Hometown 12 October 2023

What distinguishes the different types of breast cancer?

Individuals can experience a whirlwind of emotion upon being diagnosed with cancer. No one ever expects to receive such a diagnosis, so the moment a physician delivers such news can be emotional and compromise a person’s ability to focus. Once those emotions settle down and individuals resolve to overcome the disease, they typically have a lot of questions.

One of the questions doctors will attempt to answer is which subtype of cancer a person has. For example, when doctors initially deliver a breast cancer diagnosis, they may explain that further testing will be necessary to determine precisely which type of breast cancer an individual has. Identifying the subtype of breast cancer helps doctors choose the most effective course of treatment, but it’s understandable if patients and their families become confused during the process. The following rundown can help breast cancer patients understand this crucial next step after diagnosis.

How is breast cancer type determined?

The American Cancer Society notes that breast cancer type is determined by the specific cells in the breast that become cancer. The Mayo Clinic reports that a medical team will use a tissue sample from a patient’s breast biopsy or, for patients who have already undergone surgery, the tumor to identify the cancer type.

What are the types of breast cancer I might be diagnosed with?

There are many types of breast cancer, but some are more common than others. Invasive and non-invasive (also referred to as “carcinoma in situ”) are the two main subtypes of breast cancer.

According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the most common types of invasive breast cancer are invasive ductal carcinoma, which affects the inner lining of the milk ducts, and invasive lobular carcinoma, which originates from the glands that produce milk.

The UPMC reports that the most common in situ types are ductal carcinoma in situ, which is cancer that remains

within the milk ducts, and lobular carcinoma in situ, which does not often develop into breast cancer though it is considered a risk factor for an invasive form of the disease.

The ACS notes that triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for roughly 15 percent of all breast cancers. Triple-negative breast cancer can be difficult to treat.

Less common types of breast cancer, each of which account for between 1 and 3 percent of diagnoses in a given year, include Paget disease of the breast, angiosarcoma and phyllodes tumor.

A breast cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of a sometimes lengthy but often successful journey that has ended in full recovery for millions of women across the globe. More information about the various types of breast cancer can be found at cancer.org.

100 Years Ago This Month: Historical events from October 1923

The month of October has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in October 1923.

• Switzerland issues a new decree on October 1 that bans the display of fascist emblems or the wearing of black shirts. The decree is issued in response to fascists who wanted the region to join Italy.

• A standoff begins in the Kentucky State Penitentiary on October 3 after three convicted murderers obtain guns and kill three guards in an ultimately failed attempt to escape. Authorities eventually storm the barricaded inmates on October 6 and discover the inmates had been dead for about two days.

• John Charles Carter is born in Illinois on October 4. The boy ultimately adopts the screen name Charlton Heston and becomes an Academy Award-winning actor and influential political activist.

• Cao Kun is elected president of the Republic of China on October 5. Cao is deposed just 13 months later after revelations surface regarding a bribery scandal that calls his election into question.

• Boston Braves shortstop Ernie Padgett turns an unassisted triple play on October 6. To date, the feat has been accomplished just 15 times in Major League Baseball history.

• The first section of the Appalachian Trail opens on October 7. The initial stretch is a 16-mile path from Bear Mountain in New York to the Delaware Water Gap on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. By 2023, the trail had grown to 2,194 miles.

• On October 10, the New York Yankees play the crosstown Giants in the first ever World Series game at Yankee Stadium. The Giants win the game when Casey Stengel hits an inside-the-park homerun with two outs in the top of the ninth inning.

• Nicaraguan President Diego Manual Chamorro dies suddenly on October 12. His Vice President, Bartolomé Martinez, cannot be found, forcing Interior Minister Rosendo Chamorro to serve as acting president. Martinez is eventually inaugurated as President of Nicaragua on October 27.

• A bomb explodes outside Cubs Park (now known as Wrigley Field) on October 14.

No arrests are ultimately made, though the incident is attributed to union agitators angry at a decision by Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis, then commissioner of Major League Baseball.

• The Walt Disney Company is founded when 21-year-old Walt Disney and 30-year-old Roy O. Disney, Walt’s brother, sign a contract to produce the Alice Comedies film series.

• Roadside billboards are the target of a letter sent by the British Ministry of Transport on October 18. The letter alleges the billboards are disfiguring the picturesque English countryside and urges county councils to take action.

• New Jersey’s Albert Tangora sets the world record for fastest sustained typing on a manual typewriter on October 22. Tangora averages 147 words per minute over the course of one hour.

• The air force of the Kingdom of Bulgaria is wiped out on October 25 when the country’s lone army airplane crashes.

• The reigning monarch of Iran, Ahmad Shah Qajar, appoints Reza Khan as the country’s Prime Minister on October 28. Khan overthrows Ahmad Shah two years later.

• The Republic of Turkey is proclaimed on October 29, formally ending the Ottoman Empire.

New Book, KARMA LIKE THIS, by Local Author, Completes Paranormal Series

Harlow Private Investigation, shared their love of writing with local seniors at a special event called “Author! Author!” in Pequannock Township. It was held at the Senior House and hosted by DISC55 (Drop-in Senior Center) this summer.

Local resident, Debbie Cocchio, bestselling author of the Psychic Circle Series, a YA paranormal romance series, recently announced the release of the final installment – Karma Like This (Book 3) by D.L. Cocchio.

To celebrate the completion of the series, Cocchio and a fellow author, Kristen Houghton who is an international bestselling author of the popular series Cate

According to Cocchio, “The Psychic Circle Series fills the void that the popular TV/Movie shows – The Secret Circle and Twilight left open when they went off the air. The series is about young adults with special paranormal abilities who band together to practice their talents. A psychic, a shaman, a telepath, a healer, and a witch use their talents to save a friend, and in the newest book, they work with crystal energies to attempt to change the course of karma.”

D. L. Cocchio was born and raised in this township and was an elementary school teacher for many years. Writing is her main passion. She was always fascinated by mystical and magical things and included them in all of her novels. Debbie is the author of the Psychic Circle Series, featuring Souls Entwined (Book 1), Magic Like That (Book 2), and Karma Like This (Book 3). She has also penned one non-fiction book – So You Wanna Read Tarot, and two middle-grade time travel mysteries – Be Careful What You Wish For, and Magic by Moonlight. Cocchio has been a Tarot teacher for over 30 years and a lead Ghost Investigator with NJGHS (New Jersey Ghost Hunters Society). Her associate, Kristen

cont. on page 5

D. L. Cocchio, Author

Elizabeth Resident in Need of Kidney

Houghton, has written numerous books in the Cate Harlow Private Investigation Series. Her young adult novel, Lilith Angel, featuring a teenage investigator with distinct paranormal abilities has been chosen as a finalist in the Bram Stoker Awards. She is also the author of the award-winning novella, “Welcome to Hell.” Her latest book was just released this summer – “TEETH: The Haunting of Dansbury Plot” told through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy, his best friend, and his Civil War history professor, Grand-dad. Besides writing novels, Houghton is the author of two non-fiction books and numerous short stories which appear in popular anthologies. She holds a Doctorate in Linguistics and Education and taught World Languages and Cultures at the

high school and university levels. Kristen resides in Northern NJ and Sanibel Island with her husband and baseball historian, Alan William Hopper.

The Author Panel events have opened the door to many other opportunities for the two authors to share their love of writing. Cocchio and Houghton will both appear at an event at the Riverdale Library in NJ, along with another author on October 19th at 7 pm. Their paranormal themes are perfect, being so close to Halloween. Currently, the two authors have been asked to do yet another event with the local women’s club sometime in February.

For more information on the two authors and their books or to reach them for your event, email debbiecocchio@yahoo.com or visit http://dlcocchio.webs.

com.

For more information on DISC55, contact President Debbie DeLucca at 201478-2281.

Media contact:

Debbie Cocchio/ Magic Moon Press 973-919-3387 19 Francisco Dr., Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 debbiecocchio@yahoo. com http://dlcocchio.webs.com

By Tina Pappas

Maria Power never expected to find herself at the point in her life she’s currently in. The Elizabeth resident, who worked as a chef, is suffering with End Stage Kidney Disease, which she developed over the recent pandemic,

“I developed it in January 2020 and it stems from having diabetes and high blood pressure as a teen,” she explained. “I am now in dire need of a kidney.”

Born in Brooklyn, Maria moved with her family moved to Jersey City as a youngster. Once she graduated high school at the Academy of St. Aloysius, she then received her associates degree in Culinary Arts at Hudson County Community College. She worked at Nobu, a Japanese Fusion restaurant for seven years in Manhattan,

and most recently at Facebook cooking for the company’s employees when

her whole life changed on a dime. cont. on page 6

Kristen Houghton, Author

Photo credit: Maria Power Pictured is Maria Power who is in desperate need of a kidney. Also pictured is Maria with her husband and family.

When Maria turned 26, she was without health insurance when the plan under her parents ran out. At this point, she could no

longer afford to pay for medication and the insulin she badly needed. Once she got married at 30, she was covered by her hus-

band’s insurance plan and was able to pay for her medications again. However, as a chef, she continued to work long hours and was not able to make regular doctors visits as scheduled. Unfortunately, the lack of proper care caused her kidney situation to become dire and Maria needed to leave her job.

“The regular doctor visits were not ideal for a chef,” she said. “My legs were getting swollen and I didn’t realize what was happening. When I went to my doctor and had some blood tests, I was then rushed to the ER that weekend because I found out I had End Stage Kidney failure”

End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), a condition in which the kidneys do not function normally, requires external support to meet the daily requirements of

life. The most common cause of this condition is diabetes. The two options for individuals with ESKD are dialysis or a kidney transplant.

“After being diagnosed over the pandemic, they told me I needed dialysis as a regular treatment,’ Maria said, adding that the dialysis entails lining that abdomen of the stomach

to filter out blood outside her body. “It’s like a soft tube catheter in my belly. I did that for two years and was on the machine for 14 hours at night every night.”

Then this past October, Maria had some complications where she was absorbing the solution and she required regular dialysis.

“From the very begin-

ning, I felt I was still young and wanted to go back to work but the hours were just too long, so I couldn’t go back,” she added. “Right now, I receive dialysis three times a week for four hours in Fresenius Kidney Care Center in Kenilworth.”

So far, Maria hasn’t received any prospects for a potential donor. She has

two younger sisters who are not a match due to the fact that they are prediabetic, which runs on her father’s side of the family. She is listed with the Saint Barnabas Medical Center’s kidney transplant recipient referral program and is seeking a kidney from a living donor. Please consider registering at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston and indicate donor for Maria Power. Thank you. cbmclivingdonor.org,

“My parents who live in the Philippines are so worried about me and constantly check up on me,” she added. “Receiving a living donor kidney would be better for me because I’d like to go back to work and be able to visit my parents. There could be complications if it’s not a living donor. My husband and I would also like to have children in the future.”

Maria’s blood type is O+ and she is hopeful that she will find a living donor.

“A living donor saves lives,” she further added. “I feel with my age, I have a lot more to do, and see the world and have kids. I’m hoping someone will come along and be my guardian angel.”

Do Cats and Dogs Really Fight Like Cats and Dogs?

Cats and dogs have long been depicted as ardent foes, consistently getting into scrapes with one another. But are those claims exaggerated?Many cats and dogs peacefully coexist in their homes, where their divergent personalities combine to make homes more interesting. Cats and dogs tend to have different body language, but that should not be mistaken for opposition.Take, for example, a boisterous puppy that excitedly approaches visitors with its tail wagging to show friendliness. According to the animal experts at slimdoggy.com, a resource for dog food, fitness, and fun; cats interpret wagging tails as signs of anger or displeasure. Dogs like to sniff their “friends” and get to know them, and cats don’t favor this attention. When sniffed, cats may run off, unintentionally triggering dogs’ natural predator instincts. Such an instance is a rough way for cats and dogs to begin a relationship, and it’s easy to see how such an introduction can lay a poor foundation for their relationship.

Cats and dogs also have different social styles. While a cat may be content to be alone and approach visitors cautiously, dogs tend to be sociable and rush into situations if they think there is fun to be had.

But cats and dogs can peacefully coexist. One way to foster a good relationship between cats and dogs is to control their initial introduction. If possible, separate the animals initially, giving cats a chance to warm up to their new situation. Upon introducing the two, it may be best to have the dog on a leash so that you can control its desire to lunge. Calmness is key; do not force the cat to come to the dog or vice versa. Reward calm behavior with treats and repeat these steps until the pets appear to be used to each other.

It’s important that pet owners recognize that while cats and dogs may peacefully coexist in a home most of the time, their natural instincts may kick in every so often. Just separate the pets if they have a tiff. Rumors abound that cats and dogs can’t share a home, but that’s simply not true. With some early socialization, patience on the part of pet owners, and an understanding of cat and dog behaviors; pet parents can ensure both cats and dogs live together in harmony.

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.

4 fun facts about the month of October

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving each October. While October may not be home to Thanksgiving in the United States, Americans, much like their Canadian counterparts, have much to be thankful for in the tenth month of the calendar year. Fall temperatures tend to be at their most accommodating in October, which also happens to be home to Halloween. Those are not the only interesting and fun facts about this popular month.

1. October has something of a misleading name. Licensed drivers undoubtedly know that the prefix “octo” means eight, which is why Stop signs are octagons. So why does October, the tenth month of the year, have a name that suggests it should be the eighth month of the year? That peculiarity can be traced to the early

Roman calendar, which featured just 10 months, the eighth of which was October. The Romans eventually converted to a 12-month calendar, and October kept its name despite becoming the tenth month of that calendar.

2. Some notable individuals have holidays in their honor in October, including two on the same day. This year, Monday October 9, 2023, is both Columbus Day and Leif Erikson Day. It’s fitting that each figure’s holiday falls on the same

day, as both are among history’s more well-known explorers. Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, while Leif Erikson Day celebrates a man believed to be the first known European to set foot in continental North America.

3. Columbus Day might court its fare of fanfare (and controversy), but its popularity cannot match that of October’s most beloved day to celebrate: Halloween. cont. on page 10

4 Fun Facts...

cont. from page 9

Halloween is celebrated on October 31 and History.com notes this can be traced to ancient Celts. The Celts celebrated the festival of Samhain on October 31, the night before their new year. They did this because they believed that night marked the return of the ghosts of the dead to earth. That emphasis on the ghoulish is present each Halloween as well.

4. October is considered a great time of year to take a road trip, and much of that reputation can be traced to fall foliage. Leaves begin to change color in many regions in early October, and the resulting colorful landscape is beautiful to behold. Though some may presume the shift in color in October is due to the month’s typical drop in temperature, it’s actually due to a decrease in sunlight. According to the

Farmer’s Almanac, leaves begin to lose their green color when photosynthesis from sunlight slows down, which happens because the hours of daylight dwindle considerably during the month of October. That lack of sunlight causes chlorophyll to break down, which in turn causes leaves to change color. But

not all leaves will look the same, as any leaf-peeping pro will know. Some leaves turn red, while others turn brown, orange or yellow. The trees that turn red get more direct sunlight in October, while those that get less direct sunlight turn brown, orange or yellow.

Performing Arts Academy Celebrates

Performing Arts Academy celebrates 33 years of excellence in children's dance education and commends students on outstanding national achievements this past summer in Atlantic City. Performing Arts Academy is proud to announce its 33rd year of providing exceptional dance education to children. Established in 1991 Performing Arts Academy has been a pioneer in the field of performing arts education, nurturing young talents and equipping them with the tools to excel in the world of dance. Over the years, Performing Arts Academy has remained committed to its mission of fostering creativity, discipline, and self-confidence through dance. Through its innovative programs, highly trained instructors, and state-of-the-art facilities, the academy has become a trusted institution for parents and a second family for students. This year, Performing Arts Academy is especially proud to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of its competitive students at nationals. Following a year of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, these talented young dancers have secured numerous national titles and achieved outstanding overall awards. Their exemplary performances, both individually and as a team, have solidified Performing Arts Academy's status as a premier dance education institution. "We are incredibly proud of our competitive students and the exceptional accomplishments they have achieved at the national level."

said Dawn Laviola Schaub the Director of Performing Arts Academy. "Their success is a testament to their immense talent, unwavering dedication, and the guidance of our esteemed instructors who have nurtured and mentored these young dancers." Performing Arts Academy's com-

petitive dance team delivered awe-inspiring performances across various genres, captivating audiences and judges alike with their strong technique, artistic expression, and mesmerizing choreography. Their hard work, countless rehearsals, and tireless dedication have allowed them to proudly claim numerous national titles. We would like to congratulate Sophia Miguel of Pompton Plains for winning the prestigious title of Miss Dance of the United States 2023. She was awarded $10,000 in scholarships.

Other national title winners were

Lia McCabe - Petite Miss Dance of the US

Kaitlyn Schnarrs - Junior Miss Dance of the US

Victoria Califano - Junior Miss Acrobat of the US Breckin Norton- Junior Mr Dance of the US Jayden Kasperzak- Teen Miss Dance of the US Alexandrea Corrado- International Queen of Dance

Sophia Miguel- Miss Acrobat of the US

As Performing Arts Academy continues to celebrate its 33rd anniversary, it remains steadfast in its commitment to instilling lifelong values through dance. The academy looks forward to the future, continuing to inspire the next generation of dancers and empowering them to follow their dreams. For information go to thepaa.com.

Suppose you take your best client out to dinner to celebrate your business relationship. If you own a business, are self-employed or run a side business, can you deduct any of the cost? Here are some tips to stay on the right side of the new rules:

Make clear it’s a business meal

In the past, small businesses could deduct

Deduct Business Meals the Right Way

50 percent of the costs of both business meals and entertainment with clients. Now, the meal deduction remains but entertainment costs are no longer deductible.

The problem is that separating a business meal from client entertainment is not always clear-cut. If you treat your best clients every year to dinner and tickets to a sporting event, the tickets

are not deductible, but the meal may be.

If you use the meal to discuss business, you should be safe to take the deduction. But if it’s just a social event and business is not discussed, the deduction is now harder to justify. That means it’s up to you to make clear it’s a business meal.

Document it

The easiest way to do this is to keep a business log for

your meal expenses that includes a field labeled business purpose. In addition to recording the time, date, place, and cost of the meal, list each attendee, their company affiliation and professional title. Then add a short description of the specific business purpose, such as: Discussed new products and competitive price structure.

For the strongest defense of your deduction, try to define the purpose of the meeting as something that could have an impact on your bottom line. Sim-

ply chatting about trends in your industry may not pass muster if you are audited under the new rules.

Avoid luxury meals

Deductions for extravagant expenses on meals and entertainment will always be hard to defend. So if you are having a serious business discussion over dinner, make sure it’s not at a luxury restaurant that will give you a huge dinner bill.

Remember, business meals are still deductible, but must be properly documented. If done correctly this deduction should with-

stand any audit risk.

Shah & Sokoloff , CPA’s, is a year round full service CPA firm providing a wide range of Accounting and Tax services to both Small Business and Individual Clients. We are QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisors and provide new business set up, training andsupport. 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.

The van will be parked by the new playground Navigating Hope, a mobile outreach initiative designed to provide social services. Navigating Hope offers on-site benefits eligibility screenings and application assistance, as well as linkage to other community services.

The Navigating Hope Van is Coming to Butler on October 11 from 1 pm to 5 pm

By Patti Diamond

Beyond the Bun: The Irresistible Hamburger Salad

In the realm of delicious salads, here is a dish that marries the worlds of fast-food indulgence and garden-fresh goodness. Welcome to the Hamburger Salad -a creation that tantalizes taste buds, ignites nostalgia and brings even the most devoted salad skeptics to the table.

Imagine the blend of flavors and textures; the crispy lettuce, loads of tangy dill pickles, the gentle bite of red onions, juicy tomatoes and the perfectly seasoned, pan-fried hamburger. This salad is the perfect homage to the beloved fast-food burger.

The secret ingredient that gives this salad the fast-food burger vibe is dehydrated minced onion. For this recipe you’ll need 2 tablespoons of dehydrated onion, divided between the hamburger and dressing. You can rehydrate both together in 2 tablespoons of hot water at the same time and divide when called for in the recipe. Or you can use fresh onions, or a combination if you’d prefer.

Here’s another reason to love this recipe. With just 1 pound of ground meat, the Hamburger Salad is a generous feast. This is frugal cooking that doesn’t compromise on quality.

If you’re really pinched for time, you can skip the croutons and use bottled thousand island dressing in place of the dressing recipe below.

Divas On A Dime

HAMBURGER SALAD

Yield: 4 servings

Total Time: 30 minutes

Special Sauce Dressing, optional

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

2 tablespoons dill pickle, finely minced

1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion, rehydrated 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon dill pickle juice

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Mix all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Sesame Croutons, optional

2 sesame seed hamburger buns, optional

Cooking spray

Garlic powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut each bun into 1/2-inch slices or cubes. Lightly spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little bit of garlic powder. Place the croutons on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes or until crisp.

1 tablespoon olive oil

The Burger

1 pound ground beef (85/15)

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion, rehydrated 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder and dehydrated onion. Break the mixture into crumbles and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Drain fat and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Tips for Encouraging Exploration and Learning in the Kitchen

Planning, preparing, serving and cleaning up after mealtimes are skills that can be beneficial to everyone. Yet when it comes to meal prep, many families find it easier to tell children to go play rather than bringing them into the kitchen to help create meals.

“One of the best ways to encourage children to try new foods or simply eat their vegetables is to allow them the opportunity to plan and prepare a meal,” said Emily Hicks, a registered dietitian nutritionist for KinderCare Learning Centers. “Involving children in meal planning, preparation and serving in age-appropriate ways helps give them some autonomy in a world in which they often feel they do not have many choices. This can help reduce stress and food fights at mealtime, creating a more peaceful and enjoy-

able experience for everyone.”

Meal preparation can also bring certain classroom lessons such as counting and fractions to life as children measure ingredients. It can also be an opportunity for an impromptu science lesson about the parts of plants and animals people eat and the nutritional benefits of healthy foods.

Consider these tips to get kids more involved in mealtimes:

1. Choose mealtimes when the family is typically together and make preparation a team effort. Allow children to pick out vegetables or other items at the grocery store (or from the fridge, freezer or pantry) to prepare. Alternatively, if you have a few meal options planned for the week, children can help decide what to make on which days. The key is to empower children to make choic-

es, thus helping develop a sense of responsibility and encouraging variety in food choices.

2. Allow children to help wash produce, stir food in mixing bowls, get tools like cutting boards from the cupboard and more. Children can help peel or chop foods or stir pots or pans with adult guidance. Even younger children can assist by using child-safe utensils to peel or chop food, sprinkle toppings, pour dressings or combine pre-measured meal components.

3. Children can help place food on the table and serve themselves at young ages. Young children may find it easier to serve themselves by using measuring cups instead of serving utensils. Encourage children to try some of each food on the table but try not to push them to eat anything in particular. Instead, give them time and multiple opportu-

nities to try different foods. If they are able, teach children how to pass food to others at the table and engage in conversation. Sharing at the table can help foster social development and family connections.

4. After mealtime, children can help clean up and put things away. Even if they can’t reach the sink, children can help clear items from the table. They can also assist with putting

dishes in the dishwasher or ferrying clean dishes to an adult to put back in cupboards and drawers. Additionally, they can help wipe up spills and crumbs, and push in chairs, too.

“The benefits of family mealtime go beyond health,” Hicks said. “Involving your children in your mealtime routines can bring food and fun to the table, creating a sense of belonging that will boost the

whole family’s well-being. Remember, you don’t have to stick to a routine 100% of the time to be beneficial. Just do your best to keep routines when possible and practice balance.”

For more tips to help incorporate children into meal planning and preparation, visit kindercare.com.

Source: KinderCare (Family Features)

PHOTO CREDIT: www.JasonCoblentz.com

A salad tribute to fast food burgers.

You can serve this salad with the beef hot or at room temperature, so you can make this ahead of time.

The Salad

1 head (8 cups) iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce, chopped 1 cup dill pickles, chopped 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup tomatoes, chopped 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Place the lettuce on a cutting board and run your knife through it to chop it into pieces. Decide if you’re going to plate this in individual servings or make one giant salad and serve family

style. Either way, start with the lettuce (2 cups per serving) and drizzle lightly with salad dressing. Toss it well. Depending on how artsy you wish to be, compose the salad as desired. Place lettuce in each bowl. Top with beef, pickles, onions, tomatoes, cheese and croutons. Drizzle with the dressing and serve.

So, this summer, as the warm breezes come to an end (we hope!), the Hamburger Salad bridges the gap between classic comfort and feel-good freshness and is perfect for those last laidback alfresco dinners. It’s the embodiment of sim-

plicity -- hearty, yet refreshing; substantial, yet light. Enjoy!

***

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime -- Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime. com

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Mealtime traditions are common among many families, from taco Tuesdays to weekend favorites. You can add a special touch to one of the most popular traditions - taco night - with a plant-based twist.

With a nutty, smoky and truly meaty taste and texture, pecans offer a perfect plant-based protein to incorporate in favorite dishes like tacos. However, great taste is just the beginning - pecans pack a nutritious punch with a unique mix of health-promoting nutrients while shining in a wide range of flavor profiles.

To help make your next taco night all the rage among loved ones, the American Pecan Promotion Board recommends

Put a Plant-Based Spin on the Taco Night Menu

serving up authentic vegan taco recipes using pecans in place of meat in dishes like Smoky Chipotle Pecan Burrito Bowls and Vegan Pecan

Al Pastor Tacos. Their texture makes them uniquely suited as a meat alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor so it can taste like the original and leave your family clamoring to keep taco night on the weekly menu.

Learn more and discover delicious plant-based recipes at eatpecans.com.

Smoky Chipotle Pecan Burrito Bowls

Recipe courtesy of Dominique Williamson on behalf of the American Pecan Promotion Board

Prep time: 40 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2-3

Pecan “Meat:”

2 1/2 cups water

1 cup pecans

1/2 cup portobello mushrooms

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

2 tablespoons tamari sauce or soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon liquid smoke

1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce

Pineapple Salsa:

1 pineapple, diced

2 Roma tomatoes, diced 1-2 jalapenos, diced

1 cup cilantro, finely chopped

1 red onion, diced 1/4 cup lime juice salt, to taste

Chipotle Crema:

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1 cup vegan mayo

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons vinegar

2 tablespoons plant-based milk

1 teaspoon agave

1/2 teaspoon salt

To make pecan “meat:” In bowl of boiling water, soak pecans, covered, at least 30 minutes, or overnight in room temperature

water for softer texture.

Drain pecans and place in food processor with mushrooms. Pulse mixture to texture resembling meat crumbles. Avoid over-pulsing.

In pan over medium heat, add pecan mixture, taco seasoning, tamari sauce, minced garlic, liquid smoke and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Cook 7-10 minutes then add chipotle in adobo. Cook 3 minutes.

To make pineapple salsa: Combine pineapple, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, red onion, lime juice and salt, to taste.

To make chipotle crema: Combine chipotle peppers, vegan mayo, garlic, vinegar, milk, agave and salt.

To assemble bowls, place pecan mixture in bowl fol-

lowed by pineapple salsa and chipotle crema.

Vegan Pecan Al Pastor Tacos

Recipe courtesy of the American Pecan Promotion Board

Prep time: 35 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Water

2 pounds chopped pecans

1 cup onion

8 cloves garlic, minced

8 dried guajillo peppers

2 tablespoons oil

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

7 ounces (1 can) chipotle peppers in adobo

cont. on page 17

Plant-Based... cont. from pg 16

Toppings and Garnishes: flour or corn tortillas (6 inches each)

cilantro

diced onion lime pineapple

In bowl of boiling water, soak pecans, covered, at least 30 minutes, or overnight in room temperature water for softer texture.

Drain pecans. In food processor, pulse pecans to meat-like crumbles. Do not overprocess to pecan butter.

Finely chop onions, garlic and guajillo peppers.

In skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and saute onions until transparent, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to

taste, and stir to combine.

Add chipotle peppers in adobo and cook 1 minute. Add crumbled pecans and stir well to combine.

Remove from heat and serve on tortillas.

Serve with cilantro, onion, lime and pineapple.

‘Fall’ In Love with Family-Favorite Autumn Recipes

With temperatures cooling and cravings leaning toward comforting flavors, fall offers a perfect time for families to explore adventurous twists on favorite foods. As you and your loved ones rework the menu for autumn, turn to versatile ingredients that provide fresh tastes and new ways to enjoy classic recipes.

One star ingredient that can be used for appetizers, main courses, sides, snacks and desserts alike is watermelon. In fact, using the entire watermelon (rind included) means you’ve discovered a sustainable way to create nutritious meals without food waste. Consider these simple, delicious ways to use the entire watermelon in your kitchen.

Watermelon Flesh

In the fall, whole watermelon is still available in many areas. You can also find mini watermelon in the fresh cut produce section at many local grocers. The flesh is often the favorite (and most-used) part of the watermelon. Served on its own as a hydrating snack or as part of a recipe for tasty entrees, the flesh offers something for nearly every appetite so no watermelon goes to waste.

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon is 92% water, making it a sweet choice for staying hydrated. Even if your watermelon is overripe, don’t throw it out - instead, juice or puree it to retain value and nutrition. Use it to sweeten this Watermelon Bourbon Glaze then drizzle over a perfectly grilled flank steak and serve with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables for an ideal fall meal.

Watermelon Rind

The rind is often thrown out - many people don’t realize you can eat it, too. The rind absorbs flavors added to it and adds an unexpected texture to this Watermelon Walnut

cont. on page 19

Source: American Pecan Promotion Board

‘Fall’ In Love.. cont. from pg 17

Currant Chutney. Try serving over brie with crackers or simply dip with naan or baguettes.

Find more flavorful fall solutions to avoid food waste at Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Bourbon Glaze with Grilled Flank Steak

Servings: 6

1 1/2 cups watermelon juice (approximately 2 1/2 cups

chopped watermelon, blended)

2 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4-1/2 cup bourbon

2 pounds flank steak or London broil

1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2/3 cup. Toward end of reduction, add garlic. Remove from heat, cool 10 minutes then add soy sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce and bourbon. Mix well.

Place watermelon-bourbon glaze in large zip-top bag. Add steak and massage to cover meat. Close bag and refrigerate 3-4 hours.

Heat grill to high heat. Remove steak from plastic bag and gently shake to remove excess glaze.

Grill steak 4-6 minutes; turn, grill 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness of steak. Remove from heat. Steak should

be pink in center.

Allow steak to rest on platter or cutting board 10 minutes.

Mix small amount of watermelon-bourbon glaze with cornstarch. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, add cornstarch mixture to remaining glaze and simmer 3-5 minutes. Reduce to medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

Cut flank steak on bias into thin strips. Drizzle watermelon-bourbon glaze over top.

Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney

Servings: 16

4 cups watermelon, juiced

2 cups watermelon rind (white part), diced small

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 medium white onion, sliced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 lemon, juice only

2 tablespoons currants

2 tablespoons roasted walnuts

1 wheel brie cheese, for serving crackers, for serving

In saucepan over medium heat, reduce watermelon

juice to 2 cups. Combine with watermelon rind, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, white onion, garlic, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, currants and walnuts; simmer until almost dry.

Chill and serve over brie with crackers.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board (Family Features)

Breast cancer affects millions of women each year, but breast cancer also can be diagnosed in men. Each year in the United States, about 2,400 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 270 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in Canada, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Macmillan Cancer Support says men have a small amount of breast tissue behind their nipples, where breast can-

cer potentially can develop. Breast tissue in boys and girls is the same until puberty, when girls start to develop more. Signs of male breast cancer include a lump or swelling in the breast, redness or flaky skin in the breast, irritation or dimpling of the skin around the nipple, nipple discharge, or pulling in or pain of the nipple, states the CDC.

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT

After the mortgage, utility costs, including electricity, likely make up one of the most significant portions of monthly budgets for the typical American household. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electric bill in the United States is $143.

However, reducing your family’s energy costs is possible by following some smart, practical, cost-cutting tips from the heating and cooling experts at Mitsubishi Electric. Consider these ways to help dial down your energy bills.

Service HVAC Systems Regularly

To ensure the best performance and efficiency possible, find a licensed contractor to keep your heating and cooling system well-maintained and serviced throughout the year. There are some tasks many homeowners

5 Ways to Trim Home Energy Bills

can handle on their own, like keeping outdoor units free of debris and changing air filters. Some filters are removable and washable, saving you money. However, bringing in a professional 1-2 times a year for maintenance and to ensure proper function of ductwork and electrical components is also essential.

Use Appliances During Non-Peak Hours

Rather than using stoves, ovens and clothing dryers in the afternoon hours, consider doing so early in the morning or late in the evening. Peak time for many electricity providers is noon-6 p.m., meaning using these appliances outside of this timeframe when conventional heating and cooling systems are likely running full throttle can help lower energy costs.

Upgrade Your System

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentivizes home-

owners that opt for energy-efficient air-conditioning and heating options to replace fossil-fuel-fired furnaces. This includes upgrading your existing HVAC system to a qualified heat pump. For example, Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps provide more energy-efficient cooling and heating that equals cost and energy savings as well as a reduced carbon footprint for homeowners.

Installing a smart electrical panel alongside an all-electric heat pump enables homeowners to monitor and control energy consumption on-site or remotely using a smartphone for better overall efficiency and utility cost savings.

Harness the Sun’s Energy with Solar Panels

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth’s surface in 90 minutes

could power the world’s total energy usage for a full year. Investing in solar panels can help decrease energy bills and increase your home’s sustainability. Additionally, some utility providers and government entities, including the IRA, offer incentives to help reduce installation costs.

Avoid Heating or Cooling Unused Spaces

One mistake many homeowners make is forgetting

to adjust their temperature settings when leaving the house. Whether you’re headed out for the weekend or just headed to work for the day, running your system in an empty house can result in unnecessarily high utility bills.

Multi-zone, all-electric heat pumps like those from Mitsubishi Electric allow homeowners to set the comfort level and adjust the temperature in each room,

reducing the energy waste of cooling unoccupied rooms. With a smartphone app, you can even adjust the settings remotely.

Find more ways to increase energy savings while making your home more sustainable by visiting MitsubishiComfort.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Source: Mitsubishi Electric (Family Features)

Color Inspiration for a Comforting, Relaxing Home

Updating your home can provide the perfect opportunity to explore new design styles or refresh living spaces with a new color scheme. In fact, a coat of paint can help set the mood for entire rooms in your home.

By turning to nature-inspired designs, you can create a sense of comfort and relaxation. A hybrid color, like Valspar’s 2024 Color of the Year, Renew Blue, is gentle and airy with a touch of blue to set a restful and meditative mood. The grayed sea green - inspired by fleeting things such as fog, mist, clouds and glacier lakes - is a seasonless and versatile hue that features a mid-tone blue with warm undertones and can be used in outdoor living spaces and four-season rooms alike.

“This mid-tone shade has become popular for wellness environments over the years due to its low saturation level, which evokes a sense of rest and calm,” said Sue Kim, Valspar’s director of color marketing. “The harmonious green and blue open the possibility for outdoor applications, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior.”

To help elevate the mood in your home, con-

sider implementing Renew Blue into one of these popular design trends that can update the look of nearly any of your indoor or outdoor spaces.

Coastal

Coastal looks are timeless designs that have remained relevant for years because of their positive correlation to calming beach locations. Perfect for outdoor spaces like the backyard, you can implement a more curated and personal take on the trend by shifting from “typical” coastal design that pairs beachy hues with natural textures like rope, driftwood and wicker to something more classic and natural like the Cape Cod variation by working in some nautical touches like anchors, oars or seashells.

Modern Farmhouse

In the entryway, using

beautiful and functional decor, such as unique ceramics and handwoven textiles, helps usher in a modern rustic style. By using timeless tones and accents, as well as layering heritage art, you can create visual mystery while elevating the ordinary to make your home feel warm and welcoming to guests from the moment they walk through the door.

Nordic Comfort Modern Traditional is a style that came together over time, and the Hygge look is a refined take. It pulls elementary cues from traditional farmhouse style but has shaker-inspired elements mixed in and is done with a slightly modern twist. It can make a larger space like the kitchen feel welcoming, open, carefully curated and warm.

Modern Boho

Boho is a nature-loving and free-spirited style connected to earthy and botanical elements. From handmade decor to vintage metallic finishes, this style reimagines the past and elevates everyday spaces like bathrooms into personal retreats designed with wellness in mind.

Pastel Wabi-Sabi

Leaning into the modern sentiment of “less is more,” this style reflects a naturally minimalist design aesthetic and showcases color coordination with mood-boosting hues and joyful color. Perfect for nurseries and other spaces that should be bright and welcoming, pieces with pared-back, welcoming shapes and silhouettes that allow quality natural materials to shine are perfect for decorating the room. Visit Valspar.com to find more on-trend home design

inspiration and order up to 10 free paint chips to be delivered to your home to see how your favorite colors will

fit your space.

Source: Valspar (Family Features)

New! Children’s Programs at Butler Public Library

The Hardy Boys in The Mystery of the Haunted House Production

When: October 13-29, 2023

Historic Palace in Netcong, NJ

Enter a raffle for free tickets: Come in to the Library and fill out a raffle form and answer one question about the Hardy Boys series. Give your completed form to an assistant at the Circulation Desk an order to enter the raffle for one adult and one children’s ticket. Winner will be called. These tickets are donated by the theater. The recipient of the tickets is responsible for calling the theater to secure the tickets. Stage Production: Based on the Hardy Boys novel The House on the Cliff

Ace amateur detectives Frank and Joe Hardy find themselves embroiled in a dangerous and perplexing caper that turns the tranquil town of Bayport upside down! This time, suspicious circumstances surround an eerie mansion on the edge of Barmet Bay, the setting for an international smuggling operation. Performed in the style of a classic 1920’s film noir setting, our production offers as many laughs as it does shivers!

ANNULAR ECLIPSE 23% of the sun covered by the moon in our area.

Register on GOOGLE FORMS Butler Residents only.

When: Saturday, October 14: The Annular Solar Eclipse: 12:08 pm – 2:36 PM. (Time Frame)

Where: Come view the partial eclipse with Ms. Jenn and Ms. Karen outside the front door of the Library (sunny day only) with the solar glasses we will provide for you. Limited to one pair of solar glasses per family. You must be registered on GOOGLE FORMS for this event. Glasses will be given out the day of the event only. We have 50 solar glasses to give out, but you must be registered on GOOGLE FORMS so we have an accurate count.

Solar System Exploration: NASA

See the time frame below.

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

Toddler Time

Thursdays at 10:30 A.M.

September 21 – Dec. 7

For ages 2 – 3 yrs.

Register on Google Forms or visit the Library to sign up. Toddler time offers a 30-minute session with a story and a small craft for children and caretakers. This free program is limited to 8 children and 8 caretakers. Butler residents only. Registration is required on Google Forms. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

Read a Story to Cory

For Beginner Readers

Every Monday from 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm Ms. Kim Boon and her Shih Tzu Dog, Cory will help your child in learning how to read or to practice reading aloud. Cory is the best listener. Sign up for a 15 minute session by calling the Butler Library at: 973-838-3262. This program is free. Come join us at the Butler Library with Cory and Ms. Kim and practice reading aloud when you can read a story to Cory.

Literature Circle: Book Club Join Mrs. Kern: Former 4th Grade Teacher: ADS

When: Mondays, October 16, October 23

Time: 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Grades 4 & 5

Register by calling the Library: 973-838-3262

Join Mrs. Kern for a fun-filled hour of activities related to reading the book “The Boy on the Porch.” The book will be available at the Butler Library to be checked out by all participants during the first meeting.

Halloween BINGO

When: Monday, October 30

Time: 6:00 PM

Ages: 5 – 10

Register on Google Forms or visit the Library to sign up. BOO! (Coming Soon)

Register on Google Forms or visit the Library to register. Meet in the library at 12:30 dressed in your costumes and ready to parade through the Municipal Building to the Senior Center next door. We will enter the Senior Center and parade into their Community Room. Each child and senior will put together a Halloween Craft. From there, we will disperse.

STEAM: Paint a Small Ceramic Turkey

When: Saturday, November 4

Register on Google Forms or visit the Library to register.

Time: 11:00 – 11:45 AM

Ages: 5 – 10 years

Paint a small ceramic Turkey for a Thanksgiving decoration. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms so we have an accurate count of attendees. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

Introduction to Speed Cup Stacking

When: Saturday, November 18

Register on Google Forms or visit the Library to register.

Time: 11:00 – 11:45 AM

Ages: 6 – 11 years

“Speed Cup Stacking is a Sport that originated in the early 1980’s in southern California and received national attention in 1990.” Register on GOOGLE Forms if you are interested in this one day cup stacking class to learn Step 1: Three stack and 6 stack. (3-3-3) If there is an interest in this program, other classes will be scheduled. This class is limited to 10 children who will share a set of cups. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms so we have an accurate count of attendees. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973-838-3262.

*This is an unmonitored inbox. Please do not reply to this message. Please call the Library at 973-838-3262, with any questions or concerns. To unsubscribe, reply with unsubscribe in the subject field. Thank you for your interest in Butler Public Library.*

Butler Public Library

1 Ace Road

Butler, NJ 07405

973-838-3262

More information on our website: www.butlerlibrary.org

Family Movie Nights

One Friday per month at 7:00 pm

Join us once a month for a Family Movie Night, showing Family-Friendly Films on our 70” Flat Screen TV. Please call the Butler Library at: 973-838-3262 to sign up. Friday, November 10, 2023

Friday, December 29, 2023

ALL CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS MEET IN THE BUTLER LIBRARY

Story Time

Tuesdays at 10:30 A.M.

September 19 – December 5

For ages 3 – 5 yrs.

Have some fun this Halloween and join us for Halloween Bingo! Prizes will be awarded to those who are winners of each BINGO game. Each child needs to be registered separately on Google Forms so we have an accurate count of attendees. If you are no longer able to attend after you sign up for this program, please call the library and let us know. If you need help registering, please call the library at 973838-3262.

Halloween Parade & Craft

Tuesday, October 31

TIme: Meet in the Library at 12:30 PM.

Ages: infant to 5

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New! Young Adult Programs at Butler Public Library

High School Information Session: Morris County Vocational School District Academy Program

For students who wish to apply or learn more about the school’s programs

When: October 5, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM

No registration necessary

In-person: Enter into Butler Library: Held in the Courtroom

The MCVSD Academy programs offer students a unique high school experience combining comprehensive academics with focused Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes. The Academy programs are full-time, comprehensive high school programs (9th-12th). MCVSD offers a variety of full-time Academy programs, most of which are located at the Denville campus and comprise the full-time Morris County School of Technology. Additional full-time Academy programs exist in partner school districts and are referred to as satellite Academy programs. Each of the full-time Academy programs has a focused 4-year curriculum in the respective career area. Learn about the MCVSD Career and Technical Education High School Programs. Families of students in middle school are welcome to attend.

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

High School Volunteers: Looking for volunteers to help with library activities. Call or visit Ms. Arlene or Ms. Lisa in the Library. Ask for a student volunteer worksheet and fill it out in order to keep track of your time and hours. Give it to Ms. Arlene or Ms. Lisa.

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

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

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

As a High School student you can start

your very own club with a mission of leading TechGirlz workshops at local middle schools and libraries (virtual or in-person!). Sound fun? Fill out this form to get started!

Adult Programs at Butler Public Library

Chair Yoga Classes

Class Times: 11:30 am & 1:00 pm Choose one class.

Dates: 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, & 11/8/23

In-Person at Butler Public Library

Call the Library for more information. 973838-3262

Presented by Taylor Walek, Yoga Instructor

Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is beneficial to all. In these classes Taylor will lead you through mindful centering and breathing practices and yoga poses with the aid of a chair. This practice is a great form of yoga for beginners, those with physical disabilities, balance issues or anyone who has trouble getting down and up off the floor. Benefits of chair yoga include increased mobility, strength, balance, concentration and relaxation. Ultimately the goal of this class is to leave feeling good! Please call the Butler Library at: 973-838-3262, or stop by our Circulation Desk to sign up.

The Community Drum Circle Returns to the Butler Library

We are pleased to announce that Life Center Stage is returning to the Butler Library to once again host a community drum circle. The program will be held weekly.

Wednesdays: Oct. 11th, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 29, 2023 –there will be no class on Nov. 22

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM

You do not need to be able to attend all sessions to participate. This is an event for the entire family. Call the Library (973-8383262 to register). This is an event for the entire family. Contact Luis Rodriguez at luis. rodriguez@butlerlibrary.org if you have any questions.

Retirement Roadblocks Workshop

In-Person at Butler Public Library

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Presented by Cornerstone Financial Solutions Through Education

This informative seminar will cover common retirement concerns such as outliving your money, healthcare costs, and market volatility. Our expert speaker will provide practical solutions and strategies to help you overcome these roadblocks and

achieve a secure retirement. Ask yourself these questions about your Current Plan:

Are you confident that your savings will withstand a 25 to 30+ year retirement?

Do you have a plan to combat inflation’s damaging effects on your purchasing power?

Is your retirement income completely dependent on market performance?

Do you know how much you can withdraw from your retirement savings each year without running out of money?

Are you confident that your Social Security benefits are optimized for yourself and your spouse?

Do you have strategies to cover the rising healthcare costs and potential long-term care needs?

Do you have a tax allocation strategy to help minimize the impact of taxes during retirement?

Don’t let retirement worries keep you up at night – join us for this valuable seminar and get the peace of mind you deserve. We look forward to seeing you there!Admission is free, but seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today. Registration in advance is required by calling the Butler Library at: 973-838-3262, or stop by our Circulation Desk to sign up. Butler Public Library is located at 1 Ace Road, Butler, NJ 07405, by phone at 973-838-3262 or online at: www.butlerlibrary.org.

All About Medicare Workshop

In-Person At Butler Public Library

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Presented by Karen R. Kuiphoff, Registered Representative Solomon Financial Group

Join us to learn how to navigate the maze and gain an understanding of different options and designs that can be put into place for you or your loved one. Please call: 551347-1096 or email: karenkuiphoff@solomonbenefits.com for a personal meeting, at any time, if needed, or you may call the Butler Library at: 973-838-3262 to sign up for this In-Person Workshop. Butler Public Library is located at: 1 Ace Road, Butler, NJ 07405, by phone at: 973-838-3262 or online at: www.butlerlibrary.org.

Adult Programs..

cont. from pg 29

Charcuterie Board Nutrition Class

Thursday, November 2, 2023

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

At Butler Public Library

Join Lauren, Registered Dietitian from ShopRite of West Milford, who will be at the Butler Public Library, for a nutritious Charcuterie Board Nutrition Class. This class is free of charge. Registration in advance is required by calling the Butler Library at 973-838-3262, or stop by our Circulation Desk to sign up. Butler Public Library is located at 1 Ace Road, Butler, NJ 07405, by phone at 973-838-3262 or online at www.butlerlibrary.org.

Methods of Well-Being: Ancient and Modern Better Together: Adult Library Program

Sponsored by Butler Library, Kinnelon Library, Pequannock Library and Riverdale Library

With: Gary McCabe

Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 7:00 pm

Learn all about ancient and modern mindset, classical Chinese Medicine and adjunctive practices, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Herbology, Qigong, Taijiquan, Feng Shui, and more. We will also discuss practical tips to reduce stress and increase well-being. This event is hybrid, as it will he held in-person at the Pewquannock Library with a ZOOM option. Register at: www.pequannocklibrary.org by clicking on “Events.”

Senior Activity Wayne Adult Community Center

FREE Beginner BRIDGE

LESSONS for Adults 55 and older at the Wayne Adult Community Center (White House on Schuyler Colfax Campus)

1502 Hamburg Turnpike,

Wayne, NJ Lessons will be held on Friday mornings from 10:00 AM To 11:30 AM beginning October 6, 2023

For information or to sign up, please call our Center

at 973-633-0734 or Vivian Grossman at 973-956-1784 or Harriet Stein at 973-9423743

Learn a new game • Have fun • Make new friends

IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OWNER READING THIS, SO IS YOUR BEST CUSTOMER We can help build and brand your business

Home Town Life is 100% mailed to local residents and businesses

We offer local news, informative articles, community happenings and online advertising

No long term commitments, free artwork and personal marketing guidance

Servicing Morris, Passaic, Essex and Warren Counties

Pequannock Township Historical Society

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

Tues., Nov. 7th, 2023- Speaker: Michael C. Gabriele, author of the book by the following name, on "Colonial Taverns of New Jersey: Libations, Liberty and Revolution."

Sun., Dec. 10th, 2023- Tentative date for Christmas Social.

Call, email or text Lisa for more information

I Remember Mom: The Last Flower

By Richard Mabey Jr.

IMiracles often come into our life, without a great deal of fanfare. Sometimes, the miracles of our lives do not involve a parting of a sea or a burning bush. Sometimes, the gentle brush of an angel’s wings is so subtle and ethereal that it can easily be overlooked. Simply put, some of the small miracles in our lives, may well be taken for granted. But none-the-less, they are very real miracles.

Such a miracle came to my mom, Janet Ethel Kemmerer Mabey, in the time of early Spring of 2018. My mom, my sister Patti and myself traveled the long car ride from Florida to New Jersey. None of us knew it at the time, but it was to be Mom’s last visit to Knothe Farms, the home of her beloved sister, Alice

Kemmerer Knothe.

When Spring Time comes, my cousin Peter Knothe is all so busy managing his family farm. It is a long standing tradition that one or two of his many greenhouses will be the home for rows and rows of planted flowers. It provides a poetic panorama of a rainbow of colors of all the various types of flowered plants that Peter has growing on the wooden tables inside his greenhouses.

One of the long-standing family traditions of Mom and Aunt Alice, is to take the time to walk the length and breadth of the flower-filled greenhouses to find just the right flowers to plant at the grave sites of their late brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents. It is a rather solemn and heart warming kind of thing. It was a tradition that would always have a quality of reverence about it.

When we reached the cemetery, I carried the many flats of flowers that were to be planted at the portion of the cemetery that was devoted to the Kemmerer Family. As I knelt upon the grassy ground, digging out holes to plant the many flowers, I could not help but to overhear my mom and aunt talking.

“I think this is the last time, I’ll ever get to visit Mom and Dad’s graves,” Mom quietly told her sister.

“Oh come on Janet, you’ve still got a lot of time on this old earth,” Aunt Alice replied.

“No, Alice, I can feel it in my bones. I can feel the angels calling me Home,” Mom solemnly replied to her sister’s attempt to uplift Mom.

“Don’t talk like that Janet, you’ve still got a lot of years ahead of you,” Aunt Alice replied, in what was a bit more of stern reply.

“No, Alice, I just have this inner knowing. It’s a feeling that I can’t really explain,” Mom told her sister.

After I planted a good two dozen flowering plants, Mom, Aunt Alice, Patti and I left the cemetery. I remember that we had a late lunch at the Randolph Diner. I saw something in my Mom’s eyes. It was gladness tinted with a ray of solemn sadness. Mom knew, for sure, that it was the last time she would ever visit the graves of her precious loved ones. Mom told her sister that God gave her a miracle, to be able to visit the graves of her loved ones, one last time.

It was a strange thing. When we got home from the farm,

Mom’s episodes of having severe chest pains became more and more frequent. It was a long process of having many cardiac medical tests. But in November of 2019, Mom was operated on, to have an Aortic Valve replacement. Sadly, on the twenty- third of December, of that year, Mom went Home to be with the Lord. The valve replacement did not take.

I often reflect upon that morning at the cemetery, where Mom told Aunt Alice that she knew it would be the last time she would visit the Kemmerer grave site. cont. on page 33

From the Spring of 2028, Mom (left hand side) and Aunt Alice at the gravestone of their grandparents, Lefennas and Alavesta Kemmerer.

NJ Starz: Todd Nichols Hometown: Denville

By Steve Sears

Todd

Nichols recalled

his earliest love for music.

He said, “It was in the seventh grade. I can actually remember that in the yearbook for Thomas Jefferson Middle School, they asked you for an ambition.” Nichols’ entry? To someday become a professional musician. “I was a drummer, played professionally for 25 years while I taught high school. My dream as a little kid was to be the drummer for the Count Basie Orchestra.”

He never attained that “dream,” but he accomplished something much more important. For himself, yes, but most importantly, for others.

“I’ve been very, very blessed to have some incredible students,” Nichols said. “And I would say some of the most memorable ones, the ones that truly resonated, were some of my students for whom maybe going to school was challenging for them. They would come back after they graduated and said that it was being in band, being in music, and being in these ensembles that helped get them through and make it to graduation. Those to me were always the ones that really hit home.”

Nichals since 2019 has been the Rutgers University Director of Bands, and now oversees the entire program for concert ensembles, the marching band, and three prep bands. Nichols is also in year two of his Presidency of the Big Ten Band Directors Assocation. His term runs through 2024.

The 47-year-old Nichols, who was born in Denville and grew up in Rockaway, attended Morris Hills High School. He was raised by his mom, Sandy, who passed away a few years ago, and his dad, Tom, also a Morris Hills alum. He has one younger sister, Tracey.

Nichols, who graduated Morris Hills High School in 1994, credits his high school band director, Mchael Sopko, with giving him encouragement. “He was my high school band director, and he was very supportive and very encouraging. And not just to me. It is interesting that there are a lot of musicians who came out of Morris Hills High School who are doing just really incredible things. There are people who are out on Broadway, there are musical directors, there are college band directors, there are people teaching and playing professionally. Such a small, tiny school in Rockaway had quite a few incredible artists come out and do different things. And he (Sopko) was super encouraging to me my whole time through.”

After high school, Nichols headed to what was then called Trenton State College (now called the College of New Jersey) where he received his BM in Music in 1998, and thereafter his MM in Conducting from Pennsylvania’s Messiah College. While he has been teaching at Rutgers University, he received in 2022 his DMA in Conducting from the Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Nichols’ first teaching roles were at Edison High School from 1998 to 2004,

and Roxbury High School from 2004 to 2017.

Nichols said, “Both communities are still to this day very special to me for different reasons. The Edison band and the Edison community was a place that was very serious about what they did, wanting to progress, and grow and get better. It was a great place to start teaching, a great place to be able to build something - a program full of really special, hardworking and caring people. Roxbury was very much the same way. The time spent at Roxbury was about trying to create opportunities for the students that maybe had not existed prior. There were a lot of first-time national performances for those bands and experiences that I will certainly never forget. At Edison, it was me and just a couple of colleagues, and when I was at Roxbury, there were seven of us who were working towards that common goal. It was just another community that really believed in music, really believed in what we were doing.”

Through the years, the bands that Nichols has directed have performed for some very prestigious folks and at worthy locations. In 2008, the Roxbury band was the first band ever to perform at the prestigious Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, and to date they are the only high school from New Jersey that has ever performed at the conference. The Roxbury High School Wind Symphony has been on stage at both Avery Fisher Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City and took

part in 2014’s Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show. And Nichols, conductor of both the Eastern Wind Symphony and Garden State Symphonic Band, in 2016 was elected to the American Bandmasters Association/American School Band Directors Association, and was also invited to conduct the United States Army Field Band.

“That was pretty great,” he said of the latter experience. “That was while I was teaching at when they came into town, and Colonel (Tim) Holtan was kind enough to extend an invitation and ask if I wanted to do a piece with the group. That was very, very special.”

Nichols moved on in 2017 to Rutgers, and when he started there, he was the Director of Athletic Bands and the Associate Director of Bands while teaching at the school. His Marching Scarlet Knights have performed for former Vice-President (and current President), Joseph Biden, and during halftime on Monday Night Football.

And next up just might be the crème de la crème: an appearance in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Nichols said, “It’s a very exciting time for us right now. In addition to the fact that this is the first time in our school’s history that the Rutgers Marching Band has ever been accepted to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, we have had some really great interest in the band program in that we are the largest we have ever been. We are going to be taking 350 students to this parade, and we are trying to make sure that

the impression that is made and the experience that is created for our students is, ‘You’re going to get one shot at this for it to be a lifetime memory for those involved.’ The students are super excited about it, and our staff is super excited about it. We are doing everything we can to really make sure that we represent our university the best we possibly can.”

As special as a music and teaching career is for Todd Nichols, it is superseded by his love for his family. He and his wife, Beth, will in May 2024 be married for 25 years, and they are proud parents of two daughters. Nichols said, “Sarah, who is a freshman now at Rutgers, is a Cognitive Science and Linguistics major. She wants to be a Speech and Language Pathologist, and our youngest daughter, Emily, is

I Remember Mom... cont. from pg 32

I often wonder how Mom knew that.

Life is short. Love one another. Forgive people for the wrongs they have done unto you. Find the good in people. For truly, life is too short to hold grudges and ill feelings toward one another. Love is the key element of miracles.

a sophomore at Immaculata high school. Anytime I am able to have time with my family is the most important thing. It gets tougher as we get older, and everybody is terribly busy. But to me, any time that I could have with my girls and my wife is the most important time I can have. It always makes me happy, no matter what.”

And there are those he has educated in the past, and the ones he teaches now. As far as his career and love of music goes, Nichols’ reward for his hard work is experiencing the reactions and happiness of his students.

“When they achieve a goal that they thought they maybe could not, makes me happy that they are happier than anything else.”

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.”

Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail. com.

By Richard Mabey Jr.

A Thanksgiving Story: The Earnest Prayer

One of the hardest working individuals, whom I have ever known in my life is my cousin, Robert Peter Knothe. Pete, as every one in the family knows him as, is the Manager of Knothe Farms in Randolph Township. Having stayed at the Knothe Farm for many week-long visits, I can testify to just how hard working a man, Pete is. Seven days a week, he’s up at 5:30 in the morning to conquer a mile-long to do list. A day in the life of Cousin Pete might include fixing hinging on a barn to replacing a support pole on one of his greenhouses to doing an oil change on his farm truck. Pete Knothe is one of the single most disciplined and focused individuals I have ever known. He works at his family farm, from sunrise to sunset, just about every day.

Cousin Pete and I share a birthday, that of the fifth of September. Pete’s a few years older than I am, and over the years, he has been like an older brother to me I’ve learned a lot from Pete. From how to grow great tomatoes, to developing a deep respect for nature, to understanding that hard work is the key to success in life.

Pete served in the United States Air Force. He saw action and was placed in harm’s way during the Vietnam War. It’s something that Pete doesn’t like to talk much about. I know that Pete was honored with commendations of heroism, but it’s something that he is very humble about.

I’m not sure if it was the Thanksgiving of 1969 or of 1970. I remember that Grandpa and Grandma Kemmerer were still with us, on this side of Heaven’s Gate. I’m pretty sure that Pete’s grandparents, Edward and Francis Knothe, were also still with us at that memorable Thanksgiving table. I was in high school and Cousin Pete was in Vietnam.

Yours truly (left hand side) and my good cousin, Robert Peter Knothe.

Pete’s Dad would always say grace at the long Thanksgiving table at the old Knothe Homestead. There would usually be 30 to 40 people seated at the series of tables, that would run from the dining room all the way to the living room. I don’t know how my Aunt Alice managed it all. She would always have kitchen help from her daughters and my mom and my sister. Still, it was an amazing accomplishment, to say the least.

There was a moment of silence, before Uncle Pete began saying the blessing, upon our Thanksgiving meal, that was over five decades ago. I remember Uncle Pete quietly, unassumingly saying, “well, I guess we’ll say the blessing.” And then a deep silence followed, people reverently folded their hands and earnestly bowed their heads.

Obviously, I cannot remember Uncle Pete’s prayer, word for word. But I do remember the ending of Uncle Pete’s

prayer. It went something like this, “and Lord, we ask in Jesus’ name, please do bring my son home, safe and sound.” Then Uncle Pete broke down and cried. It was one of the very few times that I ever saw Uncle Pete cry. In about a minute’s time, after concluding his prayer, Uncle Pete got himself together and shouted out gleefully, “okay everybody, let’s eat!”

Over my lifetime, I’ve heard many prayers said. Some were recited by eloquent ministers and priests. But none of those other prayers, could hold a candle to the heart-felt, earnest, sincere and deeply moving prayer that Uncle Pete gave that Thanksgiving Day. Those words, “Lord, we ask in Jesus’ name, please do bring my son home, safe and sound,” have often echoed in my heart and in my mind.

Cousin Pete did come home from Vietnam, safe and sound. Is it possible that Uncle Pete’s words of earnest prayer provided protection for his only son, in the midst of being in harm’s way? It could never be scientifically proven. But do any of us really know the incredible positive power of prayer?

There is an eternal truth: love knows no boundaries. It is the strongest force in the universe. It has the miraculous power to heal strife between individuals, bring wars to an end, and to form a cloak of protection for loved ones, no matter how far away they may be.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.”

Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

Manage Your Family’s Year-Round Health

Now is a good time to check in and make sure your entire family is protected from infectious diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. Timely routine vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubeola) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), are known to prevent around 4 million deaths annually, yet only 1 in 5 adults are up to date on their vaccines.

Convenience, accessibility and lack of trust all play fundamental parts in why vaccination numbers are low across some demographic groups and geographic regions. Community pharmacies and clinics, such as the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies and The Little Clinic, have emerged as accessible and convenient options for people seeking needed healthcare services outside of traditional settings. These facilities offer a range of high-quality services, including medication counseling, health screenings and immunizations.

Routine preventive care, including vaccine administration, can take place at various points throughout the year. Certain populations, such as people who are 60 years of age and older, those with chronic diseases and some minority populations, are more at risk for contracting certain infections and are encouraged to maintain updated vaccinations and boosters throughout the year. (For children younger than 5 years of age, check with your local pharmacist or clinician for vaccine guidelines.)

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months old and older get an annual flu vaccine. Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that infects

the nose, throat and lungs, and could lead to serious illness, hospitalization or death. Dominant flu strains are constantly shifting and protection from a single flu vaccine declines over time.

Retail pharmacies and clinics hold a unique position in the local communities they serve and are deeply committed to vaccine education and outreach. In addition to providing protection against illnesses such as influenza, vaccines also offer protection against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), measles, RSV, pertussis (whooping cough), COVID-19 and more. By equipping people with consistent, factual information, retail pharmacies and clinics empower them to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their loved ones. Research shows schools and colleges have the potential to cultivate a higher disease transmission rate that affects all ages. When students are protected against vaccine-pre-

ventable illnesses, they experience fewer absences due to illness.

Ensuring children are current on their vaccines also creates opportunities for parents and caregivers to check their own preventive health statuses. The National Institutes of Health notes vaccine-preventable diseases cost the country approximately $27 billion annually in lost wages and increased healthcare costs.

Unlike some traditional healthcare settings, retail pharmacies and clinics are easily accessible. They are often located within local communities and have extended hours that cater to busy schedules, allowing flexibility for people getting their families vaccinated. Options like the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies and other retail pharmacies have established vaccine clinics within their pharmacy and clinic locations, making vaccinations a seamless and convenient part of the healthcare experience they provide.

Annual Gallup Polls consistently show pharmacists and nurse practitioners are among the most trusted people in the medical field. Healthcare professionals at retail pharmacies and clinics undergo rigorous training and possess in-depth knowledge about vaccines, proper storage and handling as well as administration techniques.

By prioritizing proactive vaccinations, retail pharmacies create an environment that supports the well-being of students, teachers, staff and families, helping communities live healthier lives.

To learn more, visit kroger.com/vaccinations or visit a local pharmacy or clinic.

Source: Kroger Health (Family Features)

Main Street Antique Center

Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin Jr – Dr. Rendezvous

By Henry M. Holden

While there have been 12 astronauts who walked on the Moon, two names are instantly recognizable; the late Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, and Buzz Aldrin, who followed Armstrong down the ladder of the Lunar Module Eagle, in 1969. But, of all the astronauts who walked on the Moon, none has become more famous than Aldrin.

Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr. was born January 20, 1930, and raised in Montclair N.J.. He is a former astronaut, and graduated from West Point, third in his class, with a mechanical engineering degree. He flew 66 combat missions in F-86 Sabre jets in Korea and shot down two Russian-built Mig- 15 airplanes and won the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross.

At the age of 80, Aldrin made news with his performance on Dancing with the Stars. But long before he danced with the stars, he was the inspiration for Disney’s Buzz Lightyear.

In January 1963, sixand-a-half years before the first Moon landing, Aldrin earned a degree of Doctor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), for his 311page thesis “Line-of-Sight Guidance Techniques for Manned Orbital Rendezvous,” earning Aldrin the sobriquet “Dr. Rendezvous” among his peers. At the time he was a Major in the U.S. Air Force and had yet to be selected as an astronaut. The Mercury Program was winding down, and Project Gemini, with its explicit requirement for testing rendezvous in space was ramping up. Aldrin specifically mentions the Gemini Program in an abstract of his thesis.

Early on, Aldrin did not believe that Gemini program was using the astro-

L-R Neil Armstrong, Michael

nauts effectively to work outside space vehicle. “We used microgravity training and flights in parabolic airplanes. But that did not improve the situation. I was a certified nine-year SCUBA diver and understand that underwater simulates weightlessness. I introduced it to NASA, and they agreed to give it a try. It worked; our EVAs became very productive.”

Before that he served as the Apollo 11 lunar module pilot, in 1966, he performed three periods of extravehicular activity (EVA) totaling five hours, 30-minutes aboard Gemini 12.

On May 25, 1962, President John F. Kennedy prompted Americans to “… choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”;

On July 17, 1969, thousands converged on the Kennedy Space Center, in Florida, and millions tuned in to watch live television. Soon, the ground began shaking as a small spacecraft attached to the giant Saturn V rocket several hundred feet tall started lifting off. It was quickly propelled to reach an orbital speed of 18,000 miles per hour. Apollo 11, Buzz Aldrin. Michael

Collins and Neil Armstrong were on their way to a historic first landing on the Moon.

At 4:17 pm, July 20, 1969, time stood still throughout the world. Neil Armstrong announced to the world “The Eagle has landed.” The Eagle Luner Module carried “Buzz” Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, the third astronaut, Michael Collins, remained aloft to pilot the Apollo 11 spacecraft.

After Aldrin returned to Earth he went on a speaking tour. “We did lots of parades, 25 cities in 40 days.” “What do I do next?” he thought. Despite reaching the peak of his fame and career before the age of 40, Aldrin continued to work in the field and has been one of the most effective advocates of further space travel, particularly to Mars.

His wife said, “All the pressures and expectations were too much. He crashed and burned as the expression goes. It was a combination of depression which leads to alcoholism. But he did get help, and in 2023 he celebrated 37 years of sobriety.”

In May of 2016, Aldrin attended the “Humans to Mars 2016” conference. In his remarks, Aldrin said

Collins, Buzz Aldrin (NASA photo)

NASA should make essential changes to the approach it has used since the 1960s. He feels NASA should get out of the business of designing and managing the development of its own rockets and spacecraft. He critiqued the space Launch System (SLS) vehicle, saying it was a government design, based on 1970s technology, that went into the space shuttle program. “It competes with the private sector,” Aldrin said. “I thought most of us were in the process of learning that thegovernment shouldn’t do that.”

Aldrin was referring to efforts by SpaceX to develop the Falcon Heavy rocket. The Falcon Heavy has a launch capacity of 54 metric tons to low- Earth orbit (LEO). The SLS will have an initial capacity of 70 metric tons, and independent estimates suggest the SLS will cost more than the Falcon Heavy for each launch by at least a factor of 10.

Gemini XII marked a successful conclusion of the Gemini program, achieving the last of its goals by successfully demonstrating that astronauts can effectively work outside a spacecraft. This was instrumental in paving the way for the Apollo program to achieve its goal of landing a man on the Moon by the end of the 1960s.

Aldrin recalls, “With Gemini 12’s landing there was an unequivocal realization, by all astronauts, and NASA itself: that we had only three years left to accomplish Kennedy’s challenge to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade.

“Yes, Jim and I were the link. They prepared us for the Apollo missions to the moon, but we still had major work to do.”

By early 1969, NASA made it clear the agency intended to land astronauts on the moon in July.

The month leading up to Apollo 11's success highlighted just how many people were involved in the mission. In fact, over 400,000 people worked behind the scenes on just the Apollo 11 mission. From engineers, scientists, administrators, cleaning crews and more, it took an enormous collaborative effort to complete this seemingly impossible task.

That work paid off on July 20, 1969, when an estimated 600 million people around the globe sat, glued to their television sets to watch the crew’s historic first steps on the

cont. on page 35

moon.

If you could go to Mars today the spacecraft would leave Earth at a speed of about 24,600 mph. The trip to Mars will take about seven or eight months and about 300 million miles. This is not practical, and Aldrin has an alternate solution, his Aldrin Cycler.

In 1985, Aldrin theorized a so-called Aldrin Cycler corresponding to a single synodic period. The synodic period is the time taken for a given object to make one complete orbit around another object.

Later that year, scientists at the JPL and graduate students at Purdue University confirmed and calculated the existence of such trajectories: a single elliptical loop around the Sun, from Earth to Martian orbit would take 146 days, just under five months and another 146 days from the Martian orbit back to Earth. This would chop four to five months off the current plan NASA has to get people to Mars.

A Mars cycler (or Earth–Mars cycler) is a spacecraft trajectory that encounters Earth and Mars regularly. The Aldrin cycler is an example of a Mars cycler. No propulsion is required to shuttle between the two, althoughsome minor corrections may be necessary due to small fluctuations in the orbit.

Cyclers are potentially useful for transporting people or materials between those bodies using minimal propellant (relying on gravity assist flybys for most trajectory changes) and can carry heavy radiation shielding to protect people in transit from cosmic rays and solar storms.

NASA’s Artemis Moon program which will land people on the Moon in 2025 is thought to be a possible staging area for a future trip to Mars slated for 2040.

L-R Buzz Aldrin and James Lovell standing on Gemini 12 capsule. (NASA Photo)

Edwin “Buzz”