Residents Stitch Patriotism & Gratitude with Crocheted Blankets for Veterans
By Cheryl Conway
Agroup of residents at Paragon Village in Hackettstown are on a heartfelt mission to honor the military and veterans.
Led by Brigitte Wagner, a resident at Bentley Commons at Paragon Village, and her daughter Monika Flaherty of Long Valley, the duo’s efforts have led to a crocheting club to create camouflage blankets. Their goal is to donate to troops overseas and local New Jersey veterans in time for Veteran’s Day on November 11 through Operation Jersey Cares.
While crocheting is great for improving fine motor skills and provides a relaxing activity, Flaherty and Wagner’s tie to this mission is much more personal.
“Brigitte and I are very patriotic, love the U.S. !” says Flaherty. “We are proud of her grandson, Steven Weippert, who served and retired as a Major in our U.S. Air Force.”
Both born in Germany, they immigrated to the U.S. in 1963 but Flaherty did not realize until recently the reasons behind her mom’s passion to this cause.
“Very recently my mother shared with me why she is so committed to this project,” says Flaherty.
“As a child growing up in Germany during World War II, she, her mother and sister were refugees having lost everything,” shares Flaherty. “She remembers the American planes dropping supplies to them and how grateful they were for their help. I had never heard her share that memory and was very moved when she spoke of it.”
Their efforts are linked to Operation Jersey Cares, a nonprofit organization that Flaherty has been volunteering for since 2010. After retiring as a floral designer in Chester, Flaherty has committed her time with Operation Jersey Cares, a 501(c)(3) run 100% by volunteers.
“A
“Our mission is to support our military members deployed by sending care packages of needed supplies, helping military families in need, helping wounded veterans at various VA hospitals, and homeless veterans,” shares Flaherty.
“Operation Jersey Cares aims to honor those men and women who provide us the blanket of freedom we all sleep so soundly under,” the mission states on its website. “OJC will continue to support those who are currently deployed, proud veterans, as well as our loyal military families. We organize fundraising efforts to meet our mission annually.”
Realizing the work her daughter was doing, Wagner soon joined in the efforts.
“Brigitte has supported my organization in an array of ways over the years,” says Flaherty. “Helping pack Cares
packages when up visiting from Florida, where she lived for 30 years, giving monetary donations and crocheting blankets which have been dispersed to veterans, and occasionally gifted inside a care package for a deployed service member.
“Now that Brigitte resides at Paragon, she has taken up a new project of teaching other residents how to crochet, several have joined in and they have a goal of making a blanket for each Veteran living at Paragon in time for Veterans Day on Nov. 11,” continues Flaherty.
“The blankets are mainly camouflage, and lap sized in nature,” she describes. “A gift made with yarn that Brigitte has purchased and intended to show appreciation for the veterans who have served our country. She has spent countless hours on this current mission of love.
“I am very proud of her and the joy she is bringing to those who deserve it most.”
The website is www.operationjerseycares.org
Free Thanksgiving Dinner 2024
Please come and Be Our Guest on Thanksgiving Day! We will be hosting a Traditional Thanksgiving Family Dinner for anyone who will be alone or any individual or family facing financial hardship on Thanksgiving Day at the Mt. Olive Senior Center starting at 12 p.m. Meal deliveries will also be available for drop off on Wed., November 27. MUST CALL TO RESERVE! Please call or text Mary at 973-768-1815 or email at mary.lalama@ gmail.com to reserve your seat now.
Mission of Love: Local Women Craft Camouflage Blankets for Veterans”
full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Affordable Full Mouth Dental Implants
Dteeth are removed, implants placed, and replacement teeth are attached to the implants. Most of the time this can be accomplished within one day!
super-strong “snaps” we can temporarily bypass the screws, which again passes on a cost-savings to patients.
save their teeth!
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term
This is a service we provide on a regular basis for patients who have a need for it. Unfortunately, quite often we see people who have a need, but simply can’t afford it, even with financing. The investment for this service can range between $23,000 & $30,000 per jaw (arch).
Recent advancements in both technology and materials are significantly changing the playing field in the arena of Full Mouth Dental Implants, and one result is decreased cost. We’ve been excited to be able to go back to our patients and let them know about these changes, and many have now been able to afford the dentistry they desperately need.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
revolutionary advancements in the last few decades: they have given people additional alternatives to conventional dentistry, which can provide healthier, longer-lasting results. Within the field of implant dentistry there is something called Full Arch Dental Implants: it goes by many names such as All-On-Four, All-On-X, Teeth-In-A-Day, and many more. Essentially, compromised
New Patient Special
These new advents can drop the financial investment to around $14,000 to $21,000 per arch (jaw). This is a significant savings over the standard All-On-X process, and can give a consumer the opportunity to start restoring a debilitated dentition.
$149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films Regularly $362.00
We encourage you to view the wealth of information on our website: we perform so many dental implant procedures, including full mouth dental implants, that we’ve dedicated an entire section of both the website and our facility just to the delivery of proper implant care. If you have additional questions, reach out to us for a free consultation, which is also outlined on our website.
Cannot be combined with other discounts Refer to New Patient Specials on our website for details Coupon must be presented, & mentioned at time of scheduling
Traditional All-On-X treatment consists of teeth that are screwed onto the implants. These teeth have also been fabricated from very strong acrylics with an internal metal support or from a “porcelain-like” material known as Zirconia. With the advent of super-strong acrylics we can offer a “longterm” temporary restoration that patients can upgrade in the future to the proper, durable materials, and with the advent of
County
I do want to point out that the All-On-X process has been around much longer than this newer system, which is called Locator Fixed. Although the results of Locator Fixed are excellent, there may be issues with it that we simply are not aware of. The reverse could be true, too: it may be just fine, and our current sense of caution may be unnecessary. We simply don’t know. What we do know is that we are able to provide patients with the treatment they are searching for, and as funds accumulate, they could upgrade to the All-On-X if they find it necessary.
Expires 2/28/22
3/5/6
Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his website
Its important to understand not everyone needs advanced implant procedures, or even basic implant care. It may be appropriate when all remaining teeth require removal, but oftentimes people leave my office after a consultation with a list of other options that help to
About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 29 years. 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 Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist, and also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant or complex full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.
General
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
By Steve Sears
Kygan Garletts, an Allamuchy resident, never lived far from Centenary University, but now that he is a freshman on campus, he is enjoying Cyclone country firsthand.
Garletts, 18, said of the school, “There’s a nice blend of nature and buildings that make it feel spacious, despite being a small school. I think it is amazing that the school provides so many places to sit outside, especially under the shade, because it shows that the school cares about the students, and the school creates a sense of community that can be found all throughout the campus, regardless of the benches being there.”
In May, Garletts learned that he was awarded the Hackettstown Partnership Scholarship, a full, fouryear tuition scholarship to a graduate of Hackettstown
Allamuchy Resident Awarded Centenary University Hackettstown Partnership Scholarship
High School which recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement, as well as service to the community.
Garletts, who currently is a probationary firefighter preparing to begin Firefighter I training, loves looking after the environment – and others. He said, “The truth of the matter is, regardless of if I am an environmentalist and firefighter or not, it has always been my dream to help people. With Allamuchy and Hackettstown being such tight-knit communities, it really helped me understand why I felt the way I did about helping people, as the faces I see in town are almost always going to be faces I see every day.”
While a senior at Hackettstown High School, Garletts founded the Clean Community Club to help the environment and raise funds.
“Environmentalism is a huge deal for me, so I wanted to bring that part of my life into the school,” Garletts, a biology and environmental science major at Centenary, explained. “I also really like helping people, so through the Clean Community Club I wanted other students to experience the joy that I feel in helping others.”
He added, “Hackettstown High School was great at raising me to be a Cyclone. Mr. P. Cassidy is the teacher of AP Environmental Science, and although I had never taken his class, he was the lead teacher for the Clean Community Club. Every idea that I threw at him, he supported with an eagerness that truly made me believe in what I was doing. His wisdom with environment science also helped guide the direction I wanted to take the club, as he would provide
suggestions that greatly assisted with conclusions I was desperately trying to make with various projects.”
Garletts was also member of the National Honor Society, the National Science Honor Society, the National Math Honor Society, and the Key Club, and was a member of the Hackettstown High School Tigers cross country, track, and swim teams.
Garletts said, “Hackettstown High School is a Real World’s school. Leaving the high school, I never felt more ready than ever to join the Centenary Cyclones, and I still apply the skills I learned to my life at Centenary to date, and for that I am forever grateful.”
In addition to thanking his alma mater, Garletts need look no further than home for additional credit to his accomplishments.
He said, “My whole family is the most amazing
family anyone can ask for. Obviously, we have our troubles, but who doesn’t?
The Garletts family is the most supportive family anyone could ever ask for.
Other than God, they truly are the centerpiece of what makes me believe that I can make my dreams come true.
All I have ever received from them was relentless support from them no matter what.
I could come last in a race, but it would only mean they would yell even harder for me to try my best and push myself to the finish line.
My family is the best, I love them so much.”
Kygan Garletts has a message for those with a dream.
“This is a message to all people who read this,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how far away your dream is if you’re never going to chase it. It could be five feet in front of you, but if
you don’t reach for it, it is as distant as something file miles away. No matter how distant your dream may feel, the only way to reach it is to take the first step. Thanks for the Centenary community, Allamuchy Fire Department, the Allamuchy and Hackettstown communities, and everyone for designating me as the scholar. You all watched me take my first step, and I hope everyone here (at Centenary) gets to see me run.”
Kygan Garletts (credit: Jenna O’Connor)
Local Community Unites to Commemorate Attack on Israel
By Cheryl Conway
More than one year has passed since the October 7 Hamas led attack on Israel, and rather than forget, the local community is finding light, hope and compassion.
About 50 people from Mt. Olive, Washington Twp., Roxbury and other surrounding areas gathered at 7 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center in Flanders to commemorate the attack, to honor those whose lives were lost, remember the horrific day and unite as a people. Rabbi Yaacov Shusterman organized the hour-long event—Light Over Darkness— to memorialize victims of the October 7 massacre of last year.
“This was the worst antisemitic attack since the Holocaust,” says Shusterman. “We always have to remember and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
At the event, different people from the community spoke and candles were lit to remember the day when Hamas and several other Palestinian nationalist militant groups launched coordinated armed incursions from the Gaza Strip into the Gaza Envelope of southern Israel. The attack coincided with Simchat Torah, the Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings.
The memorial event included prayers, a candle lighting ceremony, poetry and speeches read by Jewish teenagers and members of the community of various age groups who read the biographies of some of the hostages, describes Shusterman.
He also spoke.
“365 days, an entire year has gone by since that day
when our worlds changed forever,” recites Shusterman. “We witnessed the unthinkable—the brutal loss of innocent lives, families torn apart, and a pain so deep that words can barely express it.
“We cannot stop thinking about the 101 innocent people still held captive in the darkness of tunnels beneath Gaza; the over 20,000 rockets and missiles fired at Israel, and the hundreds of thousands still displaced from their homes,” he adds.
“For many of us the pain remains so raw and so real,” he continues. “Yet, amid this silence, something remarkable has emerged. The heart of our people, the Jewish nation is showing its true beauty. We see acts of kindness and strength that reflect the essence of who we are. Communities are coming together like never before, strangers are embracing each other with love and support. We see those who refuse to let despair win, who rise with hope, compassion, and a fierce commitment to one another.
“We hope for peace in the region and that the people of Israel live with serenity,” adds Shusterman.
One attendee, Scott Sclar of Succasunna, attended the event in order “to pay homage to those negatively affected by the unfortunate situation unfolding in the Middle East,” he shares.
While the event was to memorialize a tragic day, Sclar walked away with some positive light.
“My main takeaway was that it is important to stay positive and look at the bright side of things even in dark times,” says Sclar. “To dance for a bright future instead of
cry over a troublesome past. I learned that throughout history the Jewish people have always been ostracized but have always been able to rise above.”
He was grateful that he was able to attend such a meaningful event.
“I am pleased that I attended because it allowed me to reflect on my ancestral history and remember where I came from,” says Sclar. “It was great to see a sense of community and everyone coming together for a common cause.”
Hackettstown Resident Bring the Sounds of Jazz to Rutherfurd Hall
By Elsie Walker
When he was nine years old, Ed Coyne heard a Benny Goodman concert on the radio. “It was absolutely what I wanted to hear,” he said. Coyne’s love of jazz never faded nor did his interest in sharing it with others. Coyne, 97, of Hackettstown has been putting together series of jazz events for years. The last event of the latest series will be held on December 1st at Rutherfurd Hall, 1686 Country Road 517, Hackettstown. Featured will be music played by a seven-piece Latin Jazz Group, Cubano Be Cubano Bop plus the showing of the documentary, “Swingin’ with Frank and Bing”. Tickets are $35. The doors open at 12:30 pm and the program starts at 1pm. Tickets are available online at Rutherfurdhall.org or can
be purchased at Mama’s Café, Hackettstown; Jack’s Scissor Wiz , Hackettstown; and Terranov Pizzeria in Panther Valley. All proceeds will benefit the Rutherfurd Hall Foundation, dedicated to preserving the history of Rutherfurd Hall, a state and national historical landmark and the Hackettstown Rotary Club, which helps families and community organizations in the Warren County area. Recently, Coyne shared about his love of jazz, how he got started putting on jazz series, and more on what the December event will offer.
Professionally, Coyne is a businessman. For many years, he had an advertising agency in New York which dealt with high -end jewelry clients. Today, he is still in business, though locally. “I’m still doing work for retail jewelers…. specializing in direct mail.”
However, jazz was always in his heart, even from a young age. He recalled how, at 17, he would go to New York jazz clubs. They were small venues with standing room for overflow. He remembers buying a beer for 40 cents and standing four deep while listening to Dizzy Gillespie for an hour and a half. While in the Navy during World War II, Coyne would listen to the Stan Kenton Band on the radio. To him, Kenton was “the best arranger”. All the big bands were on late at night including Count Bassy and Dizzy Gillespie. Coyne started putting on jazz series in 2003. Things just seem to come together. He and his wife had gone for years to The Deer Head, a jazz club in Pennsylvania. He had made a connection with the pianist there. In 1984, Coyne had helped with the renovation of the
little theater at Centenary University. When he got the idea to try to put on jazz series, he went to Catherine Rust at Centenary to use that theater. He asked his friend, the pianist, if he could help him get the talent. His first program was a jazz quartet led by alto jazz saxophone player, Phil Woods. Coyne remembers meticulously checking all the details, or so he thought. After the program started, Woods suddenly stopped it and said to the audience that the piano must have be been tuned by a deaf person. Coyne realized that with all the care he’d taken, he’d still forgotten something: to tune the piano. “And now every concert that I do, the first thing I do is tune the piano,” he shared.
The December event will be the 182nd that Coyne has put on. He put
on events for 10 years at Centenary University and for 9 years at Rutherfurd Hall. There was a gap of three years during covid. Of the current venue, Coyne says that Rutherfurd Hall is “a fabulous place…it is such a gorgeous setting.”
Of the level of talent at his events, Coyne shared, “I like .. bringing entertainment that is top notch and meets my standards.”
The December program is a type of two for one as it begins with a showing of a documentary “Swinin’ with Frank and Bing”. The documentary is about the partnership between Jimmy Van Heusen and Frank Sinatra. Van Heusen wrote more songs for Sinatra than any other composer. He also wrote some songs for Crosby. Van Heusen wrote the music to such hits as “Come Fly With Me” and was a four-time Oscar
winner. The documentary has Sinatra singing many of Van Heusen’s songs and Crosby performs a few songs as well.
Appearing live is Cubano Be Cubano Bop, a sevenpiece Latin Jaz Group. Two of the members of the group were with Tito Puente, the king of Latin jazz. “The rhythms are so infectious. I have to say, ‘ no dancing in the aisles’, “ Coyne quipped. For more information on the December 1st jazz event, contact Ed Coyne at 908-892-1202.
By Steve Sears
HJennifer Jacobson’s Wonderful Volleyball Life
ackettstown High School girls’ volleyball fouryear varsity starter and two-year captain, Jennifer Jacobson, is having a super senior season.
Consider the Lady Tigers September 19 contest against the Kinnelon Colts. Jacobson that game broke Ashley Carkhuff’s Hackettstown career Aces record of 127 when she finished the match with two Aces, giving her the career mark of 128.
Quite an accomplishment, but there is more. During that same game, Jacobson also reached career milestones of 400 Digs and 100 Kills.
Jacobson also had successful sophomore and junior seasons. In fact, Jacobson on October 24, 2023, broke the 14-year school assist record of 672 held by Jen Giannini. In a 2-1 win over Villa Walsh, she finished the match with 16 assists, giving her a career total of 678 when she departed that day from Morristown academy gym.
Lady Tigers Head Coach, Jeannie Tagliareni, said of Jacobson, “She is a talented setter with a high volleyball IQ. She has been running our offense for the last three years. She is one of the most hardworking and selfless players to ever wear orange & black.”
As of the writing of this article, Jacobson for her career has 119 kills, 26 blocks, 495 digs, 984 assists, and 154 aces. As a freshman in 2021, she was named Honorable Mention for the NJPowerRanking All-State Team, and as a sophomore and junior, she earned Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference First Team All-Conference, Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference All-Academic Team, and Lehigh Valley Live All-
Area Honorable Mention accolades. As a sophomore in 2022, she was selected as Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Player of the Week for October 26 - November 1, named Most Valuable Player for the Lady Tigers, and received the AAU Academic All-American Award. Last season, Jacobson was picked CO-MVP of the Lady Tigers, and had the honor of being nominated for and attending the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Summit at Mount Olive High School.
Memo to Jennifer’s parents, John and Corinne: perhaps add an additional shelf at your home. More post-season honors will surely be on the way soon.
The fondness for volleyball started at an early age for the 5’ 9” Jacobson, and her sibling had a something to do with that.
Jacobson said, “I always liked to tag along with my sister Julie, and she started playing volleyball for our middle school. Being the little sister I was, I would always want to practice with her, and so I believe when I was in fourth grade or so, I was starting to help her out, and I just really loved the sport. Everybody is just so supportive of each other.”
Jacobson next advanced to playing recreational volleyball, and then headed to Xtreme Volleyball in Ledgewood in grade seven, where she still plays in the offseason. Colleges have expressed in Jacobson, and she is exploring her options.
She said, “I am looking into the Exercise Science or Physical Therapy fields, so I am definitely keeping that in mind while looking at colleges interested me for my athletic ability. But right now, I am just focusing on doing my best that I can to
whether that be in school or
court - just everything to the best of
play on
Jennifer Jacobson of Hackettstown High School’s Lady Tigers volleyball (credit: Catherine Salloum) honor God,
with my
the
my abilities.”
News from Hackettstown Business
The Hackettstown Business Improvement District is excited for the holidays! We have great shops, service businesses, salons, entertainment, restaurants and of course our amazing breweries. We invite you to shop, eat, drink and visit local businesses, especially during the holidays. Many of our retail shops will stay open until 7 pm on Friday nights through the season.
November 30 is Small Business Saturday. Enjoy sales and specials through Hackettstown with holiday music on Main Street by DJ SC3, as well as the strolling barbershop quartet Kudos. Spend at least $20 at any Hackettstown BID Business on that day, bring your receipt to the BID Office (219 Main Street) during designated times listed on
our website, and you can spin-to-win up to $50 in BID Bucks, as well as other prizes. Light refreshments will be served.
Friday, December 6th starts the annual Hometown Holiday celebration! Look for all of your favorite activities and events. Join us for the Santa Parade down Main Street which ends at the Gazebo tree lighting. Visit Santa, take a selfie and have a treat at the Hackettstown Fire Dept.
Stop in the Holiday Bazaar Shopping Tent and enjoy live entertainment. There will be something for everyone.
Saturday, December 7th from 12-4pm, visit Santa’s Wonderland at the Community Center at 293 Main Street. The BID will partner with the Hackettstown Rec Dept. for a magical holiday experience.
Enjoy holiday music on Main Street from 12-5. Rounding out the festive weekend will be a “Jingle Ball” dinner dance and silent auction on Monday, December 9th at David’s Country Inn. Tickets will be available on our website. Be a part of making Hackettstown beautiful for the upcoming seasons. For a limited time, we invite the community to “Adopt a Holiday Wreath” for your family, business, cause, or someone you love. Wreaths will adorn Main Street from Thanksgiving until mid January. An ornamental sign will be hung with your name, business or tribute. Visit our website for more information.
Let us help you find the perfect gift! BID BUCKS are similar to a gift certificate and can be used in all the participating Hackettstown businesses and eateries. BID BUCKS are an awesome gift and a great way to encourage local shopping and dining within Hackettstown. They are redeemable dollar for dollar at any participating Hackettstown BID Business.
You can purchase BID Bucks or Adopt a wreath on our website, www. hktwn.com, at the BID office, call (908) 850-5004 or email socialmedia@ hackettstownbid.com.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
As I write the words for this essay, I have become more and more acutely aware of my physical failing. For it was only two years ago, that I walked and cared for over a dozen wonderful dogs in my little community. It was common for me, to walk five or six miles a day, walking my fur-lined friends, while their mommies and daddies were away visiting their adult children. Now, when I walk around the block, I become all so winded, the chest pains prevail. I am becoming more and more aware that it’s the ninth inning, the last scene of Act III of the play.
I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination. My father once told me that God had given me a very precious gift, to put words down on paper. He told me that it was my job to develop it, to hone it, to fine tune it. I truly hope that I have not let my father down.
When I was two years old, my father built a little desk for me. Dad built a chalkboard onto it. My mother once told me that when I was just two years old, as she would cook supper, I would write down stories on my little desk, drawing stick figures. I never chose to be a writer, God chose for me to be a writer. I have no doubt about that.
There are too many people to thank. Without whom, I would be nothing. I
If This Be My Destiny
would have been a piece of driftwood, bobbing up and down out in the darkness of the deep blue sea. I started writing articles for the Lincoln Park Herald, when I was 12 years old. I started writing them from a hospital bed at the Barnert Hospital in Paterson, while I was battling a case of full-blown Rheumatic Fever.
In 1971, when my friends were attending prestigious universities, far from Lincoln Park, I humbly worked at the A&P grocery store, attended County College of Morris and wrote stories and articles for Youngtown Edition.
To Professor John Keeler, wherever you may now be, I earnestly thank you for all your kind advice. You told
me to forget about writing about the great white whale, but rather to write about the little town I loved so much, the people I knew, and the old farmhouse that my Great Grandpa built. It’s a debt I can only recognize, but never repay.
In 1977, in a small town in West Virginia, I attempted to be a successful chiropractor. But I failed miserably. I was dirt poor, had only four or five patients, wasn’t eating right and living in tight quarters of a back room of a store front office. The strep throat came and once again, I came down with Rheumatic Fever.
Returning to the old farmhouse on Mabey Lane, I fell into a deep, deep sleep.
And in that deep sleep, I felt the unmistakable spiritual presence of Thomas Wolfe. And the endearing Southern gentleman, simply whispered to me, “write the stories of these people, whom you love so much.”
To all of my dear and precious readers, I share these heart-felt words. Do not ever let anyone kill your dreams. Walk away from
your harsh critics. Believe in yourself. Dig deep to find your purpose upon this earth. Always give it 110 percent. Never, ever give up. Always remember, failure is not an option. Love, love, love the people in your life. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Never stop forgiving those who have done you wrong. Hold dear this eternal truth, love is the most powerful
force in the universe. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul. And, love all, even unto the creatures of the forest.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. His second book is presently at the printer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ gmail.com.
Yours truly at two years old, writing at the desk that my dear, kind father built for me.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity Celebrates 25 Years with Annual Beams and Dreams Fundraiser
This year’s annual Beams and Dreams fundraiser was nothing short of a celebration for Warren County Habitat for Humanity’s (Warren County Habitat) 25th Anniversary! The energy was high, as guests enjoyed perusing the many silent auction baskets, partaking in a meal of hearty hors d’oeuvres, taking photos at a beautifully crafted balloon arch, and so much more. The event was one of Warren County Habitat’s most successful, raising
over $50,000 towards future home builds and repairs in Warren County! Compared to past years, this year’s annual event flowed more freely. Instead of guests finding the entertainment, the entertainment found them! Henry Carlyle, the evening’s magician, would appear and perform magic tricks for guests on the spot, to their amazement. He skillfully transported a foam rabbit from his hand to that of the guest watching him, dazzled
Annual Christmas Cookie/Bake Sale
Vendors Available For Christmas Shopping Tupperware, Gnomes, Elegant Silver & Gifts, Tyler’s Photography, Avon and MORE.
PLUS - Pets available for adoption from Common Sense for Animals
Saturday, December 14th, 2024 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sponsored by the Lutheran Women in Mission Gethsemane Lutheran Church 409 East Baldwin Street, Hackettstown (908) 852-2156 - Website: www.glc.church
Proceeds Benefit Devastated Hurricane Areas
with a wallet full of flames, and took the classic “Is this your card?” trick to a new level.
For a brief respite from the loud bustle of the event, guests took advantage of the space in the Hawk Pointe Golf Club foyer where local artist Irene Kotinsky created personalized, detailed sketches of them. After enjoying the festivities and each other’s company, it was almost time for the live auction, and for Bert Baron, morning host at WRNJ and the night’s emcee, to shine.
Paddles were in the air the second the auction began! Bert described the items in detail to the guests, including a 14’ kayak, a one-week trip for two to a stunning beach house in Myrtle Beach, eight hours of handyman services, a sight-seeing plane ride and an off-roading experience generously donated by OK4WD.
With over 155 guests in attendance, this year’s Beams and Dreams was a success all around for Warren County Habitat. The organization is hoping to double the number of repairs performed within the next year, expand their reach into Sussex County, finish their current home build in Harmony Township and construct three
duplexes in Franklin Township.
The funds will also help support their second retail location, The HUT, where customers can purchase donated clothing, coats, jewelry, shoes, accessories and more for bargain prices. All proceeds from sales go back into programming for the organization.
Warren County Habitat would like to acknowledge Hawk Pointe Golf Club yet again for the use of their gorgeous venue. While there are many organizations who supported this event, they would especially like to thank Elizabethtown Gas, Valley Bank, Warren Thompson and Son Roofing and Siding, DM Millwork/Builders General Supply, DSM-firmenich and PBR Roofing LLC for being Beams and Dreams’ Roof Sponsors this year.
For more information on the Home Repair Program, Warren County Habitat’s Homeownership Program, the ReStore, The HUT, the Community Center and more, follow Warren County Habitat on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ warrencountynjhabitat, Instagram @ warrenhabitatforhumanity, or visit their website at www.warrenhabitat.org.
Chester Lionesses and Wellpoint Volunteers Create 1,050 Breakfast and Lunch Bags for Nourish.NJ
On Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, Chester Lioness volunteers and Wellpoint employees created 450 Rise ‘n Shine bags and 600 lunch bags for nourish.NJ at the Church of the Messiah, Chester, N.J.
The food-for-youth program was funded by a $2,500 grant from Lions Club International, which allowed the Chester Lionesses to provide the breakfast and lunch bags for Morris County residents who face food insecurities through nourish.NJ. Nourish.NJ creates solutions to the problems of hunger, homelessness and poverty. By offering food, housing, work readiness, medical, social, and educational services 365 days a year in a warm, safe, and caring environment, free of charge, no questions asked.
“Hunger in Morris County is more prevalent than people might realize,” said Rosemary Lohrmann, president of the Chester Lioness organization.
“It’s a testament to how impactful a community of volunteers can be when we come together to help our neighbors.”
The Rise ‘n Shine bags, distributed to children who might not have access to breakfast, included Cheerios, Parmalat milk, water, clementines
and a protein bar. The clementines were donated by Weis in Hackettstown, N.J. The lunch bags created included a cup of soup, Ramen noodles, water protein bars and tea bags. The bags were uniquely decorated by Gretchen Capon’s classes at Chester’s Bragg Elementary school.
Kohl’s, Hackettstown, N.J., donated shopping bags for the delivery of the breakfast and lunch bags to nourish. NJ. The Church of the
Messiah, Chester, N.J., offered the space needed to assemble the bags. Giuseppe’s Pizzeria, Chester, N.J. provided pizzas for the volunteers.
Ten carloads of the bags were delivered to nourish.
NJ the week of Oct. 7, 2024. With more than 30 members, the Chester Lioness Lions Club is a volunteer service organization chartered under Lions International. Partnering with local organizations, the Chester Lionesses provide hands-on service to people in need. They conduct more than 20 volunteer-based programs each year to serve the people of Morris County.
Centenary University Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Workshops and Events Designed to Foster Safe
and Healthy Relationships
Centenary University marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October with a series of workshops and events designed to foster healthy relationships, prevent domestic violence, and support survivors, both on campus and in the community. The month kicked off with informational tables sponsored by the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC) of Warren County, which were set up in the University’s dining hall, as well as a lawn signage program highlighting statistics related to domestic violence.
The University will also host a workshop called Healthy Relationships & Legal Rights of Victims of Domestic Violence and Sex Offenses on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 3 pm in the Ferry Building. The event will be co-sponsored with Legal Services of New Jersey. Other workshops planned this month include bystander intervention training for Centenary students.
Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students Kerry Mullins said the events highlight awareness and prevention, as well as on- and off-campus services for survivors
Aof sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (SADVS). “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an important way to shine a spotlight on the roles we all play in preventing incidents of SADVS,” she said. “This message is critical for both men and women to hear. It’s also vital that everyone on campus is aware of the support colleges and universities can provide to survivors, whether the event happened recently or sometime in their past.”
In addition to services offered by the Centenary University Counseling Center, the University maintains strong partnerships with organizations such as DASACC to link survivors with confidential services in the community.
Held annually in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a national campaign in which organizations and individuals unite across the country to uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors. This year’s national theme is “Heal, Hold & Center,” emphasizing the many cultural ways people can heal from violence and oppression, commit
Did You Know?
ccording to the Zillow Home Value Index, the median value of homes in the United States increased dramatically between 2019 and 2024. Data from the online real estate listing service indicates the median value of a home in the U.S. in August 2019 was $243,386. Just half a decade later, that value had risen to $361,282, marking a 67 percent increase in median home value over that time. Housing prices have experienced an even greater uptick in Canada, where data from the Canadian Real Estate Association indicates that the average selling price of
homes sold in August 2024 was $717,800 CAD ($529,427.75 USD), a roughly 73 percent increase since August 2019, when the average homes sold in Canada went for $522,700 ($385,527.84 USD). The spike in housing costs has greatly outpaced inflation. In fact, according to a 2024 report from the real estate data firm Clever, if home prices had increased at the same rate as inflation since 1963, the median price of a home in the U.S. would be $177,511, which is less than half the median value reported by Zillow in August 2024.
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to holding space for survivors, and center those most marginalized in the efforts to end domestic violence.
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to
career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.
• MOHS, HHS: We have your school graduation video
Turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinners. The National Turkey Federation estimates approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving each year, followed by 22 million turkeys at Christmastime.
Turkey makes a pleasing picture on the dinner table. However, some people insist that turkey is their least favorite component of the Thanksgiving meal. One of the biggest complaints is turkey tends to be dry.
There are many reasons
How to Avoid Dry Turkey this Thanksgiving
why turkey can come out dry. Turkey is a lean meat, and Healthline reports that turkey has slightly less fat in its dark meat than chicken. Another reason why turkey may be dry is due to its poor breast-to-leg ratio. By the time one gets the leg meat to cook to temperature so it’s safe for consumption, the breast meat often has dried out. Seeing how many people dive for the breast meat initially, they could dish up some dry bird. There are many ways home cooks can prevent
dry turkey this Thanksgiving. Consider these turkeytending tips.
• Brine your bird. According to ScienceBlogs, what causes a human to perceive a food as juicy may actually be his or her own saliva at work. Salty foods may stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth, helping the food to feel much more moist while on the palate. To adequately inject enough salt into the turkey meat, submerge it in a salt brine for a few days before cooking.
• Watch your cook time. It’s important to avoid overcooking the turkey, which will turn it as dry as the Sahara. Some turkeys come equipped with pop-up timers to help cooks gauge when to take them out of the oven. However, a more accurate tool is a digital food thermometer that can be set to go off when the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Cook the turkey parts separately. As previously noted, the breast meat will likely reach the desired temperature before the leg meat. To fix this, take the turkey out of the oven when it reaches five to 10 degrees before safe temperature for the breast meat, around 165 F. (Remember, the meat will continue to cook while “resting.”) Let guests “ooh
and aah” over the pictureperfect turkey. Then cut off the legs and return them to the oven until they are done. Arrange the properly cooked breast and leg meat together on a serving platter.
• Offer condiments. A moist dollop of stuffing, a drizzle of gravy or a scoop of cranberry sauce can add
moisture to turkey. This approach does not prevent drying out, but it can make a turkey that has dried out a bit more satisfying. Dry turkey can put off diners. However, some strategies can harness as much moisture as possible to enhance Thanksgiving dinners.
The next time your loved ones crave a comforting dish that’s warming from the inside-out, turn to an all-time classic with a touch of southern flair.
Take inspiration for this Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna from season 3 of “BBQuest: Beyond the Pit,” a video series that dives into the long-held traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration that make Texas barbecue legendary. Developed from the show by BBQuest co-host and “Hardcore Carnivore” cookbook author Jess Pryles, this tasty take on comfort food can be the perfect solution for a family meal with plenty of leftovers.
After dinner, settle in together and learn pitmaster techniques from the experts as the series follows four themes that capture the essence of Texas barbecue: legacy and tradition; creativity and innovation; Texas trailblazers; and family and community.
“Since launching BBQuest four years ago, it’s truly remarkable to see how much has changed and yet stayed the same when it comes to Texas barbecue, and that’s
Turn to Tradition for Tex-Mex Taste
exactly what you see in season 3,” said Rachel Chou, Texas Beef Council’s director of consumer marketing. “There has been so much exciting innovation around cooking methods and international flavors while there’s still a huge dedication to long-held recipes and smoking techniques.”
To find more pitmaster-worthy recipes, visit BeefLovingTexans.com.
Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna
Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 10
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons chipotle powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
15 ounces canned corn, drained 15 ounces canned seasoned black beans, drained
10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
15 ounces canned red enchilada sauce
1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream nonstick cooking spray
12 corn tortillas
8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese cilantro (optional) green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 F.
In large pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat then add onion. Cook until softened, 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly.
Add ground beef and cook, stirring regularly, until beef has browned.
Add kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, chipotle powder and onion powder; stir well. Add corn, black beans and diced tomatoes. Turn heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
In bowl, combine enchilada sauce and crema; mix well.
Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup enchilada
sauce mixture on bottom to prevent tortillas from sticking.
Layer 2-4 tortillas across bottom then top with layer of ground beef mixture. Use ladle to spoon some enchilada sauce mixture on top, distributing evenly. Top with another layer of tortillas then repeat layers until casserole is full, 3-4 layers. Top with shredded cheese.
Loosely cover dish with foil in tent shape to help prevent cheese from sticking then bake 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with cilantro and green onions, if desired.
PA Chilly Day Dish with a Kick
icture in your mind a warm bowl cupped in your hands, defrosting your fingertips after you just walked inside from a chilly afternoon. The bowl is heavy, full of hearty vegetables and spicy peppers that in just a few short moments will overwhelm your palate.
You dive in with a spoon, savoring every flavorful bite as you dip down to the bottom of the bowl searching for more to slurp up with every spoonful. Onion, red bell pepper and even corn all blended into not only a vegetarian meal but a chili-lover’s paradise. It’s got the spices to make you say, “wow” but the smoothness that reminds you of something your mom once made when you were young.
jalapeno slices and cilantro.
This Chipotle Veggie Chili is simple to make, needing just one pot throughout the entire cooking process. It simmers for about 25 minutes while you unwind from a long day.
beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
1 can (7 ounces) chipotles in adobo sauce
2 cans (15 ounces each) sweet corn with liquid 2 limes, juiced guacamole (optional) sour cream (optional) jalapeno slices (optional) cilantro (optional)
You throw your sweater to the side of the couch as your body temperature begins to rise. You start to feel your energy return as you spoon a second helping into your bowl for round two.
Not only does this recipe for Chipotle Veggie Chili hit you with a wide array of balanced flavors, but there is a surprise hint of citrus added toward the end – lime juice.
Just to add a little more texture and vibrance to this dish, it can be topped with your favorite garnishes like guacamole, sour cream,
So next time you need a pick-me-up after a chilly day outside, give this one a try. The savory aromas and wholesome consistency make this chili a 10-outof-10 and a crowd favorite.
Find more recipes perfect for cooler weather at Culinary.net.
Chipotle Veggie Chili
Servings: 6-8
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped 5/8 teaspoon sea salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 can (14 ounces) red beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (14 ounces) pinto
In large dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir and cook 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add garlic and red pepper. Stir and cook 8 minutes until soft.
Add tomatoes, red beans, pinto beans, broth, chipotles in adobo sauce, corn, remaining salt and remaining pepper. Simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened.
Squeeze lime juice into pot; stir. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro, if desired. (Culinary.net) Wishing Everyone a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving!
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By Steve Sears
FUnited States Army Veteran Publishes First Novel
rancine Pozner Ehrenberg knew it was time to get words between covers.
Her words.
The Randolph, New Jersey resident – a proud United States Army veteran and Vice Commander of Chester’s American Legion Post 342 - in April published her first novel, “America’s Candidate,” and in October had her first ever book signing in Mendham at Chapter One Book Store. Ehrenberg said, “I began writing it as my New Year’s resolution in January. That is when I first started typing it, and I finished it in April. I could not believe it; I never thought I would do this or get to this point. I have never written a book before, and I had never really done anything except write a few poems as a kid. The idea of even writing a book, eventually publishing it, and having a physical copy in my hand in itself was unbelievable to me. So, to get to the point where I am actually at a store, and people are purchasing my book and asking me to sign it, is beyond anything I ever could have thought would happen for me.”
Ehrenberg, a graduate of both Rutgers Law School and the Civil Affairs Advanced Course at the JFK Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was a Major in the United States Army (she was in the military for 12 ½ years) Judge Advocate General’s Corp. During deployment in Albania as part of Operation Cornerstone, she served as the advisory liaison between civilian officials and multinational military forces. While in the Army, Ehrenberg was also company commander of the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion and served as an International Law Officer, Command Judge Advocate, and Trial Defense lawyer. Her civilian career
resume lists serving 20 years with the Supervising Deputy Attorney General, and the Deputy Bureau Chief of the Financial and Computer Crimes Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Criminal Justice.
Ehrenberg’s family is well-decorated with military service veterans. She said, “My father was in the Korean War, and my father-in-law received the Distinguished Flying Cross in the Korean War. We also have four uncles who were in the military. We are a real military family, so there is nothing but joy and pride.”
Ehrenberg said that her career, in particular being a defense attorney in the military and then being a prosecutor as a civilian, really helped her understand not how to be a good writer, but just to be a person who sees all sides of everything.
Ehrenberg said, “You really get a perspective to be more sort of well-rounded, and just see things from all perspectives and really view the role, maybe not very narrowly, but really broadly. I really feel like every everything I have done has really lent itself to becoming a writer.”
And Ehrenberg is not finished – and there are folks who are thankful for that. She said, “I am thinking of a sequel. The people who have read the book are almost demanding
a sequel, which is wonderful. I love it when they call me up and say, ‘But you have to. You cannot just leave me hanging. You have to write a sequel’ So, I am working on that.”
“America’s Candidate” is available at allauthor.com/ amazon/90735/. For more information, visit https:// ehrenberg1.allauthor.com/.
Francine Pozner Ehrenberg’s debut novel, “America’s Candidate” (Credit: Francine Pozner Ehrenberg)
Francine Pozner Ehrenberg (Credit: Francine Pozner Ehrenberg)
By Elsie Walker
Can a shoebox change a child’s life? An Operation Christmas Child box can. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an organization which reaches out to needs around the world. Through Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child drive, shoeboxes with small items like toys, pencils, pads, and other things are collected and given out to needy, many times forgotten, children internationally. A local church in the country delivers the boxes and makes a connection with the children.
November 18-25 is the collection week for this year’s Operation Christmas Child boxes and several local churches are acting as drop-off locations. For more information on Operation Christmas Child, ages of children, what to put in a box, suggested postage donation and the drop-off locations and times, visit www. samaritanspurse.org and scroll down its homepage to Operation Christmas Child. There are drop-off locations in Roxbury, Mt. Arlington, Oak Ridge, Livingston, Wayne, Washington, and more. Recently, some of the coordinators at drop-off locations and a participant talked about the program.
Amanda Blewitt, of Stanhope, is the Dropoff Team Leader at The Ledgewood Baptist Church in Roxbury. Blewitt talked about what inspired her to be involved in Operation Christmas Child.
“The first thing that drew me to Operation Christmas Child was being able to give children who had nothing a gift for Christmas in Jesus’ name. However, this has grown to such a deeper meaning. Many of these children are unseen, unheard, and feel insignificant in this world. Most of these children don’t have any belonging that is
Operation Christmas Child
their own, and they certainly have never received a gift before. Receiving a gift for the very first time lets them know that they are seen; and they are loved by God, and they are not forgotten,” she shared.
The Port Morris United Methodist Church, in Roxbury, has participated in Operation Christmas Child for several years. This year, it is partnering with the Millbrook United Methodist Church, Randolph, in putting together boxes. A former pastor and his wife introduced the church to the project. The pair were from Bulgaria and had received boxes and passed them out at an orphanage there, making a connection with the children. The children at the orphanage were not all orphans; some had family and knew that. They had been abandoned because they were sick or disabled and seen as a burden. The pastor’s wife would tell of how children receiving the boxes would take them to bed, clutching tightly to them. Since it started participating in Operation Christmas Child, the Roxbury church has tracked its boxes (which can be done online in some cases) to Ukraine, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Ecuador.
“Giving children items for Christmas is a rewarding feeling. I can imagine the smiles on their faces as they open up their boxes. I look forward every year to Operation Christmas to make a difference in their lives,” said church member Roberta Post of Roxbury. For some, participating in Operation Christmas Child is a family affair. “I … appreciate the chance to get my children involved in something bigger than themselves. They’re both young, four and two but I find that they’re already learning so much about generosity, thoughtfulness, and love for others through
this ministry,” said Cassia Lee, of Stanhope, Central Drop-Off coordinator at the Times Square Church North Jersey in Mt. Arlington. (The Central Drop Off is where all the other Drop Off Locations in the area bring their shoebox filled cartons to load onto tractor trailers to be shipped to the Operation Christmas Child Processing Centers.)
Barbara Stopa, of Roxbury, has participated in Operation Christmas Child for 25 years. Also a member of the Times Square Church North Jersey, Stopa is the Volunteer Regional Area Coordinator for Morris, Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon Counties in NJ and Lebanon County in PA. “..what has moved me the most is hearing the true stories of young adults who received their shoeboxes as children and how much it filled them with hope and joy. With each box they are given a booklet called “The Greatest Gift” that tells them about Jesus, the great gift of all. That gift is eternal,” she said.
Blewett shared a story of an Operation Christmas Child recipient.” We recently heard from a man who received a box as a child. He grew up in a Christian home but in a country where Christians are heavily persecuted. He was always told that Jesus is a gift, but he never knew what that meant. Everything he had ever received was completely worn down by the owners before him. He loved to write and draw, but by the time he received a pencil, it was only a small point all the way at the bottom. He would put the end of the pencil in a pen cap just to be able to hold onto it. When his pastor gave him an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and there was a brand new box of pencils inside, he finally understood what a gift was. He had done nothing to deserve this gift;
it was freely given to him. He felt like God saw him, knew what he needed, and felt a tangible expression of God’s love. “
Another story Blewett shared was of twin brothers in the Ukraine. When giving out boxes, the volunteers found they were one short. The one brother said he would share whatever was in his box with his twin. However, when they opened the box, they found it contained two of everything in it.
In another situation, although boxes are carefully checked along the way to their destination, a box was given out which included a shoe…just one shoe. “Unbeknownst to every hand that has touched that box, it reached a family whose child was in an accident and only had one leg... this family was questioning God’s provision until receiving this very special box,” shared Blewett.
“These children get what they need through these boxes, and most importantly they get an understanding that God sees them, He knows them, and He loves them. The toys will break, the soap, pencils, and paper will run out, but what will remain for an eternity is the hope and joy that is only found in Jesus,” she reflected.
Stopa noted that at the
Times Square Church Central Drop Off Location, they collected over 14,000 giftfilled shoeboxes for children in 2023 and have a goal to collect over 15,000 this year. When asked what she’d like to share with the public, she said, “ I hope you will join us in bringing hope and love to 15,000 plus children around the world this year. National Collection Week is Nov 18.25, 2024. “
Last year’s Operation Christmas Child. Photo courtesy Amanda Blewett of Ledgewood Baptist Church in Roxbury.
US Army Field Band Provides Music Across the Nation
By Megan Roche
One may think that the Army is just a military institution, where everyone gets deployed and goes to war, but those people would be wrong.
Members of the US Army Field Band serve as soldiers, all while playing their instruments and using their voices.
“One of the biggest things that they stress to us in the beginning is that yes, we are musicians but first and foremost you are a soldier. Every single person that you see in this unit has been through basic combat training, they signed a contract that didn’t necessarily say, ‘I’m signing up to be a musician’, we all sign up to be a soldier,” Staff Sergeant Emily Perkins said.
The Army Field Bands are made up of five different groups; the US Army Field Band, the Jazz Ambassadors, the Army Rappers, the Soldiers Chorus, and the Six-String Soldiers. Each group performs around the country, in different areas, throughout the year.
Perkins, who is a vocalist with the Jazz Ambassadors, didn’t see herself getting into the military early on in her career.
“I just really was impressed when I learned about the mission of military bands and how they serve. You get to serve your country but also get to do something that is a huge passion. For me, I was really attracted to the dual aspect of it, feeling like I was a part of
myself and wearing the uniform that heroes have worn before me, but also getting to do something that I’ve been doing since I was five or six years old,” Perkins said.
While performing free concerts around the country is a big part of the Army Field Band’s mission, so is getting in front of youngsters and encouraging them to consider the military as part of their future.
“Everything we do is free to the American public. If a music educator wants us to come out and do a clinic with his kids, we are world class musicians that he doesn’t need to pay for us to come to do a clinic. We’re just happy to get there and do that for these kids,” Perkins said.
Each show by each group is different but ultimately focuses on telling the story of the military through music.
“We all tell the story of our Army in our performances and really make it a point to honor our veterans in the process. It’s one of the best kept secrets and hidden gems that the Army has to offer. People don’t realize all the things that bands do and the kind of scenarios they can enter that a lot of other parts of the military can’t be involved in,” Perkins said.
In between practices, rehearsals, and a busy touring performance schedule, the members of the group still must maintain Army standards in physical readiness. They also attend briefings and seminars on issues facing today’s military.
Performance schedules for each group vary, as the Jazz Ambassadors are currently on a tour throughout the southeastern US. For more information on all the groups and to see performance schedules, visit www. armyfieldband.com
What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at
Emily Perkins performs with the US Army Field Band, Jazz Ambassadors
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