Morristown/Mendham January 2023

Four Novels in Three Months: Local Author’s Series

Is Equal Parts Mystery and Magic

By Chip M. O’Brien

Catch-up conversations with old friends can feel a bit odd for Elle Hartford these days.

“It’s very awkward,” the Morristown resident says. “They’ll ask, so what did you do this fall?” Her reply: “Well, I published four books...”

Such a rapid-fire release schedule might sound unbelievable, but Hartford has an entire series to prove it. In August 2022, she published her novel Beauty and the Alchemist, the first book in her series The Alchemical Tales. A month later, she released the series’ second volume, Cold as Snow. Then October saw the publication of the third book, Mermaid for Danger.

She’d planned to stop there, but over Halloween weekend Hartford dropped a “bonus surprise book,” Cry Big Bad Wolf. This makes four novels published in 2022– not counting Carousel of Capers, a prequel collection of short stories published in April 2022 and now available free on her website (“book .5,” she calls it, which doesn’t count).

“Doing that release was pretty grueling,” Hartford says. “But I’m really glad that I’ve done it. I couldn’t be happier to be here.”

What’s especially impressive is that Hartford just started publishing this year. She thought of writing as a private hobby for most of her life, reserving her career energies for history, archaeology, and connecting the past to the present.

Hartford’s most recent museum job brought her to the Cooper Gristmill in Chester, a small site that she came to love. “It was very much part of my identity,” she says. Then came COVID and the pandemic that shut down museums across the country. Cooper Gristmill closed and Hartford found herself without a job in an industry that might never return to “normal.”

Unemployed and uncertain of the way ahead, Hartford reconsidered her place in the museum world: “Maybe that wasn’t my whole person,” she reflects. “That wasn’t all of me. So I had the savings to be like, ‘okay, I’m going to try it. I’m going to make a go of the writing thing. And so we are still in the trial phase three years later.’”

What’s the trial phase? Hartford describes it in three stages. In the first stage, she researched the writing and book publishing world. Stage two was her rapid release, a marketing strategy in which a new author publishes several titles in quick succession in order to build a back catalog . Now, in stage three, she’s taking a well-earned rest before widening her focus to marketing and book readings.

Describing herself as a “measure three times, then cut once” kind of person, Hartford had good reason to consider

her publishing approach carefully. At first, she sought a traditional publisher for the series and was even offered a contract. But the mix of fairy tale elements and cozy mystery did not mesh well with traditional single-genre marketing. “I had a very specific vision,” Hartford says. “We do look down on self-publishing in a lot of cases. Is that the goal? Or do I have a different intention in mind?”

In the end, her creative vision won. Fantasy fans will find plenty of fairy tale elements to love: fairies, haunted castles, books of forgotten elven lore, a phoenix whose feathers smoke when she’s angry, and a magical familiar in the form of a huge black dog named William (“He’s an Instagram favorite,” Hartford laughs). Mystery fans will notice some familiar character types given a fairy tale twist: a police officer who’s half-orc; a criminal on the run who happens to be a spellcasting sage; suspicious shopkeepers who happen to be fairies; and for a protagonist, an amateur sleuth who practices alchemy.

It’s a whimsical setting that Hartford sketches with a light touch. The reader will find no genealogies of minor characters or carefully etched geographical maps. “I was aiming for a sandbox,” she says. “I wanted to be able to do anything… You have to leave space for your readers to dream things up. A little bit of that kind of wonder is what makes the world engaging.”

At the same time, she recognizes that cozy mystery and light fantasy are both seen as less serious versions of their respective genres. When attending mystery writing circles and conventions, Hartford sometimes finds herself defending her inclusion of fantasy elements. “You can reflect things in real life, using a fairy tale or fantasy context where it’s nonthreatening,” she explains. “So you can actually have a productive conversation or thought experiment where it’s like, we don’t have any stakes in this because we’re talking about orcs. So nobody needs to get mad at anyone else.”

Hartford explains that many of the original fairy tales served as metaphors: the Big Bad Wolf represents the danger of straying from the safe path, for instance. Or, according to a Neil Gaiman quote that she loves: “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”

Hartford points to some of the struggles of her characters as representative of real-life challenges: her protagonist’s difficulty balancing science with emotion and instinct, a side character’s pain in navigating what amounts to emotional abuse, the confusion of a young mage who realizes his longtime mentor was toxic. Even the prominent role of alchemy, the medieval science of combining and balancing

opposites, can be said to mirror her own journey toward wholeness in embracing her love of writing at last.

“With fairy tales being a reflection of reality, all sorts of different people deal with these issues and they overcome them,” Hartford says. “And there are your friends. There’s community and all these wonderful cozy things.”

Hartford has sketched out a twelve-book arc for her series. If her future writing path continues the way it started in 2022, her life as a professional novelist may well mirror that favorite fairy tale arc: “happily ever after.”

To learn more about Elle Hartford or check out her books, go to www.ellehartford.com/.

Local author Elle Hartford celebrates her book launch party in November 2022. Credit: Patti Dunn Scala. Used with permission.

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Program Returns to Deliver Message to High Schoolers

By Steve Sears

or the first time in two years, the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Program, courtesy of the Partnership for a DrugFree New Jersey (PDFNJ) and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (HBCBS), in collaboration with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), has returned to deliver a powerful message to high school students in the area.

And late in August, current Harrison High School football coach, former Rutgers Scarlet Knight quarterback, and New York Jets/New England Patriots/Miami Dolphins player, Ray Lucas, delivered a key address. Lucas suffered numerous injuries and underwent more than a dozen operations while and after he was a player. After becoming dependent on prescribed opioids, Lucas sometimes took up to 1,400 pills monthly.

Recognizing the concern that teen athletes who get injured can also suffer the same type of addiction, PDFNJ, HBCBS, and the NJSIAA wants to stop the spread before it gets out of hand.

“The Partnership has developed a multi-pronged approach to educating young people in the state of New Jersey on the opioid epidemic,” Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Executive Director, says. “That approach includes events such as what we’re doing with Ray which we’ve just completed at Clifton High School: talking to student athletes who are very vulnerable, unfortunately, because they experience injuries, and as a result, may be in a

position where they may be prescribed an opioid. We’re also delivering messages through various media outlets, including but not limited to signs on buses and trains and billboards, and messages on our social media platforms.”

Another part of the process, per Valente, is engaging young people in many of the PDFNJ’s school-based programs, allowing them to become more knowledgeable about the issue. “ That’s also another part of the approach,” Valente adds. He also feels that, in addition to Lucas being representative of an esteemed group that had risen to the top ranks of professional sports and had fallen on hard times in addiction, Lucas’s presence is also emblematic of someone who, if he knew back then what he knows now, he would not have become dependent on opioids. “That is one of the reasons his presentation is so important. As a person who has gone through athletics on the high school, college, and professional levels, by speaking to athletes, he can easily relate to what they are experiencing on a day-today basis. When he delivers his message about looking at ways to deal with pain other than through opioids, speaking to your trainers, doctors, and coaches about alternative to using opioids to address any sports injuries, I think that’s most important.”

Lucas played for seven seasons in the National Football League, primarily as a quarterback. Two years after he left the NFL, he had major back surgery, and five years after that started to experience serious neck issues. He started to take pills regularly, and his addiction had begun. “I was

in a very dark place,” Lucas says. “I don’t know if I’m a role model, but a survivor definitely. Again, I was in a very dark place.” He had also dropped from his playing weight of 215 pounds down to 164 pounds, and he was approached about telling his story. “That night I went home and prayed, and I heard a voice that asked, ‘How many others are suffering in silence like you?’ I didn’t know, but made the decision that, if I could tell my story, then maybe they (others) could get some kind of hope.”

For more information about the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey and its programs, visit www.drugfreenj.org.

New Jersey native Ray Lucas and Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente at an event

Glory Days: 1965 New Providence High School Boys Basketball

By Steve Sears

In 1965, New Providence High School was relatively new. It opened in 1958.

Paul Miller, who went on to become the head boys basketball coach for many years, was in 1965 an assistant to head coach Edward Lieder. “There were maybe nine or 10,000 people there,” Miller says, describing the throng that had watched the New Providence High School Pioneers win the 1965 Group 1 state championship over heavily favored Wildwood, 68 – 59. “There was a great turnout.”

The Pioneers finished the season with a 21-2 record after winning the title at Atlantic City’s Convention Hall. It was the first state title in the school’s history.

That special season, the star players included the late Harry Rovelstad, Georgia Tech-bound Bob MacDonald, Tony Caruso, Billy Royland (also deceased), Rick Severson, and John Eklinger. ‘They were probably the mainstays of that team,” Miller says. “Actually, we were like the only school in Union County at that time. We were a very small school. It was a big thing in New Providence. The town really

supported us. They bought us nice jackets, and we wore a tie and jacket to go to the games. It was really pretty nice.”

Tony Caruso, a guard who could leap, was a senior in 1965. “As a player at that age,” he says, “I wasn’t thinking about Atlantic City or a state championship. We were mostly engaged with wanting to win the Suburban Conference that we were a part of, competing with teams like Summit and some of the others. We were focused on the game-to-game winning in the Suburban Conference. That was our big goal, and then of course that transformed into a potential state championship as we got into the finals, beating Wildwood.”

Bob MacDonald recalls the semifinal contest against Ridgewood. “As I remember, I think Tony Caruso hit a couple of free throws and won that game. And as for the title game against Wildwood, we were not favored at all. Wildwood had been doing very well that season.”

In fact, the Wildwood Warriors had won the previous season’s Group 1 title over Wallington High School and were seeking to repeat. New Providence, leading 32 – 16

Kidz

at halftime, would not let that happen. “At halftime, we were all feeling pretty darn good about the lead,” Caruso recalls. “But we knew that this was a pretty darn good team, and they just missed a lot of shots

that game.” He and his fellow Pioneers didn’t get comfortable; they continued to play to win. “We went out there, and for every loose ball, I can remember all of us

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The New Providence Pioneers celebrate their 1965 Group 1 state title (credit: New Providence High School Yearbook)

Glory Days...

continued from page 4

went for that ball on the floor, knocking heads and bodies and going after every possible possession that you could have. That was pretty crucial, too.”

MacDonald had 31 points and 18 rebounds against Wildwood. “I’m 6’ 5”, and I don’t know why, but it was just one day that everything fell in, and I could shoot the lights out,” he says with a chuckle. “I also hit the last six or seven free throws, and when we won, no one could believe it!”

Caruso recalls one special shot he took against Wildwood that made the news the next day. “There was a picture of me taking a shot that was underhanded. In other words, I was going toward the basket, and a huge guy was trying to block my shot. And as I was racing down the court, I went for a simple layup because he was coming off to my left. I was on the right side, and instead of just a simple layup, I went underhand to avoid it, and a guy took the

picture. It was one of the things that I just recall because within a few days, it was in the newspapers.”

After post game photos, Caruso also got a hold of the Group 1 championship trophy, and Lieder let him bring the trophy all the way down the hallway to the locker room, so the team could share it. “Mr. Lieder, he was just the best coach you could have,” Caruso says fondly. “He never got mad at anybody, was very thorough, was very concerned about his players, and treated us all equally.”

When the Pioneers arrived back home to Union County the next day after staying overnight in Atlantic City, people had lined the streets with a rousing welcome. “It was crazy” MacDonald says. “It was kind of heartening, but on the other hand it was kind of sobering.”

“There was a good turnout,” Miller says. “There were people beeping their horns. It was a big thing.”

What’s happening in your school or organization?

Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation?

Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

Mendham Teen Reveals Her Authentic Self on Debut Album

By Jillian Risberg

Music is a gateway to the soul for Megan Pepper. To finally share hers with the world is transformative.

“Weight was taken off my shoulders; I had all these songs I could only keep to myself for a long time — when it was finally released (the process took a year), I could talk about it with friends and openly express my feelings through my music.”

The songwriter was also nervous because it was her first album and so much she never said before.

In such an oversaturated market, Pepper says her music stands out because she can offer a teenage perspective that can offer others her age an outlet.

“Usually I write sadder songs because they’re easier to write,” she says. “I like to do feeling songs, a lot of emotional things, and sometimes upbeat songs but usually they are a bit slower.”

Many things shape the teen’s writing — from friend experiences to her own and their outlooks on life.

“The songs are more relatable with more perspectives and that’s my biggest goal,” Pepper says she wants people to connect with her songs and feel comforted by them. “I want them to understand how I feel but I also want to understand how other people feel.”

According to the songwriter, she digs deep down into her head and heart to say what people can relate to and write what she could relate to.

“I write hundreds of songs and only one in every 50 will make it on an album,” says Pepper. “One of every 100 songs will be a single.”

Her creative process involves starting off with a

melody or an idea and then she pens a whole song by pulling out her guitar or playing the piano.

Then the singer has to go back and edit it… which can take a couple of weeks to decide on the finished piece and it’s always changing until it’s fully released online.

“Once I have a good idea of my song I move over to the production side, which is one of my favorite parts,” Pepper says. “I do this on my computer and put all the layers and pieces together. That’s the part that people hear.”

The songwriter loves to perform, ever since taking music lessons when she was a kid.

“It’s so much fun, me sharing (in person) what I love to do — instead of online because that’s the best way for someone to connect with a song when you are listening to it live,’’ says the singer. “It makes me happy that I can share that with people.”

After listening to new artists a couple of years ago that got Pepper thinking what music means to her and how she relates. That’s when she decided she

wanted to write her own songs.

“Where I could talk about my own life or other people’s lives rather than just listening to other people,” she says. Of her single In My Dreams, “this one hit hard to something that me and one of my friends were going through at the time when I wrote it. It gave me comfort.”

She’s taken the stage at ‘Music on the Hill,’ a coffee house at her church to give back to her community. Her last performance was mostly composed of songs from the album since that was release day, but also a couple of covers.

“I like to play a variety of songs recognizable to my audience that different ages can appreciate when I’m playing live,” says the singer/ songwriter.

If it weren’t for the pandemic, Pepper says she doesn’t know where she’d be right now in terms of her music.

“I was able to start writing more songs and get more into it, which I hadn’t done before,” the artist says, adding that Conan continued on page 7

Mendham Teen...

Gray and Taylor Swift inspire her, whether it’s chord progressions that she kind of alters, strumming patterns on her guitar, even certain melodies or runs she alters to make a new song, and she has learned a lot from Charlie Puth’s interesting production techniques.

Mom Kristen Turner couldn’t be prouder to see her child learn all these skills, technologies and everything that needs to happen in order to publish a song for a broad audience.

She has written, recorded all the instruments on the album or generated them from the computer.

“All those skills are amazing to me and what makes her special in this space,” Turner says Pepper situates herself well in the independent artist category because she can do her own production. “She has all these production skills, in addition to a lovely voice and songwriting that resonates with people.”

Since releasing her first song on Soundcloud; the songwriter feels she’s improved so much in just a year.

“I was like, ‘wow, I just did this,’” says the artist — of putting one of her songs on the Internet.

She sends her songs and lyrics to

(independent label) distributor, AMUSE and they release it to Spotify, Apple Music or Pandora. Her music is available on most streaming platforms now because she collaborated with them — beneficial because exposure can be difficult in her small town.

“There are not too many opportunities to perform live to get my name out there,” Pepper says she goes to different venues whenever she can. “Once at New Roots Nashville, a program about the music industry — it was exciting to perform in a different space with people I’ve never met and were supportive of me on this journey.”

She doesn’t know where the road will lead her, but wants music to always be a part of her life, “whether it’s my major in college or I work on it on the side. It’s such an important part of my life that it’s something I think I want to continue for a long time.”

“Being able to do it myself and have all the control, press every button is the best part,” Pepper says. “ Choosing the instruments I want, tempos, timing and my own vision, rather than what someone else has for a song that I wrote — gives me a lot of freedom.”

For more information, visit meganpepper. com.

Mendham’s Betlow Shares Story On and Off the Court

By Michael Tanchevski

Mendham product and current Lehigh University senior, Jake Betlow continues to utilize his academic and athletic capacity to mentor others and plunge into the world of finance.

The talented Betlow has been in the public eye several times over the past few years.

Most recently he participated in the NJ 30 Day Fund, a business initiative started by former Governor Chris Christie and his wife to help small businesses in New Jersey that were affected by COVID.

“I really got the perspective of what small business owners were going through during COVID,” Betlow said.

Prior to enrolling at Lehigh, Betlow was featured in a docuseries chronicling the basketball season during his senior year at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark.

The documentary centered on the basketball team and the struggles of the student-athletes and the bond they formed at a catholic school whose motto is “whatever hurts my brother, hurts me.”

The school, whose student body includes 85% students of color and a variety of religious traditions, was founded in 1868 by the Benedictine monks of Newark Abbey.

Betlow’s experience at St. Benedict’s was memorable. “Saint Benedict’s is a great place, a real special place,” he said. “They do a lot of good for kids that need it and are in sticky situations.”

Betlow’s basketball skills gained the attention of Montverde Academy in Florida following his freshman year of high school. He wanted to challenge himself and was asked to come to Montverde Academy by coach Kevin Boyle.

“It was a really crazy experience down there, you’re on the court at all times with what is now four or five NBA players,” Betlow said. “You don’t get that experience anywhere else in the country.”

“My junior and senior year I wanted to come back to New Jersey and be around my family because I knew I was leaving for college,” Betlow said. “I ended up attending Saint Benedict’s Prep in Newark.”

The school was one hour away but

Betlow felt the level of competition was similar to Montverde, with more playing time.

It didn’t take Betlow long to make his college choice. “I committed before my senior year, (Lehigh) offered me my junior year,” he said. “As soon as they offered me, I went up to take an unofficial visit, and I committed not long after they offered.”

Betlow has embraced the opportunities afforded to him on and off the court.

“Lehigh has been awesome for me, I love this place,” Betlow said. “The people here are awesome, in the classroom and on the court, Lehigh is a very challenging university.”

This past summer Betlow interned at continued on page 9

Photo Credit: Hannahally

Betlow Shares Story...

iCapital in New York City. As a finance major the experience at the financial technology company was invaluable. “iCapital is the number one brokerage firm for alternative investments in the world,” he said.

Several months from graduation the finance major is looking forward to his future. “I’m deciding between job offers right now between New York City or Charlotte,” Betlow said. “It’s definitely exciting, and I’m looking forward to taking the next step.”

His role on the basketball court has changed over the course of his career, however, his attitude and support for the team is energizing.

“I’ve been able to contribute consistently throughout my four years,” Betlow said. “I’ve learned that when you’re in situations where you really love the people that you’re playing with you’re able to put aside some of those selfish motives for the betterment of the team.”

Betlow currently mentors 20 student-

athletes, helping them balance the demands of the classroom with team expectations.

“The biggest challenge is the time constraints when you’re in season,” Betlow said. “To be on the road at Colgate and get back to Bethlehem at three in the morning and have to go to class at 9:00, 12:00, and 3:00, then to practice, that’s tough.”

“I think the student-athlete mentor program that I’ve done for the last two years has been the coolest thing I’ve done here,” Betlow said

During his time at Lehigh Betlow’s parents relocated to South Carolina, but his Jersey roots remain strong.

“Jersey is special,” Betlow said. “We grew up going down to the shore and we used to go to New York City for holidays and see the tree. I definitely have a soft spot for my hometown, and I’ll always be from Mendham. The friends that I made is the best thing about growing up in Mendham.”

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Summit Bodybuilder Empowered to Build Others Up

By Jillian Risberg

IFBB pro and four-time Mr. Olympia competitor Jason Arntz has had a storied career and currently encourages healthy performance with his own line of sports supplements.

“I am a big believer in this. All the products I create and sell now are a variation of what I used to use during my years as an athlete,” Arntz says. “I primarily focus on creating supplements that help you perform and recover better, also ones to help metabolism and lose body fat.”

The bodybuilder learned more and more about components used in dietary supplements as the sport supplement industry evolved.

This enabled Arntz to have a wider range and better variety of ingredients to use in his competition preparations. Who better to guide you in your journey to health than an IFBB pro with knowledge of the human body and how to improve performance?

According to the bodybuilder, his greatest moments in the sport were winning the overall National Championship and being on the Mr. Olympia stage.

“Both were amazing and equally satisfying,” says the I-Prevail CEO, adding that he found juggling work, providing for a family, being a husband and father, and competing all at once challenging. “It’s a very demanding sport and leaves you physically and emotionally drained.”

He trained hard and used to brutalize himself in the gym — engaging in beyond failure training, forced reps and preexhaustion training methods.

“My diet was always strict, following a high protein, low carb and low fat diet,” the bodybuilder says. “I still eat the same way but my training is not as crazy as it used to be.”

He doesn’t know if it’s the bodybuilding mindset or just

his mindset but Arntz has always been a focused, disciplined hard worker — driven to succeed and eager to learn from his mistakes.

“I believe this mindset is what helps me succeed in all I do,” the I-Prevail CEO says, including his look; that made him so marketable.

The National Champ says he had a symmetrical, balanced physique with enough muscle to be at the top of his game, while also fortunate enough to photograph well and the ability to sell magazines.

“I was a blond haired, all-American rugged looking guy,” Arntz says that played well with fans and landed him on five magazine covers worldwide.

He competed with full intention from 19 to 40-yearsold, now promotes the NPC Muscle Beach (National Qualifier) Championship in New Jersey and owns that Sport Supplement Company.

He was always an athlete and loved to compete. Arntz played football for 11 years and wrestled for six. At 15 he transitioned into bodybuilding — inspired by pictures of bodybuilders he saw in magazines, and knew right away he also wanted to take part in the sport and be a professional bodybuilder.

So he entered and won his first bodybuilding competition (Teenage Colonial America) at 16, then competed again at 19 and won Teenage Mr. NJ and Teenage Muscle Mania.

“I worked my way through the amateur ranks of the NPC from 20 to 24-years-old earning my National status,” says the I-Prevail CEO. “Then I won the NPC USA Championships in 1997, 1998 and the NPC Overall National Championship in 1998 and earned my pro card.”

continued on page 11

Arntz went on to compete in IFBB and work his way up to competing four times in the Mr. Olympia competition from 20082011, taking 4th, 5th and 6th place.

Those experiences awakened the desire to learn all he could about diet, nutrition, training, supplementation and recovery, breakdowns of nutrients, how they work in your body, and how to manipulate them into working for sports performance.

Looking ahead, the bodybuilder says he wants to help his daughters be the best they can be in sports and school, continue to grow his business so his products are a household

name and enjoy life with his wife.

“I thank her for her support in all I do, especially when we decided to become business owners,” the IFBB pro says, adding his daughters for continuing to inspire and impress him in their achievements.

For the I-Prevail CEO, it’s a fantastic feeling to be able to put together formulas that help athletes perform better, recover quicker and feel healthier.

“Every product I design has a purpose and a signature that makes it unique from anything else on the market.”

For more information, visit www.iprevailsupps.com

5 Benefits of Weighted Blankets, Including Better Sleep

Quality sleep is essential to good health, but daily life - the stresses of work and family, too much screen time, caffeine or alcohol - disrupts our body’s natural sleep cycle.

One tool to promote better sleep is a weighted blanket, but the benefits go beyond sleep. Here are five benefits weighted blankets provide:

1. Helps you fall asleep faster - Most people know what it’s like to toss and turn at night just waiting to fall asleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it should take 10-20 minutes to fall asleep. If it takes you more time than that there are steps you can take like adding a weighted blanket to your bedtime routine.

2. Helps you stay asleep longer - The CDC says adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If you’re in need of more restful slumber, a product like a Tranquility weighted blanket and its calming pressure can help you sleep more soundly with fewer bouts of restlessness so you wake feeling more rested.

3. Enhances relaxation - Weighted blankets offer deep touch pressure, a sensory experience like a soothing hug, which works to relax the nervous system and creates a feeling of calm so you can rest

more comfortably. A weighted blanket isn’t just for bedtime - it can be used to create a more relaxing experience when you’re winding down on the couch or even on a Zoom call.

“Research shows that weighted blankets can help with better relaxation and sleep, two things that are critical to overall health,” says wellness expert Jamie Hess of NYCfitfam. “It’s important to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically and I’ve found adding a Tranquility weighted blanket to my daily routine helps me reclaim my calm.”

4. Provides comfort - Many Americans experience stress and anxiety with daily life, and since the onset of COVID-19, more Americans than ever are experiencing these emotions. If someone you know is going through a rough patch, giving the soothing comfort of a weighted blanket can be a thoughtful and personal way to show you care.

5. Makes a thoughtful gift for giving - A weighted blanket can make a great gift for anyone in your life, especially when people may not be gathering like they typically do. Cozy Tranquility weighted blankets are an affordable gift option for everyone on your list.

PH Steakhouse Revives Historic Chester Publick House

By Stacey Feintuch

The history behind the building that now houses PH Steakhouse in Chester dates back over 200 years. The location has been a stagecoach stop, prep school, hotel, tavern, and famously The Publick House up until 2020. Now, the Restaurant Village Hospitality Group is reviving the space as an upscale steakhouse. The building itself is part of the National Register of Historic Places. While developing PH Steakhouse, the 18,400-square foot space received cosmetic renovations, but no structural changes have been made. For instance, wood was stripped down and refurbished, and the walls have been painted burgundy and forest green shades. They also upgraded the kitchen appliances to accommodate steakhouse cooking.

“My vision for this place is to have everything be first class and high end,” says Steve Bussel. This includes hosting a live piano player and offering valet parking on Friday and Saturday evenings. The President and Owner of Restaurant Village Hospitality Group, Steve resides in Tewksbury but once lived in Chester. He works alongside Andrea Bussel, his wife, who manages all of the marketing and social media for the group. A Prime Menu Selection

PH Steakhouse offers an elevated steakhouse menu. They only serve prime cuts of meat, with sirloin, porterhouse, tomahawk, T-bone, and New York strip options. All their meats, desserts, and dressings are made on-site. Steve says he prefers to try a little bit of everything, but ultimately loves the porterhouse for two. Other menu highlights include seafood, chicken, burgers, and salads. But save room for tasty desserts like crème brulee, 24-layer chocolate cake, apple crisp, and banana bread pudding.

As for drinks, the cocktail menu comes from a professional mixologist, and their high-end wine list from a sommelier. PH Steakhouse presents favorites like the dirty martini and classic collins, as well as seasonal flavors. For example, fall options include the Harvest Spritz and A Stroll on the Boulevard. The former mixes Grey Goose Essences White Peach & Rosemary Vodka, Aperol, apple cider, honey syrup, and Prosecco. Meanwhile, the latter combines Starlight Applejack, apple cider, Nonino Aperitivo, and Blandy’s Rainwater Madiera with shaved cinnamon and lavender.

About the Building

Despite the updates, PH Steakhouse has the look and feel of a 200-year-old

building. In particular, décor includes some old art and sewing machines from the building’s previous lives. “The ambiance suits a steakhouse. It has a lot of history and charm,” Steve says.

The interior seats 130 diners, in addition to a catering room for up to 80 guests. Meanwhile, the outdoor porch has nine tables that can seat 30 people comfortably.

There are also 10 renovated hotel suites on the upper floor which will open in the future for reservations. Each suite includes a living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Future plans include opening a gelato café within the building.

Visit PH Steakhouse at 111 Main St in Chester. To learn more, visit www. phsteakhouse.com.

Set in Scotland, the play

the corrosive psychological and political effects produced when evil is chosen as a way to seize power.

The Ladykillers

Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, pianist, composer and arranger Jesus “Chuchito” Valdés, Jr. is the third-generation manifestation of a Cuban jazz piano dynasty that includes his father, Chucho, and grandfather, Bebo Valdés.

Posing as amateur musicians, Professor Marcus and his gang rent rooms in the house of sweet but strict Mrs. Wilberforce. She becomes wise to their ruse…and there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet.

Save these February dates

Macbeth William Shakespeare February 2-6

dramatizes

Graham Linehan Feb. 17 thru Mar. 5

A Classic Steakhouse with a Modern HHHH Twist

By GAIL GERSON

From its tasteful 18th century décor, to their smooth, nicely liveried servers, to a versatile & intelligent wine list & sophisticated kitchen, the PH Steakhouse is everything a refined steakhouse should be. Although many of the dishes seem familiar, they are designed with a creative & very modern flair, that contribute to a singular & memorable dining experience. The beautifully appointed & fully restored dining room with comfortable chairs & roomy tables, the extremely knowledgeable servers, who are absolutely up to their eyebrows trying to make sure that guests have good reasons to like the restaurant, indicate someone is paying attention. The talented host-owner, Steve Bussel, who has developed many restaurants, along with manager Jennifer Evans, Assistant Manager Blake & the talented Chef Juan, believe in making almost everything from scratch, following the seasons & savoring & caring about the food. Here, the original flavors are wisely presented in all their opulence. They do believe in the slogan: “Keep it simple, work with quality ingredients.”

ABOUT THE OWNER

The steakhouse & Publick House hotel re-opened September 28, 2022. Mr. Bussel’s plan was to offer the finest cuts of USDA, perfectly seared prime, dry-aged steaks. Steve Bussel, the son of a Kosher butcher, grew up in an atmosphere where food was the main topic in the family, from the start.

He fell in love with the 1812 building that was a stagecoach stop between Morristown & Pennsylvania & accomplished his dream to restore the building to its original splendor. After our press tasting, our researchers concluded that the entire staff presented a combination of style, personality, know-how & perseverance, along with a passionate mix of delectable culinary delights. With mouth-watering side dishes created to enhance the flavors of the cuisine & award-winning cocktails & dazzling desserts, our group of researchers were truly impressed. This talented team brings a unique hands on approach, to restaurant ownership & hospitality. Mr. Bussel and his skillful organization have created a recipe for success, by applying their own unique ideas & extensive experience, to this new American steakhouse. Gail says “Go!”

HHHH STEAK & SEAFOOD SPECIALITIES

PH Steakhouse

111 Main St., Chester, NJ 908.955.7911 Phsteakhouse.com

Valet Parking & Piano Player Sat in Bar 6:30-9:30pm; Open 7 days Mon-Thurs 12-9pm, Fri & Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-9pm; Full Bar; All Major Credit Cards Accepted; Handicap Access; Flat Screen TVs; Bar Menu at Eat in Bar; Specialty Cocktails; Outside Catering (up to 20 miles), Call For Info; Train 10 mins away in Peapack-Gladstone; Total Seating: 130; Outside Porch, 9 tables - Seats 30; Restaurant Reservations Preferred; Daily Specials; Gift Certificates; Available for Private Parties - All Custom Designed, Private Party room Seats 80; 3 Dining Rooms: Chester, Publick, Washington Rooms Seat 130; Party Pkgs - Call ASAP to book; Ample Parking; Open Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve; Complete Art Deco

Renovation Hotel with 10 suites, 5 on each floor, various sizes; Reserve online with Resy & Roomkey.com; Prices-Moderate. GELATO CAFÉ - OPENING IN SPRING Call Mgr Jennifer Evans to book a party

To say the starters are impeccable, would be an understatement. Try the colossal new SEAFOOD TOWER, the unique CRABMEAT COCKTAIL, the addictive TUNA POKE BOWL & the exquisite Fall CHOPPED SALAD, along with a superb LOBSTER ROLL. The deletable MARGUERITA & BLANCO FLATBREADS were a joy to our tastebuds and true flavor explosions.

I heartily recommend the DRY AGED PORTERHOUSE FOR TWO, but the generous cut of oven roasted BONE-IN RIB-EYE, is marvelous as well. From the impeccable DRY AGED DOUBLE CUT DUROC PORK CHOP, to the delicious TOMAHAWK CHOP FOR TWO, our researchers were impressed with every bite. The unsurpassed FILET MIGNON is another glorious selection. Non steak entrees include the pleasant tasting AHI TUNA STEAK & the striking GRILLED SWORDFISH STEAK. Other dishes that readers recommended are the OLIVE CRUSTED SALMON & sauteed mushrooms. The list of superb sides includes the supreme TRUFFLE SMASHED YUKON GOLD POTATO, the CREAMED OR SAUTEED SPINACH, the JUMBO GRILLED ASPARAGUS and BAKED WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE. The ROASTED BROCCOLINI & THE SMOKED BRUSSEL SPROUTS are divine. You can also choose your own sauce from a wonderful selection.

“Owner Steve Bussel, along with famed Chef Juan, GM Jennifer Evans & Assistant Manager Blake, present the area’s best steak & seafood by any standard, with the USDA’s highest designation for beef. The PRIME steaks we experienced have the necessary marbling that impart a unique combination of taste & texture & define the ultimate steak-eating experience,” Writer Gail Gerson.

Chef Juan presented us with the perfect finale. The succulent CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE & CREME BRULEE are finger-licking good & the RICOTTA CHEESECAKE delish, but the HOMEMADE DELICATE MILK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE is enchanting.

Ten suites, five on each floor, of various sizes & each with its own living room, are quite historical & beautifully appointed. Several can accommodate 4-6 guests. Reserve with Roomkey.com.

The New Seafood Tower

Majestic Catering Room Seats 80

Power Family Meals with Protein-Packed Peanuts

tarting fresh with a new year is a chance to hit the reset button for many people, and your family can use this opportunity to rethink homemade meals while striving for nutritious (and still delicious) dishes. From snacks to the main course each evening, the options are nearly endless for planning a revamped menu with healthier ingredients.

Dinnertime can be a cinch with Peanut Butter Chicken, a simple dish that takes less than 20 minutes to make when busy evenings call for a quick solution. If a veggiebased option aligns better with your family’s desires, try Veggie Sammies with Peanut Butter Satay Sauce or go full-on comfort food with Very Vegan Peanut Butter Jackfruit Chili. Snacking doesn’t have to mean forgoing your dedication to nutritious choices either – these Peanut Granola Bars can be your made-at-home masterpiece for adults and children to enjoy.

These recipes from the Georgia Peanut Commission are powered by peanuts, a nutrient-rich superfood that delivers 19 vitamins and 7 grams of protein per serving

for a health benefit punch in each bite.

Discover more nutritious recipe ideas at gapeanuts.com

Veggie Sammies

with Peanut Butter Satay Sauce

Prep time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons water

4 teaspoons hoisin sauce

2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons sriracha

2 French baguette rolls (6 inches each)

1/2 cup cucumber, sliced

1/2 cup white onion, sliced into thin strips

1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1/2 cup purple cabbage

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

In small bowl, combine peanut butter, lime juice, water, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sriracha; mix well.

Spread sauce on both sides of each roll then layer with cucumber, onion and bell pepper. Top with cabbage and cilantro.

Very Vegan Peanut Butter Jackfruit Chili

Recipe courtesy of the National Peanut Board

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Servings: 8

2 teaspoons oil

1/2 large white onion, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 can whole tomatoes

2 cups water

1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can green jackfruit, drained and chopped

1/4 cup peanut butter

cornbread (optional) tortilla chips (optional) cinnamon rolls (optional)

Heat large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add oil, onion and peppers; cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic,

salt, cumin, chili powder and tomato paste, stirring to coat. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, then stir in crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, water, kidney beans and jackfruit; bring to boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 25-30 minutes. Stir in peanut butter and simmer 5 minutes.

Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips or cinnamon rolls, if desired.

Peanut Granola Bars

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 6 minutes, plus 30-45 minutes cooling time

Servings: 12-14

1/2 cup honey

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4teaspoon salt

2 cups rolled oats (quick or regular)

1 cup bran flakes

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes1 cup dried fruit (raisins, blueberries or cranberries)

1 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

Power Family Meals...

continued from page 14

In large, shallow, microwavable dish, combine honey, butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla and salt. Microwave at 50% power 2 minutes then whisk to combine and microwave at 50% power 2 minutes.

Add oats, bran flakes, coconut flakes, dried fruit and peanuts; stir to combine. Microwave on high 1 minute. Stir and microwave 30 seconds.

Press mixture into 13-by-9-inch baking dish lined with parchment or wax paper with some extra hanging over edges to easily lift bars out. Use bottom of glass wrapped with plastic wrap to press granola mixture firmly into pan. Allow to cool completely 30-45 minutes. Cut into 12-14 bars.

Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe courtesy of “Unsophisticook”

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes Yield: 6 cups

Peanut Sauce: 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter 3 tablespoons sweet red chili sauce 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1/8-1/4 cup hot water (optional) chopped unsalted roasted peanuts (optional) 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon soy sauce

3/4 cup peanut sauce cooked brown rice

assorted bell peppers, sliced chopped unsalted roasted peanuts (optional)

To make peanut sauce: In small glass bowl, whisk peanut butter, sweet red chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce and honey until blended smoothly.

Thin sauce with hot water to desired consistency. Garnish with chopped unsalted roasted peanuts, if desired.

To make chicken: In large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle oil. Add diced chicken then pour soy sauce over top. Saute about 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Serve with peanut sauce, brown rice and colorful sliced veggies. Garnish with chopped unsalted roasted peanuts, if desired.

Morristown Teacher Guiding Class in Pen-Pal Program with School Deep in the Heart of Ireland

By Alexander Rivero, Staff Writer

Ten years ago, Lisa Swanson’s 6th grade geography class at Morristown Beard School reached out to Educational Passages (EP), a non-profit organization based in Kennebunk, Maine that promotes ocean and environmental literacy for students. Amongst the tools of its trade, EP sold sailboats—small, unmanned, five-footers—to schools and programs interested in tracking them on voyages across the world’s oceans. The schools would pay ocean liners to drop these boats, each of which they equipped with a GPS tracking unit, at designated spots in the open ocean. These sailboats could then transmit back information on all manner of things pertaining to its route, including the flow of ocean currents, to the students eagerly following the boat’s course from iPads in their classrooms.

For Swanson, now in her 15th year at the school, the project is special for its interactive, immersive approach to a subject that could very well register as dull if taught in the old fashioned way. Instead, her students invest themselves fully into the project, taking in their geography lessons on ocean currents while creating unforgettable memories with one another.

“The kids design the sail, they install the keel, they paint it by hand, and then they work together in boat crews to figure out where the boat will be launched in the ocean,” she says. On paper, this certainly appears to beat reading through geography units out loud.

Over the last ten years, Swanson’s students have launched ten boats that have reached different faraway lands each time. From the Shetland Islands of Scotland to small coastal towns in Spain and France. Guernsey, too. Each boat was packed to the gills with student-selected goodies— baseballs, maps of New Jersey, photographs of the class, some American currency, a folded flag, and—last but not least—the letters, written by each student, telling whoever finds the boat a little bit about themselves, with the hopes of a response.

There is a palpable connection to the subject matter here, all mixed into a magical suspense of awaiting to see who picks up the shored boats on the other end. With a push of a button, students instantly take a front-seat view of the world they were only moments before reading about in a glossy textbook, all with the

simmering expectation that all of this— the painting and packing of the boat, the writing of the letters and gathering of the materials—will lead to a human connection somewhere—anywhere—on the other side of the planet.

Fast forward to this summer. Swanson’s class boat—the Crimson Current—lands on the Irish southern coast. As if out of a fairy tale, an Irish fisherman finds it and, following the instructions written out by the class, he reaches out to Swanson, alerting her that the boat is in his possession. Swanson tells him to take it to the nearest middle school, which happens the be the very middle school from which this fisherman graduated as a young man.

The school is Barryroe National School, and it is in Cork County, a quiet, rural part of the country not at all resembling northern New Jersey. Its 6th grade teacher, Shenade Walsh, is thrilled by the news, and within a few weeks, she and Swanson have teamed up to conduct hour-long Zoom sessions between each teacher’s corresponding classes. The whole idea is an instant hit, and since the initial Zoom session, each class has sent two rounds of letters to one another, with each student in Walsh’s class writing to a corresponding student in Swanson’s. In preparation for Christmas, Swanson’s crew just shipped out a fresh batch of letters, with candy canes.

Swanson admits to loving her job, and that a vital component of that love is the chance to work with 6th graders, a decision she made consciously. At this age, she says, there is a level of innocence and curiosity to the child that she hates to admit begins to evaporate by the time they wrap up middle school. She is bold in her lesson planning and overall vision, and sees that boldness as necessary to match the inner willingness in her students to try new things, to fail, to pick up anew and try learning it again, all with a good sense of humor, all in play. The letter-writing program is for her a prime example of that boldness. It is a class project that meets her students at the furthest edges of their comfort zones and knowledge base for a world that is in every important way still alien to them. Through the project, she nourishes her students’ curiosity, hopefully planting seeds that will one day blossom into other exploratory adventures, academic or otherwise.

“To me,” says Swanson, “just having the

Ms. Walsh’s 6th Graders, Barryroe National School, Cork County, Ireland.

cultural connection is good. I think kids at the middle school age think that people around the world think as they do. These kids are living in Morristown, New Jersey, and the Irish kids they’re exchanging letters with are living in a rural part of Ireland where, frankly, there isn’t a Target on every corner. There’s a much slower lifestyle, and an appreciation for how other people live.”

Looking ahead, Swanson hopes to launch a boat from a completely different point in the ocean with the hopes of reaching a new country.

“I’d like to look at the idea of launching a boat from Japan, or South Africa, or off the Alaskan coast somewhere,” she says.

“I’d love to land on a continent that is not Europe and see what happens from there.”

Cricket—Indian National Pastime— Deepening its Roots in New Providence and Beyond

By Alexander Rivero

Whether they play it, follow it, or care nothing for it, Indians’ relationship to cricket is undeniable, and the sport is ingrained into the very fabric of the country’s rich, vibrant culture. The game traces its popularity in the country since the earliest days of the British Raj, which lasted from the mid-19th century all the way up to the country’s modern independence in 1947.

However, it was India’s championship victory over the West Indies in 1983’s Prudential Cup—also known as the Cricket World Cup—that catapulted the sport’s popularity to new heights, and almost instantly leagues and clubs of varying levels and skill sets took shape, and wherever one went, there seemed to be a pick-up cricket game on just about every corner and empty grass patch of the sprawling subcontinent. The event, regardless of the degree to which one cared for the sport, instantly became a rallying point for a country still emerging from the shadows of its status as the former crown jewel of the British empire. It transcended its own status as national pastime, and became instead a

national obsession.

Not much has changed since 1983 when it comes to fanaticism for the sport amongst Indians, as anybody from the New Providence area can confirm.

Moin Ahmed is the elected president of the New Providence Cricket Club (NPCC), an organization that seeks to rekindle the passion for the sport in New Jersey that many thought they had left behind in India. The Cricket Club, Ahmed reminds us, is not at all exclusive to individuals living in America from former British commonwealth countries. It is open to all, regardless of ethnicity, skillset, knowledge of the sport—and even age.

“We are absolutely open to all,” Ahmed says by phone. “This is the second-most popular sport on the planet, after soccer. We have adults in the league between the ages of 35 and 50, and to watch them play passionately a game that they love has an extraordinary effect on the children, many of whom are born here in America and do not have the access to the sport. What happens with the kids is that they soon want to join in the fun with their family.”

Ahmed and his team of dedicated volunteers, each of which hold full-time jobs and families, are dedicated to the club in their off time. They see it as a way to build something special that would allow them to maximize whatever free time they have to spend with their families in a healthy, productive activity that reminds them of their home.

Nimit Suri, the club treasurer, echoes the sentiment.

“Everyone is so busy in life with work, their children,” he says, “that we need something that we feel strongly and passionately for, something to get away from our day-to-day worries. Gathering like-minded people that enjoy friendly competition, being together, quality time with loved ones, and with a strong passion for this sport was vital for us. We needed to carve out that corner, that space in our lives. This was the inspiration for the club.”

An integral component to the NPCC is its conscious efforts to include women and children in cricket matches. One of the biggest additions to the club in 2022, says the club’s vice president, Pratima Gollamudi, was its Women’s Club, which initiated in September. The club reached out to the township, to different groups that may be interested, and advertised it

on social media. The response was greater than they had expected—26 new female members signed up.

“I was very nervous about the whole thing because they asked me to bring it together,” Gollamudi says in reference to the Women’s Club. “But the response was wonderful.”

Amongst the other accomplishments for the NPCC in 2022 was its sizable increase in overall membership, as well as its outstanding coordination with players and crews in playing a solid 50 games. For a club made up of individuals working full-time jobs and raising families, this is by no means a small accomplishment.

“It really is incredible to see every time,” says Ahmed, referring to the way in which all of the necessary components needed to play a cricket match manage to come together each outing, thanks to the work of the club’s dedicated board members and players.

As of this writing, the official club membership is marked at $150 per year for men. The NPCC is still finalizing the tallies of what it would charge for female members, but should have those numbers quite soon. Please stay tuned for further details.

For further information on the New Providence Cricket Club, visit their website at www.newprovidencecricket.com.

The early days of the NPCC, taking a break from the COVID-19 quarantine.

Morris Plains Resident Bethany Schwager Named MPAC’s Volunteer of the Month

Morris Plains resident Bethan Schwager has been named MPAC’s Volunteer of the Month of December.

This recognition program is designed to shine a light on the many individuals who contribute their time and energy toward making MPAC and the MPAC customer experience a success.

Bethany joined the MPAC Volunteer Program in 2016. She is one of the many faces you see behind our concessions stand at performances. Bethany has supported MPAC during some of our busiest shows, which involves serving our patrons quickly and efficiently. Her ability to stay calm during some very busy and unplanned situations has been an asset to MPAC. In 2020 Bethany introduced us to her daughter, Aubrey,

who is also now a volunteer with us, adding a new, dynamic mother-daughter duo to our team.

“Bethany and I have had to handle some surprising situations together and she has made it look like

everything is running as planned,” said Eric Pach, MPAC’s Front of House Director. “We are grateful to have such a genuinely hard-working woman as a part of our concessions team!”

John Bonanni: Retiring Morris County Administrator Attends Last Board Meeting

Long-time Morris County Administrator John Bonanni was hailed for his years of leadership at his final meeting of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, who thanked him for 33 years of service and a steady management style that steered Morris County government through good and bad times over the years.

“Morris County government really does run like a top, as our Governor once said, and the reason is people like John Bonanni. The hard work and sound advice he brought to the office every day for the past 33 years is immeasurable, and the entire county is a better place because of him and the people he surrounded himself with. I will deeply miss John’s day-to-day guidance, but I know he will pick up the phone if I call to ask his advice. That is who John is,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

The Commissioners and administrative staff presented Bonanni with an etching of the Morris County Courthouse, a traditional gift given to retiring, long-time employees. The etching bears a placard that simply reads: “Thank You, John G. Bonanni For 33 Years of Distinguished Service To the People of Morris County.”

“There truly are no words that could describe my deep appreciation to Morris County. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work for this amazing county for over three decades. I am so proud of what we have together accomplished,” said Mr. Bonanni during the public meeting.

“John’s impact is as much about the future as past accomplishments. His pride in Morris County and his drive to provide a high level of caring and service for our residents is embedded in how the county operates and will have a signif-

icant positive effect for years to come,” said Deputy Director John Krickus.

Many honors and awards have been bestowed upon Mr. Bonanni over the years. Among them was the New Jersey Association of Counties first-ever County Administrator Lifetime Achievement Award in December 2020. That honor was later put on the Congressional Record in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) in February 2021.

Mr. Bonanni’s tireless work during the COVID-19 pandemic also earned him The Arc of New Jersey Heroes of 2020 award for helping to rescue and support people with disabilities who were stricken by the virus and suffered staffing shortages at group homes.

“John has been a true friend, mentor and partner. He’s a humble guy who -- and let’s be honest about it -- has always made the board look good. He has guided all of us to be the best representatives we can be for Morris County,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith.

“I’ve known John my entire life, so I’m not going to even try to encapsulate everything about him in just a few words. But we grew up together in Boonton. I knew his sister first and his father, and I remember John back when he first began working in a bank. We’ve known each other through so many different relationships over the years that, on a personal level, I’m sure we will continue to stay in touch somehow. On a professional level; however, I’ll miss his insight and his ability to get things done effectively. He has been

a great asset to Morris County and it’s difficult to envision Morris County without him. So, I just want to wish my old friend the best life has to offer in this new phase of his life and to say thank you for your friendship,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana.

Mr. Bonanni, who is noted for shunning the spotlight and deflecting praise for his achievements over the years, was heralded – and roasted somewhat – during a recent retirement party attended by hundreds of family, friends, colleagues and elected local, county, state and federal officials. He officially retires on Jan. 1, and Assistant Administrator Deena Leary, who was appointed by the board earlier in the year to assume the helm, will officially become the new administrator in the New Year.

“The people in Morris County have benefited from John’s wisdom and knowledge. His legacy will be felt for many years to come. I also enjoyed his sense of humor,” said Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo.

“Morris County is a better place because of John Bonanni’s 33 years of service. John’s motivation is simple, he has a deep rooted desire to help others. This motivation coupled with uncompromising ethical and work standards has served Morris County and the Commissioner Board well. John prefers to work tirelessly behind the scenes and has also developed a phenomenal support staff that is enabling the commissioners to make a seamless transition at the Administrator and Deputy Administrator positions. It has been an honor and great learning experience to work with John since I have been on the board,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw.

A lifelong resident of Morris County, Mr. Bonanni began his employment with Morris County in January of 1990 as

Assistant Director of Operations within the Department of Human Services. In 1992, he was promoted to Director of the Department of Human Services, which is the largest department in county government, charged with providing a wide array of services directed at enabling residents an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives.

“As the second longest serving freeholder-Commissioner on the board, I have seen John Bonanni in action through economic downturns and through events such as Irene, Sandy, blizzards and a pandemic, exemplifying what good government should be,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo. “Most importantly, he guided me during my two terms as Director of the board, helping me to insure that any decisions made were not influenced by politics, but instead were decision of good government for all the people of Morris County as we delivered zero percent tax increases, introduced a $60 million debt reduction plan and remained one of the best financially run counties in the country. His example of leadership will be missed.”

Mr. Bonanni was promoted in 2004 to the position of Morris County Administrator and has served the county in the position for the past 18 years.

As County Administrator, he was directly responsible for operations and management of the six major county departments, as well as the development and management of the county’s annual $331.1 million budget. Mr. Bonanni also oversaw the Departments of Public Works, Human Services, Law and Public Safety, Finance, Employee Resources, and Information Technology.

Looking back over his tenure, Mr. Bonanni said he is proud of the advancements that have been made in the areas of Human Services, Public Safety and shared services.

Having been Administrator during Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Ida, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Bonanni has experienced firsthand the emergent and ongoing needs of the county’s residents. He says he was extremely fortunate to have been able to partner with the many local community based nonprofits, local municipal governments, local first responders and faith based groups to address those needs.

Mr. Bonanni was issued the 2016 Patriots Path Council, Boy Scouts of America Morris County Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2016 Mental Health Association of Morris County Community Leadership Award for his years of advocacy on behalf of the Morris County human services community.

In 2018 he was presented with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Alex DeCroce Public Leadership Award.

Mr. Bonanni has served as a Commissioner on the N.J. Public Employees Relations Commission, as a member of the Morris County Insurance Commission, and as chairperson of the Morris County Improvement Authority. In 2010 he chaired Governor Chris Christie’s Departments of Human Services and Children and Family Transition Teams.

He is a 40 year member of the Boonton Fire Department, serves as a Board member on theMorris County Economic Development Corporation and on the New Jersey Association of Counties.

Mr. Bonanni also has regularly served as a presenter and instructor for Rutgers University’s Center for Government Services, sharing his extensive knowledge of county government.

Mr. Bonanni, however, takes greatest pride and delight being with his three daughters and two grandsons.

Preschool Advantage Annual Gala Funds Tuition for 40 Children

Preschool Advantage, a Morristownbased non-profit organization, held its 2022 annual Turning Leaves benefit dinner at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park on October 12th. After a two-year hiatus, the event returned with great energy fueled by guest emcee Guy Adami of CNBC’s “Fast Money,” who challenged the 250 attendees to give generously in support of this important cause. They took note, raising over $200,000 to fund preschool tuition for children in our community. The event was sponsored by the William T. & Marie J. Henderson Foundation with additional support from Hackensack Meridian Health, Private Advisor Group, Wiley Malehorn Sirota & Raynes, and several other individual donor-sponsors.

At this year’s event, Preschool Advantage honored its 11 past board presidents. Under their selfless leadership, the nonprofit has sent 1,300 local children to preschool since 1995. Special recognition was given to trustee, Gail Reuther for her 40 years as director at Mount Olive Child Care & Learning Center, a partner preschool of the Organization. Preschool Advantage Executive Director, Nancy Bangiola noted, “Gail has generously shared her decades of experience and expertise in early childhood education with Preschool Advantage. Her peers recognize her a leader in the field, and we consider ourselves very lucky to have benefitted from her wisdom for so many years.”

Preschool Advantage

also recognized a local family whose twin daughters attend preschool with a grant from the Organization. The twins’

mother, Jillian, remarked “The cost of preschool turned out to be one of our biggest challenges.” Expressing gratitude to the

supporters in attendance, Jillian shared that her daughters are thriving and will be ready for kindergarten in the fall. “It

has been an extraordinary journey watching our children learn and grow,” she said with great emotion.

Lawyer

Robert J. Greenbaum, Esq.

Jillian (left) and Hector (right), Preschool Advantage parents with Nancy Bangiola, Preschool Advantage Executive Director (center). Photo by Baseline Productions

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