings. After I came home from the war, I did some more drawing. Then your uncle and I started our trucking company, I started dating your Mom. And well, I just gave up on the dream.”

There was such a melancholy sadness that prevailed in my father’s voice as he shared those reflective words with me. For the next few moments, Dad and I just looked

at the pencil sketches that he drew as a boy and as a young man. My heart cried for my father.

“Dad, these are good drawings. Really good drawings!” I exclaimed to my father.

“Thank Richie. Just the way life is, son. Not all your dreams come true,” Dad quietly said to me. My father fought hard to hold back his tears.

“Well, we better put these back. We got a lot of stuff up here to go through,” Dad reflectively told me.

I remember my father, took the blue ribbons. He tied up the bundles of pencil sketches. Then gently, with a degree of reverence, placed his drawings in the old trunk. Dad quietly closed the top of the his grandmother’s trunk.

“Well, us standing around this old trunk’s not going to get his attic cleaned out. Come on, Richie, we got a lot of work to do today.”

Dad and I did clean out the attic that fateful June day of 2004. When all the dust was swept from the floor beams of the attic, we climbed down the old wooden ladder. Oddly, Dad never talked about his pencil sketches ever again, in the two more years that God had been given to be alive.

My father was one of the hardest working individuals I have ever known. He worked as a long distance truck driver and would often

moonlight as a trucking dispatcher, to earn extra money. Dad served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170 for 25 years. He was a devoted Christian man, a good father, and an endearing husband to my mom.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has a YouTube Channel, titled “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of his poems and short stories, that is selling rather well. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

Dad in Year 2002, just four years before he went Home to be with the Lord.

By Robert Massimi

Life of Pi at the Schoenfeld Theatre brings two powerful things to this show, sensational projections and an incredible performance by lead actor Hiran Abeysekera (Pi). Playwright

Lolita Chakrararti keeps the play for the most part steadfast to the novel by Yann Martel.It takes a while in the first act to pick up steam, but when it does, it is quite moving and indepth.

With political turmoil in India, the family which owns a zoo is setting out from Pondicherry, India to Canada for a better life. Bringing the animals along, the ship sinks and Pi is alone on a small boat with four of the zoos animals. The real question, as in the book and movie is: are the animals metaphors for people? When Pi recounts his story to the authorities, is his remembrance accurate? Pi has been on the sea for 227 days, sometimes he goes longer than a week without water. His delirium has the Bengal tiger by the name of Richard Parker talking to him.

The precocious Pi attends a Muslim Mosque on Friday›s, a Hindu Temple on Saturdays and a Christian Church on Sunday’s. To him, all religions have the same

“Life of Pi” The Gentle Soul Within

premise. In the throws of this play, it is about religion. When the Japanese representative investigating the case tells Pi that he is an Atheist, Pi tells him when he hears his story, he will believe in religion and God.

As Pi makes his way on the sea, Andrzej Goulding›s video design is exceptional. The waves come crashing up against the boat as Pi navigates the Bengal tiger that is the only animal left of the four. Director Max Webster does an admirable job with a so-so ensemble cast.For the most part “Life of Pi” moves well and keeps the audience interest.Tim Lutkin’s lighting takes us to the eerie depths of the sea with cool blues and onward the the bright oranges of happier days.While the puppetry by Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes never wows us, the costumes by Tim Hatley (he also does

the scenic design) are first rate on both accounts.

The sound design is strong (Carolyn Downing), it compliments the video and staging making Pi a strong contender for a Tony for Best Play.

Longevity Veterinary Center Brings Integrative Care to NJ Pets NJ’s Premier Holistic Veterinary Facility Opens in Whippany

New Jersey’s largest and most advanced integrative veterinary center opened its doors to pet owners on April 11, 2023. Longevity Veterinary Center is a 15,000 square foot state-ofthe-art facility offering conventional and holistic pet therapies for all pets, including exotic animals.

The Center specializes in alternative therapies including acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, nutritional consultations, and innovative Microbiome Restorative Therapy (MBRT), among others.

“We are thrilled to bring our unique integrative veterinary care approach to Whippany to help pets live longer and healthier lives,” says Dr. Gerald Buchoff, holistic veterinarian and owner of Longevity Veterinary Center. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care that addresses the whole animal, not just their symptoms. We want to give pets the widest range of care options possible to achieve the highest quality of life.”

Longevity Veterinary Center’s team of highly trained professionals is committed to helping pets achieve optimal health through a combination of conventional

and alternative therapies. They believe in treating the root cause of an issue and finding the best treatment possible, drawing from both conventional and holistic medicine.

“Our holistic approach allows us to treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and a variety of cancers to anxiety and behavioral issues,” said Dr. Buchoff. “We are also able to provide preventive care that supports overall wellness and helps pets to live their best lives. We invite pet parents everywhere to come visit us and discover the future of pet care.”

Some of the therapies offered at the center include:

• Acupuncture: a safe and effective treatment that can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

• Chiropractic: a non-invasive therapy that can improve mobility, relieve pain, and address musculoskeletal issues.

• Homeopathy: a gentle, natural approach that can help address a variety of conditions, from allergies to chronic disease.

• Microbiome restorative therapy (MBRT): a cutting-edge treatment that can

The dental group kids LOVE and their parents trust!

improve gut health and overall immunity.

The clinic also offers nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, nonanesthetic dentistry (NAD), and other complementary therapies to support pets’ health.

“We believe in a collaborative approach to veterinary care, working closely with pet parents to develop a customized treatment

plan that meets their pet’s unique needs,” said Dr. Buchoff. “We are passionate about helping pets live happy and healthy lives, and we look forward to serving the local community.”

To learn more about Longevity Veterinary Center and the services they offer, visit their website www.lvcnj.com or contact them at 973-606-1101.

NAME: Mike Lateiner, DMD, MS

NAME: Ami Dhaduk, DMD

NAME: Denise Kitay, DDS, MMSc

Ewing, NJ born Washington Settles in at Action News

by Jeff Garrett

It’s been three months since Ewing-born Renee Washington started her role as a sports reporter at ABC’s Action News in Philadelphia, with a focus on youth sports all the way up to the pros. As she told her Twitter followers in February, “Philly has given me so much as a three-time all-American and Hall of Famer at LaSalle and at Lehigh as a coach and reporter with ESPN. As a Jersey girl, I’m thankful to join the incredibly talented team,” at 6ABC as a sports reporter and anchor.

By all accounts, Washington, a three-time Division I Soccer All-American and two-sport Division I athlete, who’s been brainstorming, pitching and delivering sports packages on high school basketball games since February, is a perfect fir for covering the important local sports category of high school sports. She covered many high school basketball games including regional and state playoff runs by area teams, the Penn Relays and was a part of covering of the Sixers 2023 playoff experience aside from many other assignments.

Washington reports from experience as an athlete and coach. She made the 2014 NCAA Top 50 women’s athlete list as a senior at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, achieving a B.A. in Public Relations, before moving onto Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA to obtain her Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Washington was inducted into LaSalle’s Athletic Hall of Fame in February 2022.

She coached women’s soccer as a graduate student

at Lehigh in 2014 and 2015 and become involved in internships with their sports media department which pointed her in the direction of sports reporting as a career. As she told Lehigh University sports communication department in 2022, the origins of what she’s able to do at ABC Action News 6 started years ago, going back to Lehigh and even further.

“The inner athlete in me loves the excitement of being involved in games and having the chance to be apart of the action,” she told Lehigh in 2022. “I’m not on the field playing, but I can help paint a picture for viewers. I can give some insight into what’s going on on the bench, what the coaches are saying, what’s being said in the huddle, what the players are saying and feeling and giving people something extra they just don’t get from watching the game,” she again, told Lehigh in 2022.

The former New Jersey resident who graduated from Pennington High School in 2010 with outstanding accolades for soccer and basketball, thought about becoming a pediatrician when she was in high school. Her care and devotion to others took a new route, away from the playing fields no less.

She founded a non-profit organization called, “Planted Not Buried,” which empowers, inspires and educates people through workshops, classes and events hoping to cultivate positivity, growth and perseverance through volunteer gatherings and collaboration for folks of all backgrounds. Washington continues to serve as a color commentator, play-by-play and sideline reporter for the tri-state region for ESPN. She also worked as a content

creator for the Washington Mystics WNBA team, the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals, between 2019 and 2022 before working as a fill-in anchorwoman at WPHL 17 in Philadelphia covering Philadelphia Union MLS games. Close to where now to where she grew up, it seems that Washington landed pretty close to where she hoped to be doing something she loves.

3 Grilling Hacks for Delicious, Plant-Based Summer Menus

Cooking and entertaining outdoors can bring friends and family back together, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple, flavorful recipes can be easy on the home chef yet still tasty and enjoyable for those at the table.

One of the best parts of the season is grilled fare like burgers, hot dogs and fresh vegetables. This year, consider adding a plant-based option to your menu. Made with simple, recognizable ingredients, Lightlife offers vegan, non-GMO options that are made for the grill, like Plant-Based Burgers, Smart Dogs and Italian Smart Sausage. These products can help satisfy the craving for protein and are made with ingredients you can feel good about serving your friends and family.

“Food brings people together, and now more than ever, grilling season and dining al fresco is one of the best ways to do that,” said Tommy McDonald, executive chef at Greenleaf Foods. “Think of the grill as an additional seasoning element – a zero-fuss way to add miles of flavor. One of my favorite products is Lightlife’s Smart

Dogs, which have been reformulated to taste better than ever. Try topping them with a freshly made onion jam or quickpickled relish.”

Consider these tips from McDonald to properly grill plant-based variations of your favorite meals:

Be mindful of cook times. Plant-based protein products typically taste best when cooked properly, usually over a low, open flame. When you’re almost ready to dish them out in recipes like Grilled Pineapple Burgers with Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce or Avocado Toast Dogs, give them a quick sear. If you’re unsure, reference the recommended cook times on the packaging.

Keep it separate. During these seasonal celebrations, there’s often some people who want traditional meat and others who crave plant-based options. To satisfy your group, drop a cast-iron skillet on the grill and allow it to heat up. Put your favorite plant-based proteins in the skillet, along with veggies, to keep the grill organized. Top it off. Don’t skimp on the toppings.

The next time you’re looking to jazz up burgers, sausages or hot dogs, make an easy DIY onion jam to spread on top. While the burgers and dogs are on the grates, prepare some extra coals; once they’ve burned down a bit, bury foil-wrapped onions in the coals. After the onions are soft and warmed through, pull them out and enjoy a smokey onion jam.

For more simple summer recipes, visit Lightlife.com/Recipes.

Grilled Pineapple Burgers with Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce

Total time: 30 minutes

Serving: 2

2 rings freshly cored pineapple

2 Lightlife Plant-Based Burger patties salt, to taste pepper, to taste

2 sesame seed burger buns, lightly toasted

1 cup baby arugula

1/4 cup crispy fried onions

2 tablespoons honey garlic barbecue sauce

Heat grill to medium. Grill pineapple slices 4-5 minutes per side until grillmarked and slightly caramelized. Cut slices

in half and set aside. Wipe down grill. Season burger patties with salt and pepper, to taste. To grill burgers from refrigerator, grill 4-5 minutes per side until evenly browned with internal temperature of 165 F.

To assemble burgers, layer toasted bottom buns with arugula then top each with burger patty and two slices grilled pineapple. Sprinkle with crispy fried onions and drizzle with barbecue sauce. Top each with top bun.

Grilling Hacks...

continued from page 16

Avocado Toast Dogs

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 Oil

2 medium avocados

1/2 lemon, juice only

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 Lightlife Smart Dogs

4 hot dog buns

1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning

sriracha

Lightly coat grill grates with oil and preheat to medium heat.

In small bowl, mash avocados, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cover and rest in refrigerator.

Grill dogs 6-7 minutes, turning frequently.

While dogs are grilling, lightly toast buns.

Spread avocado mixture on one side of toasted buns. Sprinkle each with everything bagel seasoning. Add dogs and drizzle with sriracha. (Family Features)

5 Tips to Stretch Your Summer Travel Budget

Many of the nation’s leading travel experts are predicting a surge in travel this summer. It’s no surprise that after months of restrictions, Americans are ready to set out on their next adventures. While popular destinations are likely to be open and welcoming visitors, the uptick in traffic combined with higher prices may translate into more expensive travel.

If you’re planning a trip this summer, learn how to incorporate some smart spending strategies with these tips from the financial experts at Credit One Bank:

Be flexible on travel dates and destinations. Unless your travel is tied to a specific event or occasion, try searching with flexible dates to find the best available rates. Similarly, if you know you want to get away but you’re not particular about where, try looking for destinations offering special promotions or deals for travel during certain timeframes.

Consider trip interruption and cancellation policies. Planning for the unexpected can help protect you if a trip needs to end early or be canceled altogether. Unless you have travel insurance, you’re likely to lose money on non-refundable expenses such as flights, event tickets or tours. However, some travel companies or your credit card provider may

cover reimbursement for certain prepaid expenses. Look into what options are available before you travel to avoid extra headaches when the unexpected occurs during a trip.

Get rewarded no matter how you travel. Using your credit card rewards to offset travel costs is a smart strategy, but not everyone wants or needs perks like miles or points that are exclusive to use with a single travel partner. With point-based travel reward cards, like the Credit One Bank Wander Card, the more places you visit, the more rewards you reap along the way that can be redeemed for future experiences, statement credits, gift cards and more. That means no matter what hotel chain you stay at, car rental agency you select or airline you fly with – or as you mix and match to get the best deals – everyday adventurers have opportunities to earn up to five times the rewards points for doing things they love. Come up with a realistic budget. When you’re planning a trip, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket expenses like airfare and hotel rooms. The reality is, when you add up all the smaller expenses, you may spend significantly more than you realize. To plan a more accurate budget, be sure you account for expenses like dining out at restaurants,

paying for fuel at the pump and tickets to attractions and events. Don’t forget fees that add up, too, like tips for housekeeping, checked bags, Wi-Fi access, parking and souvenirs.

Research and book free and discounted attractions. Some attractions offer discounts for purchasing tickets in advance online, age-based discounts or free admission at certain times or dates, so be sure to look into any attractions you hope to visit ahead of time. If you’re a travel rewards credit

card holder, start your search by looking into your redemption options. If your card offers flexible options by booking through a specific partner site or dedicated travel platform, you might be able to redeem points or make your spending dollars go further toward earning more rewards for the cost of experiences, entertainment and other expenses while you travel.

Find more ways to make your money work for you at CreditOneBank.com/articles Family Features.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Bucket List Travels: Venice, the Impossible City

Morristown resident Paul Partridge has been building a travel bucket list for years. Now he’s diving in – near and far – and shares his adventures in this column.

by Paul Partridge

“The day you go to Venice . . . will be one day quite by itself in your life. You will be alive that day.” – E. Temple Thurston, British poet & playwright serene. Despite its moniker, Venice conjures up strong feelings even among Italians; you either love it or you hate it, I’m told. Naysayers point to high prices, rising water levels, foul smells, hordes of tourists, hordes of pigeons.

My wife and I are met outside the Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station by a private water taxi. Its wooden hull is gleaming, looking like it’s been hand polished for hours. We settle into the leather-upholstered cabin and take in the dazzle before us.

The Grand Canal is alive with every kind of watercraft from rowboats to sailboats, working ships to luxury yachts – and of course, gondolas. Golden hour sun rays glisten off magnificent ancient buildings, churches and bridges.

A Bellini is offered as we push off from the dock. Offer accepted. I’ve only taken one sip but feel my balance is off. Is it the drink? The boat? Or is it the brain trying to make sense of an entire city sitting on water? Its existence is impossible, surely. This watery Oz must be either mirage or magic.

The captain maneuvers through traffic to the front entrance of the Ca’ Sagredo Hotel. The dapper hotel manager greets us and ushers us in. It feels like a palace because . . . it is. An ancient noble residence from the 15th century. Another drink awaits – a Spritz Veneziano. As we’re escorted from the grand stairway to the magnificently frescoed music ballroom to our room, which features a panoramic view of the Grand Canal, it finally starts to make sense:

Evidently, we’re co-stars in a movie –a period piece, a sweeping romance no doubt. The director is about to yell, “Cut, that’s a wrap!” whereupon we transform back to our normal lives of peeling potatoes and taking out the trash.

But no, the scene continues, and the next scene is better, and the next better still.

Venezia… La Serenissima. The most

Certainly, Venice has faults. But I would argue many more charms. Just ask Dante, Byron, Henry James, Hemingway, Mark Twain and Ezra Pound – all or who lived or spent significant time here. Do continued on page 21

Bucket List...

continued from page 20

you appreciate art? History? Romance? Mystery? Venice is soaked in them.

Plus, you can eliminate many of its blemishes just by choosing the right time to visit. For example, don’t go in August. It’s hot, humid, and overrun with turisti. Flooding from hide tides (acqua alta) occurs infrequently, only a couple times a year; highest tendency is in November, December, and October – in that order –according to local statisticians. The foul smell rap is suspect at best. In several trips to Venice, I’ve never experienced it – and I’m extremely sensitive to smells.

The high prices complaint, however, is valid. Yes, Venice is expensive. But whether you’re visiting Hawaii or Nantucket or Saint Lucia, aren’t prices always higher on islands where everything must be shlepped in by boat?

A couple observations: One is, you don’t have to spend two weeks in Venice. Two to four days is enough for most visitors. Also, prices decrease the more you venture away from St. Mark’s Square. St. Mark’s is ground zero, where most of the tourists – especially day trippers – congregate. Do your eating, drinking, and shopping away from the tourist hotspots and your dollar will go much further.

Here are some other low-cost options: Ride a Vaporetto – A vaporetto is a public water bus. This is how many Venetians get around and is the best way to explore the Floating City. Save money by buying a 1-, 2- or 3-day pass. The theater onboard is entertaining, especially during commuter hours. Pets, bikes, trunks, furniture, groceries, the kitchen sink – if you can carry it on, it’s welcome. Meanwhile the view outside is . . . Venice. Explore the Fish Market – Conveniently located only a one-minute walk from the

famous Rialto Bridge. Since 1173, local fishermen have brought their daily catch here, including octopus, writhing eels, giant swordfish, squid, prawns, tuna, softshelled crabs and much more. A place full of energy, life, and fishmonger characters.

Marvel at Venetian Architecture –Venice is a unique city that’s been built up layer upon layer over many centuries. You can witness many different architectural styles such as early Romanic architecture, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassic, and Byzantine.

Get up Early for St. Mark’s – Early morning is a wonderful time to experience Piazza San Marco. Captivating. Serene. Simply splendid. Other preferred times: under the moonlight or in the fog. If you’re not careful you may get goosebumps. Before you sits St. Mark’s Basilica (tour the inside for free), the Doge’s Palace (sign up for a tour), and the Clocktower (venture inside), with the columns of San Todaro and the winged lion standing guard. It’s easy to see why Napoleon called it “The drawing room of Europe.”

Walk – Grab a coffee or cappuccino and start exploring off the beaten path. It may seem counterintuitive that a city built on water is very walkable, but it is. No cars. No blaring horns. No motorcycles to dodge. Just endless beautiful passageways to wander. And gentle church bells as a soundtrack. Getting lost in Venice is a delight.

Visit Murano – In 1291, the glassmaking industry moved from Venice to Murano to avoid fire risks and to enforce strict control over glassmakers. So valuable was the glass trade that any glass master who tried to leave the Republic of Venice faced a death sentence. Today you can still see glass artisans at work blowing glass and molding it into exquisite shapes.

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