Livingston Life December 23 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

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Livingston First Responders Celebrate the Holiday with Community Residents

By Steve Sears 2-year Livingston police officer and member of the Community Policing Unit, Joy Klapal, says it best when it comes to all first responders, but especially the Livingston Police Department. Klapal said, “We are very involved with the community - not just during the holidays, but all year long. This is the community that we have sworn to protect and serve, and we take that very seriously. We have partnerships with many different organizations within the township, and we have projects that touch everyone from children through senior citizens. It makes our officers feel good to do things to benefit the community, so it is a win-win situation for everyone.” And the Livingston police and fire departments, and the township first aid squad, all pitch in to ensure residents have a joyous holiday season. Chris Mullin, who serves as Chief and Fire Official of the Livingston Fire Department, said, “Our members are involved in the Camuso Holiday Display at the Oval each year. Our members along with other committee members are actively involved in the set-up, attendance during hours of operation, and teardown of the display each year.” During the opening night Camuso Holiday Display ceremonies, the

fire department delivers Santa Claus to the display on a firetruck with lights and sirens activated to a crowd of cheering children. The Livingston Fire Department also hosts a night at the display in which local children decorate Christmas ornaments and drink hot chocolate while listening to Christmas music. Tom Cooney, who serves fire department President, is known as the “Chief Elf” as he directs all Camuso Display operations and directs his “Elfs” as needed. The volunteer firefighters on this committee use their own vehicles and occasionally a department pick-up truck to transport items to the site for set-up and for picking up items as needed from Home Depot and Costco. Mullin added, “Members also take part in many Halloween Trick-or-Treat events at the schools and township sponsored events, showing up on a firetruck and handing out candy to all the little trick-or-treaters.” The Livingston First Aid Squad, who are busy covering weeknights from 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, in addition to taking other calls if needed on the weekends or weekdays, hosts a craft night and Santa visit at the Camuso Holiday Display. “In past years, we have participated in Thanksgiving food drives, distributed gifts from the police department to attendees

The Livingston Police Department toy drive at the Cooper Barnabas Medical Center. Photos credit the Livingston Police Department.

at the Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities holiday party, given out hot chocolate at the Camuso Holiday Display with the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee, participated in “Shop with an Unstoppable Hero”, and handed out ribbons for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Tie One on for Safety campaign,” Klapal said of police department holiday activities. “However,

our biggest undertaking every holiday season is our toy drive. We collect toys that we bring to the children’s department at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and also donate to Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors. This has been an annual event for many years, and will continue this year as well.”

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Livingston Family Honored for Fighting Crohn’s

or the Beckman’s of Livingston, family is everything. They love each other, take pride in their successes, and fight for one another when the chips are down. This past summer, parents Debbie and David watched their youngest son, Robby go to the emergency room at Mt. Sinai due to his battle with Crohn’s Disease. They had also seen their older son Joe in the emergency room a few years back, when he was in high school. Currently, Joe is studying at the University of Marland while Robbie is at Livingston High School. Their parents are extremely proud of both sons who have done amazing things. Joe is the Philanthropy Chairperson of his fraternity and recently spent a summer in Taiwan learning Mandarin. Robbie is in the process of starting a Crohn’s group at his school while concentrating on his studies. But the road has not been easy. About 9 years ago, Joe was sick and losing a great deal of weight. According to Debbie Beckman, “we didn’t know what was going on. We never dealt with this before so we really had no idea. We went to a lot of different doctors,

had a lot of different bloodwork done, and finally was diagnosed with Crohn’s.” Though both Debbie and David didn’t know much about the disease, they wanted to do everything in their power to help their son. They learned quickly that Crohn’s is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation from Crohn’s can affect any part of this tract. “I remember reaching out, making a lot of calls just trying to learn and gain some insight and then all of a sudden we were part of the board (Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s New Jersey Chapter) and created the band event”, Debbie Beckman says. The event they are referring to is “Banded,” where they organized many musicians to play events down at the shore each summer to raise proceeds for research. From there, they became immersed in the annual touch football game at MetLife. Both being Giants fans, the two of them became seriously involved in raising awareness and bringing in much needed funds to help find a cure. The whole family will be honored this

month with The Community Impact Award for reaching the extraordinary milestone of raising $250,000 in funds over the last several years. Both Joe and Robbie have taken an

active role in both fundraising and raising awareness for the illness. “We’re a pretty close family and I think they (the children) know as much as this continued on page 4

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Livingston Family Honored...

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continued from page 2 stinks, the silver lining is they’re dealing with stuff that people may not deal with in their entire lives,” Debbie says. “I believe there are lessons and opportunities to be grateful always. And it just connects us more than it divides us.” Though both parents are modest about their efforts, they are hoping for a brighter future, where their neighbors will understand Crohn’s Disease as much as other illnesses. “I think a lot of people don’t really know what it is. They know it’s some sort of disease,” David Beckman says. “It affects people in different ways. Some people don’t have to take meds and they just kind of watch their diet and others like both our boys are on different shots every month. Some people ultimately have to have surgeries to remove part of the inflamed intestinal tract if that’s what’s infected.” Though the couple has been extremely busy working to raise funds for their children, they also see the larger picture of helping all those who have been affected. “We’re just hoping they can find a cure and have people go into complete remission for the rest of their lives,” David says.

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A Higher Power at Work in Solar Panels

By Henry M. Holden n September 7, Temple Beth Shalom had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce its congregation to solar power. But they are not the only ones seeking ways to cut expenses. Several synagogues, churches, other houses of worship, and religious organizations are installing solar panels to cut energy costs and fulfill part of what they see as a crucial aspect of the emissions. Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electric. They are a form of renewal green energy. “Green energy has been a daily topic for years,” said Brian Fern, an 18-year member of the temple, a 10-year member of the TBS Executive Board, and now its executive vice president. “While we have discussed the concept of solar panels on the roof, the project was delayed because of the COVID-19 lock-down. After many board meetings, and casual discussions, we decided that we should investigate what the cost would be. Our congregation has embraced empowering ourselves and future generations to be good stewards of our environment. This has also allowed us to practice “Tikkun Olam,” a Hebrew phrase for repairing the world.” Fern said, “This is definitely part of helping

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(L-R) Mayor Vieira, Rabbi Cohen, and Brian Fern at ribbon cutting for Temple Beth Shalom. (Photo courtesy Brian Fern)

that the weight of the solar panels would not damage the integrity of the roof. The solar installer said to me, “Brian your roof is in perfect condition. It doesn’t make any sense to put a Band-Aid on a cut that is not bleeding. If you have a problem during the 30 years that you will have had this installation, we will remove the panels that are causing the problem, fix the

problem, and reinstall the solar panels. A benefit to having solar panels on the roof is that they protect the roof from three issues that cause roof repairs: rain, snow, and sun.” The Temple Beth Shalom’s rooftop solar energy system will produce 315, 510 kilowatt-hours of clean energy. This continued on page 7

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to repair the world as well as selfishly for the temple to help us save money,” Fern said. The solar paneled roof would be an obvious and logical step since their roof has an unfettered view of the sun and sky. There is normally some roof preparation before the actual installation of the panels. “We hired someone to survey the roof,” said Fern. “The roof is over 20 years old and believed to be in perfect condition. We wanted to be sure,” said Fern. “We brought in a roofer who checked out the roof. We believed the roof was in good condition, but we were comfortable hiring an expert to reassure us. His opinion was that we needed a new roof and we should put in a new roof before we installed the solar panels. Oh, and the new roof would cost $300,000 which we could pay off over the next 1o years. “I said that in 10 years I would get back the $300,000 but there would be no savings for us. It didn’t take long to eliminate that bid for a new roof. Instead, we interviewed several solar energy providers and ultimately chose Geoscape Solar to install a 272.7 kilowatt energy system that gave us a different scenario. We wanted to have an independent engineer to check the roof to make sure

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A Higher Power... continued from page 6 is equivalent to taking 14 million pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, planting 10,000 trees, and burning through 700,000 gallons of gas solar panels. The Livingston temple expects to save $2 million over the next 30 years with the new energy system once inflation costs are taken into account. Installed it will provide a 272.7-kilowatt solar energy system, which covers 97 percent of the building’s energy. As a result, Temple Beth Shalom’s electric bills will be cut in half, and they can take advantage of the multiple green energy Incentives. “There are many people in the congregation who believe in the green energy savings of $30,000 a year and over the lifetime of thirty years about $2 million. It’s a very attractive preposition. It didn’t cost us anything to put on the roof. it was 100-percent out of pocket, said Fern. There are some grants and government benefits available it you want to go solar power. There’s a PPA, it’s a Purchase Power Agreement. A PPA, or electricity power agreement, is a long-term contract between an electricity generator and a customer, usually a utility, government or company. PPAs may last anywhere between 5 and 20 years, during which time the power purchaser buys energy at a pre-negotiated

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price. “There are investors out there who will install the system for you. And you pay them for the electricity that you generate at a lower cost than if you had purchased it from PSE&G. So, the question is why do they do that? For three reasons, they’re getting a return on their investment, they get the investment tax credit, and they get depreciation of the equipment.” Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) are performance-based solar incentives that allow you to earn additional income from your home’s solar energy production. As a homeowner, you can earn one SREC for every megawatt-hour (MWh), or 1,000-kilowatt hours (kWh), of electricity your solar system generates. It’s a credit you get back from the government for the energy you produce even though you’re going through a private resource and not going to PSE&G. If you live in a state like New Jersey, with an SREC market, you typically won’t sell your certificates to a utility directly; instead, you’ll work with an SREC aggregator or broker to monetize your SRECs. Another reason is you always have PSE&G. They are “the last resort.” Our electric bill is much less, but we never disconnect from PSE&G, just in case they do become “the last resort.”

Free Christmas Concert

t. Therese Prayer Ministry offering a free Christmas concert featuring Dan Yates, a New York City Broadway professional singer on Tuesday, December 19th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes, NJ. Dan has a magnificent voice and has been gifted with high performance capabilities. You don’t want to miss this special day and you will

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I Have a Little Dreidel the days leading up to Chanukah. “I Have a Little Dreidel” I have a little dreidel I made it out of clay And when it’s dry and ready Oh dreidel, I shall play Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel I made you out of clay And when you’re dry and ready Oh Dreidel we shall play Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel I made you out of wood Celebrating 50 Years

he holiday season simply wouldn’t be the same without music, and people of all faiths have their traditional songs to sing during this special time of year. Chanukah celebrants may teach children the classic tune, “I Have a Little Dreidel” (also known as “The Dreidel Song”). The song is often taught to young children in advance of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah

to get them excited about the season. The online resource ejewishphilanthropy.com reports that the English version of the song was written by Shmuel Eliezer Goldfarb, who served as the Director of the Music Education Ministry on the Jewish Council in New York. A Yiddish version, written by Shmuel Shlomo Grossman, features slightly different lyrics but can be just as festive in

And when you are all ready I’ll play you when I could Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel I made you out of glass And when you are all ready I’ll play you on the grass Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel I made you out of gold And when you are all ready I’ll play you in the cold Lyrics courtesy of Chabad.org. All This For One Price, Guaranteed! • Core Aeration • Crabgrass Control • Seeding • Lime • Fertilization • Grub Control • Weed Control • Fungus Control

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Arthur Godfrey – Pilot and Showman

Godfrey’s DC-3 gad a very similar livery and this DC-3. (Photo Henry M. Holden)

By Henry M. Holden rthur Morton Godfrey was born on August 31, 1903, in New York City. Because of harsh economic conditions, his family moved to Hasbrouck Heights at an early age. His parents were poor, and Godfrey dropped out of high school at 15 and worked as a baker’s delivery boy. Godfrey served in the United States Navy from 1920 to 1924 as a radio operator on a destroyer. He then returned home to care for the family after his father’s death. Godfrey learned to fly in 1929, while working on broadcast radio in the Washington, D.C., area. He was badly injured on his way to a flying lesson in 1931, when a truck lost its left front wheel and hit him head on. Godfrey spent months recuperating. Additional radio training came during Godfrey’s service in the Coast Guard from 1927 to 1930. He passed a stringent qualifying examination and was admitted to the prestigious Radio Materiel School at the Naval Research Laboratory, graduating in 1929. While in Baltimore, he appeared in a local talent show broadcast and became popular enough to land his own brief weekly radio program. LIC. #19HC00364200

During World War II, he served as a reserve officer in the United States Navy in a public affairs role. As a reserve officer, he used his public position to persuade the Navy into qualifying him as a Naval Aviator. Later the United States Air Force, successfully recruited him into the Air Force Reserve. He made a television movie in 1953, taking control of an Eastern Air Lines Lockheed Constellation airliner and flying to Miami, showing how safe airline travel had become. He became a strong promoter of middleclass values and spent time with his middleclass fans vacationing in Hawaii and Miami Beach, Florida, former enclaves of the wealthy. In Hawaii, he helped raise funds for the “Coronation” carillon installed at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in 1956. His continued unpaid promotion of Eastern Air Lines earned him the undying gratitude of Eddie Rickenbacker, the World War I flying ace who was the president of the airline. He was such a good friend of the airline that Rickenbacker took a retiring Douglas DC-3, fitted with an executive interior, reconditioned engines, continued on page 12

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Arthur Godfrey...

continued from page 10 and presented it to Godfrey. On January 7, 1950, Godfrey was preparing to take off from Teterboro Airport (TEB) in his private DC-3. He requested a takeoff on runway 32 which was short but faced into the wind. At the end of the runway was that hill in Hasbrouck Heights. The tower refused his request and instructed him to use runway #1 although it had a strong crosswind. He complied, but he claimed that the windy conditions that day required him to turn immediately after takeoff. The fact is that he was upset with the tower because they would not give him the runway he requested. His actions caused him to buzz the tower, almost running into it. The four tower personnel scrambled for the stairway. When they had calmed down, they reported Godfrey to the FAA. Years later, the tower chief recalled what happened. “About halfway down the strip Godfrey flew at a low altitude veering over the waiting aircraft and headed for the control tower. “We could have counted the plane’s rivets as it roared over our heads,” said one controller. Asked if he was in trouble, Godfrey replied “That was a normal takeoff for Teterboro.” The tower chief wrote up a report to his superiors citing the incident, as a clear violation of the FAA rules. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that Godfrey’s pilots license would be revoked if he couldn’t satisfactorily explain why he had buzzed the tower. Being familiar with TEB this author can say that Godfrey’s sharp turn over the aircraft waiting to takeoff was unwarranted and dangerous. Had it not been for two

powerful engines, and the skill of the pilot, the story would have had a different outcome. After a long battle with the FAA, Godfrey had his license suspended for six months. His fight with the FAA made him more popular than ever, and his TV and radio shows increased his popularity by the millions. For more than 30 years, Godfrey kept an assortment of airplanes at Teterboro and, at the peak of his popularity he commuted regularly between New Jersey and his farm in Virginia. In 1966, Godfrey participated in a record-setting flight around the world. He and Dick Merrill, Eastern Airlines, most celebrated captain, put together the logistics of the flight. With Fred Austin, a TWA captain and Karl Keller, Rockwell Standard Corporation, test pilot, they circled the globe in a Rockwell Jet Commander business aircraft. The 23,333-mile flight, included 20 refueling stops was made in 55 hours and 30 minutes flight time with an average speed of 423 mph. Because of his close friendship with the US Air Force, General Curtis LeMay, Godfrey became such a supporter of the Air Force that he resigned his commission as a commander in the Navy Reserve and accepted a retired commission in the Air Force Reserve. All through the 50s and the 60s he was allowed to fly in highly sophisticated Air Force aircraft. On the civilian side, he flew all generations of commercial aircraft up to the Boeing 747. In July 1974 he flew solo from New Jersey to Point Barrow, Alaska, and back 12,000 nautical miles in 62 hours. Although Godfrey had a passion for flight, he was also an in-demand showman. The first was a stage play with Ray

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Bolger in Three to Make Ready. His next appearance was to play opposite Maureen O’Sullivan in Never Too Late, and on the summer circuit in Generations. In 1966, he appeared to co-star with Doris Day in the film Glass Botton Boat. During his 40-year career, Godfrey received Awards from military and civilian organizations for each flying achievement and for his promotion of flight and of flying during a period where the average citizen had a deep fear of airplanes. Although he lost his license for six months, the entertainer rebuked the FAA and Teterboro for years on both his daily radio programs and television show. At the time he was possibly the most popular entertainer in the United States. His license suspension set off a feud between Godfrey and the FAA that brought Teterboro to the attention of Godfrey’s 40-million listeners. Godfrey chastised the FAA and Teterboro for years on both his highly rated daily radio show, and television shows. Godfrey would constantly promote aviation to his audiences, private, commercial, and military. He would tell his listeners, “Everybody should learn to fly. If I can then it can’t be too hard. After all, if I could learn anyone can,” he chuckled. When Godfrey died on March 16, 1983, he left all his aviation awards and memorabilia to the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum. Those trophies, plaques, and medals are on display in the museum today. In the end Godfrey said, “Despite a closet full of aviation trophies, the only feat which I will probably be remembered is allegedly buzzing the tower at Teterboro.”

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When One Door Closes...

By Richard Mabey Jr. am writing this column on an early Tuesday morning, the seventh of November. This past Saturday was a tough day for me. I called all my dog walking clients and told them that I was giving up the dog walking business. I have a little over a dozen dog walking clients. I love caring for the many pups. In all so many ways, they are my best friends. My Cardiologist thought it be best for me to take a break from the demands of walking dogs. I often have to pick up the little puppers, to put them on a chair to put on their lead. There’s a lot more to it, than meets the eye. I started calling my many clients at about 10:00 in the morning. I did take time to eat lunch. But other than that, I was laser focused on the job at hand, letting my friends know that I would no longer be able to care for and walk their precious pups, when they went away to visit their kids in Squirrel Valley. I made my last telephone call at a little past two in the afternoon. After I hung up the phone, after talking with my last client, I cried. It was an emotionally painful moment in time. Walking dogs was a most wonderful thing. I truly loved the dogs whom I cared for, took walks with and fed them their meals. I was truly like an adopted uncle to them. I loved them all very much. And, I know the puppers loved me. As I await the final decision of my Cardiologist, as she gathers the data from the many, many cardiac tests and procedures that I endured in the past month or so, I realize that this is a time of reflection, of contemplation and of prayer.

Love is a most incredibly positive powerful force. It is the key that opens the door for miracles. It is the vehicle upon which will provide a means of travel to wonderful places, inwardly and outwardly. I have a thousand and one memories of cherished moments of caring for my array of four-legged, furry friends. But I have come to accept that God now has a new plan for me. I plan of devoting even more time to my writing. To focus my energies to seeing that my second book gets published, before I meet Saint Peter at Heaven’s Gate. And, to bring my YouTube Channel to a higher calling. If you are faced with a door closing in your life, please do not despair. You are here for a purpose. And, sometimes a purpose in life becomes complete. We cannot fully understand why a door closes, at the time it closes, but for the most part, there is a reason. For life is truly a series of chapters that have their own distinct purpose and calling. When a door in life closes, it is usually emotionally painful. There is a time and a place to mourn the closing of a door in life. But we absolutely must pick ourselves up, brush the emotional dust off, and move forward in life. To march bravely for a new purpose in life. Love, love, love the people in your life. Give of yourself, your talents and a percentage of your income to help others. We are not islands in the stream, destined to live alone. Each and every one of us, has been put upon this earth with a purpose and a calling to serve others. We all have different talents, different strengths, different weaknesses to overcome. Forgive, forgive and forgive. Then forgive again.

Yours truly with one of my beloved friends.

God loves you more than you will ever know. Pray to come to realize God’s immense love, on some level. Love one another. For love is the key that opens the door to amazing miracles. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

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4 Fun Facts about the Month of December

ecember is arguably the most festive month of the year. The holiday season and all the gatherings with family and friends make the final month of the year a busy time. But a peek under the proverbial hood reveals that there’s more to December than the holiday season. 1. Armchair linguists might know that the Latin word “decem” means “ten,” which is a little curious given that December is the twelfth month of the year. So why isn’t December the tenth month of the year? Like other months on the modern calendar, including October and November, December once occupied a different place on the calendar, namely the Julian calendar that was used prior to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. Back then, December was the tenth month on the calendar. Though its position changed when the Gregorian calendar was adopted, its name remained the same. 2. It’s easy to overlook in a month populated by holidays like Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, but the winter solstice is a significant day on the calendar as well. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the 2023 winter solstice occurs on December 21 at 10:27 p.m. EST for the northern hemisphere. The winter solstice might not be sun worshippers’ favorite day

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of the year, as it’s the day with the least amount of sunlight all year long. However, one positive to keep in mind is that, once the winter solstice occurs, each day thereafter experiences a gradual increase in daylight. That should give anyone yet another reason to celebrate in December. 3. December has historically been a month of firsts, particularly for women and politicians. On December 1, 1919, Lady Nancy Astor became the first woman to serve in the British House of Commons. Exactly 69 years later, Benazir Bhutto was nominated for the role of prime minister of Pakistan. Bhutto ultimately became the first woman to be elected as head of a democratic government in a Muslimmajority country. Political firsts in December are not limited to events involving women. A year after Bhutto was nominated, Russia’s Mikhail Gorbachev became the first Soviet Russian leader to visit the Vatican and meet the Pope. 4. January might be the month people most associate with efforts to change their fortunes, but the birthstone of December also is considered a symbol of good fortune. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that one of the birthstones of December is turquoise, which some believe is symbolic of good fortune and success.

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High School Senior Writes Book to Help Victims of Abuse

By Evan Wechman igh School Senior Charlotte Varela Gajewski loved reading as a child. Her parents would try to read with her nightly, hoping it would pay off years later. Now, as she is preparing for college next year, the whole family realizes the gift reading can be. Gajewski, who also credits her terrific teachers for developing her creative writing skills, is awaiting the 2024 release of her children’s book titled, “I See You-aTrue Tale of Two Bunnies.” The book was not written for fame or money, but to help children cope with trauma. The young author has been volunteering for the last five years at Deirdre’s House, a non-profit organization in Morristown. They provide essential services to children victimized by abuse. Gajeski is donating copies of her book with the proceeds from the sales going right back to help the children. Gajewski has been assisting with their annual galas and pitching in wherever she could, but had a yearning to do more. “Seeing how much Deirdre’s House helps children, I wanted to think of something that I could do to have an impact and help. I wanted to give the children something to brighten their day and ease some of the discomfort during difficult times,” she says. The book is a story of two bunnies living completely different lives but creating a strong bond because they see all the beautiful qualities in each other. It’s inspired by the author’s childhood where she cared for bunnies and other animals. She wants to pass on these lessons she learned as a kid to children who genuinely need positivity and trust in

their lives. “I hope to teach children that regardless of their life circumstances they have to be positive, look on the bright side, and be a good friend. I feel that parents, caretakers, educators, and clinicians can use the bunnies to teach this life lesson to children for their specific situation.” This endearing story will be read by the staff at Deirdre’s House with the children. Though the book hasn’t been officially released yet, Gajewski has generously shared advance copies with the children and has even signed a few copies for them as well. “I know the impact and joy a book can bring,” Gajewski says. She hopes to write books in the future to inspire young readers, while also trying to find more solutions for children at college. This has excited the Executive Director of the house, Maria Vinci-Savettiere, Esq. She gave up the profits and accolades of practicing corporate law to fulfill her life’s mission of helping child victims. Her passion is shared by the author and the director is amazed. She explains Deirdre’s House is the primary center in Morris County which assists child victims. It is through the work and sensitivity of people like Gajewski that they can touch so many lives. “For us (the organization) the impact of a child helping another child is huge. This is not another book, but something a child wrote to help other children feel better,” she says. The book will be available in early 2024 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Livingston Life • December 2023 • Page 17

Chester’s Publick House Reopens To Rich History

n nearly 200 years of history, the Publick House has been an inn, a school, a stagecoach stop and the scene of more than a few paranormal events. In 1810, the Publick House at 111 Main St., was known as the Brick Tavern, and was a well-known stagecoach stop for those traveling on the Washington Turnpike from Morristown to Phillipsburg. Almost two centuries later, the preserved 35,000 square foot building reopened in 2010, in the form of a restaurant/bar and gelato café. The renovations included 10 suites, located above the restaurant. The building had been closed for renovations since it was sold and purchased in March by Joseph and Bart Lubrano of Randolph Township. The Publick House’s denoted Zephaniah Drake, a proprietor of the first line of stagecoaches, built the original Publick House, known as the Brick Hotel or Brick Tavern, in 1810, according to the Chester Historical Society website. Travelers going from New Jersey to Pennsylvania made frequent stops at the inn to eat or rest before their long journeys. In 1854, educator, William Rankin, added two wings and turned the tavern into the Chester Institute, a classical college preparatory school. Since then, the building has been maintained and run by a variety of owners and was

registered in 1976 under the National Historic Registry as a “historic American building.” The Publick House has served as a “publick” gathering spot once again in the heart of the Chester community, where memories and many tales indeed have been made. Aging and time took a toll on the building and forced its recent closing. Many anticipated a preservation and reopening and great strides have been made to do so, as it approached its bicentennial in the year 2010. This landmark building continued to undergo gradual renovations in order to preserve the inn and to return it to the community it has served for so long. Haunted ‘House’ Stories of hauntings and ghosts have also become part of the restaurant’s alluring history. There have been many rumors, such as pots and pans “flying across the kitchen” and guests’ baggage mysteriously changing rooms, that have been told about the Publick House. Assemblyman Guy Gregg, who owned the inn from 1983 to 2003, said that in his time at the restaurant, many guests spoke of supernatural experiences. “There is a history behind the Publick House,” Gregg said. Gregg’s wife, Linda, also said many guests would tell her that although they closed and locked their doors at nights, they would wake up and find them open.

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“Many guests complained about the same thing and some also said they would hear voices during the night.” The Greggs both said that the building, which has a lot of catacombs and secret passageways, has an energy and a feeling to it, which is beyond explanation. “Sometimes we’d be sitting around and a coldness would come over us,” Mrs. Gregg said. “And then, in an instant, it would be gone.” Mrs. Gregg said the building is certainly filled with paranormal activity, which even naysayers

have recognized. Neither the then owners nor their employees would talk about the alleged ghosts. “I’m sure the spirits are not here to harm us.” Mrs. Gregg said. The Restored Bar, that sits in the lounge area of the Publick House has been completely restored to its original state. Even the mirror behind the assortment of liquors and wines are original, dating back to the 1800’s. Also restored is a working fireplace, as well as continued on page 18

Page 18 • December 2023 • Livingston Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

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Chester’s Publick House... continued from page 17 the porch, which facilitates outdoor dining. In 2020, the restaurant and hotel were closed due to Covid, and sat vacant until June 2023 when Restaurant Village Hospitality Group, owned and operated by Steve and Andrea Bussel, purchased and reopened it as PH Steakhouse and the new Publick House Hotel. After extensive renovations, it finally reopened on September 28,

2023. The facility now boasts a tavernlike steakhouse and 10 suites above. In addition, the catering room, which can accommodate up to 80 guests, is open for weddings, parties, paranormal functions, and a future comedy club. Please visit our websites at PHSteakhouse.com and PublickHouseHotel. com for more information and events.

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A Christmas Story: The Sacriﬁce

By Richard Mabey Jr. t was in early December of 1967, when I was 14 years old and in my freshman year at Boonton High School, that I was to learn just how much Grandpa Mabey loved Grandma Mabey. For the love did shine, from Grandpa’s heart, not by words, but by true sacrifice. It was in the dawn of the Summer of 1964, when I was 10 years old and had just completed the fifth grade, that Grandma and Grandpa moved in with us at the old Mabey Homestead. This was the very home that Grandpa’s father, William Mabey, had built in 1895. Right behind the old Mabey Homestead, once stood a big garage. It was there that Grandpa stored his old Indian motorcycle. My grandfather, Watson Mabey, had always told me that he had bought the motorcycle, with his brother Earl, during the Fall of 1916. This was just before the United States became involved in the First World War. Grandpa always kept the old Indian motorcycle stored in the northwest corner of our old garage. This was the side of the garage that was closest to Mabey Lane. Grandpa kept a piece of heavy canvas over his old motorcycle. It was on an early Saturday morning, in early December, that I helped Grandpa remove the heavy canvas from Grandpa’s pride and joy motorcycle. I remember that there was a window that looked out to Earl’s Meadow, the back acre that was to be the site of Grandpa’s brothers home, for when he returned from World War I. Sadly, Earl was killed in battle, in France. After we removed the old canvas tarp, Grandpa stared out to Earl’s Meadow. “My brother and I used to pick apples from that old apple tree, when were boys about your age. We’d put them all in

a big wooden basket and my mom would bake a couple of apple pies,” Grandpa shared with me, with a bit of a tear in his eye. “Fred Belmont’s going to stop by this morning. I’m going to sell him this old motorcycle,” Grandpa said to me, in a most solemn and reflective voice. I didn’t know quite what to say. I knew how much the old Indian motorcycle meant to Grandpa. It was all so representative of the bond that he had with his late brother, Earl. “I saw a gold necklace in the jewelry store in town. I’ve thought long and hard about it. I’m going to buy that gold necklace for your grandmother. I’ll have the money when I sell my old motorcycle to Old Man Belmont,” Grandpa quietly told me. It was about an hour later that Fred Belmont showed up to buy Grandpa’s cherished Indian motorcycle. I helped my dad load up Grandpa’s motorcycle onto Fred’s pickup truck. As Fred drove off our driveway and up Mabey Lane, Grandpa did his best to hold back the tears. But, despite his best efforts, tears ran down Grandpa’s old cheeks. After lunch, Dad, Grandpa and I drove down to the jewelry store on Main Street in Lincoln Park. It was located just to the right hand side of Moe’s Sweet Shop. Grandpa smiled from ear to ear, as he paid for the beautiful golden necklace. Life is short. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the people we love. The Christmas of 1967 was to be Grandpa’s last Christmas, on this side of Heaven’s Gate. I think that deep inside his heart, Grandpa knew it was going to be his last Christmas. My grandmother, Bertha Storms Mabey, cherished the beautiful golden necklace till the day the good Lord called

Grandma and Grandpa, in their youthful days, on the old Indian motorcycle.

her Home, on the fifth of January of 1989. I don’t think a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about my paternal grandparents. I remember Grandpa’s crooked smile and the twinkle in his eye. I can still see Grandma peeling apples to bake an apple pie. In memory, I return to the old Mabey Homestead. I can still hear the echo of Grandpa’s infectious laugh. I can still hear the resonance of Grandma’s sweet voice, telling stories of her Irish heritage. Love the people in your life. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Cherish every moment. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

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Jelly Doughnuts Can Be the Culinary Star of Chanukah

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ymbolism and the holiday season go hand in hand. For those of Jewish heritage who celebrate Chanukah, there is more than one prominent symbol of the holiday that endures year after year. The widely recognizable menorah fits that bill, and jelly doughnuts also have withstood the test of time. Many Chanukah celebrants enjoy a specific variety known as sufganiyot. According to My Jewish Learning, jelly doughnuts are one of the more symbolic dishes associated with Chanukah. Oily foods are made to represent the miracle of Chanukah since the first celebration, and fried jelly doughnuts became tied to Chanukah during the Middle Ages. Early on they were known as “ponchiks” because they were modeled after the doughnuts served in Poland around Christmastime. But eventually they took the name sufganiyot, from the “spongy dough” mentioned in the Talmud. Enjoy this recipe for “Sufganiyot,” courtesy of Martha Stewart, for your next Chanukah celebration. Sufganiyot Yield: 20 2 tablespoons active dry yeast 1⁄2 cup warm water (100 to 110 F) 1⁄4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, plus more for rolling 21⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

2 teaspoons salt 3 cups vegetable oil, plus more for bowl 1 cup seedless raspberry jam In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes. Place flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center; add eggs, yeast mixture, 1⁄4 cup sugar, butter, nutmeg, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a sticky dough forms. On a well-floured work surface, knead until dough is smooth, soft, and bounces back when poked with a finger, about 8 minutes (add more flour, if necessary). Place in an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place to rise until doubled, 1 to 11⁄2 hours. On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough to 1⁄4-inch thickness. Using a 21⁄2-inch-round cutter or drinking glass, cut 20 rounds. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise 15 minutes. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil until a deep-frying thermometer registers 370 F. Using a slotted spoon, carefully slip 4 rounds into oil. Fry until golden, about 40 seconds. Turn doughnuts over; fry until golden on other side, another 40 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Roll in sugar while warm. Fry all dough, and roll in sugar. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a #4 tip with jam. Using a wooden skewer or toothpick, make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fit the pastry tip into a hole, pipe about 2 teaspoons jam into doughnut. Repeat with remaining doughnuts.

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Newark Academy Graduate Makes Big Splash in Debut Novel

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By Evan Wechman en Purkert recently had his debut novel The Men Can’t Be Saved published by the major New York publishing house, Abrams Publishing and is already receiving lots of attention. Though Purkert reached wide acclaim in 2018 when he published a collection of his poems in For the Love of Endings, critics and fans both believe he has made a tough but successful transition. His name might not be known throughout the United States yet, but doors are starting to open for him. He has recently garnered great reviews from The Washington Post and Kirkus Reviews. He is also starting to attract a following in the North Jersey area since he graduated high school at Newark Academy in Livingston. Though Purkert was always fascinated by words and poems, the education he received there was profound. He remembers fondly his teacher, Betsy LaPadula and her passion for writing. “She made me fall in love with English Literature, but especially with poetry. It just felt like poetry, especially was the place to go for anyone obsessed with words. And I love language more than anything, so she had a huge impact on me and the trajectory of my life and career, Purkert says. Though the author was initially passionate about poetry, he continued to write short stories and study fiction while attending Harvard University. After his collection of poems was published, many might have assumed this would be his favored track. However, Purkert was fascinated by writers who had switched styles and wanted to craft fiction as well. Though he had some doubts as to whether it would be a success, the young author worked for about ten years to make sure the book would be a success. “My background is as a poet. I didn’t know how to write a novel or book of this size other than to just labor over every sentence and to try to care as much about every word in the novel as I care about every word in a poem.” Though the book’s success has been felt among both casual readers and literary pundits, the meaning of the book has people chatting. The main character Seth is a witty but

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“We treat each patient individually taking into consideration their specific needs. The overall health of every patient is our primary concern. Come see our new modern state of the art office.” arrogant copywriter who often jeopardizes himself and others due to his inflated ego. According to Purkert, some readers see it as a comedy while others see it as a cautionary tale about narcissists. Either way, the author is satisfied leaving the book’s message open to be interpreted by the reader. Even the title The Men Can’t Be Saved has been interpreted differently by his following as well. According to Purkert though the title came towards the end and was not the initial working title. “All of the book is sort of leading to that question, is Seth going to redeem himself or not,” he says. Either way, the change from poetry to fiction has worked out and Purkert admits that part of being an artist is taking chances and crossing boundaries. According to him, “experiments across genres is sort of an artist making art in the highest sense because they’re taking a big experiment, they’re making a big leap.” Many of his readers are now wondering what is next for the young author. Since he has successfully published both poems and novels, there is again a small debate over what his next project will entail. However, Purkert is keeping his lips sealed. “I can’t say too much other than that I’m continuing to write poems and I’m continuing to write novels and I love working in the two media. They offer me different things and I’m grateful for both.”

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