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Selﬂess 12-year-old Kinnelon Baker Showers Father English Food Pantry with Love

By Jillian Risberg hen it comes to philanthropy, at only 12-years-old, Peyton Triano already knows the secret to living — making a life of giving, and in this new normal that’s more than ever. After seeing her friend cook, the Kinnelon 7th-grader set out to learn how to whip up delicacies herself. “Then when COVID hit nobody could go anywhere, she was home with nothing to do (and) would spend everyday making different orders. She even started giving Zoom baking lessons to other kids,” says her mother. Peyton began accepting donations in exchange for her special treats and using the money to create kid-friendly food bags for the Father English Food Pantry in Paterson. “I wanted there to be food that I like and all my friends like and the other children would be excited about,” Peyton says. She would bake treats so every family could take

some treats home, and bake cakes or cupcakes for the kids of the food pantry who were celebrating birthdays, according to Jenna Triano. So there was always a reason for Peyton to bake. She went from wanting to learn how — to she can ‘do them in her sleep,’ where the 12-year-old didn’t need the recipes anymore. Some weeks she’s slammed, other weeks not as busy; regardless, Peyton finds the time to concoct something almost everyday. “I fit it in my schedule,” says the self-taught baker, adding that she is able to fulfill bigger orders, as long as she has a few days notice. From cookies to cakes to gnosh, Rice Krispies treats, various fruit tarts and much more, Peyton was born to be a baker and has always been a benevolent spirit, according to her mother. On a family trip to Texas, the 12-year-old saw a homeless man outside the restaurant. “And insisted on — we bought him dinner and we

LET’S DISCUSS!

had to deliver it outside to him and we went out to say hello,” Jenna Triano says. “I try to drop the hints that they’re lucky and they’re blessed and you spread it around and you don’t turn away when people need help or when you could do something; do something. It’s okay if you can’t change the world, but you can change your little corner of the world.” It was December 2020

when Peyton first made pita bread. “I was thinking that I was just gonna bake a few things as a hobby,” she says. “I never thought of it as a business until later.” At the time the young entrepreneur brought the goods to school with her mother, who worked there. “The kids were high school basketball players and would just eat through continued on page 6

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“Adjust the Procedure’

Robert Massimi Member Dramatists Guild and The Drama League. any of the current virtual plays being produced are thrown together and seem willy nilly, however, “ Adjust the Procedure” was written for and directed for virtual theater. In its efforts, Jake Shore makes better work of it than the virtual as usual style I have seen so far. Set on a university campus somewhere in lower Manhattan, New York (the play mentions Chamber Street); there are four characters, all of whom are affiliated with the university. These four characters have different personalities which adds to the many different positions that they take. The play is set in Zoom meetings with sometimes two characters, other times three actors and for a brief period, with all four being on the call. The crux of the play shows us the inner workings of a university; how universities are a very big business. With the COVID pandemic, we see four different points of view as how to deal with the many problems this pandemic has caused. In Kyle (Adam Files) we see a professor who is hoping to get tenured. As a former

adjunct professor, Kyle is bitter about the academia and the way some teachers are treated. Kyle has a deep understanding of the system, yet he is always bucking with that very system that employs him. After losing a student to an apparent suicide, and even more students to deportation, Kyle is perturbed at both his school and the people that run it. It seems that the Health and Wellness Center at the school has been outsourced and this has caused many problems with the student body, yet it saves the university money by doing it. Jake Shore who wrote and directed this play brings forth many of the problems people feel during this crisis; some people blame the politicians; others blame the boredom of everyday life under the pandemic. Shore banters about these issues through the eyes of not only the four characters but by their different points of view. For the most part the characters are not known for being liberal nor conservative but by being pro university or not being so. While we get the impression that the Dean, Frank (Ed Altman) is more conservative than Kyle, the politics are never front continued on page 5

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continued from page 4 and center in this play. In the era of virtual theater, “Adjust the Procedure” is a decent play. Not without its flaws, (the story can be slow at times and the actors being remote are limited in their movements), Jake Shore does a better job writing the play than directing it. While Frank is more animated, he still struggles

to be believable; Nicholas Miles Newton’s, (Ben) less is more character works better here. While it is difficult to project a true acting style on virtual theater, Megan Moses delivers a direct yet mysterious tone too her role. While “Adjust the Procedure” has some flaws, it is the best virtual piece I have seen so far.

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12-year-old Baker... continued from front page everything she made,” Jenna Triano says. “She had an excuse now to keep trying new stuff and it just exploded from there.” According to the teacher, when people saw pictures of Peyton and her treats on her mom’s Facebook page — they wanted to know how they could get some. “She gets up at 5am and will bake an entire order before school even starts at 8:15,” Jenna Triano says. There is always disbelief when folks find out who’s behind all those treats.

“Cause it’s a kid who can do that,” the 7th grader says, with Jenna adding, “It’s kind of a well known fact around here that Peyton’s a baker and the rest of us are just helping her get ingredients home from the store.” Once she started getting paid for her baking, the 7th grader really wanted to expand on her charity work, enlisting the help of her parents and sister, Finley — to start her own foundation. continued on page 7

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12-year-old Baker... continued from page 6 Compassionate Kids N.J. supports children and families in need. “This way people would understand everything they bought, where the money was going,” says Jenna Triano. “Cause every dollar that she gets, she buys toys for the underprivileged kids, she donates to the food pantry.” She is all about kids supporting kids. “The best part about this is not only because I really like to bake — but I like to know that I’m helping other people and they’re going to get to experience that food,” the baker says. “Most memories from your childhood are through food, so if they’re able to realize that, that makes me happy.” She gets emotional knowing how people have embraced her venture. “Because I’ve seen how sad the families are and the children of the families,” says the 7th grader, noting that the food pantry staff told her one of the kids came in shivering. “But when he got his coat he was able to be happy. So I know the food can do that to a starving kid, and that means a lot.” When it comes to starting a business, Peyton wholeheartedly encourages her peers to follow their passion.

“Do one that you’d be happy to do; don’t start one just for the money — and you’re never too young to start one,” she says. There’s no stopping the baker. Peyton has created birthday parties, complete with her cupcakes, balloons and gifts for the poorest of the poor and most vulnerable of the Father English Center preschool children. She is doing all she can to help. To say Jenna is a proud mother is an understatement. “There aren’t words,” says the teacher. “I’m proud she feels for other people and she sees something that feels wrong and wants to do something about it.” “I get the front row seat to just watch her do good, and if she’s doing it at 12; I can’t wait to see where high school and college take her.” The 12-year-old is never going to stop baking and plans to go into public policy. “Because I want to change some laws about people below the poverty level and for the people of the food pantry,” Peyton says. “And to address the hunger.” To learn more and follow Peyton on her journey, visit her Instagram page at @_ eatsweet.

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Grateful Dogs Grooming and Daycare Opens in Wayne

By Steve Sears 6-year-old Alex Mazur recalls that summer day on Lake George with his girlfriend, Kylie Freer. “We were sitting by the lake and I said, ‘I want to do it. I want to work with animals,” he recalls. Mazur was working as a UPS driver, delivering packages daily. “And I wanted to do something that I loved,” he says adamantly, “and dogs were it. If I was going to work that hard, I was going to do it on my terms. I knew I wanted to do it. I went to school to learn how to groom dogs, and here we are today.” Grateful Dogs Grooming and Daycare opened on March 8. Freer, 24, who works as a Project Manager in the horseracing industry and is getting her MBA at Seton Hall University, handles the finance end of the business, while Mazur handles the grooming side, where he is perfecting his skills at the Clip Shop School of Dog Grooming. Post-schooling, he also worked at various grooming spots in addition to a doggy daycare facility. He was ready for this opportunity and, his schooling and skills indeed being stellar, here is the foremost reason. “I just wanted to work with animals. I had animals my entire life. My entire childhood growing up, I was always around canines, and especially when I met Kylie, I took her dogs and I just fell in love with her dogs, too. I felt like it was a good career for me to work with canines and give them a place to play and make them feel safe and keep them safe as well grooming-wise with their grooming needs.” Freer, with her financial and business acumen, feels the fact that Grateful Dogs has a bunch of different revenue

streams (“We have grooming, we have daycare, we want to offer retail, we eventually want to go into training, and we have some big ideas…”) is important in seeing the bigger picture. “With my expertise on the business end and looking at the finances and seeing the best phased approach to get to kind of our bigger goal, is what I think really complements my skills with Alex’s creative mind and his actual skill set with the grooming of the dogs.” The 3,000 square foot Grateful Dogs - which is open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for daycare, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for grooming, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for both daycare and grooming (closed Sunday) - offers an abundance of services. Included are bath, full grooms, de-shedding, de-skunking, nail trimmings, anal expression, and blueberry facials. Grateful Dogs also has a variety of daycare packages for all types of dog owners, including both full day and half day daycare. Daycare at Grateful Dogs is designed to offer a safe and fun environment for all dogs, and with indoor, outdoor, and small dog daycare rooms, there are options for all breeds. Here’s another asset. “The groomers that I have working with me as well have many years of experience,” says Mazur. “The groomers I have, as well as myself, have been grooming for three plus years, and I have another groomer that has been grooming about six years. We have tons of experience.” Freer piggybacks on Mazur’s comments, “Aside from experience, Alex really did pick pet groomers that really care for the pets and the dogs. They have their own approach, so continued on page 10

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Grateful Dogs...

continued from page 8 they’ll have their own undivided attention, and they really take their time. It doesn’t matter how long they take or what they need. They really will move mountains to make sure that dogs are safe and comfortable, and the owner is happy as well.” Per Freer, Mazur is also the creative mind behind the business, designing the logo and the interior of the facility, ensuring that the grooming room specifically was tailored to the comfort of the groomers so they can groom in the best environment. “The safest environment possible, yeah,” says Mazur. “And,” adds Freer, “to make sure that the dogs were comfortable as well. That’s kind of why we looked at the biggest space. So, he (Mazur) really has a knack for that aside from grooming. He really understands the industry and came up with the name ‘Grateful Dogs’ with the pun, and I think he really did a good job with that.” “And with her business aspect,” says Mazur of Freer, “I’ve seen how Kylie works all the time, with many different companies, taking on internships and everything. I think Kylie’s really qualified to help me run the business end of it and also,” “And Alex can teach me how to groom and really care for the dogs,” Freer interjects. “I actually sat in on a couple courses that he

was taking just to sharpen his skills a little bit on the grooming side as well as the daycare just to make sure that the dogs are as safe as possible in group play and seeing what we can offer to stimulate their minds and get them excited to be here.” Pairing their talents, Freer says she really believes that she and Mazur can make Grateful Dogs a success. “And you know,” she attests, “being young it definitely is scary and there’s a lot of things that we didn’t know about. But also, being so young, it’s kind of like, ‘Well, what do we have to lose? We have the support of our family, friends. They think we could be great at this. Let’s believe in ourselves.’” The duo plans on having events at Grateful Dogs and looks to get involved with adoption agencies. “We really want to see where we can make the most impact,” says Freer. “We really want to partner with one that we feel that we can help and really make an impact on these dogs’ lives. I think we have the space to do it. We’re looking into some things that we can do now, aside from just hosting events. We can offer donations or something along those lines. So that’s something on our radar right now.” Grateful Dogs is located at 1123 Rt 23-NJ Wayne. Call 973-954-7703 and visit www. gratefuldogswaynenj.com.

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Brought to you by Dr. Matthew Krupnick, the owner of Pequannock Animal Hospital

Coping with the Loss of a Pet tunity. Reach out to others. Grief often can turn a person inward, and your feelings may be bottled up. Talking about your emotions, whether it’s with a trusted friend or even a therapist, may help. Online message boards that cover grief and pet loss may provide the support you need. Leaning on others who have been in your shoes may help you recover more quickly. Create mementos or a legacy for the pet. Creating mementos may help children who are having their own difficulty dealing with pet loss. Work with your child to create a photo album or plant a tree to honor your pet. Dealing with a pet that must be euthanized can be especially difficult. Pet owners can choose to be in the room during the procedure, and that decision should not be made lightly. If you think you can handle it and you want to be there to comfort your continued on page 13

The strong bonds many people share with their pets can make the death of those pets, be it sudden or expected, difficult to handle. It’s not uncommon to be traumatized when a pet dies, and such grief may be influenced by the pet’s age at the time of its death, the circumstances surrounding that death and the nature of the relationship between the owner and pet. Different pet owners deal with the death of a pet in different ways, but the following are some ways to cope with the loss of a companion animal. Recognize that everyone feels differently. Grief is expressed in many different ways. What one person experiences may not be the norm for another. You may go through a variety of emotions, from anger at the circumstances and being left without your pet, to guilt if you believe there may have been something more you could have done to prolong the animal’s life. Mourn in your own way, and afford others the same oppor-

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Loss of a Pet... continued from page 12 pet, then you might be more comfortable being in the room. But being present when a pet is euthanized can be emotional, so give this decision serious consideration. Once a pet has died, many owners debate whether or not to bring a new pet into their homes. Another animal around the house can fill the void created when your previous pet passed away, and some people adopt or buy a new pet before an old or sick pet passes away to make the transition as smooth as possible. A new pet should

only be brought into the home when you’re ready to build a new relationship. 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.

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Support Local Theater & Local Businesses by Coming Out of The Cold and Into Murder

he West Milford Players in conjunction with The Mysterical Players want to keep theater alive in the local area. Please support The WM Players and DeMarco’s Restaurant in Hewitt NJ and attend one of our Murder Mystery Dinner Theaters. Two performances on March 21, 2021 2:00pm & Thursday March 25, 2021 7:00pm. Seating times start 1/2 hour prior to start time. Tickets are only $35.00 and include the show, buffet dinner with Chicken Franchise, Eggplant Rollatini, Penne Vodka, Salad, Bread, Dessert, Tax & Gratuity. BYOB (Beer or Wine) and/or purchase soft drinks the day of show. The perfor-

mances will be at DeMarco’s Restaurant, 1926 Union Valley Road, Hewitt, NJ. Tickets can be purchased in groups of 3-8 people at www.wmplayers.org. Due to CDC Guidelines, a Max. of 40 tickets will be sold for each performance. Masks must be worn when not seated & a Covid Questionnaire & Temperature check will be done before entering the restaurant. Questions, please call The West Milford Players at 973-697-4400. Please consider helping us keep live theater in West Milford alive & support a wonderful show complete with dinner. We know you are DYING to see a show & enjoy a wonderful meal at the same time.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

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Homeowner Alert! Review Your Tax Forms New Tax Rules are Creating Confusion

Because of new laws many home related tax rules have changed and now require you to prove how funds are used to qualify for a deduction. This is catching many taxpayers by surprise. So when your mortgage company reports tax-related information to you and the IRS using Form 1098, it no longer means all the interest and points reported on these statements are tax-deductible. Mortgage interest deductions have new loan amount limits. For new mortgages starting on or after Dec. 15, 2017, you can deduct interest on up to $750,000 of the loan (down from $1 million for mortgages initiated before Dec. 15, 2017). If your original mortgage is above the threshold, a calculation will be done to determine the deductible amount of interest. You can’t simply

deduct the full amount of interest being reported on your Form 1098. Proceeds not used to buy a home add complexity. Proceeds from home equity debt that are not used to build, buy or substantially improve a qualified home are no longer tax-deductible. This includes mortgage or home equity proceeds used to pay for college expenses, debit consolidation or other purposes. Mortgage companies issuing these loans will still send you a Form 1098, but it’s up to you to prove how you use the funds during the current year and any prior year. Mortgage points requires review of settlement statements. Points are paid as a way to obtain a lower interest rate. Generally, points are deductible in the year they are paid, but they have more restrictions than mort-

gage interest. Points paid to refinance an existing mortgage, for example, may need to be deducted over the life of the loan. If you bought or refinanced a home in 2018, a review of your mortgage settlement statement may be required to ensure proper tax treatment of the cost of your points. Mortgage insurance premiums are not deductible. Congress did not extend the mortgage insurance premium deduction for 2018. If you pay mortgage insurance, don’t wait to file your taxes thinking Congress will change their minds. File your taxes on a timely basis and expect to feel the impact of this eliminated deduction. With these changes, properly calculating 2018 mortgage deductions is more complicated. For each Form 1098 you receive,

make a note on the form to explain what the loan is for to ensure a proper deduction. Robert P. Sokoloff and Associates, PC, 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 Quick-

Books 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.

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Letter to the Editor: Sound Bytes

By Meg Sturm o many sounds. They are everywhere. We can’t even begin to count the sounds that we hear all around us. We are surrounded constantly by them. They interrupt everything. They come from the world around us like an unending marching band showing no sign in stopping. The news. What is it today? Is it news on Covid? Are we hearing how many people we have lost in our country, in our world? It seems to never end. Turn the TV on every morning, walk through your kitchen and ask Alexa to play the news. How many more people lost their lives? How many people are waiting and hoping for the vaccine? Then, a commercial. It seems to play louder than the program we were just hearing. Good grief, why does it need to be so loud? So, what is on the commercial slate for today? Is it a commercial of lawyers, urging you call if you have been negatively affected by a medication

you have taken? Is it a commercial about how your skin is aging and what you absolutely need to do to the remedy it and by the way, do it now! You don’t have a minute to lose if you’re not going to become an old goat walking around this world actually showing people that you have been here for a while, thank the Lord. Or perhaps, you watch and hear the commercial that seems to be 15 minutes long, you know the one, it’s about how many dogs are unloved, uncared for, suffering, starving and alone. The news continues to crash in our ears as we listen. Trump, Biden, left, right, please make it stop, it is exhausting our souls. We have sounds from our job, in our own house, kids complaining that life is not being fair right now. They can’t physically go to school; they can’t go out and do the fun things that they used to do. So very unfair, they’re life is so very unfair. And you hear it, your ears sting with thoughts of possibly, “you don’t know how

lucky you actually are” or you hear yourself say for the hundredth time, “things will go back to normal soon.” Too many sounds. Way too many. But what if we took the time to step away from all those sounds and find a place, a space, to just listen to hear nothing from around us, but work on a quiet place within us. Impossible? No, it is there waiting for us. I wake this morning with an unusual empty house. Quiet is all around. Nice. So nice. Then, that ol’ crashing wave again. I lay listing all my woes, everything on the to-do list, and everything that I can’t fix. Then I realize, that it is just more noise. Stop girl, time to just stop. So, lots of deep breathes, let me ground myself, let me hear quiet, instead of sounds. So, after much effort and several minutes, it’s happening. I can hear the quiet. My mind is starting to calm and seems to take off a too-tight seat belt that you sometimes feel in the car when you hit the brakes. For

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me, it sounded like this. I could hear my breathing. I could hear my aching heart thanking me for union break. Then, my mind went deeper. I could hear the blowing wind of the graveyard where my father-in-law was laid to rest in April, stupid Covid. I could hear that wind that day in my mind. It sounds like the earth breathing, like big gulps of cold, fresh air from its ancient lungs. Thank you old wind for the calm. I hear that sound. I hear the sound of my husband’s hand rubbing my arm; his hands, finger nails and all, are scratchy, dry, weathered from work and life, and the rubbing sound on my arm that he is making is rough, and beautiful to me. I can hear the sound in my mind of music from the church I used to physically sit it, preCovid, and it is solemn, reverent, and connecting. Is that now the sound of my soul? The soul I have been carrying around since birth? The one that I shut out because it’s too buried under life’s noise? What would you be able to

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hear if you shut out the noise? The distant recollection of your grandfather’s voice? The incredible sound of joy when you held your baby for the first time, when the hospital room went silent in your head, and you could hear love, actually hear it, like angels singing from a new little baby in your arms. Can you hear your faith deep inside? Try, is speaking. Mine is saying, ‘you are held by something so much larger; I’ve got you, relax. How lovely all these things continued on page 20

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Better-for-You Family Breakfasts

aking sure your family members get a nutritious start to the day is an important job, and by focusing on a few wholesome ingredients, such as real milk, simple and healthful dishes can quickly become family favorites. Each day should begin with a balanced breakfast, so when mornings get hectic and meal prepping isn’t possible, you can still start strong with a convenient, iconic pairing – cereal and real milk. Enjoyable on their own, real milk and General Mills Big G Cereals, like Honey Nut Cheerios, are even better together, delivering essential nutrients to help fuel the morning with the taste kids – and adults – can call a daily favorite. In fact, dairy milk is the top food source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium, and cereal is the top food source of fiber – which are four nutrients of public health concern identified by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This nutritious breakfast combination costs only around 50 cents per serving – so parents can give their children nutrients they need without breaking the bank. Another delicious breakfast option is a Cheesy Bacon-Broccoli Quiche, which offers 11 grams of protein per serving while introducing picky eaters to veggies in an appetizing way. If a busy schedule calls for an on-the-go option, real milk provides essential nutrients and can be blended into a Banana Breakfast Shake for a tasty and portable way to start the day. About 90% of the U.S. population does not meet dairy recommendations outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Most individuals would benefit by increasing intake of nutrient-dense, calcium-rich dairy milk. One 8-ounce glass of dairy milk contains almost as much calcium as six cups of kale and the same amount of protein found in 1 1/2 medium eggs, making real milk an easy and delicious way for your little ones to get important nutrients they need. Visit milklife.com for more health-focused, simple and delicious family meal inspiration. Cheesy Bacon-Broccoli Quiche Servings: 6

1 package (10 ounces) frozen broccoli with cheese sauce 3 slices turkey bacon, chopped 1/2 cup white mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup green onions, chopped 1 frozen prepared pie shell (9 inches) 4 eggs 1 cup fat free or low fat dairy milk 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Preheat oven to 350 F. In microwave, prepare broccoli and cheese sauce according to package directions; set aside to cool slightly. In nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook bacon, mushrooms and green onions until bacon is cooked through and mushrooms are tender. Scatter bacon mixture in bottom of pie shell; place pie shell on baking sheet. In bowl, whisk eggs and dairy milk then stir in broccoli and cheese sauce along with cheddar cheese. Pour custard into pie shell and bake 35-45 minutes, or until center is just set and knife blade comes out clean when inserted into center of quiche. Let cool at least 10 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving. Nutritional information per serving: 280 calories; 16 g fat; 6 g saturated fat; 160 mg cholesterol; 11 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 510 mg sodium; 150 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk. Banana Breakfast Shake Servings: 2 (6 ounces milk per serving) 1 1/2 cups fat free or low fat dairy milk 1 frozen medium banana, peeled and sliced 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) cinnamon, for garnish (optional) In blender container, combine dairy milk, banana, vanilla extract and almond extract. Blend until smooth, about 20 seconds. Pour into two glasses and garnish with sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired. Nutritional information per serving: 120 calories; 0 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 7 g protein; 23 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 100 mg sodium; 190 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk. (Family Features)

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Lucky Shamrock Cookies

ie batter. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 11-24 minutes until the edges of the cookies are light brown. Cool on a wire rack before devouring. With so much mixing and scooping to be done, this is a great recipe for kids to get involved in the kitchen, too. One of the best parts is the eye-catching color. Watch children’s smiling little faces as the batter turns from light brown to dark green for a priceless reaction. After being perfectly baked, these cookies are bright, fun and will be the hit of any celebration. Soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edges and as green as can be. You can’t ask for much more on St. Patrick’s Day. Find more recipes, celebration ideas and dessert favorites for every occasion at Culinary.net. Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Servings: 24-32 2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt

t’s your lucky day because you don’t have to search for the pot of gold under the rainbow for this winning recipe. Throw out the old Irish classics and sweeten things up this year with some mint chocolate chip fun. If you’re in a crunch for St. Patrick’s Day and need something glowing with green, here is a dessert that is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds (and more). These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are as green as four-leaf clovers and have delicious chocolate chips mixed throughout for some extra sweet flavor. Served beside a big glass of milk, they are perfect treats for any St. Patrick’s Day party or virtual gathering. To start the recipe, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, add butter, sugar, eggs, green food coloring and peppermint extract for that crisp mint flavor. Beat with a hand mixture and combine the ingredients in both bowls together. Add chocolate chips to the mixed cook-

1 cup butter, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar 2 eggs 30 drops green food coloring 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 package (12 ounces) chocolate chips Heat oven to 375 F. In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until blended. Set aside. In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar

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Colorectal Cancer: Screening and Prevention

By Chris Bauer MD arch was first declared National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by President Clinton in February of 2020. Since that time colorectal cancer advocacy, research, and awareness has increased dramatically. Colorectal cancer is any cancerous condition that affects the large intestine or rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in females and in men. It is the second leading cause of death. Becoming knowledgeable about colorectal cancer is essential for everyone’s wellbeing. There are many genetic and environmental factors that can increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. A family medical history of Lynch syndrome or other colonic polyp syndromes does confer a significant risk for people to develop colon cancer. Many times, genetic testing and meeting with a genetic counselor can determine if a person is a carrier for these genetic cancer syndromes. Additionally, inflammatory bowel diseases such ulcerative colitis and Crohns Disease show a strong connection with colorectal cancer. Several lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and increased BMI all are factors that confer a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer. Increased consumption of processed meat and red meat have also been shown to increase one’s risk of getting colorectal cancer. Just as there are many risk factors for colorectal cancer, there are also many protective factors that can assist people in lowering their risk of getting colorectal cancer. Having a healthy diet and regular physical exercise are two of the greatest preventative measures one can take to lower their risk of getting colorectal cancer. Planned walking routines as

well as building more activity such as having more steps in your daily life are just some of the ways to accomplish this. However, the mechanism is unknown as to why increased levels of aerobic physical activity causes people to have lower levels of colorectal cancer. Additionally, what we consume in our diet also plays a tremendous role in our odds of developing colorectal cancer. Personal diets that are high in fruits and vegetables are essential in doing this. Taking fiber daily, increasing daily vitamin B6 intake, and adding calcium supplementation and dairy products in your diet also can be quite helpful. Colorectal cancer can be treated most successfully if it is identified early. It is particularly important that the warning signs of early cancer are discussed. Screening for colorectal is essential in diagnosing asymptomatic people with cancer. The most common symptom of this cancer is a change in bowel habits. Other common symptoms of colorectal cancers include abdominal pain, blood in the stool and unexplained iron deficient anemia. Abdominal bloating and extreme nausea and vomiting are signs of advanced disease. Screening for colorectal cancer is a major preventative care initiative in the United States. Screening is recommended beginning at age 45 to 50 years of age depending on which guidelines are used. Additionally, if a close relative had colorectal cancer or you have had another type of cancer screening may need to be initiated earlier. The most common way to screen for colorectal cancer is by getting a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is when a small camera is placed in the large intestine and small colonic polyps are removed or documented for further therapy. Other screening methods include testing stool samples for blood

and analyzing stool samples for different immunochemical particles that may indicate the presence of cancer. People should discuss with their physician which screening test is right for them based on their individual medical history. By raising colorectal cancer awareness and by getting timely colorectal screening tests we can lower the rate of this deadly disease in New Jersey.

Sound Bytes continued from page 16 sound. They are treasures and gifts that we jeopardize losing is we continually let our lives be overthrown with other sounds. These sound gems are sustaining, restoring, and renewing. What an amazing practice it would be if we all could find that place, that space in each of us to hear sounds that don’t create worry and concern, but create calm, love, and peace. That the more we sit within our own quiet, the easier it will be to hear those sounds and connect to your core, your breathe, your heart. This is not an easy practice, I know. But crucial to our human experience. So off goes the Tv this morning, off goes Alexa, off goes news radio and everything else that is life-sucking, soul-sucking, noise. For even if it is a small amount of time and space that we can find a place for this tapping into our human sounds, our heart sound, or life sounds, lets us count them as gems from deep within our own personal earth, like the sound of a gentle, quiet underground stream ever flowing for that is the true sounds of our lives.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • March 2021 • Page 23

Home Buying During the COVID-19 Outbreak

omeowners know that the process of buying a home can be both exciting and nervewracking. The anxiety associated with buying a home has hit new heights during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Historically low interest rates and limited inventory has made 2020 an especially unique time to buy a home. It’s also a competitive and potentially expensive time to buy a home. While the economic consequences of COVID-19 have been severe, the Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as Fannie Mae, forecasted a significant increase in median home prices in March 2020. City dwellers have scrambled to buy homes outside of cities, where social distancing is more difficult and the risk of getting COVID-19 appears greater than it is in suburban or rural settings. That’s led to a lot of competition among prospective buyers. Prospective home buyers willing to enter the hectic fray and shop for a home during the COVID-19 outbreak may benefit from knowing what to expect as they search for their next home. • Get ready for virtual tours. Buyers might once have scoffed at the notion of

buying a home they’d only seen in videos, but virtual tours have become the new normal in the wake of the pandemic. An April survey from the National Association of Realtors® found that home tours had declined sharply. While 98 percent of realtors reported taking clients on home tours as recently as February, that number had declined to 63 percent by April. As many regions pause their reopening plans, prospective home buyers should ready themselves for virtual tours as opposed to in-person home tours. • Expect limited inventory. While home prices are up, many people are holding onto their homes. The NAR reports that total housing inventory at the end of May 2020 was down nearly 19 percent from the end of May 2019. Buyers will have less inventory to choose from, so those intent on buying may need to prioritize what they need in a home and focus on finding properties that can fulfill those needs. • Expect to move quickly. Realtors have seen homes sell within days of being listed, and that has put pressure on buyers to move quickly. It also highlights the importance of finding a home inspector before your search begins as well as a lender

who can handle quick closings. Ask around for recommendations, but make sure you have these two important professionals lined up before beginning your search. Doing so will give you a better chance of buying in an unusual time. • Make the best down payment you can afford. A high down payment makes buy-

ers look better no matter the state of the economy. An offer with a high down payment looks like a stronger offer, and that can make the difference between winning and losing a potential bidding war. Buying a home during the COVID-19 outbreak presents some unique challenges to prospective buyers.

Custom Home-Buying Tips for First Timers

ven considering being able to design your own custom home is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just exploring your options, here are tips to keep in mind. Know what you’re signing up for. Building a custom home is a significant undertaking and a major life decision. It’s a big commitment in terms of time, money and energy. While this shouldn’t scare you away from your dream home, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the kids or busy caring for an ailing parent, it may be best to start this later. Hire the right professionals. You may be a DIY pro, but this isn’t a project you want to take on yourself, even partly. Key professionals you’ll need to work with include an architect, plumber, electrician and more. Consider also working with a designer who can help with the interiors to make sure the space is as functional as it is beautiful. Do your research to find quality pros — this isn’t the time to skimp on labor. Think about furniture layout early. While it may seem a bit premature to start deco-

rating your living room before the foundation is laid, knowing how you’ll want to use and lay out each room can help you during the building and design process. For example, you can save time and money down the line when you know from the get-go you’ll want a window seat and two large couches to face the fireplace. Know where to save and spend. Costs can quickly add up, so it’s important for you to decide early on what matters most to you, and what’s worth investing in. You can always upgrade your flooring or cabinetry, but you can never change the foundation. Build your home to last longer and perform better with innovative building materials like insulated custom forms (ICFs) from Nudura. This alternative to wood framing can withstand fire and high winds and provides superior insulation, leading to significant savings on your energy bills year after year. Prepare for the unexpected. Building a new home is a process, and you can minimize stress by embracing that it will be unpredictable and can change throughout the journey. Plan for things like weather delays

and higher costs. The unexpected can also lead to positive changes in your plans. For example, you might come across a new flooring material that’s more eco-friendly, or a smart home automation system might

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How Agents and Sellers Can Work Together

elling a home can be stressful. Despite this, 5.51 million existing U.S. homes were sold in 2017, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®. In many cases, homeowners choose to work with real estate agents to facilitate the process of listing, showing and selling their homes. Real estate agents are valuable assets. Agents have neighborhood knowledge, are educated in pricing trends, can filter phone calls or emails from buyers who aren’t serious, and can organize all of the people necessary for a closing. Real estate agents provide many services that the average person may not have the time nor the experience to handle. When selecting an agent to sell a home, homeowners may not understand that the terms real estate agent and REALTOR® are not interchangeable. Although both must be licensed to sell real estate, the main difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® is the latter is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR ensures that members subscribe to a certain code of ethics. There are many qualified agents, but an agent cannot do his or her job well without

some help on the part of the homeowner. These tips can make the process of selling a home go smoothly. • Price the home correctly. Homeowners should trust the agent’s ability to price a home for the market. Everyone wants to get the most money possible, but listing the home for more than it’s worth may cause it to sit unnecessarily for several weeks or months, which could raise red flags among potential buyers. • Market the home. A real estate agent will list the home via a multiple listing service (MLS) on a private website, in newspapers, and wherever else he or she feels is pertinent. Homeowners can share the listing via social media and word of mouth to help increase the chances of selling the home. • Be available. Limiting the time an agent can show the house to potential buyers is in no one’s best interest. Sellers should be ready and willing to open their homes, which is the best way to make a sale. An agent may suggest a lock box so the home can be shown when homeowners are not on the property. • Make suggested renovations. Agents know which features can make or break a

sale. Homeowners should be amenable to certain suggestions, such as neutral paint colors, removing personal effects and clearing clutter. • Give recommendations. Real estate is a commission-based industry. Agents often tirelessly put in hours and only reap

rewards if the house is sold. A homeowner who was satisfied with an agent can then recommend that person to friends or family. By working with real estate professionals, homeowners can sell their homes quickly.

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Danielle Fiorina Ranks 7th in All of New Jersey and 139th Nationwide for Century 21

atricia 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 DOUBLE CENTURION® award for CENTURY 21 System sales affiliates that earn a minimum of $564,000 in gross commission sales or 132 closed transactions sides within the calendar year. Danielle Fiorina is ranked 7th for CENTURY 21 agents in New Jersey and is ranked 139th nationwide, is a NJ REALTOR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award winner for the past 15 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 ninth consecutive year and is the recipient of the Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, as well as titled the Top Office Producer for 2020. “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 15 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 pleased to have her market knowl-

edge and business skills in my office,” says CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate’s Wojtyszyn. Make your first choice, the right choice, call Danielle at 973-460-4352.

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ENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate is pleased to announce that Colleen A. McMahon has achieved the NJ Realtors® 2020 Circle of Excellence Award® Gold level. This award recognizes the top producing agents in the state. To earn the Gold Award, recipients must achieve $12 million in sales and a minimum of 25 units, or 90 units sold. In addition to the Gold Award, McMahon has achieved CENTURY 21’s CENTURION Award, as well as the President’s Producer Award and Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award. During her 26 year career with CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, Colleen has earned over 20 NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Awards. The CENTURION Award is one of the most prestigious awards presented to CENTURY 21 Real Estate Professionals. For 2020, Colleen has also been ranked #20 out of the Top 100 CENTURY 21 Agents

in New Jersey. Colleen is consistently a Top Producer in the office. “At CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, we are pleased to commend Colleen A. McMahon for both being named a NJ Realtors® 2020 Circle of Excellence Award® Gold recipient and the #20 CENTURY 21 Agent in New Jersey,” says Patricia R. Wojtyszyn, CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate Broker/Owner, adding, “Colleen is consistently a top producer for our agency, consistently meeting or exceeding her sales goals. She offers her clients the upmost professionalism and dedication in meeting their real estate needs, especially during 2020 which presented a host of challenges due to the pandemic. We look forward to assisting Colleen in meeting her sales goals for 2021.” Servicing the Northern New Jersey area since 1981, CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, Inc. enjoys a fine reputation specializing in residential, commercial and rental proper-

ties. CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, Inc. is an award-winning, full service real estate agency located at 142 Professional Center on Route 23 North in Pompton Plains. Members of CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate’s award-winning sales team can be reached at (973) 686-1500. CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of CENTURY 21 Real Estate, the iconic brand and franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, comprised of approximately 6,800 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 78 countries and territories worldwide with more than 100,000 independent sales professionals. The CENTURY 21® System provides brand marks, marketing, communications and innovative technology solutions that help enable its franchisees and their independent agents to attract and engage prospects,

nurture customers, and deliver a positive real estate transaction experience.

Century 21 Crest Real Estate Agent Tere Episale Earns Silver NJ Realtors® 2020 Circle Of Excellence Award®

ENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate is pleased to announce that Tere Episale has achieved the NJ Realtors® 2020 Circle of Excellence Award® Silver level. This award recognizes the top producing agents in the state. To earn the Silver Award, recipients must achieve $6.5 million in sales and a minimum of 20 units, or 70 units sold. In addition to the Silver Award, McMahon has achieved Masters Emerald and Quality Service Pinnacle Producer awards. During her 33-year tenure at CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, Tere Episale has been been awarded the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Award® (formerly known as Million Dollar Club) 32 times since 1987. She has also been named a NJR Distinguished Sales Club “Lifetime” Award winner. Tere has received the CENTURY 21® Quality Service Pinnacle Producer award for the past eight years. For 2020, Tere has been ranked #98 out of the Top 100 CENTURY 21 Agents in New Jersey. She is consistently a Top Producer in the office. Tere can be reached at episalet@gmail.com, via phone or text at 201-960-908, on Facebook at Real Estate in TEREtory, or on her website TEREtory. com “At CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, we are pleased to commend Tere Episale for both being named a NJ Realtors® 2020 Circle of Excellence Award® Silver recipient

ing in residential, commercial, and rental properties. CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, Inc. is an award-winning, full service real estate agency located at 142 Profession-

al Center on Route 23 North in Pompton Plains. Members of CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate’s award-winning sales team can be reached at (973) 686-1500.

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and the #98 CENTURY 21 Agent in New Jersey,” says Patricia R. Wojtyszyn, CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate Broker/Owner, adding, “Tere, who is known for her slogan ‘Real Estate in TEREtory’ is a top producer for our office. For the past 33 years, she has offered her customers personalized and professional service, including during 2020 which presented a host of challenges due to the pandemic. We look forward to assisting Tere in meeting her sales goals for 2021.” Servicing the Northern New Jersey area since 1981, CENTURY 21 Crest Real Estate, Inc. enjoys a fine reputation specializ-

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • March 2021 • Page 27

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Page 28 • March 2021 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

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Terrie O’Connor Realtors Congratulate Their Circle of Excellence Winners for 2020

errie O’Connor Realtors, Kinnelon is pleased to announce that Barbara Pagella, Debra Zyskowski, Jane DeVincintis, Karen Hoffman and Kathleen Velischek are being recognized by the New Jersey Association of REALTORS® for demonstrating excellence in the field of salesmanship i n 2020. Each year the top producing agents in the state are awarded the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award achieving specified levels in both the number of closed transactions and i n the dollar amount of closed transactions. “What a great professional and successful group of the finest agents in the area. Well deserved recognition for so many! During this very difficult year they excelled once again to meet the needs of all their clients!” said Terrie O’Connor, President/Owner Terrie O’Connor Realtors. Barbara Pagella is the recipient of the Gold Level NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award which i s a minimum of $12 million and 25 units in production. She was also awarded the Kinnelon office Top Agent and the Terrie O’Connor Realtors $10-$20 Million Production Award and is

a member of the prestigious Terrie O’Connor Realtors P resident’s Circle. Debra Zyskowski is the recipient of the Silver Level NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award which is a minimum of $6.5 million and 20 units in production. She is also the recipient of the Terrie O’Connor Realtors $5-$10 Million Production Award. Jane DeVincentis is the recipient of the Bronze Level NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award which is a minimum of $2.5 million and 15 units in production. She is also the recipient of the Terrie O’Connor Realtors $5-$10 Million Production Award. Karen Hoffman is the recipient of the Bronze Level NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award which is a minimum of $2.5 million and 15 units in production. She is also the recipient of the Terrie O’Connor Realtors $5-$10 Million Production Award. Jane DeVincentis and Karen Hoffman were also awarded the Terrie O’Connor Realtors Top Team award. Kathleen Velischek is the recipient of the Bronze Level NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award which is a minimum of $2.5 million and 15 units in production. She is also the recipient of

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The Scribble Garden: A Place of Friendship, Creativity, and Love

By Steve Sears he Scribble Garden owner, Heidi Robak, is a forward thinker and doer, accomplishes much. Robak feels that the reason The Scribble Garden – where creativity grows - lasted during the “teeth” of COVID19 is that she is accommodating and is not afraid of change. “I will figure out a way to get it done, and I get it done. And I have everything I need here to do that.” “This is like my happy place.” In 2007, Robak founded The Happy Dance LLC, which is now under The Scribble Garden roof. It started in 2005, when her daughter wanted to be a fairy princess, so Robak created her first fairy costume. “I’ve been covered with glitter and feathers ever since,” she says. She then started making school spirit wear which people loved, and then she started doing fairy programs in and outside of Pequannock. ”In 2007, I was like, ‘The Fairy Lady.’ I was doing costumes. Then, it just kept going and going and going. I just kept saying, ‘Yes.’ I still don’t know how to say, ‘No.’ It makes me feel good to be able to do what I can. I can’t afford to give money, but I can make and give products.” Those products included her popular witch hats, which she started making and selling every October in Salem, Massachusetts since 2008. In March 2020, Robak piv-

oted from hat making into COVID mask making for selling and for donation. Initially, her whole operation was out of her home. The basement and garage packed with her supplies, she then bought a shed and started piling things in there. “It’s crazy,” she says with a laugh. And it’s all centered around kids and helping families. “That’s what I like to do,” she says. Finally, in September 2019, she secured her current location, and she claims with a laugh that the day she signed the lease, her husband John was at the back door, arms full, ready to shoulder it open and move her stuff in. “He was so happy,” she says of her husband’s eagerness to move the operation to a new location. “With fairy costumes, there’s feathers, there’s glitter…it’s a mess, and it grows, and it doesn’t go away, ever. We still have glitter at the house.” Memories for her customers – and her are now being created at 163 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock. “I had kind of an opening on December 12 (of 2019),” she says, unveiling her store for the holidays for two weeks in December after locals kept asking when she’d be open. “And then I closed and opened in February, and then I closed in March.” The pandemic halted on-site operations as some events were moved to Zoom. “And I was booked until June. It was so exciting; everyone, the outpouring from this

community, and Wayne, and wherever I’ve been ‘The Fairy Lady…’ Robak starts to cry. “I was so amazed at how many people came to support me.” She then opened to the public again in August 2020. She says, “I’m still here, which is amazing to me. “ Regarding COVID19, comfort and safety are a top priority. Masks are worn at The Scribble Garden, and an air purifier runs 24/7. If over 8 people are inside the location, fans are turned on and windows are open. There is a minimum of 5 people to reserve space at The Scribble Garden, where cooking classes, craft and painting workshops, learning skills, enjoying cocoa, tea, ice cream treats and more all make happiness. Robak also bakes; there is a certified kitchen for baking on site. “I found out I like making chocolate,” she says, “so, for Easter, we’re going to have chocolate here as well.” Robak cares, has a good heart. Some local businesses she gives free shelf space to market their goods, she invites local artists to schedule events and exhibit their skills, and a fondant cake expert will head in to teach classes in April. “Everything we do,” she says, “is to try and help people. I try to give people an opportunity to do something and further themselves.” Robak is school sponsor for the Pompton Plains Pre-School, runs the Pequannock Street Festival, and she also runs the K-Fest in Kinnelon. “Plus, I’ve been doing my own event, the Shop ‘n Drop, which gives back to the community. I donate coats, food, and gifts for the community.” And, of course, she’s at The Scribble Gar-

den, a unique spot to be creative and grab friendship. She packs her effort with love, and people notice, experience that love and hard work. Consider the one day when a young girl tried on a fairy costume that Robak had made especially for her. The young girl turned to her father and said, “Daddy, I’m pretty.” “That keeps me going,” Robak says, and then continues, “and a woman comes in here a lot and says, ‘We love what you’re doing. Keep doing what you’re doing.’ And I keep going. This,” she says, while looking all around her realm’s interior, “keeps me going. When people come in and they say that they like the place and they want to stay and do other things, and they get excited about some of the things I’m offering, that’s all I need.” In addition to her husband, who Robak says is an amazing man and a wonderful father (“He takes care of the kids, the house, and everything so I can make this happen”), she also has support from her daughters, Alexandra, 21, and Corinne, 18. “They have also been very supportive, and I have roped them in to helping me every step of the way.” What’s best about Robak is what’s best about The Scribble Garden. “It’s just everything I love in one place,” she says. “So, it’s not like work for me. And when people come in and tell me how happy they are and say, ‘Oh, I love this…’” She tears up again, then gets to the core of it all. “I want everything and everyone to feel good about themselves. And happy - and they can be.” Visit www.scribblegardencafe.com for more information.

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Discover Nature-Inspired Paint Trends for a Calming Home

hen it comes to home design, color can change everything. From understated, clean hues and calming neutrals to soft greens and mid-tone colors with artistic qualities, a whole new style is just brush strokes away. With the right color palette, you can transform your space to highlight contemporary trends while creating your desired ambiance. These curated Clark+Kensington color palettes, showcasing on-trend looks for 2021, are heavily inspired by nature and natural materials like raw cotton, linen, wood tones and soft, peaceful greens. The colors invite the best of the outdoors inside so you can design a personal refuge where you’re free to relax and unwind. Each of these three collections, assembled by the experts at Ace Hardware, can help conjure a sense of calm and offer inspiration so you can thoughtfully incorporate color into your home. Mindful Living If you want to bring new layers of wellness to your life, the calming neutrals and soft greens that make up this refreshing and cleansing palette may be just what you’re seeking. The muted tone of Fair Isle is a soft neutral that pairs well with a wide range of colors, such as the inviting Blue Spruce green that resembles a richly treed mountainside. Additionally, Swiss Coffee and Natural White offer neutral options that lend a surprising sense of coziness while Smokey Taupe and Playas de Cancun provide alternatives to bring bolder, but still soothing, color to your space. Understated Impact If minimalism and clean lines reflect your desire to simplify your surroundings, you’ll likely be drawn to a “less is more” approach

to design. This uncluttered sensibility allows you to focus on key elements of a room that are impactful yet edited. To achieve this look, build your palette around slate-like hues of gray and blue, such as Gothic Iron or a cooler take on slate with Magic Fountain. Options like Silent White and Abstract Gray lend neutral warmth while an earthy burgundy like Red Tulip or the deep, not-quite-black tones of Midnight Stroll are ideal for creating a focal point. Creative Escape This palette of mid-tone colors with artistic qualities may be best suited for someone who embraces traditional crafting techniques and delights in working with his or her hands. Striking slate blue Midnight Oil is reminiscent of waves crashing in the dark of night while Subtle Gray offers a softer take on the slate-like tones. As the name suggests, Fiddlehead Fern brings lush vegetation to mind while Act Naturally and Caramel Apple deliver pops of color consistent with streaks of an orange-kissed sunset. The most subtle of this collection, Beach Cottage, features a slightly peach-to-pinkish tint that gives unique character to a neutral selection. Any color in these palettes can be selected and ordered from the comfort of your home online using in-store pickup, curbside pickup or delivery from your local store. Start with color samples to test your colors on your walls in different locations and under different lighting then order your gallons and painting supplies when you’re ready to complete your project. Find more inspiration and all the supplies you need to transform your space with paint at acehardware.com. (Family Features)

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Sister Cities: Riverdale, New Jersey, Meet Riverdale, California

Photo courtesy of Riverdale, CA

By Steve Sears uddy Mendes, Fresno County Supervisor since 2015, says of tiny Riverdale, California, “It’s all farm ground. California is a little different than the rest of the country, especially the San Joaquin Valley. There’s no forest. You know, a guy from the Midwest would call it ‘woods,’” he says with a laugh. “There’s only a few native oaks. It’s farming.” Mendes started on a farming operation with his dad in 1980, and has been on his own since 1991, running BDL Farms. He grows pistachios, almonds, wheat, and pima cotton. “On one end of town there’s a dairy. The dairies in California are big; I think that dairy has at least 1,500 cows.” Riverdale is an unincorporated community, and with approximately 3,200 people residing in the tiny two square mile area on the west coast, it’s almost the same as its Garden State sister, which is also about two square miles and has about 3,500 residents. West Mount Whitney Avenue is the main street which runs through Riverdale. There is no place to stay overnight. You’ll have to travel 15 miles to Kings County to find the nearest lodging. However, if just passing through, there are a few nice but limited dining options. El Mercadito Mexican Restaurant is popular, as is Riverdale Pizza. For an old favorite, Subway Sandwich Shop is nearby, and Good Morning Donuts is a nice wake up place. Riverdale had its beginnings in the late 1800s with Liberty Station, which was a stagecoach stop around 1870. “There was a stagecoach stop there and horse chang-

ing deal. And then there was a post office there,” says Mendes. The post office was moved to Riverdale in the 1890s. Mendes also mentions, “Then the railroad came through here; it’s not here today. And that’s really how it (Riverdale) kind of grew a little bit, right around the turn of the century.” According to Mendes, Riverdale – which hosts a Riverdale Rodeo & Parade in May of every year – was at one time referred to as “Cream City.” “Danish Creamery had a creamery here at one time,” he says of the 125-year-old company. “And what they did is consolidate them all into Fresno, and Danish Creamery today is a California dairy thing, which is, I think, like the second or third largest cooperative creamery in the United States. It started in Fresno in the 1890s, and they had a small creamery here, because in the old days there used to be a lot of little 10 and 20 cow dairies all around here.” “There’s a pretty nice school there,” the Supervisor says, referring to the Riverdale School System that is part of the Riverdale Joint Unified School District, which is located close to the center of California. “The district itself is pretty large,” Mendes adds with emphasis. Indeed. The Riverdale Joint Unified School District has 133.11 square miles of land area. As of 2010-2014, the total Riverdale Joint Unified School District population was 7,027. Riverdale, California does claim a named famous citizen. Heat of the Night start Alan Autry, who played Captain Bubba Skinner on the popular show, and who also in 1976 played quarterback for the Green Bay Pack-

ers for a few games, lived in Riverdale for a period. He also served for a few years as Mayor of the City of Fresno. If you’re looking for just a nice place to

stop off and rest briefly, Mendes says Riverdale is the place. For more information, visit www.fresnocountyca.gov.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • March 2021 • Page 37

Pompton Plains Writer/Director Explores Making Peace with Your Past in New Short Film ‘Wistful Pieces’

By Jillian Risberg t’s a story of forgiveness and how the world you see isn’t really all there is. Ellany Kincross recently wrapped her new short film, ‘Wistful Pieces,’ taking a page out of the writer/ director’s own life, letting go of an ex-boyfriend and moving on from her own personal pain. “It was cathartic because the piece really forced me to think a lot about him and the relationship. Earlier drafts of the script I was writing from his perspective and was going to go into production and film it that way. There was something nagging at me and I really need to tell it from my perspective,” Kincross says, adding she did exactly that, ripping the whole thing apart and rewriting it from the girlfriend (wife’s) perspective. Looking back at their union, the actress says they were young and he was a troubled guy. “Everybody has issues and I think probably any of the previous hurt I had had about the situation, I feel at peace about it now,” she says. “I don’t think he’s a bad person.” We’re introduced to Nick and Nadia, a successful New Jersey couple in their 40s married for 12 years. Their lives revolved around love and career until Nadia’s ex-boyfriend, Adam enters the picture. Adam is desperate to make peace with the past. As he thrusts himself into their lives, Nick and Nadia’s commitment is tested by otherworldly forces. It starts with Nadia receiving an unexpected letter from Adam (her high school prom date), where he indicates that he had a very bad car accident and wants to meet up with her to try to regain lost memories.

“This is obviously somebody she has not thought about in many, many years,” says the writer/director, who also acted in the film. “She decides not to get together and help him, sends him an email and (thinks) that’s the end of that. He shows up at her house a few days later appealing to her for assistance. When she’s reluctant, he grabs her arm in desperation.” According to Kincross, the husband comes walking up and you kind of think this is a stalker piece — it isn’t. Nick tells him, ‘you need to leave’ and he unwillingly leaves. Then the wife starts to have some symptoms. She’s fainting, can’t eat, can’t sleep and turns out when Adam confronted them in the driveway he was actually a ghost. He sent that letter before he passed and because he wasn’t able to resolve the painful breakup they had before his untimely death — he came to her as a ghost, attaching his energy to her upon touching. “She continues to get worse and they end up going to a medium to resolve the issue. The medium helps wrap up the story,” the writer/director says, noting you find out that when Nadia and Adam broke up years earlier, he asked to get back together and she gave him a second chance. What she didn’t realize was that they were not exclusive, according to the writer. “He was dating her and someone else at the same time, and he got this other woman pregnant,” says Kincross. “She was very hurt and offended and said, ‘it’s your problem to deal with, don’t bother me again’ and he never did.

“It’s helped me heal from the process and I’ve gone back and forth about it so many times — when he contacted me five/six years later was he still trying to make amends for what happened previously or did he really did have something happen to him. Was it just an excuse; I’ll never really know.” The actress used that as the inciting event but fast forwarded to a couple now in their 40s, then added the supernatural element because she felt it would be more effective storytelling. “Neither one of them was very interested in anything new agey or woo-woo or supernatural prior to this,” she says. “It opens them up to the possibility of a new perception of the continued on page 38

Page 38 • March 2021 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Wistful Pieces...

continued from page 37 world.” In the session with the medium Nadia is asked to forgive Adam for what happened in the past and release him, to allow a sense of closure so that his spirit can move on and she can too. “Of course, she’s reluctant to do so because it’s about opening up a wound that she hasn’t given any focus or attention to in a very long time,” the writer says, adding that they had a fitting poster made for the film, with the tagline ‘Have you made peace with your past.’ Things happen to us in life, and you can’t just shove them somewhere and think it’s taken care of; it’s not, according to Kincross. “So it’s an opportunity not only for the ex-boyfriend to have healing and closure, but for her because she never really made peace with herself,” says the writer/director. With all of Hollywood shut down for months and actors of stage and screen out of work, the process of making a film during COVID has been challenging. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, in order to make a film with Guild actors Kincross needed to be in compliance with the standards they set forth. “They had a very specific, regimented way we could even conduct a shoot,” she says. “Everybody had to get COVID tests in advance and when we got to set, the crew had to maintain masks all the time, except (during) lunch break. The actors kept their masks on all through rehearsals and set and lights. The minute we were ready to do a take, masks came off; as soon as we were done or cut, masks went back on.” Kincross says there are so many actors dying to work right now. “I had actors on top shows: ‘Bull,’ ‘Law n Order’ or any of the New York shows submit, and were like ‘I wanna play your husband’ in this’ or ‘I wanna play the ex-boyfriend.’ I don’t think we would have had the same kind of response to the casting if COVID wasn’t happening,” says the writer. “They want to keep using the acting muscles. It’s a supernatural story so there was an appeal to that based on the fact that everyone’s looking for escapism right now.”

When she did her initial search for a director of photography and sound and lighting person; she said it was alarming that some people weren’t interested in getting COVID tests or being on set wearing a mask. “I was like, I’m sorry, I can’t bring you into my production,” Kincross says, adding that of her film’s eventual cast and crew — everybody followed the rules. “You find the people that are willing to be compliant (because) people want to work,” says the writer/director. “Some of these people hadn’t been on set in six months, nine months. So to be shooting something, they were thrilled.” Kincross felt the piece could be universal in theme since we all have people in our past that we need to make peace with. “It could be a parent, an ex-lover, a spouse that you’re no longer with,” she says. “It’s about seeing this couple have their lives blown up a little (and) this woman finally decides to forgive this guy.” Whether it’s theater or film, she says for the person watching — something within you shifts. So remember that the ex-boyfriend was a human being; maybe he wasn’t perfect, maybe his choices weren’t great but he’s dead and moved on and wanted closure before he passed. With that realization maybe she should just let go of the anger or the fear she had toward that person, according to Kincross. “What happens to this couple is their eyes are opened and altered,” says the actress. “Another takeaway is the uncertainty of life. Nick and Nadia are going along, living their lives, then the past steps in to ‘rock the boat.’ Yes, it’s unexpected and unwelcome, but the past serves as a catalyst to help Nadia heal herself, be a better person in her relationship to Nick and also be a better human being.” That’s what we all strive for. “Being better than we are,” Kincross says. “I’d love to think that after all is said and done that maybe Nadia has learned to be a more forgiving person because of what she’s experienced.” For more information, visit www.wistfulpieces.com.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • March 2021 • Page 39

Morris County Vocational School District and County College of Morris Introduce Criminal Justice Program for High School Students

he Morris County Vocational School District, in partnership with County College of Morris (CCM), offers a new share time program, Criminal Justice, for Morris County high school students. The program is for students interested in law, public safety, corrections, and security. Students will learn through college-level work and hands-on activities. “We are thrilled to offer a new program for high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice and public safety. We know many high school students will be excited to get a jump start in earning college credits in this subject area”, said Shari Castelli, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction at Morris County Vocational School District. Coursework will include Intro to Public Safety Careers, Criminology, Intro to Policing, Intro to Emergency Management, Juvenile Delinquency, Criminal Law and Procedure, Forensic Science, and Cultural Diversity. Castelli also stated the program would include strong private and public-sector program partners who offer workbased learning experiences through industry partnerships.

Upon completion of the two-year program, students will earn 36 credits from CCM with three possible pathways after graduation for career advancement: 1) Direct entry into the workforce with college credit 2) One-year completion of Associate Degree 3) Transfer with advanced standing to a four- year college or university Students in 10th grade may apply via online application at www.mcvts.org/apply, click on Share Time Programs. The application deadline is March 26th. The district’s share time programs provide half-day specialized career and technical education training as part of a student’s junior and senior year high school program. The programs prepare students for career-related employment and post-secondary placement. The Morris County Vocational School District (www.mcvts.org) offers programs for Morris County high school students, including Career Academies, Share Time Programs, and Adult Education programs. For additional information, contact Gina Di-

Domenico, Student Recruitment & Community Relations Specialist at didomenicog@

mcvts.org or call (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.

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A Saint Patrick’s Day Story

By Richard Mabey Jr. n the Summer of 1905, Catherine Cavanaugh, a saddened widow with a six-year-old daughter, Bertha, left Cork County Ireland to come to America. At age 27, Catherine was pretty much alone in the world. Both of her parents had passed away. She had no aunts and uncles in Ireland. But, her mother’s sister, Shannon, lived in America with Shannon’s husband, Patrick McNulty. What calls thy heart to leave hearth and home? What stirs thy veins to dream of finding a new start in life? For my great grandmother, Catherine Cavanaugh, the call came in the form of a series of letters from her Aunt Shannon, who lived in the Delawanna section of Clifton, New Jersey. We think of bravery as the heart of the soldier, walking in the front line, charging across the field of Gettysburg. Or, the astronaut aboard a rocket headed for the far reaches of space. Or, our nation’s founding fathers, standing tall and proud for liberty. Yet, there lies in heart, a kind of quiet and tranquil and steadfast bravery. The immense courage of the immigrant who left hearth and home of their country, knowing that

they would never return, to come to this place of promise, they only knew as America. Such was the heart-felt bravery of my dear great grandmother as she boarded ship, holding her daughter in one hand and her two steerage class tickets in her other hand. One single trunk, was all Catherine Cavanaugh had to bring all the earthly possessions of herself and her young daughter. The steerage class was the lowest living quarters for a passenger crossing the vast Atlantic. It was the lowest deck of the ship, where the cargo was stored. The food for steerage class passengers was horrible. And, drinking water was not plentiful. Steerage class accommodations were usually terribly overcrowded. But for my great grandmother, one thing kept her strong as she crossed the Atlantic with her little daughter, my grandmother. And, that one thing was the hope of a better life. Aunt Shannon wrote her niece, Catherine, many letters of the many factory jobs in Clifton and Paterson. This place called New Jersey, offered new hope for Catherine.

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Covid Relief for Chilton

Computers Inc Opens in Bloomingdale

n February 21, Bloomingdale welcomed the new owners of Computers Inc., to the Borough. Whether upgrading a computer, maintaining a current one, or starting fresh; Computers Inc., has the computer expertise to help. From data backups to network and printer installations, their team has the tools to get you running better than ever! Computers Inc. is

located at 39 Matin St. in Bloomingdale. Pictured: Owner Chaim Meghnagi, Greg De Santis, James Pellegrino, Jesse Ginder, Dominick Esposito, Mayor John D’Amato, and Councilmen John Graziano. Not pictured, Bloomingdale Economic Development Commission members Jennifer Ellis, Michele Reynolds, and Farah Sayyed.

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s it continues to support the efforts of organizations battling the pandemic, the KearnyBank Foundation recently donated $50,000 to the Chilton Medical Foundation, based in Pompton Plains. This funding will be used primarily in support of the healthcare workers who are on the front lines in the fight against COVID19. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the KearnyBank Foundation has con-

tributed $509,000 in grants focused on public health, education access, small businesses, and community support. In addition to Chilton Medical Center and Chilton Medical Foundation, recipients have included St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Community Medical Center Foundation, Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, and Atlanticare Foundation, along with Eva’s Village, Oasis, the Urban League of Essex County, Center for Food Action, and the American Red Cross.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • March 2021 • Page 43

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