Hackettstown Life March 2024

Celebrating Women’s History Month: A Tribute to Women’s Contributions Throughout the Ages

Women’s History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the countless achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This annual observance, which takes place in March, serves as a reminder of the remarkable women who have shaped our world and inspired future generations.

The origins of Women’s History Month can be traced back to the early 20th century when International Women’s Day was first observed in 1909. Inspired by labor movements and activism, this day aimed to highlight the social, economic, and political achievements of women. Over the years, the observance of International Women’s Day spread globally, gaining momentum and recognition.

In the United States, the push for a designated month to honor women’s history gained traction in the 1970s during the height of the feminist movement. In 1978, a school district in Sonoma, California, organized a week-long celebration of women’s contributions, which soon spread to other communities across the country. Encouraged by this grassroots movement, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week in 1980.

The momentum continued to build, and in 1987, Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month. Since then, Women’s History Month has been a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in all fields, including politics, science, literature, art, and beyond.

Throughout history, women have made significant strides in the face of adversity and discrimination. From trailblazers

like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who fought tirelessly for women’s suffrage, to Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked the Civil Rights Movement, women have been at the forefront of social change.

In science and technology, women have also left an indelible mark. Figures like Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of women in STEM fields.

Literature and the arts have also been enriched by the contributions of women. From the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Maya Angelou to the novels of Jane Austen and Toni Morrison, women writers have captivated audiences and challenged societal norms with their words.

In recent decades, Women’s History Month has expanded

Hto recognize the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities. This inclusive approach reflects the intersectional nature of feminism and acknowledges the unique challenges faced by different groups of women.

Today, Women’s History Month is celebrated with events and activities that highlight the achievements of women past and present. From panel discussions and lectures to art exhibitions and film screenings, there are countless opportunities to learn about and honor the contributions of women in all aspects of society.

As we commemorate Women’s History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for gender equality. By honoring the past and uplifting the voices of women today, we can create a more equitable and just future for all.

Notable Moments in Women’s History

eroic efforts and milestone moments dot the landscape of women’s history. Often forced to fight for equality and inclusion, women have blazed trails and broken down barriers, all the while inspiring millions from their own era as well as future generations.

There’s been no shortage of notable events in women’s history. Some of those moments may have fallen off the radar of the general public, even if such events continue to affect the lives of women today. Recognition of notable moments in women’s history can provide significant insight into the individuals who made them possible.

Women’s rights convention

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott played pivotal roles in organizing the first women’s rights convention in 1848. The Seneca Falls Convention was held in New York on July 19 and 20, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass was among the noteworthy attendees. According to History. com, the work done at the Seneca Falls Convention, including the signing of the Declaration of Sentiments, sparked women’s rights advocacy and ultimately lead to suffrage for women, which was granted with the passage

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Particle hopefully will provide the reader with lots of interesting tidbits regarding this technology.

Most dental offices now utilize digital xrays, although traditionally developed xrays still exist. While both methods still require exposure to ionizing radiation, the pathways by which the image is developed varies. Traditional films require about a 7 minute chemical process through a developer, fixer, and wash. Digital films require just a few seconds using a plate that is sensitive to the radiation generated by the xray machine.

While both methods utilize radiation,

how much is the patient being exposed to?

There are two items to address: one is the comparison of radiation from traditional films to digital sensors, and the other is the amount of radiation from dental xrays to the amount you are exposed to in normal, everyday living.

Digital x-rays expose an individual to 80% to 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. What a fantastic technology to help protect our patients! The second part of this equation helps to put any amount of dental radiation into perspective. Once a year most patients will get four “bitewing” checkup films at their dentist. If these films are not digital, that is about 0.038mSv (mSv stands for millisevert: a measurement of radiation). If they are digital, that number drops to about 0.02mSv. Compare that to 3.0mSv, which is the amount of natural radiation a person in the U.S. is exposed to annually, or 0.04mSv, which is the amount of radiation you are exposed to on a cross-country 7-hour flight in the U.S. In other words, the amount of dental radiation you are exposed to in a dental office is very minimal.

There are some patients who still refuse dental xrays due to concerns about radiation exposure. This is their right. However, just understand your dentist will be unable to detect issues such as cavities between teeth or infections around the roots. The

ability to detect periodontal (gum) disease is also compromised. Certain cancers or bone diseases are also detected on films: this opportunity will be missed. Refusal of dental x-rays is not a smart move in your overall health.

New Patient Special

Dentists also follow a rule called ALARA: this stands for As Low As Reasonable Achievable.” This means we make efforts to limit your exposure to radiation that does not have a direct benefit to you. We do this by considering if the xray would even have a benefit to you, the amount of time regarding the exposure, the distance of that exposure, and shielding (lead aprons around your chest and thyroid).

Regarding lead shields, there are new opinions from radiologists and medical physicists the need for shields doesn’t exist anymore. Between the use of digital xrays with 80% to 90% less radiation, and decreased scatter of the radiation beams from collimation, protective lead aprons simply aren’t necessary. Time will tell where this topic goes.

Some offices utilize CBCT, which stands for Cone Beam Computerized Tomography: this is an in-office CT scanner. A CT scanner is a type of x-ray machine. I wouldn’t be able to function without this machine due to the amount of dental implant and regenerative procedures we perform. This unit provides

us with a 3-D image of a person’s jaws. We are able to evaluate if there is enough bone to accept dental implants, and we can import this data with surface scans of a person’s teeth to design computer-generated guides for highly accurate implant placement. Again, not all offices have CBCT scanners and they don’t necessarily need them: our hands would be tied without it.

Dental x-rays: an important tool to any dental office, and an important tool for the benefit of our patient’s care. Need to know more? Please inquire!

About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg is a distinguished dentist within the community. He has been providing both general dentistry & implant dentistry services for 28 years. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Scholar of the Dawson Academy of Comprehensive Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. He lectures to dentists in the field of implantology. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at 973-328-1225 or visit his website at www. MorrisCountyDentist.com

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

Harnessing the Power of Your Biological Clock

Most people have heard that our bodies follow a natural circadian rhythm, but did you know that energy actually flows through the body and organ systems on a 24 hour schedule? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body’s energy flow as a dynamic system that follows a natural rhythm, known as the TCM biological clock. This clock divides the day into 12 two-hour intervals, each corresponding to a different organ system and its associated energy meridian. Living in sync with this natural schedule is believed to promote optimal health and well-being. Here’s a breakdown of the TCM biological clock and its benefits:

11 pm - 1 am (Gallbladder)

This is the time for the body to detoxify and repair tissues. Going to bed before 11 pm allows the body to fully engage in these crucial processes, supporting overall health and vitality.

1 am- 3 am (Liver)

The liver is active during this time, aiding in blood purification and the processing of emotions. Waking up during this period

may indicate unresolved emotional issues or an overactive liver, suggesting the need for emotional and dietary adjustments.

3 am - 5 am (Lungs)

The lungs are associated with grief and sadness. Deep breathing exercises or meditation before bed can help support lung function and emotional well-being during this time.

5 am - 7 am (Large Intestine)

This is the time for the body to eliminate waste. Drinking water and eating fiber-rich foods can help support this process and promote regular bowel movements.

7am - 9 am (Stomach)

Breakfast is important during this time to nourish the body and support digestion. Eating a healthy breakfast can help set the tone for the day and prevent energy dips later on.

9 am - 11 am (Spleen/Pancreas)

The spleen and pancreas are active during this time, aiding in digestion and energy production. Eating a light, nutritious meal and engaging in gentle exercise can support these organs’ functions.

11 am - 1 pm (Heart)

The heart is at its peak during this time, making it ideal for engaging in activities that nourish the heart, such as spending time with loved ones or engaging in calming activities like meditation.

1 pm - 3 pm (Small Intestine)

The small intestine is active in the afternoon, aiding in the absorption of nutrients. Eating a balanced lunch and avoiding heavy meals can support optimal digestion during this time.

3 pm - 5 pm (Bladder)

This is the time for the body to eliminate waste and toxins. Drinking plenty of water and taking short breaks to stretch or walk can support bladder function and energy levels.

5 pm - 7 pm (Kidneys)

The kidneys are active in the early evening, supporting hydration and hormone balance. Drinking herbal teas or warm water can help support kidney function during this time.

7 pm - 9 pm (Pericardium)

The pericardium, or heart protector, is

active in the evening, supporting emotional balance and relaxation. Engaging in calming activities and winding down before bed can support pericardium function.

9 pm - 11 pm (Triple Burner)

The triple burner, which regulates metabolism and temperature, is active before bedtime. Engaging in relaxing activities and avoiding stimulating substances can support restful sleep during this time.

Living in sync with the TCM biological clock involves aligning daily activities, such as eating, sleeping, and exercise, with the natural rhythms of the body. This can promote better digestion, improved sleep, balanced emotions, and overall vitality. While it may not always be possible to adhere strictly to this schedule, being mindful of these natural rhythms and making small adjustments can help support optimal health and well-being. In addition, if there is an imbalance disrupting this natural rhythm, Acupuncture can help! For more information, call Mount Olive Acupunctute and Wellness 973-527-7978.

Women’s History...

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of the Nineteenth Amendment.

A woman earns a medical degree

Within months of the Seneca Falls Convention, England-born Elizabeth Blackwell graduates from the medical school at Geneva College in New York. Blackwell not only earns her medical degree, but also finishes with the highest marks in her graduating class. Blackwell’s trailblazing days did not end with the completion of her degree, as she ultimately became the first woman on the Medical Register of the General Medical Council for the United Kingdom.

“And ain’t I a woman?”

School children in the United States undoubtedly are familiar with the name Sojourner Truth, a noted abolitionist and former slave. In 1851, Truth, speaking at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, asked, “And ain’t I a woman?” as she advocated for equal rights. The speech has

been noted in popular culture over the last 170 years, but Truth’s now-famous query first gained considerable attention in 1863 during the American Civil War.

A woman sits on the bench of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States was initially established by Congress through the Judiciary Act of 1789. Despite that lengthy history, no woman was sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice until 1981, when Sandra Day O’Connor was sworn in by then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Justice O’Connor, who passed away in late 2023 at the age of 93, served on the Supreme Court for roughly a quarter century, retiring in 2006.

These are just a handful of the many notable events in women’s history that have shed light on the bravery and invaluable contributions women have made through the years.

Irish soda Bread Makes the Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer

Irish cuisine may not be as widely recognizable or familiar across North America as Chinese, Italian or Mexican fare. But that doesn’t mean Irish food lacks fans and flavor. As the world prepares to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on or around March 17, individuals who want to include some popular Irish fare in their festivities won’t want to exclude this recipe for “Irish Soda Bread” from AllRecipes.com.

Irish Soda Bread

Yields 11⁄2 loaf (20 servings)

4 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup margarine, softened

4 tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1⁄4 cup butter, melted

1⁄4 cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

Mix flour, softened margarine, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Combine melted butter with 1⁄4 cup buttermilk in a small bowl; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf.

Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

15th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade

The Hackettstown Business Improvement District (HBID) is hosting the 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade, Sunday, March 10, 2024. This Irish-American tradition attracts more than 14,000 visitors—making this parade one of the biggest events in Hackettstown. Streets fill with enthusiasm as families, residents and visitors line up to celebrate and witness the festive parade.

Preceding the parade, join us for the St. Patrick’s Bar and Brew Crawl. This event

is a fundraiser created to support the St. Patrick’s Parade festivities. Celebrate at Marley’s Gotham Grill, Grand Avenue Tavern, Man Skirt Brewing, and Czig Meister Brewing Company. Your kind donation gets you one sheet of tickets, which includes a coupon good for one beer at each location. Selections vary per location. Tickets can be purchased at the BID office at 219 Main St., and on our website, www.hackettstownbid.com.

PRESALE TICKETS can be purchased for $25

up to February 22, 2024. Tickets purchased after the 22nd, will be $30.

Coupon sheets can be picked up by appointment in the BID office. Bar Crawl anytime between February 22nd and March 31st.

The Hackettstown BID is also selling festive shirts and sweatshirts to support the parade. These can also be preordered on the website.

We will kick off the Parade weekend with a Grand Marshal Reception to honor 2024 St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal, Retired Hackettstown Police Lt. Darren Tynan. The reception dinner will be at David’s Country Inn Ballroom on Thursday, March 7th, and will feature a live performance by Rory O’Moore School of Pipes and Drums and a dance performance by Slattery School of Irish Dance. Tickets are $55, or $500 for a table of 10, and are available on the Hackettstown BID website. All are Welcome!

The 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

will kick off at 3:30 pm with numerous participants including Irish dance groups, Irish bands, community groups, boy/girl scouts, bagpipes and drums, Centenary University and Hackettstown High School teams and clubs, lots of floats, various area fire departments and rescue squads, as well as hometown favorites Junior and Senior Colonial Musketeers and the Hackettstown Community Band.

The parade is pet-friendly, with a special pet Irish Costume Contest sponsored by Doggie Styleash. Judging will be held at Czig Meister Brewing, located at 106 Valentine St. starting at 3:30 pm sharp. Pets will then be invited to walk the parade after judging.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS

SPONSORS: Mars Wrigley, John Johnson Auto Group, Bright Smiles 4 Kids, Atlantic Health System, Stuber Insurance, WRNJ, Explore Warren, Maguire Memorial Home, Grace Cares Llc. , Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd, Calico Country Flowers.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share?

Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

By Michael Lalama, DC

While a relatively simple question such as “what is chiropractic?” should yield a consistent answer, the fact is, as a profession, chiropractic is commonly interpreted at the practitioner level. That is to say that every practicing chiropractor can have a different answer to this question. If practitioners can have different definitions of chiropractic, where does that leave those who are outside of or are unfamiliar with chiropractic? And if chiropractors themselves can’t even agree on what chiropractic is, then how can they educate others on chiropractic?

First, it is important to show that there is a widely accepted definition of chiropractic outlined by The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) which defines chiropractic as “a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.” This is a great start, especially in presenting the goal and approach of chiropractic; however, this definition does not include the terms “adjustment” and/or “subluxation.” That is most likely why there is no divisiveness around the ACAs definition, because these two terms tend to mean different things to different providers.

In a general sense, the purpose of a chiropractic adjustment is to correct a subluxation. A subluxation in chiropractic has historically referred to a “bone-out-ofplace,” most commonly found in the spine, that negatively influences the function of the nervous system. In this example, an adjustment puts the bone back into its correct place or re-aligns the spine, but most importantly improves

What is Chiropractic?

the function of the nervous system. However, the term subluxation has been debated since its conception. More recently, multiple models of subluxation have evolved from this traditional “bone-out-of-place” thinking to align more with joint dysfunction and/or lack of proper motion.

Whatever way individual chiropractors define subluxation, the common factor is its disruption of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Neuromusculoskeletal changes are evident in conditions like lumbosacral radiculopathy – otherwise known as sciatica – where patients can experience dull/achy or burning pain, numbness and tingling traveling into the buttock and/or leg, and in extreme cases, it can cause loss of sensation and muscle weakness/ dysfunction. It is mostly associated with a disc herniation, in which part of the intervertebral disc located between the bones of the spine protrudes further than normal and puts pressure on a nerve where it exits the spine. However, similar symptoms can occur without a disc herniation and can be caused by lack of proper motion in the bones of the spine.

Restoring proper motion in the region through a chiropractic adjustment can help to relieve the pressure on the nerve and alleviate symptoms. This has been demonstrated for years by clinicians as well as research studies aimed at assessing the effectiveness of chiropractic. While the chiropractic adjustment does not improve symptoms for every patient, similar to any other type of medical intervention, chiropractic care seems to provide relief for musculoskeletal conditions involving the spine and extremities for many patients. Since we have outlined how

the chiropractic adjustment can reduce nerve interference in conditions such as sciatica, is it possible that other nerve interference exists that effects different parts of the body?

Most of the neuromusculoskeletal complaints effectively treated by chiropractors effect the somatic nervous system – this is the part that we have conscious control over, like moving our arms and legs. When dysfunction of the somatic nervous system is present, many find improvement following chiropractic care (e.g., reduced pain, reduced numbness/ tingling, improved function, etc.). However, this is not the only division of our nervous system. The autonomic nervous system, which is not under our conscious control, is the part that controls our organs and other processes, such as digestion. Since all of your nerves that control both divisions of the nervous system exit through your spine, there is a possibility that the autonomic nervous system can also be positively influenced by a chiropractic adjustment.

It is important to note that while many case studies have shown improvement in non-musculoskeletal complaints after a chiropractic adjustment, it has not been demonstrated in large population studies. This ultimately means that it is hard to determine, for certain, if the chiropractic adjustment directly influenced these symptoms. It is possible that improving the function of the musculoskeletal system through chiropractic care can lead to other positive changes. Most of the time, if you can get relief from your pain and improve function, you will have a better quality of life!

It is always important to consult a licensed healthcare professional to see which treatment options are right for you. To learn more, visit FunctionalChiropracticNJ.com.

By Steve Sears

KMountaintop Church Presents Holiday Musical Dramas

ody Vagle, Next Generation Pastor for children, youth, and young adults at Hackettstown’s Mountaintop Church, speaks passionately about the response received for the church’s recent Christmas production, “Immanuel.”

Vagle said, “This past Christmas, our sanctuary was packed with guests, and we had over 1,000 views online from our performances. We love Mount Olive and Hackettstown, and we strive to be a blessing to our community. This show was for them; everyone was welcome.”

And all will be again welcome to the soon to be presented Easter drama, “Victorious,” which is a direct continuation of the “Immanuel” story.

Vagle explained that, historically, every year Mountaintop Church hosted what it called an Easter drive-through during the holy day weekend. “Anyone from our community could drive through our parking lot and view our volunteers acting out different scenes of the ministry of Jesus, leading to His death on the cross and resurrection out of the tomb. However, we had a string of bad luck with weather, so in 2022, we decided to move it inside and make it more of a production with acting, dancing, singing and special effects. Since then, every Easter and Christmas has gotten bigger and better.”

Prior to this past Christmas, the productions were just biblical scenes portrayed on stage. This time around, dramatic twists were added. “Immanuel” consisted of a grandmother recently diagnosed with cancer, and she taught her granddaughter the story of Christmas, and how Jesus showed up during the world’s darkest time.

Vagle added, “The grandmother narrated the story while our actors portrayed the story of Mary and Joseph, culminating with the birth of Jesus in a manger. In between scenes, our band and choir performed live Christmas songs.”

As for the upcoming “Victorious,” drama, Vagle said, “The grandmother’s cancer has seriously progressed, and she is desperate to tell her granddaughter the story of Easter, practically from her death bed. No matter what happens, Jesus is victorious! It will be quite the dramatic story!”

“Victorious” will first be presented on Good Friday, 3/29/24, at 7:00 p.m. On Easter Sunday, 3/31/24, Mountaintop Church will have two more showings, one in English at 10:00 a.m. (immediately following, there will be a weather-permitting Easter Egg Hunt for families with children who attend) and then in Spanish at 1:00 p.m. Attendance is free.

Vagle said, “The initial planning for both Christmas and Easter started back in August.

We do the entire production both in English and Spanish, with a total cast and crew of about 50 volunteers, so there are a lot of logistics to consider. We have already begun rehearsals for Easter and will be meeting every Thursday night until the big day.”

Over the years, the congregation of Mountaintop Church has loved all the performances, and the main goal always is

to portray the love of God to the community.

“No matter who you are, where you’ve come from, or what you’ve done,” Vagle said, “you are so loved by God and by us at Mountaintop Church. We always have a seat for you!”

Mountaintop Church is located at 6 Naughright Road in Hackettstown. For more information, visit www.mtopag.org.

Mountaintop Church Pastor, Pastor Matt Jones, lauds the “Immanuel” drama and its participants

IWomen’s History Book Shines a Light on the Stories Lost to Patriarchy

f history is written by those in power, then there are countless unsung heroes among the women who lived it. For too long, women who have served as leaders, champions of justice, and pioneers in their fields have been relegated to footnotes in our textbooks. Dr. Jackie Casper Agostini writes this powerful, transformative volume to rectify those errors, shining a light on these social movers. Women like Mary Harris, Ida B. Wells, and Isabella Baumfree (known to most as Sojourner Truth) are some of the most prominent forces behind not only the feminist movement but also many of the rights we all hold in society, regardless of gender. Shining a Light on (Her)Story paints a vivid picture of how conventions were defied to bring us the world we know.

The book is a powerful statement on the dangers of patriarchy, championing the importance of women crafting their own visions for the future. Featuring historical accounts of the lives of powerhouse social contributors like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul, Agostini’s work is a treasure trove of forgotten stories. In addition, the book functions as Agostini’s personal memoir as she explores her own relationship with America’s historical narrative. Readers of any gender will find

nuggets of wisdom to glean from this title. Women in particular will find it empowering, inspiring, and revelatory as stories of the past point toward a future built on solidarity. Shining a Light on (Her)Story is available for purchase online at Amazon. com and Barnes and Noble.com

The Arc of Warren County Radiothon 2024 with WRNJ Radio

The 70-day countdown is underway for The Arc of Warren County Radiothon with WRNJ!

Funds raised will help all The Arc of Warren County programs from Camp Warren to Residential to Early Intervention to Community-Based Supports. In recognition of the organization’s 70th anniversary, The Arc of Warren County has a Radiothon goal of $70,000 this year.

WRNJ Radio has graciously hosted this initiative for over three decades and continues to enable the Agency to spread the news about the many services that The Arc of Warren County provides to over 1,100 individuals and their families.

“This community of citizens served by The Arc of Warren County deserves our support”, says Norman Worth of WRNJ Radio. “We’re in a position to tell their story and I hope our listeners will once again be generous. Donations are appreciated in advance of Radiothon Day, as well as on the day itself. And remember to listen in on April 25th to learn more about the positive impact that this organization has had on so many people for the last 70 years.”

The countdown to Radiothon continues until April 25, 2024. WRNJ Radio will devote the whole day to sharing stories about the impact of The Arc of Warren County’s work

with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, from families, consumers, community leaders and employees.

The Arc of Warren County has consistently maintained a high quality of services since its founding. The Arc of Warren County continues to need assistance to help maintain and improve existing services. Will you help make this year’s Radiothon for The Arc of Warren County with WRNJ an astounding success once again?

One of the many services that The Arc of Warren County provides is the Camp Warren experience for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Part of the funds raised by this initiative supports camperships and upgrades to the Camp Warren facility, which is located on a 30-acre property in Knowlton Township.

Individuals can donate through the following website page: secure.qgiv.com/ event/arcradiothon2024 or through The Arc of Warren County’s main website at arcwarren.org In addition, donors can text-to-give by typing 50155 and then a keyword of Radiothon2024 Phone pledges and donations will also be taken that day by calling (908) 223-0888.

The 2024 Radiothon will be co-chaired by Jim Travis, of Otterstedt Insurance Agency, and Norman Worth for the sixth consecutive

year. Both Travis and Worth have advocated for the organization and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for well over 30 years. Travis serves on the Board of Directors for The Arc of Warren County. Both Travis and Worth are long-time members of the Hackettstown Rotary Club and serve on the Advisory Board for Atlantic Health’s Hackettstown Medical Center.

“The community-at-large has been so receptive to this project and that is why it has stood the test of time,” says John White-

head, CEO of The Arc of Warren County. “I am so pleased that Jim and Norman have been dedicated to our organization for many years. It is commitment like this that makes a huge difference in the betterment of our future.”

Those who are interested in supporting Radiothon are encouraged to contact Annamaria Lalevee, Chief Development & Communication Officer at The Arc of Warren County, at (908) 223-0884 or at ALalevee@ arcwarren.org

Centerfold separately without folios

Mary Edwards Walker the Only Female Medal of Honor Winner

By Henry M. Holden

Mary Edwards Walker (1832-1919) challenged the practices of her day. Born and raised on a farm in Oswego, New York, Walker became one of a handful of female physicians in the country.

Despite the mockery and destain from her contemporaries she continued to break customs and wore men’s clothing rather than corsets and large petticoats and dresses. She believed they were unhygienic and caused health issues.

Walker lectured and campaigned for woman’s suffrage, and for prohibition, and against tobacco, and alcohol.

From the outset of the Civil War, Walker volunteered her services as a physician. Despite opposition from army commanders and field surgeons, Walker served as a surgeon at Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Chickamauga, and other bloody theaters of the war. She attended to the wounded soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conflict. At the time, women physicians were considered unfit for military service.

Captured by Confederates near Chattanooga in 1864, she served four months in a Southern prison near Richmond where she nursed wounded prisoners of war.

Walker was a skilled surgeon, and graduated in 1855, from Syracuse Medical College. She was an abolitionist, prohibitionist. and prisoner of war. She was captured and arrested as a spy for the Union Forces by Confederate troops after crossing enemy lines to help a Confederate doctor perform an amputation on a civilian. She remained a prisoner of war for four months until August 12 when she was released in a prisoner exchange.

She frequently crossed battle lines to treat civilians, and this led to her capture by Confederate troops in 1864. She was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1865 by President Andrew Johnson.

Before her capture, Walker wrote to the department of war, and requested to act as a spy in the conflict; she was rejected, but later was employed as a civilian surgeon by the army of the Cumberland, becoming the first female surgeon to work for the US Army surgeon general.

Walker’s Medal of Honor was withdrawn following a 1917 review of Army Medal of Honor awards. In their review it recommended that the medal be restricted to enlisted personnel.

There is no higher accolade awarded in the United States Armed Forces than the Medal of Honor.

In 1917, Congress passed an Act detailing the requirements for qualification for the Medal. The Medal of Honor recipient must be enlisted personnel. And involved in actual combat with an enemy. This review resulted in over 900 names being deleted from the Medal of Honor roll.. Dr. Mary Edwards was one of those names.

In 1977 President Jimmy Carter, reinstated Dr. Walker’s Medal of Honor; Walker was only one of six people who had their medals restored.

Although married, there is no evidence that she had children. She divorced her husband on the grounds of his infidelity.

After the war, Dr. Walker became a writer, lecturer, and advocated in support of women’s rights. At the time, it was illegal for women to wear men’s clothing. She was arrested many times for wearing men’s clothes, but never

stopped insisting on her right to wear the clothing she felt was appropriate.

Dr. Walker tried to vote in 1871 but was turned away. She became a leading member of the early suffrage movement, arguing that women already had a constitutional right to vote. Dr. Walker never stopped pushing for women’s rights.

In the exact words of the Congressional Resolution on

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Dr. Mary Edwards Walker dressed in men’s clothing, and wearing her Medal of Honor. (Photo Public Domain)

Mary Edwards Walker...

continued from page 16

12 July 1862 “the award is for gallantry, and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing force or while serving with a friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict … It is awarded to only American military personnel for incredible acts of valor and selfishness..

In a presidential review of the Medal of Honor In 197, after reviewing her record of valor, President Jimmy Carter said

THEATER REVIEW

that although a civilian at the time of her valor she was restored to the Medal of Honor Roll in 1977.

After a long illness, Walker died at home on February 21, 1919, at the age of eightysix. She was buried at Rural Cemetery in Oswego, New York, in a plain funeral, with an American flag draped over her casket, and wearing a black suit instead of a dress. Her death, in 1919, came one year before the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote.

“Crime and Punishment”

“Crime and Punishment” Is This The Behavior of A Sane Person?

“Crime and Punishment” by Fydor Dostoevsky at the Gural Theatre and produced by Phoenix Theatre had a run in Nyack, N.Y. Theater Festival last year where it was highly praised. As a condensed version of this masterpiece, the 90 minutes for the most part goes by quickly. The superb acting by all three actors, the gothic style staging, the sound, the music makes this an excellent off Broadway night out!

In “Crime” we get Dostoevsky at his peak; this novel always questions sanity, intellect, God, Man, and man›s inhumanity towards the world in general. In this rendition we get a glimpse of just how complex Raskolnikov (Josh Tyson) is. At times he is Christ like, at other times, Plato comes to mind; we also get the darker side of him, which makes the audience think just what is on his mind.

In many aspects this play works so well... the traverse staging for one brings the audience up close to these fine actors. Director Karen Case Cook invites us into the lives of these characters, we see clearly their lives, their squealer and their miseries. The dialogue between the actors is exceptional and Cook is masterful with her direction. The staging, the costumes (Debbie Hobson), the sound (Ellen Mardel), the lighting (Bill Schmidt) all contribute to this well made

play.

In the abbreviated rendition writers Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus have the daunting task of picking out which parts to put into this gem and what to omit. At the 55 minute mark till the 1:10 portion of the play it tends to drag a bit as we get a lull here. The last twenty five minutes of this play, however, picks up steam and ends with a deep, resonating body of work; we get a clearer picture as to how the detective (John Lenartz) as Porfiry, Sonia (Elise Stone) as a prostitute handle this complex Raskolnikov. As a writer, a person who has studied law, a good seminarian, he questions religion, man and ordinary people versus extraordinary ones. The audience needs to deviate which is which and where does it go from here. We are always questioning his motives, his thoughts and certainly his actions.

Phoenix Theatre Ensemble brings forth how an off Broadway show should be done... the eerie feel, the raw energy, the up close personal feel to it and simple but relevant staging. Even though the show borders on the Bohemian feel, Cook captures the pulse of Dostoevsky in that we cannot help but feel the desperation of the characters we watch so closely for over 90 minutes.As one of the best off Broadway shows I have seen in sometime, with all its masterful stagecraft, this show is a keeper!

Savor a New Way to Seafood

Adding 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)

A Show-Stopping Strawberry Snack

When 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)

By Richard Mabey Jr.

IWhen You Get A Bad Medical Report

came into this world with a congenital heart defect, known as a Myocardial Bridge. Simply put, a Myocardial Bridge is a medical condition in which an artery of the heart interweaves and tunnels through the spindles of the heart muscles. Thus, every time the heart contracts, it squeezes the blood vessel, resulting in cutting off the blood supply to that area of the heart.

On top of all of this, I recently had an MRI of my heart and a heart catheterization. The bottom line is that my Cardiologist found a second aneurysm near my heart. The first is at the base of my Ascending Aorta, the second aneurysm is located at the base of my Brachiocephalic Artery. My Cardiologist gave it to me straight. Based on the rate of growth of my aneurysms and the factors of my Myocardial Bridges, my Cardiologist told me that she estimated I have about two years to live. That was tough to hear.

I admit that I was sad to hear that news. And, yes, for a couple of days, I was feeling sorry for myself. But then I woke up from a deep sleep, I walked over to my bedroom window and opened up my curtain and blinds. I saw the glistening morning sun, a couple of squirrels climbing up and down the Live Oak in my front yard, and took in the sight of a couple of birds perched upon the edge of my front yard birdbath. Once again, I saw the joy and splendor and wonder of the beauty of God’s creation.

Life is tough. At times it gets really tough. And then at

times it gets so tough, we’re tempted to fall into sadness, even depression. But that is just the time when we need to pull up our boot straps, take a good hard look in the mirror and dig deep to rediscover the joy and splendor of being alive. Even in the midst of getting the bad news of having a serious health condition, we’ve got to fight, tooth and nail, to stay positive.

This article will, no doubt, be read by hundreds of people. Yet, I know deep in my heart and soul, that I am writing this column for one specific person. Odds are that I’ve never met this person. I don’t know their name. I don’t know what they look like. But I do know this. After praying and praying about it, God directed me to write these words.

Hold dear to each and every precious day. Time is more valuable than all the gold in Fort Knox. Love the dear ones in your life. Tell them you love them. Find a purpose, a means to uplift others. Even if it’s just sharing a smile to a passerby in a grocery store. Forgive all those who have hurt you. Love one another.

Read the spiritual writings of your faith. Pray. Meditate on God’s beauty in nature. Be kind to animals. Speak gently to children. Encourage someone who is struggling in life. Write a poem, don’t worry about making it rhyme. Donate a few dollars to a worthwhile charity. Love one another.

As long as your heart is beating, and your breathing air into your lungs, you can make a positive mark upon

Yours truly, complete with the old school tie and sports coat.

another person’s life. For love is the key that unlocks miracles. Simply put, love one another.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com.

By Steve Sears

WCommunities Rally Around Stephanie Sorrentino

hen former Hackettstown resident and Hackettstown High School student, Stephanie (Cucinella) Sorrentino, was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer on May 11, 2023, the universe neglected to consider that you do not mess with a tiger.

A Hackettstown Tiger, that is – and their friends.

Mount Olive-Hopatcong-Hackettstown head hockey coach, Ryan Tatarka, and Sorrentino have been friends since they were five years old, and when he knew his lifelong friend and classmate needed help, he sprang into action, as did others.

Tatarka said, “We’ve stayed in touch throughout the years. I knew that she was a teacher in Millburn. I heard about her diagnosis through the grapevine and social media over the summer after she had gotten married. I thought immediately we should do something as a program. We have the platform to be able to do the right thing here.”

Sorrentino, 30, had already benefitted by goodness courtesy of a special volleyball game between Hackettstown High School and Millburn high School on October 6, 2023, so Tatarka contacted the Millburn

High School athletic director about an open date in the MOHOHA hockey schedule and asked if the school’s team would be interested in a January 27 benefit game at Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange.

All were on board.

Sorrentino, her husband John, and many family members attended the late January contest. She said, “When the game started, we had a little pregame ceremony again, and it was just awesome to be able to share our story to all the fans that came out for both teams, some of which were my old students, and some of my current colleagues were there.”

And Sorrentino the evening of the 27th was happy to report that, after a recent procedure, a pathology report had declared her cancer free. She said, “It has just been nice to see the outpouring of love. It was really nice to be able to share that I was cancer free with the two communities that came together to help out.”

And there is a PSA, an important message, that Sorrentino wants to get out. She said, “We did catch this early. Life gets so busy, and day to day you are not really thinking about stuff like this. But prioritizing your health and making sure that you do get to the doctor and are doing self-checks

and things like that are important.”

Donations can still be sent to a Venmo account titled “Steph Donation,” and cash or checks payable to the MOHS Booster

Club to PO Box 648 Flanders NJ 07836. Also, donations can be mailed to the Hackettstown, Hopatcong, and Mount Olive High Schools, “Attn: hockey team.”

Stephanie and John Sorrentino (credit: Mordy Photo)

Rabbi Mark Biller To Spotlight

Rav KookIn Series Called ‘Living A Soulful Life’

Rabbi Mark Biller will delve into the thought and philosophy of Rav Kook, a towering figure in Jewish life, in a three-part series, via Zoom, called “Living a Soulful Life.” The series, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Thursdays, March 14 (“Midnight Writer”), March 21 (“Everything Is Sacred”), and March 28 (“Every Moment Counts”), all at 1 p.m.

Our Jewish World is co-chaired by Ilene Dorf Manahan and Melanie Levitan, both of Morristown.

Rav Kook was Chief Rabbi of Israel during the British Mandate years (in the first part of the 20th century). He is considered the father of religious Zionism, and is a mystic, whose beautiful and profound writings still inspire.

“A realist who dealt with the politicians of the early State of Israel, Rav Kook saw a positive life force in all creatures and beings,” Rabbi Biller notes. “His goal was to foster positive understanding between Jews of all religious levels of practice, to teach a deep appreciation of nature and our place in it, and to bring conscious awareness for all to every moment.”

Rav Kook awakened every midnight to add entries to his personal diary. He reflected on life and wrote free-flowing prose about his spiritual beliefs— writings that were meant to remain private. Many years after his passing, the diaries were translated and published, so now we can gain direct access to his deepest unedited thoughts.

The series presenter observes, “For Rav Kook, Torah study is a doorway to finding the sacred in everything, and the goal of a religious life is to feel and find a sense of unity with all life. No matter how fraught the world seems, for Rav Kook each moment can hold the potential for

connection and goodness.”

Rabbi Biller brings a wide perspective to his teaching and patience for all the questions we may have. He specializes in the art of storytelling, and counseling Jews of all ritual levels looking to find meaning in both modern life and rich Jewish traditions. The spiritual leader of synagogues in his native Canada, as well as in Alabama, Arkansas, New York and New Jersey, the rabbi received rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Preregistration is required for the series. To register, email iadpr@aol. com. One registration will cover all three sessions.

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By Henry M. Holden

There is a small town, Troy, Ohio, that celebrates an occasion that put it on the world map of the grocery trade.

On June 26, 1974, when the first item marked with the Universal Product Code (U PC) was scanned at the checkout of Troy’s Marsh Supermarket.

It was a ceremonial occasion and involved a little bit of setup. The night before, Marsh employees had moved in to put barcodes on hundreds of items in the store: while the National Cash Register installed their scanners and computers.

The first “shopper” was Clyde Dawson, who was head of research and development for Marsh Supermarket. Legend has it that Dawson dipped into his shopping basket and pulled out a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum. Dawson explained later that this was not a lucky dip.

“I had chosen it because nobody had been sure that a bar code could be printed on something as small as a pack of chewing gum.”

Finally, there was a solution to the problem of slow checkout lines and inventory control. But it would take years for its successful implementation.

On October 20, 1949, Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver filed their patent application for the «Classifying Apparatus and Method,” describing their invention as “article classification...through the medium of identifying patterns.” The first patent for a barcode type product (US Patent #2,612,994) was issued to the inventors on October 7, 1952. The invention was based on Morse code.

It was Morse code that gave Woodland the idea. Woodland had learned Morse code when he was in the Boy Scouts. As he was sitting in a beach chair and pondering the checkout dilemma, Morse came into his head:

“I remember I was thinking about dots and dashes when I poked my four fingers into the sand and, for whatever reason—I didn’t know—I pulled my hand toward me and I had four lines. I said ‘Golly! Now I have four lines and they could be wide lines and narrow lines, instead of dots and dashes. Then, only seconds later, I took my four fingers—they were still in the sand—and I swept them round into a circle.” However, it took twenty years before this invention became commercially successful.

An early use of one type of barcode in an industrial context was sponsored by the Association of American Railroads in the late 1960s. Developed by General Telephone and Electronics (GTE). It was called KarTrak ACI (Automatic Car Identification). This program involved placing colored stripes in various combinations. to the sides of railroad rolling stock. Two plates were used per car, one on each side, with the arrangement of

The Universal Barcode

the colored stripes with encoded information such as ownership, type of equipment, and identification number. The plates were read by a trackside scanner located at the entrance to a classification yard, while the car was moving past. The project was abandoned after about ten years because the system proved unreliable after long-term use.

Barcodes finally became commercially successful when they were used to automate supermarket checkout systems, a task for which they have become almost universal. The Uniform Grocery Product Code Council had chosen, in 1973, a barcode design developed by George Laurer. Laurer’s barcode, with vertical bars, printed better than the circular barcode developed by Woodland and Silver. Their use has spread to many other tasks that are generically referred to as automatic identification and data capture (AIDC).

In June 1974, the Marsh supermarket in Troy used a scanner made by Photographic Sciences Corporation to scan the Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode on a pack of Wrigley’s chewing gum.

Woodland said it sounded like a fairy tale: “I had gotten the inspiration for what became the barcode while sitting on Miami Beach. What I was after was a code of some kind that could be printed on groceries and scanned so that supermarket checkout queues could move more quickly, and stocktaking would be simplified.”

That such a technology was needed was not Woodland’s idea: it came from an anxious supermarket manager who had asked a dean at Drexel Institute of Technology, in Philadelphia, to come up with a way of getting shoppers through his store more quickly. The delays and the regular stocktaking were costing him profits. The dean shrugged him off, but a junior postgraduate, Bernard Silver, overheard the conversation and was interested. He mentioned it to Woodland, who had graduated from Drexel in 1947. Woodland decided to take on the challenge.

In 1948, Silver joined together with fellow graduate student Joseph Woodland to work on a solution.

Woodland’s first idea was to use ultraviolet light sensitive ink. The team built a working prototype but decided that the system was too unstable and expensive. They went back to the drawing board.

With the barcode it was soon realized that there would have to be some sort of industry standard.

So confident was Woodland that he would come up with a solution to the supermarket dilemma left graduate school in the winter of 1948 to live in an apartment owned by his grandfather in Miami Beach. He had cashed in some stocks to tide him over. It was in January 1949 that Woodland had his ah ha, moment. Though the brilliance of its

QR codes, a specific type of 2D barcode, have recently] become very popular due to the growth in smartphone ownership.

simplicity and its far-reaching consequences for modern existence were not recognized until many years later.

Back in Philadelphia, Woodland and Silver decided to see if they could get a working system going with the technology at hand. Although the patent illustrates the basic concept, there is only limited anecdotal evidence about what Woodland and Silver built.

A crude prototype in Woodland’s own home used a powerful 500watt incandescent bulb. An oscilloscope was used to “read” the code; the whole thing was too big. Allegedly, it worked, up to a point. But an objective evaluation judged it would take 20 years.

The first patent for a barcode type product (US Patent #2,612,994) was issued to the inventors on October 7, 1952. The invention was based on Morse code.

Bar codes became commercially successful when the scanning technology came up to speed, and were used to automate supermarket checkout systems, a task for which they have become almost universal. The Uniform Grocery Product Code Council had chosen, in 1973, the bar code design developed by George Laurer. Laurer’s barcode, with vertical bars, printed better than the circular barcode developed by Woodland and Silver. Their use has spread to many other tasks that are generically referred to as automatic identification and data capture (AIDC).

Today the barcode business is booming throughout industries and by 2023, virtually all products sold contain bar codes.

CLamberti said, “I appreciate that, because that’s why I do it.”

And is it difficult to remain composed amidst the emotion? Lamberti said, “It can be at times. I think you have to separate yourself a little bit, just because it can be too much and then the voice will get completely cut off if you start to feel emotional. It is tough; there has to be a little bit of a sort of almost watching yourself, and I think if you are too emotional, then the audience does not always get it. You sort of almost have to be this sort of this vessel that’s just sort of relating the music.”

The 54-year-old Lamberti embodies the hardworking and grit of Phillipsburg, the city she grew up in and again calls home on the Delaware River.

Lamberti was born Christina Cox in Wisconsin on August 11, 1969, and after living in New York State and West Virginia for a period, moved to New Jersey with her

parents, Donald and Pamela, and her sister (and fellow singer) Alyssa, when she was about nine.

Lamberti said,” We moved here, and I started at a public school, and what my parents did was get us very involved in locally in Belvidere was the little theater. My parents also got us very much involved in dance. I was taking dance and I had taken piano at a little theatre company called Country Gate Players.”

While at Phillipsburg Middle School, Lamberti embraced both the drama club and choir, and started singing lessons when she was about 12. She said, “I was doing a lot of musical theater. I did not start off necessarily in opera, per se. I was singing a lot of that classic musical theater, like Oklahoma and The Sound of Music, and the great songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lerner and Loewe, and the great musical theater songbook.”

Phillipsburg Catholic High School was next for the 15-year-old, and the summer before entering, Lamberti learned that the theater department was going to present Camelot during freshman year. One of her favorite musicals, she spent the whole summer memorizing the

Dolly.

Lamberti said, “And my mom, who was a Spanish teacher at the school, was very much involved. she costumed the shows, and my dad - even though he was continued on page 26

Christina Lamberti (credit: Theater Regensburg, Germany) score and the lines, auditioned, and got the lead role. Thee next four years, she did the same in Brigadoon, Guys and Dolls, and Hello

Did You Know?

NJ Starz....

The first All-Star game in Major League Baseball was played on July 6, 1933. The game was an effort to make professional baseball more popular, and it remains a beloved event on the MLB calendar today. According to History.com, attendance at professional baseball games fell 40 percent between 1930 and 1933. That decline likely had little to do with the game of baseball and much to do with the Great Depression, which ultimately proved to be the longest depression of the twentieth century. The Great Depression began in 1929 and lasted a decade, and the fallout from the depression was felt in every corner and industry, including professional baseball. Many once-ardent baseball fans, who helped to establish record attendance in the 1920s, could no longer afford tickets during the Great Depression. Arch Ward, sports editor of the Chicago Tribune, was tasked with devising a sporting event that could be held in conjunction with the 1933 World’s Fair. Ward ultimately proposed a game featuring baseball’s biggest stars, and fans were even encouraged to vote for who would play in the game. Several eventual Hall of Famers, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Jimmy Foxx, were voted into the game, which was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Nearly 48,000 fans attended the game, which ended with a 4-2 American League victory. Baseball owners and executives took note, and the game has been played nearly every year since 1933, with only war and a global pandemic preventing the league from hosting its annual Midsummer Classic.

continued from page 25

very busy working - was involved in the community theater.”

It was a family affair, and it all set the table for her future as not just a Mezzo-Soprano opera singer, but a performer who put her love into all she does.

Lamberti’s voice teacher at Phillipsburg Catholic, Karla Lake, was perhaps the first person who really had a great influence on her start as a singer and entry into the opera world.

Lamberti recalled, “I started studying with her privately, and then we started working on more classical songs, and then I started auditioning for certain programs like the Westminster Choir College summer program. I was accepted into Governor’s School (of New Jersey).”

As a senior, Lamberti won first prize in the Westminster Choir Voice Competition and was awarded a scholarship to attend Westminster Choir College to study Voice Performance. In her second year of college, she did a summer program with Claudia Pinza (daughter of famed Italian opera singer Ezio Pinza). At age 19, she was on her way to Italy.

Lamberti said, “I went to Italy my first time and studied there all summer with her, and then she actually invited me to move to Pittsburgh and study with her privately.”

Lamberti’s next stop was continuing her schooling at Duquesne University, and a residency with the Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh. She was in Pittsburgh for about three years, sang with the Pittsburgh Opera, and then from there, and was awarded residency with the Academy of Vocal Arts

in Philadelphia for three years. After that, she was next in San Francisco, where she was young artist in the Merola Opera Program, and then was also named an Adler Fellow, hers a three-year fellowship with the San Francisco Opera. Her talent has taken Lamberti as well to stages in Europe.

True to her singing career, Lamberti still trains and sings, and in 2016 met her husband, Lars Frandsen, a classical guitarist (her stepdaughter is Isabella). The duo put together a program which included an array of great Spanish music, opera, classical, and pop, including Broadway and some American Songbook tunes. They do a lot of performing together, and experienced in catering as well, Lamberti and Frandsen also created “Dining with the Diva,” where the couple goes into people’s homes and creates Italian dishes and plays beautiful music.

“We love the idea of food, song, and music all in one evening,” said Lamberti, who also now teaches voice at the Hunterdon Academy of the Arts in Raritan Township. “We are grateful we can still do what we are doing. We are healthy, we can still go out there and perform. That is what I am grateful for.”

And she still loves her home. Lamberti said, “Phillipsburg was a lovely place to grow up in. We did a lot of community things. We could ride our bikes and things like that. It was just lovely, and I loved Phillipsburg Catholic. It was a great high school. I loved growing up and going to high school there. It was a great experience”.

For more information about Christina Lamberti, visit www.christinalambertimezzo.com.

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