Hackettstown August 2021 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

No. 19 Vol. 8

www.mypaperonline.com

August 2021

Hackettstown Woman Defeats Stroke, Coma, and Brain Surgeries to Enjoy Life Gratefully

By Steve Sears or Kristen Toepfer of Hackettstown, the next to last day of being age 36 was a dream lived. She walked the runway for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine during New York Fashion Week. She was feeling on top of the world. The next two days, the latter being her 37th birthday, she wound up fighting for her life. Toepfer and her husband, Sidney Church – Lenape Valley High School sweethearts and now married, together for a collective 21 years - will always remember September 11, 2018. That day, Toepfer suffered a stroke, and then had emergency brain surgery and went into a coma on the following day, when she turned 37. After coming out of the coma, she began a long, arduous battle to stay alive by doing physical therapy and enduring multiple brain surgeries. Toepfer at about 3 a.m. called her husband at his UPS night job. “She sounded a little confused and she said her arm wasn’t working and stuff,” Church recalls. Only 10 minutes away, he rushed home and both went to Hack-

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ettstown Medical Center. When a CT scan was done, the medical staﬀ discovered both a stroke and bleeding in her brain. Diagnosed as a Hemorrhagic stroke, Toepfer was sent to Summit’s Overlook Hospital, where she was medicated and tests were done. With her skull swelling to a certain size, doctors performed a Craniectomy to remove a portion of her skull to allow the swelling to continue. “She was in a coma – breathing tube, everything,” says Church. “She couldn’t breathe on her own.” And then doctors delivered some potential grim news. “The doctors certainly didn’t sugarcoat anything for me. I’m asking questions like, ‘What kind of damage?’ and ‘When is she going to be able to talk?’ And they said, ‘You need to slow down right now and set your expectations that she might not even wake up from this.” Toepfer came out of the coma, very slowly however, her eyes occasionally opening and left arm slightly twitching. During her three weeks at Overlook, although her speech was almost nonexistent and she had zero movement in her right arm and very little in her right leg, she did inpatient rehab. After the inpatient therapy ended, in November she was able to walk out of Overlook. However, when just home for one day, she had a seizure in the middle of the night, and after being transported to Hackettstown Medical Center again for tests and CT scans, she was sent back to Overlook again to be operated on because there was an infection on the brain. “They had to redo the incision, which I’m guessing it’s probably at least 12 or 13 inches because it goes from their forehead all the way to the back of the ear,” says Church, “and they opened her back up so they could do what is called a brainwash, and then she had IV antibiotics while she was in the hospital for another week or two after that.” Prior to returning back home and working with a home nurse, she had to go back to rehab for a month. “After everything they did, she kind of got set back a little bit – almost starting from scratch.” In July of 2019, doctors were able to put a plate in place of a bone which had been removed from her head, but in late August, her incisions started leaking. The next morning again at Hackettstown, the plate was removed, a brainwash was again done, and she returned home again, continued on page 6

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Dental Digest

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ave you been thinking about a straighter & whiter smile? Veneers may be the solution to that question! Veneers are thin shells of porcelain which are bonded to your own teeth. They can eliminate gaps, straighten crooked teeth, and permanently brighten your smile. They are a great way to “freshenup” aging teeth and rejuvenate them. The transformations we see in people’s lives from the results provided by veneers is one reason why we love providing this service for our patients. Reasons abound why patients undergo the treatment: increase self-confidence, improve social relationships, or increase employment opportunities. The process is generally rather simple: After a proper examination and diagnostic evaluation, your teeth will be prepared and impressions taken. At the second appointment, the veneers will be bonded to your teeth. That’s it! However, a nightguard should be considered in order to protect your new investment, and

follow-up appointments are essential. Regarding impressions, here at Morris County Dental, we now utilize digital scanning. We don’t need to use the goopy impression materials you may be accustomed to. Be careful to select a dentist who has had extensive training for veneers. It is easy to miss critical factors that can affect the long-term success of your investment. Dr. Goldberg has performed this service for many patients over his 27 years as a dentist, and is extremely experienced with cosmetic dentistry. Patients who would not be candidates for veneers include people who currently have crowns or multiple fillings, periodontal (gum) disease, and poor oral hygiene. If you would like a personal, generalized assessment to see if you’d be a candidate for veneers, give us a call and schedule a no-obligation, free consultation with either Dr. Goldberg or Dr. Davidson. We’d be more than happy to listen to your goals and discuss additional details with you!

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Hope’s Hidden Treasures Opens in Netcong

by Elsie Walker t was a July morning and Santa, alias Netcong Mayor Joseph Nametko, was decked out in his Hawaiian shirt, shorts, red socks and sandals, outside the lower level of the Stanhope United Methodist church, located at #2 Route 183 in Netcong. Balloons proclaimed a “grand opening”; snacks and water were set out, and a sign sharing the day’s special clothing sale welcomed shoppers. Reflecting a “Christmas in July” theme, it was the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the church’s thrift shop: Hope’s Hidden Treasures. Open on Saturdays from 10am – 2pm, the thrift shop boasts a variety of items and is a win-win for the community and the church. That sentiment was echoed during the short speeches given at the ribbon cutting for the shop. Helen Stein, of Hopatcong, opened the short ceremony. She was wearing a t-shirt on which she used a cricut machine to proclaim her to be a “Picker, Junker, Vintage Hunter.” The thrift store had been a dream of Stein’s for a long time and she is Founder, Manager,

and Thrift Shop Committee Chair. Stein noted that it reflects the church being a good steward of the earth by recycling items, through selling gently used items to new owners. It gives people a chance to buy items (clothes, home goods, craft supplies, toys, and more) at reasonable prices. Finally, the money raised through the store benefits the work of the church. Stein mentioned a hymn, “Pass it On” (which talks of sharing God’s love) and how shopping at the store is a way of passing on treasures full of love to new owners. She also mentioned that they had some great sales that day. Then, the pastor of the church, Lynn Zaremba, offered a prayer. Addressing those assembled, the pastor thanked the volunteers who helped make the Thrift store a reality, by manning the store, sorting goods, pricing them, etc. Nametko followed in the volunteer theme when it was his time to speak. He said he thanks God for volunteers. He noted not only the new thrift store, but another way continued on page 10

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 5

Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired? Exploring Another Treatment Option for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

hronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome (CFIS) also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a disabling and poorly understood illness that is becoming more widespread in Western countries. CFIS is a term used to describe a myriad of neurological, neuromuscular, and immunological abnormalities. The initial onset of CFIS consists of flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, chills and extreme fatigue. The chronic manifestations of CFIS always include disabling fatigue but can also include muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders, headaches, hypo- or hypersensitivities, cognitive disorders, depression, malaise, anxiety, irritability, confusion, weight fluctuations, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle fatigue, worsening PMS, visual disturbances, tachycardia, paresthesias, dry eyes, dry mouth, night sweats, skin rashes and decreased sexual desire. The etiology of CFIS is still unknown, but the suspected cause is a viral infection. Some researchers believe that CFIS is actually a neurological response to a viral infection. Since there are no absolute markers or lab tests to confirm the illness, chronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome is often diagnosed by symptoms alone and by process of elimination. For the same

reasons, western medicine has no treatment for chronic fatigue. Instead, doctors prescribe individual medications to deal with each of the associated symptoms. As with any illness, traditional Chinese medicine treats the individual on a case- bycase basis. A diagnosis is made based on the individual’s symptoms as well as their tongue and pulse presentations. The patient’s tongue is inspected and 6 pulses are felt on each wrist in order for the Acupuncturist/ Chinese Medical Practitioner to determine the diagnosis. Since chronic fatigue manifests differently in each person, this method of diagnosing is superior. The treatment plan is then formulated based on the individual’s diagnosis. As you can see in the chart- one Acupuncture treatment plan will address all of the individual’s symptoms as well as the illness as a whole. This is known as a root and branch treatment. Addressing the root cause of the chronic fatigue is addressing the illness as a whole while treating the branch aims to relieve all of the symptoms associated with the illness. A single Chinese herbal formula can also be prescribed to treat both the root and branch of the chronic fatigue syndrome. For more information about Acupuncture and Chronic Fatigue Immunodeficiency Syndrome, call Kearstin R. Tripi, L.Ac at Mt. Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973-527-7978.

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Woman Defeats Stroke... continued from front page this time with therapy being performed at home. In November, surgeons performed another surgery to put the plate back in. Kristen has come a long way. She can now walk, talk, and has mobility although it is at times limited. She makes Facebook videos for support groups and, after attending NYFW last in 2019 and, while wearing a protective helmet, walked the runway with the aid of one of the coordinators. She will walk again this September. “I’m going to have a billboard in Times Square,” she says proudly. Her husband wanted just one thing. “When she was in the coma, at that time I was just hoping that I could talk to her again,” Church says, “let alone see her up and moving around with any of that. I just wanted to be able to just talk to her again.” He got that chance and more, and he cred-

its his wife’s being positive throughout her ordeal for affording both many current and future conversations and time together. “How she stayed positive through it all - all the therapies and all the setbacks, going back to therapy, starting over again, doing outpatient and home therapy - all this stuff and staying positive about it, is incredible. The first year, I thought I was never going to have a normal day ever again. We’re not 100%, but we’re pretty close.” “I want to say that it can happen to anybody,” says Toepfer. “It doesn’t matter what size or age, it can happen. It happened to me, but I never imagined that it would happen.” She approaches her next birthday with gratitude. “I just want to thank all the doctors, therapists, and my friends and my family. All of them were like a big support system.”

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

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A Message From the Rabbi Shusterman

Dear Friends, Don’t let the weather fool you. Rosh HaShana is here, and it is time for apples and honey - the crowning food at the table. There is a difference between the sweetness of an apple and the sweetness of honey. An apple is a sweet fruit which grows on a tree. There is nothing surprising about that - many fruits are sweet. But honey comes from a bee - an insect that is not only inedible, it actually stings. Nevertheless, the honey that it produces is sweeter than the apple! There are two types of sweetness in our lives: we have times of family celebrations, successes in our careers, personal triumphs and harmonious relationships. Those are apple sweet times. Then there is a different type of sweetness - a sweetness that comes from times of challenge. When things don’t go the way we would like them to, when tragedy strikes, when our job is in jeopardy, when we fail to reach the goals we expected of ourselves, when our relationships are strained and tested, or when we feel alone. These challenges may seem bitter and insurmountable, like the sting of a bee. But if we are strong and withstand the difficulty of the time, we reveal layers of our personality that we would never have tapped into if we weren’t challenged. Covid could not have been a better example for this!

So on the New Year, when we turn to a new page of our lives, we eat apples and honey. We bless each other and ourselves that in the year to come, the apples should bring sweetness, and what the bee stings bring should be even sweeter! We hope you will make your year sweeter by joining us at the Chabad Jewish Center for meaningful and uplifting High Holidays. We all need a place to go, a place to learn, a place to celebrate, a place to explore Judaism, and a place to grow together as a loving and confident Jewish community. Please call 973-933-6011 or visit our Facebook https://m.facebook.com/JewishMtOlive/ or website www.mychabadcenter.com for more information regarding High Holiday service times, communal Rosh Hashanah dinner, Hebrew School and Jewish Mommy and Me registration, and more. Every Jew is a member and no membership fee is required. I am looking forward to welcoming you! We are truly all together, praying, hoping, and wishing us all a happy & sweet new year filled with excellent health, joy, peace, prosperity, and revealed good! Shana Tova U’Metukah! For more information, contact Rabbi Shusterman 973-933-6011. , rabbi@mychabadcenter.com, www. mychabadcenter.com.

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The Stone Soup Symphony “Family” Reconvenes

The Stone Soup Symphony in 2018. Photo courtesy of the Stone Soup Symphony

By Steve Sears ob Adams, President of the Hackettstown-based Stone Soup Symphony since its 1998 inception, is back at it. He’s been recruiting musicians as well as preparing with his group to perform for the summer, fall, and holiday seasons, and on into 2022. But most of all, he is back with his “family” of musicians after a separation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and that is paramount. “When we had that first rehearsal (a few months ago), it really was amazing actually. You hadn’t seen these people

in a year, and we really do operate more like a family than a business. It’s a group of about 40 musicians, and most of us have been in it for years, so you really kind of miss your family after having not seen them for a year.” “It’s a great group of people,” says Edward Meisner, current Conductor and Music Director. “A lot of orchestras, the members show up, they play, and then they leave, but we’re like a family. It’s like friends and family; we socialize with each other even outside of the orchestra, so it makes it nice.” George Akehurst, who co-founded the group and was

its first Conductor and Music Director, died suddenly of a massive heart attack in 2010. Adams recalls, “We called an emergency board meeting, and I asked, ‘Do we want to have an orchestra going forward or not?’ Everybody said yes, and I said, ‘Well then, we aren’t leaving this room until we’ve picked at least a temporary conductor to run next week’s rehearsal.’ And Ed Meisner volunteered to do it on a temporary basis, and he’s still our conductor. It’s worked out really well; Ed loves doing it.” “Rob asked for someone to volunteer temporarily to continued on page 10

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The Stone Soup Symphony... continued from page 8 keep the orchestra together,” says Meisner. “I’m the director of the Palisades Park Fire Department Band and I had decades of conducting experience, so I said, ‘Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll get you through to the spring.’ And then here it is, 12 years later,” he says while laughing. He then adds, “I know many musicians were really anxious to get back playing again, and it’s a highlight of my life, so it’s exciting for me. I couldn’t wait to get back. It feels good.” Stone Soup Symphony practices every Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church chapel on Route 46, and indoor performances are held primarily at the current church across the road. The Symphony performs at outdoor venues as well. “We run three repertoires a year,” Adams explains. “We start the first week of January. We start with classical music, and we’ll work on that, and we present that at the end of May or early June. And then once that’s done, we get into summer, and we start to switch out, and we start prepping for fall shows, and we kind of jumped right into the fall this year. We are working on our Pops, like show tunes, medleys, light classical, audience pleaser type stuff.” Finally, the Symphony ends the year with Christmas music for the holidays. “We do

a Christmas show every year,” Adams says. “We draw over 500 people to the First Presbyterian Church in Hackettstown,” says Meisner of the Christmas show. “It’s quite a nice production. The orchestra I feel just keeps getting better and better. If you had heard us 10 or 12 years ago compared to now, it’s quite an improvement.” “We’re always recruiting, and we’re here for the community,” Adams says. He then alludes to what he knows are key points. “What we’re trying to do here is make classical symphonic music accessible to everybody. And of the two ways of thinking ‘accessible,’ one is we always give free concerts. Nobody has ever bought a ticket for a Stone Soup Symphony concert. The other angle on ‘accessible’ is we don’t audition. We don’t do that; you want to play, you can come play.” Stone Soup Symphony also offers a scholarship in Akehurst’s memory. The award is given to a selected student member who plays with the group for at least two years. For musicians seeking to join, or those wishing to donate to or attend a performance of the 501c3 Stone Soup Symphony, visit www.stonesoupsymphony. org for more information.

Hope’s Hidden Treasures... continued from page 4 church volunteers make a difference for the community: the church’s food pantry. The mayor noted that without the pantry, there are people who would go hungry. Stein, Zaremba, and Nametko cut the ribbon and people entered the thrift shop to begin treasure hunting. There were racks of clothing, accessories, home goods, jewelry, craft goods and much more. In keeping with the theme of “Christmas in July”, one area was dedicated to Christmas decorations and Christmas music played to get people in the spirit. “I have been living and breathing that thrift shop for months now. If I wasn’t home, everyone knew I’d be at the church. There was a joke about getting me a bed for the church,” said Stein. She noted that she is an avid thrift store shopper, and said the idea for the shop was an outgrowth of church’s annual rummage sales. However, there was never room for a shop; then, the pre-school at the church closed. After it did, Stein went through the different things needed to bring the shop to life (approvals, permits, finding shelving, display case and

bookcases that people were getting rid of and more) and with the help of her husband, Nick, who did a good deal of the running around and lifting needed for set-up, the Thrift store became a reality. Stein asked for volunteers from the church to help with sorting, pricing, and other work and those became the Thrift Store committee. Stein also noted that she wanted to give a shout out to Kohl’s in Succasunna which, “on two occasions gave us lots of hangers.” As for the items at the store, Stein shared, “I am getting everything through donations. I do go on three Facebook local free sites and find free stuff people are giving away. and if I’m lucky. I’ll be the first person to respond, or where there is a random giveaway, I’ll get picked.” Stein added, “I want [ours] to be the thrift store that thrifters rate at the top. I want to have people waiting outside to get in before we open. We want people to like coming to our store. We have already heard we are clean and very well organized and our prices are great!” Stein then said, to quote the hymn, “Pass it on!”

Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

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Hackettstown Medical Center Auxiliary Announces Next Meeting

ackettstown Medical Center Auxiliary will be meeting in person once again. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 15th from 1:003:00 PM in the Conference Room of the West Wing of HMC (rear entrance, lower level). Upon arrival at the West Wing entrance, please check in with the volunteer greeter for a verbal screening

and temperature check. Plans are being made to resume their annual Tricky Tray fundraiser on Saturday, September 18th at the Independence Fire House on Cemetery Road in Great Meadows. Watch for more info to follow on time, tickets, etc. Anyone interested in participating in the Auxiliary are welcome to contact 908850-6876 or email mpm0215m@gmail. com.

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cancers, thyroid cancer is commonly diagnosed at a younger age. Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. Thyroid cancer is largely treatable, most notably with the removal of a portion of the gland or the entire thyroid gland depending on cancer stage. People who have had their thyroids removed (thyroidectomy) will need to take daily thyroid hormone pills.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 13

Motion Properties Calls Netcong Home

By Megan Roche t a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 14, Netcong welcomed Motion Properties at 123 Ledgewood Ave. Many people were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony and those there were excited to add the new business to town. “We are excited to open our doors and offers rental units to those who are seeking a place for business or a place to reside. This building brings a beautiful touch to Netcong’s community,” Ben Dellamo, owner of Motion Properties, said. Located at the property is Netcong Physical Therapy.

“After serving Netcong and the surrounding communities for over 20 years, we are excited with the opportunity to move into our new space at 123 Ledgewood Avenue. Our mission is to provide our patients with individualized, comprehensive and compassionate care. We will continue to be the place to help our patients heal, get moving, and achieve their goals one at a time.” For those interested in more information, reach out to Ashley at adellamo@ motionautogroup.com.

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Remembering Frank Fowler

by Elsie Walker hen someone dies, their gravestone displays birthdate - date of death. It is said that dash in the middle is the most important thing as it symbolizes what the person did with his time during his life. For the late Rev. Dr. Frank Fowler III, the dash between September 1948 – May 2021 symbolizes a life filled with devotion to reaching out to others in a vast number of ways, from organizing missions to being a member of the Board of Trustees at Centenary University. Fowler was a native of Hackettstown, and Trinity United Methodist Church was his home church as a young man. After going into the ministry, he served at a couple other churches before returning to Trinity in 1983, this time as its pastor. In July, Fowler was honored by having East Moore Street, from Main Street to Maple Avenue, Hackettstown, named “Rev. Frank Fowler Way”, but that just hints at his importance to this area. In borrowing from an old Yankee baseball saying, Frank Procaccini shared, “This [Trinity] is the house that Frank built.” Procaccini, Missions Facilitator and Property Manager at the church, was a longtime friend of Fowler. He noted that among the things Fowler did was build up the church’s Thrift Shop and Lord’s [food] Pantry. Pre-COVID that pantry was feeding 200 families a week. Fowler also had the vision for a community center, Trinity House, which is now used for ESL classes, elections, and is reserved for different community needs. “The Barn” was a lumberyard storage area that was purchased and transformed into a place used for storage by mission projects and as a place where donated furniture can be bought at reasonable

prices by homeless transitioning to housing or people who have lost a home in fire. In some cases, furniture is donated to those in need. The physical structures and their mission work, are just a sample of the projects Fowler grew at Trinity. Fowler was an idea man, and Procaccini recalled how Fowler could inspire others with how he made them feel so that no one could say “no” when Fowler asked for help. When Fowler had an idea, people knew that it would become a reality, even if Fowler wasn’t quite sure how it would be accomplished. It was that way with the Caravan of Hope. Fowler called Procaccini into his office one day and told him that, just like Jesus did, they were going to feed 5000 people, even though at the time Fowler had no idea of how they were going to do it. That first Caravan of Hope, in 2018, actually fed over 5000, giving out boxed lunches to food ministries and the needy in areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Two more caravans have been done since then. Fowler’s work also touched Haiti, one of the poorest places in the world; he went there 23 times on mission trips. Ginny Mitchell, of Long Valley, who went on nine trips with Fowler, explained how it got started, “Frank was asked by another pastor who was taking a team to Haiti, mostly composed of youth, to participate as he needed an additional adult to help with the group of teens. He [Fowler] went that time and he always said he left a part of his heart in Haiti and had to go back to visit it.” Fowler and his mission group made up of people from Trinity and others would spend a week in Haiti and bring with them

medical supplies, financial help, and things that couldn’t be bought in Haiti or were difficult to get. The team visited many places: Mother Teresa’s Hospital and Orphanage, Mephibosheth House (home for disabled children in Portau-Prince) and more. Mitchell recalled that though Fowler had a fear of heights, he braved travelling the mountainous terrain of Haiti to help others. continued on page 16

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 15

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Remembering Frank Fowler... continued from page 14 Dan Fiedler, of Hackettstown, went on several mission trips to Haiti with Fowler and recalled something the pastor always asked on the first night of the mission. “Frank asked ‘where did you see God today?’ My first thought was What? I saw so much suffering and no sign of God,” said Fiedler. However, as one by one, people started to answer with replies of seeing children laughing and playing, other missionaries at work, etc. Fiedler began to understand one of the reasons Fowler brought teams to Haiti. “It took being taken out of my element and going to Haiti for me for the first time ‘seeing God’…now back home I look for God everywhere each day,” said Fiedler. Fowler had a way with people, which touched their hearts and opened their eyes and minds, and that was also reflected in many other ways. Fowler had a weekly radio show, “Let’s Talk About It”, which aired on WRNJ for over 20 years. Norman Worth, president of WRNJ, noted that Fowler chose topics designed to “enlighten, educate, and help people” and described Fowler as a generous listener. “He asked the kind of questions that got to the heart of things,” said Worth.

Fowler’s voice was also heard from the pulpit on Sundays as his words touched the souls of those in the service; he also touched them through the written word. He had articles published and had a weekly column in the church newsletter called, “On My Mind” in which he shared an experience or something he’d read which had touched him and passed it on. In 2019, he was inspired to compile some of his weekly columns into a book, Souls Along The Way. As a pastor, Fowler met with people who needed spiritual guidance or a shoulder. “[Fowler] He was a man of deep, abiding faith and he was always there for you when you needed him. Several times in my life, as things became difficult, Frank was there for me. He’d always follow up too. He was good at that,” shared Rev. Dr. Debra A. De Vos, Associate Pastor at Trinity. Rev. Dr. Frank Fowler, September 1948 – May 2021, a dash or even an article, can’t adequately capture all that he did. Worth noted that Fowler’s life truly reflected what Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, exhorted all to do, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 17

Church Rises Like the Phoenix

by Elsie Walker he Phoenix is a mythical creature which is said to have been reborn from its own ashes. Like the Phoenix, the St. Thomas Orthodox Church was reborn. After a fire in 2018 made its original home in Dover unusable, the congregation was able to find a new church building at 50 Flanders-Barkley Road in Mount Olive. Last month, with that building’s remodeling completed, a consecration service for the church was held. Recently, the leadership of the church, the managing committee and vicar, shared a little background on the church, the story of the church’s miracle and its joy at being part of the Mount Olive community. The congregation of the church hails from India, where in 52 AD, Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, established Christianity. It was explained that the Flanders church belongs to the Oriental Orthodox Family and is called the Indian Orthodox Church. It was noted that although the congregation keeps its heritage, it is honored and privileged to be a church family on American soil. The majority of the church members are American citizens. It was noted that anyone can attend the church’s services; however, to be a member of the church, one has to be baptized into the Orthodox faith. Also, every member family pays a subscription annually, and as needed. Originally, the church was established on December 1990 in West Orange. After utilizing several rental places to worship and conduct Holy Mass, the church purchased its own place on 360 Blackwell Street, Dover in 2000. What continued on page 18

The congregation of St. Thomas Orthodox Church celebrated the consecration of church building in early July.

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While its original church building was made unusable by fire, St. Thomas Orthodox Church noted that “The Icon of Jesus Christ” was saved.

Church Rises...

continued from page 17 started as a church with eight families had grown over time and eventually expanded to 40 plus families. As the number of members increased, it was necessary to modify the Dover church building to accommodate the spiritual growth of the parishioners. After many discussions, and meeting with an architect and town officials, plans were finalized to start remodeling on December 14, 2018. However, that remodeling was not meant to be. Early on the morning of December 13, 2018, the altar of the church caught fire. The result was that the building became unusable. While the cross and other materials, including the Vicar’s vestment, caught fire, one object was spared: “The Icon of Jesus Christ”. In what the church deems as a miracle, days after the fire, the Hope Baptist Church in Mount Olive came on the market. St. Thomas Orthodox Church decided to buy the Flanders church and went through getting the needed approvals, and set out to raise funds from other churches in its Diocese. The church was able to purchase the property and move into its new home on January 2019. St. Thomas Orthodox Church was in the process of remodeling the Flanders church building when the pandemic struck and everything was put on hold for a while. As the restrictions of the pandemic became

less stringent, they were able to restart the remodeling and finally complete it. With the building remodeling completed, the church was consecrated by Diocesan Bishop, His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos on July 3rd and 4th. It was noted that St. Thomas’ Vicar and President Rev. Fr. Shibu Daniel’s vison, mission, and selfless leadership is the church’s inspiration. The church’s Sunday Service starts at 9am with morning prayer followed by Holy Mass. It also has regular gatherings for spiritual organizations, such as Sunday School, women’s forum, and men’s forum. As the church compares itself to the Phoenix, in its rise from the ashes of its Dover church to its joyful rebirth, it looks forward to developing greater bonds with Mount Olive. The leadership of the church expressed that as a church in the township of Mount Olive, it would like to be part of the community. During the pandemic, it was able to support the law enforcement and front-line workers in diverse ways. Also, the congregation has been engaged in community activities, such as an annual blood drive, donations for a soup kitchen, Operation Christmas Child shoe box donations, and a winter coat collection. To learn more about St. Thomas Orthodox Church, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/watch/St-ThomasOrthodox-Church-Mount-Olive-NJ.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 19

A Brief Remembrance of the Wolfe Farm Cows and Their “Tunnel Travel”

By Steve Sears uth Height remembers the sad, May 9, 1957 morning. Her dad, William Wolfe, and her uncle, Herbert Wolfe, then owners of Mount Olive’s former Wolfe Farm, were doing their daily 5 a.m. walking of 40 cows across what was then Route 6, a single lane highway in both directions. Height, then a sophomore in high school, recalls the details. “This tractor trailer came

down from the hill, coming up out of Hackettstown, and it just never stopped. According to him (the driver), he said he didn’t see the herd until it was too late. How do you miss black and white cows, a whole bunch of them, going across the road in front of you?” He also didn’t see William, who was frantically waving his flashlight to alert the truck, and then dove out of harm’s way at the last second, unable to “steer’ the driver

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away from an unfortunate collision with the herd. “He (William) came into the house and screamed for my mom to call the police,” says Height, who was awakened by her dad’s yelling. “And then out he went again, back down to the highway to take care of the animals and get them back up to the barn, as many who could walk and be taken care of. Meanwhile, there were a whole bunch laid out all over the highway.” Nine Wolfe Farm cows were killed that dawn. Afterwards, discussion ensued about a safer way to get the cows across the highway, which was becoming busier, especially when the road was widened and became Route 46 in the early 1960s. “My father and my uncle decided that it was inappropriate and unsafe for them to get the cows to the other side of the road and get them there safely and back,” says Height. The answer? An existing tunnel under Route 46 through which the South Branch of the Raritan River flowed, which was large enough for the rise and fall of the rapidly flowing water, but not high enough at that time for a herd of cows en masse and two farmers to walk and wade through. The

Wolfes had the solution, negotiating to have the tunnel riverbed deepened for the extra needed room. “And that spot,” says Height, “if you go west from Wolfe Road right on Route 46, it’s I want to say a little dip in the road, and that’s where that bridge is.” It was a learning process, especially for the cows. William and Herbert had to take one of their lead cows - or sometimes two, or three, or four - and lead them across one by one, and as they would get one across, the other person would bring another cow, and little by little, the rest of the herd followed them over. “But it took several days for that to just happen automatically,” says Height. The path to the tunnel area today on the Route 46 East side is overgrown with shrubs and other wild foliage, so visitation to the spot is not encouraged. Height herself while growing up walked all over the Wolfe Farm property, which was sold by the family in 1981, but she never walked under the bridge. Her dad and uncle were the ones whose feet got wet. “They had to put their boots on and trek over there every night, and then every morning to bring them back,” she recalls.

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7 Tips for Planning an Extended Vacation

f you’re making the most of this year’s vacation by planning an extra-long trip, you’re not alone. Whether it’s extra vacation days that accumulated due to pandemic restrictions or pent-up desire for a change of scenery (or both), travelers are planning longer getaways. In fact, Vrbo data indicates travelers are 34% more likely to book a stay of at least seven nights and 31% less likely to book a three-night stay this summer. “After a year of storing away vacation days, this summer is quickly shaping up to be the season of PTO for many employees,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo’s travel expert. If you’re considering an extended getaway, consider these tips help ensure your trip meets your expectations. Adjust your budget to accommodate the needs of a longer trip. A longer getaway obviously means more days of lodging and Photo courtesy of Getty Images more meals away from home, but don’t forget to account for other costs that come with an extended vacation like more days of parking at the airport and more entertainment expenses as a result of those extra days you’ll get to fill with fun. Choose a destination where you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy over an extended period. Popular options this season on Vrbo include Outer Banks, North Carolina; Oak Island and Southport, North Carolina; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island, Delaware; and Jersey Shore, New Jersey. All of these coastal destinations offer a mix of entertainment and relaxation for a chance to truly refresh and recharge.

Create an itinerary, even if it’s loosely outlined, so you can make the best use of your vacation days. Keep an eye on the weather as you plan which days to spend on the beach or at the pool and when it might be better to see some sights indoors. Try to build in activities that appeal to each member of your travel party and aim for a balance between adventure and relaxation. Look for extended-stay amenities that offer convenience for your trip. When you’re away for a longer period of time, look for amenities that make your time more comfortable, like kitchens where you can prepare some of your meals. Shop for discounts to make a longer stay more affordable. For example, some Vrbo hosts offer discounts for new listings as well as week- or month-long stays. Travelers can use filters to find these discounted properties when searching for a place to stay. Avoid overpacking for an extended getaway. You may be tempted to pack extra clothes and other belongings, but that can weigh you down. Instead, choose outfits you can mix and match, and look for accommodations with laundry facilities so you can wash and re-wear clothing. Make arrangements to ensure your home life is in order. Being away for an extended period may mean a little extra work to maintain things back home. For example, you may need to arrange for someone to water your plants, take care of your pets, check your mail and receive deliveries. Start planning your extended getaway at Vrbo.com. (Family Features)

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 21

Long Valley Woman Authors Book to Defeat Physical and Mental Sides of Injury

By Steve Sears ylene Cochrane remembers the afternoon outside Philadelphia’s historic Franklin Field. “It felt like I was walking away from running. I just felt so far from it,” she recalls. Her track & field career perhaps at an end, her in future running of any sort in peril due to injuries

suffered over the period of a few years, her tears were bathing the feet of a statue. “I felt like I always tried to make it seem like I was okay, tried to be so positive about the experience. At this point, I just like let strangers around me see I was in full blown tears, sitting there, and the statue began to be filled with my tears on it. I felt so alone.

I mean, none of my family was there, I didn’t know where my friends were at the time, and I was almost just processing this injury myself and just allowing all my emotions to come out. Sitting there, I really was like, ‘I don’t know what else I can do? I don’t know how much further I can go.’” And then the lady in the yellow outfit appeared.

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“She came back to me, and she told me, ‘God sent me back to tell you that everything will be okay.’ I thought like, at that point, ‘Oh my goodness.’ I kind of had to process that. I just thought that was so remarkable that this person came back to me. And at that moment I decided I’m going to make a change; I need to tell this story. I had to overcome this and I just developed this plan that I want one day to share my story and share the story of overcoming so much injury, overcoming the mental components. And so, that was definitely my moment because I just felt like God came.” Making a positive out of a negative, Cochrane has published a book called The Unfinished Race, which talks about the physical and mental side of injury, and how to get beyond both and

Author Kylene Cochrane with copies of her book, The Unfinished Race. Photos courtesy of Kylene Cochrane.

feel worth again. The book is about completing a race, mentally and emotionally away from the track, but as well it encourages the importance of starting something new in life thereafter. Cochrane, whose first love was soccer, didn’t

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Welcome to Mallard Run! Beautiful 4 BR, 2 full and 2 half BA colonial ready to move in. Spacious eat in kitchen with HWF, oak cabinets, center island & separate breakfast area. Family room features vaulted ceiling and stone surround wood burning fireplace. Dining room and living room with HWF and crown molding. Laundry conveniently on main level. Master bedroom with tray ceiling, walk in closet and full bathroom. Master bathroom w double sink, soaking tub and separate stall shower. Finished basement with powder room, recreation/pool room, bar room , and potential exercise room. Large deck great for entertaining with wonderful yard and seasonal mountain view. New septic! Insulated garage and garage doors.

Charming cottage in Mountain Lakes community. 4 BR, 2 1/2 BA,3 car garage. Private yard reminiscent of English countryside. Detached garage/workshop w additional room w stone surround FP. Gunite pool w paver surround & redwood deck. Step through your front door to enclosed porch w magnificent stone work. LR, DR, and FR w HWF. WB stove. Stone sun room.So much charm from beam ceilings and detailed woodwork throughout. Rustic bathroom w sunken tub. EIK w wood cabinets and wall of windows. Office/potential 5th bedroom on main floor. Remodeled main bathroom. 4th bedroom exits to large deck overlooking pool. Attached garage features loft storage. Freshly painted, new carpets, recessed lighting, and multi zone heat. Furnace and roof 2012. 3 lots included in sale make up 1.07 acres. Backs up to state land.

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59 Brookwood Rd Byram Township List price 350,000

13 Rushmore Lane Allamuchy Township Sale price 330,000

Great 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage end unit townhome in the picturesque Panther Valley. Eat in kitchen with SS appliances, granite counters and ceramic tile floors. Sliders in kitchen lead to patio with private wooded view. Hardwood floors on main level. Bedroom (w Murphy bed) and full bathroom conveniently located on main level. Master bedroom with large walk thru closet. Family room in basement great for office. Oversized two car garage.

make her junior high team, and turned instead to cross country. She did play soccer in high school and, when her coach made the players run laps in her freshman year, her coach said, ‘You’re in the wrong sport.’ In the winter, she tried

84 Canada Goose Dr Allamuchy Township Sale price $465,000

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ST JU OLD S 68 Lupine Lane Allamuchy Township Sale price 390,000

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18 Prince Edward Rd Independence Twp Sale price 486,000 Buyers Agent

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Page 22 • August 2021 • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

An Eerie, Haunting August Story

By Richard Mabey Jr. ack in the far etched memories of the deepest caverns of heart and mind lies another time, another place. For myself and my endearing neighborhood friends, a most deep and powerful truth was granted unto us, at such an early time in life. For it was in late August of 1967, that the good Lord showed me all I had to be thankful for, all I had to be utmost grateful for. It was an endearing spiritual lesson, unfolded before my very eyes, that to this very day, still looms a most eerie and haunting quality in the deepest chords of my very heart. To say that we were all neighborhood friends, does not quite define it. For the four of us were more like brothers. For in truth, we shared a spiritual closeness that even most brothers are not quite acquainted with. It was the romantic era, the days of innocence, the summer of all for one and one for all. We would play baseball in the old back field, at the end of Mabey Lane, for hours and hours. We rode our bicycles down Main Street, for the mile-long ride, just to buy a bottle of Dad’s Root Beer and a Snickers bar at

Moe’s Sweet Shop. We camped out in each other’s backyards. We explored Hook Mountain, just south of Route 202. We fell in love with the same neighborhood girls. We walked the wooded path to the old Morris Canal. We cut the palms of our hands and pressed them together to become blood brothers of the wind, the earth, the moon and the sun. But it was in late August of 1967, that a sacred moment of truth came to us all, from which our lives would never quite be the same. My cousin Edward, lived right next to me in the carriage house along Mabey Lane. Sadly, it no longer remains. George Yost lived right across the street from me, along historic Route 202. And, Joey lived to the left-hand side of George. We were all relatively close in age, we were all filled with a love for life, a sense of adventure, and our hearts were filled with all of the longing, desire, and exhilaration to experience all that life could grant us. And now it was late August, the magical time of Summer would soon fade from us, and we would have to face the drudgery of classrooms, teachers, white chalk on blackboards, homework, and the bullies of

The old neighborhood boys, from a reunion photo taken during the Fall of 2004. We were all like brothers to one another. From left to right are Edward Mabey, yours truly, George Yost, and Joseph Manicone.

the schoolyard. But for now, this moment, we still had the few remaining days of late August to cherish and bask in, beneath the sweltering sun. Jose Hernandez was a part of the larger

circle of our neighborhood gang. He was one of a good dozen boys, to whom the core four were friends with, but to whom we never let be known the sacred, secret continued on page 23

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 23

Haunting... continued from page 22 handshake of the core four. We were always kind and cordial to the rest of the neighborhood boys, but we instinctively knew that the brotherhood of the core four, could be watered down by being extended out to too many others. We knew very little about Jose. None of us knew him from school. Jose carried with him, a certain mystical, mysterious quality that for the most part, remained unspoken. When we played baseball at the backfield at the end of Mabey Lane, Jose would come running from the path in the northern woods and just join in with us. Jose never had his own baseball glove, so he would borrow one of ours, when it was our team’s turn to be at bat. Jose spoke broken English. He taught us some words in Spanish. We all assumed that he lived in Towaco, across the canal, across the railroad tracks. We all figured that he lived in the apartments that once abounded at the end of Bellows Lane. There was a certain unspoken rule of kiddom of the 1960’s that you just didn’t ask a fellow kid, a thousand and one questions. It came upon us in the early morning of late August 1967. Jose told us that his mom was cooking chicken enchiladas for lunch. Jose told us that he had told his mom all about his wonderful friends, who lived in Lincoln Park. Jose always referred to us as his “friends who lived in Lincoln Park.” It’s the main reason that we assumed that

he lived in the apartments at the end of Bellows Lane. At any rate, Jose told us that his mom had invited us all to have lunch with him and his mom. We were all elated. None of us had ever had enchiladas before. In fact, we had no idea what they were! So, without further ado that morning, we chose up sides for yet another baseball game. We played ball until the town whistle blew, announcing that high noon had arrived. And, then Jose, led us down the wooded path to the old Morris Canal. When we reached the canal, Jose led us to make a left along the canal path, heading west, to the border of Towaco and Lincoln Park. There in the midst of the woods along the canal, just to the west of the remains of Incline Plane Ten East, was the sighting that would change our lives. Jose led us to a village of sorts. This forested village was a clearing filled with tents and make-shift wooden shacks. Despite all of our adventurous sojourns to the old Morris Canal, we had never walked this far to the west. Most of the time we walk the path to the easterly direction to end up on Beaverbrook Road. Jose led us to his wooden shack. It was a small, woodframed home, that seemed to have been built in less than a day. Outside, Jose’s mom was cooking the chicken for the enchiladas in a big, black, cast-iron skillet above an open flame. The heavy skillet rested upon four cinder blocks, all strategically placed to balance the big skillet. There were old folding chairs abounding in the area.

Two old card tables served as the dining room table. Jose’s mother spoke little English. But enough so that we could understand her. And, when we could not grasp what she was saying, Jose would be her interpreter. The four of us sat at the two chipped and worn card tables, with Jose and his mom. Jose and his mom explained that Jose’s dad was a migrant farm worker, working at one of the local farms. After lunch, we all most properly thanked Jose’s mother for making lunch for us. Then Jose explained that he had to help his mom clean up, but that he would be up to play ball with us later on. We all left the little encampment. We then walked the easterly canal path to the point where we would head up through the forest path, to our open field. We all said very little, as we walked the forest path. The sorrow in our hearts, loomed like the haunting aura of clouds passing by a full moon. We were never to be the same again. We all held an unspoken tide of compassion for Jose, from that time on. In September of 1967, I started my freshman year at Boonton High School. Eddie, Joey, and George were all soon to complete their days of attending middle school. We never formally said goodbye to Jose. He just seemed to fade from our lives, before the first snowfall came upon us that winter. None of us were ever to see Jose again. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

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Page 24 • August 2021 • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Coast Guard Helicopter Flies into Aeroﬂex Airport for Local Youth Group

ilots from the United States Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City flew into Aeroflex Airport Tuesday June 29th to exhibit aerospace career opportunities to Civil Air Patrol cadets. This visit was performed as part of the Civil Air Patrol’s mission to give children hands-on learning opportunities in aerospace education. Visitors had the opportunity to ask the helicopter crew questions about how they found careers working in the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard crew demonstrated the capabilities of the Airbus MH-65 rescue helicopter in air by lowering and raising the helicopter’s rescue basket while hovering and performing a high-speed low pass over the airport. On the ground, the helicopter had its doors open while the crew showed off the helicopter’s cockpit and rescue equipment. Members of the crew described rescue missions they have performed in the aircraft off the coast of New Jersey. Two of the crew members were former Civil Air Patrol cadets themselves, giving those who visited an appreciation for how their activities in the organization can turn into a full time job. Two squadrons–Picatinny Composite Squadron and Lone Eagle Composite Squadron–joined the Andover Fire Department and Police Department at the display that lasted from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The crew welcoming these visitors included LCDR Mike Wightman, LTJG Bryan McAlister, AMT3 Estan Rodney, and USCGA 2/C Taylor Young. The Picatinny Composite Squadron recently relocated to Aeroflex Airport and is currently accepting new members, both adults and youths aged 12 to 18. If you are interest-

Civil Air Patrol cadets looking inside the cockpit of the MH-65 rescue helicopter while LCDR Mike Wightman shows rescue equipment.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 25

ICASTRO

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

HC O U N C I L M A N H

What I Stand For

4 Stable Taxes 4 Safe Communities 4 Fiscal Responsibility 4 Transparency 4 Energy Efficient 4 Sustainable Energy Green Community

4 Senior Citizens 4 Responsible Growth 4 Open Space

Who is Joe Nicastro? I moved to Mount Olive in 2004 with my wife Mary Lalama and our family of 5 children. Along with my wife we publish Mt Olive Life Newspapers as well as other newspapers in areas of North Jersey. In 2011 I ran for council to serve the residents of Mt Olive. I am currently the Town Council President and have that privilege of serving for the past 7 years. When you serve in a local community it is about keeping residents safe, providing the services as well as representing all residents that live in our great township. I want to keep Mt Olive the great community it is by working on bringing green and renewable energy programs to the community as well as keeping and improving on our open space and parks for our residents to continue to enjoy.

Questions or concerns? Contact me at 973-809-4784 Cell • jnicastro@mtolivetwp.org

Join us on Zoom for our council meetings in 2021 • 7PM July 20 • August 3, 17 • September 14, 28 October 12, 26 • November 9, 23 • December 7, 21

Visit www.mountolivetwpnj.org/ to register or Register by using this link

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Together We Can Make A Difference Paid for by Friends for Nicastro

John Floretine Treasurer

Page 26 • August 2021 • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Award-Winning Chester Middle-Schooler’s Organic Dog Treats a Hit

By Jillian Risberg hen Maya Vinu found out her dog was overweight, giving him treats full of questionable ingredients wasn’t an option; it made perfect sense to instead create a healthy, tasty treat herself that Copper would enjoy. “I have heard about dog’s having diseases or having to be on a diet. So I thought of making a product at home, filled with natural (ingredients) I can find in the pantry,” says Vinu, who at only 11-years-old conceived Fetchbymaya. She says those store-bought dog treats are chock full of sugar, preservatives, smell horrible and have no health benefits — whereas her organic, naturally sweetened (with ripe bananas), vegan, gluten free, human grade dog treats with spices like turmeric, cinnamon and clove are a feast for the dog’s palate. With no dairy or egg products it is healthy for dogs. “Which is something no other company has. All my customers (dogs) love them; I have 35 customers with 10 repeat customers,” says the young entrepreneur, who gives 25% of her proceeds to Eleventh Hour (Morris County nokill rescue that saves animals on Death Row from high-kill shelters). Creating the treats is a labor of love. “I am creating good and healthy treats for my dog and all of my customer’s dogs,” she says. “Also because of the ingredients like cinnamon and clove I put in makes the house smell amazing.” Vinu sells them in three sizes: her small treat is $4, medium $6 and large is $8. The sixth-grader happened to stumble upon the idea to

make the organic dog treats as part of a TREP school project, not giving it much thought beyond the walls of Black River Middle School. “I never thought this would be a successful business,” Vinu says. “I just started this to solve a problem and then gradually it became a hit. I enjoyed building the website, making the treats and sharing my success with Eleventh Hour Rescue.” And that was only the beginning. The young entrepreneur was the first place winner of PitchNJ Shark Tank 2021, an entrepreneurship competition supported by Business BootCamp, and sponsors Morris County Economic Development Corporation and MorrisTech MeetUp. She was beyond thrilled to hear the judges announce her name. “I didn’t expect to win PitchNJ and the $1500 prize money. The win has helped my company as well,” says Vinu, who adds that she is thankful to all her customers for their help and more importantly, supporting her charity. And the accolades kept coming. She was recognized by the Chester Board of Education. “And my local Assembly woman (Aura Dunn) praised my win,” Vinu says. She is already thinking ahead when it comes to Fetchbymaya and beyond. “I am working on patenting my recipe, adding more seasonal flavors (strawberry for summer and pumpkin for fall), maybe hiring some people to help me,” says the entrepreneurial-minded youth about her goal of growing her

Maya with her dog Copper as she packages her treats

startup and increasing contributions to Eleventh Hour and other charities. “I would love to expand this business or maybe start another one,” says Vinu. “I am also thinking about business or law school.” To learn more about Maya’s organic vegan dog treats, visit: www.fetchbymaya.com

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 27

I Remember Dad: Remembrances of the God and Country Award

By Richard Mabey Jr. uthor’s Note: My dad and the late Reverend Fred Herwaldt, of the First Reformed Church of Lincoln Park, worked together as a team, to provide a wholesome, educational, quality year-long program for Boy Scouts to earn the God and Country Award. Most people think that when my dad stepped down from his 28-year service as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170 in 1994, that he had totally retired from volunteer service in scouting. Nothing could be further from the truth. Dad was 66 years old when he retired as Scoutmaster of good old Troop 170. He had already had a heart attack. It was becoming more and more difficult for him to put a full pack on his back and lead the boys on a hike on the Appalachian Trail. It became more and more difficult for him to camp out. But my father wasn’t about to give up on his ministry to serve others. My dad firmly believed that it was better to shape a boy to become a moral gentleman than to rehabilitate a wayward man. And thus, in 1994 my dad began serving as an Advisor for the Boy Scouts of America’s Protestant religious award, God and Country, through the First Reformed Church of Lincoln Park.

Dad worked closely with the late Reverend Fred Herwaldt, in leading the year-long classes in order for the scouts to earn the God and Country Award. Dad served as an Advisor for the God and Country Award from 1994 till 2000. During this time, Dad touched the hearts and minds of many boys, guiding them to follow the golden light of truth, to follow a moral compass, and to love the Lord. The God and Country Award is a combination of scholastic study of the Holy Bible interweaved with very practical ways for a boy to apply the teachings of the Bible to serve his family, church, and community. I often reflect on how many boys’ lives my father touched through his 36-year service as a volunteer Scout Leader. For Dad had served two years as Committeeman in Troop 170, from 1964 to 1966. He served 28 years as Scoutmaster of Troop 170, from 1966 to 1994. And, Dad served six years as an Advisor for the God and Country Award. At the end of the year-long classes, Dad and Reverend Herwarldt would lead the boys on a day-long hike on the Appalachian Trail, starting at High Point, New Jersey and ending in eastern Pennsylvania. I had the high honor to also lead the scouts on this adventurous hike, each year.

A photo of my dad (right hand side) and Reverend Fred Herwaldt. This picture was taken in the early Summer of 1995, after the annual God and Country Award Ceremony. The scouts were always presented their well-earned God and Country Award, during a church service at the First Reformed Church of Lincoln Park.

One of the highlights, of this annual sojourn, was that we would all stop along the trail and cook lunch. After lunch, Dad and Reverend Herwaldt would lead the scouts in an informal church service beneath the oaks, the maples, and the evergreens. The boys would sit on logs and rocks, just a few yards off from the trail. It was such always such a meaningful and heart-moving little time. Both, Dad and Reverend Herwaldt, have

since passed away. I miss them both, all so very much. Few people know of the many hours that these two gentlemen put into having a very successful God and Country Award program. For all their selfless hard work, I am so very grateful. For truly, they touched the lives of so very many boys. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

Page 28 • August 2021 • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Do You Believe in These Three Common 401(k) Misconceptions?

f you contribute a portion of your income to a 401(k), you may think you’re all set for a comfortable retirement. Experts say it’s important to take a closer look at these savings. To help you get started, Lincoln Financial Group is breaking down three common misconceptions about saving for retirement revealed in a recent survey of U.S. employees by Lincoln Financial and CivicScience: • True or False: “Saving enough to meet the employer match is enough to keep me on track for a comfortable retirement.” This one is (most likely) false! An employer match (if offered) is a good place to start, but if you really want to make sure you have enough of a nest egg to retire when and how you want, a good rule of thumb is to save at least 10 to 15 percent of your salary. • True or False: “Paying down my student loan debt as quickly as possible is more important than saving for my retirement.” This can be true…or false, depending on your situation. While you should not delay saving for retirement, it’s a good idea to speak with a financial professional to determine how to strategize paying off debt while also planning for your future. You can also use free tools like the debt calculator found at LincolnFinancial.com to help you make a plan for paying off debt. • True or False: “I’ve thought about moving money from an old employer’s 401(k) into my current employer’s 401(k), but it seems like it would be too much of a hassle.” This one is false! While it is important to consider all options of your 401(k) platform prior to making a decision, the process for

a rollover is typically very easy and brings multiple benefits. Instead of tracking investment selections, performance or statements for multiple accounts, for example, you’ll only have to monitor a single account. “While there are certainly still some misconceptions when it comes to saving for the future, the majority of those surveyed understand the importance of not delaying saving for later in their careers,” said Aaron Moore, senior vice president, Retirement Plan Client Engagement, Lincoln Financial Group. “This is cause for celebration, as delaying saving for retirement can have a significant impact on future savings. This is another reason why we are focused on working with employers to educate their employees so they can achieve the retirement they envision.” If you’re looking for more ways to help set yourself up for a financially secure future – here are three tips to keep in mind: 1. Check your account. It might sound simple, but logging in regularly (try for at least once a quarter) can help ensure you’re on track with your savings goal. Be sure to use the calculators and projection tools your retirement plan offers. 2. Update (or create) a goal. When you have a goal to work towards, research shows you’ll be more likely to increase your contributions, and therefore, increase your savings. 3. Meet with a professional. If your employer offers retirement consultants, schedule a meeting, or consider speaking with a financial professional, who can help you

understand the full picture of your savings and where to focus your efforts. For more resources, tools and calculators, visit LincolnFinancial.com/retirement. A comfortable financial future is achievable with a strategy. To take stock of your retirement savings, start with your 401(k). (StatePoint)

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • August 2021 • Page 29

Page 30 • August 2021 • Mt. Olive-Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Comfort Food Consumption on the Rise

s families spend more time at home, Americans are finding comfort in a surprising source: bread. In fact, a 20-year trend of declining grain food consumption has been reversed. A national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading. In reality, consumers count bread among their top comfort foods. The study revealed one-third of Americans named pasta and bread as foods that are comforting during a stressful time. In addition to the comforting flavor, this trend provides valuable nutritional benefits. As a part of many healthy eating plans, bread and pasta are nutritionist approved and provide nutrients needed for healthy aging such as B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, iron, folate and fiber. “For years, we’ve been telling consumers that grain foods are the foods we love that love us back,” said Christine Cochran, executive director of the Grain Foods Foun-

dation. “The stress has given us permission to enjoy bread and pasta again, but unlike most comfort foods, consumers recognize that grains have nutritional value.” The highest-ranking comfort foods were ice cream; baked goods like cakes, cookies and pastries; salty snacks; candy; and fast food. However, when asked to identify comfort foods with nutritional advantages, consumers identified bread and pasta as the top two. “We can all rest assured that there is enough supply of grain food products in this country,” Cochran said. “Shoppers may be experiencing some sporadic unavailability of certain high-demand items. However, manufacturers are working closely with retailers to make sure that out-of-stocks are short lived. Consumers will be able to buy their favorite grain-food products and eat them, too.” To learn more about the role of grain foods in a healthful diet, visit GrainFoodscontinued on page 31

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