Hackettstown December 2022

Big Red Santa Brings Happiness to All Ages

By Steve Sears

For Bob Smith, it may have started in 2009, but you can tell during discussion with him that he’s had the Santa Claus goodness within him all along.

Just ask Emily.

Although in his words he was terrified when he first dressed up as the Big Red Santa and the event was a suc cess, it was best defined by little Emily, who the next day visited the event organizer and thanked them for bring ing a real Santa Claus. “And it was because I was nice and I had a real beard,” Smith says. It mattered not to Emily that the red Santa suit Smith wore was older, that his beard was short, or whether it was sprinkled with baby powder. What mattered was Smith’s kindness to her, which Emily returned the following year, she showing up with a gift for the Big Red Santa.

“I think 90% of Santas find their way into the role by someone asking them to fill in for somebody that can’t make it,” Smith says. “I think 100% of the people who get that question are kind of reluctant to do that because they’ve never done it before.”

Smith wasn’t reluctant when first asked thirteen years ago. He filled the role, but was concerned his voice wouldn’t be correct or he’d say something wrong. The request came from a group called Rainbows for All Children, a nationwide group which meets with and supports children who had a parent pass away during the year and are grieving. Smith recalls the instructions he received at that time. ‘They said, ‘We’ve got all the toys, we’ve got the bag. Just show up, everything’s tagged, call up the kids, take the picture, and off you go.’” The group had available a Santa Claus suit from K-Mart, and Smith took care of the rest. “I had this very short George Clooney beard,” he says. “It really wasn’t quite right, and I peppered it with some baby powder, be cause I was not going to wear a previously used polyester beard. Then I threw on a white turtleneck to cover the lack of beard.”

After his first appearance, Smith returned the suit and

thought nothing more about dressing up as Santa Claus –until the following September, when he was asked by Rain bows for All Children to do it again. This time, not only was the child called up, but Smith also asked the parent who had lost a spouse to head forward as well. Smith explains. “I would say, ‘What would you like for Christmas?’ and ‘How have you been?’ I realized it’s about the family.”

During his first eight years as Santa Claus, Smith would do just a gig or two per year. In addition to the Rainbows

event, he would get calls to do Breakfast with Santa get-to gethers. As he started to get more requests for appearanc es, he then began to buttress his Santa skills. “For the first eight years, I had no idea that there were Santa Claus orga nizations,” Smith says. “There are Santa Claus groups that will help you hone your skills in terms that if you’re going to see 200 kids in a day, one or two of them are going to be on the autism spectrum. How do you handle that? How do you deal with sensitivity in terms of questions? If some body asks, ‘Can you bring grandma back?’ There’s that part of it, the part in the chair, which we call ‘Chair Time.’ And then there’s also the business side of it.”

For the record, Smith now dons a custom-made Santa Claus suit, and his appearances aren’t limited just to the Christmas season. During this past summer, he had three Christmas in July gigs. Also, it took about six or seven years to convince Mrs. Claus (Smith’s wife, Pam) to make appear ances with him. “The Knights of Columbus, every time they saw her, they said, ‘You’re coming to the Breakfast with Santa, too?’ and she would say, ‘No, no, no.’ I just bought her the dress, and once she had the dress, she was okay with it, and said it was a lot of fun. And Mrs. Claus is an integral part of the Santa experience.”

For more information about the Big Red Santa, visit www.bigredsanta.com.

The Big Red Santa and Mrs. Claus (courtesy of Bob Smith)

Dental Implants

Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.

Dental Digest Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

don’t have enough bone? Bone grafts are usually the answer. However, there are many different kinds of bone grafts.

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

When a tooth is removed, the remaining hole is called a “socket.” This socket will fill in naturally with bone. However, if an implant is being considered a bone graft oftentimes is needed. Variables include the size, shape, and location of the remaining socket.

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

Many people are aware that in order to receive a dental implant, they must have enough bone. Without a proper amount of bone, a dental implant will be at risk of infection or failure. So what do you do if you

Besides socket grafting, there are other types of grafts. “Sinus grafting” is when you need implants in the upper back jaw, but the sinuses are too large. “Block grafting” and “ridge splitting” are necessary when your own bone are too thin to accept implants. Be aware that most of

the time bone grafts need to heal before implants can be placed. Healing is usually required between 2 and 6 months.

General

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Bone grafting material can be sourced from three locations, and will therefore have different names: an “autograft ” comes from yourself. The bone is harvested from a different location within your mouth. An “allograft ” comes from a human cadaver. A “xenograft ” comes from a different animal, such as cow (bovine). An “alloplast” is synthetic, meaning it is man-made.

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type of gum tissue that surrounds the implants is also critical. If you have thin, moveable gum tissue as opposed to thick and stable, your implants will be at risk of complications in the distant future. Overall health, medications, and smoking are other risk factors that can affect the long term success of dental implants, regardless of bone grafting.

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One issue that is often overlooked is the condition of the gum tissue around a dental implant. Not only is it important to have enough bone for proper long term success, but the

One implant scenario that avoids bone grafting is “All-On-Four®” or “Full Jaw Dental Implants.” In this scenario, a full jaw of teeth can be placed onto 4 to 6 implants, and these implants are oftentimes purposely placed into areas that don’t require bone grafting.

Do you have questions? Visit Dr. Goldberg’s web-

About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 27 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He

Cosmetic Dentistry

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Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his website for a

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performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. He lectures to dentists in the field of implantology. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at (973) 328-1225 or visit his website at www. MorrisCountyDentist.com Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist, and also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

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The Tones Band Performs a Three-Decade Mix of Classics

By Steve Sears

NK Architects of Morristown (with offices as well is New York City and Philadelphia), President, Stephen Aluotto, admits it. Playing music is something he casually refers to as his “therapy.”

“It’s something that I’m comfortable doing,” says Aluotto. “There’s a physical aspect to it. When you’re playing rock and roll and singing and playing guitar, there’s a callisthenic or cardiovascular aspect to it. And it’s a collaborative art form; any musician will tell you that, in a band format, there’s no greater high than when the band is clicking together.”

Aluotto, a 33-year Chester resident who is on the Board of Advisors for the New Jersey Institute of Technology College of Architecture and Design, and is also Chairman of the Board for Morris Arts, is a guitarist and vocalist for a musical group called The Tones Band. “Between us in the four-piece band, we probably have close to 200 years of bar band experience at the various levels,” says Aluotto. “We do it for enjoyment, and we all love performing and listening to other bands.”

Aluotto’s fellow Tones Band members are lead guitarist Bob Marks, who lives in Hackettstown, bass player Scott Randolph of Flemington, and drummer Ed Lavery, a resident of Denville. Bernie’s Hillside Lounge and The Lamplighter Restaurant & Pub in Chester, and Adam’s Beer Garden in Rockaway, are just a few of the venues the band performs at.

The Tones Band plays a couple of times a month a set list that includes songs from the 1960’s – 1980’s along with a handful of current numbers. And they do have a following.

Aluotto alludes to why. “Our band goes over well, and I think one of the differences is, talking about the music, is that while there are many great amateur instrumentalists, there’s not a whole lot of bands that make the vocal harmonies a big part of their act, and I think that’s a big part of our band’s success. We incorporate a lot of vocal harmonies, which I think has a pedestrian appeal to it, when someone hears vocal harmonies versus just a hearing a great guitar lead.” Among their set list, The Tones Band performs Byrds and Beatles tunes, classic rock like Crosby, Stills & Nash and Van Morrison, and also do some blues oriented, classic rock. “That’s typically my favorite thing to play, music with a groove,” says Aluotto. “We do some Eric Clapton songs, and we like to add different, updated renditions of classic rock songs, too, as well.”

Occasionally Tones Band members take the stage

and play with other bands as well. “There’s more of a cooperative out there right now,” explains Aluotto. “And while no one was playing during lockdown, as venues started to have outside performances, we found ourselves sitting in and sharing gigs, so there’s some intermingling that goes on between the bands. I’ve performed as many as three times a month, but not solely with The Tones Band. It’s a fraternity.”

As Aluotto previously stated, he and his Tones Band colleagues love performing, and there are many special moments when it all comes together. “You could have played a song together 100 or more times,” says Aluotto, “but that occasion when it’s coming naturally, and it’s channeling out of you collectively, that’s a great feeling.”

To join The Tones Band mailing list, contact gigfreelee@ gmail.com.

The Tones Band L to R: Steve Aluotto, Scott Randolph (bass), Bob Marks (lead guitar), and Ed Lavery (in back on drums) Courtesy of Stephen Aluotto

Not All Headaches are Created Equal

Almost everyone has experienced a headache, at some point in their life, to varying degrees. In fact, roughly 45 million Americans suffer from Headaches each year. In today’s world, most people reach into the medicine cabinet for one of the various pain relievers to alleviate their head pain. But what happens when that doesn’t work? Or, the headaches become more frequent and more painful? Some get headaches so often and so painful, they even take prescription drugs with side effects and no avail. But have you ever stopped to think, “What is causing my headache?” Headaches and more severe headaches, known as Migraines, can be caused by various triggers including foods, chemicals or preservatives in foods, allergens in the environment, chemicals in cleaning products or herbicides/pesticides, sinus congestion, tension in the neck or jaw, lack of sleep, dehydration, stress, and the list goes on… Sometimes the cause is completely unknown and with no relief the patient can be left hopeless, debilitated and in pain. An assessment by an Acupuncturist can often identify and treat imbalances (that are causing the headaches) that are unknown to the patient previously.

In Chinese Medicine not all headaches are created

equally. Rather, during an assessment, we evaluate the individual patient on many levels to determine their exact symptoms (i.e Is the headache frontal? One sided? Behind the eyes? Is there nausea? Frequency and intensity of pain?....) and if there are any triggers. We take a whole body approach and assess the patient’s physical condition as well as their constitution, emotional health, diet and lifestyle. Unlike the blanket treatment western medicine offers which is typically some type of pain reliever, Chinese Medicine finds a specific treatment for each patient based on their individual symptoms. Five patients suffering “headaches” may receive five completely different treatments. By addressing the root cause, Acupuncture can be a safe way to prevent and treat various types of headaches, without the unwanted side effects of medications.

Based on the individual assessment and diagnosis, tiny needles are inserted into various points on the body. Depending on the case, small electrodes can be attached to specific needles that elicit a small electrical current. The feeling of the electric stimulation on the needles is a comfortable sensation that generally elicits a feeling of tingling, tapping or heaviness. The electric stimulation en-

hances the release of specific neurochemicals which aids in the treatment of headaches. The needles are typically retained for 20-30 minutes, during which the patient is left to relax and take a nap.

Acupuncture is known to be effective and can offer long standing results, but it is not always a quick fix. Especially if the headaches are chronic, several treatments may be required to achieve the full result. Again, this is because it is addressing the root cause and not just covering up symptoms like other treatments.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines start getting relief today! Use the following tips to achieve long- lasting results for a healthy life: Be aware, track food and environmental triggers to see if there are any patterns, get adequate sleep, eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits (limiting sugars and processed foods), drink plenty of water, manage stress with things like meditation and try Acupuncture!

For more information about Acupuncture and Headaches contact Mount Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973527-7978.

Centenary University Names 2022 Hackettstown High School Scholar

For Great Meadows resident Andrew Kmetz, the decision to attend Centenary University was an easy one. Aspiring to a career in sports management, he was impressed by Centenary’s concentration in the field, including the University’s excellent track record for placing students and graduates in jobs with professional sports franchises.

Then last spring, he received a call with the good news that he was named the Centenary University 2022 Hackettstown High School Scholar, a designation that recognizes outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to community service. The award covers full tuition for four years of study at Centenary. “I couldn’t believe it,” he recalled. “My mom was so happy she started bawling her eyes out.”

A 2022 graduate of Hackettstown High School, Kmetz is an honor roll student who participated in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Two of his coaches—both Centenary graduates—urged him to check out the University’s concentration in sports and entertainment management: “Both of my coaches studied sports management at Centenary. They knew I was applying for the scholarship, but recommended I attend Centenary even if I didn’t get the full ride.”

Centenary sports and entertainment

management students routinely earn internships and post-graduate jobs in the sales, marketing, and operations divisions of professional sports teams, including the New York Jets, New York Red Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, New York Mets, Madison Square Garden, Prudential Center, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia 76ers, Somerset Patriots, Sussex County Miners, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and many more.

Community service is important to Kmetz, who was a member of his high school’s Key Club. A member of Scouts BSA Troop 158 in Hackettstown, Kmetz earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2021. His Eagle Scout project—creating fleece blankets for cancer patients at Hackettstown Medical

Center—honored his grandmother’s successful fight against breast cancer and his late grandfather, a father figure to Kmetz who passed away after battling pancreatic cancer.

After arriving at the University, Kmetz’s Eagle Scout project caught the eye of Centenary University Assistant Professor of Business Linda Poisseroux, Ph.D., who directs the competitive student business team, Enactus. Inviting him to join the team, Dr. Poisseroux introduced Kmetz to Chi Force, a line of medical jackets for

chemotherapy patients created by Enactus team members. The team was also awarded a patent last year for Shieldz Wearable Technologies, a fatigue alert device developed by students to detect drowsiness in truck drivers and other motorists. “I definitely want to check out Enactus,” said Kmetz, a business administration major. Reflecting on his full, four-year scholarship, he added, “I owe everything to my mom, Pam Kmetz. She’s been my number one supporter through school, sports, and Eagle Scout.”

7 Fitness Resolutions That Are Easy to Keep

Resolutions to get in shape, exercise more and eat healthier foods are popular each January. Optimism reigns when making resolutions, but for many, the difficulty lies in keeping them. Individuals looking to get healthier in the year ahead can try these strategies to stay the course.

• Wake up earlier. Waking up a half hour earlier each day can have a substantial impact. That small amount of extra time can be devoted to meditation, deep breathing exercises or even some yoga stretches.

• Move around more frequently. Many people with office jobs spend hours sitting in front of computers. A sedentary lifestyle can have an adverse effect on overall health. Set a timer or use a reminder on a fitness tracker to remind you to get up and move around for a little bit every hour.

• Eat more vegetables. Vague goals like “eating better” are difficult to maintain because there is no specific goal to achieve. Rather, a resolution like eating a fruit or vegetable each day at every meal is something measurable. Vegetables can be hidden in favorite foods, such as desserts. Swap pasta noodles for spiralized zucchini as another easy fix.

• Stand straighter. Posture tends to decline with age, advises AARP. This can cause the spine to lose flexibility. Stretches to maintain posture can help anyone stand straighter and improve long-term health.

• Add “bursts” to your walk. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic tout the benefits of interval training. While high-impact workouts may not be appropriate for everyone, adding little speed bursts to a daily walk can provide significant health benefits. Aim for 30 to 60 seconds of rapid walking at regular intervals to shake up the workout.

• Drink more water. Increasing water intake can help you feel fuller, thus reducing the likelihood that you will overeat. Gradually increase your water intake by adding a few ounces each day until drinking water becomes rote.

• Take a workout outside. Switch up your normal routine by making use of the great outdoors to exercise. Instead of three miles on the treadmill or elliptical machine at the gym, opt for three miles on a local hiking trail.

Healthy resolutions are easier to keep when you have firm ideas and choose reasonable goals.

Centenary University Students Getting Out the Vote Before Midterm Elections

Students at Centenary University are ensuring that their peers are engaging in the democratic process this election season through the University’s participation in Ballot Bowl, a nonpartisan initiative promoting voter registration on college campuses. Working with the University’s Office of Community Engagement, students and the Centenary Cyclone mascot attended the New Jersey Ballot Bowl kickoff event in September and have been responsible for organizing voter registration drives on campus.

At press time, Centenary led the 154 participating colleges and universities across the nation—including 29 New Jersey institutions of higher education—in the percentage of enrolled students who have expressed their intent to vote. “Our students are committed to raising awareness and registering their peers to vote so all voices can be heard,” said Kathleen Greco, who coordinates the University’s community engagement. “An important aspect of this program is its commitment to nonpartisanship. Through this effort, students can register to vote, either online or on paper, right here on campus. I’m truly proud of what Centenary students have accomplished.”

A host of Centenary student groups are spearheading the effort, including several fraternities and sororities, Enactus, Leaders in Service, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), the Education Honor Society, and First Year Leaders. David Espino, a Centenary University junior who has been leading campus voter registration drives, said, “As a first generation Hispanic student and member of the EOP, I understand how important the midterm elections are—the outcomes will affect our program and funding. By

voting, we make a difference both on and off campus, and it allows us to contribute to our role as future leaders.”

NJ Ballot Bowl 2022 is a program of the New Jersey Department of State’s Jersey Civic Engage initiative and a joint effort with the ALL In Campus Democracy Challenge. While the federal midterm elections have taken centerstage this season, the initiative emphasizes that state and local elections are important, too.

“Centenary students are fully engaged in this year’s

midterm election process,” noted Kerry Mullins, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “Yet, it’s also important for young adults to understand the importance of elections on the municipal, county, and state levels. These local elections make a big impact on our day-to-day lives. At Centenary, it’s part of our mission to encourage activities like voting and volunteerism to encourage students to become active, informed participants in their local communities.

Centenary students (all from New Jersey) attending the kickoff event: from left, David Espino of Somerville, Nick Andrew of Parsippany, Kathleen Greco, who coordinates the University’s community engagement, Osaivbie Igiebor of Newark, the Cyclone (Miron Miller of Trenton), Ashley Wrede of Stewartsville, Natalie Kelson of Alpha, and Kamirah Owens of Newark.

Hackettstown Green Thumb Wants You to Have a More Beautiful Garden

By Alexander Rivero

Before even beginning to go into her encyclopedic knowledge of all things plant and garden, Denise Stevenson reminds us of that often overlooked idea that formal education in any subject is unnecessary for mastery of that subject. The Hackettstown horticulturist, self-trained in the arts of green thumbing since she first began more than thirty years ago, is a well of knowledge on the subject. She does it all from her post as retail sales and marketing manager at Donaldson’s Greenhouse and Nursery in Hackettstown, and as a weekly contributor to WRNJ’s Saturday morning radio show.

In the over twenty years she has worked for Donaldson’s, a typical day for her has always included full-on access to the plants and trees she has loved so much for so long. Each day is filled to the brim with flowers and planters, souls and mulches, and she oversees everything, from the potted annuals—those hanging baskets of petunias, for instance—to the perennial trees and shrubs. The greenhouse works with local residents looking to spruce up their yards, and with local businesses looking to decorate.

The job takes great strategy, and is rife with all sorts of hurdles ranging from the ones that have always existed, to the specific and contemporary. For example, more recently, Stevenson reports that customers often come to her asking about certain flowers or plants of theirs that just refuse to bloom.

“You can point to the loss of the honey bees there,” says Stevenson, who has been promoting pollinator plants to her clients as a way to contribute to a real problem in today’s age. “We need to promote these pollinator plants so we can continue to eat. Planting more native types of plants, too. Butterflies are really huge right now, and people in general are trying to plant annual varieties of things as these are usually the only kinds of plants that insects and birds will eat. Milkweed, for example, is another popular plant—and a native plant—to promote more native environmental flourishing, which is so vital.”

While contributing to stop the problems associated with the loss of the honey bee is important, a central part of Stevenson’s job is also to help customers who want to beautify their gardens. It is also the part she most enjoys.

“I love helping people, and I must admit that it’s the most fun part of the job, making someone’s space look as beautiful as possible,” she says.

On Saturday mornings, Stevenson offers gardening guidance and tips by phone on WRNJ, where for the past four years she has broadcast with Dave Kelber, starting at about

8:30. The conversations that flow between them and the callers amount to seminars on the art of horticulture for the everyman, and if not driving, listeners are advised to tune in with a pen and notebook handy.

Topics range from common challenges to the modern gardener to the practices and strategies Stevenson employs in her own yard, which she admits she is quite proud of. Responding to what in her long career as a horticulturalist has been her crowning achievement, she is quick to respond.

“I think basically just being able to know that I’m a good gardener,” she says. “I’m pretty impressed with my yard, I admit. I’ve worked hard on it and it has a really nice selection of trees, picked for different reasons. Some for color, some for native purposes, others for habitats for birds. I live in a very wooded area, but some of the trees were dead when I moved in. So after a while I bought the piece of property next to me so I can plant more trees. Sourwoods, black gum, red buds, a few more. I’m happy with the results of it all.”

Stevenson’s tips for the amateur gardener are confidence, confidence, and more confidence.

“You have to believe you can create the space you envision for yourself,” she says. “A lot of people doubt their ability, but if the desire is there, you will learn. It’s just like everything else. Plants, in particular, are awesome. You can see their changes and feel intimate with their growth. It’s such a beautiful experience to plant them and watch their progress, knowing it all started with those early moments. There are obviously lots of lessons in gardening, not just about getting better at gardening, but lessons about life too, about growth.”

For more information about Denise Stevenson, please check out the Donaldson Greenhouse and Nursery website at www. donaldsongreenhouse.com. Also, tune in on Saturday mornings to WRNJ (www. wrnjradio.com) for her gardening tips.

Denise Stevenson holding a potted lavender plant.

Hackettstown’s Own Emma Crow Lights Up Broadway in The Music Man

By Jillian Risberg

She’s had a lifelong love for The Music Man — and to make her Broadway debut as Zaneeta, one of her favorite characters in the (1962) movie was a full circle moment and out of this world thrilling for Hackettstown’s Emma Crow.

“It’s a dream come true; I never thought I was going to be in musical theater, especially not this early in my career — so it was just perfect,” Crow says, adding that it’s an honor to be on that beautiful stage with the best ensemble and immerse herself in the history of the Winter Garden Theater.

She calls their audiences fantastic as well, and she wants everyone to feel happier than when they came in.

“I feel like we achieve that with our show; it’s bright and lovely and (offers) community and joy,” the 18-year-old says there’s something for everyone — singing, dancing and incredible actors. “I want people to enjoy it as much as we enjoy doing it.”

According to Crow, to combine her extensive dance background with acting in this production was nervewracking. For ballets she’s done pantomime.

It was her first time speaking on stage.

“In the beginning I was a bit insecure, but everybody’s helped me a lot and I feel like I’ve grown as an actor throughout this process,” she says, citing one of her favorite lines: ‘It’s ‘Capulets’ like you who make blood in the marketplace! Ye Gods!’

“It’s very dramatic and silly,” says Crow. “I also love a bunch of Mayor Shinn lines: ‘Watch your phraseology!

And there are some beautiful Harold Hill quotes.’”

The dancer’s journey to Broadway began in September 2020, when she received an email from one of the casting directors, ‘We’re looking for somebody with great (balletbased) technique and think you’d be a great fit for the show. Are you interested in doing Broadway?’

“At first I thought it was a scam because ‘Broadway doesn’t work this way; this is too good to be true,’” she says.

Even so Crow responded, ‘sure.’

“The next day she sent me the script and I had some video calls, Zoom calls with our current director and choreographer and several associates. The first day I met anyone in person was the first day of rehearsal. It wasn’t a usual trajectory — it was kind of special because of the pandemic.”

Crow has to pinch herself everyday.

“I get to perform on Broadway with massive stars and legends and Broadway vets and Oscar nominees — for a living for a year,” which she calls unreal. “Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman have inspired me immensely. Not only is their work ethic insane but they are so kind.”

She says it would have been easy for them to not care about the other actor’s personal lives and their favorite foods and dogs but they do.

“I can see you can be in a great place in your career, in

movies, Broadway shows, have Tony awards and still be a grounded and normal person,” says the dancer.

The best advice Crow was given when she started this journey was ‘be kind’ because it’s much easier than being rude and nasty.

Crow Lights Up Broadway...

from page 10

“So when it’s a hard day and doing eight shows a week can be taxing — one of our Pick-a-Little Ladies, Jessica Sheridan told me: ‘There is somebody out there looking up to you and it’s her first Broadway show; you’re gonna make a big impact so persevere and do your best no matter what,’” the 18-year-old says. That’s what Crow would have told her younger self… to keep training hard, ever

since the dancer was little and a disciplined perfectionist, which she feels has helped her get to where she is today.

“Enjoy each rehearsal because I think back and miss those rehearsals with my friends when it wasn’t Broadway; just a local ballet performance,” says Crow. “Be in the moment and enjoy the opportunities you’re having now.”

She was the overall gold medalist at the World Ballet Competition in 2016, an eye-

opening experience, not only for Crow but the people around her as well.

“You might be good in your little town but compared to people in 24 countries it’s a different caliber,” she says it was a great opportunity for connections and exposure. “I got a bunch of scholarships, ballet artistic directors approached me.”

According to the dancer, in her downtime she likes to sleep in and the show is a good schedule because she is a night owl — though she goes to classes in the morning at American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School (since 2018).

“Waking up to that is a bit hard but when I come back from the show I like to take a bath and journal about my day or any thoughts that manifested; spend time with my mom and sister, dad and dog,” Crow says normal, quiet things. “And maybe read a book.”

Ballet has been her first love since she

was two-years-old. Whether it’s full-time ballerina at ABT or just taking classes; the 18-year-old plans to continue dancing.

She started at Christine Taylor’s North Jersey School of Dance Arts (NJSDA) in Hackettstown, where she was trained primarily by Ballet Mistress Luba Gulyaeva.

“Ballet’s important for everything, even carrying yourself as a person,” she says it helps her personally. “I’m not opposed to doing more theater, or TV and film. And I take voice lessons now; singing has become a passion. We’ll see what opportunities arise as the year goes on.”

The constant support and kind messages from her fans mean so much.

“Or meeting people at the stage door and they want to be on Broadway one day and I can offer what advice I have,” says Crow. “It’s very special and humbling to be able to inspire someone.”

For more information, follow Emma on Instagram at @e_crow2004.

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by Paul Partridge

Bucket List Travels: 3 Days of Wonder in the Rainforest

Morristown resident Paul Partridge has been building a travel bucket list for years. Now he’s diving in –near and far – and shares his adventures in this column.

Alate-night flight into Quito makes the Sunday morning drive seem earlier than it is. Highway becomes local road becomes dirt road becomes jungle path enroute to Mashpi Lodge.

Mashpi is a nature-lover’s hideaway deep in Ecuador’s Choco Forest. If you’ve ever thought about visiting a rainforest, but a two-week trek into the Amazon perhaps seems overly ambitious, Mashpi might be the ticket – especially if you favor comfort over camping… enjoy great food… like to avoid crowds (this private resort houses only 47 total guests)… and appreciate making a gentler impact on the environment.

Looking back, I’m still not sure if it was real or a mirage. Our group of four was motoring along for hours, deeper and deeper into the wilderness, and then – suddenly, there it was, like some sort of plush Brigadoon. My first thoughts: “What the…? How in the world…?” Given the location and geographical challenges, its existence seems utterly impossible.

But alas, here it is. And waiting for us at the entrance, smiling broadly, is Santiago, our naturalist guide during our three-day stay. Having the same guide is a treat, because he gets to know your group, your pace, your interests, etc., and then tailors activities accordingly. Santiago is a rainforest encyclopedia. He can spot, identify, name and wax poetic about any plant animal, insect, tree, fungus, bird,

reptile, stream, or river we encounter.

A call echoes through the forest. “What kind of bird is that?” I ask.

“Actually, it’s a frog,” says Santiago.

Ok, I may be from Jersey, but to be fair, that was no ‘ribbit’ or ‘croak.’ That frog could win the national bird calling contest. Just the first of many surprises.

Staying at Mashpi feels like living in a large, fancy tree house. Floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel totally immersed in your surroundings. Right outside your window are 400 species of birds, trees, frogs, monkeys, and endemic species found nowhere else in the world.

Day 1: The Incredible Glass Frog

A quick lunch and we’re off into the forest, spotting Toucans, tayras, a tarantula, a giant snail, and hundreds of beautiful, exotic butterflies. Santiago informs us that the tayra is one of only three creatures on earth that thinks ahead, the other two being octopi and humans (females, mostly).

After sunset Santiago takes us on an unforgettable night walk using flashlights and headlamps. We’re stalking the rare transparent glass frog. Within 10 minutes Santiago has found one. It’s a great find, especially since glass frogs are the size of a thumbnail and blend into their environment. Santiago also points out assorted spiders, crickets, bats, and a formidable praying mantis.

A female praying mantis eats the male after mating

Dominick

Farinacci Quartet

January 14 - 8 PM

Farinacci was named the very first Global Ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln Center, working to further integrate music into communities around the world in culturally collaborative ways. He has performed in more than 120 cities in 14 countries around the world, featured guest on ABC’s Good Morning America, and a TED Speaker.

Damn Tall

Buildings

January 21 8 PM

In their early days, this Brooklynbased group didn’t rehearse – they busked. Now, whether live or on record, the band still radiates the energy of a ragtag crew of music students playing bluegrass on the streets. Their varied influences stretch beyond bluegrass, even beyond American roots music altogether.

Chuchito

Valdés Jr. T r i o

January 28 - 8 PM

Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, pianist, composer and arranger Jesus “Chuchito” Valdés, Jr. is the third-generation manifestation of a Cuban jazz piano dynasty that includes his father, Chucho, and grandfather, Bebo Valdés.

– especially the head because they desire the brain protein. We’re told of one jungle species where the male has evolved a second brain in his chest. This way he can pro-

The famous glass frog. Photos by Paul Partridge continued on page 13

create and survive the beheading. I imagine this must confuse females on praying mantis dating sites. “Wait, didn’t I just eat you last week?”

Day 2: Cooling off in a Waterfall

The trail drops steeply from the lodge to the Laguna River below. At times we walk alongside the river, other times we wade right in (rubber boots are provided by the lodge). Down and down we go. Our reward is Magnolia Waterfall, and we’re invited to swim in its pool. This is one of those pinch-yourself moments. The staggering beauty and serenity leave a mark.

Eventually we must hike back. Note to self: walking down is easier than walking up. As we huff and puff, Santiago mentions that there’s a lunar eclipse tonight. It feels like we’re hiking up to it to see it in person.

Mashpi is home to over 30 species of hummingbirds, and in the afternoon, we see many of them at the Hummingbird Garden. Colorful, playful, and mesmerizing to watch, the hummingbirds dart and flitter all around us.

One might not expect to eat well in the middle of the rainforest. At Mashpi, every entre and appetizer is meticulously prepared. And the natural fruit juice concoctions alone are worth the trip (you had me

at passion fruit lemonade).

Day 3: A Birds-eye View of the Forest

The highlight of the morning is a ride on the Sky Bike. Sky Bike is a two-person gondola that stretches 655 feet across the jungle canopy. Think of it as your average, everyday bicycle built for two – if you happen to grow up a member of the Flying Wallendas. The Sky Bike sits on a tight rope. The front person enjoys the view; the back person is the engine. Once you reach the other side, switch positions and pedal back.

At home I won’t even go on a step ladder due to severe height aversion. Somehow, this seems doable. As we pedal and backpedal over the treetops, my adrenaline is flowing and I’m shouting, “Isn’t this amazing?” My wife wants to know, “Who are you and what have you done with my husband?”

Mashpi offers another way to float in the clouds called the DragonFly. This is a onehour ride in an open-air gondola that holds four persons and rises more than 200 feet above the ground. Jaw-dropping views, no pedaling required.

In the afternoon, a transfer returns us to Quito and to pass the time I make up some rainforest awards.

Best Insect Name: Jesus Spider (because

The butter�lies are comfortable around humans.

it walks on water).

Amazing Flower Fact: There are 4,000 different varieties of orchids in the cloud forest.

Most Interesting Tree: Walking Palm. Its roots grow above ground and serve as “legs.” When the tree doesn’t get enough sunlight, it grows new roots in the direction of the sun and moves in that direction, thus

“walking.” Walking palms can supposedly move up to 20 meters in one year. I found this hard to believe until I saw a walking palm wearing a Fitbit.

[Resources]

Quito hotel: www.casagangotena.com/ Mashpi Lodge: www.mashpilodge.com

Transportation and Transfers: www.metropolitan-touring.com.

A Remembrance of the Real Santa of Main Street

By Richard Mabey Jr.

There are people who touch our hearts and lives, to whom we will not truly appreciate their kindness till years and years have passed. Such is the case of my remembrance of the Real Santa Claus of Main Street. It was a long standing tradition, of the Mabey clan, to spend Christmas Day at the old Mabey Homestead. From the day I was born till I was six years old, my parents and I lived in Clifton. Every Christmas Day, we would sojourn westward on Route 46 to the little hamlet of Lincoln Park, where my great grandmother, Dora Mabey lived.

I remember we would arrive at the old Mabey Home stead, early in the morning. I was a shy and sensitive child, so the abounding number of relatives that would congre gate at the old farmhouse, would seem all so overwhelm ing to me.

I don’t know at what age I had any degree of conscious remembrance of the dear, kind, elderly man who was the Real Santa of Main Street. I remember him fondly as a very kind man with a gentle spirit. He would knock on the door of the old Mabey Homestead, sometime during the late morning on Christmas Day, all dressed in his Santa Claus gear.

My dad was the fifth of nine children, so on Christmas Day the Mabey Homestead abounded with children, my many cousins. Santa would arrive with a big burlap bag strung over his shoulder, with a gift for each and every one of my cousins, my sister and myself. I remember the gifts were not expensive at all. Some were actually hand made toys. While some had a clue of having been passed down from another child, who had outgrown the little toy

car or doll.

My mom and dad, my sister Patti and I moved into the old Mabey Homestead in the early Autumn of 1959, short ly after Great Grandma Mabey went Home to be with the Lord. I was six years old that Christmas. I remember won dering if the real Santa would still be knocking on the door on Christmas Day. To my happy surprise, the real Santa did come by to visit us, with presents for my sister and I.

I never learned the name of the Real Santa of Main Street. My grandfather, Watson Mabey, one time told me that he thought that he lived in this little house at the end of Clover Lane. When I was about 10 years old, I walked down Clover Lane, stood at the front yard of that little home and wanted to knock on the front door and see if that was in fact, the home of the real Santa. Sadly and regretfully, I didn’t get the courage to knock on the door. That little home was torn down many years ago, to make room for a larger, modern home.

My Aunt Vi once told me that she thought that the Real Santa of Main Street lived in a little home in Towaco, just past the Lincoln Park border. I don’t think anybody really knew who this kind hearted soul was. It’s one of the great est mysteries of my childhood.

The Christmas of 1961, when I was eight years old and in the third grade, was the last time that the Real Santa of Main Street ever came to visit us on Christmas Day. I once asked my father if he knew who this gentleman was. He endorsed Grandpa Mabey’s theory.

In deep fondness, I remember the Real Santa of Main Street. I think about him from time to time. My intuition tells me that he was not a wealthy man at all. I think he

From 1953, a photo of the Real Santa Claus of Main Street. Yours truly sitting upon the lap of Santa, with my mom and dad.

was actually quite poor. Somehow and someway, he ac cumulated toys for children in the neighborhood. Most of the toys he gave to us, were handmade. He was truly the real Santa Claus of my childhood.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

A New Year’s Day Story

By Richard Mabey Jr.

Can love be limited? Is it possible that God’s blessings can reach beyond our limited human understanding of time and space? Are the flames of sibling love, between two sisters, able to transition to a world beyond this world that we humanly know? Is it possible, that love is the greatest force in the universe?

On November 11, 2019, my mom, Janet Kemmerer Mabey, had heart surgery to replace her Aortic Valve. After the surgery, my sister Patti and I were elated that Mom still had a few years left upon this earth, before it would be her time to be called Home to be with the Lord. But by the first of December, it became painfully obvious that Mom’s time upon this earth, was coming to a close.

It was in early December of 2019 that Mom’s general practitioner, told my sister and I that it was time to set up for Hospice home visitations. It was a deeply sad time.

My mother was great stickler for cleanliness. But, I confess that with the influx of nurses and home care professionals, it was tough to keep Mom’s bedroom as neat as a pin. In December, when there were no Hospice personnel at our home, I would read Mom excerpts from the Holy Bible. Mom would then gently fall asleep. But even as Mom would sleep, ever so peacefully, I would continue to read the Bible to Mom.

I remember that it was in the second week of December, that I was reading Mom her Bible, Mom fell asleep. I continued to read the Bible to her. Mom suddenly awoke and begin talking about her plans to have a New Year’s Day party. It was a long standing tradition of the old Mabey Home-

stead, as far back as I can remember, that New Year’s Day was a time of open house and home-cooked food for the old family farmhouse.

When Mom awoke, she spoke as if we were still living at the old Mabey Homestead, rather than the reality of now living in our Florida home. And, one of the things Mom spoke about that afternoon, was that she was looking forward to seeing her sister Alice on New Year’s Day. Mom began telling me what needed to be done to prepare for the big New Year’s Party.

As Mom would tell me that I needed to clean all the baseboards, vacuum the rugs, Mom would look me in the eyes and say, “oh Richard, I can’t wait to see my sister Alice again.” I remember this went on for a good half-hour, then Mom drifted off to peaceful sleep.

I stayed at Mom’s side. Even though Mom was sleeping, I read her some passages from the Book of John. About an hour later, Mom woke up again and told me immense details of the New Year’s Day Party that we had just had. Mom recalled the memory of the dream that she just had, complete with the most tiny details of the splendid party that she had just been a part of.

Then, Mom looked at me and simply said, “Richard, it was so good to see my sister Alice again. It was all just so good.” Then Mom closed her eyes and once again drifted off to sleep.

On the night of the twenty-third of December of 2019, my beloved mother went Home to be with the Lord. It was a sad moment in time. Looking back now, three years later, I still remember how real Mom’s dream was to her.

Mom and Aunt Alice, in 1996.

Could it be that on some level it was all so very real? That on some Heavenly plain, Mom did see her sister Alice Kemmerer Knothe in spirit, that was as real as anything on this physical plain.

I am not a theologian by profession. I do know this though. God is a source of immense love and compassion. The rest is left to the beliefs of my dear readers.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

Adventure Aquarium Celebrates 30 Years of “Edutainment”

By Steve Sears

Melissa Patterson, Guest Experience and Events

Manager

for New Jersey’s Adventure Aquarium, coins what goes on at the facility perfectly.

“I like “edutainment”: entertainment that is educational. The entertainment and education really go hand in hand,” Patterson says. “Our main goal is always going to be to educate our visitors about the animals here and about the ocean, and why it’s important to care about these animals, care about the ocean, and to care about waterways and conservation, and caring for species, like our sea turtles and our sharks and our penguins. But, by adding that entertainment side of things into the mix, that’s how we really create those unforgettable experiences for the visitors, and that’s what keeps them engaged and keeps them excited.”

Patterson provides a brief history. “Adventure Aquarium was opened by the state as part of a plan to revitalize the Camden waterfront and drawing revenue to the city and to the area, and really revitalize western New Jersey and the Delaware River waterfront, especially on the New Jersey side. We opened officially as the New Jersey State Aquarium on February 29, 1992.” In September of 2004, the State Aquarium closed for expansion, and by the time it reopened in May 2005, it had almost doubled in size, and was renamed Adventure Aquarium. Current parent company, Herschend Family Entertainment, acquired Adventure Aquarium in November of 2007.

Since its opening, Adventure Aquarium has not only been a huge cornerstone of both Camden County and the city of Camden, but even the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey areas as well. “We really have the support from Camden and from the community to thank for that,” Patterson says. “We would be nothing without our community, and we really pride ourselves on supporting the community and being out in Camden and trying to make a difference, and trying to have a positive impact on the residents. Because without them, what would we be?”

More than 700,000 visitors enter the doors every year. A large majority of those visitors are families with children, many of them living within 50 miles of Camden or residing in the Philadelphia area. “We re-

ally are definitely open to all ages; I think there’s really something for everyone to find here,” Patterson says. “We like to say that ‘We bring families closer together,’ and that’s whatever family means to you. Of course, there’s the traditional definition of family, but our school groups can be families, or groups of friends can be families. We have couples that have started their relationship here by going on a first date, then getting engaged here and getting married here, and then they bring their kids. It’s really, really rewarding to see our guests who come here because they’re all so different from each other. But they can all find something, for sure.” Including business and corporate professionals, who utilize Adventure Aquarium for a unique team building experience. “Our Group Sales office is very, very busy,” says Patterson. “We love our groups here; they make up a big chunk of our visitor population. It really is very varied on who comes in the door. I think a lot of people think just of children and families and schools, but we really do welcome everyone.”

One reason Adventure Aquarium is so popular is what Patterson calls “marquee” animals. “We love our sharks here,” she says. “We have the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, and some of those sharks have been here from when we first opened. But our hippos, especially; we’re the only aquarium in the world that exhibits hippos. And something that’s really special about that exhibit is you see them underwater. When you go to zoos or safaris, you can see them in the water, but it’s not very often that you get that underwater view of them. We have two green sea turtles and a loggerhead sea turtle, and then our penguins are our next most popular exhibit. We have two different species of warm weather penguins; you can see our African penguins, and then we have our Australian little blue penguins which are the smallest species of penguins in the world.”

Adventure Aquarium is always looking to present different things, including live mermaids that have made appearances the past few years. They will return again by popular demand in 2023, and a special, still-being-discussed pumpkin themed series is planned for next autumn.

Adventure Aquarium is located at 1 Riverside Drive in Camden. Visit www.adventureaquarium.com for more information.

An Appetizer Worth the (Short) Wait

ppetizers are many people’s favorite part of a meal. From dips and finger foods to little treats and fried pieces of perfection, there is a wide array of considerations for a pre-meal snack.

Some appetizers are much more appropriate at certain events. For example, buffalo chicken wings are best enjoyed on game days, salads are normally served at showers and vegetable trays are a typical Thanksgiving Day classic.

However, there are recipes that are too easy to make and too satisfying not to serve at almost every festivity you and your family attend. This Easy Crab Rangoon shines above the rest for many reasons, but the main point of this heavenly sample is it’s easy to make and bake.

This appetizer is placed in the oven until it’s golden brown, topped with little green scallions with a creamy filling all packaged in a crispy outer layer.

Plus, the cream cheese is mixed with luscious amounts of crab meat. This is a seafood lover’s dream. Actually, it’s any appetizer lover’s dream.

To make this mouthwatering recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients and a few kitchen tools.

The little bites of perfection come out of

the oven steaming hot, waiting to be topped with more crunchy, fresh scallions. Once they have cooled for a few moments, they are ready to be devoured.

Find more appetizer recipes that are simple and made to impress at Culinary.net Easy Crab Rangoon

Servings: 12 Nonstick cooking spray 12 wonton wrappers 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 ounces lump crabmeat 1 scallion, sliced thin, green and white parts separated 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Heat oven to 350 F.

Spray muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Press wonton wrappers into muffin cups. Lightly spray wrappers with nonstick cooking spray and bake until lightly browned, 6-9 minutes. Let cool slightly.

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Combine with crabmeat, scallion whites, ginger and soy sauce. Fill each wonton wrapper with filling. Bake until filling is heated through, 6-8 minutes.

Sprinkle with scallion greens. Serve warm. (Culinary.net)

A Winning Recipe to Feed Game Day Fans

of gridiron

to full-blown feasts. Whether you’re a diehard fan, casual observer or just there for the game time grub, a full day of “homegating” requires flavorful eats to refuel the crowd.

One of the easiest ways to take your menu from benchwarmer to superstar status is to add foods from one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, Cacique, to your playbook. For example, flavor-packed, heaping Cheesy Chorizo Nachos can score a touchdown at your gathering, even among the pickiest of fans. When the game is on the line, call on this dish to keep your team satisfied from kickoff to the final whistle.

Made with crumbly, creamy, pleasantly milky queso fresco; authentic real cheese queso dip that’s ready in minutes; robust, spicy pork chorizo; fresh-tasting Crema Mexicana; and small-batch homestyle salsa, this shareable dish can feed a houseful of hungry fans. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a perfect solution for pregame baking so

it’s ready just before the coin toss.

To find more game day recipes, visit CaciqueInc.com

Cheesy Chorizo Nachos

1 package Cacique Pork Chorizo

1 package Cacique Queso Blanco Queso Dip

1 can (15 ounces) refried beans

2 tablespoons water, plus additional, if necessary

1 bag (12 ounces) tortilla chips

1 package Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco

1/2 cup Cacique Crema Mexicana

1 large jalapeno, sliced thin

2 radishes, sliced thin fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish guacamole, for serving

Cacique Mild Homestyle Salsa, for serving

In large nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium-low heat, cook pork chorizo, using spoon to break it up. Stir regularly until completely warmed through and deep brown, scraping crispy bits from bottom of pan.

Microwave queso dip 2-3 minutes until heated through.

In medium bowl, thin refried beans with

water. Beans should be thick but nearly pourable; add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary.

Heat oven to 350 F.

To assemble nachos, add half the tortilla chips to 13-by-9-inch rectangular baking dish. Use spoon to drizzle half the queso dip and half the refried beans evenly over chips, distributing as evenly as possible.

Sprinkle with half the crumbled queso fresco. Repeat with remaining chips, queso dip, beans and crumbled queso fresco. Bake 5-8 minutes until crumbled queso fresco softens and queso dip is creamy.

Remove from oven then drizzle with crema Mexicana and scatter pork chorizo over top. Garnish with sliced jalapenos, radishes and fresh cilantro. Serve with guacamole

Dinner in many households means foolproof recipes that families can count on, but those can become bland and boring. Finding new ways to put a twist on meals throughout the week adds fun to time spent in the kitchen while bringing new flavor to the table.

To help reinvigorate traditional weeknight dinners, chef Bobby Flay and Hidden Valley Ranch created the threepart Hidden Valley Ranch Night! series to debut dishes that bring bold flavor to traditional meals, such as these recipes for Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce and Ranch Seasoned Chicken and Mushroom Quesadillas with Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream. The series will provide a spin on weeknight staples to showcase the simplicity, versatility and zesty flavor of ranch seasoning when used to create family-friendly dinners any night of the week.

Find more information, including series episodes and additional recipes, at hiddenvalley.com/ranch-night.

Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce

Put a Zesty Spin on Weeknight Meals

Servings: 4

Avocado Ranch Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon well-shaken buttermilk 1/2 teaspoon Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning kosher salt freshly ground black pepper 3 green onions, thinly sliced 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced

Ranch Spice Crusted Burger: 1 1/2 tsps Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning 1 teaspoon paprika kosher salt freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80% lean) 2 tablespoons canola oil 8 slices American cheese 1/4cup water

4 brioche buns, split in half Avocado Ranch Sauce

To make avocado ranch sauce: In bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth. Fold in green onions and diced

avocados; set aside.

To make burgers: In small bowl, whisk ranch seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.

Heat large cast-iron pan or griddle over high heat. Divide meat into four 6-ounce patties and make deep depression in centers with thumb. Season each with spice rub on one side.

Add canola oil to pan and heat until shimmering. Place on burgers in pan, spice

side down, and cook until golden brown and lightly charred, 4 minutes. Turn burgers over and cook 4 minutes, or until they reach desired doneness.

Top each burger with two slices cheese. Add water to pan and cover tightly with lid 10 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.

Place burgers on bottom buns and top each with avocado ranch sauce and top buns.

Holidays Potentially Hazardous to Pets

Many pet parents do their best to ensure optimal health for their companion animals. Veterinary visits, exercise and diet play an integral role in pet health. Pet owners tend to be very selective when choosing commercial pet foods, but sometimes they’re less discerning when they offer scraps of their own food to pets.

It can be hard to resist the pleading eyes of a pet looking for a handout from the dinner table. While it is generally fine to offer a tidbit here and there, even small amounts of certain foods can cause illness or even death, and pet owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with foods that may be hazardous to pets.

Some foods people eat can be toxic or even lethal to pets. Avocado, for example, contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, according to the Gateway Animal Hospital. Birds and rodents are also sensitive to avocado poisoning.

Grapes and raisins are other seemingly healthy foods that can be harmful to pets. The toxin inside of these fruits is unknown, but grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Cyanide is present in the seeds/pits of plums, pears and peaches, making these fruits potentially hazardous as well.

The ASPCA lists coffee, caffeinated products and chocolate as dangerous for pets as well. These items contain substances called methylxanthines that, when ingested by companion animals, can cause vomiting, panting, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.

Baking chocolate is the most toxic kind of chocolate to dogs.

Foods and products artificially sweetened by xylitol will cause insulin release in many species, and this can lead to liver failure. Keep pets away from chewing gum, candy and toothpaste.

Common herbs like onions, chives and garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation and may lead to red blood cell damage. Cats are more susceptible than dogs to these foods, but each species can be affected negatively.

Dog owners have frequently offered animal bones as a treat. However, these bones may harbor bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Furthermore, bones can splinter while they are being chewed, potentially lodging in the esophagus or intestines of the pet.

The following are some additional human foods and beverages that should not be given to pets: alcoholic beverages, apple seeds, hops, macadamia nuts, moldy foods, mushrooms, potato leaves and stems, salt, tea, tomato leaves and stems, yeast dough and walnuts.

Dr. Matthew Krupnick is the owner of the Pequannock Animal Hospital. He grew up in Kinnelon and is happy to be home –with his wife, three cats, and two dogs – to provide quality and compassionate care for pets in the community. The Pequannock Animal Hospital is located at 591 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. You can reach the hospital by calling 973-6160400.

Lower This Year’s Tax Obligation Actions to Take Now!

As part of your planning for next year, now is the time to review funding your retirement accounts in 2023. Recent cost of living calculations means much higher contribution limits for next year. Plus the higher income phaseouts for eligibility will make many more taxpayers eligible for fully-deductible contributions. So plan now to take full advantage of this tax benefit. Here are annual contribution limits for the more popular programs: How to use

Identify the the type(s) of retirement savings plans that you currently use.

Note the annual savings limits of the plan to adjust your savings to take full advantage of the annual contributions. Remember, a missed year is a missed opportunity that does not come back.

If you are 50 years or older, add the catch-up amount to your potential savings total.

Take note of the income limits within each plan type.

For traditional IRA’s, if your income is below the noted threshold, your taxable income is reduced by your contributions. The deductibility of your contributions is also

limited if your spouse has access to a plan. In the case of Roth IRAs, the income limits restrict who can participate in the plan. Other ideasIf you have not already done so, also consider:

Setting up new accounts for a spouse or dependent(s)

Using this time as a chance to review the status of your retirement plan including beneficiaries

Reviewing contributions to other tax-advantaged plans like Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care) and prepaid medical savings plans like Health Savings Accounts.

Shah & Sokoloff , CPA’s, is a year round full service CPA firm providing a wide range of Accounting and Tax services to both Small Business and Individual Clients. We are QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisors and provide new business set up, training and support. Our office is located at 166 Main St. Lincoln Park, NJ 07035. Our website is www.cpanewjersey.com and email is rps@ cpanewjersey.com. To contact us by phone please call 973-633-1001.

The Story of Chanukah

Chanukah and in Israel and in many places around the world Jews are lighting candles in their window as night falls. They’re adding a little light to the world and reminding everyone of the miracles that happened to their ancestors so long ago.

Over two thousand years ago, the Jews of Israel were ruled by the Greek conquerors of Syria. Antiochus, the Greek king, wanted all of his subjects to live like Greeks so he made laws prohibiting Jews to practice their religion by forbidding the study of the Torah or keeping the mitz vot. The Jews revolted and had a whole army fighting the Greeks. After many long years, the Jews finally threw the Greek army out of the country. The first thing they did as soon as they conquered Jerusalem was to rededicate their Temple (Chanukah means “dedication”.) When they tried to light the menorah, all they could find was enough oil to last them for one day. To make more oil would have taken at least a week – eight days more likely. A miracle happened and the little jar of oil burned for eight days.

Ever since then, Jews have celebrated the victory over the Greeks during the holiday of Chanukah. On the first night we light one candle, on the second night we light two candles, and so on. By the eighth night we have eight can dles burning brightly, reminding us of the eight days that the oil burned in the Temple and of the Jewish struggle against oppression.

“Pirsumei nisa” or publicizing the miracle is a very important custom on Chanukah. We light the candles in a window or by a door facing the street so that everyone

passing by will see them and remember the miracles that happened. The special menorah we use on Chanukah is called a “chanukiah” in Hebrew. It has places for eight candles and an extra place for the “shamash” – the can dle we use to light all the other candles.

There’s an old custom of giving children gifts of coins on Chanukah. Sometimes the coins are real and sometimes they are made of chocolate (gelt.) Since the miracle of Chanukah happened through a jar of oil, one way to remember the miracle is to eat foods cooked in oil during Chanukah. “Latkes,” or potato pancakes fried to a crispy, golden brown are one popular Chanukah food. “Sufganiyot” or jelly donuts are another as they are also fried in oil.

“Dreidels” are a favorite toy on Chanukah. They are four-sided tops with Hebrew letters painted or carved on the sides. The letters – nun, gimel, heh, and shin stand for the Hebrew words: “Nes gadol hayah sham” (A great miracle happened there.) One way to play dreidel is to spin it for money. Everyone puts a coin or gelt in the pot, then they spin the dreidel to see who wins: nun means nothing – you don’t have to put in another coin and you don’t get anything; gimel means you get everything in the pot; heh means you get half of what is in the pot; and shin means you have to put one into the pot. In Israel, a dreidel is called a “sevivon.” The sevivon has a “peh” instead of a shin on one side, so that the letters stand for “Nes gadol hayah poh” (A great miracle happened here.) Happy Chanukah!

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