Livingston Resident Hosts New Standards Show on West Coast
By Steve Sears
The moment Livingston resident, Chuck Granata, kicks off his new weekly “Sinatra Standard Time” radio show on KSDS-FM Jazz 88.3 in San Diego, you know this is going to be a treat.
Granata’s voice is smooth and friendly, inviting you to his side by his turntable or CD player, inviting you to listen in and embrace what my dad used to call “the good stuff.”
And it certainly is.
“What people my age consider ‘radio’ has changed considerably in the last 30 years,” Granata said. “There are very few jazz stations in the New York market anymore, and the landmark traditional pop station, WNEW/WQEW, went off the air decades ago. There is no outlet for the Sinatra-style pop-jazz of the 1940s through 70s, except in subscription radio such as Sirius-XM.”
Granata wanted to present a show that you could not hear anywhere else: one that was polished yet fun, as well as interesting and informative without being academic. And he also wanted to purposefully avoid doing an entire program dedicated to “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”
Granata said, “While he (Sinatra) set many of the standards for this music, his was not the only voice. There are many, many vocalists who are as unique and distinct as he was. I also wanted to interweave real
jazz instrumentals with the jazz-tinged vocal standards, i.e. play John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins alongside Ella (Fitzgerald) and Frank and Louis (Armstrong). The jazz format of KSDS - and their listeners’ love for Sinatra and the standards - made this approach sensible.”
Granata, 61, is no stranger to radio. He had produced Nancy Sinatra’s Sirius-XM radio show for 15 years and realized he needed a break from the weekly pressure of creating a new three-hour show.
However, his love of radio never subsided, and he felt he still had something to offer.
Then last December, he was contacted by Ken Poston, who runs the Los Angeles Jazz Society and is the program director at KSDS-FM in San Diego. Granata said, “He asked me to do a series of specials for their multi-week ‘12 Days of Sinatra’ marathon for Frank’s birthday. I had appeared at a few of the L. A. Jazz Society conferences, and Ken was familiar with my books and my work in the record and radio industry. A few months ago, he asked me to join KSDS’s extraordinary roster of jazz experts and do a weekly show (plus periodic specials). I love KSDS, because the on-air hosts are passionate, deeply knowledgeable, and most articulate. Turns out it was perfect for what I have wanted to do: have my own show on a legitimate terrestrial radio
station for a very long time!”
Granata is wrapping up work with several books on music and pop culture and slowly fine-tuning a fiction book - a psychological thriller - that draws on both his police (he is a retired Livingston police officer) and entertainment backgrounds He is also readying certain portions of his extensive recorded sound collection, research interviews and files, and musicmarginalia collection for donation to the Great American Songbook Foundation,
which is headed by his close friend, singer and pianist Michael Feinstein.
Granata said, “We share a deep belief in music preservation and archiving, and I’m slowly archiving the many thousands of records and other items I’ve amassed over the last forty years so that it can serve to inform and enlighten music students and historians long after I’m gone.”
“Sinatra Standard Time” can be heard online every Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on www.jazz88.org.
Chuck Granata at the microphone (credit: KEG Productions)
President George W. Bush’s Address to the Nation on September 11, 2001
On the evening of September 11, 2001, United States President George W. Bush addressed a nation that earlier that day witnessed the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history. That morning, hijackers took control of four airplanes, ultimately crashing two into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in a field near the town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers and crew attempted to regain control of the plane from the hijackers. All passengers and crew on board all four flights died on September 11, and thousands of others on the ground lost their lives that day as well. It was under those conditions that President Bush delivered the following speech to a shaken nation.
Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.
The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.
The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business, as well.
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.
America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.”
This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
Thank you. Good night, and God bless America.
New Jersey’s Olympians are Bringing Home the Hardware
By Megan Roche
As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games have come to a close, New Jersey athletes earned a number of medals. Here’s how New Jersey members of Team USA fared in Paris.
USA Gymnastics
Earning the title of the youngest athlete on Team USA for the 2024 Olympic Games, 16-year-old Oradell native Hezly Rivera contributed to the women’s team gymnastics competition during the qualification round. While she did not compete in the team final competition, she still earned a gold medal for her efforts during qualification.
USA Judo
Jack Yonezuka of West Long Branch competed as the youngest member of USA’s Judo team. His family is famous in the Judo world, as he is the son of 1980 Olympian Nick Yonezuka. During the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Yonezuka competed on July 29 against Moldovia’s Adil Osmanov and lost 10-0.
USA Fencing
Foil fencer Jackie Dubrovich of Riverdale may not have placed in the individual foil competition, but alongside her teammates, she is bringing home a gold medal after
defeating Italy 45-39. Dubrovich was ousted in the individual competition during the first round after a tough bout with Hungary’s Flora Pasztor.
Sabre fencer Mitchell Saron of Ridgewood went head to head during the first match of his Olympics with Maxime Pianfetti of France, who he beat 15-12. During the second round of individual competition, Saron was ousted by Egypt’s Ziad El Sissy by a score of 15-13. Saron also contributed to a seventh place finish in the team competition.
Livingston native Elizabeth Tartakovsky participated in the Olympic Games as a sabre fencer. Tartakovsky competed individually but lost during the first round against Nada Hafez of Egypt. During the team competition, Tartakovsky helped the US to a fifth place finish.
USA Swimming
Morristown’s Jack Alexy earned both a gold and silver medal in the pool. As a member of the 4x100m freestyle team, Alexy swam first and helped set the rest of the team up for success. The team’s final time of 3:09.28 earned them gold. While Alexy did not swim in the 4x100m medley relay, his swim during qualifying earned him a silver medal.
These Olympians from New Jersey are bringing home medals of all kinds (Photos courtesy of USA Judo, USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming/Mike Lewis, US Fencing/Serge Timacheff, US Soccer/Getty Images, US Field Hockey, USA Basketball, US Golf/J. Lindeberg, USA Track and Field, USA Table Tennis, USA Sport Climbing, US Triathlon, and US Rowing)
Morristown’s Nic Fink is bringing home three medals; two silver and one gold. As part of the mixed 4x100m medley relay team, Fink helped secure a new world record on the event with a time of 3:37.43.
The mixed relay team took the gold. Fink’s swim in the men’s 4x100m medley and the men’s 100m breaststroke earned him two silver medals.
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Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
NJ’s Olympians
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USA Field Hockey
Randolph’s Amanda Golini was on the pitch with the US Field Hockey team. The U.S. team was an underdog going into the competition and ultimately lost its first game to Argentina. USA turned it around during the second match, tying Spain. In the match against Australia, the U.S. was shut out. For a chance to qualify for the medal rounds, the U.S. needed to beat Great Britain on Aug. 1, but ultimately lost 5-2. The team played its final match against South Africa and won 1-0 to close out their Olympic journey.
USA Men’s Soccer
Paxton Aaronson of Medford and John Tolkin of Chatham helped the United States Men’s Soccer team to pool play wins against New Zealand and Guinea. During the quarterfinals against Morocco, the US was shutout 4-0, thus ending their Olympic Games.
USA Sport Climbing
Upper Montclair’s Jesse Grupper competed in the semifinal of boulder and lead climbing. During the boulder semifinal, Grupper placed 18th with a final score of 18.9. He also placed 18th in the lead climbing competition with a score of 30.9.
USA Track and Field
East Brunswick’s Sam Mattis, who competes in the discus throw, earned his chance to compete after Track and Field Trials in Eugene, OR. During qualifications, Mattis threw for 62.66m, putting him in 7th place and just outside a shot at the finals.
Sydney McLoughlin-Levrone, a three time Olympian,
returned to the Games to defend her title in the 400m hurdles. During the finals, McLaughlin-Levrone posted a new world record for the event with a time of 50.37. She won the gold medal for her performance.
Mount Olive’s Keturah Orji also returned for her third Olympic Games. Participating in the triple jump, Orji qualified for the finals, but ultimately placed ninth in the competition.
Curtis Thompson of Florence competed in the qualification round of the javelin throw competition. He placed 13th overall and did not advance to the finals.
USA Triathlon
Morgan Pearson of New Vernon competed in both the individual triathlon and as part of the mixed relay triathlon. During his individual competition, Pearson placed 31st overall with a time of 1:48:26. As part of the mixed relay competition, Pearson took home a silver medal in a photo finish with Team Germany who ended up with the gold.
USA Rowing
Molly Reckford of Short Hills competed with Team USA as a member of the Women’s lightweight double sculls team. During the team’s first qualifying heat, they placed second behind Romania and in the semifinal round placed third behind Great Britain and New Zealand. In the finals, the team landed in sixth place.
USA Men’s Golf
Scottie Scheffler of Ridgewood found his way to the top of the podium in the individual men’s golf competition. In round 1 of the competition, Scheffler placed sixth, in round 2 of the competition, Scheffler placed 10th, in round 3 of
the competition, Scheffler placed sixth again and during round four placed first, earning him gold.
USA Table Tennis
Sewell’s Amy Wang contributed in the women’s table tennis team competition against Germany, where the US ultimately fell 3-2. In the individual competition, Wang won a shutout match against Vanuatu’s Priscila Tommy and advanced to play Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz where she lost 4-2.
USA Basketball
Bam Adebayo of Newark returned for his second Olympic Games. The USA men’s basketball team returns as the defending gold medalists. With pool play wins against Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico, the US was matched up against Brazil in the quarterfinals. After beating Brazil 122-87, the US once again faced Serbia in a tight game that they won by coming back from a 17 point deficit. During the gold medal game, the US took on France and won gold after posting a 98-87 final score.
USA Women’s Soccer
Casey Murphy, goalie on the women’s soccer team, helped the team earn pool play wins against Zambia, Australia, and Germany. During the quarterfinals, the US shut out Japan with a score of 1-0. Facing Germany again in the semifinals, the US also shut them out with a score of 1-0. With a gold medal on the line, the US met with Brazil in the finals. The US won gold with a shutout against Brazil, 1-0.
For more content on the Olympics, visit www.olympics. com
Formerly Al’s Shed World/Florham Park Hardware
Oktoberfest in Rockaway
by Elsie Walker
Oktoberfest is a German festival which started as the celebration of a prince’s marriage in the 1800s. Online Brittanica explains that over time, Oktoberfest morphed into a folk festival famously celebrated in Munich, Germany, but it is also held in areas of the United States with the celebratory spirit of food, fun, and music. Germania Park of New Jersey, Inc., a social club dedicated to sharing German traditions and culture will be holding Oktoberfest, open to the public, on Saturday, September 21st from 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm and on Sunday, September 22nd from 1:00pm – 7:00pm. Located at 56 Conger Street in Rockaway Township, admission to the event will be $5 at the door. The event will be held rain or shine (as Germania Park has a large outdoor pavilion). Recently, Susan Herleth of Allamuchy, Germania Park’s entertainment chairperson, talked about the festival.
Some might wonder why they are holding Oktoberfest in September. Herleth explained that they started holding the festival in the ‘70s; September was picked for it because, at that time, German bands were coming over for the Steuben Day parade in New York in September and would be available to come to Germania Park. Even though things changed, the date tradition continues. Actually, Germania Park holds an Oktoberfest in June, too. It is the German spirit to celebrate; it doesn’t matter what the date. Herleth shared that in Germany, “they make a celebration out of the simplest things.” As an example, she noted the Asparagus Festival held to celebrate the harvesting of asparagus.
Germania Park’s September Oktoberfest will include German food, music, vendors, a beer stein contest, and
special fun for kids on the Sunday. Past Oktoberfests have had 2,000 in attendance over two days. The kitchen opens at 1pm each day. There will be German beer and the kitchen will be preparing and selling German style food including potato salad, bratwurst, potato pancakes, and various German desserts. There will be live music on both days. On Saturday, from 1pm – 5pm will be Budd and Linda, and from 6pm – 10pm, the Barvarski Boys will be performing. Herleth describes the latter as “an absolutely phenomenal young band”. On Sunday from 2 – 6pm will be David Betz. Offerings will include traditional German music such as polkas. There will be vendors with a couple of them selling German items. Among the vendors will be Eddie’s Almonds, which has been at the festival for years. “He sells the best nuts,” shared Herleth. In addition, there will be an information table representing the German Language School of Morris County for those who might be interested in its offerings. There will also be a beer stein contest for both men and women; and on Sunday, there will be a variety of special offerings for children.
What’s a beer stein contest? Herleth explained that in a beer stein contest, participants have to hold a stein full of beer with a straight out-stretched arm. It takes a strong arm. The one who can do it longest is the winner. There will be a beer stein contest for men and for women.
As for that Sunday, it will be a busy day for children’s activities. Those include a petting zoo, a clown, and face painting in the early afternoon. At 3pm, there will be a children’s ice cream parade. The children in attendance will be asked to get up and join in the parade that will walk around and end up at an ice cream vendor’s truck. There,
the children will be treated to free ice cream. For more information on Germania Park, Inc. and its events, visit its website at https://germaniapark.com/
NJ Ballet Enters 66th Performance Season
The NJ Ballet calls Florham Park home but performs throughout the state of New Jersey during its season. The 2024-2025 season is no different.
The ballet announced recently that it’s 2024-2025 season will house an array of works from George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Justin Peck, Peter Martins, Lauren Lovette, and also a world premiere from former New York City Ballet principal dancer Harrison Ball.
Maria Kowroski, who has been at the helm of NJ Ballet since 2021, made sure that the 2024/2025 performance season was full of ballet classics and also new pieces.
Around the state, NJ Ballet has performances scheduled at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Mayo Performing Arts Center, Two River Theater, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, Bergen Performing Arts Center, and Union County Performing Arts Center throughout the year.
Among the season’s highlights are George Balanchine’s Serenade, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary since its premiere in 1935, and Jerome Robbins’ In the Night, performed with live piano accompaniment. In April, the New
Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) will present NJB in the Victoria Theater on April 24 and 25. The program will feature Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs and the highly anticipated World Premiere by former New York City Ballet principal dancer Harrison Ball, marking his second world premiere for NJB.
As New Jersey Ballet is the resident ballet company at Mayo Performing Arts Center, planned performances include Creative Forces on Nov. 8, The Nutcracker from Dec. 13 through Dec. 26, Masterpieces in Motion on March 15, 2025, Once Upon A Time on March 23, and Timeless Masterpieces on May 17 and 18.
In partnership with the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJB will present two Sensory Friendly programs: The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 1, and Once Upon A Time on March 30. Both Sensory Programs are one hour in length.
Season lineup by theater is below: Morristown at the Mayo Performing Arts Center:
November 8, 2024: Creative Forces
December 13-26, 2024: The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
March 15, 2025: Masterpieces in Motion; Balanchine and more
March 23, 2025: Once Upon A Time
May 17 and 18, 2025: Timeless Masterpieces: Swan Lake Act II, George Balanchine’s Serenade and Rubies
Newark at the NJ Performing Arts Center:
April 24 and 25, 2025: New Jersey Ballet in the Victoria Theater
April 24, 2025: NJ Ballet Spring Gala Red Bank at Two River Theater:
November 16, 2024: Creative Forces Rahway at the Union County Performing Arts Center:
December 1, 2024: The Nutcracker
(sensory friendly)
March 30, 2025: Once Upon A Time (sensory friendly)
New Brunswick at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center: February 22, 2025: Masterworks in Motion: Balanchine, Martins and more Englewood at the Bergen Performing Arts Center:
December 7, 2024: The Nutcracker
December 8, 2024: The Nutcracker
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.njballet.org.
The New Jersey Ballet enters its 66th performance season in 2024 (Photo Credit: NJ Ballet)
Tips for Older Americans to Protect Themselves Against Scams
Scammers are getting better at what they do all the time. According to the Data Book, Americans reported losing $10 billion to scams in 2023, a full $1 billion more than in 2022. While anyone can be a victim, elderly people are often targeted, as they are presumed to have more savings.
According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, you can help safeguard your financial future with these tips:
Slow Down
From romance scams to debt and IRS scams, many scammers use emotional appeals to scare or charm their victims into giving up personal information or their money. Before acting, take a deep breath and speak to a trusted friend or relative who may be able to help you spot a potential scam. Remember that the IRS initiates contact only through the U.S. mail, not via email, text or social media. You can also do a bit of investigative work yourself. For example, if you receive an email claiming to be your bank or another institution asking you to click on a link, first make sure the request is legitimate. Do the return address and URL look right? Are there spelling errors? If you’re contacted by text or with a phone call, look up the
number of the bank or company and call them back directly, not with the number provided.
Be Choosy
As you age, it’s common to enlist friends and family to help you make financial decisions and with everyday administrative tasks, like paying your taxes or your bills. Select who has access to your sensitive documents and online accounts carefully.
Also, never leave bills, statements and other identifying information lying around. You may want to invest in a paper shredder or a file cabinet with a lock so you can dispose of and store documents carefully. You should also ensure all your online accounts have strong passwords that are known only to you.
Finally, consider setting up automatic bill payments. This not only has the benefit of keeping you up-to-date on payments and helping you avoid late fees, it will also reduce the amount of sensitive paperwork you have in your home and receive by mail. Seek Assistance
If you are the victim of identity theft or another scam, a CFP® professional can help you recover with a smart financial plan. They can also help you avoid becoming a victim in the first place by helping you
monitor your accounts and by setting up notifications from your financial institutions when suspicious activity is detected. As a fiduciary, they have an ethical obligation to work in your best interests at all times and can be a valuable member of your money team. To find a CFP® professional near you, visit letsmakeaplan.org.
It’s easy to think identity fraud and other financial abuse is something that happens only to other people. But scam tactics are becoming more sophisticated, and anyone can be targeted. The best defense is staying abreast of the latest tactics and arming yourself with the assistance of trusted advocates. (StatePoint)
By Henry M. Holden
WSowing the Seeds of Victory
orld War I created a severe food crisis in Europe as agricultural workers were recruited into military service and farms were transformed into battlefields. As a result, the burden of feeding millions of starving people fell to the United States.
Faced with having to feed an expanded military and a hungry population, the US government reintroduced the idea of War Gardens from World War I. They rebranded them as Victory Gardens for World War II.
Victory Gardens freed up agricultural produce, packaging, and transportation resources for the war effort, and helped offset shortages of agricultural workers. Victory Gardeners increased their health through physical activity, and their families enjoyed better nutrition. The program also fostered patriotism, and a sense of community.
World War II Victory Gardens were grown on farms, in backyards, on city rooftops, in window-boxes, on public lands, and in vacant lots.
Victory Gardens, also called food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted around private homes and public parks during both World Wars. In wartime, governments encouraged people to plant victory gardens not only to supplement their rations but also to boost morale. They were used along with rationing stamps and cards to reduce pressure on the food supply.
Victory Gardens is Morris County’s smallest municipality, measured both by size and population, and
its most densely populated. The origins of the borough began as a federal housing project for local defense workers employed at Picatinny Arsenal and other nearby defense related industries during World War II.
The initial layout of the land to construction took just six months.
This youngest municipality in Morris County was incorporated after separation from Randolph Township in 1951. Victory Gardens, like the 19th century company towns that preceded it, was created to encourage efficiency and productivity by providing affordable housing.
Morris County acquired 91 acres in Randolph Township as the site of a 300-unit housing project for war industry employees. The borough was named for the victory gardens planted at private residences during World War I. The federal government paid for all infrastructure.
The program discouraged people from growing private victory gardens in large towns and cities. The general lack of space, poor soil, and poor light meant a poor return on war-scarce materials including pesticides, tools, and fertilizers
Gardening was also a way to spend time when not working and a way to improve their surroundings. Because those in the camps were under the same rationing restrictions as other Americans, victory gardens supplemented government-issue meals with fresh and varied produce
Promoted through posters advocating civilians planting
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their own vegetables, the war garden movement spread by word of mouth, through women’s clubs, civic associations, and chambers of commerce. which actively encouraged participation in the campaign. First-time gardeners were provided with pamphlets on how, when and where to sow. They were offered suggestions as to the best crops to plant, along with tips on preventing disease and insect infestations.
The venture was so well received that the government turned its attention to distributing canning and drying manuals to help people preserve their surplus crops. In addition to the appeal to men and women, the Federal Bureau of Education initiated a U.S. School Garden Army to mobilize children to enlist as “soldiers of the soil.” The results of these efforts yielded more than 5.2 million garden plots nationally which generated an estimated 1.45 million quarts of canned fruits and vegetables.
Shortly after the United States was drawn into World War II, victory gardens began to re-emerge. Once again, commercial crops were diverted to the military overseas while transportation was redirected towards moving troops and munitions instead of food.
With the introduction of food rationing in the United States in the spring of 1942, Americans had an even greater incentive to grow their own fruits and vegetables in locations they could find: Eleanor Roosevelt even planted a victory garden on the White House lawn.
Randolph Township residents approved a referendum as part of a September 1951, special election in which
voters were asked if the township’s Victory Gardens neighborhood should be removed from the township and created as an independent municipality for its 1,300 residents covering 92 acres.
Victory Gardens was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on June 20, 1951, from portions of Randolph Township, based on the results of the referendum passed on September 18, 1951.
After almost 40 years, the original buildings needed replacement. A project approved in 1973 brought the construction of 184 units of garden apartments on a site covering 12.4 acres, providing permanent housing for an estimated 400 people. That would be contrasted with the original structures built in 1942 that had long passed their expected lifespan.
People who were unable to garden were encouraged to help preserve produce for others, or to distribute flowers to hospitals and shut ins.
Victory Gardens introduced people to gardening and to unfamiliar crops like Swiss chard and kohlrabi. Some also raised chickens in their gardens, providing eggs, meat, and insect control. Community Victory Gardens provided more than a plot of dirt: “War news was shared. Recipes and remedies were shared, and gossip too.
Some Americans had gardens before World War II. But many were new to the practice: About 18 million families met the situation by growing Victory Gardens. Many of these people will be growing a garden for the first time.
Growing Victory Gardens was only half the challenge. Gardeners also had to preserve their crops for use
throughout the year. There were many resources to help people preserve their crops, ranging from information to canning classes.
As in World War I, Victory Gardens freed up agricultural produce, packaging, and transportation resources for the war effort, and helped offset shortages of agricultural workers. Victory Gardeners increased their health through physical activity, and their families enjoyed better diets.
At the outbreak of WWII, virtually all Japanese Americans were relocated to detention camps far away from the cities. Perhaps most importantly, gardening was a way to keep the Japanese heritage alive and foster community healing. Detention camp gardeners planted traditional Japanese vegetables and ornamental plants alongside vegetables like peas, pumpkins, corn, and cucumbers. Japanese gardeners often incorporated traditional layouts and locations in their plantings. Japanese and Japanese Americans planted their gardens in detention camps knowing they may not be there to harvest them. The reasons that residents chose to grow Victory Gardens were complex. For many there was the patriotism of being American and supporting the war, despite the government forcing them into camps.
Federal and state agencies, local governments, private citizens, and civic groups all published guides and held classes to ensure success. They advised on what to grow, how to grow it, gave sample garden plans, sample yields, and information on weed and pest control.
Camp residents planted these trees in part for shade,
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but they are also a popular choice for bonsai. Soil chemistry identified chemicals added to make the desert soils productive. These included ammonium nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, crumbled eggshells and crushed abalone shells. By encouraging Americans to spend time outside and eat more fresh produce, the Victory Garden Program promoted healthy habits. In addition to their physical health benefits, victory gardens helped boost morale by bringing communities together.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved mood.
Organizers recommended communal gardening in school grounds, parks, vacant lots, and elsewhere. Companies and agencies including the National Institutes of Health and managers of the Manhattan
Project also provided land for employee Victory Gardens.
Many Americans had gardens before World War II. But many were new to the practice.
Federal and state agencies, local governments, private citizens, and civic groups all published guides and held classes to ensure success. They advised on what to grow, how to grow it, gave sample garden plans, sample yields, and information on weed and pest control. Many who grew up with Victory Gardens continued gardening throughout their lives and introduced it to their children.
Today Victory Gardens in Morris County is like many other suburban regions. But there are some differences. Victory Gardens has curvilinear streets, a pattern that is a legacy of Romanic nineteenth century characteristic of many New Jersey suburbs built in the late 1920s and 30s. It also named its streets after American presidents.
The 9/11 Memorial
Among the more indelible images to emerge on September 11, 2001 was the sight of two planes crashing into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. Still photos and video footage of those planes flying into the Twin Towers were the first images of the attacks many Americans saw, and no one who watched events unfold that morning will ever forget those images.
Though both the North and South Towers fell on that day, today the site where each tower once stood is a serene retreat in the bustling lower Manhattan neighborhood that was shaken to its core on the day of the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial was designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum notes that Arad and Walker’s proposal
was chosen in a design competition that featured 5,201 submissions from 63 countries.
The 9/11 Memorial is located on the western side of the formal World Trade Center where the Twin Towers once stood. Two enormous reflecting pools are part of the Memorial Plaza, which is where the North and South Towers once stood. The pools feature the two largest man-made waterfalls in North America. Around the edges of the pools, the names of people who were killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York, the Pentagon, on Flight 93, and in the 1993 bombing at the World Trade Center are etched in bronze.
In recognition of the crash sites, 400 swamp white oak trees were selected from nurseries located in New York, Pennsylvania and
near Washington, D.C. These trees are located throughout the Memorial Plaza, providing a peaceful respite separate from the surrounding city. The Memorial Plaza also includes one Callery pear tree. That tree was discovered at Ground Zero weeks after the attacks and it was severely damaged. The tree, now known as the Survivor Tree, was nursed back to health by members of the New York City Parks and Recreation Department and returned to the World Trade Center site in 2010, where it still stands as an enduring symbol of resilience and perseverance.
The 9/11 Memorial is free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information about the 9/11 Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum can be found at www.911memorial.org.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
AWhen You Are Granted A Bad Medical Report
s I write this article, it is early morning, in early August. Next month, in early September, I will turn 71. I am woefully aware that I have fallen back in writing back to people who have written to me. Lately too much time has been spent in the waiting room of doctors, going through different cardiac tests and scans, and spending too much time waiting in hospital waiting areas to have MRI’s and more involved heart scans being done.
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the second cousin, twice removed, at the family picnic of the priority of heart disease research. It really is. Basically because HCM only affects about one out of every 500 people, and the very specific Apical HCM affects even less people.
Regardless of the disease, getting a bad medical report is not a Sunday afternoon picnic. But if I may, here are some uplifting thoughts and perspectives that I would like to share with others.
First and foremost, give yourself the gift of time to be alone with your thoughts, in order to digest your disease. Especially if your disease is terminal. If you believe in God, do three basic things. Pray, then pray some more, then pray even more. If you do not believe in God, please consider pondering how the universe was created. Please do consider, for even a moment, that there may well be a greater Wisdom that greater the universe.
Secondly, go through your stuff. If you want Cousin Tom to have your Cross pen and pencil set, give it to him while you’re
still alive. If you live near Cousin Tom, take the time to meet with him and personally hand him your precious pen and pencil set. If miles lie between the two of you, then mail it tom him, with a kind, hand-written letter.
Third, research and research and research your disease. Then research it even some more. Open your mind to new and cutting edge healing procedures to your disease. Keep hope alive in your heart. Keep your mind open to alternative healing methods.
Fourth, talk it out with others. Do not keep your emotions all stored up. Find a support group for your specific disease. If that is not possible, please do find a support group for people with terminal illness.
Fifth, watch rerun episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, or some other silly sitcom that brings a bit of joy to your heart. Laugh. By all means laugh. Do your absolute best not to swim in the lake of “Feeling Sorry For Myself Pond.” Go through your old scrapbooks, photos, post cards and souvenirs of the places that you once visited that brought joy to your heart.
Sixth, buy a birdbath. Yes, buy a birdbath. Fill it with fresh water three times a day. Place it in a position in your yard, where you can easily see the birds splashing about, from your favorite chair in your living room. Take photos and videos of the birds drinking and playing in your birdbath. You will be amazed at how much joy a simple birdbath can bring to your heart.
Seventh, do not be afraid of hurting your doctor’s
feelings. If you feel that your doctor is really not doing his or her best to treat your condition, then move on and find another doctor. But first, pray about this decision. God will guide you in this matter.
Personally, I am now on my third Cardiologist. My first Cardiologist wanted to put me under Hospice Care, right away. My second Cardiologist was pushing for me to have an artificial heart replacement. My present Cardiologist has the spirit of partnering with me. He sincerely listens to my perspective.
Eighth, write up a legal will. Get it registered with your county. Entrust a copy of it with a dearly trusted friend or loved one.
Ninth, write down your lifetime memories that you want shared with your loved ones. Or have a loved one write down your dear and cherished memories for you.
Tenth, have a loved one or close friend help you create at least one video of you talking and reminiscing about your life. If it’s possible make up a number of videos of yourself, sharing thoughts, beliefs and life memories.
Eleventh, pray, pray and pray. Then pray some more. Then pray even more. Develop a personal relationship with God. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul.
At best this is just a list that touches upon the surface of preparing to cross over to the heavenly worlds. Above all else, tell your loved ones that you love them. Forgive all those who have done you wrong. Be kind to animals. Go out one day, either driving yourself or having someone
drive for you. If you can afford it, put $50.00, in five dollar bills, in an envelope. Then, go to shopping centers, parks, and here and there, and give that money to homeless people. God will guide you how many five dollar bills to give to each homeless person. You will be blessed, beyond your wildest dreams, for doing this.
Above all else, be immensely grateful for the time you were given to be alive upon this earth.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail. com.
Yours truly, in reflecting upon the theme of this article.
Enchanted Storybooks Aims to Bring Fantasy to Life
By Megan Roche
As John Manna was photographing high school sports, he often thought about his other photography love: fantasy.
“I like the ability to make composite images of things that don’t really exist but can exist in a photography world. I like the fact that I can get creative with so many things and different storylines. I like creating images using those sort of unique story ideas,” Manna said.
Manna wanted to do something locally where he could bring the essence of fantasy photography to life.
“I’ve always loved the Denville downtown area. It has always been a beautiful community with its shopping and dining. When the opportunity came up, I jumped on it right away,” Manna said.
A unique experience that Manna offers is his “Santa Experience”. Guests can book a photography session with Santa that is unlike any mall Santa out there. Children will receive an invitation in the mail from Santa with a golden ticket, inviting them to the North Pole.
“I’ve always loved Christmas so that really what drew me in that direction. I also really love taking photographs of children in their wonder years; the expressions that you get with a child, especially while they are interacting with Santa Clause, it’s inspiring,” Manna said.
Over the course of the one-hour long photography session, Santa invites the child to participate in various
activities, like having milk and cookies, with him as Manna photographs it.
“This type of set up really allows for natural expressions. The child doesn’t even realize that they are being photographed because they are so into their experience with Santa,” Manna said.
Santa also knows the child’s name, their friends names, and their favorite hobbies. Manna also provides classic Christmas pajamas for boys and classic Christmas nightgowns for girls to wear during the session.
After the session, parents can select from various prints and art pieces. His photos are then hand painted. Manna can also turn the images into a storybook that showcases the children as the main character. The book is narrated as poetry and can be used as something that can be passed down from generation to generation.
“The images take hours of hand editing after the fact. That’s how I’m able to really get that hand painted look,” Manna said.
Other fantasy realms available at Manna’s studio, located at 25 Broadway, include pirates and mermaids, magical snowmen and snowball fights, a fishing battle at the pond, and fairytales and fairies.
All photography sessions are scheduled by appointment only. In addition to children, Manna also photographs pets.
For more information or to book a session, visit www. enchantedstorybooks.com.
John Manna opened Enchanted Storybooks as a way to bring fantasy to life for all ages
5 Fun Facts about the Month of September
September marks a return to the norm for millions of households. School is back in session, summer vacation season has ended and fall begins. Routines take shape and life once again becomes more structured in September. As that transition takes place, individuals can consider these fun facts about the month of September.
1. Though Latin is no longer widely spoken or taught, plenty of words, including September, trace their origins to the language of ancient Rome and its empire. “Septem” is the Latin word for “seven,” and September was originally the seventh month of the Roman calendar.
2. Though the autumnal equinox, which marks the official beginning of fall, does not occur until later in the month, the unofficial end to summer occurs in the first weekend of September. Americans celebrate Labor Day and Canadians celebrate Labour Day on the first Monday in September, and millions of people in both countries consider that weekend the last hurrah for summer relaxation and revelry.
3. Labor Day is not the only holiday to be celebrated in September. In fact, Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday that is often referred to as the “Jewish New Year,” also is celebrated in September in many years (the holiday occurs 163 days after the first day of Passover, so in certain years it is celebrated in early October).The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur also can be celebrated in September or October, and Constitution Day, which commemorates the adoption of the United States constitution in 1787, is celebrated on September 17. Patriot Day also occurs annually on September 11 and is a day to remember the people killed in the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.
4. Though its name might suggest otherwise, Oktoberfest actually begins in late September. Modern Oktoberfest celebrations, particularly those outside the Bavaria region of Germany, may have little to do with a marriage, but the festival traces its origins to the marriage of Kronprinz Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12,
1810. Citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities, and more than two centuries later that jovial atmosphere dominates the city, and countless others across the globe, during Oktoberfest.
5. Football fans circle the month of September on their calendars, as the month marks the return of the National Football League regular season. The reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs will
host the Detroit Lions in the NFL Kickoff Game on September 7, and the rest of the league will take to the gridiron on September 10 and 11. That’s a big deal for millions of fans across the country, as the NFL remains wildly popular. In fact, an analysis by the Sports Business Journal found that per-game attendance averaged 69,442 fans in 2022, which marked the second-largest figure in 19 years.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
AI Remember Dad: Home From The War
t the age of 18, my father enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, during World War II. What inspired my father to sign up for the Air Corps, is in itself, an inspiring story.
Dad’s older brother, Edward, was serving in the U. S. Navy, aboard a ship, not far from the coast of dear old England. The ship was sunk by a German war ship. Uncle Ed bobbed up and down in the Atlantic Ocean for at least one full day and one full night. He was saved by a British ship. I think that the sinking of Uncle Ed’s navy ship, had a deeply profound effect upon my father. It inspired him to join the service, at such a young age.
My father grew up in the shadows of the maple, the elm, the oak and the pines, at the end of Mabey Lane. It was there that his father had built a two-story home. To the west, the north and the east of this dear home, lied a thick forest. To the south, lied a big, open field. My grandfather named the big field, Earl’s Meadow. For it was on this beautiful field that Grandpa’s brother, Earl, was going to build a home, when he came home from World War I. Sadly, my Great Uncle Earl was killed in battle in France.
After his basic training was completed, Dad was shipped to Hickam Airfield in
Hawaii. Hickam bordered Pearl Harbor. At first Dad had the job of driving a big fuel truck, to fuel up war planes in the open fields of Hickam. Later, Dad would work on P-51 Fighter Planes. Specifically, Dad had the responsibility to change spark plugs in these Mighty Mustangs, as they were also called.
An interesting side note of Dad’s stay at Hickam Airfield is that he became acquainted and became friends with the late, great Jerry Siegel. The man, whom with the help of Joe Shuster, created Superman. Jerry wrote for Hickam Highlights, the official newspaper publication of Hickam Airfield. Dad had the high honor of once being interviewed by Jerry.
My father told me, on several occasions, that there was always the fear of another Japanese attack upon Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airfield. The servicemen at Hickam were always on alert, for another attack. My grandmother, Bertha Mabey, was a very devoted, religious woman. She once told me that she prayed many times a day, that the Japanese would never again attack Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airfield.
During the early Summer of 1946, Dad received an Honorable Discharge from the U. S. Army Air Corps. He had served his country well. Dad returned home to Lincoln Park, to
A rare photo of Dad and Grandma taken at the end of Mabey Lane, upon Dad’s return home from Hickam Airfield. In the background, on the right hand side of this picture, you can see the garage that Grandpa built. Dad’s old homestead still stands beside that garage. To the best of my knowledge, the old garage is also still standing.
his hamlet homestead at the end of Mabey Lane. He began dating Janet Kemmerer, from Boonton. The girl who had sent him cookies and wrote letters to him during his stay at Hickam. The very girl that Dad married and was destined to became my Mom.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ gmail.com.
Back to School Can Mean the Return of Lice
The start of a new school year often means shopping for supplies, making new friends and getting acclimated to the teaching styles of new teachers. Unfortunately, a new school year also can mean head lice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there is no precise data regarding how many people get head lice each year. However, an estimated six to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States among children between the ages of three and 11. What is head lice?
The Minnesota Department of Health says a head louse is an insect that can infest people. Lice make their homes in human hair and feed on blood. Head lice multiply rapidly by laying small, graycolored, oval-shaped eggs known as nits. The nits are sticky and attach to the base of the hair close to the scalp. Unlike other blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks, head lice are not known to spread disease.
Who gets head lice?
Head lice do not discriminate when they choose a person. They are equal opportunity feeders and will hop on just about any scalp for a meal. Head lice are not indicative of a lack of hygiene.
The CDC says infestation with head lice is most common among preschooland elementary school-aged children and members of their household, including caretakers.
What are the signs of head lice?
Itching is the most common symptom of head lice, says the Mayo Clinic. A louse
bite causes an allergic reaction. Itchiness may occur on the scalp, neck and ears. During visual inspections of the hair and scalp, one may be able to see lice and nits. However, both the eggs and the lice themselves are very small, so it can be challenging to spot them.
Parents and caregivers who suspect a child has lice should consult with a school nurse or a pediatrician. Studies show that many children are treated for head lice with home remedies or nonprescription medications when they didn’t even have lice. Dandruff, residue from hair products, scabs, or even dirt can be mistaken for lice. How can head lice be prevented?
The most common way to contract head lice is through head-to-head contact. Children should avoid head contact during play and other activities at school and home. Although transmission through shared brushes, combs, towels, hats, and clothing is less common, it is still possible, so sharing of these items should be discouraged.
The CDC says using a hot water cycle in the laundry and the high heat drying cycle can kill head lice on clothing and other items. Seal items that cannot be washed in a plastic bag and store them for two weeks.
Vacuum the floor and furniture to remove any nits or lice that have fallen off the head. Fumigant sprays or fogs, which can be toxic if inhaled, are not necessary to control head lice, indicates the CDC. A new school year may compel families to think about lice. Although lice is a nuisance, infestations can be treated.
Intraoral Examination & Oral Cancer Screening
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7 Tips for Readying Your Outdoor Power Equipment for Winter Storage Prep Equipment for Season Changes, Save Time and Future Headaches
After your lawn gets its last cut before winter, it will be time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment, like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. What’s next? Snow throwers, generators and other small engine equipment need to be readied for winter use. How and when you prepare your equipment for seasonal changes can save you time and money later, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
With record-breaking sales of outdoor power equipment, homeowners are spending more time during the COVID-19 pandemic working or renovating their family yards. This means more people are using outdoor power equipment, and OPEI reminds everyone the importance of proper outdoor power equipment storage, maintenance and safe handling.
“During this very challenging pandemic, we’ve learned our outdoor spaces are more important than ever,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI and the TurfMutt Foundation, which encourages outdoor learning experiences, stewardship of our green spaces, and care for all living landscapes. “Our yards, parks and schoolyards are our safe space for connecting with friends and family, acting as outdoor classrooms and offices. Green space also contributes to the health and wellbeing of people, pets and wildlife, and having the right outdoor power equipment to take care of it is key. But preparation is everything —understanding how to store equipment and get it serviced, how to operate it safely, and how to ready your space to use that equipment.”
He adds, “Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines, and remember to keep kids and dogs away from operating equipment at all times.”
Here are a few tips from OPEI to ensure your lawn mower and other spring equipment will be available for use when warmer temperatures return, and snow throwers and other winter equipment will be ready for use when the snow falls.
1.Review owner’s manuals. Refamiliarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online. Save a copy on your computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with your equipment, and all its features, including how to turn it
off quickly and safely.
2.Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small engine repair shop. Drain and change engine oil and safely dispose of the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.
3.Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer. Get more information on safe fueling for outdoor power equipment at LookBeforeYouPump.com.
4.Charge the battery. Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wood shelf in a climate-controlled structure.
5.Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.
6.Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make space in the garage or basement before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Clean up the yard of sticks, debris, dog and kid’s toys and other items that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly in your yard, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things.
7.Have the right weather appropriate extension cord for your generator. Keep heavy duty weather proof extension cords on hand to use with it. Ensure the length of the cord is necessary to operate the generator a safe distance from the house or building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, breezeway or under an open window. (NAPSI)—
The Link Between Dirty Contact Lenses and Infection
Contact lenses are a solution for people with impaired vision who don’t like the look or feel of eyeglasses. But unlike eyeglasses, contact lenses require daily maintenance. Without such TLC, contact lenses can become dirty, which can lead to serious infection.
Physicians typically emphasize the importance of proper contact lens care upon prescribing lenses. That’s because of the link between dirty lenses and infections. But the Cleveland Clinic notes that such infections are often avoidable. Infections and bacteria
According to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 80 to 90 percent of contact lensrelated eye infections are bacterial. The bacteria staphylococcus aureus, also known as “staph,” is linked to many cases of contact lens-related eye infections. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are resistant to common antibiotics, which underscores the importance of cleaning contacts to reduce the risk of infection.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is another type of bacterial infection that can affect individuals who wear contact lenses. The Cleveland Clinic indicates that this fast-growing infection is possibly the
most severe. It can lead to a hole in the cornea and there’s a significant chance of permanent scarring and vision loss.
Fungal infections
Poor contact lens hygiene also can lead to fungal infections. Fungi such as aspergillus or fusariam pose a threat to vision and infection can occur if lenses are not properly and routinely cleaned. What causes contact lens-related infections?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that, in addition to bacteria and fungi, various things can cause contact lens-related infections. Those factors include:
• Using extended-wear lenses
• Sleeping in contact lenses
• The buildup of microbes under the lens
• Herpes virus
• Parasites
• Reusing or topping off contact lens solution
• Failure to keep lenses clean
What are the signs of contact lensrelated eye infection?
Serious vision loss or blindness can result from contact lens-related infections. However, less severe symptoms may
present themselves before the infection progresses to the point of vision loss.
• Blurry vision
• Unusual redness of the eye
• Pain in the eye
• Tearing or discharge from the eye
• Extra sensitivity to light
• The feeling that something is in the affected eye
Contact lenses require daily maintenance to prevent infection. More information is available at www.aao.org.
By Megan Roche
ONJStarz
NJ Stars: Olivia Eden
Hometown: Long Valley
livia Eden grew up loving music thanks to her dad who brought her up around guitar, piano, drums, and bass. She recalled growing up listening to him play and always looks back fondly on her first performance opportunity; a chance to perform with Dad.
“From Kindergarten to fifth and sixth grade, we’d go out and we’d do these art fairs together. He would play guitar and I would sing,” Eden said.
When the COVID pandemic struck the U.S. in 2020, Eden had the same feelings of uncertainty that many others did. To pass the time, she picked up a guitar and started teaching herself how to play.
“I wrote a song during COVID and it was so bad. It will never ever see the light of day. Most artists will tell you that their first songs are terrible,” Eden said with a laugh. It was during the COVID quarantine that Eden knew she had found what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.
A high school student at West Morris Central, Eden is just as academically gifted as she is musically. She is an honor roll student and performs the national anthem at many school events.
“I’ve always been a big lover of English class, it has always been my favorite class. Me as a kid, being able to see that my favorite thing I would do was write, and I would turn that writing into something that was a performance. I loved the idea of that and also the idea of presenting my life through music and in a way that is relatable,” Eden says. After being a contestant on Chopped Junior at the age of nine, she made her way to the top seven on Top Chef Junior just a few years later. Attending open auditions led the way for her humble Hollywood beginnings.
“After being eliminated from Top Chef Junior, I was devastated. My mom took me to the movies to try to cheer me up. We’re at the movies in Burbank and I see this billboard for an open casting call for The Voice. I just said ‘Oh my God mom, we have to go’ and she promised me that one day I could audition because I wasn’t age eligible,” Eden said.
Finally age eligible for the show, 15-year-old Eden once again found herself on the professional audition circuit. This time, it was for The Voice, the same show she saw advertised right after being cut from Top Chef Junior. She kept her mom’s thoughts in the back of her mind and exactly five years later, she got the call that she had made it through the first three rounds of auditions for the show.
“I’d come home from rehearsal from the school musical. I was tired, I was sweaty, I did not want to do anything. My parents had already known that I had made it because the producers at The Voice love to see the reactions. My
mom had said that someone had called and I needed to call them back. When they said ‘you are coming out to LA for the blind auditions’, I lost my mind, it was crazy,” Eden said.
Next stop, Los Angeles.
Armed with a mic, Eden auditioned during the series season 24 blind auditions for judges Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani.
“It was the most surreal experience to audition. I think they told us that we were 56 out of 30,000 people who had auditioned. I don’t think I was really and truly nervous until I was actually backstage for the blind audition,” Eden said.
As she sang Horan’s “This Town”, both he and Reba turned their chairs, signifying that they wanted her on their respective team. Eden then had to choose between the two as her coaches. Being that she sang a Niall Horan song, her decision was easy.
“I think that I chose Niall because we have such a similarity of style. Reba definitely could have helped me mature my voice and perform, but I feel like at my core I am truly a songwriter. I sing songs for the lyrics rather than to show off. I’m not a professional vocalist at all. I feel that in Niall’s songs, he really focuses on being a songwriter and I really connect with that,” Eden said.
Once she became an official member of Team Niall, the real work began.
“You are really watching and learning from some of the best in the industry. Being on any type of these shows is such
a genuine gift. You’re able to learn from experience which is something that is so important. For me, as someone who is not a professional musician yet, it was so valuable and is something that I will forever hold onto,” Eden says.
While she ultimately didn’t win The Voice, her experience has a very special place in her heart.
“I made so many memories and met so many friends. As far as what I’ve gained, it’s experience, it’s friends, and it’s the most rewarding thing in the world to be able to look back and watch myself make it as far as I did,” Eden said.
A songwriter at heart, Eden will contribute her talents to an original song for a Morris County based movie, set to film in October.
Still performing in local bars and restaurants across Morris County, Eden has dreams and goals to become a professional performing artist one day. To those who look up to her, she says to never stop.
“Never stop writing, never stop performing. It is not about how many people are listening to your music, it’s more important to have quality viewers and quality listeners. That’s really what sticks, are those people who will always support you and love you,” Eden said.
Still a high school student, Eden’s current goals are to get a good score on her SAT’s, networking, building a name for herself, and graduating from high school.
For more information and to see where Eden is performing next, visit www.oliviaedenmusic.com
Olivia Eden performs during Season 24, Episode 6 of The Voice. Photo: Greg Gayne/NBC
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