East Hanover/Florham Park Life August 2023

EAST HANOVER FLORHAM PARK

Community Supports Salvatore Piccolo Jr.

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK - The community of Florham Park and its neighboring towns have donated and are continuing to donate love, time, money, and prayers for four-year-old Salvatore Piccolo Jr., who as of June was in remission after suffering with leukemia.

Police Offi cer Conor DeCoursey of the Florham Park Police Department suggested the event, which raised $4,800. Salvatore Piccolo Sr. describes his son. “He is as much as a boy could be a boy. Even with everything going on, he’s bouncing off the walls to have fun. He likes everything boys love. He loves being in the dirt, he loves digging holes, he

loves construction vehicles and cars, and all kinds of machines. And he loves being outside and absolutely loves the beach. He’ll dig a hole from here to China when he’s on the beach. We have a lot of support, and he’s a very loved child.”

DeCoursey says of the planning for the “Skate with a Cop” event, “We found out that actually three young children in our town all had some type of disease or cancer, and we tried doing an event per child. I chose to do one for Salvatore because I’ve known Salvatore’s father for a very long time, and I’ve known Salvatore’s mother, Anna Marie, for a long time.”

DeBousey, after seeing Salvatore Sr. post about his son’s illness on social media, proposed his fundraiser idea to both the Florham Park Roller Rink and the PBA. “Everyone said let’s do it,” he says.

Those attending the event wore “Team Salvatore” t-shirts and sweatshirts made by National Sportswear in Belleville, and Madison’s Main Street Submarines donated pizzas for the hungry attendees.

“I can’t believe people are still coming out of the woodwork to help,” Salvatore Sr. says. “It’s just nonstop, and it just brings you to tears. Sometimes it’s hard to talk to people without breaking down. It’s

Carolyn’s Garden

just that he’s young, so I want him to remember but I don’t, because he’s going to remember bad things. Hopefully one day we can sit down when he’s in his teens or even older, when he’s feeling down and out, and I’ll just want to show him all these pictures and tell him, ‘Look, this is what people did for you. You were someone special then, and you’re on your way to being someone special now. Don’t ever let anything get in your way.”

The Piccolo family has a Venmo account set up for Salvatore Jr.’s medical needs. To donate, visit https://venmo. com/u/Anna_MariaPiccolo

Michael Gottfried Named Teacher of the Year – Twice

FLORHAM PARK - Family and friends of Carolyn Setzer gathered Saturday morning, July 22, to unveil a sign made in the garden dedicated to her memory outside the Florham Park Community & Recreation Center.

In the 43 years she lived in town until her passing in 2006, she served on numerous boards and organizations. Carolyn was an offi cer and member of  the Garden Club for 40 years and a dedicated volunteer in the Florham Park community.  She was also an offi cer and  member of the Florham Park AARP Chapter for eight years, and a member of the Board of

Elections in Florham Park for 30 years. She volunteered at the Lyons VA Medical Center and Greystone Hospital to help with fl oral decorations, was a  Florham Park Library volunteer for 15 years, a Girl Scout leader in Florham Park for fi ve  years, and a program manager of the Florham Park Theater Group for 25 years where she ran 5 Broadway plays annually.

The Garden Club of Florham Park has planted a variety of plants and fl owers at the  garden including Thyme, Lavender, Vinca, Salvia, Russian Sage, Red Twig Dogwood. It is appropriate that the Memorial garden is just past the park-

Winners From July’s “Find Hank The Hornet Mascot” Contest

AREA - The winners from July’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” are Judith Harris; Florham Park, Barbara Piccolo; E Hanover, Debra Manno; East Hanover, and Jennifer Healey; Florham Park. The ads

that “Hank the Hornet” were in: Olymic Pools, Planks to You, 200 Club, Longevity Center and Jag Paving.

Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!

ing lot next to the Recreation Center which are both in front of the former Men’s Softball Fields used 1972-1989. There, Carolyn sat in the bleachers as she watched her loving husband Dave and son Chris play.

Visit the garden and check the Garden Club of Florham Park FACEBOOK page to learn more. https://www.facebook.com/gardenclubofflorhampark/

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK- 2023 has been a good year thus far for Roxbury High School aviation, physics and geophysical science teacher, Dr. Michael Gottfried.

Gottfried was named Teacher of the Year by both Roxbury High School, and by the local Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) Shooting Star Chapter 195 of Florham Park. In addition, Gottfried earned his pilot’s license, where he learned alongside students in the school’s aviation program.

Gottfried, who was raised in Roxbury and went through the school system, learned of his awards in early May.

Gottfried says, “I’m extremely humbled, especially considering that, at Roxbury High School, we have upwards of 170 staff members in the school who were eligible for this award. To be the person that was selected really means a lot to me, considering there are so many great teachers in Roxbury High School.”

Gottfried was also invited to the school’s Top 10 Dinner, which honors students ranked in the high school’s academic top 10, to speak on behalf of one of his students. The student invites the teacher that has had the biggest impact on them during their kindergarten through grade 12 education in Roxbury. Gottfried says, “The student speaks about the teacher and then the teacher gets a chance to speak about the student, and then we enjoy dinner and dessert together. It’s a nice program.”

Matthew Mawn, Grades 7-12 Supervisor of Science, Engineering, Technology, Design, & Visual Arts, says of Gottfried, “Not only has he started our pilot program here for our students - really taking a dream and creating it to reality - he’s led by example. He’s someone who started a program without his pilot’s license and was encouraging students to get their pilot license and is doing it alongside them. He really is being a mentor, just showing students what hard work gets you, and what staying determined and dedicated gets you. He’s more than a teacher; he’s more than delivering curriculum to students and taking a test. He’s what every school and every parent wants their child’s teacher to be.”

Gottfried, a 2009 Roxbury High School graduate who attended Penn State University for his bachelor’s degree, Centenary University for his master’s degree, and received in 2019 his Education Specialist’s degree and in 2021 his doctorate, both from Seton Hall University, was lauded as well by Jim Morgan, Vice-President of the AFA Shooting Star Chapter 195.

Morgan says, “We were very pleased to award Dr. Michael Gottfried as one of our Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) “Shooting Star” Chapter 195 “Teachers of the Year”, especially since he was already a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Aerospace Education

Four-year-old Salvatore Piccolo Jr. at the “Skate with a Cop” fundraiser (credit Salvatore Piccolo Sr.)

Unveiling of the Carolyn’s Garden at the Florham Park Recreation Center.

Flight Instructor Kevin Wadsworth (l) with new pilot, Michael Gottfried (r)

BY DANA JACKSON

Q: Whatever happened to actor Jamie Foxx? I read that he was in a coma, but came out of it. Is he OK? -- P.F.

A: Jamie Foxx was rushed to the hospital back in April after reportedly suffering some kind of medical emergency before heading to the set of his movie “Back in Action,” with Cameron Diaz. There were rumors that he was near death, in a coma, possibly having suffered a stroke. While he hasn’t given details about what caused his collapse, he recently emerged in video form on social media looking very much alive and well. He issued a statement thanking everyone who prayed for him and sent him messages. He further stated, “I cannot even begin to tell you how far it took me and how it brought me back. I went through something that I thought I would never, ever go through.”

BY DEMI TAVERAS

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (PG) -- If you’re looking for the perfect movie to watch with friends or family this weekend, look no further than the origin story of this beloved duo of brothers!

Chris Pratt and Charlie Day voice plumbers Mario and Luigi, respectively, as they accidentally warp to an alternate world. While Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom ruled by Princess Peach, Luigi ends up in the Dark Lands that are ruled by Bowser, so it’s up to Mario and Peach, with the help of a few other friends, to save Luigi before Bowser destroys the Mushroom Kingdom. This movie is a treasure for generations of people who grew up loving Nintendo’s video games. After bringing home a whopping $1.349 billion from

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Celebrity Extra

Foxx says he remained silent for so long because he didn’t want fans to see him with “tubes running out” of him, and thanked his sister and his daughter for protecting him from the media. He denied reports that he lost his vision or was paralyzed. It’s uncertain when he’ll finish shooting “Back in Action.”

***

Q:Didn’t the director of the new “Barbie” movie start out as an actress? I think I saw her in an indie movie years ago. When did she make the transition to directing? -- L.L.

A:Greta Gerwig has earned the multi-hyphenate title of actress-writer-director, but started out acting in independent films. She first gained the attention of critics when she starred opposite Ben Stiller in the indie film “Greenberg,” and later for “Frances Ha.” Both films were directed by her now longtime

the box office, “Super Mario Bros.” finds a home on Peacock on Aug. 3. (Peacock)

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (PG-13) -- Following a successful theatrical release in May that catapulted this film to the No. 2 spot (the No. 1 spot getting nabbed by the film above) on the highest-grossing films of 2023, the final installment of the “Guardians” franchise hits streaming on Aug. 2. All our favorite tried-and-true Guardians, including the prePeter-Quill version of Gamora, are back for another mission -- this time to heal Rocket after he is critically wounded in battle with a Sovereign warrior.

“Vol. 3” gives viewers glimpses into Rocket’s back story, as it bounces back and forth from flashbacks of his past to the present time; this charac-

partner in love, Noah Baumbach. The two have partnered together in writing screenplays, including the current big-budget Hollywood pic “Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie. Gerwig first added the title of director to her resume in 2008 with the film “Nights and Weekends,” in which she also starred.

In 2017, she earned an Oscar nomination for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for her film “Lady Bird,” and then received another nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for “Little Women” two years later. She recently made history with “Barbie” after it generated the highest opening weekend at the box office for a film directed by a woman. Her last acting role was in the 2022 film “White Noise,” opposite Adam Driver. ***

Q: Is “Ted Lasso” returning

for a new season or some kind of spin-off? It’s hard to believe that it’s done after just three seasons. -- K.I.

A:The series finale of the Emmy-Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” aired in May, with what many fans felt like was a perfect ending. But they’re still wanting more, even though star Jason Sudeikis told Entertainment Weekly back in 2021 that he envisioned the series as a three-season arc. However, in March, Brendan Hunt, who played Coach Beard, hinted the third season would bring closure, but that it was “not necessarily the end.” Do with that statement what you will.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail. com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Couch Theater

ter-building that gives Rocket his well-earned moment, paired with the action scenes that Marvel Studios is unrivaled at, tie a beautiful bow on the trilogy. (Disney+)

“Happiness for Beginners” (TV-14) -- Ellie Kemper (“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) stars as divorcee Helen, who feels bogged down by the weight of her breakup. To get out of this slump, she decides to book an adult camping trip on the Appalachian Trail, where she coincidentally reconnects with Jake, a friend of her brother’s. Helen and Jake, along with a team of people from all walks of life, start their 51-mile hike with the intent of finding adventure, but end up discovering so much more: new ways to approach life, keys to ensuring their own hap-

piness, a community to belong in, and even love. Luke Grimes and Nico Santos co-star in this feel-good romantic comedy based on Katherine Center’s novel, out now. (Netflix)

“My Happy Ending” (R) -Based on the play “Sof Tov” by Anat Gov, the events of this comedy-drama unfold during a single day. After getting diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, fictional famous actress Julia Roth (played by Andie MacDowell) travels to a British health clinic to receive chemotherapy as covertly as possible, with the hopes that no one -not even her manager or family -- will find out about her diagnosis. When there aren’t any private rooms for her to tuck away in, the actress is forced to undergo treatment with three other women: Mikey, Judy

and Imaan. However, over the course of the treatment, Julia reaches profound and necessary realizations about the new direction in her life, thanks to

these women and the stories they share. “My Happy Ending” is out now. (Hulu)

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Jamie Foxx. Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

NJStarz

NJ Starz: Tom Doherty Hometown: Ridgewood

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - According to Tim Doherty, President and Chief Operating Officer of Allendale, New Jersey’s Doherty Enterprises, the key word he and his colleagues live by is accountability.

Doherty says, “We have to hold ourselves to execute on accountability - not just every day, but every shift and every interaction. It’s not just cooking that one hamburger, but it’s those interactions throughout the day that we must execute on 100% of the time.”

The self-proclaimed “baseball guy” then brings America’s pastime into the discussion. Doherty says, “If I hit a baseball three out of 10 times, I’m going to the Hall of Fame. However, if I only execute on wowing our guests three out of 10 times, I’m out of business in 12 months. Holding ourselves accountable is so critical.”

Courtesy of its website, Doherty Enterprises (www. dohertyinc.com) “is a franchisee of three iconic national brands (Applebee’s, Panera Bread, and Chevy’s Fresh Mex), showcasing that innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Doherty also owns and operates two independent, proprietary concepts, the Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. Today, Doherty is a regional powerhouse with over 140 restaurants in New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and Florida.”

That indeed is a lot of accountability for Doherty and his team, but his up-front enthusiasm and love for what he does has you feeling – and if you’ve visited one of the before mentioned eateries, you’ve experienced it – that Doherty Enter-

prises is a Triple Crown winner in location, food quality, and team and service.

Doherty currently lives in New York City, but he grew up in Ridgewood. He lived there from the time he was born until he went to college at Lehigh University.

“I had a fantastic and ideal childhood,” Doherty says. “Ridgewood was a fantastic town, I had great friends, and I had a great education from the public education school system. I have wonderful parents. My father, Ed, started our organization back in 1985 when I was eight years old, and my mother, Joan, was a world-class mom who took great care of myself and my two younger sisters, Shannon and Kerry. Both of my sisters work with me in the organization from a strategic point of view on a day-to-day basis.”

Doherty started in the family business as an Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar + Grill host and assistant server, but he remembers being in the many Roy Rogers restaurants his dad was franchisee of over 30 years ago. “I remember vividly when I was eight, nine, and ten years old, and being in the restaurants with him. Heaven forbid something was going poorly. He would say to me, ‘Get your butt over there and start bussing some tables.” Doherty laughs before continuing. “So vividly I remember barely seeing over the tables and clearing things off.”

Those early days led to October of 1994, when Doherty was at Applebee’s in Paramus on opening day. Then a 17-yearold senior at Ridgewood High School, he was too young to serve alcohol, so he toiled as a

server’s assistant - essentially a busboy and a host – and he worked there throughout his senior year of high school. When the following summer arrived and he turned 18 in July, he became a server. Anytime he was home from college over the next four years for more than 24 hours, he was picking up shifts, and officially became a trainer in the service position.

Following his Lehigh graduation with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Doherty returned home once again, and this time, in his words “per family rule, I had to get a ‘real job’ because you can’t just come and work for dad.” Doherty next moved abroad to Dublin, Ireland and worked for the country’s largest bank, Allied Irish Bank.

He eventually wound up back in New Jersey and then in New York City with the bank, and stayed with them until 2003, when he made a big career decision. He had achieved success, and there was potential at AIB for him to achieve more.

There was just one problem.

‘I was at a crossroads in my career,” Doherty says. “I was struggling with that decision because I just wasn’t particularly passionate about the industry.

I really enjoyed the people I worked for, I got a great education from them, and they treated me well. But despite all of that, I was sitting behind a desk staring at numbers all day long, and I didn’t have any passion behind that.” He approached his dad for, not a future employer\employee relationship discussion, but a father and son talk. “I told him, ‘I’m just not happy, and I don’t know what to do.’ And we started talking about potential options for the future – one of

which was working for the organization.”

His heart was calling him, and although Doherty had always enjoyed working in the restaurant industry, he did not want to return to it in a managerial role. The time was apropos, however, for something else. When he came on board, Doherty Enterprises had 36 restaurants at that time, were continuing to grow the Applebee’s brand, and just beginning their Panera Bread journey. Dad and son chatted about his possible role, and the real estate development arm was raised, which Ed Doherty had been doing alongside of running the organization. He trained his son in that realm, and ultimately growing the number of the organization’s restaurants, as well as the number of team members, were both now in Tim’s court.

Doherty embraced both opportunities. He says, “What I really started to pride myself and get passionate behind, while we were growing our restaurants, was growing our team member base, and continuing to provide jobs for fantastic people who wanted to be in this industry and get ahead. We were able to grow that employee base, and I started to really find passion behind our people. When I transitioned over to the operations side of the business, I initially became the COO, and I worked under our president for about a decade, who was really a great mentor of mine, Edward Choe.”

Doherty, now 46, officially became President and COO in 2018.

“Our culture is what differentiates us from our competition,” Doherty says of the popular Applebee’s concept.

“Anyone can make a burger, anyone can make a sandwich, anyone can make a salad. What really differentiates us is the guest experience, the hospitality experience. We only do that through our culture and how we impact, not only our guests, but also our people. Applebee’s has been around for over 40 years at this point, and we are as vibrant and doing as well - not only Doherty, which we are - but as a system on a national basis, as we ever have. That really comes with, in my mind, being part of the neighborhood, and delivering what we call a ‘Wow Every Guest Every Time’ experience, which is part of our mission statement. And that’s how you can impact people and guests and remain vibrant and successful 40 years into a concept.”

Doherty has a great support team at home. His wife, Valerie, he says, inspires him every day. “She is an incredible spouse, an incredible support to me, and she has always been in the service industry, so she understands the business. I love her with all my heart.” The Dohertys are parents of a fouryear-old daughter, Emma, and

a 15-month-old son, Alexander. And for Tim Doherty, his family is most important. “That is my immediate family, my parents, and my sisters and their families,” he says. “We are a very close-knit family, which is very special, and which I couldn’t be more proud of.”

Then there’s the extended family, the eatery clans, the backbone of what Doherty Enterprises does.

Doherty says, “What gets me going every single day, and why I come to work, is because I want our business to be a strong and viable business for as long as we own restaurants. There are about 6,000 people that I employ, and if they believe in our vision, if they believe in our mission, and if they execute on that day in and day out, then I want them to have a home with me, and I want to make sure that their experience at Doherty Enterprises truly wows them, too.”

He then adds, “I’m very proud to be an Applebee’s franchisee. I’m very proud of our business and I’m very proud of our team. I’m also proud to be a Panera Bread franchisee, and all the other brands we operate.”

“Once Upon A One More Time” Review

AREA - Once Upon A One

More Time” at the Marquis Theatre is much like “Bad Cinderella” and “&Juliet”; they are all juke box musicals. Out of the three, “Once Upon” will probably fair better as a show than the other two (Bad Cinderella closed already).

While “& Juliet” had some really good songs to it, “Once upon” has songs written by Britney Spears, a huge star that has sold over 70 million albums worldwide. It also has two really big stars in it: Adam Godley and Jennifer Simard.

The shows premise is the princesses from children’s

books... Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Princess Pea, Esmeralda and Belle. Little Red Riding Hood, Gretel and Goldilocks too make an appearance in this potpourri of a plot. The Narrator (Adam Godley) tries to steer the story of Cinderella but he gets push back from the princesses because OFG, a very good (Brooke Dillman) tells the girls that they have a right to think for themselves, it goes against the “Scroll Club” that all in fairy land attend. While the plot is questionable at best, songs like “Baby One More Time”, “Work

Bitch”, “Circus”, “Oops!... I Did It Again”, “Cinderella”, “Crazy”, “Toxic” (the evenings best) and “Til the World Ends” will make you forget this cheesy of a story. The direction and choreography by both Keone and Mari Madrid were well done in that they keep the action moving throughout the two hours and fifteen minute show. Anna Fleischle’s scenic design too is outstanding throughout the evening. From make believe to the realism, Fleischle has us marveling at her incredible staging. What is not so great is Jon Hartmere’s

book and Loren Elstein’s costumes. Hartmere gets lost in the “woke” and he goes deeper and deeper as the show goes on, it leaves the audience just focusing on the singing and dancing by the night’s end. Elstein goes from garish to the absurd in the costuming. She uses to many bright colors that not only don’t match, but are painful to look at. In Kenneth Posner’s lighting you get a suburb compliment to the

evening. A multitude of colors make the stage pop; it works nicely with the sets.

Why I think that this musical will thrive is that in spite of the bad story, it has great songs and very good acting going for it. Godley and Simmard are right now some of the best actors on Broadway, Godley (The Lehman Trilogy), Simmard, (a two-time Tony Winner). Also strong in the show are: Justin Guarini (Prince

Charming),a very good singer as well as actor, Brooke Dillman, funny and charismatic Briga Heelan ( as Cinderella marking her Broadway debut); Aisha Jackson (Snow White) and Ryann Redmond (Belinda).

“Once Upon A One More Time” wavers from really good too really awful, I’m betting that the good points of this show will carry it on Broadway for a while to come.

Tim Doherty (courtesy of Doherty Enterprises)

AREA - College has become the traditional next step for many of today’s students despite its high price tag. According to information from Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college in the United States is now $35,551 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. However, many schools cost much more annually.

Colleges in Canada are not free to attend, but they are considerably less expensive than American schools, particularly because some are subsidized by provincial governments.

International students will pay more for Canadian colleges and universities than domestic students.

Families facing the prospect of college on the horizon would undoubtedly like to do all they can to make college

How to Pay for College

more affordable. There are many different ways to pay for college tuition. The following are some of the paths students and their families can take.

Savings and investment accounts

Some guardians feel that it is their responsibility to pay for college, while others say that it is up to the students to handle some, if not all, of the costs. Most people cannot afford to pay college tuition bills each semester as they would a utility bill or mortgage. That makes it essential for families to begin saving for college very early on.

People can put funds in bank accounts or tax-advantaged investment opportunities, and Education Savings Accounts, such as Coverdell accounts and 529 Plans. It’s important to note that investment accounts have a higher

percentage of risk than low-interest savings accounts, particularly because they are tied to investments. However, such accounts boast the potential for greater growth. Families must weigh the pros and cons accordingly. Financial aid

One of the first steps prospective college students in the United States who need help paying for college should do is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form will help the government, as well as individual schools, determine financial need and aid eligibility. The FAFSA will ask for personal and family income information as well as tax records to determine eligibility. It also will establish an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which will be renamed a Student Aid Index (SAI) for a given school year. It is a

AREA - The Cottage” by Sandy Rustin is a warm, fun play. Set in the countryside village of Moreton-in- March, England (the year 1923), the six actors are embroiled in one caststrophy after another. It seems that each sibling can’t keep their hands off of each others wife. Beau (Eric McCormack) not only has his brothers wife Sylvia (Laura Bell Bundy), but even another mistress, Dierdre (Dana Steingold). Beau’s brother, Clarke (Alex Moffat) loves Beau’s wife, Marjorie who is pregnant with Clarke’s baby!

As a period piece, the costume design by Sydney Maresca is outstanding and the lighting by Jiyoun Chang captures the very heart of the play. Under the glam lighting it brings great attention to the excellent scenic design by Paul Tate dePoo lll. Between the three, the cottage is really a lovable

formula that the Department of Education uses to crunch family financial data and determine eligibility for financial aid, says Lending Tree. Those with lower EFCs/SAIs generally receive more financial aid. There are ways to lower EFCs if families start well before the college application process.

Grants and scholarships

Some schools offer grant money or scholarships to students based on academic performance, alumni ties or other factors, which does not have to be paid back. Students also can pursue private scholarships and grants through outside organizations, such as parents’ employers.

Loans

After all financial aid, personal savings, investments, and scholarships/grants have been exhausted, student or parental loans may be needed to round

place, and the lunatics inside of it make it a must see!

For the most part Jerome Butler as dialect coach does a particularly good job as most of the actors capture the accents, the cadence of this British play. The only two problems that I saw with this play was the casting of Lili Cooper as Marjorie. I thought Cooper›s accent, her movements and her “business” was not sufficient in her role. Whereas the other five actors were spot on in their roles, I thought Cooper was an anchor around the rest of the cast.

Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) too, as the director tried too hard for to many laughs. The play on its face is very funny,

out the cost of attendance. If possible, students should opt to, at the least, make interest payments on student loans while in school. In the U.S., lenders require students to take out a Federal Direct Loan prior to applying for private loans. It’s

essential to shop interest rates and payback rules for each loan to secure the best deal. College tuition is expensive, but students and their families have various options to plan for and potentially mitigate those costs.

however, Alexander tries to be overly ridiculous when he doesn’t need to be. Sandy Rustin in her Broadway debut has a winner, the laughs are aplenty! The plot is very creative

and keeps the audience fixated on the next shoe to drop. For two hours, evenly spread out over two acts, we are fully entertained with this creative play.

Tips for Choosing High School Electives

AREA - The curricula at many secondary schools is designed to provide students with the education they need to go on to higher learning and/or enter the workforce. While certain subjects are on the educational menu in every school, students also have opportunities to pick unique subjects that cater to their interests and potential career goals. Classes that the school requires are often listed as core classes. Those that students are free to choose are called electives.

Electives exist outside of the required curriculum. Many education experts say that electives provide a great chance for students to experiment and determine if any niche subjects or topics appeal to them.

According to psychologist Regine Muradian, who works with students on learning and study skills, electives also can increase a student’s desire to learn by offering a respite from the pressures of required courses.

Schools vary regarding how many elective classes high schoolers may take each year. Electives typically are a more prominent component of upperclassmen’s schedules because they may have already completed most of the core curriculum requirements. Here are some tips for selecting electives.

• Go with what you know. Pick courses that tie into already established interests. If you love to write and get to the bottom of a story, then a journalism class may be ideal.

• Step outside your comfort zone. Another way to pick electives is to try new things and explore classes in that way. Maybe you never thought about computer programming before, but think it could be interesting to dabble?

• Choose with future major in mind. If you have an idea of which subject to study in college, you can select electives that align with that major. Someone who plans to major in finance may select an elective

in marketing or business management, for example.

• Think about what colleges want. Colleges accept applicants based on academic performance, but they’re also looking for students who check an assortment of boxes. Think about which electives may help you look more attractive to admissions departments. Classes in STEM, public speaking, debate, and international affairs might help you stand out.

• Diversify your skills. Richard Detweiler, researcher and president emeritus of the Great Lakes Colleges, says a top preparatory factor to earning a six-figure salary is not one’s college major, but having taken a large share of classes outside of one’s major. Diverse courses throughout high school and college can put students on a successful path.

Choosing electives need not be complicated. Students can opt for different strategies to select classes that will complement core learning.

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We would like to introduce you to the NJ Hall of Fame where it states on their website The accomplishments of Garden State citizens

NJ HALL OF FAME

span the pages of nearly every volume of American history. Their stories offer boundless hope and inspiration for millions of New Jerseyans.

People just like you. Check them out at https:// njhalloffame.org/ and donate at https://njhalloffame.org/donate/.

Educated at Rutgers-Newark and Seton Hall Law School, Koeppe was President and COO of Bell Atlantic and PSE&G. He served as President of the Newark Alliance and formerly chaired the State Economic Development Administration and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority. He was the recipient of the 2013 Steven J. Diner Ethical Leadership Award.

Connie Chung Middletown, NJ

This longtime Middletown, NJ, resident is a renowned journalist who has hosted 20/20 and the CBS Evening News. In 1993, she became the first woman to co-anchor CBS Evening News, as well as the first Asian and the second woman to anchor one of America’s major network newscasts. She has been an anchor and reporter on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, and MSNBC.

This native of Newark, NJ, is known for his portrayals of Henry Hill in the crime-drama Goodfellas and Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams. He won an Emmy Award and was nominated for Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards. He won his Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role on the medical drama ER.

Peace Pilgrim, born Mildred Lisette Norman in Egg Harbor City, NJ, gave up her name and all her possessions to embark on a pilgrimage for peace on Jan. 1, 1953. For 28 years, she walked across the United States with only the clothes on her back, spreading her message: “This is the way of peace – Overcome evil with good, and falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.” Her Steps to Inner Peace booklet has been translated into 29 languages and continues to be distributed to tens of thousands of people worldwide. She is also the first woman to walk the Appalachian Trial in one season.

Known as the “Bayonne Brawler” and the “Bayonne Bleeder,” the heavyweight boxer was a heavy underdog when he went fifteen rounds with world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in a 1975 title fight. Wepner claimed that he was the inspiration for the movie Rocky.

Born in Stratford, NJ, Ripa has co-hosted syndicated talk show for 15 years: Live! With Kelly, previously Live! With Kelly and Michael and Live! with Regis and Kelly. She spent 12 years playing Hayley Vaughan Santos on the soap opera All my Children, for which she won three Daytime Emmy Awards.

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Independence Day Celebrated and Florham Park Rotary Scholarship Winners Expanded

FLORHAM PARK – The Florham Park Rotary has historically awarded one Scholarship annually to students with a history of volunteerism in Florham Park. However, the past several years two or three scholarships were awarded as there were so many deserving students.

This year that number rose to four scholarships as the Florham Park Rotary with several Florham Park students demonstrating an excellent history of volunteerism while being Seniors in local high schools, according to this year›s Scholarship Committee members Betty O’Brien, Peter Nicolas, Damion Bernard and Debbie O›Keefe. Hanover Park High School and Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange were the high schools represented this year. In past years, high schools represented including Oratory Prep and the Morris County Vocational School.

Morgan Shepard, Sophia Maugeri, and Ryan Rauschenberger could be seen waving to everyone from the 2005 silver Ford Mustang convertible during this year’s Independence Day Parade on Tuesday, July 4 in Florham Park. The 2023 Rotary Scholarships were earned through their fi ne  efforts of volunteerism.

Benjamin Cave was the winning recipient of the Rotary Scholarship Award for his commitment to both the Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad, where he volunteered many Saturdays. He is a good example of not just dedication, but geography as he also volunteered outside of Florham Park.  He committed signifi cant time to the Madison Volunteer First Aid Squad, where he volunteered nights, among his other activities.

Morgan Shepard earned her service award due to her United Way varsity letter, where she volunteered at the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter and participated in United Way’s “Gifs of the Season” holiday event. She volunteered multiple summers at Florham Park Day Camp. When COVID-19 hit, she created videos of reading children’s books and com-

pleting drawing tutorials so children could learn at home. She also tutored 2nd grade students online in match and reading via Zoom.

Sophia Maugeri earned her scholarship for her work in the Hanover Park High School Environmental Club, the ERASE (Eliminate Racism and Sexism Everywhere) Club, Art Society, Girl Up, and long history of volunteerism back to the Girl Scouts. A passion for dancing she danced at various community events with her Dance studio, Dance with Danielle, in fundraisers in such organizations as Shriners and a nursing homes.

Ryan Rauschenberger attended Seton Hall Prep. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit he saw how many service projects had to be cancelled as a Sophomore he stepped in to the Environmental Club and ensured that the distance cleanups continued and grew and that virtual events were added. Leading this effort included forging an alliance with the South Mountain Conservancy to get volunteers and initiate neighborhood cleanups. He also volunteered at the food pantry and was a big brother for children on the autism spectrum.

Florham Park Rotary has provided this background of what this year’s scholarship recipients did so current students in high school may consider submitting applications next spring.

The application process for a service academy nomination begins in February and the deadline to submit an application varies but is typically by the end of March. The Florham Park Rotary can only offer a limited number of scholarships and the process as seen above is competitive.

Students must be residents of Florham Park, seniors in any local high school, and have a record of volunteering in the surrounding community. The students could also speak with their school’s counselors to participate and discuss logistics.

For next year’s 2024 scholarships, the Florham Park Rotary will have raised money

Teacher of the Year...

FROM FRONT PAGE

Membership (AEM) teacher and has used some of the free STEM (Science, Technology, Electronics, Math) kits within his classes.”

Dominick Miller, Roxbury High School Principal, adds, “There was no one more deserving of these honors than Dr. Gottfried. He has set a positive example for his students and colleagues. Dr. Gottfried is not afraid to tackle any challenge. He single-handedly developed and promoted our Aviation program at Roxbury High

through the following three fundraisers in 2023:

• The Taste of Florham Park, held on May 8, through admission tickets, 50/50 raffl e  tickets and tricky tray ticket purchases;

• Independence Day Parade 50/50 raffl e tickets on July 4,  sold at the Borough Hall lawn, near the social garden and gazebo; and

• The Florham Park Rotary Dog Parade and Costume Contest to be held on Oct. 14 at the Borough Hall lawn by the gazebo. Funds will be raised through dog costume contest registration and 50/50 raffl e  tickets.

All readers are welcome to attend the upcoming Dog Parade and Costume Contest, purchase 50/50 raffl e tickets  and enjoy the event whether they have dogs or not. Dog owners are encouraged to begin planning their dog’s costume as soon as possible since the event is just a few months away.

About Rotary Rotary International is a nonpolitical and nonsectarian organization open to all people, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference.

There are 40,000+ clubs in 200 countries worldwide dedicated to bringing together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. This global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends and leaders volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs, according to the club.

To learn more about the local Florham Park Rotary and consider joining, guests are welcome to attend a weekly Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner at 182 Ridgedale Ave. Those meetings are also held via Zoom to provide the option for members who can’t physically commit to attending weekly in the diner. Meetings are 7:47 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. every Friday.

More ways to learn more about the Florham Park Ro-

tary are to visit the new website at www.FlorhamParkRotary.org, check Florham Park

Community TV (Channels 21 for Cablevision and 35 for Verizon), or call or write Mem-

bership Chair George Gregor at ggregor@fl orhamparkrotary.org or 917-848-0982.

School. Dr. Gottfried provided students with unique learning opportunities and encouraged all his students to think outside the box. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Gottfried is a person that you can count on. He is always willing to assist a student, colleague, parent, or administrator with a task. Dr. Gottfried is a student-centered educator that cares deeply about the entire community of Roxbury. We are fortunate to have Dr. Gottfried at Roxbury High School, and I am incredibly grateful for all that he does

for our school and community. Dr. Gottfried is a very special person.” Gottfried, whose next goal is to get his Ground Instructor certifi cate for aviation, gives  credit to the Roxbury school district. He says, “The biggest thing is just the support that the district continues to give me. Everyone keeps saying I put in a lot of time and hard work, but the district makes this possible. I have really supportive administrators from the superintendent all the way down to my supervisor.”

Rotary Banner at Independence Day Parade carried by Florham Park Rotary President, Damion Bernard, Rotarian Peter Nicolas, and the most recent Past President Simone Campbell.

Glory Days: Hanover Park High School 2018 Girls’ Softball

HANOVER PARK - They had unfinished business to attend to.

Their rivals, the Parsippany High School Red Hawks, defeated them twice during the 2018 regular season, but the Hanover Park High School Hornets girls’ softball team won the bigger contests between the two.

It had been 39 years since Hanover Park softball had been crowned a Morris County Tournament champion, but head coach Jamie Galioto’s club captured their fi rst MCT  title since 1979, fi rst trouncing Parsippany in the semifi nal  round, and then defeating the Mount Olive Marauders in the fi nal, 9 – 7. Three weeks later,  they avenged a second regular season loss to Parsippany by winning the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 title, 12 – 5. It was the team’s fi rst  sectional championship since 2013, and with just two seniors and 11 underclassmen, the Hornets also won the NJAC Liberty Division with a 10 – 2 record and fi nished with an overall 25  wins and 7 losses.

“Our MVP that season was Amy Petrovich,” Galioto says of his second baseman, who batted .585. “She had a great season, and she was our catalyst. Not to be outshined, we also had Nicole Miller, who outhit Amy for average. We were very tough offensively.”

Dara DiMaiolo also had a stellar season, as well as Nicole’s older sister, Jessica. “We called it ‘Murderers Row,” Galioto says of Petrovich, the two Millers, and DiMaiolo.

“You had to pitch to one of them, and each and every one of them could hit the ball out of the park. And then you had my daughter, Aryana Galioto, at the top of the lineup, and Victoria LoPinto, who were the speedsters. All they had to do was get on base.”

Early in the season, however, the Hornets were not executing nor playing up to their ability. After losing a squeaker on the road to Group I school Ridgefi eld, 1 – 0, their record  sat at 9 wins and 5 losses, and the coaching staff called a team meeting.

Galioto says, “Assistant coach Anthony Vitale stood up and said, ‘Girls, you’re the team that I was recruited to come here for. Coach told me this is the team that’s going to win everything, and you’re just not playing up to your potential.”

Petrovich recalls the meeting, too. “It was a make-orbreak meeting. ‘We need to fi x  this now or we’re not going to fi x it.’ It was really before we  got into the brunt of the season, so they noticed some things early on, and said, ‘We’re going to nip this in the bud so that we can succeed moving for-

ward.”

The meeting paid dividends. Adds Galioto, who in 2018 was in his third season at the helm, “That’s when we made our run to the state championships, and we won the county and the state sectional titles.”

Petrovich refl ects on the  county title, and lauds Galioto’s leadership. “It felt like a long time coming. We were so talented, and we had a group of young girls coming up, and they all really stepped up, which was so amazing to see especially under Coach G’s leadership. He was a great addition to Hanover Park.”

Nicole Miller, a shortstop, recalls the discussion heading into the county fi nals. “I would  say the Mount Olive game was more exhilarating, purely because before going into the game, everybody kept telling us, ‘Your team hasn’t won (the MCT) since 1979. That was a while ago, right? It’s going to be amazing if you do it for the fi rst time in years.”

Aryana Galioto, if she could, would go back in time to the MCT Final. “It was a great time with lots of very intense pressure. At the end it almost slipped out of our hands, but it was one of the games that I would want to relive in general, just because of how intense it was.”

Coach Galioto says Jessica Miller’s pitching was instru-

mental in winning both titles in 2018. “She got better and smarter every year, and each and every game.” Miller was, along with Petrovich, one of the two senior co-captions. Her prowess at the plate was equaled by her 17 – 4 record on the mound. She says, “It was just so much fun. I do miss the team environment of it, and those girls and I have a bond forever. It was just surreal to be able to do that, especially in the 39 years to not able to win the county, and then fi nally  doing it. Words can’t describe how happy we all were.”

Temple Beth Am Welcomes Cantor Bruce Ruben as our New Spiritual leader

AREA - Cantor Ruben comes to us with an extensive and impressive background. He was honored for his distinguished leadership of the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music where he served as director

from 2006 - 2015. He also has a Ph.D. in Jewish History and has taught classes in Antisemitism and History of Holocaust among other subjects at Hunter College since the 1990s. Cantor Ruben is married and

has a son and granddaughter. We are looking forward to his energy and enthusiasm as he guides Temple Beth Am into the future.

The 2018 Hanover Park Hornets softball team after winning the 2018 North II Group II sectional title

BY HENRY M. HOLDEN STAFF WRITER

AREA - Camille doesn’t like dogs. She is madly in love with them. So in love she created Furever Home Dog Rescue (FHDR) in 2009.

“Before this, I was a personal trainer for many years. But I love dogs, and I always thought that I needed a physical location to try and get dogs adopted. Then I met a lady who fostered dogs.”

Camille started fostering with just one dog. Then she began thinking maybe she could get other people who loved dogs to help.

FHDR does not have a local shelter for the dogs. They are fl own to New Jersey from  North Carolina and Texas. Then our foster families provide a temporary home for these pups until they are adopted.

“So, I started recruiting fosters. I’m very hands-on. I do pretty much everything myself. I do have volunteers that are also fosters. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun.

Camille averages about 100 dogs a year. Over the past 15 years she is responsible for the permanent adoption of roughly 1,500 dogs.

“I usually have eight to 10 dogs at a time. I have people on my email list that when the dogs arrive here, they will do everything needed to make the

Furever Safe

Foster Homes Needed

dogs comfortable. If the dogs are in crates, they will have to be washed and bleached and sometimes they must be shipped back to the shelter.”

Camille has had her ups and downs in this business. “Right now, it’s slow with adoptions. The Christmas season is a very busy time, and adoptions are usually high. In May and June adoptions are slower because kids are graduating from school. Other activities are also going on.

“Adoptions are on the slow side, and I think it has to do with Covid. Some adopted dogs during the Covid just to keep the kids company. At the end of it, many dogs were returned. The world opened again, and people did not have time for the dogs. It was sad.”

During Covid, Camille had dogs up for adoption. “I’m a small rescue organization, but I was getting 50 to 100 inquiries every day. I could not keep up with the demand.”

Some of the dogs came back with behavioral issues because they weren’t trained properly in the beginning. “I was worried about this happening. People were inundating the rescue organizations returning dogs.”

The pups are temperament tested by the shelters and fully vetted by licensed veterinarians

prior to being considered for Furever Home Dog Rescue.

“All our pups are placed in foster homes prior to adoption where our fosters provide further evaluation and house training.

“Fosters usually hold a pup from a week to a month or two, on average. We are always looking for more foster families willing to open their homes to foster a pup until they are adopted to their furever homes.

“Fostering is a rewarding experience, and you will help save a dog’s life. There are puppies, young dogs and older dogs of different breeds that need foster homes. Our foster families choose the type of pup they want to foster.”

Camille will send an interested party an application. If they meet the initial requirements she will call and speak with them.

“If all goes well, I will call them, for references. When I get it down to one approved applicant, we set up a meet and greet. This is not an adoption session.

“Our adopters meet with the foster family to gain valuable insight into the pup’s behavior toward training, food, interaction with children, other dogs, cats, and other important intangibles.

“They meet the dog and have any questions answered. Then we determine at that point if it’s a good fi t or not. The good  thing about putting a dog in a foster home is I get a chance to see the dog and watch how he acts in a home setting. In a shelter they would act differently. Do they get along with kids?

“If I have a dog in a foster home and it doesn’t get along with the other dog, that’s already there, I know that we can’t put this dog in an environ-

ment that already has a dog.”

FHDR’s adoption process is very thorough and home visits or photos of the home are requested, and many other details are verifi ed before a meet and  greet can be set up. At the meet and greet a determination is made as to whether the dog will be awarded to the family.

“The process depends on how fast I can fi nd a home for  a dog that will be a good fi t. I  asked the fosters to commit to two months of fostering because my facilities might

be strained. I would say that 95-percent of dogs get adopted.

“Furever Home Dog Rescue is dedicated to saving adoptable dogs from being euthanized at overpopulated, high-kill animal shelters. Our goal is to adopt our dogs to homes that meet the personality, lifestyle, or special needs of our dogs. This year alone, approximately seven million pets will die in shelters in the US. If this is something that appeals to you email Camille at: www. fureverhomedogrescue.com.

1972 High School Class Ring Washes Up on Point Pleasant Beach

BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER

AREA - At some point in everyone’s lives just about, a person can lay claim to having found something on the ground of worth. It could be $20 bill, an earring or a winning lottery ticket (yes, it’s happened).

But fi nding class rings that  wash up on shore – now that is something. It’s akin to fi nding  the proverbial “diamond in the

rough”

In early June this summer, that’s what occurred to Anthony DiMaria Sadorski, a 21-year-old from Point Pleasant Borough who was outside leisurely taking pictures of a sunset near Beaver Dam Creek. Looking up with the camera, he decided to look down to catch a sparkling something getting his

attention.

Dimaria-Sadorski was obviously surprised, examined the ring and thought this ring had an owner. Maybe the person was living, had a home nearby and could claim the ring.

He created a Facebook post soon thereafter and not long after the ring caught a buzz from members of the Wachtung Hills

regional High School Alumni group.

Turns out it belongs to 1972 Wachtung graduate, Jim Keelen.

Keelen went to the shore after graduation 51 years ago for some fun and promptly lost his ring in the ocean. “I thought it was lost,” he told media sources in June upon the discovery

and re-connection to the ring.

Keelen surmised that some strong currents probably brough the ring back to the beach after bouncing and fl oating from points in the ocean for decades.

The ring stood up well but was noticeably scuffed in spots. He had it re-sized and made to look better.

continued on page 13

Keelen was just thrilled at this development, awe-stricken even, that something he thought was lost forever, and never thought about anymore, was back in his life thanks to the efforts of a young stranger.

Keelen is wearing the ring again, maybe not at the beach so much, but it will be on his fi nger in the days to come.

Photo credit FHDR

I Remember Dad: The Homecoming

BY RICHARD MABEY, JR. STAFF WRITER

AREA - Not long after the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airfi eld, my  father was sent to Hickam to help clean up the aftermath of that most dreadful example of man’s inhumanity to man. Dad spent most of his four-year hitch with the Seventh Army Air Corps, stationed at Hickam.

During that time, my beloved father drove a fuel truck, fueled airplanes and later learned to change the spark plugs in the famous P-51 Mustang Fighter Planes. At Hickam, Dad was to have the high honor to be interviewed by the legendary Jerry Siegel, the co-creator of Superman. The article appeared in the pages of the Hickam Highlights newspaper. Dad was to develop a friendly acquaintance with the famous comic book author.

Shortly after World War II was over, Dad came home from the war. Home was the very house that my paternal grandfather, Watson Mabey, had built at the end of Mabey Lane when Grandpa was a young man, working as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East. The home was surrounded by woods, to the north, the east and the west. To the south, lied a large open fi eld, my  grandfather had bestowed the name “Earl’s Meadow” to it. For this was the acre of land that Grandpa’s brother planned on building a home upon, when he returned from France during World War I. Sadly, Great Uncle Earl was killed in action.

My grandmother often told me that as soon as Dad came home from the war, he called upon the cute from Boonton, Janet Ethel Kemmerer, who

lived across Boonton Avenue from Dad’s older brother Earl (who was named after Great Uncle Earl) and Uncle Earl’s wife, Eleanor. My maternal grandfather, Edmund C. Kemmerer, was a very devoutly religious man. And Janet, my beloved late mother, was the youngest of his nine children.

So my dear old Dad had to face the interrogation of my grandfather and Mom’s three protective, older brothers. Dad would often kid around saying that he almost didn’t pass the test, they put him through.

Grandpa Kemmerer was a Fireman with Uncle Earl.

Grandpa held a high respect for Uncle Earl, so that was one feather that Dad had in his hat, during his initial meeting with Grandpa.

My mom worked in the Bakery Department at the A&P in Boonton. Sadly, that quaint and charming store has long been demolished. Mom would often bring home the cookies that were no longer fresh enough to be worthy of being sold. And, from those batches of cookies, she would do her patriotic duty and mail about a dozen cookies to this lonely Airman, to whom the United States Army Air Corps had sent over to a far away place called Hawaii.

Mom would include a little letter to this lonely Airman, being my dad, with each shipment of her famous baked cookies. Dad would write back a little thank you letter to Mom and end each letter with the words, “please do send more cookies!”

How this pen pal friendship came about, is that Aunt Eleanor, in one of her visits

to the Kemmerer Homestead, asked Mom if she wouldn’t mind sending some of Mom’s famous home-baked cookies to her lonely brother-in-law, Richard. I often wonder where I would be, had it not been for Aunt Eleanor’s suggestion that Mom send cookies to Dad.

When he came home from the war, Dad worked three jobs! He drove a truck for Moon Carrier, which was located in Paterson. He worked nights as a dispatcher. And then on Saturdays, Dad worked as an usher at the stately Majestic Theater in Paterson. Sundays, after church Dad would drive his 1935 Hudson Coupe, from Lincoln Park to Boonton to visit Mom and have supper at the Kemmerer Homestead. Dad often joked about his early dates with Mom. He would arrive at the Kemmerer home, sit in the living room with Grandpa Kemmerer and watch the Yankee game on TV, while Mom cooked supper with Grandma. Grandpa would offer Dad to take a couple of pretzels from the pretzel bag. Dad said that he would always take just two pretzels, because that was what a couple was. Dad often joked that he was always afraid to take the third pretzel.

Dad often recounted how Grandpa would put him through the mill about how things were going at his jobs. Dad said that he often told Grandpa Kemmerer about his big plans to be a cartoon artist. Dad would even bring some of his cartoon drawings for Grandpa to see.

After supper, Mom and Dad would sit on the rock wall, that stood along the sidewalk of the old Kemmerer Homestead,

Team Turano Continues its Fight Against Rare Cancer

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - Livingston’s Christine

Notare describes her brother-inlaw, Angelo Turano.

“Angelo is a great guy,”

Notare says. “Everybody who knows him loves him. He is fun to be with and he enjoys spending time with his friends and family and is always available to help someone in need. He is always cooking and inviting family over on a whim. He will say, ‘Come over, we’re making pizza,’ and he will throw 20 homemade pizzas on the grill. Angelo is a hard worker and owns his own electrical contracting business that he has had for 20 years now.”

Turano since 2008 has also suffered with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cancer. Since he was fi rst diagnosed,  Turano has had fi ve surgeries to  remove tumors, and in 2018 his cancer returned. He is currently on his 3rd clinical trial and 7th cancer treatment plan and has endured several medical procedures.

Team Turano, New Jersey’s chapter of the GIST Cancer Research Fund, is a fundraising team that has its sights on battling and winning the battle against the rare cancer. They will host their Annual GIST Cancer Research Fundraiser on Friday, September 22 at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover. The $75 ticket includes a raffl e  ticket package with dinner, soft drink, and dessert.

Notare says, “One of the reasons that we do work so hard for fundraising is because GIST is so rare. Less than 6,000 people a year get diagnosed with this cancer, and there is no government funding for research. Every penny we raise goes towards research.”

As of 2023, Team Turano has raised over $175,000 to fund research to fi ght the disease. Angelo’s wife Karen is on

the GIST Cancer Research Fund (GCRF) board. The GCRF was founded in 2003 by Tania and Robert Stutman.

Team Turano initially took part in the yearly GCRF Walk for a Cure held at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, New York in 2016, but two weeks prior decided to do some fundraising on their own to present at the event. While Notare and her sister were sitting in the latter’s North Caldwell backyard, a discussion began about hosting an end-of-summer barbeque.

100 people attended during what Notare calls “an amazing day,” and $12,000 was raised for the fi ght against GIST. The  following year, the event was moved indoors to the auditorium of Holy Family School in

with Grandma and Grandpa. My maternal grandfather kept a watchful eye on my dad! Sadly, Mom’s old homestead has been replaced by a large, modern home. However, the rock wall that my grandfather built, when he was a young man, still stands!

My Grandma Mabey told me this story one time. Dad was an avid saver. Grandma told me that Dad saved every penny he could. Grandma told me that Dad would put cardboard in his shoes, rather than buy new shoes. Grandma would argue with him to spend some money on new shoes, but Dad would tell Grandma that he was saving money for a down payment on the house he was going to buy, after he married Janet Kemmerer.

So, Grandma Mabey once told me that she was so shocked when Dad told her that he was going to take her and Grandpa and Janet Kemmerer to an expensive restaurant in the big city of Paterson! You see that was part of the deal that Dad had to agree with, with Grandpa Kemmerer. He could take Mom out to a swanky restaurant, if his mother and father were going to accompany them! It was another time, another culture, that was world’s apart from our modern day lifestyle!

Dad was such a patient man.

Mom, Dad and Grandma Mabey, in a photograph that my grandfather, Watson Mabey, took just before they all departed to have supper at a swanky restaurant in Paterson!

Sadly, my father never did see his dream of becoming a famous cartoonist. I think that his friendship with Jerry Siegel, at Hickam Air Field, had a profound effect upon Dad. Some time in the late 1940’s, my father and his brother, Edward, formed the Mabey Trucking Company. They owned a successful trucking company for many years. I don’t know what happened. But it was around 1966, when I was in seventh grade, that Dad and Uncle Ed disbanded their trucking company. Dad then began working at Main Trucking Rigging in Elmwood Park.

Now at 69, I look back and try to fi ll in the gaps. I would  love just to have half-an-hour to talk to my father, just one more time. Just to ask him all so many questions, to put in the missing pieces of the puzzle. Perhaps, when I leave this physical body and see Dad in Heaven, I’ll get the chance to ask him. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

Nutley, and this time a combination dinner and Tricky Tray event raised $20,000. Notare at that time said to her sister, “We’re onto something here.” From then on, the annual event has been held at Hanover Manor. In preparation, Team Turano meets regularly from May through September, and on the day of the Walk for a Cure, the Stutmans present funds raised right to fi ve top  GIST research Doctors as well as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center doctors and the nurses.

Donations for Team Turano can be made by mail and online. For more information visit www.teamturano.org. For additional information about GCRF, the website is www.gistinfo.org

Team Turano (courtesy of Team Turano)

Museum Spotlight: Washington Township Historical Society

BY JACK GARRETT STAFF WRITER

AREA - Located at 6 Fairview Ave., Washington Township Historical Society is the inspiration of several residents who appreciated the largely unknown history of the Washington Township, Morris County over 60 years ago. Its goal is to share those historical origins and memories and bring them together for those excited with curiosity over where they live and to non-reisdent visitors eager to learn something new. It is the oldest historical group in Morris County.

The Historical Society dates from 1960 and opened its

fi rst museum in 1981. An old  school house from 1830 appropriately was, and still is, home to that museum. The Historical Society lovingly maintains and staffs the building which has been, since its foundation was laid, a private residence and public library.

The area, called a census-designated community, is located within Washington Township, Morris County. Originally known as German Valley, it was settled by a German reformed congregation which emigrated from the mother country in 1705. It is home to the Washington Town-

ship New Jersey Historical Society. The change of name from German Valley to Long Valley came about during World War I.

The stated mission of the Washington Township Historical Society is to achieve the following duties: “Compiling, publishing and spreading historical information; collecting and studying historical records, papers and artifacts; providing a public museum for residents to explore and learn, promoting the preservation of buildings, cemeteries and sites of historic interest.” While the community of Long Valley in-

evitably grew, there remains the original German town, preserved today by the Historical Society. Known as the German Valley Historical District, there remain a few of the original structures including block houses where the locals could take shelter in case of confl ict  with Indian tribes.

The Washington Township New Jersey Historical Society’s membership stands at around 95 interested neighbors. Its membership is active and is a historical society offering several community functions every year. Currently on the calendar is a Power Point pre-

sentation at the library about the Middle Valley Historic District, scheduled for October 7.

On October 28, in keeping with the best traditions of Halloween, a guided Cemetery Tour is planned.

Since the cemetery dates back to the community’s founding there will, undoubtedly, be interesting anecdotes about the personalities who’s names grace the head stones.

The museum contains an interesting assortment of memorabilia including photos, local artifacts, farm tools, clothes and books, some of it dating back to the community’s

founding. Items are added as they become available and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of this community.

For residents and visitors alike, there is always to something to see and learn at Washington Township Historical Society.

The Historical Society is open from 2-4pm on Sundays. Its phone number is 908-8769696.

For more information about the facility, logon to www.wth. snj.org or email info@wthsnj. org.

Universal Orlando Resort Invites Families To Step Into The Colorful World of Dreamworks Animation In An Immersive And Interactive New Land

AREA - Next year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animation’s beloved animated characters. As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them. They will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda to life in the most imaginatively fun ways.

The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is part of a collection of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024 and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments. Stay tuned - more details will be revealed in the future.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

About Universal Destinations & Experiences

Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popu-

“Play

lar entertainment experiences. Our portfolio is comprised of world-class theme parks featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment experiences. We use our rich collection of stories and franchises – from Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and more – to take people to places they couldn’t imagine while

creating memorable and emotionally fulfi lling moments for  people of all ages. The company continues to raise the bar on immersive storytelling to wow even the youngest theme park goers. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to build a fi rst-of-its-kind, original theme  park for families with young children in Frisco, Texas. For more information, visit www. corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and pre-

vent child victimization. NCMEC works with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children, and

providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation. Visit https://www.missingkids.org/ to find out more or donate.