East Hanover/Florham Park Life September 2023

AREA - The events of September 11, 2001, marked a turning point in history that left an indelible impact on the world.

As we commemorate the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, we reflect on the tragedy, the lives lost, the resilience shown, and the lessons learned. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon continue to evoke a mix of emotions and memories that have shaped our collective consciousness.

The Day That Changed Ev-

erything:

On that fateful Tuesday morning, the world watched in horror as commercial airplanes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The sheer scale of the devastation and loss of life was beyond comprehension. Almost 3,000 innocent lives were lost, and the impact was felt not just in America, but across the globe.

Unity and Resilience:

In the face of adversity, the

Remembering 9/11, 22 Years Later

response was a remarkable display of unity and resilience.

First responders, firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens rushed to the aid of those in need, embodying the spirit of heroism and compassion. Communities came together, demonstrating the strength of human solidarity.

The 9/11 attacks did not break the American spirit; instead, they strengthened the nation’s resolve to stand united against terrorism.

Global Consequences:

The aftermath of 9/11 had far-reaching consequences that reshaped international politics, security measures, and policies.

The United States launched the War on Terror, leading to military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Airport security protocols were heightened, and surveillance efforts intensified to prevent future attacks. The world became acutely aware of the need to address the root causes of terrorism and promote global stability.

Lessons Learned:

Two decades later, the lessons from 9/11 remain relevant. The importance of vigilance in the face of evolving security threats, the significance of international cooperation, and the need to address socio-political issues that can breed extremism are paramount. As we remember the lives lost, we also remember the importance of nurturing tolerance, understanding, and dialogue to prevent the rise of hatred and division.

Honoring the Victims:

Each year on September 11, ceremonies are held to honor the victims and heroes of the attacks. Names are read aloud, and moments of silence are observed to pay tribute to those who perished. Memorials like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero stand as somber reminders of the tragedy, urging us to never forget and to continue striving for a more peaceful world.

Twenty-two years after the 9/11 attacks, the world continues to remember the profound

impact they had on our lives. As we pay homage to the lives lost and the sacrifices made, let us renew our commitment

Annual Halloween Dog Parade and Costume Contest Scheduled

FLORHAM PARK - The Annual Halloween Dog Parade and Costume Contest is scheduled for October 14, 2023. This fun event will be held at the Florham Park Gazebo and Borough Lawn. It is hosted by the Florham Park Rotary with giveaways for the 3rd year in a row by Pets Supplies Plus.

Last year more than 200 people attended, with almost 60 dogs dressed in costume.

The purpose of the event, besides great enjoyment for participants and audiences, is as a fundraiser for the Florham Park Rotary Scholarship Fund. Florham Park students who are Seniors in any local high school can be considered when they submit applications to their school counselors this January which demonstrate their com-

mitment to volunteerism in and around Florham Park.

Costume categories are:

• Funniest

• Most Creative

•

• Scariest

•

•

Examples of winners in the past have included the Scooby Doo gang for Most Creative, and for the Scariest category there were The Wizard of Oz cast members in 2022 and Michael Myers in 2021.

Previous judges have included Mayor Mark Taylor, Barbara Grobert of Pets Supplies Plus on Columbia Turnpike, and many Rotary Club members. Rotarian

Peter Nicolas, reminds everyone of Brendan Sardo, who in 2021 helped judge the first Ro-

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

AREA - The winners from August’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” are Helen Mourino; East Hanover, Eileen O’Connor; Florham Park, Celine Ramos; Florham Park, and Frances Keshka; East Hanover. The ads that “Hank the Hornet”

were in: Ideal Air, Kidz World, Al’s Junk, East Hanover Communit, Jackson Eye Care and Christine Nagy.

Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!

tary Dog Parade and Costume Party. Brendan returned from his winning the 2017 Florham Park Rotary Scholarship which followed the four successful “Bark for Life” fundraising dog events for charity.

Dogs should start planning their costumes soon as last year’s events saw several creative home-made costumes, while many were also purchased. Indeed, Pet Supplies Plus already has a Barbie costume at their store and will soon be ordering more costumes in September.

There will be prizes, surprises and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Rotary Scholarship Fund. Due largely to the suc-

cess of last year’s event, for the first time ever four Florham Park resident Seniors (three at Hanover Park High and one who attended Seton Hall Prep) received well-earned scholarships. While the monetary funds are important, students are also able to mention their scholarships on their resumes and their LinkedIn profiles.

Dog Registration fee is $25 (in advance) or $30 at the Event. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Florham Park Diner. It is free for the general public who come to enjoy the parade and see the costumes. Questions? info@florhamparkrotary.org.

to building a world that rejects hatred and violence. Through remembrance, unity, and resilience, we honor the memory

of those who were taken from us and work towards a future where such senseless acts of terror have no place.

Florham Park Public Library Holds Family Fort Night

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK - Local families and their children recently had a rare opportunity to experience the “world of books” after hours when the Florham Park Public Library hosted a Family Fort Night.

Held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 14, Family Fort Night is part of the library’s Summer Reading event schedule. It gave families the opportunity to have a fun night out, and to experience the library after closing hours.

This is the second time the event has been hosted. The first was in 2017.

Kate Dinneny, Florham

Park Youth Services Librarian for over ten years, said, “We had about seven families registered, and the evening started with pizza and snacks in the library’s large meeting room, followed by fort building, playing, and, of course, reading!” The families were invited to bring pillows and sheets from home, build their comfortable forts, and spend time together.

Food for the event was provided by The Friends of the Florham Park Library, who provided most of the funding for the FPPL’s Summer Reading

The Ratz family during Family Fort Night

BY DANA JACKSON

Q: Is it true they’re doing a new “Snow White” movie like they did with “The Little Mermaid”? When will it be released? -- A.J.

A:Yes, Disney is planning a live action remake of the 1937 animated classic “Snow White.”

It’ll be a musical, starring Rachel Zegler as the title character and Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) as the Evil Queen.

For those unfamiliar with the name Rachel Zegler, she was a high school student who auditioned for the lead role of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of another classic “West Side Story.” She’s since moved to Hollywood and starred opposite Zachary Levi in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.” She’s also featured in the upcoming film “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”

The “Snow White” screenplay was written by Greta Gerwig, director of the billion-dol-

BY DEMI TAVERAS

“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (PG13) -- Chris Pine leads this fantasy-action film based on the role-playing board game Dungeons & Dragons. Pine plays a widower named Edgin, who’s also the leader of a band of thieves, including a barbarian (Michelle Rodriguez), a sorcerer (Justice Smith) and a con artist (Hugh Grant). Edgin is so desperate to bring his wife back from the dead by stealing a “Tablet of Reawakening” that he’s ultimately imprisoned and loses his daughter. After he escapes prison with the help of his barbarian bestie, the pair stop at nothing until they can find the tablet and get Edgin’s daughter back. The film hits streaming

ENTERTAINMENT

lar blockbuster film “Barbie,” and Erin Cressida Wilson (“The Girl on the Train”). Barring any delays, the film is set to hit theaters in March 2024.

***

Q: Is “Virgin River” returning anytime soon with new episodes? I hope it didn’t get canceled. -- K.F.

A:Season five of the beloved Netflix series “Virgin River” will premiere on Sept. 7. According to TVLine.com, Mel’s (Alexandra Breckenridge) highrisk pregnancy causes her to “rethink her future at the clinic, while Jack’s [Martin Henderson] new glamping venture is sure to suffer as a dangerous wildfire hits the town.” Also, don’t forget -- they still have a wedding to plan.

Joining the cast this season as a “mystery woman” is Kandyse McClure (“Battlestar Galactica”). Returning cast members include Annette O’Toole

on Aug. 25, after a slight underperformance at the box office.

(Amazon Prime Video)

“You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” (PG-13) -- It’s a Sandler family affair for this new comedy film premiering Aug. 25! While Adam Sandler’s daughters, Sadie and Sunny, have made appearances throughout his many movies, Sunny takes center stage here in the lead role of Stacy Friedman. Stacy is a preteen girl who does everything with her best friend, Lydia, and they’re obsessed with planning their upcoming bat mitzvahs. However, when Lydia accidentally steals the boy Stacy’s been crushing on, Stacy reaches her first true test before her rite of passage, as her

as Hope and Tim Matheson as Doc, the latter of whom has been facing health challenges due to his degenerative condition. Expect bigger stories from Preacher (Colin Lawrence), Brie (Zibby Allen) and Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth), as all three of their portrayers have been moved up to series regulars. Lexa Doig, who plays Paige, and Barbara Pollard, who plays Melissa, have both been bumped down to a recurring status.

Even though Ricky (Grayson Gurnsey) is off at basic training, he will be back at some point, hopefully before the end of the upcoming season. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith told TVLine in 2022 that the character is a “fan favorite” and “everybody loves him.”

***

Q: What is the latest regarding the tragedy on the set of Alec Baldwin’s movie “Rust?”

Is anybody going to prison for what happened to the poor woman who died? -- N.B.

A: Alec Baldwin, who was both the producer and star of the movie “Rust,” learned in January that the charges of involuntary manslaughter against him had been dropped. Prosecutors, however, have stated that Baldwin could still face charges pending further investigation. The film set’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is set to go on trial in December for the same charges Baldwin faced, as well as a charge of tampering with evidence. She has pleaded not guilty.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when a prop gun carrying live rounds was fired by Baldwin on set. “Rust” director, Joel Souza, was injured in the shooting, but survived. Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.

Couch Theater

world feels like it’s come crashing down on her. Adam, Jackie and Sadie Sandler also star in this wholesome coming-of-age film, along with Idina Menzel and “Saturday Night Live’s” Sarah Sherman. (Netflix)

“BS High” (NR) -- On Aug. 29, 2021, a high school football game between Bishop Sycamore High School and IMG Academy was televised on ESPN that ended with a final score of 58-0. After such a blowout occurred and certain conditions of the game were called into question, an investigation was launched into Bishop Sycamore, where the Ohio Department of Education ruled that the school actually didn’t exist! The team operated under the

guise of representing a “school” without a real campus, teachers or trainers, incurring thousands of dollars in debt from housing the players in hotels. How Bishop Sycamore had even begun to pull this stunt off gets explored in this documentary film premiering Aug. 23. (Max)

“Transfusion” (R) -- In this Australian crime film premiering Aug. 24, Sam Worthington -- from the “Avatar” films -- lays down all his token grittiness for the role of ex-special forces operative Ryan Logan. After losing his wife in a car accident, Ryan was left to raise his son, Billy, by himself, but Billy increasingly gets into trouble with the law. When the question of Billy remaining in his custody is

brought up, Ryan takes rash action to join his former superior officer, now turned criminal, for a quick cash grab that spins out of control. While “Transfusion” is promoted as a thriller, the ti-

tle of “crime drama” would be better suited, as the characters’ narratives remain the true focal point of the film. (Hulu)

(c) 2023 King Features Synd.,

Inc.

Rachel Zegler (“Shazam! Fury of the Gods”) Photo Credit: Depositphotos com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Zaara Kuttemperoor, left, and Sadie Sandler star in “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

NJStarz

NJ Starz: Aimee Roehler Hometown: Whitehouse Station

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - Studying Aimee Roehler’s career racquetball accomplishments is mind-boggling.

Consider just some of the Whitehouse Station resident’s numbers and accomplishments. Roehler also has been a partner in eleven USA Racquetball Mixed Open National Doubles Championships, twelve USA Racquetball Women’s Team Qualifying Doubles Championships, three International –Pan American Championships Doubles Gold wins, and three International Racquetball Federation World Championships Gold titles, and has also won one USA Racquetball Women’s Team Qualifying Singles Championship.

Oh – and there have also been other title wins, and quite a few silver and bronze medals, too.

Roehler, originally born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has two siblings; a sister, Sara, and a brother, Nich. Her parents are Donna and Larry, and her stepmom is Louise.

For Roehler, who has lived in the Garden State for 20 years, her interest in racquetball started when she was 13 years old and her mom was taking community college nighttime courses, one of those being “Introduction to Racquetball.”

It would be Roehler’s introduction to the sport as well. She said, “I was tagging along, doing my homework outside of the courts while she was getting this introduction to racquetball, and she loved it. She joined the gym, started playing

in tournaments, and she had me pick up the sport that way. I’ve been doing it ever since then.”

Roehler paused, then continued. “That’s what I love about it. I love the competition of it and the intensity of it, and I love sports.”

There was a period, however, when Roehler took a step back from racquetball. Fortunately for racquetball fans, she obviously was much too fond and talented to stay away.

Roehler explained, “I quit playing racquetball for several years. I got a little burned out. My mother had gotten remarried, and my stepfather wanted me to get up at 6 a.m. and train, then go to school, and then train again.”

At the time, in addition to her studies and her training, she was also playing on the school basketball and tennis teams. Roehler said, “I was a teenager, and I wanted to play basketball or play tennis and hang out with my friends. It was just a lot at that time for me.”

From her senior year until about two years later, she was absent from the racquetball court, but eventually started playing again on her terms. She said, “I wanted to play, not because people were making me play, or having this thought that I’m going to be this amazing racquetball player and wanted me to do all this training. I just wasn’t having fun when it was being forced upon me.”

Many would say she became that “amazing racquetball player,” but whatever positive adjective used, she indeed has made her mark on the history

of the sport.

Roehler’s first significant racquetball success came in 1998, when she was both the Women’s 24 & Under National Singles Champion, and a US Open Women’s 24 & Under Singles Champion. Then, in 2005 and 2006, she and Laura Fenton won two USA Racquetball Women’s Team Qualifying Doubles championships. Roehler has teamed up to win 12 of these titles from 2005 through 2020. In addition to the two with Fenton, she and partner Jackie Paraiso have won five championships, and she came out on top four times with Janel Tisinger, and once with Erika Manilla.

Roehler admires and credits those she has played with. She said, “Winning with these women, who already have their names cemented in the sport I like as a doubles player, I always say, ‘There’s no “I” in team.’ With Jackie and Janel, and even Erica, it’s teamwork, and there’s a lot that goes into it.”

And perhaps an especially important factor many may not be aware of. Roehler, 48, is a lefthander. She says it’s advantageous, especially when playing in doubles competition, her favorite. She said, “I play singles every once in a while, but I mainly play doubles where there’s not a lot of lefty-righty doubles teams. When you’re a lefty-righty doubles team, you kind of have that advantage already; you have your forehands on both sides, and so that’s always an advantage.”

Perhaps her biggest moment

out of many big moments in the sport came in 2009. Roehler stunned the racquetball world when, as a very low seed entry, she defeated Kristen Walsh Bellows, Rhonda Rajsich, and Cheryl Gudinas – three of the top four women’s racquetball players on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour that season – to win the 2009 USA Racquetball Women’s Team Qualifying Singles Championship.

“It was something I will always remember,” she said of 2009. “I had no expectations. I was going for a meeting, and I said to myself, “I’ve got to travel to Houston for a meeting, so let me just sign up to play because I’m going to be there.’ I didn’t have any pressure or anything like that on me.”

But she did have a nice support group. Roehler said, “Every time I defeated a top player, there were more people watching the matches. And a group of friends and my husband at that time - they were very supportive.” As she walked towards the court to warmup for the final match against Gudinas, she looked over and the aforementioned folks were huddled. “Then I turned, and they had my name spelled out on their shirts. The amount of support that I had from themand them cheering me on! Then afterwards, we went back to the hotel and celebrated, and it was very surreal. We all looked at each other and asked, ‘Did this really happen?’ It did.”

Following her huge singles title in 2009, she was that year named USA Racquetball Fe-

Aimee Roehler when inducted into the USA Racquetball Hall of Fame in 2022

male Athlete of the Year, and in 2012 was inducted into the New Jersey Amateur Racquetball Hall of Fame.

Roehler was also inducted into the USA Racquetball Hall of Fame in 2021, which she was unable to attend (the induction for her was held in May of 2022 instead) after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was stricken in 2020 after she won the national doubles title with Manilla. And, coincidentally enough, her boyfriend, Ruben Pagan, also was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the same time.

Roehler’s diagnosis came out of nowhere. She, who had no family history of breast cancer, said, “I got diagnosed but I didn’t have any symptoms. I didn’t have any lumps. I didn’t have any bumps. I was going in for my annual mammogram and they spotted something, and they asked me to come back for an ultrasound. When they asked me to come back, I can’t really say I was thinking

anything of it. Of course, I was worried, but it’s happened before where they’d asked me to come back.”

During this return trip, a biopsy was done, and Roehler was diagnosed with breast cancer. She began treatments, and thanks her stepmom, Louise, for being there for her.

Roehler said, “She’s a registered nurse. She was there with me every step of the way. She was there for my surgery, when I went to the doctor’s appointments - everything.”

Roehler approached USA Racquetball and informed them of the diagnosis, said she wanted to share her story with the racquetball community, and that she wanted USA Racquetball to be a part of it. Also, she started to raise funds for the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital Somerset’s Sanofi US Wellness Boutique.

Roehler said, “All the money that they have helps those who are diagnosed. Whether they need rides to chemotherapy treatments, or they need meals because they’re exhausted from treatment, that’s all done through donations. I just wanted to give back to them for what they do and how they help other cancer patients.”

Roehler, who now has her own firm called ABR Communications where she manages social media platforms for clients, said her health is currently good.

She said, “I’m playing racquetball three times a week, and I feel good. I have my aches and pains and things like that, and I do have to take a daily pill and I must get a shot every four weeks as a maintenance with everything that comes along with it. But other than that, I’m still active, I’m enjoying life, and I’m focusing on my business, and I want to grow my business.”

For more information about Aimee Roehler, visit her website www.abrcomm.com.

The 9/11 Memorial

AREA - Among the more indelible images to emerge on September 11, 2001 was the sight of two planes crashing into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. Still photos and video footage of those planes flying into the Twin Towers were the first images of the attacks many Americans saw, and no one who watched events unfold that morning will ever forget those images.

Though both the North and South Towers fell on that day, today the site where each tower once stood is a serene retreat in the bustling lower Manhattan neighborhood that was shaken to its core on the day of the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial was designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum notes that Arad and

Walker’s proposal was chosen in a design competition that featured 5,201 submissions from 63 countries.

The 9/11 Memorial is located on the western side of the formal World Trade Center where the Twin Towers once stood.

Two enormous reflecting pools are part of the Memorial Plaza, which is where the North and South Towers once stood. The pools feature the two largest man-made waterfalls in North America. Around the edges of the pools, the names of people who were killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York, the Pentagon, on Flight 93, and in the 1993 bombing at the World Trade Center are etched in bronze.

In recognition of the crash sites, 400 swamp white oak trees were selected from nurseries located in New York, Pennsylva-

nia and near Washington, D.C. These trees are located throughout the Memorial Plaza, providing a peaceful respite separate from the surrounding city. The Memorial Plaza also includes one Callery pear tree. That tree was discovered at Ground Zero weeks after the attacks and it was severely damaged. The tree, now known as the Survivor Tree, was nursed back to health by members of the New York City Parks and Recreation Department and returned to the World Trade Center site in 2010, where it still stands as an enduring symbol of resilience and perseverance.

The 9/11 Memorial is free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information about the 9/11 Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum can be found at www.911memorial.org.

How to Discuss 9/11 with Children

AREA - Twenty-two years ago, parents across the United States faced the delicate situation of discussing 9/11 with their children. Many adults watched their televisions with a sense of disbelief and horror on September 11, 2001, and parents were forced to explain the inexplicable events of that day to their youngsters.

As the world prepares to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, many people who were children or adolescents on the morning of September 11 now have children of their own. Parents may need help explaining the significance of 9/11 to youngsters who were not alive when the attacks occurred. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum recognizes how difficult such conversations may be for parents and offers the following tips that can serve as broad guidelines to facilitate discussions about 9/11 and terrorism.

• Listen. The museum notes that some children will want to discuss 9/11 and terrorism and some won’t. Discussions should not be forced if kids do not want to talk about 9/11 and parents can let kids know they’re ready to listen whenever kids want to talk. Kids who want to speak can be encouraged to share their thoughts and ask questions. Parents are urged to actively listen to kids’ concerns, noting their body language and validating their emotions.

• Don’t avoid discussions. Children who don’t want to dis-

AREA - Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is diagnosed when the heart beats too slowly, too quickly or irregularly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when an individual has

cuss 9/11 and terrorism should not be forced to do so. But parents also should not avoid discussing 9/11 and terrorism in general solely because of the difficult subject matter. The museum urges parents to invite conversations if children express an interest in learning about terrorism and 9/11. Ask children, “What would you like to know?” or “How does that make you feel?”

• Remain calm and avoid appearing anxious. Adults should be aware of their tone when discussing 9/11 and terrorism with children. Make a concerted effort to remain calm and not appear anxious. Answer questions honestly, but also in a way that is developmentally appropriate. Ask children if they have any concerns and provide appropriate, realistic reassurance. Let kids express their feelings and focus on how to cope with those feelings rather than suggesting their feelings are unfounded. If necessary, share what’s been done since 9/11 to keep the country safe and prevent future attacks.

• Learn about 9/11 so you can answer questions truthfully. The images of 9/11 are indelible, but even adults who lived through the tragedy may not know the answers to questions kids may ask. In anticipation of such questions, parents can visit 911.memorial. org to learn more about 9/11 so they’re better prepared to answer kids’ questions. Resolve to find answers to questions together if need be.

• Emphasize hope. Acts of terrorism are often so horrific that they can contribute to a deep sense of despair. But parents can explain to children that events like 9/11 also tend to bring out the best in people who are inspired to help and support family, friends and strangers alike. Emphasize the ways this happened on 9/11 and express to kids that their

Did You Know?

AFib, the beating in the upper chambers of their heart is irregular, which compromises blood flow from the upper to lower chambers. The CDC notes that researchers estimate roughly 12 million people in the United States will have AFib in 2030. The Heart and Stroke Foun-

dation of Canada reports that one-fourth of all strokes after age 40 are caused by AFib and that people with the condition have a three to five times greater risk for ischemic stroke than those who do not have AFib. A 2019 report from the American Heart Association indicated

own acts of compassion may help to prevent future acts of violence and intolerance.

The twentieth anniversary of 9/11 may inspire children to ask questions about the attacks and other acts of terrorism. Parents can employ various strategies to ensure such conversations are constructive and supportive.

high blood pressure accounts for roughly 20 percent of all cases of AFib. The CDC notes advancing age, obesity, diabetes, smoking, chronic kidney disease, and European ancestry are some additional risk factors for AFib.

5 Fun Facts about the Month of September

AREA - September marks a return to the norm for millions of households. School is back in session, summer vacation season has ended and fall begins. Routines take shape and life once again becomes more structured in September. As that transition takes place, individuals can consider these fun facts about the month of September.

1. Though Latin is no longer widely spoken or taught, plenty of words, including September, trace their origins to the language of ancient Rome and its

empire. “Septem” is the Latin word for “seven,” and September was originally the seventh month of the Roman calendar.

2. Though the autumnal equinox, which marks the official beginning of fall, does not occur until later in the month, the unofficial end to summer occurs in the first weekend of September. Americans celebrate Labor Day and Canadians celebrate Labour Day on the first Monday in September, and millions of people in both countries consider that weekend the last

hurrah for summer relaxation and revelry.

3. Labor Day is not the only holiday to be celebrated in September. In fact, Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday that is often referred to as the “Jewish New Year,” also is celebrated in September in many years (the holiday occurs 163 days after the first day of Passover, so in certain years it is celebrated in early October).The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur also can be celebrated in September or October, and Constitution Day, which

The Link Between Dirty Contact Lenses and Infection

AREA - Contact lenses are a solution for people with impaired vision who don’t like the look or feel of eyeglasses.

But unlike eyeglasses, contact lenses require daily maintenance. Without such TLC, contact lenses can become dirty, which can lead to serious infection.

Physicians typically emphasize the importance of proper contact lens care upon prescribing lenses. That’s because of the link between dirty lenses and infections.

But the Cleveland Clinic notes that such infections are often avoidable.

Infections and bacteria

According to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 80 to 90 percent of contact lens-related eye infections are bacterial.

The bacteria staphylococcus aureus, also known as “staph,” is linked to many cases of contact lens-related eye infections.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are resistant to common antibiotics, which underscores the importance of cleaning contacts to reduce the risk of infection.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is another type of bacterial infection that can affect individuals who wear contact lenses. The Cleveland Clinic indicates that this fast-growing infection is possibly the most severe. It can lead to a hole in the cornea and there’s a significant chance of permanent scarring and vision loss.

Fungal infections

Poor contact lens hygiene also can lead to fungal infections. Fungi such as aspergillus or fusariam pose a threat to vision and infection can occur if lenses are not properly and routinely cleaned.

What causes contact lens-related infections?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that, in addition to bacteria and fungi, various things can cause contact lens-related infections.

Those factors include:

• Using extended-wear lenses

• Sleeping in contact lenses

• The buildup of microbes under the lens

• Herpes virus

• Parasites

• Reusing or topping off con-

tact lens solution

• Failure to keep lenses clean

What are the signs of contact lens-related eye infection?

Serious vision loss or blindness can result from contact lens-related infections. However, less severe symptoms may present themselves before the infection progresses to the point of vision loss.

• Blurry vision

• Unusual redness of the eye

• Pain in the eye

• Tearing or discharge from the eye

• Extra sensitivity to light

• The feeling that something is in the affected eye

Contact lenses require daily maintenance to prevent infection. More information is available at www.aao.org.

commemorates the adoption of the United States constitution in 1787, is celebrated on September 17. Patriot Day also occurs annually on September 11 and is a day to remember the people killed in the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

4. Though its name might suggest otherwise, Oktoberfest actually begins in late September. Modern Oktoberfest celebrations, particularly those outside the Bavaria region of Germany, may have little to do

with a marriage, but the festival traces its origins to the marriage of Kronprinz Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. Citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities, and more than two centuries later that jovial atmosphere dominates the city, and countless others across the globe, during Oktoberfest.

5. Football fans circle the month of September on their calendars, as the month marks the return of the National Foot-

ball League regular season. The reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs will host the Detroit Lions in the NFL Kickoff Game on September 7, and the rest of the league will take to the gridiron on September 10 and 11. That’s a big deal for millions of fans across the country, as the NFL remains wildly popular. In fact, an analysis by the Sports Business Journal found that per-game attendance averaged 69,442 fans in 2022, which marked the second-largest figure in 19 years.

Is Fair Skin More Susceptible to Skin Cancer?

AREA - The skin is the largest organ on the body. As with other areas of the body, skin is susceptible to cancer.

The National Cancer Institute says there are many different types of skin cancer and that it can appear differently depending on the type and the person. Any changes in skin should be brought to the attention of a doctor immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the prognosis typically is.

Individuals also should be aware of what constitutes having a heightened risk for skin cancer. In most cases, that can include the type of skin one has. The Skin Cancer Foundation indicates that skin type is a major factor in risk for skin cancer, including the deadly melanoma. While people with any shade of skin can get skin cancer, those who have fair skin tones are even more at risk for sunburn, sun damage and skin cancer.

In 1975, Harvard Medical School physician Thomas Fitzpatrick created a scientific classification system for skin type, identifying six types of skin. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type chart goes from very light to very dark. Skin types I and II

face the highest risk of developing skin cancer, while types V and VI are at the lowest risk. That’s because fair skin doesn’t have as much pigmentation and natural melanin protection from the sun.

In addition to pigmentation, skin type also is calculated by how skin reacts to sun exposure. This means whether one easily burns or easily tans. Fair skin tends to burn easily and tan lightly or not at all.

Even though fair-skinned individuals are at greater for

skin cancer, anyone can get the disease. Everyone should use a broad-spectrum daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect against harmful rays. In addition, wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding exposure between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is essential.

Individuals concerned about skin cancer risk or unusual changes to their skin should speak with their dermatologists.

What is the Autumnal Equinox?

AREA - Fall begins slightly after the midpoint of September.

The arrival of fall may be met with joy that cooler temperatures and vividly colored leaves will soon be the norm. For others, the arrival of fall is met with some trepidation that shorter days will soon pave the way for less sunlight and the inevitable arrival of winter.

Fall begins on Saturday, Sep-

tember 23, 2023, in the Northern Hemisphere on what is known as the autumnal equinox.

The National Weather Service reports that the 2023 autumnal equinox will arrive at 2:50 a.m. EDT on September 23. Those who are especially anxious for fall to begin can wake up in the wee hours of the morning and enjoy their first comforting spiced treat of the season.

Equinoxes are days during the year when the hours of sunlight and darkness are just about equal, or lasting 12 hours each. At the moment the equinox occurs, the sun will be directly over the Earth’s equator, which contributes to this even distribution of day and nighttime hours.

National Geographic describes the equinox as “the event in which a planet’s subsolar point passes through its Equator. It is when solar declination is 0 degrees.” Solar declination refers to the latitude of Earth where the sun is directly overhead at noon. The equinoxes are the only times when both the northern and southern hemispheres experience roughly equal amounts of daytime and nighttime.

After the autumnal equinox, the subsolar point continues to move south as the southern hemisphere tilts toward the sun. Around December 21, the subsolar point hits the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees S), which marks the winter (December) solstice, or the day with the fewest hours of daylight during the year in the northern hemisphere.

It’s important to note that the equinoxes and solstices are opposite in the hemispheres. The northern hemisphere’s fall equinox occurs on the same day as the southern hemisphere’s vernal (spring) equinox.

The autumnal equinox is a time when hours of daylight and nighttime are equal, something that will not occur again until the arrival of spring.

We would like to introduce you to the NJ Hall of Fame where it states on their website The accomplishments of Garden State citizens

NJ HALL OF FAME

span the pages of nearly every volume of American history. Their stories offer boundless hope and inspiration for millions of New Jerseyans.

People just like you. Check them out at https:// njhalloffame.org/ and donate at https://njhalloffame.org/donate/.

Anna Quindlen

Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter was born in Pequannock and lived in West Milford until the age of four when the family moved to Michigan. Jeter would return and spend summers with his grandparents in West Milford where he played in summer baseball youth leagues. He attended New York Yankees games with his grandparents and became a passionate fan of the team. Jeter is a shortstop who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Yankees. A five-time World Series champion, he is the Yankees’ all-time career leader in hits (3,465), doubles (544), games played (2,747), stolen bases (358), times on base (4,716), plate appearances (12,602), and at bats (11,195). His accolades include 14 All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards, five Silver Slugger Awards, two Hank Aaron Awards, and a Roberto Clemente Award.

Anna Quindlen graduated from South Brunswick High School in 1970. She is an author, journalist, and opinion columnist, whose New York Times column Public and Private won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992. Quindlen is the author of seven best-selling novels (Still Life with Bread Crumbs, Rise and Shine, Blessings, Object Lessons, One True Thing, Black and Blue, and Every Last One) and eight non-fiction books (A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Good Dog. Stay., Being Perfect, Loud & Clear, Living Out Loud, Thinking Out Loud, How Reading Changed My Life, and Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake). She wrote the Last Word column for Newsweek from 2000 to 2009.

Christie Patricia Pierce

William Fox

William Fox was a pioneering motion picture executive who built a multimillion-dollar enterprise controlling a large portion of the exhibition, distribution, and production of film facilities during the era of silent film. He founded the Fox Film Corporation, the progenitor of the Twentieth Century-Fox studios, in Fort Lee in 1915 with financing he obtained from Newark’s Prudential Insurance Company. Fox ran his studios in Fort Lee until 1919 when he moved the operations to California where the studios flourished in the 1920s. In 1927 Fox produced the news series Movietone News, the first commercially successful sound film, and his acclaimed film Sunrise won the first—and still only— Oscar for “Unique and Artistic Production.”

Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart was raised in Lawrenceville and attended Lawrence High School. He is a writer, director, producer, television host, actor, and comedian. In 1999 he became the host of The Daily Show (later renamed The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), a satirical news program that dubs itself “the most trusted name in fake news.” The Daily Show has won 18 Emmy Awards. Stewart recently announced he was leaving the show after 15 years. His final show will air August 6, 2015.

Christie Christie Patricia Pearce (formerly Rampone) grew up in Point Pleasant and was a foursport athlete in soccer, basketball, track, and field hockey at Point Pleasant Boro High School. Rampone attended Monmouth University where she excelled as a three-sport athlete in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. She finished her collegiate soccer career with a start in all 80 games, led her team with 79 career goals and 54 assists, and was Monmouth’s record holder for goals, assists, and points in a season. Rampone is captain of the United States women’s national soccer team and has played in four FIFA Women’s World Cup finals and four Olympics. She is a 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and a three-time gold medalist, having won championship titles at the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympics, and 2012 London Olympics. She is currently competing with Team USA at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Carla Harris resides in Montclair and is Vice Chairman of Wealth Management, Managing Director, and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley. She was Chair of the Morgan Stanley Foundation from 2005 to 2014 and sits on the boards of several community organizations. In August 2013 Harris was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. Harris has been named by Fortune magazine among The 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate America. She is an author and popular public speaker who gives impactful career guidance honed by her own experiences to corporate audiences based on her book Expect to Win. Harris is a celebrated gospel singer who has released multiple albums and performed at Carnegie Hall.

Carla Harris

FDU Junior Succeeds with Sports and Sewing

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK - Fairleigh

Dickinson University of Florham Park junior and marketing major, Angelina Ruscitti, recalled the weekend.

“It was a small sewing camp hosted by a lady in a Manhattan apartment” Ruscitti said. “I believe my aunt heard about it through friends in New York City. I attended it because I was staying with my cousins in New York City for a week one summer, and my aunt offered to send me and my cousin to sewing camp for a few days to learn how to sew.”

The duo attended, and that camp encouraged the now 20-year-old Ruscitti to be creative and form her own business, Scrunchies by Ang, while a sophomore at Central Regional High School in Bayville, New Jersey.

Ruscitti said, “I’ve always loved fashion, so when I learned how to sew and bought my first sewing machine, I figured I could create some cool clothes and accessories. I began making scrunchies because they were regaining popularity since the 1980’s.”

Once Ruscitti, who plays both soccer and lacrosse at FDU, furthered her sewing talent at the camp, her confidence grew, and more creations transpired, including a pillow, rash guard bathing suit, a robe, and a romper. She provided detail of her progress. “It was cool to make anything I wanted, and being able to choose which colors, patterns, and kinds of fabric I could use. Besides that, it also exposed me to what it was like living in the city, since I’ve never lived in a big city like Manhattan before. The traffic, subway transit, and walking everywhere was all new to me. Learning how to sew opened me up to a whole new world I didn’t know existed.’ Ruscitti’s school friends admired the patterns and quality of her work and encouraged her to start her own business on Instagram. Once she created an Instagram page, she would post and sell her scrunchies, and she has also set up a table at craft fairs throughout New Jersey while expanding her product line to include bags, masks, and dog-

Family Fort Night...

gy bandanas. Her FDU marketing major education has been beneficial for her small business. Ruscitti said, “I’ve been able to understand, form, and execute a brand image. I also gained a better understanding of my audience and how to read what they do and don’t like.”

Juggling school, sports, and Scrunchies by Ang is challenging (“There are times where I have to prioritize school and athletics over my business,” Ruscitti said), but she often opts to sew during her free time for relaxation. She explained, “For me, school comes first, and that is my priority at the moment. To have the opportunity to play soccer and lacrosse while attending school is a blessing, and I’m grateful for it. So, after school comes soccer and lacrosse. Post-graduation, I hope to spend more time working on my business.”

In the future, she would indeed like to grow the Scrunchies by Ang brand, and she’s “stitched” a plan. Ruscitti said, “I look forward to attending more craft fairs in New Jersey,

and maybe one day have my scrunchies sold in local stores - most likely beachy or surfer

To learn more, visit Rus-

events and incentive programs throughout the summer. “We were lucky enough to also have several local businesses support the program this year as well,” Dinneny said.

Jennifer Kakaletris Boyar attended with her family. She said, “Family Fort Night was a very special evening for my family. My daughter Elena (age 4) said it was ‘the best night ever!’ The kids enjoyed having free rein of the library to scout out the perfect spot to build their fort. It was a fun way to meet new friends and, of course, cozy up with lots of books. We are fortunate to have such wonderful children’s programming at our library.”

Dinneny said the families loved the later atmosphere at a facility they would normally only see in daytime. She said, “The kids really enjoyed having mostly free rein of the library and getting to be a bit noisier without fear of interrupting other library us-

ers. They also got to explore different parts of the building that they aren’t usually allowed to play in during open hours. It was also a chance for them to enjoy some family time and make new friends as they built their forts either together or next to each other. I think the parents had just as much fun as the kids!”

The Florham Park Public Library has much planned for its younger patrons October through December. Dinneny said, “We host several programs a month throughout the year, and this fall we’re happy to be bringing back our Halloween Gingerbread event in addition to our annual Holiday Gingerbread one. We’ll also feature a cardboard puppetry show in November, three story times a week for varying age groups, music classes, take home craft projects, and a Rubik’s cube club hosted by one of our younger patrons. For our tween and teen patrons, we’ll

Park Public Library.

also be offering Teen Turn Off, which is a monthly, hour-long event where they can come to the library to spend time with friends doing a non-screen time activity. The hope is that this event will give them a chance to ‘turn off’ for an hour, put their phones away, not worry about homework, and just relax in a safe and welcoming environment.”

And according to Dinneny, she found the planning of Family Fort Night was just as enjoyable for her as the families who experienced it. “There is nothing I love more than providing a fun experience for our youngest patrons, and I’m always careful to book events that I think parents will enjoy in addition to the kids. The families of Florham Park are a joy to work for, and it’s been my honor to be part of this growing community for so long.”

For more information about the Florham Park Public Library and what it offers, visit florhamparklib.org.

Stella Duncan and Noah Anderson enjoying Family Fort Night at the Florham

FROM FRONT PAGE

Angelina Ruscutti of Scrunchies by Ang

boutiques by my home down by the Jersey Shore.”

citti’s Instagram page at @ scrunchiesbyang.

BY GRACE MAGUIRE WRITER

Remembering North Caldwell’s Very Own Arthur A. Nelson

his area, North Caldwell… He knew the whole area,”stated his niece, Ann Helm.

Who some would call the most traveled man in New Jersey, Nelson also had a love of golf. This love not only led him to play up until the age of 90 but playing alongside golf legends such as Arnold Palmer and winning a tournament himself. When his retirement started, Nelson knew he belonged out there on the green. Each year brought a new slew of adventures and changes for Nelson, and no matter what came his way, he took it with confident strides. Later in his life, he became blind but did not allow that to stop

him from living the life he had carved out for himself. Each day he stuck to his routine, called his family, and went out to dinner with his church family from The Fairfield Reformed Church. Nelson was a man of compassion, wisdom, and the strongest independence you could ever find in a man. “Well, what am I going to do? My full-time job is taking care of myself,” Nelson would say when his family brought up that he could use some help around the house. His 101 years on this plane were all lived with such admirability and high spirits.

Nelson spent the last two months of his life going in and

out of the hospital and rehab, but there was never a day that passed when he wasn’t surrounded by the people who loved him.

Ann Helm, Nelson’s niece, states, “He will be missed by so many… He was one of a kind-- Very independent, very intelligent.” She said, “He would tell me, “Deaf, dumb and blind,” and I’d say, no, Uncle Art, two out of three you have down pat but not the dumb part by any means.” While Nelson is no longer with us, his stories and impact live on in his family and friends, who can’t help but smile as they remember each and every word he spoke.

AREA - Arthur Nelson lived to see 101 (and three-quarters) years of this world. He was born on October 5th, 1921, and passed away on July 18th, 2023, being both born and passed away in Mountainside Memorial Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey. Nelson filled his years with adventures, love, and experiences that he claimed to be the reason he was on this Earth as long as he was. Nelson saw more than ten decades surrounded by his family and friends, constantly looking forward to speaking to and seeing them whenever possible by making sure to call his family every day and go out to dinner and church with those around him. While he has passed, the many stories that he would tell those around him live on in each and every one of their hearts.

Nelson attributes his long

years to his time in the Marine Corps. He enlisted after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, where he served on the Battleship Texas in the South Atlantic. He once stated that “It taught me to discipline myself in things I do.”

The routine the Marine Corps provided him was what helped him to see over a century of life. Each morning, Nelson ate egg beaters and an English muffin, followed by cottage cheese and tropical fruit out of the can for lunch, and for dinner, he always looked forward to going out to eat with whoever would bring him. His later career started with him working on a bread truck and moving up to owning a bread terminal with numerous routes and many employees in Fairfield as an Arnold Breads distributor for north New Jersey. He stated it to be hard

work, but, of course, like everything Nelson did in his life, it only attributed more to his independence and longevity.

Nelson filled his life with love, happily married to his wife Helen for 63 years. While they did not have children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson took to adoring their nieces, nephews, and other family members. The couple spent their time going from one adventure to the next, always looking forward to their upcoming travel destination.

They had been to England, Germany, the Caribbean Islands, Argentina, Scotland, and Arthur’s favorite, Australia. Even while traveling the world, Nelson was most wellversed in his own town and state of Caldwell, New Jersey, a self-proclaimed historian. “Anyone that wanted to know anything about New Jersey or

Madison Elks Lodge #1465 Continues to Help After Celebrating 100th Anniversary

BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER

AREA - This past May, Madison Elks Lodge hosted a celebratory 100th anniversary gathering to commemorate a century’s worth of giving to handicapped children, orphans and other kids with tremendous needs.

2022-23 has been a big year for the Lodge as it’s raised $23,000 to help local organizations and initiatives.

Among the recipients were homeless shelters, veterans homes, families in need after tragedies, food banks and others. One other notable recipient was Elks Camp Moore which is a free summer camp for children with special needs. Here students were provided with the whole summer camp feeling with a counselor tending to them on a one-to-one basis. It’s giving like this that makes membership that special.

It’s current Exalted Ruler is Charles Germershausen and Secretary is Warren Petko.

Members who have had executive and leadership positions in the Lodge, located at 192 Main Street in Madison claim it’s

not a club – that it’s not something someone can just sign onto. Membership is a reasonable $69.00 per year. The club boasts members from many different professions.

Some are white-collar types, some blue-collar ones but everything they combine efforts on is in the spirit of givingof “lifting one or many up,” as you will. To the Elks Lodge #1465’s credit, its membership has shot up into the 400’s since 2018. It was hovering in around 200 to 250 members for the previous two decades. Executives in the Lodge credit that to strong “word of mouth” advertising during a time when many good-spirited organization’s membership numbers are challenged and dwindling.

Madison Elks Lodge benefits from doing its job well over the past century and deriving notoriety from the positive community-based initiatives it proudly performs. While members get along and socializing, Elks Lodges do not want to be recognized as social clubs. The Lodge’s Programs are var-

ied but all exist in the realm of charity and goodwill. They offer the Elks National Foundation’s Scholarship Program, Community Investments and the Elks History Project which is a national memorial to commemorate Americans’ veterans service. It offers a Drug Awareness initiative designed for kids and teens and Elks Hoop Shoot program where the Lodge gets behind America’s youth through a truly American sport, Basketball.

In its cherished history, the Lodge received help from the Ladies Auxiliary of the Madison Lodge of Elks from 1925 until 1998.

The Lodge meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month except for July and August when it convenes on the 4th Tuesday and December on the 2nd Tuesday.

To learn more about the Lodge and how you can get involved call 973-822-1465, email elksmadison1465@ gmail.com or logon to www. elks.org

I Remember Dad: Hallowed Be, Thy Sacred Truth of The Scout Law

BY RICHARD MABEY, JR. STAFF WRITER

AREA - My beloved father served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170 for 28 years, from 1966 to 1994. Dad was 67 years old when he retired from his volunteer role of the Beloved Scoutmaster. He was fighting prostate cancer at the time. A battle that he did win. But sadly, the dreaded cancer reared its ugly head again in 2006, in the form of pancreatic cancer. Sadly, Dad lost that fight.

My father believed in the Scout Law and the Scout Oath. Every single word of it. Second only to the Lord’s Prayer, it was Dad’s guiding light upon which he used to shine upon his walk along life’s path. Upon my father’s workbench, was a folded

oak tag sign that read, “better to teach a boy the moral path, than to rehabilitate a wayward man.” The lettering of that little sign was hand written. Dad had written those words back in 1966, when he first became Scoutmaster of Troop 170.

For nearly 30 years, Dad looked at that little sign. As the years passed by, the little oak tag sign developed little folds in the corner. The sunlight, pouring in from the cellar window, had caused the once brightly colored, golden thick oak tag to turn to a faded shade of yellow. Yet the truth of Dad’s handwritten little sign never dulled, not one tiny bit.

My father saw his role as Scoutmaster as a ministry.

Over the years, Dad was a most wonderful father-role to hundreds upon hundreds of boys.

A kind-hearted adopted uncle, a gentle soul who taught boys the essentials of first-aid. Dad loved to teach the scouts about the great wonders of the trees of the forest and about all the magnificent creatures that called the woods, their sacred home.

My father taught all so many scouts to hold a great respect for all living things. He taught his scouts the role that the elm, the oak, the maple and the pine played in preventing soil erosion on a hillside incline. Dad taught the scouts of dear old 170, to walk ever so gently and quietly, while approaching

a group of deer drinking from a babbling brook, a few yards from the wooded path of the famed Appalachian Trail.

My father went Home to be with the Lord in May of 2006. Now, over 17 years later, I miss him all so very much. There are times when I hear the echo of my father’s voice, “now boys, your pocket knife isn’t a toy. You need to take special care when handling a knife. When you’re getting kindle wood ready for the fire, always cut the little twigs from a fallen branch away from you, never cut the twigs toward you.”

Like the tiny particles of sand that sift through our fingers, time waits for no person. The clock ticks the minutes away, the pages of the calendar are torn off too soon, the years pass by, and sadly, the years become decades, falling away from us.

Life is short. Too short to hold grievances and harsh judgments. Love one another. Forgive, forgive and forgive those who do you wrong. Tell your loved ones that you love them. For tomorrow may be too late.

Joey Bella Memorial Fund September 2023 Events

AREA - The Tricky Tray is on Friday, September 22 under the tent at Gardner Field. Doors open at 6pm and calling begins promptly at 8pm. Admission is $15 per person and includes one sheet of tickets and light refreshments. No one admitted under 18 years— no infants permitted. Please contact Corey at 973-768-

6487 for more information. Tickets are sold at the door only.

Band Beer Beefsteak will be held on Saturday, September 23 under the tent at Gardner Field. Tickets include an all you can eat beefsteak dinner, 16+ microbrew beers, and entertainment by Promised Land Rocks—The Ultimate

Jersey Shore Tribute Band. Purchase your tickets online at www.joeybella.org. Advance ticket sales only.

For more information regarding The Joey Bella Memorial Fund, please visit our website at joeybella.org, email us at info@joeybella.org or message us on Facebook.

A very rare photograph of Dad standing beneath the legendary Troop 170 campsite gateway sign. My sister, Reverend Patricia Mabey, took this picture back in the Spring of 1973.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most

recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com.

Bodyguard for Celebrities Honored Again

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - It has been a wonderful nine months for bodyguard Adriano “Bubba” Almony.

In December of 2022 in Houston, Texas, he was the first bodyguard ever honored to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and on July 22, he was in Atlanta, Georgia for the 15th annual D’CEM Awards, where he was awarded with both a Humanitarian Excellence Award and Best Security Bodyguard Award.

And this November, he will be awarded a K.S.E. Elite Bodyguard Award, and be inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame along with the Queen of Congo. For the latter, Almony was nominated by Mike Tyson’s trainer, Aaron Snowell.

Almony said of the D’CEM

event, “It was amazing. There was a dinner, a state representative from the governor’s office there, and hundreds of people at a pretty much full to capacity event. They called all the honorees to stage where you were able to do an acceptance speech. They had our photo on the big jumbotron - the backdrop at the stageand there were red carpet interviews. It was truly a great time, a nice event.”

When asked to describe the word “humanitarian,” Almony said, “A humanitarian is somebody who puts others before themselves. It’s helping to make the world a better place as a goodwill ambassador, and someone who takes pride in doing less for themselves and more for others.”

Almony, 28, first was born

and raised in Hanover, Pennsylvania, but in the fifth grade moved to Ocean City, Maryland, where he grew up for most of his life. In 2012 he graduated from Stephen Decatur High, and then headed for the Metropolitan area, where he has lived in Fairfield in Essex County since 2018. A security industry pro for 12 years, he has owned Bubba Almony Security Service for five years.

Almony’s bodyguard services protect a number of wellknown celebrities and their families, such as Dr. Khalilah Camacho-Ali, the wife of four-time heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, and her children, real estate tycoon Grant Cardone and his wife, Elena Lyons Cardone, P. Diddy’s children, and musi-

cal artist Yvng Swag of “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out.” His bodyguard services are also relied on at events. He serves at Ocean City, Maryland’s White Marlin Open, the world’s largest billfishing tournament, the 10X Growth Conference (“the number one business event as voted by Forbes,” Almony says), and the 9/11 Memorial Commemoration in New York City.

Most important to Almony is making an impact in the world. He said, “To have any impact in my work and impact as a person, and to be inspiring. Being the best leader I could be, the best influence, just pushing towards my greatness every day, to be the best human I could be.”

President George W. Bush’s Address to the Nation on September 11, 2001

AREA - On the evening of September 11, 2001, United States President George W. Bush addressed a nation that earlier that day witnessed the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history. That morning, hijackers took control of four airplanes, ultimately crashing two into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in a field near the town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers and crew attempted to regain control of the plane from the hijackers. All passengers and crew on board all four flights died on September 11, and thousands of others on the ground lost their lives that day as well. It was under those conditions that President Bush delivered the following speech to a shaken nation.

Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures col-

lapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.

Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every pre-

caution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.

The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business, as well.

The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.

America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety

and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.”

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world. Thank you. Good night, and God bless America.

Adriano “Bubba” Almony outside the White House (courtesy of Adriano “Bubba” Almony)

AREA - No World War II, aircraft were more vulnerable than the plywood and fabric covered gliders. The life expectancy of their pilots was 50-50 at best.

Fred Fountain, of River Dale, N.J. was among the unsung glider heroes of the war. There were six major glider

Fountain’s Follies

missions in World War II: Burma, Sicily, Normandy, southern, France, Holland, and the Rhine. Fred Fountain flew and survived (barely) three of those missions. Many of the 48-footlong WACO CG-4 gliders were built in Ridgefield, New Jersey. Glider pilots endured enemy

Fluffing is Ready for Adoption!

flak, foul weather, and aircraft that sometimes-shed parts in flight.

Landing the silent, motorless giants loaded with 13 men or an artillery piece, behind enemy lines, was described as no more than a controlled crash.

The glider had only the basic flight instruments: airspeed, vertical speed, turn in bank indicator, and a compass. Fountain said, “The compass was superfluous since there was only one place, we were going to navigate to by ourselves, and that was down.”

The pilots shunned parachutes because none of the troops they carried wore them. On a combat mission. Destiny was a one-way trip. Only the tow plane pilot had any chance of making it back to base that day.

The history of the 101st airborne describes the glider pilots as “the most uninhibited individuals in the army, who successfully defied all attempts at organization.”

ation,” said Fountain. “The food was bad, bunks were too small, and the drill was a joke.”

spoilers. Fountain screamed at the copilot but to no avail, so he landed the glider himself.

AREA - Fluffing is a tiny 12 month old spayed female who loves attention and spending time with other cats. She’s curious and affectionate and does not have a mean bone in her body. She came from a farm where she lived with a lot of siblings, and would love to go

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Glider pilots had little use for military convention and ignored most military courtesy. They loved flying, drinking and women, but not necessarily in that order. They felt that if they were going to be killed in combat, there was no point in being polite, disciplined, or sober.

Fred fountain was 28 years old when World War II broke out. He was considered too old for the Air Force cadet training program, so he volunteered for the little-known glider pilot program. The daily routine as Fountain describes it was bookwork and drill in the morning and flying in the afternoon. “Each day 25 men were crammed into a school bus built for 20 children and driven 60 miles from Bergen Junior-College, in Teaneck (now fairly Dickinson University) to Soberg-Hunterton Airport in Redington for flight training. There was so much classroom work it continued on the school bus.

“It was a typical Army oper-

Forty-five days later, Fountain graduated, but the Army has changed its mind about the glider pilot program so all the new pilots were returned to the Army as buck privates. Later the Army reversed itself and Fountain went for more flight training wearing his sterling silver wings. First came a single engine power plane then the two-place gliders. From there he went on to the 4-ton WACOCG 4 heavy glider.

Fountains first combat mission was to Southern France on August 15, 1944, with the 436th Troop, Carrier Group, 79 Squadron. “Fountains, Folly” was the 37th of 40 gliders in the first lift. As it often happened the telephone line between the tow plane and glider tore away on takeoff. Fountain, his cargo of English Tommy’s, and their jeep were in the air four-and one-half hours, and out of contact with the tow plane. Fountain remembers that, during the long hours his British passengers relaxed and brewed some tea. Near the landing zone, Fountain watched as several gliders crashed. One fell apart in mid-air, its human cargo falling helplessly into the sea.

On the landing approach, Fountain’s copilot prayed instead of reading the airspeed indicator and operating the

“Since I was too tired to dig a foxhole, I crawled under a British 57 mm field piece. That was a mistake. When it fired tears came to my eyes and I went deaf for a while.”

Fountain’s next mission was to Holland on September 18, 1944. This time there was no copilot and Fountain was flying Folly #2. The mission fleet consisted of 1,500 gliders, and Fountain and his human cargo of spent more than 3 1/2 hours in the air. Solo flying with a full load was an exhausting job. Fountain had to struggle to keep the glider from oscillating. If his ship didn’t fly above the tow plane slipstream, the ride would be worse than a rowboat in a storm-tossed sea. If the glider had structural defects, there was a distinct possibility of it breaking up in flight.

Five minutes from the LZ, Fountain’s Foley #2 was hit by a German 40 mm, shell that tore a huge hole in the fabric skin, and missed the main wing spar by inches. Two of his passengers were badly wounded, but Fountain was able to keep the smoke-filled cabin airborne.

Fountain crash landed in a field amid the rubble of wrecked gliders and dead cows. Fountain stayed in Holland for four or five days before working his way back to England.

“I remember being in Brussels, but have no recollection of how I got back to England. As usual, all of the surviving glider pilots got drunk. I estimated that 90-percent of the glider pilots time was spent getting drunk and raising Hell, and 10-percent flying. And if the big brass didn’t like it, they could always try and find someone else to fly the damn gliders.”

The Rhine mission on March 24, 1945, saw 906 WACO gliders launched. Fountain’s Folly #3, was part of the group, and double towed for more than three hours carrying a jeep trailer, heavy machine gun and six airborne troops. This time he had a copilot, a P-51 pilot who had never seen the inside of a glider.

The landing zones were in disputed territory and artillery, mortar and machine gun greeted the hapless pilots as they tried their silent giants. “Less than one-quarter of the gliders that reached the assault area came through undamaged,” said the official report.

As he approached the LZ Fountain began to think his luck had run out. First his tow plane exploded in front of him just after he had cut loose; Then, as he flew into the smoke shrouded LZ, suddenly he saw high tension wires cutting across his glide path. Sideslipping with full spoilers, he narrowly missed the wires. The glider plowed through a number of fences, and slammed into a tree. Before he could climb out of the wreck another glider smashed into what was left of his glider.

When the dust settled, Fountain and his copilot ran for cover through a hail of machine gun fire and dove behind a hedge row. “With our faces in the dirt,” he remembered, “We said several quick prayers.”

A rumbling noise caused Fountain to look up in time to see a glider skidding toward them. Miraculously the wheels missed him by inches but crushed Fountain’s carbine. Now, he was without a gun in the middle of a fire fight. Desperately, he crawled into a gully to wait for the shooting to stop. He survived, but never saw his copilot again.

Glider pilots in the great giant silent birds were a creation of World War II. When the war ended, they faded from the scene. Fred Fountain came home to New Jersey and established a successful insurance business in Hackensack.

is C-47 Skytrain is about to “snatch” and double tow two CG-4 gliders seen in the background. Credit author’s collection

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