East Hanover Florham Park Life March 2019

FREE, Please Take One

Vol. 2 • No. 3 • March 2019

Hanover Park High School Spring Musical Little Shop of Horrors From left: Kevin Gilroy as Mushnik Liliana DaCosta as Audrey Joe Moschella as Seymour Tommy Hilden as The Dentist

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Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 3

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GREATER HANOVER EDITORIAL

Greater Hanover Life Thank you for reading this issue of “Greater Hanover Life.”

“Greater Hanover Life” serves the Hanovers, Florham Park, Whippany and parts of Morris Plains. This area is a great place to work, live and play. There is so much here for the residents to enjoy that we have decided to dedicate a magazine. The people that make up this community are caring people who never hesitate to help others in need.

Our goal is to provide you with articles about people, places and things all Hanover.

Each month you can pick up a copy of the magazine at local businesses or visit www.iwantmypaper.com and sign up for a free emailed copy that will be sent directly to your email.

We are also asking our readers to send us in photos and information on your life events, parties, birthdays, weddings, en-

Barbara Freda

gagements or any other milestones. You can send them to editor@mylifepublications.com.

We welcome your feedback as well to the same email.

You can also visit our website www. greaterhanoverlife.com or on Facebook under “ Greater Hanover Life.”

Please support our advertisers in our publications as they make this magazine available free to all with their advertising support. We want to help the local businesses and your support of them is appreciated.

We are happy to have Barbara Freda as our sales representative for “Greater Hanover Life.” Freda has been very active in the Greater Hanover Life business community.

Thank you for choosing “Greater Hanover Life” to read and enjoy.

Joe Nicastro & Mary Lalama, Publishers

Next Issue April 2019, Deadline March 21st To receive your free copy of Greater Hanover Life direct to your email visit www.iwantmypaper.com and sign up!

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Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 5

Page 6 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

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Winter Sports Successful for Hanover Park and Whippany High Schools

By Steve Sears ports fans for both Hanover Park and Whippany High Schools cheered their teams on to much success during the 2018-2019 winter sports season.

The Boys Basketball team for Hanover Park High School is 14-10 as of this writing, earning the 6th seed in the Group 2 State Tournament, which began on February 25th when the team hosted Lyndhurst High School. The club also earned a top 8 seed in the Morris County Tournament, and this season had several big wins over DePaul Catholic, Montville, Passaic County Technical Institute, and Morris Catholic. The team is led by senior Alex Malofienko, who scored his 1,000th point vs. PCTI on Saturday, February 23rd.

The Girls Basketball team also has en-

joyed success, sporting a record 18-4 and currently the #2 seed in the Group 2 State Tournament. This year’s squad has earned a share of the NJAC Conference title and made it to the semifinals of the Morris County tournament. Key triumphs thus far this year were over Morristown Beard, Morris Catholic, West Essex, and Bernards.

The girls are led by leading scorers senior Kelsey Stites and junior Brielle Junda, and Megan Macaluso is one of Morris County’s leading rebounders. The team

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hosted to Newark Central in round one round of the State tournament on Monday, February 25th.

The Hanover Park High wrestling sent 5 wrestlers to Atlantic City to compete in the individual State Championships on February 28th-March 2nd. Jake Busese (120lb weight class), Joey Olivieri (126lbs), Nick Raimo (132lbs), Dom DiFrancescantonio (138lbs), and Gianluca Birnbaum (182lbs) all trekked south down the Garden State Parkway to wrestle the best in the Garden State.

The Hanover Park Regional Varsity Ice Hockey team made it to the Haas Cup Final in 2018. For the 2018—2019 season, the

team competed in the 9-team Haas/Charette Division.

The season started on the right note with a November 24th, 9-1 rout over Parsippany Regional. The following evening, the club skated to a close 4-3 victory over new Co Op Pequannock/ West Milford at the Ice Vault, the early season record now at 2 – 0.

Game three the following Wednesday against West Morris Mendham saw the team not only lose its first game, 5 - 1, but also lost top player Justin Lerner with an upper body injury. He would be lost until January 23, 2019, the team’s record at that time 8 wins, 6 losses, and 2 ties. Hanover Park would

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Page 8 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

then go on an 11-game unbeaten streak. After beating Gill St. Bernards in the Haas Cup Semifinals on February 11 - the very team that beat and tied them earlier in the season – they fell to the eventual Haas Cup Champ West Morris Mendham on February 14, and then lost in the first round of the NJSIAA State Tournament to Passaic Valley Cedar Grove on February 18, where they were minus 1st Team All Star Jordan Handler, who was out with the flu.

In addition to Handler, also recognized were 2nd team All Star, Tyler Cross, 3rd team All Star, Chris Schneider, and Justin Lerner was named Honorable Mention.

Head Coach, Greg Mills, and Assistant Coach, Karla Idunate, led Park Swim, which is comprised of 55 student athletes from Whippany Park and Hanover Park High Schools, during a very challenging 2018-2019 campaign.

The Girls team finished with a record of 2 wins and 7 losses, and the boys fared a bit better with 3 wins and 6 losses.

Outstanding performers for the girls included, Sarah Bernstein (jr), and freshman Carolyn Kao (fr) and Lauren Martinez (jr), who return for the ‘19-’20 season, and for the boys included, Nolan Danus (jr), Jon Kao (jr), Alex Trinh (jr), Rob Mierzwinski (sr), Brian Mullen (so), Sean Giordano (fr), Dan Batrachenko (fr), and Quinn Danus(fr) all head stellar seasons. All but one of the boy swimmers will be returning for the ‘19-’20 season.

Some accolades were received during the winter season. The boys 200 meter freestyle relay team broke a 20-year-old team record, and boys 200 meter medley relay team broke the team record set in 2017. Also, three individual swimmers and a boy’s relay team qualified to swim in the New Jersey State Meet of Champions on March 2 - 3, 2019.

With many underclassmen swimmers returning, Mills and Idunate look forward to a positive 2019-2020 season.

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Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 9

Coach Steve Manni’s Whippany Park’s boys and girls Winter Track programs both had very successful seasons.

Led by senior Christian Martin, the boys team finished in second place in the State Championship meet. Martin was State Sectional and Morris County Champion in the 55-meter hurdles and Morris County Champion in the 300-meter dash.

The boy’s team of Martin, James Carlson-Zyats, Jack Lee and Jack DePiro won the 4 x 200-meter relay in the Morris County Relay Championship, as did Alexa Schauder and Noelle Luzzi in pole vault. The team had four athletes qualify for the State Meet of Champions as individuals in their respective events, including Jack Lee in the 55-meter dash, Alexa Schauder in pole vault, Christian Martin in the 55-meter hurdles and high jump as did Sydney Carlson-Zyats in both the 800 meter and 1600 meter.

Coach Devon Engelberger’s Whippany Park wrestling team finished the team portion of the season with an overall record of 15-8, second place in the NJAC Liberty division. The season was a great turn-around from the 2017-2018 season, where the Wildcats were forced to forfeit multiple weights and give away valuable team points in competition. Returning every starter from last year’s lineup made the team balanced with experienced wrestlers.

Whippany Park was undefeated in their first seven matches before falling to Morris County powers Hanover Park and Jef-

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ferson. However, wins over Morristown, Kearny, Morris Knolls, Madison and Kinnelon put Whippany Park in position to host early round matches in the state sectional tournament. During the week-long tournament, the Wildcats took down Belvidere 52-12, then handed Roselle Park a 39-29 loss in the semifinals.

The run to the section title ended with a 45-16 loss to Delaware Valley.

Proving they could compete both as a team and as individuals, three Wildcat wrestlers placed in the Morris County tournament and seven advanced into the Region 3 tournament.

The biggest strength to the team was the experienced middle weight trio of captains Sean Savercool (senior, 33-2 @ 152 lbs.) Thomas Stigliano (junior, 30-5 @ 160lbs) and Nick Graessle (senior, 21-5 @ 170 lbs). All three wrestlers placed top three in District 11 and will compete in the region tournament. Other district medalists include Dean Savercool at 106 lbs (sophomore, 29-5), Franco Bellomo (junior, 14-11 @ 132lbs ), Zach Rossow (junior, 15-15 @ 195 lbs) and Matt Dill (senior, 14-7 @ 285 lbs).

Finally, on the hardwood, Brent Dukin’s Whippany Park High School girls’ basketball team finished the season with double digit wins. The team finished third in their conference and advanced to the state tournament for the first time in three years, where they will take on Glen Ridge.

The Wildcats will return four starters next season.

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Page 10 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

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by Elsie Walker

Hanover Park Township Get A New Website

ince February 11th, visitors have seen something new at www.hanovertownship.com A new website has been created that is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and offers residents access to more information, such as with a few clicks of a mouse, the ability to get forms they might have had to previously go to the township office to get. Feedback from surveys completed by township residents gave input to the creation of the new website. Hanover Park Township’s Project Coordinator/Webmaster is Shelby Snow.

Snow shared that a new website has been a desire of the township for a few years. The former website was severely outdated. It was not considered user-friendly, nor was it formatted for mobile use.

“With the way things are trending now towards phones replacing desktop computers and laptops, the old site was just not acceptable anymore. The new website optimizes for phones

with a mobile-specific layout and allows us to communicate more information to our residents than we could before,” Snow said. In addition to saving residents a trip to the township offices by making forms available online, the hope is that the new website content will make township processes easier for everyone, thereby cutting down on the need for phone calls and walk-ins to the township. “This will especially help those doing business with or within the Township – contractors, developers, etc. who may not be local,” said Snow.

Resident input for the site was received through surveys done by the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Snow noted that this committee is comprised of resident volunteers of different demographics who gave their own input and guidance throughout the website creation process as well. “The surveys inquired about several different aspects regarding the design and content of the new website. Many changes were made to the final products based on this feedback. The surveys

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Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 11

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Page 12 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

indicated that residents wanted the new website to look nice, make it easier to access information and to offer more communication opportunities from the town,” said Snow.

Besides those previously mentioned, what are some other features of the site? “Residents can subscribe to a variety of channels to get notifications when new information is added to the website. This function is called ‘Notify Me’,” said Snow.

She noted that currently these notifications are alerts, meeting agendas/minutes, and the calendars. Job listings and more are soon to come. “Another important feature is the ‘Smart Search’ bar. When a user begins to type, it auto-populates with options from the website to make it easier for the user to find what he or she is looking for. For example, if a contractor was looking for a specific permit form and was unsure which department page it would be on, since all municipalities are different, he or she could start typing the name of the form in the search bar and find it instantly, instead of clicking around to various pages,” explained Snow.

The township is interested in what residents think of the new website, and the option to complete a survey form is on the site until March 11th.

“All of the township departments worked together to make this website the best it could be for our residents. There is more content than before and it has all been freshly updated. We hope that it will become a valuable resource for Hanover[township] residents,” noted Snow.

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Annual Craft Show Will Benefit Whippanong Library

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he seventh annual Craft Show to benefit the Whippanon Library will be held on Saturday March 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The mini tricky tray and luncheon café will take place at the Hanover Township Community Center, located at 15 North Jefferson Road. Admission is $3.00 and includes one sheet of tricky tray tickets. Children under twelve are free.

For more information, contact Barbara Blumenfeld at 973952-9652 or email westiecb@optonline.net or Kathe Sheridan at 973-887-7151 or email kathesheridan@aol.com

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Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 13

Amzing That a 13 Year Old Knows What He Wants To Do For His Career!

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hen Dave Turano was a Freshman in High School, he worked in a pizzeria.

He loved working there and decided to try his hand at owning a pizzeria when he got older. He enjoyed cooking and creating the out of the ordinary Italian food. In 2000 he opened his first pizzeria in Lyndhurst and sold it in 2014. Then he joined The Pizza Terminal in Verona.

Now he opened his newest business, Turano’s Pizza Kitchen in Livingston at 69 East Northfield Road. Over the years, Dave spent a great deal of time trying to figure out what he could do to have a different type of pizza kitchen. He is proud of his new venture., and happy with the warm reception of his patrons. After experimenting with menu ideas, he came up with a creative menu. Turano’s Pizza Kitchen’s extensive menu contains some

new types of specialty pizzas, regular pizzas including Sicilian, and a diverse variety of unusual appetizers, dinners including chicken and seafood choices, pasta dishes, charcoal grilled burgers, hot sandwiches, wraps, paninis, desserts including nutella pizza or smores pizza and much more. There is delivery service available to Livingston and West Orange.

Planning a Party? Dave Turano helps his clients come up with a catering menu for all occasions. In addition to party trays, Dave provides complete catering services including tents, dishes, staff and everything you need. Take some time to review the Turano’s Pizza Kitchen’s menu, and try some of their delicious cuisine. You will be pleased! Call 973-758-8111 for more information. www.TuranosPizzaKitchen.com

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Page 14 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

Whippany Park High School Theatre Debuts Chicago

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hippany Park High School Theatre presented Chicago: High School Edition, by Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse, John Kander, and Maurine Dallas Watkins, Feb. 28 through March 2, in the Whippany Park High School Theatre.

Chicago: High School Edition, directed by WPHS English teacher, Jaquelynne Radcliff, is a story of “murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery...all the things we hold near and dear to our heart”. When wannabe Vaudeville performer, Roxie Hart, kills her lying lover, she finds herself amongst six other “merry murderesses”, including well-known performer, Velma Kelly, who are vying for the help of Mr. Billy Flynn, to help save their lives...literally.

“The show, while dark at points, is witty and fun. The dancing merges classic Fosse movement, with fun Vaudeville dances,” says Radcliff. This well-known Broadway classic finds its new home, on the high school stage with this new edition from Samuel French. As one of the first high schools to perform it, Radcliff states, “our students felt so honored to bring such an award-winning production to life on our stage and they absolutely ‘razzle dazzle’ you”.

About Whippany Park High School Theatre: Whippany Park High School Theatre has been putting on performances for 51 years, celebrating their 50th anniversary last

Kelly Belarmino in the role of Velma Kelly, and Jordan Conte in the role of Roxie Hart.

year, with a tribute performance to past shows and casts in June.

They are proud participants of the Montclair Theatre Awards program and The Papermill Playhouse Rising Star Awards program. They put on two big performances a year- a fall drama and a spring musical. Throughout the years, many other events have taken place, as new directors have come in with inspiring ideas for the program.

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Hanover Park Stages Little Shop of Horrors

n Feb. 27 through March 1, Hanover Park High School staged its production of Little Shop of Horrors. The thrilling musical tells the story of Seymour Krelborn (Joe Moschella). Seymour works in a disheveled flower shop run by Mr. Mushnik (Kevin Gilroy) with his future love interest, Audrey (Lily DaCosta). One day, he comes across a strange and interesting plant (voiced by Roahan Padmanabhan and puppeteered by Kelly Saraiva and Thomas Galdieri) that changes his life forever. The performance also featured a quintet of Doo Wop Girls (Laura Silva, Krista Mercado, Linda Bruncaj, Nofia Jarbo, Emmy Henning) and an evil dentist named Orin (Tommy Hilden) who has a twisted fixation with nitrous oxide. These characters all came together to create a truly immersive story on the HP stage. The cast, crew, and team of directors at Hanover Park put in countless hours of love and hard work to create an amazing performance.

From left: Kevin Gilroy as Mushnik, Liliana DaCosta as Audrey, Joe Moschella as Seymour and Tommy Hilden as The Dentist.

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Page 18 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, a Church with “Good People”

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By Steve Sears

lmost on a daily basis, Reverend Thomas Rekiel begins the walk from his rectory office to the Holy Family Church building, home of the parish he has pastored for three years. It’s a bit of a trek on a cold day, “But it’s good,” he says with a smile.

Rekiel, born in Poland, never planned on staying in New Jersey when he first arrived here from Italy, but he doesn’t appear to mind. He has found a home in a loving, caring parish, he be-

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stowing praise on his parishioners and volunteers when afforded the opportunity.

It all began with the “Holy Rollers” at the Florham Park Roller Rink.

The year was 1950, and Monsignor John Dauenhauer, pastor of St. Vincent’s of Madison and Vicar General of the Paterson Diocese, planned along with Florham Park Mayor Alexander Blanched, a mission in the borough which would be entrusted to Father John P. O’Connell, a parish priest at St. Vincent’s.

On the Feast of the Holy Family, the first Sunday in January in 1951, Father O’Connell offered Mass at the roller rink for 80 Catholic families, unofficially christening a new parish existence.

From there, plans for a parish complex were drawn up. Lloyd Smith, a local philanthropist and developer, donated land for the church site and, ten months lat-

er, ground was broken, and the plans bore fruit. Archbishop Thomas A. Boland formally blessed the new church building on Thanksgiving Day 1952.

Rekiel was ordained on May 10, 2003 in Pistoia, Italy, and prior to being named Pastor of Holy Family he served in Totowa at Saint James Parish, and also is the Director of the Italian Apostolate. Reikel was an Associate Pastor for four years after being ordained in Italy. He was fed his faith by his entire family, including his Aunt, who was a religious sister. “We were always very dedicated to the church, we always had summer vacations and we always went to visit my aunt at the convent. We’re a very faith-oriented family.”

“I am very happy here,” Rekiel says. “I have good people.” Rekiel, who currently serves

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Page 20 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

the parish along with Parochial Vicar Reverend Krzysztof Liwarski and Deacon Peter M. Fiore (Reverend Frederick M. Walters is Pastor Emeritus), is currently overseeing repairs on the church building; construction workers working on the windows and gutters and roofing areas. “After some time, 25 years,” he says, “you have to change them.

I would also like to change inside the church. I have a very good Finance Council and they check everything.”

A walk inside the church Holy Family also offers a renders one oblivious to the Confirmation program and a special busyness outside. The buildMass for those being confirmed. ing, in addition to Mass time, Parents attend with the students is open daily until 7:00 p.m. and afterwards gather for a There are 1,600 families in the one-hour meeting with two steps. parish.

Rekiel recognizes the huge contribution O’Connell made to Holy Family Parish during his 34 years as Pastor. “It was practically the same time,” Rekiel says about the planning and building of the school.

The Sisters of Christian Charity from nearby Mendham presided over the school, which officially opened to 173 students in September 1954. Bishop James McNulty formerly blessed the school on October 24, 1954, the same year Holy Family officially became a parish.

“Up and down, so many times, almost closing but not,” is how Rekiel describes the number of students through

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the years at Holy Family. Now the school has a total of 96 students, Pre-K through Kindergarten. “We also have space for lunch, space for after care, it’s wonderful.”

The school is also used for a very involved CCD program, which Reikel feels one of the strongest ministries, offering both traditional CCD for children only, and then family-based CCD. There are two – three family-based sessions during the year, and twelve regular meetings during the year. “We created our own program,” says Rekiel. “This is the second year we are running the program and it’s very good, especially because today we need contact with families. When they come together as a family, they can be closer to the church.”

Holy Family also offers a Confirmation program and a special Mass for those being confirmed. Parents attend with the students and afterwards gather for a one-hour meeting with two steps. The first year of the program the study is about individual selves (character, personality), and the second is knowing God. There is also a Youth Group which has about 30 participants, from 10th grade and up. Men’s and Women’s groups are also very involved, both attending Mass in the morning and then meeting for an hour afterwards.

The food pantry, run by the Ministry to the Hungry, is one of the other key ministries in the parish. Operating primarily on donations provided mainly by Holy

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Rekiel has his wish list for his parish. “I’d like to have a Spiritual retreat for men and women, but maybe adjust the program and have a summer vacation for families. It’s wonderful to have shared time together when they experience faith.” He also seeks to start a ministry for young parents with newborn children to a few years old.

Family Church, occasionally donations are collected from various businesses in the community. “Our food pantry, no one speaks about it – we distribute a lot of food,” says Rekiel. “The people are very generous. Every Sunday, we have collections at all the doors, and they bring food in. We live in an economically good town, so many times we have neighbors that need help.”

Items that are needed are listed in the church bulletin every week, and donation baskets are provided at the three entrances of the church. Also, once a month the Ministry to the Hungry meets with the families and they shop for nonperishable food items.

The food pantry is located in the basement of the church.

Rekiel also speaks to Holy Family being a very social parish.

“We have a wonderful hour of coffee after all the Masses every first Sunday of the month. After Mass for me as a priest, if I have many people after Mass come up to me. I can tell them ‘God Bless’ and ‘Have a wonderful day” and that’s it, but when we have coffee and we stay for 30 minutes, especially young families, we get to know each other. When the people get together, they speak about work, about life, and they help each other.” He then tells the following true story. “I witnessed one family try-

ing to do some work on their home, and one family, they knew some contractors.” The families met one morning at coffee hour, and the first family courtesy of the latter secured a contractor for their home project.”

Hospitality over coffee isn’t the terminus of the get togethers.

Holy Family Parish holds every second Saturday of the month a parish dinner downstairs in its church hall. Roughly 80 - 100 people attend after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. “We have service hours for the Youth Group and Confirmation program,” adds Rekiel, “so they come and help out.”

Rekiel has his wish list for his parish. “I’d like to have a Spiritual retreat for men and women, but maybe adjust the program and have a summer vacation for families. It’s wonderful to have shared time together when they experience faith.” He also seeks to start a ministry for young parents with newborn children to a few years old.

For more information about Holy Family Parish, a list of ministries, as well as a schedule of Sunday Masses, visit the parish website at www.holyfamilyfp.org. You can also call (973) 3771817. The church is located at Lloyd Avenue and Orchard Street in Florham Park.

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200 Club of Morris County’s Valor and Meritorious Awards Dinner Set for April 25

he 200 Club of Morris County invites the public to its annual Valor and Meritorious Awards event Thursday, April 25 at The Birchwood Manor, Whippany at 5:45 p.m. Heroic actions of local first responders who have gone above the call of duty to protect our community will be recognized.

Since 1971, this non-profit organization has collected more than $5 million for the families of fallen Morris County first responders. Through annual membership fees and private donations, The 200 Club provides financial assis-

tance and scholarships for college-bound students actively serving, or who have a parent currently serving as a public safety official. 2019 Membership benefits include an identification card for the $200 contribution.

Tickets for the event are $85 per person. To purchase tickets, or for questions on membership, ad journal advertising or donations, call Lori Richmond at 973-6307933 or info@200clubofmorriscounty.com and use code: BJRC200. Visit us at: www.

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Morris Co. Park Palooza Featuring Food Trucks, Biergarten & Live Bands

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Grab a bite to eat from a variety of 20+ popular food trucks, or throw back a few of the hand-crafted brews, wine or sangria from the biergarten all while listening to one of the three live featured bands!

Pack a blanket and chairs, and enjoy live country to rock to classics music from The Nicco And Tommy Duo, The City Limit, and Jazmyn Adelle Trio.

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kids, such as “Giant Tic, Tac, Toe” and “Giant Jenga,” corn hole, hula hoop races, face painting, and so much more.

Bring your friends, family, and the kids for a fun-filled day! The proceeds from this event, hosted by Garden State Food Truck Festival, will benefit the Morris County Park Commission.

Tickets can be purchased prior to the event at a discounted rate online at www. gardenstatefoodtruckfest. com $5 per adult and $2 per child, or day of for $10 per adult and $5 per child. There is free parking, and admission allows for re-entrance throughout the day. All foods and beverages are sold separately. For more information and directions to Lewis Morris County Park, visit www. morrisparks.net.

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Page 26 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

East Hanover’s Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter Shows the Love to Animals in Need

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By Dawn M Chiossi

here’s nothing as wonderful as the sweet face of a dog or a cat. Every animal lover instinctively knows the delights that owning a pet can bring, and they occupy a space in people’s hearts that is special: They are friends, family. A pet can be their owner’s sounding boards, their companions, or even good listeners. They are there when their owners get up in the morning--even before coffee--and when they walk in the door after an exhausting day.

Pets are always welcoming and glad to see you. They allow us to be silly, or indulgent. No matter what, they give us unconditional love.

These furry friends quickly become an integral part of the family. People grow up with them, families and single people alike dote and depend on them. Every animal lover out there knows without a doubt, there is nothing so comforting as a purring cat or a tail-wagging, face-licking dog.

In the United States alone, an impressive 85% of families own a pet of some kind. Dogs and cats are always popular, but for many having a pet even expands to fish and other animals. Pets are a responsibility that most people embrace with enthusiastic arms. But all too often, there are animals out there who are suffering: unwanted, neglected or abused.

Unfortunately, animal shelters are filled with them, so there is something extra special about getting a pet from a shelter. It is a chance to rescue these helpless animals who cannot help themselves.

It is an opportunity to share your

love and caring, giving them a second chance at a happy home. These rescue pets are starved for love, and are just waiting for their human guardians to adopt them, to be considered someone’s fur baby.

Over at East Hanover’s Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter they are showing the love to these furry friends, making them part of their family until they can become yours.

At this moment, they have approximately 30 dogs and 50 to 70 cats housed at the shelter and with an impressive and consistent 98% successful adoption rate, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter has reason to be thrilled.

“We have approximately 1,000 to 1,100 adoptions per year,” Mount Pleasant Outreach C o o r d i n a t o r, Christine Conte, prides.

Adoption fees are $275 for dogs, $325 for puppies, $125 for adult cats and $150 for kittens.

Conte shares that kittens and puppies are the most popular adoptees followed by dogs and cats, but all of the animals at Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter are special.

Created in 1977, and located at 194 Route 10 West in East Hanover, the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter is a nonprofit 501c3 animal welfare organization. They are dedicated to having a community where there are no abused, abandoned neglected, or homeless animals out there. For these devoted volunteers, this is not just a dream, it is a mission.

This no-kill shelter is 100% funded by donations, where no animal is ever euthanized.

These adoptable dogs and cats not only come from homes, they also come from other overcrowded shelters, and desperate situations. These dogs and cats have en-

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Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 27

Page 28 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

Shelter offers assistance to overcrowded facilities with adoptable animals. With their Shelter Partnering Program, they also actively participate in a variety of animal rescue initiatives. Approximately a staggering 90% of all dogs and cats at Mt. Pleasant are rescued from facilities both in New Jersey and other states that would have been forced to euthanize these animals due to overcrowding.

“We pull animals from other states and other kill shelters,” Conte tells.

“From Virginia, Florida, all over.” As such, Mt. Pleasant then diligently works to safely transport the animals to their shelter, for necessary evaluation, veterinary care, spay or neutering, microchipping, and placed for adoption.

Striving to heal not just the physical body of these creatures, employees of the animal shelter focus on the whole animal as well: body, spirit and soul-- making sure that the adoptee is a well-rounded match for their human parents. Programs such as their behavior modification programs,

dured so many horrors: Sometimes they are dirty, neglected, stressed, sometimes they have endured any number of desperate situations, but all of these creatures have one thing in common: All are in need of love and attention. Until they find a forever home, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter takes them in, treating them like part of their family. For the 15 to 20 employees, and large number of volunteers of this worthwhile organization, working at the animal shelter it isn’t just a job, it’s a mission of love.

That mission has several components: to provide exceptional care for homeless animals, to promote spaying/neutering/ microchipping and humane education, and to place homeless cats and dogs in permanent and loving homes.

“We are a little different than other shelters,” Conte explains. “We don’t do intakes, only when we have the space.”

That means that largely, their focus lies in rescuing.

Known as a friend in the shelter community, the Mount Pleasant Animal

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kennel enrichment programs, and two free roaming catteries, they help these dogs and cats not only survive, but flourish.

The behavior modification program prescreens all dogs through temperament testing, adding insight to a dog’s personality and needs.

Keeping the results in mind, the program then greatly aids the staff match pets with potential adopters.

In addition, Mt. Pleasant Animal shelter creates a safe and enjoyable environment for these furry friends alike. Their Kennel Enrichment Programs are great for dogs, stimulating them emotionally, as well as physically and emotionally. Feline friends can enjoy the two free roaming catteries: A cattery gives them the opportunity to socialize with each other, while enjoying the attention from prospective adopters.

From offering behavioral advice to the general public, to much more, Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter offers

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a number of Community Outreach programs for the community as well.

They are particularly excited regarding their microchipping where all animals are microchipped at Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter. Something invaluable if the pet is lost or, God forbid, stolen. Simply put, a microchip is a location device. Implanted between the animal’s shoulder blades, it is approximately the size of a grain of rice and it is quick, easy and convenient. Much safer than a collar or tags that can fall off when the pet is outside, microchipping gives the pet owner added security and confidence, should they need it.

If a pet gets loose, if microchipped, they can just be identified by a scanner and returned back to their owners. “This can save an animal’s life,” officials state.

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Hours for the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter will be Monday, Wednesday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. They are closed all major holidays.

For further information or details, please call 973-386-0590 or visit www.njshelter.org/.

Animal Shelter at 973386-0590 to make an appointment today. Rest assured, all proceeds will go to benefit homeless dogs and cats.

Realizing that there are a myriad of ways to help these companion animals, Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter does so much for fundraising.

Don’t miss the Sixth Annual Tricky Tray held on April 12th at Knoll Country Club West in Boonton Township. Tickets will be $50.00. Included in the price will be approximately 300 baskets featuring some amazing surprises, a gourmet buffet, ice cream sundae bar, a sheet of tickets and service for parking. This event is always popular, so people are encouraged to get their tickets early. Conte tells that last year approximately 500 people attended. Tickets can be purchased at the shelter during adoption hours or online.

Much more than just an animal shelter, Mount Pleasant is a team in lifesaving. There are many wonderful dogs and cats out there, all with their own personalities, and for Conte, each has something unique to offer a loving pet parent. Take Amber for instance, an Anatolian Shepherd Mix is 10 years old. “He’s very sweet, very loving, and yet somehow overlooked,” Conte says. She mentions Yetti, another Shepard Mix who is playfully “goofy,” and a cat they aptly named Mrs. Claws, found at Christmastime, who had given birth (her kittens have all been adopted) and has been in the shelter ever since. “Any or every one of these animals would make a good family member to any home”, Conte remarks.

There are many ways to contribute. Mount Pleasant offers amazing support and rescue programs. With the Road to Happiness Program, they routinely pull dogs and puppies at risk from euthanasia from other overcrowded shelters outside of New

Jersey. With the approximate cost of $60.00, they are always searching for sponsors to help save lives. Included in the price will be fees associated with transport.

“We are always looking for foster families to foster puppies and kittens.” Conte tells.

The way it works it that people foster the animal for two weeks (don’t worry, Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter will supply everything needed), and then the animal will be given back after the time is up. “This is a great way for any animal lover to get their feet wet into the world of pet ownership without making a permanent commitment,” Conte says. She herself has been a foster for three cats from the animal shelter.

She even has one that she considers a foster-fail. (something they secretly hope for everyone who enters the shelter) “I ended up adopting one feisty kitten,” Conte enthuses. “I just fell in love with her. She gets along with my other cats and has even bonded with my dog. She’s special.”

“I love working here, we all do. People would think that Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is a sad place to come visit but it’s not.

Our cats and dogs, kittens and puppies are well cared for and well loved, just waiting for their forever home. The most special moments for all of us are seeing a dog or cat who has been with us a long time finally gets adopted and goes home with their forever family. We get so excited seeing that bond,” she shares.

Hours for the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter will be Monday, Wednesday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. They are closed all major holidays. For further information or details, please call 973-3860590 or visit www.njshelter.org/.

Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 31

Hanover Storm Goes 3 for 3 in Championship Games

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By Blanche Harty

riday night on the ice...the Bantam game was electric! From the puck drop to the winning goal in a shootout after double OT – Storm beat Wayne 2-1 to capture the Bantam “B” Division title. Rink 2 was packed with parents, friends, and fans – every player gave their all, and our goalie worked magic in net.

The next game was our PeeWees playing Rockaway for the PeeWee “C” division title. For the whole season, Storm PeeWees played tough with a great 13-5 season. In the championship game, every player worked together every second to secure an 8 to 5 victory to capture the title.

The Hanover Storm Squirt Hockey consisted of players from 8 - 11 years of age. Every player brought something to the team, having players from all levels of skill. We began the season with a firstyear goalie and several first-year squirt players...most of our games were close battles, and we ended our season in 3rd place in the MCYHL “B” division. Seated last in our playoff bracket, we faced the first-place team, Rockaway Gold, in the championship game. The Squirts worked hard and never gave up. The last horn blew and they were able to win 3-2, becoming the MCYHL Squirt “B” Division Champion.

Our Mites, the youngest Storm players, played their jamboree on Feb. 23 and 24th, which are four (20 min) games in a round robin style against other MCYHL Mite teams. As most Mites, this is most likely their first year on skates and playing hockey on a “real” team. Every player participated and came off the ice with smiles on their faces. During the season, our Mites play “no scores kept” games following the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM) to learn the game with more puck “touches” on half-ice rink.

All four Storm hockey levels were dedicated, displayed team camaraderie, and enjoyed the fast-paced game of Ice Hockey.

Hanover Storm offers a 6+

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Squirts

PeeWee

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Bantams

month long season with 1-2 practices per week, Summer Power Skating Clinics, and over 18 games!

Hanover Hockey is a non-profit, recreational youth hockey club for kids who would like to play - or learn how to play - Ice Hockey, open to all youth residents (ages 5-14) of Hanover Township, East Hanover and Florham Park and any other Morris County resident whose home town does not offer a recreational hockey program.

Our teams play in the Mite, Squirt, Peewee and Bantam divisions of the MCYHL, a non-profit association and the governing

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Did You Know?

eanut butter is a nutritious food that can be served in sandwiches, as a dip or as an ingredient for flavorful sauces. Peanut butter also can be enjoyed by the spoonful right out of the container. Peanut plants are rather interesting. Unlike many plants, the peanut flowers form above ground, but the fruit — the peanuts — grow below the soil by the roots. Peanuts do not grow on trees and really aren’t nuts at all. They’re actually legumes. The National Peanut Board says that it takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.

The world’s largest peanut butter factory can produce 25,000 jars each day. That means millions of peanuts must be harvested and transformed to create those delicious jars of creamy and crunchy peanut butter.

body serving the youth recreational hockey teams & towns in the Morris County area. Over 2,000 of the county’s youth annually participate in programs run by the MCYHL Association.

Our Storm coaches are all USA Hockey and SafeSport certified and are committed to teaching all our team members hockey skills and rules needed to safely play the game – with dedication, teamwork and fun!

Come see what Hanover Storm Hockey is all about! Should you have any questions, please contact us at hanoverstormhockey@gmail.com.

Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 33

Whippany Park High School “Bobcats Wrestlers” Heading to Atlantic City

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ophomore Dean Savercool (106 pounds) took first place (District-11, Region-3); senior Sean Savercool (152 pounds) took third place and junior Thomas Stigliano (160 pounds) took fourth place (District-11, Region-3), will be heading to the New Jersey State High School Wrestling Championships to be held at the Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk.

Dean Savercool won the tournament as the 3rd seed. Had four wins over the three days; (technical fall) Verona’s Michael Garcia 15-0 (5:02) on Thursday, February 21 then pinned Belvidere’s Hunter Lensi Friday night, February 22 (1:28).

In the semis, Dean wrestled Caldwell’s Ricardo Caamano that beat him on Saturday, February 16; as Dean dominated 8-0.

In the finals, Dean Savercool won by decision 3-0 over Mendham’s Jack Bertha.

Dean is Region 3 champion at 106.

Sean Savercool (senior, 152) finished third to qualify for Atlantic City for the first time in his career.

After winning the district 11 tournament, Sean has a bye during the preliminary round and advanced to the semis after pinning an opponent from Becton High School.

In the semi, he lost 7-1 to a West Morris senior Justin LeMay. In the qualifying match, Sean was in a

tight match with a Verona’s Frank Riggio (5:55) and pinned him in the third period to secure a spot at states. From there, Sean had a very familiar opponent from Randolph, Janny Lopez-Valle, someone he had already seen two times this year. Sean pinned him in the third period to earn his bronze medal.

Thomas Stigliano won the deciding bout to qualify. He was losing by points and the opponent charged at him when Thomas grabbed an underhook and threw Victor Jorge from Lyndhurst to his back pinning him, in 2:47.

All three wrestlers are graduates of the Hanover Township Bobcat recreation program led under the coaching leadership of Peter Monteverdi.

Head Coach Devon Engelberger; District Assistant Coach of the Year Joe Ficchi; Dean Savercool, Sean Savercool, Thomas Stigliano and volunteer coach Vince Coiro.

Morristown Resident is appointed as Vice President of P.G. Chambers School Board of Trustees

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usan Lodge has been appointed Vice President of the P.G. Chambers School (PGCS) Board of Trustees, succeeding Thomas J. Walsh, who stepped down from the role in January of this year. Lodge earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history at Dartmouth College. Lodge has worked at ADP since 2002, and currently serves as a Content Strategist responsible for strategic marketing initiatives and the development of high impact assets to support ADP Research Institute including white papers, infographics and articles on ADP’s Spark blog.

Lodge resides in Morristown with her husband and 3 sons.

Susan’s youngest son has attended PGCS for 10 years and will be graduating this year. She is an active member of the PGCS Development Committee and co-chaired a major event, Casino Night, for three years. Lodge contributes her strategic and marketing expertise to advancing the mission of the school.

P.G. Chambers School is a non-profit organization providing educational and therapeutic services for children with disabilities, and developmental delays. Located in Cedar Knolls, PGCS serves over 800 children a year throughout Northern New Jersey.

Page 34 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

Morris County’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade:

Where Everyone is Irish On March 9, Morris County will celebrate with their 40th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade throughout Morristown

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By Megan Roche n Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish and once again on March 9, Morris County will celebrate with their 40th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade throughout Morristown.

The first unofficial parade in Morristown took place in the year of 1780 when George Washington gave the Irish men in the militia the day off to honor Saint Patrick. The first official Saint Patrick’s Day Parade occurred in Morris County in 1979 in Wharton. The parade is put on annually by the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick Morris County Chapter and the Irish American Association of North West Jersey.

How does this parade come together each year? With a ton of work. The team begins planning shortly after Saint Patrick’s Day. The biggest Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Morris County, work for the following years celebration must begin as early as possible.

To put on any parade, money is definitely a requirement. The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade committee is always thinking ahead. This parade is one that comes at no cost to Morris County residents, for anything. See portable bathrooms? The parade committee pays for that. Extra police around Morristown on the day of the parade? The committee takes care of paying all overtime pay.

Think the fundraisers are like anything you’ve seen before? You’d be wrong. One of the most popular events in Morristown around the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is the Grand Marshal’s on Tap evening. Held every year at Grasshopper Irish Pub, this year’s Grand Marshal, Father Pat-

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Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 35

“The parade itself is always exciting. It’s a great family day. The parade is far reaching throughout the entire county. It’s local, but it’s got a reach that a lot of smaller parades don’t have.

It’s a family flair and a local flair that you won’t find anywhere else.” Murphy said.

rick O’Donovan, of Notre Dame Mount Carmel Church in Cedar Knolls, was pouring drinks throughout the night to help raise funds for the parade.

Another popular fundraiser is that of the Publicity Tour. The tour took place on Feb. 22 and included nothing but music and fun.

The committee visited each sponsor of the parade and brought with it a bagpipe band and Irish step dancers. The committee puts this event on each year to help bring awareness to the local merchants that the parade is coming up very soon.

The committee also sells pins and magnets each year to commemorate the parade. Magnets and pins are sold by various Morris County businesses. There is also a parade journal and sponsorships for local businesses.

Mike Leavy, a member of the parade committee, has been marching in the parade since he was a little boy. He now carries on the tradition with his son marching alongside him.

“Morristown has a very Irish history and parts are named after places in Ireland. There is such history of Ireland in Morristown. Here we are today still celebrating Saint Patrick and a holiday that means a lot to me and the Irish people as a whole.

I’m proud to march in it but I was always proud to watch it as a youngster.” Leavy said.

A parade to honor Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t complete without the addition of the coveted pipe and drum bands, high school marching bands, fire trucks, police cruisers, and local and county dignitaries. The Morristown Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is Morris County’s largest Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.

“We have had bands from as far away as Boston and Baltimore each year. We even have bands who have nothing to do with Irish music that just enjoy the atmosphere in Morristown.”

Brian Carroll, another parade committee member, said.

2018 Grand Marshal, former Morris County Freeholder and Morris Committeeman, John Murphy, was quick to note what the parade means to him and his family.

“The parade itself is always exciting. It’s a great family day. The parade is far reaching throughout the entire county. It’s local, but it’s got a reach that a lot of smaller parades don’t have.

It’s a family flair and a local flair that you won’t find anywhere else.” Murphy said.

One thing that the committee prides itself on is the alcohol-free celebration atmosphere at the parade.

Parade day begins with a 10:00 a.m. mass to honor St. Patrick at Assumption Church. The parade is set to step off at noon. The event is family friendly, from 0-100. Pre-parade activities include arts and crafts, music performances and more.

“It’s an alcohol-free parade and it’s a great time. It’s family friendly, the people participating in it love it. It’s everything you can think of about celebrating being Irish or just enjoying the Irish heritage. Get here early enough and get your spot, the bands are booming from beginning to end.” Leavy said.

The 2019 Grand Marshal is Father Patrick “Paddy” O’Donovan. The pastor of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church in Cedar Knolls is thrilled to be selected as the Grand Marshal.

Father O’Donovan was born and raised in Bruff, County Limerick, Ireland. He studied at Saint Patrick National School and Saint Muchins College, Limerick before completing his studies for the priesthood at Saint Patrick College, Carlow. He was ordained on June 10, 1972 in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow and celebrated his fist mass in his home parish SS. Peter and Paul in Bruff.

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Father O’Donovan came to the United States shortly after he was ordained, serving as parochial vicar at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Newton. He also taught theology part time at Pope John High School. Father O’Donovan received his Master’s Degree in Education from Fordham University in 1979. Before becoming the pastor of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church, he was the pastor of Christ the King Church in New Vernon.

Looking for some tips for parade day? Best places to watch the parade include by the Morristown Green which is where you will find the grandstand. Other popular viewing areas include anywhere along South Street and Washington Street. The parade ends at Morristown High School and roughly runs for about two hours.

“It really is just a great day,” Leavy said. “If you can get into town before the parade starts and you get a good spot, it’s a great time. We’ve had crowds as big as 55,000 at this parade. If the weather is great, the sky is the limit as to how many people will come out.”

The parade is held rain (or should we say snow?) or shine.

When a crazy snowstorm blew through Morristown last year, the parade’s faithful followers still came out with whipping winds and bitter cold temperatures to honor the patron saint of Ireland, armed with blankets and layers of clothes.

“We have a ton of families who line the parade route and the groups we have marching in the parade and our pre parade activities are always geared toward families. I think it’s one of the biggest events in Morris County throughout the year. Our family aspect is what really sets as apart.” Arthur Flynn, another committee member, said.

Each year, the parade donates much of its funds back into the Morris County community and beyond. Past recipients of monies include Morristown High School Project Graduation, the Brendan Tevlin Foundation, Employment Horizons, the Interfaith Food Pantry, Family Promise, Dress for Success, and the Anne Hennessey Fund among others.

Make sure to mark your calendars for the 40th Annual Morris County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, stepping off at noon in Morristown on March 9th.

Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life • March 2019 • Page 37

Berkeley College Recognized Again for Supporting Veterans “Interestingly enough, we moved up,” Dennis says, “and it was pretty significant (the jump in ranking).

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By Steve Sears or the sixth consecutive year, Berkeley College was ranked in the U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor Degree programs, placing among the top for the Best Online Bachelor Programs and Best Online Bachelor Programs for Veterans.

The placement was not surprising for Edward Dennis, Assistant Vice President, Berkeley College Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA). Berkeley has been ranked before. “Interestingly enough, we moved up,” he says, “and it was pretty significant (the jump in ranking). There are some criteria that everybody is evaluated on. You submit all of your documents, and all the criteria are weighted. It’s kind of like going to class.

What’s your ranking in the class? Who has the highest-grade point average? So, in doing that we moved up in ranking in the ‘class’ because we increased our overall performance based on the metrics they look at.” As a retired Army Major, the recognition means even more to Dennis. “Everyone knows who U.S. News and World Report is. So, as a veteran, if I’m looking at colleges I want to attend, that’s going to be a part of my evaluation criteria.”

The OMVA was formed in 2009. The post-9/11 GI Bill was passed, and for the first time since World War II, there was a large influx of veterans returning from overseas that started attending college.

“When that happened,” says Dennis, “ a lot of schools really weren’t prepared for it.” Recognized were needs for veterans returning home that are unique: adult learners whose lifetime experiences were different. “There are a lot of studies that show different things you can do to provide the best environment for them. So,

Gabrielle Peralta

Josephine Cornacchia

that’s what many of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs has done, look at how we can enrich and improve the experience for the students that are here.”

Berkeley College has seven campuses where 450 veterans in the system attend classes, and they can do so either online or at the physical school itself. Berkeley also has a Virtual Veterans Resource Center set up on its website that students can access a variety of resources.

Gabrielle Peralta joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. “The reason I joined was because my grandpa served in the Army during World War II.” Peralta researched other colleges before picking Berkeley, finding Veterans Affairs representatives were not in their office and one didn’t have a veteran’s affairs representative on campus. When Dennis values his work with the she visited Berkeley to apply, Tami Pichardo, OMVA and his relationship with the Veterans Affairs representative at the Woodstudents.

“I find it personally land Park campus, was present, explaining to rewarding to be able to go back Peralta what she needed to do to attend the and help veterans go to school. institution. Peralta was sold on the worth of A litt le under 90% of servicemen Berkeley College, and a special friend aided her are fi rst generati on in their decision. “Also, having Skyla the therapy dog in family to go to college. the office also sealed the deal for me coming to Berkeley. My relationship with Skyla - I’m her best friend. She helps me with the PTSD that I have, and in return I play and walk her when she needs it.”

“Also” she adds, “the veteran representative is always available to help you with any questions.”

Peralta, working towards a degree in Business Administration – Management, is also President of the Woodland Park Spartans, the New Jersey Veteran’s club at the school. “The purpose of our club is to give the veterans at Berkeley an outlet, and everyone in the club knows what you have gone through and understand what you are talking about. Also, it helps veterans transition from military life to college life.”

Dennis values his work with the OMVA and his relationship with the students. “I find it personally rewarding to be able to go back and help

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Page 38 • March 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover/Florham Park Life

A special Veterans Graduation Gala will be held on March 28 at the Chart House in Weehawken to honor the hard-working folks who served and studied.

veterans go to school. A little under 90% of servicemen are first generation in their family to go to college.

So, they can’t call home and ask, ‘What’s a bursar?’ or ‘What’s a registrar?’, which are words you don’t hear anywhere else in the world. It’s kind of confusing to navigate through, so I help bridge that gap, because I myself am a first generation in my family to go to college. So, it’s nice to inspire them, to let them know they can achieve more than they thought they could.”

Dennis every semester also writes a letter to every student who scores a 4.0 GPA. “I write them a letter and I give them a little gift.”

He then adds with a smile, “I had to write 68 of them last semester.”

Josephine Cornacchia, who served 5 years in the United States Air Force, began attending Berkeley College during the winter 2017 semester.

She is also seeking a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Management and serves as Vice President of the Woodland Park Spartans. Cornacchia has a certificate in Culinary Arts from Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson, and her instructor in that realm was also a veteran who attended Berkeley and sang its praises as a veteran-friendly school.

“I actually live in Woodland Park, so it’s very convenient and it worked out.” Her plans are to combine her culinary talents with her eventual business degree and forge a nice future.

Of the OMVA, Cornacchia says, “I go there often. I ask questions, get information, and they’re very helpful. Berkeley College works very well with veterans. I think it’s good to have veterans in a school setting; I think we add something to the classroom with our experiences.”

The Woodland Park Spartans are a new club, and they believe in giving back. “We are just kind of learning as we go,” says Cornacchia. “Last semester we did a fundraiser with Saint Joseph’s (University Medical Center in Paterson), we got a bunch of toys and donated them to the Hematology and Oncology units at Saint Joseph’s for Christmas for all the kids. We like to do drives and help people. So, we also want to be there for veterans, because a lot of veterans have different issues and they feel comfortable talking with someone in the same situations as they were.”

Dennis elaborates on how the OMVA benefits veteran students in a few ways. “The Department of Education, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, three

different departments of the government– rules conflict, it’s confusing, so we kind of help them (veterans) navigate through that. They may fall under all three with their benefits if they’re actively serving, have their GI Bill, and are going to college. We help them understand their benefits, just give them the information to make an informed choice on how to best use their benefits. So, that’s very important.

Another piece that comes out, that goes way beyond the educational piece, is – and I have this conversation with a lot of veterans – maybe they’re having an issue with their pay. So that creates problems for them because most of them have families, and most of them have to feed their families and house their families, and the money they were expecting to come in for their budget doesn’t come in. We guide them to resources in the community and help them out.”

“In talking to veterans regularly and getting to know them, you can tell if something’s not right for somebody. Sometimes I, or one of the staff, will pull them aside and ask, ‘Are you alright?’ All of the sudden they’ll open up.

We’ll ask them, ‘Do you know about this resource?’ or make a phone call with them there and put them in touch with the right person to eliminate some of those barriers so they can focus on what they’re ultimate goal is, to graduate from college, get the career that they want, and provide better for their families.”

A special Veterans Graduation Gala will be held on March 28 at the Chart House in Weehawken to honor the hard-working folks who served and studied. “It’s not the graduation ceremony,” says Dennis, “but it’s to highlight them in an environment where it’s for the veterans.”

The big goal for Dennis and OMVA is to change the veteran cultural mindset. “One little thing,” he said. “When things start to go wrong, reach out to other veterans or reach out for help.

Don’t put your head down and drive harder forward. If it’s not working, reach out to us. I just want that little cultural mind shift to recognize that if things aren’t going right, ask what support is out there to help you out.”

He adds in conclusion, “For any veteran, they earned their GI Bill. It’s not a benefit just given to them. They earned it. So as with anything you earn, they should really know about where they want to go (to school). Don’t rush into a decision, go talk to the student veterans, go look at the campus.”

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