Livingston December 2022

Cycle for Survival Continues the Battle Against Rare Cancers

By Steve Sears

It’s become such a very big thing. A national event which now has extended overseas.

And perhaps these facts are most important. Close to $315 million raised to fight rare cancers, in some cases drugs being developed and cures being found, the result lives of loved ones and friends being extended.

On May 6, 2023, a rain or shine “Celebration of Life” Cycle for Survival event will be held at the Eisenhower Corporate Center adjacent to the Livingston Circle. About 150 bikes will be set up for stationery riders to ride and raise funds for the battle against rare cancers, with every dollar going to the research laboratories at Memorial Sloan Kettering, now the owner and operator of Cycle for Survival. Vaccinations are required in order to cheerlead or to register to participate.

Over 100,000,000 people have participated in the yearly event since its 2007 inception, with 17 market cities all over the nation, and ancillary events taking place beyond our United States shorelines.

Due to the 2020 and 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, only virtual events were held, except for a two-day event in May of 2021 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. “For two days, people rode, and people came actually from all over the country to ride on those bikes. It was very exciting. For the people who could not come, a virtual ride was set up where you could go on the internet, and you could ride with instructors and so forth,” says Len Goodman, dad of Jennifer Goodman Linn, who died at age 40 of a rare cancer called Sarcoma in 2011. Jennifer in 2007 founded Cycle 4 Survival (then known as Spin4Survival) with her husband, David Linn. Equinox, which held the first event at Equinox Columbus Circle in New York City, is a founding partner.

“She was feisty,” Sandy Goodman says of her late

Jennifer Goodman Linn (courtesy of the Goodmans) daughter. “She was proactive, and believed that one person could make a difference. And she just did not let the naysayers hold her back. If she believed something was important, she just went for it.”

As most charities are starting to head back inside, Cycle for Survival is still embracing the great outdoors. Sandy adds, “One of the reasons these events right now continued on page 2

with our current culture have to be outdoors is because a number of our participants are survivors. And a number of our participants are hospital staffers - doctors, nurses, technicians - who are especially vulnerable. A hospital has to be a model of following the science and being healthy, so we’re probably going to be the last to go completely indoors.”

According to the Goodmans, many don’t understand what a rare cancer is. “There are four cancers that are not rare,” states Sandy. “Everything else is a rare cancer. There are four to 600 subtypes, and they are all rare cancers. And now our protocols are extending to even benefit the fight against the four major cancers as well.”

Among the rare cancers that Cycle for Survival battles and is showing progress against are Metastatic Melanoma (a seven-month survival rate now can be five years); the spread of cancer, known as Metastasis, which causes up to 90% of deaths from cancer, which scientists are now discovering the causes of; and the previously mentioned Sarcoma, which has now six new drugs before the Food and Drug Administration.

The above being said, cancer still reigns, and therefore

the need for Cycle for Survival. “The death rate from cancer in the United States has continued to decline from 1991 to 2018,” says Sandy. “The cancer death rate has fallen to 31%. However, as much as we are making progress, progress is still slow because from 2020 to this year, there’ll be an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases. Unfortunately, 609,000 people will probably die from cancer this year. We are making progress. It’s steady, it’s deliberate, and it’s definitely with very positive, revolutionary success in the laboratories, but it’s still not fast enough for so many patients. In fact, more people this year died from cancer than they did from COVID in our country.”

So, Cycle for Survival continues the fight – just like its founder. “She was a very positive person and was always philanthropic for a long time before she became ill,” Len says of Jennifer Goodman Linn. “This was just a part of her life. With Cycle for Survival and the excitement of it, she would get on a bike and she would ride and she would say that buying the bike was what helped keep her alive, and it was cathartic. You feel it all over with Cycle for Survival, pure excitement.”

“JOIN THE BATTLE” is the Cycle for Survival battle cry, and

to learn more about the event, visit www.cycleforsurvival. org. To donate to the Goodman team, when on the website, click “Search for a participant” and type in either “Sandy Goodman” or “Len Goodman,” click on either name, and then click “Donate.” If you wish to send a donation, make a check out to MSK, CFS (Memorial Sloan Kettering) and mail it to: Memorial Sloan Kettering, Cycle for Survival PO BOX 27432 NY, NY 10087 – 7432. Also, if any groups would like the Goodmans to speak at their event regarding Cycle for Survival, email them at sandylen@comcast.net.

Anthony Helps Pillar Care Raise Over $1.9 Million to Support Individuals with Disabilities

Livingston Councilman

Al Anthony served on the event committee for Pillar Care Continuum’s Steps to Independence Celebration held on November 9th at The Grove in Cedar Grove. The event, which honored real estate developer Jeff Milanaik of Bridge Industrial, was the most successful fundraiser in the nearly 70-year history of the nonprofit, raising over $1.9 million to support the agency’s programs for individuals with disabilities.

Anthony says, “For six years I’ve had the honor of serving with some of the most compassionate and altruistic people you will ever meet. This year was extra special being a featured speaker at the event for the first time.”

Livingston is home to two Pillar Care group homes, Pillar Elementary

School and Pillar High School (which serve a total of more than 160 students with multiple disabilities).

“We are grateful to have the ongoing support of the Livingston community and leaders like Al Anthony,” said Clark Machemer, Chair

of Pillar Care’s Board of Trustees and one of the cochairs for the fundraising event. “The proceeds from this event will do a great deal to help us as we continue to recover from the pandemic while meeting the needs of those with disabilities.”

Livingston Town Councilman Al Anthony (right) with Steps to Independence committee member Barry R. Mandelbaum (left) at the 2022 Celebration.

Livingston’s Newark Academy Girls Tennis Makes Waves in NJ High School Tennis

By Jerry Del Priore

It was a banner year for the Newark Academy girls tennis team, as it finished the season at 17-3 and earned the No. 4 rank in the state. Additionally, the Minutemen captured the Newark Academy Tennis Invitational and were the runner-up in the Essex County Tournament (ECT).

Individually, sophomore Ayanna Varma, ranked number eight in New Jersey, led the team with excellent performances, and advanced to the state’s singles quarterfinals. But Varma was not the only player who put forth a solid New Jersey state tournament showing, as sophomore Joanna Yu made it to the competition’s final 32 players.

In state doubles action, senior Hilary Adelman and junior Molly Egan reached the doubles semifinals, and sophomores Siyona Bordia and Sarah Wang advanced to the doubles Sweet 16 round.

Additionally, Adelman and Egan claimed the ECT Doubles Championship.

Varsity head coach Lou Scerra said that

even though the Minutemen played an ultra competitive schedule in a challenging conference, their ability to stay strong, both physically and mentally, as well as their cohesive bond and determination to win, proved to be the differences to their season’s success.

“We’re very proud of our fall season,” Scerra said in all earnest. “Despite playing in a tough section and a loaded conference, we took another step forward as a team and a program by defeating local rivals and sharing the conference title for the first time since 2001. When I look back on this season, I’ll remember the team’s commitment to competing every single day, their mental toughness, and their desire to play for one another. I’m grateful for the hard work of all the players and coaches.”

One of the most promising young players in New Jersey high school girls’ tennis, Varma made the All-State Third Team and Non-Public, All-Group Second Team, while Adelman and Egan earned

the same honors. Varma also picked up All-Conference First Team accolades, along with Yu.

Varma said she worked extremely hard on the cerebral aspects of the game, and it paid tremendous dividends on the court this past season. But she made it a point to give credit to the people that supported her throughout her tennis journey.

“I am proud of my achievements this season and am looking forward to continuing to improve in the future,” Varma explained. “Rather than focusing on the results, I try to place more focus on the work being done behind the scenes, and the controllable variables. I owe all of my success to my teammates, coaches,

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Girls Tennis Makes Waves...

continued from page 6

and family that have continued to support me throughout the process. In addition, my focus on self-belief and positivity has helped me improve my mental game, which has become a game-changer in my results.”

More honors had senior Mallika Reddy and Adelman and Egan making the All-

Conference Second Team. Bordia and Wang received All-State, All-Flight Second Team and Non-Public All-Group Third Team recognitions, in addition to their AllConference Honorable Mention award.

All in all, Newark Academy tennis enjoyed a productive season, and have a lot to look forward to in the future.

Newark Academy after winning the Newark Academy Invitational

By Megan Roche

CycleBar Livingston, located at 277 Eisenhower Parkway, combines fitness and fun with workouts, high energy music, and more. Dr. Charlotte JonesBurton, co-owner with her husband Delvin Burton believes that CycleBar Livingston creates a space where fitness can be fun and

entertaining. “Getting fit physically does not have to be a burden. Our instructors use the music, lights, and rider energy to create a party on a bike!”

CycleBar Livingston has been serving the fitness needs of the Essex and Morris County communities for 5 years. CycleBar

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Adventure Aquarium Celebrates 30 Years of “Edutainment”

Jersey side. We opened officially as the New Jersey State Aquarium on February 29, 1992.” In September of 2004, the State Aquarium closed for expansion, and by the time it reopened in May 2005, it had almost doubled in size, and was renamed Adventure Aquarium. Current parent company, Herschend Family Entertainment, acquired Adventure Aquarium in November of 2007.

Since its opening, Adventure Aquarium has not only been a huge cornerstone of both Camden County and the city of

Camden, but even the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey areas as well. “We really have the support from Camden and from the community to thank for that,” Patterson says. “We would be nothing without our community, and we really pride ourselves on supporting the community and being out in Camden and trying to make a difference, and trying to have a positive impact on the residents. Because without them, what would we be?”

More than 700,000 visitors enter the

continued on page 11

By Steve Sears

Melissa Patterson, Guest Experience and Events Manager for New Jersey’s Adventure Aquarium, coins what goes on at the facility perfectly.

“I like “edutainment”: entertainment that is educational. The entertainment and education really go hand in hand,” Patterson says. “Our main goal is always going to be to educate our visitors about the animals here and about the ocean, and why it’s important to care about these animals, care about the ocean, and to care about waterways and conservation, and

caring for species, like our sea turtles and our sharks and our penguins. But, by adding that entertainment side of things into the mix, that’s how we really create those unforgettable experiences for the visitors, and that’s what keeps them engaged and keeps them excited.”

Patterson provides a brief history. “Adventure Aquarium was opened by the state as part of a plan to revitalize the Camden waterfront and drawing revenue to the city and to the area, and really revitalize western New Jersey and the Delaware River waterfront, especially on the New

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Adventure Aquarium (credit: Adventure Aquarium Marketing Department)

Adventure Aquarium...

doors every year. A large majority of those visitors are families with children, many of them living within 50 miles of Camden or residing in the Philadelphia area. “We really are definitely open to all ages; I think there’s really something for everyone to find here,” Patterson says. “We like to say that ‘We bring families closer together,’ and that’s whatever family means to you. Of course, there’s the traditional definition of family, but our school groups can be families, or groups of friends can be families. We have couples that have started their relationship here by going on a first date, then getting engaged here and getting married here, and then they bring their kids. It’s really, really rewarding to see our guests who come here because they’re all so different from each other. But they can all find something, for sure.” Including business and corporate professionals, who utilize Adventure Aquarium for a unique team building experience. “Our Group Sales office is very, very busy,” says Patterson. “We love our groups here; they make up a big chunk of our visitor population. It really is very varied on who comes in the door. I think a lot of people think just of children and families and schools, but we really do welcome everyone.”

One reason Adventure Aquarium is so

popular is what Patterson calls “marquee” animals. “We love our sharks here,” she says. “We have the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, and some of those sharks have been here from when we first opened. But our hippos, especially; we’re the only aquarium in the world that exhibits hippos. And something that’s really special about that exhibit is you see them underwater. When you go to zoos or safaris, you can see them in the water, but it’s not very often that you get that underwater view of them. We have two green sea turtles and a loggerhead sea turtle, and then our penguins are our next most popular exhibit. We have two different species of warm weather penguins; you can see our African penguins, and then we have our Australian little blue penguins which are the smallest species of penguins in the world.”

Adventure Aquarium is always looking to present different things, including live mermaids that have made appearances the past few years. They will return again by popular demand in 2023, and a special, stillbeing-discussed pumpkin themed series is planned for next autumn.

Adventure Aquarium is located at 1 Riverside Drive in Camden. Visit www. adventureaquarium.com for more information.

Livingston opened its doors September of 2017 and is owned by Delvin Burton and Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton, business owners with service oriented leadership style that is evident when you step through the doors of CycleBar Livingston. Staff are quick to welcome new and returning riders and make sure they have everything they need to enjoy their experience. As a boutique fitness venue, CycleBar Livingston provides a number of luxury amenities - water, towels, robes, earplugs, hairties, mints, etc.

CycleBar Livingston maintained its commitment to serving its riders throughout the pandemic. In the early months of the pandemic the owners pivoted by offering bike rentals and classes online. When restrictions were relaxed and allowed for outdoor gatherings classes were offered outdoors in the parking lot. Finally, to serve a max number of customers safely, classes were offered at both the studio and a satellite location within the shopping center. Although the pandemic negatively impacted revenue, the Burtons have persevered and are using the lessons learned over the past 5 years as a foundation for success in the months ahead.

“The pandemic was tough for everybody, but we are optimists and look for the silver lining in tough situations. Throughout the

pandemic we frequently asked ourselves what can we learn to be better for our employees, riders, and the community”, states Delvin Burton, CycleBar co-owner.

For the CycleBar Livingston team, it’s also about giving back.

“CycleBar Livingston lives out its commitment to community by creating opportunities for people to connect on and off the bike. Charities and individuals that are passionate about a cause can leverage CycleBar’s CycleGives program. The studio becomes a platform for fundraising with a class/ride being organized and riders paying a set fee for the opportunity to ride. Area schools, youth groups, and businesses, such as RWJ Barnabas have utilized this unique fundraising platform to raise funds for worthy causes while having fun and getting fit. CycleBar Livingston welcomes the opportunity to serve area organizations and nonprofits or individuals looking for a fun and communal way to support those causes that are near and dear,” the Burtons said.

Please contact the studio via phone at 973-261-5647 or email livingston@cyclebar. com to learn more and schedule your CycleGives event.

For more information on CycleBar Livingston, visit www.cyclebar.com/location/ livingston

Saint Philomena Parish Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its Church Building

By Steve Sears

On Christmas Eve in 1972, over 1,000 parishioners gathered at 5 p.m. at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Parish in Livingston to celebrate the first Mass inside their new church building. A few hours later, another over 1,000 congregants attended Midnight Mass.

The first Mass was celebrated by then-Pastor Monsignor William McCann, who gave the apostolic blessing to the church just before Mass began. The church was then blessed and dedicated two months later by Archbishop Thomas A. Boland of the Archdiocese of Newark.

In 2022, Monsignor Robert Fuhrman (Pastor), Reverends Denis Surban (Parochial Vicar), Gerald Buonopane (Weekend Assistant), Mathew Eraly (in residence), along with the entire congregation have been celebrating the building’s 50th anniversary in a special way. On September 25, a Saturday evening BBQ was held to honor the building’s birthday. Although stormy weather was forecast, no rain fell as about 200 people attended.

The first official Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church in 1927 was located on what is now Northfield Road, and the first Mass was celebrated in the new chapel on April 28, 1928. That location served the parish for 26 years until the property was sold and the building was razed in 1954. Prior to the current church being built in 1972, Mass was celebrated in the adjacent school building in a room that was used as an auditorium and gym. “It served for decades,” says Fuhrman.

A photo taken from the choir loft during the first Mass in 1972 reveals a number of clergy assembled on the altar of

the new church as the first Mass begins, the congregation gathered in warm winter coats, all filling the new pews. Looking at the photo with deep focus, it seems as if you might hear voices from the past. “It strikes me as most unusual that they had the first mass on Christmas Eve, because that would have been very chaotic and so crowded, as it always is on Christmas Eve,” Fuhrman says. In another photo from August of 1972, a crane hoists and attempts to place the steeple on the new building as a summer wind tosses it back and forth.

In 2016, a massive upgrade and renovation was done to the building. The striking red carpet in the 1972 photo, aged and worn by time, was removed and replaced by granite and marble. “Beautiful Italian marble and granite from Brazil,” Fuhrman says. “We also had a new altar built, and it’s beautiful, and we got a new tabernacle from Spain, which is spectacular.” The tabernacle was installed and was later blessed by Fuhrman as the dwelling place of the Holy Eucharist. “That renovation was a major thing. We had to remove all the pews, put down carpet tiles in the pew areas, and then put the pews back in.”

Though demographics have slowly changed and the COVID pandemic took a toll on many, there are 2,100 families currently registered as parishioners of Saint Philomena.

“It’s been continually used as a sacred home of countless thousands of Catholics, and it will remain so for ages to come,” says Fuhrman of the half century old place of worship. “It’s a place of healing and peace.”

The dental group kids LOVE and their parents trust!

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The steeple for the brand Saint Philomena Church is placed in August of 1972 (courtesy of Saint Philomena Parish)

Bake to Delight Offers Cheer and More Throughout Year

By Chip M. O’Brien

Crepe cakes that call for twenty individually made crepes layered with whipped cream and custard. Macaroons in a rainbow of colors and flavors. Black and white spiral cookies with chocolate lava centers. And the family favorite: coffee buttercream cakes.

This is a sampling of the delicacies baked by 16-yearold Aaron Li, Newark Academy junior and founder of the nonprofit organization Bake to Delight.

According to its website, “Bake to Delight’s mission is to affect social change through the power of food and the spirit of service.” Founded earlier this year, the young nonprofit makes regular free deliveries of baked treats to three organizations: the Newark YMCA, Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson, and Mrs. Wilson’s Treatment Center for Women in Morristown.

Li also hosts free baking workshops and plans to host more in the future.

Li’s fascination with baking started young. He recalls childhood memories of joining his cousin Angela in the kitchen while she baked intricate French goods. “I’m not sure how much I helped,” he admits.

Years later, French baking is still his favorite. “It’s very impressive because it takes a lot of technique,” Li says. “It’s awe-inducing to bring a tray of macaroons to your class. Usually, their first reaction is: ‘Where did you buy these? They look really nice.’”

Li’s treats have helped entice students to math and chess clubs. Earlier this year, though, he wondered how his baking could help others beyond his school.

“It started when I was thinking: I like baking for my family, I like baking for my friends,” he says. “Obviously, the next step is: how can I spread this love of food to my community?”

Li credits Newark Academy as a major influence on his community service ideals. “It does a pretty good job of benefiting underprivileged communities,” he says, highlighting student participation in service projects such as Covenant House Sleep Out and the 1774 Sandwich Initiative.

As he thought about expanding his contributions, he considered how his relationship to his community changed after the pandemic. “I was pretty introverted up until last year,” he recalls. “I thrived during remote learning. It was so nice. I didn’t have to see anyone, just work, eat, sleep…”

As social distancing measures continued, however, Li began to realize what he was missing. “I actually realized how big of an impact my surrounding community has on me,” he admits.

Baking was the perfect opportunity to foster in-person connection.

Though many struggled to feel connected during COVID, pandemic isolation hit one group especially hard: seniors. “Two years ago, the YMCA realized, with COVID and the pandemic, a lot of the seniors were isolated,” says Erica Williams of the Newark YMCA, who coordinates with Bake to Delight to organize deliveries and activities.

Hosting a baking workshop for seniors seemed a natural choice. What better way to bring people together than with cookies, both tangible and delicious? Ricardo Tenturier, VP

Specialist in Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

Dr. Barry A. Kaplan

of the Newark YMCA’s Senior Residence Wellness Council, agrees. “One thing that people like– they like sweets,” he continued on page 18

Aaron Li finishing off decorating one of his cakes

Bake to Delight...

says.

Hearty attendance proved him right. In a hands-on workshop, Li guided participants to make a black and white spiral cookie.

The recipe was ambitious, especially for several participants with no previous baking experience. Of approximately nine men in attendance, Tenturier notes, “a good seven had never baked before.”

Yet they were pleasantly surprised to discover their inner bakers. “A lot of the male seniors, once they started making them, were actually surprised that they were able to do it.”

Tenturier credits not only Li’s patience as a teacher and facilitator, but also his drive. “The number one thing I noticed is: he’s passionate about what he does,” he says.

“Aaron is definitely a quiet storm,” Williams agrees.

The workshop was a resounding success in making both cookies and happy memories. “It was really enjoyable,” Williams recalls. “[The seniors] were able to support one another and talk among their peers. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and Aaron was really [hands-on]. It was just a great experience for them.”

That experience in turn became a gift for others. “Some of the seniors that baked the cookies were not able to eat them for health reasons,” Williams explains. “They donated their cookies to YES.” The Youth Emergency Services (YES) program serves youths ages 13 - 17 who have been temporarily removed from their homes.

The seniors remember Li’s baking

lessons, too. Tenturier reports that he tried to make the recipe after the workshop, this time on his own. “It came out better than the first time I made it,” he says. “Now my daughter wants me to make some for Thanksgiving.”

With the holidays approaching, Li and Williams plan to host another workshop at the YMCA, this time aimed at mothers who would like to bake alongside their children.

This is one of several plans to grow Bake to Delight. “I really want to expand the impact,” Li says. “Working with just these three facilities, it’s really nice to see how much joy it brings to them. I would just like to expand to those who really love food.” He hopes to recruit more volunteers who can help facilitate the programs’ expansion.

Between playing golf competitively, maintaining high grades, and running a nonprofit, Li has a busy schedule ahead. What keeps him going?

It all comes back to community and passion. “Growing up, baking these cakes, you just see how happy it makes people, and you’re like… I want to keep doing this,” he says. “It can help people, and people really gain something positive out of this... It’s really fun, it’s really rewarding, especially if it’s something you love and something other people love as well.”

Judging by the cascade of positivity that started in Li’s oven and continued to Tenturier’s holiday table, it’s plain to see that love, like cookie dough in the oven, wants to spread.

To learn more about Bake to Delight or to volunteer, visit www.baketodelight.org.

Did You Know?

CBD is now widely available and used to treat conditions as varied as tremors and seizures to arthritisrelated inflammation. CBD is the nonpsychoactive component of cannabis plants. It is considered a supplement and its production is not largely regulated by governmental agencies. It’s important to note that CBD is not legal everywhere. According to CFAH, a health and wellness website, as of 2022, no states in the United States outright ban the use of CBD. However, there are two classifications of states: Legal states, in which you are free to purchase, possess, and use hemp-derived products, including CBD, and conditionallylegal states. The latter group of states allow citizens to buy hemp-derived products but there may be some stipulations, such as the purchase may need to be made online or a medical card may be required.

According to the Government of Canada,

CBD is a controlled substance under United Nations drug control conventions, so that also makes it a controlled substance in Canada and other jurisdictions. In Canada, products containing CBD are subject to all of the rules and requirements that apply to cannabis under the Cannabis Act and its regulations. This includes CBD derived from industrial hemp plants, as well as CBD derived from other varieties of cannabis. Under the Cannabis Act, activities with phytocannabinoids (including CBD) remain illegal, unless authorized. This act is nuanced, as edible cannabis was permitted for sale as of October 17, 2019, with strict regulations to reduce appeal to youth and risk of accidental consumption. The legislation regarding CBD and other cannabis products continually evolves in North America, so it pays to stay abreast of changes before choosing to use CBD.

A New Year’s Day Story

By Richard Mabey Jr.

Can love be limited? Is it possible that God’s blessings can reach beyond our limited human understanding of time and space? Are the flames of sibling love, between two sisters, able to transition to a world beyond this world that we humanly know? Is it possible, that love is the greatest force in the universe?

On November 11, 2019, my mom, Janet Kemmerer Mabey, had heart surgery to replace her Aortic Valve. After the surgery, my sister Patti and I were elated that Mom still had a few years left upon this earth, before it would be her time to be called Home to be with the Lord. But by the first of December, it became painfully obvious that Mom’s time upon this earth, was coming to a close.

It was in early December of 2019 that Mom’s general practitioner, told my sister and I that it was time to set up for Hospice home visitations. It was a deeply sad time.

My mother was great stickler for cleanliness. But, I confess that with the influx of nurses and home care professionals, it was tough to keep Mom’s bedroom as neat as a pin. In December, when there were no Hospice personnel at our home, I would read Mom excerpts from the Holy Bible. Mom would then gently fall asleep. But even as Mom would sleep, ever so peacefully, I would continue to read the Bible to Mom.

I remember that it was in the second week of December, that I was reading Mom her Bible, Mom fell asleep. I continued to read the Bible to her. Mom suddenly awoke and begin talking about her plans to have a New Year’s Day party. It was a long

Mom and Aunt Alice, in 1996.

standing tradition of the old Mabey Homestead, as far back as I can remember, that New Year’s Day was a time of open house and home-cooked food for the old family farmhouse.

When Mom awoke, she spoke as if we were still living at the old Mabey Homestead, rather than the reality of now living in our Florida home. And, one of the things Mom spoke about that afternoon, was that she was looking forward to seeing her sister Alice on New Year’s Day. Mom began telling me what needed to be done to prepare for the big New Year’s Party.

As Mom would tell me that I needed to clean all the baseboards, vacuum the rugs, Mom would look me in the eyes and say, “oh Richard, I can’t wait to see my sister Alice again.” I remember this went on for a good half-hour, then Mom drifted off to peaceful sleep.

I stayed at Mom’s side. Even though Mom was sleeping, I read her some passages from the Book of John. About an hour later, Mom woke up again and told me immense details of the New Year’s Day Party that we had just had. Mom recalled the memory of the

dream that she just had, complete with the most tiny details of the splendid party that she had just been a part of.

Then, Mom looked at me and simply said, “Richard, it was so good to see my sister Alice again. It was all just so good.” Then Mom closed her eyes and once again drifted off to sleep.

On the night of the twenty-third of December of 2019, my beloved mother went Home to be with the Lord. It was a sad moment in time. Looking back now, three years later, I still remember how real Mom’s dream was to her.

Could it be that on some level it was all so very real? That on some Heavenly plain, Mom did see her sister Alice Kemmerer Knothe in spirit, that was as real as anything on this physical plain.

I am not a theologian by profession. I do know this though. God is a source of immense love and compassion. The rest is left to the beliefs of my dear readers.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail. com.

Bucket List Travels: 3 Days of Wonder in the Rainforest

by Paul Partridge

Alate-night flight into Quito makes the Sunday morning drive seem earlier than it is. Highway becomes local road becomes dirt road becomes jungle path enroute to Mashpi Lodge.

Mashpi is a nature-lover’s hideaway deep in Ecuador’s Choco Forest. If you’ve ever thought about visiting a rainforest, but a two-week trek into the Amazon perhaps seems overly ambitious, Mashpi might be the ticket –especially if you favor comfort over camping… enjoy great food… like to avoid crowds (this private resort houses only 47 total guests)… and appreciate making a gentler impact on the environment.

Looking back, I’m still not sure if it was real or a mirage. Our group of four was motoring along for hours, deeper and deeper into the wilderness, and then – suddenly, there it was, like some sort of plush Brigadoon. My first thoughts: “What the…? How in the world…?” Given the location and geographical challenges, its existence seems utterly impossible.

But alas, here it is. And waiting for us at the entrance, smiling broadly, is Santiago, our naturalist guide during our three-day stay. Having the same guide is a treat, because he gets to know your group, your pace, your interests, etc., and then tailors activities accordingly. Santiago is a rainforest encyclopedia. He can spot, identify, name and wax poetic about any plant animal, insect, tree, fungus, bird, reptile,

stream, or river we encounter.

A call echoes through the forest. “What kind of bird is that?” I ask.

“Actually, it’s a frog,” says Santiago.

Ok, I may be from Jersey, but to be fair, that was no ‘ribbit’ or ‘croak.’ That frog could win the national bird calling contest. Just the first of many surprises.

Staying at Mashpi feels like living in a large, fancy tree house. Floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel totally immersed in your surroundings. Right outside your window are 400 species of birds, trees, frogs, monkeys, and endemic species found nowhere else in the world.

Day 1: The Incredible Glass Frog

A quick lunch and we’re off into the forest, spotting Toucans, tayras, a tarantula, a giant snail, and hundreds of beautiful, exotic butterflies. Santiago informs us that the tayra is one of only three creatures on earth that thinks ahead, the other two being octopi and humans (females, mostly).

After sunset Santiago takes us on an unforgettable night walk using flashlights and headlamps. We’re stalking the rare transparent glass frog. Within 10 minutes Santiago has found one. It’s a great find, especially since glass frogs are the size of a thumbnail and blend into their environment. Santiago also points out assorted spiders, crickets, bats, and a formidable praying mantis.

A female praying mantis eats the male after mating –

especially the head because they desire the brain protein. We’re told of one jungle species where the male has evolved a second brain in his chest. This way he can procreate and

Morristown resident Paul Partridge has been building a travel bucket list for years. Now he’s diving in –near and far – and shares his adventures in this column.

The famous glass frog. Photos by Paul Partridge continued on page 21

survive the beheading. I imagine this must confuse females on praying mantis dating sites. “Wait, didn’t I just eat you last week?”

Day 2: Cooling off in a Waterfall

The trail drops steeply from the lodge to the Laguna River below. At times we walk alongside the river, other times we wade right in (rubber boots are provided by the lodge). Down and down we go. Our reward is Magnolia Waterfall, and we’re invited to swim in its pool. This is one of those pinchyourself moments. The staggering beauty and serenity leave a mark.

Eventually we must hike back. Note to self: walking down is easier than walking up. As we huff and puff, Santiago mentions that there’s a lunar eclipse tonight. It feels like we’re hiking up to it to see it in person.

Mashpi is home to over 30 species of hummingbirds, and in the afternoon, we see many of them at the Hummingbird Garden. Colorful, playful, and mesmerizing to watch, the hummingbirds dart and flitter all around us.

One might not expect to eat well in the middle of the rainforest. At Mashpi, every entre and appetizer is meticulously prepared. And the natural fruit juice concoctions alone are worth the trip (you had me at passion fruit lemonade).

Day 3: A Birds-eye View of the Forest

The highlight of the morning is a ride on the Sky Bike. Sky Bike is a two-person gondola that stretches 655 feet across the jungle canopy. Think of it as your average, everyday bicycle built for two – if you happen to grow up a member of the Flying Wallendas. The Sky Bike sits on a tight rope. The front person enjoys the view; the back person is the engine. Once you reach the other side, switch positions and pedal back.

At home I won’t even go on a step ladder due to severe height aversion. Somehow, this seems doable. As we pedal and backpedal over the treetops, my adrenaline is flowing and I’m shouting, “Isn’t this amazing?” My wife wants to know, “Who are you and what have you done with my husband?”

Mashpi offers another way to float in the clouds called the DragonFly. This is a onehour ride in an open-air gondola that holds four persons and rises more than 200 feet above the ground. Jaw-dropping views, no pedaling required.

In the afternoon, a transfer returns us to Quito and to pass the time I make up some rainforest awards.

Best Insect Name: Jesus Spider (because it walks on water).

Amazing Flower Fact: There are 4,000

The butterflies are comfortable around humans. different varieties of orchids in the cloud forest.

Most Interesting Tree: Walking Palm. Its roots grow above ground and serve as “legs.” When the tree doesn’t get enough sunlight, it grows new roots in the direction of the sun and moves in that direction, thus “walking.” Walking palms can supposedly

move up to 20 meters in one year. I found this hard to believe until I saw a walking palm wearing a Fitbit.

[Resources]

Quito hotel: www.casagangotena.com/ Mashpi Lodge: www.mashpilodge.com Transportation and Transfers: www. metropolitan-touring.com.

Prevention is Key Helps Educate Public on Substance Abuse Relief

By Elsie Walker

environment.

Substance abuse doesn’t have one face. An abuser could be an elderly individual, a youth, or an adult struggling with life who found “relief” in a drug or alcohol. For those who want to move from abuse to recovery, there’s help: the non-profit organization Prevention is Key (PIK). Located in several counties, its Development Director, Laura Jennings Pitt of Pompton Lakes, explained, “Our bottom-line goal is to create a stigma free community. … we offer programs that will help individuals at all stages of recovery to find their way back to a meaningful life, and so, we don’t require abstinence of our participants but… we strive to meet them where they are.” But, PIK is not just for those with an addiction; it offers help to family and friends who are trying to support them in recovery. Also, it has prevention education programs. PIK offers its free services through its brickand-mortar CARES (Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success) centers, its mobile units, and its 24-hour hot line. Recently, Pitt talked a little about her role and gave an overview of PIK’s services.

Pitt is the organization’s first Development Director. Prior to her, everyone in the organization seemed to take some part in handling fundraising and it’s just become too big of a task for it to be managed in that way. “They needed to implement a centralized strategy led by someone who’s got the skills and the vision to deliver on the promises

of the development department and that’s what brought me here to this organization,” explained Pitt.

In addressing PIK’s offerings, Pitt noted that there are five physical CARES locations: one in Essex County (Newark), two in Morris County (Dover and Rockaway), and two in Burlington County (Burlington County and Burlington City). “They’re a place where you can come and be part of a community that makes you feel welcomed. They’re really helpful for individuals who are just getting started in their recovery journey because they give them a place to go [where they] can be away from substances and around people who are encouraging and supportive and positive and just want to be there for them [when they need us],” shared Pitt. There’s peer support for both those in recovery and the people supporting them, where someone coming to the center is matched with someone with a similar background who’s gone through recovery or has supported someone going through recovery. The centers offer a variety of meetings (NA, AA, etc.) plus various educational offerings which include Narcan training in recognizing an overdose and administering Narcan. Administering Narcan to someone who is overdosing can reverse the effects of an overdose and save their life.

Pitt shared that there’s a monthly recovery recognition breakfast at the Rockaway location where individuals who are in or exploring the idea of recovery can

Those in the mobile unites reach out to substances abusers by building trust and creating a stigma free

other as well as network with some of the providers PIK works with. The breakfast includes speakers who talk about the different services that are available and then there’s a story of recovery. The breakfast takes place the second Monday of every month.

PIK also has mobile recovery units such as HOPE 1 for Morris County plus mobile units in Essex and Passaic counties. Through these units, connection is made with those homeless individuals struggling with substance abuse. “The way that we get the word out about where the mobile recovery units are going to be is in partnership with the sheriff ’s offices, and those locations are publicized so we strive to make those units accessible to the communities,” shared Pitt. Building trust is the first step. Those struggling with addiction may not immediately ask to see a social worker or mental health professional or seek treatment for recovery. The mobile units give out homeless care packages, which are assembled at PIK’s general locations. What’s in the packages may vary but they contain things like food, personal hygiene items, toiletries and clean underwear. The unit

will give rides to a place a homeless person might want to go to get a meal or shower or take the person to an appointment and then return the person to where they feel safe. It is through interactions like this that the trust is built so that the connection is there when the individual is ready to take the first step to recovery.

Jennings noted that in Passaic County, part of a care package is fentanyl test strips. Using these strips, a person can check for the presence of fentanyl in other substances such as heroin. This is part of “harm reduction”. Fentanyl is deadlier than other substances and Pitt noted that it can kill a person on the spot. PIK realizes people receiving its packages can still be abusing. Checking for fentanyl’s presence could keep a person from killing themselves by taking something laced with it. The idea is that the abuser will live longer with a chance of recovery in their future.

Besides the mobile unit and CARE centers, PIK has a 24-hour telephone recovery support line. “…if you don’t find our mobile recovery unit and you can’t come to our physical center. you can call us anytime,” said Pitt. She noted that it is not only for people who are struggling with substance use but

also anyone who’s affected by it. The hotline number is 973-625-1143.

PIK offers events during the year addressing education, recovery, and fundraising. Its website lists what’s upcoming, ways to volunteer, and also includes a “shop” area where people can buy items to encourage those in recovery or as a way to support PIK by buying a gift for someone.

While, as its website notes, PIK ”relies on many trusted relationships with private foundations and government agencies to sustain and advance its mission”, fundraising is needed. According to its website, “There are over 27,000 individuals with a diagnosed SUD in the communities served by Prevention is Key, plus many others who struggle with problematic and chaotic use without any official diagnosis.” The funds PIK raises helps it to provide its services. An example of a fundraiser was the online #PIKYourWhy on social media for Giving Tuesday in November. The organization encouraged supporters, friends, peers, and loved ones to post why PIK is important to them with a button for people to click to donate. Also, people can donate at any time to the organization by going to a tab on its

Here a PIK staff member gets out the word on what harm reduction is in an interesting, visual way.

website: preventioniskey.org/donate

Pitt shared about a special fundraiser in the upcoming year. Looking ahead, on May 24, 2023, there will be a Road to Recovery event at the Windlass in Lake Hopatcong. There will be a sunset cruise, a tricky tray, and a speaker who has used PIK’s services and is in long term recovery.

For more information on PIK, people can call 973-625-1143 or visit it online at preventioniskey.org

A Remembrance of the Real Santa of Main Street

By Richard Mabey Jr.

There are people who touch our hearts and lives, to whom we will not truly appreciate their kindness till years and years have passed. Such is the case of my remembrance of the Real Santa Claus of Main Street.

It was a long standing tradition, of the Mabey clan, to spend Christmas Day at the old Mabey Homestead. From the day I was born till I was six years old, my parents and I lived in Clifton. Every Christmas Day, we would sojourn westward on Route 46 to the little hamlet of Lincoln Park, where my great grandmother, Dora Mabey lived.

I remember we would arrive at the old Mabey Homestead, early in the morning. I was a shy and sensitive child, so the abounding number of relatives that would congregate at the old farmhouse, would seem all so overwhelming to me.

I don’t know at what age I had any degree of conscious remembrance of the dear, kind, elderly man who was the Real Santa of Main Street. I remember him fondly as a very kind man with a gentle spirit. He would knock on the door of the old Mabey Homestead, sometime during the late morning on Christmas Day, all dressed in his Santa Claus gear.

My dad was the fifth of nine children, so on Christmas Day the Mabey Homestead abounded with children, my many cousins.

Santa would arrive with a big burlap bag strung over his shoulder, with a gift for each and every one of my cousins, my sister and myself. I remember the gifts were not expensive at all. Some were actually handmade toys. While some had a clue

of having been passed down from another child, who had outgrown the little toy car or doll.

My mom and dad, my sister Patti and I moved into the old Mabey Homestead in the early Autumn of 1959, shortly after Great Grandma Mabey went Home to be with the Lord. I was six years old that Christmas. I remember wondering if the real Santa would still be knocking on the door on Christmas Day. To my happy surprise, the real Santa did come by to visit us, with presents for my sister and I.

I never learned the name of the Real Santa of Main Street. My grandfather, Watson Mabey, one time told me that he thought that he lived in this little house at the end of Clover Lane. When I was about 10 years old, I walked down Clover Lane, stood at the front yard of that little home and wanted to knock on the front door and see if that was in fact, the home of the real Santa. Sadly and regretfully, I didn’t get the courage to knock on the door. That little home was torn down many years ago, to make room for a larger, modern home.

My Aunt Vi once told me that she thought that the Real Santa of Main Street lived in a little home in Towaco, just past the Lincoln Park border. I don’t think anybody really knew who this kind hearted soul was. It’s one of the greatest mysteries of my childhood.

The Christmas of 1961, when I was eight years old and in the third grade, was the last time that the Real Santa of Main Street ever came to visit us on Christmas Day. I once asked my father if he knew who this gentleman was. He endorsed Grandpa Mabey’s theory.

In deep fondness, I remember the Real Santa of Main Street. I think about him from time to time. My intuition tells me that he was not a wealthy man at all. I think he was actually quite poor. Somehow and someway, he accumulated toys for children in the neighborhood. Most of the toys he gave to us, were handmade. He was truly the real Santa Claus of my childhood.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com.

From 1953, a photo of the Real Santa Claus of Main Street. Yours truly sitting upon the lap of Santa, with my mom and dad.

Big Red Santa of Kinnelon Brings Happiness to All Ages

By Steve Sears

For Bob Smith, it may have started in 2009, but you can tell during discussion with him that he’s had the Santa Claus goodness within him all along.

Just ask Emily.

Although in his words he was terrified when he first dressed up as the Big Red Santa and the event was a success, it was best defined by little Emily, who the next day visited the event organizer and thanked them for bringing a real Santa Claus. “And it was because I was nice and I had a real beard,” Smith says. It mattered not to Emily that the red Santa suit Smith wore was older, that his beard was short, or whether it was sprinkled with baby powder. What mattered was Smith’s kindness to her, which Emily returned the following year, she showing up with a gift for the Big Red Santa.

“I think 90% of Santas find their way into the role by someone asking them to fill in for somebody that can’t make it,” Smith says. “I think 100% of the people who get that question are kind of reluctant to do that because they’ve never done it before.”

Smith wasn’t reluctant when first asked thirteen years ago. He filled the role, but was concerned his voice wouldn’t be correct or he’d say something wrong. The request came from a group called Rainbows for All Children, a nationwide group which meets with and supports children who had a parent pass away during the year and are grieving. Smith recalls the instructions he received at that time. ‘They said, ‘We’ve got all the toys, we’ve got the bag. Just show up, everything’s tagged, call up the kids, take the picture, and off you go.’” The group had available a Santa Claus suit from K-Mart, and Smith took care of the rest. “I had this very short George Clooney beard,” he says. “It really wasn’t quite right, and I peppered it with some baby powder, because I was

not going to wear a previously used polyester beard. Then I threw on a white turtleneck to cover the lack of beard.”

After his first appearance, Smith returned the suit and thought nothing more about dressing up as Santa Claus – until the following September, when he was asked by Rainbows for All Children to do it again. This time, not only was the child called up, but Smith also asked the parent who had lost a spouse to head forward as well. Smith explains. “I would say, ‘What would you like for Christmas?’ and ‘How have you been?’ I realized it’s about the family.”

During his first eight years as Santa Claus, Smith would do just a gig or two per year. In addition to the Rainbows event, he would get calls to do Breakfast with Santa get-togethers. As he started to get more requests for appearances, he then began to buttress his Santa skills. “For the first eight years, I had no idea that there were Santa Claus organizations,” Smith says. “There are Santa Claus groups that will help you hone your skills in terms that if you’re going to see 200 kids in a day, one or two of them are going to be on the autism spectrum. How do you handle that? How do you deal with sensitivity in terms of questions? If somebody asks, ‘Can you bring grandma back?’ There’s that part of it, the part in the chair, which we call ‘Chair Time.’ And then there’s also the business side of it.”

For the record, Smith now dons a custom-made Santa Claus suit, and his appearances aren’t limited just to the Christmas season. During this past summer, he had three Christmas in July gigs. Also, it took about six or seven years to convince Mrs. Claus (Smith’s wife, Pam) to make appearances with him. “The Knights of Columbus, every time they saw her, they said, ‘You’re coming to the Breakfast with Santa, too?’ and she would say, ‘No, no, no.’ I just bought her the dress, and once she had the dress, she was okay with it, and

said it was a lot of fun. And Mrs. Claus is an

part of the Santa experience.”

For more information about the Big Red Santa, visit www. bigredsanta.com.

The Big Red Santa and Mrs. Claus (courtesy of Bob Smith)

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