Denville Climber Reaches New Heights
By Megan Roche
12-year-old Amelie Schey remembers attending a food truck festival in Chester that featured a rock climbing wall for kids. Her parents let her participate and thus began Schey’s humble beginnings in the world of climbing.
Schey, who climbs at Randolph Climbing Center, has begun to make a name for herself within the state of New Jersey. She climbs in two different disciplines; top rope and bouldering.
“I climb both top rope and bouldering. Top rope climbing involves taller walls, ranging from 35 to 70 feet, with a rope for safety. The goal is to reach the top without falling within a certain time limit, with most holds being worth more points the higher you go. Bouldering, on the other hand, has shorter walls, usually no higher than 15 feet, and doesn’t use ropes. Instead, there are pads on the ground for safety. In bouldering, you score points by reaching specific holds: a low zone, a mid zone, and the top. Top rope is more endurance with more obvious routes and bouldering has a lot of problem solving. It’s like a mix of Twister and Chess on the wall,” Schey explained.
While training three to four days a week for three hours each practice, Schey also does workouts and stretching on her off days.
“Each climbing day, I focus on different aspects to improve my skills. Sometimes I train specifically for endurance, while other times I work on technique or strength. By varying my training, I aim to become a wellrounded climber,” Schey said.
Schey also knows the importance of a good role model and coach.
“This past year, I’ve been working with a new coach, Charlie Schrieber who created Paradigm Climbing. He’s one of the top 100 climbers in the world and just coached the 2024 National Champion in the Male Youth Junior category. Charlie looks at my strengths and weaknesses and designs my plans for them, while the coaches at Randolph Climbing Center help implement them and add their expertise. Both have been very supportive,” Schey says.
In 2024, Schey’s competitive climbing season was a major success. While there is no official ranking for the state, Schey believes she is among the top five climbers in New Jersey. Due to her success, Schey was invited to compete at Regionals. She placed ninth in the region, which earned her a trip to Divisionals in Buffalo, NY.
“Divisionals and Regionals were so exciting and scary! You have to sit in a chair before you climb and, let me just say, that experience is not fun because you worry about everything! At the higher levels, you’re not allowed to see your climbs, so you turn around and look at them for the first time. You have to sit in “iso” (isolation) with no phones or digital devices, so everyone is waiting in a room playing card games. But after you’re done, it’s such a relief. The waiting and the anticipation can be nervewracking, but finishing a climb and knowing you gave it your all feels amazing,” Schey recalled.
The top 13 from Divisionals go on to compete at Nationals. During Divisionals, Schey placed 14th overall. For Schey, climbing has become an extension of who she is.
“Climbing has always been there for me. It’s helped me through hard times when I felt lost and didn’t know what to do. It’s been a huge support and has helped me get through so much stuff. Plus, I enjoy climbing in general. It’s so much fun and makes me feel happy and proud when I finish a tough climb. Climbing isn’t just a sport to me; it’s something I love and rely on. I particularly love that it’s competitive, but the other girls in my category aren’t continued on page 4
Denville Teen’s Performing Non-Profit Provides Outlet for Those Struggling with Mental Health
By Megan Roche
In May of 2020, Macey Hyatt lost one of her best friends unexpectedly. As she was coming to terms with her friend’s death, Hyatt experienced mental health challenges that led to a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, and OCD. With the experience coming in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyatt didn’t have access to many mental health resources.
The thing that brought her the most joy? Performing.
“The biggest outlet I had throughout that time was theater and performing. It just gave me a chance to forget about everything that was going on in my life and the opportunity to just portray someone else. I got to sing when words weren’t enough for me to communicate. I really believe that if I didn’t have performing as an outlet that I wouldn’t be the person that I am today,” Hyatt said.
Inspired by her love for performing, Hyatt joined forces with a friend who also started their own non-profit. After learning more about establishing a non-profit, Hyatt founded Performing for Positivity.
Performing for Positivity is a local performing group based in Denville. The group aims to give young people a creative outlet in the realm of performing arts. Through the performances, the group raises money for various local non-profits to help give back to the community.
“We’re living in a time where mental health is being talked about more than it has in the past but I still don’t feel like it is 100% stigma free. Performing lets us tune into all of our emotions, whether they are positive emotions or vulnerable emotions, and I can just let them free in a nonjudgmental space,” Hyatt said.
Recruiting performers was no problem for Hyatt. As a member of a performing arts high school program at Morris Knolls, Hyatt knew who to ask for help.
During the group’s initial concert in July of 2024, Performing for Positivity helped raise over $3,000 for Heartfelt Harmonies, another Morris County based nonprofit, that donates AED’s to under-served communities.
Hyatt hopes to continue to grow the organization, continuing well after her years at Morris Knolls come to a close. Hyatt plans to major in communications after graduating in the Morris Knolls class of 2025.
“I want to make this my whole life. My dream job is to be a touring public speaker where I can bring Performing for Positivity to elementary, middle, and high schools around the country. I want to talk to kids about the importance of mental health awareness and how to catch it early. Mental health is not something to be embarrassed about and we need to make our young people aware of it,” Hyatt said.
Hyatt continually accepts donations for the organization,
as well as applications for performers and
performances will be scheduled
For more information, visit www.instagram.com/ performingforpositivity
Macey Hyatt performs during Performing for Positivity’s first performance in Denville
volunteers. More
soon.
Enchanted Storybooks Aims to Bring Fantasy to Life
By Megan Roche
As John Manna was photographing high school sports, he often thought about his other photography love: fantasy.
“I like the ability to make composite images of things that don’t really exist but can exist in a photography world. I like the fact that I can get creative with so many things and different storylines. I like creating images using those sort of unique story ideas,” Manna said.
Manna wanted to do something locally where he could bring the essence of fantasy photography to life.
“I’ve always loved the Denville downtown area. It has always been a beautiful community with its shopping and dining. When the opportunity came up, I jumped on it right away,” Manna said.
A unique experience that Manna offers is his “Santa Experience”. Guests can book a photography session with Santa that is unlike any mall Santa out there. Children will receive an invitation in the mail from Santa with a golden ticket, inviting them to the North Pole.
“I’ve always loved Christmas so that really what drew me in that direction. I also really love taking photographs of children in their wonder years; the expressions that you get with a child, especially while they are interacting with Santa Clause, it’s inspiring,” Manna said.
Over the course of the one-hour long photography session, Santa invites the child to participate in various
activities, like having milk and cookies, with him as Manna photographs it.
“This type of set up really allows for natural expressions. The child doesn’t even realize that they are being photographed because they are so into their experience with Santa,” Manna said.
Santa also knows the child’s name, their friends names, and their favorite hobbies. Manna also provides classic Christmas pajamas for boys and classic Christmas nightgowns for girls to wear during the session.
After the session, parents can select from various prints and art pieces. His photos are then hand painted. Manna can also turn the images into a storybook that showcases the children as the main character. The book is narrated as poetry and can be used as something that can be passed down from generation to generation.
“The images take hours of hand editing after the fact. That’s how I’m able to really get that hand painted look,” Manna said.
Other fantasy realms available at Manna’s studio, located at 25 Broadway, include pirates and mermaids, magical snowmen and snowball fights, a fishing battle at the pond, and fairytales and fairies.
All photography sessions are scheduled by appointment only. In addition to children, Manna also photographs pets.
For more information or to book a session, visit www. enchantedstorybooks.com
Photos by Carole Alchermes
John Manna opened Enchanted Storybooks as a way to bring fantasy to life for all ages
Saint Clare’s Health Announces Dr. Adam Berman Awarded Newsweek America’s Best Prostate Cancer Oncologists 2024 List
Saint Clare’s Health, a member of Prime Healthcare, proudly announces Dr. Adam Berman, was recently awarded by Newsweek and Statista one of America’s Best Prostate Cancer Oncologists List 2024. This is an exclusive list comprised of 150 doctors nationwide.
Dr. Berman treats numerous cancers, including prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular. Additionally, he treats BPH, kidney stones, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and urinary tract infections.
“We are appreciative to have Dr. Berman lead our medical staff, as well as provide exceptional care to our patients. His best-in-class skills, as well as his devotion to providing individualized compassionate care to each of our patients is second to none. Dr. Berman exemplifies Saint Clare’s Health commitment to provide every patient with the highest quality of care available, anywhere,” stated Brian L. Ulery, Chief Executive Officer, Saint Clare’s Health.
Dr. Adam Berman, President of the Medical Staff at Saint Clare’s Health, is a highly respected physician known for his advanced approach for treating all urologic conditions. His practice has a specialized focus on treating advanced prostate cancer. Using advanced technology, including Robotic Surgery, as well as incorporating Advanced Oncologic Therapy for the most challenging prostate cancers, Dr. Berman has achieved exceedingly high rates of successful outcomes.
Denville Climber...
continued from front page
really against me. It’s me against the wall. I’ve made good friends who are technically my competition, but we support each other on tough days,” Schey says.
During the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games, sport climbing made its Olympic debut as a new event. Schey hopes to someday be representing the United States when she is age eligible for the games.
“I would love to compete at least at Nationals, but the ultimate goal would probably be making it to the Olympics,” Schey shared. “Competing at the
According to Dr. Berman, “I am honored and grateful to receive this prestigious award. To be recognized among the nation’s many exceptional oncologists is indeed humbling, and I will continue to be committed to providing exceptional care to each of my patients who put their trust in me.”
America’s Best Prostate Cancer Oncologists 2024 were determined based on four data sources:
1. Physician Performance Data: Based on Medicare data from Care Journey in 2022, an evaluation of the physician’s performed procedures was conducted.
2. Recommendations from Peers: During the survey period from March to April 2024, thousands of medical experts (physicians with knowledge in the field of prostate cancer, managers/
administrators, and other medical professionals in the field of prostate cancer) were invited to an online survey via Newsweek.com.
3. Quality Assessment: For recommendations in their own state, participants were asked to assess the quality of care (e.g., treatments, follow-up care, use of most recent equipment) for each prostate cancer oncologist.
4. Certifications: Board certifications by the American Board of Urology, Radiology, and Internal Medicine were taken into consideration for all eligible prostate cancer oncologists.
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. Dr. Adam Berman
Divisionals and Regionals representing my hometown was so fun. The experience has motivated me to train even harder, and I’m looking forward to the thrill of competing and the pride of representing my hometown once more next year. It’s even more fun to see the sport gaining more attention at the Olympics.”
Amelie’s parents have created an Instagram account for her to keep the public informed on her climbing journey. To follow Amelie, visit www.instagram. com/amieclimbs
By Megan Roche
ADenville Danceworks Under New Ownership
fter being the owner of Danceworks for over 30 years, Christine Kohler knew she needed to take a step back. However, she wanted to find the right person who wouldn’t turn Danceworks into a competitive dance environment.
“I’ve owned the studio for 30 years and I was kind of feeling like it was time for me to step back a little bit. However, I really believe in the healing power of dance, I believe that dance is an art, I believe in dance as self-expression, and dance has saved my life at times. It will truly get you through the worst of times in your life. My whole goal with the studio was quality dance education in a non-competitive environment,” Kohler said.
Angelica Gonzalez had started teaching at Danceworks in 2019. She holds an Associates of Fine Arts in Dance from County College of Morris and a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance from Montclair State University. She has trained in all different styles of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and modern. She has also started work towards becoming a Dance Masters of America Certified Teacher.
“I knew that I needed a change because I was tired of working four jobs. I had just
quit one of my main jobs and that same week was when Christine approached me about picking my brain of taking over the studio. It worked out perfectly,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez, who has been dancing since the age of three, knew from early on that she didn’t want to be a competitive dancer. When it came time for her to go to college, she knew that being a dance teacher was something that she wanted to do.
“I’m a ‘say yes to everything’ person so it was nice to finally be able to say that to myself. I know that I can do all of this while working for myself and working for a place that I care about deeply,” Gonzalez said.
Kohler has been in an advisory role for Gonzalez over the last year, while still teaching various classes at the studio.
While Gonzalez has now taken over the reigns fully, she still plans to keep some of the things that make Danceworks the special place that it is.
“I really just want to keep Danceworks true to what it has always been. We’re keeping it a non-competitive dance studio. I’m lucky enough to have the same staff that Christine had for the last six years. I want quality dance teachers and to keep the community a safe place for the students,”
Gonzalez said.
While handing over the keys to Gonzalez was a bittersweet moment, Kohler knows that she ultimately made the right choice.
“I’ve seen a lot of studio owners in my day kind of die in the saddle and when that happens, you take the studio down with you. I refer to the studio as my first born
sometimes because I created it in 1993. I know that with handing over the business to Angelica, our dancers are in good hands,” Kohler said.
Danceworks registration for the 20242025 dance season is open and ongoing.
For more information on Danceworks, visit www.danceworksdenville.com.
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Bernadette, Jessica, Bobby, Bob, and Pancho Lindsay
Christine Kohler, left, enjoys her final recital as Danceworks owner, while Angelica Gonzalez, right, celebrates her first recital as new owner
NJ Ballet Enters 66th Performance Season
The NJ Ballet calls Florham Park home but performs throughout the state of New Jersey during its season. The 2024-2025 season is no different.
The ballet announced recently that it’s 2024-2025 season will house an array of works from George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Justin Peck, Peter Martins, Lauren Lovette, and also a world premiere from former New York City Ballet principal dancer Harrison Ball.
Maria Kowroski, who has been at the helm of NJ Ballet since 2021, made sure that the 2024/2025 performance season was full of ballet classics and also new pieces.
Around the state, NJ Ballet has performances scheduled at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Mayo Performing Arts Center, Two River Theater, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, Bergen Performing Arts Center, and Union County Performing Arts Center throughout the year.
Among the season’s highlights are George Balanchine’s Serenade, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary since its premiere in 1935, and Jerome Robbins’ In the Night, performed with live piano accompaniment. In April, the New
Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) will present NJB in the Victoria Theater on April 24 and 25. The program will feature Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs and the highly anticipated World Premiere by former New York City Ballet principal dancer Harrison Ball, marking his second world premiere for NJB.
As New Jersey Ballet is the resident ballet company at Mayo Performing Arts Center, planned performances include Creative Forces on Nov. 8, The Nutcracker from Dec. 13 through Dec. 26, Masterpieces in Motion on March 15, 2025, Once Upon A Time on March 23, and Timeless Masterpieces on May 17 and 18.
In partnership with the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJB will present two Sensory Friendly programs: The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 1, and Once Upon A Time on March 30. Both Sensory Programs are one hour in length.
Season lineup by theater is below: Morristown at the Mayo Performing Arts Center:
November 8, 2024: Creative Forces
December 13-26, 2024: The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
March 15, 2025: Masterpieces in Motion; Balanchine and more
The New Jersey Ballet enters its 66th performance season in 2024 (Photo
March 23, 2025: Once Upon A Time May 17 and 18, 2025: Timeless Masterpieces: Swan Lake Act II, George Balanchine’s Serenade and Rubies Newark at the NJ Performing Arts Center:
April 24 and 25, 2025: New Jersey Ballet in the Victoria Theater
April 24, 2025: NJ Ballet Spring Gala Red Bank at Two River Theater:
November 16, 2024: Creative Forces Rahway at the Union County Performing Arts Center:
December 1, 2024: The Nutcracker
(sensory friendly)
March 30, 2025: Once Upon A Time (sensory friendly)
New Brunswick at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center:
February 22, 2025: Masterworks in Motion: Balanchine, Martins and more Englewood at the Bergen Performing Arts Center:
December 7, 2024: The Nutcracker December 8, 2024: The Nutcracker For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.njballet.org.
Credit: NJ Ballet)
New Jersey’s Olympians are Bringing Home the Hardware
By Megan Roche
As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games have come to a close, New Jersey athletes earned a number of medals. Here’s how New Jersey members of Team USA fared in Paris.
USA Gymnastics
Earning the title of the youngest athlete on Team USA for the 2024 Olympic Games, 16-year-old Oradell native Hezly Rivera contributed to the women’s team gymnastics competition during the qualification round. While she did not compete in the team final competition, she still earned a gold medal
for her efforts during qualification.
USA Judo
Jack Yonezuka of West Long Branch competed as the youngest member of USA’s Judo team. His family is famous in the Judo world, as he is the son of 1980 Olympian Nick Yonezuka. During the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Yonezuka competed on July 29 against Moldovia’s Adil Osmanov and lost 10-0.
USA Fencing
Foil fencer Jackie Dubrovich of Riverdale may not have placed in the individual foil competition, but alongside her teammates,
These Olympians from New Jersey are bringing home medals of all kinds (Photos courtesy of USA Judo, USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming/Mike Lewis, US Fencing/Serge Timacheff, US Soccer/Getty Images, US Field Hockey, USA Basketball, US Golf/J. Lindeberg, USA Track and Field, USA Table Tennis, USA Sport Climbing, US Triathlon, and US Rowing)
she is bringing home a gold medal after defeating Italy 45-39. Dubrovich was ousted in the individual competition during the first round after a tough bout with Hungary’s Flora Pasztor.
Sabre fencer Mitchell Saron of Ridgewood went head to head during the first match of his Olympics with Maxime Pianfetti of France, who he beat 15-12. During the second round of individual competition, Saron was ousted by Egypt’s Ziad El Sissy by a score of 15-13. continued on page 8
NJ’s Olympians...
Saron also contributed to a seventh place finish in the team competition.
Livingston native Elizabeth Tartakovsky participated in the Olympic Games as a sabre fencer. Tartakovsky competed individually but lost during the first round against Nada Hafez of Egypt. During the team competition, Tartakovsky helped the US to a fifth place finish.
USA Swimming
Morristown’s Jack Alexy earned both a gold and silver medal in the pool. As a member of the 4x100m freestyle team, Alexy swam first and helped set the rest of the team up for success. The team’s final time of 3:09.28 earned them gold. While Alexy did not swim in the 4x100m medley relay, his swim during qualifying earned him a silver medal.
Morristown’s Nic Fink is bringing home three medals; two silver and one gold. As part of the mixed 4x100m medley relay team, Fink helped secure a new world record on the event with a time of 3:37.43. The mixed relay team took the gold. Fink’s swim in the men’s 4x100m medley and the men’s 100m breaststroke earned him two silver medals.
USA Field Hockey
Randolph’s Amanda Golini was on the pitch with the US Field Hockey team. The
U.S. team was an underdog going into the competition and ultimately lost its first game to Argentina. USA turned it around during the second match, tying Spain. In the match against Australia, the U.S. was shut out. For a chance to qualify for the medal rounds, the U.S. needed to beat Great Britain on Aug. 1, but ultimately lost 5-2. The team played its final match against South Africa and won 1-0 to close out their Olympic journey.
USA Men’s Soccer
Paxton Aaronson of Medford and John Tolkin of Chatham helped the United States Men’s Soccer team to pool play wins against New Zealand and Guinea. During the quarterfinals against Morocco, the US was shutout 4-0, thus ending their Olympic Games.
USA Sport Climbing
Upper Montclair’s Jesse Grupper competed in the semifinal of boulder and lead climbing. During the boulder semifinal, Grupper placed 18th with a final score of 18.9. He also placed 18th in the lead climbing competition with a score of 30.9.
USA Track and Field
East Brunswick’s Sam Mattis, who competes in the discus throw, earned his chance to compete after Track and Field Trials in Eugene, OR. During qualifications, Mattis threw for 62.66m, putting him in 7th
continued from page 7 continued on page 9
place and just outside a shot at the finals.
Sydney McLoughlin-Levrone, a three time Olympian, returned to the Games to defend her title in the 400m hurdles. During the finals, McLaughlin-Levrone posted a new world record for the event with a time of 50.37. She won the gold medal for her performance.
Mount Olive’s Keturah Orji also returned for her third Olympic Games. Participating in the triple jump, Orji qualified for the finals, but ultimately placed ninth in the competition.
Curtis Thompson of Florence competed in the qualification round of the javelin throw competition. He placed 13th overall and did not advance to the finals. USA Triathlon
Morgan Pearson of New Vernon competed in both the individual triathlon and as part of the mixed relay triathlon. During his individual competition, Pearson placed 31st overall with a time of 1:48:26. As part of the mixed relay competition, Pearson took home a silver medal in a photo finish with Team Germany who ended up with the gold. USA Rowing
Molly Reckford of Short Hills competed with Team USA as a member of the Women’s lightweight double sculls team. During the team’s first qualifying heat, they placed second behind Romania and in the semifinal round placed third behind Great Britain and New Zealand. In the finals, the team landed in sixth place.
USA Men’s Golf
Scottie Scheffler of Ridgewood found his way to the top of the podium in the individual men’s golf competition. In round 1 of the competition, Scheffler placed sixth, in round 2 of the competition, Scheffler placed 10th, in round 3 of the competition, Scheffler placed sixth again and during round four placed first, earning him gold.
USA Table Tennis
Sewell’s Amy Wang contributed in the women’s table tennis team competition against Germany, where the US ultimately fell 3-2. In the individual competition, Wang won a shutout match against Vanuatu’s Priscila Tommy and advanced to play Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz where she lost 4-2.
USA Basketball
Bam Adebayo of Newark returned for his second Olympic Games. The USA men’s basketball team returns as the defending gold medalists. With pool play wins against Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico, the US was matched up against Brazil in the quarterfinals. After beating Brazil 122-87, the US once again faced Serbia in a tight game that they won by coming back from a 17 point deficit. During the gold medal game, the US took on France and won gold after posting a 98-87 final score.
USA
Women’s Soccer
Casey Murphy, goalie on the women’s soccer team, helped the team earn pool play wins against Zambia, Australia, and Germany. During the quarterfinals, the US shut out Japan with a score of 1-0. Facing Germany again in the semifinals, the US also shut them out with a score of 1-0. With a gold medal on the line, the US met with Brazil in the finals. The US won gold with a shutout against Brazil, 1-0.
For more content on the Olympics, visit www.olympics. com.
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Oktoberfest in Rockaway
by Elsie Walker
Oktoberfest is a German festival which started as the celebration of a prince’s marriage in the 1800s.
Online Brittanica explains that over time, Oktoberfest morphed into a folk festival famously celebrated in Munich, Germany, but it is also held in areas of the United States with the celebratory spirit of food, fun, and music. Germania Park of New Jersey, Inc., a social club dedicated to sharing German traditions and culture will be holding Oktoberfest, open to the public, on Saturday, September 21st from 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm and on Sunday, September 22nd from 1:00pm – 7:00pm. Located at 56 Conger Street in Rockaway Township, admission to the event will be $5 at the door. The event will be held rain or shine (as Germania Park has a large outdoor pavilion). Recently, Susan Herleth of Allamuchy, Germania Park’s entertainment chairperson, talked about the festival.
Some might wonder why they are holding Oktoberfest in September. Herleth explained that they started holding the festival in the ‘70s; September was picked for it because, at that time, German bands were coming over for the Steuben Day parade in New York in September and would be available to come to Germania Park. Even though things changed, the date tradition continues. Actually, Germania Park holds an Oktoberfest in June, too. It is the German spirit to celebrate; it doesn’t matter what the date. Herleth shared that in Germany, “they make a celebration out of the simplest things.” As an example, she noted the Asparagus Festival held to celebrate the harvesting of asparagus. Germania Park’s September Oktoberfest will include German food, music, vendors, a beer stein contest, and
special fun for kids on the Sunday. Past Oktoberfests have had 2,000 in attendance over two days. The kitchen opens at 1pm each day. There will be German beer and the kitchen will be preparing and selling German style food including potato salad, bratwurst, potato pancakes, and various German desserts. There will be live music on both days. On Saturday, from 1pm – 5pm will be Budd and Linda, and from 6pm – 10pm, the Barvarski Boys will be performing. Herleth describes the latter as “an absolutely phenomenal young band”. On Sunday from 2 – 6pm will be David Betz. Offerings will include traditional German music such as polkas. There will be vendors with a couple of them selling German items. Among the vendors will be Eddie’s Almonds, which has been at the festival for years. “He sells the best nuts,” shared Herleth. In addition, there will be an information table representing the German Language School of Morris County for those who might be interested in its offerings. There will also be a beer stein contest for both men and women; and on Sunday, there will be a variety of special offerings for children.
What’s a beer stein contest? Herleth explained that in a beer stein contest, participants have to hold a stein full of beer with a straight out-stretched arm. It takes a strong arm. The one who can do it longest is the winner. There will be a beer stein contest for men and for women.
As for that Sunday, it will be a busy day for children’s activities. Those include a petting zoo, a clown, and face painting in the early afternoon. At 3pm, there will be a children’s ice cream parade. The children in attendance will be asked to get up and join in the parade that will walk around and end up at an ice cream vendor’s truck. There,
the children will be treated to free ice cream. For more information on Germania Park, Inc. and its events, visit its website at https://germaniapark.com/
Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Dental Bridges, Dentures, & Implants: What’s The Difference?
do NOT take them in-and-out. Dentures can be made from a number of different materials: acrylic (plastic), metal, a combination of acrylic and metal, or “thermoplastic.” The advantages of the acrylic include cost and simplicity. They are the least expensive, and the easiest to fabricate and repair. The disadvantages include thickness and low stability.
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term
teeth on either side of spaces to keep them in place (called “abutment” teeth), and potential cavity development or need for root canals on these abutments over time.
New Patient Special
Metal dentures are thin, rigid, and fit tightly. The downsides include increased difficulty to repair (although not terribly difficult) and cost (they are the most expensive).
$149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films Regularly $362.00
Sometimes people need to replace missing teeth or teeth that will be extracted shortly. Bridges, dentures, and implants are the most common ways to accomplish this, but what are the differences?
Thermoplastic materials have the advantage of being flexible, which many patients find to be more comfortable. However, repairs can be difficult to impossible, based upon the type of material utilized.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
The most common area of confusion lies between dentures and bridges. Dentures are removable: you take them in-and-out of your mouth. Bridges are permanent: you
removable teeth and poor chewing ability. Patients instantly benefit from a strong bite, excellent smile, and freedom of regaining the roof of their mouths if they had a denture that covered it previously. Many patients who have dentures or require removal of most teeth present to Dr. Goldberg for this procedure specifically: he is a leading authority on this type of procedure within the community.
More information regarding this, and other topics, is available on our website.
Cannot be combined with other discounts Refer to New Patient Specials on our website for details Coupon must be presented, & mentioned at time of scheduling
Unlike dentures that are removable, bridges are permanent. This is one reason why bridges are more popular than dentures. Other advantages include increased biting / chewing power, increased esthetics, and less fuss with them since they don’t have to be taken in and out. Downsides include the “shaving down” of
Dental implants provide a host of options. Most people think of an implant as a post that is placed into the jawbone to hold a single tooth (crown). This is one use of an implant, but there are other functions. The implant is actually the post: you can use it to secure a denture or a bridge, also! With respect to dentures, the implant can help to eliminate or decrease the number of clasps, providing a more esthetic outcome and more stable set of teeth. Bridges benefit from implants because now you cannot develop cavities around the abutments and there is no need for root canals. Implant bridges also eliminate the need for drilling on other teeth.
Expires 2/28/22 3/5/6
Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his website
A very common substitute or replacement for large partial dentures and full dentures is “All-On-Four®.” This revolutionary technology provides the patient with permanent, non-removable teeth in just a few appointments. Gone is the stigma and disappointment of
Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist & implant expert with 29 years of experience. He is located in the Roxbury Mall in Succasunna, NJ. He provides general dentistry for the entire family, including: cleanings, check-ups, whitening, veneers, crowns, root canals, dentures, periodontal (gum) services, dental implants, and much more. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Implantology/Implant Dentistry, holds multiple degrees and is recognized as an expert in dental implants. You can find additional information on his website:www. morriscountydentist.com. The office can be reached at: (973) 328-1225 or via email: frontdesk.mcda@gmail.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.
General
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
200 Club of Morris County 2024 Annual Meeting and Entertainment Event
The 200 Club of Morris County announces its 2024 Annual Meeting and entertainment event on Thursday November 14, at 6:30 pm at The Knoll Country Club West, Boonton, NJ. Get ready for an unforgettable evening as 200 Club members and the general public enjoy an extensive buffet, networking opportunities and the experience of the Mike Marino comedy show!
Lovingly known as New Jersey’s Bad Boy, Mike’s comedic genius will leave you in stitches as you join the ranks of his global fan base. Born and raised in New Jersey, Mike grew up in a lively Italian family that inspires much of his comedy. A Clio Award nominee for outstanding performance in a television commercial, Mike also earned a spot in the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame. But that’s not all - Mike is a proud supporter of our military, veterans, and first responders, as is the 200 Club. He was honored with the USO Bob Hope Comedy Award for his incredible performances for our troops, and is proud to bring joy to those who serve others.
Come for the networking, stay for the buffet, and leave with memories of a
comedy show that will have you laughing for days! This event is FREE for 200 Club of Morris County members. Nonmembers pay $95 in advance for the dinner ticket, but if you join the 200 Club membership that evening, your $95 dinner fee is refunded! An individual 200 Club membership is $200 and a family membership for up to four people is $500 (restrictions apply), payable that evening. Seats will go fast! Contact Club Administrator Lori Richmond at 973630-7933 or visit https://rb.gy/3c7y9x for tickets, sponsorship or details.
What is The 200 Club? The 200 Club of Morris County is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization for over 50 years, providing support to Morris County’s first responders and their families in the Fire, Police, EMS, Sheriff ’s Office, Office of Emergency Management and NJSP. Over the years, millions of dollars have been distributed from the 200 Club to families of first responders for line-ofduty deaths, including child benefits and over 725 scholarships to qualified high school seniors. Join the Mission today! 200clubofmorriscounty.com
SThe People’s Bishop Is Coming!
t. Therese, The Little Flower Ministry of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes would like to invite you to a spectacular event with Bishop Kevin Sweeney, from the Diocese of Paterson. It will be on Sunday, September 29th at 1:45 p.m. The address is 10 North Pocono Road. It is not a mass. Reverend Michael Parisi, the Pastor, will help host the event. We will celebrate two feast days, St. Therese the Little Flower and St. Michael
the Archangel (which is the actual feast day of St. Michael). We will have the Knights of Columbus, two bagpipers, a New York City Broadway singer, the organist and choir director from St. Catherine’s Church. You don’t want to miss it. It will be a day you will always remember. We hope to see you there and strongly suggest you arrive early to get a seat. Any questions, please call Carol Bsarany 973-271-9252.
By Henry M. Holden
WSowing the Seeds of Victory
orld War I created a severe food crisis in Europe as agricultural workers were recruited into military service and farms were transformed into battlefields. As a result, the burden of feeding millions of starving people fell to the United States.
Faced with having to feed an expanded military and a hungry population, the US government reintroduced the idea of War Gardens from World War I. They rebranded them as Victory Gardens for World War II.
Victory Gardens freed up agricultural produce, packaging, and transportation resources for the war effort, and helped offset shortages of agricultural workers.
Victory Gardeners increased their health through physical activity, and their families enjoyed better nutrition. The program also fostered patriotism, and a sense of community.
World War II Victory Gardens were grown on farms, in backyards, on city rooftops, in window-boxes, on public lands, and in vacant lots.
Victory Gardens, also called food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted around private homes and public parks during both World Wars.
In wartime, governments encouraged people to plant victory gardens not only to supplement their rations but also to boost morale. They were used along with rationing stamps and cards to reduce pressure on the food supply.
Victory Gardens is Morris County’s smallest municipality, measured both by size and population, and its most densely populated. The origins of the borough began as a federal housing project for local defense workers employed at Picatinny Arsenal and other nearby defense related industries during World War II.
The initial layout of the land to construction took just six months.
This youngest municipality in Morris County was incorporated after separation from Randolph Township in 1951. Victory Gardens, like the 19th century company towns that preceded it, was created to encourage efficiency and productivity by providing affordable housing.
Morris County acquired 91 acres in Randolph Township as the site of a 300-unit housing project for war industry employees. The borough was named for the victory gardens planted at private residences during World War I. The federal government paid for all infrastructure.
The program discouraged people from growing private victory gardens in large towns and cities. The general lack of space, poor soil, and poor light meant a poor return on war-scarce materials including pesticides, tools, and fertilizers
Gardening was also a way to spend time when not working and a way to improve their surroundings. Because those in the camps were under the same rationing
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restrictions as other Americans, victory gardens supplemented government-issue meals with fresh and varied produce
Promoted through posters advocating civilians planting their own vegetables, the war garden movement spread by word of mouth, through women’s clubs, civic associations, and chambers of commerce. which actively encouraged participation in the campaign. First-time gardeners were provided with pamphlets on how, when and where to sow. They were offered suggestions as to the best crops to plant, along with tips on preventing disease and insect infestations.
The venture was so well received that the government turned its attention to distributing canning and drying manuals to help people preserve their surplus crops. In addition to the appeal to men and women, the Federal Bureau of Education initiated a U.S. School Garden Army to mobilize children to enlist as “soldiers of the soil.”
The results of these efforts yielded more than 5.2 million garden plots nationally which generated an estimated 1.45 million quarts of canned fruits and vegetables.
Shortly after the United States was drawn into World War II, victory gardens began to re-emerge. Once again, commercial crops were diverted to the military overseas while transportation was redirected towards moving troops and munitions instead of food.
With the introduction of food rationing in the United States in the spring of 1942, Americans had an even greater incentive to grow their own fruits and vegetables in locations they could find: Eleanor Roosevelt even planted a victory garden on the White House lawn.
Randolph Township residents approved a referendum as part of a September 1951, special election in which voters were asked if the township’s Victory Gardens neighborhood should be removed from the township and created as an independent municipality for its 1,300 residents covering 92 acres.
Victory Gardens was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on June 20, 1951, from portions of Randolph Township, based on the results of the referendum passed on September 18, 1951.
After almost 40 years, the original buildings needed replacement. A project approved in 1973 brought the construction
of 184 units of garden apartments on a site covering 12.4 acres, providing permanent housing for an estimated 400 people. That would be contrasted with the original structures built in 1942 that had long passed their expected lifespan.
People who were unable to garden were encouraged to help preserve produce for others, or to distribute flowers to hospitals and shut ins.
Victory Gardens introduced people to gardening and to unfamiliar crops like Swiss chard and kohlrabi. Some also raised chickens in their gardens, providing eggs, meat, and insect control. Community Victory Gardens provided more than a plot of dirt: “War news was shared. Recipes and remedies were shared, and gossip too.
Some Americans had gardens before World War II. But many were new to the practice: About 18 million families met the situation by growing Victory Gardens. Many of these people will be growing a garden for the first time.
Growing Victory Gardens was only half the challenge. Gardeners also had to preserve their crops for use throughout the year. There were many resources to help people preserve their crops, ranging from information to canning classes.
As in World War I, Victory Gardens freed up agricultural produce, packaging, and transportation resources for the war effort, and helped offset shortages of agricultural workers. Victory Gardeners increased their health through physical activity, and their families enjoyed better diets.
At the outbreak of WWII, virtually all Japanese Americans were relocated to detention camps far away from the cities. Perhaps most importantly, gardening was a way to keep the Japanese heritage alive and foster community healing. Detention camp gardeners planted traditional Japanese vegetables and ornamental plants alongside vegetables like peas, pumpkins, corn, and cucumbers. Japanese gardeners often incorporated traditional layouts and locations in their plantings. Japanese and Japanese Americans planted their gardens in detention camps knowing they may not be there to harvest them. The reasons that residents chose to grow Victory Gardens were complex. For many there was the patriotism of being American and supporting the war, despite the government forcing them into camps.
Federal and state agencies, local
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governments, private citizens, and civic groups all published guides and held classes to ensure success. They advised on what to grow, how to grow it, gave sample garden plans, sample yields, and information on weed and pest control.
Camp residents planted these trees in part for shade, but they are also a popular choice for bonsai. Soil chemistry identified chemicals added to make the desert soils productive. These included ammonium nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, crumbled eggshells and crushed abalone shells.
By encouraging Americans to spend time outside and eat more fresh produce, the Victory Garden Program promoted healthy habits. In addition to their physical health benefits, victory gardens helped boost morale by bringing communities together.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved mood.
Organizers recommended communal gardening in school grounds, parks, vacant lots, and elsewhere. Companies and agencies including the National Institutes of Health and managers of the Manhattan Project also provided land for employee Victory Gardens. Many Americans had gardens before World War II. But many were new to the practice.
Federal and state agencies, local governments, private
citizens, and civic groups all published guides and held classes to ensure success. They advised on what to grow, how to grow it, gave sample garden plans, sample yields, and information on weed and pest control. Many who grew up with Victory Gardens continued gardening throughout their lives and introduced it to their children.
Today Victory Gardens in Morris County is like many other suburban regions. But there are some differences. Victory Gardens has curvilinear streets, a pattern that is a legacy of Romanic nineteenth century characteristic of many New Jersey suburbs built in the late 1920s and 30s. It also named its streets after American presidents.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
AWhen You Are Granted A Bad Medical Report
s I write this article, it is early morning, in early August. Next month, in early September, I will turn 71. I am woefully aware that I have fallen back in writing back to people who have written to me. Lately too much time has been spent in the waiting room of doctors, going through different cardiac tests and scans, and spending too much time waiting in hospital waiting areas to have MRI’s and more involved heart scans being done.
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the second cousin, twice removed, at the family picnic of the priority of heart disease research. It really is. Basically because HCM only affects about one out of every 500 people, and the very specific Apical HCM affects even less people.
Regardless of the disease, getting a bad medical report is not a Sunday afternoon picnic. But if I may, here are some uplifting thoughts and perspectives that I would like to share with others.
First and foremost, give yourself the gift of time to be alone with your thoughts, in order to digest your disease. Especially if your disease is terminal. If you believe in God, do three basic things. Pray, then pray some more, then pray even more. If you do not believe in God, please consider pondering how the universe was created. Please do consider, for even a moment, that there may well be a greater Wisdom that greater the universe.
Secondly, go through your stuff. If you want Cousin Tom to have your Cross pen and pencil set, give it to him while you’re
still alive. If you live near Cousin Tom, take the time to meet with him and personally hand him your precious pen and pencil set. If miles lie between the two of you, then mail it tom him, with a kind, hand-written letter.
Third, research and research and research your disease. Then research it even some more. Open your mind to new and cutting edge healing procedures to your disease. Keep hope alive in your heart. Keep your mind open to alternative healing methods.
Fourth, talk it out with others. Do not keep your emotions all stored up. Find a support group for your specific disease. If that is not possible, please do find a support group for people with terminal illness.
Fifth, watch rerun episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, or some other silly sitcom that brings a bit of joy to your heart. Laugh. By all means laugh. Do your absolute best not to swim in the lake of “Feeling Sorry For Myself Pond.” Go through your old scrapbooks, photos, post cards and souvenirs of the places that you once visited that brought joy to your heart.
Sixth, buy a birdbath. Yes, buy a birdbath. Fill it with fresh water three times a day. Place it in a position in your yard, where you can easily see the birds splashing about, from your favorite chair in your living room. Take photos and videos of the birds drinking and playing in your birdbath. You will be amazed at how much joy a simple birdbath can bring to your heart.
Seventh, do not be afraid of hurting your doctor’s
feelings. If you feel that your doctor is really not doing his or her best to treat your condition, then move on and find another doctor. But first, pray about this decision. God will guide you in this matter.
Personally, I am now on my third Cardiologist. My first Cardiologist wanted to put me under Hospice Care, right away. My second Cardiologist was pushing for me to have an artificial heart replacement. My present Cardiologist has the spirit of partnering with me. He sincerely listens to my perspective.
Eighth, write up a legal will. Get it registered with your county. Entrust a copy of it with a dearly trusted friend or loved one.
Ninth, write down your lifetime memories that you want shared with your loved ones. Or have a loved one write down your dear and cherished memories for you.
Tenth, have a loved one or close friend help you create at least one video of you talking and reminiscing about your life. If it’s possible make up a number of videos of yourself, sharing thoughts, beliefs and life memories.
Eleventh, pray, pray and pray. Then pray some more. Then pray even more. Develop a personal relationship with God. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul.
At best this is just a list that touches upon the surface of preparing to cross over to the heavenly worlds. Above all else, tell your loved ones that you love them. Forgive all those who have done you wrong. Be kind to animals. Go out one day, either driving yourself or having someone
drive for you. If you can afford it, put $50.00, in five dollar bills, in an envelope. Then, go to shopping centers, parks, and here and there, and give that money to homeless people. God will guide you how many five dollar bills to give to each homeless person. You will be blessed, beyond your wildest dreams, for doing this.
Above all else, be immensely grateful for the time you were given to be alive upon this earth.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail. com.
Yours truly, in reflecting upon the theme of this article.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
AI Remember Dad: Home From The War
t the age of 18, my father enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, during World War II. What inspired my father to sign up for the Air Corps, is in itself, an inspiring story.
Dad’s older brother, Edward, was serving in the U. S. Navy, aboard a ship, not far from the coast of dear old England. The ship was sunk by a German war ship. Uncle Ed bobbed up and down in the Atlantic Ocean for at least one full day and one full night. He was saved by a British ship. I think that the sinking of Uncle Ed’s navy ship, had a deeply profound effect upon my father. It inspired him to join the service, at such a young age.
My father grew up in the shadows of the maple, the elm, the oak and the pines, at the end of Mabey Lane. It was there that his father had built a two-story home. To the west, the north and the east of this dear home, lied a thick forest. To the south, lied a big, open field. My grandfather named the big field, Earl’s Meadow. For it was on this beautiful field that Grandpa’s brother, Earl, was going to build a home, when he came home from World War I. Sadly, my Great Uncle Earl was killed in battle in France. After his basic training was completed, Dad was shipped to Hickam Airfield in
Hawaii. Hickam bordered Pearl Harbor. At first Dad had the job of driving a big fuel truck, to fuel up war planes in the open fields of Hickam. Later, Dad would work on P-51 Fighter Planes. Specifically, Dad had the responsibility to change spark plugs in these Mighty Mustangs, as they were also called.
An interesting side note of Dad’s stay at Hickam Airfield is that he became acquainted and became friends with the late, great Jerry Siegel. The man, whom with the help of Joe Shuster, created Superman. Jerry wrote for Hickam Highlights, the official newspaper publication of Hickam Airfield. Dad had the high honor of once being interviewed by Jerry.
My father told me, on several occasions, that there was always the fear of another Japanese attack upon Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airfield. The servicemen at Hickam were always on alert, for another attack. My grandmother, Bertha Mabey, was a very devoted, religious woman. She once told me that she prayed many times a day, that the Japanese would never again attack Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airfield.
During the early Summer of 1946, Dad received an Honorable Discharge from the U. S. Army Air Corps. He had served his country well. Dad returned home to Lincoln Park, to
A rare photo of Dad and Grandma taken at the end of Mabey Lane, upon Dad’s return home from Hickam Airfield. In the background, on the right hand side of this picture, you can see the garage that Grandpa built. Dad’s old homestead still stands beside that garage. To the best of my knowledge, the old garage is also still standing.
his hamlet homestead at the end of Mabey Lane. He began dating Janet Kemmerer, from Boonton. The girl who had sent him cookies and wrote letters to him during his stay at Hickam. The very girl that Dad married and was destined to became my Mom.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ gmail.com.
By Megan Roche
ONJStarz
NJ Stars: Olivia Eden Hometown: Long Valley
livia Eden grew up loving music thanks to her dad who brought her up around guitar, piano, drums, and bass. She recalled growing up listening to him play and always looks back fondly on her first performance opportunity; a chance to perform with Dad.
“From Kindergarten to fifth and sixth grade, we’d go out and we’d do these art fairs together. He would play guitar and I would sing,” Eden said.
When the COVID pandemic struck the U.S. in 2020, Eden had the same feelings of uncertainty that many others did. To pass the time, she picked up a guitar and started teaching herself how to play.
“I wrote a song during COVID and it was so bad. It will never ever see the light of day. Most artists will tell you that their first songs are terrible,” Eden said with a laugh.
It was during the COVID quarantine that Eden knew she had found what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.
A high school student at West Morris Central, Eden is just as academically gifted as she is musically. She is an honor roll student and performs the national anthem at many school events.
“I’ve always been a big lover of English class, it has always been my favorite class. Me as a kid, being able to see that my favorite thing I would do was write, and I would turn that writing into something that was a performance. I loved the idea of that and also the idea of presenting my life through music and in a way that is relatable,” Eden says.
After being a contestant on Chopped Junior at the age of nine, she made her way to the top seven on Top Chef Junior just a few years later. Attending open auditions led the way for her humble Hollywood beginnings.
“After being eliminated from Top Chef Junior, I was devastated. My mom took me to the movies to try to cheer me up. We’re at the movies in Burbank and I see this billboard for an open casting call for The Voice. I just said ‘Oh my God mom, we have to go’ and she promised me that one day I could audition because I wasn’t age eligible,” Eden said.
Finally age eligible for the show, 15-year-old Eden once again found herself on the professional audition circuit. This time, it was for The Voice, the same show she saw advertised right after being cut from Top Chef Junior. She kept her mom’s thoughts in the back of her mind and exactly five years later, she got the call that she had made it through the first three rounds of auditions for the show.
“I’d come home from rehearsal from the school musical. I was tired, I was sweaty, I did not want to do anything. My parents had already known that I had made it because the producers at The Voice love to see the reactions. My
mom had said that someone had called and I needed to call them back. When they said ‘you are coming out to LA for the blind auditions’, I lost my mind, it was crazy,” Eden said.
Next stop, Los Angeles.
Armed with a mic, Eden auditioned during the series season 24 blind auditions for judges Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani.
“It was the most surreal experience to audition. I think they told us that we were 56 out of 30,000 people who had auditioned. I don’t think I was really and truly nervous until I was actually backstage for the blind audition,” Eden said.
As she sang Horan’s “This Town”, both he and Reba turned their chairs, signifying that they wanted her on their respective team. Eden then had to choose between the two as her coaches. Being that she sang a Niall Horan song, her decision was easy.
“I think that I chose Niall because we have such a similarity of style. Reba definitely could have helped me mature my voice and perform, but I feel like at my core I am truly a songwriter. I sing songs for the lyrics rather than to show off. I’m not a professional vocalist at all. I feel that in Niall’s songs, he really focuses on being a songwriter and I really connect with that,” Eden said.
Once she became an official member of Team Niall, the real work began.
“You are really watching and learning from some of the best in the industry. Being on any type of these shows is such
a genuine gift. You’re able to learn from experience which is something that is so important. For me, as someone who is not a professional musician yet, it was so valuable and is something that I will forever hold onto,” Eden says.
While she ultimately didn’t win The Voice, her experience has a very special place in her heart.
“I made so many memories and met so many friends. As far as what I’ve gained, it’s experience, it’s friends, and it’s the most rewarding thing in the world to be able to look back and watch myself make it as far as I did,” Eden said.
A songwriter at heart, Eden will contribute her talents to an original song for a Morris County based movie, set to film in October.
Still performing in local bars and restaurants across Morris County, Eden has dreams and goals to become a professional performing artist one day. To those who look up to her, she says to never stop.
“Never stop writing, never stop performing. It is not about how many people are listening to your music, it’s more important to have quality viewers and quality listeners. That’s really what sticks, are those people who will always support you and love you,” Eden said.
Still a high school student, Eden’s current goals are to get a good score on her SAT’s, networking, building a name for herself, and graduating from high school.
For more information and to see where Eden is performing next, visit www.oliviaedenmusic.com
Olivia Eden performs during Season 24, Episode 6 of The Voice. Photo: Greg Gayne/NBC
President George W. Bush’s Address to the Nation on September 11, 2001
On the evening of September 11, 2001, United States President George W. Bush addressed a nation that earlier that day witnessed the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history. That morning, hijackers took control of four airplanes, ultimately crashing two into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in a field near the town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers and crew attempted to regain control of the plane from the hijackers. All passengers and crew on board all four flights died on September 11, and thousands of others on the ground lost their lives that day as well. It was under those conditions that President Bush delivered the following speech to a shaken nation.
Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.
The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.
The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business, as well.
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.
America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.”
This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
Thank you. Good night, and God bless America.
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