Hometown Z13 November 2022

By Alexander Rivero

Riverdale Author Immortalizing History of Italian Town of his Youth

By the calendar year 2022, Giovanni Pin to—a retired Spanish, French, and Italian language teacher of 30 years now liv ing in Riverdale—will have spent almost three times as many years living in New Jersey as he ever spent liv ing in his native town of Pescopagano, a town in the province of Potenza, in the region of Basilicata, in the historic Italian south. That simple fact has not stopped Pinto from diving headfirst into the preservation of his motherland’s culture here in the States, and he has done everything from run Italian organizations to Italian newspapers in and around northern New Jer sey, the place he has called home for over fifty years. Pinto’s most recent endeavor have come in the form of his books. He has written two of them in recent years, the first called The Genius of Ja nus, which documents the Pescopaganese experience

in the United States since the late nineteenth centu ry. The other, The Preve dent Progeny, traces the Italian presence in America through its five generations since the arrival of the orig inal pioneers.

“The inspiration to sit down and write these books,” says Pinto, “is ac tually rooted in my time of running my newspa

per, L’Italico, which I pub lished for over 25 years. I was educated in Italy until the age of 16, and when I came here to New Jersey, I always had that instinct to participate in the communi ty. And I thought a newspa per dedicated to Italian cul ture in America was a good way to do that.”

Pinto started his L’Itali co with the hopes of look

ing for histories of different Italian communities in and around the New York City area, including those com munities close to where he was living in East Orange.

“You name it I went there,” says Pinto, “with a pen and notebook in hand, looking for people to talk to. Scotch Plains, New ark, Elizabeth, Paterson,

continued on page 4

Caring

DEMENTIA

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

HEART CONDITIONS

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

DIABETES

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

OSTEOPOROSIS

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

EATING DISORDERS

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

HEARTBURN

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

Cliffside Park, North Bergen, the Oranges. Bergen County as well. The opportunities abounded for topics to write about.”

As he got to know more and more people, he recognized an opportunity for more in-depth assignments, those that would require deeper readings into history and background.

“My research went all the way back to Italian immigration to the United States, dating from the 1870s, and I ended up writing quite a bit on the three major Italian groups in Newark, the Teorese, the Calabritani, and the Caposele.”

To hear Pinto reminisce is almost to reminisce oneself about a time and place one never knew personally. He exudes the same passion and drive for detail and nuance that he did all those years ago, when he first sat down to a typewriter to

write his historical reports and articles. It was precisely the passion he had for this kind of information, and the fear that it would all be lost if he failed to act, that moved him to sit back down and resume his work.

“When I stopped publishing after all these years, I had a sinking feeling that all this information would be lost,” he recalls, “and so I decided to write a book which essentially resumes the work I had done in my newspaper all those years ago, and reprints many of the original stories we published in its issues.”

In The Genius of Janus, Pinto centers on the Pescopaganese community of East Orange that settled in the parish of St. Joseph on Tremont Avenue, and how that community took shape as the years passed. In particular, it zeroes in on the

Pescopaganese Mutual Aid Society of East Orange and Surroundings, an aid society that the community formed in 1919, and to date has been around for over a century. Pinto was appointed president of this group as a 21-year-old, and was invited to serve as its chairman for the centennial celebration in 2019.

The Prevedent Progeny, his most recent book, explores the ancestry of southern Italians in the United States, entering now their fifth generation of assimilation into the country since first arrival. The word “prevedent”, it turns out, is not an official word at all in the English language. Pinto

argues that it should be, however.

“It is a perfect pronunciation of a Latin word composed of two roots—pre, which means ‘before’, and vedere, which means ‘to see.’ Our forefathers came from the most abused and forgotten towns of southern Italy, towns that turned dire especially after the unification of the country in the 1860s. They saw no improvement in their circumstances, and so they left—to Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and of course the United States.”

For more information on Giovanni Pinto and each of his books please visit his website, www.thegeniusofjanus.com.

What’s happening in your school or organization?

Celebrating a

Did You Know?

Trends come and go, and that impermanence can make it hard to predict how certain times of year, including the holiday season, will play out. However, one notable trend in regard to the holiday season that has seemingly withstood the test of time is the popularity of Black Friday among holiday shoppers. But even that dynamic has shifted in the digital age. Though Black Friday remains

a big day for retailers, in 2021 consumers spent more on Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) than they did on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). According to the Adobe Digital Economy Index, consumers spent $10.7 billion on Cyber Monday in 2021. That’s nearly $2 billion more than consumers spent on Black Friday, when retailers made $8.9 billion in sales.

RZ Health & Wellness Comes to Bloomingdale

Welcome RZ Health & Wellness to Bloomingdale! RZ Health & Wellness offers cryotherapy treatment and sports training. Councilman John Graziano officially welcomed owners Brian and Melissa Rzucidlo accompanied

by Councilman Ray Yazdi and the Economic Development Commissions’ Lisa Bendel, Nadia Hussain and Jen Ellis. RZ Health & Wellness is located at 148 Hamburg Tpk., in Bloomingdale.

Morris County Honors 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran

Gerald “Gerry” Gemian, a World War II veteran who turned 100 years old this past summer, was honored by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners at a celebration organized by more than two dozen friends and fellow veterans at the Montville Memorial VFW Post 5481.

Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo presented the veteran with a special Morris County“Resolution of Honor” that recognized not only his 100th Birthday on Aug. 25, but also his military service to the people of the United States.

“Thank you. Thank you very much. I’m honored,” Mr. Gemian said, as the group sat down to a luncheon hosted by the Commissioner.

“We need to thank you, Gerry. We need to thank you and your entire generation for the sacrifices you made in defense of our nation,” said Commissioner Mastrangelo. “On behalf of the County Board of Commissioners, I present you with this resolution.”

Mr. Gemian was joined by his son, Gary Gemian, a Lincoln Park councilman. The group of friends and fellow veterans also posed for photos next to a tank outside the VFW Hall.

Mr. Gemian enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, and served in WWII as a combat

radio operator, Staff Sergeant Technician 3rd Grade in the Central Pacific theater from 1942 to 1945 with the Joint Assault Signal Company. He was attached to the 7th, 27th and 81st U.S. Army Divisions, as well as with the 1st, 2nd and 4th U.S. Marine Divisions during his tours against Japanese forces, which included the Marshall Islands Campaign and the invasions of both the Kwajalein and Eniwetok Atoll Groups.

It was some of the bloodiest and deadliest episodes of the entire war, and Mr. Gemian’s service included landings in the Mariana Islands and Palau Islands during the “Island Hopping” campaign of Admiral Chester William Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Ocean Areas. But Mr. Gemian managed to survive without being wounded.

When asked by a CBS News reporter this summer about his longevity and never being wounded, despite multiple battles, Mr. Gemian said: “One thing that always sustained me is: keep going, keep going. No matter what happens, or what the hell happened, I always managed to move somehow or another.”

While transitioning out of military service, Mr. Gemian married his wife, Liz, and the couple moved in 1977 to Montville, , where she later passed in 2021 at the age of 98. Mr. Gemian worked in the defense industry

after the war, establishing a career at CurtisWright Corporation and ITT Avionics in contract administration.

The Board of County Commissioners “Resolution of Honor” declared that Mr. Gemian’s words about

“keep going” should serve as an inspiration to us all. The resolution also said he must be congratulated on his longevity, commended for his distinguished military service and blessed with continued long life and happiness.

Commissioner Mastrangelo talks to the gathering of veterans and friends after presenting Mr. Gemian (center) with a Morris County “Resolution of Honor.”

Lower This Year’s Tax Obligation Actions to Take Now!

Now is a good time to assess your current situation and address those lingering tax moves that may improve your tax picture for 2022. Here are five things to consider:

1. Check on your withholdings. Review your taxable income and the amount of tax you’ve paid to Uncle Sam so far this year. How do the numbers compare to last year? Based on your analysis, you may have to adjust your paycheck withholdings or make estimated tax payments during the balance of the year to avoid underpayment penalties or a surprising tax bill.

2. Build up your retirement accounts. Don’t neglect your retirement savings during the remainder of the year. In fact, setting aside more money for retirement can lower this year’s tax bill. For instance, if you have a 401(k) plan at work, you can defer up to $20,500 of salary in 2022, plus an extra $6,500 if you’re age 50 or older.

3. Identify potential taxable events.

It’s easy to overlook one-time events that will have an impact on your 2022 tax liability. For instance, if you win a prize at a church raffle, the prize is generally taxable

to you. Perhaps you changed jobs, lost a child as a dependent, or got married. Each of these events can create a change in your tax obligation. Review your records now to avoid any unpleasant tax surprises later.

4. Consider business property needs. If you acquire business property, you can often choose to write off the cost in

the first year the property is placed in service under the latest tax laws. If it makes sense, consider combining the benefits of the Section 179 expensing deduction, up to a maximum of $1 million (indexed for inflation), with 100% bonus depreciation for both new and used property.

5. Account for gig taxes.

Finally, workers in the gig economy (like Uber and Lyft drivers) should understand

the basic tax rules. Generally, income from such jobs is fully taxable, but you may be entitled to offsetting deductions. Essentially, you’re treated like a selfemployed individual. Estimated quarterly tax payments are often required for these workers.

Should you wish a review of your situation, call now. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when it comes to your tax obligation.

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

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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 non-toxic items and keep them well out of the pet’s reach.

Chocolate and other sweets: An abundance of treats seems to be par for the 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 promptly discarded.

Tinsel and decorations: Skip the tinsel if you have a cat. Felines are likely to mistake 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

Holidays Potentially Hazardous to Pets continued on page 11

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

Holidays..

for

The subtle flicker of a lit candle

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

instead.

Alcohol: Spirits are sometimes a part of

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 is Movember?

If you think you’re seeing more moustaches lingering over mens’ upper lips as November unfolds, chances are your eyes are not deceiving you. November has long been synonymous with Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season, but it’s also taken on a whole new persona in recent years, and moustaches are a significant part of that new identity.

Arguably as popular as ever, Movember® is a public health-focused effort designed to raise awareness of and support research into men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide. Men who participate in Movember typically begin growing moustaches on November 1 and keep them throughout the month.

The origins of Movember can be traced to 2003, when two men in Australia, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, met for a beer in Melbourne. At that point in time, the popularity of moustaches had waned, but Garone and Slattery joked about restoring the stache to its once-lofty status. At the time, a friend’s mother was fundraising for breast cancer, and Garone and Slattery were inspired to combine their efforts to bring back the moustache with efforts to raise awareness about men’s health and prostate cancer. In a testament to the two friends’

skills in the art of persuasion, they were able to find 30 men willing to take up the challenge to grow a moustache. Those who accepted the challenge agreed to follow the rules of Movember, which included paying $10 to grow a moustache.

That initial campaign generated significant enthusiasm among the initial participants, so the following year a decision was made to formalize their efforts and officially support a worthy cause related to men’s health. After some research, prostate cancer was chosen as the issue to formally support. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, though not an official men’s health partner of Movember, agreed to accept any funds generated by the 2004 campaign. By that time, 450 men, including some in Spain and the United Kingdom, had agreed to take part, ultimately raising more than AUD $50,000.

Nearly 20 years later, the moustachioed movement to raise awareness about various men’s health issues is still going strong, having funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects since its inception. Individuals interested in learning more about Movember can visit us.movember. com.

St. Andrew’s Thrift Store in Lincoln Park: Offering Bargains and a Sense of Community

by Elsie Walker

St.

Andrew’s Thrift Store in Lincoln Park is reminiscent of the TV show Cheers in that it is a place where everyone seems to know each other. The store’s manager, Susan Leeds of Lincoln Park, noted that many customers come there not only for the bargains, but also to socialize, which has created a sense of community at the store. Plus, in addition to offering items at very affordable prices, the store lets people put things on consignment, benefiting not only the seller, but the shop. St. Andrew’s Thrift Store is part of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church with all proceeds benefiting the church. The store is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm and is located at 211 Main Street, Lincoln Park.

Leeds noted that the shop has existed for over 50 years. It is located in what was the original chapel of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Within the past 10 years, St. Andrew’s merged with Transfiguration Episcopal Church to become Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Towaco.

The thrift store has “pretty much everything” shared Barbie Schulien, of Pequannock, a church member who has been volunteering at the store for eight years. There is clothing for men, women, and children, jewelry, toys, books, small

appliances (like coffeemakers, can openers, curling irons), etc. Some clothing has designer labels, such as Liz Claiborne and Ralph Lauren.

“You have to hunt a bit, but there are some treasures” noted Schulien. Also, the store has a Christmas room which is open during the holiday season and has a variety of decorative items.

The store takes new and gently used items. Donations of items are taken during store hours. What doesn’t sell, doesn’t go to waste. Clothing that has not sold after a period of time is donated to Market Street Mission in Morristown. Non-clothing items are donated to veterans’ organizations.

The store also takes things on consignment. People can bring up to 10 items for consignment a week and choose their own pricing. If the item sells, the person gets 60% of the sale price and the church gets 40%. Checks for the 60% earned on consignment items are sent out once a month minus a seventy-five-cent service fee. Items can only be on consignment for a certain amount of time. If not sold and the person doesn’t take them back when the consignment period is up, consignment items become the property of the thrift store. Consignments are taken on Thursday and Saturday from 10am – noon.

“I think it [the thrift shop] is a wonderful

asset to the community,” said Leeds. “It is a place to buy nice items at a very affordable price.” Schulien shared that the store is “getting a lot more people in due to the economy.” Leeds also noted that there are some people who come there to buy items to send back to families in their home countries.

The store is a type of gathering place where the regular customers have gotten to know each other and visit as they shop. Leeds shared that 40 percent of the volunteers at the shop are non-parishioners. They have been customers who want to help.

Schulien sees the sense of “community” as a benefit of being a volunteer at the store. A number of the same people come to the store every week. Schulien usually volunteers at the store on Saturdays and says something that she enjoys about volunteering is meeting the people who come in. She is not alone.

“I like helping people,” said Leeds. She says that she enjoys hearing when people talk about finding an item at the shop for a great price.

For more information on St. Andrew’s Thrift and Consignment, call 973-694-2854.

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St. Andrew’s Thrift Shop offers a variety of items at very affordable prices.

Eileen Allan Relives a Rewarding Pompton Lakes Coaching Career

By Steve Sears

Legendary Pompton Lakes High School field hockey head coach, Eileen Allan, woke up one cold, March morning in 2022 and knew it was time.

She recalls, “We were driving down the shore, and I said to my husband, ‘I think it’s time. I want to leave knowing what I’ve accomplished this year in teaching and coaching. I want to remember Pompton Lakes and how it was when I went there, and when my children went there.”

Decision then made, Allan bid farewell to a 40-year teaching career and 37 years of coaching Cardinal field hockey, where she won 11 sectional titles, a Group II state crown in 1999, and 15 Passaic County Tournament championships. Allan also coached softball at Pompton Lakes.

“We still have a nice bunch of true Cardinals that still get together,” Allan, 61, says of former colleagues and friends that she often meets with. “That’s what makes it nice. You get to hear stories and reminisce, and Pompton Lakes will always hold a special place in my heart. I actually went through the school system, so it was very emotional. 49 years of my life was spent at Pompton Lakes. That was my home away from home, so leaving there was hard.”

After playing field hockey for three seasons and graduating Pompton Lakes High School in the late 1970’s, Allan attended East Stroudsburg University, and then returned to her alma mater to coach in 1984. That first season, the team struggled and won just one game, but Allan and her players stuck with it, through the years building the program and improving. Her 1999 17-1-2 club, which snared the Group II title against Collingswood High School, 3 – 0, may have been her best. The prior year, the Cardinals were runners-up in the state tournament, but learned a key lesson, “The first time we

played West Essex in the states, I think we lost 8 – 0,” Allan recalls. “Fast forward to the following year, I think after seeing a team of that caliber, our team knew we didn’t have the skill that they had, but we had heart. I remember one official said it was like a mound of ants swarming into the goal because they were just so hungry to beat that team. And we ended up beating West Essex, and we beat Madison. Sometimes it comes down to heart, and I always told my teams that.”

Along with heart, Allan also credits a few other things with the success of her program. “My success came with the support of my administration. They let me be who I am, and my kids believed in me. They would do the extras. For example, we just didn’t play during the season; we got involved in many clinics that were out there. Then, once we were allowed to have access to our kids, we did the weight room every day for the month of July, so I was there with the girls. And then there was always going to the field. There were days that I would like to take the day off, but they wanted to go there. I think that built the chemistry of my program. I attribute it to the work ethic of my athletes, the time commitment.”

Allan was also fortunate enough to coach her own family members. Her three nieces, Megan Moyle, Allison Moyle Jones, and Melissa Moyle Laccitiello, two daughters, Danielle and Lauren, and her great nieces, Kaitlyn Laccitiello and Erin Moyle, all played field hockey for her during her coaching career.

When asked if she could name her All-Cardinal field hockey team, Allan doesn’t hesitate. “Every athlete I coached. Everyone brought something to the field. Everyone that I coached would bring me chills, because there was something special about each and every one of them.”

Allan often told her players that it really wasn’t about the wins and losses, but something much more important. “When they get together 10 or 15 years from now,” Allan says, “I always tell the kids you’re not going to be talking about your college years. Most of you will go back to your high school years. It’s about building lifetime memories with the friends that you played with.”

Former Pompton Lakes Cardinal coach Eileen Allan celebrates PCT title #15 in 2021

The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs Announces New President Shirley Holly

The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), the largest volunteer women’s organization in the state, is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board President Shirley Holly of Barnegat, NJ. Holly has been a clubwoman for 33 years and served on the NJSFWC Board in various roles since 1998, as well as the national General Federation of Women’s Clubs Board since 2002. Holly’s history of public service extends outside of the women’s clubs as well; she was President of the Barnegat Education Foundation for five years, PTA President for six years, and a 13-year Girl Scout Leader. Holly has volunteered for Emmanuel Cancer Foundation for 27 years and is a fourtime puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence. Holly works full time as a Media Specialist for Russell O. Brackman Middle School.

“I am honored to lead NJSFWC, an organization that has meant so much to me, for the next two years,” said NJSFWC President Shirley Holly. “Sisterhood and service are vital to our cultural fabric, especially as we come out of the pandemic and a time of strife and isolation. I look forward to bringing everyone together to support great causes and to grow our community for generations to come.”

Holly’s administration, which will run through May of 2024, will support the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation for its Special State Project. The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF) provides New Jersey families facing the crisis of pediatric cancer a place to turn for comfort and support through professional in-home counseling and a uniquely tailored package of assistance – all free-of-charge. Each year, ECF helps hundreds of families in New Jersey with a

free package of support services. They assist any New Jersey family with a child who has cancer ages 0-18, regardless of race, creed, socioeconomic status, or any other demographic restriction. They continue helping the families for as long as they need it, whether it be one month or 10 years. There are no applications, forms, or other red tape for a family to deal with – they strive to make the delivery of services as quick and seamless as possible. To date, ECF has assisted over 2000 families.

Holly is joined on the executive leadership team by President-Elect Barbara McCloskey, 1st Vice President Susan Chambers, and 2nd Vice President Chris Sienkielewski.

Barbara McCloskey, of Rockaway, has been a member of NJSFWC since 1987, joining the Denville/Rockaway Junior Woman’s Club, where she served as President. McCloskey is presently a member of the GFWC Woman’s Club of the Denville-Rockaway Area, the GFWC Woman’s Club of Boonton, The Past President’s Club of the Highlands District, and the Phoenix Club. She was employed for 18 years as the Membership & Outreach Manager for the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, where she coordinated one-day stewardship projects with corporate volunteers and managed their community garden. Her goal for the next two years is to is work closely with local clubs to develop potential leaders, and promote the benefits of the NJSFWC to their clubs.

Susan Chambers, of Oradell, has previously served on the NJSFWC Board as Palisades District Vice President; Special State Project Chairman for Prevent Child Abuse - NJ; Health and Wellness Chairman; and Third Vice President/ Membership Chairman. She is a member of the Book and

Needle Woman’s Club of Oradell, having served as their CoPresident and in several other Board positions. She was a trustee of the Oradell Public School Board of Education; a Board member of the Oradell Arts and Business Coalition; and Secretary of the Oradell Community Outreach Committee. Chambers is also a lifetime Girl Scout and a certified Mental Health First Aid Responder.

Chris Sienkielewski, of South Plainfield, has been a member of NJSFWC since 1984. She served as the New Jersey State Director of Junior Clubs 1996-1998, and subsequently served twenty years on the GFWC Board of Directors in various Board positions in education, resolutions, leadership, conservation, and violence against women. After over two decades as a teacher and school director, she has used these skills to begin her own educational consulting business training teachers in preschool, elementary and adult education. Sienkielewski’s focus during this administration will be membership cultivation.

“I’m thrilled to have Barbara McCloskey, Susan Chambers, and Chris Sienkielewski on my Executive Board. The diversity of their combined experiences – both as volunteer and professionals – will make a strong and dynamic team to grow our membership and inspire local New Jersey clubs to participate in all NJSFWC has to offer,” said NJSFWC President Shirley Holly.

NJSFWC is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Learn more about NJSFWC at www.njsfwc.org

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Boneless Wings 60/110

Chicken Fingers 50/85

Mozzarella Sticks 50/80

Bruschetta 30/50

Mussels white or red 55/95

Fried Calamari 60/100

French Fries 40/75

Add chicken 15/25

Salad Half Tray Full Tray

Garden Salad 35/55

Caesar Salad 45/70

Antipasto Salad 55/90

Chef Salad 55/90

Greek Salad 50/85

Seafood Salad 75/135 calamari, shrimp, mussels, clams,oilive oil & lemon dressing

Half

Lasagna w/meat & cheese 55/95

Baked Penne w/ricotta & mozzarella 55/90

Penne or Rigatoni Vodka 55/90

Penne Primervera fresh vegetables,

cream sauce 55/90

Cavatelli & Broccoli 55/90

Cheese Tortellini Alfredo 55/90

Cavatelli w/sausage & broccoli rabe garlic & oil 60/100

Penne Bolognesse 55/90

Cheese Ravioli in tomato or vodka sauce 55/90

Baked Stuffed Shells 55/90

Tortellini Alla Danny’s 60/100 w/ham, mushrooms, peas, in an alfredo sauce

Rigatoni Alla Carbonara 60/100 imported pancetta, peas, onions in alfredo sauce

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Chicken Parmigiana, Francaise or Marsala 60/100

Chicken Arrabiata 60/100

sauteed in lemon white wine sauce & cherry peppers

Chicken & Sausage Giambotta 60/100 with peppers potatoes, mushrooms

Meatballs 55/95

Chicken Sorrentino proscutto, eggplant, mozz 60/100

Chicken Saltimbocca proscutto, spinach mozz 60/100

Sausage, Peppers, Onions 55/95

Veal Marsala or Francese 75/130

Eggplant Parm 55/90

Eggplant Rollatini 60/100

Seafood Marinara shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari 75/135

How to Avoid Dry Turkey this Thanksgiving

Turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinners. The National Turkey Federation estimates approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving each year, followed by 22 million turkeys at Christmastime.

Turkey makes a pleasing picture on the dinner table. However, some people insist that turkey is their least favorite component of the Thanksgiving meal. One of the biggest complaints is turkey tends to be dry.

There are many reasons why turkey can come out dry. Turkey is a lean meat, and Healthline reports that turkey has slightly less fat in its dark meat than chicken. Another reason why turkey may be dry is due to its poor breast-to-leg ratio. By the time one gets the leg meat to cook to temperature so it’s safe for consumption, the breast meat often has dried out. Seeing how many people dive for the breast meat initially, they could dish up some dry bird.

There are many ways home cooks can prevent dry turkey this Thanksgiving. Consider these turkey-tending tips.

• Brine your bird. According to ScienceBlogs, what causes a human to

perceive a food as juicy may actually be his or her own saliva at work. Salty foods may stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth, helping the food to feel much more moist while on the palate. To adequately inject enough salt into the turkey meat, submerge it in a salt brine for a few days before cooking.

• Watch your cook time. It’s important to avoid overcooking the turkey, which will turn it as dry as the Sahara. Some turkeys come equipped with pop-up timers to help cooks gauge when to take them out of the oven. However, a more accurate tool is a digital food thermometer that can be set to go off when the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature.

• Cook the turkey parts separately. As previously noted, the breast meat will likely reach the desired temperature before the leg meat. To fix this, take the turkey out of the oven when it reaches five to 10 degrees before safe temperature for the breast meat, around 165 F. (Remember, the meat will continue to cook while “resting.”) Let guests “ooh and aah” over the picture-perfect turkey. Then cut off the legs and return them

to the oven until they are done. Arrange the properly cooked breast and leg meat together on a serving platter.

• Offer condiments. A moist dollop of stuffing, a drizzle of gravy or a scoop of cranberry sauce can add moisture to turkey. This approach does not prevent drying out,

but it can make a turkey that has dried out a bit more satisfying.

Dry turkey can put off diners. However, some strategies can harness as much moisture as possible to enhance Thanksgiving dinners.

CincoDeMayo

Make Dinner Memorable with Manicotti

Few cuisine styles are as diverse and beloved as those that have been exported from the Mediterranean nation of Italy. From pasta to pizza and everything in between, the rich and savory flavors of Italian cuisine are enjoyed across the globe.

Italian restaurants can be found in many cities and towns throughout the world. However, it’s just as easy to create traditional, mouthwatering dishes at home with simple ingredients. Manicotti is a popular pasta dish that can be filled with cheese or other ingredients, and topped with a traditional tomato sauce or other saucy creations. The word “manicotti” is the plural form of “manicotto,” which translates to “little sleeves” in Italian. They’re meant to be stuffed and baked.

While manicotti may seem complex, they’re rather easy to prepare. Enjoy this

recipe for “Mom’s Homemade Manicotti with Crepes (Crespelle)” courtesy of the blog 3 Italian Sisters (www.3italiansisters. com). They present well for the holidays or any special occasion.

Mom’s Homemade Manicotti with Crepes (Crespelle)

Yields approximately 20 crepes

Serving size: 2 to 3 crepes per person

Crepes

4 extra large eggs

1 cup flour

11⁄4 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil

1 teaspoon salt Butter for pan Ricotta filling

3 pounds part skim or whole milk ricotta cheese

1⁄2 cup fresh parsley, minced

till smooth; scrape sides if necessary and blend again till all

are blended well.

Melt a little butter in a 9” nonstick frying pan over medium heat.

Pour in small amount of batter and swirl to cover bottom of it with a thin film. Cook for approximately 20 seconds and turn to the other side and cook for another 20 seconds. Transfer crepe to plate. Continue until all batter is finished. Crepes can be stacked on top of each other. If you aren’t

using them right away, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for 3 days or freeze for up to one month.

Ricotta filling: Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside to fill crepes.

Take 1 tablespoon of ricotta filling onto each crepe and roll gently and place on a cookie sheet, seam side down.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Layer large casserole pan with your favorite tomato or meat sauce. Place single layer of rolled manicotti in the casserole pan on top of sauce. Ladle thin layer of sauce on top of manicotti and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.

Have A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Pequannock High School Grad Continues to Give Back to Local Schools

By Steve Sears

High School offers its students an Aviation Academy, where those who aspire to a career as a pilot can learn more about the field. And what better person to speak to the students than a former New Jersey Air National Guard and American Airlines Captain.

Pequannock

Steve O’Neill, a 1976 graduate of Pequannock High School, retired this year from American Airlines, for whom he worked as a pilot for 31 years. “It’s a pretty rare thing,” O’Neill says of the Aviation Academy. “And it’s kind of a cool thing. It’s not just for Pequannock, but I think the surrounding schools can send kids in there, too.”

O’Neill is 65, and when he was growing up his dad had interests in flying, but he never got his pilot’s license. His son would do different. “My first passenger flight was when I was a sophomore in college. The first time I ever flew was down over Orlando. The whole flying thing to me was always fascinating,” O’Neill says.

Initially, O’Neill was interested in working for a commercial recreation company like Disney, but jobs weren’t available. Instead, he took a job as an Account Executive for Automatic Data Processing in Manhattan.

“I had a good time there, but I always thought, ‘There’s got to be something else.” In his office, he sat next to a coworker whose father was a retired United States Air Force Colonel. O’Neill spoke with the retired Colonel, who told him, “Don’t just look at the Air Force, look at the Air National Guard, because they normally select one or two civilian applicants and send them through Air Force training.” This way, selected applicants knew what they would be flying and where they would be based, which for O’Neill was McGuire Air Force Base in Fort Dix.

O’Neill started as a backseater, better known as a “Wizzo” or WSO (Weapons System Operator), and headed to navigation school in Sacramento, California. When he returned to McGuire Air Force Base after his training, he applied for a front seat pilot slot, and after a year and a half he got it.

“The back seat is great – there’s actually a stick back there, so you can do a little bit of flying and stuff like that - but going to the front and becoming the aircraft commander was a pinnacle moment in my career. So, that was a big, big change. I was really excited about doing that, and was fortunate enough to do that,” O’Neill says. After a year of pilot training in Arizona,

and after six months follow up training, he returned to the Garden State and got a job with American Airlines, which he did simultaneously with the Air National Guard. O’Neill, who flew both the F-4 Phantom II and a KC-135 Stratotanker, was with the Air National Guard for almost 25 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. “That was a great career, too,” he says.

O’Neill now is interested in teaching the next generation of pilots. He has taken part in “Career Day” at Pequannock High School as well as Morris Catholic High School in Denville, and during his National Guard days would visit schools to talk to students. He always enjoyed it, and still does. “I like to give kids some ideas. That’s why I think ‘Career Day’ is so important. I really think that the more professionals we can get into these high schools, the better choices the students can make about their future career paths.”

Prior to a recent visit with the Aviation Academy students, O’Neill spoke with Pequannock High School Technology and STEM teacher, Edward Kopp, about topics

Did

Adhering to a nutritious diet can be challenging at any time of year, and especially so during the holiday season. Baked goods and big meals are at seemingly every turn come the holiday season, and that can test even the most devoted dieters. In fact, a 2016 study

of discussion. One of Kopp’s fellow teachers expressed an interest in military careers for their students. “I basically told them how to go about getting into a military aviation career, different paths with the Air Force Academy, ROTC (Officer Training School), or the Air National Guard,” O’Neill says. “And then I broke down what you do in that year of pilot training, academic-wise and flyingwise, that sort of thing.”

O’Neill, who is currently a realtor and a professional drone pilot, has stayed grounded for now. He recently got his FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Part 107 drone license, and has started a company called High Flight Photography Services, LLC. The new career also lends itself to his high school talks, as the high school Aviation Academy is split into fixed-wing aircraft and drone curriculums. O’Neill says, “I like the high school age group kids, because they just have so much potential. I always tell the kids, ‘You have the potential and the option to do whatever you want.’ That’s why we’ve got to give them more ideas on what their options are.”

Know?

published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the average American’s weight increases by 0.4 percent over Christmas and 0.2 percent over Thanksgiving. Curiously, the researchers found that the majority of weight gain occurs in the 10 days after Christmas.

Steve O’Neill shows a display to the Pequannock High School Aviation Academy students

Morris Museum Offers Something for All

By Steve Sears

Morris Museum prepares to celebrates 110 years in 2023,

things keep getting better and

a wonderful mixture of education and entertainment, all age groups are covered at this wonderful location at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown.

led the implementation of the Smithsonian Spark!Lab, and we just celebrated its one-year anniversary here, which is a huge endeavor for the museum,” says Morris Museum Director of Marketing and Communications, Marcus Romero.

Gaby Meyer is entering her second year as Director of Education at the Morris Museum, which welcomes school groups from preschool to 12th grade. “We have a bunch of programs for school visits and camps,” says Meyer. “Spark!Lab really helped to bring school groups back into the museum. It is from the Smithsonian and it is a hands-on invention space that incorporates the engineering design process. It allows everyone to act as an inventor, to create or innovate or tweak or change some sort of material. We have six different stations with things that range from a wind tunnel to build a vehicle to a towering teeter table. We have an exploratory phase place for our youngest friends, which is zero to five. There really is something for everybody. And what’s nice is in the world of STEM education, this fits very well into the curricular standards that are not only New Jersey-based but nationwide, where kids are encouraged to think of things in a different way.”

The Morris Museum always has a tour or activity that’s

based around current exhibitions. “We have for the fall the same type of idea, where it’s a specialized tour and then an activity, and that exists for our Native American Gallery, our dinosaur gallery, our rocks and mineral gallery, and then the two galleries that have just opened and we have programming for that,” says Meyer.

“The museum and it’s over 100 years of existence has been so many different things,” says Brett Messenger, Curatorial Director of the Bickford Theater. “And I think at a certain point, it was trying to be everything to everybody. In the last few years, the Board of Trustees and the staff here have really examined the resources we have, and what’s the most dynamic way we can serve this community and where do we fit into this cultural landscape.” A lot of the museum’s attention is in its Moving Art and Musical Machines: The Guinness Collection, which is one of the most significant collections in the world of music boxes, automatic musical instruments, and automata. Adds Messenger, “That’s also about the history of music and technology, of art and technology. So it relates directly to what Gaby is doing in Spark!Lab, where these kids are. You see them walking in and coming out with such a twinkle in their eyes as they’re doing these really dynamic projects, and then they walk into the Guinness collection or one of our art exhibitions and see it in a different way. So, that also informs how I conceive of live arts at the Morris Museum; really looking at us as a place that can do things that are innovative, that involves technology, that are as entertaining as they are challenging, that make you look at something in a new

way.”

Meyer and Messenger have been working hand-inhand building theater experiences that have ties and links to activities, exhibitions, and Spark!Lab, exploring options out there so that children and family experiences can be multifaceted. “They can enjoy something amazing that

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Youngsters taking part in Spark!Lab (credit: Marcus Romero)

Morris Museum...

continued from page 22

Brett’s been able to find, and then we’re able to support in a back end, so it’s not a one off,” says Meyer. “It’s part of an entire day. It leaves a mark and a memory, and really secures or cements some of the ideas or the principles or the themes of the show, but that is in the works. I’m excited to have that be such a unique experience which is not currently offered anywhere else.”

According to Messenger, there are some things that really honor the history of the Bickford Theater, and one thing is its long standing Jazz series, which has enjoyed great success. Now, the theater also welcomes artists creating unique and unusual works, whose practices engage with technology in different ways. “A place where lots of world premieres are happening of works that will be performed in many other cities and other communities,” says Messenger, who then mentions another new, key component

of the museum and theater’s offerings.

“During the pandemic, when theatres went dark and obviously everyone that was in charge of theater wanted to find a way to connect artists and audiences as soon as possible, we were really, really lucky. In July of 2020, we built a stage on the elevated parking deck behind the museum, and we started the Back Deck, where we’ve had now 70 performances over the last three years. But for a short period of time, in addition to our jazz series, we were doing classical music out there, and we were really the only presenter of classical music in the United States.” The full Orpheus Chamber Orchestra performed last April at the Bickford Theater, and will return in November (with pianist Angela Hewitt) in the spring of 2023.

For more information about the Morris Museum, visit www.morrismuseum.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

A Thanksgiving Story: The Precious Remembrances of My Beloved Grandfather

By Richard Mabey Jr.

One of the most endearing and cherished memories of the Thanksgivings of my childhood and youth is that of my beloved grandfather, heartily and enthusiastically celebrating this wonderful holiday. I remember, all so dearly, how Grandpa loved to carve the turkey after he took it out of the oven of the old Mabey Homestead in Lincoln Park. It was a task upon which Grandpa held as a most high honor.

Grandpa was a man who was governed by detail and precision. As a young man, Grandpa held the honor of serving as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East of the infamous Morris Canal. The need to be detailed oriented, plus having raised his family in the heart of the Great Depression, gave Grandpa the wisdom to carve each slice of turkey with great care.

“You never want to cut the slices too thick, Dicky Jim. But on the other hand, you don’t want the family to leave the table hungry,” Grandpa would tell me with a bit of a song in his voice. My grandfather was the man who bestowed me with the nickname of Dicky Jim. He was the last person to ever call me by that name. I would greatly protest when I got to be about 11 years old and my aunts and uncles would call me by that nickname. But, Grandpa was a different story.

It is all so hard to put into words what Thanksgiving Day was like at the old Mabey Homestead. When I was a young boy and my great grandmother, Dora Mabey, was still alive, there had to be at least 50 people congregated

within the warmth and love of the dear old farmhouse that my great grandfather had built when he was just a young man.

Great Grandma Mabey worked hard to keep Thanksgiving Day all so organized. There was the old, stately dining room table, which could only seat six people. So, on Thanksgiving Day, my dad and my uncles would set up four or five additional tables. These extra tables were made up of old pieces of plywood resting upon carpenter’s wooden horses. It was as down home as you could ever imagine. I remember the touch of class that Great Grandma would add to the long procession of plates, glasses and silverware. Great Grandma would have these folded oak tag nameplates, for every single member of the Mabey clan. Great Grandma would decide where you would sit at that table and nobody dared to argue with the proud matriarch.

After the Thanksgiving feast, the women would clean up and wash all the dishes. Most of the men would congregate onto the enclosed front porch and tell remembrances of growing up in Lincoln Park. And Grandpa would sit in the big, easy chair in the southwest corner of the big living room. My cousins and my sister Patti and I would all sit upon the floor at Grandpa’s feet. Then, dear old Grandpa would tell these wonderful and colorful stories of his remembrances of life along the old Morris Canal.

There were no video cameras back then, in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Oh, how I regret that none of Grandpa’s

enchanting tales were not videotaped.

My grandfather was an incredibly talented story teller. He would hold us all spellbound with his voice flexion, dramatic timing, facial expressions, and lively

continued on page 25

This remodeling

with

release.

to

A cherished, old photograph of my grandfather, Watson Mabey, carving the Thanksgiving turkey at the old Mabey Homestead.

Thanksgiving Story...

hand movements. I would do my absolute best to engrave Grandpa’s stories within the fibers of my mind and the deepest chambers of my heart.

Grandpa’s stories did not just center upon his work on Incline Plane Ten East. For when Grandpa was a boy and then through his teenage years, he worked with his father, William Mabey, at the old Mabey Ice House that stood along the banks of the Morris Canal, just a few yards to the east of Incline Plane Ten East. Great Grandpa Mabey had an agreement with Mr. Franciso, who owned the sawmill that was located just to the northwest of the end of Mabey Lane. Great Grandpa and his sons, Watson and Earl, would fill wheelbarrows with the sawdust from the mill and walk them over to the Mabey Ice House. In exchange, Great Grandpa would provide free ice for Mr. Francisco.

As a boy, and then later as a teenager, during the winter months Grandpa and his brother would cut ice blocks from the frozen water of the canal. They would tie a rope around the big block of ice, drag it to their father’s ice house and then thickly pack it with sawdust in the icehouse. It was far from being the easy life.

In memory, I return to those wonderful and loving Thanksgiving Days. During my childhood and youth, I never really realized just how precious they were. An era has now long past. Like grains of sand slipping through the crevices of my fingers, time has passed all too quickly. Now, at 69 years old, I long to relive just one more Thanksgiving Day of that magical era.

To see Grandpa proudly carve the turkey. To see Grandma stirring gravy at the old stove. To see my father, young and proud. To see my mother, carefully placing the top crust onto an apple pie. To see my cousins all running around the old Mabey Homestead. To see my Great Grandma firmly, but lovingly, commanding everyone to different tasks. To see my aunts cutting up green beans and carrots. And to see my uncles, all gathered upon the enclosed front porch telling tall tales of their youth. And, for one more time, to be able to see and hear Grandpa tell just one of his colorful tales of life along the old Morris Canal.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please kindly write “Thanksgiving Story” in the subject line.

K Chicke’n Roll Opens in Bloomingdale

Greatfood and great time welcoming K Chicke’n Roll to Bloomingdale!

There was a tremendous turnout celebrating this new business on Main St. and the owners offered a free dinner to all who stopped in. Mayor John D’Amato

officially welcomed owners Katherine Kim, Soo Cho and Chul Kim accompanied by Council Members Ray Yazdi and John Graziano, and the Economic Development Commission. K Chicke’n Roll is located at 78 Main St. in Bloomingdale.

Obituary Peter C. Realmonte

Peter C. Realmonte, 90, of Towaco, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 6, 2022.

Born in Marineo, Sicily, Peter came to the US in 1948 with his father and older siblings. His mother and younger siblings joined the family a short while later and the family settled in Garfield. He proudly served as a Corporal in the US Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. Peter married the love of his life, Elena (née Meliti) that same year and the couple moved to Lodi to raise their three children. In 1986, Peter and Elena moved to Towaco where they have lived happily for the last 36 years.

Peter was the owner and operator of a successful masonry contracting business until his early 80s. His passions included working in his garden and cooking homemade meals, two skills that were instilled in him as a young boy in Sicily.

Peter’s faith was very important to him.

He was a previous board member at Calvary Temple in Wayne and served as an elder at his beloved church, Living Faith Christian Assembly in Nutley. He was also a former president of the St. Ciro Society in Garfield. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of family and the importance of living a life full of hard work, laughter, and faith.

Peter is lovingly survived by his wife of 68 years, Elena; his children, Andrew and his wife Annmarie, Donna Kovach and her husband Stephen, and Peter John and his wife Jill; his grandchildren, Kristen Nieto and her husband Joseph, Ashley Beno and her husband Brad, Peter Carmen Realmonte

and his fiancé Sayra Mendez, Alyssa Kovach and her fiancé Joseph DeFinis, Julien Realmonte, and Colette Realmonte; and his great grandchildren, Joseph and Demetria Nieto, Hailey and Alana Beno, and one on the way! He is also survived by his sisters, Frances DeBlasio and Sarah Roberts; and his sister in-law, Marie Realmonte. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Andrea and Maria; brother, Charles; and his sisters, Sadie Nucifora, Mildred Adamo, and Maria Rosa Frasca.

Visitation was be held at the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home. A funeral service was held Wednesday, October 12, also at the funeral home. Burial followed at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory to the American Cancer Society, The Foundation for Fighting Blindness, or the Wounded Warriors Project would be greatly appreciated by the Realmonte family.

Did You Know?

Sweet potatoes, which are sometimes referred to as “yams,” are widely associated with Thanksgiving. But these starchy tubers are so nutritious that people may want to consume them more often. Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber and an assortment of vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin C, as the online medical resource Healthline.com notes that a one-cup serving of baked sweet potatoes with the skin still on can provide as much as 65 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. And the benefits of sweet potatoes don’t stop there. A 2015 study published in the medical journal Food & Nutrition Research found that anthocyanin,

an antioxidant found in sweet potatoes, can protect eye cells from damage. That can promote healthier eyes and potentially help people maintain stronger vision as they age. In addition, an animal study found that the anthocyanin found in purple sweet potatoes can protect brain function by reducing inflammation and preventing free radical damage. While further study is necessary to determine if similar effects can be enjoyed by humans who consume sweet potatoes, the potential to improve brain function is yet another reason to include nutrient-packed sweet potatoes in your diet.

By Steve Sears

New Jersey Based Man First Bodyguard Awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award appreciate the struggle.”

New Jerseybased celebrity bodyguard, Adriano “Bubba” Almony, is the first in his profession to be awarded a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award as a Humanitarian honoree.

“Just to be a part of history, to be recognized on such a high, prestigious honor scale, that just shows people as well in my industry that you don’t just focus on being a bodyguard,” Almony says. “Obviously when you’re working, yes, be focused, be sharp, be proactive visually; be the best man and bodyguard you can be. But even outside of that, most importantly, be a leader. Get involved in your community, get to know people. If you have an opportunity to help children, whether it’s self-defense or mentoring, or volunteering with nonprofits in your communities, whatever it is, just be of service.”

Almony will receive his award on December 4, 2022 at the Hotel ZaZa in Houston, Texas. The recognition comes from President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. That afternoon, Almony will also receive special congressional recognition from Texas Congresswoman, Sheila Jackson Lee.

Almony, 28, is originally from Hanover, Pennsylvania, and in fifth

grade moved to Ocean City, Maryland, where he grew up for the vast majority of his life. A Stephen Decatur High School graduate in 2012, he thereafter headed for the Metropolitan area, and has resided in Fairfield, New Jersey the past four years. The owner of Bubba Almony Security Services, he recalls being bullied as a youngster, and suffering from abuse and neglect. He is only now truly opening up about both, and oftentimes he still faces these same challenges. “I’m learning to start to give my testimony,” Almony says. “Even as I was older, even with being an advocate for anti-bullying and for mental health, I experienced bullying as well, being I was on the frontlines with these things.

A lot of people overlook that, but when you’re an advocate for something, sometimes you take on the problems head on, or you may experience your own trials and tribulations. I think it’s pretty impressive, though, if you can be a child at one point, you’re going through abuse, and then go on to be somebody who has protected some of the top names. As a respected leader in the industry, I think it just shows people that no matter what you’re going through, if it’s domestic bullying, abuse, anything toxic, you can overcome that. You can be something amazing. And without the struggle, you don’t develop strength. Sometimes we have to

Almony’s bodyguard services protects a number of well known celebrities and their families, such as Dr. Khalilah CamachoAli, the wife of four-time heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, and her children, real estate tycoon Grant Cardone and his wife, Elena Lyons Cardone, P. Diddy’s children, and he also serves as a bodyguard at events, like the 10X Growth Conference (“the number one business event as voted by Forbes,” Almony says), and the 9/11 Memorial Commemoration in New York City.

Almony gives his definition of humanitarian. “A true humanitarian is somebody who understands most importantly over anything, money or monetary, giving your time, giving your words, just making people smile with a simple hug, handshake, or a fist bump,” he says. “Praying for others, using your voice and platform and influence - all of those amazing things. A lot of people think to be a humanitarian you have to have millions and millions of dollars to help others, but it’s just simply not true. You just have to have a passion to want to volunteer and coach and mentor, and all those are things that I’ve been able to do on a consistent, persistent basis of just being involved. That’s very important.”

Adriano “Bubba”

Almony has realized many dreams in his own life, and he encourages others not to give up on theirs. “Pursue your dreams. and don’t limit your dreams –dream as big as you can. Whether you want to be the Governor, the next President, the next awardwinning bodyguard, the next elite martial artist, whatever you want to be, put your head down every day and go to work. Pray and keep pushing, and put God first in your life, and anything will happen for you, anything is possible. Just remember to be the best person you can be, and never forget where you come from.”

5 Steps to Properly Manage Blood Pressure

(Family Features) Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, about 75% don’t have it under control, and many may not even realize they have it unless they experience other complications.

In fact, high blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke as well as other issues such as kidney failure, vision loss and sexual problems. However, the American Heart Association recommends taking these simple steps to help control your

and manage risks.

Know Your Numbers

In most cases, normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm HG or less. Readings consistently higher than 130/80 are considered high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure measured at least once a year by a health care professional and regularly monitor it at home with a validated monitor then discuss the readings with your doctor. Getting accurate readings can help ensure the most appropriate treatment should any problems arise.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you’re overweight or obese, you’re at increased risk of high blood pressure. Losing just 3-5% of your body weight can help improve your numbers. There are an abundance of plans and programs available that can assist with weight loss, and taking positive steps with a friend or family member may help with motivation.

Get Active

To maximize health benefits and help keep blood pressure in the normal range, the American Heart

Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a combination of the two. Try activities like brisk walking, swimming, bicycling or dancing. For example, the Get Down with Your Blood Pressure campaign uses music and dance to help remember the four easy steps to selfmonitor blood pressure:

Get It – grab your self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) device

Slip It – slide the SMBP cuff up your arm

Cuff It – wrap the cuff snugly, but not too tight

Check It – check your blood pressure on the device

Eat Well

Making small, simple changes to your eating habits can go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy. Eating fruits and vegetables, such as mangos, avocados and blueberries, can lower blood pressure over time. Other smart choices include nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean proteins and fish.

Reduce Alcohol and Tobacco Usage

Smoking compounds risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and the chemicals in tobacco smoke can harm your heart and blood vessels. Similarly, consuming alcohol excessively (more than two drinks per day) is associated with high blood pressure. Limiting alcohol consumption and stopping smoking – or avoiding secondhand smoke – can help reduce your risk.

If you develop high blood pressure, work with a health care professional to manage it, and visit heart.org/ hbpcontrol to find local blood pressure resources, step-bystep self-monitoring videos and more.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

Knowing how to correctly check your blood pressure is important, especially if your doctor recommends regular self-monitoring at home.

Be still. Don’t smoke, drink caffeine or exercise during the 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and take at least 5 minutes of quiet rest time before measuring.

Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your legs uncrossed. Support your arm on a flat surface, such as a table, with your bicep at heart level. Place the bottom of the cuff directly above the bend of your elbow. Never take measurements over sleeves or other clothing.

Measure at the same time every day. For greatest consistency, take readings at the same time daily, such as a set time in the morning and evening.

Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take 2-3 readings approximately 1 minute apart and record the results to share with your doctor.

This project is supported by cooperative agreements (CPIMP201227 and CPIMP201228) with the Office of Minority Health (OMH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $14.6 million in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The contents do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by OMH/OASH/HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit https:// www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/.