Hometown 13 April 2023

DC Landscape Offers the Simplicity Package for New Clients!

Dennis Coyle, owner of DC Landscape, has been managing properties throughout Morris & Passaic counties for the many years. He has over 20 years experience in plants, design, installation and property maintenance. The business has completed hundreds of landscape installations per year. This year DC Landscape will offer new clients an affordable package to cover your basic property needs. The Simplicity Package includes a maintenance package for nine months at $240 per month that includes one spring clean-up, 25 lawn cuts and two fall clean-ups. Spring clean-ups consist of thatching turf areas, hand edging all existing plant beds, removing fallen sticks, blowing entire property including plant beds, and disposing of debris ($450 value). The maintenance of the property begins in April and ends November that

includes 25 lawn and turf cut, weed-whacking edges of bedding, blowing patios, walkways, and as well as disposal of debris ($1250 value). The two fall clean-ups, one before Thanksgiving and the final during the first week of December, involves a crew of three or four workers who will blow out leaves

throughout the entire property and beds. Leaves will be removed and disposed ($475).

These prices reflect an average size house located on a lot approximately 75’x75’. Prices do not include NJ sales tax and is offered to new clients only.

DC Landscaping manages

properties in Pequannock Township, Wayne, Butler, Riverdale, Pompton Lakes, Lincoln Park, Bloomingdale & Kinnelon on a weekly basis. They will customize your plan to fit your needs along with landscape design, installation and more.

Contact 973-305-8803 for a Free Estimate today!

Caring and Serving the local communities dental needs for over 14 years

DEMENTIA

Dementia typically occurs gradually, making it tough for family and friends to notice the signs in a loved one. One of the noticeable side effects is poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup and gingivitis.

HEART CONDITIONS

Gum disease has a potential link to heart disease, so irritated or infected gums (paired with other other heart disease risk factors) suggest that you should see a cardiologist.

DIABETES

Many symptoms accompanying diabetes actually show up in the mouth. Periodontal disease, bleeding gums, loose-feeling teeth, and other subtle signs point to the possibility of diabetes. Your dentist may recommend you see your doctor, and if you’ve already been diagnosed, these symptoms show that your blood sugar isn’t under control.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Loss of bone tissue can lead to brittleness and changes to the jaw bones, which might show as receding gums or loose teeth.

EATING DISORDERS

If you or a loved one has struggled with an eating disorder, you know how difficult it can be to seek out the care you need. Enamel erodes when exposed to stomach acids or as a result of poor nutrition, and your dentist can help you address this and find a way forward.

HEARTBURN

While heatburn is usually noticeable to the patient, nighttime acid reflux is tougher to diagnose because it occurs during sleep. Your dentist will notice erosion of enamel on the upper back morals and consider whether nighttime heartburn might be the cause.

Ready For Spring: Grounds for Sculpture Offers New Exhibits and Programs For All

By Jeff Garrett

If you’re dreaming of a spot where relaxation, meditation, cool sights and out of the ordinary Art exists in a tranquil setting, “Grounds For Sculpture” in its 31st year, is a spot you’ll want to connect with as Winter moves into Spring.

Spanning 42 acres at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton Twp, “Grounds” offers a different kind of museum –one that is somewhat whimsical, containing interactive artwork with 350 sculptures on hand for guests to take in, and even fawn over. “it’s definitely a different kind of museum,” says museum Executive Director, Gary Garrido, who is looking forward to the warmer months ahead, and the programside of the museum.

“We’ll have a Lecture with Jeff Warren on Wednesday, May 3. This will be a good chance to get thosewho may be skeptical about mindfulness to open up,” and embrace what he feels is something healthy which can only help improve people’s lives. The museum plans on launching a ceramic studio with clay and ceramics workshops for kids and adults.

It’s all about Wellness at the museum. Garrido says “Grounds For Sculpture” is a place where folks can relieve stress, practice yoga, experience mindfulness, find calm and open up.

There’s an ancillary objective too.

“The focus continues to be breaking down barriers and making Art acceptable for all,” said Garrido, who will preside over the opening of the Cloud Swing sculpture, which is a series of six swings with two swings which are handicapped accessible. “The sculpture itself takes the form of a cloud,” which should be more than interesting to lay eyes on, Garrido thinks.

Another creation set to open soon is that from Philadelphia artist, Robert Lugo. Lugo has created a 26 ft large sculpture that has a series of stairs going up and down. Patrons can go up into the sculpture and take pictures in this one-of-a-kind piece, set to draw awe and interest this Spring. “As a Latino, Lugo wants to break down some barriers,” in his creations, to show things from a different perspective, notes Garrido.

“Grounds For Sculpture” really tries to utilize the seasonal backdrop – whether its

looking at a winter garden now, an apple orchard in the Spring, Lotus flowers in the summer or the mere changing of the colors of leaves in the picturesque Fall, having the outside sizzle alongside the sculptures is Art in and of itself.

A restaurant is on-site called “Rat” and cafes are available for museum-goers to sit and unwind. Garrido likes the way the

museum is shaping up with wellness and impressive Art and the forefront of the facility’s agenda for visitors this Spring. He hopes you’ll visit and like it too.

For more information such as museum hours, program information and restaurant information on “Grounds For Sculpture” visit www. groundsforsculpture.org.

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Pequannock Basketball Star’s Record-Breaking Season

By Jillian Risberg

Pequannock Township High School junior Chloe Vasquez is breaking records this season where she is most at home, on the basketball court — in the sport that means everything to her.

“It shows the time and hard work I put into basketball in order to be successful,” Vasquez says, “as well as the commitment my whole family has made and how they, my team and coaches have all supported me.”

According to the basketball star, her best court takeaway is when she creates opportunities for her teammates.

“Also, the night I hit my 1,000th point with a free throw was an incredible feeling I will never forget,” she says.

She has been fortunate to have had amazing coaches — including John Griff. The New Jersey Panthers AAU coach has been influential to her game and to Vasquez as a person.

“He pushes me to be as successful as I can be with basketball and teaches me and my teammates a lot about life skills and leadership,” she says. She also has chemistry with her New Jersey Panthers teammates.

The minute they step on the court together it just clicks. Vasquez says they are great friends on and off the court, talented

basketball players and a great group of girls. It has taken sacrifice, commitment and hard work to get to that level.

“You have to be willing to not give up and keep pushing yourself to get better all the time,” says the basketball star. “My drive comes from how much I love this game.”

Pequannock Township is a small school with great athletes who aren’t afraid to compete but are sometimes up against tough competition. Vasquez loves the atmosphere her coaches have created and the friendships she has made.

“I was fortunate to be named Captain in my Junior year and I am learning a lot about leadership from this experience,” she says. When her team doesn’t play well or she personally feels she wasn’t at her best, Vasquez encourages them and reminds herself to have ‘next-play mentality’ so they don’t get stuck in the moment.

“I focus and prepare myself to bounce back and learn from my mistakes to improve,” she says she is competitive and loves the pace of the game.

The standout says basketball is like chess; you have to be strategic and mentally prepared, in addition to being ready to be physically challenged.

Even in her down time, Vasquez likes to play and watch basketball.

Her advice for other young b-ball players hoping to break records is to set your goals high and push for more than you want to achieve.

“Keep practicing and working on your game, learn from experienced players and coaches,” she says listen and study the game. “In the long run it will bring you success.” As a child, Vasquez’s parents put her in various sports and she recalls the diversity of the game of basketball.

“It wasn’t just one move or play, you could be creative,” she remembers playing outside during school recess, at summer camp and the after school club.

The basketball star is excited for the upcoming AAU spring season where she and her teammates will compete at a high level.

“We are planning to win a lot this season,” says Vasquez. “And I am planning to grow and keep improving as a player.”

Holy Bones—A Heavenly Healthy Treat for Dogs Which Provides Meaningful Employment

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Holy Bones are much more than an all-natural, preservative free yummy dog biscuit. A purchase of a bag provides meaningful skills, training, and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready and willing to work.

It all began about a year ago, according to Marie Cioletti, the director who oversees the production of Holy Bones, along with Father John Ahern, which are baked and packaged in the kitchens of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Pompton Lakes.

Pat Carnevale, who was originally from the parish, had moved to Delaware but returned to Pompton Lakes. While in Delaware, she volunteered for a church who was doing something similar, so she gave Cioletti the idea and they got involved together. With a grant, they were able to get the kitchen materials needed and by September 2022, they were off and running.

Cioletti, together with an advisory board made up of Thomas Abazia, Julie Tatti, and Suzanne Freedman, chose the name and the

logo, which was created by a graphic artist named Cindy Keegan.

“We had a lot of people who were able to volunteer their talents,” Cioletti said, who has worked as a special ed teacher at Paterson Public schools for 38 years as a learning consultant. “I’m a special ed teacher. I know nothing about business.”

But knowing nothing about business was not a problem for Cioletti. The William Paterson University’s business department assisted Cioletti via Zoom meetings. “I can’t tell you how helpful they are,” she said. “The professor was really excited about us doing this.”

The employees with disabilities are ages 21 up to 60s. They come from Ringwood, Wanaque, Haskell, Pompton Lakes, and Lincoln Park. They work in the church kitchen by measuring flour, putting labels on the bags, and weighing them to make sure they have eight ounces of product in each bag. “They do everything,” Cioletti said. “They clean up. They do the dishes. They put everything away and get set up for the next day. They use scales. They are learning

Workers at Holy Bones kitchen a lot of skills. If you look at their abilities, they can do many things well. We try to meet the needs of each individual baker based on their abilities.”

And if modifications are needed for a person to be a good baker, it is done. For

example, the bones can be traced through parchment paper.

“The bakers show up every day,” said Cioletti. “They don’t take mental health days. They’re really happy to be productive.

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Join Linda D’Amico’s Academy of Dance 2023 Summer Dance Camps

Musical Theater

Two weeks of acting, singing, and dancing followed by a final performance. Make new friends and gain confidence!

June 24-August 4 - 1pm-5pm daily

Show on August 4 at 7pm

Teenybopper Dance

Summer Dance

Multi-genre dance days in lyrical, jazz, ballet, and acrobatics! Work on technique, improvisation, strength, flexibility and more! June 26-30, July 10-14, July 24-28, August 7-11

Holy Bones...

continued from page 6

If we go to an event, I take them with me so they could see how important their jobs are. They’re excellent workers.”

The bones come in three flavors, peanut butter, chicken, and sweet potato. “Our best seller is peanut butter,” said Cioletti. “Sweet potato if the dogs have stomach issues. It’s a milder taste.”

While only six months into the business, Cioletti said they definitely want to expand by either making treats for cats or more flavors for dogs.

Holy Bones are available in the Parish Center Office Building located at 31 Pompton Ave., Pompton Lakes. Offices are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed for lunch, noon to 1 p.m. On Friday, the offices are open from 9 a.m. to noon. Offices are closed on weekends.

Dog bones and small bits are sold in eightounce bags for $10 per bag. Since there are no preservatives, they must be stored in the freezer.

For more information, visit www.holybones.org.

Father John Ahern and Marie Cioletti

Get Your Dog in Shape

Humans are not the only animals that may get a bit pudgy around the middle and tip the scale in the wrong direction. Man’s best friend can also pack on some extra pounds, necessitating a workout plan to get back into shape.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, fifty-three percent of adult dogs in the United States are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians. Yet, pet owners are sometimes unaware that their prized pooches are overweight.

Overweight dogs and cats face some of the same health risks as overweight men and women. Musculoskeletal problems, such as degenerative joint diseases, and back problems have been linked to obesity, as have heart disease and respiratory problems. Diabetes and heat or exercise intolerance are other side effects of being overweight.

But a pet’s weight is not the lone indicator of how healthy the animal is, and the ideal weight can vary from dog to dog. A body condition score is helpful in determining a pet’s ideal body weight. Some indications a dog may not be at a healthy weight include:

• a belly that hangs below the rib cage area

• a belly that moves when the dog moves, unless the dog

is pregnant or has just given birth

• inability of the owner or vet to feel the dog’s ribs in the rib cage

• a waddle of skin on the neck of the dog, where excess skin isn’t indicative of the breed

• no visual indication of the dog’s waist

• inability of the owner or vet to feel the bones near the base of the tail

• a less active lifestyle, including avoiding exercise and play

• excessive panting

Keeping a dog in shape is one of the best things an owner can do for its’ pet. But what if the dog already has packed on a few unnecessary pounds? It’s time to start a canine fitness routine and follow some other guidelines.

Talk to the pet’s veterinarian. Obesity could be the result of eating too much or inactivity, but it also can be a sign of a serious condition. If a routine exam and blood work come up normal, then a plan can be started for helping Fido shed the weight.

Consider a new food. There are many different types of foods on the market, including low-calorie options. Some foods contain extra fiber to help the dog feel fuller without having eaten as much. Also, look for foods with lean protein sources without grains and other fillers.

Break up the feeding schedule. Instead of one large meal a day, feed the dog two or three smaller portions of food, which will help keep the dog’s metabolism going all day long.

Become joint joggers. Jogging with a dog can become an

continued on page 9

Get Your Dog in Shape...

continued from page 8

enjoyable pastime that enables the owner and pet to get exercise and stay in shape.

Take up swimming. Many dogs are natural lovers of water, and swimming is an effective, low-impact exercise.

Teach the dog tricks. Physical tricks, like fetching a ball or rolling over, can keep dogs active.

Go for long walks. Take the dog with you wherever you go. The more he or she is

Annual Kiwimbi 5K & Walk

up and moving, the less chance there is to sleep and be lazy.

Dr. Matthew Krupnick is the owner of the Pequannock Animal Hospital. He grew up in Kinnelon and is happy to be home – with his wife, three cats, and two dogs – to provide quality and compassionate care for pets in the community. The Pequannock Animal Hospital is located at 591 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. You can reach the hospital by calling 973-616-0400.

It’s

Fri.

The Annual Kiwimbi 5K & Walk for Thought is SATURDAY MAY 6th

9:00 am at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. Sure to be a great early warm-up to summer, the event is hosted by Kiwimbi International, a U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children and their families in Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is both a virtual and in-person event. Prizes for age group winners will be awarded. Registration is available at https:// raceroster.com/events/2023/71621/

kiwimbi-5k-and-walk-for-thought or https://kiwimbi.org

Students in rural Kenya typically walk 45 minutes one way to school each day, so the Walk for Thought invites you to do the same, while the 5K offers a more competitive opportunity. Grand Prix points will be given to qualifying USATF NJ members. Registration will be covered for those who raise $400 for the event. Vendor spots available.

To sponsor/partner with Kiwimbi or learn more about the event, please click info@kiwimbi.org.

Bloomingdale Historian Shines New Light on Rich History of Butler

By Tommy Hughes

History. A noun defined by MerriamWebster’s dictionary as a chronological record of significant events. Events that help build one’s upbringing. The foundation of a person, place, thing, event, or in this case, a city.

It is that foundation that led Tom Riley to become a historian. Upon graduation from what’s now known as Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, Riley returned to Bloomingdale and became a Social Studies teacher. Retiring after 40 years, he found a new way to expand upon his love of history by shining a light on what has yet to be told.

“The big thing for me is telling the story. I tell stories that haven’t been told. It’s filling a void because local history takes a back seat... that’s the teacher part of it. (The author) is sharing information that (the reader) has never heard of or known,” Riley said.

Growing up in Bloomingdale, Riley’s childhood home was one-half of a block away from Delazier Field. He would hear stories about how Babe Ruth once played on that same field, though no one had put those memories to paper along with the history of the Bloomingdale Troopers. This was what led to Riley’s first book. A labor of love that set into motion inspiration to

continue to write his second history book, centered around the history of Federal Hill. Today, Riley has written 7 books. His 8th, Stories about Butler, continues this showcase of area history. A project he wanted to pen for the area museum.

From Butler’s connection to the sport of baseball, to the Butler Opera House and Whittle Hardware. From Butler’s oil pipeline to the aircraft spotting tower, the legacy of the borough of Morris County is now guaranteed to live on.

For Tom, the research is the fun part. It is not about profit, it is about putting into print something that was not there before. It is why he donates copies of each of his books to the museum and the Bloomingdale Public Library. Tom hopes that the lasting legacy of his research will carry over to the next generation. As New Jersey history is taught at the middle school level, Tom finds his research as a perfect tie-in for local history in the curriculum. From World War II’s connection to Federal Hill to Bloomingdale ties to the American Revolution. Tom knows how to make history fun and connect in mannerisms of the interesting.

“...each student is an individual the teacher has to get to...the teacher finds out what the student is interested in, or if

the student shows a spark from what the teacher is teaching, go with that. Once the teacher has the student with them, the teacher can teach students anything.”

A sense of purpose. What adolescents realize about themselves as they grow and their discovery in their existence. The purpose of the teacher in helping the adolescent grow in their discovery and the history of the adolescent interest.

The purpose of the historian in sharing

the history of said interest. An interest surrounded by a respective craft, sport, government, or in this case, a borough. One in the county of Morris in the Garden State, named in honor of Richard Butler 122 years ago.

All of Tom’s Books are available at Butler Museum at: 221 Main Street, Butler, 973838-7222. Contact Tom Riley at: tr07416@ gmail.com

Understanding the Gift Giving Tax Excess Gift Giving Could Cause a Tax Surprise

In an effort to keep taxpayers from transferring wealth from one generation to the next tax-free, there are specific limits to the amount of gifts one may give to any one person each year. Amounts in excess of this limit are subject to filing an annual gift tax form. For most of us, this is not something we need to worry about, but if handled incorrectly it can create quite a surprise when the tax bill is due.

The Gift Giving Rule

You may give up to $17,000 (up $1,000) to any individual (donee) within the calendar year 2023 and avoid any gift tax filing requirements. If married you and your spouse may transfer up to $34,000 per donee. If you provide a gift to your spouse who is not a U.S. citizen, the annual exclusion amount is $175,000 for 2023.

Gift Tax Reporting

Amounts given in excess of this annual amount are subject to potential gift tax reporting. The amount of tax is currently unified with estate taxes with a maximum rate of 40%. The donor of the gift is responsible for paying any associated tax. When you exceed the annual gift giving amount, this triggers the need to file a gift tax form with your individual tax return. The excess gift amounts are netted against your lifetime unified credit. If your lifetime gifts do not exceed the credit you may not have additional taxes owed. Here are some instances when a gift tax problem may occur and ways to manage the problem:

Gifts for college. Grandparents like to help out with the tremendous expense of funding a college degree and amounts donated can quickly surpass the annual gift threshold. To avoid the gift tax problem consider making payments directly to the college as this form of payment can be excluded from the annual gift giving limit AS LONG AS the funds are not used to pay for books, room or board on behalf of the donee.

Be careful with 529 plan funding. If your children are anticipating going to college, many consider creating a 529 college savings plan. You may then fund the savings plan (or have someone else fund it) on behalf of your child. However, remember the deposits into 529 accounts are considered a gift and are subject to the annual gift giving limits.

Gifts to cover medical expenses. It is very easy to mount up a large medical bill. While you may want to step in and help out by giving money to the individual with the medical bills, you may be creating a gift tax obligation. Better: make payments directly to health care providers for medical services on behalf of the patient to avoid gift tax

exposure.

Gifts to help make a down payment. It is becoming more common to have family members help their kids with the down payment on a first home. This can be tricky. Lenders will look for recent deposits in bank accounts and ask the prospective buyers to substantiate the source of funds. Providing the funds as a loan may disqualify the couple for taking on the mortgage. Even worse, if the purchasing couple claims the funds are a gift, this action may create a gift tax obligation to the person providing the funds. Care must be taken to provide the correct audit trail to prove the gift does not exceed the annual amounts.

Gift of real estate. If you give property to a relative for little or nothing in return, this generates the need to file a gift tax form as well. Recent IRS studies suggest over 50% of taxpayers fail to declare property transfers as gifts.

Other things to consider

You may provide gifts to or receive gifts from ANYONE. There are no limits or restrictions on who you may give a gift to or who may provide a gift to you. Creative gift giving can be a useful tool to help someone in need without creating a tax obligation.

Do not give a lump sum gift for the maximum amount. If you provide a gift for the maximum allowable to an individual, you may not provide any other gifts to this person during the year or the event would be deemed excess gift giving and require filing a gift tax form. For example, a grandmother gives $17,000 to her granddaughter for college. She also pays for a vacation trip to send the family to Disney World and provides a wonderful birthday gift. Technically, the additional gifts are in excess of the annual limit and would present a gift tax event.

The IRS is paying attention to the massive non-compliance in the timely filing of the annual gift tax form. So much so, that it is actively researching property transfers in key states to ensure the gift tax filing is taking place. So identifying when to file the gift tax form is your most important take away from this tax tip.

Shah & Sokoloff , CPA’s, is a year round full service CPA firm providing a wide range of Accounting and Tax services to both Small Business and Individual Clients. We are QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisors and provide new business set up, training and support. Our office is located at 166 Main St. Lincoln Park, NJ 07035. Our website is www.cpanewjersey.com and email is rps@ cpanewjersey.com. To contact us by phone please call 973-633-1001.

5 Steps to Prep Your Yard for Spring

When spring arrives, days of enjoying your outdoor living space aren’t far away. Getting your yard ready for months of outdoor enjoyment will take a little work, but you’ll quickly see and appreciate the results. These five steps can have you on your way to a lush, healthy lawn and outdoor area in no time.

1. Dethatch

Throughout the winter, dead grass and other debris accumulate on your lawn. This waste, known as thatch, can be quite a hindrance to your spring lawn. It promotes fungi, encourages pests and keeps new grass seed from sprouting. You can use a special dethatching rake or any rake with sturdy tines.

2. Aerate

Before spreading grass seed, you’ll want to give the new roots room to spread and grow. Aerating the lawn helps make your soil more welcoming to new growth by allowing moisture, nutrients and air to sink deeper into the soil. Depending on the size of area you need to aerate, two of the easiest options are doing the job by hand or using an attachment on a riding lawn mower.

3. Prune

The lawn isn’t the only place debris can

pile up. Your flower beds and any other vegetation can become a holding ground for twigs, branches, leaves and other yard waste. Give your plants, shrubs and trees a close look to find broken, damaged or dead material and remove it to make way for new growth.

4. Weed

Even the healthiest lawns are susceptible to weeds, but getting a jump start on weeding early in the season can help you keep control. You can manage weeds by treating with an herbicide before the sprout or, if you prefer, there are chemical-free alternatives like vinegar, salt or cornmeal. Be aware that many alternative products don’t distinguish between the vegetation you want (like grass) and weeds, so these remedies are best used along borders and within beds to discourage weed growth.

5. Seed

Winter weather and wear can cause uneven patches in the lawn. Seeding in the spring requires more work than the fall (especially if you tend to have hot, dry summers), but with enough nurturing and regular water, you can fill those spots in for a more uniform lawn.

Visit eLivingtoday.com for more advice to make your outdoor living space spectacular. (Family Features)

A Life Among Books for Kinnelon Librarian Turned Author

By Coraline Seksinsky

Surprisingly I never considered working in a library before. Libraries were not a big part of my childhood. I was very much a Barnes and Nobles kid.” says Cass Lauer, describing her relationship to libraries before she started working in them. Currently she is the Marketing and Engagement Coordinator at the Kinnelon Public Library in Kinnelon New Jersey. Her career amongst the stacks helped to rekindle a lifelong passion for story, leading to the publication last November of her Debut novel, issued on New Degree Press, Vox Libri.

Growing up Lauer was a voracious reader, though more so an avid storylistener. “I liked listening to other people tell stories. So where I liked reading, I did just like storytelling as a whole.” She doesn’t describe her family as

particularly bookish, aside from her mom. By the time she was 13, she knew clearly that studying English was what she wanted to do. As an undergraduate at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison she studied creative writing and taught dance on the side. After she ended their studies at Fairleigh Dickinson, she was still teaching dance. As burnout began setting in, she decided to pursue the passion which had brought her to study creative writing in college.

Soon after finding work as a freelance writer she saw an ad for a hybrid publisher called New Degree Publisher, now called Manuscripts.

As a Developmental Editor Lauer helped coach dozens and dozens of prospective authors through the manuscript process in four month ‘cohorts’ of around 10 to 15 authors at a time.

“They would submit pages to me and I’d critique them

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and tell them ways to improve them… The point of the program was that at the end of the four months with me, they would have a finished first draft of a manuscript that was ready to go into publishing and developed further.” She continues, “the majority of them were nonfiction,” Lauer says. “Teaching them how to write a book I found quite similar to teaching dance in so far as trying to identify what the student, in this case the writer, needs from me the instructor.”

After teaching others to write books Lauer wondered why she couldn’t do the same thing with her own project. Vox Libri began life as her senior year project at Fairleigh Dickinson, where students were required to complete a novel or novella. As an employee at New Degree she could be paired with one of her coworkers to run through the process

she coached so many other authors through before. The book is a phantasmagorical fantasy centered around a mysterious book that takes over the life of the heroine, Etta, who has just started a new life in Northampton Massachusetts. The setting was inspired by Lauer’s love of the Five Colleges region of the state after having attended a writing workshop at UMass: Amherst.

The last year has been about getting the book done, needing it to be done. “I am currently on a small break, but I’m feeling that itch to start again. I’ve already got book two plotted out and outlined. So now it’s just a matter of now finding the time and getting back into that practice.” In regards to the future there are few sure bets. But one I would make with confidence is that no matter where Cass Lauer ends up, her life will be full of books.

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Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

Daniel P Murray, CFP®, AAMS™ Financial Advisor

88 Wanaque Ave

Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

Financial Advisor

973-248-3359

Daniel P Murray, CFP®, AAMS™ Financial Advisor

88 Wanaque Ave Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 973-248-3359

88 Wanaque Ave Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 973-248-3359

88 Wanaque Ave Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 973-248-3359

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 03/23/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 12/21/2022. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 03/23/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 12/21/2022. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

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Daniel P Murray, CFP®, AAMS™ Financial Advisor

Daniel P Murray, CFP®, AAMS™

A Partnership Making a Difference for Sheltered Animals

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Animal Dignity Organization of Pequannock Township (ADOPT) and Pequannock Animal Shelter have had a wonderful partnership over the past two decades. With Pequannock Animal Shelter providing temporary homes for pets, and ADOPT providing the funds, and the fundraisers, it’s a win-win for the animals.

Christianne Morales, shelter manager of Pequannock Animal Shelter, began her journey at the shelter in 2009 when she started out as a volunteer. The shelter has all sorts of pets—dogs, cats, hamsters, parakeets, guinea pigs, mice, and rabbits. Morales stressed how shelters get bombarded with rabbits during the month of May—after Easter time. “They don’t realize the upkeep and the novelty wears off,” she said.

Morales feels that when pets are surrendered it’s the most heartbreaking thing, especially if they lived in a home all their lives. “Animals get very depressed if they come from a home of love,” she said. “They went from a home to a cage. Our biggest challenge is to break them down and get them to a point where they trust people again. There’s been times when

dogs were surrendered. They won’t eat.”

However, according to Morales, Pequannock Animal Shelter has a high success rate. Last year, between dogs, cats, and rabbits, they took in over 100 animals and 85 were adopted.

The success stories are heartwarming. A few years ago, a 7-year-old girl adopted a shy cat named Zoey, who never lived in a home before. Zoey would cower when approached. Now, living in her fur-ever home, Zoey isn’t shy anymore. The same family came back to adopt Zoey’s sister, Sparkle.

Morales herself took a liking to an older cat named Pretty who was a feral. “She wouldn’t let anyone touch her,” she explained. “I spent a lot of time with her. I just focused on her. She sat here [in the shelter] for two years. I ended up getting married in 2017. My husband and I brought a house. We took Pretty home. I had to save this cat’s life. I finally got her to sit on my lap.”

The animals available in the shelter are all healthy, fixed, chipped, and vaccinated. Adoption fees are low, at $25. This is all possible thanks to ADOPT, which was created in 1991. Denise Goll, volunteer,

officer of ADOPT, and treasurer, said the organization was created by a group of concerned citizens in order to raise funds to improve the quality of life for these sheltered animals.

“I feel like I’m a second generation of ADOPT,” said Goll. “We have a lovely partnership with the town. We take lead from Christianne about what kind of care animals need. Our mission statement is to give animals better quality of life. We pay vet bills. We pay for procedures. We run

events. We’re very successful. We have a core group of members.”

People will come from as far as Pennsylvania or lower upstate New York, according to Goll. They’ve been able to reach a larger audience since they’ve paid for ads on Facebook to boost their adoption posts.

Pets available for adoption can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/ pequannockanimalshelter

Team at ADOPT

‘Watershed U’ Offered to High Schoolers this Summer

High school students considering majoring in environmental science, conservation or environmental education in college are invited to attend “Watershed University,” a program offered each summer by Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA), the region’s watershed watchdog.

The one-week certificate program will be offered during the weeks of July 10-14 and Aug. 7-11 at the Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Road, Bedminster.

The program is designed for students entering grades 9-12 who want to gain insights in the environmental field, learn how to make impactful change and serve their communities. Each day includes instruction from RHA staff members and guest experts, hands-on

scientific exploration, and team building.

“Participants will learn from experts, examining environmental and social topics that affect local and global natural resource challenges,” said Lauren Theis, education director for Raritan Headwaters. “Onthe-ground conservation projects will allow students to gain skills in scientific research, communication, and building connections within a group.”

The core program runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but each session includes free optional activities from 9-10 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. including meditation and yoga, nature illustration, fishing in the Fairview Farm pond, organic gardening, natural tie-dying, and papermaking.

Watershed University topics for the week of July 10-14 include GIS

(geographic information system) mapping, green infrastructure, composting, native plant identification, environmental justice, biodiversity study, groundwater conservation and a land stewardship project. The session also includes a kayak trip along the South Branch of the Raritan River.

Topics for the week of Aug. 7-11 include climate study, the story of salamanders, green matters funding, stream ecology, microplastics study, native edible and medicinal plants, a visit from farmers in the Community Grains program, and a study on algae, zooplankton and harmful algal blooms (HABs) in waterways. The session also includes a kayak trip to Round Valley Reservoir, where scientist from the NJ Water Supply Authority will talk about aquatic plants.

The cost of the program is $400 a week, and at the end of the program, each student will be awarded a certificate outlining their participation in the program. Need-based scholarships are available. This year, for the first time, alumni of previous years’ Watershed U. programs may sign up for one-day

sessions, at $50 per day.

For more information and to apply online for Watershed University, go to www.raritanheadwaters. org/watershedu/. For more information, contact Lauren Theis at ltheis@ raritanheadwaters.org.

“This program will allow participants to explore future fields

of study in college and beyond preparing for career opportunities in environmental science, conservation and environmental education,” said Theis. “Students will also connect with RHA staff and partners for advanced learning, community service, citizen science projects, and internships.”

CincoDeMayo

Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon

with Noodles and Veggies

Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice”

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 1/2 pounds salmon (4 filets)

12 ounces stir-fry (pad thai) rice noodles

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 pound white mushrooms, sliced

1 cup sugar snap peas

1 large broccoli head, cut into bite-size florets

2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish sesame seeds, for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 F.

In small saucepan, whisk soy sauce;

brown sugar; rice vinegar; garlic; ginger; chili garlic sauce, if desired; sesame oil; and barbecue sauce. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to simmer.

In small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch. Pour into pan and cook on low, whisking often, until sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pour 3 tablespoons sauce into small bowl. Brush salmon filets with reserved sauce and place on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, or until salmon is flaky. Discard small bowl sauce if any remains.

Cook stir-fry noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil. Add mushrooms, snap peas and broccoli. Cook, stirring often, until veggies are tender-crisp, 7-8 minutes. Add noodles and remaining sauce from pan; toss to combine.

To serve, divide noodles, veggies and salmon between plates.

Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

(Family Features)

5 Steps for Mastering Family Meal Planning

As you and your family embark on a mission to create delicious, nutritious meals all while saving money, it’s key to remember meal planning is essential for success. From tracking a list of ingredients you’ll need to noting your loved ones’ favorite foods, there are some easy steps you can take to make dinners at home enjoyable and budget friendly.

Getting on track with your own plan can start with these tips from Healthy Family Project’s Mission for Nutrition, which aims to help families find weekly meal success with an internationally inspired e-cookbook including grocery lists, recipe ideas and cooking hacks.

Work together. Before heading to the store or heating up the oven, sit down with your loved ones and make a list of easy-tomake recipes you all enjoy. Each time you discover a new favorite, add it to the list so you’ll have a reference guide when it’s time to plan a week’s worth of meals.

Stick to a schedule. Set a day and time each week your family can meet and plan out dinners. This also offers an opportunity to bring to light any newfound favorites or fresh ideas while bringing everyone to the

same room for quality time together.

Plan time-saving processes. Think ahead while planning meals and consider the equipment you’ll need. Saving time while cooking can be as easy as sticking to recipes that call for hands-off appliances like a slow cooker or pressure cooker and using a food processor rather than a knife and cutting board.

Schedule a “leftovers night.” When you prep dinners that call for crossover ingredients, it’s easier to turn one meal into two. For example, buying sweet onions and chicken breast to make Chicken Apple Enchiladas means you’ll have those ingredients on hand for Greek Chicken Bowls later in the week.

Make a list. Once you’ve decided on recipes for the week, create a list of all the ingredients you’ll need. While you’re at the store, stick to your plan and avoid impulse buys to help stay on track while getting in and out quicker.

Find more recipes and meal planning tips by downloading the free e-cookbook at healthyfamilyproject.com/mission-fornutrition and join the conversation by following #missionfornutrition on social

media.

Chicken Apple Enchiladas

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s

Mission for Nutrition

1/2 sweet onion, diced

1 jalapeno, diced

1 Envy or Jazz apple, diced

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

8 flour tortillas

6 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

1 can red enchilada sauce

cilantro (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F.

In skillet, cook onions until translucent. Add jalapeno and apple; saute 2-3 minutes. Add cooked chicken and mix well. Remove from heat.

Lay out tortillas and sprinkle cheese on each. Add chicken mixture and roll. Place in baking dish and cover with enchilada sauce. Bake 20 minutes, or until heated throughout.

Greek Chicken Bowls

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s Mission for Nutrition

1 cup cooked white or brown rice

1 grilled chicken breast, sliced

1 RealSweet onion, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 cucumber, cut into quarters

1/2 cup black olives

1 tablespoon feta cheese

2 tablespoons tzatziki sauce

Place cooked rice and chicken in bowls. Top each bowl with sweet onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and black olives. Sprinkle each with feta cheese. Drizzle each with tzatziki sauce.

I Remember Dad: My Father’s Many Talks About Life Along The Old Morris Canal

By Richard Mabey Jr.

One of the fondest memories that I have of my dear, belated father is that of his talks that he would give at the Lincoln Park Museum. Dad gave many talks about the history of Lincoln Park in that dear old museum. But I remember his all-time favorite subject was that of talking about his remembrances of life along the still, murky waters of the historic Morris Canal.

My great grandfather, William Mabey, had built an icehouse along the banks of the Morris Canal. It was located deep in the woods at the end of Mabey Lane. At one time, Mabey Lane extended from Route 202, in Lincoln Park, and traveled all the way down to the banks of the old Morris Canal. Today, there is a housing development where the once wooded portion of this country lane proudly hailed.

My grandfather, Watson Mabey, served as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East, which was located right at the border of Lincoln Park and Towaco. By the time my dad was a boy of about seven years old, the Morris Canal had ceased its operations. Still,

it didn’t stop Dad and his younger brother, Carl, from exploring and hiking along the old tow path. You see, Dad was raised in the home at the end of Mabey Lane. The very home that his father had built.

What I loved so much about the talks, that Dad gave about the old Morris Canal, was the high degree of heart-felt feeling that would fill Dad’s voice. At times, during his many talks, I would catch a bit of sadness in his eyes. A kind of melancholy feeling.

My father loved Lincoln Park. When he was a boy, some of the town’s people still referred to the little valley hamlet as Beavertown. I confess that at times, I took Dad’s talks for granted. There were times when I felt that my father was going to live forever and never stop giving his little talks about life along the old Morris Canal. Sadly, I was all so mistaken.

I would give the sun and the moon to hear just one more of my dad’s landmark talks. For even just five minutes, to see the expressions of joy, happiness, sadness and nostalgic melancholy fill Dad’s face as he presented his talk. It’s all so strange, what a person once took for granted becomes a

shining diamond memory. Sadly, never to ever return again. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer.

A Tribute to the Late Tom Verlaine, Accomplished Musician Born in Denville

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Best known for his body of work as frontman for the New York City’s alternative punk band Television, which featured his vibrato guitar style, Tom Verlaine, died January 28, 2023, at the age of 73 after battling prostate cancer.

Verlaine was born Thomas Joseph Miller in Denville, moving to Wilmington, Delaware, with his family at age 6. He studied piano at a young age, then went on to saxophone in middle school. He was inspired by jazz saxophonists like Stan Getz, John Coltrane, and Albert Ayler; and then later took up guitar.

Verlaine’s family sent Tom and his twin brother John to Sanford Preparatory School, a private boarding school in Hockessin, Delaware. Verlaine’s interest leaned toward writing and poetry, in fact he got his stage name from French poet Paul Verlaine.

Sanford Prep is where he became friends with Richard Meyers, who later became known as punk icon Richard Hell. The two shared a passion for music and poetry. Neither of them graduated and ended up moving to the Lower East Side in Manhattan during the dawning of the punk rock era.

Verlaine and Hell formed a band called The Neon Boys with Billy Ficca as drummer before forming Television with guitarist Richard Lloyd. They played notable punk clubs like CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas during the mid-1970s.

Eventually Verlaine and Hell parted ways, with Hell joining another punk act called The Heartbreakers—not to be confused with Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers who came later. The original Heartbreakers line-up included infamous

guitarist from The New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders; and drummer Terry Chimes who also played with The Clash.

Hell was replaced by Fred Smith and Television released two albums, Marquee Moon and Adventure, which both received great critical acclaim and modest sales before they broke up in July 1978.

Verlaine went on to have a prolific solo career, releasing 10 albums from 1979 to 2006. For a short time, he resided in England where his work was favorably received. Verlaine’s tune “Kingdom Come” was covered by David Bowie on his Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) album in 1980.

Verlaine worked with a variety of artists including former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha. Verlaine also made music with his former romantic partner, Patti Smith. He played on the song “Fireflies” from her 1996 album, Gone Again. He also played on her Grammy nominated song “Glitter in Their Eyes” from Smith’s 2000 album, Gung Ho.

But working with Smith was nothing new. Back in the 1970s, Verlaine played guitar on Smith’s debut single, “Hey Joe.” He also played on “Break It Up,” which he co-wrote with Smith, from her debut album, Horses. The two played together again in 2005 for a 30th anniversary concert of Horses in its entirety. The show was later released on CD.

In 1992, Televison reformed to record a studio album, simply titled Television, as well as a live recording, Live at the Academy, 1992. And in 1994, the film score for Love and a .45 was composed by Veraline.

Throughout the 2010s, he continued to tour with Television, including tours of Europe in 2014 and 2016. Television was invited to support Billy Idol on a 2022 UK

and European tour, but Verlaine’s doctors said he wasn’t in good health.

Though Verlaine never achieved commercial success on the charts, he had a strong following with many famed musicians paying tribute to his death on social media, such as Michael Stipe, Chris Stein, Flea, and Susanna Hoffs.

NJ Starz: Lee Rouson Hometown: Mount Olive

By Steve Sears

Former New York Giants football star and current Mount Olive resident, Lee Rouson, has a specific goal.

“To continue to be who I am - really. I’m not born a winner and I’m not born a loser,” Rouson says. “I’m born a chooser. I can choose to be who I am - really. It’s the greatest thing in my life right now, and it covers every part of my life. It covers all my relationships: with myself, with my wife and my children, with my grandchildren, with my friends, and with strangers.”

Cecil Lee Rouson’s life has been an education in people, sports, and growth. He has reached the peak as an NFL football player, being a member of two Super Bowl championship teams, and he has also embraced the youth of today, wrapping them in arms of encouragement, urging that they grow into who they want to be – really.

Rouson, 60, was born in 1962 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. After his birth, he and his parents headed to New Jersey, and lived for a period in Washington Heights, New York while his father served as a bodyguard for Malcom X. When the Civil Rights leader was assassinated, the family headed back to North Carolina, and Greensboro specifically.

At age 10, Rouson was introduced to a new league called Pop Warner Youth Football. “If you beat everybody, you could go to Florida and play in a Super Bowl for little kids,” he recalls. “I was the ringleader; I got all of my friends to all convince their parents that we were going to make this team, we were going to beat everybody, and we were going to go to the Super Bowl for kids.” The young Rouson was a very good football player at that time, so everyone else bought in. But the team was in a white neighborhood, not in Rouson and his friend’s black neighborhood. Rouson was the only one of his friends to make the squad.

Rouson played high school football for the Walter Hines Page Senior High School Page Pirates. He made the junior varsity team as a sophomore, and as a junior he was a varsity fullback, scoring two touchdowns in his first game. “In my sophomore year, I was growing, and I wasn’t as fast as I was as a junior. I had great vision, and I knew how to get to where I needed to go, but because my body was changing, that was a struggle for me. But I got through it. My junior year, I matured very, very well, and I was put at fullback again. Then after the first game that year, when I had a couple of touchdowns, the story is the coach’s wife said of me to her husband, ‘That’s your tailback right there.’ So, I was moved to the starting tailback.”

Rouson rushed for over 1,000 yards his senior season, and he also played basketball as a junior and senior. The Page Pirates won a hardwood state title in his junior campaign, and his assignment for that championship contest was to guard Ashford High School’s star player and McDonald’s All-American, future Los Angeles Laker forward James Worthy. His senior year, the club was undefeated during the regular season, but lost in the state

semifinals.

“I had a great basketball career in high school,” Rouson says. “I played baseball in my sophomore year. Baseball was my first love, but I decided I had to change football.

I just dropped baseball and I ran track just to be keep in shape for football.” In addition to sports, Rouson was also president of the student body, and was always involved in many areas of community service.

Schools like Michigan State, USC, Pittsburgh, and Colorado among others came knocking on his door for his gridiron exploits, and he decided to head to Colorado and be a Buffalo. While there, he rushed for just under 3,000 career yards and caught 86 passes for 699 yards, scoring 14 touchdowns, and participated in the Blue-Grey Football Classic after his senior season, where his talents were on display before the eyes of NFL coaches.

Rouson was drafted in the 8th round of the NFL draft by the New York Giants in 1985 and was also drafted with the number one pick by the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League. Giant blue won out over General red, and Rouson had limited action in his first season, but in 1986, he appeared in 14 games on special teams while backing up Joe Morris in the backfield. He rushed for 179 yards on 54 carries, had eight pass receptions for 121 yards, and scored three touchdowns. In the Giants’ 39 – 20 victory of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI, he tallied over 100 all-purpose yards, a Super Bowl record until it was broken. He that season was also named Special Teams Player of the Year.

Rouson played for seven seasons in the National Football League, primarily under Head Coach Bill Parcells for the New York Giants. “That was probably the best thing that happened to me and my NFL career,” he says of playing for Parcells. “If I had played for another team, I probably wouldn’t have made any accomplishments, or the outcome of my career wouldn’t have been what it is if it wasn’t for Bill Parcells. He knew how to meet me where I was, he knew how to shake me. That was his brilliance. He knew how to do it with everybody, and he had his own way of doing it, and he had his own way with me. He was gracious with me, because with the mistakes that I made he could have gotten rid of me from the get-go, took my failures, and he challenged me to overcome them.”

Rouson would snag another Super Bowl ring with the Giants when they defeated the Buffalo Bills, 20 – 19, in Super Bowl XXV.

After his football career, Rouson was Running Backs, Special Teams, and Strength and Conditioning Coach for Mount Olive High School’s first state championship football team in 2004, and in 2013 he started working for Mount Olive Township School District as an aide in the alternative classroom in the high school. But his main endeavor was creating a pilot program for behavior modification for grades 6 – 8. and during the first three years of the program, he presented “Move Your Chains,” where he would bring onto the stage 10-yard marker

football chains. In the middle of those markers, he’d stage a show with couches and pictures, mirroring a television show on a TV set. He explains, “My theme was to ‘Move the Chains.’ How do you move forward in your life? How do you move towards your goals? How do you overcome things that have you chained up?”

Rouson called on many inspirational folks for their contribution. “I would bring in all kinds of role models from all walks of life,” he says. “I had a guy who did a sports program at the YMCA, Noah Brown of the Dallas cowboys. I had a pro wrestler; I had a doctor. I had all different kinds of people come and share their hearts and show who they are.”

Rouson, who does outreach for Sports World Ministries by travelling to churches and schools around the country, has served on the Board of the northern New Jersey Chapter for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has also brought his “Move Your Chains” program outside Mount Olive to watch it grow.

A former Associate Pastor and worship leader at a church in Harlem, Rouson worships at Mountaintop Church. He is a member of the church Board of Directors, serves as a spiritual advisor for the church, and often sings as part of the services. Mountaintop Pastor, Matt Jones, speaks of him highly. “Lee has got to be one of the one of the most genuine, kindest, caring most godly men I’ve ever met. What you see with Lee is what you get. He is genuine through and through. He has a deep love for people that have a very deep love for Jesus. He wants to see all men redeemed.”

Rouson and his wife Lisa have been married for 33 years, and they are proud parents of four children. Their two daughters are Uchenna, 39, and Celisia, 33, and their two sons, Jas Lee, 36, and Jesse, 25. The couple also has eight grandchildren.

Rouson sums it all up. “To continue to be who I amreally. And I back that up with Philippians 1:6: ‘I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.”

Lee Rouson (left) with football great, Lawrence Taylor (courtesy of Lee Rouson)

Wayne Chef Crafts Old World Italian Sauce

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Not many cooks get their start as a 5-year-old. But that’s how it began for Tommaso Antonino Aiello, owner/ CEO and chef for Aiello Italian Specialties. He fondly remembers making lasagna with his grandmother “Nonni” in the kitchen.

“I was always different,” said Aiello, “more mature for my age.” When he was a preteen, he began cooking without supervision. “I would bake a lot,” he said. “I always did them side by side, baking and cooking.” By the time he made it to high school, he was cooking for neighbors and his teachers. Word would get out, and people would order food from him.

“I love feeding people,” he said. “I love serving others.”

Aiello Italian Specialties was founded in 2016 by Aiello. It was to honor his family’s legacy by sharing the traditional tomato basil sauce. Aiello is an alumnus of Le Cordon Blue, Class of 2013.

In addition to the traditional tomato basil sauce, there are three other sauces: an arrabbiata, a marinara, and a roasted eggplant. There is also a porcini sauce coming soon. All products are clean and natural, without sugar, corn syrup, or any additives. “People comment how ‘homemade’ it is,”

Aiello said. “It’s so pure and so fresh. I think things that we’re putting in our bodies should be good. It is really done the natural way. The old school way. I’m an old soul. I’m more in tune with my grandparents’ generation.”

Aiello works alone in a commercial kitchen in Hawthorne to make the sauces, which are available in two different Whole Foods—Wayne and Woodcliff Lake—and a handful of Italian specialty shops. “It’s a pretty crowded market,” he said. “You have to make yourself stand out. Some people are used to getting one particular brand or they make their own. I like to highlight how fresh our sauce is. When you taste our marinara, it tastes right from the garden. Fresh carrot, garlic, onions…it’s all about layers. They simmer together. It’s done slowly and gradually. It takes a lot. It’s a delicate process.

Of all the sauces, Aiello tends to favor the tomato basil. “It’s the mother sauce,” he said. “I based all the others on that. That’s the one that’s been passed down, from southern Italy. It’s from Serrata, Reggio Calabria.”

Aiello has shipped his sauce all over the world, to friends he’s known for years and others he met online. “It’s been to Australia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia,” he said. “People who have never tasted it before are ordering a case here and there.”

Kids love the sauce too. “It’s amazing to see little kids freak out over it,” Aiello said.

What’s Trending?

More than ever before, Aiello is happy to see artisan products that are done in a natural way with clean, fresh ingredients, and no additives. “We need a lot more of that,” he said. “People do care what they’re eating. Good quality, super delicious, and not a lot of sodium.”

Unfortunately, he also sees the trend towards the negative—mass produced brands that don’t have the artisan feel. “That’s something I’d like to see change,” he said.

When Aiello is looking at the competition, he notices that many brands have oil floating on the top. “When you see that, they’re not cooking sauce long enough,” he said. “Or they are adding too much oil. Our process is so different. We only use the best olive oil. I do not cut corners. I use the finest ingredients and that’s the way it will always be. I feel it’s a very heartfelt thing. My blood, sweat, and tears are in those jars.”

Aiello would love to open a little restaurant one day. “A nice cozy place with Italian and French food,” he said. “Having an environment that really promotes culture. In this country, there’s it’s not done enough.”

He would also like to get into olive oil production. “It’s not going to end in sauce,” he said. “I will create other items under the brand name.”

In his free time, Aiello, who is also an artist, is passionate about painting. He also likes to fix old furniture and sell it or give it away to people. And he loves to garden. “I’m a pretty simple guy,” he said.

To learn more about Aiello Italian Specialties, visit: https://www. aielloitalianspecialties.com/

Pequannock Township Historical Society

The Pequannock Township Historical Society meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM at the American Legion Hall 242, 700 NewarkPompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Tues., May 2nd, 2023- Speaker: Pary

Tell from the League of Historical Societies of NJ (on developing a long- term plan for historical societies).

Tues., June 6th, 2023- Speaker: Todd Braisted on British Loyalists in the Colonies during the American Revolution.

Acomprehensive review of research published between 1990 and 2020 studying the link between physical activity and mental health outcomes determined that nearly 90 percent of all peer-reviewed, published research reported a positive, statistically significant relationship between exercise/physical activity and mental health. Conducted by the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, the review found that 1,029 of the 1,158 experimental studies examined

reported significant positive relationships between physical activity and mental health outcomes. General physical activity, a broad descriptor referring to the amount of daily or weekly physical activity people engage in irrespective of type, had the greatest number of positive studies of any type of physical activity, followed by cardiovascular and aerobic activity and yoga. Authors of the review concluded that their findings illustrate that exercise and movement can now be considered mainstream elements

Pequannock Twp $899,000 MOVE RIGHT IN

4 BR, 2.1 BA Colonial - Beautiful home w/ new gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, breakfast peninsula, SS appliances, wine cooler, walk-in pantry. Spacious Great Rm, LR, FDR. Large primary BR suite w/ FBA, walk-in closet. CAC. Close to transit, highways, shopping, schools. 2 car garage.

4 BR, 2.1 BA Colonial – Turnkey renovated Colonial with high quality details throughout! Sunken sunroom, main open living area w/easy access to the outdoor patio through sliders offering natural light. Gated community offers lake access, amenities and fun! 2 car garage.

4 BR, 3 BA Raised Ranch – Income opportunity in a prime location! Updated multilevel home. Ideally situated for a Mother/ Daughter on a dead end street. Generous size BRs and living space.Many updates. Close to train/bus station, highways & shopping. 1 car garage.

Montville $335,000 LOW TAXES

2 BR, 1 BA Ranch – Located just steps from the Towaco Station, local restaurants and shops, this property is zoned for many uses. EIK, LR, laundry room, woodburning FP, central AC. Ample off street parking. Perfect for home or professional use.

Newark $399,000 FULLY RENOVATED

2 BR, 1.1 BA Townhouse – Great investment near Newark Penn Station is a must-see! Amazing kitchen features imported appliances and quartz countertops. Uniquely designed DR, large LR w/ hardwood floors. Full finished basement. Central AC.

Pompton Plains $175,000 DARE TO DREAM

Residential lot – Look no further than this wooded 2 acre lot to build the home of your dreams in Morris County. Nestled in one of the highest locations in town, yet also offers convenience to schools, restaurants, shopping, parks, and major highways.

Riverdale $699,900

PRIME LOCATION

4 BR, 1.1 BA Colonial – Move right in to this pristine multi-use property w/ private office and side door entrance. Newly updated kitchen, main bath. Custom woodwork and floors throughout. All large rooms. Finished WO BSMT. Minutes to shops/transit/schools/highways. 3 car det. garage.

Wayne $849,900 POINT VIEW ESTATES

5 BR, 3.1 BA Colonial – Amazing home offering kitchen w/breakfast area, formal DR, LR and Family Rm w/wood-burning FP. Nice size BRs with lots of closet space. Full unfinished basement. Minutes to NJ Transit and major highways. Easy NYC commute. 2 car garage.

West Milford $389,998 LAKE LIFE FUN

3 BR, 2 BA Colonial – Newly renovated home with charming open front porch in the center of town. Nice size LR and dining area, and huge family room on second floor. Unfinished walk out basement. Ample rear yard and off street parking. Just steps from Greenwood Lake!

Danielle Fiorina Ranks 15th in All of New Jersey and

the top 1% Nationwide for Century 21

Patricia Wojtyszyn, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, Inc. is pleased to announce that in recognition of her outstanding sales production and commitment to quality service, CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC recently honored Danielle Fiorina, sales associate with CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, Inc., the CENTURION® award for CENTURY 21 System sales, earning over $375,000 in gross commission sales within the calendar year. Danielle has achieved the CENTURION® award for 9 years and the DOUBLE CENTURION® award for 2020 and 2021, earning over $500,000 and $650,000, respectively.

Danielle Fiorina is ranked 15th for CENTURY 21 agents in New Jersey and is ranked in the top 1% nationwide, is a NJ REALTOR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award winner for the past 17 consecutive years and a member of the CENTURION® HONOR

SOCIETY. Danielle has also been awarded with the CENTURY 21® President’s Producer Award for the eleventh consecutive year and is the recipient of the Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, as well as titled the Top Office Producer for 2022.

“We are thrilled to recognize Danielle’s work for this momentous achievement,” says Mike Miedler, president and chief executive officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “This is an outstanding honor since only a small percentage of affiliated agents in the United States receive this award for sales.”

Fiorina has been a professional realtor and top producer in the industry since 2006 and provides one-on-one personal expertise to each and every client from start to finish. When you choose Danielle, you work directly with, and only with Danielle.

Danielle Fiorina has built her reputation

on professionalism and honesty. As a former business owner and accountant/ controller, she is very innovative and promotes her client’s needs to successfully reach their goal. She is a full-time realtor and has been a top producer in the industry for 16 years and provides individual and personalized expertise. Call Danielle to put her experience to work for you and for all your real estate needs.

“My clients always come first. Understanding their personal goals and needs is the heart of my real estate business, and I believe it is the foundation for an effective client/realtor relationship. I am very grateful to my clients for putting their trust in me and thrilled to be acknowledged by CENTURY 21 with this prestigious award.” says Fiorina.

“It is evident that Danielle is a true real estate professional who shows a dedication to her clients on a daily basis. I am very

Mansion in May Returns in 2023 with Three Fields Designer Showhouse and Gardens in Borough of Mendham

As a team of talented interior and landscape designers and their crews work almost non-stop, Mansion in May takes shape as New Jersey’s premiere Designer Showhouse and Gardens. Opening to the public on May 1 and running throughout the month, Three Fields, the 2023 Mansion in May. offers a delightful day in the country wandering through almost ten thousand square feet of exquisite rooms. Visitors can meander through gardens created by some of New Jersey’s top landscape designers, relax over lunch in the café and shop in the boutiques in the adjacent carriage house.

Since 1974, every two (or occasionally three) years, the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center presents the Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens as its signature event in support of Morristown Medical Center. Over the years, the Women’s Association has raised over $12 million from this event alone for the Center as it became New Jersey’s topranked hospital and one of the best in the country.

Three Fields, reached by a narrow country lane reminiscent of European roads but actually in the Borough of Mendham, sits on 36 acres of rolling hills and forest. This is not a strictly formal house but rather a comfortable farmhouse in the French style that conveys elegance as well as warmth. Designed and built in 1929 and 1930 by the prominent architect Greville Rickard, the first residents were Benjamin Mosser and his family, who lived at Three Fields for over 20 years. Mosser was a partner in the Wall Street firm of Clark, Dodge

& Co. The original owners sold the estate to Andrew Fletcher and his family in 1949. Both Andrew and his wife, Dorothy, were active participants in Mendham life. He was a Mendham Borough councilman and then mayor for three years while Dorothy was on the board of St. Barnabas Hospital.

Rickard designed the house to have many unusual features such as tall, steeply pitched tile roofs punctuated by dormers, wood casement windows and French doors that made it impossible to stay inside but beckoned to the verdant gardens, ponds and fields flowing out from the terrace. The home’s façade combines several conjoined structures, as if the house had been added to over time, along with roofs with built-in sags and bumps, all blending together to give the romantic appearance of a centuries-old retreat.

The Women’s Association received many proposals,

ultimately selecting 31 interior designers and 17 landscape designers to create individual spaces around different themes. Of the interior designers, many are repeat participants, all with the creativity, vision and inventiveness demanded by this sprawling project. The 17 landscape designers, many of them also repeat participants, have combined functionality with aestheticism to include flowering plants, a water feature, seating and even sculpture.

The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC), now over 400- strong, has for 130 years helped the hospital respond to the changing healthcare needs of the community. The Association hosts a number of fundraising events, and has raised more than $30 million to date for the Medical Center. This year, proceeds from Mansion in May will go to support the expansion

and modernization of the Institute of Bioskills Training and Innovation. The institute allows healthcare professionals to hone their skills in hightech and other procedures using simulation training.

For more information about WAMMC, visit www. wammc.org.

Mansion in May offers an opportunity to tour the metropolitan area’s preeminent Designer Showhouse and Gardens

and more than 20,000 visitors are expected. Tickets are $50, now available online at http:// mansioninmay.org. Private tours may also be scheduled online.