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December 2020

Quilting for a Cause NJ Sews and Donates Quilt # 4,000

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By Steve Sears equannock-based Quilting for a Cause NJ has for almost four years donated quilts to the homeless in all 50 United States and 6 other countries.

In fact, in early 2019 the group received from the Township of Pequannock a proclamation citing its worthwhile endeavors and significant achievement in making by that time 1,772 quilts.

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NJ recently reached a milestone of creating and donating their 4,000th quilt.

“Reaching 4,000 quilts in less than four years is a huge accomplishment,” says founder, Rosemary Deming-Phalon.

“The number just snuck up on us. I am so proud of our volunteers. I am grateful for the countless hours of volunteer work. There has been no hesitation at all to continue our mission. The need for quilts is greater than ever. The numcontinued on page 6

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Page 2 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Our Team Looks Forward To A Long Term Partnership Serving You And Your Families Dental Needs Caring and Serving the local communities dental needs for over 12 years Patient Testimonials: I always leave with a better smile than when I arrive. Great treatments, great folks, always at the top of their game. I’m happy to have the cutting edge dentistry that solves all my dental concerns.

David K. HHHHH

My only regret is not being a patient here sooner.

Jim M. HHHHH Very professional place that felt like home when you walked in.

The practice is very caring about their patients and concerned for their needs. Overall great impression! Charles HHHHH

Welcome Our team is thrilled to welcome Dr. Kelly Fennelly to TEAM PVDA! Dr. Fennelly was born and raised in Pompton Plains and is thrilled to be back in her hometown practicing dentistry!

When not in the office, Dr. Fennelly loves spending time exploring the outdoors with her husband Tim. She’s an avid mountain biker in the summer and enjoys hitting the slopes in the winter. Dr. Fennelly also enjoys taking walks and hikes with her active chocolate lab pup Layla.

Dr. Fennelly completed her undergraduate degree at Marist College.

She then graduated from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in 2018, followed by completing a general practice residency at Upstate Medical University for more advanced training.

679 NEWARK POMPTON TURNPIKE POMPTON PLAINS • (973) 907-7326 WWW.PVDENTALASSOCIATES.COM

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 3

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©2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act & the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offering of other real estate brokers.

Page 4 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

FINANCIAL FOCUS

W

Consider These Year-End Financial Moves

e’re nearing the end of 2020 – and for many of us, it will be a relief to turn the calendar page on this challenging year. However, we’ve still got a few weeks left, which means you have time to make some year-end financial moves that may work in your favor.

Here are a few suggestions: • Add to your IRA. For the 2020 tax year, you can put in up to $6,000 to your traditional or Roth IRA, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older. If you haven’t reached this limit, consider adding some money. You actually have until April 15, 2021, to contribute to your IRA for 2020, but the sooner you put the money in, the quicker it can go to work for you. Plus, if you have to pay taxes in April, you’ll be less likely to contribute to your IRA then.

• Make an extra 401(k) payment. If it’s allowed by your employer, put in a little extra to your 401(k) or similar retirement plan. And if your salary goes up next year, increase your regular contributions.

• See your tax advisor. It’s possible that you could improve your tax situation by making some investment-related moves. For example, if you sold some investments whose value has

increased, you could incur capital gains taxes. To offset these gains, you could sell other investments that have lost value, assuming these investments are no longer essential to your financial strategy. Your tax advisor can evaluate this type of move, along with others, to determine those that may be appropriate for your situation.

• Review your investment mix. As you consider your portfolio, think about the events of these past 12 months and how you responded to them. When COVID-19 hit early in the year, and the financial markets plunged, did you find yourself worrying constantly about the losses you were taking, even though they were just on “paper” at that point? Did you even sell investments to “cut your losses” without waiting for a market recovery? If so, you might want to consult with a financial professional to determine if your investment mix is still appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance, or if you need to make some changes.

• Evaluate your need for retirement plan withdrawals. If you are 72 or older, you must start taking withdrawals – technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs – from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or

similar retirement plan. Typically, you must take these RMDs by December 31 every year.

However, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act suspended, or waived, all RMDs due in 2020. If you’re in this age group, but you don’t need the money, you can let your retirement accounts continue growing on a tax-deferred basis.

• Think about the future. Are you saving enough for your children’s college education?

Are you still on track toward the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned? Or have your retirement plans changed as a result of the pandemic? All of these issues can affect your investment strategies, so you’ll want to think carefully about what decisions you may need to make.

Looking back – and ahead – can help you make the moves to end 2020 on a positive note and start 2021 on the right foot.

erage investors. My Branch Office Administrator, Ellie Racz, and I are dedicated to providing you top-notch client service. Please call us today to schedule a complementary consultation at 973-248-3359. Our office is located at 88 Wanaque Ave in Pompton Lakes and my email address is: daniel.murray@edwardjones.com.”

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

“As an Edward Jones financial advisor, I’ve had the privilege of serving clients for over six years. My primary goal is to help our clients develop an investment strategy geared toward their unique, long-term goals and to coach them around the mistakes made by av-

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The Various Advantages to Shopping Locally

esidents of a given town or city are often encouraged to support local businesses by looking to these firms to fill their needs. Small businesses are not just integral parts of communities, employing millions across the country, they also are operations that fund the very communities they service.

Efforts to promote shopping local appear to be working. According to the Commonwealth Financial Group, over the last several years there has been a shift in consumer purchasing behavior marked by a preference among consumers to support locally owned shops and stores over big-box retailers and even online shopping.

The following are some key reasons why shopping locally not only benefits small business owners, but also the communities they call home and the customers they serve.

• More money stays in the community: According to the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains in the community. Conversely, only 43 percent of every $100 spent at a chain retailer stays in the community.

• Job creation: The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies says local business-

es create the majority of economic growth.

They employ millions of Americans by creating roughly two-thirds of private sector jobs.

Local business owners also tend to hire people who represent the demographics of the communities where the business is located, which may include historically underserved populations.

• Diversity of products: Local stores tend to diversify their products and services to meet the needs of the local communities, whereas chain stores often stock their shelves based on national demands.

• Personalized service: A small business owner may be more inclined to go to great lengths to make customers happy because the long-term success of the business depends on customers becoming repeat customers.

• Personal connection: Knowing the people behind a business facilitates a connection not easily achieved with other companies.

Customers may celebrate when a favorite business succeeds and look to spread the word about that business because they feel like they played a positive role in its success.

Shopping locally has gained momentum and is fueled by the many advantages to supporting local businesses.

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Page 6 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Quilting for a Cause... continued from front page bers of people who are without homes is on the rise.”

The group, which Deming-Phalon and her husband, Joe, founded in their living room with a few volunteers on January 21, 2017, used that day fabric that they’d inherited from his mother. An initial few adults and Girl Scout members have grown to around 75-100 volunteers. “The number fluctuates,” Deming-Phalon says.

The group, which annually holds a Sewa-Thon, was denied the opportunity this year. Poor weather in January and the arrival of the COVID19 pandemic two months later squashed those plans. “Our 4-year anniversary is January 17, 2021. We are planning a virtual celebration,” says Deming-Phalon. Also, Quilting for a Cause NJ has not been able to meet once per month as a group due to the coronavirus, but in-

stead has been sewing at their homes. “We pass around supplies by leaving bags on volunteers’ doorsteps,” says Deming-Phalon. “When the quilts are finished, we bring them to Haydon Corporation in Wayne.

Rich Phelan and his company pay to ship our quilts to all of the United States.” Demand is large. “We currently have a waiting list to receive our quilts. We used to seek out locations to donate our quilts.”

A key note to make is that the group’s quilt production slowed down when they were asked by Chilton Hospital to make masks. “Once the word was out,” says Deming-Phalon, “we got requests from everywhere for masks. We made over 5,000 masks; we stopped counting. Our donations of fabric just keep coming. We had a thread drive in September, and we received enough thread to keep us quilting for an-

other year. We do, however, need donations of quilt batting.”

Per Deming-Phalon, Quilting for a Cause NJ eagerly looks forward to the new year.

“We are anxious to get together as a large group again. The energy in the room is exciting. We hope to get back to having corporate days where companies such as Target, give their employees a day off to volunteer with us. 2021 will be bigger and better

than ever. It will be nice to get back on the street and give our quilts directly to those in need.”

Deming-Phalon also states new volunteers are always welcome. “We are always looking for new volunteers. Everyone is welcome and there is no experience necessary. You can email us or leave a message on Facebook or on our website, www.Quiltingforacausenj.org.”

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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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 7

Your Beauty is our Business

A special thank you to our clients for their support this year!

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BOSTON LOUIS jewelers

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 9

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alling all GIRLS! We are looking for Pompton Lakes and Riverdale girls, grades K to 12th who want to make friends, travel, learn important life skills, experience the arts and more importantly have FUN! Join our GIRL SCOUT family today! Contact Paulette B. by emailing LETUNA2@GMAIL.COM for

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Local Residents Excel at Saint Peter’s Prep

J

ames C. DeAngelo, ‘85, principal of Saint Peter’s Prep, has announced academic honors earned in the past year by local residents: Pompton Plains: Nicolas Gronda, ‘20

was inducted into the Science National Honor Society.

Prospect Park: Steven Makino, ‘20 was named an AP Scholar with Honors.

What’s happening in your school or organization?

Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

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

Holidays Potentially Hazardous to Pets The holiday season is full of joy. But in the midst of decorating and socializing, pet owners may overlook the needs of their pets. Hectic schedules and homes full of unusual décor can throw pets off-kilter.

No pet owner wants their pet to feel uncomfortable or suffer any injuries, so it’s important that owners exercise caution with the following items come the holiday season: Bones: Is turkey on the menu for the family feast? If so, resist the urge to toss some bones and scraps to dogs or cats.

Small bones or bone chips can become lodged in the digestive tracts of pets and cause serious injury. If you want to provide your pet with a holiday treat, choose a safer, store-bought bone.

Aromatic oils: The holidays are not the same without the familiar scent of mint, cinnamon or pine. Some people resort to

scented candles or aromatherapy oils to create the perfect holiday ambiance. But some synthetic aromas or even natural extracts can be toxic to cats and dogs. Stick to

course during the holiday season. Dogs should avoid all chocolate, but dark chocolate poses a particularly serious threat.

Chocolate can cause agitation, elevated heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and even death. In addition, candy or cookies sweetened with the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure for dogs.

Pine needles and trees: When ingested, pine needles can puncture the intestines of pets. In search of an easy drink, dogs and cats may be drawn to the fresh water reservoir of live trees, increasing the likelihood that they knock over a Christmas tree, injuring them and causing damage around the house. Trees should be properly secured and fallen needles should be non-toxic items and keep them well out of promptly discarded.

Tinsel and decorations: Skip the tinsel the pet’s reach. if you have a cat. Felines are likely to misChocolate and other sweets: An abuncontinued on page 11 dance of treats seems to be par for the

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 11

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Hazardous to Pets... continued from page 10 take tinsel for a toy. Eating tinsel can cause severe damage to a cat’s intestinal tract, as it may get caught in the stomach while the rest of it continues to pass through the intestines. Tinsel also may wrap around the tongue, increasing the cat’s risk of choking. Ornaments also are tempting playthings. Cats may pounce on glass ornaments, breaking them and suffering injury. Keep pets in mind when selecting tree ornaments, and opt for unbreakable ornaments when possible.

Electrical cords: The American Animal Hospital Association says holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew. Secure all cords and keep them out of reach of pets.

Candles: The subtle flicker of a lit candle can add ambiance to any space. But all it takes is the swish of a tail or the tap of a paw to knock over a candle and spark a

fire. Never leave lit candles unattended. If you have boisterous pets, opt for LED simulated candles instead.

Alcohol: Spirits are sometimes a part of celebrations, but alcoholic beverages should be kept out of reach of pets. Alcohol suppresses the immune system and it can result in significant health issues for pets who consume it.

The holiday season is a time for celebration. Ensure that these festivities are as safe for pets as they are enjoyable.

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.

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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Neighbors Helping Neighbors According to Hill, “We are here for anyone who needs help. We had very committed members who chose to ride for those who could not, they were dedicated to the functioning of the squad behind the scene.” Hill describes being scared initially because “we didn’t know at what point how sick you could get.” Hill also wanted to thank everyone in the community who supplied TBFAS with PPE.

He said, “The generosity and ingenuity of all of the individuals that donated PPE supplies to us was inspiring and kept our spirits up during a very tumultuous time.”

Anish Kuriachen, an EMT and TBFAS member since 2018 agrees, “initially there was some fear, but the PPE we had, including donated 3D printer face shields made by, a local community resident plus the deconcontinued on page 14

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tended their regular assigned duty time or added a increase of hours and days for five consecutive months to make sure their neighbors and surrounding communities had coverage for medical, trauma and COVID19 calls. Justin Hill, Anish Kuriachen, Bill Sondermeyer, Amanda LoCicero, Matt Marletta, Annette Vanderhoff, Liz Szymanski, Diana Scardone, Dave Pandoscak, Skip Mullen, Hazel Whitty, Brian Hoeft, Lee Blay, and George Chernetz have been the mainstay of the squad during these uncertain times. We cannot thank them enough.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 13

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors... continued from page 12 tamination protocol of TBFAS, made me feel more comfortable.” The COVID team was trained to wear N-95 masks, face shields goggles or glasses and gowns or Tyvek suits. “ TBFAS answered and served the communities regardless of the nature of the dispatched call. “Even though the reason for the calls was more profound than the normal calls we usually have I joined the Squad to help people regardless of the situation and we did,” said Bill Sondermeyer, EMT and 27 year veteran of TBFAS. Sondermeyer believed the training and the PPE that was available to him were adequate for his protection when he went into patient’s homes, but he routinely saw “real fear” in the eyes of the patients and their caregivers.

According to, Amanda LoCicero EMT and 5 year veteran of TBFAS, “We saw quite a few COVID cases and I lost some close friends during it, but I also noticed the call volume would come in cycles—initially patients were concerned that they had it, then patients’ families called because the actual patients were afraid to go to the hospital and then we had calls from patients who had mental and physical responses to the stress of the entire COVID pandemic.”

TBFAS took the safety of its riding members and those they came in contact with very seriously. Matt Marletta, who volunteers on two squads, including TBFAS and has a paid position as an EMT found that,

“A lot of people don’t understand that we can’t let our guard down and when we ride we have to think that every single person we come across could have COVID. We take precautions because we are just trying to protect ourselves so we can help you.”

Annette Vanderhoff, another TBFAS member, would like people to continue “to take COVID seriously until we get a true vaccine or cure—it is going to take some time”.

As the flu season begins and all scientific evidence points to another and perhaps longer wave of COVID calls for TBFAS in 2020 into 2021, the Ask is a simple one, according to Liz Szymanski, an EMT and 10 year veteran of TBFAS, “Keep wearing masks to reduce transmission, be careful and get tested.”

As to why they do it, Diana Scardone, a COVID Team driver who joined TBFAS in February 2020 echoed the team’s core spirit… “People need help and I can help.”

We salute all those who were on duty these past 7 months, but especially want to praise our new and young Members. Expectations and hope for the future rest on the premise that the young people have so much to offer society. TBFAS has the proof, as we learned when our new Members and Millennials answered the call after Covid19 struck. They accepted their responsibility effectively and with honor.

Tri-boro First Aid Squad is participating in National GIVING TUESDAY. Donations can be made directly to http://www.triborofirstaidsquad.org/donations

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?

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 15

T

Save Money with These Year-End Ideas

here’s still time to reduce your potential tax obligation and save money this year (and next). Here are some ideas to consider: • Estimate your 2019 and 2020 taxable income. With these estimates you can determine which year receives the greatest benefit from a reduction in income. By understanding what the tax rate will be for your next dollar earned, you can understand the tax benefit of reducing income this year AND next year.

• Fund tax-deferred retirement accounts. An easy way to reduce your taxable income is to fully fund retirement accounts that have tax-deferred status.

The most common accounts are 401(k)s, 403(b)s and various IRAs (traditional, SEP and SIMPLE).

• Take your required minimum distributions (RMDs). If you are 70½ or older, you need to take required RMDs from your retirement accounts by Dec. 31. Don’t forget to make all RMDs because the fines are hefty if you don’t — 50 percent of the amount you should have withdrawn.

Keep in mind, even if you don’t have RMDs yet, removing a planned amount

from your retirement accounts each year may be more tax efficient than waiting until you are required to do so.

• Manage your gains and losses. Rebalance your investment portfolio, and take any final investment gains and losses.

When you have more losses than gains, up to $3,000 can be used to reduce your ordinary income. With careful planning, you can take advantage of this loss amount each year.

• Finalize your gift-giving strategy. Each year you may gift up to $15,000 without tax reporting consequences to as many individuals as you choose. Consider any gift-giving you wish to make up to the annual limit. This could include gifts of cash or property, and investments.

• Donate to charities. Consider making end-of-year donations to eligible charities.

Donations of property in good or better condition and your charitable mileage are also deductible. Receiving proper documentation that acknowledges your contributions is important to ensure you obtain the full deduction. Have a plan by knowing your total deductions for the year to help you decide how much and when to

donate. Pulling some donations planned for 2020 into 2019 may be a good strategy.

• Review your automated billing transactions. This is a good time to identify what automatic monthly expenses should be reviewed for reduction or elimination.

You may also discover billing for services you thought were canceled. This specific review often catches errors that a simple account reconciliation may be missing.

• Organize records now. Start collecting and organizing your tax records to avoid the scramble come tax season.

• Develop your own list. Use these ideas as a jumping off point to create your own list of annual review items. It might also include reviewing college savings accounts, beneficiaries, insurance needs, wills, and going through an aging parent’s financial accounts.

Questions about the most effective money-saving moves for your situation?

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Page 16 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

K

Kinnelon High School Art Teacher Wins Award

By Steve Sears innelon High School Arts teacher, Alice Kivlon, was notified the week of October 19 by The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards that she was an awardee of the 15th Julia Margaret Cameron Award for the Digital Manipulation.

The competition featured the work of 910 photographers from 63 countries, who submitted 6,875 total photographs for consideration. “I’m pleased for the recognition,” Kivlon says. “In the past, I entered several different competitions, but I stopped it for a while because now I’m working on a children’s book (“That Day in May”). It (the book) should be out in November.”

She then adds, “As an awardee in the 15th Julia Margaret Cameron Award, I am invited to participate in the 6th edition of the Biennial of Fine Art & Documentary Photography that will be held in May 2021 in Barcelona at the FotoNostrum Gallery (www.fotonostrum.com). For the time being, the Biennial will be in May, and we will continue assessing the situation and will move the date forward (to June or July) if necessary. The Biennial will be held only when it will be feasible and safe to travel from any corner of the world to Barcelona.”

Kivlon was a previous winner in the 3rd Annual Julia Margaret Cameron Award for the Fine Art and Digital Manipulation Categories.

Kivlon, who resides in Paramus and has been teaching digital and photography art at the high school for 12 years, is a photomontage artist. She explains. “Photomontage is when you take different photos and you combine them, kind of like a collage. So, photomontage means photographs that are turned into a collage digitally.” Kivlon finds the art relax-

Photo credit: Alice Kivlon

ing. “Every image that I have has anywhere from 10 to 30 of my different photographs – I’m always photographing – and then I combine my photographs into the illustration. That’s the montage. And my work at the computer, it’s so much fun, that’s why I love teaching it.”

Kivlon fell in love with art in the 3rd grade when one of her pieces was selected to be displayed at the Bloomingdale Outdoor Clothesline Art Show. “They selected one of my works, I went there, and my parents were so proud, and that’s what started my love of art.” Initially a painter, she then attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan for graphic design. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and became an Art and Creative Director, even garnering a

Clio award for her work as “Best Calendar of the Year” when she created a calendar for Pepsi. She went back to school to get her teaching degree, and 30 years after receiving her bachelor’s degree, she returned to SVA for her master’s in digital photography.

Teaching digital photography, Kivlon has had students approach her and say they didn’t realize they were creative.

“It’s a great source of satisfaction for me, as is seeing my own finished work,” she says.

Her ultimate goal is to have a one-woman show. “That would be a dream: to have a one-woman show,” she says.

Visit www.AliceKivlon.com, and Kivlon’s ecommerce site at www.AliceInArt.com.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 17

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Dental Implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures.

Cosmetic Dentistry is any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite. Examples include procedures such as Whitening, Bonding. Dental Bridges, Veneers, Gum Lifts and Bite Reclamation.

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Page 18 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Local Writer Shares Special Connection to President Jimmy Carter

F

By Megan Roche or then 33-year-old Bloomfield resident Steve Sears, the computer operator was slowly finding that his work was no longer fulfilling to him. Always having an interest in writing, Sears submitted many of his poems for consideration for publishing. That’s when all sorts of rejection letters came.

Stopping by a bookstore after a long day at work, Sears found former President Jimmy Carter’s book of poems, Always a Reckoning and Other Poems, and picked it up. A fan of what he read, Sears penned the former president a letter, thanking him for keeping poetry alive while in the White House. After attaching some of his own poetry, Steve put the letter in an envelope, placed the stamp, and off it went to the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA. Fast forward about a month to March 1995, an envelope from the Carter Center arrived in Bloomfield.

“I got the first page of my letter back. Both the second page of my letter, nor my poems were included in the response. The first page of my letter had a very kind note from him thanking me for writing to him, showing his appreciation for my liking his poems, and a PS that he liked mine,” Sears recalled.

This was no official correspondence though. Sears received a personal, handwrit-

ten letter from the former president.

“What’s unique about the letter is that he just handwrote a response on the first page of my letter. There was no official letter sent from the Carter Center on official letterhead.

There wasn’t anything really presidential about it at all. It was like he was writing to a friend. I remember telling my mom, and my mom said, ‘that sounds just like him.’ He was just so down to earth and that and the document itself is something I value to this day,” Sears said.

That was the humble beginnings of where Steve Sears started his freelance writing career.

The letter still draws inspiration for Sears; it sits right next to his writing desk in his basement in a frame. Now 58 years old, Sears has made the freelance writing career lifestyle work for him. Looking back on his longevity in the freelance world, Sears passed along some advice to others who are looking to start their own freelance careers.

“Don’t let your career kill you and wear you down to the point where you don’t enjoy it anymore. You have to do something that you enjoy. No matter what you select, there are always going to be drawbacks, hard days, and peaks and valleys. But, you need to find out where the joy lies for you,” Sears said.

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That letter from President Carter came in 1995, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of Sears receiving the reply. Sears plans on sending a follow up letter to the Carter Center with a photo of the original letter, just to thank the former President for providing some inspiration for a very new writer.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but

when you write a letter to the White House, the interns respond to the letters. Our Presidents and Vice Presidents rarely see the correspondence that is sent to them, except in rare cases. This letter was very important to me, it was a huge source of encouragement, and it fueled my thirst for continuing on this writing journey.”

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 19

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 21

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Page 22 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

An Appetizer Worth the (Short) Wait

A

ppetizers are many people’s favorite part of a meal. From dips and finger foods to little treats and fried pieces of perfection, there is a wide array of considerations for a pre-meal snack.

Some appetizers are much more appropriate at certain events. For example, buffalo chicken wings are best enjoyed on game days, salads are normally served at showers and vegetable trays are a typical Thanksgiving Day classic.

However, there are recipes that are too easy to make and too satisfying not to serve at almost every festivity you and your family attend. This Easy Crab Rangoon shines above the rest for many reasons, but the main point of this heavenly sample is it’s easy to make and bake.

This appetizer is placed in the oven until it’s golden brown, topped with little green scallions with a creamy filling all packaged in a crispy outer layer.

Plus, the cream cheese is mixed with luscious amounts of crab meat. This is a seafood lover’s dream. Actually, it’s any appetizer lover’s dream.

To make this mouthwatering recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients and a few kitchen tools.

The little bites of perfection come out of the oven steaming hot, waiting to be topped with more crunchy, fresh scallions.

Once they have cooled for a few moments, they are ready to be devoured.

This bite-size, savory snack will be all the rage at family dinners and parties with the kids alike. They fit perfectly in the palms of hands and within a few bites, they are gone and your loved ones are asking for seconds.

Find more appetizer recipes that are simple and made to impress at Culinary.net.

Easy Crab Rangoon Servings: 12 Nonstick cooking spray 12 wonton wrappers 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 ounces lump crabmeat 1 scallion, sliced thin, green and white parts separated 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 teaspoon soy sauce Heat oven to 350 F.

Spray muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Press wonton wrappers into muffin cups. Lightly spray wrappers with nonstick cooking spray and bake until lightly browned, 6-9 minutes. Let cool slightly.

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese un-

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til smooth. Combine with crabmeat, scallion whites, ginger and soy sauce. Fill each wonton wrapper with filling. Bake until filling is heated through, 6-8 minutes.

Sprinkle with scallion greens. Serve warm. (Culinary.net)

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 23

Put a Zesty Spin on Weeknight Meals

D

inner in many households means foolproof recipes that families can count on, but those can become bland and boring. Finding new ways to put a twist on meals throughout the week adds fun to time spent in the kitchen while bringing new flavor to the table.

To help reinvigorate traditional weeknight dinners, chef Bobby Flay and Hidden Valley Ranch created the three-part Hidden Valley Ranch Night! series to debut dishes that bring bold flavor to traditional meals, such as these recipes for Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce and Ranch Seasoned Chicken and Mushroom Quesadillas with Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream. The series will provide a spin on weeknight staples to showcase the simplicity, versatility and zesty flavor of ranch seasoning when used to create family-friendly dinners any night of the week.

Find more information, including series episodes and additional recipes, at hiddenvalley.com/ranch-night.

Ranch Crusted Burgers with Avocado Ranch Sauce

Servings: 4 Avocado Ranch Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon well-shaken buttermilk 1/2 teaspoon Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning kosher salt freshly ground black pepper 3 green onions, thinly sliced 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced Ranch Spice Crusted Burger: 1 1/2 tsps Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning 1 teaspoon paprika kosher salt freshly ground pepper 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80% lean) 2 tablespoons canola oil 8 slices American cheese 1/4cup water 4 brioche buns, split in half Avocado Ranch Sauce To make avocado ranch sauce: In bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, salt and pepper until

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hen it comes to fall, certain foods become an iconic representation of the season. Sweet treats are certainly part of the seasonal traditions for many families, especially when they call for the versatile flavor of apples.

You can make your next family dessert a hit with the rich taste of Country Caramel Apples, a simple take on a classic fall treat that calls for just three ingredients. Just carve out round pieces of apple, insert toothpicks into each bite then let little ones help roll on the caramel dip and crushed pecans.

An option like the Envy apple, which has been referred to as “the ultimate apple experience” for its consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch, adds just the right texture. Easy to spot with their crimson red skin over a golden background that practically glows, the apples are naturally descended from Braeburn and Royal Gala apple varieties, bred by farmers who use time-honored plant-breeding methods. Plus, the apples’ bright white flesh is naturally slow to brown when sliced, so they stay fresher longer.

Find more fall recipe ideas at EnvyApple. com.

Country Caramel Apples 3 Envy Apples crushed pecans caramel dip Using melon ball scoop, carve out round apple pieces by starting at skin and rotating inward.

Insert one toothpick into each apple piece.

Place crushed pecans in small bowl.

Roll round apple pieces in caramel dip then crushed pecans.

Place coated apple bites on serving tray and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Family Features)

Page 24 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Re-Tool, The Tool Consignment Place, Prepares for 5th Anniversary

F

By Steve Sears or 68-year-old Ralph DiBuono, owner of Re-Tool, The Tool Consignment Place, perhaps it’s like childhood all over again.

“I love tools,” he states, “and when I walk in here, it’s just like a kid in a candy store kind of thing. I know they’re not mine and I know I’ll be selling them. But I’m still walking around, looking at them, and touching them, handling all the tools, and just enjoying them.”

For DiBuono, who worked in the construction field for over 40 years, he rubbing elbows (not only plumbing elbows) with plumbers, electricians, and carpenters, while also teaching shop class to Special Needs students for 10 years and also doing maintenance for the same amount of time at Passaic County Technical Institute, there is a fondness for older tools which seem to last longer than the newer made models. He is visited often by those in the before mentioned fields who desire reliable tools to perform their trades. “The steel is better,” he says. “A lot of them are from 40, 50, 60 years ago, and those are the ones that the guys want. The steel is so much better and lasts forever. Newer made items are used for two and three times, and sometimes break. A regular mechanic is not going to want something like that.” continued on page 25

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 25

Re-Tool...

continued from page 24 “I had just given away to my nephew a pipe vise,” he says, recalling the initial idea for is store. “A big, rigid pipe vise. And, about a week later, I happened to be glancing through a magazine, and they were selling for almost $400. I was like, “Holy cow – I didn’t realize they sold for that much!” he says with a laugh. “And then I was driving down the street and saw consignment shops, and it kind of went together.”

Those consignments shops he saw were for clothing and toys, and he then realized he’d never seen one for tools. He set out to open one, and Re-Tool, The Tool Consignment Place, was born. He sells barely used and newer tools, but also some older gems. DiBuono is often on the receiving end of older tools after people seek to give them away.

“Number one,” he attests, “they sell better. Number two, I’ve just always loved tools ever since I was a kid.” He also sells tools he receives at a lower price after he searches online for a selling price. “I even try to go below or at the same price as eBay because there’s no shipping involved, depending on what the item is.” Pickup is at his store, and on a few occasions, DiBuono has even saved the day for customers. “Yeah, I’ve done that a couple of times.

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The guys come in and say, ‘Oh man, I couldn’t find this anywhere,’ and they came in and they found it, and they were very happy about it.”

Perhaps the most unique item in his shop is a large cross-cut saw used by duo lumberjacks in the late 1800s for sawing trees. There have been a few items he’s received in his shop that he regrets selling. “There are so many items over the years that I’ve sold, I’m sure there are a couple of things that I shouldn’t have given up,” he says. “And not necessarily old ones, but just things I would like to have owned. Maybe like a portable planer or jointer, because I still enjoy woodworking, so giving up some of the tools that I don’t have, I look back and say, ‘You know, I should’ve kept that.’”

His most unusual reception? The day a fellow, who did sets for plays, was moving from the area to New York City. “He brought a whole truck load of stuff in,” DiBuono remembers. “I still have a bunch of stuff down in my basement that I couldn’t put out yet. It’s so much stuff.”

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Page 26 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

A Christmas Story

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By Richard Mabey Jr. he Christmas of 1973 was so very dear and precious to my heart. I was to learn the important spiritual lesson to never give up on a goal, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. I was 20 years old and my cousin, Howard Palmer, was 19. We both were born in early September, our birthdays were just a few days apart. So that was just one of the common bonds that welded our spirit of brotherhood to each other.

Howard suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. From about the time he was five years old, he was confined to a wheelchair. We were close cousins, in all so many ways we were closer than a lot of brothers are. Howard was a very intelligent boy. He was an incredibly talented artist.

He developed his own unique style in both oil paints and water colors. His forte was landscapes. But, he also had a great talent for painting portraits.

In mid-December of 1973, Howard came down with pneumonia. It was a most sad thing. When he went into the hospital, I cried. When my mom told me the news that Howard was in the hospital, I took a walk in the woods behind my house, to the towpath of the old Morris Canal.

I sat upon the foundation of my great grandfather’s old icehouse and I cried my eyes out. I knew that the odds were that Howard was not going to pull through.

Evening came and that night, I cried myself to sleep.

Howard was always like a brother to me. During the summer time, I would hop onto my bicycle and ride the ribbon

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of road of old Route 202, down to Howard’s house. We both lived on Route 202, about a mile apart. Howard lived in Montville, I lived in Lincoln Park.

We would sit at the kitchen table and I would write stories and Howard would draw and paint. I would arrive early morning to Howard’s house. I would help Aunt Bert, Howard’s mom, get Howard up from bed and into his wheelchair. Howard and I used to listen to Cousin Brucie play the hits on the old WABC-AM radio station, as we fulfilled our artistic and creative destinies upon that humble kitchen table.

Aunt Bert would be stirring soup at her stove, with home-made bread in the oven. Aunt Bert would make soup from scratch that would put canned soup to shame.

At lunch time, I had the high honor of cutting the warm bread into thick slices. Howard loved to sop up the soup with his buttered bread.

When I saw Howard in the hospital, he was working on a painting for his dear mother. It was to be a surprise. It was early morning and there was Howard sitting up in his hospital bed, with his little bottle of oil paints spread all about his bed. It was a most heart-warming scene.

Howard was fully aware that his time on this earth was coming to a close. The good Lord blessed Howard with a private room, in the hospital. Howard and I talked and talked and talked about the hereafter, during my many times of visiting him in the hospital. While we talked, Howard would keep on working on his painting for his mom.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 27

Was Santa Claus Invented in Morristown?

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By Henry M. Holden he image of Santa Claus is iconic. He strikes a portly figure, with a fluffy, white-as-snow beard, red coat with a white faux fur collar and cuffs, white fur-cuffed trousers, a red hat with white-fur trim, white gloves, and black belt and boots, carrying a bag of gifts for all good children. His jolly delivery makes young and old find a warm spot in their heart for this legend. And he is fondly remembered through the illustrations of Thomas Nast.

Thomas Nast (1840-1902) and his family moved from Germany to Elmhurst, N.Y. when Nast was six years old.

Nast was not a good student in the normal sense of the word, spending much of his time doodling. When his parents put him in art school when he was thirteen, he flourished almost overnight.

The original drawing, Santa was an elfish-looking figure wearing a brown fur suit with stars on it. Nast’s Santa grew in size and shape and the suit evolved into the ensemble that resembles the image of the jolly St. Nick that is ubiquitous today.

The first image of Santa Claus appeared in the 1862 Christmas issue of Harper’s Weekly, a political magazine of the day. By this time Nast was already known for his political caricatures.

The image was not the iconic and beloved figure we know, but a likeness of Nast in a Union encampment giving gifts to the Union soldiers, basically saying they were the good soldiers, and Confederate soldiers were the enemy, and would not get any gifts.

Santa has evolved into the iconic figure that children love. (Credit Henry M. Holden)

The original Santa Claus wore a fur jacket with stars on it and hardly resembles the Santa we have come to know and love.

The Santa Claus idea had existed before Nast’s first illustration in 1862. Nast drew a picture of Santa Claus, inspired by a poem composed forty years earlier by Clement Moore who had written, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” better known as “The Night Before Christmas.” Moore had created the poem for the amusement of his six small grandchildren. But his wife had recorded the poem in the family Bible; and later made its way into print. Nast apcontinued on page 28

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Page 28 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Santa Claus Invented in Morristown...

A Christmas Story...

continued from page 27 parently read the poem and drew Santa Claus, with sleigh and reindeer, much as Moore had described him. Nast also modeled some of his early depictions of Santa after his own image, so, a lot of his early Santa Claus images resembled Nast.

Nast provided Harper’s Weekly with annual Christmas drawings until 1886. It was during this time that the iconic image we know today evolved.

Nast, a long-time Morristown resident, and Clement Moore, American professor of Biblical languages were responsible for creating the Victorian image of Santa Claus that we still know and use today. They gave the world a new image of St. Nicholas, one that would live in the hearts of children for generations to come.

Nast’s Christmas themed work allowed him to use the Morristown neighborhood in which he lived and its backdrop of spires on the town’s churches, to drawings views of the town frequently in his Christmas

continued from page 26 atives who had passed on. There was an ethereal calm in Howard’s voice. A kind of acceptance that he knew he was soon to leave this earthly existence and cross over to Heaven’s Gate.

Howard did finish his painting for his mom. It was a beautiful painting of a garden, with a white bench in its midst, a tall maple tree, and an angel in the sky. Truly, it was one of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen in my entire life.

Christmas arrived. I had the high honor of being present, in Howard’s hospital room, when Howard gave his painting to his mom. I had brought the Christmas wrapping paper for Howard to wrap it with, the day before.

Aunt Bert cried when she opened her son’s heart-felt gift. We all cried. Grandma Kemmerer was there. Grandpa had passed away just two years ago. But, I felt Grand-

drawings. In the latter part of the 19th century, there were no less than seven churches within a few blocks of Nast’s Morristown home, and most of them still exist.

Nast and his family lived in a house on Macculloch Ave, (Villa Fontana) across from the Macculloch Hall and Museum (which today holds a large collection of Nast’s work). The house still stands but is under private ownership.

This side of Nast’s work is significantly different from the world of political cartoons he is most famous for. Nast is most remembered for his cartoons that took down, “Boss” William M. Tweed, and the Tammany Hall Democratic party’s political machine in New York City, in 1871.

Tweed was arrested, broke out of jail, fled to Cuba and Spain, before being extradited and dying in a New York City jail, in 1878.

Nast is often considered to be the “Father of the American Cartoon”.

pa’s presence in spirit. My mom and dad and sister, Patti, were also there. Howard’s dad and his two brothers and his sister were also present.

Howard’s words were very simple. He looked at each and every one of us and simply said, “don’t cry. Please don’t cry.

I’m soon going to be going Home to be with the Lord.”

In early January of 1974, Cousin Howard peacefully passed away.

My cousin Howard was a most courageous young man. I still miss him very much. I still deeply mourn his passing. His kind words still gently echo in my heart, “please don’t cry. I’m soon going to be going Home to be with the Lord.”

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer.

He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please place the wording “My Life Weekly” in the subject line.

Wishing Everyone A Safe & Happy Holiday Season!

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 29

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NJStarz Carley Shimkus Hometown: Long Valley, NJ

F

By Steve Sears ox News Headlines 24/7 reporter on Sirius XM Channel 115, Carley Shimkus, is 5’ 10” tall, the perfect size to be a model.

And she welcomed after high school a very brief entry into the field, she appearing on billboards in Times Square and near Giants Stadium as the Party City “Gothic Angel.”

“It was a lot of fun,” she laughs. “I think it’s pretty funny, and I will be forever grateful to Party City for hiring me.”

Speaking of being grateful, modeling’s loss is thankfully a gain for television news. Shimkus has been with Fox News since her senior year in college and wouldn’t have it any other way. “I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else but Fox News. Let’s leave it at that. If they’ll have me, they’ll be stuck with me,” she affirms.

The popular news channel may not be aware, but they’ve been stuck with her since her childhood. She explains. “Early on, when I was getting ready for school, my parents would always have Fox & Friends on in the background, and when I was eating breakfast, I was watching Fox & Friends.” She “saw” herself one day on that very screen, the person others would be watching deliver the news. “That’s why I wanted to do what I’m doing today.”

Shimkus hails from Long Valley, New Jersey, land of farms and serenity, a contrast to her current Gotham life in New York City, but a perfect mirror for her sunny personality. “It was a perfect childhood,” says Shimkus, who turned 34 on November 7. “At the time – and I think this is pretty common for kids, they don’t necessarily appreciate their surroundings because it’s just so normal to them – growing up in a rural area was just something that was totally normal to me. My parents’ house is on about 100 acres of historic land, and it’s protected land. It’s just one of those things when I grew up and I moved to the city, and then I went back to my parents’ house, I was so appreciative of the area I grew up in because it’s just gorgeous. You know, there’s sort of a negative perception to New Jersey – the (New Jersey) Turnpike and the more crowded areas – but it’s called the Garden State for a reason, and that reason is Long Valley. It’s gorgeous, and I have such a special place in my heart for Morris County.”

Carley’s father, Edward, is a chemist, and her mother, Zulma, a former flight attendant. “I’ve had so much help in my life, and the first two people who come to mind are my parents. They’re your heroes when you’re little, they’re the only people you know, and aside from God and him being such a big part of my life, they’re my shoulders to cry on. I would also give a big ole shout out to my grandma, who is 95 years old. She is amazing and one of the most funny, loving people I’ve ever met.”

Carley has one sister, Margot, an artist. “I think she’s beautiful. We have a great relationship. She’s the older sister. And she’s going to hate me for pointing this out, but I’m about 6 inches taller than her,” she says, laughing again. She then adds, “Obviously, growing up you look up to your older sibling, and I absolutely did. She is such a talented artist, and talented in so many ways…the smarter of the two sisters. She’s just such a great person.”

And then there’s her husband of 5 years, Peter Buchignani. “I look forward to Friday’s like it’s Christmas every single week, and Sundays are the tough days when you’ve got to fly back,” says Shimkus, describing her long-distance marriage to Buchignani, whom she met on her 23rd birthday. He works in Chicago, she in New York City. “He moved to Chicago in 2013, so we have been long distance for 7 years, and we’ve been together for 10, and we’ve been married for 5. Our whole marriage has been between New York and Chicago. We’re both very career minded people right now, and because my career is here and his is there, we make it work. We try to see each other every weekend, and because of this pandemic we didn’t see each other for three months (between March and Memorial Day). You have to make sacrifices like that, but that was sort of the national mood: everybody doing their part and staying at home. Honestly, I give him all the credit.

He is such an agreeable person; he goes the extra mile to make sure we get to see each other every weekend. I would say it’s about a 70/30 split, with him doing a majority of the travel to here. One day it won’t be like that anymore. It’s always exciting to see each other.”

Shimkus attended West Morris Central High School on the Chester and Long Valley township lines. “Academically it’s a great school,” she says, and the sporting events aren’t bad, either. “There’s nothing like a West Morris and Mendham football game. I still remember those nights and looking forward to them. There’s so much football pride at West Morris, and Lacrosse pride, and sports pride in general, so it was so much fun. Being there was a lot of fun, and going to West Morris really prepared you for college, and it eventually prepared you for the real world.”

Shimkus, who was also a Student Council member, relives briefly also participating in a fun “Bagel Rebellion.” “Okay,

yes, the ‘Bagel Rebellion.’ We had free bagels for Senior Day, and it got cut short, and everybody just walked out of school, and went to the football field. My mom was volunteering that day, so I personally was like, ‘Oh my gosh, do I go with my mom? Do I go with my friends?’ And it was this big moral dilemma for me. Being 17 years old, I went with my friends. It was squared away, and I think looking back the teachers knew that we were all graduating, and it was sort of like a fun last hurrah.”

“The ‘Bagel Rebellion’ will go down in the class of 2005 history.”

Shimkus, who loved the subject of English in high school, and also had a great interest in politics, attended Quinnipiac University, graduating in 2009 with a B.A. in broadcast journalism, and interning during her senior year for Fox News in Washington D.C. “They really put me to work in such a positive way and taught me a lot about TV,” she recalls. She was taken on a tour of Capitol Hill and Congress, and the station also allowed her to pitch ideas which found their way to live air. It was a morale booster. “You’re learning and you’re young – and I’m still learning – and so for Fox to take an interest so seriously is a really great thing for young minds in this industry.” continued on page 31

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 31

NJ Starz: Carley Shimkus... continued from page 30 After college, she was a news producer at Fox News, and in 2012, was named associate producer with the Fox Business Network, working for Don Imus and the “Imus in the Morning” show. “Imus gave me so much,” she says fondly of the popular radio Hall of Famer. “He gave me my first shot. I remember when I first got hired as his assistant. He ended up becoming sort of like a grandfatherly figure in my life. He gave me a chance; he put me on the air. That doesn’t really happen in New York very often; you have to go to a smaller market first.”

“All in all, he was somebody who I owe so much to.”

Shimkus now has been at Fox for her entire career. She states, “I feel so blessed to have the career that Fox News has afforded me.”

Shimkus, like most, agrees: 2020 has been a unique year. “It really does feel like we’re living through history right now.

When you think about the layers of things that have happened on top of each other, with the global coronavirus pandemic, leading into social justice protests, leading into the recent hurricane that we experienced.

When you think about it, President (Donald) Trump was impeached last year into

this year, and that feels like 100 years ago.

So, it’s an unbelievable time to be alive, and it’s am unbelievable time to be looking at it from a news perspective where things are changing every single day. And at the same time things are changing, things have kind of slowed down. Things have been canceled, and people are more grounded and staying at home and doing things virtually.

I think that a lot of the things we’re seeing unfold right now are going to affect the course of history.”

Carley Shimkus relies on her faith daily. “If you see me as sort of a sure-footed person,” she says, “it’s not because of me.

It’s because of God and my faith.” A prayer journal individual, she doesn’t know where she’d be in life if she couldn’t pray about her concerns or fall back on her faith.

“The church I went to was Our Lady of the Mountain, and that was a huge part of my upbringing. There was a Peer Ministry program that I spent a lot of time being a part of, and we did a lot of cool things both in and out of the community.” She employs her faith during her on-air work at Fox News. “Whenever I do a segment, and I’ve worked very hard on it, I always pray, ‘I hope that this goes the best possible way.’ Without that, I don’t know where I would be.”

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Page 32 • December 2020 • Hometown Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Skip the Holi-daze

M

How to Spend Added Time Making Memories

aking time to reconnect with loved ones is a wish topping many lists this holiday season, so set aside the chaos and commit to doing more this year. More of what you truly enjoy, that is.

These time-saving holiday hacks from the Chinet® brand can help curb your time commitments so you can focus on personal connections and celebrating good cheer with loved ones instead.

Spread out prep time. If you’re busy putting the final touches on a meal as guests begin to arrive, you’ll miss out on the excitement as the party begins. Rely on tricks to spread your meal preparation out over the days before your event, such as making sides and casseroles ahead of time and freezing them so all you have to do on the big day is pop them in the oven.

Mashed potatoes are a notorious last-minute time suck, so make them early in the day and keep them warm in a slow cooker.

Just add a bit of cream and stir periodically to keep them soft and fluffy.

Simplify cleanup. After enjoying a meal surrounded by loved ones, there’s no reason to halt the conversation while you slip

away to bring order back to the kitchen.

Cover dishes and put perishables away then return to your guests for the quality time you deserve. If you use disposable tableware, there’s even less to worry about later. For example, Chinet Classic White products make cleanup easy so you can spend more time with friends, family and guests. The plates and bowls are strong enough to serve the heaviest, messiest meals with style then you can simply toss them when you’re done.

Shop local for shortcuts. Local businesses are feeling the crunch of 2020 in a big way, but you can give them a boost while doing yourself a time-saving favor. Pick up a pie or specialty dessert from a local bakery. Inquire about family-size sides from the family restaurants in your community.

Also remember to check with school-age children you know, as many seasonal fundraisers offer pre-made holiday desserts and other treats you can share with guests with minimal effort.

Get out of the house. If you’ve spent too much time this year looking at your own surroundings, getting away from it all may lift your spirits while saving the hours

you’d pour into getting your home ready for entertaining. Community groups with their own facilities often have space available to rent, and these spaces are typically large enough to maintain social distancing requirements and are subject to rigorous cleaning protocols. Alternately, if you’re keeping the guest list small, renting a vacation home offers the opportunity to turn the seasonal celebration into a short road trip for added memories and joy. With some simple decorations, you can create a fun atmosphere for your holiday event and skip the headaches of hosting at home.

Go short and sweet. If the idea of a fullfledged dinner event is stretching you too thin, look for festive ways to scale back.

For example, a dessert-only party lets you gather with loved ones and keep the focus on the company rather than the food. Plan themed stations with different styles of desserts and consider asking family members to help stock each station with their own favorite treats. Add a touch of style by placing a stack of Chinet Cut Crystal dessert plates at each station so guests can sample all their favorites while they mingle. The collection also includes cups and

stemless wine glasses ideal for a beverage table or single servings of desserts like mousse or parfaits.

Find more ways to manage your time this holiday season at MyChinet.com.

Celebrate Like It’s 2020 continued on page 33

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 33

Skip the Holi-daze... continued from page 32 After a whirlwind of a year, this holiday season promises to be a little different than those of years past. Instead of lamenting what won’t be the same, treat this year as an opportunity to deck the halls in a whole new way.

Invite technology to the party. With group gatherings and travel restrictions likely to continue in many parts of the country through the holiday season, there’s a good chance you may not be able to gather with everyone you’d like. Howev-

er, the pandemic has shown how simple it can be to use technology to stay connected. Go ahead and schedule a virtual party or make time to jump on a video chat during your celebration to include those who can’t be there in person. To help add a touch of normalcy to the festivities, consider packaging and sending small boxes of party essentials in advance to each person who’ll join the virtual party.

Make giving a group effort. Helping those in need is a tradition many people

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honor around the holidays, but this year your giving is likely to be especially impactful. When you join efforts with family or friends, your contributions can go even further, and it’s a way to bond over your shared experience. Consider volunteering as a group at a food pantry, adopting a family or two together or finding another local cause that could use some extra help and count your blessings while you enjoy the extra time together.

Simplify gift-giving. As families grow, the gift lists get longer. However, especially in a year like this, not many wallets have expanded to keep up with the pace.

Forgo the time and money required to buy for everyone in the family and start a new tradition by drawing names and instead of buying smaller items for a lot of people, put a little more toward a single item your recipient truly wants or needs. (Family Features)

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Sensible Solutions for Holiday Gifting

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ractically every year there’s at least one person on your holiday gift list that seems to have it all. One way to think outside the box is to sift through wants and needs to find something that can truly be put to use on an almost daily basis.

For example, tools, binoculars, vacuum cleaners, knife sharpeners and security solutions can serve as practical gifts that give your recipient a functional piece of equipment for daily life. These types of presents show your thoughtfulness and can provide your loved one a frequent reminder of the relationship you share each time the gift is used.

Find additional holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list at eLivingtoday.com.

An Eye-Catching Gift If you’ve got someone on your holiday gift list that enjoys pursuits such as sports,

concerts, nature viewing or stargazing, help bring the action closer with a gift like the Bushnell Powerview 2 binocular. An evolution from the popular line, the versatile, general-use binoculars deliver clear views in multiple sizes and magnifications. The binoculars feature an aircraft grade, aluminum alloy chassis built for durability, and high-quality, soft-touch black rubber armor and brushed metal texture finishes provide eye-catching exterior design, easy handling and a confident grip. For more information, visit bushnell.com.

A Cut Above the Rest This holiday season, get the chef or outdoorsman in your life a gift that keeps on giving, such as the Wicked Edge Go knife sharpener. Made from high-quality materials, it’s easy to use for both new and experienced knife sharpeners. It offers guided angle con-

trol, can sharpen a variety of knife types and makes cutting more efficient while increasing the longevity of your knives. Find more at wickededgeusa.com.

Cleanliness On the Go Give the gift of cleaner living spaces anywhere and everywhere with the ultra-portable Raycop GO vacuum, which uses UVC light technology to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and viruses along with dust mites. It’s less than 2 pounds, easy to assemble and stores in four pieces, making it simple to take in the car, to the office or on vacation. It can even sanitize phones, handbags or luggage, and the battery lasts 30 minutes without recharging. Visit raycop.com for more information.

The Gift That Protects If you’re looking to secure connected toys and devices received this holiday sea-

son, consider internet security products that allow you to protect your family. With advanced protection for all your devices, ESET’s Smart Security Premium solution helps protect against identity theft with the latest malware detection, online banking, password security and smart home support. Find more security solutions at eset.com/us.

Get the Job Done Help the handyperson in your life finish the job quicker with the Milwaukee M12 Drill and Driver Kit from Ace Hardware, the only tool in its class with an all-metal locking chuck. Its compact, lightweight and durable design delivers comfort and efficiency along with an onboard LED light and fuel gauge to help increase productivity and avoid interruptions. Find more information and holiday gift ideas at acehardware.com. (Family Features)

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Hometown Life • December 2020 • Page 35

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