Hackettstown March 2022 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

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No. 18 Vol. 3

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March 2022

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Hackettstown’s Mike Palko Celebrates a Basketball Life

By Steve Sears ike Palko has wonderful basketball memories. While a Hackettstown Tiger, in three varsity seasons he had almost 1,000 career points, but did crack the century mark for rebounds. Also, he was a member of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights legendary NCAA Final Four team in 1975 – 76. Palko explains his earlier days playing the sport. “I really had never played competitive basketball until the eighth grade, and a friend of mine told me that Hackettstown had a new recreation director and that he was putting a team in the Lakeland Midget Basketball League, which I think is still in existence today.” Nelson Hoyt was that recreation director, and he had seen Palko and his friend playing basketball, and wanted them to play for the team. When Palko’s friend convinced him to play, he was in. “And Coach Hoyt said to me, ‘Palko, I saw your father. He’s about 6’ 4”, and your mother’s tall, too. You’re going to be about 6’ 7”, and if you work at this game, you could go to college for free.’ He told me that after about a month playing with them, and that hit home with me. I enjoyed playing, I believed what he said, and I made a commitment to basketball, and he turned out to be right. Sometimes people say something to the right kid at the right time, and luckily my ears were hearing what he was saying.” When Palko was a junior, the Don Grant-coached Hackettstown Tigers had a great 1970 – 71 season. “We lost the sectional final championship game at County College of Morris against Mountain Lakes, but here’s the interesting thing about that,” Palko says. “Had we won that game, we would have been playing against East Rutherford High School, and the head coach at East Rutherford High School was Dick Vitale.” Vitale the week before had seen the 6’ 7” Palko in action when the Tigers had defeated a very strong Glen Ridge team.

His concern? Palko’s superb defensive skills, and how he would match up against East Rutherford’s 6’ 10” All-American senior center, Les Cason, if the clubs faced each other. That matchup didn’t happen, but what did occur was Vitale a year later being hired as an assistant coach at Rutgers, and his radar was honed in on Palko, whom he wanted him to play in New Brunswick two seasons later. The Tigers were 22 -3 and Delaware River Conference champs in Palko’s senior campaign, and Vitale recruited Palko and five other freshmen, and it coincided with Rutgers for the first time offering athletic scholarships. “It was also the first year that freshmen were eligible to play varsity basketball,” Palko says. Palko was a Scarlet Knight from 1972 – 1976, and the total won – loss record for those four seasons was 86 – 29. The final season was historic; the club finished the regular season undefeated at 31 – 0 and headed to the NCAA basketball Final Four for the first and only time, where they lost both the semifinal and consolation round games to end up a bittersweet 31 – 2. Rutgers played its home games at the aged and intimidating College Avenue Gymnasium, affectionately called “The Barn,” a place where fans were right at court’s edge and, when the Knights gave them something to cheer about, paint peelings fell from the ceiling. “It was only really just a little more than half of an arena,” Palko states, “because the half behind the benches, there were wooden walls, and there was a swimming pool on the other side of that. Sitting on the bench, you could smell the chlorine through that wooden wall. There was 2,800 people on one side, it was loud because all the sound came at you from one direction. It was amazing.” In the final regular season game at The Barn, Rutgers trailed a very good Saint Bonaventure team by seven points

Mike Palko (rear row, fifth from the left) and the 1975 – 76 Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Photo credit: Rutgers University Athletics.

with a few minutes left. “I think every single guy on the team would tell you the same thing,” Palko says. “I think the whole season was flashing before our eyes.” In fact, a few of the Bonnies had even told Rutgers players that they were rooting for the Knights to stay undefeated, because they wanted to be the ones that came down to New Brunswick and end the Knights undefeated season, which they came very close to doing. “They had us on the ropes, there’s no doubt about it,” Palko says. Rutgers outscored the Bonnies, 17 -6, down the stretch and won, 85 – 80, capping a perfect regular season. Palko, now 68, has been married to his wife, Patty, for 40 years, and the couple has two sons, Mike Jr. and James, and a grandson, Matthew James. And Palko, who has served as an assistant coach at Hackettstown, and head coach at both Randolph and Warren Hills High Schools, is still the only Hackettstown basketball player who has gone to the NCAA Final Four. “It was close to about a decade of fantastic memories with teammates from eighth grade through senior year in college,” Palko says fondly of his basketball career.

A Tale of Two Hacket(t)stown’s and the Person They Share

By Elsie Walker ackettstown - Many miles and a “t”. separate them, but sister towns Hackettstown, New Jersey and Hacketstown, Ireland have something in common: Joe Barnes. In the 1990s, the Hacketstown, Ireland resident made his first trip here and later became a familiar figure representing his town in the yearly St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In 2020, Barnes was to be Grand Marshal of that parade, but it was cancelled due to the pandemic. However, this year, the parade took place

on March 13th with Barnes as Grand Marshall. In interviews, Barnes shared some information about his hometown in Ireland and his relationship with its New Jersey sister. One of the first connections made between the two towns was in a history book of the New Jersey Hackettstown. In a 2020 interview, Barnes shared a tale from the 1950s: Author Harold J. Nunn was writing a history called The People of Hackettstown. He decided to include something on the town

in Ireland that bore the same name. He wrote to the mayor of the Ireland town explaining he wanted to include something on it in his book. “But there was no mayor here nor will there ever be, but the postmistress here knowing there was no mayor, she opened the letter and she replied to him giving details of the town at that time. It was the year of 1954 and that letter she wrote is in the book. [Nunn] also included that the first female judge appointed in the U.S.A came continued on page 6

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Hackettstown Boys Basketball Enjoys Yearly Competition in Florida

breakfast, and then everyone meets in a room, By Steve Sears and we all hang out in the morning and eat when or the past seven years, head coach Michael everybody’s just waking up. It’s a good start.” McDonagh and his Hackettstown High School McDonagh also credits his Assistant Coach, boy’s basketball Tigers have headed south to Kevin Silverstein, with the help he provides. “I Florida for a set of games with high school clubs can’t do this trip by myself,” McDonagh says. in that state. “He’s a teacher at the middle school - he’s a pheTheir latest trip, concluded in January, saw nomenal teacher. And he coaches three sports at them beat the Crusaders of Keswick Christian our high school, volleyball, basketball and baseHigh School of Saint Petersburg, 61 – 49 in their ball. And I’ll tell you, he is grade A!” first game, but lose the second contest to the The Hackettstown Tigers during their annual Florida trip. Photo courtesy of Michael After Blume retired and Shorecrest would no Tampa Prep Terrapins, 49 - 35. longer be a holiday tourney opponent, he offered Tampa Prep was a new addition to the sched- McDonagh. advice to McDonagh. “He said, ‘Listen, to keep it ule. The past five years, the Tigers took on Canterbury High School, also of Saint Petersburg. It’s not just about wins and losses on these trips. Per McDonagh, it’s most of all about going, reach out to this lady. She’s a wonderful woman. She’s an athletic director and girls’ life and more about bonding for his players than anything else. “The bonding takes jealousy basketball coach,’” McDonagh recalls. Blume was referring to Karrmayne King of Keswick Christian School. McDonagh emailed out of the equation,” he says. “When these kids bond - when they’re bowling, paintballing, eating and laughing, playing beach volleyball and high fiving - the jealousy kind of starts to her about wanting to be in their Christmas tournament, which is held annually. “We actually go away, and they become more of a team. After we come back, they’re even cheering for had an opening, which was awesome, because I love when him and his team come down,” King says. “They did a great job in that tournament, and then decided afterwards to start each other more.” The idea for a trip first came to McDonagh nine years ago. He laid it out to Athletic Direc- coming down in January instead.” And for McDonagh and his Tigers, it has been a happy marriage. “I make sure all my kids tor, Bob Grauso, who gave it his full support. Once McDonagh got approval from Grauso and the school superintendent for the initial trip, he emailed 50 schools in the Sunshine State, give her a hug,” he says, “and I make sure that I say in front of her, ‘Without Miss King this and one responder told him to contact Daryl Blume of Saint Petersburg’s Shorecrest Prepa- does not happen.’ We give her a nice gift card, and my kids are so respectful. They appreciate ratory School. “He (Blume) hooked me up and we went down here for his Christmas tourna- us being down there, and they know it’s because of her.” And the feeling is reciprocal. “Shakment, which was great. Every year we keep going back, because we’ve never had a hiccup, ing hands with their head coach, who’s a great guy, is wonderful, and they treat us so well. never had a problem,” McDonagh proudly says. “Our kids are great kids, they really are. I’ve They send us emails afterwards thanking us. They’re the nicest people in the world.” “It’s a great thing,” King says, who sees the benefit on the Keswick Christian side as well. never had a discipline problem with a kid, and it makes it easier when you don’t have to deal with those issues. For the kids, it’s become a thing where they love it, they talk about it, and “It’s good for our guys to be able to play against people that aren’t in their area. I love what Mike does with his program; they’re the most respectful guys once they get here. I never they get excited about it. It’s a special thing.’” Three hotel rooms are booked in Florida, one for coaches and two for the players. Mc- have any issues, and Mike’s an outstanding leader. The way he treats officials, coaches, and Donagh and his coaches buy food for the players, and the teens take it from there. “We do everybody, I just love him. He brings a real enthusiasm, always shares some plays with me, breakfast,” McDonagh explains. “That’s our routine. The seniors usually will cook the team so it’s always a great time.”

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Not All Headaches are Created Equal

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

equally. Rather, during an assessment, we evaluate the individual patient on many levels to determine their exact symptoms (i.e Is the headache frontal? One sided? Behind the eyes? Is there nausea? Frequency and intensity of pain?....) and if there are any triggers. We take a whole body approach and assess the patient’s physical condition as well as their constitution, emotional health, diet and lifestyle. Unlike the blanket treatment western medicine offers which is typically some type of pain reliever, Chinese Medicine finds a specific treatment for each patient based on their individual symptoms. Five patients suffering “headaches” may receive five completely different treatments. By addressing the root cause, Acupuncture can be a safe way to prevent and treat various types of headaches, without the unwanted side effects of medications. Based on the individual assessment and diagnosis, tiny needles are inserted into various points on the body. Depending on the case, small electrodes can be attached to specific needles that elicit a small electrical current. The feeling of the electric stimulation on the needles is a comfortable sensation that generally elicits a feeling of tingling, tapping or heaviness. The electric stimulation en-

hances the release of specific neurochemicals which aids in the treatment of headaches. The needles are typically retained for 20-30 minutes, during which the patient is left to relax and take a nap. Acupuncture is known to be effective and can offer long standing results, but it is not always a quick fix. Especially if the headaches are chronic, several treatments may be required to achieve the full result. Again, this is because it is addressing the root cause and not just covering up symptoms like other treatments. If you suffer from headaches or migraines start getting relief today! Use the following tips to achieve long- lasting results for a healthy life: Be aware, track food and environmental triggers to see if there are any patterns, get adequate sleep, eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits (limiting sugars and processed foods), drink plenty of water, manage stress with things like meditation and try Acupuncture! For more information about Acupuncture and Headaches contact Mount Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973527-7978.

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A Tale of Two Hacket(t)stown’s... continued from front page from here. Her name was Mary O’Toole,” said Barnes. Hacketstown, Ireland is small. In a recent email, Barnes numbered the population at about 900. Although Barnes agreed, “village” might be a more accurate description for Hacketstown, he noted, “it has always been described as town since it was built way back in either the tenth /eleventh century by the Normans. It is called in Gaelic, Baile Haceid, pronounced ‘boilya hackaid’: the town of Hacketts.” The site, Love Hacketstown (www.lovehacketstown.ie/history/) notes that the town is located on the border between County Carlow and County Wicklow. It also noted that singer Elvis Presley has a tie to the town in that one of his ancestors, William Presley, lived there before emigrating to the United States 200 years ago. In recently sharing about his town, Barnes noted a few similarities it has to its New Jersey sister and also what you can find in the town. He noted the things in common have to do with the landscape. “We have a hill that overlooks the town as does your town. We had a cafe known as the Cosy Corner as did your town and we have a river that runs at the bottom of town.” Barnes then gave a run down of what you’d find in the Irish

town. “There are two schools: a primary and secondary. [There are] two churches: Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland. [Also, there’s ] a supermarket, pharmacy, post office, three pubs, a hardware store, filling station, doctors surgery, three garages/repairs tire center, etc., and a slaughter house for cattle. In addition, he noted that it is a “strong agriculture area so [there are] a few agri contractors.” Barnes noted he first found out about the New Jersey Hackettstown in a local bar and first visited it in the late 1990s; from there, the relationship between him and the New Jersey town grew. It was about thirty years ago when he saw a postcard in a bar which had been sent to the bar person from a local who was travelling in the states. The post showed a sign for Hackettstown, New Jersey. Later, Barnes would visit that Hackettstown himself. In a 2020 interview, Barnes shared how his first visit to the New Jersey town came to be. “Back in 1995 when I was the fire chief here in town, I received a note from Mr. Jeff Saunders of the Hackettstown, New Jersey Fire Department informing me that the fire department was holding its 120th anniversary parade in June 1997. I replied to say I was interested in going, and in 1996 got the in-

vitation and accepted. So, in June 1997 was my first visit to Hackettstown. In 2009, I was invited to attend the St Patrick’s parade,” he shared. Barnes has been part of the parade ever since as a special visitor from Hacketstown, Ireland. Reflecting on the parade and on Barnes’ part in it, Laurie Rapisardi shared, “As the Executive Director of the BID [Business Improvement District], I was thrilled to be able to produce our St Patrick’s Day festivities once again after taking a little hiatus due to the pandemic. We were honored and thrilled that Joe Barnes had agreed to

join us once again, traveling from Hacketstown, Ireland to be our 2022 Grand Marshal. As most are aware, Joe Barnes was set to be our 2020 Grand Marshal. He traveled to be here in March of 2020, the Grand Marshal event took place, and the next day, the world shut down due to the pandemic. Joe went back to Ireland without his parade. When it was time to decide who the Grand Marshal for 2022 would be, there was no question...it had to be Joe Barnes. We were honored that he had agreed to come back to Hackettstown, New Jersey once again.”

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What’s Up With the Mask? A Purim Message from Rabbi Yaacov Shusterman Chabad Jewish Center, Mt. Olive urim is here, with its food baskets, Hamantaschen, groggers, and of course- kids dressed in all sorts of costumes and masks.

These days, there is a lot to say about wearing masks. In the past, we would associate masks with fun and silliness, but now we know they offer protection. And, to be honest, sometimes, we find that there is a certain comfort about wearing masks. They allow us privacy when we want to be concealed. They allow us to become anonymous when we need to be. Of course, the best part is that masks are removable. When we get outside, we have the liberty to pull them off. Purim has many themes, and the mask is one of them. Queen Esther hides her identity. Her very name means a secret. G-d is hidden throughout the story, leading the average reader to assume that it is a story of coincidence and fate. Yet, the scroll we read is called Megillat Esther. The word Megilla comes from the Hebrew root work - Legalot - to re-

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

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300 Washington St Hackettstown List Price $419,000

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

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

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veal, and Esther, of course, means a secret. Esther wrote the Megilla to reveal this amazing secret - there had indeed been a great miracle! If one would read the sequence of events, one would truly recognize that G-d, although hidden and sometimes masked, was truly always there orchestrating the events. And so on Purim, we dress up. We wear masks and costumes to change the way we look in order to celebrate the mystery and the hidden. We wear masks to affirm that G-d is always behind the scene, involved in every detail of our lives. However, let us not forget that the goal is to take the masks off and to constantly recognize this. Please join us for a grand Purim party at the new Chabad Jewish Center on Thursday, March 17th. Please visit our website at www.mychabadcenter.com/Purim for more information. If you or anyone else you know is in need of a place at a Seder for Passover, please reach out to Rabbi Yaacov Shusterman at 973-933-6011, or rsvp at www.mychabadcenter.com/seder. CHAG SAMEACH!

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Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 and one half bathroom town home with finished basement. Great floor plan with open living space and tons of natural light. Kitchen features 42” maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, tile backsplash, recessed lighting, and breakfast bar. Brazilian hardwood floors on main level. Family room with gas fireplace with custom mantle and surround give the home warmth and elegance. Laundry conveniently located on main floor. The master bedroom has two walk in closets with custom storage systems and a gorgeous bathroom with dual sinks and huge walk-in shower with multiple shower heads. All bathrooms have been fully renovated. Two additional large bedrooms also have very generous closet space. Newer windows. Property is level to the rear and has a patio with gas hook-up for grill. 360 virtual tour available.

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Centenary University First Lady Fondly Recalls Modern Pentathlon Days

By Steve Sears hen you speak with Jeanne Murphy, the First Lady of Centenary University, you know that she is a person who cares about people and unity. Consider, for example, her opinion on the importance of the Olympic Games. “Sports, especially at the international level can really bring people and countries together - especially during this challenge of the global pandemic,” she says. “There’s something you appreciate about the Olympics every four years. It’s this really great event that you want to be part of and cheering on your country.” Murphy, who sat on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees, has embraced Centenary University and the Hackettstown community and she is part of a group that has initiated a yearlong lecture series at Centenary University for its students that transcends the Olympic Games. Murphy says, “It’s about the people, and the behind-the-scenes and years of preparation to be their best. “That’s what this lecture series is doing, just bringing in experts with a variety of backgrounds.” Murphy, who is the wife of Centenary University President, Dr. Bruce Murphy, grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri as part of an active family and childhood. A YMCA age group swimmer, she also took part in gymnastics and cheerleading. With a scholarship, she entered the Army Nurse Corps. “I thought that would be an interesting field,” she says. “I liked caring for people, and always had something about sports in my mind, but just wasn’t sure how all that was going to fit together.” Murphy went through nursing school and officer training, and chose to be assigned to Brooke Army Medical Center at

Fort Sam Houston military base in San Antonio, Texas. “Not only because I wanted to work at the burn unit,” she says, “but at that time it was the only burn unit in the military and one of the premiere ones in the country. So, I thought this would really get me involved with intensive care, to put all this knowledge to work, but also because I learned that the U.S. Modern Pentathlon team trained in San Antonio and Fort Sam Houston.” Her choice would lead to something significant. When not working, Murphy trained in each of the Modern Pentathlon disciplines (one-touch epée fencing, 200-meter freestyle swimming, equestrian show jumping, and a final combined event of pistol shooting and 3200-meter cross country running). The United States team, which was seeking to get women involved after the sport was for the previous century only open to males. “Every country, not just the United States, was trying to form a women’s team and make an effort to try to get the Olympic movement, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to recognize this as a sport for women. They had kind of dangled the carrot in front of me. I was already participating in their workouts, the morning swims and all that, so I was a known person, and they said, ‘If you can meet these male standards in the run and in the swim, we will put you on the team, and you will learn the three skill sports: equestrian, epee fencing, and marksmanship.” She achieved the standard in the run and swim, and she made the team. “It was just incredible, but I had to do quite a bit of hustling to get up to speed and learn these other sports and work in the ICU for burns along with that. It was some long days and nights.” continued on page 9

Photos courtesy of Centenary University

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • March 2022 • Page 9 STORE HOURS Monday - Friday 8:30 AM -7:30 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM -3:00 PM

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Modern Pentathlon Days... continued from page 8 Murphy was afforded time to train for a year, and by that time other athletic and talented women had come into the program, and a contingent of five women started to train and other countries did the same. It wasn’t until 1996 that the Modern Pentathlon became an Olympic sport for women’s teams, but Murphy and the U.S. Modern Pentathlon women’s team formed in 1975 were able to go to the first World Cup in 1977, which was held in Poland, Sweden,

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and Great Britain. “It was my first time overseas,” Murphy recalls, “and it was just a really incredible experience. It was a competition that was not fancy, elaborate, or really with any high visibility, but it got everybody together and moving forward.” Positive change has always been Murphy’s forte. “As I reflect, I believe I was part of a positive change, and development of new directions through sports, fitness, and health, that are making wellness things more accessible for people in general.”

Page 10 • March 2022 • Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Subaru World of Hackettstown Celebrates Grand Opening

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • March 2022 • Page 11

Colleges Face Urgent Need to Respond to National Mental Health Crisis on Campus

here’s no doubt: College students are facing an unusually high amount of stress this semester. And it’s not just the winter blues. In a new survey recently released by leading telehealth firm Timely MD, nearly nine out of ten college students report a major mental health crisis across the nation’s college campuses. Mental health experts at Centenary University point to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is entering its third year, as a significant source of stress for college students. In fact, a national survey of almost 1,700 students revealed that 70% of college students feel emotional distress and anxiety resulting from the pandemic and 51% say they are more stressed and anxious than last January. In New

Jersey, 70% of college students report having a higher level of anxiety than a year ago, according to a study by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. College presidents are equally concerned. In a 2021 survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed, 96% of U.S. college and university presidents surveyed said the mental health of students is a top concern, while 94% reported the same of their employees. Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army who has studied the effects of stress in the military, said, “There is universal agreement that mental health has to be a top priority on all of our campuses. At Centenary, we’ve seen a definite in-

crease in the number of students seeking counseling support since the beginning of the academic year. While there’s a general call to begin moving on and living with the pandemic, COVID-19 will continue to have long-lasting effects on everyone, including college students.” Winter is a particularly fraught time for students. Cold and snowy weather restricts many outdoor activities, which has an impact on overall well-being. Mikolaya Nynka, LPC, director of the Centenary University Counseling Center, reported a 24% increase in the number of students seeking services compared to fall 2020: “This winter the Counseling Center is seeing increases in student anxiety, loneliness, depression, and frustration. While COVID-19

Mikolaya Nynka

Kerry Mullins

Bruce Murphy

accounts for some of this, we are also seeing students impacted by personal traumas and losses. This affects their stress level and ability to function. Getting support and learning the importance of practicing self-care is critical in reducing the potential long-term effects of these stressors.” Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Stu-

dents Kerry Mullins noted that the recent Omicron surge is a reminder that the pandemic will continue to have far-reaching effects. “As we enter the third year of this pandemic, more than half of our current students have experienced their college days with significant COVID-19 restrictions and related stressors such as loss of loved ones, financial

strains, and class and social disruptions associated with isolation and quarantine,” Mullins said. “These pandemic-related stressors, coupled with traditional college pressures such as academic rigor and personal challenges, have certainly resulted in an increased toll on the students’ mental health.” continued on page 12

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Page 12 • March 2022 • Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Hackettstown Historical Society Presentation Coming April 5

he Hackettstown Historical Society will host a presentation on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:00pm. The program will take place at the American Legion, 494 Willow Grove Street. Ms. Shalyse Blakely-Oliver will present

Mental Health Crisis...

continued from page 11 Nynka and Mullins say that colleges need to be proactive about offering a variety of mental health services tailored to student preferences. Nynka explained that while she prefers to see students in person, counseling sessions have been mostly virtual due to COVID-19. The Counseling Center also hosts an online wellness platform, YOU@Centenary, designed to meet the needs of the whole student and tailored specifically to Centenary University and its campus resources. Last semester, the University also invited the Warren County Hope One Initiative to campus. The mobile resource provides lifesaving resources to

“The Convoluted History of Slavery in Warren County” The program is free and open to the public with refreshments following. For more information, visit www.hackettstownhistory.com those struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Mullins added, “A positive outcome of the pandemic is that it brought mental health to the forefront. As we continue to navigate this pandemic and support each other, it is vital that we not only offer services to support our students, but also that people reach out when they see someone in need. We are all in this together.” Help is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing mental health, depression, or self-harming issues: Text NJ to 741741 for free crisis support from New Jersey MentalHealth Cares or call NJ Hopeline at 1-855654-6735.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

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By Evan Wechman arolyn Mastrangelo of Roseland remembers the pain her whole family went through almost two decades ago. At that time, her mother became ill from having early onset Alzheimer’s disease and the toll it took on her loved ones was almost too much to bear. These memories will be with her this coming April 30 at Harrison Field in Roseland. There, her organization, Running for Answers will be holding a 5K race and 2-mile run/walk to benefit the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. This will be the 13th annual event which has raised well over $400,000 since its inception. Mastrangelo remembers fondly her mother, Pat Lepofsky, a registered nurse playing bridge around the house and always reading. However, when the Alzheimer’s illness hit her mother, they both knew things would take a quick turn for the worse. Her mother after a long battle, died in 2015, and Mastrangelo wants to make sure that other families don’t go through the same ordeal she was forced to endure. Mastrangelo, a professional fitness trainer and nutrition coach is aware of the ramifications of the disease. She recently said, “Alzheimer’s doesn’t just take away your memory, it takes away everything you are until it leaves just a shell.” Organizing the event has been no easy task for Mastrangelo who is the primary founder, chairperson, and fundraiser for the event. She said she has performed most of the work at her kitchen table, rather than a fancy office. However, she is grateful other people have helped her through the years. She appreciates even the smallest donations and still gets excited each year around this time of year. According to her, the event has 3 primary missions. The first is to obviously raise money and awareness, but the second and third goals are to have a great race and create a fun event that the community can gather around. In past races, she has had great sponsors who have held mini tricky trays and given balloons to all the children. Though the event seems to almost run effortlessly as each year passes, Mastrangelo is aware there is always a substantial amount of work involved. Her efforts began almost 15 years ago when she was looking for a race in New Jersey that benefitted Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, she couldn’t find a single race, so she was determined to organize her own. She also carefully selected the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund which she said gives everyone the best chanced to find a cure for this disease. Mastrangelo is proud

that 100% of the donations go directly to research. “The brain is tricky, and they (Cure Alzheimer’s Fund) are coming to a lot of dead ends, but this is the right organization, and they are coming closer every year,” Mastrangelo said. In 2020, due to COVID there was no race, but the organization still worked hard and raised a significant amount of money for research. This year, the effects of COVID will be closely monitored by Mastrangelo. However, she is confident that this year’s event will be a success because it is not only outside, but she is determined to take any cautionary steps to ensure everyone’s safety. Mastrangelo who has had many dedicated supporters through the years is still looking to add some sponsors to make this event larger. She hopes for the race to expand outside just the immediate area and become a significant race in the state of New Jersey. Since the pandemic has affected many small businesses in the area, Mastrangelo wants local owners to know she remains both flexible and creative in finding partnerships that would work for all involved. However, she is aware every bit of help adds up to having a terrific event and said “I would like people to know that there are so many simple ways to help us: walk, run, donate, fundraise. Even easier than that is just spreading the word to others.” She can be contacted by interested parties through her website, www.Running4Answers.org. Though she is hoping for a big turnout, Mastrangelo, a mother of two daughters wants people to come away with a significant lesson about Alzheimer’s disease. One important fact that Mastrangelo wants people to be aware of is that this disease is more serious than many people think it is. She said, “it is not a key-losing disease.” By this, Mastrangelo emphasized that families should know that Alzheimer’s is more than just misplacing everyday items such as keys. Rather, it robs the whole family of time, memories, and is indeed very painful for all involved. “I don’t want to see anyone else go through this,” she said. “The idea that anyone else can get it is scary.”

Page 14 • March 2022 • Hackettstown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

403 Reasons to Run Foundation Looks to Help First Responders

by Elsie Walker n 2014, a local team of 11 people participated in the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation Walk/ Run in New York. (That foundation is named for Siller, an off-duty firefighter who ran from the tunnel to the towers in full gear on 9/11 to help, only to later lose his life on that day.) Little did the group from our area know but their participation would grow and from it, an idea to help first responders in our area. The 403 Reasons to Run Foundation was launched this past January. The name comes from the number of first responders (firefighters, police, and EMS) who gave their lives on 9/11. As the new foundation’s website notes, its vision is, “Modeled after the Stephen Siller, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, our foundation also honors and supports the fire, police and EMS communities, their families and members of our local communities that experience a catastrophic life changing event and are in need of assistance. Our vision is to do good things for good people, by whole heartedly continuing to support T2T and our local heroes.” Co-founder-CEO-President Jacqueline Pelleck, of Byram, was quick to note that though its name says “reasons to run” you don’t have to be a runner to get involved or help. “We’re way more than just running. There is a job for anyone,” she said, giving helping with fundraisers as an example. It all began in 2014, Pelleck and her husband Michael were at the gym and saw something about that year’s Tower to Tunnel Walk/Run. Jacqueline Pelleck remembers saying, “We should do it!” They gathered some others and that year they had a team of 11 participate in the event.

In 2021, a local team of 210 people participated in the Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk in New York, raising $17, 000 for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

“It was the most moving event I’ve ever done,” she said. Inspired by the “do good” feel which permeated the event, the couple decided to do it again in 2015, spreading the word, and the team grew. It also got sponsors and did fundraisers. Every year, the team got larger as people saw what it was about. Phil Savarin, of Byram, is part of the team and noted how moving it is “when you come out of the tunnel and see the pictures of the fallen.” Last year, the group chartered four buses to carry a team of 210 people to the event. The team raised $17,000 which went directly to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. However, the Pelleck’s wanted to do more, something for the local

community. With the assistance of one of their sponsors, Wayne Deitz of Skylands Risk Management to connect them with attorneys to help them, the non-profit 403 Reasons to Run Foundation was born. “It is a chance to give back to the first responders in a meaningful way,” said Savarin, vice president of the new foundation. To help that giving back, the foundation will be holding fundraisers, two of which are coming up in June. On June 3rd, Psychic Medium Catherine McCall will be at the Byram Firehouse. McCall talks to people who have passed away, continued on page 15

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • March 2022 • Page 15

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continued from page 14 and shares messages from some with loved ones in the audience. Jacqueline Pelleck notes that McCall is “pretty amazing” as she asks questions and zeroes in on the recipient of a message. The other fundraiser is on June 10th. It is a golf outing at the Farmstead Golf and Country Club in Lafayette. People can sign up to play or to sponsor a hole, donate a door prize, etc. Information on both events can be found on the foundation’s website: www.403reasonstorun.org. The foundation has a seven-member board which draws on people from a variety of career backgrounds. Jacqueline Pelleck has been a teacher for over 30 years and teaches in the Mount Olive school system; her husband, Michael, the Co-FounderCFO, has spent his life in the fire safety field and is currently Fire Official/Safety Officer for the Township of Roxbury. Vice President Savarin is a Process Management Analyst for Prudential Financial. Other board members include Jamie Caravaggio, of Hopatcong, who has been a law enforcement officer for 16 years; Emily Mason, of Byram, an elementary special education teacher in the Byram School District, Jeri Quirk, of

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Byram, a labor and delivery nurse, and Todd Rudloff, of Byram, who works for Firefighter One LLC, a vendor for first responder equipment. In addition, Michael Pelleck is currently Assistant Chief of the Byram Township (volunteer) Fire Department and Rudloff is its Chief. Board members have been spreading the words about their new foundation, speaking to first responder groups, the community, family and friends, and letting them know about what it does. Those who would like a member to speak to a group, can contact the foundation via its website. Besides their own fundraising efforts to help others, the foundation will advertise the fundraising events of first responder groups on its website and also support those events by attending and getting others to attend. Of course, they will continue to get together a team for the yearly Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation Walk/ Run in New York. This year, that event will be held on September 25th. For more information on 403 Reasons to Run Foundation, visit its website at www.403reasonstorun.org/. The foundation can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.

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A Show-Stopping Strawberry Snack

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hen you are craving something sweet, sometimes you just can’t get it off your mind until you have just one bite. You need something small, delicious and something that will ease your cravings. This recipe for Chocolate Coated Strawberry Treats is not only fun to make, but will give you that perfect little snack you have been longing for. The recipe begins with fresh strawberries and ends with a drizzle of mouthwatering peanut butter sauce. This is a great recipe for little ones looking to help out in the kitchen. These strawberries are fun to dip and even more enjoyable to devour. This snack can also be perfect for date night, a romantic date or just a picnic in the park with friends. They are easy to transport from place to place and don’t leave a huge mess behind to clean up afterwards. It’s also simple to just melt, whisk, dip and repeat. The red, ripe berries are bursting with color and the chocolate is glazed right across the top for the perfect bite. The best part is you can be creative and dip these strawberries into a number of your favorite ingredients you already have in your pantry at home. This includes, sprinkles, small candies, white chocolate drizzle and different kinds of nuts. The possibilities are endless.

Next time you can’t get chocolate off your mind, enjoy something delightful, rich and a show-stopping snack. Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net. If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work. Chocolate Coated Strawberry Treats Servings: 5 1 1/4 baking chocolate chips 1/2 baking peanut butter chips 3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided 1 pound fresh strawberries shredded coconut crushed almonds In saucepan, add baking chocolate chips and two tablespoons of coconut oil. Melt on low to medium heat and whisk until smooth. In a small bowl, add baking peanut butter chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Whisk together until smooth. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip all strawberries into melted chocolate. Then, dip 1/3 in coconut, 1/3 in almonds and 1/3 just chocolate and lay on tray. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the plain chocolate strawberries. Put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until strawberry treats are chilled. (Culinary.net)

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hackettstown Life • March 2022 • Page 17

Savor a New Way to Seafood

dding salmon to your weekly menu can take dinnertime from drab to delicious. Combining it with bright, fresh veggies heightens the savory experience even more for a burst of seafood flavor. Loaded with salmon and shrimp, this Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry is a perfect option for putting together a quick yet delicious meal. Fast becoming a leading source of seafood worldwide, aquaculture is similar to typical agriculture but with fish, shellfish and seaweeds. Farmed seafood can be raised and harvested in either fresh or seawater, where natural conditions are recreated. However, not all seafood you find in the grocery aisles is the same. Despite industry advances, aquaculture still faces challenges with fraud, mislabeling and questionable conditions. That’s why it’s important to look for responsible seafood products that are labeled by a trusted certification process. For example, the Aquaculture

Stewardship Council is a non-profit certification program that has created and enforced the world’s strictest and highest standards for seafood farming since 2010. Today, it is transforming the seafood industry with a new level of certification for farmed seafood. This “new way to seafood” includes: Seafood that can be traced all the way from the farm to the store, ensuring the seafood you buy is what it claims to be The strictest combination of requirements to protect the environment, workers and communities on the farms where seafood is raised Improving farmed seafood quality and safety Visit NewWaytoSeafood.com to find more information about the certification process. Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry Recipe courtesy of MOWI on behalf of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council Servings: 2 2 pieces of MOWI Pure portions salmon

1 cup wild rice 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 clove garlic, sliced 1/4 cup red onion, diced 1 cup pumpkin or butternut squash, diced 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped 1 1/2 tablespoons red curry paste 1/2 cup coconut milk 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1/4 cup tomatoes 4 shrimp 1 lime, quartered 2-3 cilantro leaves, for garnish Cut salmon into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook rice according to package instructions. In large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion and pumpkin or squash; saute 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Mix in lemongrass and curry paste. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until

fragrant. Add coconut milk, fish sauce and tomatoes; mix thoroughly. Add shrimp and salmon; cook until done. Serve with rice and lime quarters. Sprinkle with cilantro. (Family Features)

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FAMILY COMBO

1 Large Cheese Pizza 1 Order Wings, 1 Order Mozzarella Sticks & 1 2-Liter Soda

1 Large Cheese Pizza Fried Calamari, Baked Ziti, House Salad w/ choice of Dressing & 1 2-Liter Soda

$46.80 - 11.23 SAVINGS 24%

$51.80 - 12.95 SAVINGS 25%

35.57+tax