Hackettstown April 2022 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

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TAURUS GRI RESTAURANT

No. 18 Vol. 4

My Life Publications • 1-800-691-7549

April 2022

127 B Main Street Hackettstown • (908) 813-8570

Hackettstown Boys Basketball Wins Its First Ever H/W/S County Title

By Steve Sears or Hackettstown Tigers Head Basketball coach, Michael McDonagh, the third time is a charm. In his third attempt for a Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex County Tournament championship, his club eked out a 58 - 55 overtime win over Walkill Valley. Tourney MVP, Ethan Almeida, scored 22 points for the Tigers, and Darien Santos had 17. The win is a sweet one, especially after McDonagh and the Tigers themselves had suffered an OT loss two years ago in the title contest against Hunterdon Central, 55 - 48. “No small school has ever won the county tournament, ever,” McDonagh states. “We played Hunterdon Central two years ago when I had a really special team. We played the county finals at Centenary (University) and my best player tore his ACL the game before that. He plays in the championship game, and he’s an 87% free throw shooter, and went to the free throw line with one second left and we’re down one. He makes the first one, and I said, “Wow! We are a free throw away from a county title.’ The second one rimmed in and out, and we go to overtime. My secondbest player fouls out, we take some bad shots, and we lose.” The Tigers this season started out 9 – 0, and were seeded #1 early in the county tournament rankings. However, in their next 12 games, they went 6 – 6. “We started struggling,” McDonagh says. “There was no connection on the court. There was no muster, and so then the county tournament starts, and I said to myself, ‘I’ve just got to get them back on track.’” After a double bye due to their #1 seed, the Tigers faced Warren Hills first and won, and then came toe-to-toe with their old nemesis, Hunterdon Central. “We played so well. It was a great team win from everyone,” McDonagh says of the 53 – 45 semifinal win. The OT loss of two years ago was certainly on his mind. “You don’t ever want to see that happen again. They’re such a good team, it doesn’t

Hackettstown players and coaches pose for a photo after the Tigers defeated Wallkill Valley in overtime of the Hunterdon/Warren/ Sussex Boys Basketball Final at Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ on Feb. 26, 2022. Photo credit Nick Scalera.

matter their record. They’re very good, but we played very well. We locked down their two best players and somehow, someway, we scrapped to a victory.” Hackettstown had defeated Walkill Valley - their opponent to decide the H/W/S tournament championship - twice during the regular season by 18 and 8 points respectively. The title game was held again at Centenary University, and a full Hackettstown crowd was in the house to root the Tigers to victory. For McDonagh, who just completed his 12th season at the helm, this may be the happiest he’s ever been. He takes time to reflect. “Am I happy? Absolutely. I’ll tell you why.

I live up in this beautiful town. I love it up here. And the success that I’ve been able to do with all different teams over the years, and the friendships made. When we won that county title, there must have been about 15 players from over the last four years that stopped into that game that helped build this foundation. I’m very happy and content.” Hackettstown Tigers basketball games are also a family event. “My kids go to the games,” McDonagh says happily. “They love sitting with their dad on the bench. It’s pretty cool when you incorporate your family with what you love to do as well.”

full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg

• Page Smile Makeovers 2 • April 2022 • Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com General & Cosmetic Dentistry • Sedation Dentistry 5 Things to Know Before Getting Dental Implants

Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Serv dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-t

Phase, and a Restorative Phase. In the implants, and has a whole section of his you have better places to be. At times it is first phase, a dentist will perform surgical office dedicated to implant treatment. He possible to speed up implant treatments, procedures: extractions, grafting, and / or has many pieces of equipment to make your but it’s not always in your best interest. implant placement. In the second phase, treatment smooth, efficient, comfortable, Implants have a very high success rate. But the implant will be restored with a crown, and accurate. the more you push the envelope, meaning denture, or some other prosthesis. Some Have you explored other options? the faster you rush the process, the greater Dental implants may not be your only the chances of having problems and dentists will only do the first, some will do only the second, and some will do both. If option to correct a problem. Root canals complications. Sometimes slower is better. you work with an office that does only one with crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and Again, your implant dentist will be able to of these two phases, you will have to bounce complete dentures are common alternatives. guide you accordingly. between offices. This can lead to a lack of Be sure your dentist has provided you with Do you have questions? Visit Dr. proper communication during the process, options for your particular situation. Goldberg’s website, or contact us for a free or finger-pointing if there are problems Cost of dental implants: don’t compare to consultation. afterwards. Are you OK with this? At Morris what your friend had done! Not all dentalbe implants will be priced County Dental Associates, we perform all the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has Cannot combined withtheotherAbout discounts phases of implant treatment under one roof, same: there are many variables. Do you need been performing implant procedures for 27 Referan to New Patient Specials on ouryears. website details extraction? Do you need grafting? What so you do not have to contend with these He is afor Diplomate of the American kind of grafting do you need? Can stock Board of Oral Implantology / Implant issues. Coupon must be presented, & mentioned at time of scheduling Do Your Homework. Selected a skilled parts be used, or are custom ones required? Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International For all of these (and more) reasons, trying Congress of Oral Implantologists,3/5/6 doctor or office. and a Expires 2/28/22 Any dentist can place and/or restore to provide someone with an estimate is Fellow of the American Academy of Implant implants. They do not have to have any impossible without a physical evaluation and Dentistry. He performs all phases of implant Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his websi specific training. But what experience level discussion. Furthermore, be careful when dentistry at his office in Succasunna, does the dentist have? Or if you are seeing comparing costs with friends: what they had NJ. He lectures to dentists in the field of multiple doctors or offices (see #1 above), done is likely to be different than what you implantology. For a free consultation, are they coordinated so that your experience need. Therefore, it is safe to assume your including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please is smooth and enjoyable? Dr. Goldberg cost will be different than theirs. call his office at (973) 328-1225 or visit his performs all phases of implant dentistry Don’t rush things. website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com Everyone wants things done yesterday. Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist, and also a in one location, and has been doing so for 27 years. He teaches other dentists about Faster, faster, faster. Time is short, and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

New Patient Special

$149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films Regularly $362.00

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI When a person is missing one or more teeth, dental implants can be an excellent method to replace them. Here are some things to consider when evaluating your options. Will there be one or more offices treating you, and are you OK with that? There are two phases of treatment when it comes to dental implants. A Surgical

Morris County Dental Associates,LLC Experience, Compassion & Quality • • • • • • • • • •

Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentistry Porcelain Veneers Family Dentistry Invisalign Dentures Teeth Whitening Crowns and Bridges Smile Makeovers Sedation Dentistry

15 Commerce Boulevard, Suite 201 • Roxbury Mall (Route 10 East) Succasunna, NJ 07876

(973) 328-1225 • www.MorrisCountyDentist.com

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

General & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.

New Patient Special $149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

New Patient Special FREE Implant, Cosmetic, or

Regularly $362.00

General Dentistry Consultation

Cannot be combined with other discounts Refer to New Patient Specials on our website for details Coupon must be presented, & mentioned at time of scheduling Expires 5/31/22

Cannot be combined with other discounts Limited to 50 minutes Expires 5/31/22

Regularly $125.00 4

Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his website for a complete listing. Dental implants are not a recognized dental specialty.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • April 2022 • Page 3

Page 4 • April 2022 • Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Berk’s Furniture & Mattress Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary and Unveils New Outlet

By Steve Sears ackettstown’s Berk’s Furniture & Mattress on January 15th unveiled a new, additional location at Main Street. “We were just in an expansion stage and, realizing we only have so much space here, we have a whole demographic of clientele that we’d like to be able to offer all different prices to and all different styles to,” says Amy Berkowitz, third generation and coowner of Berks Furniture & Mattress with her brother, Justin. “We just didn’t have the space to do it here. So, when (the location of) Old Home Town Hardware became available, we jumped on it to be able to offer an outlet to have some lower priced, all in-stock goods available for immediate delivery.” “I think we’re all still in the COVID challenge right now as an industry,” Berkowitz says, who also states that Berk’s changed their entire business model due to the pandemic. “That’s another reason we needed more space, we’re stocking everything. So basically, everything that we show in the main store on Mountain Avenue and the outlet is stocked for immediate delivery. We still are special ordering, and that’s still available for customers, and

we’re actually stocking our special-order furniture, believe it or not, because of the quality. You can’t really find that in readily available furniture, but it’s still able to be special ordered.” The new outlet is 15,000 square feet, and the Mountain Avenue store is 18,000 square feet. “We are independent business owners that are growing, and we’re committed to Hackettstown and are committed to growing within Hackettstown,” Berkowitz affirms. “We have tons of furniture in stock for immediate delivery, and now with a second location, we’re able to provide all different prices and all different styles to suit everyone’s needs.” Clients have followed the Berkowitz family for over half a century. Berkowitz’s grandfather had a store in Washington which he started in the 1930’s, and her dad, uncle, and cousin owned the Hackettstown Trading Post that was afterwards on Main Street for 53 years. The outlet store is a return to Main Street. “There’s always planning, and we’re always talking about the chance of expansion further, but we’re really happy with having two stores in Hackettstown and being able to still be present in them,” Berkowitz says. “One of us (her or Justin) is always here. We’re

always on the floor. We’re happy to work with customers and see them, and it’s a great thing.” They key to the Berk’s Furniture & Mattress success is reliability. “What we really try to do is do the best possible job that we can do within our operations,” Berkowitz confirms. “Our customer service is great, our delivery is all in house, and we

own our own trucks, so our delivery team works for us directly so we can make sure that everything runs smooth.” Berk’s Furniture & Mattress is located at 320 Mountain Avenue, and the Berk’s Furniture & Mattress Outlet is at 232 Main Street, both in Hackettstown. Call (908) 2698725 or visit www.berksfurnituremattress. com.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • April 2022 • Page 5

Not All Headaches are Created Equal

lmost 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 enhances 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 973-527-7978.

Used Book Sale at Hackettstown Library

sed book sale at Hackettstown Public Library, 110 Church St, sponsored by the Friends. The sale will take place Thurs April 28, 9 to 8, Fri April 29, 9

to 5. Sat April 30 will be B.O.G.O. Day, 9 to noon. Great variety of genres, also games, puzzles, audiobooks. For more information, visit www.hackettstownlibrary.org.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

Your beautiful smile, starts here.

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Centenary University Professor Wins Book Award

By Steve Sears eith Morgen, Ph.D., LPC, ACS, an Associate Professor of Counseling and Director of the Graduate Counseling Programs at Centenary University, was recently recognized along with co-author, Tina Maschi, Ph.D., of Fordham University, by the Society for Social Work and Research, for their book, Aging Behind Prison Walls: Studies in Trauma and Resilience. The book was published in 2020 by Columbia University Press, and the duo received an email regarding the recognition in December 2021, and the award was presented at the organization’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., in January. “The book was the culmination of over a decade’s worth of our research together, where over those prior 10 years we had done numerous articles and conference presentations, all addressing the ever growing issue of older adults in prison, primarily non violent, older adults and their mental health, addiction, medical and psychosocial needs,” Dr. Morgen says. “You have so many non-violent, older adults in prison who aren’t getting the care that they need who, when they’re released from prison, after having served their time, aren’t given the psychosocial support they

need to be able to effectively live after prison either.” Courtesy of a Centenary University press release, a crisis is brewing in the American prison system: Today in the United States, more than 200,000 people over age 50 are languishing in prisons, with projections estimating that older adults will account for one-third of the prison population by 2030. In their book, the authors offer concrete proposals at the community and national policy levels for addressing the pressing issue of incarcerated older adults. Meticulously researched, the book presents a compassionate analysis of the lives of elders in prison. Drs. Morgen and Maschi explore the coping strategies used by incarcerated aging adults to create meaning in their lives. Dr. Morgen adds, “The book addresses the very critical issue of non violent older adults in prison who require mental health, addiction, medical or psychosocial care. The book addresses the issue, why it’s an issue, and we offer some relatively pragmatic recommendations of what we can start to do to remedy the issue. We don’t say, ‘Here’s how to solve it.’ We propose ways to start the process to working towards one day how to solve it.”

Dr. Morgen, who also authored the book, Substance Use Disorders and Addictions, which was published by SAGE Publications in 2016, is the former President of the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors (IAAOC), and serves currently on the NAADAC (the Association for Addiction Professionals) older adult practice standards committee.

Dr. Morgen, who has been with Centenary University since 2008, is also currently working on other books he hopes to release within the next few years. Aging Behind Prison Walls: Studies in Trauma and Resilience is available on the Columbia University Press website, and online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Photo courtesy of Centenary University.

Erica Tattersall

142 Main Street Chester, NJ 07930 Cell: 908-914-7944 Office: 908-879-7010 etattersall@weichert.com www.ericatattersall.com

Weichert Realtors Broker-Sales Person, GRI, SFR Weichert Chairman of the Board Club 2020-21 (Top 1% of Weichert Realtors) NJAR Circle of Excellence 2020-21 Platinum, 2016-19 Gold, 2013-2015 Silver, 2011-12 Bronze ST JU TED LIS

28 Bowers Drive Allamuchy Twp List Price $599,900

R DE CT UN TRA N O C

68 Canada Goose Dr Allamuchy Twp List Price $589,900

R DE CT UN TRA N O C

96 Bald Eagle Rd Allamuchy Twp List Price $539,900

Professional pictures will be added Wed 3/30/222. Colonial with four floors of living totaling 3000 plus sf of living space!! Amazing mountain views!! Spacious kitchen features granite counters, maple cabinetry, and ceramic tile floors. Breakfast area w/sliders to a large 2 tiered deck with scenic views. LR off of kitchen with a gas fireplace. Wood floors through first level up through large main hall on second floor. Master bedroom with vaulted ceilings and 2 large walk in closets. Walk in closets in 2 of 3 other bedrooms. Third level has a finished walk up bonus room great for an office or extra bedroom with beautiful built in book shelves and great natural light. Finished basement with kitchenette, featuring granite counters and tons of cabinet space, and a full bathroom....great for entertaining. Sliders off finished basement walk out to a lower deck with great views and awning.

Where to begin? This home shows like a model. Stunning four bedroom, two and one half bath colonial, situated in picturesque Panther Valley; is a must see. From your Stone front entrance to your beautifully private backyard this house has it all. Designer gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite counters, tile backsplash, recessed lighting, center island with breakfast bar, and top-of-the-line stainless appliances including Subzero refrigerator, Wolf range and oven, instant H2O, and wine refrigerator. Main level with beautiful hardwood floors. Kitchen opens into two-story family room with wall of windows and tons of natural light. Family room offers gas fireplace and private views. Work from home? No problem! Main floor offers an office! Laundry conveniently located on main floor. Primary bedroom with sitting room and two large walk-in closets. Primary bathroom offers double sink with granite counters and soaking tub as well as walk in shower. Spacious bedrooms with lots of closet space. Home offers one of the best yards in Panther Valley. Situated on corner lot at the end of cul-desac this yard offers tons of privacy. Double deck with gas line for grilling great for gatherings. Guest bathroom remodeled with double sink and granite counters. Entertain in your basement with bar and separate game room. 360 virtual tour available.

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 half bath contemporary colonial with tons of natural light. Follow exquisite slate walkway to welcoming open porch great to enjoy your morning coffee. Gourmet designer kitchen completely remodeled in 2011 w granite counters, ceramic tile floors, cherry wood cabinets, under cabinet lighting, tile backsplash, center island, wet bar, large walk in pantry, recessed lighting, and stainless steel appliances. HWF throughout. Sunroom w private wooded views and French doors leading to slate patio great for entertaining. Cedar plank siding freshly stained and all exterior doors and trim freshly painted. Spacious living room w stone surround wood burning fireplace. Dining room, w picture window, offers great natural light. Charming pocket doors to kitchen and dining room. Generous sized bedrooms w lots of closet space. Media room is wired for surround sound and features built in book shelves and tons of closets and storage space. Bathrooms updated w Corian counters and wood cabinetry. Primary bathroom with jetted tub. Primary bedroom w walk in closet, second closet, and ceiling fan. Professionally landscaped low maintenance yard. New gutters, alarm system, and water softener. 360 virtual tour available.

ST JU TED LIS

R DE CT UN TRA N O C

71 Goodwin Terrace Westwood List Price $950,000

This magnificent Dutch colonial revival home located in the sought-after Goodwin Park section of Westwood is not to be missed. Stunning architectural detail throughout including family room and sunroom additions. Kitchen with Beautiful maple cabinets, open design, breakfast bar as well as separate breakfast area, recessed lighting, and intricate design details. Tall windows in kitchen flow through Family room addition. Family room addition, great for gatherings, features crown and tall baseboard moldings, custom built ins, hardwood floors and brick surround wood-burning fireplace. Dining room with hardwood floors, detailed moldings and built-ins. Open foyer off dining room leads to spacious living room with two-sided fireplace. Enjoy your morning coffee in your screened porch located off living room. Step to the second side of your living room fireplace and find an amazing sunroom addition with tall windows, built-in bookshelves, recessed lighting and hardwood floors. Spacious master bedroom with two closets and remodeled master bathroom. Second bedroom with additional sitting room features gas fireplace. Updated guest bathroom. Walk up attic finished great for office or playroom. Finished basement with half bath, laundry and tons of storage. Two car detached garage and beautiful brick patio to enjoy outdoor barbecues. Whole house generator. Beautiful lot.

300 Washington St Hackettstown List Price $419,000

Charming three bedroom one and one half bathroom colonial built in 1850. Enjoy summer days on your lemonade porch or stroll into town for one of the many great restaurants and shops. Light and airy with high ceilings, large rooms, and tall windows this home is sure to welcome you. Beautiful kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, stylish white cabinets, recessed lighting and redwood hardwood floors. Enjoy wonderful dinner parties in your spacious dining room with hardwood floors and tons of natural light. Living room features hardwood floors and 6 inch baseboard molding. Enjoy chilly nights with your wood-burning fireplace featuring brick and wood surround. Dual stair cases from main floor to second floor. Basement currently used as crafting room and offers walk out great for storage.Spacious bedrooms with high ceilings and plush carpeting. Walk up attic. One car oversize garage. Public water, public sewer and natural gas. Close to Centenary performing arts theater! 360 virtual tour available.

815 Rockport Road Mansfield Twp List Price $450,000

Immaculate four bedroom, two and one half bathroom colonial on picturesque property. Professionally landscaped w beautiful paver walkways. Custom kitchen w Thomasville cherry cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances (features double oven), recessed lighting, tile backsplash and slate floors. Kitchen breakfast area features large bay window with bump out sitting area. Family room with brick surround wood burning fireplace and sliders to three season room with wall of window and stunning views of nature. Sliders off three season room lead to large deck with tons of privacy. Hardwood floors in dining, family, and living rooms. Living room with beautiful views great for gatherings. Spacious primary bedroom with walk in closet and ceiling fan; full bath with shower and upgraded vanity. Laundry conveniently located on first floor. Updated main bathroom with double sink, Corian counters, and new fixtures. Basement with French Drain great for storage or workshop or potentially finish. Oversized two car garage with additional loft storage.

ST JU OLD S

207 Park Avenue Hackettstown Sale Price $236,000

Charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom cape home on level lot. Kitchen with white cabinets and tons of storage. Dining room with Hardwood floors. Living room spacious with great natural light. Large deck to enjoy meals. Bedrooms with tons of closet space. Close to town with tons of restaurants, shopping and Centenary Stage Theater Company.

ST JU OLD S

9 Locust Court Allamuchy Twp Sale Price $590,000

Stunning four bedroom, two and one half bathroom colonial situated on very desirable cul-de-sac corner lot. Eat in kitchen features granite, custom white cabinets, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances (including double wall ovens!!), stone backsplash, center island, and pantry. LED lighting and many USB ports throughout. Gleaming hardwood floors main level. Two story foyer with open floor plan. Living room features gas fireplace with stylish tile surround and mountain views. Dining room with mountain view, butlers pantry, chair and lighted crown molding. Primary bedroom offers two walk in closets and recessed lighting. Primary bath features double sink, granite counters, tile surround soaking tub, & glass enclosed stall shower with stunning tile surround. Guest bath with granite counters and tile surround tub/shower. Finished basement with workout and family area. Garage finished with epoxy floors. Stunning landscaping, 7 car driveway, and Ring door and flood cameras.

Want to know what your house is worth in today’s market? Visit my website: www.ericatattersall.com for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • April 2022 • Page 7

PROVEN RESULTS AND CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP FOR MORRIS COUNTY

Tom Mastrangelo

Proven Conservative with a Successful record of fighting for us! KEEPING YOUR TAXES LOW Six 0% tax increases under Tom Mastrangelo’s Leadership!

REDUCING COUNTY DEBT Reduced county debt and saved taxpayers millions in debt payments.

PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES

Continue to support law enforcement, hold violent and repeat offenders accountable.

OPPOSE SANCTUARY CITIES

OPPOSE sanctuary cities and taxpayer subsidized tuition for illegals.

PRESERVE OPEN SPACE

Ensuring our open space, farmland, beautiful park system and trails, PGA rated Golf courses and fields for youth and adult sports remain for generations to come.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Elect Republican

TOM MASTRANGELO Tuesday, June 7 www.TeamMorris2022.com

Paid for by Tom Mastrangelo for County Commissioner. Tina Boyer, Treasurer

Page 8 • April 2022 • Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

I Remember Mom: The Cross Road

By Richard Mabey Jr. n the midst of the cold winds of January of 1984, I found myself fighting a sore throat that led to a strep throat. And, sadly, the strep throat led to my second bout of Rheumatic Fever. And at the age of 30, the fate that had called me to fight the deadly strep infection at 12, had rebounded and gnarled itself to the inner chambers and valves of my heart. It was a year-long battle with two long-stay hospital visits. But, I came out of it with a greater inner strength and a furious determination to leave my mark upon the world. It was in the Spring of 1985, that I landed a writing job at a big daily newspaper. I wrote engagement notices, wedding announcements, obituaries, scout news, church news, and news of various non-profit organizations. By the Summer of 1986, I was worn, weary, and feeling that my wheels were just spinning in sand, going nowhere. And, to top it all off, I had a boss who was anything but kind. In all honesty, she was a bit of a heartless tyrant. I was frayed, my inner self was torn, I lived on Pepto-Bismal tablets. The unrealistic deadlines, the long hours, the harsh voice of my boss, was taking a toll on me. And, as if that wasn’t enough, my girlfriend at the time, was insistent that I leave the comfort and warmth of the little Reformed Church that I grew up in, to take classes to become a Catholic. And, Anna’s parents were putting the pressure on me, to the nth degree. I have no conflict with the Catholic faith. But, I do have a problem with being pressured to do anything, just to please someone else. It wasn’t so much that Anna was a devoted Catholic, rather it was that her father had given me the ultimatum to convert to being a Catholic. I felt such inner turmoil. Sadly, Anna gave in to her father’s dislike of me and broke up with me. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, my boss was becoming meaner and meaner with the passing of each and every day. I felt like I was holding onto the end of a rope, at a cliff ’s edge, and the rope I was clinging to was rapidly fraying. A thousand and one times my mom, Janet Kemmerer Mabey, encouraged me to start my own newspaper, a small-town weekly. I was filled with self doubts. I didn’t have all that much money in my savings account. And, a certain fear and insecurity was clinging to the core of my inner self. But, Mom would not give up on me. She wouldn’t let me give into my inner fears and insecurities. Mom continually told me that I had the right stuff, the fortitude, the dedication, the intelligence, and the deep drive to start my own small-town weekly newspaper. But, I still doubted my abilities. Finally, Mom told me to pray about it. It was about a week before Thanksgiving Day, of 1986, that the good Lord had the

hammer fall upon me and awaken me to the fact that I needed to leave that big daily newspaper and step out on my own. It was a Monday morning. I remember it all so well. It was just before lunch time. My boss came over to my cubicle and just ripped and tore me apart, for not having met a most unrealistic writing deadline. I was overwhelmed with little articles to write about engagement notices, wedding announcements, and events of non-profit organizations. High noon came. Lunch break. I remember going out to my car to eat my lunch. I had always brought a bag lunch to work. Once inside my care, the tears flowed down my cheeks like Niagara Falls. I knew I couldn’t take much more of it all. The shadow of Anna haunted me. The pain of losing her love, the mean-spirited shouting of my boss, it all had taken a toll on me. There in my car, eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I took the time to earnestly pray. Mom was right. I needed to pray about it all. Somehow and someway, I got the courage to type up my resignation that very afternoon. At the end of the day, I gave my official two-weeks’ notice to my boss. At that moment in time, it was like a big, heavy, anchor was lifted from my heart. By early 1987, I began publishing the Lincoln Park Journal weekly newspaper. My dear mother was a constant source of encouragement to me. A new dawn was rising in my life. A new chapter of my life had begun. If it were not for the encouragement of my beloved mother, I would have never found the courage to leave the big daily paper and take the bold step to start my own small-town weekly newspaper. Encouragement is one of the single most precious gifts that a parent can give to their child. Encouragement holds a greater value than silver or gold. For it can be the seed upon which the great tree of success springs forth. Please, never underestimate the positive power of encouragement. The result of encouragement knows no limitations, no bounds, no walls. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: I Remember Mom.

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Centenary University Marches in 2022 Hackettstown Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

entenary University participated in the Hackettstown St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 13. Pictured are Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., on a float depicting the

University’s Edward W. Seay Administration Building; Centenary University First Lady Jeanne Murphy riding in a classic car; and the Centenary University Cyclone with students preparing to march in the parade.

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The History Behind April Fool’s Day

By Henry M. Holden can your favorite newspaper or news website this April 1, and chances are you will see some headlines that look doubtful. Read further, and you will find that some of those stories are complete hoaxes, because it’s April Fools’ Day. There have been several April Fool’s Day pranks that have caught the public’s eye through the years. One famous prank became known as The Great Spaghetti Harvest. In 1957, a BBC broadcaster announced that Switzerland had a heavy spaghetti crop for the year and even showed footage of people harvesting spaghetti off trees. At the time, spaghetti was relatively unknown in the UK. Several viewers afterwards contacted the BBC for advice on growing their own spaghetti trees. CNN called this broadcast “the biggest hoax that any reputable news establishment ever pulled.” But where do we get the strange custom of playing pranks on April 1? Well, nobody knows for sure. All we know is that the custom was known in Renaissance Europe but has roots much older than that. Traditional theory places the origin of April Fools Day in the Roman Empire and dates it to the reign of Emperor Constantine. According to the story, a group of court jesters convinced Constantine to make one of them “king for a day.” Constantine obliged, and made one king for a day. He decreed that it would be a day of cheerfulness, and thus created what came April Fools Day. The only problem with that story was it was a hoax. It

was an April Fools Day prank, pulled by Boston University professor Joseph Boskin, on Associated Press reporter Fred Bayles, in 1983. Bayles reported the story, and the AP ran it, only to retract it days later. There is a good lesson here: Do not take as fact everything you read about April Fools Day. (But no worries, you can totally trust me!) Many think the idea of April Fools Day goes back to Roman times, when a joyful festival called Hilaria, originally probably a spring equinox celebration, came to be celebrated on March 25. In Roman terms, March 25 was “the eighth of the Calends of April,” which associates the festival strongly with April 1, the Calends of April. However, there is no hard evidence to connect Hilaria with April Fools Day, so this is just another speculation by curious people. People have hypothesized about the origins of this holiday, suggesting that it was part of the Roman Saturnalia, a Druid rite in Britain, with a carnival-like medieval celebration of the Feast of Fools. But despite attempts to establish an earlier origin for the day, clear references to a tradition of fooling in April do not begin until the late Middle Ages. It is possible that there is a glimpse of April Fools Day in Chaucer’s “Nun’s Priest’s Tale” (ca. 1390), which shows the rooster being fooled by, and in turn fooling, a fox. This occurs “Syn March bigan, thritty dayes and two,” or 32 days after March began, i.e., April 1. This would be an early, clear reference to the date, but scholars think the word “bigan” is a scribal error, and that the intended date continued on page 11

A Laughing Fool. Netherlandish oil painting (possibly Jacob Cornelisz. van Oostsanen) ca. 1500. (LoC Public Domain Image.)

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History Behind April Fool’s Day... continued from page 10 was May 2, thirty-two days after March was over. Even if this is true, the existence of such a scribal error could suggest that medieval scribes expected hoaxes to occur on April 1. But still, this does not qualify as hard evidence of an April Fools custom. In France, “poisson d’avril,” or “April fish,” is the name for a person duped on April Fools Day. The first reference to “poisson d’avril” is from a 1508 poem by Eloy D’Amerval called Le Livre de la Diablerie, or The Book of Deviltry. However, from the context we can’t be sure if the author was referring to April 1 or to fools in general. The idea of the “April fish” seems to be the fact that fish were plentiful and hungry in the spring, and easy to catch. An “April fish” was more gullible than a fish at other times of the year. Thus, a mere reference to an “April fish” does not itself prove there was a holiday on April 1. Some sources, such as Charles Panati’s Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things, cite another 16th-century French origin: 1564, when the celebration of the New Year officially moved to January 1 by Charles IX’s Edict of Roussillon. According to Panati, the New Year had the celebration

on March 25 because of the arrival of spring, with a week-long observance ending on April 1. Panati further claims: “Frenchmen who resisted the change, and others who forgot about it, continued partying and exchanging gifts during the week ending April 1.” The real history of New Year’s observances in France is more complex, with different regions celebrating at various times. As early as 1507, books printed in France indicated that people were beginning the year on January 1. Besides, Panati does not provide any concrete evidence of any of his claims in the form of modern-day accounts or surviving invitations–not even for the claim of a week-long celebration, which is necessary to involve April 1 in the New Year change. In all, we will have to consider his story to be real, or a hoax on all of us. The first certain reference to April Fools Day comes from a 1561 Flemish poem by Eduard De Dene. In the poem, a noble person sends his servant on crazy, fruitless errands. The servant recognizes that he is running on “fool’s errands” because it is April 1.

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An April Story

By Richard Mabey Jr. hat spiritual connections lie dormant between man and beast? What lost communication, from a bygone era, still remains intact deep within the inner fiber of both man and beast? Could it be that we are guided and molded by forces so innately natural, that they gently call to the deepest core of our subconscious minds? Could it be that in early April, the calling of the majestic buck deer graced the inner fiber of a 13-year-old boy, marking him with a calling that remained fixed in the deepest chambers of his heart? My grandfather, Watson Mabey, often told the story of the great, glorious, majestic buck deer that walked the woods at the end of Mabey Lane. Grandpa also had told me that the great buck could also be seen, from time to time, walking the path of the old Morris Canal. Grandpa had worked the canal, from his youth, and eventually became the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East. My sister Patti, my cousins and I would often sit at the feet of Grandpa Mabey, as he sat upon his chair in the living room of the old Mabey Homestead. Grandpa was a most wonderful and enchanting story teller. He often told the family legends of the majestic buck deer. Grandpa always ended every tale about the magnificent deer, by telling us that whoever looked into the eyes of the majestic buck would be marked for a special calling for the rest of their life. In early April of 1967, I was in the eighth grade, 13 years old, and I decided to take a walk down the forest path to the old Morris Canal, all by myself. It was a sunny, Saturday morning. The wild flowers were blooming along the forest path, that began at the end of Mabey Lane. I had no idea that magical morning, that my life was about to change forever. As I walked the forest path, squirrels scurried about,

jumping from tree limb to limb. Birds sang and chirped melodies to shame even the world’s greatest musical composers. Thistle stalks abounded between the maple, the oak and the elm. There was a certain peace that filled the air in those magical wooded acres. As I walked down the wooded path, I could not believe my eyes. There to the right of the narrow forest path, proudly stood the majestic buck. It was a most surreal moment in time, it all seemed like a dream. Slowly and steadfastly, the old, tall buck came walking toward me. It was as frightening as any horror film I had ever seen at the old State Theater in the nearby town of Boonton. The antlers of the powerful deer seemed to reach out three or four feet from the majestic buck’s skull. As the deer came ever so close to me, I shuttered. I stood my ground. It was not so much that I was being brave and fearless, it was actually quite the opposite. I remember being so taken and overcome with fear that my legs would not move an inch. You read about such moments in time, you dream about such moments in time, but this was a moment that was all so real, as frightening as it was. My heart began beating like a big bass drum. Sweat filled the crevices of my hands, like little pools of water that clung to my palms. The carotid sinuses in my neck pounded in a fast-paced rhythm. As the deer, ever so slowly, ascended closer to me, I remembered the very words of Grandpa Mabey. The Great Majestic Buck was the central character of a family legend. It was at least a dozen times that Grandpa told me the legend of the Great Majestic Buck. The Mabey legend was that whoever looked the stately deer in the eye, directly in the eye, was a marked man. That from that point continued on page 13

A photo from 1932 of my grandfather, Watson Mabey, proudly standing in his backyard, of the home he built at the end of Mabey Lane.

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An April Story... continued from page 12 on, the person who stood steadfast to the great deer and looked him square in the eye would be so marked for a special calling, that his or her life would never, ever be the same. The deer was now only about 10 feet from me, when the grand beast stopped and threw his head back, as if he was about to attack me. Something kept me from running down the forest path. I felt the presence of my grandfather, standing beside me, saying to me, “stand your ground, Richie, stand your ground.” And then the Great Majestic Deer lowered his head and slowly, steadfastly began once again to walk toward me. My body shook like the last leaf hanging upon a twig of a maple tree, in the midst of an April breeze. I thought that my heart was going to burst, it was beating so hard and all so fast. The Great Majestic Deer was now about four feet from me. I was frozen. I could not move. And, with all the courage that I could dig deeply from within the core of my soul, I looked the huge beast deep in its eyes. The grand deer looked back at me and flung its head back in a fury. Then lowered his head, turned around and ran into the thick of the April forest. I felt a deep blessing succumb my heart, mind, and soul. I had looked the Great Majestic Buck deep into his eyes and he looked deep into mine. From that point

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on, I would never be the same. I walked down the forest path. As I stood within eye’s view of the old Morris Canal, l could see the foundation of my great grandfather’s icehouse. William Mabey had built the icehouse with the help of my grandfather and Grandpa’s brother, Earl. Sadly, Earl was killed in battle, in France during World War I. When I came upon the foundation to the old Mabey Ice House, I sat upon the stone foundation and looked at the still, murky waters of the old Morris Canal, that lied just a few feet north of the old foundation. The memory of the Great Majestic Buck was engraved upon the deepest chambers of my heart. Perhaps Grandpa’s legend was not a fairy tale, perhaps there was a great depth of truth to the old Mabey Legend. At the age of 13, in early April of 1967, I felt my grandfather’s gift of story telling fill my heart. I had looked the Great Majestic Buck Deer in the eye. I was now marked with the gift of a special calling. I knew deep in the chambers of my heart, that the great buck had blessed me with the calling of story telling. There was no doubt in my heart. None at all. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail. com. Please put on the subject line: An April Story.

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Centenary University Introduces World’s First Master of Arts in Happiness Studies

entenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., has announced the introduction of the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, slated to launch in a fully virtual format for the University’s fall 2022 semester. Dr. Murphy made the announcement on Friday, March 18, at the World Happiness Summit in Miami, Fla., to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness. “It gives me great pleasure to announce that this fall, Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ, will introduce the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies,” Dr. Murphy said. “This online, 30-credit graduate degree is an interdisciplinary program designed for leaders who are committed to personal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal happiness. Grounded in science and research, this new degree will study happiness and resilience to prepare graduates to make an impact in a wide range of fields.” Experts say there’s never been a better time to advance the study of happiness in society. Recent world events have increased stress levels among people of all ages. In a February/March 2022 survey, the American Psychological Association

concluded that the war in Ukraine and rising inflation have compounded the extreme stress, loss, and grief Americans are still experiencing as a result of the pandemic, which began in the US two years ago this month. In the national poll, 87 percent of respondents reported that they feel like there’s been a constant stream of crises—with no break—over the past two years. Approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Centenary University’s 30-credit program will present an interdisciplinary approach, based in science and research, to prepare graduates to cultivate personal and professional well-being and resilience in themselves and others. The new master’s degree will incorporate aspects of diverse disciplines—psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, finance, business, literature, coaching, religion, music, and more—to explore the implications of happiness for individuals, the workplace, and our broader society. “To be sure, we are in trying times— pandemic, depression, war—but these are not unique times,” Dr. Murphy explained. “We have had such challenges throughout

history and we have sought to find ways to weather these storms. At Centenary, we sought to develop a curriculum to address this need and we’ve tapped the expertise of our own talented faculty, as well as one of the great minds on the subject of happiness studies.” The program will be directed by internationally renowned expert and author Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., who is the co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy. Dr. Shahar achieved national recognition two decades ago when he taught one of Harvard University’s most popular classes, on happiness. Since then, he has also taught at Columbia University, written several best-selling books on the subject, and has appeared on major media as a happiness studies expert including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, CNN, the BBC, and Today on NBC. “The Master of Arts in Happiness Studies is the first of its kind in the world,” noted Dr. Ben-Shahar. “It is the first— and thus far the only—fully accredited program that looks at happiness from multiple perspectives: Philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, economics, history, literature, and more.”

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Theater Dance Center’s Annual Fundraiser Helps Those with Cancer

By Megan Roche he Fighting Children’s Cancer Foundation gets help each year from Theater Dance Center and this year is no different! They recently hosted their annual gala and were successful in raising money for FCCF. “The Gala is a performance where our competitive dancers debut their new pieces for family, friends and the community, to raise awareness and funds to help support FCCF,” Millene Michel, owner of TDC said. Over the years, the fundraising gala has raised over $100,000 for various charities, including Stand Up to Cancer and NJ Veterans. The Stand Up to Cancer donation was made in honor of both Michel and the schools ballet mistress both being survivors of breast cancer. Dancers represent the towns of Mount Olive, Long Valley, and Stanhope.

Presentation of the fundraising money TDC collected for Fighting Children’s Cancer Foundation. In photo from L-R are Andrea Inauen, Amanda Figurelli, FCCF Board members. The check was presented by graduating senior Emma Kenny of Mount Olive in the amount of $10,693.00.

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RHA’s Giant Stream Cleanup Event Returns on April 23

s New Jersey’s Covid-19 cases continue to drop, the nonprofit Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) is bringing back its massive Stream Cleanup event without restrictions on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to noon. “This year we’re essentially returning to normal,” said Zak Kircher, RHA’s Stream Cleanup coordinator and land steward. “This is our 32nd annual cleanup, and we are hoping to get a lot of local volunteers signed up to improve the health of the watershed.” In recent years, over 1,600 volunteers have signed up for the Stream Cleanup, which is timed to coincide with Earth Week. Volunteers included individuals, families, scout troops, churches, businesses, civic groups, schools, and environmental commissions. “The Stream Cleanup honors the spirit of Earth Day, bringing people together to help the environment,” said Cindy Ehrenclou, RHA’s executive director. “Not only does it beautify local stream corridors, but it also protects drinking water supplies and prevents litter from washing downstream to the Raritan Bay and Atlantic Ocean, where it becomes a

hazard to marine life.” In 2020, as New Jersey went into coronavirus lockdown, the Stream Cleanup was cancelled – although some local residents individually cleaned up areas in their neighborhoods. The Stream Cleanup resumed last year, but with a limited number of volunteers at each site and masking requirements. This year, RHA is looking for volunteers to pick up trash and recyclables at over 40 stream sites in the upper Raritan River watershed, which covers 470 square miles in Hunterdon, Somerset, and Morris counties. Masks are not required for this fun, important, outdoor event. Already, Kircher has been contacted by many longtime cleanup volunteers who are eager to come back. “We’ve heard from a lot of local Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups, and some church groups,” he said. “There are some site leaders who have been coming for over 20 years and they’re very dedicated.” To register, go to www. raritanheadwaters.org /streamcleanup/ and choose from a list of available stream sites. All volunteers will receive gloves, trash and recycling bags, hand

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Hackettstown

$385,900

MOVE RIGHT IN! A special find, this is a great opportunity to move into the College View Section of Hackettstown, perfectly located close to Centenary University. A MUST-SEE! This charming Bi-Level will instantly make you feel at home. PRICE TO SELL-Well-kept, meticulously maintained 4 bedroom 1 1/2 bath, 2-car garage, central air, this wonderful home is set on 75’ x 135’ (0.232 Acres) level private fenced-in backyard with an inground pool. The upper-level features an open concept, 3 bedrooms, a spacious open living room, a fireplace, and an expansive dining room. It also includes a spacious eat-in kitchen with beautiful Oak cabinetry and all appliances, it has hardwood floors all throughout, and distinctive double Hung Anderson Windows overlooking the backyard to let in natural light and the panoramic mountain view. Ground-level comprises the 4th Bedroom Family, Family room, a Powder room, laundry/Utility room, a Brand-New Washer, and a Dryer. A French sliding door takes you on a stamped concrete patio and a great view of a lovely inground pool and entertaining backyard.Ideally located within proximity to all amenities, schools, hospitals, recreational facilities, supermarkets, Banks, NYC train Station, Restaurants.

Harmony Twp

Realtor/Sales Associate

$275,000

Ready to make your farmhouse dreams become reality? This is the one you’ve been waiting for! Built in the 1700’s, this three-bedroom home is waiting for its next owners to restore it back to its original charm. First time ever on market and completely surrounded by farmlands! If you want to get away from it all and live in the beautiful countryside of Warren County - THIS IS IT! Enjoy country living at its best with endless amounts of peace and privacy. With some TLC, this property can become a tucked away oasis for years to come! Come take a look today!

Hopatcong Boro

Realtor/Sales Associate

$275,000

Don’t miss this cozy move in ready home...if you want one floor living...this home fits the bill...with 2 additional rooms on the second level.First floor offers living room...dining room.. kitchen...2 bedrooms & full bath.Upstairs 3d bedroom & den. Woodburning fireplace in living room..Laundry room on first floor for easy access.Low maintenance yard...not too much to mow! Patio off kitchen offers a space to enjoy the outdoors. Located in Hopatcong with quick access to the lake...shopping..schools & Rts 206 & 80.

Jefferson Twp

Nicole Magretto

Joan O’Brien

908-642-0625

732-407-4770

908-304-4164

Realtor/Sales Associate

Mansfield Twp

$599,900

Beautifully maintained 5 bedroom colonial with three full baths and powder room nestled on 2.29 acrers - this home offers a full in law suite with a 14 x 15 livingroom - full kitchen and 10 x 12 bedroom & full bath on the first floor - the first floor also offers an open floor plan with sliding patio doors to a large patio area and a covered paver patio area for entertaining family room with gas fireplace - formal living room and formal dining room - second floor features a master suite with large walk in closet - bath with jetted tub and seperate shower stall - three bedrooms with a full bath - beautiful hardwood floors - this home is a must see.

Oxford Twp

Broker/Sales Associate

$143,000

Great opportunity to own this affordable one bedroom home with LOW taxes and PUBLIC SEWER! Recent upgrades include newer roof, reinforced foundation and a French Drain system! There are plenty of options to customize and add your finishing touches too! Detached workshop/storage area with water hookup available. Private backyard offers incredible mountain views on top of the deck. Conveniently located close to local highways, state hunting lands, fresh water fishing, Oxford Furnace Lake and The Delaware River Water Gap. Come take a look today!

Roxbury Twp

$249,999

Just a couple blocks off the lake, enjoy all that this property has to offer. This cozy 2 bedroom home is in need of some TLC but has great bones. Oversized lot is a bonus. Close to 80, 46 and 10. Home sold as is where is.

Wharton Boro

Nicole Magretto

William “Bill” Cogan

Frank Anderson

201-787-2060

732-407-4770

908-619-9245

908-303-5564

Realtor/Sales Associate

$389,900

Wow! “A Special Find” Just minutes to I-80 and in a terrific community. Ideally located 4 bedroom split level on a beautiful level lot. Efficient layout with country kitchen. Peaceful, Private backyard for barbecues & such.

Gina DiMaio

Realtor/Sales Associate

$329,000

Don’t miss this Eden model end unit townhouse in Berkshire Ridge. There is a desirable first floor master with updated bath & walk in closet. Open concept living room & dining room features a cozy wood burning fireplace. Spacious kitchen has granite countertops & newer LG stainless appliances. Powder room & laundry area complete the first floor. Upstairs you will find a versatile space...use as a den...home office...or family room. The generous sized second bedroom has its own full bath. Lots of storage.There is a large unfinished basement as well..

Joseph Pannia

Realtor/Sales Associate

$218,000

Clean and fresh second floor end unit in Valley Stream. Hardwood floors, well equipped kitchen with refrigerator, gas stove & dishwasher. A/C units included. Large complimentary storage unit in basement of building, as well as coin operated laundry room. Water, Sewer, garbage & natural gas are included in the monthly HOA fee. Just pay the electric & WiFi/cable. Convenience at its finest, close to Denville Center, shops, dining, train station & school. Recreation park across the street, Routes 46 and 80 are easy access.

Maria McDonough Broker/Sales Associate

Call one of the Sales Associates...

Broker/Sales Associate

Page 18 • April 2022 • Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Honoring Late Daughter, Wayne Mom Channels Pain into Passion

By Jillian Risberg he visual impact of seeing 500+ children’s faces of loved ones lost gazing out from the trailer to scare the heck out of the youth is a powerful wake-up call: ‘this could happen to me’ — Stay Away From Drugs. It was Angels Across America’s first Event in Kissimmee, Florida — the camper will travel from state to state to create awareness, vital to save lives— and it meant everything. “We were excited for our first rollout. Moms who lost their children wanted to see the picture of their child ‘cause that’s the only memory we have now,” says Susan Schmidt. For Schmidt, the loss of her daughter is crushing torture, as though her soul has been ripped from her body. Alyssa is forever with her heart and always on her mind. It was May 28, 2016, when her world imploded. “I live with the heartache of losing my daughter every single day. She was 20 years old and I found her in her bed, she made a choice by snorting heroin and it killed her,” Schmidt says after a year she got on Facebook and learned other moms experienced the same loss. That’s when she knew she needed to do something. “I had to learn about all this because I had no clue and there are a lot of naive families out there,” she says at first she was ashamed, ‘I raised her well, she went to Catholic school, came from a good family,’ how could this happen. Because addiction doesn’t discriminate, and will take the best of anyone. “You just grow with the pain and out of that becomes compassion to help others and keep our loved ones’ memories alive,” says Schmidt. She has precious recollections of her beautiful, caring, charismatic, loving, smart, funny daughter. “Everything changes when you lose a child,” she says you miss all those little things you experienced together. And a heartbreaking new normal sets in.

They’re educating the parents, the public, especially the youth because they’re buying drugs off Snapchat and social media. “Every drug (crack, cocaine, heroin, Xanax, methadone) is riddled with Fentanyl and these 10, 11, 12, 13-year-old kids are dying,” Schmidt says their life matters. That’s the ‘One Pill Can Kill’ campaign. “They want to get high but they die. Their sudden death is like a traumatic shock to all of us.” According to the CDC, there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths from opioids in the United States during the 12-month period ending in April 2021. Schmidt noticed slight behavior changes (‘she was a little more angry’) in her daughter but didn’t think much of it. Alyssa assured her it was nothing, ‘mom, just leave me alone.’ “I thought it was growing pains,” says Schmidt. “Never expected to go upstairs and find her gone, never in a million years.” Her pain became passion and Alyssa’s mom dove into Angels Across America, to support every family as much as she can. “I miss her dearly and love comes from what I’m doing now,” Schmidt says it’s for all those moms who found their child dead or got a phone call saying their child is dead. And she has company in her grief, having met MaryBeth Moore Zocco, who started Ryan’s Ride in 2019 after the loss of her 25-year-old son Ryan Moore from fentanyl poisoning on 12/17/2018. Shortly after the first ride, the Orlando mom began The FRoM Project (Forever Ryan’s Mom) to keep his memory alive by sending handmade personalized cards to grieving parents all over the world. They honor and remember loved ones taken too soon by substance use disorder overdose or fentanyl poisoning. “Alyssa was my whole world, my best friend, we loved to cook together, shop together, did everything together, she’d come home from work, we’d talk for hours… and she’d tell me about her day.”

How do you pick up the pieces and move forward — according to Schmidt; honor them ‘and talk about our children as much as we can to whoever will listen.’ She held ‘Celebration of Life for Alyssa’ and joined the Wayne Alliance. This year will be her fifth annual candle-lighting on International Overdose Awareness Day. cont. on page 19

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • April 2022 • Page 19

Mom Channels Pain...

continued from page 18 Angels Across America supports all the grieving families and their loved ones, who are deeply loved and missed. They educate the public and youth on the dangers of illicit drugs, every street drug is extremely addictive and using can have dire consequences. Leslie (Billy) Smith owns Angel’s trailer. Smith lost his son, Jeremy, 30, a construction worker who fell off a building. He was put on Oxycodone for the pain. When the prescriptions ceased — he turned to street drugs and it’s what killed him. Schmidt says tell your kids you love them every day and about the inherent risks out there. “The heartache is unbearable some days but we keep pushing forward to honor and love all the angels we lost,” she says. “When I do their pictures, graphics — make a video talking to their moms, I feel like I know each one of them.” Kids are fragile today, COVID has made things worse… and there is much self-medicating going on. Either you die or live this road of recovery every day, they struggle — nothing good comes out of doing any kind of drug. “Alyssa’s dreams were shattered because she made a mistake,” Schmidt says she blamed herself. “How did I not know, what if I did this, what if I said that; I beat myself up to this day and friends say stop, she made the choice.” Recalling all their amazing milestones and accomplishments you boasted and bragged about, while also thinking: ’G-d knows what they’re getting into.’ It’s a lonely place to be after losing a child. “I’ll do these events, then it hits you. Becomes so overwhelming where I’m quiet and within myself for days,” she says she can’t function. “Then go, go, go and break down again; it’s horrible. Or go upstairs and lay in my daughter’s

bed and just cry.” Her goal is to prevent kids from overdosing. “Be afraid, be very afraid because you can’t come back from dying,” says Schmidt, of getting them to think before

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making a potentially fatal choice. “I can’t bring back any of our children we lost,” says Schmidt. To learn more, search Angels Across America on Facebook.

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Page 20 • April 2022 • Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Hearty, Wholesome Dishes to Support Immune Systems

f feeding your family wholesome meals is a daily goal, keep in mind you can serve up tasty foods that also feed your immune system by including ingredients like mushrooms. With their earthy flavor, mushrooms – like many other fruits and vegetables – can also play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system. Studies at Oregon State University concluded there are a variety of micronutrients important for supporting a healthy immune system. Consider that three of these nutrients (vitamin D, selenium and B vitamins) can be found in mushrooms, meaning these family-friendly recipes for Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto; Grilled Portobello Gyros with Yogurt Dill Sauce; Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup; and Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies can help you add all-important nutrients to your family’s menu. Find more ways to add mushrooms to family meals at mushroomcouncil.com. Grilled Portobello Gyros with Yogurt Dill Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 4 portobello mushrooms 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced Yogurt Dill Sauce: 1 English cucumber, grated 1 cup whole-milk

Greek yogurt 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2small lemon, juice only 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill 4 pita breads or naan 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 head green lettuce crumbled feta cheese (optional) Remove stems from mushrooms and brush caps with wet towel. Using spoon, carefully scrape out gills. Slice mushrooms into 1/4-inch pieces and place in medium bowl with olive oil, oregano and smoked paprika. Preheat indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and peppers; grill, tossing occasionally, until tender, 5-7 minutes. To make yogurt dill sauce: Squeeze grated cucumber in clean towel to remove excess liquid. Add to large bowl with yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic,

salt and dill. Stir to combine. To serve, place mushrooms and peppers in middle of pita bread. Top with tomatoes, onion, lettuce, feta, if desired, and big dollop of yogurt dill sauce. Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced continued on page 21

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • April 2022 • Page 21

Hearty, Wholesome Dishes...

continued from page 20 1 medium onion, small diced 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 bay leaf 3 cups vegetable broth 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces 1/2 cup heavy cream 5 ounces fresh baby spinach 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping Heat large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and mushrooms soften, 4-5 minutes. Add marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, oregano,

pepper, bay leaf and broth. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to low and simmer. Add lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and spinach until wilted, 2-3 minutes. Divide between bowls and top with dollop of ricotta and sprinkle of mozzarella. Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Cook time: 50 minutes Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Servings: 4 Chicken: 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs salt & pepper, to taste 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 16 ounces crimini mushrooms, quartered 3 zucchini, sliced in half moons 3 large carrots, thinly sliced 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and roughly chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo: 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 16 ounces crimini mushrooms, finely chopped 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/3 cup white wine 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese To make chicken: Preheat oven to 450 F. Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Sear chicken

until browned, 4-5 minutes on each side. In large bowl, toss mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, garlic and rosemary. On large baking sheet, spread vegetables. Nestle chicken into vegetables. Drizzle with butter and juices from pan. Bake 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. To make orzo: In small pot over medium-low heat, warm broth. Using skillet from chicken, add butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften, 3-4 minutes. Add orzo and black pepper. Stir and cook 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook until evaporated, about 1 minute. Add warm broth to orzo 2/3 cup at a time, stirring until liquid is absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, waiting until last batch is absorbed before adding more. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Serve in individual bowls with chicken and roasted vegetables atop mushroom orzo risotto.

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