East Hanover/ Florham Park Life June 23

EAST HANOVER FLORHAM PARK

New Jersey Ballet Celebrates Collaboration of Company and School

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - David Tamaki, Managing Director of the New Jersey Ballet Company since the fall of 2021, sets the table.

“Since (Artistic Director) Maria Kowroski has arrived, our company is on a completely new trajectory, and while this season was a great season, next season is going to be even more exciting.”

When the 2023 – 2024 season opens, the New Jersey Ballet School will celebrate its 70th anniversary, and the New Jersey Ballet Company its 65th. Tamaki adds, “Both entities were founded at separate times, but have always had a close working partnership.”

That partnership is now even closer and was confirmed when the New Jersey Ballet held its annual Spring Gala on Thursday, April 27 at the Crystal Palace in Livingston.

Tamaki says about the evening, “It is our annual fundraiser. All funds raised from that event help support our future proj-

ects, especially encompassing Maria’s vision for the company, as well as the collaboration of the school and company which now are formally one organization, where a professional company presents its programming and the school will also now go through a transformative phase with really investing in the training that we offer to students that attend the New Jersey School of Ballet.”

The New Jersey Ballet is preparing to announce in the upcoming months their 2023 – 2024 season performance lineup, and that statewide tour will include multiple venues, including a wonderful list for November, March, and May, as well as 13 holiday season performances with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra of The Nutcracker at Morriston’s Mayo Performing Arts Center, where the company is the resident ballet company.

“The New Jersey Ballet,” Tamaki says, “has always been

focused on serving New Jersey. We try throughout our season to tour and hit as many communities as possible, to show the artistic quality and programing that the New Jersey Ballet presents.”

For Tamaki and the rest of the company, the planning is exciting, especially as Kowroski heads into her second year as Artistic Director. He says, “She has a very expansive vision of what she wants to see New Jersey Ballet become, and with her vision it really allows for robust planning. It is a lot of work, but because she has such a clear vision for the company, it makes the planning that much easier because we have an idea of what she wants to accomplish.”

In January, the New Jersey Ballet lost one of its most loved coaches, Gabrielle Noa-Abbate, who, like Tamaki, grew up at the New Jersey School of Ballet, danced professionally with the company, and became

an instructor and a coach. Beloved by so many, the school in her honor established the Gabrielle Noa-Abbate Scholarship Fund.

Tamaki says, “Her passing shocked all of us, and we felt that there was no better tribute for her than to have a schol-

arship fund where those with financial need would have the opportunity to study ballet. Gabrielle was passionate about professional dancers and the needs that they had, and she was also passionate about the next generation of dancers and always wanted to nurture them

as a teacher. The scholarship will help honor what she cared deeply about, while providing assistance to those who need it.”

The New Jersey Ballet is located at 7-9 Vreeland Road in Florham Park. For more information, visit www.njballet.org

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

BY RICHARD MABEY, JR. GUEST WRITER

AREA - Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools and communities certified 36 schools and 2 school districts as National Schools and Districts of Character. The Hanover Park Regional High School District is pleased to announce that they have received national recognition as one of the two national districts of character.

“We are pleased to announce and celebrate the schools and school districts that have earned this national recognition,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org.

“Each of these schools has put in place a comprehensive approach to help students understand, care about, and consistently practice the character strengths that will help them flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.”

Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted over three million students, staff, parents, and community members. The schools and districts that apply must meet the rigorous standards articulated in Character. org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools. Each school is assessed by a team of trained evaluators.

“There is an ethic of care at these schools,” adds Lori Soifer, who directs that Schools of Character program. “Working together with students, parents and community members, these schools are creating stronger communities focused on character.”

Character.org will honor the 2023 National Schools and Districts of Character at its next International Forum, to be held in Washington D.C. in November 2023.

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

AREA - The winners from May’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” are Carol Ann Alfano; East Hanover, Sandra Ferrise; Florham Park, Ellen Dommermuth; East Hanover, Joe Taylor; Florham ParkThe ads that

“Hank the Hornet” were in: Puff City, Ideal Air, Simon’s Painting, Dr, Freda, Darrins Tree Service, and Maximum.

Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!

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

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

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

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

“I’ve been meaning to go

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

We walked over to the old, antique trunk. Dad opened it up. The hinges squeaked. There, within that trunk were stacks of yellowed, drawing paper. They were tied up by pieces of blue ribbon. Each tied stack had about 50 sheets of drawing paper, neatly stacked. They were stacks of pencil drawings. Some were of trees and lakes and open fields. There was even a pencil sketch of the old Mabey Homestead. There were also sketches of Mabey Lane, Earl’s Meadow, the old apple tree, and the original old barn that once stood in the backyard of our homestead.

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

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

Dad in Year 2002, just four years before he went Home to be with the Lord. those reflective words with me. For the next few moments, Dad and I just looked at the pencil sketches that he drew as a boy and as a young man. My heart cried for my father.

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

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

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

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

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

Dad and I did clean out the attic that fateful June day of 2004. When all the dust was swept from the floor beams of the attic, we climbed down the old wooden ladder. Oddly, Dad never talked about his pencil sketches ever again, in the two more years that God had been given to be alive. My father was one of the hardest working individuals I have ever known. He worked as a long distance truck driver and would often moonlight as a trucking dispatcher, to earn extra money. Dad served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170 for 25 years. He was a devoted Christian man, a good father, and an endearing husband to my mom. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has a YouTube Channel, titled “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of his poems and short stories, that is selling rather well. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com.

Maria Kowroski, NJB Artistic Director; Scott Becchi, Honoree; Lynn McMahon, Honoree; and Scott Tross, Chairman of the Board (credit: New Jersey Ballet)

Sister Cities: East Hanover, New Jersey, Meet the Village of Hanover, Ohio

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - Ohio’s Village of Hanover is located in the northwestern part of Hanover Township in Licking County.

With 1,270 residents and weighing in at just over one and a half square miles in size, the Village of Hanover, which is located about an hour from the state capital of Columbus, is obviously much smaller than our East Hanover Township, which has over 12,000 people and is over eight square miles in size. East Hanover Township is bisected by Route 10 and clipped at the top by Route 80, while its midwestern “sister” has Route 16 running below at its southern edge.

“The Old Hanover section is a portion of our village that has a small remnant of the original village of Hanover,” explains Nicole D. Gieseler, Village of Hanover Fiscal Officer. “Hanover was destroyed in a flood in the 1950s. There was a dam project that was underway, and I believe a storm that caused the water to back up ended up destroying our lower village. All our historic sites for the most part - any of the doctor’s offices, the repair and mainte-

nance shops, restaurants - were all destroyed in that flood, and Hanover High School was in that area.”

Gieseler’s grandfather, 96-year-old Chester Flowers, who is still a member of the Village Council, had a farm northwest of Old Hanover, and to save the village charter, he worked with an engineer and some other folks and reestablished Hanover just a bit off to the side. “The thought was he was helping to resettle the displaced people and to keep Hanover village,” Geiseler adds.

According to Geiseler, the Village of Hanover sits in a valley, and whether you arrive from the east or west, you come in at the highest point and look down on the village. It is quite a sight. “We’re nestled in a valley; it is very beautiful. It is a quaint, rural town. We are pretty much a simple town, conservative by nature, and we love our neighbors.”

Some prime spots in town to dine are the locally owned Panther Pizza & Bakery with their highlight homemade cookies and stromboli, and Hanover Pizza & Ice Cream Unlimited,

which offers a popular garlic crusted pizza. Says Geiseler, “I am a big fan of most anything at The Cottage Restaurant. They have Cottage fries which are cubed potatoes covered in cheese and bacon dipped in ranch dressing. They have wonderful mashed potatoes and chicken, too, as well as a big club sandwich. I also love their buffalo chicken salad.”

The Overlook at Virtues Golf Club has a super chicken wrap with Thai chili sauce, as well as great prime rib and meat loaf. If staying in or near the Village of Hanover, there are a few options. Shelter Valley Cabins offers four private log cabins for rent, and along Route 16 but just outside of town is the DoubleTree Hotel in neighboring Newark.

The Village of Hanover is a haven for nature lovers as Rocky Fork Creek runs into the Licking River. Geiseler says, “My family and I love to kayak it, and it is rough kayaking, so it is like literally picking up your kayak and walking through shallow places. But you can take your kayak down from the village to the Licking River

Now, Here’s a Tip

BY JOANN DERSON

• Use a mesh bag to hold flowers in place in a vase. Just roll or wad it up and put it down in the bottom of the vase. When you are done with the flowers, you can use a stick to swish the bag around and loosen any gunk inside the vase when cleaning. Launder the mesh or just toss.

• When freezing leftovers, especially soup or stew, consider using zipper-closing bags. They can be filled and frozen flat, then stacked nicely. They take up much less room than standard containers.

• “To make a waterproof

mattress protector in a pinch, slit a large garbage bag down the side and bottom, lay it flat over the mattress and cover with a beach towel. Then put the sheet over that. The garbage bag protects the mattress; the towel makes it comfortable. “ -- U.D. in Tennessee

• “Keep extra liner bags in the bottom of the garbage can. They are handy, so you will be more likely to reline the can as soon as you take the garbage out.” -- K.P. in Massachusetts

• Keep a box of baking soda in the fridge. When it’s time to replace it, dump it down the

drain and follow with a small bottle of vinegar and a hot water flush. Keep your kitchen smelling nice and use less chemicals to do it.

• “Here’s a fun invitation to make and receive: Blow up a balloon and pinch (don’t tie). Write the details of the party on the balloon in permanent marker. Let it dry fully before you deflate it. Then send it!” -R.A. in Washington

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

which goes into a beautiful nature preserve called Blackhand Gorge. And that is one of our historical nature preserves. It

is picturesque, it is gorgeous.”

The Village of Hanover is also near the Newark Earthworks in Heath, Ohio. Geiseler adds,

“There’s a lot of Native American heritage in and around us.” For more information, visit www.hanoverohio.net.

The Cottage Restaurant (credit: Leigh Morgan)

Rocky Fork Creek (credit: Leigh Morgan)

The Village of Hanover, Ohio clock (credit: The Cherubini Company LLC)

Longevity Veterinary Center Brings Integrative Care to NJ Pets

NJ’s Premier Holistic Veterinary Facility Opens in Whippany

AREA - New Jersey’s largest and most advanced integrative veterinary center opened its doors to pet owners on April

11, 2023. Longevity Veterinary Center is a 15,000 square foot state-ofthe-art facility offering conventional and holistic pet therapies for all pets, including exotic animals.

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

“We are thrilled to bring our unique integrative veterinary care approach to Whippany to help pets live longer and healthier lives,” says Dr. Gerald Buchoff, holistic veterinarian and owner of Longevity Veterinary Center. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care that addresses

the whole animal, not just their symptoms. We want to give pets the widest range of care options possible to achieve the highest quality of life.”

Longevity Veterinary Center’s team of highly trained professionals is committed to helping pets achieve optimal health through a combination of conventional and alternative therapies. They believe in treating the root cause of an issue and finding the best treatment possible, drawing from both conventional and holistic medicine.

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

erywhere to come visit us and discover the future of pet care.”

Some of the therapies offered at the center include:

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

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

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

• Microbiome restorative therapy (MBRT): a cutting-edge treatment that can improve gut health and overall immunity.

The clinic also offers nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, non-anesthetic dentistry (NAD), and other complementary therapies to support pets’

health.

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

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

To learn more about Longevity Veterinary Center and the services they offer, visit their website www.lvcnj.com or contact them at 973-6061101.

Maritime Museum Grows in Importance in 16th Year

BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER

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

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

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

The idea for a museum came almost 25 years prior to its opening. Bob Yates and Deb Whitcraft, who serves as President of the Museum, possessed strong desires to learn about wrecks off New Jersey’s shores. Whitcraft was a collector. As her collection grew, she

wondered if there might actually be a good place to put all of this stuff for others to learn about.

In 2007, dream became reality for the collector and the New Jersey Maritime Museum was born. There’s a rich history of shipwrecks and disasters inside. From a shipwreck database and map to a rare book library and lending library for readers wanting to know more. An Atlantic City exhibit, Women’s Surf Fishing Club exhibit and a collection of New Jersey storm photos are all inside. You can even get married at the museum.

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

Recent speakers in 2023

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

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

The Museum is ready to

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

Noon offering educational activities for kids age 3 to 13.

So how does the state’s premier maritime museum exist on donations alone ? While fundraisers are held each Spring and Fall, the museum is a registered 501 ( C)(3) non-profit and has a membership program for the community with annual and lifetime options.

The community appears to

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

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

I Remember Dad: A Most Endearing Klondike Derby

BY RICHARD MABEY, JR.

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

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

In January of 1968, I was 14 years old and in my freshman year at Boonton High School. I was to be part of the senior team. As Dad and I rode home from the Friday night scout meeting, Dad asked me if I wanted to ride with him to Camp Allamuchy the next day, to see the junior team get ready and take off from the starting line. I didn’t miss a beat. I told Dad that I would love to go with him.

Well, the Klondike Derby

BY ROBERT MASSIMI GUEST WRITER

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

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

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

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

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

Also, along our hour ride to Camp Allamuchy, Dad talked to me about my Swimming Merit Badge. Basically, he told me not to give up. I remember my father telling me that he believed in me. That even though it might take me a longer time to earn the Swimming Merit Badge, he knew that if I put my mind to it, I could do it.

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

loved father sharing those cherished words with me.

When we reached the big parking lot of Camp Allamuchy, the six scouts of Troop 170’s Junior Klondike Team came running to Dad’s blue Ford Econoline truck. It was poetry in motion as I helped my fellow scouts lift the big Klondike sled from the back of Dad’s truck and ever so gently place it to the ground.

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

At the starting line, the grand and glorious Junior Klondike Team of Boy Scout Troop 170 had about four other teams in front of them, awaiting to approach the shot gun start. Each shot gun shot, would send off two Klondike teams, one running to the left and one running to the right. Mr. Spotts had the high honor of starting the teams off with his famous cap pistol. It was such a magnificent sight to behold.

Back in the line, I watched Dad give a pep talk to his scouts. Suddenly, I saw the

From January of 1968, the very photograph of Dad and the Junior Klondike Team that I took with my Kodak Instamatic camera. Dad is standing third from the left hand side. grand and glorious leadership of my father come to life. There was no doubt about it. Dad was incredibly proud of his scouts and he cared about each and every one of them.

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

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

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

“Life of Pi” The Gentle Soul Within

and in-depth. With political turmoil in India, the family which owns a zoo is setting out from Pondicherry, India to Canada for a better life. Bringing the animals along, the ship sinks and Pi is alone on a small boat with four of the zoos animals. The real question, as in the book and movie is: are the animals metaphors for people? When Pi

recounts his story to the authorities, is his remembrance accurate? Pi has been on the sea for 227 days, sometimes he goes longer than a week without water. His delirium has the Bengal tiger by the name of Richard Parker talking to him.

The precocious Pi attends a Muslim Mosque on Friday›s, a Hindu Temple on Saturdays and a Christian Church on

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

As Pi makes his way on the sea, Andrzej Goulding›s video design is exceptional.

The waves come crashing up against the boat as Pi navigates the Bengal tiger that is the only animal left of the four. Director Max Webster does an admirable job with a so-so ensemble cast.For the most part “Life of Pi” moves well and keeps the audience interest.Tim Lutkin’s lighting takes us to the eerie depths of the sea with cool blues and onward the the bright

all so many ways, my father truly was the Beloved Scoutmaster. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. Richard hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He most recently published a book of poems and short stories. Richard can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

oranges of happier days.While the puppetry by Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes never wows us, the costumes by Tim Hatley (he also does the scenic design) are first rate on both accounts. The sound design is strong (Carolyn Downing), it compliments the video and staging making Pi a strong contender for a Tony for Best Play.

Erin Donohue Hometown: Haddonfield

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - Erin LiVecchi – better known to Garden State sports and track and field fans (and how we will refer to her in this article) as Erin Donohue, is reminiscing as she celebrates her 40th birthday on the day of this June 2023 “NJ Starz” interview.

“It (Haddonfield) is a great town to be from,” Donohue says. “They were very, very proud of my accomplishments, and actually had a little parade when I made the Olympic team. I met a lot of the kids, and some of the parents come up to me occasionally and say things like, ‘You signed my shoe back in 2008.’ And I ask, ‘Wow! And you held on to it that long?”

Indeed. And why not? Yes, there was the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing, China for Donohue, but there was also twice being named the New Jersey Athlete of the year when competing as a runner and javelin thrower while at Haddonfield Memorial High School. She also found time to play varsity basketball for the Haddonfield Bulldawgs her freshman through junior years, the team winning titles during her first two seasons on the court.

All this prior to her University of North Carolina collegiate career and the before-mentioned Olympics.

More to come.

This special morning, however, one of her three daughters woke her up singing ‘Happy Birthday.’ Donohue says, “I do feel very fortunate every day. I am very fortunate to have three very healthy and charming young daughters, and a great husband. Life is good.”

Donohue was born and raised in Haddonfield and attended the school system in that community. Her parents, Edward and Eva, still live in Haddonfield, and Donohue was the eldest of three siblings. Her younger brothers are Brian and Eric.

Donohue says, “I was very fortunate to have parents who were pretty low key. My dad was a runner back in the 1970s in high school and at Glassboro State, which is now Rowan University. He was a pretty accomplished runner and got me into it pretty early.”

Edward Donohue would take his only daughter over the Delaware River to historic Franklin Field in Philadelphia, where the best runners in the world competed. It made an immediate impression on her.

“I think with anyone who lives in the Philadelphia area, a lot of

their association with track and field is the Penn Relays because it is such a big track meet. So many high schools and middle schools participate, and it is one of the biggest, most exciting track meets you can go to in the whole world. You also get professional level runners doing relays, and it was just a good way to get into it. My dad would take me over because it was only 15 to 20 minutes from our house, and that was one of the first big track meets that I got to go to and see all the different events. That really got me into it.”

While at Haddonfield Memorial High School, Donohue twice won the National Scholastic Outdoor Championship (setting the New Jersey high school and national meet record of 4:42 in 2001) in the mile. Donohue also was a Nike National Indoor mile champion in 2001, won 15 out of 16 outdoor titles, nine Meet of Champions titles as a runner, and came close on a few occasions to snaring Meet of Champions javelin titles.

The attention on her was great, but Donohue handled it well. In fact, she prepared herself for it. “I had already put a lot of pressure just on myself to perform well, so I knew there were a lot of people probably always looking at me and expecting me to do well, and to win all the time. The outside pressure was definitely there, but I was very driven and competitive just on my own, so the outside pressure I would say did not bother me.”

As previously mentioned, Donohue also starred on the hardwood at Haddonfield. As a guard, she played on clubs that won Group 1 state titles over Bloomfield Tech High School when she was a freshman and sophomore in 1998 and 1999. After her junior season, when she had reached the 1,000-point mark in career points, she decided to concentrate solely on running. “When it became very clear that track and field was where I was going to go, I decided to run indoor track my senior year,” she says.

Additionally, Donohue had already committed to being a North Carolina Tar Heel by the fall of her senior year. She explains. “One of the things I liked about it was just that it is a beautiful campus, and it is a highly regarded public university. The academics were there, and then the thing that really sealed it, too, was just the team down there. I could see this team coming together that was just going to be great.” And,

typical of her demeanor, Donohue wanted to head to a school where she would be challenged every day at practice. “And I certainly was,” she adds.

While at the University of North Carolina, Donohue seven times was named an All-American runner, and snared for herself an ACC javelin title. She was also an ACC Outdoor 800m and the NCAA Eastern Regional 1,500m outdoor title winner.

Following her time at UNC, Donohue interned at Nike in Beaverton, Oregon, and continued training there, and in 2007 qualified for the USA World Outdoor team in the 1,500m. A year later, she finished second in the 1,500m at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials and was headed to Beijing. In 2010, she made the U.S. World Indoor Championship team in the 1,500m, and after surgery prevented her from competing at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2012, in 2015 she qualified for the U.S. National Championships in the 800m, and then qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials in both the 800m and 1600m.

Donohue retired from running professionally in 2016 but keeps active by running the streets of her hometown, and often attends track and field events locally.

Most recently, Donohue - a member of both the Haddonfield Memorial High School Hall of Fame and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA)\ Gallagher Bollinger Hall of Fame - was named to the Penn Relays Wall of Fame Class of 2020 at Franklin Field. Things had come full circle for her. She had competed at the famed venue while in high school and as a collegian, the high point winning three Penn Relays Championships in 2003 with fellow North Carolina University teammates Shalane Flanagan, Anissa Gainey, and Alice Schmidt. “I had a lot of success as a college athlete there,” Donohue says. “We won three relays, and I would look at other relay teams (on the wall), and I would think, ‘Our relay team could really be up there.’ I was on a team with two other Olympians, so I was a little bit surprised that I got in as individual. But you have some of the best athletes in the world that compete there, so when I look at who else is on the Wall of Fame, I was very flattered to be put up there with them.”

Donohue still lives in Haddonfield, and she and her husband Anthony will celebrate nine years of marriage this

September. The couple has three daughters: Juliet, 4; Sophia, 2 ½; and a newborn, Maria. Donohue currently works on the Corporate Internal Audit Team for Campbell Soup.

Looking at your Donohue’s accomplishments, you can tell that she was an athlete that, no matter what race she was in or whatever athletic event she competed in, she never gave

up. Erin Donohue gave her all. “That would be true,” she says. “I would say I’m very competitive, and anything I do I try 100% to give the best of my ability every time.”

NAME: Mike Lateiner, DMD,

NAME: Ami Dhaduk, DMD

NAME: Denise Kitay, DDS, MMSc

Erin Donohue doing what she did so well for Haddonfield Memorial High School

Ewing, NJ born Washington Settles in at Action News Philadelphia

BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER

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

By all accounts, Washington, a three-time Division I Soccer All-American and twosport Division I athlete, who’s been brainstorming, pitching and delivering sports packages on high school basketball games since February, is a perfect fir for covering the important local sports category of

high school sports. She covered many high school basketball games including regional and state playoff runs by area teams, the Penn Relays and was a part of covering of the Sixers 2023 playoff experience aside from many other assignments. Washington reports from experience as an athlete and coach. She made the 2014 NCAA Top 50 women’s athlete list as a senior at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, achieving a B.A. in Public Relations, before moving onto Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA to obtain her Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Washington was inducted into LaSalle’s Athletic Hall of Fame in February 2022.

She coached women’s soccer as a graduate student at Lehigh in 2014 and 2015 and become involved in internships with their sports media depart-

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

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

The former New Jersey res-

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

She founded a non-profit organization called, “Planted Not Buried,” which empowers, inspires and educates people through workshops, classes and events hoping to cultivate positivity, growth and perseverance through volunteer gatherings and collaboration for folks of all backgrounds.

Washington continues to serve as a color commentator, playby-play and sideline reporter for the tri-state region for ESPN. She also worked as a content creator for the Washington Mystics WNBA team, the Washington Wizards and

Bucket List Travels: Venice,

BY PAUL PATRIDGE STAFF WRITER

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

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

ings, churches and bridges.

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

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

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

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

Venezia… La Serenissima.

The most serene. Despite its moniker, Venice conjures up strong feelings even among Italians; you either love it or you hate it, I’m told. Naysayers point to high prices, rising water levels, foul smells, hordes of tourists, hordes of pigeons.

Certainly, Venice has faults. But I would argue many more

charms. Just ask Dante, Byron, Henry James, Hemingway, Mark Twain and Ezra Pound – all or who lived or spent significant time here. Do you appreciate art? History? Romance? Mystery? Venice is soaked in them.

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

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

A couple observations: One is, you don’t have to spend two

Washington Capitals, between 2019 and 2022 before working as a fillin anchorwoman at WPHL 17 in Philadelphia covering Philadelphia Union MLS games.

Close to where now to where she grew up, it seems that Washington landed pretty close to where she hoped to be doing something she loves.

weeks in Venice. Two to four days is enough for most visitors. Also, prices decrease the more you venture away from St. Mark’s Square. St. Mark’s is ground zero, where most of the tourists – especially day trippers – congregate. Do your eating, drinking, and shopping away from the tourist hotspots and your dollar will go much further.

Here are some other lowcost options:

Ride a Vaporetto – A vaporetto is a public water bus. This is how many Venetians get around and is the best way to explore the Floating City. Save money by buying a 1-, 2- or 3-day pass. The theater onboard is entertaining, especially during commuter hours. Pets, bikes, trunks, furniture, groceries, the kitchen sink – if you can carry it on, it’s welcome. Meanwhile the view outside is . . . Venice.

Explore the Fish Market

– Conveniently located only a one-minute walk from the famous Rialto Bridge. Since 1173, local fishermen have brought their daily catch here, including octopus, writhing eels, giant swordfish, squid, prawns, tuna, soft-shelled crabs and much more. A place full of energy, life, and fishmonger characters.

Marvel at Venetian Architecture – Venice is a unique city that’s been built up layer upon layer over many centuries. You can witness many different architectural styles such as early Romanic archi-

tecture, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassic, and Byzantine.

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

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

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

shares his adventures in this column.

“The day you go to Venice . . . will be one day quite by itself in your life. You will be alive that day.”

– E. Temple Thurston, British poet & playwright

BY DANA JACKSON

Q:What is singer Fergie’s real name, and wasn’t she in a sitcom when she was little? --

H.Y.

A: Fergie, the 48-year-old former lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas, was born Stacy Ann Ferguson and started acting doing voiceover work for animated series, such as “The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show.” She went on to act and sing in the syndicated Disney series “Kids Incorporated,” which aired from 1983 to 1992. This show was also the launching pad for the Hollywood careers of Jennifer Love Hewitt (“9-1-1”) and Mario Lopez (“Saved by the Bell”).

***

Q:Is it true that Clint Eastwood is directing another movie? How old is he now, and has he ever won an Oscar? -- S.J.

A: Clint Eastwood is still directing movies at 93 years old and has won four Academy

BY DEMI TAVERAS

“FUBAR” (TV-MA) --

Action movie star Arnold

Schwarzenegger has a new spy-adventure series premiering May 25, which is the longtime actor’s first leading role in a scripted live-action series. Schwarzenegger plays Luke, a recently retired CIA operative who gets sucked into one last, relatively simple mission. The catch? Well, once Luke arrives on site, he realizes his daughter, Emma (Monica Barbaro), also works for the CIA and that the two have been lying to each other for years. Now, as they take on the mission together in a much different way than they expected, their bond as father and daughter truly starts to form. (Netflix)

“The Secrets of Hillsong” (NR) -- This four-part docu-

ENTERTAINMENT

Awards, but none for acting. He was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1993 for the western “Unforgiven,” but lost to Al Pacino for “Scent of a Woman.” However, he didn’t go home empty-handed, having won the Oscar for Best Picture as a producer and the Oscar for Best Director. In 2005, he would again become a twotime recipient of the Oscar for Best Director, for the film “Million Dollar Baby.”

Many thought his last directorial effort, “Cry Macho,” a film released in 2021, would be his final project before enjoying retirement in his 90s, but that was news to him. His next project is “Juror #2” starring Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”) and Toni Collette (“The Staircase”). The film is reportedly still in the pre-production stage.

Hopefully, the project will get off the ground soon. Gossip site RadarOnline published an

mentary series releasing May 20 dives into the scandals surrounding the Christian megachurch Hillsong. The Hillsong Church campus established in New York City aimed to draw in millennials and Gen Zers, mostly due to former lead pastor Carl Lentz’s efforts. Lentz then went on to become a spiritual advisor to many celebrities, including Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Selena Gomez, before he was dismissed amid an infidelity scandal. This documentary explores the dark-sided atmosphere attached to Hillsong, with serious allegations of sexual abuse and abuses of power from pastors like Lentz. (Hulu)

“Platonic” (TV-MA) -- The duo who led “Neighbors,” Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, are teaming up again -- this time

article back in March that Eastwood hadn’t been seen in over a year, having missed attending the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament only miles from his Carmel, California, home, where his son, Scott, was a participant.

***

Q: Who is going to replace Tucker Carlson on Fox News? Is it true that CNN is going to become a conservative news network and hire him back? --

D.E.

A:Tucker Carlson has headlined shows on all three of the big cable news networks: CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. He was abruptly fired from his show “Tucker Carlson Tonight” this past April on the same day CNN host Don Lemon was given his walking papers. Some have speculated that Carlson would be returning to CNN, where he co-hosted “Crossfire” from 2001 to 2005, but that

Celebrity Extra Couch Theater

for a comedy series. Byrne and Rogen respectively play Sylvia and Will, a pair of best friends who reconnect after years apart. Sylvia’s a family woman now, but Will, who just went through a recent divorce, is in an entirely different stage of his life. So, as their friendship takes off again, the two must find the right balance between Will’s shenanigans and Sylvia’s family to prove that a man and a woman can maintain a platonic relationship. The first three episodes premiere on May 24, with the rest following on a weekly basis. (AppleTV+)

“Three Thousand Years of Longing” (R) -- During a trip to Istanbul, British scholar Alithea Binnie picks out a random memento at an antique store. Unbeknownst to Alithea, the antique bottle she purchased contains

doesn’t appear to be happening. Instead, Carlson announced that he’ll be hosting a new show on Twitter, the website owned by Elon Musk.

“Fox News Tonight” is the title given to Carlson’s old 8 p.m. ET time slot on Fox. It now features a set of rotating hosts until a permanent one is found. Brian Kilmeade (“Fox & Friends”) took over for Carlson the first week, followed by Lawrence Jones (“Lawrence Jones Cross Country”), former White-House-Press-Secretary-turned-commentator Kayleigh McEnany and Will Cain (“Fox & Friends Weekend”). 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.

the Djinn, a genie, inside. As the tale often goes, the Djinn offers Alithea three wishes, but first, he tells her the stories of how he ended up in the bottle and the many wishes he’s granted

before. Because of these stories, Alithea’s lonely heart starts to beat again, and she finds immense purpose with the Djinn’s sudden appearance in her life.

Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton

make an odd yet intriguing match in this fantasy-romance film premiering May 23. (Prime Video)

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Monica Barbaro, left, and Arnold Schwarzenegger star as father-daughter CIA agents in the action series “FUBAR.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Fergie . Photo Credit: Depositphotos

Few relationships are as special as a bond between a mother and her child. There is often so much laughter, so much love and so many good times spent around food and family over the years. From trying new foods together and cooking lessons at a young age to time-honored family recipes, there are few things better than mom’s cooking.

This delicious Very Berry and Creamy Coconut Ice Cream was created with mothers in mind. It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious, especially when it’s made with fresh ingredients right at home for a perfect addition to Mother’s Day festivities.

This ice cream features the rich tartness of frozen fruit and a sweet creaminess from the co-

Ice Cream Made with Love for Dad

conut milk. The two flavors of ice cream create a unique combination that’s out-of-this-world delicious.

To make the Berry Ice Cream, blend 2 pounds of frozen berries, sweetened condensed milk, honey and salt until smooth then freeze for four hours.

To make the Coconut Ice Cream, beat 2 cups of whipping cream in a mixer until stiff peaks form. In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, salt and 1 cup of the whipped cream. Whisk then add remaining whipped cream and whisk until combined. Place in a dish and freeze for four hours.

Once properly chilled, both ice creams are ready to scoop and serve. Garnish with mint

leaves for an extra pop of color, if desired. Enjoy a delightful treat with your mom as you make memories year after year. This time it may be mom’s turn to ask for the recipe. Find more sweet treats for Mother’s Day at Culinary.net

Very Berry and Creamy

Coconut Ice Cream

Yield: 11 cups

Berry Ice Cream:

2 pounds frozen berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries)

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

Coconut Ice Cream:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup sweetened condensed

milk

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon salt mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

To make berry ice cream: In blender, pulse frozen berries, sweetened condensed milk, honey and salt until smooth, scraping down sides.

Pour mixture into 5-by-9inch loaf pan. Freeze uncovered 4 hours, or until set.

To make coconut ice cream: In large mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

In medium bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, salt and 1 cup whipped cream until combined. Add remaining whipped cream and whisk until combined.

Pour into 5-by-9-inch loaf pan. Freeze uncovered 4 hours, or until set.

Scoop desired amount of

each ice cream into bowls to serve. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired. (Culinary.net)

3 Grilling Hacks for Delicious, Plant-Based Summer Menus

Cooking and entertaining

outdoors can bring friends and family back together, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Simple, flavorful recipes can be easy on the home chef yet still tasty and enjoyable for those at the table.

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

“Food brings people together, and now more than ever, grilling season and dining al fresco is one of the best

ways to do that,” said Tommy McDonald, executive chef at Greenleaf Foods. “Think of the grill as an additional seasoning element – a zero-fuss way to add miles of flavor. One of my favorite products is Lightlife’s Smart Dogs, which have been reformulated to taste better than ever. Try topping them with a freshly made onion jam or quick-pickled relish.”

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

Be mindful of cook times.

Plant-based protein products typically taste best when cooked properly, usually over a low, open flame. When you’re almost ready to dish them out in recipes like Grilled Pineapple Burgers with Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce or Avocado

Toast Dogs, give them a quick sear. If you’re unsure, reference the recommended cook times on the packaging.

Keep it separate. During these seasonal celebrations, there’s often some people who want traditional meat and others who crave plant-based options. To satisfy your group, drop a cast-iron skillet on the grill and allow it to heat up. Put your favorite plant-based proteins in the skillet, along with veggies, to keep the grill organized.

Top it off. Don’t skimp on the toppings. The next time you’re looking to jazz up

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

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

Burgers with Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce

Total time: 30 minutes

Serving: 2

2 rings freshly cored pineapple

2 Lightlife Plant-Based Burger patties

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

2 sesame seed burger buns,

lightly toasted

1 cup baby arugula

1/4 cup crispy fried onions

2 tablespoons honey garlic barbecue sauce

Heat grill to medium. Grill pineapple slices 4-5 minutes per side until grill-marked and slightly caramelized. Cut slices in half and set aside. Wipe down grill.

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

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

Avocado Toast Dogs

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Oil

2 medium avocados

1/2 lemon, juice only

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 Lightlife Smart Dogs

4 hot dog buns

1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning sriracha

Lightly coat grill grates with oil and preheat to medium heat. In small bowl, mash avocados, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cover and rest in refrigerator.

Grill dogs 6-7 minutes, turning frequently.

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

5 Tips to Stretch Your

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

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

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

during certain timeframes. Consider trip interruption and cancellation policies. Planning for the unexpected can help protect you if a trip needs to end early or be canceled altogether. Unless you have travel insurance, you’re likely to lose money on non-refundable expenses such as flights, event tickets or tours. However, some travel companies or your credit card provider may cover reimbursement for certain prepaid expenses. Look into what options are available before you travel to avoid extra headaches when the unexpected occurs during a trip.

Get rewarded no matter how you travel. Using your credit card rewards to offset travel costs is a smart strategy, but not everyone wants or needs perks like miles or points that are exclusive to use with a single travel partner. With pointbased travel reward cards, like the Credit One Bank Wander

Card, the more places you visit, the more rewards you reap along the way that can be redeemed for future experiences, statement credits, gift cards and more. That means no matter what hotel chain you stay at, car rental agency you select or airline you fly with – or as you mix and match to get the best deals – everyday adventurers have opportunities to earn up to five times the rewards points for doing things they love.

Come up with a realistic budget. When you’re planning a trip, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket expenses like airfare and hotel rooms. The reality is, when you add up all the smaller expenses, you may spend significantly more than you realize. To plan a more accurate budget, be sure you account for expenses like dining out at restaurants, paying for fuel at the pump and tickets to attractions and events. Don’t forget fees that add up,

too, like tips for housekeeping, checked bags, Wi-Fi access, parking and souvenirs. Research and book free and discounted attractions. Some attractions offer discounts for purchasing tickets in advance online, age-based discounts or free admission at certain times or dates, so be sure to look

into any attractions you hope to visit ahead of time. If you’re a travel rewards credit card holder, start your search by looking into your redemption options. If your card offers

flexible options by booking through a specific partner site or dedicated travel platform, you might be able to redeem

points or make your spending dollars go further toward earning more rewards for the cost of experiences, entertainment and other expenses while you travel.

Find more ways to make your money work for you at

CreditOneBank.com/articles Family Features.

How to Live BIG in Your Backyard This Summer

Step 3: Delight in the details

Now we’ve arrived at the really fun part - decorating your new space. Some of the top trends in backyard accent d√©cor themes right now include bohemian, farmhouse, coastal and mid-century. Regardless of the theme you choose, one of the first ele-

ments that will tie your space together is an outdoor rug. The brighter the pattern, the better! Since this will live outside, we’re looking for big patterns and splashes of color to hide big splashes of dirt. Once you’ve got your theme and your color scheme, work in some oversized planters, stylish accent pillows, a scalloped

umbrella, durable dining ware and even some low-maintenance but impressive faux plants for the finishing touch. Be a “Backyard BIGionaire” this year and feel like a million bucks while hunting for the best deal at your neighborhood Big Lots or on biglots.com. (BPT)

The sun is shining, a warm breeze is blowing and you’re itching to get outside. You finally step out the door, and what do you see? A vast, empty space with untapped potential. When it comes to designing your backyard staycation station for the summer, you want to make a BIG statement.

After all, this is the place where you can be the hostess with the mostest, ready to mix up some margs at a moment’s notice or mingle late into the night by firelight. Patio and outdoor spaces can be tricky to style and decorate, which is why Big Lots has created a step-by-step guide to deck out your backyard this summer.

Step 1: Maximize value and comfort

The foundation of any space is furniture. Determin-

ing which outdoor furniture to purchase is as simple as viewing it as an extension of your living space. Think about how it will be used and how many people will use it. Create different vignettes and focus on “moments” you want to create in your space. Perhaps you want a cozy little spot for a fire pit. Or maybe you’re planning on hosting a neighborhood potluck around a massive outdoor dining table. Catching some poolside rays will require some lounge chairs with, of course, a side table to hold your vacation drinks. Gazebos, sofas, tables, chairs, swings and matching coolers are all important pieces to consider when designing your space. And because this furniture will be outside and exposed to the elements, don’t

forget to look for items that are trendy AND affordable.

Step 2: Light up your night

To fully maximize use of your outdoor space, you’ll next need to focus on lighting. And if you’ve ever wondered to yourself: am I fancy enough for an outdoor chandelier? The answer is yes. You can also try mixing and matching candle-lit statement lanterns to give chill vibes to all who come by. Another option would be to create a focal point with a fire pit, which comes in all forms these days, from grand outdoor fireplaces to smokeless metal drums and classy table centerpieces. If you want to set the mood while keeping the bugs away, hang up some string lights and the bugs will fly high as you lie low.

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

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

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

from award-winning traditional lagers, New England IPAs, & fruited sours, to their extensive barrel aging program.

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

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

“The World Beer Cup brings together the finest brewers and beers from around the globe and celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and passion for great beer,” said Chris Williams, World Beer Cup competition director. “Receiving

Wins Award at World Beer Cup®

a World Beer Cup award is a testament to quality and innovation, and we commend this year’s winners for setting the bar higher than ever.”

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

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

Utah Missionary Finds New Home

BY EVAN WECHMAN STAFF WRITER

AREA - On any given

Wanted

323-5975

of Livingston and the

she was assigned by her church to come here to New Jersey.

“I have always been influenced by my parents. They are very service oriented and have always been a huge influence on me,” says Crosby. Crosby is motivated to help people in whatever areas of their life they need assistance. She states one of her main motives is to help people have a deeper relationship with their God. Though many outsiders may think this is only about helping people of the same faith, this is not accurate.

Crosby helps people in Livingston with anything she could be of service to. Whether it is helping an elderly cou-

ple rake leaves off their lawn or helping set up their cable television, she is dedicated to helping others. “I have found a lot of joy in helping people in the community,” says Crosby.

Though walking door to door greeting strangers can be full of rejection, she credits her deep faith in not letting a negative encounter break her spirit. “Most people will allow us to share a message and usually we will fulfill a need to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Even if a Livingston resident is of a different religion, Crosby always greets people with love and understanding. She is open to speaking with others of all faiths, and seeing if she could assist in any way possible.

Crosby recalls the numerous positive encounters she has had with people of all religions, including the occasions

she has broken bread with Rabbis and other religious leaders.

She even offers tutoring services in many different academic subjects to both students and adults and has a special interest in helping people trace their family trees. These services are all provided free to the community.

In addition, Crosby has traveled throughout the state volunteering at numerous food pantries. Locally, she has volunteered at Grace Food Pantry in Summit, New Jersey.

The young missionary will return to her home state shortly to study Nursing at Utah Valley University in the fall.

Crosby has a strong passion for healthcare and has used her skills as a certified nursing assistant to benefit the area as well. She sees nursing as a natural fit to help those who are ill.

She hopes to return to Livingston soon to volunteer in any way she can. According to Crosby, “I am so grateful for my service as a missionary, and all the wonderful people I have met through my service.”

She adds “the people here are some of the kindest souls that I’ve met. The interactions I’ve had with the residents of Livingston I will cherish forever. It’s truly a beautiful community.” Crosby also hopes to show her family oneday beautiful downtown Livingston as well as the nearby shore towns and New York City. “I want to show them where a little piece of my heart has been.”

She will return to her home church in Utah but will follow what is happening in New Jersey. She realizes if a need here arises, she will do what is necessary to add a hand. “My passion is caring for others,” she humbly says.

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