Mt Olive Life May 2023

All Veteran’s Memorial Soaks in 15 Years of Ceremony, Growth & Survival

MOUNT OLIVE - What began as a local Eagle Scout project in 2006, has developed into a oneof-a-kind Veterans memorial that has served as a place for remembrance, prayer, volunteerism, creativity and education.

This month the All-Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake rings in 15 years since its inauguration.

It held its first Remembrance Day Ceremony, May 25, 2008, and on Monday, May 29, the 2023 Memorial Remembrance Day event is set to be held at 10:15 a.m. This year’s theme will focus on “Why We Serve.”

“Almost everyone has someone who had either served or is serving in the United State Armed Forces,” says AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann, formerly of Hackettstown. Looking back 15 years since she established the AVM, Uhrmann remains humble and gives full credit to her army of supporters.

“The success of the AVM and/or its programs can only be measured by the support of its

community, not by one single person alone,” says Uhrmann.

“While I have found Morris County and her surrounding counties to be extremely patriotic, there are those who go above and beyond to show their unwavering support. We are proud of the fact that the AVM Board of Directors have stayed the course for more than 15 years. And, we are extremely grateful to those volunteers and organizations that have been unwavering in their support of our efforts from the very beginning such as; Joe Nicastro of New View Media Group; Photographer Joe Gigli of New Jersey Counties Online; Bagpiper Mark Noyes; Spring Clean-up Home Depot; N.J. Veterans Services Bill Robinson; Budd Lake BSA Troop 249; Mt. Olive Girl Scouts; and of course Karl Meier of Meier Stone who has never hesitated to support and assist in every phase.”

History of the AVM

The spark to build a local

veteran’s memorial was ignited after September 11, 2001, right at the “front end of the Global War on Terror,” explains Uhrmann. By January 2004, her concept was being planned.

At the same time, her son, Mt. Olive High School student Eric Wood, was working on his Eagle Scout project to build a flag-burning unit with a vault for ashes and a 30 ft. flagpole.

For years prior, the community would gather for Memorial Day on busy Route 46, at the

town beach, where the 1968 Mt. Olive War Monument stood in front of the Casino building that served as the former municipal building/ police station for 60+ years, according to Mt. Olive Twp. Historian Cecelia Thea Dunkle. But after the building was leveled and the Memorial Day parade route and ceremony—planned annually by Bill and Linda Sohl— changed, police protection for residents crossing the busy highway became concerning.

AVM & Rolling Thunder Partner To Honor POW’s and MIA Soldiers

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - The All-Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake and Rolling Thunder National advocacy group is partnering in its efforts to honor prisoners of war and service members missing in action, and provide some TLC to a local treasurethe AVM.

Every third Friday of September, for the past 15 years, the AVM has been hosting the annual National POW/MIA 24-hour vigil. While Rolling Thunder National has been attending for the past five years as participants in either reading names of soldiers, or as spectators, the organization will now be co-sponsors of the event.

The AVM/RT National POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil is set to be held Friday, Sept. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 16 at the AVM. Both non-profit 501©3 organizations are excited for the collaboration.

“The AVM and Rolling Thunder and its many individual chapter’s mission is to never forget those who were either prisoners of war or missing in

action and to educate the public of that fact,” says AVM Founder Charlie Wood Uhrmann.

“The AVM’s POW/MIA/PTSD Remembrance Wall, grounds and elements were created specifically to remember and honor the New Jersey warriors that never returned home.”

It only makes sense to work together since both groups have the same purpose.

“I think this is going to be a mutually beneficial relationship for both organizations,” says Bonnie Blackwell, SPC U.S. Army Combat Veteran and member of Rolling Thunder Chapter 6 N.J.

As the liaison between the AVM and Rolling Thunder, Blackwell says, “This is an amazing opportunity for us to work together to take care of the AVM, honor our Veterans, their families, and the Rolling Thunder members who support them. Teamwork makes the dream work.”

As part of the co-sponsored event, Rolling Thunder will host an annual Honor Run,

a fundraiser which involves members of Rolling Thunder Chapters who will ride their motorcycles and convene at the AVM as a demonstration to honor fallen service members. Blackwell, of Fredon, who also served as an Operation

“There was talk of possibly moving the monument further back off route 46 and I was extremely concerned that it wasn’t just placed somewhere to get it out of the way,” says Dunkle. When she learned about Wood’s Eagle Scout project and talk of a veteran’s park with different features, she contacted Uhrmann, who established a committee that was instrumental in getting the monument moved.

“Charlie had secured the area next to the Seward Mansion,” recalls Dunkle, president of the Mt. Olive Township Historical Society.

The obstacle was they needed a “change of use” at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake which was supposed to be all soccer and sports fields, explains Uhr-

mann. Mayor Rob Greenbaum and the Mt. Olive Twp. Council passed a resolution on May 23, 2006, approving a New Veterans of All Wars Memorial at Turkey Brook Park. The resolution specified that the AVM would have three elements: Wood’s flag burning unit with vault for ashes and his flagpole; an expanded Veterans of All Wars Memorial to include pavers and other artistic elements under the supervision of Uhrmann; and the relocation if the existing war memorial. The township “provided us with 1.3 acres of property,” says Uhrmann. “We were so excited to have it, but we had to make

PLEASE SEE ALL VETERAN’S PAGE 6

Retired Budd Lake Woman Hikes Appalachian Trail

Joint Guardian (Military Police Officer) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF lll-Mechanic), came up with the idea of the Honor Run.

“The idea for this agreement

PLEASE SEE ROLLING THUNDER, PAGE 4

Hackettstown, Allison Bahr; Budd Lake, Elissa Radvansky; Flanders. Mr. Moe was hiding in the

Panther Valley, Berk’s, White Space, Beaumont, Flanders Bagel and Army National Guard. Thanks

MOUNT OLIVE - Many people have goals and dreams when they are young but a good majority most likely kick it to the dirt and take a different path.

But not Jennifer Tull of Budd Lake. After working 23 years in human resources and information technology at Merck, Tull retired in August 2022 and is finally realizing her dream — to hike the Appalachian Trail.

“I am hiking the entire Appalachian Trail which begins on Springer Mountain in Georgia and ends on Mt. Katahdin in Maine,” says Tull, who turns 60 in June.

“I have wanted to hike this entire trail since I knew it existed when I was about 12 years old,” she says. “I went to a YMCA summer camp, and we backpacked a small section of the AT. I have wanted to hike the entire thing since then.”

She decided to start her hike on February 14, ironically the day of love. Like Cupid with a pointed arrow, she aims at reaching her destination in early August.

According to Tull, the Ap-

palachian Trail has been around since 1937 and is 2,198.4 miles long. She was on mile 534 when she was resting at a hostel in Marion, Va., to answer these questions about her six-month journey.

A resident of Budd Lake for a dozen years, Tull has been hiking weekly for the past seven years.

“My most challenging trip by far was hiking 170 miles of the Long Trail in VT,” she mentions. “I hiked that in September of last year to prepare for hiking the AT. That remains harder than anything I have done yet on the Appalachian Trail.”

She hikes primarily with Metrotrails, which is a hiking group based in Warren County that hikes every week in the area, but also plans trails in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and even Maryland. She also hikes with Hudson Valley Hikers and the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Her current adventure is called an Appalachian Trail

SEE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, PAGE 10

PLEASE

AREA - As a leading authority in dental implantology, Dr. Ira Goldberg was invited to lecture in Englewood, NJ last month. His full day presentation discussed CT Scanning for Dental Implants, along with Digital Implant Planning & Placement. As a respected educator, its not uncommon for Dr. Goldberg to share his knowledge and expertise with others. The AAID is the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. It has an educational branch called MaxiCourses, which are year-long programs dentists can enroll in should they wish to learn about dental implantology. Dr. Goldberg has been invited multiple times to teach these students regarding various top-

Local Dentist, Dr. Ira Goldberg, Lectures at the New York AAID MaxiCourse

ics related to dental implants. Regarding dental implant placement, Dr. Goldberg spoke about two technologies he uses regularly within his private office: Dynamic Navigation and Static Navigation.

“Dynamic navigation is a type of robotic technology,” explains Dr. Goldberg. “It utilizes tracking sensors, similar to GPS. It allows for pinpoint precision when placing dental implants. Its not necessary for all implant procedures, but when you need it, its great to have.”

Dr. Goldberg continues, “We have this equipment right in our office. Not many offices have it, nor does it make sense for them to invest in it if they are not performing implant procedures

on a regular basis. We perform implant procedures regularly, so we definitely have found it an indispensable tool at times.”

“Static Navigation is commonplace these days. Guides are fabricated digitally with special softwares, and are 3-D printed by laboratories. We actually are printing them ourselves in our office, too. Similar to dynamic navigation, the end result is the same: accurately placed implants based upon a pre-plan. However, static guides are physical devices while dynamic guidance are robotic. Different pathways, same results.”

At the end of the day-long session the students had an opportunity to try their hand at

Centenary Paves The Way For Veterans’ Academic Success

AREA - For Centenary University President Dr. Bruce Murphy, and his late wife, Jeanne Picariello Murphy, providing educational opportunities for veterans has been a top priority since arriving in Hackettstown in early 2020. That’s because both are veterans: Dr. Murphy retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel after 23 years in the military, while Mrs. Murphy was a U.S. Army nurse who retired as a colonel after 30 years of active duty. She was tragically killed in January in Hackettstown.

“I took advantage of the GI Bill myself to get a master’s degree,” explained Dr. Murphy. “It really helped at a time when money was tight. My wife, Jeanne, also furthered her education through the GI Bill. She completed a master of Nursing Science in Cardiac Rehabilitation. This essentially changed the trajectory of her career from clinical care nursing to health promotion—a career decision that impacted thousands of lives.”

During her military career, Col. Murphy served as chief of health promotion for the U.S. Southern Command in Panama and spearheaded Army health, wellness, and support programs in Germany, Virginia, in the Pentagon and at the Army War College. Since their retirement, she and Dr. Murphy have been dedicated to ensuring that Centenary provides not only academic, but also financial, social, and emotional support to active-duty military and veterans.

Centenary University’s Office of Veteran Services provides a host of support services to assist honorably discharged veterans and their dependents. Margie Pavlichko, the university’s director of veteran services, works one-on-one with veterans to connect them with federal benefits, such as tuition reim-

bursement through programs such as the GI Bill, as well as support services provided by Centenary. A veteran- and military-friendly institution, the university offers up to a 30% tuition discount to honorably discharged veterans and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. Internal and external services and resources from Centenary’s Office of Veteran Services are designed to provide the necessary tools to help facilitate a seamless transition to the academic arena, a successful integration to the campus community, and career planning for the future beyond the classroom. The office monitors the enrollment status and academic progress of student veterans, veteran dependents, active military and reservists attending the university.

Those services are important to veterans like Raymond “Ray” Baum, sergeant first class, U.S. Army (ret.), who earned his bachelor’s in business administration from Centenary University in 2021. While still enlisted, he started his college degree through an online college, but found that the institution and the Veteran’s Administration didn’t provide him with the support he needed to stick with the academic program long enough to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Centenary gave him the encouragement not only to complete a bachelor’s degree, but to excel, graduating with a 3.9 GPA.

While SFC Baum retired from the military after 24 years with an associate degree, it took 12 years of civilian life for him to re-enroll at Centenary. Noting that at his previous college he had to figure everything out himself, SFC Baum explained, “They didn’t have a ‘Margie.’ Had I known about Centenary 12 years ago when I first retired, my path might have been

different. Leaving the military is such a change. In the armed forces, everybody knows their role, who’s doing what. Then you come out into the civilian world, and everybody’s doing their own thing. A lot of veterans will just say ‘I don’t want to deal’ and shut themselves off.”

Through Dr. and Col. Murphy’s military focus, Centenary University formed an educational partnership with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). The partnership is known at Centenary as the CMSgt Richard Etchberger Scholars Program, which includes students enrolled at Centenary through the CCAF’s General Education Mobile (GEM) Program for associate degree candidates and CCAF’s Associate to Bachelor’s Cooperative (ABC) Program for those seeking a bachelor’s degree. The program is offered virtually. CMSgt Richard L. Etchberger was a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed during a covert operation in Laos in 1968.

For recent high school graduates applying to Centenary, but opting to enter the military right after graduation, Centenary will hold their place until they are discharged.

“After serving over 50 years combined in the military, Jeanne and I have both understood how important a college education is for active-duty military and veterans,” Dr. Murphy said. “As a military-friendly institution, Centenary has excellent academic and support programs that enable both enlisted personnel and veterans to gain an outstanding education that paves the way for career success.”

For more information about veterans services at Centenary go to https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/military/ or email Margie.Pavlichko@centenaryuniversity.edu

dynamic guidance, and they also had a chance to speak with Dr. Goldberg to review some of their own cases one-on-one.

When asked about his role as an educator to other dentists, Dr. Goldberg thoughtfully stated, “I’ve always heard that when you’re passionate about something, it shows. I’ve been providing implant services for over 28 years, and I’m always excited about it. I guess that’s why other doctors and dental professionals ask me for my thoughts and help. Its quite an honor, and I love to share.”

Dr. Goldberg holds many honors in the field of implant dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Fellow of the AAID, and also a Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, just to name a couple. Regarding his Diplomate status in the ABOI/ID, there are only a few hundred dentists world-

wide that hold this distinction.

Dr. Ira Goldberg is the owner of Morris County Dental Associates in Succasunna. He performs all phases of implant dentistry, and rarely are refer-

rals required. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at 973-328-1225 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com

Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant or complex full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.

came about when Blackwell first contacted the AVM seeking a place to honor and remember

Cpl. Hayden Harris’ life and service after being murdered by the hand of a fellow soldier in Byron Township,” explains Uhrmann.

Blackwell could have contacted a different Veterans group, but the AVM was her best choice.

“I have been involved with multiple Veteran Organizations – but none like the AVM,” says Blackwell. “I connected with Charlie through tragedy and God’s grace! After a U.S. Army Soldier, CPL Hayden Harris, was kidnapped from Ft. Drum and murdered in my hometown - I googled the owner of the All-Veteran’s Memorial. Charlie did not hesitate when I asked for help to honor this soldier. Last Memorial Day we installed a walkway, leading into a Prayer Garden, in honor of CPL Hayden Harris.”

After that connection, “Bonnie remained extremely active with the AVM and its programs,” says Uhrmann. “Bonnie came up with the original idea of an Honor Run as a fundraiser for the AVM and the Rolling Thunder Chapters. Fundraisers are the lifeblood for nonprofits like the AVM, American Legions and the Rolling Thunder to survive.”

As a Rolling Thunder member for a few years now, Blackwell became an official member about a year ago.

“The first Rolling Thunder event I attended was actually at the All-Veteran’s Memorial,” Blackwell shares. “My husband and his family were members of RT Chapter 2 in Staten Island, N.Y. We were at Walmart in the ITC one day when Jay got an email from RT reminding him of an event at the All-Veteran’s Memorial park in Mt. Olive; he asked me if I wanted to go. This was the first time I have ever seen the All-Veteran’s Memorial – or a Rolling Thunder Sponsored event. I was absolutely amazed by both!

“My husband and I joined RT Chapter 6 N.J. since it is a

little closer to our home,” she continues. “Sadly, our Chapter’s President, Billy Appice, passed away this past year. His loss was devastating to his immediate family, friends and his brothers and sisters in Rolling Thunder. Billy was a true patriot who loved the Rolling Thunder and its mission –he also loved the AVM. Billy was passionate about helping Veterans and never forgetting those who never made it home.

“When I asked Charlie if we could do something special to honor Billy’s memory - that conversation turned into multiple phone calls, texts, emails and meetings between Charlie, myself and Rolling Thunder –the Rolling Thunder Honor Run was created.”

Blackwell connected the mission of both organizations and received support.

“The Rolling Thunder mission revolves around the POW/MIA issue,” says Blackwell. “The AVM has two major ceremonies per year – Memorial Day and POW/MIA Remembrance Day. RT National agreed to support the Annual Honor Run and co-sponsor the POW/MIA Remembrance ceremony without hesitation.”

The AVM is the perfect place to support Rolling Thunder’s mission.

“The AVM has a long history of creating beneficial programs for individuals and outside organizations as a way to cultivate unity and support,” says Uhrmann. “The AVM has the only permanent designated ceremonial ground specific to the POW/MIA in the state.”

Adds Blackwell, “The All-Veteran’s Memorial is just an amazing place. Every single element and detail is very well thought out, planned and executed! The AVM is an education complex to raise awareness about our nation’s core values; it is also the only Veteran’s Memorial that remembers and honors our military, Veterans, their families, children and even the animals who have served in past and present wars.”

Details for the Honor Run

On the third Friday of every September, the RTHR will

begin at 10 a.m. All national and state chapters members and their families are invited to participate. Riders must wear their official RT vest during the Honor Run.

The AVM parking lot will be closed to the public. Riders and participants can begin arriving at 9 a.m.

Once all of the riders and participants have assembled, the RT Honorary Paver will be presented to the chapter lead to be carried as part of their Honor Run.

Riders will return to the AVM parking lot at the conclusion of the run, in which members will assemble at the POW/ MIA Remembrance Memorial Grounds and Wall to raise the POW/MIA flag and share a short eulogy of the fallen member.

A designated member from the chapter or family member will be invited to install a service paver at the RT Memorial Walkway.

Uhrmann says she anticipates anywhere between 50100 riders per participating chapters. Rolling Thunder Honorary Walkway

As part of this new initiative, a RT Memorial Walkway will be built to replace the existing stone walkway leading up to the Rolling Thunder Podium.

The walkway will consist of pavers for RT military and civilian members, denoting their name, rank, branch of service or position held with their chapter.

Uhrmann explains the need for this new walkway.

“The existing walkway was intended to be consistent with the overall landscape,” she says. “However, the rugged terrain has proven to be quite challenging for some of our older volunteers to navigate. Installing a platform or stage area will allow more than one person to stand behind the podium during the reading of the names. Many organizations that come to read names will typically come with three or more people. The paved area will also be able to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.”

Co-Sponsors of National POW/MIA 24-Hour Vigil

The POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil will commence around 4 p.m. after the Honor Run. RT will be invited to participate in opening ceremonies, ringing 21 Tolls of the Ascension Bell every hour, Invocation, lighting of the vigil globe in the Warrior Obelisk, laying the memorial wreath, Table for One and reading of POW/MIA names.

For 24 hours, people and organizations volunteer to read the names, ranks, dates of service and war served of every single POW/MIA from N.J.

All fundraising from the Honor Run will be split 50/50 by AVM and RT.

The AVM will deposit their proceeds into a separate perpetual care account to cover the costs of future complex-clean ups, renovations, maintenance and supplies, says Uhrmann.

“We would like to hire a

land/hardscaper to visit the AVM grounds at least once a month to conduct an assessment and maintain and repair anything that may require attention,” says Uhrmann.

“The high elevation exposes the monuments to severe weather during the winter and summer months. We have also had to deal with damage caused by people climbing or mistreatment of the monuments. With the amazing help from Mt. Olive Twp. Parks Department that maintains the landscape, the AVM has and will continue to maintain the complex and monuments.”

More about Rolling Thunder

Rolling Thunder is a U.S. advocacy group that seeks to bring full accountability for prisoners of war and missing in action service members of all U.S. wars. The group’s first demonstration was in 1988; it was incorporated in 1995,

and has more than 90 chapters throughout the U.S., as well as overseas.

Its founders, Vietnam Veterans Artie Muller and Ray Manzo, were concerned about the disassociation “given to those who did not make it out with their lives or their freedom” so they planned the first demonstration in Washington, D.C. during the 1988 Memorial Day weekend. About 2,500 motorcycles around the country converged at the nation’s capital to demand from leaders a full accounting of all POW/MIA’s.

Every Memorial Day since, about 900K participants join in for the Ride For Freedom weekend ride to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall to honor service members. We work year-round with Communities, Schools, Veterans & Families That Need Assistance.

New Mosque in Flanders and Everyone is Welcome!

BY MARYANNE CHRISTIANO-MISTRETTA STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - The Islamic Society of North Jersey officially opened a new mosque September 2022, and all are invited.

“We participate in interfaith group,” said Ahmed Soliman, president of The Islamic Society of North Jersey (ISNJ). “We reach out to our neighbors, about who we are. We invite them to eat with us; see how peaceful we are,” he said. “Our religion respects any religion. We have respect for whatever you feel, whatever you believe, that’s your right.”

ISNJ started back in 1999 with a full mosque in Hackettstown. The new mosque in Flanders was bought in 2021. It took a year to turn the two-story brick building into a mosque. On the first floor there’s an

open space to pray. There are no pews like a church. The second-floor hosts Sunday school classes. “We teach our kids the language of Koran, our holy book” said Soliman. “We teach our kids how to behave, the dangers of drugs in the street, and violence. We are a peaceful community. We try to be responsible people in our community, to help, to be recognized, to be part of the community together.”

ISNJ recently celebrated Ramadan, which is the Arabic name for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims and observed by Muslims worldwide.

It’s a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It lasts 29 to 30 days. Fasting is from dawn to sunset.

• Improves sleep

• Enhances mood

• Stimulates blood flow

• Shortens recovery time

• Improves mobility

“We get together, relatives, in the mosque, usually Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights to celebrate and eat together,” said Soliman. “All this is grateful to God. In Arabic, we say ‘Allah’, in English it is God. My Allah is your God.”

Soliman explained that the Islamic religion is similar to

• Releases the body’s natural pain killers

• Relaxes tight muscles

• Reduces inflammation

Christianity, with some differences. “God is unique,” he said. “He is not human. He is completely different, a supreme being. Islam means to submit to Allah. We believe in Heaven and Hell. We believe in prophets. All prophets are equal—Muhammad, Jesus, Abraham. God chose these

people to be messengers.”

Continuing, Soliman further explained, “God revealed his guidance to Moses. Time changed. People forgot. Jesus came with the same message as Moses. Muhammad came with a messuage. It’s up to us, to use it in this world.”

When visiting a mosque,

Soliman explained that it’s the same as a church as long as you are covered respectfully. “We don’t force women, but ask to be respectful,” he said.

“Your body as a woman is sacred. You don’t show to anybody but your husband.” That said, Soliman stresses that if you read the Koran carefully, women have rights. “Women are equal to men in every manner,” he said.

Soliman also emphasized that the Koran said to respect the country’s law when you are living in it, regardless of what you think. ‘Every country has its own laws,” he said. “There’s a guideline for every country.”

Fifty years ago, Soliman came to America from Egypt, getting his education here. He’s worked with Pfizer for over 20 years and has been residing in Budd Lake for the past 35 years. “It’s a blessed country,” he said. “Whatever you want, you get it. Work hard, you get what you’re looking for.”

Now retired, in addition to his responsibilities as president of ISNJ, Soliman’s involved in all kinds of activities with his kids and grandkid, such as camping, going to beaches, and playing tennis. “It’s a normal life,” he said. For more information on ISNJ, visit: https://isnj.net/

a promise that we wouldn’t use taxpayers’ money.”

Uhrmann kept her promise: The AVM is a nonprofit 501©3 organization.

It took 18 months to raise enough donations to fund the first part of the AVM memorial, she explains.

After the war monument was moved to the site, Uhrmann said she was done, but that only lasted after she realized a sidewalk or path was needed to get to the site. So, she created the Path to Enduring Freedom, which was supported by 115 donations from corporations and community sponsors.

“We had people waiting in line to sponsor,” says Uhrmann, wanting to pave with names and ranks of loved ones who served in various wars.

Since then, the AVM has honored 1,973 U.S. Service Members by way of customized engraved Honorary Service Pavers, she says.

Once the foundation was set, Uhrmann added on the AVM every year with a new concept, followed by fundraising and then construction.

“The elements typically took me two years from conception, planning, fundraising and completion,” she notes.

To date, she has completed 16 elements at the AVM and is currently working on her 17th element with the Military Child monument. See sidebar. The phases include: Main Complex / Charlie Johnson Gazebo; Path To Enduring Freedom; 14 Bollards at the GWOT Bridge installed by Home Depot; War Dog Memorial; NorthStar Seating installed by Home Depot; Liberty Walkway; Spiritual Cenotaph; Warrior Obelisk; Bill of Rights Wall; Bollards (around parking lot) installed by Home Depot; POW/MIA/ PTSD Remembrance Wall; Ascension Bell; POW/MIA Podium; Reflection Sanctum (Prayer Garden); WWII Belgium display; Gen. Patton Walkway; and War Horse Memorial.

The creativity and attention to detail with each element really makes each phase its own masterpiece.

The War Dog Memorial, for example, honors dogs in five different wars. Each dog is sculptured as a replica and placed in its own theater representing the war it served.

“The foundation of each element contains meaningful memorabilia that either belonged to me, my family or was gifted to me by a combat veteran or family member while building the memorial,” says Uhrmann. “As an example, we encapsulated a full copy of the full Bill of Rights into a weatherproof tube and embedded it into the 70’ x 10.5’ Liberty Wall, where the first (ratified) ten amendments of the Bill of Rights tablets are

displayed. Another example was the Spiritual Cenotaph. I received the dog tags of a WWII fallen warrior whose body was buried at Normandy American Cemetery in Normandy Beach, France from a family member. I placed his dog tags, along with a Purple Heart medallion into the cenotaph’s concrete base. I believed it was more than fitting since the Spiritual Cenotaph represents those brave warriors who never returned home from battle.”

And then there is the Warrior Obelisk. “The hands featured at the Warrior Obelisk are the same hands that built it,” she explains.

“I did my best to create a symbol synonymous with each consequence of war,” she explains. “Bondage best represented the POW (Prisoner of War). Creating a visual of undernourished, boney hands tied together with twine seem to fit the overall image. I just needed to find a set of hands that fit what I was looking for. For months I caught myself looking at everyone’s hands. It was not until I was having a conversation with a stranger, when she asked me if my hands gave me pain. I responded ‘no, why?’

She replied, ‘your hands look like they have seen better days.’

It was at that moment I found the perfect hands to use for the POW section of the Warrior Obelisk. The bounded hands featured are mine.”

Each element at the AVM has been fully funded by private, non-profit organizations and/or corporate sponsorships, notes Uhrmann. Sponsorships are acknowledged on each element placard: Denoting the name of the monument, a short description, sponsor and date formally dedicated.

“We have 70 sponsors recorded,” says Uhrmann. “Each element at the AVM is registered with the Library of Congress as an original piece. It took an approximate investment of two years per element from the planning stages to completion.”

More than Just Elements

After 15 years of dedication, commitment, hard work and creation, the AVM has turned into an “educational/ceremonial complex that touts our nation’s rich history,” says Uhrmann. The main complex is in the footprint of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

“The AVM not only serves as a formal ceremonial stage, it is also an educational complex where persons of all ages can learn about America’s rich history,” says Uhrmann. “Brief, but accurate facts and statistics surrounding our nation’s wars, war heroes, branches of service, commander in chief(s), consequences of war, Bill of Rights, branches of government, to the

UNDER CONTRACT

chronology of states entering the Union provide a unique opportunity and landscape for people to brush up on their U.S. history.

“We have a rich history,” she says. There’s the War Obelisk which was partially funded by the American Legions; a Cenotaph where every Bible and “scriptures known to our military” have been placed, “some entombed” that needed special handling.

The War Horse, Blueskin, was created with materials dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution; Bill of Rights; and POW/MIA PTSD Wall in which a 24-hour vigil is held annually by reading names and ranks of N.J.’s prisoners of war and those missing in action and ringing the ascension bell.

Since 2008, the AVM has hosted the Memorial Remembrance Day and National POW/ MIA 24 Hour Vigil, and over the years has held an Honorable Service Ceremony for fallen warriors on three occasions.

The three fallen warrior events held included Honorable Service Ceremonies for Sgt. Corey E. Garver on Monday May 27, 2019; PO2 Kevin Yali on Friday June 28, 2019; and Sgt. Michael James Goble on Monday May 25, 2020. The fourth ceremony is set for this May 29, for Col. Jeanne Murphy (Ret). See sidebar.

An Honorable Service Ceremony is held when a warrior is Killed In Action, says Uhrmann, to acknowledge his or her military service, to demonstrate gratitude to the fallen’s surviving family members so that they know their loved one’s service and sacrifice was not in vain.

The AVM has become the location for projects, education and volunteerism.

“We have had more than 3,000 volunteers over the years either participating in the AVM’s annual events or donating their time and services with construction or our annual Spring Clean-up,” she says.

Since her son’s Eagle Scout project, Uhrmann says “We are proud to be the home of three BSA Eagle Scout Community Projects.”

AVM’S Outreach Projects

The AVM has stepped outside its memorial grounds to help military overseas and veterans at home. Through Morris County Cares, Uhrmann says the AVM provided outreach services and requests to troops fighting overseas. Involved with the Iraq Bridging Campaign, the AVM helped with 1,200 shipments of supplies to Iraq and Afghanistan during Operation Outreach – items ranging from: 600 lbs. of candy; 700 blankets; hygiene items; 120 Christmas/Easter gift bags to the families of Iraqi Soldiers in U.S. Military Training

Complex; baby supplies for orphanages; medical supplies to the IBN Military Hospital and school supplies to the newly built schools.

Volunteers gave “endless hours” collecting for homeless veterans, assembling severe weather backpacks, working with schools and gathering supplies through American Legions.

“Our financial and collection efforts were largely supported by the local community, nonprofits, and the Walmart Corporation who provided $70,000 grants to mail the items overseas,” she says.

Over the years, the AVM partnered with the Morris County American Legion in collecting and delivering 10,000 backpacks through the Helping Homeless Heroes/ Helping Homeless Hounds backpack program to provide needed items to homeless veterans, their canine partners and neighbors. No Shutdown at AVM

Even during COVID, the AVM held its events, continued its outreach efforts to provide an outlet for teens “to get out of the house,” be involved and have purpose and let N.J. Assisted Living Facility residents know they have not been forgotten.

During the pandemic with state and local mandates, the AVM sought special permission from the mayor to continue to host ceremonies via live stream for service members and their families, says Uhrmann. Though live participation was restricted to less than 25 participants – more than 3,000 viewers watched the ‘2021’ Memorial Day and POW/MIA ceremonies.

“Our efforts were shifted during the massive loss of life in N.J.’s Veteran Assisted Living / Nursing Homes during the pandemic,” says Uhrmann. “During this time, we again sought special permission for a limited number of volunteers to assemble Holiday Blessing Bags for the surviving residents throughout the entire state of N.J. While maintaining safety precautions

for our volunteers who were primarily high school students and their parents, we were thanked for giving these students a much-needed reprieve from the lockdown.

“After 15 years of working closely with veterans and Gold Star Families, we understood the importance of maintaining as much normalcy as possible for them and the community at large,” justifies Uhrmann. “Our outdoor complex provided us a unique opportunity to continue to host our annual Memorial Day Ceremony in May and our POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil in September. Another restriction was that we provide face masks and hand sanitizers to those participating. Because participation was limited, BSA Troop 249 created wooden stands for the period uniforms to be displayed alongside the Path To Enduring Freedom.”

The mayor also allowed the AVM to use the Mt. Olive Senior Center during COVID for its Helping Homeless Heroes / Helping Homeless Hounds and the Holiday Blessing Box Campaign.

“Any event that the AVM held during the pandemic were all done in accordance with the social distancing policies that were set in place,” says Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko. “I do recall the time we allowed the AVM to use the Senior Center for a weekend event to assemble the blessing boxes, again, all social distancing, masking, were to be followed.”

Uhrmann had a goal: “Over the 11 years of distributing severe weather backpacks to our homeless veterans and hounds, we were shy of only 53 backpacks before reaching our 10,000 mark,” says Uhrmann. “Because COVID was so contagious, we were prohibited from collecting product donations, but allowed to purchase the items needed to fill the backpacks; the same restrictions were applied to the Holiday Blessing Boxes. We received several monetary dona-

tions from the same community supporters of the AVM. The donations allowed us to purchase new items that would be useful to the surviving seniors that were living in state-run facilities. Mayor Greenbaum gave us permission to use the Mt. Olive Senior Citizen’s Center to assemble the boxes, adding the same limitations as our events. We rotated volunteers on the hour.

“Parents of our volunteers expressed gratitude for providing their child an opportunity to get out of the house,” says Uhrmann. “Several parents shared personal stories of the many challenges and ill effects that were being caused by the lockdown. I had no idea that our outreach efforts would have an equal impact on our volunteers, as it did for those trying to survive the pandemic.”

The AVM also provided the Mt. Olive School District and high school with added advantage to acquire the Air force JROTC program. “A true benefit to the community at large,” she adds. “The JROTC performs and supports all of the AVM events; outreach efforts including our Blessing Box initiative; and spring cleanup. The AVM provides opportunities for the cadets to earn their mandatory community / volunteer hours.”

SMSgt (ret) Robert Bedell, an Aerospace Science instructor who leads the MOHS Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) program since it was established in 2017, recognizes the opportunities the AVM has provided to the students.

“Our unit of cadets has been involved in assisting the All-Veterans Memorial in annual clean-up efforts, building the POW/MIA concrete “sandbag” wall, laying pavers and fully incorporated into the annual POW/MIA and Memorial Day ceremonies,” says Bedell. “Our cadets joined in on the 24hour POW/MIA vigil by keeping the POW/MIA flag in constant movement around Turkey Brook Park and bringing awareCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

ness to the significance of the Remembrance Day.” As for Memorial Day, Bedell has served as the MC and the MOHS Color Guard has presented the Colors and fulfilled the flag detail by dressing in authentic war era uniforms from the Revolutionary War into the most recent Global War on Terror.

Bedell explains why his group has been so dedicated at the AVM.

“At the heart of AFJROTC is service to our country and local community,” he says. “What better place to give back than to a phenomenal memorial dedicated to the brave Americans who have sacrificed so much. It is a perfect venue to remind our young teens why they have the freedoms they enjoy and take for granted each and every day.”

Even during COVID, the MOHS AFJROTC stayed involved.

“We were proud to be involved in the Memorial Day service during the COVID quarantine,” says Bedell. “AVM afforded the community a venue that was outside and permitted small gatherings during this time while also providing a live feed to those who could not attend in person.”

Looking back six years since he has been involved, Bedell says, “It has been an honor to partner with the AVM and contribute to the legacy that Charlie and the organization has created at this spectacular memorial. The AVM has created a venue for these cadets to create lifetime memories of being involved in something greater than them, as well as instill a heart to serve.

“The AVM has not only benefited Mt. Olive, but to so many communities in the area and the region, with so many people coming from substantial distances away simply to participate at a world class venue that we have in our backyard,” he adds. “Anyone who takes the time to walk through the memorial will quickly realize how special and amazing the AVM

is and you simply can’t believe that this beautiful memorial is in our small town of Flanders, N.J.

Truly special!”

Appreciating the AVM

From students, to teachers, Scout leaders and organization heads, the appreciation of the AVM has grown just as much as its elements.

Tinc Rd. Elementary School third grade teacher Devon Marques regularly brings her students to visit the AVM during Military Appreciation Month.

“Our class takes a field trip to the AVM close to Memorial Day,” says Marques. “Students research the five branches of the military and enjoy exploring the museum and hearing Charlie speak.

“During COVID we utilized the website to explore the AVM,” she adds. “Having a place in our town that we can introduce students to that celebrates the five branches of the military is very special. The best part is when the students take their families back and teach them what they learned. The students love the dog memorial. It is always their favorite.”

For her annual Kindness Celebration event, Chester M. Stephen’s Elementary School second grade teacher Ann Scotland has used the AVM complex to perform before elderly veterans.

“We had our Second Grade Kindness Celebration over at the park last year and used the AVM space to sing to our audience,” shares Scotland. “The audience consisted of parents, teachers and some residents from Bentley Commons of Paragon Village. After singing, the children sat in that space and wrote letters of gratitude to the men and women that have served our country. We donated some money to Charlie to be used in a way she felt would be beneficial to the memorial.

“This year’s second graders will be singing there again on May 4,” adds Scotland. “After the singing portion of our visit, we will be learning about the dogs being honored at the War

Dog Memorial. We will then hear about the kindness of current service dogs in our area. It will be highlighted that an animal can offer valuable kindness and be of service too.”

Retired Mt. Olive Middle School Gifted and Talented Teacher Ann Greszczak introduced her students to the AVM with a research project.

“Every year my students did a project called ¨Living Voices¨ which involved interviewing people in the community, preserving their story for future generations,” explains Greszczak. One year the topic was Honoring Our Veterans.

“While working on the Our Veteran´s project we were introduced to Charlie who immediately embraced the opportunity to include my students in the AVM. It started with a tour, where she explained each element, later leading to my students volunteering at the AVM.

“Honestly, my students volunteered because of Charlie who connected with the kids,” says Greszczak. “She instilled in them a sense of pride for our veterans, for history and also for their community. They were proud that something as powerful and monumental as the AVM was part of their community. It also connected them to the local veterans they had interviewed and helped them realize the big picture. History came to life through their living voices project and the elements at the AVM.”

They even stayed connected during COVID.

“My students kept in touch with Charlie and the events happening at the AVM,” says Greszczak. “She asked for their help with the Backpacks for Veterans and Canine project and also the Blessing Boxes which were handed out to veterans at all Veterans homes, and the Boonton Firemen’s Home, during Christmas that year. All students in my (6th,7th, 8th) grade classes made cards to be included in the boxes and those who were allowed to attend (parental choice) helped

stuff the boxes on a Saturday. Many parents also attended and commented that volunteering brought a sense of normalcy to them and their children during a time of craziness. The students were happy they could touch the life of a veteran especially during the time of isolation and COVID.

“One of the biggest events during COVID was when my students connected with retired U.S. Corporal Army Bill Wynne whose dog Smokey is one of five war dog statues at the War Dog Memorial,” adds Greszczak. Wynne donated his autographed book and CD to be included in each blessing box with a grant sponsored by the Education Association of Mt. Olive. “Although they never had the honor of personally meeting him, Bill quickly became a hero to my students. Bill brought to life the dog Smokey and also the AVM. For my students the dog memorial wasn’t just a bunch of statues but rather a memorial to the canine heroes. After watching Bill´s movie, writing to Bill and seeing the dog memorial, everything became real to them.

“During COVID many of my students also volunteered at the AVM prepping it for the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service,” says Greszczak. “For several Saturdays, they painted, pulled weeds and placed bricks along a walkway, working individually yet with their peers thus avoiding the chance of COVID.”

Outside the classroom, the AVM continues to impress Greszczak.

“Once introduced to the AVM it became a huge part of my life,” she says. “Although not personally a veteran, my dad, relatives and friends have served. This is a lasting tribute to them and to all who have fought for our freedom. The AVM is a place where we can remember their contributions to our nation. It speaks to all… young and old. I personally have mentioned to many that they visit the AVM (most do not even know it exists) and have personally taken many there. It’s like having a historical trip to Washington D.C. in our own backyard. Every time I visit the AVM, I am reminded of the great nation we live in and how many take it for granted.

“The AVM should be a historical landmark of which Mt. Olive should be extremely proud,” she says. “Mt. Olive should embrace this memorial and give it the respect it deserves. It should be what Mt Olive is noted for and publicized. It’s definitely a hidden treasure. I honestly believe that MOTSD should make the AVM mandatory for all students to visit and understand (it´s importance) before they graduate. Students should become involved in its history and upkeep to ensure we pass the torch forward for many generations. I am very proud that several of my students continued to volunteer after they left my classroom and several joined the Junior ROTC. I would like to think that our first visit to the AVM had something to do with that.”

The AVM has also left an

imprint on Gold Star Mothers and in return they have been a tremendous support.

“Visiting is an amazing experience,” says Charlene Cosgrove-Bowie, Gold Star Mother and president of Legacy of A Hero The L/Cpl. Chris Cosgrove III Foundation, Inc.

“I always encourage others to see this magnificent memorial honoring all those who sacrifice so much. I have volunteered to help clean up at AVM in the past. It is my honor to do what I can. Our non-profit Legacy of A Hero had a tent at the AVM for one of the events held and we were able to share with the many visitors what our organization does,” shares Bowie.

“As a GSM, when my family and I were invited to one of our first events there, I was overwhelmed,” says Bowie. “The attention to detail and the numerous bricks in honor and in memory of so many is a sight to see. As a daughter of an Army Air Corp / Air Force veteran, it gave my family a chance to dedicate a brick on the Path To Enduring Freedom, in memory of our Dad who was shot down over Yugolslavia in WWII and fortunately survived.”

The AVM “gives Mt. Olive and Morris County a wonderful place for people to visit,” says Bowie. “It provides a place to walk around and really reflect on the magnitude of all those selfless people who have stepped up to represent and protect our country. Some who have come home to share their experiences and many who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Again, as a GSM I am so honored to have my son honored and always remembered at this very precious and special memorial. It also gives families of veterans and active-duty military a place to honor their loved ones if they so choose.”

Daughters of the American Revolution is another group that has been involved for years at the AVM as a supporter and participant.

“The Morristown Chapter has participated in Patriotic and Veteran Centered Programs at the AVM for several years,” says Peg Shultz, chapter regent of the Morristown Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. “Our chapter also placed the statue of George Washingtons Parade Horse “Blue Skin” at the park.

“The AVM has provided a place of reflection and remembrance,” says Shultz. “Personally, I have placed pavers to honor my father and uncle’s service and to honor the service of my Revolutionary War Ancestor, Abraham Skillman. Several members of the Morristown Chapter - NSDAR have also placed pavers in remembrance of their family members that served their country and their Revolutionary War ancestors.

The Scouts are also at hand to volunteer and participate.

Mt. Olive Boy Scout Troop 249 in Budd Lake helps with Spring Cleanup and the Memorial Day event. They built frames to display the period flags during the lock-down.

“The troop has been involved in the annual Memorial

Day Service by setting up military displays, taking part in the ceremony, and handing out water to attendees,” says Robert Brauman, Boy Scout Troop 249 Troop Committee member. Approximately 30 members on average help annually and Eagle Scout projects have also been completed there.

“The troop has volunteered as a way to give back to the community and pay respect to past and present veterans,” says Brauman. “The Scouts look forward to Memorial Day and POW events each year. It is a source of pride for them as they visit Turkey Brook Park knowing they take part in its success.

AVM provides a quiet respectful place for remembrance and reverence in our community.”

During COVID, his troop built wooden frames for the military uniforms on display.

“We couldn’t attend because of restrictions, but the frame building activity was a great hands-on event for the scouts during a time when they were all sequestered inside,” attests Brauman.

As the sun sets on the AVM, Uhrmann remains steadfast that the Military Child element will be her last, the founder looks forward to its upkeep.

“We are committed to care for the AVM grounds and coordinate the Memorial Day and POW/MIA events,” says Uhrmann. “We have set up a perpetual care fund to maintain and repair the elements when needed. The weather can be extreme at the AVM, which has the potential to cause superficial damage to the elements. These elements must be maintained in a dignified manner and therefore, we have decided to hire a professional to check on the monuments once a month.”

Looking back at the then and now, Dunkle reflects on Mt. Olive’s progress.

“My main objective was to see that the current monument got placed in an honorable spot and to help create a place for people to come and honor the men and women who insured our freedom,” says Dunkle, about the historic move that set the stage for the AVM. “I have attended almost all the Memorial Day Celebrations and dedications at the AVM. I am so proud to have been part of the project and believe it is very impressive and a very valuable asset to Mt. Olive and the Turkey Brook Park. It represents our military history and its placed next to a Civil War Era Mansion which is one of the first things you see as you enter Turkey Brook Park.

“I hear many complements about the AVM and the progress on the Seward Mansion and how fortunate it is that Mt. Olive has a beautiful park,” says Dunkle. “You know you have done a great job when you see other Veterans sitting and viewing the AVM and can imagine how they are reflecting on their own service as well as others who have proudly served. I commend Charlie for all her hard work and persistence on the entire AVM.”

AVM Founder Plants Seeds For AVM Garden To Honor Children

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - The seeds have been planted and roots are beginning to sprout for a flower garden at the All-Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake.

Charlie Uhrmann, founder of the All-Veterans Memorial, has been tilling the soil since last fall for her next element at the memorial. The garden will feature five variations of flowers in honor of the children and should be in bloom soon.

The formal name of this upcoming element is “Military Child.” The idea grew out of a suggestion by Peg Schultz of Andover, chapter regent of the Morristown Daughters of the American Revolution. Schultz shared her idea with Uhrmann in October 2022 at the Musconetcong Lodge #42 F.& A.M. event which recognized the AVM founder as Patriot of the Year.

“After the ceremony, Peg shared her personal story with me, adding the significance of the dandelion and military children,” explains Uhrmann. “Peg then asked if I would consider adding one very important element to the AVM— a sculpture of a dandelion.”

Explains Schultz, “She didn’t realize there was a flower associated with military brats, or that April 30 is National Military Brat Day in the U.S. We chatted about where and how the term BRAT came about and the history of its first known usage and she was intrigued. BRAT is a term of endearment and one that military kids wear with pride.”

Involved with the AVM for at least five years, Schultz provides an even deeper background.

“The dandelion was chosen as the official flower for the military brat because the plant can take root and flourish practically anywhere the wind blows its seeds,” she explains. “The hardest question for most military brats to answer, including myself, is ‘where are you from?’”

Intrigued, Uhrmann spread the idea the next day, contacting board members to bring the idea to life.

Originally, Uhrmann thought the AVM was complete with the final element, the Prayer Garden.

“I have always believed that the ‘Prayer Garden’ would be the final phase, preordained by God,” says Uhrmann. “However, as Peg passionately shared her story and made the request, I responded like I have always responded in the past and promised to think about it and discuss it with our board members. As I was driving

back to the hotel, I realized the obvious void and accepted that I have one more challenge to complete.”

The garden will include five variations of flowers: Three different stages of the dandelion, a poppy and a daisy. The dandelion will represent the resilient life stages of the military child. A red poppy will represent “the life of our fallen warriors; the memory of children, all children, our children during war.” And the daisy symbolizes the innocence and purity and new beginnings for children, “all children,” says Uhrmann, caught up in life’s many battles.

The monument will be made of steel, just under 10 feet and its location is still being considered.

“I feel the monument needs to be all by itself,” says Uhrmann, “so I will build a platform.” It will be built on a large mound of stones.

The sculpture will be done by Tim Sheldon of Wicked Workz.

“Tim crafted and installed the AVM lettering at the Liberty Wall and the Ascension Bell Tower,” says Uhrmann. “He is an outstanding metal craftsman.”

Uhrmann estimates the element will cost about $8,500.

Fundraising was kicked off in March.

“We’ve had several individuals donate money towards the monument,” says Uhrmann.

The main fundraiser is set for Sunday, May 21, at Jersey Girl Brewery in Budd Lake with the Military Child Painting Event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the AVM’s Beer Garden Social from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the AVM, a non-profit 501©3 organization, 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Military Child Monument. Artist Eileen Schissler of Mt. Olive will be instructing the class. Participants will get to create a replica of the monument — a dandelion to represent the Military Child, explains Schissler, an associate support department supervisor at Home Depot.

“The three flowers repre-

sent the stages of a child’s life,” Schlisser explains. “The bud for the infant/toddler, flower for the adolescent and the fuzzy dandelion for the teen.”

The flower will be painted with acrylics on a black canvas, she describes.

For the Military Child Painting event, Uhrmann asks participants to register to ensure there are enough materials. Anyone aged 16-90 is welcome but there is a limit of 50 attendees. The cost is $45, which will include all materials and instructions.

“Each participant will take home their painting, and a gift bag from the AVM,” says Uhrmann.

To raise additional funds, “We are selling dandelion necklaces for $20,” says Uhrmann, at the upcoming 2023 Memorial Remembrance Day event set for Monday, May 29, at the AVM.

“Monument and Memorial Day will be connected,” she says. She has picked the keynote speaker and theme, “Why We Serve.”

“I feel it is important for us to learn about the life of how our fallen warriors lived and the reasons behind their service,” says Uhrmann. “Annually we gather together as a nation in May to honor those who lost their lives in battle. I feel we should know more about their lives and service. This year we will learn about what it is like to serve and why some make the decision to put themselves in the line of fire.”

As the daughter of a career Air Force Veteran, and former Air Force wife, Schultz has some roots into the military and looks forward to watching the garden flourish.

“I think this element is important so the children of our active-duty military and the grown children of our veterans know that they matter; that all the moving, changing schools, leaving friends, making new friends and taking on extra chores at home mattered,” she says. “That we, as a community and as a nation recognize they performed a service to our country by supporting their military parent(s).”

According to an article published by American Psychological Association on military children and families, approximately two million children in the U.S. have or have had a parent serve in the military over the past decade. These children have had to deal with parental absences, threat of potential harm to their parents as well as aftermath of wartime deployment including parental physical and mental injury or death. Considering the children, and all they endure, Uhrmann says “I do not believe there is enough attention or support or understanding regarding the many challenges military children face. “We were all once children,” she says. “Raising our children is one of the most important and challenging jobs we will

ever face. As time goes on, that challenge becomes more and more difficult. We are supposed to be the stewards of nation and our children’s future; yet I find myself worrying about the stability of our nation. I sincerely pray we can come together as a community, if not for any other common reason than to demonstrate love, support and solidarity for our children and their children’s future.”

“The great thing about dandelions is that, even though they are considered a weed, they do not take nutrients from their surroundings. Dandelions do not dare to be the submissive plant, nor the dominant plant. They live as equals in their surroundings. Look at the grass around the dandelion. Is it not just as green as it was before? The grass and the dandelion live side by side.

When a dandelion is plucked and a wish is made as the seeds are tenderly blown, the seeds float on the wind, finding a new home. There, the seeds find a new home and flourish, living side by side with their new neighbors. Only a dandelion can understand another dandelion and the journey the dandelion has been on. That is the Military Brat. And it is why we adopted the dandelion as the official flower of Brats. Military Brats know what other Brats endure and feel. Only Brats understand. No matter how many degrees a civilian holds, the Military Brat life is one that one MUST live…MUST experience to fully understand. Brats will, like we were trained, help other Brats…unnoticed and unheralded. After all, it is our job.”

— Rae Shue Blalack

Giant Skeleton Lives Up To Its Family Name

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - The Adams’ family in Budd Lake is living up to its name from the 1964 television show with some strange behavior. But anyone who knows the family appreciates their humor, especially their giant skeleton that adorns their front yard.

Skully the skeleton has been on the Adams’ family lawn since Halloween 2021. Most people take down their decorations after the holiday, but the Adams decided to make it a more permanent decoration to use in other holidays throughout the year.

“He has become the display for each holiday/birthday and his location has moved depending on his outfit,” describes Minerva Adams. He was recently dressed like a bunny for Easter with a big sign that said, “April Fools.”

“We got the skeleton for our front lawn a few years ago,” she says. “We were looking for something to add a little bit of Halloween spirit to our home, and we thought a skeleton would be the perfect way to do it.”

They bought the skeleton from Home Depot and he is a sight that can’t be missed.

“He is 11’11” but when he stands up straight, he’s 12’,” says Adams. They named him Skully. “Skully is a he, and he›s very friendly. He loves to wave to the neighbors, and he›s always up for a good game of hide-and-seek.

“We use Skully for all sorts of fun things,” she says. “We dress him up in different costumes for different holidays, and we even try to take him trick-or-treating with us on Halloween, but we have a hard

time keeping up. He’s a big hit with the kids, and he always makes us laugh.”

Adams is married to Christian Adams, who grew up in Mt. Olive. They’ve lived in town as a family since August 2021 and have seven children: Analissa, 24; Mason, 11; Logan, 10; Lina, 8; Justin, 8; Elliana, 7; and Juliana, 4.

They seem to enjoy the humor.

“We thought it would be a fun way to add a little bit of personality to our home, and we’re so glad we did,” says Adams who works as a general manager of a global software/ tech company and coaches kids’ volleyball.

“We think a skeleton is a great Halloween decoration because it’s both spooky and funny,” she adds. “It’s a great way to get into the Halloween

spirit, and it always makes people laugh. We’ve received a lot of positive reactions from people about the skeleton. People often stop by our house to take pictures with it.”

Neighbors and those who pass by can expect more decorations this fall and other initiatives at the Adams’ house.

“We like to decorate our front lawn every Halloween,” she says. “We hope to soon set up children’s art classes.”

While some may think the skeleton can be cooky and creepy, especially when it’s not Halloween, if it gets people laughing, Skully is there to stay.

“Humor is good for the soul because it helps us to relax and to see the lighter side of life,” says Adams. “It’s also good for the bones because it makes us laugh, which helps to keep our bones strong.

Feel free to follow Skully on Instagram @skullyadams or #skullyradams. “We will be working on his next outfit. Keep a look out.”

Did You Know?

AREA -Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is considered a distraction. That includes adjusting the radio station, looking ahead at the route on a navigation system, reaching into the fast-food bag for a French fry, and an-

swering a phone or responding to a text. Distractions can be visual (taking eyes off the road), manual (taking hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Whether it is good for people or not, multitasking is now common-

place. That means individuals are juggling two or more different tasks at one time, even while driving. This propensity to try to fit more into a day may seem like it is improving efficiency, but certain studies show that multitasking often means the focus and attention to detail supplied to tasks isn’t as great when doing two things at once as opposed to focusing on one task at a time. In terms of driving while distracted by something else, the consequences can be great. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says about 3,000 Americans die in crashes involving a distracted driver every year. Younger drivers, or those between the ages of 15 and 20, are more likely to become distracted drivers than other age groups. The Canadian Automobile Association says drivers who drive distracted are eight times more likely to be in a crash or near-crash event compared with non-distracted drivers. Transport Canada’s National Collision Database indicates distracted driving contributes to an estimated 21 percent of fatal collisions each year and around 27 percent of serious injury collisions. There is still work to be done to encourage drivers to be more attentive behind the wheel.

Entourage Salon Brought the World of Hair and Beauty to New Jersey’s Heartland

Salon, Entourage Salon collaborated this month with Leading Australian hairdresser and busi-

ness entrepreneur Jamie Carroll, owner of the award-winning Jamie Carroll Hair & Beauty Salon near Sydney, Australia

Appalachian Trail...

FROM FRONT PAGE

Thru Hike. She started her journey with a woman she met on an Appalachian Mountain Club trip last May.

“She expressed interest in thru hiking the AT so I suggested she join me,” explains Tull. “We hiked together until Fontana, N.C., right before the Smokey Mountains. My knee started giving me trouble and so I stayed behind the group of people we had started hiking with so I could rehab my knee. She went ahead since I wasn’t sure how many days I would need to rest. I caught back up with them after a few weeks but now I’m behind them again because I hiked with some friends from home for a few weeks.

“Most people do begin this hike alone but then meet people along the way who are hiking about the same distance each day and form groups called Tramilies (trail families),” explains Tull.

Despite some hurdles, Tull is toughing it out!

“It started out really good,” describes Tull. “50’s during the day and 30’s at night. Quite a bit of rain but that’s to be expected. In early March we had about a four-day cold snap that took most hikers off the trail. I was hiking with a woman named Chillin at the time and her and I stuck it out. We experienced night-time weather in the single digits and daytime hiking weather in the teens. It was my worst days and nights on trail. Frozen water bottles and even frozen food made it extremely uncomfortable and difficult. We finally decided to get off trail and we were able to get a ride to town so we could stay in a hostel for a night. The next day we were back on trail because the weather broke and warmed into the 40’s and 50’s in the next few days.”

Tull says “The extreme cold weather was the biggest challenge I faced. The next is knee pain. I believe I have patellar tendinitis in both knees. The right knee is the most painful. I’m ok unless there is a lot of descent in a day and then it swells up. I hike with a compression brace on it and that helps. This is something that developed on trail. I’ve never experienced knee issues before.”

While there could be some wildlife animals, Tull is not too concerned.

“There are wild hogs in Georgia and North Carolina, but I never saw one,” she laughs.

“There are definitely bears on the AT in all states and so we just have to be careful to store our food in bear proof containers at night. But I haven’t seen any bears yet. I am hoping I maybe see a moose in New Hampshire, Vermont or Maine. But besides bears and maybe a moose there really are no dangerous animals.”

Another challenge is having to carry all her belongings.

was the star of the Presentation as a Guest of Entourage Salon.

“It was an amazing opportunity for my team and my fellow pro-

fessionals,” says Owner Amy Murphy.

“All of my belongings are with me all the time on my back!” she says. “My backpack weighs between 25-30 lbs. depending on how much food I have with me.

Staying in shape was key in Tull’s training for this trip.

“I swam three days a week in the Randolph YMCA master’s program,” she says. “I also bike and run.”

While some may hike the trail for a fundraiser or a cause, Tull is simply there to have fun.

She describes a typical day:

“I wake right before sunrise, around 6. We sleep either in a three-sided wood structure called a shelter or in my tent. I have a very small stove and pot that I use to heat up water for coffee. I usually have coffee and some type of granola bar for breakfast. Then I take down my tent and pack everything away into my backpack. I like to begin hiking about 7:30 am. Sometimes I have to go to a stream to fill my water bottle and filter it, but I usually try to have that all done and ready the evening before.

“A typical day right now is averaging about 15 miles,” she continues. “I decide the night before how far I intend to go the next day and talk to others to see where they are going. Sometimes we all go to the same place and sometimes we agree to go different distances. It just depends. We then usually leave about the same time but usually don’t hike together since we all hike at different speeds.

“I like to take 10-minute breaks at 10 and 2 and a 20-minute lunch at noon,” says Tull. “For breaks I eat different things, Trail mix, snickers bars, granola bars, Clif bars, beef jerky etc. a variety. For lunch I sometimes have bagels with tuna or cheese or chicken. For dinners I sometimes have freeze-dried backpacker meals or I have something like Ramen, Knorr sides, or instant mashed potatoes that I add either a chicken or tuna or meat packet to. We are always concerned with food weight so you can’t bring cans of food or food that isn’t dehydrated since you don’t want extra liquid weight. You also can’t carry fresh fruit or vegetables.

“It is hard to try to take in enough calories to replace what we burn everyday so eating enough is a constant challenge,” says Tull. “It’s necessary to eat food that is high in carbs, fat and sodium and often sugar as high sugar snacks like Snickers bars are loaded with energy. I also carry olive oil with me to add that to food to increase its caloric count. It’s kind of the opposite we have trained ourselves to do! But losing too much weight is not a good thing out here and if you don’t have much to lose it can end up taking you off trail.”

Staying hydrated is also important.

“Usually sometime around

midday I look for a water source, a spring or a stream to get more water from. I then filter it into my liter bottle. I only carry a liter at a time because water is heavy. So sometimes I have to stop twice for more water, sometimes just once during the day.

By 4 p.m., Tull is ready to call it a day.

“I usually get to either a shelter or somewhere I want to set up my tent at around 4/4:30. I then set up my tent or if it’s a shelter I blow up my sleep pad and lay out my sleeping bag to secure my spot in the shelter if there is one. Most shelters only sleep six to eight people. We often go to a shelter but don’t sleep in the shelter. We set up our tents and sleep near the shelter. Shelters have picnic tables usually and a privy (outhouse) sometimes and often cables to hang your food or a bear box to store your food. So, it’s a place for hikers to congregate at night that has some of the things we need. There are shelters on the AT anywhere from every five miles or could be every 10- 20 miles. It’s always a bit different. So sometimes you just look for a flat spot to put your tent without a shelter.

“After setting up my tent the next thing I do is get water from a spring or stream and make sure I have enough for dinner and breakfast in the morning. When I am done with that, I make dinner, which is mostly just boiling water in my little pot and rehydrating a freeze-dried meal or Ramen etc. After dinner I usually talk with other hikers, which is really one of the nicest parts. What we are doing is not easy so commiserating at the end of the day is helpful. Most hikers are in bed by 7:30 or 8 and it’s pretty silent by 8:30/ 9. If we have cell service which is pretty rare, I catch up on texts and emails. I usually hike with my phone on airplane mode to save battery. I also have a kindle that I use to read books and I download podcasts to listen to in the evening or in the late afternoons, which is the hardest time of the day when you are hiking long days.

“I come off trail and stay in a hiker hostel every four to six days,” adds Tull. “I resupply food, take a shower, wash my clothes, and eat town food! About every two weeks I take a zero day which is an entire day off of hiking.”

Support and confidence helps her every step.

“My family is very supportive!” concludes Tull, as her kids and grandkids have followed her story on Instagram. “My mom and dad sailed around the world in their own small boat when they retired so adventures like this are not new to my family!”

The next few months should be smooth sailing for Tull…. “untull” then…..

Entourage Salon brought the world of hair and beauty to New Jersey’s heartland. Held at the location of Entourage Salon in Mt Olive, New Jersey, this inspirational event drew many other Hair Salons from the region in attendance.

Not only highlighting styles from a vast career including working with such luminaries as Olivia Newton-John and Duran Duran to name but a few, the demonstration was informative and could be adapted to everyday styling for the clients of those who attended.

One of the most respected leaders in industry education, Jamie Carroll was invited by the Organizer Amy Murphy to present a hands-in long hair workshop, an interactive business seminar with a new program one on one for the team

at Entourage called Continuous Education, which also included a new product called Color Defence that they are the 1St Salon in America to use, straight from Europe which helps stop your hair color from fading and is personalized for you by your hairdresser and is vegan, also with no chemicals with a PH of 3.5 to 5.5

During his “Contemporary Classic” long hair hands-on workshop, which focused on how to create wearable, high fashion up-dos. Jamie shared his skills with the audience showing them contemporary and classic long hair styling and dressing, new techniques, which will revolutionize the way stylists work with long hair, simple, methodical, step-by-step approach to working with long hair, and quick, fashion-oriented styles that can be used in the salon every day.

Part of what Entourage Salon did at this fantastic lecture was learning what is required to build a successful Continuous Education program for hairdressers by a hairdresser, and how to achieve success through effective strategies, and systems.

Amy Murphy “owner of Entourage Salon” is building a strong reputation throughout the global industry group Intercoiffure for her innovation and determination to creating top of the class customer experience. This includes Entourage Salon being named to Salon Today’s top 200 salons in America this month.

Please contact Amy Murphy for more information on Amy@ entouragesalonnj.com, 973426-0005, info@entouragesalonnj.com. Entourage is locatedat 30 International Drive South Flanders.

MOUNT OLIVE - Local Hair

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - Even the smallest gesture can brighten a person’s day. Mt. Olive has a candy kiss lady in town who goes around and randomly hands out dark chocolate candy kisses.

“Dark chocolate is healthy, and I like dark chocolate better than milk chocolate,” laughs Karen Battista of Budd Lake, ‘aka’ the candy kiss lady or Karen’s kisses. “I’ve been doing it for some time now.”

For the past few years, Battista has been making an effort to cheer up people. She used to give out cookies, then flowers. She would buy a dozen roses and hand out one to 12 different people in a store — “Now I give out candy kisses.” One kiss wrapped in foil is all it takes to usually get a smile on another person’s face. It all began when Battista

Candy Kiss Lady Sweetens Strangers’ Day

started to take notice of people who just do not look happy.

“I started going to the stores,” says Battista, “and started looking at people. People don’t look happy; they look sad. What can I do to make people happy? I started giving inspirational words. Then I started giving them kisses.”

Through her actions, Battista says she noticed a shift and realized that her small gesture was cheering them up. It was making them happy.

Battista says she began her initiative before COVID but then stopped for a while “because I got bitter,” she admits. After a while, her bitterness wore off as she realized “I can’t let life ruin me. You can’t change the world but maybe make them happy for one moment. Be nice, be kind, show compassion. I am a very com-

passionate person.

“I carry the bag of kisses,” she explains. She visits stores, places that she shops, and hands them to people who do not look happy “to show people working in stores they are respected, appreciated and acknowledged.” She puts the kisses in her cart and walks around handing them out.

“I just started giving kisses to strangers,” she says, men and women, especially those who just had a baby. “I try not to be seen when doing it. A lot of people are funny about it; others are like ‘thank you so much. You made my day!’”

While some may oppose taking candy from strangers, Battista says about 90% of the people accept her kind gesture. “They take it, they’re happy, they’re thankful.” When Battista’s mom was sick, she would visit her daily. “I was giving the security guards kisses every day,” she says, because they seemed unhappy. “The first day he was cranky,” says Battista, about one guard who got her kiss. But by the last day, when Battista visited her mom before she died in December 2022, “he said ‘thank you so much. You really made me happy. We’re really thankful for people like you.’”

During Women’s History Month, Battista visited the stores to give certain employees gifts “to at least make some of them happy. I always show appreciation,” says Battista. “We all know customer service is hard.”

And it’s funny because her customers now look forward to that candy kiss.

“I got to keep them in stock so I can keep my customers happy,” says Battista, who estimates that she has given out about 30, two-pound, bags of kisses over the years.

“I just like to spread love,” she says.

When she is not handing out her kisses, Battista worked as a babysitter for 15 years and currently works as a server for private parties. The mother of two teenagers also spends time volunteering to clean up around the town she has lived in most of her life.

“I bee bop around town,” says Battista who graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 1984. She has lived in Budd Lake since she was 11 years old, has lived in other states but returned 20 years ago to Budd Lake as “This has been my roots.”

Her actions run deep.

“I walk around and clean up garbage when I see it,” she says. Since last year, she and her girlfriend have been cleaning up Pax Amicus Castle Theatre by raking, picking up garbage, planting flowers and maintaining the grounds.

“I’m donating my time and cleaning up,” she says. “It’s a nice place to meditate, it’s beautiful.”

During a recent visit at the theater, she noticed a woman

sitting in her car, so she went up to the car with her friend to hand her a kiss. “I said I hand out kisses to spread love; she took it.”

Danielle Fico Woelki was the recipient of that kiss, and she was so thankful that she shared it on the Mt. Olive Community Facebook page as a means to find out who they are. “You both have beautiful souls,” says Woelki about the two women who approached her car that day. You sure did make me smile. Thank you. They were so sweet; just amazing women. They made my day!

“There’s not many left in this world unfortunately so when you come across a kind soul like that you really appreciate it,” adds Woelki. “That’s really what the world should be about — people looking out for one another and just being kind and loving towards each other—that’s how you repair brokenness of the world.”

Perhaps more people should be a Karen after all.

MOHS Senior Recognized As Unsung Hero

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - Mt. Olive

High School Senior Catherine

Kopas of Flanders was recently recognized by the Morris County School Board Association for her outstanding student contributions and involvement in the school district and community.

She is one of 40 students throughout the Morris County school district selected to receive this year’s Unsung Hero Award. In its second year, the 2023 Unsung Heroes Student Recognition Ceremony was held Wednesday, March 29, at the County College of Morris in Randolph.

At the event, Mt. Olive’s award-winning jazz ensemble under the direction of Darrell Hendricks performed and its Air Force Jr. ROTC color guard presented colors. Mt. Olives choir sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremony.

The purpose for the inaugural program is to honor “the students who make your district a better place because they are a part of it,” as stated on the cover of the program.

“The Unsung Hero program is an unique honor that strives to identify students who typically are not recognized for traditional honors but who often have just as important an impact on our school community,” says Dr. Sumit Bangia, acting superintendent of Mt. Olive School District. “Catherine Kopas is the embodiment of an unsung hero.

Catherine is an active member of the MOHS school community serving as a member of a variety of student organizations including Best Buddies and Key Club. She is also active in her Teen Ministry.

“It is evident through her contributions to these important organizations that she is an active citizen who strives to improve her community through her actions,” says Bangia. “We are fortunate to have such a remarkable student as Catherine in our district. We are truly so proud of her and all her accomplishments.”

Kopas was nominated by MOHS Counselor Mary Kellam and was accompanied by their parents and friends at the event.

MOHS Vice Principal Susan Zawastetcky gave the introduction on why she was nominated.

In her nomination letter, Kellam writes that she has been Kopas’s school counselor for the past three years and described her as “respectful, kind, and responsible. Such characteristics are reflected in Catherine’s chosen extracurricular activities. Catherine has been able to manage her time well as she involved herself in our community while

making her academics a priority.”

She says Kopas began her high school career enrolled in all college preparatory classes, but soon challenged her schedule with honors level courses and most recently an Advanced Placement level course, earning impressive grades while engaging in several extracurricular activities. She has been an active member of Best Buddies, SAVE club and Key club, all of which have the theme of helping others. Kopas has also volunteered with the Teen Ministry at her church and engaged with senior citizens as part of one of their activities.

“She seeks to help others and finds fulfillment in doing so,” writes Kellam, while also working a part-time job. She is also a member of the MOHS field hockey and lacrosse teams.

“Catherine Kopas has been a positive addition to our school community.”

members “who believe that recognition of outstanding student contributions in their respective schools and communities will help drive strong student outcomes and support student achievement,” says Dalesandro.

Last year the committee established the inaugural unsung heroes award to recognize a student from each Morris County School District who makes outstanding contributions to their schools and communities but who are often overlooked by traditional student recognition programs.

“Students considered may have overcome difficult academic or personal challenges, modeled good citizenship or exhibits a spirit and quiet strength that has inspired others or a student who has achieved academic success despite disabilities, language barriers or other significant challenges,” says Dalesandro.

of all our committee members I am happy to report that this year at our May meeting at Hanover Park Regional the Morris County School Boards Association will be awarding just over $5,000 in monetary and tuition assistance awards.

All students nominated attended the award ceremony at CCM and all nominees had their nominator present the narrative as to why they felt they were their district’s unsung hero. They were then presented with a certificate.

All unsung heroes who plan to enroll at CCM will receive a $500 tuition assistance scholarship, she adds. Nominees will also be considered for monetary awards that will be presented after review of an impartial committee on May 4 at Hanover Park Regional High School.

The sponsors for this year’s event included Solutions Architect, the law firm of AG&L and American mechanical HVAC.

“Our sponsors have made available $5,000 to be awarded to our high school, senior nominees, and 8th graders who in the opinion of the committee exemplify an unsung hero,” says Dalesandro.

While other counties do some sort of student recognition with seniors receiving an unsung hero award, Dalesandro says “Morris County is unique because we include our 8th grade districts who select a graduating 8th grader. We, Morris County, have put our own little spin on things. We are the only county that involves the county sheriff and has monetary sponsors for awards.

“Our 8th grade unsung hero

monetary award winners are sponsored by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon,” she adds. He reads and reviews all nominations and selects three students to be honored. The sheriff will come and present good citizenship plaques to those three students on May 4 and $500 monetary awards will be given.

Congratulations to all Unsung Heroes!

Inaugural

Unsung Heroes Event Is Formed

Two years ago, the Morris County School Boards Association established the Morris County Recognition and Awards Committee to research and recommend ways to acknowledge well deserving Morris County school students and Board of Education members, explains Bernadette Dalesandro, president of the Morris County School Boards Association and president of the Netcong Board of Education.

The committee is made up of Morris County school board

Once the criteria was established by the committee, all 41 Morris County School Districts were invited to submit the name of a student to be recognized. All K-8 districts were asked to nominate one 8th grade student and the K -12 and 9-12 districts were asked to nominate one high school senior.

Last year all nominees were recognized with a professionally made video that highlighted each student.

“This year we are able to meet in person and congratulate all 40 of our winners,” says Dalesandro. “Also, through the hard work and dedication

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vent child victimization. NCMEC works with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children, and

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to find out more or donate.

BY DANA JACKSON

Q:I saw that Betty Gilpin has a new show. Whatever happened to the one on Netflix where she played a wrestler? Did it get canceled? -- H.E.

A: “GLOW,” starring Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin as two friends who become professional women wrestlers in order to pay the bills, was one of those shows canceled too soon. It lasted for three seasons on Netflix and was renewed for a fourth, which was ultimately canceled before filming, reportedly due to COVID restrictions.

The premise is based on the syndicated show “Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling,” aka “GLOW,” which aired on cable TV in the 1980s. It was a combination of athletic wrestling and over-the-top comedic characters. Netflix’s “GLOW” received high praise from critics and the professional wrestling community.

Gilpin’s newest project is

BY DEMI TAVERAS

ENTERTAINMENT

headlining her own series -“Mrs. Davis,” on the Peacock streaming app. It’s a sci-fi drama with an unusual plot about a nun who takes on a powerful form of artificial intelligence, in what Peacock is billing as “an exploration of faith versus technology.” The series’ first four episodes became available on April 20, followed by new episodes every Thursday.

***

Q:What was the name of the 1970s sitcom about a waitress who dated a doctor? I remember it starred the actor from the movie “Airplane!” It’s one of my earliest TV memories as a kid, but I’ve never seen it in reruns. -- N.M.

A: You’re thinking of “Angie,” which ran for two seasons on ABC from 1979 to 1980. It was produced by Garry Marshall (“Happy Days”) and starred Donna Pescow and Robert Hays as a coffee shop wait-

Celebrity Extra

ress and pediatrician who fall in love. Future “Everybody Loves Raymond” star Doris Roberts played Angie’s mother.

Before getting her own show, Pescow was best known for playing Annette in “Saturday Night Fever” and later for her daytime soap roles on “All My Children” and “General Hospital.” Her most recent credit is an episode of Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales.”

Actor Robert Hays is now 75 years old and has had a long career in Hollywood. His first movie role was the hilarious classic “Airplane!” in 1980, but prior to that, he guest-starred on multiple primetime shows before landing “Angie.” His last role in a major production was playing Capt. Bob Wilson in the TV movie “Sharknado 2: The Second One,” in 2014.

***

Q: Is Trisha Yearwood going to record a new album anytime

soon? I love her cooking show, but miss her as a singer. -- W.W.

A:Country singer Trisha Yearwood’s last studio album was “Every Girl” in 2019. It included collaborations with her husband -- singer Garth Brooks -- and Kelly Clarkson. Yearwood decided to pursue her other passion, cooking, a decade ago with her own series,”Trisha’s Southern Kitchen,” on the Food Network, which won a Daytime Emmy Award a year later.

Yearwood’s next solo project remains up in the air, but she will be one of the featured singers on her husband’s upcoming album “Duets” later this year. Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail. com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Couch Theater

who wouldn’t grow up” in his very first film debut, while Ever Anderson (“Black Widow”) nabbed the role of Wendy. Those who love Peter Pan’s story know that an adventure to Neverland would never be complete without characters like the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and, of course, Captain Hook -- who is played by an almost unrecognizable Jude Law. Whether the film will be received well by audiences remains to be seen, as many fans are sounding off about the live-action remakes Disney continues to shovel out to no avail. Maybe it’s time to mix it up? (Disney+)

“Love & Death” (TV-MA)

-- Candy Montgomery is a Texan housewife who has always craved more out of life than the ordinary woman. So, she decides to take a risk and start having an affair with another married townie named Allan. They vow not to let their spouses find out, going to great lengths to cover up their rendezvousing. That is, until one day, when news rings out over town about the gruesome death of Allan’s wife, Betty. Now, as the investigation sur-

rounding Betty’s murder begins, Candy must deal with the repercussions of her affair and the accusations that she was the one who committed this monstruous act. Elizabeth Olsen (“WandaVison”) and Jesse Plemons (“The Power of the Dog”) star in this miniseries based on a true story. The first episode premieres April 27. (HBO Max)

“Citadel” (TV-16+) -- Spy series have been on a roll lately, with shows like “The Night Agent” and “Liaison” getting cranked out by streaming services. “Citadel,” executive produced by the Russo Brothers, is one of the latest of these suspenseful series that could

prove to be quite successful for Prime Video. Starring Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) and Priyanka Chopra Jonas (“Quantico”), the show follows Mason Kane, a spy suffering from amnesia after a huge explosion. From the explosion, he solely remembers Nadia (Chopra Jonas), who he finds has also lost her memory. So, the two partner up together to remember their past, the spies they once were and the secret espionage organization they were in, called Citadel. Premieres April 28. (Prime Video)

“Clock” (TV-MA) -- Ella has never wanted children, and her husband stands beside her on that. But she starts feeling

an increasingly high pressure from the world around her to have kids. Thus, Ella decides to enroll in a clinical trial at a biotech firm to see if she can get her biological clock to start ticking. At the trial, she gets administered a hormone paired with behavioral therapy, as well as the option for an implant. As a result of these experimental procedures, Ella’s perception of life gets darkly twisted, filling her with a dreadful sense of paranoia and borderline madness. This sci-fi/horror flick premiering April 28 stars Dianna Agron (“Glee”) and Melora Hardin (“The Office”). (Hulu) (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

A not-for-profit professional regional theatre in residence at Centenary University

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“Peter Pan & Wendy” (PG) -- The live-action adaptation of Walt Disney’s 1953 “Peter

Pan” hits Disney’s streaming platform on April 28! Alexander Molony portrays “the boy

Betty Gilpin (“GLOW” and “Mrs. Davis”). Photo Credit: Courtesy of Peacock

Ever Anderson stars as Wendy in the live-action “Peter Pan & Wendy.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Disney+

GAME TIME

It Happened in NJ: Remembering New Jersey Heroes this Memorial Day

BY PETER ZABLOCKI GUEST WRITER

AREA - One does not think of parades, medals, or American flags on the battlefield. The soldiers often recall thinking of the person standing directly next to them and how to keep them safe. Many speak of the natural duty to one’s nation and flag. Still, when bullets, mortars, or human charges come at them, and the automated instinct and training take over, most tend to recall extraordinarily little, apart from wanting to survive.

Originally known as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War, Memorial Day is an American holiday honoring those soldiers who, against all their intentions, never made it home to share their stories with their loved ones.

It is not known what spurred the movement to make the tradition a unified national day of

remembrance. Research points to May 5, 1868, when General James Garfield made a speech before thousands of those gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to lay flowers on the graves of the fallen Civil War soldiers. The future President of the United States dubbed the day Decoration Day. Following the event, the loved ones of those who had fallen and, later, other townspeople across the nation began holding springtime tributes to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

These independent gatherings across local United States cemeteries and within distinct communities led to decorations, flags, and flowers gracing countless graves of American veterans and, in many instances, became synonymous with the official start of spring. With

each town or state choosing its own date in May, and some not at all, to commemorate those fallen in battle, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968. The legislation designated the last Monday of each May, Memorial Day, making it an official federal holiday.

With the state’s position as one of the original thirteen colonies and later states, the citizens of New Jersey have been involved in every significant American military conflict, beginning with the American Revolutionary War, which established the nation’s independence. The majority of America’s first war as an independent country, where nearly seventy thousand Patriots died throughout the conflict, including many from New Jersey, was fought in the Garden State.

By the time of the Civil War, the bloodiest and most costly war in United States history, more specific record-keeping denotes that nearly 6,300 New Jersey soldiers died between 1861 and 1865. Thirty-five of those men earned the nation’s highest military decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Their stories, while all unique, follow a similar pattern of bravery to that of Corporal Charles F. Hopkins, who stayed behind during a fierce battle near Gaines’ Mill, Virginia, to carry a wounded soldier to safety while being twice wounded in the act.

The roughly 2,000 New Jersey cemeteries are full of soldiers who, like Hopkins, buried in Greenwood Ceme-

tery in Boonton, New Jersey, fought and many times died to remind future generations that freedom is not free. In fact, the ever-growing number of veteran burials in the state prompted Governor Thomas H. Kean to dedicate the Garden State’s first state-operated veterans’ cemetery in 1986, named after U.S. Army Brigadier General William C. Doyle and located in Wrightstown.

New Jersey is full of individual stories of courage, many recorded for posterity in various levels of detail since the Civil War. As we drive by local burial places blanketed with small American flags and flowers this spring, may we consider the sacrifices and bravery of the men

and women underneath the red and white flowers held together with blue ribbons. The Garden State was the home to many heroes. Private Frank J. Bart, buried at Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen, when in France during World War I, picked up a heavy machine gun and ran ahead of his line, squeezing the trigger. His heroic charge allowed his compatriots to escape an enemy ambush and save their own lives.

Some World War II stories of New Jersey soldiers have made it to the big screen, as was the case with John “Manila” Basilone, depicted in the critically acclaimed The Pacific. Yet, there are countless others that, although requiring a bit more research, are just as extraordinary.

Captain Carlton R. Routh, buried in Berlin Cemetery in Berlin, New Jersey, first stormed an enemy machine gun nest, then lurched at a Japanese grenade thrown amidst his wounded men and placed his body between them and the explosion. An event he would miraculously survive.

Stories such as these apply to the Korean War, Vietnam, and the more recent wars in the Middle East, reminding us that behind each little American flag wavering in the wind near a grave this Memorial Day is a deed once noble yet sometimes forgotten. Let this year’s holiday, and the ones that follow, be a reminder of a sentiment once shared by American President Abraham Lincoln; “Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”

Peter Zablocki is the author of the upcoming New Jersey and the Medal of Honor (November 2023) and the co-host of the History Teachers Talking podcast. For more information, visit www.peterzablocki.com

Peter’s son near the Vietnam War Memorial

From tasty small bites to a filling feast and even dessert for breakfast, brunch options are nearly endless. Take your spring brunch to the next level with recipes that appease appetites of all kinds.

First, start with portioned pastry cups perfect for appetizers. Bring out the protein-packed breakfast burritos for the main course then, for a final touch of sweet deliciousness, offer up lemony doughnuts to cap off the feast.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net

Bite-Sized Breakfast

Appetizer-sized portions and small bites of all sorts are ideal for breakfast spreads, and these Pastry Brunch Cups are perfect for starting a morning meal with loved ones. Or, if a busy schedule looms, try baking a batch and separating into appropriate serving sizes for a simple way to meal prep heading into a new week.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net

Pastry Brunch Cups

Servings: 18

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

2 sheets puff pastry

18 eggs

2 cups diced ham

chopped fresh green onions

Heat oven 375 F.

In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking each time. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside.

Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to

A Brunch Spread Fit for Spring RESTAURANT GUIDE

come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham.

Bake 10-15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Power Brunch with

a Protein-Packed Burrito

A well-rounded brunch calls for a multitude of dishes and beverages, but it wouldn’t be complete without a protein-packed recipe to get the day started.

This delicious Breakfast Burrito is loaded with colorful veggies and Silver Fern Farms 100% grass-fed strip steak.

Hailing from New Zealand, home to some of the world’s most natural tasting beef and lamb, this premium cut of beef is aged 21 days and minimally processed with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. The animals are grass-fed year-round and allowed to roam and graze freely, so the beef offers a lean, flavorful texture that tastes just as nature intended.

Visit silverfernfarms.com to find more at-home brunch inspiration.

Breakfast Burrito

1 Silver Fern Farms New Zealand 100% Grass-Fed New York Strip Steak (10 ounces)

oil salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, sliced lengthwise

4 large mushrooms, sliced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tomato, finely chopped

8 eggs

1/2 cup milk

4 large tortillas

1 cup spinach

1 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup cilantro

1 avocado lime wedges (optional) hot sauce (optional)

Remove steak from packaging and set aside 10 minutes. Once steak reaches room temperature, heat pan over medium-high heat.

Rub steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cook until medium-rare, approximately 3-4 minutes each side. Remove from pan and cover loosely with tinfoil to rest 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and add splash of oil. Add onion; cook 1 minute. Add red bell pepper and mushrooms; cook 1 minute.

Add cumin, paprika and chili powder; stir through.

When veggies are tender (about 2 minutes), add tomato and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt and pepper, to taste.

Heat pan to medium heat and add splash of oil.

Pour egg mixture into pan and cook, lifting and folding eggs until thickened and no

visible liquid egg remains. Do not stir constantly.

Lay tortillas on flat surface or plate.

In center of tortilla, add cooked veggies and top with thinly sliced beef. Add handful of spinach, scrambled eggs, crumbled feta, cilantro and avocado. Fold bottom of tortilla and roll.

Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce, if desired.

Dine on Deliciously Sweet Doughnuts

Brunch is never complete

without something sweet to cap off the morning feast, and doughnuts are often the perfect complement to an array of main courses.

These Lemon Ricotta

Doughnuts pair the bite-sized morsels with lemon curd (if that suits your style) for a sweet-tart combination. They’re made using Domino Golden Sugar, which is made from pure cane

sugar and is less processed than white granulated sugar, as one you can always trust in your favorite recipes. It works cup-for-cup just like white sugar but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor. Visit dominosugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating throughout the year.

continued on page 19

RESTAURANT GUIDE

A Signature Side Dish

Almost every get together – whether it’s family, friends or neighbors – always has one dish that’s the star of the show time after time. It’s usually a staple dish, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the main course.

It can be a side dish that pairs with almost everything else on the table. The kids gobble it up, and the adults ask “Can I have that recipe?”

Side dishes can be some of the most enjoyed foods at every meal. There is a large variety of options and a multitude of possibilities and variations of almost each and every classic side dish.

There are a lot of elements that go into making a stellar side, however. It must have lots of flavor and the seasoning needs to be on point.

Next time you’re looking for a versatile, delicious side dish nearly everyone will love, try these Horseradish Mashed Potatoes. They have a perfect potato texture and are full of creamy goodness with a horseradish kick to savor.

To make these potatoes, start with 2 quarts of water in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes then boil 15-20 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of water from the pot.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk 16 ounces of sour cream, 1/4 cup of horseradish, salt and pepper.

Add butter to warm potatoes then mash. Add sour cream mixture, chives and reserved water halfway through mashing.

Once you have the desired consistency, your potatoes are ready to serve with additional butter chives.

Once you sink your spoon into a bowl of these flavor-packed potatoes, you’ll understand why there are never any leftovers. These potatoes can satisfy almost any appetite with a unique flavor combination and appealing aroma.

Find more side dish recipes at Culinary.net

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 4-6

2 quarts water

1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, halved

1 stick of unsalted butter, cut into 8 slices, divided

16 ounces sour cream

1/4 cup horseradish, prepared and squeezed of moisture

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup chopped chives, plus additional for topping

In saucepan, bring water and 1 teaspoon salt to boil. Add potatoes and boil 15-20 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup liquid.

Drain potatoes and place in bowl. Add six slices of butter and

mash potatoes coarsely.

In medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, horseradish, remaining salt, pepper and chives. Add mixture to mashed potatoes. Add reserved water. Mash to combine.

Transfer to serving bowl and top with remaining butter pieces and additional chives.

Brunch Spread...

continued from page 18

1/8

To make doughnuts: In large

preheat oil to 350 F. Prepare cookie sheet with paper towel to drain doughnuts once out

mix

4-5 pieces at a time. Fry each batch until golden

about 7 minutes. Keep

if oil is too

hot, doughnuts will turn golden brown but centers may still be raw. Remove from oil and drain in paper towel. Repeat with remaining dough. While still hot, toss doughnuts with remaining sugar.

To make lemon curd, if desired: In large bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and egg yolks, one at a time. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and salt. Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook at low-medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool before serving with doughnuts.

with Saint Clare’s

Let’s Talk Important Differences in Choosing Where to Deliver Your Baby

BY MARK BONAMO WRITER

One of the most important decisions any expecting mother-to-be can make is where to deliver their baby. There are significant differences in hospital approaches to childbirth, and many women may want to consider the impact on themselves and their baby’s care as they prepare for the special day.

Andrea Lotosky, Administrative Director of Nursing at Saint Clare’s Health, brings her own experiences as a mother of three and as a nurse to help prepare woman and their partners for childbirth. She explained one fundamental difference hospitals have regarding childbirth - a baby-centered approach versus the family-centered approach.

“The baby-centered approach focuses on breastfeeding. This includes rooming mom and baby together the entire time postpartum and not using supplements, such as formula or pacifiers. With the family-centered approach at Saint Clare’s Health, we let moms choose how they want their experience to be,” said Lotosky. “We have fully functioning nurseries, so moms can take a rest if they need to. We encourage breastfeeding and have lactation consultants available. We also have supplements and pacifiers, if needed. Again, it’s totally the mom’s choice.”

Breastfeeding is not always easy for new mothers, which is the reason Saint Clare’s Health offers lactation consultants who are ready to help.

“We have nurses that specialize in breastfeeding. It’s their world. They educate moms and their companions, giving them tips and tricks for success,” Lotosky said. “They not only offer moms support in the hospital, but once the moms go home, they remain a resource to call upon, as well as providing additional classes and support groups. The nurses are very important in the success of breastfeeding for new moms.”

The choices of care available at Saint Clare’s Health made going through childbirth progressively easier for Lotosky as she went through her own pregnancies.

“I had my third child in a family-centered situation at Saint Clare’s Health, and it made a world of difference for me,” Lotosky added. “If I needed rest, I got rest. If I didn’t want my baby to leave my side, that’s what happened. There was a lot less pressure.”

Whatever approach a new mother may choose when they have their baby at Saint Clare’s Health, they will have a private suite. Lotosky noted that besides the obvious added privacy, having a suite to themselves provides other advantages to new mothers.

“Having a private suite helps eliminate distractions. It allows families to focus on each other during the first precious moments when there is a new edition to the family,” Lotosky said. “For the staff at the hospital, it allows us an opportunity to provide one-on-one support to the mom and her family. We can better educate and assist the mom with postpartum care, and the large private suites at Saint Clare’s create an especially restful environment. We can provide the peace and calm they deserve after labor.” In addition, the partners are more comfortable and have the added rest to support the moms, as well as bond with the newborn.

The nursing care at Saint Clare’s Health helps further ease any burdens on new mothers as they prepare for the challenges of parenthood.

“The nurses in our maternal child health department are very dedicated and have a lot of longevity. Many have their Bachelors, Masters and even their PHDs. They treat every family as if it is their own,” Lotosky said. “We do couplet care here at Saint Clare’s, which means we have the same nurse for mom and baby. This continuity of care helps ensure that the mothers are resting and that their families are bonding.”

“Our nurses pride themselves on always being available for the moms. We cater to their needs,” adds Lotosky. In addition, mothers don’t just see their nurse once in the morning and then once at night. Nurses are there throughout the entire stay to assist when needed and requested to check on moms

and babies. “It’s a delicate balance that we provide the care throughout the stay, and are certain to provide the rest and private time the new family needs.”

Classes are also available at Saint Claire’s Health to help prepare new mothers for parenting, including classes to help parents soothe crying babies and classes for grandparents and siblings.

“We have a great hybrid classes for what to expect for both childbirth and breastfeeding. Moms and their companions can take an E-learn class at their own pace. Then once they’re done with that, we provide a one-on-one class with a childbirth educator to tailor the class more to their specific questions or concerns,” Lotosky said. “We also just launched a Spanish version of this class, which is exciting for us and good for the community.”

“We have a fully staffed Newborn Intermediate Care Unit (NICU) that is conveniently located in the postpartum section. As a NICU mom, I loved the fact that if at two in the morning I needed to be with my baby, I could walk right out of my room into the NICU and

see my baby, then go back and rest,” Lotosky said. “We have a great multidisciplinary team here in our Level 2 NICU, including a very good respiratory team that does an amazing job with our babies.” Saint Clare’s Health also has neonatologist practitioners onsite 24/7.

The overall level of childbirth care available at Saint Clare’s is underscored by the hospital’s commitment to exceptional state-of-the-art care, close to home. The Saint Clare’s Heath staff likes to point out that they are around the corner and ahead of the curve, meaning that they are indeed a local hospital, but have the same advanced technological equipment and benefits as any of the larger hospitals in North Jersey, New York, or Philadelphia. However, even more importantly, it is just as critical to provide patients with the assurance that they are not just anonymous names on a ledger, but treated like family.

“In a community hospital like ours, you get very attentive one-on-one care. You and your baby aren’t just medical record numbers. You’re people. You’re family to us. And that’s how you’re treated,” Lotosky said. “And we have all of the

same amenities and technology of all of the larger medical institutions in the area.”

“New moms have to think about how they want their birthing experience to be. They should do their research, then choose the birthing approach they would best thrive in,” Lotosky said. “As a mom, the best advice I can give someone who is about to go through childbirth is that it’s going to be OK.

It may seem impossible when you’re going through it, but it’s the most beautiful and amazing thing you’ll ever experience. Have grace and patience with yourself. You’re a new mom. You’ve got this.”

To schedule a FREE tour of The Katena Center For Mother and Child at Saint Clare’s Health, or further information about Maternity Care, please visit www.saintclares.com

Andrea Lotosky, Administrative Director of Nursing at Saint Clare’s Health

18,000th Paring of Seeing Eye Dogs Occurs in Morristown

BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER

AREA - If you ever wondered how a seeing eye dog earns its so-called certificate to practice, The Seeing Eye, Inc. non-profit organization in Morris County, NJ is an institution which knows, having graduated thousands of dogs to folks in need in history. The organization recently celebrated its 18,000th pairing.

The facility at 1 Seeing Eye Way in Morristown, helps match puppies with over 130 volunteers to train them. Some are repeat, recurring trainers while some are newbies giving it a go for the first time having received training themselves –earning their pedigree of sorts.

“Volunteers start to raise puppies as early as 8 weeks,” says Michelle Barlak, Spokesperson and Senior Specialist of Public Relations of the organization who runs the Sussex County, NJ club in Ogdens-

burg. “Then they are home for a year with a trainer where they learn things like house manners, house seeing eye dog facility where they undergo a veterinary exam to ensure they will be reliable seeing eye dogs and thereafter, spend four months with a paid full-time instructor. That elevates the dogs to where they can be paired with someone in need where they spend two to three weeks getting acclimated to their new master.

There are breeding clubs in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. At each club puppy raisers get lots of support according to Barlak. “The dogs receive veterinary care and the trainers get a stipend for dog food. There are puppy club meetings and classes run by puppy club leaders which help new raisers.” If you become a lead-

er, these folks must do things away from the site club and in the community such as taking dogs to malls, fairs, festivals in outings where the dogs get increased socialization opportunities. This is particularly advantageous for the dogs since they need to be ready to assist their new owners navigating social settings.

Veterans training these dogs gain admittance to the “21 Club,” when they’ve successfully raised 21 Dogs. Trainers are kids, teens, adults and senior citizens – some as young as 9 some in their 70’s and 80’s. If you’re a younger trainer and plan on going to College, there’s a scholarship program the non-profit offers to graduating seniors. In fact, each August there’s a “Family Day,” which is an appreciation event for many and where scholarships are awarded.

With a sophisticated program in place, one might wonder how all of this is financed.

“It costs $73,000 to breed, raise and train puppies,” added barlak, which seems like a staggering amount, with donations from areas each club serves as there main funding source; the organization doe not receive a penny of government funding.

If one needs a dog, it costs $150.00 for the first animal and $50.00 thereafter for each subsequent one. Veterans get dogs for just $1.00, a benefit of sorts to those who’ve served.

Since a dog’s life span is usually much shorter than that of most people, one in need could need up to several dogs in their lifetime; receiving one for $50.00 becomes quite a cost-saving boom. One trainer who has made a name for herself is Bonnie

DiCola of Boonton Township in Morris County. Her club, “4-Footed Leaders,” goes so far as to be integrated into the curriculum at Cedar Hill Elementary School where she works as the school nurse. She’s trying to get students to appreciate this Service, on some of them may need at some point in their lives.

I Remember Dad: Prayer Is The Key To Open Thy Heart

BY RICHARD MABEY JR. GUEST WRITER

AREA - One of the saddest things I’ve endured in my life is listening to a father complain about his son, or vice versa. The solemn sadness those words would bring to my heart, would be of such an immense depth.

For over 20 years, I served as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. For over

15 years, I served as a part-time Youth Minister. And, I have worked with young people through organizations such as 4-H and Toastmasters. Sadly, it was not uncommon to hear a father complain about his son, or to hear a son complain about his father.

I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have a strong

father with a kind heart. My father was a veteran of the Second World War. As a boy, he survived the tough times of the Great Depression. These experiences brought a great respect for self reliance upon my father’s subconscious mind. My father was one of the wisest men whom I have ever known. My father had a deeply kind heart.

I walked hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail, by my father’s side. I have taken several week-long hikes along that famous long and winding, mountainous wooded trail. I shared a canoe with my father, for a week-long journey down the Delaware River, five separate summers. My father taught me to hold a deep respect for the forest land, the wild creatures, the streams and lakes, and the birds flying in the air.

If you are a father, who is less than happy with things your son is saying or doing, complaining solves nothing. The first step for any man to have a good, wholesome, blessed relationship with his son, is to pray, pray and pray about it. And then, pray more about it. Complaining only feeds the wound. Complaining only widens the gap.

I know first-hand, how tough it can be to survive in the corporate world. “Mr. Big is

flying in from Los Angeles in three days, we’ve got to have those reports completed by then!!!” It’s all so easy to get lost in the demands of work life and fall behind upon feeding the bond with a son. I know it’s important to make a good living. But the very minute a job begins to rob a man of having time to spend with his children, is the time a man needs to find a new job.

I know that some of you

may accuse me of being chauvinist in this column. Please know that I have prayed about this subject a great deal, that of the conflict that can happen between a father and a son. I felt a true calling to focus on this subject for this column.

In general, when you complain about someone, you’re really not working toward healing that human relationship. Complaining only strengthens the conflict. And, that is exact-

In it’s eighth decade of service, The Seeing Eye shows no signs of slowing down, which is what those in need of help from K-9 furry friends of fours look for, as the need itself, hardly slows down.

For more information on The Seeing Eye, Inc., logon to https://www.seeingeye.org.

ly what Satan wants to happen. Prayer opens the human heart. Love burns conflicts to ashes. Forgiveness is the greatest tool for healing broken relationships. And, compassion is the candle that lights up the darkness of misunderstanding. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail. com. Please put on the subject line: I Remember Dad.

NJ Starz: Mark Piatkowski Hometown: Rockaway

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - Mark Piatkowski certainly has had his success as an American Rally car driver, he the overall 2022 Sno*Drift Rally winner as well as the 2021 American Rally Association LN4 National Champion. He now has attained another goal, racing in Europe for the first time in his career. In March, Piatkowski took part in the 2023 Rally Della Val D’Orcia, which is the opening round of the Italian Gravel Championship. More on that in a moment. Piatkowski lives in Rockaway, but he grew up in East Brunswick. “Central Jersey is certainly close to my heart,” he says. “Having grown up there, I know the area like the back of my hands. It is a great place to grow up, it is half of south Jersey and half of north Jersey. You have both the Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese crowd, and you also have the Pork Roll crowd. It is funny how they both mesh together.”

Piatkowski feels it is most important to speak about his father, from whom his passion for rally racing stemmed. Andy Piatkowski grew up in Poland, and he in the 1970’s was a rally racer in his homeland, and then in the 1980’s in the United States. Piatkowski says, “When I was born in 1990, it was in my blood. I have been to a rally every year since I was two years old.” His first was the national level Pennsylvania Susquehanna Trail Performance Rally. “I have a lot of fond memories there, but it is not like he (his dad) has ever pushed me into it. For me it was inevitable because it was just in my blood. I have always held a Matchbox car or Hot Wheels car in my hand since I can remember, so it was only a matter of time before, I would not even say caught the bug, but that I began rallying myself.”

Piatkowski, 33, attended and graduated from East Brunswick High School, and then went on to study business and marketing at Montclair State University, from where he graduated in 2012. He is Senior Director of Marketing at Freedom Mortgage.

Piatkowski was 20 years old when he took part in his first race in 2010 – at the Pennsylvania STPR – so things had

come full circle for him, and his first rally car was his first “regular” car: his beloved Subaru. Piatkowski says, “I have I have a lot of sentimental value for those cars. When I got my license, I drove the car for a little bit, and then I would say a year later, I started stripping it and building it for my eventual first rally. It was all self-funded, and based on what my dad had taught me and what I was reading online, it was a learning experience. It was just a matter of time before I got out on the on the racing circuit.”

Why a Subaru? There is an interesting backstory, and Piatkowski tells it. “When I was growing up, there was a famous rally car driver called Colin McRae. He won the world championship in 1995 in a Subaru. I was five years old at that time, and my dad was also looking for a new car, and I said, ‘You have to try Subarus!’ Since 1995 he has had a Subaru ever since, and that is how our love affair for that brand started. Before Subaru was heavily involved here in America, both my dad and I were huge fans of them.”

Piatkowski’s first Subaru has been sold. “I upgraded to a newer model Subaru, but the car that I race right now here in the States is that same model from back in 1995 when they won the world championship,” Piatkowski explains. “It is crazy to say that that car is like vintage for me. I have bolted a lot of modern parts to it and made it quite modern, but it certainly takes me back, and I think I am proud to say that this is a car that when I was growing up won a world championship but has also won several championships for me as well. It also brings me back to my childhood, for sure.”

Piatkowski at age 23 was the Eastern Open Light Champion early in 2013, and Rally America named him Eastern Region champ that same year. “It was kind of the chunk of a dream come true,” Piatkowski says. “For me it was a great milestone. Obviously your first whatever in life is so special, and your first championship that you have worked hard for was certainly a milestone. But I did not want it to end there; it was just a stepping-stone for

the next big thing, and that is how I framed it. I am not one to look back; I am always looking forward and asking myself, ‘What’s next?”

After his 2013 win, Piatkowski eyed national level success. He bought a higher-class Subaru with funds from the sale of his first car, in addition to his college budget funds. “It didn’t go very well,” he says.

“Stuff was starting to break, and you need to take shortcuts because you do not have funding to do things properly. That is when that dream fell apart because of the lack of funding and then, also to write it all off, I had a big accident.”

He purchased a third Subaru, continuing to stay with a vehicle that was both familiar and cost-effective, and in 2021 entered a national competition. Piatkowski says, “As I kept doing events, I kept winning my classes and doing well not only in my class, but so much on overall scale that halfway throughout the season, a lot of my friends were calling me saying, ‘You have a great chance at winning the national title. You should really consider this.’ I won my first national championship (the ARA LN4), which was honestly a dream come true. Especially when you do not plan for that at the beginning of the year.”

The one major challenge Piatkowski has had is attaining funding. All his racing endeavor funds have primarily come from himself. “I have pretty much done everything with my own two hands, from building my car, towing my car to events, to gathering up a team of friends and volunteers, and financing everything. It is a lot of work, but it is certainly very rewarding when it all comes true,” he explains.

Entering and driving with a Volkswagen Polo N5 car in Italy, Piatkowski had his power steering fail early in the race, and he had to drop out. He does not, however, let it get him down. “Having won the national championships and having won a rally outright, I went further than I would have ever imagined was possible with my machinery. I was really longing for the next thing on how to kind of progress as a driver, progress in my skill set, and try-

ing not only new experiences overseas, but also trying faster machinery. And so that is what led me to start exploring different options in Europe.” When his power steering broke, he was second in his class against drivers more familiar with the roads and vehicles being used. “To be an American on their soil and to do well for me was an accomplishment, and I also made a lot of great contacts.”

Rally driving has, according to Piatkowski, prepared him well for his busy career and professional life. “It has shown me a good work ethic, that maintaining a cool, calm, and collected manner is good professionally. To take everything in a levelheaded stride, trying to be calm throughout the whole process not only works well in the car, but also works well professionally.”

Moving forward, Piatkowski still has his vision in international competition. “Where I stand in life, it will certainly be trying to give it my all and rally, seeing where I can be on an international scale. I think I still have a shot. Being 33 years old may seem to some people from a sporting perspective that I am actually quite senior, so I think this is my time to shine. These next I would say five or so years are my time to try to make whatever moves I can on an international scale. I would certainly like to take the experience that I have learned and see what I can do. I am just

trying to fulfill a dream and see how far it can go.”

Piatkowski is also exploring mentoring and coaching younger drivers in his future.

“My experience so far that I have had is probably more than a lot of people in the United States, so I am slowly starting to see if I can coach some people both from a racing perspective, or a mental perspective,

or logistics perspective. As I grow more senior in my career, I will certainly explore coaching and being a mentor, seeing if I can kind of cultivate new and younger talent. I will take a slightly different seat as a grow older.”

For more information about Mark Piatkowski, visit www. MAP-Rally.com

HTV Media Transfer

Mark Piatkowski prior to the start of the 2023 Rally Della Val D’Orcia in Tuscany, Italy. (Credit Era Media)

Museum Spotlight: InfoAge Science and History Museums (Wall Township)

AREA - Steve Lang, a trustee, and marketing chair of Wall Township’s InfoAge Science and History Museums, talks about the key to the 45,000 square foot facility.

“The youngsters that visit, they are asking questions,” he says. “That is our key. When they walk out of here, we want them asking questions.” He then adds, “To get a semi-look at everything that’s here, you’re probably going to make two or three trips – 10 to 15 hours.”

InfoAge Science and History Museums, located on the former Camp Evans site that was in possession of the United States Army from 1941 up until 1997, became incorporated as a 501 c3 in 1998.

InfoAge, whose first exhibits opened in 2005, is dedicated to scientific, historical, and educational exhibits, and programs. Aptly described, it is one large museum with 21 mini-museums under that umbrella. Some displays are in the main building near the welcome area and gift shop, but most are out in the campus area. But the displays and exhibits are hardly “mini,” especially in worth and learning. You will spend a good day here in one spot, and as Lang says, you will not only need but want to return.

Michael Ruane is the InfoAge Chief Executive Officer.

“We have been talking about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) since the beginning. We have been saying STEM because it is more easily recognized, but when people come in here, we also talk about STEAM (the above four components but with the addition of Arts) because we have definitely had STEAM events.”

Visitors to the InfoAge Science and History Museums have ventured from as far away as Brooklyn, Rockland County, New York, and both northern and southern New Jersey. Many homeschoolers also visit for the educational benefit, school visits themselves have doubled since 2022, and InfoAge also works on projects with scout groups.

Gleaned from the website, here is the mission of the InfoAge Science and History Museums: The MISSION of the Information Age Science and History Museum and Learning Center (InfoAge) is to preserve, educate, and honor scientific innovation to inspire new generations of thinkers, dreamers, and visionaries.

Our mission is broken into three Sub-Missions: DEVELOP an Interactive hands-on Learning Center focused on the evolution and preservation of communications, electronics, and related technologies;

Learning Center: As a National Historic Landmark, INSPIRE people – especially children –to learn and appreciate information technology to improve their lives and career opportunities; and Memorial: As New Jersey’s WWII Living Memorial, HONOR the accomplishments and service of veterans, civilians, and military contractors by recognizing their contributions and by preserving this unique historic site.

Our VISION: Our parking lots filled with yellow school buses and students who are motivated to pursue the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Consider some of the offerings. Radio and Communications Tecnology; Lenni-Lenape Native Americans, European Colonization, and Indepen-

dence; New Jersey Shipwreck Museum; Trains; Fallout Shelter Theater, and much more. In the main building there is a self-guided tour, but when you exit that structure and trek to the other buildings, experienced tour guides and docents on site are prepared to explain the displays and engage in discussion.

Annual events are also held at InfoAge. Lang and his group at the Trains museum often hold a three-week model train show where over 2,500 people have come through the front gates. The Computers exhibit, which has 60 rare computers displayed, in April welcomed almost 1,000 avid computer buffs when the Vintage Computer Federation held its annual event at InfoAge. “The events bring people in,” Lang says.

Buddha Pooch Dog Rescue Project, a

AREA - Growing up in Sussex County, Keri Mack Karmozyn’s family had rescue dogs. But her true passion for dogs came when she met her husband and his two dogs, a Shepherd/Pitbull mix and a Lab. “They changed my life,” she said.

Though an English major, Karmozyn spent most of her adult life in the restaurant business. It started with her working a summer job at her brother’s restaurant—and stayed onboard for the next 20 years working 13- to 14-hour days managing.

She later transferred to catering, thinking it would be easier, and according to Karmozyn it was harder, but she embraced every minute of it. “I worked for five-star chefs and loved it.” By then she was in her late 30 and experienced burn-out. She longed for something she was more in

InfoAge Science and History Museums are always growing. The Radio and Communications Technology museum is the most popular, but there are still more buildings to be open for events and displays. Discussion has included opening a café, and a new Firefighting building will be unveiled soon.

A visit to InfoAge Science and History Museums will

benefit and engage anyone, but children especially are wowed by what they see and can do at the facilities. “If you want to bring children in, we have military vehicles, fire trucks, and trains. You have all these different things here,” Ruane says.

For more information, visit www.infoage.org

to Connecting Dogs with Their Forever Homes

tune with.

Karmozyn began her career with dogs by starting her own doggy day care in Bedminster, where she lives with her husband, John, and five rescue dogs. Her clients were local and came via word of mouth, Facebook, and Instagram.

January 2021, Karmozyn stopped doggie care and started her rescue service, naming it Buddha Pooch Dog Rescue Project. It’s a non-profit 501c3 devoted to saving abandoned and neglected dogs from local high-risk shelters and connecting them with their new home, giving them a second chance.

Karmozyn pulls dogs from shelters that are in desperate need. “Dogs that need surgeries, I always step in,” she said. “I tend to go to the dogs on the senior side. I rarely have a puppy in my rescue. I advocate for the dogs that need the voice— owner surrenders, people

dumping their dogs. Everyone says it’s the Pitbull breed, but so many other breeds too. Unfortunately, owners pass away, and no family member wants to take care of the dog. I go in to pull one dog and I come out with four. Rescue is so hard. It hurts your heart every day. I literally cry all the time.”

Women who assist Karmozyn in running the rescue are K.J. Magers, founder of Bonnies Bark ‘n Board, Bedminster; Courtney Connors, founder of Beyond K9 Training, Far Hills; and Theresa Hart, who fosters any dog that needs help out of the shelter.

“They help me foster, train, and advocate for both the rescue dog and the adopter,” said Karmozyn. “Without them, I’d be lost. Support—emotional, financial, you name it—is everything in rescue!”

During the humble beginnings of the rescue, Karmozyn

Non-Profit Devoted

said she started so naively. “There is no such thing as going to ‘rescue school’,” she said. “You just want to give a dog a warm home and a place to lay their head. And that is not the case. These dogs were abused, neglected. They are fearful. The animals have been through such tragedy. They break down in shelters. They don’t eat. It’s very, very sad, the cycle of the dogs.”

Though the job is difficult, Karmozyn finds her reward when a dog becomes alive again after being so broken. She shared, “They find the home. You get the update and see this dog that was emancipated and shaking, sitting on the couch with a big smile on his face. You can’t save them all, but just that little bit changes so many lives. It takes so many hearts to heal just one.”

visit: http://www.buddhapoo

chdrp.com/

Buddha Pooch Dog Rescue Project, and to view dogs that are up for adoption, please -

Keri and Clifford

Visit a recreated WWII living room at the WWII Homefront museum (credit: Stefanie Sears)

Just a part of the Radio and Communications Technology museum (credit: Stefanie Sears)

Four Paws Inn Hosts Fundraiser for Jersey Pits Rescue

AREA - Samantha Sulse, owner of Four Paws Inn, is a huge advocate for Pitbulls. She educates the public about them via seminars and works with dogs who have been abused and rehabilitates them.

Sulse has teamed up with Jersey Pits Rescue, Inc. to present “Peace, Love & Pitties,” a spring fundraiser on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m., to help raise money for Jersey Pits Rescue, Inc.

There will be food trucks, live music, raffles, and adoptable dogs. The location is currently slated to be at 1 Fredrick Pl., Chester, but call Four Paws Inn or Jersey Pits Rescue prior to confirm location.

“They’re a 501 c,” said Sulse. “Everything is run by volunteers. No one gets paid. They don’t get money from the state. The money goes to the vet for dogs that have been severely abused, mistreated, abandoned…They [Jersey Pits Rescue] help educate the community. They neuter and spay dogs before they get adopted.”

Rescue found her and is in her hands,” Sulse said. “She’s a trooper. She’s still surviving. She had a surgery and is still in critical condition.” Another dog named Bunny was found chained and malnourished; and Noah who is blind and “sweet as pie” according to Sulse.

She explained, “They’ve gone through so much, and are extremely good with people. There are a good amount of people that are cruel to animals. It’s our voice to defend them and help them.”

Sulse’s love for animals began when she was very young.

“I find them all so innocent,” she said. “When I see an animal in the street, I don’t even think about it, I just go and help.”

training and education for pet psychology. I am also in the process of getting certified in nutrition for dogs. I have over twenty-years’ experience with animals.”

Sulse shared the story of Sunday, a Pitbull who was shot in the head and left to die by a train station.

“Jersey Pits

She started Four Paws Inn in 2015 after leaving her nursing career. “I started as a dog walker,” she said. Going from nursing to dog walking was a huge change, financially, for Sulse, but it was just in her heart, so she had to go for it. Nevertheless, her business grew. “I don’t even advertise,” she said. “It’s word of mouth. People trusting my knowledge. I got my license for

Four Paws Inn is a fourin-one local pet service that provides doggy day camp, dog walking, customizable boarding options, a very popular pet taxi service, and more. The staff is made up of four, including Sulse’s son who helps out part-time.

“Our core is training, but we also do dog visits. If you’re running behind, you can call us to drop by for fifteen minutes, feed your dog, let them out,” said Sulse. “If your dog isn’t socialized, we come and stay with your dog, take him out, feed him.”

When dogs that led a bad life come to camp day, Sulse’s heart melts when she sees how happy they are. “You can literally see their smile!” she said. Sulse plans to continue

with Four Paws indefinitely.

“This is going to be forever,” she said. For more information on Four Paws Inn, visit: https:// fourpaws-inn.com/

Paws of War Helping Children with Autism by Pairing Them with a Service Dog

AREA - April was Autism

Awareness Month and the first anniversary of the autism pilot program by Paws of War. A year ago this month, they paired a child with a service dog, and they are pleased to say that it›s been a successful program so far. When 11-yearold Cale’s dad was deployed with the U.S. Marines, it created a lot of anxiety and stress in his son, who has autism. Paws of War stepped in and provided the child with a service dog named Lexi, and it’s made a world of difference.

“This is the first time we have placed a dog with someone who has autism, so we are excited that we can help in this situation. This is a dedicated military family to whom we are thrilled to give back,” explains Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “Unfortunately, not every child with autism will benefit from a service animal, but in Cale’s case, it’s ideal. It’ll help him navigate anxiety and sleep issues, and Lexi

will play many roles in his life as a service animal and therapy animal. It’ll give Cale the ability to give back. We know the dog is perfect for Cale, and he will work with Lexi regularly with a trainer to accomplish everything he wants.”

Cale lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his parents, Brandi and Chris Nolting. Chris serves in the U.S. Marines and often works demanding hours. During this, Cale becomes deeply unsettled, struggling with insomnia, anxiety, and being overwhelmed. Nothing worked to help him, so he had to resort to medication. During a doctor’s visit, Cale met a therapy dog, and his parents noticed how he gravitated to the dog and was comfortable in his presence.

That chance encounter led to reaching out for assistance from Paws of War, which typically provides service dogs for Veterans with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). How-

ever, the organization has the means and wants to help a hero’s son - knowing the difference service dogs make.

Misseri delivered Lexi, a rescued 3-year-old English cream, to the family to ensure she would be the perfect match when Cale and Lexi instantly connected. She has been by his side since. Cale is doing well, and he and Lexi have formed a strong bond. His level of distress has greatly reduced, and the hope is that he will be able to gradually reduce his medication as he becomes even more confident and can regulate his routine.

Cale also feels much more confident now that he has Lexi by his side during stressful situations like school assemblies or fire drills. In fact, she even helps him get through difficult conversations with other kids who don’t understand his disability. The bond between these two has grown stronger every day since they met last spring. Cale has also been able

to learn responsibility through his training with Lexi. He knows that he must care for her as she cares for him, and this has helped him develop an understanding of the structure and outcomes of his actions.

“They can rely on each other. With her being a rescue, she can learn from Cale, I hope. They can grow together and have a better foundation among each other,” adds Chris Nolting. “If we could do anything to further Paws of War’s cause, it would be a win for everybody if other kids like Cale were able to receive similar support.”

The presence of a service dog in the home brings peace of mind to military members who have to leave for deployment - knowing the dog is a comfort to their child and the family. Service dogs provide friendship, confidence, and calming ability to children who find social interaction and many daily situations over-stimulating, and the dogs

offer calm reassurance. They can reach children on a level that other people often can’t. Paws of War provides ongoing training for Lexi and assistance for the family. To help support the pilot program, visit its site at: http://pawsofwar.

org To see Cale’s story, visit YouTube

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 1 in every 68 children has autism spectrum disorder. It’s a condition that affects children from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They report that there is no “cure” for autism spectrum disorder, but several interventions can help children learn essential skills that improve everyday life.

Paws of War currently has three other service dogs in training. Due to the success they have seen with Cale, they will be placing the other dogs as well. Currently, they are providing service dogs to children of veterans, active mili-

For more information on Jersey Pits Rescue, and to purchase tickets to the fundraiswer, visit: https://shop. jerseypitsrescue.com/jpr/shop/ home

tary, and first responders. Paws of War has been operating worldwide since 2014, helping the military save the animals they rescue while deployed overseas. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate, visit its site at: http:// pawsofwar.org

About Paws of War

Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs and provides companion animals to veterans. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at: http:// pawsofwar.org

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