East Hanover/Florham Park Life May 2023

EAST HANOVER FLORHAM PARK

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

BY PETER ZABLOCKI GUEST WRITER

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

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

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

These independent gatherings across local United States

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

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

By the time of the Civil War, the bloodiest and most costly war in United States history, more specific record-keeping denotes that nearly 6,300 New Jersey soldiers died between 1861 and 1865. Thirty-five of those men earned the nation’s highest military decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Their stories, while all unique, follow a similar pat-

tern of bravery to that of Corporal Charles F. Hopkins, who stayed behind during a fierce battle near Gaines’ Mill, Virginia, to carry a wounded soldier to safety while being twice wounded in the act.

The roughly 2,000 New Jersey cemeteries are full of soldiers who, like Hopkins, buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Boonton, New Jersey, fought and many times died to remind future generations that freedom is not free. In fact, the ever-growing number of veteran burials in the state prompted Governor Thomas H. Kean to dedicate the Garden State’s first state-operated veterans’ cemetery in 1986, named after U.S. Army Brigadier General William C. Doyle and located in Wrightstown. New Jersey is full of individual stories of courage, many recorded for posterity in various levels of detail since the Civil War. As we drive by local burial places blanketed with small American flags and flowers this spring, may we consider the sacrifices and bravery of the men and women underneath the red and white flowers held together with blue ribbons. The Garden State was the home to many heroes. Private Frank J. Bart, buried at Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen, when in France during World War I, picked up a heavy machine gun and ran ahead of his line, squeezing the trigger. His heroic charge allowed his

New Principal, Robert Foster, Takes Reigns at Brooklake Elementary School

10-year classroom English-Language Arts teacher and district administrator ascends to higher post

BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK - A new school principal usually starts the job at the beginning of the school year - in late summer before August or September hits, when the grounds are flush with students and teachers. Even mid-year transitions as such happen.

But at Brooklake Elementary School, principal Robert Foster is settling in to a big chair -- as the cherry blossoms bloom, field trips abound and kids start getting spring fever. Foster hopes to make quite an impact guiding Florham Park Elementary School to academic excellence for years to come.

He succeeds former principal Kerri Waibel and served as

a District Administrator, Dean of Students and English-Language Arts teacher before taking up his new role. Foster is an educational leader at his core. For him the change is bittersweet, but welcome. “I leave a role where I was helping 60 to 70 students,” in the classroom, “but here I can help 360 students,” as well as assist teachers and fellow administrators, he says.

Foster started officially on April 17. He liked this.

Why? So he can listen for a few months in the beginning, since listening is an unspoken pre-requisite for anyone in Education.

“I can use the time to get to know people in the building.

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

AREA - The winners from April’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” are Jodie Kruis; East Hanover, Elizabeth Arias; Florham Park, Vance Melillo, East Hanover, Deepthi Govindaraj; Florham Park.

The ads that “Hank the Hornet” were in: Kidz World, Magnolia, Kam Man, Jag Paving, Everest and Viking Pest. Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!

Robert Foster

I was a Union V.P. for teachers before,” so he’s had some practice listening on top of his 10 years in various school roles.

“I’d like to hear what they are saying as well as what parents have to say and support what works and try to address some frustrations some may be having.”

Becoming Principal seems like the natural progression for Foster, 33, who has always sought to do more outside the classroom to know students and faculty better. He coached Cross Country and was co-founder of the Ridgedale Middle School National Junior

PLEASE SEE NEW PRINCIPAL, PAGE 2

compatriots to escape an enemy ambush and save their own lives.

Some World War II stories of New Jersey soldiers have made it to the big screen, as was the case with John “Manila” Basilone, depicted in the critically acclaimed The Pacific. Yet, there are countless others that, although requiring a bit more research, are just as extraordinary. Captain Carlton R. Routh, buried in Berlin Cemetery in Berlin, New

Jersey, first stormed an enemy machine gun nest, then lurched at a Japanese grenade thrown amidst his wounded men and placed his body between them and the explosion. An event he would miraculously survive.

Stories such as these apply to the Korean War, Vietnam, and the more recent wars in the Middle East, reminding us that behind each little American flag wavering in the wind near a grave this Memorial Day is a deed once noble yet sometimes

forgotten. Let this year’s holiday, and the ones that follow, be a reminder of a sentiment once shared by American President Abraham Lincoln; “Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”

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

Florham Park Prayer Shawl Ministry Supplies Warmth and Blessings

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK - Kathy

Memoli knows both the benefit of being a prayer shawl creator and giver, as well as receiver. She has been blessed. “I have stage four kidney cancer,” she explains. “I was only 48 years old at the time, so it has been almost 30 years, and I have been blessed beyond belief. And I have had multiple surgeries. Originally it was stage one cancer, but over the years it metastasized, and I had more surgeries. I have been under the care of Memorial Sloan Kettering for all these years, and I have done very, very well. If I do meet someone who is going through any kind of a trial, I like to share my story, because I have found that is a big support, especially to cancer patients.” Memoli and a host of other ladies are members of the almost 10-year-old Florham

Your Chance to Win a $25 Gift Card with the “Find Hank The Hornet Mascot” Contest

Park Prayer Shawl Ministry. Founded by the late Barbara Tinari, it is an offshoot of the original Prayer Shawl Ministry, which dates to 1998 and was started by Janet Severi Bristow and Victoria Galo. Both were graduates of the 1997 Women’s Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut.

“It became a way to reach out to others and pass along a blessing,” Memoli says. She is one of two current leaders of the Florham Park group; Pat Schwartz is the other. “She (Tinari) wanted to do something to help others who have been undergoing, not only health issues, but it could be someone has lost a spouse or a member of their family, or it could be a child who’s undergoing some kind of treatment.”

It could also be a caregiver for those suffering with an illness, they themselves needing blessing and peace.

Initially all members were parishioners of Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, but the topic of expansion beyond those church doors came up. Memoli adds, “We decided that rather than have it come just out

of Holy Family, we would expand it and try to get the word out as best we could to include anyone who wanted to join.”

The group, which currently consists of 12 active members, as well as ladies who knit or crochet at home and drop their shawls off, meets year-round every Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in the Florham Park Senior Center. Some members already know how to knit and crochet, and there are also those who want to learn and help. All are welcome. When the group gifts a prayer shawl, the package includes a letter, and sometimes Memoli will write a note, or if one of the members knows a recipient, they then will pen the note.

“We enjoy being together,” Memoli happily states. “There is always a need for a prayer shawl, and the Florham Park Senior Center has welcomed us with open arms. It is a lovely place to be.”

For more information about the Florham Park Prayer Shawl Ministry, contact either Kathy Memoli at (973) 377-7611, or Pat Schwartz at (973) 3770156.

Peter’s son near the Vietnam War Memorial

Florham Park Prayer Shawl Ministry members (photo courtesy of Kathy Memoli)

BY DANA JACKSON

Q:I saw that Betty Gilpin has a new show. Whatever happened to the one on Netflix where she played a wrestler?

Did it get canceled? -- H.E.

A: “GLOW,” starring Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin as two friends who become professional women wrestlers in order to pay the bills, was one of those shows canceled too soon. It lasted for three seasons on Netflix and was renewed for a fourth, which was ultimately canceled before filming, reportedly due to COVID restrictions.

The premise is based on the syndicated show “Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling,” aka “GLOW,” which aired on cable TV in the 1980s. It was a combination of athletic wrestling and over-the-top comedic characters. Netflix’s “GLOW” received high praise from critics and the professional wrestling community.

Gilpin’s newest project is

BY DEMI TAVERAS

“Peter Pan & Wendy” (PG)

-- The live-action adaptation of Walt Disney’s 1953 “Peter Pan” hits Disney’s streaming platform on April 28! Alexander Molony portrays “the boy who wouldn’t grow up” in his very first film debut, while Ever Anderson (“Black Widow”) nabbed the role of Wendy. Those who love Peter Pan’s story know that an adventure to Neverland would never be complete without characters like the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and, of course, Captain Hook -- who is played by an almost unrecognizable Jude Law. Whether the film will be received well by audiences remains to be seen, as many fans are sounding off about the live-action remakes Disney continues to shovel out to no avail. Maybe it’s time to mix it up? (Disney+)

“Love & Death” (TV-MA)

ENTERTAINMENT

headlining her own series -“Mrs. Davis,” on the Peacock streaming app. It’s a sci-fi drama with an unusual plot about a nun who takes on a powerful form of artificial intelligence, in what Peacock is billing as “an exploration of faith versus technology.” The series’ first four episodes became available on April 20, followed by new episodes every Thursday.

***

Q:What was the name of the 1970s sitcom about a waitress who dated a doctor? I remember it starred the actor from the movie “Airplane!” It’s one of my earliest TV memories as a kid, but I’ve never seen it in reruns. -- N.M.

A: You’re thinking of “Angie,” which ran for two seasons on ABC from 1979 to 1980. It was produced by Garry Marshall (“Happy Days”) and starred Donna Pescow and Robert Hays as a coffee shop wait-

-- Candy Montgomery is a Texan housewife who has always craved more out of life than the ordinary woman. So, she decides to take a risk and start having an affair with another married townie named Allan. They vow not to let their spouses find out, going to great lengths to cover up their rendezvousing. That is, until one day, when news rings out over town about the gruesome death of Allan’s wife, Betty. Now, as the investigation surrounding Betty’s murder begins, Candy must deal with the repercussions of her affair and the accusations that she was the one who committed this monstruous act. Elizabeth Olsen (“WandaVison”) and Jesse Plemons (“The Power of the Dog”) star in this miniseries based on a true story. The first episode premieres April 27.

Celebrity Extra

ress and pediatrician who fall in love. Future “Everybody Loves Raymond” star Doris Roberts played Angie’s mother.

Before getting her own show, Pescow was best known for playing Annette in “Saturday Night Fever” and later for her daytime soap roles on “All My Children” and “General Hospital.” Her most recent credit is an episode of Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales.”

Actor Robert Hays is now 75 years old and has had a long career in Hollywood. His first movie role was the hilarious classic “Airplane!” in 1980, but prior to that, he guest-starred on multiple primetime shows before landing “Angie.” His last role in a major production was playing Capt. Bob Wilson in the TV movie “Sharknado 2: The Second One,” in 2014.

***

Q: Is Trisha Yearwood going to record a new album anytime

soon? I love her cooking show, but miss her as a singer. -- W.W.

A:Country singer Trisha Yearwood’s last studio album was “Every Girl” in 2019. It included collaborations with her husband -- singer Garth Brooks -- and Kelly Clarkson. Yearwood decided to pursue her other passion, cooking, a decade ago with her own series,”Trisha’s Southern Kitchen,” on the Food Network, which won a Daytime Emmy Award a year later.

Yearwood’s next solo project remains up in the air, but she will be one of the featured singers on her husband’s upcoming album “Duets” later this year.

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

(HBO Max)

“Citadel” (TV-16+) -- Spy series have been on a roll lately, with shows like “The Night Agent” and “Liaison” getting cranked out by streaming services. “Citadel,” executive produced by the Russo Brothers, is one of the latest of these suspenseful series that could prove to be quite successful for Prime Video. Starring Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) and Priyanka Chopra Jonas (“Quantico”), the show follows Mason Kane, a spy suffering from amnesia after a huge explosion. From the explosion, he solely remembers Nadia (Chopra Jonas), who he finds has also lost her memory. So, the two partner up together to remember their past, the spies they once were and the secret espionage organization they were in, called Citadel. Pre-

mieres April 28. (Prime Video)

“Clock” (TV-MA) -- Ella has never wanted children, and her husband stands beside her on that. But she starts feeling an increasingly high pressure from the world around her to have kids. Thus, Ella decides to enroll in a clinical trial at a

biotech firm to see if she can get her biological clock to start ticking. At the trial, she gets administered a hormone paired with behavioral therapy, as well as the option for an implant. As a result of these experimental procedures, Ella’s perception of life gets darkly twisted, fill-

ing her with a dreadful sense of paranoia and borderline madness. This sci-fi/horror flick premiering April 28 stars Dianna Agron (“Glee”) and Melora Hardin (“The Office”). (Hulu) (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Betty Gilpin (“GLOW” and “Mrs. Davis”). Photo Credit: Courtesy of Peacock

Ever Anderson stars as Wendy in the live-action “Peter Pan & Wendy.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Disney+

Four Paws Inn Hosts Fundraiser for Jersey Pits Rescue

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

Sulse has teamed up with Jersey Pits Rescue, Inc. to present “Peace, Love & Pitties,” a spring fundraiser on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m., to help raise money for Jersey Pits Rescue, Inc. There will be food trucks, live music, raffles, and adoptable dogs. The location is currently slated to be at 1 Fredrick Pl., Chester, but call Four Paws Inn or Jersey Pits Rescue prior to confirm location.

“They’re a 501 c,” said Sulse. “Everything is run by volunteers. No one gets paid. They don’t get money from the state. The money goes to the vet for dogs that have been severely abused, mistreated, abandoned…They [Jersey Pits Rescue] help educate the community. They neuter and spay dogs before they get adopted.”

Sulse shared the story of Sunday, a Pitbull who was shot in the head and left to die by a train station. “Jersey Pits

Rescue found her and is in her hands,” Sulse said. “She’s a trooper. She’s still surviving. She had a surgery and is still in critical condition.” Another dog named Bunny was found chained and malnourished; and Noah who is blind and “sweet as pie” according to Sulse. She explained, “They’ve gone through so much, and are extremely good with people. There are a good amount of people that are cruel to animals. It’s our voice to defend them and help them.”

Sulse’s love for animals began when she was very young.

“I find them all so innocent,” she said. “When I see an animal in the street, I don’t even think about it, I just go and help.” She started Four Paws Inn in 2015 after leaving her nursing career. “I started as a dog walker,” she said. Going from nursing to dog walking was a huge change, financially, for Sulse, but it was just in her heart, so she had to go for it. Nevertheless, her business grew. “I don’t even advertise,” she said. “It’s word of mouth. People trusting my knowledge. I got my license for

training and education for pet psychology. I am also in the process of getting certified in nutrition for dogs. I have over twenty-years’ experience with animals.”

Four Paws Inn is a fourin-one local pet service that provides doggy day camp, dog walking, customizable boarding options, a very popular pet taxi service, and more. The staff is made up of four, including Sulse’s son who helps out part-time.

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

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

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

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

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

AREA - April was Autism

Awareness Month and the first anniversary of the autism pilot program by Paws of War.

A year ago this month, they paired a child with a service dog, and they are pleased to say that it›s been a successful program so far. When 11-yearold Cale’s dad was deployed with the U.S. Marines, it created a lot of anxiety and stress in

his son, who has autism. Paws of War stepped in and provided the child with a service dog named Lexi, and it’s made a world of difference.

“This is the first time we have placed a dog with someone who has autism, so we are excited that we can help in this situation. This is a dedicated military family to whom we are thrilled to give

back,” explains Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “Unfortunately, not every child with autism will benefit from a service animal, but in Cale’s case, it’s ideal. It’ll help him navigate anxiety and sleep issues, and Lexi will play many roles in his life as a service animal and therapy animal. It’ll give Cale the ability to give back. We know the dog

East Hanover Community Partnership will Sponsor East Hanover’s Restaurant Week

EAST HANOVER - The East Hanover Community Partnership will sponsor East Hanover’s Restaurant Week that will take place from Friday, June 2 through Thursday, June 8, 2023.

East Hanover Restaurant Week serves as an opportunity for Restaurants, Pizzerias, Delicatessens, Bakeries, Ice Cream Shops, and all Eateries

to show case their culinary talents and share them with the community. It also serves as an opportunity for the community to support local businesses and experience a taste of the town!

Participating Eateries will offer a variety of special promotions throughout the week like prix fixe menus, discounts, etc.

You can find a list of partic-

ipating eateries by visiting our website at EastHanoverPartnership.org.

Don’t forget to post your pictures and tag us on Facebook and Instagram!

Thank you for supporting East Hanover Restaurant Week and the local business community!

Bon Appétit!

is perfect for Cale, and he will work with Lexi regularly with a trainer to accomplish everything he wants.”

Cale lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his parents, Brandi and Chris Nolting. Chris serves in the U.S. Marines and often works demanding hours. During this, Cale becomes deeply unsettled, struggling with insomnia, anxiety, and being overwhelmed. Nothing worked to help him, so he had to resort to medication. During a doctor’s visit, Cale met a therapy dog, and his parents noticed how he gravitated to the dog and was comfortable in his presence.

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

Misseri delivered Lexi, a rescued 3-year-old English cream, to the family to ensure she would be the perfect match when Cale and Lexi instantly connected. She has been by his side since. Cale is doing well, and he and Lexi have formed a strong bond. His level of distress has greatly reduced, and

the hope is that he will be able to gradually reduce his medication as he becomes even more confident and can regulate his routine.

Cale also feels much more confident now that he has Lexi by his side during stressful situations like school assemblies or fire drills. In fact, she even helps him get through difficult conversations with other kids who don’t understand his disability. The bond between these two has grown stronger every day since they met last spring. Cale has also been able to learn responsibility through his training with Lexi. He knows that he must care for her as she cares for him, and this has helped him develop an understanding of the structure and outcomes of his actions.

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

The presence of a service dog in the home brings peace of mind to military members who have to leave for deployment - knowing the dog is a

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

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

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

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

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

About Paws of War

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

with Saint Clare’s

Let’s Talk Important Differences in Choosing Where to Deliver Your Baby

BY MARK BONAMO WRITER

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

Andrea Lotosky, Administrative Director of Nursing at Saint Clare’s Health, brings her own experiences as a mother of three and as a nurse to help prepare woman and their partners for childbirth. She explained one fundamental difference hospitals have regarding childbirth - a baby-centered approach versus the family-centered approach.

“The baby-centered approach focuses on breastfeeding. This includes rooming mom and baby together the entire time postpartum and not using supplements, such as formula or pacifiers. With the family-centered approach at Saint Clare’s Health, we let moms choose how they want their experience to be,” said Lotosky. “We have fully functioning nurseries, so moms can take a rest if they need to. We encourage breastfeeding and have lactation consultants available. We also have supplements and pacifiers, if needed. Again, it’s totally the mom’s choice.”

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

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

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

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

Whatever approach a new mother may choose when they have their baby at Saint Clare’s Health, they will have a private suite. Lotosky noted that besides the obvious added privacy, having a suite to themselves provides other advantages to new mothers.

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

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

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

“Our nurses pride themselves on always being available for the moms. We cater to their needs,” adds Lotosky. In addition, mothers don’t just see their nurse once in the morning and then once at night. Nurses are there throughout the entire stay to assist when needed and requested to check on moms

and babies. “It’s a delicate balance that we provide the care throughout the stay, and are certain to provide the rest and private time the new family needs.”

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

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

“We have a fully staffed Newborn Intermediate Care Unit (NICU) that is conveniently located in the postpartum section. As a NICU mom, I loved the fact that if at two in the morning I needed to be with my baby, I could walk right out of my room into the NICU and

see my baby, then go back and rest,” Lotosky said. “We have a great multidisciplinary team here in our Level 2 NICU, including a very good respiratory team that does an amazing job with our babies.” Saint Clare’s Health also has neonatologist practitioners onsite 24/7.

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

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

same amenities and technology of all of the larger medical institutions in the area.”

“New moms have to think about how they want their birthing experience to be. They should do their research, then choose the birthing approach they would best thrive in,” Lotosky said. “As a mom, the best advice I can give someone who is about to go through childbirth is that it’s going to be OK.

It may seem impossible when you’re going through it, but it’s the most beautiful and amazing thing you’ll ever experience. Have grace and patience with yourself. You’re a new mom. You’ve got this.”

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

Andrea Lotosky, Administrative Director of Nursing at Saint Clare’s Health

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

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

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net

Bite-Sized Breakfast

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

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net

Pastry Brunch Cups

RESTAURANT GUIDE

A Brunch Spread Fit for Spring

Servings: 18

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

2 sheets puff pastry

18 eggs

2 cups diced ham

chopped fresh green onions

Heat oven 375 F.

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

Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins.

Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham.

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

Power Brunch with

DINER East Hanover

a Protein-Packed Burrito

A well-rounded brunch calls for a multitude of dishes and beverages, but it wouldn’t be complete without a protein-packed recipe to get the day started.

This delicious Breakfast

Burrito is loaded with colorful veggies and Silver Fern Farms

100% grass-fed strip steak. Hailing from New Zealand, home to some of the world’s most natural tasting beef and lamb, this premium cut of beef is aged 21 days and minimally processed with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. The animals are grass-fed year-round and allowed to roam and graze freely, so the beef offers a lean, flavorful texture that tastes just as nature intended. Visit silverfernfarms.com to find more at-home brunch inspiration.

Breakfast Burrito

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

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, sliced lengthwise

4 large mushrooms, sliced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tomato, finely chopped

8 eggs

1/2 cup milk

4 large tortillas

1 cup spinach

1 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crum-

bled

1/4 cup cilantro

1 avocado

lime wedges (optional)

hot sauce (optional)

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

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

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

Reduce heat to medium and add splash of oil. Add onion; cook 1 minute. Add red bell pepper and mushrooms; cook 1 minute.

Add cumin, paprika and chili powder; stir through.

When veggies are tender (about 2 minutes), add tomato and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt and pepper, to taste.

Heat pan to medium heat and add splash of oil.

Pour egg mixture into pan and cook, lifting and folding eggs until thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. Do not stir constantly. Lay tortillas on flat surface or plate.

In center of tortilla, add cooked veggies and top with thinly sliced beef. Add handful of spinach, scrambled eggs, crumbled feta, cilantro and avocado. Fold bottom of tortilla

and roll.

Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce, if desired.

Dine on Deliciously Sweet

Doughnuts

Brunch is never complete without something sweet to cap off the morning feast, and doughnuts are often the perfect complement to an array of main courses.

These Lemon Ricotta

Doughnuts pair the bite-sized morsels with lemon curd (if that suits your style) for a sweet-tart combination. They’re made using Domino Golden Sugar, which is made from pure cane sugar and is less processed than white granulated sugar, as one you can always trust in your favorite recipes. It works cup-for-cup just like white sugar but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor.

Visit dominosugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating throughout the year.

Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 7 minutes

Doughnuts:

Vegetable oil, for frying

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 cups Domino Golden Sugar, divided

2 tablespoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons lemon zest

5 large eggs

1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Curd (optional):

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar

2 large eggs

2 egg yolks

4 lemons, zest and juice only

1/8 teaspoon salt

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

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

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

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

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

Learn the Meanings Behind Popular Mother’s Day Flowers

Mother’s Day is a time to express love and appreciation for mothers, sentiments that are often expressed with gifts. Flowers are a popular present to bestow on Mother’s Day, as they can brighten a room and bring a sweet aroma to any household. While any flowers may ultimately suffice on Mother’s Day, gift givers may want to select flowers for Mom that convey specific messages. The language of flowers has been recognized for centuries.

Though perhaps not as heralded as it once was, flower symbolism persists to this day. Here’s a look at some of the meanings behind certain types of flowers to help guide Mother’s Day gifting.

Among the tall grasses and wildflowers that sprout each spring and summer lies a stealth predator just waiting for its chance at an easy meal. Ticks may be small in stature, but their impact on bite victims is potentially significant. Preventing Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses comes

• Amaryllis: These plants start as bulbs and are naturally spring-blooming flowers. The name comes from the Greek word “amarysso,” which means “to sparkle,” and they symbolize pride.

• Aster: These daisy-like flowers are delicate-looking perennials. Asters make great gifts because they symbolize love and daintiness.

• Begonia: There are more than 2,000 types of begonias, and the flower symbolizes deep thoughts. Begonias were made famous by French horticulturist Michel Bégon, who thought the blooms looked like beautiful girls.

• Bleeding heart: These flowers are red and pink blossoms that look like the perfect

heart shape with a teardrop at the bottom. They’re beautiful and symbolic of love and affection.

• Buttercup: These are associated with youthfulness and cheerfulness and can call to mind childhood days spent picking buttercups and holding them under chins to reveal that you like butter. The flower is known for its beauty and innocent charm.

• Camellia (white): White camellias stand for purity and innocence, but they also symbolize admiration and respect. Camellias make beautiful additions to any bouquet.

• Daisy: Daisies are happy-looking flowers, and according to Norse mythology they represent motherhood and

children.

• Delphinium: Delphiniums come in pink, white and blue varieties and embody youth and renewal. They’re a good pick if you want to convey a continued or renewed affection for a person.

• Tulip: Tulips with an orange hue are thought to represent understanding and appreciation. They can express appreciation for Mom or another special person. Yellow tulips symbolize happiness, while pink tulips are symbolic of love. Red blooms should be reserved for sweethearts.

Various flowers symbolize feelings people want to express to their mothers, grandmothers and other special women on Mother’s Day.

Bite Back Against Lyme Disease

down to following some key steps.

• Learn how common Lyme disease is. Lyme disease affects an estimated 476,000 people each year in the United States alone, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases. Lyme disease is most

common in New England, the mid-Atlantic states and the upper Midwest. Between 2009 and 2022, the Government of Canada reported 17,080 human cases of Lyme disease across Canada. However, instances of Lyme disease are likely underreported due to undiagnosed cases.

Simple Tips to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

Throughout the warmer months, many backyards play host to a variety of birds, including hummingbirds. When you see flowers and trees begin to bud and bloom and other migrating birds, like warblers, that’s nature’s way of letting you know it’s time to ready your yard for hummingbirds.

It’s enchanting watching hummingbirds – named for the humming sound of their fast-flapping wings – as their tiny size and speed make them natural wonders. Hummingbirds can fly 25-30 miles per hour, flapping their wings an estimated 70 times per second. They fly in every direction, even backwards, which only hummers can do, and float majestically in midair.

The birds get their brilliant color from the iridescence in the arrangement of their feathers, not color pigment. Plus, they have the fastest metabolism of any animal on Earth, burning 1-2 times their body weight in food daily. Hummingbirds draw nectar from its source into their mouths, lapping it up almost 12 times per second.

To increase your chances of observing these petite powerhouses at home, consider these tips from the experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products:

Be conscious of beneficial insects. Hummingbirds rely on insects, which provide essential protein, to complement the nectar they crave. To attract insects, try placing rotting fruit near feeders and leave it until insects arrive for hummers’ easy eats.

Leave spiderwebs alone:

Hummingbirds use spiderwebs as construction material to hold their nests together and pluck insects caught in the webbing.

Offer a water mister: Hummingbirds adore bathing; a mister gives them the fine spray they prefer. Once soaked, they’re off to find a preening perch.

Provide tiny perches. Leave small, sturdy, bare branches for hummingbirds, to perch on for rest, preening and hunting. Perches provide vantage points to see danger and launching pads to swiftly pounce on insects. Once hummingbirds find a favorite perch, they’ll use it repeatedly.

Hang hummingbird feeders first. Feeders are one of the most effective ways to consistently entice and encourage hummingbirds to come visit. However, not all feeders are created equal.

For example, Cole’s Hummer High Rise Feeder is scientifically designed with elevated perches to make hummingbirds feel safe and comfortable, which encourages their consistent return.

Although hummingbird feeders can attract bees and ants, this feeder is uniquely designed to keep pests at bay. It doesn’t drip, so large bees can’t get to the nectar, plus it has a built-in ant moat to keep ants away from nectar when filled with plain water. Since birds drink from the moat, never use any repellents or additives.

Hummingbirds are territorial and not likely to share feeders, so hang multiple feeders far enough apart to attract more birds. To ensure a steady stream of birds, hang feeders in

the shade to avoid fermentation of sugar-based liquids, check feeders bi-weekly to keep food fresh and clean feeders as needed with one part white vinegar to four parts water.

Plant flowers. Trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm and sage plants are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and provide rich nectar. Hummingbirds consume 1 1/2 times their body weight daily, eating every 1015 minutes and visiting 1,0002,000 flowers per day.

Choose the right nectar. Not all nectar is alike, and hummingbirds can taste the difference. Almost all commercial nectars contain one sugar source – sucrose – because it’s cheaper to make. However, real flower nectar contains three sugar sources – sucrose, fructose and glucose – in varying amounts depending on the flower.

Researched and designed to attract the greatest variety of hummingbirds, Cole’s Nature’s Garden is a high energy, nutrient-rich nectar that combines all three types of organically sourced sugars North American hummingbirds love, with a spring water base. It closely mimics the sugar ratios they favor and provides a healthier, nutritious, all-natural alternative to table sugar.

Don’t forget, hummingbirds have memories like elephants; once they discover your hummer-friendly habitat, they’ll come back every year if there’s a reliable food source. Learn more at coleswildbird.com

(Family Features)

• Know which ticks carry Lyme disease. The blacklegged deer tick and the Western black-legged tick carry the Lyme disease spirochete. The black-legged tick is native to the northeastern, mid-Atlantic and north-central U.S., while the western black-legged tick is found on the Pacific coast.

• Wear light-colored clothing outdoors. When traveling in areas where ticks reside, it is important to wear light-colored clothing. Long pants and tall socks, long-sleeved shirts, and hats also should be worn. It is easier to spot ticks on light-colored clothing, and covering up prevents ticks from gaining easy access to skin.

• Know where to expect ticks. John’s Hopkins Medicine says black-legged ticks live in moist and humid environ-

ments, particularly in and near wooded or grassy areas. Walking through leaves and bushes or through tall grasses can disturb ticks and enable them to jump onto people or pets. To avoid ticks, walk in the center of trails and avoid tall vegetation.

• Be mindful of pets. Even if you do not venture outdoors into tick-laden environments, your dog may. He or she can carry ticks into the house where they may end up on you or other family members. Prescription tick repellent products are available from veterinarians, and there are topical solutions and collars that can keep ticks away.

• Remove ticks quickly and correctly. The CDC says if a tick is removed in less than 24 hours from when it first at-

tached, the chances of getting Lyme disease is very small. Remove a tick with fine-tipped tweezers as soon as it is noticed, being cautious to remove all mouth parts. Try not to squeeze the tick, as it can regurgitate saliva and other fluids when squeezed.

• Repel ticks when possible. Create less favorable conditions for ticks. Use a product containing DEET or permethrin on clothing to repel ticks. Some people use chemical-control agents on their properties to reduce the number of ticks in the yard. Discourage deer from the property, as they can carry many ticks, by erecting fences and removing vegetation that deer eat.

Various strategies can help people reduce their risk for Lyme disease.

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New Bobblehead Doll Created for #16 Seed Fairleigh-Dickinson University Cinderella Basketball Team

BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK - Ask the most mad sports fans around who collect memorabilia for their favorite players, teams and leagues just how many bobblehead dolls exist in their collection and you’ll probably find more they own more than a few. Now there’s a bobblehead for fans of the Fairleigh Dickinson University Knights. It was created for the men’s basketball team after their unpredicted first round 63-58 upset of #1 seed Purdue University on Mar. 17 in the NCAA Division I basketball tournament. The Knights’ victory went down as the biggest upset in NCAA men’s tournament history and just the second time a #16-seed took out a #1 seed. The soonto-be-finished Knights bobblehead created by Phil Sklar Co-Founder of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum in Milwaukee, Wis., takes a spot next to the University of Maryland – Baltimore

Bobblehead for FDU Basketball is a first in school’s history

County (UMBC) bobblehead created in 2018, after that #16-seeded team defeated the #1 seeded University of Virginia in the Men’s NCAA Tournament. Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City had a similar one made in 2022 after their firstround historic upset as a #15 seed over #2 seed, Kentucky.

Surely it’s a collector’s item which many FDU sports fans will want to have. Sklar’s seen his creations take off before.

“We are excited to unveil the Fairliegh Dickinson bobblehead following FDU’s incredible upset victory that captivated fans everywhere,” said Sklar. “This is something unique, something memorable.”

“This victory will be talked about for a long time and now fans, students, alumni, faculty and staff will have a bobblehead to commemorate this historic accomplishment.”

Sklar started collecting bobbleheads in the 1990’s and

partnered with another collector in 2003 from his hometown of Rockford, Ill., before opening the National Bobblehead Collector’s Museum in Milwaukee in 2015.

The owners estimate they’ve got about 3000 bobbleheads at the Hall. To make the Knights’ one, they approached FDU for a license which they got before getting to work on the colorful figurine.

“It’s made of resin and a high-quality ceramic,” says Sklar, as are all of the bobbleheads he creates. “Each of them are numbered, cost $30.00 plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8.00 and are currently available for pre-ordering at http://www.store. bobbleheadhall.com/products/ fairlieghdickinson.com. Eventually, they’ll be for sale at the FDU bookstores; the bobbleheads themselves will be ready by July 2023.

“These bobbleheads make great gifts for hardcore fans to

regular fans. These are great gifts for faculty, staff, students and college basketball fans in general,” he added, which is 8 in. tall with detail right down to a school-colored headband around the ceramic player.

The Bobblehead Hall of Fame creates bobbleheads of pro and collegiate sports teams and players as well as pop culture stars. Eight years ago, they polled folks as to whether or not Pete Rose, flagged from entering the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame for betting on baseball as coach of the Cincinnati Reds, should have a bobblehead created. An overwhelming majority of 94% favored the Rose bobblehead and so the green light appeared for its creation.

Sklar thinks the FDU bobblehead will take off similarly to the way the UMBC and Saint Peter’s ones did. Its creation in and of itself is a first for Fairliegh Dickinson, which should have its basketball play-

ers, coaches and fans excited as the school joins a heralded small growing lot of schools in this unique category of sports collectible.

Florham Park Senior Citizen’s Club

May 10, 2023, at11:00 a.m.

Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA)

Our guest speaker will be Christine Vidal, Assistant District Recycling Coordinator.

Founded in 1958, the MCMUA has been serving Morris County, NJ for over half a cen-tury. Through the dedication of board members and employees, past and present, the MCMUA has been meeting the water and solid waste needs for Morris County.

The MCMUA plans and implements the recycling programs of Morris County. Much of the recycling that occurs in Morris County is performed by individuals with the help of their municipality, recycling collectors and recycling markets. Additionally, the MCMUA is here to provide services and help when needed. Christine will provide an overview on the Morris County Recycling Program and provide handouts with information on recycling guidelines.

New Principal...

FROM FRONT PAGE

Honors Society Program.

Concerning his administrative philosophy, he says, “mine is grounded in the belief that every student can achieve academic excellence through high-quality teaching, learning and community involvement.

As a leader, I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive working environment that fosters growth, development and achievement,” while hoping to provide opportunities by utilizing data-driven approaches and pushing forth a “commitment to excellence” feeling at Brookdale.

Foster has been recognized as a highly-effective English-Language teacher while receiving the Governor’s Educator Award, served a grade

level Team Leader and is a graduate of the Florham Park District’s Leadership Training Academy.

He prides himself on having established meaningful and lasting partnerships with students, parents, fellow educators and other stakeholders. These partnerships continue to empower students and create an inclusive learning environment, he sees, where parents feel welcomed and part of the classroom community.

Originally from North Arlington, NJ, Foster attended Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, NJ, he attended Caldwell University, graduating in 2012 with a B.A. in English Education. He started teaching English at Ridgedale

May 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Vanessa Young, Founder Of The Thirsty Radish Inspiring a creative approach to life in and out of the kitchen Vanessa will provide a power point presentation on family, food and traditions. Vanessa is the founder/owner of the Thirsty Radish with a motto food + love + creativity. Vanessa is a writer, recipe developer, poet, and educator focused on the intersection of food and culture who teaches classes for adults and children. Vanes-

Middle School in Florham Park in 2013. He’s worn many hats, serving as an administrator in charge and Dean of Students at the Middle School.

The ride continues for Foster as he assumed his biggest career role yet. The well-seasoned academic turned administrator seems ready and will continue listening and observing this month before school lets out. If you asked him 10 years ago if he thought he’d be where he is, he’d say probably not.

“I didn’t think I wanted to be a principal then, but I always look for ways to help,” he ended. Maybe he found the ultimate job to do just that for the benefit of so many at Brooklake Elementary.

sa has contributed to At Home New Jersey, Chronogram, Juked, Prick of the Spindle, The Monarch Review, Ginosko Literary Review, Black Heart Magazine, and many additional publications.

A well-rounded life. A creative life. This is Thirsty Radish. By: Vanessa Young

For more information about the FDU bobblehead, call the National Bobblehead Museum at 1-800-414-1482 or email info@bobblehead.com

May Programs

The Florham Park Senior Citizen Club always welcomes new members who are Florham Park residents and 62 years old and older, membership is $15.00 per year. Plan to come to a meeting and join us at our social time at 10:45 with coffee and provided.

The address for the Flor-

ham Park Community Center is 111 Ridgedale Avenue, 200 yards behind the Florham Park Town Hall. Note the Florham Park Community Center is also called the Recreation Center (large brown building). Need additional information g-mail: tdisa0d@gmail.com

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

AREA - Two eighth graders and two high school seniors from the local area were recently recognized by the Morris County School Board Association for either overcoming challenges or being an inspiration to others.

Senior Kim Phuc Nguyen of Hanover Park High School;

Senior Michael Grogan of Whippany Park High School; Piya (PJ) Kenney of East Hanover Middle School; and Huli Zavala of Memorial Junior School were among 40 students throughout the Morris County school district selected to receive this year’s Unsung Hero Award. In its second year, the 2023 Unsung Heroes Student Recognition Ceremony was held Wednesday, March 29, at the County College of Morris in Randolph.

The purpose for the inaugural program is to honor “the students who make your district a better place because they are a part of it,” as stated on the cover of the program. Kenney, an eighth grader from East Hanover, was selected by East Hanover Middle School

Principal Stacie Costello.

“P.J. has overcome many educational and societal obstacles to emerge as one of our most accomplished students,” writes Costello in her nomination letter. “P.J.’s successes exemplify the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Arriving in America as a young, adopted child, P.J. quickly mastered the English language and has overcome his identified learning disabilities. He has continually demonstrated his collaborative nature, his willingness to work diligently, and his commitment to academics. As a result, P.J. is a perennial member of the honor roll and has been identified as a role model by both his teachers and his peers.”

Another eighth grader, Zavala of Cedar Knolls was nominated by Michael Anderson,

East Hanover and Hanover Students Recognized As Unsung Heroes

principal at Memorial Junior School in Hanover.

“Huli makes our school a better place each day,” says Anderson. “Not the most outspoken student, Huli works well with all of her teachers and her classmates. As a middle school student, she has grown tremendously and has risen to the challenge that middle school sometimes provides.”

Nguyen of East Hanover was nominated by Cara Marucci, counselor at Hanover Park High School.

“Kim moved from Vietnam to America four years ago,” notes Marucci. “He has overcome language barriers and has made great efforts to make friends and become an active member of our school and community. One specific instance is his assistance with the Class of 2024’s Winter Formal. Kim is not even in the class of 2024 but spent countless hours, sometimes spending late nights at school helping our advisors set up for the event. His efforts and service did not go unrecognized. He is a true unsung hero, doing as much good as he can and expecting nothing in return!”

Grogan of Cedar Knolls was selected by Whippany Park High School Principal Christopher Kelly.

“Michael Grogan is an accomplished senior at Whippany Park High School who is also a cancer survivor,” shares Kelly in his nomination letter. “He is resilient and highly driven to continue to be successful in all areas of life. Academically, Michael hopes to pursue a career in engineering either civil, biomedical, or chemical. This interest comes from his personal life experience of operating a VGO telepresence robot which enabled him to attend school remotely and feel more connected to his teachers and friends at school while receiving treat-

“His school counselor came to know Michael in the middle of eighth grade,” continues Kelly. “That was when she learned that Michael had been diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma above his right knee. After an extensive treatment plan, Michael started high school in the fall. He is an excellent student who has been selected semifinalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program, Student of the Month, AP Scholar with Honor, NJ Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology nominee, and delegate of the American Legion Jersey Boys State Program.

“Michael is a well-rounded student who has also emerged as a school leader,” adds Kelly.

“He was selected drum major of the marching band and is vice president of community service of the Future Business Leaders of America. In addition, Michael is a member of the district’s golf team. Although cancer left him unable to run and participate in other athletics at WPHS, he is an avid tennis fan who plays tennis leisurely with his family and keeps on top of the game by knowing statistics and records of famous athletes.

Michael’s struggles and journey have been long and arduous. In the past four years, he has flourished while also being involved in Boys Scout of America Troop 155 for the past 11 years holding the rank of Life Scout and Senior Patriot Leader. Most

recently, he completed his Eagle Scout project - a prayer labyrinth at Assumption Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Morristown earning him top rank.”

Inaugural Unsung Heroes

Event Is Formed

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

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

Last year the committee established the inaugural unsung heroes award to recognize a student from each Morris County School District who makes outstanding contributions to their schools and communities but who are often overlooked by traditional student recognition programs.

“Students considered may have overcome difficult academic or personal challenges, modeled good citizenship or ex-

hibits a spirit and quiet strength that has inspired others or a student who has achieved academic success despite disabilities, language barriers or other significant challenges,” says Dalesandro.

Once the criteria was established by the committee, all 41 Morris County School Districts were invited to submit the name of a student to be recognized.

All K-8 districts were asked to nominate one 8th grade student and the K-12 and 9-12 districts were asked to nominate one high school senior.

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

“This year we are able to meet in person and congratulate all 40 of our winners,” says Dalesandro. “Also, through the hard work and dedication of all our committee members I am happy to report that this year at our May meeting at Hanover Park Regional the Morris County School Boards Association will be awarding just over $5,000 in monetary and tuition assistance awards.”

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

All unsung heroes who plan to enroll at CCM will receive a $500 tuition assistance scholar-

ship, she adds. Nominees will also be considered for monetary awards that will be presented after review of an impartial committee on May 4 at Hanover Park Regional High School.

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

“Our sponsors have made available $5,000 to be awarded to our high school, senior nominees, and 8th graders who in the opinion of the committee exemplify an unsung hero,” says Dalesandro.

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

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

Congratulations to all Unsung Heroes!

Piya (PJ) Kenney

Kim Phuc Nguyen Huli Zavala Michael Grogan ment.

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

BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER

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

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

“Volunteers start to raise puppies as early as 8 weeks,” says Michelle Barlak, Spokesperson and Senior Specialist of Public Relations of the organization who runs the Sussex County, NJ club in Ogdensburg. “Then they are

home for a year with a trainer where they learn things like house manners, house seeing eye dog facility where they undergo a veterinary exam to ensure they will be reliable seeing eye dogs and thereafter, spend four months with a paid full-time instructor. That elevates the dogs to where they can be paired with someone in need where they spend two to three weeks getting acclimated to their new master.

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

and in the community such as taking dogs to malls, fairs, festivals in outings where the dogs get increased socialization opportunities. This is particularly advantageous for the dogs since they need to be ready to assist their new owners navigating social settings. Veterans training these dogs gain admittance to the “21 Club,” when they’ve successfully raised 21 Dogs. Trainers are kids, teens, adults and senior citizens – some as young as 9 some in their 70’s and 80’s. If you’re a younger trainer and plan on going to College, there’s a scholarship program the non-profit offers to graduating seniors. In fact, each August there’s a “Family Day,” which is an appreciation event for many and where scholarships are awarded. With a sophisticated program in place, one might wonder how all of this is financed.

“It costs $73,000 to breed, raise and train puppies,” added barlak, which seems like a staggering amount, with donations from areas each club serves as there main funding source; the organization doe not receive a penny of government funding.

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

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

One trainer who has made a name for herself is Bonnie DiCola of Boonton Township in Morris County. Her club, “4-Footed Leaders,” goes so

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

BY RICHARD MABEY JR. GUEST WRITER

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

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

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

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

tures, the streams and lakes, and the birds flying in the air. If you are a father, who is less than happy with things your son is saying or doing, complaining solves nothing.

The first step for any man to have a good, wholesome, blessed relationship with his son, is to pray, pray and pray about it.

And then, pray more about it. Complaining only feeds the wound. Complaining only widens the gap.

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

time to spend with his children, is the time a man needs to find a new job.

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

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

Richard Mabey Jr. is a free-

lance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail. com. Please put on the subject line: I Remember Dad.

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

In it’s eighth decade of ser-

vice, The Seeing Eye shows no signs of slowing down, which is what those in need of help from K-9 furry friends of fours look for, as the need itself, hardly slows down. For more information on The Seeing Eye, Inc., logon to https://www.seeingeye.org.

NJ Starz: Mark Piatkowski Hometown: Rockaway

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - Mark Piatkowski certainly has had his success as an American Rally car driver, he the overall 2022 Sno*Drift Rally winner as well as the 2021 American Rally Association LN4 National Champion. He now has attained another goal, racing in Europe for the first time in his career. In March, Piatkowski took part in the 2023 Rally Della Val D’Orcia, which is the opening round of the Italian Gravel Championship. More on that in a moment.

Piatkowski lives in Rockaway, but he grew up in East Brunswick. “Central Jersey is certainly close to my heart,” he says. “Having grown up there, I know the area like the back of my hands. It is a great place to grow up, it is half of south Jersey and half of north Jersey. You have both the Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese crowd, and you also have the Pork Roll crowd. It is funny how they both mesh together.”

Piatkowski feels it is most important to speak about his father, from whom his passion for rally racing stemmed. Andy Piatkowski grew up in Poland, and he in the 1970’s was a rally racer in his homeland, and then in the 1980’s in the United States. Piatkowski says, “When I was born in 1990, it was in my blood. I have been to a rally every year since I was two years old.” His first was the national level Pennsylvania Susquehanna Trail Performance Rally. “I have a lot of fond memories there, but it is not like he (his dad) has ever pushed me into it. For me it was inevitable because it was just in my blood. I have always held a Matchbox car or Hot Wheels car in my hand since I can remember, so it was only a matter of time before, I would not even say caught the bug, but that I began rallying myself.”

Piatkowski, 33, attended and graduated from East Brunswick High School, and then went on to study business and marketing at Montclair State University, from where he graduated in 2012. He is Senior Director of Marketing at Freedom Mortgage.

Piatkowski was 20 years old when he took part in his first race in 2010 – at the Pennsylvania STPR – so things had come full circle for him, and his first rally car was his first “regular” car: his beloved

Subaru. Piatkowski says, “I have I have a lot of sentimental value for those cars. When I got my license, I drove the car for a little bit, and then I would say a year later, I started stripping it and building it for my eventual first rally. It was all self-funded, and based on what my dad had taught me and what I was reading online, it was a learning experience. It was just a matter of time before I got out on the on the racing circuit.”

Why a Subaru? There is an interesting backstory, and Piatkowski tells it. “When I was growing up, there was a famous rally car driver called Colin McRae. He won the world championship in 1995 in a Subaru. I was five years old at that time, and my dad was also looking for a new car, and I said, ‘You have to try Subarus!’ Since 1995 he has had a Subaru ever since, and that is how our love affair for that brand started. Before Subaru was heavily involved here in America, both my dad and I were huge fans of them.”

Piatkowski’s first Subaru has been sold. “I upgraded to a newer model Subaru, but the car that I race right now here in the States is that same model from back in 1995 when they won the world championship,” Piatkowski explains.

“It is crazy to say that that car is like vintage for me. I have bolted a lot of modern parts to it and made it quite modern, but it certainly takes me back, and I think I am proud to say that this is a car that when I was growing up won a world championship but has also won several championships for me as well. It also brings me back to my childhood, for sure.”

Piatkowski at age 23 was the Eastern Open Light Champion early in 2013, and Rally America named him Eastern Region champ that same year. “It was kind of the chunk of a dream come true,” Piatkowski says. “For me it was a great milestone. Obviously your first whatever in life is so special, and your first championship that you have worked hard for was certainly a milestone. But I did not want it to end there; it was just a stepping-stone for the next big thing, and that is how I framed it. I am not one to look back; I am always looking forward and asking myself, ‘What’s next?”

After his 2013 win, Piatkowski eyed national level success. He bought a higher-class Subaru with funds from the sale of his first car, in addition to his college budget funds. “It didn’t go very well,” he says. “Stuff was starting to break, and you need to take shortcuts because you do not have funding to do things properly. That is when that dream fell apart because of the lack of funding and then, also to write it all off, I had a big accident.”

He purchased a third Subaru, continuing to stay with a vehicle that was both familiar and cost-effective, and in 2021 entered a national competition. Piatkowski says, “As I kept doing events, I kept winning my classes and doing well not only in my class, but so much on overall scale that halfway throughout the season, a lot of my friends were calling me saying, ‘You have a great chance at winning the national title. You should really consider this.’ I won my first national championship (the ARA LN4), which was honestly a dream come true. Especially when you do not plan for that at the beginning of the year.”

The one major challenge Piatkowski has had is attaining funding. All his racing endeavor funds have primarily come from himself. “I have pretty much done everything with my own two hands, from building my car, towing my car to events, to gathering up a team of friends and volunteers, and financing everything. It is a lot of work, but it is certainly very rewarding when it all comes true,” he explains.

Entering and driving with a Volkswagen Polo N5 car in Italy, Piatkowski had his power steering fail early in the race, and he had to drop out. He does not, however, let it get him down. “Having won the national championships and having won a rally outright, I went further than I would have ever imagined was possible with my machinery. I was really longing for the next thing on how to kind of progress as a driver, progress in my skill set, and trying not only new experiences overseas, but also trying faster machinery. And so that is what led me to start exploring different options in Europe.” When his power steering broke, he was second in his class against drivers

more familiar with the roads and vehicles being used. “To be an American on their soil and to do well for me was an accomplishment, and I also made a lot of great contacts.”

Rally driving has, according to Piatkowski, prepared him well for his busy career and professional life. “It has shown me a good work ethic, that maintaining a cool, calm, and collected manner is good professionally. To take everything in a levelheaded stride, trying to be calm throughout the whole process not only works well in the car, but also works well professionally.”

Moving forward, Piatkowski still has his vision in international competition. “Where I stand in life, it will certainly be trying to give it my all and rally, seeing where I can be on an international scale.

I think I still have a shot. Being 33 years old may seem to some people from a sporting

perspective that I am actually quite senior, so I think this is my time to shine. These next I would say five or so years are my time to try to make whatever moves I can on an international scale. I would certainly like to take the experience that I have learned and see what I can do. I am just trying to fulfill a dream and see how far it can go.”

Piatkowski is also exploring mentoring and coaching younger drivers in his future.

“My experience so far that I have had is probably more

than a lot of people in the United States, so I am slowly starting to see if I can coach some people both from a racing perspective, or a mental perspective, or logistics perspective. As I grow more senior in my career, I will certainly explore coaching and being a mentor, seeing if I can kind of cultivate new and younger talent. I will take a slightly different seat as a grow older.”

For more information about Mark Piatkowski, visit www. MAP-Rally.com

Mark Piatkowski prior to the start of the 2023 Rally Della Val D’Orcia in Tuscany, Italy. (Credit Era Media)

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

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

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

InfoAge Science and History

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

InfoAge, whose first exhibits opened in 2005, is dedicated to scientific, historical, and educational exhibits, and programs. Aptly described, it is one large museum with 21 mini-museums under that umbrella. Some displays are in the main building near the welcome area and gift shop, but most are out in the campus area. But the displays and exhibits are hardly “mini,” especially in worth and learning. You will spend a good day here in one spot, and as Lang says, you will not only need but want to return.

Michael Ruane is the InfoAge Chief Executive Officer. “We have been talking about

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) since the beginning. We have been saying STEM because it is more easily recognized, but when people come in here, we also talk about STEAM (the above four components but with the addition of Arts) because we have definitely had STEAM events.”

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

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

Our mission is broken into three Sub-Missions: DEVELOP an Interactive hands-on Learning Center focused on the evolution and preservation of communications, electronics, and related technologies; Learning Center: As a National

Historic Landmark, INSPIRE people – especially children – to learn and appreciate information technology to improve their lives and career opportunities; and Memorial: As New Jersey’s WWII Living Memorial, HONOR the accomplishments and service of veterans, civilians, and military contractors by recognizing their contributions and by preserving this unique historic site.

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

Consider some of the offerings. Radio and Communications Tecnology; Lenni-Lenape Native Americans, European Colonization, and Indepen-

dence; New Jersey Shipwreck Museum; Trains; Fallout Shelter Theater, and much more. In the main building there is a self-guided tour, but when you exit that structure and trek to the other buildings, experienced tour guides and docents on site are prepared to explain the displays and engage in discussion.

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

InfoAge Science and History

Museums are always growing. The Radio and Communications Technology museum is the most popular, but there are still more buildings to be open for events and displays. Discussion has included opening a café, and a new Firefighting building will be unveiled soon.

A visit to InfoAge Science

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

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

BY MARYANNE CHRISTIANO-MISTRETTA STAFF WRITER

AREA - Growing up in Sussex County, Keri Mack Karmozyn’s family had rescue dogs. But her true passion for dogs came when she met her husband and his two dogs, a Shepherd/Pitbull mix and a Lab. “They changed my life,” she said. Though an English major, Karmozyn spent most of her adult life in the restaurant busi-

ness. It started with her working a summer job at her brother’s restaurant—and stayed onboard for the next 20 years working 13- to 14-hour days managing.

She later transferred to catering, thinking it would be easier, and according to Karmozyn it was harder, but she embraced every minute of it. “I worked for five-star chefs and loved it.”

By then she was in her late 30 and experienced burn-out. She longed for something she was more in tune with.

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

book, and Instagram.

January 2021, Karmozyn stopped doggie care and started her rescue service, naming it Buddha Pooch Dog Rescue Project. It’s a non-profit 501c3 devoted to saving abandoned and neglected dogs from local high-risk shelters and connecting them with their new home, giving them a second chance.

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

Women who assist Karmozyn in running the rescue are K.J. Magers, founder of Bonnies Bark ‘n Board, Bedminster; Courtney Connors, founder of Beyond K9 Training, Far Hills; and Theresa Hart, who fosters any dog that needs help out of the shelter.

“They help me foster, train, and advocate for both the rescue dog and the adopter,” said Karmozyn. “Without them, I’d

be lost. Support—emotional, financial, you name it—is everything in rescue!”

During the humble beginnings of the rescue, Karmozyn said she started so naively.

“There is no such thing as going to ‘rescue school’,” she said.

“You just want to give a dog a warm home and a place to lay their head. And that is not the case. These dogs were abused, neglected. They are fearful. The animals have been through such tragedy. They break down in shelters. They don’t eat. It’s very, very sad, the cycle of the dogs.”

Though the job is difficult,

Karmozyn finds her reward when a dog becomes alive again after being so broken. She shared, “They find the home. You get the update and see this dog that was emancipated and shaking, sitting on the couch with a big smile on his face. You can’t save them all, but just that little bit changes so many lives. It takes so many hearts to heal just one.”

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

Keri and Clifford

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

Just a part of the Radio and Communications Technology museum (credit: Stefanie Sears)

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-

providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation.