Hackettstown November 2022

Hackettstown Guitarist Mixes Genres to Create his Own Sound

By Alexander Rivero

Lenz fell in love with the sound of the guitar before he ever decided to pick one up. But by the time he did, the famous rifts of heroes Jimmie Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn were practically one with his DNA. Now a gifted guitarist himself, Lenz has made a name for himself by blending the musical genres that have moved him from his earliest years and creating his own contemporary jazz. He has released thirteen highly-acclaimed recordings as a leader to date, with greats such as Randy Brecker, Joel Rosenblatt, Mark Egan, Mike Stern, and Will Lee. He has also been featured in hundreds of television shows around the world, including AMC’s Breaking Bad, MTV’s Catfish, and CBS’s Young Sheldon, to name only a few.

B.D.

But to meet the man is to meet a real fan. Lenz admits that he would never have taken the plunge to move to Los Angeles to study at the esteemed Musicians Institute had he not first fallen in love with the great masters.

“I started off as a big Rush nerd early on,” he recalls, “and then I spread my wings a bit by moving on to jazz, Stevie Ray Vaughn on blues guitar, Mike Stern and Pat Matheny, each of whom are still some of my favorite musicians of all time.

Those formative musical experiences never leave you. I wasn’t into jazz in school, but I came out converted. So much so that today I consider myself a jazz musician. Deep within me, I’m still part rocker, the reality is that I’m probably somewhere in between, and I appreciate all of it because the ‘rock’ part of me is my backbone, and infuses into the jazz part of me.”

It was while in Los Angeles where Lenz got a first taste of the degree of talent that there was in the world outside the friendlier confines of his home region. He describes how he anticipated encountering some skilled musicians at the Musicians Institute, but not to the level he saw first-hand, which

included not only fellow students and amateurs, but world-class musicians coming in to give master classes, among them Paul Gilbert, Mike Stern (one of his personal heroes and a collaborator with Lenz on his current album, It’s Just a Dream).

“I had my mind blown during my time in Los Angeles, quite frankly,” he says. “I was listening and watching some of the greatest active musicians on earth, which was totally new to me. I mean, I was the best guitar player in high school, and then I left to a place as far away as I could find and found myself surrounded with people that could constantly remind me what a professional could do. I was floored.”

Lenz came back to New Jersey after graduating and went to college, “an excuse to not have to work and practice guitar for four years,” he says.

He graduated with a major in math education and a minor in music, and after that, it was off to the races in terms of figuring out what he could do to launch his artistic career, his goal all along.

“I started playing in bands and such, but I’ve been independent for most of the time. I book my own tours, make my own records.

It’s a workload but when it’s something you love, you do it wholeheartedly.”

His career has taken him on tours overseas, and to date, he remembers each of them very fondly. One gig in Belgium, he says, sticks out in his memory as a night where the audience and the performers were practically one, the kind of night every performer hopes to have at least once in his lifetime.

“It was a beautiful experience,” he recalls. “Compliments from the crowd the whole night, the works. We reached a higher level.”

If he could advise up and coming musicians on what to do to better themselves, he stresses the importance of taking the time and effort to truly listen to the greats.

“They’re famous for a reason,” he says. “Miles Davis, John Coltrane. Really let them sink in. Jazz is a pretty big term, and there are lots of styles within jazz. So even if you don’t like a particular thing, there’s something else. I like a little more rock element in it, personally.”

For more information on B.D. Lenz, please visit his website at www.bdlenz.com or find him on Twitter and Instagram @bdlenz.

Enjoy This Issue

Welcome to your emailed edition of Hackettstown Life. Each month you will receive the emailed version. We have been publishing for over 35 years and times are changing and so are we. Hackettstown Life will have the same local content and advertisers you are use to.

Please go to www.iwantmypaper.com and sign up for your free monthly issue of the Hackettstown Life. Please send any comments, press for organizations, articles you would like to see or a businesses you would like to see in the edition to joe@mylifepublications.com

Thank you

Joe Nicastro & Mary Lalama Publishers

Click

on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

• Magnolia

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

material that is bonded to your own teeth. They can eliminate gaps, straighten crooked teeth, and brighten your smile. They are a great way to “freshen-up” aging teeth and rejuvenate them.

The traditional material is porcelain, while this article will discuss resin. Porcelain is stronger, more durable, and more resistant to discoloration over time. Resin may require more maintenance and will wear down faster. It will discolor more than porcelain will, but not in the short term. What is resin? Resin is also known as composite. When you have a white filling placed by your dentist, they are using resin. It is a pliable material that hardens when a blue light is applied and activates it.

The main reason why patients will opt for resin veneers over porcelain veneers is cost. They are approximately one-half of the investment. So you can still walk away with a gorgeous new smile for half of the money! Just note the trade-off is potentially more maintenance with time, and a higher chance of darkening years down the road.

Another advantage of resin veneers over

porcelain is the number of appointments: porcelain veneers require 2 appointments, while resin requires only one.

There are times additional procedures will be necessary before veneers can be performed, whether porcelain or resin. Cavities, damage to other teeth, and infections are examples.

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.

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. Whitening might be an alternative.

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 consultation with Dr. Goldberg. We’d be more than happy to listen to your goals and discuss additional details with you!

About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been a dentist for 27 years, and maintains an extremely well-respected practice in Succasunna, NJ. He performs general dentistry procedures, cosmetic procedures, as well as dental implant procedures. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Scholar of the Dawson Academy for Complete Dentistry. He is also a lecturer in the field of implantology. To schedule a consultation, please call his office at 973-328-1225 or visit his website at www. MorrisCountyDentist.com

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.

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.

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To

•

More than 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur annually outside hospital settings. However, a hands-on emergency intervention like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

According to the American Heart Association, 70% of cardiac arrests –electrical malfunctions in the heart that cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupt the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs – occur at home, but often family and friends who witness a child, spouse, parent or friend going into cardiac arrest hesitate to perform potentially lifesaving CPR for fear of making the situation worse.

“By equipping people with Hands-Only CPR training, we are empowering them to spring into action if a loved one needs help, as the majority of cardiac arrests occur at home,” said Dr. Anezi Uzendu, M.D., interventional cardiologist and American Heart Association volunteer.

As part of its Hands-Only CPR campaign,

Importance

nationally supported by the Elevance Health Foundation, the American Heart Association aims to increase awareness about the importance of bystander CPR and offers these two simple steps: Call 911.

Push hard and fast in the center of the chest of the individual experiencing cardiac arrest.

Using the beat of a familiar song with 100-120 beats per minute, such as “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, can help you stay on pace with the necessary compressions.

“Being able to efficiently perform Hands-Only CPR in the moment can mean the difference between life and death, and by following these two simple steps we can increase someone’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest,” said Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., board certified emergency medicine doctor and chief health officer at Elevance Health.

“As a longstanding supporter of the American Heart Association, we remain focused on working together to improve health inequities in our communities by

Photo courtesy of Getty Images. (Article Family Features) expanding access to training and increasing the number of people who learn and feel confident performing Hands-Only CPR to save lives.”

To find more information, watch a livestream video demonstration of Hands-Only CPR or download a first aid smartphone app, visit heart.org/CPR

Change Your Genes Everyday Yep…

I’m Referring to Your Genes Not Your Jeans

you should probably change your jeans every few days as well, but that’s a discussion for another time and another day.

You have probably been taught that the genes you are born with are yours for life. You excuse things like your angry behaviors, high blood pressure or your weight on your genetics. My patients often tell me that their illnesses are genetic, and because of that they can’t do anything about it. What if I told you that isn’t completely true? What if I told you that changing the way you think can actually change your life? That might sound like fantasy to some, but it’s true! I know, I know… now you feel like you’ve been living a lie, but it’s time to wake up!! Check this out… Research shows that those who practice Meditation/Yoga can “steer” their DNA, reducing inflammation and reducing their risks for diseases like cancer.

You may be asking how in the heck is that possible? Let’s break it down…

Our bodies have a sympathetic nervous system and a parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) aka “fight or flight” response is

activated by stressful situations. Historically this fight or flight response was needed for survival in the wild. For example, when being chased by an animal the SNS kicks in and all functions that are not needed for immediate survival (i.e digestion…) are shut down. Among other processes, the body speeds up, heart pumps faster, the muscles contract and the brain is more alert. Activating the SNS also triggers the production of a molecule called Nuclear factor Kappa b (NF-Kb), which is responsible for our gene expression. During this process NF-Kb activates genes that release cytokines. These cytokines are responsible for producing inflammation on a cellular level. During a life/ death event this is actually helpful short -term. However, in modern day life this same sequence of events occurs due to every-day stressors (that weren’t present in our early ancestors lives). Things like traffic, work-related stress and finances trigger this same “fight or flight” response, causing the same cascade of events that lead to increased NF-Kb and increased release of cytokines. In fact, just thinking about that stressful situation you had earlier will cause the same cascade of events to take place. Most people in

today’s society are living in a constant “fight or flight” state. This long- term “exposure” to these cytokines are linked to cancer, premature aging, mental disorders (including anxiety and depression) and other diseases.

On the other hand, it has been found that practicing yoga/meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS, known as the “rest and digest” state, is the way that the body should be functioning normally. In this natural state, the heart rate slows down, blood pressure decreases and digestion takes place. Studies show that practicing Meditation/Yoga, specifically, reduce NF-Kb, therefore turning off the genes that release the cytokines, which in turn reduces the inflammatory response and therefore prevents premature aging and diseases like cancer. This is all happening on the molecular level! You can actually leave a molecular signature on your cells to regulate your own gene expression! Boom… and there you have it! Now all you have to do is start Meditating to experience the benefits for yourself!

For more information about Acupuncture, contact Mount Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973-527-7978.

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro

By Steve Sears

Local Communities Ensure Veteran Heroes Are Not Forgotten Through Wreaths Across America

Thecommunities of Hackettstown, Roxbury, and Denville ensure every Christmas season that our loyal, deceased veteran heroes who served our country are not forgotten.

On December 17 throughout our nation, through the Wreaths Across America program, wreaths are laid on the graves on soldiers who fought for our country as far back as the Revolutionary War. And volunteers young and old in the three, before-mentioned communities are just some of the many placing wreaths on the graves and saying the veteran’s name, making sure he or she “hears” beneath the soil or above the clouds that they are being honored for their service and are not forgotten.

HACKETTSTOWN

Michele DeFazio of the Hackettstown’s Wreathes Across America has been location coordinator for two years. Elks Lodge #2331 is in their fifth year of doing the worthwhile ritual at the Union Cemetery. “At least a couple of hundred,” DeFazio says when asked how many wreaths are placed at gravesites. “It fluctuates depending on how many donations we get in and how many people sign up. But, with COVID, last year was a little bit harder, but we still have done it. Usually, it’s at least 200 (graves) or more than that.”

DeFazio has had family members serve in the military. In fact, her son is a United States Marine. It’s personal for her, and for many. “When they asked me the first year about Wreaths Across America, I was honored to be able to do this because I felt that I’m honoring them, but I also felt honored

cemetery that I could participate. One of the processes when you lay the wreath is you’re supposed to say the name of whoever’s grave that you’re laying the wreath on. When you do that, you actually almost feel like you’re personally there with that person. So, I’m very respectful of the military, and I believe this is something that we can all do.”

Across

Every military branch is present at Union Cemetery, laying the official ceremonial wreath. DeFazio adds, “We also have the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts come out, and the Junior ROTC came out last fall. Each year it seems like we involve more of the community.”

ROXBURY

Kim Armstrong is both a volunteer for Wreaths Across America and lead coordinator for Roxbury since 2014, when she initiated the worthwhile event in town. Her dad was a Navy veteran, and she brought the Wreaths Across America idea to her Ferro Monte Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Wreaths are layed at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery & United Methodist Church Cemetery, and the Flanders-Hillside Cemetery. “We lay wreathes on all the veterans’ graves continued on next page

Wreaths

American volunteers gather in a Hackettstown

in Roxbury now,” Armstrong says. “We’re up to about 670 graves.”

As previously mentioned, all war vets are remembered. “We will mark our Revolutionary War soldiers’ graves,” Armstrong says of the earliest burial spots at First Presbyterian Church Cemetery & United Methodist Church Cemetery. During the Revolutionary War, First Presbyterian Church served as a barracks and hospital for the wounded, and General George Washington may have even visited the ailing. “We have the first one that was buried there who died of smallpox, and we honor him every day. If you looked at any of our materials, that’s the gray stone that we use, to honor his sacrifice for us to be here the way we are today.”

Roxbury Wreaths Across America promotes something a little different than the program nationally. They do a children’s wreath. Armstrong explains. “We get a wreath, and we have the kids waiting on line for Santa Claus stop and write a message thanking a veteran. It could be somebody they know or just a generalized one. They’re getting a little bit of that history themselves, which is really neat.” The wreaths are displayed on Main Street trees throughout the holiday season.

Armstrong also adds, “We also encourage people to bring their kids (on December 17). They do the Pledge of Allegiance in front of every veteran grave when they’re laying a wreath.”

DENVILLE

Wreaths Across America volunteers annually lay wreaths on the graves of veterans at 3,137 cemeteries nationwide.

“When we started out, there was maybe 1,000, maybe

Erica Tattersall

1,200,” Anna Marie Osvold says. Osvold started Wreaths Across America in Denville six years ago. “Each year it’s grown, which is wonderful.”

Three of those over 3,000 current cemeteries are in Denville: Denville Cemetery, Cooks Cemetery at the Rockaway River Country Club, and a tiny plot for one gentleman on Cooper Road.

Osvold explains her introduction to the annual event. “My brother was in the army. He did a couple of tours over in Iraq, Operation Freedom. About seven years ago, he had sent me a picture, and it was him placing a wreath on a veteran’s grave in Colorado. It was lightly snowing, and they actually had a picture of him and my niece saluting after they placed the wreath on the grave. He told me about Wreaths Across America, and I thought it was something I really would love to start here. I looked into it and decided that there were veterans that are buried in Denville and have been here, some of them from the Civil War, and that I thought that it would be nice to remember these people for the sacrifices that they made, and their family made, for our freedom.”

Osvold gets between 200 to 250 volunteers on the day that Wreaths Across America is held. “It’s wonderful to see the community come out and support this event,” she says. “The fire department, the police department, the mayorjust everybody helping us is unbelievable. It’s such a good feeling.”

Osvold articulates perhaps the most important reason for Wreaths Across America. “Some of these veterans don’t have family members anymore. We need to thank them for their service. They’re not forgotten, and it’s important that

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

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

we ensure that their memory lives on. When we place that wreath on a veteran’s grave, we say their name out loud, so that their memory will live on. It’s just a thank you for the freedom that we have today.” For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

Glory Days: 2010 Hackettstown High School Girl’s Soccer

010 was the Hackettstown Tigers girl’s soccer team’s first season in the NJAC Freedom Division. They won that division, and also went on the capture the North II Group II state sectional title. However, it was how they did it that was impressive.

Tara Repsher was then, and still is now, the Tigers head coach. In 2010, the club would be without leading scorer, Alysia Arcona, who had graduated, and the team was jettisoned to a brand new conference, where soccer powerhouses Kittatinny and Newton awaited, among others.

“The year before we had a pretty decent graduating class,” Repsher says.

“We had lost Alysia Arcona, who ended up going on to have a good career at Felician College, and we went in with probably the smallest group in terms of numbers of players that I, at that time in my very short coaching career, ever had in our program. When we looked at the numbers starting the season, we were looking at almost like a rebuild, having to rebuild some of those key positions with not a lot of numbers

coming up.”

Repsher had 12 players returning, key ones being sophomore Katie Hutton, who during the season had a 13-game scoring streak with nine goals and 17 assists, and senior Shannon Browne, who would tally five goals and 20 assists. But still, the team was unsure what type of impact they would have in their new conference. “We knew we would be competitive because of the players we had,” Repsher says, “but we didn’t have a lot of numbers.”

Cynthia Anderson was a sophomore defensemen in 2010. “It was really special. One of the best teams I’ve ever been on. We were very much like cohesion as a team, and I think it helped to have the leadership of the seniors on the field to kind of guide us through.”

The Tigers started out the season with six wins and a single loss, two of their wins coming against those strong Kittatinny and Newton clubs. Then the team hit a slump. Repsher says, “We did go on a run in the beginning – we were undefeated for a while - and then had a little bit of a slump coming through.” The Tigers recovered to

win eight more games to win the division crown, and wound up as the second seed in the North II, Group II State Sectional tournament. They defeated Ridgefield Park, West Essex, Bernards and Caldwell, the final two contests being comeback games. Repsher adds, “The adversities

of not having a lot of numbers and a lot of depth, and to come out and still grind out games, was very big for us throughout the entire season. If you look at that West Essex game, the final score was 3 – 2, and the Bernards game, 3 – 1. Nothing really, I

PROFESSIONAL, DEPENDABLE, AFFORDABLE

For more than 20 years, Beaumont Landscaping Inc has helped both homes and businesses add curb appeal. We are a full-service company offering landscape designs, lawn maintenance, hardscaping, and construction services. Our top priorities are making your property as beau tiful as you want and making sure you are 100% satisfied with our work. We work with your request while offering fresh ideas and recommendations that fit into the nature of your project. Give us a call today and let’s get started on transforming your lawn today!

Amanda Haar, Alaine Slavin, and Dzenita Cifric hoist the championship trophy. Photos courtesy of the Browne family.

would say, came super easy to us.”

Nothing certainly came easy against Caldwell, their opponent in the North II Group II sectional final. The game was played at Morrison Field in Hackettstown, and the atmosphere was electric. Repsher says, “That game really stands out. It was a 2:00 p.m. game and the administration actually let the whole school out to watch that game at the end of the school day. Our stands were full. Our students weren’t leaving, the teachers weren’t leaving, and the middle schoolers came over to watch. The atmosphere was just absolutely amazing for that game.”

“Walking out on the field for the sectional game, I’ve never been more nervous for a game because the whole school was there,” Anderson recalls. “I’d never seen the stands with a lot of people like that before.”

The Tigers trailed , 1 – 0, at the half. Dzenita Cifric would tie the game early in the second half, and Browne, who would be named First-Team all-league and all-Warren County, would score the game winner with 28.7 seconds left.

“Every minute mattered, and you couldn’t slack off for a second,” Anderson says. “They (Caldwell) were such a good team. They were pushing so hard the whole game, so I think it was just that feeling of having to persevere and have endurance to match their efforts. And I think for our offense, they were definitely taking every opportunity they could.” Browne’s goal, which came from behind the box, left Anderson in shock. “I said to myself, ‘Did that really just happen?’ I don’t think any of us were expecting it, because it was far out.”

“Everything erupted,” Repsher recalls, who in her mind was starting to prepare for overtime as Browne’s goal hit the back of the net. “As that goal went in, it was just absolute elation.”

The 2010 Hackettstown High School girls’ soccer

team finished their season with a 5 – 0 loss against Mahwah in the Group II final, but still sported a final a 19 – 6 record during that historic season.

Repsher sums it up. “I had a good group of girls with grit, which was great.”

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

JERSEY GIRL BREWING COMPANY BREWERY

Jersey Girl Brewing Company brews beer on a 30-barrel brewing system. One barrel is equivalent to approximately 31 gallons of beer, meaning the system will be able to produce several hundred gallons of beer in each batch. 930 gallons to be exact.

With state-of-the-art equipment, we will produce some amazing craft brew. Then we’ll up the ante with bold, small batch experimental beer on our Tippy system which we will serve in our sampling room. Our Tippy system can brew up to 27 gallons per batch. These are exclusive tap room only beers are available only while they last.

The Jersey Girl Brewing Company brewery is located in a 10,000-square-foot building. The tasting room occupies a little less than 10% of the building and will hold approximately 75 people.

The brew house, fermenting tanks, brite tanks, and cold storage will occupy the rest of the building with plenty of space for the business to grow. Currently there is capacity to produce about 4,000 to 5,000 barrels of beer a year, but there is room to add about ten more fermentation tanks and triple production. In April of 2020, Jersey Girl Brewing added a new 5-head counter pressure canning line from Codi increasing packaging capabilities for broader distribution.

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

Shannon Browne scoring the goal that won the North II Group II Sectional title

•

•

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

•

• Jag Paving

•

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

•

•

By Steve Sears

Railroad Historians was founded in 1990 and is incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit. The intention of the group is preservation of railroad history in the Phillipsburg area.

Phillipsburg

Phillipsburg resident, Pete Terp, who was well known because he ran a store in Phillipsburg called Viking Auto Parts, was the founder. “He was knowledgeable and he knew a lot of important people in town, and he was responsible for getting the club off the ground and on the move with negotiating for use of the land, eventually to build where we are today. I owe him a lot,” says Paul Carpenito, President of the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians. “We chartered ourselves with a mission statement to advance the history of railroad and other transportation in, not only Phillipsburg, but Warren County and the Lehigh Valley.”

Years ago, numerous railroads crisscrossed through Phillipsburg. There was the Pennsylvania Railroad, which became Penn Central, and then became Conrail. There was also the Erie Lackawanna, the Lehigh Valley, the Jersey Central, and the Lehigh and Hudson River, all serving the town. “It was a lot of interchange that went on up until the consolidation of all the railroads, when Conrail kind of put the kibosh on a lot of the smaller interchanges.

Phillipsburg was a very busy railroad town,” says Carpenito.

The Phillipsburg Railroad Historians Museum, which was opened in 2000, has many artifacts from yesteryear. Carpenito gives a brief rundown. “People have been very generous to give things from their basement that belonged to their grandfathers and their fathers. Lanterns, oiling cans, shovels, tools - we have all of that inside the museum building. And on the

days that we are open, you can come in and you can look at it all displayed. We’ve got a gift shop with book titles, DVDs, and model trains for sale at just a fraction of what you would pay for these things if you went to an online shop. We can do better than that because a lot has been donated to us. We’ve also got a railroad library which I believe is the largest railroad library in New Jersey.”

The onsite Centerville & Southwestern Railroad has a story all its own. “When Becker Farms closed their operation in Roseland, Essex County, Mr. Becker wanted to sell the railroad in one piece, rather than to break it up piecemeal,” says Carpenito. “He wanted to keep it in one piece and offered it for sale, with no takers.” Monmouth County offered to take the railroad, and stored it in its entirety in a horse barn. It was never set up at a specific spot, and it languished and sat lonely, until Terp got word of its availability in the early ‘90’s. He convinced the Phillipsburg Township Council to acquire the railroad for $1.00. “Quite a bargain,” says Carpenito. “But we were responsible to move the entire thing, including the track panels and all the equipment, out here to Phillipsburg.”

Our train is not what you would call an amusement park train. This is a real train built with all the facets of a real train.”

The first ever Phillipsburg Railroad Festival was held on Saturday, September 10, 2022, and a record 918 people rode the Centerville & Southwestern Railroad that day. “In just five hours,” says Paul Carpenito, Phillipsburg Railroad Historians President since 1998. “That was just colossal!”

Carpenito’s excitement is understandable.

The event was the first of its kind, an aged but loved train still runs and lives on, as does railroad history in the area.

Phillipsburg Railroad Historians is comprised of 93 volunteers who run about

seven to nine events a year. They are always looking for new members. “We’ve been fairly successful at attracting younger people to come and become members of our group,” says Carpenito. “We’ve got members as young as 10 going up through the teens into the 20’s. We believe in our

mission, and with a real good, solid future, I believe that we can continue to tell the story of railroading prior to this day and age.”

The Philipsburg Railroad Historians Museum is located at 10 Pine Alley in Phillipsburg. For more information, visit www.prrh.org

Santa Claus greets families outside the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians museum. Photo credits to Michael Lechicky / David Hitzel / Meg Carpenito

Holiday Bazaar Coming to Hackettstown

Mini-Bazaar at the Hackettstown Public Library, 110 Church St, on Thursday, December 1, 9 am to 8 pm and Friday, December 2, 9 am to 3 pm. A festive mix of crafts, curios,

Holiday

home baked goods, and a bargain table of gently used items. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, visit us at hackettstownlibrary. org, under the about button select Friends. Happy Holidays!

Centenary University to Launch New NCAA DIII Women’s Wrestling Program

Centenary University announced the addition of women’s wrestling as an intercollegiate sport. The team will bring the total number of NCAA DIII sports offered by the University to 14, including seven women’s teams.

“Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States,” noted Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., president of Centenary University. “Centenary’s new women’s wrestling team aligns with the objectives of our strategic plan to grow the University, while providing academic and extracurricular opportunities that enrich the experience for a more diverse group of students.”

Vice President for Enrollment Management Robert L. Miller, Ph.D., explained that the new team broadens Centenary’s recruitment pool of prospective students. “We’re excited to add women’s wrestling to our roster of DIII sports,” Dr. Miller said. “We anticipate strong interest from high school athletes in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as other areas of the country.”

An Olympic sport for nearly two decades, women’s wrestling has charted explosive growth. The National Wrestling

Coaches Association estimates that more than 28,000 high school women wrestled in 2021, compared with just 804 in 1994— an increase of more than 3,300 percent. Recognized as an emerging NCAA sport in 2020 for all three collegiate divisions, women’s wrestling is sanctioned for high school competition in 36 states, including New Jersey. Centenary’s program will be one of two NCAA collegiate programs in the state, although several other colleges and universities offer the sport on the club level or allow women to compete on men’s teams.

Recruitment is underway for a Centenary women’s team coach and the first roster of players, which will debut for the 2023-2024 academic year. Associate Athletic Director Rose Haller said the University will leverage the success of its nationally-recognized men’s wrestling program to build the new women’s team, which will share training facilities with the men. “Centenary has a long and proud reputation for men’s wrestling, producing many national qualifiers and AllAmericans,” Haller noted. “We anticipate that the University’s new women’s program will follow in that proud tradition.”

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

•

Area Ecumenical Nativity Program Marks 20th Anniversary

by Elsie Walker

Much like the three wisemen who brought their gifts to the baby Jesus, the Port Morris UMC (United Methodist Church) has hosted a yearly “Christmas Through the Arts” advent program where area churches bring together their gifts to tell the story of the nativity. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program through which the scenes of the nativity story are portrayed through song, instrumental music, puppetry, liturgical dance, chancel drama, chancel comedy and more. This year’s program is on Sunday, December 4th at 5pm at Port Morris UMC on 296 Center Street in Landing (parking on the street and in the back parking lot on Main Street).

“I am excited to be part of the 20th Annual Christmas Through the Arts program at the Port Morris United Methodist Church. Beginning Advent in a way that brings together not only the members of my own church but members from many different churches and denominations enables an expanded sense of community as we prepare for the

Christmas season. It’s always a pleasure to see, hear and feel how each church expresses its excitement and joy as they await Christmas Day,” shared Richard Boyer, Jr. of Budd Lake, director of the Port Morris UMC’s a capella choir.

The program started in 2002 as the result of a chance “how’s your week been” conversation between a pastor and parishioner at the Port Morris church. The parishioner had a part time job which brought her in contact with a number of small churches. She told the pastor, the late Rev. Karen McMartin, of how she’d learned these churches each seemed to have a different talent which they utilized to make their worship special, much like the Port Morris church had with its a capella choir. The other churches had liturgical dance, mime, chancel drama and bells. McMartin noted that though the holiday season was many months off, she’d been thinking of having something special one Sunday in Advent. She seemed to be thinking of asking one of the churches to share its talent. Before she could say anything, the parishioner started to suggest asking them all! It could be a

nativity program. However, not every church had nativity costumes. Thus, it was decided not to use those but at the beginning of each year’s program, the audience was asked to use their imagination as each church

performed its scene. That tradition has been followed since then with only a few costumes being used now and then. Also, that first year showed it was difficult to get churches from different areas to be able continued on next page

Why join the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce now?

Members of the Port Morris United Methodist Church a capella choir singing at a past ecumenical program.

Program Marks 20th Anniversary...

to rehearse at the same time. Thus, each church prepares its scene on its own with narration linking them together during the program.

The first program shared the talents of St. James Episcopal Church (Hackettstown), Abiding Peace Lutheran (Budd Lake), Christ Episcopal Church (Budd Lake), Teabo United Methodist Church (Wharton), and the Port Morris church.

Over the years, churches have joined in sharing their talents while others took a break. Usually between five – nine churches take part each year. Besides the churches already named, others which have been represented in the program over the years include St. Margaret’s of Scotland (Morristown), Flanders United Methodist Church (Mt. Olive), Drakestown United Methodist Church (Hackettstown), St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church (Netcong), Stanhope United Methodist Church (Netcong), Valley View Chapel (Long Valley), Grace Church on the Mount (Netcong), St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (Wharton), Trinity United Methodist Church (Hackettstown) and Wharton United Community Church (previously St. John’s UMC).

“I am really looking forward to participating again in this year’s 20th anniversary of Port Morris United Methodist Church’s Christmas Through the Arts service in December. In past years, I have enjoyed this unique and creative ecumenical service which shares the Christmas story through a variety of performing arts with participants from many different churches…. A great memory was when our Stanhope UMC Jazz Trio performed in the service [ playing “We Three Kings”]. This year I will be performing with some of my instrumental music students from Bedminster. We are hoping to put together a jazz duet and a jazz trio. My students and I really enjoy performing together. Last spring, we were fortunate enough to put together a jazz quintet for Stanhope UMC Mardi Gras Jazzy Worship Service,” shared Scott Lefurge of Byram, a music teacher in the Bedminster school system and member of

the Stanhope United Methodist Church. The mix of talents can be different each year and different kinds of “gifts” having been offered, such as singing and signing in American Sign Language done by the St. James Episcopal Church. However, one recent mainstay of the program has been “Camille the camel”. An over-thetop diva, Camille is a puppet that helps introduce the audience to the program each year and would tell you that the camels with the wisemen were the most important part of the story.

In addition to coming together to tell the story, a sense of community and sharing has resulted from the program. Jack Amato of Landing, known by many in the audience as the “piano man” attends St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Netcong. Amato often brings friends who are singers with him, but also always does a piano solo for the program. A participant for many years, Amato notes that he loves doing the program and ,“I love working with all the other churches, especially Port Morris United Methodist Church.” As a result of his connection with the program, Amato has also come to the Port Morris church to provide special music a few Sundays a year. Another example of sharing came from the director of the Abiding Peace Lutheran Church’s Messenger Dancers last year. When they couldn’t attend the program, the director taught someone from another church a liturgical dance so the program would not go without one.

The participants, as well the as audience, look forward to coming together to share the nativity story with each other. Katie Williver, of Oak Ridge, reflected on the program: “For the past five or six years I have been participating in the annual nativity program at Port Morris UMC. I have enjoyed participating because it has given me the opportunity to sing with my nieces and my son. Furthermore, it is such a beautiful program because people from all denominations come together to celebrate the birth of Christ. There are so many talented people involved in this nativity program; it is a beautiful night of music and storytelling.”

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

Meet Dr. Brenda Rooney

Dr. Brenda L. Rooney has been a chiropractic patient since she was diagnosed with scolio sis as a teenager. “I was encouraged to attend chiropractic college by my own chiropractor. I was impressed by anatomy and biology and how chiropractic care can help the body heal itself naturally.” said Dr. Rooney. Dr. Rooney has always been involved in athletics and nutrition including competitive equestrian riding and competitive bodybuilding.

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

By Jillian Risberg

Centenary Grad Lands Top Award for Film Animation at NJ Young Filmmakers Festival

a way to wrap up! When Natasha Bonilla enrolled in an elective film class for fun her senior year at Centenary University she never expected to walk away with the Jury’s Citation Award for Animation at the 48th New Jersey Young Filmmakers Festival.

But that’s exactly what happened recently at Edison National Historical Park in West Orange when the Budd Lake resident earned that honor for her original short film: Spanglish As Experienced by a Native Speaker (3:26), a labor of love and pride in her Latina culture.

It was an unexpected dichotomy she never saw coming.

“I intended to use my creativity and enjoy my time in that class,” says Bonilla. “I did not think much of it, submitted it to do something different and see what the results could be.”

She speaks “Spanglish” with friends and family so the recent graduate knew as soon as the project was assigned that she wanted to produce something that would reflect her own reality.

John Olivares Espinoza’s (esteemed Latino poet/author, and son of Mexican immigrants) poem of the same name spoke to Bonilla, and she makes the story her own. In her film we follow the plight of those who achieve the ‘American dream.’

“Many of us that come here for better opportunities (including Bonilla herself at 16-years-old from Puerto Rico) integrate both cultures — because now, both are part of us,” she says that’s what she wanted to portray and hoped the audience would take away from watching her film. “We

never forget where we come from and what it took for us to get here.”

According to Bonilla, the most challenging thing was putting the idea together, and working out the technology.

“I don’t know if it is noticeable in the film but I wanted to separate the English from the Spanish,” the grad says that’s why some cutouts are animated and others are real life images. “It was definitely a fun process.”

But Bonilla had much support at Centenary University — where she says the staff; especially her film teacher, always motivate the undergrads to challenge themselves.

“Professor (Boris) Gavrilovic takes personal interest in each of his students and sets them up for success,” she recalls how he was there every step of the way and made helpful suggestions.

“The experience was out of my comfort zone, but I worked hard and it paid off.”

And winning the film award taught Bonilla a valuable lesson.

In life we have to try new things; one never knows what good can come of it.

“It happened basically by just taking the class and that risk of submitting my film to the festival,” the graduate says Gavrilovic actually encouraged her to do so.

According to NJYFF, the NJ Young Filmmakers Festival is a project of the Thomas Edison Media Arts Consortium. It provides young filmmakers, who either live in or attend school in the state the opportunity to exhibit work and have it evaluated by prominent representatives in the field of

media arts. Since its inception (1975), the purpose of the festival has been to recognize, celebrate and encourage emerging young talent in New Jersey, where Thomas Edison first developed the motion picture.

NJYFF is an open-genre festival accepting films in all categories, including Animation/Stop Motion, Documentary/ Broadcast, Experimental, Narrative and hybrids.

For those who want to pursue filmmaking, Bonilla suggests you do what you love and film what inspires you, so once it’s completed you can be proud of your work.

Next on tap for the award-winner…

“I’m concentrating on my career as a financial analyst,” says Bonilla, who graduated from Centenary last May with a Business Administration degree, and minor in data analytics. “I will let this be my one-hit wonder.”

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

•

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

•

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

•

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• Centenary Stage

•

•

•

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

5 Steps to Properly Manage Blood Pressure

(Family Features) Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, about 75% don’t have it under control, and many may not even realize they have it unless they experience other complications.

In fact, high blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke as well as other issues such as kidney failure, vision loss and sexual problems. However, the American Heart Association recommends taking these simple steps to help control your levels and manage risks.

Know Your Numbers

In most cases, normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm HG or less. Readings consistently higher than 130/80 are considered high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure measured at least once a year by a health care professional and regularly monitor it at home with a validated monitor then discuss the readings with your doctor. Getting accurate readings can help ensure the most appropriate treatment should any problems arise.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you’re overweight or obese, you’re at increased risk of high blood pressure. Losing just 3-5% of your body weight can help improve your numbers. There are an abundance of plans and programs available that can assist with weight loss, and taking positive steps with a friend or family member may help with motivation.

Get Active

To maximize health benefits and help keep blood pressure in the normal range, the American Heart

Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a combination of the two. Try activities like brisk walking, swimming, bicycling or dancing. For example, the Get Down with Your Blood Pressure campaign uses music and dance to help remember the four easy steps to selfmonitor blood pressure:

Get It – grab your self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) device

Slip It – slide the SMBP cuff up your arm

Cuff It – wrap the cuff snugly, but not too tight Check It – check your blood pressure on the device

Eat Well

Making small, simple changes to your eating habits can go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy.

Eating fruits and vegetables, such as mangos, avocados and blueberries, can lower blood pressure over time. Other smart choices include nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean proteins and fish.

Reduce Alcohol and Tobacco Usage

Smoking compounds risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and the chemicals in tobacco smoke can harm your heart and blood vessels. Similarly, consuming alcohol excessively (more than two drinks per day) is associated with high blood pressure. Limiting alcohol consumption and stopping smoking – or avoiding secondhand smoke – can help reduce your risk.

If you develop high blood pressure, work with a health care professional to manage it, and visit heart.org/ hbpcontrol to find local blood pressure resources, step-bystep self-monitoring videos and more.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

Knowing how to correctly check your blood pressure is important, especially if your doctor recommends regular self-monitoring at home.

Be still. Don’t smoke, drink caffeine or exercise during the 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and take at least 5 minutes of quiet rest time before measuring.

Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your legs uncrossed. Support your arm on a flat surface, such as a table, with your bicep at heart level. Place the bottom of the cuff directly above the bend of your elbow. Never take measurements over sleeves or other clothing.

Measure at the same time every day. For greatest consistency, take readings at the same time daily, such as a set time in the morning and evening.

Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take 2-3 readings approximately 1 minute apart and record the results to share with your doctor.

This project is supported by cooperative agreements (CPIMP201227 and CPIMP201228) with the Office of Minority Health (OMH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $14.6 million in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The contents do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by OMH/OASH/HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit https:// www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/

special holidAY hours

tasting room hours 11/23 2-12am 11/24 closed

Wednesday 2 pm to 8 pm

Thursday - 2 pm to 10 pm

Friday - 2 pm to 10 pm

Brewery tours & 24 tap tasting room

Make Dinner Memorable with Manicotti

Few cuisine styles are as diverse and beloved as those that have been exported from the Mediterranean nation of Italy. From pasta to pizza and everything in between, the rich and savory flavors of Italian cuisine are enjoyed across the globe.

Italian restaurants can be found in many cities and

towns throughout the world. However, it’s just as easy to create traditional, mouthwatering dishes at home with simple ingredients. Manicotti is a popular pasta dish that can be filled with cheese or other ingredients, and topped with a traditional tomato sauce or other saucy creations.

The word “manicotti” is the plural form of “manicotto,”

which translates to “little sleeves” in Italian. They’re meant to be stuffed and baked.

While manicotti may seem complex, they’re rather easy to prepare. Enjoy this recipe for “Mom’s Homemade Manicotti with Crepes (Crespelle)” courtesy of the blog 3 Italian Sisters (www.3italiansisters.com). They present well for the holidays or any special occasion.

Mom’s Homemade Manicotti with Crepes (Crespelle) Yields approximately 20 crepes

Serving size: 2 to 3 crepes per person

Crepes

4 extra large eggs

1 cup flour

11⁄4 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

Butter for pan

Ricotta filling

3 pounds part skim or whole milk ricotta cheese

1⁄2 cup fresh parsley, minced

1⁄2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese

2 extra large eggs, scrambled 1 pound mozzarella cheese cubed

Salt and pepper to taste Premade tomato or meat sauce

Put all the crepe ingredients into a blender. Blend till smooth; scrape sides if necessary and blend again till all ingredients are blended well.

Melt a little butter in a 9” nonstick frying pan over medium heat.

Pour in small amount of batter and swirl to cover bottom of it with a thin film. Cook for approximately 20 seconds and turn to the other side and cook for another 20 seconds. Transfer crepe to plate. Continue until all batter is finished. Crepes can be stacked on top of each other. If you aren’t using them right away, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for 3 days or freeze for up to one month.

Ricotta filling: Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside to fill crepes.

Take 1 tablespoon of ricotta filling onto each crepe and roll gently and place on a cookie sheet, seam side down.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Layer large casserole pan with your favorite tomato or meat sauce. Place single layer of rolled manicotti in the casserole pan on top of sauce. Ladle thin layer of sauce on top of manicotti and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.

Have A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

•

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To

•

A Chilly Day Dish with a Kick

in your mind a warm bowl cupped in your hands, defrosting your fingertips after you just walked inside from a chilly afternoon. The bowl is heavy, full of hearty vegetables and spicy peppers that in just a few short moments will overwhelm your palate.

Picture

You dive in with a spoon, savoring every flavorful bite as you dip down to the bottom of the bowl searching for more to slurp up with every spoonful. Onion, red bell pepper and even corn all blended into not only a vegetarian meal but a chili-lover’s paradise. It’s got the spices to make you say, “wow” but the smoothness that reminds you of something your mom once made when you were young.

You throw your sweater to the side of the couch as your body temperature begins to rise. You start to feel your energy return as you spoon a second helping into your bowl for round two.

Not only does this recipe for Chipotle Veggie Chili hit you with a wide array of balanced flavors, but there is a surprise hint of citrus added toward the end – lime juice.

Just to add a little more texture and vibrance to this dish, it can be topped with your favorite garnishes like guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro.

This Chipotle Veggie Chili is simple to make, needing just one pot throughout the entire cooking process. It simmers for about 25 minutes while you unwind from a long day.

So next time you need a pick-me-up after a chilly day outside, give this one a try. The savory aromas and wholesome consistency make this chili a 10-out-of-10 and a crowd favorite.

Find more recipes perfect for cooler weather at Culinary. net

Chipotle Veggie Chili

Servings: 6-8

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped 5/8 teaspoon sea salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 can (14 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes

1 can (14 ounces) red beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup vegetable broth

1 can (7 ounces) chipotles in adobo sauce

2 cans (15 ounces each) sweet corn with liquid

2 limes, juiced guacamole (optional) sour cream (optional) jalapeno slices (optional) cilantro (optional)

Kick Winter’s Chill with Hearty Chowder

Open Tues. - Sun. 11am-10pm

In large dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir and cook 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add garlic and red pepper. Stir and cook 8 minutes until soft.

Add tomatoes, red beans, pinto beans, broth, chipotles in adobo sauce, corn, remaining salt and remaining pepper. Simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened.

Squeeze lime juice into pot; stir. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro, if desired. (Culinary.net)

How to Avoid Dry Turkey This Thanksgiving

Turkeyis the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinners. The National Turkey Federation estimates approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving each year, followed by 22 million turkeys at Christmastime.

Turkey makes a pleasing picture on the dinner table. However, some people insist that turkey is their least favorite component of the Thanksgiving meal. One of the biggest complaints is turkey tends to be dry.

There are many reasons why turkey can come out dry. Turkey is a lean meat, and Healthline reports that turkey has slightly less fat in its dark meat than chicken. Another reason why turkey may be dry is due to its poor breast-to-leg ratio. By the time one gets the leg meat to cook to temperature so it’s safe for consumption, the breast meat often has dried out. Seeing how many people dive for the breast meat initially, they could dish up some dry bird.

There are many ways home cooks can prevent dry turkey this Thanksgiving. Consider these turkey-tending tips.

• Brine your bird. According to ScienceBlogs, what causes a human to

perceive a food as juicy may actually be his or her own saliva at work. Salty foods may stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth, helping the food to feel much more moist while on the palate. To adequately inject enough salt into the turkey meat, submerge it in a salt brine for a few days before cooking.

• Watch your cook time. It’s important to avoid overcooking the turkey, which will turn it as dry as the Sahara. Some turkeys come equipped with pop-up timers to help cooks gauge when to take them out of the oven. However, a more accurate tool is a digital food thermometer that can be set to go off when the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature.

• Cook the turkey parts separately. As previously noted, the breast meat will likely reach the desired temperature before the leg meat. To fix this, take the turkey out of the oven when it reaches five to 10 degrees before safe temperature for the breast meat, around 165 F. (Remember, the meat will continue to cook while “resting.”) Let guests “ooh and aah” over the picture-perfect turkey. Then cut off the legs and return them

to the oven until they are done. Arrange the properly cooked breast and leg meat together on a serving platter.

• Offer condiments. A moist dollop of stuffing, a drizzle of gravy or a scoop of cranberry sauce can add moisture to turkey. This approach does not prevent drying out,

but it can make a turkey that has dried out a bit more satisfying.

Dry turkey can put off diners. However, some strategies can harness as much moisture as possible to enhance Thanksgiving dinners.

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

•

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

Mom’s Homemade Manicotti with Crepes (Crespelle)

to cover bottom of it with a thin film. Cook for approximately 20 seconds and turn to the other side and cook for another 20 seconds. Transfer crepe to plate. Continue until all batter is finished. Crepes can be stacked on top of each other. If you aren’t using them right away, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for 3 days or freeze for up to one month.

Ricotta filling: Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside to fill crepes.

Take 1 tablespoon of ricotta filling onto each crepe and roll gently and place on a cookie sheet, seam side down.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Layer large casserole pan with your favorite tomato or meat sauce. Place single layer of rolled manicotti in the casserole pan on top of sauce. Ladle thin layer of sauce on top of manicotti and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

Melt

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.

By Richard Mabey Jr.

Oneof the most endearing and cherished memories of the Thanksgivings of my childhood and youth is that of my beloved grandfather, heartily and enthusiastically celebrating this wonderful holiday. I remember, all so dearly, how Grandpa loved to carve the turkey after he took it out of the oven of the old Mabey Homestead in Lincoln Park. It was a task upon which Grandpa held as a most high honor.

Grandpa was a man who was governed by detail and precision. As a young man, Grandpa held the honor of serving as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East of the infamous Morris Canal. The need to be detailed oriented, plus having raised his family in the heart of the Great Depression, gave Grandpa the wisdom to carve each slice of turkey with great care.

“You never want to cut the slices too thick, Dicky Jim. But on the other hand, you don’t want the family to leave the table hungry,” Grandpa would tell me with a bit of a song in his voice. My grandfather was the man who bestowed me with the nickname of Dicky Jim. He was the last person to ever call me by that name. I would greatly protest when I got to be about 11 years old and my aunts and uncles would call me by that nickname. But, Grandpa was a different story.

It is all so hard to put into words what Thanksgiving Day was like at the old Mabey Homestead. When I was a young boy and my great grandmother, Dora Mabey, was still alive,

there had to be at least 50 people congregated within the warmth and love of the dear old farmhouse that my great grandfather had built when he was just a young man.

Great Grandma Mabey worked hard to keep Thanksgiving Day all so organized. There was the old, stately dining room table, which could only seat six people. So, on Thanksgiving Day, my dad and my uncles would set up four or five additional tables. These extra tables were made up of old pieces of plywood resting upon carpenter’s wooden horses. It was as down home as you could ever imagine. I remember the touch of class that Great Grandma would add to the long procession of plates, glasses and silverware. Great Grandma would have these folded oak tag nameplates, for every single member of the Mabey clan. Great Grandma would decide where you would sit at that table and nobody dared to argue with the proud matriarch.

After the Thanksgiving feast, the women would clean up and wash all the dishes. Most of the men would congregate onto the enclosed front porch and tell remembrances of growing up in Lincoln Park. And Grandpa would sit in the big, easy chair in the southwest corner of the big living room. My cousins and my sister Patti and I would all sit upon the floor at Grandpa’s feet. Then, dear old Grandpa would tell these wonderful and colorful stories of his remembrances of life along the old Morris Canal.

There were no video cameras back then, in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Oh, how I regret that none of Grandpa’s

enchanting tales were not videotaped. My grandfather was an incredibly talented story teller. He would hold us all spellbound with his voice flexion,

page

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

Weight

A cherished, old photograph of my grandfather, Watson Mabey, carving the Thanksgiving turkey at the old Mabey Homestead. continued on next

• Magnolia

•

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

•

• Artistry Skin

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum

•

•

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight

• American Sons

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

•

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

•

• Jag Paving

•

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill

•

•

dramatic timing, facial expressions, and lively hand movements. I would do my absolute best to engrave Grandpa’s stories within the fibers of my mind and the deepest chambers of my heart.

Grandpa’s stories did not just center upon his work on Incline Plane Ten East. For when Grandpa was a boy and then through his teenage years, he worked with his father, William Mabey, at the old Mabey Ice House that stood along the banks of the Morris Canal, just a few yards to the east of Incline Plane Ten East. Great Grandpa Mabey had an agreement with Mr. Franciso, who owned the sawmill that was located just to the northwest of the end of Mabey Lane. Great Grandpa and his sons, Watson and Earl, would fill wheelbarrows with the sawdust from the mill and walk them over to the Mabey Ice House. In exchange, Great Grandpa would provide free ice for Mr. Francisco.

As a boy, and then later as a teenager, during the winter months Grandpa and his brother would cut ice blocks from the frozen water of the canal. They would tie a rope around the big block of ice, drag it to their father’s ice house and then thickly pack it with sawdust in the icehouse. It was

far from being the easy life.

In memory, I return to those wonderful and loving Thanksgiving Days. During my childhood and youth, I never really realized just how precious they were. An era has now long past. Like grains of sand slipping through the crevices of my fingers, time has passed all too quickly. Now, at 69 years old, I long to relive just one more Thanksgiving Day of that magical era.

To see Grandpa proudly carve the turkey. To see Grandma stirring gravy at the old stove. To see my father, young and proud. To see my mother, carefully placing the top crust onto an apple pie. To see my cousins all running around the old Mabey Homestead. To see my Great Grandma firmly, but lovingly, commanding everyone to different tasks. To see my aunts cutting up green beans and carrots. And to see my uncles, all gathered upon the enclosed front porch telling tall tales of their youth. And, for one more time, to be able to see and hear Grandpa tell just one of his colorful tales of life along the old Morris Canal.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please kindly write “Thanksgiving Story” in the subject line.

Reducing Food Insecurity in Infants and Toddlers

Food insecurity isn’t a new problem in the United States, but the economic upheaval created by the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the problem.

During the pandemic, households in the United States with children experienced an increase in food insecurity, despite overall rates of food insecurity staying the same. In 2019, 13.6% of households with children were food insecure, but by 2020, that number increased to 14.8%, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In general, child food insecurity rates are higher than overall food insecurity rates, according to the annual Map the Meal Gap study conducted by Feeding America, a nationwide nonprofit network of food banks. According to data from the Children’s Defense Fund, this is particularly prevalent among low-income families, single mother households and Black and Hispanic households.

What Food Insecurity Means for Children

Food insecurity and hunger are closely related but not quite the same. People who are food insecure don’t have reliable, ongoing access to an adequate supply of affordable, nutritious food. Hunger is a physical condition; food insecurity reflects barriers to obtaining food such as finances, physical location and transportation.

Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies because their nutrient needs are high, especially in relation to the size of their stomachs and appetites. Caregivers in food-insecure households may have little choice but to settle for cheaper, energydense but nutrient-poor foods. As a result, food-insecure infants and toddlers are not receiving adequate nutrition even when they may be receiving enough calories to satisfy hunger.

Even if a child isn’t physically starving, inadequate nutrition can negatively affect health in numerous ways, including immune system function, low weight, learning and developmental delays, vitamin deficiencies and more.

Ways to Help Promote Better Nutrition

Support good nutrition during infancy and toddlerhood for your own children and others in the community with these practical tips:

Participate in (or introduce those in need to) aid programs. Government

nutrition assistance programs help provide essential nutrition needs during infant and toddler years. One example is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which provides a variety of resources including food and health care referrals to support mothers and young children at nutritional risk, including pregnant, breastfeeding and post-partum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5.

Another example is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides benefits low-income families can use to purchase nutritious foods. For children and adults who are enrolled in certain care programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps ensure they have access to nutritious meals and snacks.

Make purchases that work extra hard. In addition to producing foods that encourage better nutrition for children, some brands also make contributions that help offset food insecurity. For example, for every box of Plum Organics Super Smoothies purchased, the company donates a pouch to a child in need through its “ The Full Effect ” program. The smoothie is a specially formulated blend of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains with no added sugars designed to fight malnutrition and help fortify the diets of children who don’t have access to regular, healthy meals.

Act as a role model for healthy choices. Children learn by example, so be sure your little ones see you enjoying nutritious snacks, filling your plate with appropriate portions and preparing well-rounded meals. When kids are exposed to a wide range of healthy options early in life, those food choices become the norm as they grow older.

Volunteer at a food bank. Getting hands-on by donating your time at a local food bank can help you understand the complexity of food insecurity. Many nutritious selections are perishable, and transporting and storing perishable goods is costly. Volunteers help offset a food bank’s operational expenses by contributing labor to sort donated items, prepare deliveries and more.

To find more information about foods that provide infants and toddlers the nutrients they need, visit plumorganics. com. (Family Features)

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

•

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks

•

Consider These 13 Gratifying Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on one’s blessings. In 2022, Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on October 10, while Americans celebrate on November 24. In anticipation of these holidays, here are some interesting facts about the Thanksgiving celebration.

1. American Thanksgiving is largely modeled on a 17th century harvest feast shared by the English settlers and the Wampanoag tribe.

2. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. It is based on European harvest festivals.

3. The National Turkey Federation says around 45 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, which equates to about 720 million pounds of turkey being consumed (with the average turkey size being 16 pounds).

4. The Butterball hotline answers roughly 100,000 calls every year on its turkey question hotline.

5. In 1953, the Swanson company overestimated the number of frozen turkeys it would sell for the holiday season by 26 tons. Rather than waste the meat, Swanson sliced it up, repackaged it and created the first frozen TV dinners.

Did You Know?

Trendscome and go, and that impermanence can make it hard to predict how certain times of year, including the holiday season, will play out. However, one notable trend in regard to the holiday season that has seemingly withstood the test of time is the popularity of Black Friday among holiday shoppers. But even that dynamic has shifted in the digital age. Though Black Friday remains

a big day for retailers, in 2021 consumers spent more on Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) than they did on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). According to the Adobe Digital Economy Index, consumers spent $10.7 billion on Cyber Monday in 2021. That’s nearly $2 billion more than consumers spent on Black Friday, when retailers made $8.9 billion in sales.

6. Thanksgiving in America may be older than many recognize. While Thanksgiving is largely tied to the 17th century settlers, the National Parks Service says in 1565 Spanish settlers in St. Augustine (now Florida) celebrated by having a meal to which they invited the native Seloy tribe. The Spanish served pork stew, sea biscuits, red wine, and garbanzo beans. Some say the Seloy contributed turkey, venison and maize.

7. Thanksgiving didn’t become a civic holiday until Abraham Lincoln made it one after the Civil War tragedy. Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday on October 20, 1864.

8. The Pilgrims did not refer to themselves as “pilgrims.” They used the word “separatists” as they were separating themselves from a larger belief system.

9. In addition to Canada and the United States, Grenada, Liberia, the Philippines, Saint Lucia, and the Netherlands celebrate their own versions of Thanksgiving.

10. Each year, the American president “pardons” a turkey from slaughter on Thanksgiving. This tradition dates back to when Abraham Lincoln’s son was upset that his family’s turkey that was going to be killed for Thanksgiving dinner.

11. According to the U.S. Calorie Control Council (CCC), an average American may consume 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day.

12. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition. People line the parade route in New York City or tune in to watch the parade on television. It originated in 1924 and the famed balloons were added in 1927.

13. Apple pie is the pie of choice for Thanksgiving, even though pumpkin pie is prevalent this time of year.

Thanksgiving is a popular holiday in Canada and the U.S. Many traditions have been borne of the holiday, and it is a favorite time of year for many people.

What’s happening in your school or organization?

Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement

• Planks To You

• Metro Car Service

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insur ance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-9299587

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & profes sional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-2450398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/ mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video.

Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, pro motion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo. com/ads

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reli ance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obli gation quote. 1-877-539-0299

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally in stalled. One connected system for total peace of mind. Free professional installation! Four free months of monitoring! Call to cus tomize your system. 1-833-841-0737

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-ofthe-line installation and service. Now fea turing our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855417-1306

Protect your home from pests safely and af fordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844-394-9278

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, etc. 1930’s to 1980’s.

TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855903-3048

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work with your insurance agen cy to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-767-7031

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile med ical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-4893936

MACPA

Replace your roof with the best-looking and longest-lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple col ors are available. Guaranteed to last a life time! Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-338-4807

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trust ed by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Com prehensive Services: Consultation, Produc tion, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet

Looking for auto insurance? Find great deals on the right auto insurance to suit your needs. Call today for a free quote! 866-9242397

Internet & WiFi Starts at $49 Call us Today to Get Started. Find High Speed Internet with Fiber Optic Technology No Credit Check, No SSN Required. Call us Today! 866-396-0515

DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER? You may qualify for a substantial cash awardeven with smoking history. NO obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 1-888-650-9135

Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866-518-8391

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www. dental50plus.com/macnet #6258 Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Dis cover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-3175246

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. FREE professional installation.Four FREE months of monitoring! Call now to cus tomize your system. 1-855-870-2073

Safe Step. North America ’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-ofthe-line installation and service. Now featur ing our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-356-1954

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power out ages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Op tion. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866-783-0292

The bathroom of your dreams for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & pro fessional installation. Senior & Military Dis counts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-877-540-2780

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Op tions Request a FREE Quote – Call now be fore the next power outage: 1-855-465-7624 Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter es timate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855791-1626

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the Most Local MLB Games! CHOICE Package, $89.99/mo for 12 months. Stream on 20 devices in your home at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-629-6086

Need IRS Relief $10K - $125K+ Get Fresh Start or Forgiveness Call 1-877-705-1472 Monday through Friday 7AM-5PM PST

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-590-5561

Are you receiving SSDI/SSI Benefits? You may be eligible for additional benefits. CALL US TODAY Citizen Disability 1-888-4906616

Attention Viagra users: Generic 100 mg blue pills or generic 20 mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Call Today 1-877707-5518

Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free con sultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 888-965-0363

WANTED! MOTORCYCLES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717-577-8206 Krmiller1965@yahoo.com

**American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-577-8206 Krmill er1965@yahoo.com

Click on the business to view their ad

• Magnolia Home Remodeling

• Minuteman Limo & Car Service

• Mt. Olive Acupuncture

• Morris County Dental

• Weichert Realtors Erica Tattersall

• Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry

• Berks Furniture

• PH Steakhouse

• Beaumont Landscaping

• Restaurant Village Catering

• Artistry Skin Care

• Jersey Girl Brewery

• Maximum Physical Therapy

• Dugs Rugs

• Whitespace Art & Event Gallery

• Patrick Sharkey Pool & Landscape

• Mt. Olive Weight Loss

• American Sons Contractors

• Rainbow Travel

• Makom NJ Religious School

• Amish Mike

• Flanders Bagels

• MountainTop Church

• Franks Pizza Flanders

• OMG Burgers

• Benitos Trattoria

• Bea NcNally’s

• Long Valley Brew Pub

• Jag Paving

• Al’s Junk Removal

• Al’s Painting

• Panther Valley Golf

• Centenary Stage

• Squire Hill Home Improvement