EAST HANOVER FLORHAM PARK
Alexis Langereis of Hanover Park High School Attends 2025 National Girls and Women in Sports Day
BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER
HANOVER PARK - On Sunday, January 12, Hanover Park
High School girls’ soccer and basketball player, Alexis Langereis, represented the school during the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Rutgers University. Langereis, who was nominated by Hanover Park High School Athletic Director, Michael Menditto, was treated along with her family and other young women winners to student section seating to enjoy a Rutgers Scarlet Knights women’s basketball game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers..
Langereis said, “That was a really great thing. I was very excited to be honored to represent Hanover Park. We walked in, and right off the bat, they gave me a bag with a certifi-
cate and a T- shirt, which was really cool. My family and I then got some food, and we sat in the student section and watched the game, which was very intense.”
The Scarlet Knights, unfortunately, came out on the losing end of a 69 – 62 score. National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) was founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation. Courtesy of its website, it is a “vibrant movement we celebrate annually, NGWSD honors the achievements of girls and women in sports and continues to Lead Her Forward by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential.”
Langereis, whose parents are Stacey and Kevin, detailed what has been a busy but “ed-
ucational in more ways than one” senior year for her.
She said, “I think what I took away most from this year was time management. I have a waitressing job at a restaurant while also juggling two varsity sports, and then a rigorous academic schedule. I am in three AP courses right now, so the workload is definitely tough.”
Langereis, a forward and upper classman returnee this season along with fellow senior Abby Liebhauser and junior Andrea DiSessa, has more than doubled her 2023 –24 campaign point total. The team is also doing well again under head coach Doug Wear, who won on his 400th career game on February 11, a 48 –22 victory over the Kinnelon Colts.
Langereis said of Ware and Hornet’s girls’ basketball, “It is a really great program, and I am very honored to represent it. Coach Ware definitely works hard, and I am just very grateful to have him as a coach, because I feel like he has not only made me a better player, but definitely a better person by encouraging me to push through adversity.”
Another interesting tidbit of information is that a younger Langereis, sister Gianna, is a freshman starting guard for the Hornets.
Her older sister lauds her efforts. “She (Gianna) had very big shoes to fill as a freshman, coming on to a varsity team, expected to start and get her first varsity experience. It has been a great bonding experience for us.”
Colonial Taverns of New JerseyLibations, Liberty and Revolution
FLORHAM PARK - The Historical Society of Florham Park is very pleased that Michael C. Gabriele is returning to Florham Park to present his third program in the past few years.
RMS “Schools To Watch” Recognition
Dear Florham Park Parent/ Guardians, Staff and Community Members,
It is with great pride that we formally announce that the Ridgedale Middle School has earned the honorable dis-tinction of being a nationally recognized School to Watch from the National Forum, whose mission is geared towards “Advancing Excellence in Middle Grades.”
As per the National Forum, Ridgedale Middle School becomes just the 15th middle school in New Jersey to earn this prestigious recognition! To date, there are over 600 Schools to Watch in 17 states all focused on serv-ing the social, emotional, and academic needs of each student in culturally relevant and inclusive ways. These exceptional schools commit to engaging in a continuous cycle of improvement each year, and serve as model in-stitutions and mentors for educators and leaders from other schools nationwide.
In order to achieve this recognition, Ridgedale School completed a self-study, which included a rigorous as-sessment of the practices and programs that support teaching
and learning all throughout the building. Follow-ing approval of those results, RMS was invited to complete an application which made us eligible for consider-ation to be included in the final round site visit. RMS had a successful site visit from the Schools to Watch Committee on December 17, 2024. The visiting team stayed on campus all day, from arrival through dismissal, visiting classrooms and participating in three focus groups sessions with students, parents, teachers, and ad-ministrative team members.
Thank you to our incredibly talented and dedicated staff at RMS whose hard work and care for our students is deserving of this recognition! Thank you to our parents and students who participated in the focus group ses-sions and for your continued support of our school and programs! Thank you to Mr. Steffner for coordinating and submitting the application to be considered for this prestigious award! Finally, thank you to our entire school community!
Sincerely, Steven Caponegro
Dr. Steven Caponegro Superinten-dent of Schools
Winner from February’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” Contest
Hornet Mascot” are Michael Ryan; East Hanover, William DAlia; East Hanover, William Soden; Florham Park And William D’Alia; East Hanover. The ads that “Hank the Hornet” were in: Kam Man Supermarket, Mansions in May, Little Gym, Zoom Drain, Window Works and Junkin Irishman. Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!
Recall his popular presentations of “The History of New Jersey Diners” and “Stories of New Jersey Diners”. Mark your calendars for April 8, 7:00-8:00pm presentation, with refreshments at 6:30pm, in the Florham Park Library.
“Colonial Taverns of New Jersey,” published by The History Press, is his newest book on New Jersey history by this author. New Jersey was the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” and as battles raged, colonial taverns formed the social network that held the state together. Taverns were the main stage for the unfolding drama of a colony transitioning into statehood and making decisions about declaring a war of independence.
Taverns—the hub of colonial villages—were the places where the voices of history took shape. A haven for Patriots and Loyalists alike, colonial taverns were the “seedbeds” of the Revolution, strongholds for political activities, beacons for travelers, and venues for entertainment, merriment, and libations. George Washington often commandeered taverns as his temporary headquarters during the war.
Colonial village government councils typically met at local taverns to discuss business and issue proclamations and ordinances. New Jersey’s General Assembly, meeting in September 1777 at a tavern in Haddonfield, passed a resolution that declared New Jersey to be “a state, not a colony,” joining the call for revolution and independence, and a break from British rule. In effect, the tavern
in Haddonfield (today known as the Indian King Tavern) is the place where New Jersey became a state.
New Jersey had many colonial taverns (an estimated 400) along well-traveled routes, due to the demand for carriage and stage wagon travel between New York and Philadelphia— transporting people and commercial goods—typically an arduous three-day journey. Taverns, in effect, served as hospitality rest stops, creating opportunities for the exchange of ideas regarding politics, business and current events, leading up to the Revolution.This is Gabriele’s fifth book on New Jersey history, all published by Arcadia Publishing/The History Press. A lifelong Garden State resident, he is a 1975 graduate of Montclair State University and has worked as a journalist, freelance writer and author for more than 40 years. Visit Gabriele’s website (https://mcgabrielenjbooks.com/), which offers an overview of all his books. Registration can be done at florhamparklib.org/events or by calling the library at (973) 377-2694. A confirmation email will give registrants the option to attend either in-person at the Library or via the Zoom link should you wish to attend remotely.
Interested in learning more about upcoming programs or learning more about The Historical Society of Florham Park? Check Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/875453746446134 , contact Peter Nicolas at pnicolas@optimum.net or call at 973520-8654.
Hanover Park High School Presents: Rock of Ages
EAST HANOVER - Get ready to rock the night away with Hanover Park High School’s talented students as they present the energetic and nostalgic musical, Rock of Ages! Featuring iconic hits from the 80s, the show promises a night of unforgettable music, laughter, and a trip down memory lane. Join us on February 27th through March 1st at 7:30 PM in the Hanover Park High School auditorium for this family-friendly event. Tickets are available for purchase via link: http://www.ticketleap. events/events/hptheatre Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical that tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit, and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in Los Angeles to chase their dreams of making it
big. Set in the 1980s, the show features hits from iconic bands such as Journey, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and more. Under the direction of Mr. Angelo DeFazio, Ms. Connie Weakland and Mr. Taylor Hine, the students of Hanover Park High School have been working tirelessly to bring this musical to life. With stunning vocals, impressive dance numbers, and a live band, the production is sure to leave you singing and dancing in your seats. Don’t miss your chance to support the arts and these talented young performers. Get your tickets now, and let’s get ready to rock! For more information, contact Joanne Holmes at jovholmes@hotmail.com
Hanover Park High School’s Alexis Langereis at the 2025 National Girls and Women in Sports Day (credit: Stacey Langereis)
BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER
Kaitlyn Hemmer attends 2025 National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
WHIPPANY - Whippany Park High School Cross-country and Track & Field star, Kaitlyn Hemmer, attended the 2025 National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Rutgers University on Sunday, January 12.
Now in its 39th year, National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) was founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation. Courtesy of its website, it is a “vibrant movement we celebrate annually, NGWSD honors the achievements of girls and women in sports and continues to Lead Her Forward by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential.” Hemmer was nominated by Whippany Park High School Principal, Christopher Kelly, and the school’s Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Brent Kaiser. Hemmer is captain of her fall, winter, and spring sports teams, academics-wise takes a host of AP classes and has an over
4.0 GPA, and has been named to both the All-Academic and All-Conference teams.
For Hemmer, who runs a 5k for Cross-country, and for Track & Field runs the 400m and 800m, 400 hurdles, and 4x400m and 4x800m, February 2 promised to be an exciting day, and it was.
She said, “All the girls and their families sat in the student section (during a Rutgers women’s basketball game against Nebraska), which was really nice. I have some friends from other schools because I participated in Girls State, and some of them were at National Girls and Women in Sports Day, so it was girls from all over New Jersey. There were also a lot of girls I see at track meets that I talk to before races that were there.”
During the afternoon, Hemmer and the other young women were welcomed onto the
Jersey Mike’s Arena hardwood floor and received a certificate as well.
In addition to her schoolwork and sports, Hemmer also is a student representative to the Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education.
Hemmer said of the latter, “It is obviously a huge honor. I am the first female school president of Whippany Park High School in over a decade, and they only started the student representative role few years ago, so I am the first female for the role for my school. It is
really nice to go to the board meetings and it is nice to talk about what is going on at our school.”
Hemmer this winter is also splitting time between Track & Field and being the Dance Captain for this year’s school musical, Grease.
Hemmer credits her parents, Kristen and George, for supporting her while she was growing up. “I’ve been play-
ing sports since I was little,” Hemmer said, “and they have always been the first to drive me to practice. My dad has coached me in many sports, and they are always a big support system.”
She as well tosses credit to her coaches, Steve Manni, Colin Feeney, Matt Samson, and Heather Olson, and her brothers also get a nod of gratitude.
Hemmer said, “I would like to thank my older brother, George, and my younger brother, Gerard. I played on a lot of their sports teams, too. Because we did not grow up in Whippany - we grew up in Clifton, and they did not really have a lot of girls’ sports options - I always used to play sports with them. I credit everybody in my family for my love and passion for sports.”
Kaitlyn Hemmer during National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Rutgers University (credit: Kristen Hemmer)
Rabbi Moshe Herson, 90, Built Chabad of NJ From the Ground Up
Pioneering dean of the Rabbinical College of America and head of Chabad in NJ
BY TZALI REICHER
AREA - Rabbi Moshe Herson, the regional director of Chabad-Lubavitch of New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was 90 years old. His passing follows that of his wife, Pearl, who passed away last month at 85.
Herson transformed New Jersey’s Jewish landscape over six decades of leadership and was a pioneering force in establishing Chabad-Lubavitch’s large presence across the Garden State. As dean of the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, N.J., Herson built what is now one of the Jewish world’s flagship educational institutions, ordaining dozens of rabbis each year while overseeing the growth of more than 70 Chabad centers throughout New Jersey.
A trusted and devoted emissary of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, Herson was appointed by the Rebbe to serve on the board of Agudas Chassidei Chabad—the umbrella organization of the ChabadLubavitch movement—and played a pivotal role in advancing the Rebbe’s vision of Jewish outreach.
Though he spoke with a distinctive accent that betrayed his Brazilian origins, Herson became one of American Judaism’s most effective institution builders in the second half of the 20th century. He was respected by students and supporters alike, and even in his final years, despite serious health challenges, he continued working until the end.
‘A Doctor of Divinity’ Moshe Herson was born to Asher and Hinda Herson in 1934 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, the youngest of four siblings. The Hersons were a traditional, non-Chassidic Jewish family. Asher passed away in 1939, leaving behind his young family. As a boy, Herson harbored dreams of becoming a doctor. That was until he met ChabadLubavitch’s “Globetrotting Ambassador” Rabbi Yosef Wineberg, who visited Brazil to raise funds for Chabad. After visiting his school class, Wineberg struck up a relationship with the young man and encouraged him to go attend a yeshivah. Too polite to decline a rabbi, Herson accepted Wineberg’s offer to help with the paperwork to apply for a student visa to the U.S. Although initially reluctant, Herson became drawn to the idea of leaving home for yeshivah, and after finally receiving his mother’s blessing, he made the trip in 1950, arriving to
study at the Central Chabad Yeshiva at 770 Eastern Parkway, just months after the passing of the Sixth Rebbe. At first, Herson was a fish out of water, and found the transition to full-time yeshivah studies difficult. But despite the challenges, Herson quickly began to love the environment. He was deeply impacted by the short glimpses he had of the Rebbe in that year; particularly inspired by how the Rebbe prayed. When he was battling homesickness, he sought the counsel of the Rebbe, who gave him advice and a listening ear.
“I came to become a doctor, but instead I became a doctor of divinity,” he loved to joke about what was supposed to be a short trip that became a lifetime of devotion.
Herson was in 770 Eastern Parkway in 1951 when the Rebbe accepted the mantle of leadership for the ChabadLubavitch movement, charging his audience with the mission to share Judaism with the world and hasten the coming of Moshiach. The Rebbe’s secretariat charged Herson, when he was just 19, with the responsibility of translating the many Portuguese and Spanish language letters the Rebbe received from South and Central America, a sensitive role that showed the Rebbe had a high degree of trust for Herson’s effectiveness and discretion.
In 1960, while still a student in 770, Herson was recruited to join the staff of the Chabad yeshivah in Newark, N.J., along with Rabbi Yisroel Friedman. Friedman would teach the Talmud classes and Herson would teach Chassidic texts. After the first year, Herson noticed the need for increased focus on securing funding for the yeshivah and planned to vacate his teaching position to do so. When the Rebbe heard of this, he told him that he should direct “both the material aspects as well as the spiritual.”
Two years later, Herson was introduced to Pearl Glotzer. The couple married the day after Purim, settling in Newark to continue growing the school.
From Newark Outwards
Although already involved in the community for a few years, it wasn’t until 1965 when Herson officially assumed the role as the Rebbe’s emissary to New Jersey. As each new establishment opened in the state under his leadership, Herson would worry about it personally, think about and was deeply involved with.
“The Rebbe didn’t see the difference between if the person he was speaking to was a scion
of a Chabad family or a ‘fresh’ Chassid,” Herson said in an interview with the Kfar Chabad magazine in 2020. “He cared what the person was accomplishing. Any other matter was secondary, irrelevant.”
“I am a good example of this,” he continued. “I did not grow up in a Chabad home. I have no familial connection to Chabad. … Regardless, the Rebbe ‘took’ me and turned me into a shliach of his. The Rebbe literally ‘built’ me, shaped my personality.”
After a number of years, it was clear that the yeshivah had outgrown its home in Newark and needed to relocate. By then, Herson had cultivated warm relationships with leading community members and had set up a board to support Chabad of New Jersey’s activities.
On a Sunday in 1970, the board gathered in 770 for a special meeting with the Rebbe. The Rebbe was encouraged by their proposal to move the yeshivah, noting that young people need space to breathe and move around, and perhaps even have access to a swimming pool. Originally thinking of upgrading the school from a one-bedroom property to a slightly larger six-family unit, the board understood that the Rebbe was encouraging them to think bigger.
After looking at a repurposed bank in West Orange, they found an old monastery located on a large 14-acre property, complete with sports facilities, outside of Morristown. In 1971, the yeshivah moved and has been there to this day. In March of 2024, Herson was there to see the unveiling of a $9 million expansion to the campus.
Giving a blessing ahead of the grand opening, the Rebbe wrote to Herson: “Hashem should grant you abundant success in this institution, and in the institutions which you have begun building around it.” Herson understood that the yeshiva was to be the beacon around which the other Chabad institutions in New Jersey were to rise to make Judaism accessible in the state.
It was time for ChabadLubavitch to begin building in New Jersey.
Building Chabad of New Jersey
Recognizing the vast number of underserved Jewish people throughout the state, Herson began building Chabad outposts to serve them. He began in Bergen County, recognizing the burgeoning Jewish population in the area, and recruited dedicated emissaries to serve as the heart of each community. These emissaries—inspired by the
Rebbe’s unwavering mission and Jewish outreach and Herson’s dedication to that goal— eagerly embraced the challenge of building vibrant Jewish lives in their respective locales.
From Bergen County—recognizing the unique needs of the growing Jewish student population at Rutgers University—emissaries were sent to the campus, creating a warm and welcoming haven for Jewish students seeking a sense of community, religious observance, and meaningful Jewish experiences, and from there, to the entire state.
Herson’s unwavering leadership and strategic planning led to the establishment of dozens Chabad centers throughout the vast expanse of New Jersey, reaching even the most remote corners of the state. He was always a guiding light and pillar of support for the emissaries under his purview, providing them with resources, mentorship and encouragement to thrive in their respective communities and fulfill their vital mission of bringing Judaism to life for every Jew in New Jersey.
Running the Rabbinical College of America and Chabad of New Jersey necessitated a significant amount of fundraising, and major Jewish philanthropists, including the Wilf, Kushner and Lauder families, became supporters of Chabad of New Jersey. There was something about this magnetic rabbi with the funny accent that attracted these donors to the authenticity of his mission. He was direct—yet unfailingly genteel—and completely sincere when he asked for their support. Perhaps it was his obvious sense of purpose and devotion to the mission entrusted to him by the Rebbe that drew people towards him.
David Chase was Herson’s most significant partner in building the Rabbinical College of America and served on
its board, eventually developing an unusually warm and personal relationship with the Rebbe. He was at the initial meeting when the Rebbe suggested that they look for a place with significant space for the students and enthusiastically declared the Rebbe had removed all limitations, allowing them to think far beyond their original plans for growth. Based in Connecticut, Chase met Herson in the 1960s when the yeshivah was still located in Newark, where his in-laws lived. Herson was looking for financial support, and impressed by his selflessness, Chase began assisting him, developing a lifelong bond that Herson described as brotherhood.
As part of his mission of outreach and growth, Herson built warm relationships with the leaders and state representatives from New Jersey, beginning with Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who represented New Jersey in the Senate for five terms, and more recently, had a close relationship with Gov. Phil Murphy, the current governor of the state. His state connections came in handy during the battles over public menorahs in the 1980s, when a friend in the state senate advocated for their approval due to his friendship with the magnetic and persuasive rabbi. As part of his work representing the Chabad movement, Herson also met with all the presidents from President Gerald Ford through President Donald Trump. Today, there are 72 Chabad centres in New Jersey. The Rabbinical College of America in Morristown serves as the headquarters for Chabad of New Jersey and maintains a thriving campus. Its educational ecosystem includes rabbinical students pursuing ordination, the main Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva, Yeshivas Tiferes Bachurim for those newer to religious study, and more than 250 elementa-
ry- and middle-school students. Thousands have passed through since it opened its doors, and gone on to serve communities throughout the world.
During the summer, hundreds of young students flock to the campus for the Yeshiva Summer Program (YSP). Herson was also proud of a recent groundbreaking mental health initiative launched by Chabad of New Jersey.
In recent years, although Herson battled a series of health challenges, he remained remarkably sharp and alert, coming to work in his office to direct Chabad of New Jersey and the Rabbinical College of America until two weeks before his passing. At a moving celebration marking his 90th birthday in the summer of 2024, he was recognized by his latest generation of students for his years of dedication and remarkable service, and a new edition of the Tanya was printed in his honor. Predeceased by his wife, Pearl, a little more than three weeks ago, Herson is survived by their children: Rabbi Asher Herson (Rockaway, N.J.); Sara Brafman (Morristown, N.J.); Rabbi Mendy Herson (Basking Ridge, N.J.); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rabbi Moshe Herson, dean of the Rabbinical College of America and head of Chabad in New Jersey, passed away at the age of 90. Shmulie Grossbaum
Erin Breslin Amalfitano’s Trip Down Memory Lane
FLORHAM PARK - Erin Bres-
lin Amalfitano recalls the day. March 18, 1986. The place? Bloomfield High School, and the NJSIAA Group 3 girls’ basketball semifinals. Amalfitano and her fellow Hanover Park High School Hornets were set to face the reigning Group 2 state champions, the Sparta Spartans.
And, to add additional drama, the opponent was in the midst of a historic win streak, and Amalfitano, a Hornets guard, was also on the doorstep of her career 2,000th point.
Amalfitano, who lives in Florham Park, said, “I really remember the overwhelming school and town spirit surrounding the game. Our team arrived and the line to get in the
gym was out the door - it was a sold-out crowd, and it was loud! It was such a big game, since it was the state tournament and Sparta was undefeated, having won 57 straight games. I was not even thinking about the 2,000th point.”
Her milestone tally maybe took side stage to an incredible battle and eventual historic Hornets victory, but she does recall the moment.
“The other coach actually wouldn’t agree to stop the game since it was such an important game,” she said when asked if the contest was halted to present her with the ball.
“But what really stood out to me was the excitement from the crowd. They knew exactly when I hit the 2,000th point
and went wild! There was a banner displayed in the stands. The energy was incredible. It was such a close back and forth game; we were just so happy to win.”
Amalfitano’s four-year career included being a member of four Morris County Tournament title winners and twice being named the tourney’s Most Valuable Player. She and the Hornets went on to win the 1986 North 2, Group 3 championship, and she finished her Hanover Park career with 2,040 points.
Amalfitano said, “We were fortunate to have amazing, dedicated coaches. Our head coach was Vince Capano, and the assistant coaches were Pete Tamburro and Doug Malinak.
Our coaches and teammates had everything to do with the success of our team and the program. We had a great team, and our success really speaks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. Hanover Park has always had a strong basketball tradition. Most of our players were playing year-round, including AAU basketball. I was part of an AAU team out of Belleville, and we did not have all the club teams or Hoop Heaven around back then. Players like Patty Bacha Kaes, our point guard, who passed me the ball countless times, as well as my sister, Shannon Breslin Brendle, Dana Nurge Cluggish, Laura Lepore Raibick, were all key contributors to our success.”
Online
Amalfitano also lauded the current Hornets club and its head coach, Doug Wear, who won his 400th career game on February 11 with a 48 – 22 win over the Kinnelon Colts. She said, “This year’s team has had an incredible year, and I am so happy the tradition has continued.”
Amalfitano after high school headed 239 miles south to play collegiately for the Georgetown University Hoyas, which she called a “truly amazing experience.”
She explained. “Traveling all over the country for games while balancing academics
was a challenge, but it was so rewarding. And of course, it is where I met my husband, James, who was on the football team. Georgetown is a very special place.”
In 2013, Hanover Park Regional Athletics Hall of Fame paid Amalfitano a well-deserved honor by electing her to its inaugural class.
“Being inducted into the Hanover Park Regional Athletics Hall of Fame was such a truly incredible honor,” Amalfitano said. “Being recognized with the other athletes and coaches was a special night. It meant a lot to me, and for all the people who helped me along the way - my coaches, teammates, family, and friends.”
Did You Know?
Advertisements for non-alcoholic beer may never prove as prevalent as commercials for alcoholic beers, but the growing visibility of such promotions likely comes as no surprise to industry analysts familiar with the growing popularity of alcohol-free beer. According
to the Beer Institute, the market for non-alcoholic beer tripled in size in the half-decade preceding 2025. Indeed, an economist at the Beer Institute indicates that non-alcoholic beer is the fastest growing segment in the beer industry. In addition, a recent report from the
Brewers Association indicated a 30 percent year-over-year increase in non-alcoholic beer sales in 2024, and industry experts estimate the market size for non-alcoholic beer will increase from $20 billion in 2023 to $40 billion in 2033.
Erin Breslin Amalfitano as a Georgetown Hoya (credit: James Amalfitano)
BY HENRY M. HOLDEN
AREA - New Jersey is known for growing blueberries, corn, and peaches. However, the state’s history of enslaved individuals and its role in cultivating these crops is less acknowledged. The initial arrival of enslaved individuals from Africa to New Jersey occurred in the early 1608s, facilitated by Henry Hudson, a Dutch colonist. This practice was subsequently continued by the British colonists.
The ships involved in the transatlantic slave trade docked at numerous ports along the Delaware River and at the Perth Amboy waterfront. Enslaved people were put to work on farms throughout the state, and in ports and cities.
The 1664 Concessions and Agreements promoted slavery by granting land based on the number of slaves and servants settlers owned. Settlers were eligible to receive up to 150 acres for each enslaved adult, allowing individuals with a significant number of enslaved people to potentially accumulate large farms.
In 1801, New Jersey had an estimated enslaved population of approximately 12,000 individuals. The state enacted the Gradual Abolition Act in 1804 to abolish slavery, but the emancipation process was gradual and never fully completed.
In 1808, the U.S. Congress passed an Act that banned the importation of enslaved people, indicating the United States’ decision to stop the practice. The U.S. ban did not end the slave trade. According to Stephen Chambers, 25
New Jersey’s Roll in Abolishing Slavery
percentage (3.2 million) of enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas after the legislation.
On January 23, 1866, New Jersey tried once more to abolish slavery through a state Constitutional Amendment signed by the governor, but it never ended slavery in the state.
Poor record-keeping of enslaved people erased their identities, depriving descendants of ancestral knowledge.
Many African Americans remained enslaved until after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, and beyond.
More than 85 percent of the enslaved individuals brought to Cuba, totaling 759,669, and 40 percent of those brought to Brazil, totaling 2.2 million, arrived after 1807. New Jersey was significant in this practice. These enslaved individuals were transported across the Atlantic to work on Cuban sugar plantations and agricultural enterprises in South America, not into the U.S.
New Jersey, the most densely populated state with the second highest per capita income, has a strong public school system. A 1947 constitutional change banned segregation in schools, a decade before Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling but without any real enforcement was doomed.
New Jersey was the last northern state to abolish slavery and had significant economic ties with the South. The state-built wealth through a trade relationship by selling leather goods, maritime equip-
ment, and other manufactured items. The British Navy attempted but failed to stop the trade.
Linda Caldwell Epps, Ph.D., a Black historical researcher, notes that many New Jersey residents are unaware of the state’s involvement in slavery. Despite growing up in New Jersey, she says, “In elementary or high school, I never learned about the enslavement of people in the state.”
The U.S. heavily relied on products from enslaved Southern economies, complicating trade interception. Even after the U.S. ban, sugar and gold continued to flow north on U.S. ships, supported by illegally transported enslaved Africans. This era greatly advanced U.S. finance, market integration, and globalization. As coffee, sugar, and spices expanded European and Asian markets for U.S. businesses, slave ships played a role in this economic growth.
The enslaved communities endured immense suffering, violence, and unlawful deaths from the outset.
One of the most wellknown slave revolts in American history occurred in 1831 when Nat Turner led an uprising in Southampton County, Virginia. Turner planned his rebellion after experiencing visions that he interpreted as instructions to gain freedom through force. On August 21, 1831, Turner and his accomplices killed his master’s family in their sleep.
From there, the small band of about 70 enslaved moved from house to house, eventual-
SCCC Offers Free Certificate to Train Community Journalists
AREA - TikTok almost ran out of time and viewers began to panic thinking “Oh no! Where will I get my news?” Have no fear, if this threat should ever become real again, Sussex County Community College in Newton is here, offering news’ gurus the opportunity to learn what it takes to cover the news the right way!
For the second year in a row, SCCC will be offering a FREE certificate focusing on helping community members develop the skills and smarts when it comes to serving as community journalists, covering community-centered news happening in their hometowns and county. The certificate—Becoming a Community Journalist—will be offered at SCCC this spring semester, from March 18 through May 6. The program will offer a hands-on exploration of how journalism works. Participants will learn the tools needed for understanding the local issues that are affecting them and their neighbors, how to report important stories and make connections with publishers seeking current news and fresh ideas to circulate to their readers and listeners.
Prof. Cheryl Conway will return as the instructor of the certificate course. Conway teaches Journalism I and 2 at SCCC and has decades of experience as a reporter and editor for community newspapers and magazines, as well as publisher of her online publication in her hometown. Conway said, “I want the participants to begin thinking like journalists and be prepared to effectively engage with their neighbors and local government. Our aim is to prepare them to become more civically active, get involved in the community media ecosystem and seek the confidence to become a published writer.”
Nancy Gallo, director of the Center for Lifelong Learning, wrote the grant application on behalf of SCCC and the Center and previously worked as a community reporter covering events in her hometown. As the grant administrator, Gallo
said, “We are so appreciative to the New Jersey Council for the Humanities for choosing SCCC as a worthy recipient of this grant.”
SCCC was one of only three community colleges statewide chosen to participate.
“We want to train local citizens on how to write news articles and be part of the democratic system of providing information that leads to informed citizens and decisions.”
“This grant promises to have far-reaching and long-term benefits for our county and its citizens,” Gallo added. “The certificate is designed to teach journalism skills and design practices for anyone in greater Sussex County who wants to share stories and information that their communities need to thrive.”
The New Jersey Council for the Humanities designed the grant with input from the Journalism + Design program at the New School.
If you are interested in registering for the Becoming a
Community Journalist Certificate, please check the Center for Lifelong Learning’s webpage on the SCCC website at https://www.sussex.edu/ community/center-for-lifelong-learning/ for further information about the certificate and how to register. The certificate will be offered in person and online beginning March 18. The in-person workshops will meet 8 consecutive Tuesdays on the SCCC campus. The online version of the certificate course is offered asynchronously and will also be taught by Prof. Conway. Participants should be computer-savvy in order to follow course material and turn in assignments. For information about the course, you can reach out to Prof. Conway at cconway@ sussex.edu and to register please send an email to Tiffany Spear, Assistant Academic Affairs Coordinator at tspear@ sussex.edu and she will assist you with registration.
ly killing over 50 whites with clubs, knives and guns. It took a militia force to put down the rebellion, and Turner and 55 others were captured and later executed by the state.
Hysteria swept through the region in the aftermath of Turner’s revolt, and as many as 200 enslaved were eventually killed by white mobs. The rebellion also triggered a series of oppressive restrictions on enslave populations. Several states banned teaching enslaved people to read or write, citing Turner’s intelligence as a key factor in his revolt. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this prohibition unconstitutional, but discrimination persisted for decades.
Despite fighting with the North in the Civil War, slavery was widespread in New Jersey for over 200 years before that war.
During the Revolutionary War, individuals who were enslaved participated in combat for both sides. The British offered freedom to those who escaped from their enslavers and joined the fight for the Crown.
Beverly Mills discovered that her ancestor, Friday, was mentioned in minister Oliver Hart’s diary because his mother, Dinah, was enslaved by Hart.
“He was thought of as dollars and cents, not as a person,” Mills noted. Friday Truehart was listed among Ol-
iver Hart’s possessions in his will. That document eventually gave Friday his freedom – but only after he was passed down to Oliver Hart’s son.
The resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, leading up to the end of the Civil War, relates to the efforts of enslaved African Americans to attain their freedom by escaping from bondage. Wherever slavery existed, individuals made efforts to escape. Initially, these escapes occurred in remote or rugged environments on the outside edge of settled areas and eventually extended across state and international borders. These acts of self-emancipation were historically labeled as “fugitives,” “escapees,” or “runaways.” However, upon reflection, the term “freedom seeker” more accurately describes these individuals.
While many freedom seekers started and completed their escape unaided, efforts to assist increased with each decade slavery remained legal in the United States.
After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, the Underground Railroad became more organized. New Jersey, known for its social justice advocates, had approximately ten stops on the network. People from various backgrounds in New Jersey participated in civil disobedience, helping freedom seekers travel to destinations
like Canada, Mexico, Spanish Florida, Indian territory, the West, Caribbean islands, and Europe.
In New Jersey (and the rest of the United States) the U.S. Congress finally took permanent and decisive action by passing three Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) abolished slavery in the United States after the Civil War.
The Fourteenth (1868) established a constitutional right for African American males to vote in elections and prohibited the states from depriving any person of life, liberty or property.
The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, provided equal protection under the law and granted citizenship to African Americans.
Additionally, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which banned racial discrimination in the public accommodations. However, in 1883, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional, stating that discrimination by individuals or private businesses did not violate the Constitution.
The 15th Amendment (1870) granted the right to vote for all male citizens and naturalized males regardless of their ethnicity or prior enslaved status.
BY RICHARD MABEY JR. STAFF WRITER
AREA - My father dropped out of high school to join the United States Army Air Corps during the latter part of World War II. During my early high school years, Dad earnestly studied and received his GED. For my father, his ministry, his service to God, was through being a Scoutmaster. In the basement of the old Mabey Homestead, on Dad’s workbench was a tent-folded piece of white cardboard that Dad had written these words upon. “It is better to teach a young boy morals, than to try to rehabilitate a wayward man.” My father believed every word of that sentence.
My father did not speak the King’s English. From time to time, he used the word “ain’t.”
He used double negatives in his speech. Dad was a practical man, not pretentious at all, so very down to earth. He worked all so hard, providing home and meals for his family, in his profession as a long-distance truck driver. In many ways, my father was one of the wisest men I have ever known.
In September of 1972, I began my second year of college, studying at County College of Morris. I worked, part time, in
the Frozen Food Department of the A&P. And, I served as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. I remember all so well, it was a tough time for my dear father. One single letter, almost caused Dad to leave scouting.
Mrs. Johnson (I took the liberty of changing her name) was a single mom to her only child, Tommy Johnson. Tommy had so much fun at Summer Camp, during the Summer. He earned his Tenderfoot badge and learned a lot about the ways and wonders of the forest. Mrs. Johnson had visited Troop 170’s campsite that Summer, several times during the week. She wanted to be sure that Tommy was well taken care of.
Tommy had been awarded a Scout Campership that paid for his full week at Summer Camp. It was a program that Troop 170 had to help boys go to Summer Camp, who may not have otherwise been able to attend. While Mrs. Johnson was appreciative of her son receiving a Scout Campership, during her visits she criticized the scout leaders of 170, on how they were running things. Long story short, in Sep-
A Story of Two Letters
tember of 1972, Mrs. Johnson wrote a long letter to the Chief Executive Scouting Commissioner of the Morris and Sussex Counties Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In her letter, Mrs. Johnson pulled out all the plugs and assaulted my father with a long list of things that he was doing wrong as Scoutmaster. It wasn’t so much that Dad was doing anything wrong, but rather that Mrs. Johnson felt her son should have been better cared for. She didn’t understand that part of the purpose of a scout going to Summer Camp, so that he could learn to stand on his own two feet.
Well, Mrs. Johnson wrote a full page, in her long letter, of all the times that she heard my father use incorrect grammar. This included, Dad using double negatives in a sentence and Heaven forbid, Dad using the word “ain’t” a few times in talking with Mrs. Johnson.
The Chief Executive made a copy of Mrs. Johnson’s letter and gave it to Dad at a Round Table Scouting Education Meeting. He told Dad that he was writing a letter to Mrs. Johnson, as I remember the Chief Scout Executive put it,
“to straighten her out about a few things.”
In his letter to Mrs. Johnson, the Chief Scout Executive wrote her that in all of his many years as a professional scouter, did he ever know a Scoutmaster who was more dedicated than Dad was. In his letter, he wrote of Dad’s many scouting accomplishments, including earning the coveted District Award of Merit and the prestigious Silver Beaver, which is the highest award a volunteer scout leader can receive. The Chief Scout Executive also included Dad’s long list of his many services to his church, including being an Instructor to Protestant scouts in their God and Country Award classes.
Sadly, the Chief Scout Executive’s letter only made Mrs. Johnson madder. In the late Fall of 1972, she pulled little Tommy out of scouting. My father was very saddened by this woman’s decision to take her son out of scouts. Tommy was a good boy and my father saw a diamond in the rough in Tommy.
It was sometime, in the mid 1980’s that I saw Tommy in Moe’s Sweet Shop. He looked
rough and tough. He was with a few of his friends. Sadly, he used swear words, in talking with his buddies. I remember that Tommy told me that he was out of work, as he puffed on his cigarette and drank his bottle of soda. I asked him what work skills he had, if I knew of anyone hiring. He simply made a joke out my question, telling me “I’m a jack of all trades and master of none.” It made me kind of sad.
I know, in my heart of hearts, that Tommy would have benefited from staying in scouts. Dad thought very highly of Tommy, despite the scathing letter that this mother wrote about Dad to the Chief Scout Executive. Regarding Mrs. Johnson’s hurtful letter, I remember Dad saying, “a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.”
Here’s the secret of the decade. There never was an official Scout Campership. Hidden behind a stack of old rags, on his workbench, Dad had three or four old peanut butter jars. He would put his loose change in these jars. Sometimes, he would put single dollar bills in the jars. That’s where the funding for Troop 170’s Scout
beloved father,
Campership came from. Dad saving his pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters from his hard earned paycheck. Now at 71, I think of Mrs. Johnson and Tommy. I don’t know whatever became of them. I do know this. Sometimes, a parent just needs to let their child stand up on his or her own two feet. And, if they fall, let them pick themselves up and simply carry on.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
The Origins of Newspapers: A Chronicle of Communication
AREA - The newspaper, a medium that has shaped public discourse for centuries, has its origins in humanity’s enduring desire to share, disseminate, and document information.
From ancient civilizations to the modern digital age, newspapers have evolved significantly, reflecting the changing technologies and social structures of the times. This article explores the origins of newspapers, tracing their journey from rudimentary communication tools to sophisticated vehicles of journalism.
Early Beginnings: The Roots of Public Communication
The concept of distributing news dates back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Rome, government notices called Acta Diurna (Daily Acts) were carved on stone or metal tablets and displayed in public spaces as early as 59 BCE. These served as a primitive form of newspaper, providing information on political events, military campaigns, and public announcements.
Julius Caesar is often credited with initiating this practice to keep the populace informed and engaged.
Similarly, in ancient China during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), government officials distributed handwritten news bulletins called Dibao (literally «reports from the court»). These bulletins contained official announcements and were circulated among the elite. While these early forms of news dissemination were limited to government-controlled information, they laid the foundation for the idea of regular updates for a broad audience.
The Renaissance and the Birth of Printed News
The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century revolutionized the way information was disseminated. Movable type printing enabled the mass production of written material, paving the way for the development of newspapers as we know them today. By the early 16th century, printed news pamphlets began to emerge in Europe, often reporting on significant events such as wars, natural disasters, and royal decrees. In 1605, the Relation aller Fürnemmen und gedenckwür-
digen Historien (Account of All Distinguished and Commemorable News) was published in Strasbourg, Germany, by Johann Carolus. It is widely recognized as the world’s first newspaper. Printed weekly, it contained reports gathered from correspondents across Europe, offering readers a broader perspective on current events. Around the same time, other European cities, such as Amsterdam and Antwerp, saw the emergence of similar publications, marking the beginning of a new era in information sharing.
The Expansion of Newspapers in Europe
By the 17th century, newspapers began to flourish across Europe, driven by rising literacy rates and growing public interest in news. In 1621, the Corante was published in London, becoming England›s first printed newspaper. A few decades later, the London Gazette, first issued in 1665, became a seminal publication in British history. It focused on official government news and remains in circulation today as a record of public notices.
The spread of newspapers
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was not without challenges. Governments often sought to control the press through licensing and censorship. For example, the British government implemented strict licensing laws to regulate the content of publications. Despite these restrictions, newspapers became increasingly popular, especially as they began to include more diverse content, such as local news, commentary, and advertisements.
The Birth of Newspapers in America
The tradition of newspapers crossed the Atlantic with European settlers. In 1690, Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick, the first newspaper in the American colonies, was published in Boston by Benjamin Harris. However, the publication was shortlived, as it was suppressed by colonial authorities after just one issue.
It was not until 1704 that the first successful American newspaper, The Boston News-Letter, appeared. Published by John Campbell, this weekly paper provided readers with news from Europe, the colonies, and local events. As the colonies grew, so did the number of newspapers, which
became vital tools for political discourse and the exchange of ideas during the American Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution and Mass Circulation
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century transformed the newspaper industry. Advances in printing technology, such as the steam-powered press, allowed for faster and cheaper production of newspapers. This period also saw the rise of the “penny press” in the United States, beginning with The Sun in New York City in 1833. These affordable newspapers made news accessible to a broader audience, catering to the growing urban working class.
The content of newspapers also expanded during this time. Stories began to focus on human interest, sensationalism, and investigative reporting, appealing to the tastes of a diverse readership. Newspapers became a cornerstone of public life, influencing public opinion and shaping political and social movements.
The 20th Century and Beyond
The 20th century marked the golden age of newspapers, with iconic publications like The New York Times, The
Guardian, and Le Monde becoming trusted sources of information worldwide. However, the rise of radio, television, and later the internet began to challenge the dominance of print media. By the late 20th century, traditional newspapers faced declining circulation as audiences turned to digital platforms for news. Today, newspapers continue to adapt to the digital age, offering online editions, multimedia content, and real-time updates. While the medium has transformed, the core mission of newspapers—informing, educating, and engaging the public—remains unchanged.
Conclusion
The history of newspapers is a testament to humanity’s enduring quest for knowledge and connection. From the Acta Diurna of ancient Rome to the digital newsrooms of the 21st century, newspapers have evolved in response to technological advancements and societal needs. Despite the challenges of the modern era, their role as purveyors of truth and platforms for public discourse ensures their relevance in the ever-changing landscape of communication.
My
in his Scoutmaster’s uniform, at age 45 in April of 1973.
BY DANA JACKSON
Q: What ever happened to the character of Daphne who was so central to the first season of “Bridgerton”? Is she ever coming back? -- A.W.
A:Phoebe Dynevor, who starred in the first season of “Bridgerton” as Daphne and continued into season two, chose not to sign a new contract once her obligation was fulfilled. Her character was glaringly absent in the third season at the wedding ceremonies of her siblings, but the show chose not to explain the whereabouts of her character.
Season four of the series will focus on Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) pursuit of Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) with a storyline that is “a bit of a twist on ‘Cinderella,’” according to Netflix’s companion website Tudum. The story is from “An Offer from a Gentleman,” which is the third novel
BY DEMI TAVERAS
“A Complete Unknown” (R) -- Hollywood’s golden boy Timothee Chalamet (“Dune: Part Two”) transforms into singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in this biopic, which will be available to rent starting Feb. 25. The film begins in 1961, when an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan makes his trek to New York from Minnesota and becomes part of the emerging folk music scene. On his way to becoming the artist we now know today, Dylan meets a handful of musicians like his idol Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), and Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), who all play significant roles in his development as an artist. While the film barely made up its budget
of author Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” series. Filming isn’t expected to wrap until April 2025. Netflix did release a sneak peek of the upcoming season, but a release date hasn’t been announced.
***
Q: I’m excited that Heidi Klum is returning to “Project Runway,” but what about Tim Gunn? I want to see them both together onscreen again. -- Y.B.
A: The fashion design competitive reality series “Project Runway” is returning, but it’ll be on a different network -Freeform. When it premiered on Bravo in 2004, Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum hosted the show together. The two left the series in 2017 to start another show on Amazon Prime Video called “Making the Cut.” They said the bigger budget allowed them to have more creative
Celebrity Extra Couch Theater ENTERTAINMENT
at the box office despite Chalamet’s ingenious marketing tactics, it received eight Academy Award and three Golden Globe nominations. (Amazon Prime Video)
“The Brutalist” (R) -- This A24 film led by Adrien Brody (“Asteroid City”) was also a critical darling, snagging 10 Academy Award nominations and giving Brody another shot to land a Best Actor award. The epic period drama follows the heartbreaking story of Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor Laszlo Toth (Brody), who immigrates to the United States after surviving the Buchenwald concentration camp and being separated from his wife and daughter. While he was a respected architect in Europe,
freedom, but it lasted for just three seasons.
This past January, it was announced that Klum was returning to “Project Runway” at its new network home, Freeform. Shockingly, Gunn wasn’t asked back. He told People magazine that Klum reached out to him to ask if he was interested in returning. He said, “Of course,” but was never given an offer from Freeform. His agent contacted the producers, who said, “We don’t want him.” Gunn, understandably, is hurt, and his fans are outraged. He doesn’t blame Klum, though, saying, “I have her back, and I’m with her in spirit always.”
The new “Project Runway” will debut later this year, but the judges and premiere date have yet to be announced.
***
Q: Is there really going to be
Laszlo’s first years in the U.S. are anything but respectable, until a wealthy client hires him for a luxurious construction project. Now with the promise of the American Dream and a chance to be reunited with his family, Laszlo assumes that his struggles have finally been rewarded ... but they’ve only just begun. Out now to rent. (Apple TV+)
“The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards” (TV-14) -While the Golden Globes and Oscars are buzzy and glamorous, the SAG Award ceremony gives off a more laidback tone, and they also allow the lesser-known names in the award season space to receive recognition for their work during the past year. For the second
a “Legally Blonde” series? Will Reese Witherspoon star in it?
-- K.S.
A:Yes, there is a “Legally Blonde” project in the development stages at Amazon MGM Studios. Reese Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine is behind the project, but it’s not known what kind of on-screen presence, if any, she’ll have since originating the role of Elle Woods in 2001. The series is actually a prequel, and another actress will play young Elle. Lexi Minetree (“The Murdaugh Murders”) recently secured the role. There were plans for a “Legally Blonde 3” starring Witherspoon, but it’s been delayed since 2022. No word on whether it will see the light of day or if they’ll just focus on the prequel series.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.
time, actress Kristen Bell (“Nobody Wants This”) hosted the ceremony, which is out now to stream if you couldn’t catch it live. The casts of “Wicked” and “Shogun” received the most nominations for film and television, respectively, and Jane Fonda was this year’s Life Achievement Award recipient. (Netflix)
“Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy” (TV-MA) -- Best known as Chandler Bing from the iconic TV series “Friends,” Matthew Perry shocked the world when he was found dead at only 54 inside of his Los Angeles home on Oct. 28, 2023. Since Perry was always open about his struggle with drug addiction, many suspected that an overdose
was at play. It was later confirmed to be from a high dose of ketamine that was obtained illegally from two doctors. This documentary, out on Feb. 25, discusses the final days leading
KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando,
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
up to his tragic death, while also explaining his incredible rise to fame. (Peacock) (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Phoebe Dyvenor as Daphne in the Netflix series “Bridgerton”
Adrien Brody, left, and Felicity Jones star in “The Brutalist.”
BY MEGAN ROCHE STAFF WRITER
NJ Starz: Matthew John Bocchi Hometown:
Harding Township
coach of his soccer and baseball teams, Bocchi grew up happy. John worked in New York City at the World Trade Center. He was often out late at night entertaining clients or attending meetings. But he would always make sure to get home to kiss his four son’s goodnight.
In the short few years that Matthew knew his dad, he never thought he’d live a day like September 11, 2001.
He was very active in our town, he was very active in our church, so there was a lot going on where he was a vital role and voice in our community,” Bocchi said. From sports car rides and time spent with dad as the
“I comprehended the day itself, but I didn’t understand the severity of it. I was pulled out of my classroom and my first instinct was that I was in trouble, but I didn’t know what I did. Once I got into the hallway, I saw my brother who was
seven years old. They had then told us that a small plane had hit our dad’s building but they were evacuating the buildings and that our dad was safe,” Bocchi said.
After spending the day at school, Bocchi arrived home and immediately realized that something had happened to his dad.
“I saw so many cars parked in the driveway. I walked into the house with my brother and I witnessed numerous family members crying and huddled in corners. But I kept walking and I walked into the tv room and I saw the footage for the first time and that’s where it really hit me. I saw my dad’s building on fire, I saw the second plane hit the second tower, and I watched them come down. A family friend had changed the channel on the tv and on the new channel, they showed an image of someone falling to their death,” Bocchi said.
Matthew’s dad worked on the 104th floor of tower one and never returned home. In the days following the attacks, Matthew became obsessed with thinking that his father may have been one of the jumpers. He searched thousands of hours of footage, hoping that one of the grainy figures jumping out of the towers would be his father.
“It really involved me looking at the same videos over and over, hoping that I would find something different in those videos. I’d pause these videos and try to enhance the screen shot. It was my thought that I could find someone who resembled my father,” Bocchi said.
He reached out to so many
photographers and videographers who had footage from 9/11, but Bocchi never heard back.
“That research phase was my entire life. I’d get home from school, I’d look at the photos, I’d look at the videos, and I would think that I would find him. I really believed that I would find him,” Bocchi recalled.
Bocchi often found himself in conversations with his mother and family members about what happened to his father. Those conversations became too much and Bocchi found himself still obsessed with trying to find out what happened to his dad. During this same time, Bocchi was also being sexually abused by his uncle. It led Bocchi down a devastating path of drugs and alcohol abuse and multiple suicide attempts.
“It was my sophomore year at Villanova that I was introduced to OxyContin. From there on out, I was addicted to opiates. I was in and out of treatment centers for two years. I graduated from Villanova in 2014 and I got arrested in November of that same year and charged with three felonies. I was facing up to five years in state prison,” Bocchi said.
One incident changed it all.
“I got put on probation in 2015 and I was told that I needed to be sober for one year, something that I couldn’t even do for one day. My lawyer told me that I would get drug tested twice. The first drug test letter came in June. Leading up to that drug test, I couldn’t get sober. I called up a dealer and he told me about a detox mouthwash that would show the test as clean, even though I wasn’t,” Bocchi said.
In addition to the mouthwash, Bocchi purchased clean urine from a friend.
“As I sat in that waiting room waiting for the drug test, high out of my mind, I kept thinking that it wasn’t a place I belonged. I thought that I was smarter and better than the addicts that were in there with me. I get called in and my probation officer gave me the test and I realized that I left that fake urine at home,” Bocchi said.
After failing the test, his probation officer gave him one more chance to get clean. If he wasn’t clean in a month, he would go off to jail immediately.
“As I’m sitting at my mom’s house, trying to figure out what I am going to do. I rolled a joint, made a drink and sat in the backyard. I looked up at the sky and I saw this crystal clear blue sky that looked just like it did on 9/11. I started crying and I asked my dad for a sign,” Bocchi said.
That sign did indeed come and Bocchi said that he was done with drugs forever. He checked himself into a detox facility and since July 2015, Bocchi has been sober.
Since then, Bocchi has not stopped. After writing a bestselling book, Sway, about his experiences being a child of 9/11, he’s started a journey of public speaking. Bocchi speaks on topics of drugs and alcohol abuse, his experiences on September 12, 2001, and emotional trauma.
“I’ve spoken to over 100,000 kids at this point and it’s absolutely unbelievable. I’ve dedicated my life to this venture. I get paid to help people and it’s incredible. My hope is that I can walk into a school and impact one kid, one faculty member, one person, to let them know that it’s okay not to be okay,” Bocchi said. While he’s never found out the truth of what happened to his father, Matthew knows that his father is ultimately proud of him.
“My dad didn’t get a chance, and that’s a big part of why I do what I do today. I finally stopped worrying about what happened to him inside that building and I focus on the life that he lived in such a short period of time. It took a lot to get to that point, but I got to it. My dad wanted to find his happiness in life. He was going to quit, he had a vacation day scheduled for September 12 and he didn’t get to see that vacation day. Going into finance to try and be like him, why would I want to do something that he was trying to escape? I know, more than anything, that I didn’t care what anyone thought and I followed my heart, I know that he would be proud,” Bocchi said. To learn more about Bocchi or to order his book, visit www.matthewjohnbocchi. com
