Denville Life May 23

“I can’t recommend Peggy enough. Her amazing attitude, knowledge of the market, and experience in the business makes her an absolute gem in the industry.”

Denville 8th Grader Recognized As Unsung Hero

By Cheryl Conway

Eighth grader John Capetillo of Valleyview Middle School in Denville was recently recognized by the Morris County School Board Association for his positive attitude and participation in the classroom.

He is among 40 students throughout the Morris County school district selected to receive this year’s Unsung Hero Award. In its second year, the 2023 Unsung Heroes Student Recognition Ceremony was held Wednesday, March 29, at the County College of Morris in Randolph.

The purpose for the inaugural program is to honor “the students who make your district a better place because they are a part of it,” as stated on the cover of the program.

Capetillo of Denville was nominated by Valley View Principal Seth Korman.

“John is a conscientious student who has been balancing his academics and responsibilities at home,” says Korman. “He always participates in class and has a positive attitude in all that he does.”

Inaugural Unsung Heroes Event Is Formed

Two years ago, the Morris County School Boards Association established the Morris County Recognition and Awards Committee to research and recommend ways to acknowledge well deserving Morris County school students and Board of Education members, explains Bernadette Dalesandro, president of the Morris County School Boards Association and president of the Netcong Board of

Education.

The committee is made up of Morris County school board members “who believe that recognition of outstanding student contributions in their respective schools and communities will help drive strong student outcomes and support student achievement,” says Dalesandro.

Last year the committee established the inaugural unsung heroes award to recognize a student

continued on page 2

Academy for Environmental Science Hosts Eco-Fest 2023

Climate is Changing, Why Aren’t We?

The Academy for Environmental Science of the Morris County Vocational School District will host its annual Eco-Fest on May 3 from 6-8 pm at the Jefferson Township High School, where the Academy is located. The event is open to the public and will be held in the high school cafeteria, 1010 Weldon Rd, Oak Ridge.

This year’s theme is “Climate is changing, why aren’t we?”.

Stations will be hosted by students, as well as community members, highlighting presentations on the differences between compostable and biodegradable terms, poster

on pesticide use, climate change impacts (before and after), sustainable architecture and conservation photography.

Also featured will be a Rock Art activity for kids and items for Sale, such as handmade soaps and dry shampoo, beeswax lip balm and more.

Everyone will go away inspired with great ideas and products for living a more sustainable life!

The Academy for Environmental Science provides students with the interdisciplinary study of natural processes and human impacts in the atmosphere, aquatic systems, and

soils. The academy program of study links the principles of art, history, language arts, technology, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics to environmental concepts.

The Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for Morris County high school students. The academies are public programs of choice for Morris County residents. For additional information, contact Gina DiDomenico, Student Recruitment & Community Relations at 973-627-4600 ext. 277 or email didomenicog@mcvts. org.

John Capetillo

Michael M

Unsung Hero...

continued from page 1

from each Morris County School District who makes outstanding contributions to their schools and communities but who are often overlooked by traditional student recognition programs.

“Students considered may have overcome difficult academic or personal challenges, modeled good citizenship or exhibits a spirit and quiet strength that has inspired others or a student who has achieved academic success despite disabilities, language barriers or other significant challenges,” says Dalesandro.

Once the criteria was established by the committee, all 41 Morris County School Districts were invited to submit the name of a student to be recognized. All K-8 districts were asked to nominate one 8th grade student and the K-12 and 9-12 districts were asked to nominate one high school senior.

Last year all nominees were recognized with a professionally made video that highlighted each student.

“This year we are able to meet in person and congratulate all 40 of our winners,” says Dalesandro.

At the event, Mt. Olive’s award-winning jazz ensemble under the direction of Darrell

Hendricks performed and its Air Force Jr. ROTC color guard presented colors. Mt. Olives choir sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremony.

“Also, through the hard work and dedication of all our committee members I am happy to report that this year at our May meeting at Hanover Park Regional the Morris County School Boards Association will be awarding just over $5,000 in monetary and tuition assistance awards,” adds Dalesandro.

All students nominated attended the award ceremony at CCM and all nominees had their nominator present the narrative as to why they felt they were their district’s unsung hero. They were then presented with a certificate.

All unsung heroes who plan to enroll at CCM will receive a $500 tuition assistance scholarship, she adds. Nominees will also be considered for monetary awards that will be presented after review of an impartial committee on May 4 at Hanover Park Regional High School.

The sponsors for this year’s event included Solutions Architect, the law firm of AG&L and American mechanical HVAC.

“Our sponsors have made available $5,000 to be awarded to our high school,

senior nominees, and 8th graders who in the opinion of the committee exemplify an unsung hero,” says Dalesandro.

While other counties do some sort of student recognition with seniors receiving an unsung hero award, Dalesandro says “Morris County is unique because we include our 8th grade districts who select a graduating 8th grader. We, Morris County, have put our own little spin on things. We are the only county that involves the county

sheriff and has monetary sponsors for awards.

“Our 8th grade unsung hero monetary award winners are sponsored by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon,” she adds. He reads and reviews all nominations and selects three students to be honored. The sheriff will come and present good citizenship plaques to those three students on May 4 and $500 monetary awards will be given.

Unsung Heroes

Riverview Students Raise Funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

By Steve Sears

Rverview Elementary School of Denville in February raised almost $14,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital by holding a “Math-A-Thon.”

The amount far surpassed their initial goal of $1,500.00.

Riverview Library Media Specialist, Rachel Jamison, and an exceptional group of kids led the effort. “We had done the ‘Math-A-Thon’ in the past,” she says. “I decided to start running the K-Kids, which is the Kiwanis Kids Club for our elementary school, primarily because one of my mentors, Dr. Cathleen Benedict, used to run this club for our school. She was just such an amazing educator and so passionate about service and kids, teaching them leadership.”

Benedict passed away in 2022, and Jamison took the torch and ran with it. The flame is blazing.

Jamison first met with the K-Kids, fifth graders at the school, in November, and asked them what they would like to do in terms of service. Many of the students, who had seen St. Jude’s commercials on television, used that fuel to focus on helping children who are sick or going through a rough time. They had their

platform. Jamison says, “It really was driven from their (the students) interest and their investigation. That is what was so meaningful about it; it really came from them.”

Also, the fact that a fellow Riverview student was currently undergoing treatment at St. Jude further spurred the tremendous effort.

Jamison contacted St. Jude’s - which provides “Math-A-Thon” resources onlinein November, and the organization set the school up with a “Math-A-Thon” website and sent math booklets with problems to solve. The event was held on February 3, and the running total of funds raised was updated via the website. Donations came in the days before and after the morning event.

Ten K-Kids ran the “Math-A-Thon,” and the entire school (Kindergarten through fifth grade) participated, completing the math problems in the booklets while at the same time being educated about what St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is and what they do. Jamison adds, ‘They were given the opportunity to raise money and donate money, but regardless of whether they donated money, they could still feel as though they were part of the project. And that was important to my

little group. Thinking of the timing of all this - right around the holiday time is when we were thinking about it – they said, ‘Maybe not everybody can donate money, but everybody can do the math problems.’ That was powerful.”

For Jamison, the generosity, and the outpouring of support for St. Jude’s was unbelievably overwhelming. “For the students, it was very meaningful for me. To

see how they saw that by setting a goal for themselves and being invested in a process and in a cause that is worthwhile, and really working towards it and the fact that you can surpass your goals - it was emotionally overwhelming and just a moment of real gratitude. I am grateful that I am part of such a wonderful generous community of students, families, and teachers that I work with.”

A Riverview Elementary School K-Kid visits with a first-grade class to help during the February 3rd “Math-A-Thon”

Denville Spring 2023 Budget

At the Tuesday April 4th Town Council Meeting, the Council held a Public Hearing and voted to approve the 2023 Municipal Budget, which I supported. This budget continues with our philosophy of fiscal discipline, which has helped us obtain two upgrades to our bond rating since 2017, which now stands at a rating of Aaa, the best rating conferred by Moody’s. This wasn’t accomplished overnight but instead over a period of years and places Denville in an elite group of slightly more than two dozen municipalities State-wide that are Aaa rated by Moody’s. For a little perspective, that metric would make Denville a top 24 ranked municipality out of 564 municipalities.

The 2023 budget enables the Township to continue to provide the same high level of services to the public and contains no service or staff reductions. Furthermore, the budget contains one of the largest appropriations ever for road resurfacing, with an allocation of more than $1.1 million including grant funding to pave various roads in 2023.

Due to our prolific and aggressive grant writing efforts in conjunction with our conservative fiscal approach, we have

developed a plan to be potentially debt free by 2029. In furtherance of this goal, the 2023 budget has 52% of the capital items paid for outright from our local capital improvement fund or by County, State or Federal funding. This is the highest percentage ever and is even more important now as interest rates continue to rise, which directly impact how much it costs us to borrow money and the impact on future years’ budgets.

As mentioned during the budget hearings, there were two primary factors resulting in a slight tax rate at the municipal level, which will result in a $29.51 annual increase for the average assessed property owner. First, the Township saw a $201,710 increase in

our State pension costs. The second is the State Health Benefits Insurance premiums increased by $160,000. These two items alone, which are both out of the Township’s control are bills sent to us by the State of New Jersey that we are obligated to pay. They account for a combined $361,710 increase in our general fund appropriations. As a point of comparison, if all else remained equal between the 2022 and 2023 Municipal Budget, these two items alone would account for a $47.93 increase to the average assessed property owner. However, due to the Township effectively managing the other items in the budget under our control, we were able to bring the actual tax impact

down to the $29.51 per year.

I would like to quickly highlight some of the other accomplishments in our budget plan:

The Township saw an increase in our yearend fund balance for the 8th consecutive year, further demonstrating our fiscal strength and stability.

The total assessed value of all properties in the Township increased by $17,360,200 between 2022 and 2023, which had the effect of reducing the total tax burden on the average assessed property owner by $10.42 We are in the second year of the St. Clare’s Tax Appeal Settlement, which saw a nearly $30,000,000 drop in our ratable base in 2022. Due to our savvy financial planning, we were able to settle the tax appeal with little to no financial impact.

Besides the $1.1 million appropriated towards road resurfacing, the budget also contains funding to restore the historic 2-room schoolhouse at 501 Openaki Road, which will provide for expanding meeting space for local organizations to use and for

continued on page 7

Spring 2023 Budget...

continued from page 6

the library to expand some of their programs.

The Township’s reserve accounts also remain at healthy levels, which is a key component to maintaining our Aaa bond rating.

Finally, in September, we will make our final payment of $1,091,671 towards the debt instrument used to finance the construction of the Municipal Building.

I would be remiss if I did not extend my thanks to our talented team who assists me in preparing the budget, including Administrator Ward, CFO Falce, Kara Deloreto and all of the department and division heads. I would also wish to extend my thanks to the Township Council, who starting in December 2022, conducted public budget hearings and ultimately after much discussion and debate made very thoughtful adjustments to the initial budget that was presented to them. The adopted Budget was the culmination of months of hard work and input from a variety of individuals with diverse perspectives. Last but not least, I like to thank our Auditor Ray Sarinelli for his assistance formulating our financial strategy.

Here is a snapshot of some of 2023

Capital Projects: Road Paving: Miller Rd and Zeek Road to The Veterans, Field Driveway which will be paid for through a NJDOT grant.

The second of three sections on Vanderhoof Ave, Canterbury Ave and Sunderland Rd. The second of two parts of Union Hill Rd. These are the streets being paved in 2023: Running Brook Ct

Woodland Rd

Dogwood Dr

Dahlen Dr

Sleepy Hollow Rd

Crestview Dr

Riverside Dr West Valley Rd

Cisco Rd

Beech Place

Primrose La

Melissa Dr

St Mary’s Pl

Edgewood Rd

Parts of Nicole Dr and Casterline Rd

The path at Gardner Field from Field on to Todd Johnson Field

We have confirmed that NJ Natural Gas will be paving:

Whaleback Waddy

Canyon Rd

Hillview Terr

Half of Benedict Crescent

We will also be paving from the 2022 Budget

The second of three parts of Astro Pl Wilson Ave

Birchwood Rd

The Lower Bloomfield Municipal Parking lot

Other Capital Improvements will include Renovations of the Union Hill Two Room Schoolhouse

New Guard Rail on Savage Rd by Gardner Field

New Guard Rail around the Basketball Court at Gardner Field

New Retaining Wall and steeps at Todd Johnson Field

Replacing Well #5 Pump

The first phase of the 5 year Municipal water Meter replacement project

The engineering for the Galvanized Pipe Water Main replace project on 10 of our Streets

The engineering for Phase one layout of a trail around Ayers Knuth Farm

Tom Andes

Denville Mayor

Local Dentist, Dr. Ira Goldberg, Lectures at the New York AAID MaxiCourse

As a leading authority in dental implantology, Dr. Ira Goldberg was invited to lecture in Englewood, NJ last month. His full day presentation discussed CT Scanning for Dental Implants, along with Digital Implant Planning & Placement. As a respected educator, its not uncommon for Dr. Goldberg to share his knowledge and expertise with others.

The AAID is the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. It has an educational branch called MaxiCourses, which are year-long programs dentists can enroll in should they wish to learn about dental implantology. Dr. Goldberg has been invited multiple times to teach these students regarding various topics related to dental implants.

Regarding dental implant placement, Dr. Goldberg spoke about two technologies he uses regularly within his private office: Dynamic Navigation and Static Navigation.

“Dynamic navigation is a type of robotic technology,” explains Dr. Goldberg. “It utilizes tracking sensors, similar to GPS. It allows for pinpoint precision when placing dental implants. Its not necessary for all implant procedures, but when you need it, its great to have.”

Dr. Goldberg continues, “We have this equipment right in our office. Not many offices have it, nor does it make sense for them to invest in it if they are not performing implant procedures on a regular basis. We perform implant procedures regularly, so we definitely have found it an indispensable tool at times.”

“Static Navigation is commonplace these days. Guides

are fabricated digitally with special softwares, and are 3-D printed by laboratories. We actually are printing them ourselves in our office, too. Similar to dynamic navigation, the end result is the same: accurately placed implants based upon a pre-plan. However, static guides are physical devices while dynamic guidance are robotic. Different pathways, same results.”

At the end of the day-long session the students had an opportunity to try their hand at dynamic guidance, and they also had a chance to speak with Dr. Goldberg to review some of their own cases one-on-one.

When asked about his role as an educator to other dentists, Dr. Goldberg thoughtfully stated, “I’ve always heard that when you’re passionate about something, it shows. I’ve been providing implant services for over 28 years, and I’m always excited about it. I guess that’s why other doctors and dental professionals ask me for my thoughts and help. Its quite an honor, and I love to share.”

Dr. Goldberg holds many honors in the field of implant dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Fellow of the AAID, and also a Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, just to name a couple. Regarding his Diplomate status in the ABOI/ID, there are only a few hundred dentists world-wide that hold this distinction.

Dr. Ira Goldberg is the owner of Morris County Dental Associates in Succasunna. He performs all phases of implant dentistry, and rarely are referrals required. 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 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.

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.

Saint Clare’s Health, a member of Prime Healthcare announces today the appointment of Brian L. Ulery, FACHE as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 3, 2023.

Mr. Ulery joins Saint Clare’s Health (including Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital, Saint Clare’s

Saint Clare’s Health Appoints Brian L. Ulery as Chief Executive Officer

Dover Hospital, Saint Clare’s Behavioral Health and affiliated clinics) with over 20+ years of healthcare executive leadership experience. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas

Health, (South Charleston, West Virginia) a community hospital comprised of 2 hospitals. Earlier in his career, he also served as Senior Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer of Athens Regional Health System, (Athens, Georgia) comprised of an acute care facility, urgent care centers.

Mr. Ulery was appointed Vice President, Facilities Operations and Physician Services for Broward Health (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) comprised of 4 hospitals, a surgery center and an independent diagnostic imaging center.

Mr. Ulery stated, “My wife, children, and I are thrilled to be a part of the Saint Clare’s Health community. The familyoriented focus of the organization enhances the fact that the system has all of the advanced technology and services, as well as best-in-class physicians, nurses, and staff to provide exceptional care. Furthermore, as Saint Clare’s Health has been awarded the highest quality and patient safety scores from Leapfrog, this

is an amazing place to be an administrator. More importantly, to me it’s a great place to be a part of a team that is clinically advanced and dedicated to delivering the care patients have come to trust.”

Mr. Ulery holds a Master of Healthcare Administration, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Certified Medical Practice Executive, Medical Group Management Association (CMPE).

###

About Saint Clare’s Health

Saint Clare’s Health, a member of Prime Healthcare, is an awardwinning provider of

compassionate care delivered with the latest technology, serving the communities of Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. Its network of hospitals and healthcare facilities, include Denville Hospital, Dover Hospital, Behavioral Health Centers in Boonton, Denville, and Parsippany, and an Imaging Center in Parsippany, among other satellite locations.

Brian L. Ulery

Laura Anne, Oblate of the Order of St. Benedict

I Remember Dad: Prayer Is The Key To Open Thy Heart

by then!!!” It’s all so easy to get lost in the demands of work life and fall behind upon feeding the bond with a son. I know it’s important to make a good living. But the very minute a job begins to rob a man of having time to spend with his children, is the time a man needs to find a new job.

I know that some of you may accuse me of being chauvinist in this column. Please know that I have prayed about this subject a great deal, that of the conflict that can happen between a father and a son. I felt a true calling to focus on this subject for this column.

In general, when you complain about

someone, you’re really not working toward healing that human relationship. Complaining only strengthens the conflict. And, that is exactly what Satan wants to happen. Prayer opens the human heart. Love burns conflicts to ashes. Forgiveness is the greatest tool for healing broken relationships. And, compassion is the candle that lights up the darkness of misunderstanding.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: I Remember Dad.

By Richard Mabey Jr.

One of the saddest things I’ve endured in my life is listening to a father complain about his son, or vice versa. The solemn sadness those words would bring to my heart, would be of such an immense depth.

For over 20 years, I served as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. For over 15 years, I served as a parttime Youth Minister. And, I have worked with young people through organizations such as 4-H and Toastmasters. Sadly, it was not uncommon to hear a father complain about his son, or to hear a son complain about his father.

I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have a strong father with a kind heart. My father was a veteran of the Second World War. As a boy, he survived the tough times of the Great Depression. These experiences brought a great respect for self reliance upon my father’s subconscious mind. My father was one of the wisest men whom I have ever known.

My father had a deeply kind heart.

I walked hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail, by my father’s side.

I have taken several week-long hikes along that famous long and winding, mountainous wooded trail. I shared a canoe with my father, for a week-long journey down the Delaware River, five separate summers. My father taught me to hold a deep respect for the forest land, the wild creatures, the streams and lakes, and the birds flying in the air.

If you are a father, who is less than happy with things your son is saying or doing, complaining solves nothing. The first step for any man to have a good, wholesome, blessed relationship with his son, is to pray, pray and pray about it. And then, pray more about it. Complaining only feeds the wound. Complaining only widens the gap.

I know first-hand, how tough it can be to survive in the corporate world. “Mr. Big is flying in from Los Angeles in three days, we’ve got to have those reports completed

It Happened in NJ: Remembering New Jersey Heroes this Memorial Day

By Peter Zablocki

One does not think of parades, medals, or American flags on the battlefield. The soldiers often recall thinking of the person standing directly next to them and how to keep them safe. Many speak of the natural duty to one’s nation and flag. Still, when bullets, mortars, or human charges come at them, and the automated instinct and training take over, most tend to recall extraordinarily little, apart from wanting to survive.

Originally known as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War, Memorial Day is an American holiday honoring those soldiers who, against all their intentions, never made it home to share their stories with their loved ones.

It is not known what spurred the movement to make the tradition a unified national day of remembrance. Research points to May 5, 1868, when General James Garfield made a speech before thousands of those gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to lay flowers on the graves of the fallen Civil War soldiers. The future President of the United States dubbed the day Decoration Day. Following the event, the loved ones of those who had fallen and, later, other townspeople across the nation began holding springtime tributes to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. These independent gatherings across local United States cemeteries and within distinct communities led to decorations, flags, and flowers gracing countless graves

of American veterans and, in many instances, became synonymous with the official start of spring. With each town or state choosing its own date in May, and some not at all, to commemorate those fallen in battle, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968. The legislation designated the last Monday of each May, Memorial Day, making it an official federal holiday.

With the state’s position as one of the original thirteen colonies and later states, the citizens of New Jersey have been involved in every significant American military conflict, beginning with the American Revolutionary War, which established the nation’s independence. The majority of America’s first war as an independent country, where nearly seventy thousand Patriots died throughout the conflict, including many from New Jersey, was fought in the Garden State.

By the time of the Civil War, the bloodiest and most costly war in United States history, more specific recordkeeping denotes that nearly 6,300 New Jersey soldiers died between 1861 and 1865. Thirty-five of those men earned the nation’s highest military decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Their stories, while all unique, follow a similar pattern of bravery to that of Corporal Charles F. Hopkins, who stayed behind during a fierce battle near Gaines’ Mill, Virginia, to carry a wounded soldier to safety while being twice wounded in the act.

The roughly 2,000 New Jersey cemeteries are full of soldiers who, like Hopkins, buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Boonton, New Jersey, fought and many times died to remind future generations that freedom is not free. In fact, the ever-growing number of veteran burials in the state prompted Governor Thomas H. Kean to dedicate

continued on page 13

Peter’s son near the Vietnam War Memorial :)

It Happened in NJ...

continued from page 12

the Garden State’s first state-operated veterans’ cemetery in 1986, named after U.S. Army Brigadier General William C. Doyle and located in Wrightstown.

New Jersey is full of individual stories of courage, many recorded for posterity in various levels of detail since the Civil War. As we drive by local burial places blanketed with small American flags and flowers this spring, may we consider the sacrifices and bravery of the men and women underneath the red and white flowers held together with blue ribbons. The Garden State was the home to many heroes. Private Frank J. Bart, buried at Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen, when in France during World War I, picked up a heavy machine gun and ran ahead of his line, squeezing the trigger. His heroic charge allowed his compatriots to escape an enemy ambush and save their own lives.

Some World War II stories of New Jersey soldiers have made it to the big screen, as was the case with John “Manila” Basilone, depicted in the critically acclaimed The Pacific. Yet, there are countless others that,

although requiring a bit more research, are just as extraordinary. Captain Carlton R. Routh, buried in Berlin Cemetery in Berlin, New Jersey, first stormed an enemy machine gun nest, then lurched at a Japanese grenade thrown amidst his wounded men and placed his body between them and the explosion. An event he would miraculously survive.

Stories such as these apply to the Korean War, Vietnam, and the more recent wars in the Middle East, reminding us that behind each little American flag wavering in the wind near a grave this Memorial Day is a deed once noble yet sometimes forgotten. Let this year’s holiday, and the ones that follow, be a reminder of a sentiment once shared by American President Abraham Lincoln; “Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”

Peter Zablocki is the author of the upcoming New Jersey and the Medal of Honor (November 2023) and the co-host of the History Teachers Talking podcast. For more information, visit www.peterzablocki. com

NAME: Mike Lateiner, DMD, MS

NAME: Ami Dhaduk, DMD

NAME: Denise Kitay, DDS, MMSc

By Richard Mabey Jr.

One of the saddest things I’ve endured in my life is listening to a father complain about his son, or vice versa. The solemn sadness those words would bring to my heart, would be of such an immense depth.

For over 20 years, I served as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. For over 15 years, I served as a parttime Youth Minister. And, I have worked with young people through organizations such as 4-H and Toastmasters. Sadly, it was not uncommon to hear a father complain about his son, or to hear a son complain about his father.

I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have a strong father with a kind heart. My father was a veteran of the Second World War. As a boy, he survived the tough times of

I Remember Dad: Prayer Is The Key To Open Thy Heart

the Great Depression. These experiences brought a great respect for self reliance upon my father’s subconscious mind. My father was one of the wisest men whom I have ever known. My father had a deeply kind heart.

I walked hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail, by my father’s side. I have taken several week-long hikes along that famous long and winding, mountainous wooded trail. I shared a canoe with my father, for a week-long journey down the Delaware River, five separate summers. My father taught me to hold a deep respect for the forest land, the wild creatures, the streams and lakes, and the birds flying in the air.

If you are a father, who is less than happy with things your son is saying or doing, complaining solves nothing. The first step for any man to have a good, wholesome, blessed relationship

with his son, is to pray, pray and pray about it. And then, pray more about it. Complaining only feeds the wound. Complaining only widens the gap.

I know first-hand, how tough it can be to survive in the corporate world. “Mr. Big is flying in from Los Angeles in three days, we’ve got to have those reports completed by then!!!” It’s all so easy to get lost in the demands of work life and fall behind upon feeding the bond with a son. I know it’s important to make a good living. But the very minute a job begins to rob a man of having time to spend with his children, is the time a man needs to find a new job.

I know that some of you may accuse me of being chauvinist in this column. Please know that I have prayed about this subject a great deal, that of the conflict that can happen between a father and a son. I felt a true calling to focus on this subject for this column.

In general, when you complain about someone, you’re really not working toward healing that human relationship. Complaining only strengthens the conflict. And, that is exactly what Satan wants to happen. Prayer opens the human heart. Love burns conflicts to ashes. Forgiveness is the greatest tool

for healing broken relationships. And, compassion is the candle that lights up the darkness of misunderstanding.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: I Remember Dad.

From tasty small bites to a filling feast and even dessert for breakfast, brunch options are nearly endless. Take your spring brunch to the next level with recipes that appease appetites of all kinds.

First, start with portioned pastry cups perfect for appetizers. Bring out the proteinpacked breakfast burritos for the main course then, for a final touch of sweet deliciousness, offer up lemony doughnuts to cap off the feast.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net

Bite-Sized Breakfast

Appetizer-sized portions and small bites of all sorts are ideal for breakfast spreads, and these Pastry Brunch Cups are perfect for starting a morning meal with loved ones. Or, if a busy schedule looms, try baking a batch and separating into appropriate serving sizes for a simple way to meal prep heading into a new week.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary. net

Pastry Brunch Cups

Servings: 18

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

A Brunch Spread Fit for Spring

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

2 sheets puff pastry

18 eggs

2 cups diced ham chopped fresh green onions

Heat oven 375 F.

In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking each time. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside.

Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham.

Bake 10-15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions. Breakfast Burrito

1 Silver Fern Farms New Zealand 100% Grass-Fed New York Strip Steak (10 ounces) oil salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, sliced lengthwise

4 large mushrooms, sliced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tomato, finely chopped

8 eggs

1/2 cup milk

4 large tortillas

1 cup spinach

1 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup cilantro

1 avocado

lime wedges (optional)

hot sauce (optional)

Remove steak from packaging and set aside 10 minutes. Once steak reaches room temperature, heat pan over medium-high heat.

Rub steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cook until medium-rare, approximately 3-4 minutes each side. Remove from pan and cover loosely with tinfoil to rest 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add splash

of oil. Add onion; cook 1 minute. Add red bell pepper and mushrooms; cook 1 minute. Add cumin, paprika and chili powder; stir through.

When veggies are tender (about 2 minutes), add tomato and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt and pepper, to taste.

Heat pan to medium heat and add splash of oil.

Pour egg mixture into pan and cook, lifting and folding eggs until thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. Do not stir

continued from page 16

constantly.

Lay tortillas on flat surface or plate. In center of tortilla, add cooked veggies and top with thinly sliced beef. Add handful of spinach, scrambled eggs, crumbled feta, cilantro and avocado. Fold bottom of tortilla and roll.

Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce, if desired.

Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 7 minutes

Doughnuts: Vegetable oil, for frying

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 cups Domino Golden Sugar, divided

2 tablespoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons lemon zest

5 large eggs

1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Curd (optional):

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar

2 large eggs

2 egg yolks

4 lemons, zest and juice only

1/8 teaspoon salt

To make doughnuts: In large saucepan, preheat oil to 350 F. Prepare cookie sheet with paper towel to drain doughnuts once out of hot oil.

In bowl, mix flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Add lemon zest, eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.

Use ice cream scoop to scoop small amounts dough into oil, 4-5 pieces at a time. Fry each batch until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Keep oil at or near 350 F; if oil is too hot, doughnuts will turn golden brown but centers may still be raw. Remove from oil and drain in paper towel. Repeat with remaining dough.

While still hot, toss doughnuts with remaining sugar.

To make lemon curd, if desired: In large bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and egg yolks, one at a time. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and salt.

Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook at low-medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool before serving with doughnuts.

18,000th Paring of Seeing Eye Dogs Occurs in Morristown

by Jeff Garrett

If you ever wondered how a seeing eye dog earns its socalled certificate to practice, The Seeing Eye, Inc. nonprofit organization in Morris County, NJ is an institution which knows, having graduated thousands of dogs to folks in need in history. The organization recently celebrated its 18,000th pairing.

The facility at 1 Seeing Eye Way in Morristown, helps match puppies with over 130 volunteers to train them. Some are repeat, recurring trainers while some are newbies giving it a go for the first time having received training themselves – earning their pedigree of sorts.

“Volunteers start to raise puppies as early as 8 weeks,” says Michelle Barlak, Spokesperson and Senior Specialist of Public Relations of the organization who runs the Sussex County, NJ club in Ogdensburg. “Then they are home for a year with a trainer where they learn things like house manners, house seeing eye dog facility where they undergo a veterinary exam to ensure they will be reliable seeing eye dogs and thereafter, spend four months with a paid fulltime instructor. That elevates the dogs to where they can be paired with someone in need where they spend two to three weeks getting acclimated to their new master.

There are breeding clubs in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. At each club puppy raisers get lots of support according to Barlak. “The dogs receive veterinary care and the trainers get a stipend for dog food. There are puppy club meetings and classes run by puppy club leaders which help new raisers.” If you become a leader, these folks must do things away from

the site club and in the community such as taking dogs to malls, fairs, festivals in outings where the dogs get increased socialization opportunities. This is particularly advantageous for the dogs since they need to be ready to assist their new owners navigating social settings.

Veterans training these dogs gain admittance to the “21 Club,” when they’ve successfully raised 21 Dogs. Trainers are kids, teens, adults and senior citizens – some as young as 9 some in their 70’s and 80’s. If you’re a younger trainer and plan on going to College, there’s a scholarship program the non-profit offers to graduating seniors. In fact, each August there’s a “Family Day,” which is an appreciation event for many and where scholarships are awarded.

With a sophisticated program in place, one might wonder how all of this is financed. “It costs $73,000 to breed, raise and train puppies,” added barlak, which seems like a staggering amount, with donations from areas each club serves as there main funding source; the organization doe not receive a penny of government funding.

If one needs a dog, it costs $150.00 for the first animal and $50.00 thereafter for each subsequent one. Veterans get dogs for just $1.00, a benefit of sorts to those who’ve served.

Since a dog’s life span is usually much shorter than that of most people, one in need could need up to several dogs in their lifetime; receiving one for $50.00 becomes quite a cost-saving boom.

One trainer who has made a name for herself is Bonnie DiCola of Boonton Township in Morris County. Her club,

“4-Footed Leaders,” goes so far as to be integrated into the curriculum at Cedar Hill Elementary School where she works as the school nurse. She’s trying to get students to appreciate this Service, on some of them may need at some point in their lives.

In it’s eighth decade of service, The Seeing Eye shows no signs of slowing down, which is what those in need of help from K-9 furry friends of fours look for, as the need itself, hardly slows down.

For more information on The Seeing Eye, Inc., logon to https://www.seeingeye.org.

Important Differences in Choosing Where to Deliver Your Baby

By Mark J. Bonamo

One of the most important decisions any expecting mother-to-be can make is where to deliver their baby. There are significant differences in hospital approaches to childbirth, and many women may want to consider the impact on themselves and their baby’s care as they prepare for the special day.

Andrea Lotosky, Administrative Director of Nursing at Saint Clare’s Health, brings her own experiences as a mother of three and as a nurse to help

prepare woman and their partners for childbirth. She explained one fundamental difference hospitals have regarding childbirth - a baby-centered approach versus the family-centered approach.

“The baby-centered approach focuses on breastfeeding. This includes rooming mom and baby together the entire time postpartum and not using supplements, such as formula or pacifiers. With the family-centered approach at Saint Clare’s Health, we let moms choose how they want

their experience to be,” said Lotosky. “We have fully functioning nurseries, so moms can take a rest if they need to. We encourage breastfeeding and have lactation consultants available. We also have supplements and pacifiers, if needed. Again, it’s totally the mom’s choice.”

Breastfeeding is not always easy for new mothers, which is the reason Saint Clare’s Health offers lactation consultants who are ready to help.

“We have nurses that specialize in breastfeeding. It’s their world. They

educate moms and their companions, giving them tips and tricks for success,” Lotosky said. “They not only offer moms support in the hospital, but once the moms go home, they remain a resource to call upon, as well as providing additional classes and support groups. The nurses are very important in the success of breastfeeding for new moms.”

The choices of care available at Saint Clare’s Health made going through childbirth progressively easier for Lotosky as she went through her own

pregnancies.

“I had my third child in a family-centered situation at Saint Clare’s Health, and it made a world of difference for me,” Lotosky added. “If I needed rest, I got rest. If I didn’t want my baby to

leave my side, that’s what happened. There was a lot less pressure.”

Whatever approach a new mother may choose when they have their baby at Saint Clare’s Health, they continued on page 20

Dr. Andrea Lotosky

Important Differences...

continued from page 19

will have a private suite. Lotosky noted that besides the obvious added privacy, having a suite to themselves provides other advantages to new mothers.

“Having a private suite helps eliminate distractions. It allows families to focus on each other during the first precious moments when there is a new edition to the family,” Lotosky said. “For the staff at the hospital, it allows us an opportunity to provide one-on-one support to the mom and her family. We can better educate and assist the mom with postpartum care, and the large private suites at Saint Clare’s create an especially restful environment. We can provide the peace and calm they deserve after labor.” In addition, the partners are more comfortable and have the added rest to support the moms, as well as bond with the newborn.

The nursing care at Saint Clare’s Health helps further ease any burdens on new mothers as they prepare for the challenges of parenthood.

“The nurses in our maternal child health department are very dedicated and have a lot of longevity. Many have their Bachelors, Masters and even their PHDs. They treat every family as if it is their own,” Lotosky said. “We do couplet care here at Saint Clare’s, which means we have the same nurse for mom and baby. This continuity of care helps ensure that the mothers are resting and that their families are bonding.”

“Our nurses pride themselves on always being available for the moms. We cater to their needs,” adds Lotosky. In addition, mothers don’t just see their nurse once in the morning and then once at night. Nurses are there throughout the entire stay to assist when needed and requested to check on moms and babies. “It’s a delicate balance that we provide the care throughout the stay, and are certain to provide the rest and private time the new family needs.”

Classes are also available at Saint Claire’s Health to help prepare new mothers for parenting, including classes to help parents soothe crying babies and classes for grandparents and siblings.

“We have a great hybrid classes for what to expect for both childbirth and breastfeeding. Moms and their companions can take an E-learn class at their own pace. Then once they’re done with that, we provide a one-on-one class with a childbirth educator to tailor the class more to their specific questions or concerns,” Lotosky said. “We also just

launched a Spanish version of this class, which is exciting for us and good for the community.”

Specialty care is ready for those new mothers who need it.

“We have a fully staffed Newborn Intermediate Care Unit (NICU) that is conveniently located in the postpartum section. As a NICU mom, I loved the fact that if at two in the morning I needed to be with my baby, I could walk right out of my room into the NICU and see my baby, then go back and rest,” Lotosky said. “We have a great multidisciplinary team here in our Level 2 NICU, including a very good respiratory team that does an amazing job with our babies.” Saint Clare’s Health also has neonatologist practitioners onsite 24/7.

The overall level of childbirth care available at Saint Clare’s is underscored by the hospital’s commitment to exceptional state-of-the-art care, close to home. The Saint Clare’s Heath staff likes to point out that they are around the corner and ahead of the curve, meaning that they are indeed a local hospital, but have the same advanced technological equipment and benefits as any of the larger hospitals in North Jersey, New York, or Philadelphia. However, even more importantly, it is just as critical to provide patients with the assurance that they are not just anonymous names on a ledger, but treated like family.

“In a community hospital like ours, you get very attentive one-on-one care. You and your baby aren’t just medical record numbers. You’re people. You’re family to us. And that’s how you’re treated,” Lotosky said. “And we have all of the same amenities and technology of all of the larger medical institutions in the area.”

“New moms have to think about how they want their birthing experience to be. They should do their research, then choose the birthing approach they would best thrive in,” Lotosky said. “As a mom, the best advice I can give someone who is about to go through childbirth is that it’s going to be OK. It may seem impossible when you’re going through it, but it’s the most beautiful and amazing thing you’ll ever experience. Have grace and patience with yourself. You’re a new mom. You’ve got this.”

To schedule a FREE tour of The Katena Center For Mother and Child at Saint Clare’s Health, or further information about Maternity Care, please visit www. saintclares.com.

Museum Spotlight: InfoAge Science and History Museums (Wall Township)

By Steve Sears

Steve Lang, a trustee, and marketing chair of Wall Township’s InfoAge Science and History Museums, talks about the key to the 45,000 square foot facility.

“The youngsters that visit, they are asking questions,” he says. “That is our key. When they walk out of here, we want them asking questions.” He then adds, “To get a semi-look at everything that’s here, you’re probably going to make two or three trips – 10 to 15 hours.”

InfoAge Science and History Museums, located on the former Camp Evans site that was in possession of the United States Army from 1941 up until 1997, became incorporated as a 501 c3 in 1998.

InfoAge, whose first exhibits opened in 2005, is dedicated to scientific, historical, and educational

exhibits, and programs. Aptly described, it is one large museum with 21 mini-museums under that umbrella. Some displays are in the main building near the welcome area and gift shop, but most are out in the campus area. But the displays and exhibits are hardly “mini,” especially in worth and learning. You will spend a good day here in one spot, and as Lang says, you will not only need but want to return.

Michael Ruane is the InfoAge Chief Executive Officer. “We have been talking about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) since the beginning. We have been saying STEM because it is more easily recognized, but when people come in here, we also talk about STEAM (the above four components but with the addition of Arts) because we have definitely

had STEAM events.”

Visitors to the InfoAge Science and History Museums have ventured from as far away as Brooklyn, Rockland County, New York, and both northern and southern New Jersey. Many homeschoolers also visit for the educational benefit, school visits themselves have doubled since 2022, and InfoAge also works on projects with scout groups.

Gleaned from the website, here is the mission of the InfoAge Science and History Museums: The MISSION of the Information Age Science and History Museum and Learning Center (InfoAge) is to preserve, educate, and honor scientific innovation to inspire new generations of thinkers, dreamers, and visionaries.

Our mission is broken into three Sub-Missions: DEVELOP an Interactive hands-on Learning

Center focused on the evolution and preservation of communications, electronics, and related technologies; Learning Center: As a National Historic Landmark, INSPIRE people – especially children – to learn and appreciate information technology to improve their lives and career opportunities; and Memorial: As New Jersey’s WWII Living Memorial, HONOR the accomplishments and service of veterans, civilians, and military contractors by recognizing their contributions and by preserving this unique historic site.

Our VISION: Our parking lots filled with yellow school buses and students who are motivated to pursue the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Consider some of the offerings. Radio and Communications Tecnology; Lenni-Lenape Native Americans, European Colonization, and Independence; New Jersey Shipwreck Museum; Trains; Fallout Shelter Theater, and much more. In the main building there is a self-guided tour, but when you exit that structure and trek to the other buildings, experienced tour guides and docents on site are prepared to explain the displays and engage in

discussion.

Annual events are also held at InfoAge. Lang and his group at the Trains museum often hold a threeweek model train show where over 2,500 people have come through the front gates. The Computers exhibit, which has 60 rare computers displayed, in April welcomed almost 1,000 avid computer buffs when the Vintage Computer Federation held its annual event at InfoAge. “The events bring people in,” Lang says.

InfoAge Science and History Museums are always growing. The Radio and Communications Technology museum is the

most popular, but there are still more buildings to be open for events and displays. Discussion has included opening a café, and a new Firefighting building will be unveiled soon.

A visit to InfoAge Science and History Museums will benefit and engage anyone, but children especially are wowed by what they see and can do at the facilities. “If you want to bring children in, we have military vehicles, fire trucks, and trains. You have all these different things here,” Ruane says.

For more information, visit www.infoage.org.

Visit a recreated WWII living room at the WWII Homefront museum (credit: Stefanie Sears)

Four Paws Inn Hosts Fundraiser for Jersey Pits Rescue

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Samantha Sulse, owner of Four Paws Inn, is a huge advocate for Pitbulls. She educates the public about them via seminars and works with dogs who have been abused and rehabilitates them.

Sulse has teamed up with Jersey Pits Rescue, Inc. to present “Peace, Love & Pitties,” a spring fundraiser on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m., to help raise money for Jersey Pits Rescue, Inc.

There will be food trucks, live music, raffles, and adoptable dogs. The location is currently slated to be at 1 Fredrick Pl., Chester, but call Four Paws Inn or Jersey Pits Rescue prior to confirm location.

“They’re a 501 c,” said Sulse. “Everything is run by volunteers. No one gets paid. They don’t get money from the state. The money goes to the vet for dogs that have been severely abused, mistreated, abandoned…

They [Jersey Pits Rescue] help educate the community. They neuter and spay dogs before they get adopted.”

Sulse shared the story of Sunday, a Pitbull who was shot in the head and left to die by a train station. “Jersey Pits Rescue found her and is in her hands,” Sulse said. “She’s a trooper. She’s still surviving. She had a

surgery and is still in critical condition.” Another dog named Bunny was found chained and malnourished; and Noah who is blind and “sweet as pie” according to Sulse.

She explained, “They’ve gone through so much, and are extremely good with people. There are a good amount of people that are cruel to animals. It’s our voice to defend them and help them.”

Sulse’s love for animals began when she was very young. “I find them all so innocent,” she said. “When I see an animal in the street, I don’t even think about it, I just go and help.”

She started Four Paws Inn in 2015 after leaving her nursing career. “I started as a dog walker,” she said. Going from nursing to dog walking was a huge change, financially, for Sulse, but it was just in her heart, so she had to go for it. Nevertheless, her business grew. “I don’t even advertise,” she said. “It’s word of mouth. People trusting my knowledge. I got my license for training and education for pet psychology. I am also in the process of getting certified in nutrition for dogs. I have over twenty-years’ experience with animals.”

Four Paws Inn is a fourin-one local pet service that provides doggy day camp,

dog walking, customizable boarding options, a very popular pet taxi service, and more. The staff is made up of four, including Sulse’s son who helps out part-time.

“Our core is training, but we also do dog visits. If you’re running behind, you can call us to drop by for fifteen minutes, feed your dog, let them out,” said Sulse. “If your dog isn’t socialized, we come and stay with your dog, take him out, feed him.”

When dogs that led a bad life come to camp day, Sulse’s heart melts when she sees how happy they are. “You can literally see their smile!” she said.

Sulse plans to continue with Four Paws indefinitely. “This is going to be forever,” she said.

For more information on Four Paws Inn, visit: https:// fourpaws-inn.com/

For more information on Jersey Pits Rescue, and to purchase tickets to the fundraiswer, visit: https:// shop.jerseypitsrescue.com/ jpr/shop/home

Paws of War Helping Children with Autism by Pairing Them with a Service Dog

April was Autism Awareness Month and the first anniversary of the autism pilot program by Paws of War. A year ago this month, they paired a child with a service dog, and they are pleased to say that it›s been a successful program so far. When 11-year-old Cale’s dad was deployed with the U.S. Marines, it created a lot of anxiety and stress in his son, who has autism. Paws of War stepped in and provided the child with a service dog named Lexi, and it’s made a world of difference.

“This is the first time we have placed a dog with someone who has autism, so we are excited that we can help in this situation. This is a dedicated military family to whom we are thrilled to give back,” explains Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “Unfortunately, not every child with autism will benefit from a service animal, but in Cale’s case, it’s ideal. It’ll help him navigate anxiety and sleep issues, and Lexi will play many roles in his life as a service animal and therapy animal. It’ll give Cale the ability to give back. We know the dog is perfect for Cale, and he will work with Lexi regularly with a trainer to accomplish everything he wants.”

Cale lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his parents, Brandi and Chris Nolting. Chris serves in the U.S. Marines and often works demanding hours. During this, Cale becomes deeply unsettled, struggling with insomnia,

anxiety, and being overwhelmed. Nothing worked to help him, so he had to resort to medication. During a doctor’s visit, Cale met a therapy dog, and his parents noticed how he gravitated to the dog and was comfortable in his presence.

That chance encounter led to reaching out for assistance from Paws of War, which typically provides service dogs for Veterans with traumatic brain injuries and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the organization has the means and wants to help a hero’s son - knowing the difference service dogs make.

Misseri delivered Lexi, a rescued 3-yearold English cream, to the family to ensure she would be the perfect match when Cale and Lexi instantly connected. She has been by his side since. Cale is doing well, and he and Lexi have formed a strong bond. His level of distress has greatly reduced, and the hope is that he will be able to gradually reduce his medication as he becomes even more confident and can regulate his routine.

Cale also feels much more confident now that he has Lexi by his side during stressful situations like school assemblies or fire drills. In fact, she even helps him get through difficult conversations with other kids who don’t understand his disability. The bond between these two has grown stronger every day since they met last spring. Cale has also been able to learn responsibility through his

training with Lexi. He knows that he must care for her as she cares for him, and this has helped him develop an understanding of the structure and outcomes of his actions.

“They can rely on each other. With her being a rescue, she can learn from Cale, I hope. They can grow together and have a better foundation among each other,” adds Chris Nolting. “If we could do anything to further Paws of War’s cause, it would be a win for everybody if other kids like Cale were able to receive similar support.”

The presence of a service dog in the home brings peace of mind to military members who have to leave for deployment - knowing the dog is a comfort to their child and the family. Service dogs provide friendship, confidence, and calming ability to children who find social interaction and many daily situations over-stimulating, and the dogs offer calm reassurance. They can reach children on a level that other people often can’t. Paws of War provides ongoing training for Lexi and assistance for the family. To help support the pilot program, visit its site at: http://pawsofwar.org To see Cale’s story, visit YouTube.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 1 in every 68 children has autism spectrum disorder. It’s a condition that affects children from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They report that there is no “cure” for autism

spectrum disorder, but several interventions can help children learn essential skills that improve everyday life.

Paws of War currently has three other service dogs in training. Due to the success they have seen with Cale, they will be placing the other dogs as well. Currently, they are providing service dogs to children of veterans, active military, and first responders.

Paws of War has been operating worldwide since 2014, helping the military save the animals they rescue while deployed overseas. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate, visit its site at: http:// pawsofwar.org

About Paws of War

Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs and provides companion animals to veterans. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at: http:// pawsofwar.org

Buddha Pooch Dog Rescue Project, a Non-Profit Devoted to Connecting Dogs with Their Forever Homes

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Growing up in Sussex County, Keri Mack Karmozyn’s family had rescue dogs. But her true passion for dogs came when she met her husband and his two dogs, a Shepherd/Pitbull mix and a Lab. “They changed my life,” she said.

Though an English major, Karmozyn spent most of her adult life in the restaurant business. It started with her working a summer job at her brother’s restaurant— and stayed onboard for the next 20 years working 13- to 14-hour days managing.

She later transferred to catering, thinking it would be easier, and according to Karmozyn it was harder, but she embraced every minute of it. “I worked for five-star chefs and loved it.” By then she was in her late 30 and experienced burn-out. She longed for something she was more in tune with.

Karmozyn began her career with dogs by starting her own doggy day care in Bedminster, where she lives with her husband, John, and five rescue dogs. Her clients were local and came via word of

mouth, Facebook, and Instagram.

January 2021, Karmozyn stopped doggie care and started her rescue service, naming it Buddha Pooch Dog Rescue Project.

It’s a non-profit 501c3 devoted to saving abandoned and neglected dogs from local high-risk shelters and connecting them with their new home, giving them a second chance.

Karmozyn pulls dogs from shelters that are in desperate need. “Dogs that need surgeries, I always step in,” she said. “I tend to go to the dogs on the senior side. I rarely have a puppy in my rescue. I advocate for the dogs that need the voice—owner surrenders, people dumping their dogs. Everyone says it’s the Pitbull breed, but so many other breeds too. Unfortunately, owners pass away, and no family member wants to take care of the dog. I go in to pull one dog and I come out with four. Rescue is so hard. It hurts your heart every day. I literally cry all the time.”

Women who assist Karmozyn in running the rescue are K.J. Magers, founder of Bonnies Bark ‘n Board, Bedminster;

Courtney Connors, founder of Beyond K9 Training, Far Hills; and Theresa Hart, who fosters any dog that needs help out of the shelter.

“They help me foster, train, and advocate for both the rescue dog and the adopter,” said Karmozyn. “Without them, I’d be lost. Support—emotional, financial, you name it—is everything in rescue!”

During the humble beginnings of the rescue, Karmozyn said she started so naively. “There is no such thing as going to ‘rescue school’,” she said. “You just want to give a dog a warm home and a place to lay their head. And that is not the case. These dogs were abused, neglected. They are fearful. The animals have been through such tragedy. They break down in shelters. They don’t eat. It’s very, very sad, the cycle of the dogs.”

Though the job is difficult, Karmozyn finds her reward when a dog becomes alive again after being so broken. She shared, “They find the home. You get the update and see this dog that was emancipated and shaking, sitting on the couch with a big

Keri and Clifford

smile on his face. You can’t save them all, but just that little bit changes so many lives. It takes so many hearts to heal just one.”

For more information on Buddha Pooch Dog Rescue Project, and to view dogs that are up for adoption, please visit: http:// www.buddhapoochdrp.com/

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