Livingston High School Salutes Disabled Veterans
LHS Assistant Principal Marie Battist-Rock (US Army) shared that the time around Veterans Day also
is shown here with her former student and Class of 2024 grad Kaushik Mukkavilli (second Marine from the left),
some of his fellow Marines. LHS principal Amro Mohammed, who is also a Marine, joined in the photo!
By Henry. M. Holden
The Livingston High School (LHS) Salute to Service Club recently raised more than $1,188 that went to the Disabled American Veterans, (DAV). The DAV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans to lead high quality lives with respect and dignity.
In recognition of the club’s participation and the generous donation, LHS received 100 flags from the DAV to be placed in the “Field of Flags,” display in front of the school.
Students Eli Wheeler, and Matthew Zocks, are the leaders
and organizers of the LHS Salute to Service Club along with their club advisor and health/PE teacher Michael Munley, who is also a United States Marine Corps veteran.
“The boys were very meticulous about placing the flags,” said Munley. “After they unpacked the flags they measured each spot to make sure they were all well-placed and exactly even and in a military lineup.”
“When the holidays rolled around they purchased some card stock and hand-wrote holiday cards, for the veterans living at the VA Hospital in Lyons.”
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brought a special visitor to LHS. She
who stopped by with
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Wheeler, Zocks, and the Salute to Service Club are currently planning a clothing drive at the high school to collect lightly worn for veterans in need.
Around the same time, Marine Sgt. Darryl Kolanage, visited Michael Jedwabnik’s wind symphony.
The Marine Corps is one of the most prestigious branches of the U.S. military. They have earned honors and recognition through many important and dangerous missions. Yet, one would not readily associate a career as a professional musician and the Marine uniform. One would be wrong. It takes a special person to be in the Marine Corps Band.
The search for perfection starts at auditions. It might be surprising to some for musicians to go through boot camp. “However, it allows for reinforcement of the concepts of discipline, synchronicity and leadership.” said Munley “It teaches them to have pride in their uniform and the Corps.
‘Marines are warriors first and foremost and musicians are basically trained Marines,”said Munley. “The Band is kept busy with over 700 performances around the world every year, including about 200 here in the United States.”
Depending on their specialty and the available positions, musicians can be sent to eight different bases around the United States. This includes Hawaii and Japan. Like all programs in the Marine Corps, the Marine Band only selects the very best to wear their uniform and perform their duties.
However, the musicians who succeed in joining the band can make a comfortable living from their music, to travel
the world, to play on stage in front of heads of state and large crowds. They will serve in an honored Corps that will give them lifelong friends, moral values and a great sense of accomplishment. There are very few musicians who can boast such opportunities and experiences.
Candidates are not required to have any specific level of education. However, many of them have at least a college degree. Due to the number and variety of performances given by the Marine Band, candidates must be versatile enough to be able to play in a wide range of musical styles, such as orchestra, marching band, jazz group, ceremonial, rock band, etc.
The auditions have three steps: prepared material, theoretical knowledge of music and finally, sight-reading, which counts for half of the final. These auditions are blind, to avoid any bias.
Marine Corps musicians have an opportunity to serve with one of the 10 renowned Marine Corps bands throughout the world. There are Leadership roles within the bands and include Enlisted Band Leader, Enlisted Conductors, Drum Majors, Production Managers, and Instrument Repair.
Steeped in ritual, and tradition, the Marine Corps bands have represented the sound of the world’s most elite warriors since 1768. As the oldest continuously active professional musical organization in U.S. history, audiences can experience the Marine Corps bands perform at various events throughout the year, with each surrounded by patriotic pageantry.
“In addition to musical skills, candidates are also
expected to meet high mental, moral and fitness standards, as is expected of any Marine. Finally, they must pass an extensive background check. Their proximity to the White House requires them to obtain a Secret security clearance. The Marine Band is a very exclusive club. Out of approximately 180,000 Marines, only 600 of them are musicians”said Munley.
Once a candidate is selected, he or she must sign a fouryear contract with the U.S. Marine Corps. However, their duty is exclusive to the Band. They cannot be transferred to any other unit. They must also undergo six months of extra schooling at the School of Music in Virginia Beach. While in Virginia Beach for six months, they receive weekly lessons, learn music theory, ear training, and daily ensemble playing.
The musicians will have to complete the equivalent of an associate degree. It is not for the faint of heart.
The Marine Corps Band offers its members unique opportunities, such as performing for presidents and foreign dignitaries, as well as international performances.
In addition, LHS Principal Amro Mohammed, who is also a former Marine, and Assistant Principal Marie BattistRock, a U.S. Army veteran, welcomed Battist-Rock’s former student Kaushik Mukkavilli (Class of 2024) and a group of his fellow Marines for a visit to his alma mater.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free Military Crisis Line, confidential resource for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and Veterans, even if they’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care. Dial 988 then press one.
By Steve Sears
Bob Nulman Lovingly Remembers his Son, and Fights to Defeat Impaired Driving
ayne resident, Bob Nulman, speaks about his son, Danny.
Nulman said, “Danny was a Communications major. He maybe had a career in broadcasting. That was what he was looking towards, but never really got a chance. Who knows what his future would have held? He was very popular, very funny, smart, and like a young blossom, a young little bud ready to burst forth. And then he was snuffed out, like it was an early frost.”
On October 11, 1987, Danny Nulman, a 22-year-old senior at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey), and four of his college friends were all tragically killed when a 20-year-old woman, impaired by alcohol and drugs, was traveling the wrong way on Interstate 95 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania and crashed into their car. The woman was also killed.
Nulman said, “It was a terrible, terrible crash - one of those crash aftermaths, where you look at just a jumbled pile of metal. It was just so terrible, and so avoidable.”
In early December 2024, during National Impaired Driving Prevention Month,
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) joined forces with liquor manufacturer, Diageo, the National Football League, and Uber Technologies, Inc. and unveiled the “Take a Minute. Make a Plan.” campaign. With drinking much expected on Super Bowl Sunday which would place safe driving in peril, the lifesaving initiative urged football fans to spend just 60 seconds arranging a safe ride home - and perhaps save countless lives as well.
Nulman, who is the National Ambassador for MADD and has been volunteering with them for 37 years, applauds the campaign.
“It is in everybody’s best interest for there to be safe celebrations,” he said. “Whether it is a holiday, whether it’s a major celebration like a Super Bowl, or anything else, it is in everybody’s best interest to avoid these kinds of tragedies that we see. Thank goodness that we are all teaming up here to try to make a difference.”
Nulman took his sorrow and turned it into positive energy to fight the battle against impaired driving.
He said, “I tell people it is my therapy, too, because it helps me get through the
night that I am doing something in Danny’s name. Not just to keep his memory alive, but to say, ‘Look at the good that we have done.’ My team is me, it is Danny, of course, and my daughter.”
Nulman, who along with his daughter, Kim, both volunteer for MADD’s National Victim Helpline, said. “There are people out there - like me who, still, after 38 years –are trying to recover from a tragic loss. I am not just a statistic. I am a bereaved parent. I could be the the guy who lives next door to you, and I want to help you to not have to go through the tragedy that I went through. We are still fighting the battle. We are not going to give up. We are making progress, and we cannot slow down.”
Nulman also applauds the HALT Drunk Driving Act (https://madd.org/haltact/), which was signed into law in November 2021.
He said, “Hopefully by 2026, the HALT Drunk Driving Act will be ready to go as soon as the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) promulgates the rules. It means that every new car that is manufactured will have a passive kind of
detection system, a system that will detect the driver’s biometrics. Whether there is alcohol in your system or on your breath, it will not let you start the car until it detects a driver that is not impaired. We are relying on technology.”
Nulman then paused, and said, “I think every day of Danny in my mind’s eye, looking down and saying, ‘Hey, old man, you are doing a good job. Thank you for doing it my memory.”
Bob Nulman (courtesy of MADD)
Ocean Historical Museum: A Museum Measuring a Township’s Past
by Jeff Garrett
If you’ve ever wondered what happened in Monmouth County’s coastal past, think about visiting the Eden Woolley House. There, in what’s been called an architectural gem of Monmouth County you can find a wide array of memorabilia and artifacts spanning the sandy area’s centuries. The Township’s Ocean Historical Museum was founded in 1984 and works as a 501 ( C)( 3) non-profit organization. But
there’s quite a history before its non-profit stamp of approval.
Some may be surprised to learn that the coastal area many call home was once inhabited by Indians. The township of Ocean itself was originally hailed as “a very good land to fall in with and a pleasant place to see,” by Captain Henry Hudson in the early 1600’s. The Dutch owned the land but saw it cede to England in 1664. Several land divisions of the area went on for the
next 30 years. Fast forward 185 years to the 1840’s when an act was enacted saying that the first meeting of representatives of Ocean County would meet at the home of James Anderson of Eatontown, for legislative purposes.
The area those on the governing body would legislate was vast. Several houses owned by prominent men in the legislature would host meetings until the Woolley House became its central meeting point in 1849.
Built in 1697, the Woolley House was one of the remaining houses still standing from the 17th century. In good condition, it seemed suitable as a place to house artifacts and county treasures from centuries past.
Today, the House contains exhibits in the Edelson Gallery which focuses on Ocean Township’s history and the Richmond Gallery. An exhibit titled “Beginnings: Ocean County’s First People,” is on display in the Richmond Gallery while Edelson, which clings to mini-exhibits is currently showing “Deal Test Site: 100 Years of History.”
The Our Town Gallery also exists as does the Hearth and Home Gallery which explains local life at the Jersey Shore and how it’s changed over decades. Historic
manuscripts and photographs of Ocean County from centuries gone by are housed and on display in the museum library.
Another interesting part of history in the museum arose after 13 boxes of historical artifacts arrived at the Museum in 201920 after an effort was made to identify and protect the state’s historical and cultural resources during archaeological digs prior to developing land. These findings produced a number of colorful historical anecdotes which sit for spectators to see.
Guest speakers often showcase interesting discussions for the museum’s guests. One discussion of late was “Presidential Pathways” by historian Jim Foley on Feb. 18, combining tradition surrounding President’s Day with local involvement over the years.
The museum is open to the public on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00pm as well as on Thursday evenings from 7:00 until 9:00pm. One can request a tour anytime by phoning 732-531-2136. The address of the Eden Woolley House is 703 Deal Rd, Ocean, NJ 07712 while its mailing address is P.O. Box 516 Oakhurst, NJ 07755-0516. You can email the House too at communications@ OceanMuseum.org
The Origins of Newspapers: A Chronicle of Communication
The newspaper, a medium that has shaped public discourse for centuries, has its origins in humanity’s enduring desire to share, disseminate, and document information. From ancient civilizations to the modern digital age, newspapers have evolved significantly, reflecting the changing technologies and social structures of the times. This article explores the origins of newspapers, tracing their journey from rudimentary communication tools to sophisticated vehicles of journalism.
Early Beginnings: The Roots of Public Communication
The concept of distributing news dates back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Rome, government notices called Acta Diurna (Daily Acts) were carved on stone or metal tablets and displayed in public spaces as early as 59 BCE. These served as a primitive form of newspaper, providing information on political events, military campaigns, and public announcements. Julius Caesar is often credited with initiating this practice to keep the populace informed and engaged.
Similarly, in ancient China during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), government officials distributed handwritten news bulletins called Dibao (literally «reports from the court»). These bulletins contained official announcements and were circulated among the elite. While these early forms of news dissemination were limited to government-controlled information, they laid the foundation for the idea of regular updates for a broad audience. The Renaissance and the Birth of Printed News
The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century revolutionized the way infor-
mation was disseminated. Movable type printing enabled the mass production of written material, paving the way for the development of newspapers as we know them today. By the early 16th century, printed news pamphlets began to emerge in Europe, often reporting on significant events such as wars, natural disasters, and royal decrees.
In 1605, the Relation aller Fürnemmen und gedenckwürdigen Historien (Account of All Distinguished and Commemorable News) was published in Strasbourg, Germany, by Johann Carolus. It is widely recognized as the world’s first newspaper. Printed weekly, it contained reports gathered from correspondents across Europe, offering readers a broader perspective on current events. Around the same time, other European cities, such as Amsterdam and Antwerp, saw the emergence of similar publications, marking the beginning of a new era in information sharing.
The Expansion of Newspapers in Europe
By the 17th century, newspapers began to flourish across Europe, driven by rising literacy rates and growing public interest in news. In 1621, the Corante was published in London, becoming England›s first printed newspaper. A few decades later, the London Gazette, first issued in 1665, became a seminal publication in British history. It focused on official government news and remains in circulation today as a record of public notices.
The spread of newspapers was not without challenges. Governments often sought to control the press through licensing and censorship. For example, the British government implemented strict licensing laws to regulate the content of publications. Despite these restrictions, newspapers
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became increasingly popular, especially as they began to include more diverse content, such as local news, commentary, and advertisements.
The Birth of Newspapers in America
The tradition of newspapers crossed the Atlantic with European settlers. In 1690, Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick, the first newspaper in the American colonies, was published in Boston by Benjamin Harris. However, the publication was short-lived, as it was suppressed by colonial authorities after just one issue.
It was not until 1704 that the first successful American newspaper, The Boston News-Letter, appeared. Published by John Campbell, this weekly paper provided readers with news from Europe, the colonies, and local events. As the colonies grew, so did the number of newspapers, which became vital tools for political discourse and the exchange of ideas during the American Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution and Mass Circulation
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century transformed the newspaper industry. Advances in printing technology, such as the steam-powered press, allowed for faster and cheaper production of newspapers. This period also saw the rise of the “penny press” in the United States, beginning with The Sun in New York City in 1833. These affordable newspapers made news accessible to a broader audience, catering to the growing urban working class.
The content of newspapers also expanded during this time. Stories began to focus on human interest, sensationalism, and investigative reporting, appealing to the tastes
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of a diverse readership. Newspapers became a cornerstone of public life, influencing public opinion and shaping political and social movements.
The 20th Century and Beyond
The 20th century marked the golden age of newspapers, with iconic publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Le Monde becoming trusted sources of information worldwide. However, the rise of radio, television, and later the internet began to challenge the dominance of print media. By the late 20th century, traditional newspapers faced declining circulation as audiences turned to digital platforms for news.
Today, newspapers continue to adapt to the digital age, offering online editions,
Amultimedia content, and real-time updates. While the medium has transformed, the core mission of newspapers—informing, educating, and engaging the public—remains unchanged.
Conclusion
The history of newspapers is a testament to humanity’s enduring quest for knowledge and connection. From the Acta Diurna of ancient Rome to the digital newsrooms of the 21st century, newspapers have evolved in response to technological advancements and societal needs. Despite the challenges of the modern era, their role as purveyors of truth and platforms for public discourse ensures their relevance in the ever-changing landscape of communication.
Did You Know?
dvertisements for non-alcoholic beer may never prove as prevalent as commercials for alcoholic beers, but the growing visibility of such promotions likely comes as no surprise to industry analysts familiar with the growing popularity of alcohol-free beer. According to the Beer Institute, the market for non-alcoholic beer tripled in size in the half-decade preceding 2025. Indeed, an economist at the Beer In-
stitute indicates that non-alcoholic beer is the fastest growing segment in the beer industry. In addition, a recent report from the Brewers Association indicated a 30 percent year-over-year increase in non-alcoholic beer sales in 2024, and industry experts estimate the market size for non-alcoholic beer will increase from $20 billion in 2023 to $40 billion in 2033.
Rabbi Moshe Herson, 90, Built Chabad of NJ From the Ground Up Pioneering dean of the Rabbinical College of America and head of Chabad in NJ
By Tzali Reicher
Rabbi Moshe Herson, the regional director of Chabad-Lubavitch of New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was 90 years old. His passing follows that of his wife, Pearl, who passed away last month at 85.
Herson transformed New Jersey’s Jewish landscape over six decades of leadership and was a pioneering force in establishing Chabad-Lubavitch’s large presence across the Garden State. As dean of the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, N.J., Herson built what is now one of the Jewish world’s flagship educational institutions, ordaining dozens of rabbis each year while overseeing the growth of more than 70 Chabad centers throughout New Jersey.
A trusted and devoted emissary of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, Herson was appointed by the Rebbe to serve on the board of Agudas Chassidei Chabad—the umbrella organization of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement—and played a pivotal role in advancing the Rebbe’s vision of Jewish outreach.
Though he spoke with a distinctive accent that betrayed his Brazilian origins, Herson became one of American Judaism’s
most effective institution builders in the second half of the 20th century. He was respected by students and supporters alike, and even in his final years, despite serious health challenges, he continued working until the end.
‘A Doctor of Divinity’
Moshe Herson was born to Asher and Hinda Herson in 1934 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, the youngest of four siblings. The Hersons were a traditional, non-Chassidic Jewish family. Asher passed away in 1939, leaving behind his young family.
As a boy, Herson harbored dreams of becoming a doctor. That was until he met Chabad-Lubavitch’s “Globetrotting Ambassador” Rabbi Yosef Wineberg, who visited Brazil to raise funds for Chabad. After visiting his school class, Wineberg struck up a relationship with the young man and encouraged him to go attend a yeshivah. Too polite to decline a rabbi, Herson accepted Wineberg’s offer to help with the paperwork to apply for a student visa to the U.S.
Although initially reluctant, Herson became drawn to the idea of leaving home for yeshivah, and after finally receiving his mother’s blessing, he made the trip in 1950, arriving to study at the Central Chabad Yeshiva at 770 Eastern Parkway, just months
after the passing of the Sixth Rebbe.
At first, Herson was a fish out of water, and found the transition to full-time yeshivah studies difficult. But despite the challenges, Herson quickly began to love the environment. He was deeply impacted by the short glimpses he had of the Rebbe in that year; particularly inspired by how the Rebbe prayed. When he was battling homesickness, he sought the counsel of the Rebbe, who gave him advice and a listening ear.
“I came to become a doctor, but instead I became a doctor of divinity,” he loved to joke about what was supposed to be a short trip that became a lifetime of devotion.
Herson was in 770 Eastern Parkway in 1951 when the Rebbe accepted the mantle of leadership for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, charging his audience with the mission to share Judaism with the world and hasten the coming of Moshiach. The Rebbe’s secretariat charged Herson, when he was just 19, with the responsibility of translating the many Portuguese and Spanish language letters the Rebbe received from South and Central America, a sensitive role that showed the Rebbe had a high degree of trust for Herson’s effectiveness and discretion.
In 1960, while still a student in 770, Her-
son was recruited to join the staff of the Chabad yeshivah in Newark, N.J., along with Rabbi Yisroel Friedman. Friedman would teach the Talmud classes and Herson would teach Chassidic texts. After the first year, Herson noticed the need for increased focus on securing funding for the yeshivah and planned to vacate his teaching position to do so. When the Rebbe heard of this, he
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Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Rabbi Moshe Herson, dean of the Rabbinical College of America and head of Chabad in New Jersey, passed away at the age of 90. Shmulie Grossbaum
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told him that he should direct “both the material aspects as well as the spiritual.”
Two years later, Herson was introduced to Pearl Glotzer. The couple married the day after Purim, settling in Newark to continue growing the school.
From Newark Outwards
Although already involved in the community for a few years, it wasn’t until 1965 when Herson officially assumed the role as the Rebbe’s emissary to New Jersey. As each new establishment opened in the state under his leadership, Herson would worry about it personally, think about and was deeply involved with.
“The Rebbe didn’t see the difference between if the person he was speaking to was a scion of a Chabad family or a ‘fresh’ Chassid,” Herson said in an interview with the Kfar Chabad magazine in 2020. “He cared what the person was accomplishing. Any other matter was secondary, irrelevant.”
“I am a good example of this,” he continued. “I did not grow up in a Chabad home. I have no familial connection to Chabad. … Regardless, the Rebbe ‘took’ me and turned me into a shliach of his. The Rebbe literally ‘built’ me, shaped my personality.”
After a number of years, it was clear that the yeshivah had outgrown its home in Newark and needed to relocate. By then,
Herson had cultivated warm relationships with leading community members and had set up a board to support Chabad of New Jersey’s activities.
On a Sunday in 1970, the board gathered in 770 for a special meeting with the Rebbe. The Rebbe was encouraged by their proposal to move the yeshivah, noting that young people need space to breathe and move around, and perhaps even have access to a swimming pool. Originally thinking of upgrading the school from a one-bedroom property to a slightly larger six-family unit, the board understood that the Rebbe was encouraging them to think bigger.
After looking at a repurposed bank in West Orange, they found an old monastery located on a large 14-acre property, complete with sports facilities, outside of Morristown. In 1971, the yeshivah moved and has been there to this day. In March of 2024, Herson was there to see the unveiling of a $9 million expansion to the campus.
Giving a blessing ahead of the grand opening, the Rebbe wrote to Herson: “Hashem should grant you abundant success in this institution, and in the institutions which you have begun building around it.” Herson understood that the yeshiva was to be the beacon around which the other Chabad institutions in New Jersey were to rise to make Judaism accessible in the state.
It was time for Chabad-Lubavitch to begin building in New Jersey.
Building Chabad of New Jersey
Recognizing the vast number of underserved Jewish people throughout the state, Herson began building Chabad outposts to serve them. He began in Bergen County, recognizing the burgeoning Jewish population in the area, and recruited dedicated emissaries to serve as the heart of each community. These emissaries—inspired by the Rebbe’s unwavering mission and Jewish outreach and Herson’s dedication to that goal—eagerly embraced the challenge of building vibrant Jewish lives in their respective locales.
From Bergen County—recognizing the unique needs of the growing Jewish student population at Rutgers University—emissaries were sent to the campus, creating a warm and welcoming haven for Jewish students seeking a sense of community, religious observance, and meaningful Jewish experiences, and from there, to the entire state.
Herson’s unwavering leadership and strategic planning led to the establishment of dozens Chabad centers throughout the vast expanse of New Jersey, reaching even the most remote corners of the state. He was always a guiding light and pillar of support for the emissaries under his purview,
providing them with resources, mentorship and encouragement to thrive in their respective communities and fulfill their vital mission of bringing Judaism to life for every Jew in New Jersey.
Running the Rabbinical College of America and Chabad of New Jersey necessitated a significant amount of fundraising, and major Jewish philanthropists, including the Wilf, Kushner and Lauder families, became supporters of Chabad of New Jersey. There was something about this magnetic rabbi with the funny accent that attracted these donors to the authenticity of his mission. He was direct—yet unfailingly genteel—and completely sincere when he asked for their support. Perhaps it was his obvious sense of purpose and devotion to the mission entrusted to him by the Rebbe that drew people towards him.
David Chase was Herson’s most significant partner in building the Rabbinical College of America and served on its board, eventually developing an unusually warm and personal relationship with the Rebbe. He was at the initial meeting when the Rebbe suggested that they look for a place with significant space for the students and enthusiastically declared the Rebbe had removed all limitations, allowing them to think far beyond their original plans for growth. Based
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in Connecticut, Chase met Herson in the 1960s when the yeshivah was still located in Newark, where his in-laws lived. Herson was looking for financial support, and impressed by his selflessness, Chase began assisting him, developing a lifelong bond that Herson described as brotherhood.
As part of his mission of outreach and growth, Herson built warm relationships with the leaders and state representatives from New Jersey, beginning with Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who represented New Jersey in the Senate for five terms, and more recently, had a close relationship with Gov. Phil Murphy, the current governor of the state. His state connections came in handy during the battles over public menorahs in the 1980s, when a friend in the state senate advocated for their approval due to his friendship with the magnetic and persuasive rabbi. As part of his work representing the Chabad movement, Herson also met with all the presidents from President Gerald Ford through President Donald Trump.
Today, there are 72 Chabad centres in New Jersey. The Rabbinical College of America in Morristown serves as the headquarters for Chabad of New Jersey and maintains a thriving campus. Its educational ecosystem includes rabbinical students pursuing ordination, the main Tomchei Temim-
im Yeshiva, Yeshivas Tiferes Bachurim for those newer to religious study, and more than 250 elementary- and middle-school students. Thousands have passed through since it opened its doors, and gone on to serve communities throughout the world.
During the summer, hundreds of young students flock to the campus for the Yeshiva Summer Program (YSP). Herson was also proud of a recent groundbreaking mental health initiative launched by Chabad of New Jersey.
In recent years, although Herson battled a series of health challenges, he remained remarkably sharp and alert, coming to work in his office to direct Chabad of New Jersey and the Rabbinical College of America until two weeks before his passing. At a moving celebration marking his 90th birthday in the summer of 2024, he was recognized by his latest generation of students for his years of dedication and remarkable service, and a new edition of the Tanya was printed in his honor.
Predeceased by his wife, Pearl, a little more than three weeks ago, Herson is survived by their children: Rabbi Asher Herson (Rockaway, N.J.); Sara Brafman (Morristown, N.J.); Rabbi Mendy Herson (Basking Ridge, N.J.); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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The Last Big Bicycle Race
By Richard Mabey Jr.
It was in late August of 1970 that I took part in the big bicycle race. It was an annual event. I am pretty sure that it was held on the last Saturday of August of every year. The race began early in the morning, about 9:00 and would carry on till about 4:00 that afternoon. The morning was filled with heat races, then after we all ate our bag lunches, would continue on with the big grand bicycle race.
The bicycle course ran throughout the wooded section of Steinhauser Mountain in Lincoln Park. This was a 23 acre mountain top, that was part of Hook Mountain. It was a tumultuous course, filled with big boulders and fallen trees to avoid and ride around. It was a true test of endurance. The entire bicycle course was at least a mile long. And, the big grand daddy finale race, required the cyclist to ride the course, four or five laps. It was by no means, a piece of cake.
In late August of 1970, I was still 16 years old and was looking forward to entering my senior year at Boonton High School. I remember that my good buddy, Stuart Steinhauser, did not participate in the race that year, but chose to take black and white photos of the race with his little box camera.
I remember that there were at least 30 boys and girls who gathered together that morning for the big race. By lunchtime the group of racers had dwindled down to about a dozen competitors, due to the morning elimination races. It was a grinding bicycle race. I remember it being tough and brutal. The bottom line is that I won the race that year. I had participated in this great bicycle race, since I was about 10 years old and now, I had finally won the race for the first time.
Despite the rush of glory that I felt for a few minutes, after the race, I remember that about 15 minutes after the race ended, it left me with such a hollow and empty feeling. Bobby Taylor (I took the liberty of changing his name) had come in second place. Bobby was about 19 years old and had just graduated from Boonton High School. Bobby and I were in Troop 170 together, although we were in different patrols, we were pretty good friends.
Bobby had just signed up to join the U. S. Army. He knew, deep in the marrow of his bones, that he was probably going to be sent to Vietnam.
Although the race was not formally organized by adults, but rather set up by a lot of the kids in the area, it was still kind of a big deal event. We all paid about a dollar entry fee and that paid for the little plaque that was awarded to the first place winner. There was just one plaque presented. There was no second place award. It was a different time, a different mind set. It was
still old school, winner take all thinking. Bobby Taylor did go to Vietnam, in selfless service to his country. He did come home to Lincoln Park. But, respectfully, he was never the same again. Something happened to Bobby while he was in Vietnam. His joyful, fun-loving, happy-go-outlook on life had dissipated from his heart.
The other day, I thought about that last great bicycle race that I was to take part in. It made me sad, reflecting upon it. Now at 71, I have a much greater wisdom than I did at 16. I deeply regret that I didn’t let Bobby Taylor win that race. All through that race, which was held nearly 55 years ago, I remember that I kept telling myself, “gotta win! Gotta win! Gotta win!”
It never occurred to me that I still had one more summer to compete. I never gave one second of consideration of what it would have meant to Bobby Taylor to win that race. It was in the late 1970’s that Bobby Taylor’s family moved out of state. I remember that when he came home from Vietnam that I would see Bobby at Moe’s Sweet Shop or in the Shop-Rite or just around town. We would talk for a few minutes. One Friday night, Bobby stopped by Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s Thorpe Hall and visited Boy Scout Troop 170. My dad was Scoutmaster. Dad was so glad to see Bobby. I think that was the last time Dad and I were ever to see him.
Now at 71, I finally realize that winning isn’t everything. Sometimes a person needs to take a step back and let a friend have their moment in the sun. Oh, if I could turn back the clock, but my time machine is broken. Some life lessons are hard learned. 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.
Yours truly, in a photo taken shortly after my last big bicycle race.
Square Acre Studio Selected To Create Comprehensive Landscape Plan
The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) is pleased to announce that Tom Salaki, Principal of Square Acre Studio, has been selected to create the Comprehensive Plan for the Landscape Design for Wildfair, the site of Mansion in May 2025. Tom Salaki brings his expertise to develop the comprehensive plan that will enable many prominent landscape design firms to transform the grounds of this Chester Township, New Jersey country estate.
For Mansion in May 2025, Tom Salaki’s comprehensive plan includes delineating the landscape design spaces for the garden tour and helping develop the logistics plan for important operational needs which are invaluable to the success of the event. Square Acre Studio will be creating a plan that will not only highlight the designs of each space but also encourage access to each space in a seamless manner through coordinated wayfinding and pathways. This is a key component to every successful Mansion comprehensive landscape plan.
Michelle Meszaros, Co-Chair, Mansion in May Landscape Design Committee, said, “We are grateful for Tom’s participation in four Mansion in May projects and for his generous contributions in creating the comprehensive landscape plan for our 2020
Mansion in May at Tyvan Hill. We are, once again, looking forward to working with him on our upcoming Mansion in May at Wildfair. The completed gardens will showcase the beauty of this elegant country estate and make the grounds a ‘must see’ visitor experience.”
“Like many of the past Mansions, this location is as much about the architecture as it is the land. said Tom Salaki, Principal, Square Acre Studio. “You really can’t fully enjoy one without the other. It has a sophisticated rural character that sets it apart from past Mansions, and this will provide the design teams an opportunity to display a wide variety of design esthetics.”
Mansion in May 2025 will also host an Afternoon Tea and Garden Insights event at Wildfair on May 7 featuring a lecture by Tom Salaki of Square Acre Studio on the economic and environmentally sustainable solutions to gardening. For more information and tickets visit www.mansioninmay.org/specialevents.
Mansion in May is the preeminent designer showhouse and gardens in the New Jersey-New York area, attracting over 22,000 visitors. Wildfair will be open to the public for Mansion in May from May 1 to May 31, 2025 and funds raised will support the new Proton Therapy Center at Morristown
Medical Center. Private tour and general admission tickets are available online. For more information about Mansion in May 2025, please visit the website at www. mansioninmay.org.
ABOUT THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION FOR MORRISTOWN MEDICAL CENTER
Established in March 1893, the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) has been pivotal in providing financial support to the hospital, part of the Atlantic Health System. With over 450 dedicated volunteers, WAMMC hosts numerous fundraising events highlighted
by the Mansion in May. The association also manages The Corner Gift Shops at the hospital, The Bargain Box, a Thrift Boutique, and Calling All Kids Storytime Network®, an innovative in-house family television service for young patients. As the volunteer fundraising arm of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, WAMMC provides support for capital modernization and expansion, pioneering clinical programs, breakthrough research and ongoing clinical education, contributing over $32 million to date. For more information, visit http:// www.wammc.org.
LtoR: Judith Otterman, Co-Chair, Landscape Design Committee; Elizabeth Fontaine, Landscape Designer, Square Acre Studio.; Tom Salaki, Principal, Square Acre Studio; Michelle Meszaros, Co-Chair, Landscape Design Committee; Mary Murphy, Co-Chair, Landscape Design Committee
Take a Trip to Mars this Winter at the Longo Planetarium at CCM Visit the Red Planet and Explore Comets, Asteroids and More
The Longo Planetarium at County College of Morris (CCM) is ready to launch visitors into a new, out-of-thisworld experience to Mars now through April 26, 2025. With the power of Digistar 7, the world’s most advanced planetarium system now installed at CCM, the community is invited to explore the fascinating red planet Mars in the night sky in this 45-minute show. Discover the many challenges astronauts face on this voyage, the farthest ever made by humans, and how creativity, communication and collaboration are essential for deep space exploration. “Mars: The Ultimate Voyage” may be seen on select Fridays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and is best suited for adults and children ages 8 and up.
Due to the immense popularity, the planetarium’s fall semester showings, “Edge of Darkness” and “One Sky,” will continue to be offered this winter. Narrated by Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter from the Marvel Cinematic Universe), “Edge of Darkness” explores comets, asteroids and Pluto. This 45-minute show is offered on select Saturdays at 5 p.m. and is recommended for adults and children ages 8 and up. “One
Sky,” a great introduction to the night sky for young children ages 6 and up, is an international collaboration of short films. This 40-minute show is offered on select Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.
The award-winning visual journey, “Mesmerica,” bringing music by Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood, continues to be shown for adults on select dates.
For more information, including trailers plus ticketing information, visit the Longo Planetarium website at www.ccm.edu/ meet-ccm/longo-planetarium/. Tickets for all shows are $10 per person. Online reservations are strongly encouraged, as limited tickets will be available for cash purchase at the door. For safety reasons, all shows start promptly at the time indicated. For inclement winter weather closings, call (973) 3285580.
The Longo Planetarium is located on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. The planetarium is located in Cohen Hall Room 207. The closest parking lot is lot 7. Follow the planetarium signs to Cohen Hall located at the center of campus. About Longo Planetarium
Since 1973, the state-of-the-art Longo Planetarium at CCM has been inspiring curiosity and bringing the universe to northern New Jersey in an immersive theater experience. The newly upgraded Digistar 7 planetarium system is dedicated to displaying thousands of stars, the planets, the Moon and beyond onto a 33-foot diameter dome. Shows are available for the public to attend; school and scout groups can be scheduled in advance. Questions may be emailed to planetariuminfo@ccm.edu.
“Mars: The Ultimate Voyage,” the newest show at the Longo Planetarium at CCM.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
My father dropped out of high school to join the United States Army Air Corps during the latter part of World War II. During my early high school years, Dad earnestly studied and received his GED. For my father, his ministry, his service to God, was through being a Scoutmaster. In the basement of the old Mabey Homestead, on Dad’s workbench was a tent-folded piece of white cardboard that Dad had written these words upon. “It is better to teach a young boy morals, than to try to rehabilitate a wayward man.” My father believed every word of that sentence.
My father did not speak the King’s English. From time to time, he used the word “ain’t.” He used double negatives in his speech. Dad was a practical man, not pretentious at all, so very down to earth. He worked all so hard, providing home and meals for his family, in his profession as a long-distance truck driver. In many ways, my father was one of the wisest men I have ever known.
In September of 1972, I began my second year of college, studying at County College of Morris. I worked, part time, in the Frozen Food Department of the A&P. And, I served as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. I remember all so well, it was a tough time for my dear father. One single letter, almost caused Dad to leave scouting.
Mrs. Johnson (I took the liberty of changing her name) was a single mom to her only child, Tommy Johnson. Tommy had so much fun at Summer Camp, during the Summer. He earned his Tenderfoot badge and learned a lot about the ways and wonders of the forest. Mrs. Johnson had visited Troop 170’s campsite that Summer, several times during the week. She wanted to be sure that Tommy was well taken care of.
Tommy had been awarded a Scout Campership that paid for his full week at Summer Camp. It was a program that Troop 170 had to help boys go to Summer Camp, who may not have otherwise been able to attend. While Mrs. Johnson was appreciative of her son receiving a Scout Campership, during her visits she criticized the scout leaders of 170, on how they were running things.
Long story short, in September of 1972, Mrs. Johnson wrote a long letter to the
A Story of Two Letters
Chief Executive Scouting Commissioner of the Morris and Sussex Counties Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In her letter, Mrs. Johnson pulled out all the plugs and assaulted my father with a long list of things that he was doing wrong as Scoutmaster. It wasn’t so much that Dad was doing anything wrong, but rather that Mrs. Johnson felt her son should have been better cared for. She didn’t understand that part of the purpose of a scout going to Summer Camp, so that he could learn to stand on his own two feet.
Well, Mrs. Johnson wrote a full page, in her long letter, of all the times that she heard my father use incorrect grammar. This included, Dad using double negatives in a sentence and Heaven forbid, Dad using the word “ain’t” a few times in talking with Mrs. Johnson.
The Chief Executive made a copy of Mrs. Johnson’s letter and gave it to Dad at a Round Table Scouting Education Meeting. He told Dad that he was writing a letter to Mrs. Johnson, as I remember the Chief Scout Executive put it, “to straighten her out about a few things.”
In his letter to Mrs. Johnson, the Chief Scout Executive wrote her that in all of his many years as a professional scouter, did he ever know a Scoutmaster who was more dedicated than Dad was. In his letter, he wrote of Dad’s many scouting accomplishments, including earning the coveted District Award of Merit and the prestigious Silver Beaver, which is the highest award a volunteer scout leader can receive. The Chief Scout Executive also included Dad’s long list of his many services to his church, including being an Instructor to Protestant scouts in their God and Country Award classes.
Sadly, the Chief Scout Executive’s letter only made Mrs. Johnson madder. In the late Fall of 1972, she pulled little Tommy out of scouting. My father was very saddened by this woman’s decision to take her son out of scouts. Tommy was a good boy and my father saw a diamond in the rough in Tommy.
It was sometime, in the mid 1980’s that I saw Tommy in Moe’s Sweet Shop. He looked rough and tough. He was with a few of his friends. Sadly, he used swear words, in talking with his buddies. I remember that Tommy told me that he was out of work, as he puffed on his cigarette and
drank his bottle of soda. I asked him what work skills he had, if I knew of anyone hiring. He simply made a joke out my question, telling me “I’m a jack of all trades and master of none.” It made me kind of sad.
I know, in my heart of hearts, that Tommy would have benefited from staying in scouts. Dad thought very highly of Tommy, despite the scathing letter that this mother wrote about Dad to the Chief Scout Executive. Regarding Mrs. Johnson’s hurtful letter, I remember Dad saying, “a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.”
Here’s the secret of the decade. There never was an official Scout Campership. Hidden behind a stack of old rags, on his workbench, Dad had three or four old peanut butter jars. He would put his loose change in these jars. Sometimes, he would put single dollar bills in the jars. That’s where the funding for Troop 170’s Scout Campership came from. Dad saving his pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters from his hard earned paycheck.
Now at 71, I think of Mrs. Johnson and Tommy. I don’t know whatever became of them. I do know this. Sometimes, a parent
just needs to let their child stand up on his or her own two feet. And, if they fall, let them pick themselves up and simply carry on.
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.
My beloved father, in his Scoutmaster’s uniform, at age 45 in April of 1973.
Gerard T. Freda, DMD
SCCC Offers Free Certificate to Train Community Journalists
TikTok almost ran out of time and viewers began to panic thinking “Oh no! Where will I get my news?” Have no fear, if this threat should ever become real again, Sussex County Community College in Newton is here, offering news’ gurus the opportunity to learn what it takes to cover the news the right way!
For the second year in a row, SCCC will be offering a FREE certificate focusing on helping community members develop the skills and smarts when it comes to serving as community journalists, covering community-centered news happening in their hometowns and county. The certificate—Becoming a Community Journalist—will be offered at SCCC this spring semester, from March 18 through May 6.
The program will offer a hands-on exploration of how journalism works. Participants will learn the tools needed for understanding the local issues that are affecting them and their neighbors, how to report important stories and make connections with publishers seeking current news and fresh ideas to circulate to their readers and listeners.
covering events in her hometown. As the grant administrator, Gallo said, “We are so appreciative to the New Jersey Council for the Humanities for choosing SCCC as a worthy recipient of this grant.”
SCCC was one of only three community colleges statewide chosen to participate.
“We want to train local citizens on how to write news articles and be part of the democratic system of providing information that leads to informed citizens and decisions.”
“This grant promises to have far-reaching and long-term benefits for our county and its citizens,” Gallo added. “The certificate is designed to teach journalism skills and design practices for anyone in greater Sussex County who wants to share stories and information that their communities need to thrive.”
The New Jersey Council for the Humanities designed the grant with input from the Journalism + Design program at the New School.
Prof. Cheryl Conway will return as the instructor of the certificate course. Conway teaches Journalism I and 2 at SCCC and has decades of experience as a reporter and editor for community newspapers and magazines, as well as publisher of her online publication in her hometown.
Conway said, “I want the participants to begin thinking like journalists and be prepared to effectively engage with their neighbors and local government. Our aim is to prepare them to become more civically active, get involved in the community media ecosystem and seek the confidence to become a published writer.”
Nancy Gallo, director of the Center for Lifelong Learning, wrote the grant application on behalf of SCCC and the Center and previously worked as a community reporter
If you are interested in registering for the Becoming a Community Journalist Certificate, please check the Center for Lifelong Learning’s webpage on the SCCC website at https://www.sussex.edu/community/ center-for-lifelong-learning/ for further information about the certificate and how to register. The certificate will be offered in person and online beginning March 18. The in-person workshops will meet 8 consecutive Tuesdays on the SCCC campus. The online version of the certificate course is offered asynchronously and will also be taught by Prof. Conway. Participants should be computer-savvy in order to follow course material and turn in assignments.
For information about the course, you can reach out to Prof. Conway at cconway@ sussex.edu and to register please send an email to Tiffany Spear, Assistant Academic Affairs Coordinator at tspear@sussex.edu and she will assist you with registration.
By Megan Roche
MNJStarz
NJ Starz: Matthew John Bocchi
Hometown: Harding Township
atthew John Bocchi recalls his dad John Paul Bocchi.
“My dad came from a poor Italian immigrant family. My grandfather worked very hard to give them a life that he didn’t have. My dad had a very similar idea of giving me and my brothers a life that he never had. He made it very clear from a young age that we weren’t going to grow up spoiled kids. My dad worked hard. He had so many things going on outside of work. He was very active in our town, he was very active in our church, so there was a lot going on where he was a vital role and voice in our community,” Bocchi said.
From sports car rides and time spent with dad as the coach of his soccer and baseball teams, Bocchi grew up happy. John worked in New York City at the World Trade Center. He was often out late at night entertaining clients or attending meetings. But he would always make sure to get home to kiss his four son’s goodnight.
In the short few years that Matthew knew his dad, he never thought he’d live a day like September 11, 2001.
“I comprehended the day itself, but I didn’t understand the severity of it. I was pulled out of my classroom and my first instinct was that I was in trouble, but I didn’t know what I did. Once I got into the hallway, I saw my brother who was seven years old. They had then told us that a small plane had hit our dad’s building but they were evacuating the buildings and that our dad was safe,” Bocchi said.
After spending the day at school, Bocchi arrived home and immediately realized that something had happened to his dad.
“I saw so many cars parked in the driveway. I walked into the house with my brother and I witnessed numerous family members crying and huddled in corners. But I kept walking and I walked into the tv room and I saw the footage for the first time and that’s where it really hit me. I saw my dad’s building on fire, I saw the second plane hit the second tower, and I watched them come down. A family friend had changed the channel on the tv and on the new channel, they showed an image of someone falling to their death,” Bocchi said.
Matthew’s dad worked on the 104th floor of tower one and never returned home. In the days following the attacks, Matthew became obsessed with thinking that his father may have been one of the jumpers. He searched thousands of hours of footage, hoping that one of the grainy figures jumping out of the towers would be his father.
“It really involved me looking at the same videos over
and over, hoping that I would find something different in those videos. I’d pause these videos and try to enhance the screen shot. It was my thought that I could find someone who resembled my father,” Bocchi said.
He reached out to so many photographers and videographers who had footage from 9/11, but Bocchi never heard back.
“That research phase was my entire life. I’d get home from school, I’d look at the photos, I’d look at the videos, and I would think that I would find him. I really believed that I would find him,” Bocchi recalled.
Bocchi often found himself in conversations with his mother and family members about what happened to his father. Those conversations became too much and Bocchi found himself still obsessed with trying to find out what happened to his dad. During this same time, Bocchi was also being sexually abused by his uncle. It led Bocchi down a devastating path of drugs and alcohol abuse and multiple suicide attempts.
“It was my sophomore year at Villanova that I was introduced to OxyContin. From there on out, I was addicted to opiates. I was in and out of treatment centers for two years. I graduated from Villanova in 2014 and I got arrested in November of that same year and charged with three felonies. I was facing up to five years in state prison,” Bocchi said.
One incident changed it all.
“I got put on probation in 2015 and I was told that I needed to be sober for one year, something that I couldn’t even do for one day. My lawyer told me that I would get drug tested twice. The first drug test letter came in June. Leading up to that drug test, I couldn’t get sober. I called up a dealer and he told me about a detox mouthwash that would show the test as clean, even though I wasn’t,” Bocchi said.
In addition to the mouthwash, Bocchi purchased clean urine from a friend.
“As I sat in that waiting room waiting for the drug test, high out of my mind, I kept thinking that it wasn’t a place I belonged. I thought that I was smarter and better than the addicts that were in there with me. I get called in and my probation officer gave me the test and I realized that I left that fake urine at home,” Bocchi said.
After failing the test, his probation officer gave him one more chance to get clean. If he wasn’t clean in a month, he would go off to jail immediately.
“As I’m sitting at my mom’s house, trying to figure out what I am going to do. I rolled a joint, made a drink and sat in the backyard. I looked up at the sky and I saw this crystal clear blue sky that looked just like it did on 9/11. I
started crying and I asked my dad for a sign,” Bocchi said. That sign did indeed come and Bocchi said that he was done with drugs forever. He checked himself into a detox facility and since July 2015, Bocchi has been sober. Since then, Bocchi has not stopped. After writing a bestselling book, Sway, about his experiences being a child of 9/11, he’s started a journey of public speaking. Bocchi speaks on topics of drugs and alcohol abuse, his experiences on September 12, 2001, and emotional trauma.
“I’ve spoken to over 100,000 kids at this point and it’s absolutely unbelievable. I’ve dedicated my life to this venture. I get paid to help people and it’s incredible. My hope is that I can walk into a school and impact one kid, one faculty member, one person, to let them know that it’s okay not to be okay,” Bocchi said.
While he’s never found out the truth of what happened to his father, Matthew knows that his father is ultimately proud of him.
“My dad didn’t get a chance, and that’s a big part of why I do what I do today. I finally stopped worrying about what happened to him inside that building and I focus on the life that he lived in such a short period of time. It took a lot to get to that point, but I got to it. My dad wanted to find his happiness in life. He was going to quit, he had a vacation day scheduled for September 12 and he didn’t get to see that vacation day. Going into finance to try and be like him, why would I want to do something that he was trying to escape? I know, more than anything, that I didn’t care what anyone thought and I followed my heart, I know that he would be proud,” Bocchi said.
To learn more about Bocchi or to order his book, visit www.matthewjohnbocchi.com
By Evan Wechman
TNJStarz
NJ Starz: Holly Paul
Hometown: Landing
hough being at the top of one’s sport usually brings widespread attention, skeet shooting is not yet on par with professional football or baseball. However, to be one of the best in this activity requires persistence and dedication. Holly Paul of Landing, NJ has been perfecting her craft for nearly four decades and has reached the top level of skeet shooting.
She is a New Jersey Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame inductee and a National Hall of Fame inductee. Skeet shooting is a recreational and competitive activity whose participants use shotguns to attempt to break clay targets which are mechanically flung into the air at high speed and a variety of angles.
Paul who has been participating in this activity since becoming an adult fondly remembers how she got started.
“I had always been interested in outdoor sports and things like that, but the way I was kind of brought up, girls didn’t do that kind of thing, so it wasn’t until after I got out of college that a friend of mine that I was working with invited me to go to South Jersey, where there’s a bunch of what they call gravel pits and I was really good at it there, right out of the gate, so they took me to the skeet field, and then I kind of got the bug, and it just started from there. So, I started when I was about 20, and still do it to this day,” Paul said.
Paul who was active in sports as a child, especially horseback riding, loved that there was nothing arbitrary about who won or not in skeet shooting. This was very appealing to her since competing in equestrian competitions was highly subjective, where victory was often based solely on the whims of the judges.
“What I like most about it is yes, it’s a competition, but it’s more of what I call a self-competition. There’s no judges, there’s no umpires, or something like that. So basically, no matter how you do it, if you hit the target, they can’t take that away from you,” she said.
Paul’s success is unique also because she is a woman in a male-dominated sport. There are more than twice the number of male competitors than their female counterparts in both New Jersey and throughout the country. However, this has not deterred Paul but has inspired her to improve her repertoire of skills and try to be the best skeet shooter she can be.
For instance, she only competes against other women in competitive events, which is what the rules of the sport dictate. However, since there is a limited number of females to compete against, she has traveled out of New Jersey to various parts of the country to compete against all the best women’s skeet shooters.
As a result, she has proven time and again, she is a formidable competitor as she has won countless titles.
For instance, she has shot at some events, 400x400, which means that out of 400 attempts, she successfully hit
the target 400 times during a weekend competition. This is a rare feat that no other woman in New Jersey has ever done.
Paul loves competing and doesn’t feel that being a female is a limitation.
“I feel that it’s just, it’s male-dominated because females don’t partake in it. But it doesn’t take extra strength or anything like that to excel in the sport. So, I kind of thought it was pretty even, you know, if you put in the hard work and learn the sport, you can have success,” Paul said.
Paul has also worked as a teacher to other aspiring female competitors and loves watching the growth of her students. In addition, when male shooters show up to a skeet shooting field with their wives or girlfriends who have never participated in the activity, Paul is one of the first to greet them and lend a helping hand. She enjoys teaching and taking them under her wing as they learn the ropes.
According to the hall of fame skeet shooter, this draws her and other participants closer to the activity. She said that regardless of your experience level, there are always people willing to teach you the ins and outs of the sport. Paul finds this camaraderie unique, and a beautiful part of the sport.
Paul is quick to point out that she is concerned with negative perceptions coming from people unfamiliar with skeet shooting since guns are involved. According to her, the participants are a big family, and they are concerned about everyone’s safety. Therefore, gun safety is always stressed, and there is much instruction at the events between those experienced in shooting and those who are novices.
“I don’t want anyone to have negative connotations, because it is a shotgun sport. But I would say pretty much 99.9% of all your teachers are beyond responsible,” Paul said.
Though Paul has been competing for almost 40 years, she still loves it. However, she has been struggling with a shoulder injury lately, so she is not competing as much. However, she is determined to overcome this injury and continue competing at a high level.
However, when she is away from the skeet shooting field, Paul stays busy teaching and helping others.
“I’ve been an emergency critical, care veterinary nurse for about 38 years, on top of that, at the same time, I’ve been a pastor for about 10 years now through the United Methodist Church. So right now, I’m still working the veterinary job, and I’m still doing the pastor job. That’s why I’ve been moving around because the United Methodist Church has what we call an itinerary seat,” she said.
According to Paul, this means she travels and lends support to different communities throughout New Jersey and possibly neighboring states like Pennsylvania. She has lived in many different parts of New Jersey due to her devotion to her faith and serving others. However, she has called
Landing, New Jersey home for almost five years.
Though constantly settling in different areas might seem difficult to outsiders, she is dedicated to this lifestyle and finds it uniquely like her involvement in skeet shooting.
According to Paul, serving others through her church and competing with other skeet shooters brings a camaraderie not often experienced elsewhere.
The family atmosphere of skeet shooting is a big factor for Paul.
“I just want to keep participating in the sport because of the people and the travel. I have so many friends, and I know people from South Africa, from England, from all over as a result of this sport. And I used to say that if I’m stranded somewhere and I need to get some help, I can either look for a church or a skeet field because I’ve never met skeet shooters who aren’t willing to help somebody out. Even though it’s a very competitive sport, you’ll have people trying to help you out, she said.
For Paul, the sport is not about money or fame. Rather it’s about a deep connection to an activity that resembles family.
“It’s just amazing to me to watch people and the joy that they have traveling around. A lot of us have RVs or campers because of the fun times after the shoots are over, and everyone’s gathering by the campfire and gathering together after that, because it doesn’t matter where you’ve finished, we’re all in the same big club, almost, or a big camaraderie. So those are some of the best times I spent, sometimes up in Pennsylvania, on top of mountaintops, watching sunrises and sunsets, all with these incredible groups of people. So, to me, that’s the whole thing.
Holly Paul courtesy of Holly Paul.
By Henry M. Holden
New Jersey is known for growing blueberries, corn, and peaches. However, the state’s history of enslaved individuals and its role in cultivating these crops is less acknowledged. The initial arrival of enslaved individuals from Africa to New Jersey occurred in the early 1608s, facilitated by Henry Hudson, a Dutch colonist. This practice was subsequently continued by the British colonists.
The ships involved in the transatlantic slave trade docked at numerous ports along the Delaware River and at the Perth Amboy waterfront. Enslaved people were put to work on farms throughout the state, and in ports and cities.
The 1664 Concessions and Agreements promoted slavery by granting land based on the number of slaves and servants settlers owned. Settlers were eligible to receive up to 150 acres for each enslaved adult, allowing individuals with a significant number of enslaved people to potentially accumulate large farms.
In 1801, New Jersey had an estimated enslaved population of approximately 12,000 individuals. The state enacted the Gradual Abolition Act in 1804 to abolish slavery, but the emancipation process was gradual and never fully completed.
In 1808, the U.S. Congress passed an Act that banned the importation of enslaved people, indicating the United States’ decision to stop the practice. The U.S. ban did not end the slave trade. According to Stephen Chambers, 25 percentage (3.2 million) of enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas after the legislation.
On January 23, 1866, New Jersey tried once more
New Jersey’s Roll in Abolishing Slavery
to abolish slavery through a state Constitutional Amendment signed by the governor, but it never ended slavery in the state.
Poor record-keeping of enslaved people erased their identities, depriving descendants of ancestral knowledge. Many African Americans remained enslaved until after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, and beyond.
More than 85 percent of the enslaved individuals brought to Cuba, totaling 759,669, and 40 percent of those brought to Brazil, totaling 2.2 million, arrived after 1807. New Jersey was significant in this practice. These enslaved individuals were transported across the Atlantic to work on Cuban sugar plantations and agricultural enterprises in South America, not into the U.S.
New Jersey, the most densely populated state with the second highest per capita income, has a strong public school system. A 1947 constitutional change banned segregation in schools, a decade before Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling but without any real enforcement was doomed.
New Jersey was the last northern state to abolish slavery and had significant economic ties with the South. The state-built wealth through a trade relationship by selling leather goods, maritime equipment, and other manufactured items. The British Navy attempted but failed to stop the trade.
Linda Caldwell Epps, Ph.D., a Black historical researcher, notes that many New Jersey residents are unaware of the state’s involvement in slavery. Despite growing up in New Jersey, she says, “In elementary or high school, I never learned about the enslavement of people in
the state.”
The U.S. heavily relied on products from enslaved Southern economies, complicating trade interception. Even after the U.S. ban, sugar and gold continued to flow north on U.S. ships, supported by illegally transported enslaved Africans. This era greatly advanced U.S. finance, market integration, and globalization. As coffee, sugar, and spices expanded European and Asian markets for U.S. businesses, slave ships played a role in this economic growth.
The enslaved communities endured immense suffering, violence, and unlawful deaths from the outset.
One of the most wellknown slave revolts in American history occurred in 1831 when Nat Turner led an uprising in Southampton County, Virginia. Turner planned his rebellion after experiencing visions that he interpreted as instructions to gain freedom through force. On August 21, 1831, Turner and his accomplices killed his master’s family in their sleep.
From there, the small band of about 70 enslaved moved from house to house, eventually killing over 50 whites with clubs, knives and guns. It took a militia force to put down the rebellion, and Turner and 55 others were captured and later executed by the state.
Hysteria swept through the region in the aftermath of Turner’s revolt, and as many as 200 enslaved were eventually killed by white mobs. The rebellion also triggered a series of oppressive restrictions on enslave populations. Several states banned teaching enslaved people to read or write, citing Turner’s intelligence as a key factor in his revolt. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this prohibition unconstitutional, but
discrimination persisted for decades.
Despite fighting with the North in the Civil War, slavery was widespread in New Jersey for over 200 years before that war.
During the Revolutionary War, individuals who were enslaved participated in combat for both sides. The British offered freedom to those who escaped from their enslavers and joined the fight for the Crown.
Beverly Mills discovered that her ancestor, Friday, was mentioned in minister Oliver Hart’s diary because his mother, Dinah, was enslaved by Hart.
“He was thought of as dollars and cents, not as a person,” Mills noted. Friday Truehart was listed among Oliver Hart’s possessions in his will. That document eventually gave Friday his freedom – but only after he was passed down to Oliver Hart’s son.
The resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, leading up to the end of the Civil War, relates to the efforts of enslaved African Americans to attain their freedom by escaping from bondage. Wherever slavery existed, individuals made efforts to escape. Initially, these escapes occurred in remote or rugged environments on the outside edge of settled areas and eventually extended across state and
international borders. These acts of self-emancipation were historically labeled as “fugitives,” “escapees,” or “runaways.” However, upon reflection, the term “freedom seeker” more accurately describes these individuals.
While many freedom seekers started and completed their escape unaided, efforts to assist increased with each decade slavery remained legal in the United States.
After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, the Underground Railroad became more organized.
New Jersey, known for its social justice advocates, had approximately ten stops on the network. People from various backgrounds in New Jersey participated in civil disobedience, helping freedom seekers travel to destinations like Canada, Mexico, Spanish Florida, Indian territory, the West, Caribbean islands, and Europe.
In New Jersey (and the rest of the United States) the U.S. Congress finally took permanent and decisive action by passing three Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) abolished slavery in the United States after the Civil War.
The Fourteenth (1868) established a constitutional
right for African American males to vote in elections and prohibited the states from depriving any person of life, liberty or property.
The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, provided equal protection under the law and granted citizenship to African Americans.
Additionally, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which banned racial discrimination in the public accommodations. However, in 1883, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional, stating that discrimination by individuals or private businesses did not violate the Constitution.
The 15th Amendment (1870) granted the right to vote for all male citizens and naturalized males regardless of their ethnicity or prior enslaved status.
By Megan Roche
DMarket Street Mission Executive Director Retires, Honored by Morris County Commissioners
avid Scott, who served as the Executive Director at Market Street Mission, was recently honored as he retired.
Scott, who served as CEO of the mission for 35, retired in late December. According to a release from Morris County, in his role as CEO, Scott spearheaded significant growth in the Mission’s Emergency Assistance and Life Change Recovery Program, which now serves both residential and non-residential clients.
He also doubled the size of the Morristown facility, expanded the Mission’s reach to the Jersey Shore and Sussex County, enhancing programs that have served tens of thousands annually with meals, shelter and support.
The Mission now provides more than 140,000 meals and 44,000 nights of shelter annually. In recognition of its impact, Newsweek named Market Street Mission one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers for the past two years. In 2024, it celebrated the graduation of its 100th Life Change addiction recovery class.
Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen presented Scott with a framed
resolution of honor, highlighting his tenure at the Mission, a community institution providing aid to the homeless, hungry and individuals struggling with addiction since 1889.
“David has dedicated his life to helping others find hope and recovery. His leadership and service has had a profound impact on Morris County,” said Director Selen. “Under his guidance, the Market Street Mission expanded its reach and transformed countless lives, providing hope, support and a path forward for those who needed it most.”
Scott began his career in service as a chaplain’s assistant in the U.S. Army. Before joining the Market Street Mission, he served as superintendent of the Goodwill Home and Rescue Mission in Newark, N.J., and directed the residential treatment program at the Yonkers Gospel Mission.
“Here in Morris County, we are particularly grateful for your partnership with our Human Services Department in meeting critical community needs, especially during the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” Selen added.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in behavioral science and a Master of Arts in counseling
from California State University and is a certified clinical supervisor, a licensed certified alcohol and drug counselor, and a licensed professional counselor.
Scott’s contributions have been recognized nationally, including the dedication of the Mission’s Asbury Park building in his honor and the declaration of Dec. 5, 2024 as “David Scott Day” in Morristown.
Market Street Mission also boasts a thrift store in both the Morris County and Asbury Park locations. The mission maintains a 25,000 square foot industrial center, which
houses the Thrift Store and Warehouse, at the end of George Street off Martin Luther King Avenue. Among the items offered for sale at bargain prices are new and used furniture, clothing, housewares, appliances, sporting goods, office furnishings, and knickknacks. The Thrift Store accepts donations of most items except toys, books, medical equipment, baby furniture and damaged furniture. Donations are tax-deductible, and all proceeds benefit the Mission. To learn more about Market Street Mission and its efforts, visit marketstreet. org.
(l-r) Commissioners John Krickus and Christine Myers, Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen, David Scott, Commissioners Deborah Smith and Thomas Mastrangelo, and Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw.
Celebrating Women’s History Month: A Tribute to Women’s Contributions Throughout the Ages
Women’s History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the countless achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This annual observance, which takes place in March, serves as a reminder of the remarkable women who have shaped our world and inspired future generations.
The origins of Women’s History Month can be traced back to the early 20th century when International Women’s Day was first observed in 1909. Inspired by labor movements and activism, this day aimed to highlight the social, economic, and political achievements of women. Over the years, the observance of International Women’s Day spread globally, gaining momentum and recognition.
In the United States, the push for a designated month to honor women’s history gained traction in the 1970s during the height of the feminist movement. In 1978, a school district in Sonoma, California, organized a week-long celebration of women’s contributions, which soon spread to other communities across the country. Encouraged by this grassroots movement, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of
March 8th as National Women’s History Week in 1980.
The momentum continued to build, and in 1987, Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month. Since then, Women’s History Month has been a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in all fields, including politics, science, literature, art, and beyond.
Throughout history, women have made significant strides in the face of adversity and discrimination. From trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who fought tirelessly for women’s suffrage, to Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked the Civil Rights Movement, women have been at the forefront of social change.
In science and technology, women have also left an indelible mark. Figures like Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of women in STEM fields.
Literature and the arts have also been enriched by the contributions of women. From the poetry of Emily Dickinson
and Maya Angelou to the novels of Jane Austen and Toni Morrison, women writers have captivated audiences and challenged societal norms with their words.
In recent decades, Women’s History Month has expanded to recognize the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities. This inclusive approach reflects the intersectional nature of feminism and acknowledges the unique challenges faced by different groups of women.
Today, Women’s History Month is celebrated with events and activities that highlight the achievements of women past and present. From panel discussions and lectures to art exhibitions and film screenings, there are countless opportunities to learn about and honor the contributions of women in all aspects of society.
As we commemorate Women’s History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for gender equality. By honoring the past and uplifting the voices of women today, we can create a more equitable and just future for all.
Fun and Educational Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual holiday that has been celebrated since 1970. Despite somewhat humble beginnings, much of the globe now celebrates Earth Day, which this year takes place on Saturday, April 22.
Earth Day has long drawn attention to issues affecting the planet and its climate. The effects of those issues have grown increasingly noticeable in recent years, which makes this Earth Day and all subsequent celebrations an ideal opportunity to celebrate the planet while learning about the many challenges it faces in the years to come. The following are some unique, fun and educational ways to celebrate the planet this April.
• Leave the car at home. Winter weather is a distant memory by late April in many places, making Earth Day an ideal time to travel by foot or by bicycle instead of by car. That’s not only fun, but also a great opportunity to learn about carbon emissions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Vehicles also emit a substantial amount of methane and nitrous oxide. This is why gas-powered vehicles are so often
linked to climate change, much of which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions. A carfree Earth Day can be fun and serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.
• Volunteer with a local environmental organization. Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day many of these organizations sponsor ecoconscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness about issues like climate change. Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity makes for a fun and educational way to spend your Earth Day.
• Get your hands dirty and plant. The National Forest Foundation notes that planting trees can have a profound and positive impact on the planet. According to the NFF, planting more trees helps forests to sequester carbon, which can have a significant effect on climate change. The NFF estimates that 100 mature trees can remove 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and 430 pounds of pollution from the atmosphere. Even if you can’t work with a local forestry organization to
plant more trees in a nearby forest, planting native trees on your own property can help combat climate change.
• Involve children in your efforts to combat climate change. Today’s adults likely won’t be the ones forced to confront the more challenging consequences of climate change. Unfortunately, that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations. That makes this Earth Day a great time to involve kids more directly in efforts to combat
climate change. Explain the significance of avoiding the car, volunteering or planting trees in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the future of the planet could very well be in their hands. Earth Day takes on greater significance each year as the effects of climate change become more noticeable. This year the holiday can be celebrated in various ways that are both enjoyable and educational.
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