VValentine’s Day: From Ancient Origins to Modern Celebrations
alentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, is a day dedicated to love, affection, and the exchange of heartfelt gestures. Its origins, however, are rooted in ancient traditions and historical events that have evolved significantly over centuries. Today, the holiday is marked by a blend of romantic, cultural, and commercial customs that vary across the globe.
The Origins of Valentine’s Day
The story of Valentine’s Day begins in ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia was celebrated from February 13 to 15. This pagan festival was dedicated to fertility and purification, featuring rituals that included the pairing of couples through a lottery system. While Lupercalia was far from the romanticized version of Valentine’s Day we know today, its timing and focus on relationships laid the groundwork for the holiday’s eventual transformation. The connection to Saint Valentine comes from a more Christianized interpretation of the day. Historical records suggest that there were multiple martyrs named Valentine in early Christianity, but one figure stands out. Saint Valentine of Rome, believed to have lived during the third century, was martyred for performing marriages for Christian couples in secret, defying Emperor Claudius II’s ban on such unions. Claudius had prohibited marriages to ensure young men would join his army without attachments. Valentine’s acts of defiance made him a symbol of love and devotion, and he was later canonized by the Church.
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I established February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day, effectively replacing the pagan Lupercalia festival with a Christian feast. Over the centuries, the day’s association with romantic love grew, particularly
during the Middle Ages. The poet Geoffrey Chaucer is often credited with linking Valentine’s Day to courtly love in his 14th-century poem, “Parliament of Fowls.”
Modern-Day Celebrations
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in diverse ways across the world, with each culture adding its unique twist. The common thread is the expression of love and affection, though the methods and scale of celebration vary.
In many Western countries, Valentine’s Day is a significant cultural event. Couples exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts as tokens of their love. Red roses, a symbol of passion, are particularly popular. Romantic dinners and weekend getaways are common ways for partners to celebrate the day together. Single individuals often embrace the holiday as well, celebrating self-love or organizing gatherings with friends.
In Japan, Valentine’s Day has taken on a unique commercial and cultural angle. Women traditionally give chocolates to men, categorized as “giri-choco” (obligation chocolate) for colleagues or acquaintances and “honmeichoco” (true feeling chocolate) for romantic interests. A reciprocal celebration, White Day, occurs on March 14, when men return the favor with gifts for women.
In Finland and Estonia, February 14 is known as “Friend’s Day” (Ystävänpäivä), emphasizing platonic relationships rather than romantic ones. Friends exchange cards and small gifts, highlighting the broader scope of love and appreciation.
In some countries, Valentine’s Day is observed with grand public displays of affection. For example, in the Philippines, mass weddings are a popular tradition, with hundreds of couples tying the knot in government-sponsored
ceremonies. This creates a festive atmosphere and provides an opportunity for couples to celebrate their love in a communal setting.
However, Valentine’s Day is not universally embraced. Some cultures and communities regard it as overly commercialized or incompatible with local traditions and values. In certain countries, the holiday is banned or discouraged due to religious or cultural reasons, with alternative celebrations taking its place.
The Evolution of a Global Phenomenon
The modern celebration of Valentine’s Day is deeply intertwined with commercialization. Retailers capitalize on the holiday by promoting themed products, from greeting cards to luxury goods. The tradition of gift-giving has expanded to include personalized items, experiential gifts, and even digital expressions of affection through social media and messaging apps.
Despite its commercialization, Valentine’s Day remains a meaningful occasion for many people. It serves as a reminder to express love and appreciation, whether through grand gestures or simple acts of kindness. While the ways of celebrating may differ, the essence of the holiday—a celebration of love in its many forms—remains timeless.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day has a rich and complex history that spans centuries and cultures. From its origins in ancient Rome to its transformation into a global celebration of love, the holiday continues to evolve. Whether celebrated with a romantic partner, friends, or family, Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to cherish the connections that bring joy and meaning to our lives.
Say ‘I Love You’ with Valentine’s Day Gifts
February 14th, better known as Valentine’s Day, provides a beacon of light in the middle of winter. Each February, stores and homes are decked out in red and pink hearts, and florists wait in the wings to prepare sweet-smelling bouquets for the bevy of buyers eager to bring bountiful blooms into their living spaces.
Gift-giving is an integral component of Valentine’s Day. That means the search may be on to find items that will give voice to feelings of love and affection in tangible ways. These gifts are perfect for anyone on your list.
• Fragrance: Although purchasing fragrances can be tricky, if your special someone provides hints of a scent or brand they prefer, it can make buying perfume or cologne easier. However, there’s also the option of going with trends. Market experts believe vanilla is set to be a stand-out aroma in 2024, and aromatherapy and feel-good fragrances are trending this year.
• Cozy clothes: Snuggling together in front of the fire may be an appealing prospect for lovebirds. Cozy gifts can include matching loungewear or pajama sets, or ultra-soft sweatpants and hoodies for chasing away the chill.
• Personalized prints: Companies offer
custom song lyric posters or framed artwork so that a special song, whether it was heard during a first date or danced to during a couple’s wedding, can be memorialized. Other personalized prints can include images of the sky on a key date to commemorate a special moment in time.
• Jewelry offerings: Jewelry is a go-to Valentine’s Day gift. Vogue says that there’s a strong likelihood that boho jewelry trends are making a comeback this year. Pendants, beads and multi-strand necklaces are sure to be a must-have look.
• Travel treats: Couples who love to travel can gift travel-related items to their special someone. A high-end brand of luggage, tickets to a cruise or another destination, or an excursion upgrade on a planned getaway may fit the bill.
• Gourmet eats: Foodies often find enjoyment sampling the fare at top-notch restaurants. While Valentine’s Day tends to be quite busy at most restaurants, a gift of a night out for dinner at another time may be the way to tug on the heartstrings while nurturing the palate.
Valentine’s Day is here before people know it, so it is key to have gift ideas at the ready.
Nankivell Livingston’s Allie Nankivell to Play Softball at the University of Delaware
By Evan Wechman
Livingston High School Senior Allie Nankivell is going places. Next year, she will take her good grades and softball skills down I-95 to the University of Delaware. After considering offers from other major universities, she recently signed a letter of intent to attend the Division 1 University just south of New Jersey.
Nankivell also drew interest from other Division 1 schools such as Suny Binghamton, Monmouth University, and Seton Hall. However, she found a natural academic and athletic fit at the University of Delaware.
Nankivell said “Choosing UD (University of Delaware) felt like a no-brainer. The school itself has a great program for what I want to go into, which is physical therapy. My major is going to be Health Behavior Science. I also chose UD because of its great softball program. There is a very successful program at UD and the coaching staff is amazing. They were also a big reason why I am choosing to attend the university. The athletic facilities on campus were the icing on the cake, they were top-notch and everything I had imagined college would be like.”
For this student-athlete, the road to competitive college softball started years before she became a terrific outfielder for her high school. Nankivell doesn’t remember a time she was not near the softball field. Her parents were fans of the game and loved tossing the ball with her at an early age.
“My parents were the ones to first introduce me to softball before I could even walk. They coached high school softball in Harrison, and I was sitting in my stroller at almost every practice and game,” she said.
However, it wasn’t just her parents who helped her become a star student-athlete. The high school senior is extremely grateful for coaches Jason Daily, Ian Matten, and Dave Mead who helped her become a terrific player and a better person.
This assistance helped Nankivell reach several plateaus in high school. She has a career batting average above .500, but the leadoff hitter separated herself from the competition with 100 hits and 100 stolen bases in her junior season. The 100 stolen bases achievement is a Livingston High School record. In addition, she also makes the opposing pitchers work to keep her off the bases. As a leadoff hitter, she knows how important it is to get on base for her teammates and walked 17 times in 2024.
Nankivell is incredibly thankful for her time at Livingston High School. For her, it was not just about athletics but about finding her niche and forming strong bonds.
“My favorite part of softball is the community it gave me. I have met so many of my best friends through the sport and I can’t imagine my life without them and softball. I have also had the chance to learn from so many mentors who have shaped me into both a great softball player and human being,” she said.
Nankivell is fully aware that the road ahead may not be easy. However, she has shown she is not afraid of hard work and competition. Also, the preparation from her parents, coaches, and teachers in high school has taught her about dedication and persistence.
“As a student, I want to be able to settle into college life and its atmosphere. I also hope to do well in all of the classes I take. I’m hoping to not only get stronger as a player and
overall athlete but also hopefully find a spot in the lineup. But as a freshman, I know I have to work my way up and earn my spot,” Nankivell said.
Photos courtesy of Allie
RETINAL SPECIALIST
What Ever Happened to the Lenni Lenape?
By Henry M. Holden
Before there were paved highways in America, Native Americans created footpaths to connect villages and create hunting and trade avenues. One ancient trail stretched 200 miles from Port Jervis, New York, along the course of the Delaware River through the lower inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. The path united the clans and villages of the Lenni Lenape Native American nation that once governed the entire river watershed in today’s New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Early European colonists referred to this prehistoric pathway as the “Minsi Trail.”
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The Indigenous populations of New Jersey were exposed to a foreign culture following the European settlement along the Hudson River by the Dutch, and the Delaware River by the Swedes. These people knew themselves as the Lenni Lenape which meant
Illustration courtesy of Herbert C. and John T. Kraft “original men” although this author has seen other translations in the eastern Algonquin language. They were cousins through the Delaware group, and had a strong alliance with the Iroquois Confederation in the western part of New Jersey.
The population of the Lenni Lenape when the first Europeans arrived in New Jersey was estimated to be about 2,000. But later, when the Tribe relinquished all claims in 1758 at the treaty of Easton, it was estimated that their numbers had
been reduced to half the original number.
The Lenni Lenape was made subject to the Confederation whose warriors, degraded the Lenni Lenape warriors by calling them “women.”
Christopher Columbus mistakenly discovered the western hemisphere during his voyage to locate a Western Trade, route to India. He incorrectly called the Aboriginal people; Indians and the word became. a Pejorative for all native peoples. Like most continued on page 6
Lenni Lenape...
continued from page 5
tribes, Lenape communities were weakened by newly introduced diseases originating in Europe, such as smallpox but also cholera, influenza, dysentery, and recurrent violent racial conflict with Europeans.
Minsi Trail is prehistoric. Native American artifacts have been found along the rivers and streams. The local Lenni Lenape probably used the sheltered valleys to provide trail corridors for food resources.
In the northwest area of the preserve, just above where India and the Burnett Brooks join to become the North Branch of the Raritan River. According to Native American tradition, the Lenni Lenape (“Men among Men”) tribe traveled the trail from Delaware River headwaters in upstate New York to the saltwater river mouth for more than 10,000 years. The trail passes through the Delaware Water Gap where a 1,460-foot-high Mount Minsi is named for the Munsee (“people of the stony country”), the northerly group of the Lenape’s Wolf clan. The Munsee, perhaps because they lived so close to hostile Iroquois warriors in New York, were more war-like than the peaceful Turtle and Turkey clans to the south known as pacifists. The trail and its branches connected the clans and their villages with an estimated several thousand by 1600.
Lenape women and children performed more domestic-type jobs, while the Lenape men were responsible for hunting and fishing, tool making, and building shelters.
The Lenni Lenape people lived completely from what their environment provided. Women made rugs and mats on which to sit and made baskets for storing and carrying food. Clay pots were used for cooking while clamshells and gourds were used as serving bowls. Gathering and processing the area’s nuts, berries, and underground edible roots also fell to the Lenape women.
Lenape men were required to hunt deer, bear, and small game for meat. They also fished the local streams for trout, bass and, other fish. Men crafted the tools needed for hunting; bow and arrow were the most common tools for hunting land animals while fishhooks were made from animal bone. The fur from mammals served as clothing and bedding, and the feathers from large birds such as duck and geese provided down for insulation.
Both male and female tended to the agricultural needs of the village. Following the end of the frost, the Lenape would plant seeds that had been saved since the previous autumn’s harvest. Corn, beans, and squash were the typical cultivated foods.
Because there is no written record left by the Lenni Lenape, archaeologists and
historians are needed to decipher the lifestyle of the native people. The only written descriptions of the Lenape come from European settlers.
Historian Charles Philhower identified and described the Lenape as three regional groups known as the Unami (south) nonelection (central) and the Minsi (north) which were distinguish by their respective turkey, turtle, and wolf tribal totems. Each clan was further divided into individual units living in villages.
Three Minsi villages were situated in Randolph Township near the intersection of Granny’s Brook (Dover) and the Morris Canal at Dover, near Shongum and near Mt. Freedom at Calais.
Three clans made up the Lenni Lenape nation: Wolf; Turtle, and Turkey. Often, the Lenape have been referred to as the “Delaware” because they lived along the Delaware River. The Wolf Clan occupied the land in what is now Monroe County (Pa). This Clan was referred to as the Munsee or Minsi, the name of their spoken dialect of the Algonquin language. Their area stretched northward along the Delaware River from the point where the Lehigh River meets the Delaware in what is now Easton, New Jersey. The members of the Wolf Clan were known as “People of the Stony Country”
The Turtle Clan occupied land south of the Lehigh-Delaware union, reaching into Philadelphia and were referred to as “People Down the River.” The Turkey Clan lived the furthest south, occupying current-day Wilmington, Delaware. They were called the “People Who Live Near the Ocean.” The three clans were all sects of the Algonquin Tribe and generally lived peacefully with each other. The Lenape, however, did conflict with other warring nations, including the Iroquois and the Cherokee.
They were considered savages, because they had no written language to record for posterity, the living moment. They also had little regard for sanitation.
They practiced a religion, unlike Christianity or Judaism that the settlers had never seen. Their religion promised a material existence after life more rewarding than the present and they sustained their lives through symbols, mysticism and superstition.
They survived by hunting deer and other flesh borne animals and fished, gathered berries, and cultivating vegetables.
The fact that Lenni Lenape lived in small clans influenced their culture and economic development. This close to nature, the group reinforced its customs, and living conditions and were intimidated by the Europeans.
A remarkable effort was required by
everyone to gather food sources necessary for tribal survival from the natural abundance that surround them.
The Lenape kinship system had matrilineal clans. That is, children belong to their mother’s clan, from which they gain social status and identity.
The mother’s eldest brother was more significant as a mentor to the male children than was their father, who was generally of another clan. Hereditary leadership passed through the maternal line, and women elders could remove leaders of whom they disapproved.
Agricultural land was managed by women and allotted according to the subsistence needs of their extended families. Families were matrilocal; newlywed couples would live with the bride’s parents.
During the decades of the 18th century, most Lenape was pushed out of their homeland by expanding European colonies. Their disastrous situation was exacerbated by losses from intertribal conflicts.
The English “rewarded” the Lenni Lenape for their friendship and loyalty by requiring a treaty from the tribes, signed at Easton, in 1758. The treaty was another example of the white man taking advantage of the native population.
The treaty released all remaining land in New Jersey near the “drowned” lands along the Sussex County to the Board of Proprietors. Then most of the three tribes officially joined the Mohicans and moved into western Pennsylvania and then west to Indian territory and Wisconsin.
Those who remained in New Jersey were remanded to the first Indian reservation, at Brotherton, now known as Indian Hills. The reservation was established by friendly Quakers concerned with the welfare of the Minsi. In 1832, New Jersey State Legislature appropriated $2,000 as a final payment to the remaining Lenape for all rights to land in New Jersey.
In the 21st century, most Lenape now reside in Oklahoma, with some communities living also in Wisconsin, Ontario, and in their traditional homelands
Caption
This illustration shows a Lenape family inside their barkhouse. A fire for cooking and to provide warmth is burning in a pit in the center of the floor. Decorative mats on the walls offered some insulation. Smoke escaped through openings in the roof which could be covered in time of rain. Braided ears of corn and herbs were hung from the ceiling, and dried.
Brass Roots Begins 2025 at the Historic Stanhope House – February 22
rass Roots, the nine-piece horn band, kicks off its 2025 calendar on Saturday, February 22, from 8:00 to 10:00 PM at the iconic Stanhope House, located at 45 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey.
Brass Roots combines rock music with a powerhouse horn section featuring saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. Originating in Long Valley, NJ, the band delivers a high-energy mix of genres, from rock, funk, soul, and R&B —creating an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.
About The Stanhope House
Known as the “Last Great American Roadhouse,” The Stanhope House boasts a rich history that dates back to 1794. Over the centuries, it has served as a private home, stagecoach stop, general store, post office, tavern, rooming house (and rumored brothel), and hotel. Since the 1970s, it has gained national acclaim as a music venue hosting legendary artists like Dr. John, Paul Butterfield, John Lee Hooker, and Richie
Havens, among many others.
The Stanhope House also holds a special place in cultural lore, with stories of iconic figures like Babe Ruth, who frequented it during Prohibition, calling it his speakeasy. It’s even said he left behind a baseball bat as a memento of those bygone nights.
Event Details
Doors open at 7:00 PM, with table reservations for six available by calling 973347-7777. A full dinner menu is offered and can be viewed here
Tickets in advance can be purchased here for $10.00 (plus a $1.50 service fee). Tickets at the door are $15.00. All ages are welcome.
Use these directions to The Stanhope House at 45 Main Street in Netcong. There is plenty of free parking.
About Brass Roots
Brass Roots delivers a live music experience like no other. Featuring exceptional musicianship and a deep repertoire, the band is known for getting audiences on their feet and dancing. As Laurie, the Director of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District, put it:
“Their energy and talent will have your guests clapping their hands, tapping their toes, swaying in their seats, and dancing in the aisles! Their extensive song selections satisfy everyone’s taste.”
By Richard Mabey Jr.
MThis Be Thy Kindness, Never To Be Forgotten
y uncle, Peter Knothe, was one of the kindest individuals whom I have ever known. He and my father had a very close friendship. They loved and greatly respected each other. Uncle Pete was more of a brother to Dad, than he was a brother-in-law. They both married daughters of Edmund and Lydia Kemmerer. They both had this very unique sense of humor.
When Dad was in the hospital, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Uncle Pete came out to visit Dad a lot. Dad was fighting pancreatic cancer. I remember, as we all would gather around Dad’s hospital bed, Uncle Pete would say a most thoughtful and reverent prayer. Uncle Pete had a meter, a style, a certain voice tone in his prayers that rang with earnest sincerity.
They were both World War II veterans. They understood the horrors of war that they had seen, first hand. They both knew, deep in their hearts, that there is no glory to war. They were both fiercely patriotic men. Interestingly enough, both of these good men returned home from the war, married and raised their family in their respective family homesteads.
My father went Home to be with the Lord in May of 2006. Uncle Pete did not miss a beat, in becoming the adopted father to my sister and I. A debt that I can only recognize and never repay.
Uncle Pete’s daughter, Linda (Knothe) Intili is a very artistic soul. Linda creates beautiful grave covers, which are sold at the family Christmas Tree stand every year. Every year, since the Christmas of 2006, Linda has created
and designed a most wonderful grave cover for Dad. And, never charged my sister and I for them. During the Christmas season, Uncle Pete and Aunt Alice would put that masterpiece grave cover onto Dad’s grave site.
On Veterans’ Day, Uncle Pete would place a flag next to Dad’s grave. One Easter season, Uncle Pete placed a plastic bunny rabbit and a lily flower in front of Dad’s headstone. Dad loved to chomp on the ears of a candy Easter Bunny. The humorous outlook between Dad and Uncle Pete had lived on, even after Dad went Home to be with the Lord.
Uncle Pete went Home to be with the Lord in April of 2018. He lived to be 96 years old. I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t think of dear old Uncle Pete. He was a very kind, giving man. Uncle Pete worked as a Finishing Carpenter, specializing in building bowling allies. He worked nights and weekends of the family farm. He served as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Randolph for many years. For many years, he served as the Treasurer of the Jeptha Masonic Lodge in Rockaway. He was a long-term Deacon in his church. For many years, he served as a volunteer for the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills. He was a long-term member of the Randolph VFW and the Randolph Historical Society.
In light of all his many worthwhile accomplishments, I dearly remember Uncle Pete as the kind gentleman who honored my father, even after Dad passed away. There are no words. I so dearly miss my beloved uncle.
Love your family. Forgive, forgive, forgive and then forgive again. Burn all grudges. Tell your loved ones that you love them. For none of us have a guarantee that we will
see tomorrow’s rising sun.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
Dear old Uncle Pete standing beside my Dad’s grave site.
By Megan Roche
BLocal Writer Recalls Special Connection to Jimmy Carter
efore he was a writer for My Life Publications, a young Steve Sears had taken an interest in writing poetry.
“In the early to mid 1990s, I had developed an interest in poetry. In fact, one of my first professional published works were poems and reviews of poetry chapbooks.
An editor of a poetry magazine that I was fond of suggested supporting poets by buying their works, and Jimmy Carter had recently published a hardcover book of poems. I bought the book in read it, and loved his writings. After that, I thought I would write him a letter and did so, applauding his efforts while also sharing some of my poems,” Sears said.
After sending that letter to the former President, Sears didn’t think much of it. One day, a letter from the Carter Center in Atlanta showed up on his doorstep. Assuming it would be just a typed formal reply, Sears was surprised when he found a personal, hand written thank you note from Carter himself.
“The response I received was in an official Carter Center envelope, so when I removed the contents I figured it would be an official letter type written. What President Carter had done instead was taken the first page of my handwritten letter to him and written a return note on top. Needless to say, I loved
the return note, and the first thing I did was call my mom to let her know,” Sears recalls.
The note reads: cc Steven, Thanks for your very nice letter. I’m glad you liked the poems. Jimmy C. PS: I also like yours.
His mother, who was not a very political woman, had always liked Carter. Sears remembers her often telling him that she always thought Carter was down to earth and a kind man.
That letter served as a great source of inspiration for the then young writer.
“First of all, it is a unique correspondent with a United States President. Not many people can say they have something so special. Second, that note encouraged me to continue my young writing career at that time, which had included op-eds to a local newspaper and the previously mentioned publications in the poetry magazines. It is a very special thing to me,” Sears said.
For the Sears family, the love of books helped lead them to establishing a family library. The Dewey Decimal-coded library still houses Carter’s poetry book. Right near the library, in a frame sits Carter’s letter back to Steve.
“For years the letter sat next to my writing desk in a frame, but now it is behind my desk in that same frame. I often look at it when I turn to get something out of my inbox or
reach for a writer’s book for information and inspiration,” Sears says.
When news of Carter’s passing made its way to front pages around the world, Sears was struck with sadness. However, he knows how truly special it was that even just for a brief moment, Jimmy Carter knew who he
was. As Sears reflected on his passing, he’s grateful for that little letter.
“I will always have this wonderful reminder near my writing desk of what a wonderful human being he was, and how we both shared a love of writing.”
Steve Sears still has the book of Jimmy Carter’s poetry and a very special letter from Carter about his own poetry writings
By Henry M. Holden
What is rich, creamy, and sweet: Even the adjectives used to describe the substance are enough to make the strong-willed drool. You crave it. It melts in your mouth. It comes in different forms, cocoa powder, milk chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, and white chocolate.
Chocolate gifts have strong symbolic meanings such as love, passion, care, and a happy life. It is a simple gift that surprises us. Forest Gump even said, “Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Every February 14, St. Valentine’s Day, chocolate lovers are drawn to the object of their desire. A box of chocolates is a customary gift on Valentine’s Day, and only the most puritanical among us could spurn this devilish offering.
The confectionery industry is indeed a significant player in the U.S. economy, providing jobs and supporting various related industries. It’s fascinating how something as delightful as candy can have such a substantial impact on employment and economic activity.
Here is the delicious sweet truth! According to the National Confectioners Association, Manufacturers of chocolate, candy, gum and mints directly employ nearly 58,000 people across the United
The Lure of Chocolate
States with almost 700,000 jobs supported in related industries, including agriculture, retail, transportation and more. Altogether, the confectionery industry contributes more than $37 billion in retail sales to the U.S. economy each year and has at least one manufacturing facility in each of the fifty United States.
Almost $1.8 billion in sales, mostly chocolate kisses and hearts are made each February 14. It is third in sales with only Easter and Christmas beating it out. If you were to merge all the candy companies into one devoted to the sale of Valentine’s Day candy alone, it would carry a Fortune 500 ranking.
More than 70 million Hershey kisses chocolates are produced each day at the companies three factories.
For the Valentine’s Day demand, the Hershey company produces more than 8,000,000 pounds of kisses which at about 95 kisses per pound comes out to more than 750, million individual candies.
How did the love affair with chocolate begin? Chocolate is a food made from roasted and ground cocoa beans that can be a liquid, solid, or paste, or on its own as a flavoring in other foods. The cacao tree has been used as a source of food for at least 5,300 years, starting with the Mayo-Chinchipe culture (present-day Ecuador.) Later, Mesoamerican
civilizations consumed cacao beverages and introduced it to Europe in the 16th century.
In the 1540s, an Aztec document containing a list of price equivalents designated the value of a tomato as one cacao bean, and an avocado was worth three. A “good turkey hen” was worth 100 “full” or 120 “shrunken” cacao beans. Since there are only about 60 cocoa beans in one cocoa pod, this was a great sum of money.
In 1569, the new chocolate drink got its seal of approval from Pope Pius V, who proposed that people can drink chocolate on Fridays (and during Lent) and it would not break the fast, which was a normal thing to do at the time. This possibly happened because the Pope didn’t like chocolate and didn’t care if people consumed it or not.
Back in the 16th century- gold, silver, and precious stones were not the only loot that traveled back across the Atlantic as the Americas opened to European exploitation. One unforgettable treasure was a little brown bean that some natives of the warmer regions of the New World swore by: From the bean they made a bitter but palatable drink known in the Nahuatl tongue of the Aztec of Mexico as cacahuatl.
On Good Friday, in 1528, things were about to change in Mexico. A fleet of Spanish ships appeared off the coast of Mexico. Hernando Cortés disembarked his entire
army of 500 helmeted, armor-clad men, with weapons that belched fire and thunder and hurled invisible and deadly missiles.
Emperor Montezuma II, was both amazed and almost paralyzed with fear. He believed the Aztec legend that the white conquistador had embodied the god of air, Quetzahcoatl and was returning to earth to claim his throne. Montezuma’s hesitation to neutralize this handful of Spanish adventurers was to lead to his downfall and the incredible conquest of his powerful empire. As Montezuma dawdled indecisively, Cortéz began his march toward the capital, today’s Mexico City. Instead of leading his vast army into a precise campaign to overwhelm the few hundred invaders, Montezuma dispatched messengers to Cortés with gold, silver, and other treasures.
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The Lure of Chocolate...
the gods with such gifts and sometimes even human sacrifices was common in the Aztec culture. Montezuma hoped that the celestial invaders could be bought off and would go away. Cortés, however, fooled the Aztecs and simply accepted the emperor’s bribes, demanded more, and then continued his march.
The emperor’s ransom also included cacao beans. Montezuma considered cacahuatl an nectar from the gods; and too good for the common people. Indeed, the Aztecs, Mayans, and Toltecs before him valued chocolate so highly that they used the cacao beans as currency: caches of the beans were among the artifacts recovered from the grave sites of these civilizations.
Serving cacahuatl to the Spanish conquerors in great golden goblets, Montezuma also revealed to Cortés that it had a secret ingredient; he confided that he drank chocolate by the potful because it enhanced his sexual powers. For all its regal importance, however, Montezuma’s cacahuatl was not sweet, and the Spaniards did not find it to their taste. To make the concoction more agreeable, Cortés and his countrymen later sweetened it with sugar .
Cortés sent his newfound treasure back to King Carlos V of Spain, explaining its benefits more delicately than Montezuma had: “It is the divine drink that builds up resistance and
fights fatigue.”
This delightful plunder entranced the nobility: They became so possessive of it that they kept its existence a secret from outsiders for nearly 100 years. Spanish monks eventually spilled the beans-so-tospeak and the secret was out. It was not long before chocolate gained acclaim throughout Europe as a delicious, health-giving food.
Even when the rest of Europe discovered chocolate, it remained for many years the prerogative of the wealthy and influential.
Around 1657, chocolate spread across the English Channel to Britain. And by 1765, chocolate completed the circle from New World to Old and back again, Today we credit Thomas Jefferson with opening the first chocolate factory, in Massachusetts Bay. In 1828, a Dutchman named Van Houton discovered how to press the fat cocoa butterout of chocolate. This was a breakthrough in chocolate’s development, and it yielded some important byproducts as well: Cocoa butter is now used in soaps, cosmetics, and suntan oils. Van Houton also discovered hot cocoa when he mixed the powder that remained after he had pressed out the fat with water. In 1850, he added sugar and cocoa butter paste to ground beans, creating a sweet form of the substance. Twenty-five years later, the Swiss developed the first version of milk chocolate, and Henry Nestle
improved on it by using condensed milk.
But the man who really made America fall in love with chocolate was Milton Hershey, who developed the old Valentine standby, Hershey’s Kisses.
Today, a city has been virtually built on one Kiss at a time. Hershey, Pennsylvania is home: to the world’s largest chocolate factory. It covers more than 18 acres. Hershey started out in 1900 with a caramel factory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He sold it in 1903 for $1 million and built a chocolate factory in the middle of a cornfield.
In his laboratory, Hershey developed his own process for making chocolate using fresh whole milk. As his product caught on and he proceeded to build a city of homes and schools around his factory.
Milton Hershey did what Henry Ford did for the automobile: Hershey developed the machinery that made mass-produced chocolate, and suddenly the sweet confection was affordable to everyone.
One manufacturer of dark chocolate, Ghirardelli, has added sixty percent cacao to its chocolate to two-inch squares. Other variations of the small square snacks include white chocolate sugar cookies, and milk chocolate caramel.
Dark chocolate contains several compounds that possess antioxidant properties such as flavonoids and
polyphenols. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidation stress. This stress contributes to the natural aging process. Some scientists, over time, believe the effects of oxidation stress may also contribute to the development of variety of diseases such as, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Regularly eating dark chocolate may help reduce a person’s likelihood of developing heart disease. Some of the compounds in dark chocolate, specifically flavonoids affect two major risk factors heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Flavonoids in dark chocolate stimulate nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate for wider use, which improves blood flow and may lower blood pressure.
While the taste alone is reason enough to give chocolate on Valentine’s Day, there is another attribute you might want to consider: The candy may make the recipient more romantic. Montezuma wasn’t too far off the mark. An analysis of chocolate shows it contains small amounts of phenylethylamine, a chemical produced naturally in the brain, that some scientists believe increases when people fall in love. Chocolate as an aphrodisiac? Try some and you be the judge.
https://www.thehersheycompany.com
By Richard Mabey Jr.
TOn Eagle’s Wings, Chapter 2: The Goddess
his is the second condensed chapter of the book that I am presently writing, about my journey to earn scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. This is a true story. Each and every one of us hold a destiny, a purpose, a certain knowingness of our purpose in life. It may be buried deep within the fiber and sinew of the chambers of the heart, but from time to time, God reveals glimpses of the purpose of which He gave the precious gift of life to us. And, in line with that perspective, there are people who come into our lives, beyond coincidence, who become a wonderful friend and guide to help us in our pursuit of our Divine purpose in life.
In early September of 1969, I had just turned 16 and was beginning my junior year at Boonton High School. That Saturday morning, when I walked into the foyer of the Paterson YMCA, all alone, I had no idea I was about to meet a person who would dramatically change my life for the better. Mom had driven me to the big city YMCA, for the purpose of my beginning to take swimming lessons at their indoor pool. A fire burnt in my heart, to earn the Swimming Merit Badge, to become an Eagle Scout.
I remember I was all so nervous. I walked the long hallways to the room where the indoor pool was located. I remember it like it was yesterday. I opened the door to the pool room, and there sat this very beautiful young woman, on a chair beside the pool. When I entered the room, this beautiful goddess came over to greet me and introduce herself.
Lisa smiled as she shook my hand and introduced herself. Lisa was to be my swimming teacher. Amazingly, the other two boys, who were scheduled for her swimming class never showed up. Lisa had just begun her junior year at Paterson
State College (now known as William Paterson University). She had long brown hair. Simply put, I fell in love with her, the moment I first saw her.
I remember that Lisa was incredibly patient with me. She taught me the proper arm and leg movements needed to become a good swimmer. She had a most gentle voice, but at the same time, held a certain degree of authority when she spoke. Every Saturday morning, for three months, we would meet at the indoor swimming pool at the Paterson YMCA.
Lisa was so unlike the girls I knew at school. She had a certain inner confidence, compassion flowed through her veins and an abounding kindness abided in her heart. I think that Lisa saw something in me. She was fully aware of the flame that burnt in my heart, to become a good swimmer. I remember Lisa once told me that I was the best swimming student that she had ever taught. Not that I was a great swimmer, that was far from the case, but rather that I was so very sincere and earnest in my quest to become a good swimmer.
About a month into our swimming lessons, my heart broke when Lisa’s boyfriend came into the pool room, to pick up Lisa. Lisa scolded him for interrupting her class with me. He sulked as he departed the pool room. I confess, I actually felt sorry for her puppy dog boyfriend. For as kind as Lisa could be, she could also be all so very stern.
In early December of 1969, I convinced Lisa to sign up to become an official Swimming Merit Badge Counselor. Lisa proudly signed the paperwork for my Swimming Merit Badge. It was a moment that was all so near and dear to my heart.
From time to time, I think of Lisa. I pray she is alive and well. One of my deepest regrets is that I did not invite Lisa to
my Eagle Scout Dinner. It was just one of those things. I don’t think I would have earned scouting’s highest rank, without Lisa’s helping hand. I am convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God brought Lisa in my life to help me along my rocky road to become an Eagle Scout.
But now, after earning the Swimming Merit Badge, a new challenge awaited me. And that big challenge was to earn the difficult Lifesaving Merit Badge.
Lisa, if you’re reading this story, thank you for all your help.
To be continued.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ gmail.com.
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Former Radio City Rockette from Randolph Set to Release Memoir
By Megan Roche
Jennifer Jones has shattered glass ceilings throughout her career, becoming the very first African American Radio City Rockette in the 1980s. She’s also beaten colorectal cancer. Now, she’ll add another accolade to her list: two-time published author.
Jones, who grew up in Randolph, was the very first African American Radio City Rockette. In her memoir, titled Becoming Spectacular, Jones dives in to her time on the line. From performances at the Super Bowl to what life was really like on the Radio City stage, Jones invites readers in to hear her story.
“I really tried to take the reader through my whole life. The initial chapter talks about the Super Bowl halftime show, but after that I go back into my childhood and the start of my life,” Jones says.
No stranger to being a trailblazer in her own right, Jones touches on her parents being trailblazers as the two were in an interracial marriage, which for the 1960s was not the norm. However, it was her parents love of Broadway that led to exposing a young Jennifer to the arts.
“That love taught me at such a young age that I needed to be on a stage and to be able to walk out of a stage door,” Jones recalls.
The book slowly opens up to life inside Jen’s early dance classes and growing up as a bi-racial child in a white school system. She also sheds light on her reign as Miss Morris County, her experience owning her own aerobics studio. There’s also a chapter on her experience studying dance in New York and of course, the coveted audition to becoming a Radio City Rockette.
“I talk about the good and the bad, the resistance that was coming towards me of people within Radio City and the women on the line who were not ready for a change. But I also touch on the ladies who were ready for a change and those who really embraced me. I talk about all the terrible things I went through but what ultimately kept me there was my love of dance and my dream of performing on a stage and walking out of a backstage door no matter what,” Jones said.
After finishing her time as a Rockette,
Jones went on to star in the revival of 42nd Street. Her work on the show earned her a TONY Award for Best Revival of a Musical.
However, there are also chapters on the lows of her life.
“After 42nd Street, a lot of people thought I had disappeared. I share a lot in the book about being a single mom, my marriage, my divorce, not having a college degree. I talk about all the jobs I held in toxic work environments,” Jones shares.
Jones also opens up about her journey of getting diagnosed with and ultimately beating colorectal cancer.
Overall, Jones couldn’t be prouder of sharing her story. She hopes each person who reads her story remembers that their stories are important too.
“Ultimately, each and every one of us has a mark to leave on this world and we all have a greater contribution to give something to others. We’re all just diamonds in the rough just trying to be the shiniest, most precious cut that we can and that is our gift and that is when we shine the most,” Jones said.
The book will be available for preorders beginning Feb. 18. The book’s official release date is one month later on March 18. Jones will also be speaking and hosting various book signings in the area. For the most up to date event schedule, visit www. rockettejenn.com.
Becoming Spectacular is Randolph native Jennifer Jones’ second book, set to debut in March
What Is Mavacamten? And What Makes It So Controversial?
By Richard Mabey Jr.
Mavacamten is a relatively new pharmaceutical prescription drug that is used to treat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Its brand name is known as Camzyos. What makes this prescription drug so controversial, is basically its price. One month’s supply of 30 oral tablets, is priced at a little over $8,600.00. I can imagine Andy and Opie trying to figure out how much that comes to for a year’s supply. And, Barney shouts from the backroom of the Courthouse, “that comes to $93,200!” And then Andy’s eyes open widely, while Opie says, “wow, Pa! That’s a lot of money, ain’t it?” And then Andy shakes his head, up and down, and says to his little son, “yes, son, it sure is!”
To get a basic understanding of just how Mavacamten works, in helping to relieve the symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), we need to take a quick look at what causes HCM. HCM is caused by a genetic mutation, mostly of the MY-H7 Gene. Basically, one in 500 people have HCM.
I have HCM and I can tell you that it’s no Sunday picnic. I was first diagnosed about a year and a half ago. Sadly, in this past year, I have felt myself going downhill quite a bit. Even to walk around the block, which is about a quarter of a mile in length, I now get winded and sometimes experience severe chest pains. I have done extensive research on this pharmaceutical prescription drug. I have talked to quite a few Cardiologists and Pharmacists about Mavacamten. Their common bond of seeing the drawback of Mavacamten, is that it is very expensive.
In this little article, it’s not my purpose to debate whether or not the high cost of Mavacamten is justified. I know that a lot of research money went into developing this prescription drug. My purpose, in writing this article, is to get the word out about Mavacamten. Presently, my Cardiologist is working on a way for me to be able to take this prescription tablet, at a more reasonable price.
The scientific explanation of what happens to the Left Ventricle of the heart in HCM, sounds like a conversation between Dr. Spock and Captain Kirk. Or better yet, like the four lads of “The Big Bang Theory” talking in their living room. So, here’s a basic outlook.
HCM is a condition in which the heart muscle fibers become thickened. This results in the heart not being able to pump blood effectively. Essentially, the heart muscles harden and are not able to pump out blood effectively. HCM can also have a damaging effect upon the heart’s electrical
system. Sudden death, from exertion, is not uncommon for people with HCM.
Now, back to Mavacamten. This prescription drug targets the heart muscles, anatomically known at Sarcomeres. Mavacamten inhibits the excessive production of Myosin. This is a protein that contracts muscles. So, in inhibiting Myosin production in the heart, the heart slows down, during its contraction stage.
I know this is a most basic outlook of how Mavacamten works. But, from everything that I have read and in talking to Cardiologists and Pharmacists, Mavacamten is generally preferred over Beta-Blockers. Again, it’s not my purpose to get into a debate over which prescription drug is more effective for HCM, but rather just to get the word out about Mavacamten.
I share this, with great respect. I was very surprised that my General Practitioner knew very little about Mavacamten, when I first started asking her about it. In defense of my Primary Doctor, she does see a lot of patients in a day’s time. And, I know that she really doesn’t have the time to read the dozen or so medical journals that she gets every month, from cover to cover.
Odds are that someone you know has HCM. They may be an acquaintance from work, a fellow member of your religious group, a neighbor, a relative, or an old friend. The bottom line about HCM is that there really is no complete cure. Yes, various pharmaceutical prescriptions can treat the symptoms. And yes, Pacemakers and Defibrillators can treat HCM symptoms. But the harsh, cold truth, is that HCM is a progressive disease of the heart, that eventually hardens that heart’s muscles to the point where the patient gets a stroke or suddenly dies. Mavacamten may be the missing piece of puzzle, to provide outstanding help to someone with HCM.
Based upon all the heart tests and procedures that I have had endured, in the past year and a half, I’ve had four Cardiologists tell me that I will probably pass away in my sleep, relatively soon. One of my Cardiologists, told me that, based upon all the data from my heart procedures, that I have about two years to live. My present Cardiologist told me that my symptoms will worsen, relatively soon. He told me that if I avoid strenuous activity, avoid caffeine, get eight hours of sleep each night, and eat very healthy, it could be another four or five years before my symptoms become overwhelmingly debilitating.
I know I am saved by Christ and that I am going to
The complex chemical formula for Mavacamten.
Heaven, so I don’t worry about it. But, I do want to get the word out about lesser known treatments for HCM. And, since Mavacamten is relatively new (it was approved by the FDA in April of 2022) I do want to get the word out about it. Life is not always fair. But no matter what is happening in your life, be it losing your job, or the loss of a dear loved one, or getting a bad medical report, please know this. God loves you, more than you will ever know. And, a miracle may soon be knocking on your door.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
Gerard T. Freda, DMD
Randolph-based Interfaith Furnishings Closes Doors, Donates Remaining Funds to MaplewoodBased Organization
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By Megan Roche
Interfaith Furnishings, a Randolph not-forprofit service that picked up and delivered donated furniture to more than 1,700 Morris County families in need, is shuttering in the absence of a vital donor of warehouse space — and has donated the group’s remaining funds to Maplewood-based: The Warehouse NJ.
Founded in 2004, Interfaith Furnishings (a 501c3) was the combined effort of faith communities in Morris County. The charity picked up furniture donations from those who could give – and provided the furniture to those in need living in Morris County.
The group would warehouse furniture and eventually deliver it to candidates referred by social service agencies.
With no government funding, Interfaith Furnishings had proven for a duration of time to be a homegrown success story, thanks in part to donations from local individuals and organizations.
Interfaith Furnishings aided families also affected by Hurricane Katrina. An interdenominational charity, Interfaith Furnishings was one of a select few organizations providing furniture to families – at no charge – who were in a new residence after being homeless, battered, formerly ill or jobless, and who lacked the ability to furnish their housing as they began again.
The group was also recognized by former President Barack Obama as part of his faithbased initiatives partnership.
Mary Jo Welch, one of the early founders of Interfaith Furnishings, recalls the joy of seeing clients receive furniture.
“The biggest joy in all of this was putting people in housing. They could get a house,
but they couldn’t get help with furniture. To see people who are now set up to live comfortably with all the things they needed was so special and such a blessing,” Welch said.
While Welch is sad to see the Morris County doors close, she knows that folks are in good hands with The Warehouse NJ team.
“Our volunteer goodness and our mission endures — by extension — with Executive Director Kim Sleeman and The Warehouse NJ’s fellow volunteers who help furnish someone else’s new apartment or home. Never doubt that a small group of individuals can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. To all who contributed to our noble cause, brave on through and namaste to you,” Welch says.
Sleeman added, “The Warehouse NJ’s mission is aligned with Interfaith Furnishings and we are honored and committed to continuing this important work to support our neighbors in need.”
Founded in 2019, The Warehouse NJ (a 501c3) supports individuals and families as they transition into permanent housing following a time of crisis such as homelessness, abuse, natural disaster, or political asylum.
Since 2019, TWNJ has been “helping to create a new beginning” for these individuals and families by transforming their new housing into a home with furniture and basic household items. TWNJ clients are referred by over 50 NJbased social service agencies. TWNJ has completed over 1,680 moves in the last 5 years.
To learn more about The Warehouse NJ, visit www.thewarehousenj.org.
Mary Jo Welch, center, who helped establish Interfaith Furnishings, poses with members of The Warehouse NJ.
By Evan Wechman
ANJStarz
NJ Starz: Tracy Wolfson Hometown:
s early as eight years old, Tracy Wolfson, the CBS reporter who received the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sideline Reporter in 2024 knew she wanted to cover sports for a living. Despite the jokes from her elementary school friends at the time Wolfson has defied the odds.
In a male-dominated industry, this Bergen County mother of three has achieved what many thought was impossible. She can be seen almost every football Sunday, working with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo as the lead team on the CBS featured game of the week.
According to Wolfson, the road however has not been easy. Before she even set foot at the University of Michigan to study communications, she noticed how few female sports journalists were on the big networks. Undeterred, she quickly learned everything she could. She remembers watching female sports reporters on her television set in her parent’s house and feeling inspired.
“The first person I watched when I decided that that’s what I wanted to do, was on” NBA Inside Stuff.” I watched Willow Bay, and I loved her presence, and I loved the fact she was talking about sports, and that’s what I wanted to do. I want to talk sports for the rest of my life, “Wolfson said. “I watched a lot of her, and I watched a lot of Michelle Tafoya who was there when I was in college and even when I was a researcher at CBS, my first year, I was doing research for her. She was someone I looked up to. Bonnie Bernstein came before me a little bit but I was able to watch her my last semester (at the University of Michigan) and she has always been a mentor of mine. I was fortunate enough to work for the same company as her and she’s always been a role model for me. So, I just watched everyone to gain as much knowledge as possible.”
Wolfson loved sports but was unsure where she could practice being a reporter. It seemed like there were more oportunities for men, and she knew she would have to work every bit as hard as them, to obtain a big-time job in the field.
“It was kind of a long path for me to be honest. There weren’t many women in the field at that time. I didn’t know nyone in the business. I didn’t really have anyone to look up to and I didn’t have mentors. I just was able to watch those reporters back before me on TV. And so, I really got a lot of practice in my bedroom, watching a lot of sports, and trying to broadcast into a tape recorder at the time and just trying to get the feel of doing reports or play-by-play, whatever it might be following sports,” she said.
Her love of sports and dedication to the craft led to her big break at the University of Michigan. Wolfson loved the environment of Ann Arbor with its great combination of bigtime athletics and intense academics. However, working in the media was a highly sought-after career, and she wanted to get a leg up.
Though she didn’t have many contacts at college, she quickly formed solid relationships with the network professionals looking for interns. When she landed an
internship, Wolfson showed her versatility by being willing to work on any event that needed coverage, even if she wasn’t familiar with the sport. According to Wolfson, this separated her from the competition.
After college, she landed many jobs at various stations in the greater New York area. Network executives knew they could count on her to put in the time and research to learn the essentials of any event. In the late 1990s, she could even be seen on television broadcasting at lesser-known sporting events like auto racing and the rodeo.
“I didn’t know anything about the rodeo. I didn’t know much about car racing You’re thrown into the fire and have to be versatile and be willing to do anything. The same principles that go for preparing for the rodeo, an auto race, track and field, or tennis, you name it, it doesn’t matter. It’s just about preparation, research, asking questions, and preparing for that event. And so that’s kind of how I started and its allowed me to have longevity in the business. Especially with CBS where I presently work, they know they can throw me into any role and I can do it because I’m going to give as much effort into any event as I would a basketball or football game.”
This drive and willingness to pitch in helped Wolfson become a CBS Sports Reporter for SEC College football on Saturdays during the first half of her career. She was a key member of the CBS broadcasting crew with Verne Lundquist and Todd Blackledge. She received critical praise and was seen as an asset in the industry. However, as much as she loved the excitement of college football, Wolfson wanted to climb to even greater heights.
At the time, CBS wasn’t using as many sideline reporters during their football coverage and wasn’t carrying Thursday Night Football. Wolfson heard they might be interested in getting the rights to that game, and wanted to be on the sideline.
“I got the courage to ask my boss at the time and say, if we get Thursday night football, and you guys decide you want to use reporters again, I want the opportunity to do it. And that took a lot. I was feeling comfortable and doing well but I wanted to try this new opportunity and put myself out there. But I felt I was ready. I already had my third kid. I was starting to feel like I was growing out from the college environment, and I wanted another challenge, and I knew if I didn’t get the opportunity, they might go to someone else and I would never get that chance. And so that was for me, a defining moment in my career.”
Wolfson’s boss said yes, and her career has since taken off. She is not only working prime-time football and basketball games but also serves as a panelist on CBS Sports “WE Need to Talk,”, the first nationally televised all-female sports show. Through it all, Wolfson has been active in many philanthropies and has also mentored young journalists.
She has volunteered her time and money to help the March of Dimes, her local Jewish Community Center, and advocate for greater diabetes research. According to Wolfson, she wants to show her children that there is an
opportunity to help those who are less fortunate. This has become an active theme in her household as her son Dylan, a University of Michigan undergraduate has helped students in underserved areas get lacrosse equipment. He has also donated his time by giving free lessons to them as well.
Wolfson also finds time during the summer to speak with aspiring broadcasters from her alma mater to give them advice and direction.
For Wolfson, giving back seems as natural as reporting on the sidelines. However, during her career, she has seen a shift in the perception of female journalists.
She recalls an ex-boss who told her she couldn’t know as much about sports as her male co-workers. This occurred early in her career, and Wolfson thinks such an outdated mentality is rare today. Still, she claims the incident motivated her to prove the naysayers wrong.
Wolfson has lasted in this business due to her knowledge, persistence, and willingness to tackle new roles. She hopes she serves as an example to the next generation of female journalists and has helped erase any misconceptions about females in sports. She believes it comes down to doing the job.
“If you know your stuff, go out there with confidence, and present yourself well then you won’t draw attention to the fact that hey, I’m a woman. Just do your job, and you’ll be fine. And I think I’ve seen over the years, more and more women in this business do such a good job because they do hold themselves that way. They hold themselves accountable. They know their stuff. They’re very strong,” Wolfson said.
Wolfson can laugh now when she looks back at all her friends from elementary school who teased her about her hopes of working in a male-dominated industry. She said that when she runs into her old friends today, they tell her how proud they are that she stuck to her dreams.
She also is not scared of losing her job to the next group of female journalists. Rather, she wants to help pass the torch.
“There’s competition out there but I’m not worried about that. I want to pave the way for the next generation of incredible reporters out there.”
Phot credit: Wajmah Strange, CBS
Local Masters Swimmers Celebrate 21st Annual Awards Breakfast
Agroup of Masters Swimmers from Madison and the surrounding area have now had the privilege of swimming together for more than two decades at the Madison YMCA, the Madison Community Pool, the Summit YMCA and other close by locations. Traditionally, we track monthly swim yardage for the entire year on a user friendly web site (with support from our web site coordinator Barry Lass). Each of our 70 swimmers has a chance to see how they rank throughout the year in total yards within the group in a monthly newsletter.
As we do every year in January, the Masters Yardstick Swimmers gathered recently at our 21st Annual Awards Breakfast on January 4th- a combined live (at the Kemmerer Library in Harding Township) and online (via Zoom) event- with strong participation (30 in person and 10 on Zoom)! Planned by longtime swimmers Bob Nissen, Joe Donohue, and Richard Clew, with support from Bill Sullivan and Barbara Wattenbach, the multi-media slide show and event highlighted activities of 2024 (aided by our group historian, Barbara Rushman) and brought us together in such a way that all active members could enjoy. It began with a summary from a questionnaire on how various participants have progressed and achieved swimming goals throughout the year. We were also
entertained with a Surprise Video Tape and Congratulations Message from Rowdy Gaines, 3 time Olympic Gold Medal Winner in Swimming. Rowdy had recently visited the Madison YMCA in the summer of 2024 to address the Madison Mariners Swim Team.
We then assessed our group swimming achievement this year. Collectively, we swam 27.3 million yards in 2024, or 15,525 miles! Since 2004, our cumulative swimming efforts are amazing- logging 398 million yards- or more than 226,000 miles! That is equivalent to swimming “around the world” more than 9 times! Our goal in 2025- to REACH THE MOON- which will now require only 12,500 more miles of swimming yards- well within our reach.
Many of our swimmers enjoy participating in group workouts at the Walker D. Kirby Aquatics Center in its modern eight lane pool at the Madison YMCA! For further information on the pool and swim program, please contact the main desk at the Madison YMCA at 973-8229622.
We moved on to the highlight of the event- our Annual Awards. Albie Ashbrook of Chatham, Lauren Webster-Garcia of Morris Township, and Susan Kirk of Califon were each named “Bold Performer of the Year”, for demonstrating improved performance, exceptional effort and a
1- Bree
special commitment to the swimming program. The Team Competition was outstanding, with each of our two squads averaging more than 1 million yards every month. Ultimately, the Moonbound Masters (led by Captain Cindy Viola) bested the Moonstrokers (led by Captain Bill Sjovall).
Finally, our top two swimmers for 2024 were runner up Jennifer Bauman of Parsippany, and Yardstick Winner Jane Ikeda of Mendham, swimming 1,323,895 yards, or 752 miles! Jane was awarded the Doug Clark Championship Yardstick,
named in memory of our former “Yardstick Swimmer”.
We all had a great time, and were so happy to connect with our swimming friends for the 21st annual celebration. And we will continue our monthly yard tracking in 2025, and are convinced that our program will grow in numbers! Adult swimmers of all levels from beginners to experts are welcome to the Masters programs. To learn more about our Yardstick Challenge, please contact Bob Nissen at bobnissen@gmail. com.
Row
Olivari, Nicole Sullivan, Deborah Fennelly, Lynda Przedpelski. Row 2- Marcia Postallian, Noreen McManus, Bob Nissen, Yardstick Champion Jane Ikeda, Barbara Rushman, Joe Balwierczak, Cindy Viola. Row 3- Bill Sullivan, Chachi Sabatino, Barbara Wattenbach, Bonnie Gannon, Diane Dinsmore, Nicole Bearce, Barry Lass, Andrew Moyad. Row 4- Kristin Kreider, Bill Sjovall, Bill Orton, Phil Ankel, Albie Ashbrook, Susan Kirk, Richard Clew, John Galvin, Richard McKern
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Macpa
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Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover
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DIRECTV OVER INTERNET
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FOR SALE
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