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Wreaths Across America Holds Heartfelt Service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

By Tina Pappas sunny and mild December day was the perfect weather for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. A sea of wreaths decorated Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, as many gathered to honor veterans in a heartfelt ceremony on Dec. 16.

National Wreaths Across America Day, a nonprofit organization, aims to remember, honor, and teach the value of freedom by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Ceremonies are also held at additional locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Individuals can sponsor a wreath or volunteer at events.

Cathy Pagano, location coordinator for Holy Sepulchre Cemetery for Wreaths Across America, welcomed attendees and said that she is very proud that 4,500 wreaths were assembled for the event.

"We are so proud that we had wreaths sponsored by so many people and that's a tremendous accomplishment," she said, adding that the event is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to honor all veterans.

The ceremony kicked of with The Pledge of Allegiance followed by The National Anthem, sung by Nadia Malik.

The vocation was given by Rev. Peter Wells of the Diocese of Paterson, "People are gathering to hundreds and hundreds of cemeteries throughout our country to honor, pay respects and give tribute to our veterans," he said. He then encouraged those attendees who planned to place wreaths at veteran headstones to not only look at the name, but also the branch of service and the year. He also said some veteran graves stem back to those who fought in the Civil War. "We honor them, we give them tribute, we thank them for their service and may they never be forgotten," he added.

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Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls A volunteer lays a wreath at a veteran’s grave during the Wreaths Across America ceremony in Totowa on Dec. 16.

Michael Coscia, School Board President for Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools (PCTVS), also spoke during the ceremony and said PCTVS continues to support veterans throughout the year.

"We do various things to help the veterans, especially during Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor Day, 9/11, etc.," he explained. "It's always about the kids and we talk to them about the past, and streamline that throughout cont. on page 2

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Wreaths Across America ... cont. from front page

The Wreaths Across America ceremony was held at Holy Sepulchre Ceremony to honor veterans on Dec. 16. Cathy Pagano, coordinator, welcomes attendees to the ceremony.

The PCTVS Student Council raise the wreaths to honor veterans representing each branch of the military at the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 16.

the schools. Our student council is here today also assisting with this event."

The PCTVS Student Council then raised a wreath signifying a branch of service in the military. The United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, United States Merchant Marines, and United States Space Force, each had a wreath raised for its service area.

"Each wreath will be raised in honor of the those who served - past and present - and in the particular service unit," added Pagano. She also emphasized that the last

wreath raised is in honor of the United States servicemen from all over the world with their last known status as Prisoner of War/Missing in Action.

A firing detail then shot in the air to honor those fallen veterans. Sandy Woods, Director of Communications for PCTVS, said the district is very proud and honored to be part of the event.

"We have been associated with Wreaths Across America as a national initiative for the past five years" she added. "Each year it grows and grows and we are so happy to instill a culture of patriotism and thankfulness to our

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Mirian Tanis, Cemetery Manager for Holy Sepulchre and Calvary Cemetery, also spoke during the ceremony and thanked everyone for attending. She also commended Pagano for her efforts in coordinating the ceremony.

"She works tirelessly," she said. "The love she has for this country, for veterans and for all of our families is absolutely amazing."

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January 1st – Great Food Makes Great Memories

By Henry M. Holden anuary is famous for being a month of new beginnings, fresh starts, and a clean canvas. It can be a month of taking our desires and putting them to the forefront as resolutions. Many of those resolutions involve food, and great food makes great memories.

You can let go of what was, and we won’t list them here, but will say they embrace what can be. January is a month that for many people is a celebration that brings joy.

If you go on the Internet, you will find foods that will supposedly bring you good luck and foods that yield the opposite. Throughout antiquity, civilizations around the world developed increasingly sophisticated calendars, typically pinning the first day of the year to an agricultural or astronomical event.

New Year’s celebrations span the globe. With that kind of reach there are hundreds of specialty food recipes, often products of many countries shared on line.

The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year’s arrival date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon following the vernal equinox, the day in late March with an equal amount of sunlight and darkness, heralded the start of a new year. They marked the occasion with a religious festival that involves a different ritual containing food themes on each of its 11 days.

Most New Year’s festivities in the United States begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s Day). Common traditions include anything that involves, mini vacations, parties, resolutions, and eating specially prepared New Year’s dishes.

In Spain, they begin their celebrations with, Twelve Grapes (Las doce uvas de la suerte,) "the twelve grapes of luck.” This is a Spanish tradition that consists of eating a grape with each of the twelve-clock bell strikes at midnight of December 31 to welcome the New Year. Each grape and clock bell strike represents each of the coming twelve months, symbolizing their hopes for the months ahead.

In many parts of the world, traditional New Year’s dishes feature legumes, shaped like coins and herald future financial success; examples include lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas in the southern United States. Because pigs represent progress and prosperity in

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some cultures, pork appears on the New Year’s Eve table in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal and other countries.

Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, rounding out the feast in the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece and elsewhere. In Sweden and Norway, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve. It is said that whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune.

Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holydays in the Jewish faith. The Jewish New Year is celebrated in late summer or early fall. Rosh Hashanah feasts traditionally include round challah bread (studded with raisins) and apples dipped in honey, as well as other foods that symbolize wishes for a sweet year.

Champagne, noise makers and confetti are all New Year’s Eve symbols. But, in some cont. on page 7

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Surprising Facts About Fleas and Ticks

leas and ticks rely on blood for food. They are the vampires of the pet realm, silently stalking companion animals wherever they go. Once fleas and ticks find a victim, they are bound to stay around for a while, enjoying the free meal.

Fleas, in particular, can grow quite fond of a cat or dog reproducing and quickly building an infestation. Few people are enamored with fleas and ticks, but learning a little more about them can help pet owners understand their behaviors and how to best keep their pets safe.

Fleas Fleas have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and biting adult. Most people are familiar with the adult stage because those are the most noticeable and painful. Fleas can feed on just about any blood host.

Scientists know of more than 2,000 species and subspecies of fleas. However, in North America, the cat flea (ctenocephalides felis) is responsible for the majority of cat and dog infestations.

Female fleas are typically larger than the males and are responsible for proliferating the flea brood. Females can consume up to 15 times their body weight in blood every day.

This helps to fuel egg-laying, which can take place within 36 to 48 hours of the female’s first meal. In her lifetime, a female

flea can lay roughly 2,000 eggs.

Fleas are wingless parasites that get around by jumping from host to host. If they don’t have to expend too much energy (i.e. get comfortable on a host), they can go anywhere from between two months and 100 days without a meal.

Fleas can jump up to eight inches high, enabling them to grab onto a passing meal source.

A typical flea can live for a few months, and fleas can carry a number of different diseases. From plague to cat scratch fever to tapeworms, fleas can make pets ill and also affect people who interact with them.

Ticks Ticks are not insects; they are arachnids. That means they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions. The stages of the tick include the egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Depending on the species, nymph ticks can be quite small to the naked eye. Ticks’ small stature can make them difficult to detect until they have become engorged with blood.

The University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease and its TickEncounter Resource Center say that spring is a prime time for the birth of new ticks. During this time of year, ticks are on the hunt for their next meals.

Ticks can be carriers of a number of diseases, but it’s important to note that a tick has to be attached for longer than

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24 hours to transmit diseases to a host. That means checking animals (and yourself) for ticks frequently can help avoid the spread of illness. Ticks don’t jump or fall from trees. The parasites crawl upward, so start looking from the feet, moving up. In addition, check a dog’s face, where a tick may latch on while the dog is sniffing in the grass.

Ticks and fleas are pesky critters that can carry disease.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • January 2024 • Page 7

January 1st... cont. from page 4 parts of the country so are black-eyed peas, lentils, grapes and pickled herring. Hailing from the Low Country of South Carolina to Pennsylvania Dutch homes, these are lucky dishes traditionally eaten around the New Year to bring good fortune.

The dish was likely linked to New Year’s celebrations because enslaved Africans prepared and ate it during a period when they had some rare time off from cotton harvesting and planting. The dish may have then developed into a good-luck meal, according to the Washington Post.

A tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa, a dough made from nixtamalized corn, which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaves. Those bundles, stuffed with meat, have come to symbolize family, as generations often gather in the kitchen to make the labor-intensive food that will be eaten all holiday season and year-round. In Mexico, that spans from December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to January 6, Three Kings' Day. Tamales date to 8,000 to 5,000 B.C. and Meso-American cultures including the Mayans and Aztecs. According to The New York Times, they arrived at U.S. points of entry, such as Los Angeles and San Antonio, and were sold by street vendors in the 1870s. Migrant Mexican workers helped the dish spread to other areas of the country.

Ringing in the year with Toshiko Soba, a soup with buckwheat noodles, is a New Year's Eve tradition in Japan steeped in tradition and now practiced in the United States. According to the Japan Times, toshikoshi means

"to climb or jump from the old year to the new."

The long, thin noodles symbolize a long, healthy life, and date back to around the 13th century, when either a temple or a wealthy lord decided to treat the hungry populace to soba noodles on the last day of the celebration.

While Southerners may dig into a hoppin' John recipe this Southern staple serves up with thick-cut bacon to get the perfect amount of smokiness, as opposed to ham hock. A ham hock can, at times, overpower the dish. Folks in parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio savor the slow-cooked pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day. The dish is said to bring good luck and progress because pigs are known to move ahead, while sauerkraut is made with cabbage, which is tied to symbolic riches and prosperity and a long life thanks to its long strands.

The Germanic tradition was introduced to America by the Pennsylvania Dutch. Fresh pork was the choice of Christmas and New Year's meals for early settlers. The timing with winter hog butchering, and sauerkraut was served as a side dish because winter was also cabbage harvesting season.

Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days—not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year. In 2024, the Lunar New Year begins on February 10.

The winter solstice of 2024 is December 21, the short-

est day and longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, it takes place between December 20 and 23, depending on the year. (The reverse is true in the Southern Hemisphere, where the shortest day of the year occurs in June.) Cultures around the world have long held feasts and celebrated holidays around the winter solstice.

Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year.

China’s Lunar New Year is known as the Spring Festival or Chūnjié in Mandarin, while Koreans call it Seollal and Vietnamese refer to it as Tét.

Tied to the lunar calendar, the holiday began as a time for feasting and to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. The New Year typically begins with the first new moon that occurs between the end of January and spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar—until the full moon arrives. San Francisco, California, claims its Chinese New Year parade is the biggest celebration of its kind outside of Asia. The city has hosted a Chinese New Year celebration since the Gold Rush era of the 1860s, a period of large-scale Chinese immigration to the region.

In 1949, under the rule of Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong, the government forbade celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year that followed the Gregorian calendar. But by the end of the 20th century, Chinese leaders were more willing to accept the tradition.

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or parents, challenges come from every direction – feeding times, car seats, sleep schedules, strollers, child care and of course ... taxes.

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• Update Form W-4. Every year, parents need to review their tax withholding. Remember the birth of a child brings new tax breaks including a $2,000 Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit for child-care expenses. These credits can be taken advantage of now by lowering tax withholdings and increasing take-home pay to help cover diapers and other needs that come with babies and children. On the other side of the coin, these benefits fall away as your kids age. The Dependent Care Credit is for children under the age of 13 and the Child Tax Credit is available under the age of 17. So plan accordingly.

• Prepare for medical expenses. Having a baby is expensive. So is having kids! Fortunately, there are ways to be tax smart in covering the predictable medical and dental expenses. The first thing to do is try to pay for as many out-of-pocket expenses with pre-tax money. Many employers offer tax-advantaged accounts such as a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). So check this out and fund them as much as possible. And while it is more difficult to use medical expenses as an itemized deduction, it is impossible to do if you do not have receipts.

Given the tax considerations of having a family, review this information and forward this tip to anyone who has children. Taking full advantage of the tax benefits that come with being a parent can make a difference. Please call if you have any questions.

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education expenses (including elementary and secondary tuition). States administer these plans, but that doesn’t mean you are stuck with the plan available in your home state. Feel free to shop around for a plan that works for you. Starting to save early, even a little bit, maximizes the amount of tax-free compound interest you can earn in the 18+ years you have before going to college.

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alentine’s Day is a bright light in the middle of the winter . Come February 14, sweethearts celebrate their love and affection for one another on this day devoted to happy couples.

The origin of Valentine’s Day has generated much speculation over the years. Most early accounts do not point to heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. Rather, a few distinctive tales may paint the picture of early Valentine’s Day, and they have nothing to do with stuffed animals or romantic dinners.

Roman festival One of the earliest records of the term Valentine’s Day is traced to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was a fertility festival. This annual event held on February 15 included animal sacrifices and priests called the Luperci who would take pieces of animal hide and touch it to the foreheads of women in the hopes it would make them more fertile. Fortunately for the squeamish (and the sacrificial animals), Pope Gelasius I ended Lupercalia and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day by the end of the fifth century.

Two or three St. Valentines?

Most people attribute the origins of Valentine’s Day to the holiday’s namesake, St. Valentine. But it seems that Valentine was the surname of a few different individuals. According to History.com, the Catholic

Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus. One Valentine was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who decided that single men made better soldiers than those with families or wives. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine disagreed with the decree and would perform marriages in secret. Others believe it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop beheaded by Claudius II outside of Rome, who was the true namesake.

Yet another Valentine may have been jailed and fell in love with a jailer’s daughter while in prison. He purportedly wrote to her, beginning the first Valentine card or letter tradition. Other stories say the imprisoned Valentine actually was writing to a blind woman he purportedly healed, and signed the note “from your Valentine.”

It is hard to know who is who in regard to the name Valentine, as the stories and the people behind them are used interchangeably. Some historians believe they actually are the same person rather than several Valentines, while others insist there were multiple martyred individuals.

However you slice it, the defiant actions of one or more people named “Valentine” set the course for centuries of romance to follow.

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Bring Back Family Bonding This Winter 3 ways to free up busy schedules to spend time with loved ones

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usy winter schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most - sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks.

Connect with your loved ones this fall while juggling hectic routines with this advice: Schedule Family Nights Desiring evenings spent with your nearest and dearest and actually making them happen are two separate things entirely. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season with days that feel too long

and evenings that are often too short. Putting dedicated family nights on the calendar is a good way to avoid last-minute commitments that take away from important bonding time.

Incorporate some favorite activities, whether your loved ones are board game enthusiasts or movie buffs, to give everyone something exciting to look forward to.

Make Cooking Together a Family Activity Making dinner for the family shouldn’t take up valuable time that could be used for quality moments together. Seeking out quick and easy recipes leaves more hours in the day to spend with family members - or you can even make

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preparing dinner a family activity.

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Everyone can lend a hand in the kitchen while enjoying quality time together.

Encourage Extracurricular Participation Beyond those special moments at home, there are plenty of ways to connect with your kiddos. Encouraging them to participate in extracurriculars, like sports, band, theater, dance, choir or other activities, provides a great way to enjoy something together as you watch your children branch out and try new things. If they happen to try an activity you used to (or still do) participate in, it’s an easy way to make a unique connection by sharing your own memories, offering helpful tips or even passing down old equipment like sports gear or an instrument.

Find more inspiration for family bonding with delicious meals and snacks by visiting KingsHawaiian.com.

Ham and Swiss Sliders Total time: 25 minutes Servings: 4-6 1 stick butter

1 package (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 1 pound shaved deli ham 1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese Heat oven to 350 F. Melt butter and set aside.

Cut entire pack of rolls in half horizontally, keeping all top and bottom halves intact.

In 9-by-13-inch pan, place bottom halves of rolls and cover with ham and cheese.

Cover ham and cheese stacks with top halves of rolls. Drizzle butter mixture over tops of rolls.

Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes. Separate rolls for serving.

Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana Sliders Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 4-6 1 package (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls 4 tablespoons salted peanut butter 4 tablespoons strawberry jam 2 bananas, sliced Cut entire pack of rolls in half horizontally, keeping all top and bottom halves intact.

Spread peanut butter on bottom halves followed by strawberry jam. Top with banana slices then top halves of rolls.

Source: King’s Hawaiian (Family Features)

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Solve Winter Blues with Cozy Recipes

C

ozying up with a bowl of warm deliciousness is a perfect way to ward off the chill of winter, and it's made even better when shared with those you love. Turning to favorite chilis and soups with comforting ingredients and smoky spices can transport your family from snow and sleet to warmth and paradise.

Smoky German Potato, Sausage and Bacon Chili offers a reprieve from the cold with hearty flavor and family favorites seasoned with chili powder, cumin and cayenne pepper for classic taste with a twist. The thinly sliced potatoes and bacon of READ German Potato Salad in a sweet-piquant dressing provide a delicious new take on traditional chili.

A bit on the lighter side but equally satisfying, Tuscan 3 Bean Peasant Soup calls for shallots, diced tomatoes, spinach, cannellini beans, cooked small pasta and more for a true winter warmup. Served with toasted bread cubes, it's sure to warm loved ones up from the inside out.

Its key ingredient is Aunt Nellie's 3 Bean Salad, featuring premium green, wax and kidney beans in a light, sweettangy vinegar dressing. As a ready-to-eat solution, it can be served chilled, at room temperature or as part of comforting winter recipes.

Visit READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com to find more cozy cold-weather dishes.

Smoky German Potato, Sausage and Bacon Chili

1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 Fresno peppers, diced 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained 1 can READ German Potato Salad, drained 1 cup beef broth salt, to taste pepper, to taste

Recipe courtesy of "Dad with a Pan" on behalf of READ Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 8 4 strips thick bacon, cut into cubes 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch segments 1 small onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground cumin

In large saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons drippings in saucepan.

Add smoked sausage and cook until browned.

Once sausage is cooked, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.

Drain excess fat then stir in chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano and Fresno peppers until well mixed.

Add drained diced tomatoes, German potato salad and cooked bacon to saucepan.

Add beef broth and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Bring mixture to simmer and let cook about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are melded.

Substitution: Jalapenos can be used for Fresno peppers.

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Tuscan 3 Bean Peasant Soup Recipe courtesy of Sarah Meuser on behalf of Aunt Nellie's Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 27 minutes Servings: 8

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup small pasta, such as ditalini, uncooked 2 cups frozen cut leaf spinach or chopped fresh spinach 2 jars (15 1/2 ounces each) Aunt Nellie's 3 Bean Salad, drained 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

10 ounces day-old crusty bread, such as ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling (optional) 2 medium shallots or 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes 3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth (about 6 cups)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Place bread cubes in single layer on large baking pan.

Bake until bread cubes are lightly browned, 8-12 minutes. Set aside.

Heat large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil; swirl to coat. Add shallots; cook 5 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally.

Add garlic; cook 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add cannellini beans, tomatoes,

W

hen the weather is frightfully cold and you need something quick to warm you up, try this recipe for Tomato-Tortellini soup.

With only 4 ingredients, you'll be warm and cozy in no time.

For more comfort food ideas, go to www.culinary. net.

broth and black pepper; bring to boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes, or according to package directions.

Stir in spinach and bean salad. Simmer 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Ladle soup evenly into bowls. Top with toasted bread cubes and lemon zest, if desired. Drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired.

Source: Seneca Foods (Family Features)

Tomato-Tortellini Soup 2 14 ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 9 ounce package of refrigerated tortellini 1 8 ounce tub cream cheese spread with chive and onion 1 can tomato soup Fresh chives (optional) 1. In a medium sauce pan bring broth to a boil. Add tortellini then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

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W

hen the winds howl and the chill of changing seasons brings a crispness to the air, one way to warm up from the inside out is with favorite foods. Filling up on comforting recipes like hearty soups and stews can be the solution you need to fight off cold temperatures.

Consider quick and easy ingredients that add a little warmth to your plate as the cravings for comfort kick in.

Cheese A family favorite in recipes year-round, ooey-gooey cheese is a hallmark of cool-weather recipes.

Consider creamy mac and cheese mixed with your preferred protein, homemade Mexican cuisine topped with melted chile con queso or an appetizer plate with options like brie, Manchego, aged cheddar, Parmesan and more.

Rice

5 Cozy Ways to Add Warmth to Cold-Weather Meals If you’re craving a meal that’s big on flavor but short on prep time, it’s hard to top the classic comfort food combo of chicken and rice. This Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke starts with the homestyle taste of fully cooked Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups with carrots, onion and garlic. The BPA-free cups offer a quick and flavorful option for an on-the-go power-up loaded with chicken, vegetables and herbs paired with hearty rice. Ready in only 1 minute, you can enjoy the flavored rice right out of the cup or prepare it as part of this 5-minute recipe on a busy weeknight.

Pasta Whether you prefer spaghetti or penne, bowtie or stuffed shells, pasta provides a simple base for delicious meals loaded with comforting ingredients. For

an easy weeknight meal, just choose a type of pasta, sauce and protein to put dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Curry Paste Available in many varieties, curry paste is a common ingredient in South Asian dishes. It typically consists of ingredients like garlic, chiles or peppers, ginger and lemongrass. When you’d like to add some spice to your menu without bothering with takeout, this Thai Chicken and Rice Soup calls for green curry paste, which is generally spicier than red or yellow versions, but any can be substituted based on your heat tolerance. You can take the dish up a level with lightly seasoned Minute Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice for zesty flavor in a BPAfree, microwaveable cup for a simple solution when life gets hectic and preparing a time-consuming meal be-

comes challenging.

Cayenne Serving up a touch of spice in a wide variety of favorite recipes can be as easy as adding ground cayenne. Made of dried cayenne peppers finely ground to a powder, it’s commonly used in dishes ranging from deviled eggs and pastas to shrimp and barbecue as an easy way to add a warming kick to cold-weather meals.

Find more comfort food recipes at MinuteRice.com.

Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke

and shredded 1/4 cup canned artichokes, drained and quartered 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Heat rice according to package directions.

In medium saute pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add spinach and saute 1 minute.

Add chicken and artichokes; saute 2 minutes, or until heated through.

Add cheese and rice; stir to combine until heated through.

Thai Chicken and Rice Soup

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 1

Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 1

1 Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup spinach, stems removed 2 ounces chicken, cooked

1 Minute Ready to Serve Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice Cup 1/2 cup (3 ounces) cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped

1/2 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup coconut milk 1 tablespoon Thai green curry paste 3 small shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 green onion, thinly sliced Heat rice according to package directions.

In medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine chicken, broth, coconut milk, curry paste and mushrooms.

Microwave on high 3 minutes. Stir in rice and garnish with green onion.

Source: Minute Rice (Family Features)

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Prince Hall – Masonic Leader

By Henry M. Holden rince Hall (1738-1807) was an emancipated back man and abolitionist who lived in Boston. During the Revolutionary War for Independence, (1775-1783) he fought alongside white colonial men. As a reward for that service, he was given his freedom. Hall just needed to look around to realize that, even though he was free, he was not as free as a white man.

There were various degrees of freedom. So, he looked around and wondered who were the free and influential men of his day? They were all Masons, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington to name a few. So, Hall decided that joining the Masons was his best chance of getting someone to help him realize what it really meant to be a free man.

At this time, in the colonies, there were 14 Masonic Temples. He applied to each one and each one denied him entry and membership. In a stroke of intense irony, it was a British temple that admitted him. Hall now had an advantage. Now that he was a Mason, along with the membership came the secret handshake, secret symbols, and access to places that, even though he was not a member of the current temple, he was amazed that he was nonetheless accepted as a genuine Mason.

He would never have access to these places if he was simply a free black man. He used his Masonic status to create the first Prince Hall Free Mason Society. The Society was founded on September 19, 1784, just one year after the Revolutionary War ended. Today it has the oldest and larg-

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est (300,000) initiated black members in the United States.

Prior to the American Revolutionary War, Prince Hall and other free black men petitioned for admittance to the all-white Boston St. John's Lodge. They were refused. The Masonic fraternity was attractive to some free blacks like Prince Hall because free masonry was founded on the ideals of liberty, equality, and peace.

Having been rejected by colonial American Freemasonry, Hall and 14 others sought and were initiated into Masonry through Lodge No. 441 of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, on March 6, 1775. The Lodge was attached to the British forces stationed in Boston. Hall and other free black men founded African Lodge No. 1 and he was elected Master.

When men wished to become Masons in the new nation the existing members of the Lodge had to vote unanimously to accept the petitioner. If any one white member voted against a black petitioner, that person would be rejected.

In a letter written by General Albert Pike to his brother in 1875, he said, "I am not inclined to mettle in the matter. I took my obligations to white men, not to Negroes. When I must accept Negroes as brothers or leave Masonry, I shall leave it.”

Masonic and Grand Lodges generally excluded African Americans. Since the votes were anonymous, it was impossible to identify the member who had voted against accepting a black member. The effect was the black men who had legitimately been made Masons in integrated jurisdictions could be rejected. continued on page 20

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Prince Hall..

cont. from pg 18

The black Masons therefore had limited power. After the war, when the military Masonic lodges left the area, they were given the authority to meet as a lodge, take part in the Masonic procession on St. John's Day, and bury their dead with Masonic rites. They could not confer Masonic degrees or perform any other essential functions of a fully operating Lodge.

On March 22, 1797, Prince Hall organized a lodge in Philadelphia, and called it African Lodge #459, under Prince Hall's Charter. They later received their own charter. On June 25, 1797, Hall organized the African Lodge (later known as Hiram Lodge #3) at Providence, Rhode Island.

Author and historian James Sidbury said, “Prince Hall and those who joined him to found Boston's African Masonic Lodge built a fundamentally new "African" movement on an established institutional foundation. Within that movement they asserted emotional, mythical, and genealogical links to the continent of Africa and its peoples.”

By 1797, there were at least 34 members in the Boston black lodge, but still the lodge was overlooked by white Boston Masons. Integration with the American white Masons was not imminent. Since they were unable to attain integration, the blacks concentrated on recognition from white Masons that, because black Masonry descending from Prince Hall of Massachusetts and had received its charter from the English Grand Lodge, it was legitimate and not "clandestine" and therefore was entitled to all Masonic rights, such as intervisitation between black and white lodges, without prejudice. Many Grand Masters hoped that ultimately recognition would lead to integration, but they knew it would be a long time before that happened.

After the death of Prince Hall, on December 4, 1807, the brethren were eager to form a Grand Lodge. On June 24, 1808, they organized the African Grand Lodge with the lodges from Philadelphia, Providence, and Boston, which was later renamed the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, in his honor.

The Lodge was struck from the rolls in 1813, and unable to create a charter, they applied to the Premier Grand Lodge of England. The Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge of England, the Duke of Cumberland, issued a charter for African Lodge No. 459, later renamed African Lodge No. 1. The lodge was the country's first African Masonic lodge.

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redit card balances are high in both the United States and Canada. In the United States, where the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported total credit card balances exceeded $1 trillion in the second quarter of 2023, the average cardholder had an outstanding debt of $7,279 as of the final month of 2022. Those figures, courtesy of LendingTree, are significantly higher than the average debt in Canada, where the credit monitoring agency TransUnion reports the average Canadian cardholder had an out-

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WINTER HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Efficient Ways to Warm Your Home

reating reliable and efficient heat for your home during the winter months may be easier than you think. Using propane appliances like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and kitchen appliances alongside other energy sources, like electricity, can help reduce the strain on the electrical grid.

With the capability to power all major systems in a home, propane offers homeowners an affordable, comfortable, reliable and efficient energy source. It's a clean, low-carbon option that is made in the United States and available right now.

Consider these energy-efficient, propane-powered appliances and their benefits compared to other energy sources, according to the experts at the Propane Education & Research Council.

Furnaces Not only are propane-powered furnaces more efficient than other energy sources, but they can also provide a lot of comfort. They heat air to 115-125 F, making the indoor air feel consistently warmer than other options.

Heat from air source heat pumps often supply temperatures lower than 100 F and are more affected by outdoor temperatures.

A propane-powered furnace has a 50% longer lifespan than an electric heat pump, reducing its overall lifetime costs to a homeowner. Energy Star-qualified propane furnaces can save up to $75 in energy costs each year and are 15% more efficient than standard propane models. In addition, propane-powered residential furnaces emit up to 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electric

furnaces and 12% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fuel oil furnaces.

Fireplaces A propane-powered fireplace is a great source for secondary heat and can be used in all climates.

They provide 5-6 times the heating capacity of an electric fireplace and emit less soot and other air-polluting emissions than wood-burning fireplaces.

In fact, some parts of the U.S. have banned wood-burning fireplaces due to their negative effects on the environment. What's more, traditional wood fireplaces are about 15% efficient as secondary sources of heat while high-efficiency propane fireplaces are up to 90% efficient.

Boilers Many homeowners appreciate the versatility of propane boilers, which offer high-level performance

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and space savings while also providing heat, hot water and even snow melt capabilities. This versatility also extends to the type of heating delivery system propane boilers serve, including hydronic baseboard systems, in-floor hydronic systems or even forced-air systems, in which hot water from the boiler (instead of a furnace) acts as the heat

A

source.

Propane boilers have an expected lifespan of up to 30 years, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, but many boilers can last longer if serviced and maintained properly.

Thus, the initial investment can provide long-term value beyond other heating alternatives. High-efficiency propane boilers also result

in significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions compared with those fueled by heating oil.

Learn more about how you can rely on propane to heat your home at Propane. com/ForMyHome.

Source: Propane Education & Research Council (Family Features)

Home Exterior Trends for 2024

home's exterior is often the first thing guests or potential buyers see, meaning its curb appeal can have a significant impact on making a good first impression.

Whether refreshing or renovating your home, staying current with exterior trends can help make a statement, increase your home's value and enhance the comfort of your living space.

If you're looking to re-

fresh or improve your home's function and style in the new year, consider these 2024 home exterior trends

from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products, a leader in innovation, design cont. on page 25

Page 24 • January 2024 • Hometown Life • Like us on www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

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Home Exterior ...

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • January 2024 • Page 25

cont. from page 23

and production of exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more.

A Connection with Nature Connecting people more closely with nature and natural elements, biophilic design can lead to increased well-being and productivity. Growing wellness and environmental concerns are driving demand for outdoor living space improvements and integration of nature in design, including elements like green roofs, living walls and large windows.

You can create dramatic outdoor spaces by contrasting light and dark colors. For example, matte black can be paired with materials like brick, stone, shingles and wood for an eye-catching twist. Bold, earthy tones such as navy blue, forest green, dark brown and red can also be combined with nature-inspired materials for organic texture and warmth. Other trending colors for 2024 include vivid teal and aqua blue, which can induce a sense of serenity.

High-Performance Siding As climate change continues to intensify and lead to severe weather, there is a growing need for high-performance, weather-resistant building products. Homeowners continue to favor resilient materials that require less maintenance or replacement such as recycled vinyl, engineered wood and fiber cement, which maintain beauty and function.

Designed with innovation and performance in mind, Celect Cellular Composite Siding, a premium PVC siding from Westlake Royal Building Products, replicates the beauty and aesthetics of wood while remaining low maintenance and durable for a lifetime. Featuring a patented interlocking seam design, it keeps moisture out and almost completely eliminates seams. Plus, its Kynar Aquatec coating provides superior protection against ultraviolet rays, reduces energy demands and resists dirt, seasonal staining and insects.

Functional Outdoor Living Spaces Focused on creating seamless connections between interior and exterior spaces, this evolution in outdoor design includes integration of outdoor kitchens and living areas. Elements such as fire pits, pizza ovens, outdoor entertainment and games can be incorporated to personalize the space and provide a unique entertaining hub. Using cohesive materials and textures that can withstand the elements and flow from indoors to outdoors, such as stone

veneer, can help elevate the space and further tie it to the home's interior.

Mixed Materials and Textures Blending various textures, finishes and materials on a home's facade can create a unique, visually dynamic look. Using a combination of materials like brick and vinyl siding or stone and wood can add depth and visual interest. An option like Versetta Stone delivers the authentic look and feel of stone in a panelized format that is easy to install with screws or nails and requires no metal lath or scratch coat. The stone siding features a tongue-and-groove system for perfect spacing, has a built-in rainscreen and can be installed almost anywhere without additional footings for support.

Transitional Takes on Tradition A versatile design approach allows a home to transcend trends, ensuring its relevance and appeal over an extended period of time. In 2024, look for a rise in classic design trends featuring elements such as vertical siding, crisp white trim and other modernized traditional styles as well as a shift away from minimalism that incorporates more nostalgic, personal touches to home exteriors, ushering in more of a transitional style.

Find more ideas to update your home's exterior at WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com.

Source: Westlake Royal Building Products (Family Features

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Children's Programs at Butler Public Library For all programs please register on Google Forms or visit the Library to sign up.

Story Time Tuesdays at 10:30am January 9 – March 27 For ages 3 – 5 yrs.

Story time offers 30-minute sessions with a story and other fun activities. Parents must remain in the Library. This free program is limited to 12 children. Registration is required on Google Forms. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

Toddler Time Thursdays at 10:30am January 11 – March 29 For ages 2 – 3 yrs.

Toddler time offers a 30-minute session with a story and a small craft for children and caretakers. This free program is limited to 8 children and 8 caretakers. Butler residents only.

Registration is required on Google Forms. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

Paint With Me When: Wednesday, January 17 Time: 11:00 – 11:45 AM Ages: 3 – 5 years

Choose something to paint from our collection of ceramic pieces. Register on Google Forms. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms so we have an accurate count of attendees. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

Healthy Snacks Program Held at the Butler Library Sponsored by Shop Rite West Milford: Registered Dietitian: Lauren When: Saturday, January 20 Time: 11:00 – 11:30am Ages: 3 – 10 Years This free program is presented by the dietician from Shop Rite of West Milford and will be held in the Children’s Room at the Butler Library. Join Registered Dietitian Lauren in learning about nutritious foods and joining the “two bite club!” Kids will get to sample healthy snacks through a fun interactive event where participants make their own treats.

This free program is limited to 15 students. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

WINTER PAINT CAN CRAFT When: Monday, January 22 Time: 4:00 – 4:45pm Ages: 5 – 10 yrs.

Add decals and decorate a plastic paint can with a winter theme. Add a battery operated candle and create a beautiful seasonal craft. All supplies are provided by the library. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms so we have an accurate count of attendees. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

LEGO CLUB When: Monday, January 29 Time: 4:00 – 4:45pm Ages: 5 – 10 yrs.

Join us for an afternoon of creative fun and building! Come build something with the LEGOs provided by the Library or work as a team on your very own creation. All projects will need to fit into the display case in the foyer of the Library for all to see. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms so we have an accurate count of attendees.

If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

Introduction to Speed Cup Stacking When: Saturday, February 3, 2024 Time: 11:00 – 11:45am Ages: 6 – 11 years “Speed Cup Stacking is a Sport that originated in the early 1980’s in southern California and received national attention in 1990.” Register on GOOGLE Forms if you are interested in this one day cup stacking class to learn Step 1: Three stack

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • January 2024 • Page 27

Children's Programs at Butler Public Library and 6 stack. (3-3-3) If there is an interest in this program, other classes will be scheduled. This class is limited to 10 children who will share a set of cups. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms so we have an accurate count of attendees. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

YETI Pillow When: Monday, February 5 Time: 4:00 – 4:45pm Ages: 5 – 12 years Children who attend this program need to be able to tie a double knot in order to create the pillow or parent/guardian will need to join in. This free program is limited to 24 participants. If you need help registering on Google Forms, please call the library at 973-838-3262. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the li-

brary and let us know.

Ceramic Surprise When: Monday, February 12 Time: 4:00 – 4:45pm Ages: 3 – 10 yrs.

Choose from a variety of ceramic pieces to paint. All supplies are provided by the library. Children under 5, will need to have a parent paint with them. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms so we have an accurate count of attendees. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

S.T.E.M. Ozobots When: Monday, February 26 Time: 6:00 – 6:45pm Ages: 5 – 10 years

Children actively learn the basics of coding while using coding puzzles or coding activities for EVO Ozobots. This free program is limited to 12 participants. If you need help registering on Google Forms, please call the library at 973-8383262. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know.

Butler Public Library 1 Ace Road, Butler, NJ 07405 973-838-3262 More information on our website: www.butlerlibrary.org Follow us on Facebook: Butler Public Library Follow us on Instagram: butlerlibrarynj

Adult Programs at Butler Public Library Charcuterie Board Nutrition Class Thursday, February 1, 2024 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm At Butler Public Library Join Lauren, Registered Dietitian from ShopRite of West Milford, who will be at the Butler Public Library, for a nutritious Charcuterie Board Nutrition Class. This class is free of charge. Registration in advance is required by calling the Butler Library at 973-838-3262, or stop by our Circulation Desk to sign up. Butler Public Library is located

at 1 Ace Road, Butler, NJ 07405, by phone at 973-8383262 or online at www.butlerlibrary.org.

required, please call the Butler Library at 973-838-3262, to sign up.

Maker’s Day – Adult Library Program Adult Craft: Make a Birdhouse Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Join us for this craft and make a birdhouse at Butler Library. All craft supplies will be provided for this program.

This free program is limited to 10 adults. Registration is

Butler Public Library 1 Ace Road, Butler, NJ 07405 973-838-3262 More information on our website: www.butlerlibrary.org Follow us on Facebook: Butler Public Library Follow us on Instagram: butlerlibrarynj

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Young Adult Programs at Butler Public Library

A

re you interested in volunteering at the Library? Do you need Community Service Hours? We are here to help. All you will need to do is call Ms. Arlene for more information.

High School Volunteers: Looking for volunteers to help with library activities.

Call or visit Ms. Arlene or Ms. Lisa in the Library. Ask for a student volunteer worksheet and fill it out in order to keep track of your time and hours. Give it to Ms. Arlene or Ms. Lisa.

Mouse Create is a STEM website that empowers students to “engage with computer science and creative technology to solve real problems and make meaningful changes in our world” through an online platform.

Butler Middle School Students! Interested in trying a Do-It-Yourself technology project? The Butler Public Library has been given FREE access to a variety of online projects and courses created by mouse. org; available until August 2022. Keep reading to learn about some of the DIY projects available (To start any project, please have your parent send an email to luis. rodriguez@butlerlibrary. org) Click here for a list of projects to complete.

High School Students’ Opportunity: Are you interested in starting a club at your High School? It’s super fun and TechGirlz can help!

As a High School student you can start your very own club with a mission of lead-

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Butler Public Library 1 Ace Road, Butler, NJ 07405 973-838-3262 More information on our website: www.butlerlibrary.org Follow us on Facebook: Butler Public Library Follow us on Instagram: butlerlibrarynj

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • January 2024 • Page 29

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How is RSV transmitted?

he American Lung Association notes that respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that produces cold-like symptoms in adults and children. Though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most cases of RSV go away within two weeks without intervention, the virus can be unpredictable.

In fact, the ALA reports that RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in all infants.

In addition, most children have been infected with the virus by the time they are two years old. Such high infection rates understandably leads to questions about transmission of the virus, which the CDC reports can spread in the following ways.

• An infected person coughs or sneezes • Individuals get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in their eyes, nose, or

mouth • Individuals come into direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV • Individuals touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touch their face prior to washing their hands Such methods of transmission explain why so many children are infected with

RSV prior to their second birthday, as curious youngsters often hug and grab other children at daycare facilities and frequently touch their faces without washing their hands. Though RSV infection in infants is often overcome, parents can speak with their child’s pediatrician to determine if there is any way to lower their child’s risk of infection.

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Page 30 • January 2024 • Hometown Life • Like us on www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

By Richard Mabey Jr. n September of 1972, I began my second year at County College of Morris. My girlfriend, Penny Lancaster, had begun her freshman year at Rutgers University. And, I began one of the toughest classes I had ever taken, that of Chemistry.

Within two weeks of chemistry class, the professor gave us a pop quiz. I had been doing all of the homework assignments and I faithfully read the assigned chapters. But, to my dismay, I got a grade of D on my first chemistry pop quiz. I was totally devastated. For this was the first time I had ever gotten a D on a test.

To make matters worse, it was in late September that Penny wrote me that she had met this wonderful boy at Rutgers. She wrote me that she thought it would be best, since we were now relatively far away from each other, for both of us to date other people. Could it have gotten any worse?

By the end of September, I had begun a kind friendship with Sandra, from my chemistry class. We would walk to the college cafeteria, after our morning chemistry class.

The good thing was that right after chemistry class, began college hour. This was a time, every Tuesday and Thursday, from about 11:00 till high noon, there were no scheduled classes. It was a magical time when the cafeteria would be overflowing with students, as was the student center.

Sandra and I would have tea together and talk. One time, during out little tea breaks, I got the courage to confess to Sandra that I had gotten a D on our first chemistry quiz. Sandra then humbly told me that she had gotten an A. It was such an awkward moment.

Then, something very special happened. Sandra offered to help me with chemistry, that we could study together.

I didn’t miss a beat. I happily took Sandra up on her kind offer.

And study we did. Sandra became a task master. She stretched me like a rubber band, showing me that I just needed to concentrate, to surrender my stubborn idea that chemistry was hard to learn. Sandra had an amazing gift to take a subject like chemistry and actually present it so that it made sense and was more easily understood.

As we sat in the college cafeteria, sipping tea, I would

I

T

For A Season, For A Reason say things like, “I’m never going to get this chemistry.” Sandra would simply reply, “stop that Richie. Just stop talking like that. You just need to focus more.”

Well, with Sandra’s help, I got a grade of B on our professor’s next pop quiz. It was a true miracle.

By mid October, I had fallen off the Grand Canyon for Sandra. The deep pain that I was feeling, from having read Penny’s letter, that we should see other people, had subsided quite a bit. I would sit at my desk in my bedroom, as I studied nights, and tell myself over and over that I was going to get the nerve to ask Sandra for a date.

Life is such a funny thing. I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I was sitting in the student center. Reading my American Literature assignment. And then it happened.

As I looked up from my thick American Lit book, I saw Sandra walk by across the crowded student lounge. She was hand in hand with a boy whom I had seen around campus, but did not know. My heart sank.

Well, the next day was chemistry class. After our chemistry class, Sandra and I walked together to the cafeteria.

As we sipped our tea and studied chemistry, I think Sandra sensed something was wrong.

“Richie, do you want to talk about it?” Sandra asked.

“You mean, Problem Three, in our homework?” I quietly replied.

“No. I think you know what we need to talk about,” Sandra quickly told me.

Then Sandra told me that she saw that I saw her and Robbie walking hand in hand. Sandra continued to tell me that Robbie and her had been dating since their junior year in high school. That she was hoping to marry him after they both finished college. My heart sank as I tried to hide my hurt.

Sandra and I did remain good friends all through our second year at County College. I got a final grade of B, in both semesters of chemistry class. It was a true miracle. I probably never would have gotten that good of a grade, without Sandra’s help.

After we graduated from County College of Morris, which was a two-year junior college at the time, I was never to see Sandra again. From time to time, I think about her.

After I graduated from County College, I began attend-

From my days at County College of Morris, from September of 1971 to June of 1973, studying at my desk in my bedroom at the old Mabey Homestead.

ing Sherman College of Chiropractic. I graduated and did practice chiropractic in a small town in West Virginia for a few years. But, I was not very successful at it. It’s a long story, but I returned to Lincoln Park and began working as a proofreader and then writer for a large company.

I think people come into our life for a season, for a reason. And, when that season and reason is fulfilled, God seems to set their sails away from us. It’s just the way it is.

Over 50 years have come and gone, since I began my chemistry class at County College. In many ways, it seems like yesterday. But in many ways, it seems like such a long time ago.

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.

4 Tips to Mind Your Mental Health in 2024

here's never a bad time to commit to managing your mental health, but the new year tends to make wellness a bigger priority. Wellness resolutions often focus on diet and exercise, but taking steps to improve your mental well-being is equally important.

In fact, your mental health can play a critical role in your physical health. Stress, anxiety and other manifestations of mental and emotional distress can trigger physiological responses in your body that may erode your health over time. For example, if you're continually under a high level of stress, chances are your blood pressure runs higher than it should, and that in turn poses a risk for heart disease and related conditions.

As you turn the page toward 2024, renew your commitment to self-care and managing your mental health with these tips: 1. Set realistic goals. Having something to work toward and look forward to is a healthy way to occupy your mind. Decide what you'd like to achieve this year and identify milestones toward your ultimate goal. Celebrating when you achieve each milestone can keep you motivated and help measure your progress along the way.

2. Nurture personal relationships. Loneliness is a major contributor to mental health struggles, and having even a couple close relationships can help provide you with an essential sense of connection and belonging. Whether you talk in person, by video or text, make time to talk to family and friends. If you find your circle is smaller than you'd

like, try taking a class or joining an organization where you can meet others who share your interests.

3. Alleviate stress. A little bit of pressure can push you to do your best, but living in a constant state of stress can be bad for your health. Take time to understand your stress triggers and actively work to avoid them. If that's not fully possible, dedicate a portion of each day to de-stressing and clearing your mind. You might choose meditation, exercise, reading or listening to music, all of which let you relax your mind and focus your attention on something else.

4. Sleep more. Getting enough sleep means 7-9 hours each night, according to most experts, as it's one of the best ways to protect your overall health and ensure you're in the right frame of mind to approach the day. When you're sleep deprived, you're less capable of problem-solving, making decisions and managing your emotions and behavior. Studies have also shown poor sleep habits are linked to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. If winding down is an issue, try creating a bedtime routine that makes it easier to get to sleep.

Find more tips to promote healthy living at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash Source: Family Features

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • January 2024 • Page 31

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