Florham Park Resident Gives Back to Country and Community
BY EVAN WECHMAN STAFF WRITER
FLORHAM PARK - Florham
Park’s Joanne Greene Tobias has always believed in helping others. Whether it’s giving back as an educator or serving with the United States Air Force (USAF), she remains committed to lending a hand.
Tobias, a self-described “marine brat,” was born on a marine base in the middle of the Pacific Ocean because her father was serving in the marines at the time.
Tobias would later assist her country as well by serving in the USAF, Reserves and Active Duty for fourteen years.
During that time, she helped
her country in the Persian Gulf War and would be honored as a recipient of the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal in 2004. She was also asked to be a charter member of WIMSA (Women in Military Service for America) and her story is profiled at the Arlington National Cemetery.
According to Tobias, continuing the tradition of service to her country was something she took a great deal of pride in doing.
“I honestly wanted to serve my country,” she says.
Tobias also gave back in the classroom as a Special Educa-
tion Teacher in Jersey City for about two decades. Currently, she is in her third term as a board member on the Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education.
Tobias acknowledges that serving her community and country is something that was instilled in her by her family as a child and the motivation behind her tenure in both fields.
“Anytime, anybody can find a way to serve their community or serve the public, whatever capacity it is even if it’s a parent helping a school or the PTA, everybody can always find some way to get back
and serve the community,” she says.
As for her time in the military, just her motivation to serve was not merely enough. Being a woman, she faced discrimination at various points in her journey, but never felt compelled to quit.
For instance, her military entrance exam, an intense fourhour ordeal to see if she was qualified to serve was “red flagged.” Her recruiter said she scored too high, especially on the mechanical aptitude section and would have to take the test again if she truly wanted to enlist.
Hanover Park High School Grad Continues to Move Forward
BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER
HANOVER PARK - There is a statement (a knowledge, if you will) here in the Garden State that has often been repeated: “You can take the girl out of New Jersey, but you can’t take the New Jersey out of the girl.” Indeed, and this statement can also be sub headed under specific hometowns, and for 25-year-old Melissa Zweigbaum, that community would be East Hanover. After all, the 2017 Hanover Park High School graduate, although now living in Massachusetts, still speaks fondly of hometown and her alma mater.
Zweigbaum said, “There are really good, small-town vibes and a strong sense of community in East Hanover. I went to school with the same people from kindergarten all the way through senior year of high school. I played a lot of sports, so that’s how you get to know the community. It was always nice to see a friendly, familiar face around town.”
Zweigbaum, an only child, grew up going to Sleepaway Camp, which had an influence on her life, and it developed a caring, mentorship part of her being which developed at an early age. It led her to volunteer with the Red Cross in high school and do service learning for local area Boys and Girls Clubs while in college.
She said, “I think having
external, positive role models in young children’s lives while they are growing up, especially through the adolescence phase, is quite important. I know it was for me. Overall, I was there to be a positive role model for them. And then, even at my current job, we do a volunteer day every year is also with Boys and Girls clubs in the area. It brings me joy helping the kids, and then also just being there for them. It is always a good way for them to know that someone other than their parents or their family cares for them.”
While in high school, Zweigbaum played both volleyball and softball for the Hanover Park High School Hornets, and on the diamond, the Jamie Galioto coached clubs her junior and senior years finished a combined 45 – 8 and made it all the way to the NJSIAA Tournament, North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2, Semifinal Round.
“Some of my best friends from high school are people that I played with from elementary school through senior year,” Zweigbaum said. “We still keep in touch, and the best memories are not whether we won or lost. It really is the bus rides, the practices, and the silly moments. Those are really what I cherish.”
While at Bentley University, a well renowned business school in Waltham, Massachusetts, Zweigbaum majored in Market-
ing and minored in Psychology and Spanish. While there, she got involved in many activities, including Her Campus, a prominent, global media portfolio platform for college and Generation Z women, and was named its President her senior year.
She also for the fall 2019 semester studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain. “It was amazing, life changing,” she said. “I really wanted to immerse myself in the culture. It made me more understanding and well-rounded, enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills, and significantly improved my marketing abilities. Because marketing is global; it is not just in the United States.”
Zweigbaum credits her parents, Mark and Donna, for their support.
She said, “I’m super grateful for them, working hard and providing me the opportunity to go to college out of state, and giving me the confidence and independence to do so. I know I always have a home with them, and I know they’re super proud of me. It’s nice that I can go home whenever I want, and I try
to see them every two months or so.”
Zweigbaum is currently focused on her career as a Digital Marketing Senior Account Manager, but also want to travel more, and continue to advance in her career.
She said, “I want to continue traveling and learning new cultures. I have a few trips planned; I will be meeting new people, continuing to network, and learn about potential opportunities down the road. There is really no option but to move forward, and something that I had to learn for myself was no one is going to help you. You cannot really change anything if you do not want to change it for yourself.”
Winner from October’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” Contest
AREA - The winners from October’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” are Anthony l. Giasullo; Florham Park, Mary Ann Von Brook; Florham Park, Rob Marino; East Hanover, Stacey Ward; Florham ParkThe ads that “Hank the Hornet” were
in: Berks Furniture, Magnolia Home Improvement, Coccia Realty - Christine Nagy, Minute Man Limo, Ideal Air and Weichert - Gloria LaForgia. Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!
“Presidential Visits to New Jersey: A History” Presentation
FLORHAM PARK - The Historical Society of Florham Park was very happy to have Peter Zablocki return for his 3rd presentation at the Florham Park Library when he presented on October 19th.
New Jersey’s past is full of memorable Presidential visitsand home to some lesser-known ones. Visits from Teddy Roosevelt and FDR, to more recently from Obama, Trump and Biden, transcend politics to show the historical significance of not just the great men, but also that of the Garden State.
For example, after Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 election victory, in which he lost New Jersey and after which the Southern states began to secede, the then president-elect made a critical tour of the Garden State.
Zablocki is an author of many books about New Jersey but he explained his challenge in writing this book about political events was in trying to make it not too political. For
example, he mentioned the Obama visit to New Jersey in October 2012 two days after Hurricane Sandy when Governor Christie graciously welcomed the American President to the Garden State as both worked to secure the right funding and assistance for New Jerseyans.
Zablocki reminded everyone that New Jersey shore had been a big vacation draw for a very many Presidents. Of course, one, President Garfield, was brought here from a humid Washington, D.C. for the fresh ocean air in attempt to help him recover from an assassin’s gunshot. Unsanitary hands and probes for weeks in DC prior to his arrival and during his 12day stay at the Elberon section of Long Branch led to the death of the President, ultimately of a sepsis infection.
Peter Zablocki’s book includes chapters titles of Lin-
Courtesy of her serving in the Boom Operation Pit: KC-135 Stratotanker refueling a C-141 Starlifter
Melissa Zweigbaum on her 2021 graduation day from Bentley University (courtesy of ARS Media)
BY STEVE SEARS
WRITER
Michael Ruane, United States Army Veteran, Proudly Gives Back to the Country He Loves
AREA - Michael Ruane sat back at a conference table seat in his office at the Information Age (InfoAge) Science & History Museums in Wall Township and reflected on his family’s history in the country he has a loved and served for, the United States of America.
“The army,” he said, “was my way of repaying back.” Ruane, 82, was in the United States Army for 30 years, attaining the rank of Colonel. He received an ROTC commission at South Orange’s Seton Hall University and exited the school as an Armor First Lieutenant. He was an Infantry officer and for over thirteen years was a company, battalion, and brigade commander. He served a year in Korea, and his service also includes commanding two Light Infantry companies in Vietnam in the 196th Light
Infantry Brigade. Ruane is also a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College, and his certifications received are for Total Quality Management, Mediation, and Risk Communications. Extensively trained in counter-terrorism and emergency management, Ruane is certified as a US Department of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) “Train–the-Trainer.”
For his service, Ruane was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Ruane said, “My parents were immigrants. My mom came here in 1923 when she was 16 years old, and she had a suitcase with $25 in it. My dad came in 1930. Both came from the west of Ireland, which was very poor at that time; my
mother from Roscommon, my father from Galway. They met in about 1938, and they married 1940.”
Ruane was born in July 1942. His father, in his 30s, did not serve in World War II, but worked on the railroad. His cousins and uncles, however, did serve in World War II. In fact, his cousins from Ireland, who fought in World War I, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and fought for the United States in World War II.
Ruane was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of InfoAge Science & History Museums - which is located within the aged buildings of Historic Camp Evans - from 2006 to 2018, and is currently its Chief Executive Officer.
“I love this,” Ruane said of InfoAge. Incorporated in 1999, its first exhibit was unveiled
Congratulations Officer Ryan
FLORHAM PARK - Congratulations to Officer Ryan Cassidy on his recent achievements.
He completed the Atlantic City marathon in just 3 hours and 38 minutes - a huge physical accomplishment!
Ryan recently completed a rigorous course and exam to
become a certified Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F), which applies scientific knowledge to physically train military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, protective services and other emergency personnel to improve performance, promote
Resident Gives Back...
working mechanically on the aircraft.
“ I opted for working on the aircraft which is what my dream job was, working on the plane,” she says.” Being a female, I was the oddity, because there was only one other girl that worked in the jet shop area, and so otherwise I was the only female in this quadrant working on the jet shop.” Tobias would work on various aircraft in a jet shop for a year but wanted to work on the flight line. That is the area
where the aircraft would come in and launch their missions from. Tobias would however face opposition to this important duty.
“I kept at it, and went into my second year, and I kept asking, why can’t I go out on the flight line? Well, they (the Air Force) said it’s dangerous, It’s cold, it’s hot, it’s dangerous. I think part of it was no one wanted to take the responsibility of sending the one and only female on the entire flight line out there,” she says. Eventually, her administra-
wellness, and decrease injury risk. Both of these achievement fit in with the Wellness Program of the Florham Park Police Department. It focuses on strength and resiliency, both physically and mentally.
tors allowed her to work on the flight line on a trial basis. However, she surpassed all expectations as she understood other people’s lives were on the line.
“When you launch an aircraft, you want to make sure that there was nothing you may have done to cause that aircraft to come down and cause anyone to lose their life.”
Her days of serving in the Air Force are now over but Tobias can be found helping fellow vets at the local VFW 5351 post. When not there, she is usually working on some-
in 2005. InfoAge is one large museum complex of 20 (soon to be 22) mini museums and exhibits (a lot of it military-related) in 16 historic buildings. “I have been involved in this place since 1995.”
Ruane, who is lives in West Long Branch with his wife, Barbara, and has seven children and ten grandchildren, said, “It was like the military was always there, but for me, it was important. What the United States gave to my parents and enabled them to do and be helped, meant so much. They came from nothing. They had three children, and all three children went to college, and all three children had good careers.”
FROM FRONT PAGE
Michael Ruane (courtesy of Michael Ruane)
Hanover Park High School Girls’ Tennis Wins First Ever State Title
BY STEVE
HANOVER PARK - Hanover Park High School girls’ tennis coach, Tara Geisser, described the atmosphere prior to her team’s October 15 NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 title match against Glen Ridge.
Geisser said, “It was bittersweet to stand in our huddle for the last time with this particular group. I said, ‘Just look around. These are your people. This is the family that we built. And no regrets - leave it out there today.’ And everyone did their job.”
The Hornets finished the regular ledger undefeated at 10 – 0 and won the first Hanover Park High School girls’ tennis state championship ever when they defeated Glen Ridge, 4 - 1.
Seniors Avani Sohoni, Danielle Bulbin, and Olivia Niu had started with the program in 2021 as freshman, and suffered
through a 1 - 13 season. But the club continued to improve the following seasons, and last year finished 12 – 1.
This season, the team finished with 14 wins and one loss.
Sohoni spoke about the trio’s and team’s progression to title winner. “I think this year, our players were a lot stronger. For three years, I was 3rd singles, and last year was my best year at 3rd singles, and then this year, me and Dani were 1st doubles, and we did really good as 1st doubles.”
Bulbin added, “I think we came a long way. We all take this sport very seriously, and I think we were able to see the growth over the years. It helped us defeat our opponents.”
More success was on the doorstep, and yes, there was great talent on this team. But
more importantly, what existed was true sisterhood. A newcomer to Hanover Park High School and its girls’ tennis program saw it when she arrived for the fall campaign. Geisser said, “She was at another school for two years, and she played tennis for two years, and she said that the support between and the caring amongst the team members was so different when she came here. She was not used to that. And to me, our girls have an amazing work ethic. They love their sport, and, most importantly, they love each other and their friendship, their bond.”
Bulbin recalled the moment 1st singles junior Audrey Lee, who during the week of 9/189/24 was named Player of the Week, sewed up the historic title.
Bulbin said, “We were all
NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1
standing there, holding hands. It was really cold. I remember the score was 9 – 8, it was a tie break. And finally, Audrey, won the point, and we all just started jumping, screaming, and running around everywhere. We were all so excited. We real-
Hanover Park’s Sarah Diamante Reaches Career Volleyball Milestone
BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER
HANOVER PARK - First, she broke the school career mark for blocks which sat at 88, and then she reached her own milestone.
Sarah Diamante, a captain for the Hanover Park High School Hornets girls’ volleyball team, notched career block number 100 during a victory against the Caldwell Chiefs on October 7.
Diamante recalls the scene.
“I knew going into that game that I was at 99 blocks, so I knew that I just needed the one more. We were in the second set, and the game was almost over. I believe it was the 23rd point when I got that block. I do not remember whose serve it was, but I remember the ball just got set there outside, and I was so ready. I knew in that moment, that it was coming right to me. And I went up and I got it, and it was the best feeling, because I knew everyone knew it, too.”
Diamante is no stranger to success on the volleyball court. She was second on the team in blocks both her sophomore and junior years, and currently
coln’s Pleas for Unity, the Allure of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Reagan Woos New Jersey, Clinton Takes Over for Bush, and the Twenty-First Century: From George W. to Biden. For the many who attended and enjoyed the presentation, as well as those who missed the program, the Presidential Visits to New Jersey: A History, I highly recommend the book” says Historical Society of Florham Park board member Peter Nicolas. It can be purchased at
leads the team in that category this season while thus far also scoring 44 kills.
Diamante played all sports while she was growing up, but when it came to volleyball, it was the one she felt she could work hard and be good at it.
She said, “I can be very hard on myself, and I am constantly trying to be the very best version that I can be, which I think can be seen as negative. But I think in a more positive way, it shows how motivated I am. How all the hard work and determination that I have put in to set these goals for myself throughout seasons, and eventually, being able to successfully reach those with the right mindset and hard work.”
Tara Setzer, Diamante’s head coach, said of her motivated senior, “There are so many things I appreciate about Sarah. She is a great young woman, responsible, and she is also very levelheaded. She is also very reflective and understanding, and says, ‘You know, I could’ve done this better, and this is what I am going to work on,’ instead of ignoring what
Amazon.com and at Barnes & Nobles bookstore on Route 10 in Morris Plains. To learn more about this author of several books about New Jersey, go to Zablocki’s website at https:// www.peterzablocki.com/. Look for Peter Zablocki’s return after the next invitation by the Historical Society of Florham Park for October 2025!
The Historical Society of Florham Park would also like to thank Delaney at the Green (Park Avenue, Florham Park) for providing the refreshments
maybe could be a weakness and running away from it. She sees that weakness and really puts in the effort to make it one of her strengths.”
Diamante thanked her parents and older brother for their support, to which Setzer added, “Sarah is definitely a product of a wonderful family. And actually, I taught her older brother,
to this program and for planning again for the next program, FIRST PEOPLE: The New Jersey Connection. That free program is scheduled for November 12, again at the Florham Park Library, with 6:30 refreshments, a 7:00pm presentation.
To learn more about The Historical Society of Florham Park and upcoming programs contact Peter Nicolas at pnicolas@optimum.net or call at 973-520-8654.
ized that over the years, we all worked up to this moment, to this point, and we’ve been anticipating this for a really long time. It was just exciting to see it all finally after four years of being on the team.”
There are further accolades.
Lee and freshman 2nd
too. They are just a great family, and she is 100% a product of that.”
The
champions (credit: Michael Menditto)
singles player, Caroline Oriala, were selected to complete in the NJSIAA Girls Tennis Individual State Championships at Veterans Park in Hamilton Township, and junior 3rd singles, Tanvi Daita, went to the finals of the Morris County Tournament, a first for Hornets girls’ tennis.
Sarah Diamante after her career milestone 100th block (courtesy of Sarah Diamante)
Hanover Park Hornets Football wins NJSFC American White Division
BY STEVE SEARS
As
211 – 48 en route to a 6 – 0 record, and a North Jersey Super Football Conference (NJSFC) American White Division title.
Fulton also commended last year’s seniors on a team that sported a 7 – 3 record and who served as mentors for the underclassmen. “They (the 2023 seniors) became incredible role models for the current seniors and current juniors. We do not do what we do this year if not for that group of kids.”
Joey Tantawi is a senior captain, and wide receiver and defensive back for the Hornets, who last won a sectional gridiron title in 1990, and last played in a sectional final in 1999.
Tantawi, who this season has both a fumble recovery and interception for touchdowns, said, “We started in the summer, figuring out who is going to play where and what, and I think that we have come a long way. We have been getting better as every week goes by, and we have a very good group of seniors. A
lot of us have a lot of experience from last year, we are making the best of our senior year, and we are not even close to being done. We have been involved our entire high school career.”
Senior quarterback and fellow captain, Joey Borrello, has thrown for over 2,000 yards in his Hornet career. This season, he has been working with a new Quarterbacks coach (and former West Essex Knight) Kyle Kovats, and thus far has thrown for 785 yards and rushed for 234.
He said, “We knew we were going to have a big season, and coming into the offseason, we knew everyone was training and working hard. We knew we had the team to do it; we just had to put it all together. So far, I think we have looked good at every aspect.”
Fulton, this his seventh year as head coach, added, “The kids
spect and work ethic and toughness and all the things you want
Florham Park Rotary Halloween Dog Parade and Costume Contest
FLORHAM PARK - The 4th annual Florham Park Rotary Halloween Dog Parade and Costume Contest scholarship fundraiser was another success!
This Rotary scholarship fundraiser was well attended with lots of great costumes worn by happy dogs. Weather was sunny and 72 degrees on the mid-October day, and who would have thought about bringing suntan lotion for an October 19 event!
“We’re in the midst of sorting through the very many pictures at the event and will share them and the winners of each of the six categories in the next issue. In the meantime, people may check the Florham Park Rotary Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/428768947164657 for a preview” advised Rotary club president Damion Bernard.
The Rotary Scholarship Fund grew as a result of the success of this community event. Scholarships are awarded annually to Florham Park resident students who are Seniors attending at any local high school and who have exhibited exemplary volunteerism and community involvement. The scholar-
ships can be used for tuition and fees, or books, clothes, or toward setting up dorm rooms at their new college or technical schools. Per Rotarian Peter Nicolas, scholarship winners are also encouraged to add the earned acknowledgement to their resume and LinkedIn accounts. “Considering that Rotary International is in over 200 countries with 40,000+ clubs, it may contribute to a student earning an interview when applying for employment” he explained.
Great appreciation goes to the supporting vendors and participating organizations. Pet Supplies Plus once again provided the generous prizes for each of the six costume categories. Lucy’s Gift offered and donated the two dog-themed door prizes. Florham Park’s Starbucks provided the Pikes Peak coffee and the Decaf coffee and the local M&T Bank branch provided the bottled water. Thanks also go to the Florham Park Diner where contestants were able to purchase advance tickets, thus saving $5 on registration at the event.
Of course, a shout-out goes to all those who registered their
costumed dogs and to the spectators who purchased 50/50 Raffle tickets and who came to enjoy the event at the Gazebo! Everyone enjoyed watching the dogs as they paraded to DJ JAKs music of “Who Let the Dogs Out?!” as MC Carmine Colasurdo provided descriptions and kept the energy high.
Appreciation also goes to the Morris County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit for their informative demonstration, and to St. Hubert’s, Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, and to Eleventh Hour Rescue organizations for setting up tables so people may learn about the important work they perform.
The Rotary club is a nonpolitical and nonsectarian organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. To learn more about the Florham Park Rotary, guests are welcome to attend a weekly Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner at 182 Ridgedale Ave, and/or to visit www.FlorhamParkRotary. org, and/or write Membership Chair George Gregor at ggregor@florhamparkrotary.org or (917) 848-0982.
The 2024 NJSFC American White Division Hanover Park Hornets hit the field (credit: Nick Martinelli)
have responded well, and have been a pleasure to coach – and they are winners as human beings, too. When it comes to re-
from like young men, they are right there. It is a great group the coach.”
BY DANA JACKSON
Q:Have they said who will replace Hoda Kotb on the “Today” show after she leaves? --
A.Y.
A:When Hoda Kotb announced at the end of September that she would be leaving the job she’s held for 17 years with “Today,” it came as a shock to her fans, but probably not her co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager. Now the mother of two young girls, Kotb recently purchased a home away from Manhattan in the hopes of spending more time with her daughters while they’re still in elementary school.
According to Us Weekly, an NBC insider hints that the top contender to replace Kotb is weekend “Today” anchor Laura Jarrett. Other possibilities include Craig Melvin or Carson Daly. Since Kotb isn’t departing until early 2025 and will remain
BY DEMI TAVERAS
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (PG-13) -- Thirty-six years after Michael Keaton first stunned audiences with his performance as the titular green-haired jokester in the classic film “Beetlejuice,” Keaton dons his striped wardrobe once again for a sequel you don’t want to miss! Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara reprise their respective roles as Lydia and Delia Deetz, but this time, the original cast is joined by scream queen Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday”), Monica Bellucci (“Spectre”), and Willem Dafoe (“Kinds of Kindness”). With improved visual effects and compelling storylines, this sequel is just as entertaining as, if not more than, the original!
Celebrity Extra
part of the NBC network in some capacity, there’s still several months to determine who will fill her chair.
***
Q: What happened to the “Charlie Brown” holiday specials? I miss seeing the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas ones on regular TV.
I haven’t seen them in a couple years. -- E.B.
A: The “Peanuts” holiday specials started airing on Apple TV+ in 2020 as part of an exclusive deal with the streaming service. Previously, these classic shows were a part of CBS’s holiday programming since 1965, so it’s understandable that viewers are upset with the move to streaming.
Fortunately, each year, Apple TV+ offers days where nonsubscribers can watch the specials at no cost. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” was made
Couch Theater ENTERTAINMENT
Out now to rent. (Apple TV+)
“Teacup” (TV-MA) -- If you haven’t yet found the perfect horror series to get you into the Halloween mood, why not give this new series a try?
Based on the novel “Stinger” by Robert R. McCammon, “Teacup” takes place on a ranch in rural Georgia, where the Chenoweth family resides in unison with multiple neighbors and their animals. When dark omens begin to appear in the woods, the Chenoweths naturally begin to panic. But they are unable to leave the farm due to a spray-painted line in the grass that causes those who cross it to reach a very untimely death. Yvonne Strahovski (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) leads this
available on Oct. 19 and 20. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will be available on Nov. 23 and 24, while “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be shown on Dec. 14 and 15.
Apparently, creator Charles Schulz wasn’t a fan of the Christmas special’s finished product, but when it became a massive hit, the franchise went on to create dozens of more specials. However, none of them has achieved the classic TV status that this trio from the fall and winter holidays has. Visit TV.apple.com for more information.
***
Q:I read about the newest “Big Bang Theory” spin-off in the works. Is Jim Parsons going to be on it? -- L.L.
A:For those who might not have heard yet, in addition to “Young Sheldon” and “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” it
eight-episode series, and the first four episodes are out now to stream! (Peacock)
“House of Spoils” (R) -Academy-Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”) leads this supernatural film produced by horror powerhouse Blumhouse Productions. DeBose’s character is solely known as Chef, a culinary connoisseur who opens a fine-dining restaurant in an isolated estate in the middle of nowhere. Easier said than done, Chef realizes, as she learns how to deal with the challenging aspects of owning her own eatery, like finding reliable staff, working to impress her investor, managing her anxiety, and fighting an evil spirit that seems
was recently announced that a spin-off centered around three supporting characters from “The Big Bang Theory” is in development.
According to TVLine, Kevin Sussman (Stuart), Lauren Lapkus (Denise), and Brian Posehn (Bert) have all inked a deal with HBO’s streaming service Max for the new yet-to-be-named series, “which is suspected to revolve around Stuart’s comic bookstore.”
When he was interviewed on “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” Parsons stated that he has no plans now to appear on the new series, but that he “would never say never to anything because life just changes so much.”
Parsons, who served as an executive producer and narrator of “Young Sheldon,” the prequel sitcom about his “BBT” character, reprised the role on-
to be lurking in every corner of the state. Will Chef let her dreams spoil right in front of her? See for yourself! (Amazon Prime Video)
“The Menendez Brothers” (R) -- Lyle and Erik Menendez have garnered a lot of traction during the month of October, due to Ryan Murphy’s dramatized series “Monsters” that covered the brothers’ story. Now Netflix is letting them tell their story through a documentary film, more than 30 years after the murders of their parents first took place. In the doc, which is out now, Lyle and Erik call in from prison to explain their sides of what occurred that August night in 1989 and why their claims of
abuse weren’t taken seriously by the jury during both trials. Family members, lawyers, jurors and reporters who were involved with the case weigh in with their points of view, while lead prosecutor Pamela
Bozanich still maintains that the brothers are lying about the abuse and deserve to be incarcerated. (Netflix) (c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Hoda Kotb (“Today”). Courtesy of NBCUniversal
Ariana DeBose stars as Chef in “House of Spoils.” Courtesy of MovieStillsDB
Building Alliances through Disaster Recovery
FLORHAM PARK - The Florham Park Rotary, Rotary of the CALDWELLs and Downtown Kingston Rotary united to rebuild school in Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Beryl.
This year three major hurricanes caused major destruction as Beryl and Milton were Category 5 Hurricanes, closely followed by Category 4, Helene.
On July 3, 2024, Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Jamaica. The storm had been a Category 5 with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph — making it the strongest July hurricane ever recorded, beating Emily in 2005, according to the National Hurricane Center. By Tuesday night when it hit Jamaica, it was a Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds and heavy and persistent rainfall that brought flooding. That led to devastation and destruction of communities.
As the government of Jamaica issued disaster warnings and launched planned disaster management, Rex Lyon, a 50year member with the Florham Park Rotary, recommended the club consider assisting efforts underway in Jamaica to aid
restoration and recovery. Florham Park Rotary club president Damion Bernard approved the action, leading to open dialogue and inquiry into existing activities by Rotary Clubs in Jamaica.
Florham Park Rotarian Karol Williams contacted President Paul Brisset of Downtown Kingston Club in Jamaica. She learned that their local club had initiated efforts to do partial restoration work at the Mountainside Primary School in the Parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, teaming with other Rotary Clubs in Jamaica’s District 7020.
The school has been an agent of change in the community. The Florham Park Rotary and the Rotary Club of The Caldwells joined on this restoration project to uplift the community and enhance education.
Restoration work to be done included but was not limited to:
Repainting classrooms
Redesign ceiling fans
Restoring electricity and power.
Simone Campbell, Florham Park Rotarian and a Past Club President, had already been
planning on going to Jamaica. She was then able to personally deliver a check from the two New Jersey Rotary clubs to help Mountainside Primary School. She also exchanged Rotary banners. (See photo).
Rotary International is a nonpolitical and nonsectarian organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. There are 46,000 clubs in 200 countries worldwide dedicated to bringing together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.
To learn more about the local Florham Park Rotary, guests are welcome to attend a weekly Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner at 182 Ridgedale Ave. Those meetings are also held via Zoom to provide the option for members who can’t physically attend frequently in the Diner. Meetings are 7:47 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. every Friday.
More ways to learn more
about the Florham Park Rotary are to visit www.FlorhamParkRotary.org, check Florham
Caregiver Overload Presented at Florham Park Rotary Meeting
FLORHAM PARK - There are over 50 million Americans providing unpaid care and that has increased in just the past ten years. Nearly one in five people are providing unpaid care to an adult with health or functional needs, spending an average of 21 hours per week. Indeed approximately 20% of caregivers spend 40 hours or more per week.
The “Sandwich Generation” is responsible for bringing up their own children and for the care of their aging parents.
Caregiver stress and burnout can result. “Caregiver Overload” occurs when the tasks required to care for a loved one builds up to the point of being too stressful. The danger of taking on too much as a care partner or family caregiver is that, in most instances, the caregivers’ health and well-being is at risk.
Gabriela Alvarez, Geriatric Pharmacy Resident, from Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center presented to the Flor-
ham Park Rotary at their October 18 Friday morning meeting. She discussed the danger of taking on too much as a care partner or family caregiver. She cautioned that, in many instances, the caregivers’ health and well-being is at risk.
Signs of caregiver stress can be many:
• Anxiety, depression, irritability
• Feeling increasingly resentful
• Drinking, smoking, or eating more
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• New or worsening health problems
• Neglecting personal responsibilities
• Cutting back on leisure activities
She then described “caregiver burnout” as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and uncon-
cerned. That burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need, or if they do more than they are able, physically or financially. She shared that there are actions that both patients and caregiver can take. For example, patients should discuss their goals and document advance directives like the POLST (New Jersey Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form. She emphasized that caregivers should form a team, care for themselves, and find support.
One support resource could be the local Agency of Aging or the AARP for services such as adult day care services, caregiver support groups and respite care. There are also home health services, adult day care, private care aides, and caregiver support services that can help caregivers recharge their batteries, find more information, and locate additional resources.
To order an online guide of resources for healthy, home and community, financial and legal one could call the AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885. The United Way of Northern New Jersey provides their Caregivers Toolbox via https:caregiversupport.unitedwaynnj. org/index.phpas another informative source. In addition to its community projects the Florham Park Rotary frequently schedules such informative presentations like the one above for its members and guests. The club is a nonpolitical and nonsectarian organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference.
To learn more about the Florham Park Rotary, guests are welcome to attend a weekly Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner at 182 Ridgedale Ave, and/or to visit www.FlorhamParkRotary. org, and/or write Membership Chair George Gregor at ggregor@florhamparkrotary.org or (917) 848-0982.
BY RICHARD MABEY, JR.
GUEST WRITER
AREA - As I write the words for this essay, I have become more and more acutely aware of my physical failing. For it was only two years ago, that I walked and cared for over a dozen wonderful dogs in my little community. It was common for me, to walk five or six miles a day, walking my furlined friends, while their mommies and daddies were away visiting their adult children. Now, when I walk around the block, I become all so winded, the chest pains prevail. I am becoming more and more aware that it’s the ninth inning, the last scene of Act III of the play. I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination. My father once told me that God had given me a very precious gift, to put words down on paper. He told me that it was my job to develop it, to hone it, to fine tune it. I truly hope that I have
BY ELSIE WALKER STAFF WRITER
AREA - Can a shoebox change a child’s life? An Operation Christmas Child box can. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an organization which reaches out to needs around the world.
Through Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child drive, shoeboxes with small items like toys, pencils, pads, and other things are collected and given out to needy, many times forgotten, children internationally. A local church in the country delivers the boxes and makes a connection with the children.
November 18-25 is the collection week for this year’s Operation Christmas Child boxes and several local churches are acting as drop-off locations. For more information on Operation Christmas Child, ages of children, what to put in a box, suggested postage donation and the drop-off locations and times, visit www.samaritanspurse.org and scroll down its homepage to Operation Christmas Child. There are drop-off locations in Roxbury, Mt. Arlington, Oak Ridge, Livingston, Wayne, Washington, and more. Recently, some of the coordinators at dropoff locations and a participant talked about the program.
Amanda Blewitt, of Stanhope, is the Drop-off Team Leader at The Ledgewood Baptist Church in Roxbury. Blewitt talked about what inspired her to be involved in Operation Christmas Child.
“The first thing that drew me to Operation Christmas Child was being able to give children who had nothing a gift for Christmas in Jesus’ name. However, this has grown to such a deeper meaning. Many of these children are unseen, unheard, and feel insignificant in this world. Most of these children don’t have any belonging that is their own, and they certainly have never received a gift before. Receiving a gift for the very first time lets them know that they are seen; and they are loved by God, and they are not forgotten,” she shared.
The Port Morris United Methodist Church, in Roxbury, has participated in Operation Christmas Child for several years. This year, it is partnering with the Millbrook United Methodist Church, Randolph, in putting together boxes. A former pastor and his wife introduced the church to the project. The pair were from Bulgaria and had received boxes and passed them out at an orphanage there, making a connection with the children. The children at the orphanage were not all orphans; some had family and
If This Be My Destiny
not let my father down. When I was two years old, my father built a little desk for me. Dad built a chalkboard onto it. My mother once told me that when I was just two years old, as she would cook supper, I would write down stories on my little desk, drawing stick figures. I never chose to be a writer, God chose for me to be a writer. I have no doubt about that.
There are too many people to thank. Without whom, I would be nothing. I would have been a piece of driftwood, bobbing up and down out in the darkness of the deep blue sea. I started writing articles for the Lincoln Park Herald, when I was 12 years old. I started writing them from a hospital bed at the Barnert Hospital in Paterson, while I was battling a case of full-blown Rheumatic Fever. In 1971, when my friends
were attending prestigious universities, far from Lincoln Park, I humbly worked at the A&P grocery store, attended County College of Morris and wrote stories and articles for Youngtown Edition.
To Professor John Keeler, wherever you may now be, I earnestly thank you for all your kind advice. You told me to forget about writing about the great white whale, but rather to write about the little town I loved so much, the people I knew, and the old farmhouse that my Great Grandpa built. It’s a debt I can only recognize, but never repay.
In 1977, in a small town in West Virginia, I attempted to be a successful chiropractor. But I failed miserably. I was dirt poor, had only four or five patients, wasn’t eating right and living in tight quarters of a back room of a store front of-
fice. The strep throat came and once again, I came down with Rheumatic Fever. Returning to the old farmhouse on Mabey Lane, I fell into a deep, deep sleep. And in that deep sleep, I felt the unmistakable spiritual presence of Thomas Wolfe. And the endearing Southern gentleman, simply whispered to me, “write the stories of these people, whom you love so much.”
To all of my dear and precious readers, I share these heart-felt words. Do not ever let anyone kill your dreams. Walk away from your harsh critics. Believe in yourself. Dig deep to find your purpose upon this earth. Always give it 110 percent. Never, ever give up. Always remember, failure is not an option. Love, love, love the people in your life. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Never stop forgiving those who have
done you wrong. Hold dear this eternal truth, love is the most powerful force in the
Love God with all your heart, mind and soul. And, love all, even unto the creatures of the forest.
Operation Christmas Child
knew that. They had been abandoned because they were sick or disabled and seen as a burden. The pastor’s wife would tell of how children receiving the boxes would take them to bed, clutching tightly to them. Since it started participating in Operation Christmas Child, the Roxbury church has tracked its boxes (which can be done online in some cases) to Ukraine, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Ecuador.
“Giving children items for Christmas is a rewarding feeling. I can imagine the smiles on their faces as they open up their boxes. I look forward every year to Operation Christmas to make a difference in their lives,” said church member Roberta Post of Roxbury.
For some, participating in Operation Christmas Child is a family affair. “I … appreciate the chance to get my children involved in something bigger than themselves. They’re both young, four and two but I find that they’re already learning so much about generosity, thoughtfulness, and love for others through this ministry,” said Cassia Lee, of Stanhope, Central Drop-Off coordinator at the Times Square Church North Jersey in Mt. Arlington. (The Central Drop Off is
where all the other Drop Off Locations in the area bring their shoebox filled cartons to load onto tractor trailers to be shipped to the Operation Christmas Child Processing Centers.)
Barbara Stopa, of Roxbury, has participated in Operation Christmas Child for 25 years. Also a member of the Times Square Church North Jersey, Stopa is the Volunteer Regional Area Coordinator for Morris, Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon Counties in NJ and Lebanon County in PA. “..what has moved me the most is hearing the true stories of young adults who received their shoeboxes as children and how much it filled them with hope and joy. With each box they are given a booklet called “The Greatest Gift” that tells them about Jesus, the great gift of all. That gift is eternal,” she said.
Blewett shared a story of an Operation Christmas Child recipient.” We recently heard from a man who received a box as a child. He grew up in a Christian home but in a country where Christians are heavily persecuted. He was always told that Jesus is a gift, but he never knew what that meant. Everything he had ever received was completely worn down by the owners
before him. He loved to write and draw, but by the time he received a pencil, it was only a small point all the way at the bottom. He would put the end of the pencil in a pen cap just to be able to hold onto it. When his pastor gave him an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and there was a brand new box of pencils inside, he finally understood what a gift was. He had done nothing to deserve this gift; it was freely given to him. He felt like God saw him, knew what he needed, and felt a tangible expression of God’s love. “ Another story Blewett shared was of twin brothers in the Ukraine. When giving out boxes, the volunteers found they were one short. The one brother said he would share whatever was in his box with his twin. However, when they opened the box, they found it contained two of everything in it.
In another situation, although boxes are carefully checked along the way to their destination, a box was given out which included a shoe… just one shoe. “Unbeknownst to every hand that has touched that box, it reached a family whose child was in an accident and only had one leg... this family was questioning God’s provision until receiving this very special box,” shared Blewett. “These children get
what they need through these boxes, and most importantly they get an understanding that God sees them, He knows them, and He loves them. The toys will break, the soap, pencils, and paper will run out, but what will remain for an eternity is the hope and joy that is only found in Jesus,” she reflected.
Stopa noted that at the Times Square Church Central
Drop Off Location, they collected over 14,000 gift- filled shoeboxes for children in 2023 and have a goal to collect over 15,000 this year. When asked what she’d like to share with the public, she said, “ I hope you will join us in bringing hope and love to 15,000 plus children around the world this year. National Collection Week is Nov 18. - 25, 2024.
universe.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. His second book is presently at the printer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey
Last year’s Operation Christmas Child. Photo courtesy Amanda Blewett of Ledgewood Baptist Church in Roxbury.
United States Army Veteran Publishes First Novel
AREA - Francine Pozner Ehrenberg knew it was time to get words between covers.
Her words.
The Randolph, New Jersey resident – a proud United States Army veteran and Vice Commander of Chester’s American Legion Post 342 - in April published her first novel, “America’s Candidate,” and in October had her first ever book signing in Mendham at Chapter One Book Store.
Ehrenberg said, “I began writing it as my New Year’s resolution in January. That is when I first started typing it, and I finished it in April. I could not believe it; I never thought I would do this or get to this point. I have never written a book before, and I had never really done anything except write a few poems as a kid. The idea of even writing a book, eventually publishing it, and having a physical copy in my hand in itself was unbelievable to me. So, to get to the
point where I am actually at a store, and people are purchasing my book and asking me to sign it, is beyond anything I ever could have thought would happen for me.”
Ehrenberg, a graduate of both Rutgers Law School and the Civil Affairs Advanced Course at the JFK Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was a Major in the United States Army (she was in the military for 12 ½ years) Judge Advocate General’s Corp. During deployment in Albania as part of Operation Cornerstone, she served as the advisory liaison between civilian officials and multinational military forces. While in the Army, Ehrenberg was also company commander of the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion and served as an International Law Officer, Command Judge Advocate, and Trial Defense lawyer. Her civilian career resume lists serving 20 years with the Supervising Depu-
ty Attorney General, and the Deputy Bureau Chief of the Financial and Computer Crimes Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Criminal Justice.
Ehrenberg’s family is well-decorated with military service veterans. She said, “My father was in the Korean War, and my father-in-law received the Distinguished Flying Cross in the Korean War. We also have four uncles who were in the military. We are a real military family, so there is nothing but joy and pride.”
Ehrenberg said that her career, in particular being a defense attorney in the military and then being a prosecutor as a civilian, really helped her understand not how to be a good writer, but just to be a person who sees all sides of everything.
Ehrenberg said, “You really get a perspective to be more sort of well-rounded, and just see things from all perspectives
and really view the role, maybe not very narrowly, but really broadly. I really feel like every everything I have done has really lent itself to becoming a writer.”
And Ehrenberg is not finished – and there are folks who are thankful for that. She said, “I am thinking of a sequel. The people who have read the book are almost demanding a sequel, which is wonderful. I love it when they call me up and say, ‘But you have to. You cannot just leave me hanging. You have to write a sequel’ So, I am
“America’s Candidate” is available at allauthor.com/ama-
zon/90735/. For more information, visit https://ehrenberg1. allauthor.com/.
November Highlights Children’s Grief Awareness by Supporting Families
AREA - November kicks off the holiday season where families gather and spend time together, and while for many it can be a joyous occasion, for others facing the loss of a loved one, the happy may be missing from their table.
Hence, why November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month and the third Thursday of each November is recognized as Children’s Grief Awareness Day. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the impact of grief on children and need to support those who have experienced loss.
Originated in 2008 in Pennsylvania as a collaboration between the Highmark Caring Place and students from local schools, the day was created in response to students’ desire to bring attention to the struggles of their grieving classmates, explains Annette Mendez of Mt. Olive, Training & Curriculum Manager at Good Grief, a non-profit grief support center for children and families.
The day is observed annually on the third Thursday of November, which is the Thursday before Thanksgiving in the United States. This year, the day falls on Nov. 21.
“The timing of the day is intentional, as the holiday sea-
son can be a difficult time for grieving children and families,” says Mendez. Some families do not know where to turn when faced with grief. The good news is there are organizations out there that can help! One of those organizations is Good Grief, with support centers in Morristown and Princeton.
“Everyone’s grief is unique, but we encourage people to find support, community, and connection in ways that work best for them,” says Mendez who has been working at Good Grief this past year. “They don’t need to navigate this experience alone.”
Her role at Good Grief is to collaborate with school districts and organizations throughout New Jersey on the implementation and delivery of grief informed workshops and professional development.
“As part of the Good Grief Schools Initiative team, I provide workshops and training on how to build resilience within the grief community and how to grow from adversity,” she says.
“As a former bi-lingual educator, I have passion for working with my community and cultivating relationships with educators across districts
to ensure they are providing lessons and spaces that are equitable,” she adds. “We can’t be equitable without being grief informed.”
Good Grief was established in 2004 by a group of concerned volunteers who saw the lack of high-quality grief support for kids in post 9/11 NJ.
“Our purpose is really to empower children and families and help to build up resiliency and strength after adversity and loss,” explains Mendez. “We do this by going into schools and other organizations and destigmatizing grief. We strive to shrink this big elephant in the room into something that is not as difficult to address.”
With 20 years of helping families, Good Grief has served 1,000 individuals each year in its centers, Mendez notes. Since 2018, it has partnered with 380 schools and has trained 20,391 individuals in Good Grief Schools.
For most of the organization’s history, it has been providing peer support programs to grieving children and families starting at 3 years old through young adulthood. In recent years, its work has expanded through education and advocacy to provide training,
curriculum, and resources to schools, hospitals and healthcare, the funeral industry, corporations, and other spaces to empower professionals, parents, and the broader community to support the needs of children and families facing loss.
Since November is designated as Children’s Grief Awareness, Good Grief will be hosting a free community webinar in honor of Children’s Grief Awareness Day. It will be sharing a lesson plan and activity that participants can take back to their schools or clients. It will also have a t-shirt campaign through bonfire, https://www.bonfire.com/ goodgrief-2024/; a portion of the proceeds will go to Good Grief.
“We also have our annual Gala coming up in November in Princeton, as well as two 5ks,” adds Mendez. In addition to that, educators can reach out at education@goodgrief.com if they are interested in any professional development opportunities not only for their staff but for parents and caregivers as well.
“We have monthly community webinars that are free to the public, they are conducted via zoom, recorded and then uploaded to our Youtube page,” she adds.
While November is being
highlighted, Good Grief is a year-long center and community support is always welcome.
“Getting the word out,” is paramount, she says.
“Come visit us, we have open houses periodically,” says Mendez. “Spread the word, tell people about us.
Tell your neighbor whose child may have lost a pet recently, tell a friend who you know is dealing with grief. Reach one teach one is my motto.”
Mendez explains why her work at Good Grief is so important.
“I am deeply passionate about this organization’s purpose because I believe that grief is a universal experience that touches all of us at some point in our lives,” shares Mendez. “Many children and families struggle silently with their feelings, often feeling isolated and misunderstood.
I have a profound empathy for those navigating the difficult landscape of grief, and I recognize how crucial it is to create a safe space for them to express their emotions.
“By fostering open conversations and encouraging emotional expression, we can help individuals understand that their feelings are valid and shared,” she continues. “This organization plays a vital role in guiding families through
their grief journeys, and I am inspired to contribute to this mission, helping to ensure that no one feels alone in their struggle
“Whenever I tell people what I do for a living, they often respond with, ‘Oh, that’s so sad,’” adds Mendez. “However, I always emphasize that I truly love my job. While it is indeed heartbreaking to think about a child in grief, it is equally rewarding to witness the joy of children visiting our centers, knowing they are embraced fully and unconditionally, regardless of where they are in their grieving process. They are not broken, and there’s no need to fix them. Our role is to listen, provide support, and remind others that grief can be a positive experience, hence our name Good Grief.”
Francine Pozner Ehrenberg’s debut novel, “America’s Candidate” (Credit: Francine Pozner Ehrenberg) working on that.”
Francine Pozner Ehrenberg (Credit: Francine Pozner Ehrenberg)
