Mt Olive Life June 2019

Vol. 2 • No. 6 • June 2019

FREE, Please Take One

Time to Celebrate Mount Olive Dads

Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 3

A

Not All Headaches are Created Equal

lmost everyone has experienced a headache, at some point in their life, to varying degrees. In fact, roughly 45 million Americans suffer from Headaches each year. In today’s world, most people reach into the medicine cabinet for one of the various pain relievers to alleviate their head pain. But what happens when that doesn’t work? Or, the headaches become more frequent and more painful? Some get headaches so often and so painful, they even take prescription drugs with side effects and no avail. But have you ever stopped to think, “What is causing my headache?” Headaches and more severe headaches, known as Migraines, can be caused by various triggers including foods, chemicals or preservatives in foods, allergens in the environment, chemicals in cleaning products or herbicides/ pesticides, sinus congestion, tension in the neck or jaw, lack of sleep, dehydration, stress, and the list goes on… Sometimes the cause is completely unknown and with no relief the patient can be left hopeless, debilitated and in pain. An assessment by an Acupuncturist can often identify and treat imbalances (that are causing the headaches) that are unknown to the patient previously.

In Chinese Medicine not all headaches are created equally.

Rather, during an assessment, we evaluate the individual patient on many levels to determine their exact symptoms (i.e Is the headache frontal? One sided? Behind the eyes? Is there nausea?

Frequency and intensity of pain?....) and if there are any triggers.

We take a whole body approach and assess the patient’s physical condition as well as their constitution, emotional health, diet and lifestyle. Unlike the blanket treatment western medicine offers which is typically some type of pain reliever, Chinese Medicine

finds a specific treatment for each patient based on their individual symptoms. Five patients suffering “headaches” may receive five completely different treatments. By addressing the root cause, Acupuncture can be a safe way to prevent and treat various types of headaches, without the unwanted side effects of medications.

Based on the individual assessment and diagnosis, tiny needles are inserted into various points on the body. Depending on the case, small electrodes can be attached to specific needles that elicit a small electrical current. The feeling of the electric stimulation on the needles is a comfortable sensation that generally elicits a feeling of tingling, tapping or heaviness. The electric stimulation enhances the release of specific neurochemicals which aids in the treatment of headaches. The needles are typically retained for 2030 minutes, during which the patient is left to relax and take a nap.

Acupuncture is known to be effective and can offer long standing results, but it is not always a quick fix. Especially if the headaches are chronic, several treatments may be required to achieve the full result. Again, this is because it is addressing the root cause and not just covering up symptoms like other treatments.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines start getting relief today! Use the following tips to achieve long- lasting results for a healthy life: Be aware, track food and environmental triggers to see if there are any patterns, get adequate sleep, eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits (limiting sugars and processed foods), drink plenty of water, manage stress with things like meditation and try Acupuncture!

For more information about Acupuncture and Headaches contact Mount Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973-527-7978.

Improves sleep Enhances mood Stimulates blood flow Shortens recovery time Relaxes tight muscles Releases the body’s natural pain killers

Reduces inflammation Improves mobility

1 OLD WOLFE ROAD • Lakeview Plaza • BUDD LAKE • 973-527-7978 www.mtoliveacupuncture.com

Page 4 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

MT. OLIVE EDITORIAL

Mt. Olive Life Mt. Olive Life has become huge hit with the residents of Mt. Olive. We love bringing you articles on our residents and businesses.

If you like what you see just send me a comment about what you like about the magazine to joe@mylifepublications.com.

It is free to have a copy emailed to you each month. Just visitwww.mtolivelife.com and sign up today.

Mt. Olive has so many great people and organizations.

We need your help to let us know who those people and organizations are. You are the eyes and ears of the town.

Email me, joe@mylifepublications.com, with any suggestions that you have to feature residents that have achievements that we might not ever know about.

Do you know someone who is turning 100? Celebrating a big anniversary?

How about the unsung hero who is always there to help

people and do good for the community. We want to know.

WE NEED YOUR HELP: Consider us the facebook of print (without all the politics) and send us photos from your family vacations, information on your life events, parties, birthdays, weddings, engagements or any other milestones. You can send them to joe@mylifepublications.com.

We welcome your feedback as well to the same email.

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Please support our advertisers in our publications as they make this magazine and our newspapers available free to all with their advertising support. We want to help the local businesses and your support of them is appreciated.

Thank you for choosing “Mt. Olive Life” to read and enjoy.

Joe Nicastro & Mary Lalama

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Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 5

Time to Celebrate Mount Olive Dads

W

By Steve Sears

hen June rolls in in Mount Olive, the air becomes warmer, flora is more in bloom, and it’s time for the annual celebration of Father’s

Day. Mount Olive Life rolls out the red carpet for a few of our township dads who, in the long run, represent all loving fathers.

Fred Berrios Jr.

F

red Berrios Jr. made a change seven years ago. He found a way to curtail his work schedule and make more time for is children.

“I work for Corona; I’m a beer sales guy,” he says.

“When the kids were young, my job took me on the road a lot, up to two and three days a week, I’d be out overnight in different cities.” He made a conscious decision to create a better work life balance for he and his family, taking on a new role that finds him home every night. “It was the best thing I ever did. Being able to be there for all the little things, like the clarinet concerts, National Honor Society induction ceremony, all the soccer games and drama practices. It’s about being there. You don’t get those things back. It goes so fast. My oldest is in high school, looking at colleges. Before you know it, she’ll be off to college and it seems like yesterday she was born. Time is flying by.”

Amanda is 17, Julia is 14, and Ava is 9. “They’re all unique, definitely unique.”

For Berrios, the most challenging aspect of being a dad is managing the different personalities of his daughters.

“They’re all very different; they respond to things very differently. Being able to navigate those waters – I often joke and say I have a wife, three daughters, and a female dog, so I’m the only man in the house - it’s challenging sometimes.”

“Not very,” Berrios responds when he was asked if he was prepared for fatherhood. “I think my wife and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, but we made a bunch of mistakes along the way, we learned, and by the time we got to the third one, we were breathing pretty good.” He pauses, then continues. “With the kids, it’s all about them, making sure that they have everything they need to be successful.

They come before I do.”

Berrios’ grandfather was a huge influence on him when

he was younger, and he in turn ingrained the lessons learned and use them to help raise his daughters. “He was just always present in everyone’s life, and he was someone who I looked up to when I was a kid and wanted to emulate. To be honest with you, I can’t wait for my children to get married and hopefully, God willing, have their own kids, so I can be the grandfather that he was for me.” Most important to Berrios is to be a good role model. “Someone they can look up to and be proud of. “ “It’s interesting,” he says, “but I like a lot of the little things.

They’re all very diverse, they like different things, they’re very well rounded.”

Paul Ottavinia

P

aul Ottavinia is also a Mount Olive Police Officer.

“It makes you change priorities,” he says regarding fatherhood. Ottavinia is a proud dad of two sons, Dalton (4) and Grayson (2). “I feel I was very prepared (to be a father).”

Ottavinia, who often finds with his work schedule it makes it difficult to juggle family and work, cites his dad as the perfect example of a good father. “We spent a lot of time to-

gether, especially hunting and fishing. He helped coach me in youth sports also.”

“The most challenging part is staying engaged with them,” he says regarding his two sons, “especially at the ages they currently are.”

And for Ottavinia, he cherishes time spent together most of all. “(I am proud of) How much they want to be around me.”

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Page 6 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

John Ferrante

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ohn Ferrante has three children: Angelina (12), Nicholas (10), and Joseph (6).

“For nearly 20 years I worked for a large corporation in New York City. As my kids began to get older and more involved in after school activities, it became more and more difficult to assist my wife and being there for my kids’ activities. I decided a change was needed and in 2016 I joined MetLife Investment Management in Whippany. Working much closer to home was essentially life changing for myself and my family. I’m now home at a decent hour, coaching several of my kids’ teams including soccer and baseball. The flexibility was life changing.”

Ferrante feels you can never be fully prepared for fatherhood; however, he credits his own dad, his grandfathers, and his Father In-law for being great role models. “I’ve been blessed to have them close to me in my life and seeing the type of role models they were. I’ve learned everything from them.” He says his dad was his role model. “My father. He was and still is, always there when I need him. When I was younger, he was employed for the New York Telephone Company. He commuted back and forth to the Bronx each day yet was always there for my practices and games. Knowing that he was always there for me, was important, and part of the reason why I am the type of dad I am.”

Ferrante has learned that his kids will always come first, and everything he does revolves around them. “I enjoy teaching, coaching, and just being around them every day.”

He adds, “I want my children to make good decisions, whether it be in school, sports, or everyday life. Knowing that I’m a role model in their life, it is important that they see myself doing the same.”

He is most proud knowing that his kids are growing up to be smart, independent, and loving children. “See how they are succeeding in school, have great friends, and knowing they are enjoying life.”

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Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 7

Page 8 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

Mike Russell

O

ffice Mike Russell is a member of the Mount Olive Police Department.

“I believe being a police officer and also being a dad can be challenging at times, especially when you are obligated to work nights, weekends, and holidays,” he says. “You sometimes feel like you are missing out on important events in your children’s lives such as birthday parties or holidays. As a younger officer it was tough to juggle the two, because my wife is also a police officer. I remember working all day and my wife would be working nights so we would have to coordinate a custody exchange in a gas station parking lot so my wife could drop off Greydon to me as I left work and she was going to work. I am lucky enough now to have an inside position within the police department with steady daytime hours, but my wife still works shift coverage, so it is my responsibility to keep the house in order and also be with the kids while she

works. It can be tough but that time with my children, I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

Russel is a dad to two boys, 6-year-old Greydon, and 3-yearold Carson. “I don’t think you can ever be ready to be a dad, especially when it comes to your first child. I was terrified, nervous, and excited the day Greydon came along. I kept questioning if I was ready, but the thing is it doesn’t matter if you are ready because this small child who depends on my wife and I for everything is here and they aren’t waiting for you to figure it out.

My wife is the rock of our family and I would have been lost without her. When my children arrived, I truly leaned on my wife for strength and I was able to witness my wife being a great mother. It made it easier for me to step into my role as a new dad.”

Becoming a father was a huge change for Russell.

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“My two children mean everything to me. Sometimes growing up you try to put yourself first or do things to benefit you, but after kids they are the only two things that matter and your focus shifts to only making sure they are happy, safe, and have a good life.” Russell was very blessed to have a great dad growing up.

“My dad did everything for our family including working multiple jobs to ensure we had a great life. My dad continues to be a big influence on me and also my children as he and my mother often help us out when it comes to childcare issues because my wife is also a police officer and works full time. I love being able to watch my dad with my kids and to see the relationship my kids have with their grandpa.”

“I believe the most important aspect of being a dad is un-

Andrew Tatarenko

A

ndrew Tatarenko is “a Dad of two beautiful girls, Brooke (4) and Alexa (2).”

“I don’t think you can ever be fully prepared for what’s to come (as a father) but I was as ready as I could’ve been. The room was painted, the crib was made, and I went to some parenting classes. My wife, Colette, and I were in stages of our lives when we thought we were prepared with stable jobs, a new house and we always knew we wanted to start a family. We had friends and family who were also starting families which gave us a glimpse of what was to come. I knew it was going to be a rollercoaster, but I was excited for the next

conditional love. There will be times when your children upset you, or do something that may hurt you, or on the other end of the spectrum do something that makes you extremely proud but through all of it I want my kids to know that they are loved, it is something I never want them to question, and I try to show them every day that they mean the world to me and that I love them.”

There is an everyday pride which emanates from a dad’s heart, and it certainly does from Officer Russell’s. “I am blessed to watch them treat each other with respect and love. I am proud of the love they show to our family and how they behave around others. They are so full of love and always appear grateful for the lives which they live, and it makes it all worth it.”

adventure. Luckily, we also had a great support system in place with our family which we knew would be a tremendous help.”

Tatarenko’s Dad, “Tato” ( dad in Ukrainian), was a huge role model. “I strive every day to be as good of a father as he was to me. He was always there for me, providing love and support throughout my life. He worked hard, had a successful career in sales and local politics, but always had time for us, teaching us how to golf, use a power tools and was home every night to have dinner. He motivated me to be my best and encouraged me to create my own path but wasn’t shy of telling me when I made a mistake. He was a loving father, yet tough at the

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Page 10 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

same time.”

As a father of two girls, Tatarenko has learned to be more patient and have become more sensitive.

“I’ve also learned how to make ponytails and have become an expert at giving manicures and pedicures.

Being a dad has also reminded me what’s important in life, to enjoy every day and not stress out over the little things.”

As the Business Administrator for the Township of Mount Olive, Tatarenko reports directly to the Mayor, handling the day-to-day operations associated with all Township activities by working closely with the other Department Heads and Elected Officials as well. The juggling of a career and family is a challenge but being able to work and live in the same town has made it easier.

“Part of my responsibilities include attending nightly meetings which pulls me away from the family, but I’m fortunate that my wife does an amazing job caring for them when I’m not around.”

“The most challenging aspect to me of being a Dad,” he says, “is trying to say no and sometimes being the bad guy. One

second everything is smooth sailing and in a blink of an eye there’s chaos. Trying to let your kids have fun and have certain things but at the same time teaching them to be grateful for what they have can be difficult. The most important aspect is to savor each moment. Everyone tells me they grow up fast and before you know it, they are off to college. I don’t want to look back wishing I could have done anything different.”

“What makes me most proud is watching my girls playing, laughing, learning and having fun every day.

I love watching my girls being sisters, Brooke teaching Alexa how to count, say the alphabet and Alexa already knowing what buttons to press to get Brooke aggravated. Being a Dad has been the most rewarding experience, being able to raise a child, teaching them what you know and watching them use what you taught them is fulfilling to see. They make me want to pull my hair out one minute and then they give you the sweetest hug and say, “I love you Daddy” makes it all worth it.”

Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 11

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Page 12 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

Ernie (Ernesto) Buonincontri

E

rnie (Ernesto) B u o n i n co nt r i owns Enzo’s Pizzeria in Budd Lake section of Mount Olive. He is dad to Susie (33), Raffaellina (31), Emilio (28), and Alessandra (25). He also has one granddaughter, Graziella.

“You look at your parents, the way they brought you up.,” says Buonincontri, recalling his own childhood. “I really picked up a lot from my mom and dad, you know.

I was pretty much prepared to become a dad and take on the responsibilities.”

Speaking of “responsibilities,” Buonincontri has owned the popular Enzo’s Pizzeria on Route 46 in Budd Lake for 43 years.

“It – working at the restaurant and raising kids - was a lot of challenge, but when you do it with a passion and you love what you’re doing, it just comes easy. You spend a lot of time in the restaurant, and I lived very close and had my kids in the restaurant all the time, and my parents would watch my kids, too.”

Fatherhood has changed him in many ways. “You love your

kids, and you love our grandkids even more. I can literally say I grew up with my kids. I get my blessing every day.”

B u o n i n c o n t r i ’s father and grandfather showed special qualities that he does his best to emulate.

“They showed a lot of love for the kids, a lot of respect for others besides family members. They taught me a lot. My mom and dad and my grandparents were like the foundation for me, and it was a structure they built up, and I tried to do the same thing with my kids. I started the foundation and my kids, and my wife built a beautiful structure. I’d love to see that continue. With my son and daughters, my sons-in-law and my daughter-in-law, there’s a lot of love in the family.”

Yes, love and indeed pride for Buonincontri, as he watches his children become accomplished. “Me and my wife are proud that our kids are solid, they’ve started their own families, and they can bring it to the next level. It makes you really proud that they do that. “

Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 13

Page 14 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

Mt Olive Begins Community Fellowship Program

Maya Shah

Boby Yazdi

Alicia Nwandu

D

By Dawn M. Chiossi uring this time of the year the air is filled with excitement: Summer is right around the corner and soon young people will be graduating. Along with the standard caps and gowns, there will be thoughts and plans, of ambitions and expectations of what comes next.

In the 1960’s young people with wanderlust and a deep desire to make a difference to those less fortunate joined the Peace Corps. Either at home or abroad, the common denominator, the common goal for so many is to make a difference.

Ambitions are high, confidence is soaring and there’s never

Christopher Lieb

Caitlin McNally

been a better time for young people to put their energies, time and talents to better use. There’s so much to be done, and now making a difference right here at home is the brand new Mount Olive Community Fellowship Program.

Piloted just this year, this community fellowship program was the brainchild of Mt Olive’s Boby Yazdi and Mt. Olive High School Senior, Maya Shah.

“We are searching for passionate and committed people to mobilize and join our fellowship,” Yazdi said.

Stressing that this is not a religious organization, Yazdi explains that community fellowship is for everyone.

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“Our goal is to increase community engagement as well as community pride across several age groups. I wanted to model this after my work in India,” he remarks. “A chance to give a high school grad a chance to take on a leadership role, as well as making a difference to the community.”

When asked why he wanted to found such an organization, he answers quickly, “It’s exciting. There’s such a disconnect between young people and the communities. I want to change that, harnessing their energy and commitment to changing the many problems out there.”

Mount Olive native, Yazdi is a literal ball of energy and motion. After graduating from Mount Olive High School in 2017, this impressive student decided to take ‘The Road Less Traveled’, by deciding not to go on to college or a higher learning establishment, as many students do. Instead, he took what is known as a two-year gap year -- also known as a sabbatical year when a student takes a year (in this case, two) long break between high school and college or university. The student then often travels or maintains some kind of work.

There are a number of advantages to taking a gap year--taking that break away from that steady bubble of education. Students that take advantage of gap years often possess accelerated maturity regarding life experiences. Due to their new experiences they enjoy improved academic performance, due to the confidence, ambition and accountability that the sabbatical affords.

With a new environment and perhaps even a new culture, students will not only be challenged, they will have an appreciation for that same culture by experiencing it. Additionally, taking the break will give students a chance to refocus and regroup, taking a psychological break from what they previously had been doing. The rewards they receive are tremendous, improving their career opportunities.

It was something that spoke to Yazdi. Recognizing that going straight through from high school to college wasn’t for him, he took 2 gap years. Working with several organizations, he decided to travel to India to see what he could do for the people there.

Passionate regarding economic inequality, math, teaching, politics and giving back to others, India seemed like a perfect choice for him.

In his first gap year, he worked with Global Citizen Year members in Hyderabad, India. He spent a profitable eight months working as a classroom assistant for a Teach for India Fellow Member.

The whole experience was so rewarding for Yazdi, that he decided to go for a second gap year. This time he worked

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Page 18 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

in Chicago with City Year Chicago Americorps Volunteers. Paired work to this cause. with 12 students, Yazdi taught 6th and 7th grade math to stuFor Yazdi and Shah (the National Honor Society president), dents. their initiative isn’t just a whim or a causal project. They treat Now back home in Mt. Olive, Yazdi is eagerly seeking to share it seriously, taking every step in methodical fashion. Yazdi dewhat he has learned from his experiences, and to bring them to scribes how the Fellows will choose what track they would like others. to do, which area they would like to aid in. This includes the May“Our goal is to increase community or’s Office, Senior Center, Environmental He is equally excited to engagement as well as community pride Track and Education. coordinate the education track, across several age groups. I wanted to While the tracks may be broad, particias he has had experience as a model this after my work in India,” he pants will be able to accomplish so much. classroom assistant and academic remarks. “A chance to give a high school For example, if someone is interested in mentor for the past two years. grad a chance to take on a leadership joining the Environmental Track, they will “I am looking forward to training role, as well as making a difference to the not only be involved with the community our education track tutors on community.” garden, they will be involved with donatexactly how they can use data Besides giving back and making a ing food to various organizations in need.

-- our Ferpa Compliant Agreement to difference right here at home, the new Participants will have to undergo a 6 tutor in a targeted fashion,” he says.

Mount Olive Fellowship will offer so to 8 week training before beginning the much to its members, including valuable fellowship. professional work experience and trainAlthough they have only barely begun, ing. the Mt. Olive Community Fellowship is already powering ahead.

Fellows, as they are called by Yazdi, will be comprised of stu- Both Yazdi and Shah have chosen young coordinators to lead and dents and recent graduates of Mt. Olive High School who have make sure that the fellows selected are successful, and in the not found an internship for the summer of their Freshman/Soph- most useful position. omore year and are planning to spend the summer in Mt. Olive.

Coordinators are Caitlin McNally with the Mayor’s Office, There are plenty of ways to give their time, energy and hard Alicia Nwandu with the Senior Center, Christopher Lieb

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Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 19

handling the environmental track, and Boby Yazdi will handle the education track.

Looking for something special to bring to both the member’s and the organization itself, the coordinators have contributed in positive ways to the community. For example, Nwandu has founded a Medicine Club, and has been volunteering with the recreation center for all four of her high school years.

All of them are enthusiastic, hard working, and have a deep desire to facilitate change through leadership roles.

“All of our coordinators had to fill out our applications and submit letters of intent to be considered for their positions,” explains Yazdi. “All of our coordinator’s applications were very inspiring to both Maya and I, and we are very glad to have them on board. It’s wonderful for everyone to be given the chance to recruit more people to work together to benefit the community.”

He is equally excited to coordinate the education track, as he has had experience as a classroom assistant and academic mentor for the past two years. “I am looking forward to training our education track tutors on exactly how they can use data -- our Ferpa Compliant Agreement to tutor in a targeted fashion,” he says.

“My teaching in India was great,” he enthuses. In addition to his tutoring, he worked with his students on a recycling collection drive that extended to 47 schools across the country. “I had a few of my students in my classroom that went to other classes and gave presentations on why they should keep their

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used papers, cardboard, etc in a separate container for recycling purposes. Three of my students took it a step further and started coordinating with other schools”, he shares.

Although it has just barely begun, the Mount Olive Community Fellowship is already well on its way. Yazdi and Shah have already been reaching out to various community organizations, departments, schools and businesses to gage their interests and enlist their support.

The founders are already bursting with plans and aspirations for the organization such as future scholarships and more.

Beyond empowerment and taking an active role, the Mt. Olive Community Fellowship is all about leadership and making a difference. It’s a place where young people can add their voices, perspectives, and abilities to solving existing problems, in a methodical and successful way.

For Yazdi, none of this would have been possible if he didn’t take the gap year. “I think gap years leave their participants with a set of burning questions. Those questions inspired me (and the other fellows) to think about what problems we wanted to solve as opposed to study. It helps clarify things in my opinion,” he asserts. “I think there is also so much wisdom in the world that a young person wouldn’t have access to until they go and try to find it.”

For further information or details on the Mount Olive Community Fellowship, please visit http://www.mountolivecf.weebly.com/ or email MountOliveCF@gmail.com.

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Mount Olive High School Celebrates Valedictorian and Salutatorians

By Melissa A. Kay raduation day is a momentous occasion in any student’s life, but for the class valedictorian and salutatorian, the pomp and circumstance is all the more meaningful. Mount Olive High School has announced the 2019 graduating class’s highest achievers, with Maya Shah taking the top spot as class valedictorian, and John Bigger and Colin McCutcheon named as co-salutatorians, sharing the spotlight.

The graduating class is comprised of 382 students, each exceptional in their own way, but these three students stepped up to the plate, performing with persistence, aiming for the sky, and reaching their true potential. The June 21st ceremony will congratulate all graduating members of the senior class, giving a special salute to these three high

Mr. Stansberry, Principal, John Bigger - Co-Salutatorian, Maya Shah - Valedictorian , Colin McCutcheon - Co-Salutatorian, Stacy Delman and Katrina Prisco, Guidance Counselors.

achievers.

Maya Shah – Valedictorian Like any well-rounded valedictorian, Maya Shah not only achieved great grades and numerous honors, but her involvement outside the classroom was just

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as noteworthy. It’s hard to fathom how she found the time to do so much and do it all so remarkably, but that’s why Shah is Mount Olive High School’s #1 student this year. She takes on as much as she can, gives her all from every angle, and has learned that with proper prioritization as well as balance, she can achieve any goal she sets her mind to.

Shah’s student life is more than studying for exams. While schoolwork is front and center, there’s so much more that goes into being a student, particularly one who strives to become valedictorian. Let’s start with what Shah considers her greatest accomplishment – a scholar of the New Jersey Scholars Program, an interdisciplinary program that 39 students in NJ are accepted into. Within this program, Shah soared, sharing, “I believe my social and academic transformation after the 5 weeks in the program were an amazing accomplishment. I came out of the program with a renewed passion for learning, an interest in philosophy and psychology, as well as amazing friends that encouraged me to follow a life of optimism and honesty.” Perhaps it was this experience that led her to become co-founder of the Mount Olive Community Fellowship Program. While still in its preliminary stages, Shah explains, “The program focuses on mobilizing young talent towards effective organizations in Mount Olive and improving the community together. The program is intended to encourage students to tackle issues in the community independently and improve their hometown.”

As for Shah’s after-school involvement, the list of to-dos is long. She’s involved in a wide range of activities, proving that she is talented in more ways than one. Shah serves as president of the National Honor Society, she’s an executive board member or World Language Honor Society, and a member of Science National Honor Society as well as National English Honor Society. She participated in science league and math league too. As a freshman, Shah threw varsity discus and moved onto tennis during her sophomore and junior years. Shah was strategy captain of her school’s robotics team for two years and was also a member of the programming, design, and business branches of robotics. She is also a member of two business clubs, DECA and FBLA. But that’s not all. Shah still finds time to volunteer at the Morristown soup kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Paragon Village (a senior home), and at a summer camp - PEAK (Parents of ExtraOrdinary Kids) for children with special needs. She also helps to coordinate Indian functions within her community to celebrate Indian holidays such as Diwali and Holi. Tutoring other students is another passion; Shah works with Kumon tutoring math and also tutors for the SATs, math, and Spanish privately. If you’ve ever dined at Mama’s Café Baci, you may have seen Shah performing as a vocalist, and for those who enjoy a flavorful footlong, Shah may have been the one who served you at Subway!

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Yale is on the agenda for next year with a focus on Applied Mathematics and a concentration in Spanish or Computer Science. Shah intends to attend graduate school in the future and earn her master’s degree. Being able to attend college isn’t something Shah takes lightly. “Neither of my parents were able to finish college,” Shah explains. “My mother came from the Philippines as a teenager and worked multiple jobs to stabilize herself. My father came from India at an even younger age and worked hard as well to make a living. I am aware of the many challenges they faced in their home countries as well as the obstacles they faced trying to survive their first few years in the U.S.; I am extremely grateful for all of their hard work. Their background served as the main impetus for my work ethic; I wanted to make my parents feel as though their hard work was worth it and that I took full advantage of the opportunities that my parents opened up for me.”

College will be a new chance for Shah to excel. But this summer is time for some fun with friends and family. Shah is headed to Spain with her AP Spanish class, then plans to backpack through Europe with some friends. Next comes a cruise with her extended family to celebrate her graduation and other family milestones. She intends to participate in Yale’s pre-orientation program which includes hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire after that. With so much planned, the summer will go by in a snap, but with the next four years at Yale to look

forward to, it will certainly be one to remember.

John Bigger – Co-Salutatorian Sharing the stage with Colin McCutcheon, John Bigger is “humbled and honored to be recognized for all of my hard work.” And hard work it was. Completing high school despite struggles with Lyme disease and mold toxicity proved challenging, but Bigger overcame such obstacles to achieve great things at Mount Olive High School. Among these are what he considers his greatest accomplishments – achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and being selected to attend the New Jersey Scholars Program during the summer of 2018.

Like Shah, Bigger’s list of school and out-of-school activities is admirable, including involvement in a number of groups, clubs, and more. The Boy Scouts is important to Bigger, and he has taken on various leadership positions within his troop including Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Bigger has earned 38 merit badges over the years, eventually landing him the Eagle Scout rank. To achieve this rank, Bigger had to complete a project that demonstrated leadership while benefitting the community. This led to his proposal to build a gazebo outside the local library. Bigger shares with pride, “After months of planning, fundraising, and construction, the gazebo was completed. I am very happy with how the gazebo turned out as it not only provided a comfortable place to sit but also adds to the beauty of the li-

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brary. Whenever I visit the library, I am filled with joy to see the gazebo being occupied by people reading or relaxing.”

Bigger is also co-founder and co-president of the Mount Olive Drone Club and a dedicated member of the DECA business organization, having held the position of CFO during one of his years as a member.

Bigger will be attending the Georgia Institute of Technology with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Economics.

He was awarded the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce scholarship. Before school starts, Bigger will relax and prepare for his first year at Georgia Tech while hopefully interning in a company’s IT department.

Colin McCutcheon – Co-Salutatorian Standing proudly beside John Bigger, Colin McCutcheon will be honored as co-salutatorian, something that came as something of a shock to the star student, “I was really surprised because I did not see it coming at all,” he explained. Perhaps McCutcheon was too busy with his schoolwork and other activities to take pause to realize he was at the top of the class.

Speaking of activities, like his co-salutatorian, McCutcheon is an Eagle Scout; it’s his proudest accomplishment, sharing, “I’ve been with scouting since I was in elementary school, so it was a long road through Cub Scouts and then Boy Scouts, so achiev-

ing this rank was not only a relief won from hard work but also sheer time commitment.” Along with scouting, McCutcheon was president of Mount Olive High School’s chapter of Science National Honor Society and the treasurer of the senior class.

McCutcheon is also a member of the World Language Honor Society, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. He participated in DECA and attended the state competition. From freshman through junior year, McCutcheon was involved in MORT robotics and tennis.

McCutcheon tutors middle schoolers in algebra and volunteers at Paragon Village while also helping out with the local Special Olympics. He does additional volunteer work through his Boy Scouts troop including roadside and garden cleanups and aided his fellow Scout’s endeavors with the building of the library gazebo.

Next year, McCutcheon will be attending UCLA to study Chemical Engineering. He’s also interested in Physics and Materials Science/Engineering. This summer means working to save up some money for the move to California and preparation for the road ahead.

Congrats to these three outstanding students as well as the rest of the 2019 Mount Olive High School graduating class. The future is yours!

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Natural Beauty in MO: Mt. Olive Native Starts Natural Beauty Pageant

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By Dawn M Chiossi eauty is celebrated in all forms from literature, to paintings, to movies, TV, magazines, contests and so much more.

The romantic poets celebrated beauty with honeyed words regarding what they thought was beautiful. Stories and storybook heroes and heroines were captivated and sometimes bewitched by beauty, and as far as myths go, it had often been said that sailors were lost at sea due to the call of sirens--beautiful but deadly sea creatures.

Our reality in 2019 is no different, both women and men aspire to be beautiful. They are admired, respected, others want to be like them, around them, emulate them.

The concept of beauty is both abundantly clear and elusive. It’s a paradox. Is it all about showing off the physical? Or is it about more? It is the question that people had been asking themselves for a long time. Take beauty pageants for example.

All too often most people view beauty pageants as something utterly negative.

Through either news stories (such as the case of JonBenet Ramsey), or television or movies, depictions of beauty pageants can show an organization that is dysfunctional. At best, pageants are shown to be vapid, demeaning, cut throat, and shallow; and at the worst, they are shown to encourage life threatening eating disorders, toxic behavior and dangerous consequences.

Perhaps the only depictions out there that cast beauty pageants in a positive and uplifting light include Little Miss Sunshine, and Miss Congeniality. These movies work because the message is an accurate, simple, classic, and inspiring one: Be yourself and beauty will follow.

For Mt. Olive native Tiffany Bucher, this is exactly why she founded Belle of the Ball, natural beauty pageants.

Traditionally when people used the expression “Belle of the Ball,” they meant that the woman was the most popular and beautiful girl at the party. Taking that antiquated definition, Bucher turns it on its axis and uses it as an empowering name for her new organization.

Brand new on the Northern New Jersey pageant circuit, started just this year, Belle of the Ball Pageants seek to shatter the negative stereotypes that so often plaque them. Instead, this kind of natural beauty pageant celebrates the beauty within a person.

Celebrating not just physical beauty, but also qualities like intelligence, charisma, confidence (no matter what), enthusiasm, philanthropy, and giving back to others, are not only recognized, but rewarded here.

Their first Spring Pageant was held on April 27th at the Holiday Inn in Budd Lake. Accentuating the positive, much more than a contest, pageants give people the opportunity to break out of their shells, overcome their nerves, develop confidence and grace and poise under pressure, (a great skill to acquire later

Tiffany Bucher

in life) and so much more.

“I’ve been in pageantry ever since I was six years old,” explains Bucher. “My first pageant was MAC--Miss American Coed, which my mom entered me in to build confidence up on stage as well as in front of people.”

Embracing all forms of beauty, not just the expected kind, Belle of the Ball Pageants features both men and women, and people of all ages. They aspire to bring this kind of pageant and its qualities to local towns in the area.

“I loved what pageants have done for me growing up and the traits that they helped me master,” Bucher enthuses. “Personally I believe pageants are a great foundation for young women and men, and I wanted to try and share that with family and friends around me. I wanted to take the time to help people build confidence in themselves.”

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Page 30 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

Noticing how there were no family run Preteen Miss (11-14), Teen (15-17), Miss natural beauty pageants in this area, she (18-21), Ms. (22 and up), capping off at 10 immediately thought about founding her contestants per division. own. “The idea just clicked. I just thought, For the main fee of $150, all conteswhy wait?” tants will be entered in the Evening Wear, And what is remarkable is that Bucher Introduction and Interview, and PJ Runis only 20 years old. way Categories. Infants, Baby, and Tiny Belle of the Ball Pageants have a speTots will perform Catwalk in lieu of intercial connection and significance for Buchview. er. As well about helping others develop Here is where Belle of the Ball sets confidence, poise and the joy of being itself apart from other pageants. While yourself, this pageant is about giving back. girls can show off their dresses in the A portion of the proceeds from this, and Evening Wear Category, they must be all Belle of the Ball Pageant events will age appropriate as well as elegant. When be donated to the Lupus Foundation of modeling for one moment, judges will be America. looking for contestants to display confiLupus is an autoimmune disease in dence, eye contact and grace. As this is a which the body’s immune system benatural beauty pageant, contestants from comes hyperactive and attacks normal, Mini-Miss and Under will not be allowed healthy tissue, and usually first expressto wear any makeup. For the divisions es itself between the teenage years and Pre-Teen Miss and up, mascara, lip gloss the 30’s. While treatment can help, Luand eye shadow will be allowed, but drapus cannot be cured. It’s a long term, matic looks will not. chronic disease and can range from mild In the Introduction and Interview segto severe. Symptoms can include fatigue, ment, contestants will answer a question Jillian DiPietro joint pain, rash, fever, hair loss. Lupus can that they will select out of a fishbowl. Afaffect the skin, joints, blood cells, brain, ter announcing their name, the announcheart, kidneys and lungs. er will ask them their question. They will Diagnosed with Lupus at 13 years old, have one minute to answer. Questions Bucher decided to not let it defeat her will be different for each contestant (and by taking a proactive, empowering apwill depend on age). Judges will be lookproach. She concentrated on her health, ing for how contestants hold themselves and managing her condition, focusing on together. her education, and being grateful for evEveryone knows that PJ’s are the ultiery day. mate in comfort, and with the PJ Runway Now at 20, utilizing her knowledge segment, contestants can enjoy and show and experience of the pageant world, them off at the same time. Showing off she seeks to send a clear and defining fun and creativity and making them pop is message: “Anyone and everyone can be the goal here. There is also a talent coma queen.” petition.

By creating Belle of the Ball Pageants, “We are looking for fun, loving and Bucher seeks to shatter the stereotypes, awesome individuals who want to come celebrate the beauty that comes from out and just have fun while strutting their within, and be a new voice for breaking stuff,” Bucher tells, “Especially those down barriers. that show confidence and self-discipline.

She’s thrilled regarding the response Good sportsmanship and personality are that her first natural beauty pageant rehuge for contestants.” ceived. “Overall the day was super sucThis is great news for winners 8-yearcessful and was a great foundation to old Jillian DiPietro, who was awarded start off of,” Bucher tells. “All are welQueen of her age group and 9-year-old come to be contestants, from ages 0 to Lillyanna DiPietro who was selected for 99 and above,” she enthuses. “We want the Leadership Award for her volunteerLillyanna DiPietro everyone to get out and get involved.” ism.

Age divisions ranged from: Infant (0-11 months), Baby (12According to their mother, Vanessa DiPietro, this was the first 23 months), Tiny Tot (2-3 years), Tot (4-6), Mini Miss (7-10), time her daughters were involved in a beauty pageant.

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Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 31

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“They’ve been wanting to,” she says, “and I thought this one was ideal for us to try something new.”

DiPietro shares that she herself had been involved with beauty pageants in the past but was instantly pulled to the idea of a natural beauty pageant in this area. “They were different,” she says of the beauty pageants she was familiar with, “This one was great with such a nice group of girls.”

She states that both her girls are baton twirlers, and that helped inspire the confidence, grace and poise they needed to enjoy the competition. What tipped the scales for DiPietro? The PJ competition! “When I heard about how the girls could rock their PJ’s, I was totally hooked. It was awesome.”

“It’s definitely something we’d do again,” she shares.

With a turnout of approximately 47 contestants for their first Belle of the Ball event, Bucher couldn’t be more pleased. “It was an awesome turnout!” she remarks.

When the day was done, they had 9 divisional queens, 5 supremes, 1 king with many side awards given.

In addition to crowns, sashes, trophies, ribbons and certificates, prizes awarded included gift packages as well.

For Bucher, the day was truly a success when everyone embraced the spirit and philosophy of this new kind of beauty pageant.

She is so grateful for the support of everyone and is looking toward the future.

“In the future I hope that the pageant grows and is able to move into other states so that we can alter individual lives. We may be already looking at the tri-state area for 2020,” she prides.

For Bucher, Belle of the Ball pageants are definitely all about the wow factor: “It’s about helping participants to grow into their best selves and giving back to help the Lupus Foundation that did so much to make my life better,” she beams.

With such an attitude of gratitude for this 20-year-old, the rewards just keep on coming. Recently Bucher came out of retirement to compete in beauty pageants again, and now holds the crown and title of Miss Pennsylvania for the East Coast.

Attention Business Owners...

Congratulations to this year’s.....

Business Person of the Year Tom Schiano

Humanitarian of the Year Joan Westpy

For full meeting, events schedule and more information about the Chamber, visit www.mountolivechambernj.com

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Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 33

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Mount Olive Resident Hopes to Bring Walking Meditation to Local Community

YuLi Chen promoting Energy BaGua last year at a local park and beach in Hawaii.

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By Anya Bochman or YuLi Chen of Mount Olive, the path to physical and emotional healing consisted of turning to an established meditation practice that is currently growing in popularity in the United States and worldwide. Chen, who is in her 60s and a native of Shanghai, China, first became a practitioner, and now an instructor of Bodhi Meditation. The holistic approach to health and emotional wellness is something that Chen is hoping to popularize within her community.

Bodhi Meditation was founded by Meditation Master JinBodhi in 1991. Its goals, expressed in its mission statement, are to impart “practical, effective meditation techniques as a way of strengthening the energy of the physical body, and to inspire the spiritual mind so as to bring greater health and joy to the world at large.”

With guidance and teachings based on compassion, Bodhi Meditation focuses on the concepts of cause and effect, as well as a commitment to loving and protecting all sentient beings.

The core technique taught in Bodhi Meditation is the Meditation of Greater Illumination, which complements with the practice of the Meditation of Purity, chanting, prostration, Energy BaGua and the Meditation of Awakening Wisdom to meet the various needs and circumstances of students. Available to all interested participants, the practice is not limited to geography or language.

JinBodhi was born in 1964, in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. His childhood was rife with poverty and disease; according to Bodhi Meditation’s official Web site, JinBodhi studied traditional philosophy and meditation for 18 years, in the process strengthening his body and mind and gaining insight into ways to help eliminate the illnesses and suffering of others.

Founding Bodhi Meditation in 1991, JinBodhi adopted the 12 Great Vows of the Medicine Buddha and began teaching his practices. He first gained prominence in China, purportedly reaching tens of millions of people.

JinBodhi immigrated to Canada in 1999 and in 2005, began

teaching in Vancouver. Today, his teachings have spread to more than 30 countries and regions across the world.

A distillation of JinBodhi’s practices after decades of self-cultivation, Energy BaGua is a walking meditation specifically geared towards the modern lifestyle. Its slow, simple movements are designed to put the practitioners in tune with nature, cultivate the body and mind, ultimately leading to health and happiness.

Purportedly developed by Buddhist monks some 4,000 years ago, the circular walking technique was useful in generating a healthy body, relaxed nerves and great stamina, which the monks needed for daily work and prolonged meditation. Today, it lists among its attributes increasing concentration power and mental strength, enhancing the immune system, strengthening bones and rapidly replenishing vital energy. It is likewise helpful for circulatory system problems.

Energy BaGua’s healing powers appealed to Chen, who was born and raised in Shanghai, China and has been a resident of New Jersey for about 20 years. Though in her 60s and currently retired, Chen says she still has “the energy to serve the community.”

Explaining that she was quite sick before 2014, with ailments ranging from stress to physical illness in the form of insomnia, neck, back and knee pain, Chen was looking for an alternative method to wellness.

“I tried both Western modern medicine and Chinese traditional medicine, nothing worked. My best friend introduced me to Bodhi Meditation in New York City; I learned a couple of meditation methods there and started practicing,” Chen said. “I saw the results very soon, my physical condition got much better and my mind finally found peace.”

Chen learned Energy BaGua at the NYC Bodhi Meditation Center in April of 2014. As a result of completing her studies, she has a teaching certificate issued by the center and her teacher, Master JinPuti. The certification means that Chen is now able to instruct others in the practice of Energy BaGua.

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Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 35

BaGua draws its central principles from Buddhist philosophy, with the yin yang playing a prominent role. According to BaGua practice, the yin yang fish pattern is actually a symbol of the energy storage in the abdomen. This energy, known as “qi,” flows to the “four tips” of the body – its limbs. The proper channel of qi flows from the arms to the hands, the fingers and the fingernails. Translated into Western terms, it is “like doing a massage to your whole body.” “[In Energy BaGua] we exchange energy with the universe,” Chen said. “We absorb the positive energy meanwhile pushing the negative energy outside our body. We use the positive energy to heal our body and release stress.”

Energy BaGua also holds that for true recovery, the human body needs at least 108 hours, with one to two maximum hours of practice per day. It is best if the meditation is performed at the same time every day.

Put into physical practice, Energy BaGua is in essence a form of meditation whereby participants walk in a circular path around a tree. An unfortunate drawback is that the repetitive movement sometimes erodes circular bald patches in areas that are covered with grass, which has led several parks in Malaysia to ban the practice on its grounds to preserve the natu-

ral landscape.

This physical side effect of the walking meditation is not an issue in non-grass covered areas, and is a negligible concern to the peaceful, earth-centered practice.

“The tree is a tool we use to communicate with the universe and exchange the energy,” Chen said. “The tree is green and represents life, green plants provide us with more energy than the rest of the objects. It is just a wider channel for us to absorb energy.”

In addition to re“The tree is a tool we use to communicate lieving stress and with the universe and exchange the energy,” anxiety, Chen exChen said.

“The tree is green and represents plained that Energy life, green plants provide us with more BaGua also improves energy than the rest of the objects. It is just sleep quality, “revia wider channel for us to absorb energy.” talizes life force energy” and improves concentration, focus and brain power.

“The practice helps realize true potentials, boost immune system and recover from ill health, strengthen bones and increase flexibility, beautify appearance, improve memory and delay aging process,” said Chen. “Results will vary based on your practice time and your health condition.”

There are currently 30 Bodhi Medita-

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Page 36 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

tion Centers that practice BaGua, in countries such as Canada, the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and Myanmar. Since the establishment of the Bodhi Meditation Center in New York, more than 20 practice groups have sprung up in the area.

As a resident of Mount Olive, Chen wants to start promoting the practice locally. Her plan is to begin as soon as possible with a small group of around four to five people. The group would meet four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. As the tenets of Energy BaGua hold that the “Having suffered chronic illness practice is most benfor a number of years I am excited as to the eficial in the mornpossible benefits it has to offer,” LaLonde said. ing, in concert with the rising sun, the time for the sessions will be scheduled accordingly.

As it becomes more prominent, Chen hopes that the group membership will expand.

Chen already has a staunch supporter in Richard LaLonde, a retired HR Manager for RR Donnelley in Secaucus. A lifelong resident of Mount Olive, 67-yearold LaLonde has deep roots in the area, his parents having owned and operated a dairy farm in the township until 1960. Sometimes serving as interpreter for

Chen when she struggles to find the precise English term for something, LaLonde is dedicated in his efforts to help her get the Energy BaGua program off the ground.

LaLonde first met Chen in Turkey Brook Park about a month ago while taking a walk with his wife, Michela. The two noticed Chen as she was performing Energy BaGua and stopped to inquire about her practice.

After Chen explained the nature of Energy BaGua and that she was attempting to institute the practice in Mount Olive, she expressed anxiety that her accent and unfamiliarity with potential resources may hinder the process. Chen was looking for someone to assist her in this endeavor; LaLonde volunteered for the job.

While LaLonde has to date actively participated in one Energy BaGua session, he has met with Chen several times to sort out logistics of implementing the program in the township, as well as to learn more about the practice and its benefits.

“Having suffered chronic illness for a number of years I am excited as to the possible benefits it has to offer,” LaLonde said. “I think time will tell as to the overall benefits of the program. However, I think it provides an opportunity for people of the town to participate in a free program that can help

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Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 37

them to learn a relaxation technique that will help to relieve pain and reduce stress.”

The efforts towards Mount Olive’s own Energy BaGua practice have so far met with success; several township institutions have agreed to promote the program for free. On May 6, the township gave Chen official permission to practice and instruct BaGua at Turkey Brook Park.

Likewise, the Mount Olive Library also assisted Chen, arranging for an Energy Bagua introduction and group practice on June 8.

Community involvement is no small part of the benefit of the walking meditation, something that LaLonde noted.

“In addition to the phys-

ical and mental benefits, the program provides an opportunity to meet other individuals in our community,” he stated.

For her part, Chen emphasized community involvement as well.

“Energy BaGua helps millions of people in the world right now. I just want to help the local community. Help all the people in need,” Chen said.

“I would say that YuLi’s passion and desire to help others is what will make her successful in this endeavor,” added LaLonde.

“YuLi is not doing this for any personal gain but strictly in the hopes of helping others in our area enjoy the benefits of the program for free.”

Master JinBodhi, founder of Bodhi Meditation

Page 38 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

Groove in the Grove Indie Music Festival Returns for 9th Year to Vasa Park

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icking back on the grounds of a beautiful park listening to great music, enjoying a cool beverage and hanging out with friends – sounds like the perfect Saturday!

Music lovers, songwriters, musicians and anyone who enjoys spending a relaxing afternoon outdoors will enjoy this family-friendly event! Concert goers can bask in the sun or cool down in the shade while grooving to some awesome tunes!

The 9th annual GROOVE IN THE GROVE Indie Music Festival (Groove) returns to Vasa Park, located at 1 Vasa Drive, Hackettstown, NJ (Mt. Olive Twp. - Budd Lake) on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM. This intimate Festival brings some of the area’s best singer-songwriters to Northwest New Jersey! Event is Rain or Shine - in case of inclement weather, all musical performances will be held in Vasa’s large banquet hall.

Tickets may be purchased with cash at the gate on the day of Groove. Admission just $15/Adult, $10/Student, children under 18 are FREE. Groove boasts two outdoor performance stages providing continuous musical entertainment, offering an afternoon full of original music in a shaded, park-like setting. Our Vasa Park home additionally offers on-site playground, plenty of free parking, full service cash bar, and famous Vasa Steugen Burgers

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as well as other good eats. Local hand-craft vendors will also be on hand at this artisan friendly event. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and your appetite. Although we love animals, please leave the pups at home as park regulations do not allow dogs (except service animals) on-site. Always great music, food and FUN! The two Groove Open Mic Challenge winners, selected on Thursday, May 30th at Enzo’s Pizzeria in Budd Lake, NJ, will open Groove. Seasoned singer-songwriters in the line-up include Danielle Miraglia, Grace Morrison, Robinson Treacher, Mike Herz, The Levins, Autumn Breeze, Erin Kelly, and more!

Back by popular demand, we celebrate the return of e’lissa jones plus local favorites, Kate and Paul, Gregg Cagno and Denny Tilton.

The amazing Grover Kemble headlines this year with his trio.

This acclaimed entertainer, renowned from his days with ShaNa-Na, his own Za Zu Zaz and Durante interpretation shows, brings his original tunes to Groove.

Professional sound and stage management services are provided by Mountain Ledge Music. Groove is an XPN Welcomes event. For up-to-date details and additional information, visit event website at www.grooveinthegrove.com.

Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 39

Page 40 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

Farming Industrial Hemp,

The Green Gold of New Jersey

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By Pamela Macek ew Jersey, long known as “the Garden State” to its residents, is recognized for the vast acreage of lush green landscape and plentiful vegetation that grows within its borders. Even before New Jersey was officially recognized as a state, farmers have been tilling this land, producing and relying upon a wide variety of grains, fruits and vegetables for sustenance, trade and financial prosperity.

Recently, the township of Mount Olive began considering ways to utilize its land and farming industry through the production of industrial hemp in order to increase its own economic growth and development. The Mount Olive Township Economic Development Committee (MOEDC), located in Budd Lake, has a website which posts pertinent information for its residents, including their mission, which states, “…(MOEDC) is to encourage economic development by communicating with existing and prospective business/industry developments and local, county and state agencies.”

The committee is comprised of members who are, according to the MOEDC website, “…appointed by the Mayor with the advice of Township Council.” Their purpose is to “focus on current and future recommendations based on collective experience and current events to improve the existing and future community.”

John Cavanaugh, a MOEDC member, is a long-term resident

of Mount Olive, and has been on the zoning board for many years. He explained how the zoning board was combined to the planning board, which gave him the opportunity to continue his interest in what he called, “the master plan” of the township.

Cavanaugh is a businessman who runs a consulting company. His years of experience and expertise in addition to being on the zoning board made way for a recommendation as well as an invitation to join the Economic Development Committee, which he accepted. Cavanaugh went on to explain, “What we look to do is kind of be like a liaison. We meet with either new business prospects to realtors, or people coming in, or we work with the committees such as the Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce or Morris County Chamber of Commerce. We look to communicate with them as to what’s the pluses and minuses of Mount Olive are for any particular industry coming in. We’ve got a mix in our township now of manufacturing. We’ve even got some global manufacturers here, some producers of food, a few distribution facilities and we’ve got a number of retail establishments. So we’re looking always, as the markets are changing around retail malls, and ask ourselves to examine what the new concepts are coming in.” Since MOEDC makes these considerations, Cavanaugh began to research the resurgence of industrial hemp and include this new possibility of introducing farming industrial hemp as a viable option before the committee.

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Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 41

Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a strain of the Cannabis plant, which is commonly known to most people as marijuana. While growing cannabis in New Jersey is illegal, growing hemp is not.

The main difference between hemp and marijuana lies in the chemical property known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis and found in both marijuana and hemp.

THC can induce psychotropic or euphoric effects on a user. It is this level of THC that determines if someone can get high from smoking the leaves of the cannabis plant. In 2010, New Jersey legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes, covering only a select list of reasons for its administration, and only when prescribed by a doctor licensed to do so.

Over the years, additional bills regarding the legalization of marijuana have been introduced into the New Jersey State Legislature and signed into law, albeit with much controversy.

The reasons for medical marijuana usage have also expanded to include diagnosis beyond certain terminal physical illnesses, including diagnosis such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Hemp, on the other hand, is not only legal to grow, but has an extremely low level of THC. It can also be used for a wide variety of reasons that go far beyond medical usage. Some ways that industrial hemp can be farmed and manufactured create infinite benefits that do not even include the medical or health industry. In the textile industry for example, hemp can be made into clothing, diapers, denim, shoes, fine fabrics and handbags.

Building materials would include oil paints, varnishes, printing inks, fuel, solvents, acrylics, coatings, fiberboard, insulation and fiberglass substitute. Body care production can produce items such as soaps shampoos, lotions, balms and cosmetics. While the paper and food industries may not boast as long a list as

the others, the products made are just as, if not more important for human use and consumption. Printing, newsprint, cardboard and packing, as well as hemp seed hearts, help seed oil, hemp protein powder and EFA Food Supplements are all items that in today’s market, would be considered in demand for the consumer’s daily use.

Cavanaugh went on to explain why MOEDC began to consider farming industrial hemp as a possibility for Mount Olive. “We’re the most western town in Morris County. Between the Chamber of Commerce here and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, we’ve continually got various dialogues occurring. One of the things that we have in our town is land and one of the challenges we discuss is how we are going to get more economic activity in town. So I said, ‘Well maybe there’s something we can look at from both organic farming and also a project I’ve been working on, which is industrial hemp.’ Then another individual who is a member of the board and who is more of a farm liaison, knows a lot of the farmers and their histories and such. So I talked to her and she mentioned that there is an organic farm in Mount Olive as well as a few young people collectively now that are trying to get into farming here.”

This was the impetus for Cavanaugh to begin his research into the resurgence of industrial hemp and its viability in the farming community right here in Mount Olive Township. He went on to explain, “In the current landscape we’ve got quite a bit of open or green acre land. So some are still dedicated for farming. In the 2018 farm bill, the definition of cannabis, which is the industrial hemp version, not the marijuana version, has now been approved as a commodity. So one of the things that I’m working on within my company involves a group out of New York that’s looking to develop solutions for industrial hemp.”

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To those that are familiar with hemp, it is common knowledge that having been around for the past 10,000 years, it is not only one of the fastest growing plants but was also one of the first to be spun into usable fiber.

Cavanaugh went on to explain how things then began to change for the hemp growing industry.

“Up until 80 years ago, it was a common crop to farm around the United States. That is until industrial hemp became labeled with the marijuana relative in the cannabis family. Then it became a banned substance. So for 80 years now we’ve lost the seeds that were native to North America and we lost the message of defining or producing from the hemp plant various products.”

It is here that Cavanaugh hopes to utilize his business savvy along with the input and combined efforts of the MOEDC to reintroduce this valuable crop to the New Jersey area. “One of the things we’re looking to do is introduce some of that technology and be able to develop it once again within the group I’m working with.” He went back to the Committee and said, “You know, this might be an interest for current farmers that have the traditional mix of corn and soy beans. There’s a number of approved crops that the USDA both promotes and subsidizes.”

Cavanaugh did not stop there. He went on to reach out to the County Extension Office, which is an information and resource center for every county in New Jersey, that provides residents assistance regarding 4-H, agriculture, family and community health sciences, marine science, and natural resources and the environment. “The state of New Jersey is just beginning to develop guidelines around industrial hemp. So we’re a little bit behind New York State and New York State is a little behind Kentucky and Colorado, that started in the cannabis marijuana side a number of years ago. But literally across the country industrial hemp is just beginning. That is one of the things we have a focus on.”

There is a big difference in growing marijuana and hemp, and whether the flowers, seeds or fiber is being harvested. It gets even more specific if the marijuana is being grown for medical use, as the concern lies in cross contamination between different strains of cannabis. All of this results in varying degrees of cost for production and distribution. The interest for Cavanaugh lies in growing only hemp and not marijuana, utilizing the plant for CBD and fiber.

There are many other countries that grow hemp for the fiber. These plants can grow 15 to 20 feet high. Cavanaugh explained, “Those plants are grown and harvested for the stems as the flowers and seeds can’t really be harvested easily.” He went on to give examples of how the hemp fiber is used. “The

weight of the fiber is used in thousands of products.

Some of the things that I learned is how in Europe for example, hemp is used in the automotive industry. They are replacing and strengthening plastic bumpers with hemp fibers mixed in with the plastic to give it strength.

In China, they’re deep into clothing, right? So Levi’s just came out now with a replacement of cotton in some of their jeans with hemp fiber. It’s stronger and more durable.”

If that isn’t fascinating enough, Cavanaugh explained what is happening right now in New York. “We’re working with different research organizations out of New York State. They’re using it in bio composites. They’re making hemp blocks that will be both structural and have a number of different initiatives which build value. They are taking the hemp fiber mixing it in with clay and lime, and now have a block that gets stronger as it dries. As the hemp plant grew, it sequesters a lot of carbon, and now that it is contained in a block that can last for many, many years, it becomes a commodity worth producing. There are a number of things like that, which are under research right now.”

There are other factors that play into the consideration of farming in Mount Olive, some of which has to do with seeds, soil, climate and altitude. Cavanaugh went on to explain how Cornell has received state grants out in New York to look at what the right seeds and seed qualities for industrial hemp are and the best micro climates to grow them in are. Additional areas of deliberation will deal with capital investment, as well as labor, production and distribution costs.

We can expect that a great deal of education will be coming forth as the research continues. Cavanaugh is determined to keep his ear to the ground on all the cutting-edge information being disseminated. “You can understand the excitement I have.

What I am suggesting to my committee is, we should begin to advocate for Mount Olive, that because we have this combination of farm land and we have manufacturing and industrial spaces, it makes us very unique than some of the other towns in Morris County, which are more populated and denser.” This is the message that MOEDC carries.

It is apparent why the excitement and push to bring industrial hemp farming to New Jersey. With the speed of technological advancements that take place every day in our society, the uses of hemp can be unending, going far beyond the most common understanding of using hemp-derived products like CBD oil, to initiatives creating breakthroughs in the automotive and construction industries, science and the world of robotics. Industrial hemp may truly be the new green gold for New Jersey.

Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 43

The 200 Club of Morris County recognized Heroic Actions of First Responders at Recent Annual Valor and Meritorious Awards Ceremony

Mount Olive PD, FD, EMS Honored

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by Janet Rapisardi resident Bill Lockwood of The 200 Club of Morris County recognized first responders from Morris County EMS, Fire, Police and State Police having gone above and beyond the call of duty to save and protect Morris county citizens at the club’s recent Annual Celebratory Awards evening at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. President Lockwood drew an analogy of the above responders to a tight-knit family that come together when it matters most. “Morris County is one of the safest, because of all the first responders sitting here today”. President Lockwood stated he had the highest regard for Morris County first responders and the heroic risks they take every day for the protection of all the citizens of Morris County; “There’s much work to be done to get our message out”, he said, in support of Morris County’s first responders through The 200 Club of Morris County.

Master of Ceremonies, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon began the awardee recognition by addressing the attending 400 members of the public. He described the heroic and ‘selfless’ efforts of public safety responders, detailing five separate life-saving incidents which included two dangerous ice rescues (Denville, Kinnelon), one fiery motor vehicle collision (Rockaway Township), a split-second command decision that has saved and changed a life forever(Chatham/Madison P.D.), and an ”MCI”, Major Casualty Incident (Mt. Olive), involving hundreds of coordinated first responders from multiple agencies, including hospital medical personnel and multiple town agencies. It is an,” Honorable and difficult job faced by all first responders” Gannon shared, “..who daily experience the added stress of an ever-changing world in terrorism.” “We salute you, the American Hero...acting with courage, honor and self-sacrifice. God Bless all.”

Sheriff Gannon recounted the horrific MCI on May 17th 2018; of an overturned full-to-capacity school bus ripped from its chassis following a deadly crash, and of the devastation and seriously

dangerous conditions on Interstate Route 80 in Mount Olive Township. At approximately 10:20 a.m., excessive numbers of frantic 911 calls began to flood the Mount Olive Township Police Department’s Dispatch Center and the Morris County Communications Division. A school bus carrying middle-school Paramus students, teachers and chaperones had become victims of a violent crash.

Many were suspended upside-down by their seatbelts as traffic on the highway continued. Students and teachers had also been ejected and strewn across the highway. According to sources, the scene at impact and thereafter was emotionally devastating and unimaginable.

Police, Fire, EMS, New Jersey State Police, local area hospital systems and critical care response teams were dispatched to assist Mt. Olive Police, Fire, EMS and responding agencies. The Morris County Communications Center immediately activated the Morris County Office of Emergency Management staff, inclusive of county casualty, response, ambulatory critical care teams and Fire. Good Samaritans, citizens and off-duty medical and first-responder personnel initially witnessing the crash became involved in the rescue mission. So great was the emergent need for high-level response, that Sussex and Warren County assistance was activated and greatly appreciated.

The first units on the scene communicated the gravity and medical urgency to dispatch centers, able to effectively communicate and co-ordinate response teams. Mt. Olive Township Police, Fire and EMS along with immediately responding dispatched agencies successfully took command of the scene. Near miraculous and within the first 7 minutes, the bus was cleared of all patients and immediate triage and site-safety for 46 patients had begun. Tragically, two lives had been lost at the scene, for whom no effort of resuscitation was possible due to injuries sustained. Public safety officers remained with the victims so that they were not alone.

Hundreds of public safety personnel worked relent-

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Page 44 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

lessly and compassionately to provide life-saving care, safety, and assurance to patients during triage, critical medical care and transportation to local hospitals. “Children were continually reassessed at the scene”, some patients “..crashed and coded at hospitals, requiring immediate life-saving interventions, status changes and hospital changes”, recounted Sheriff Gannon. Quality training, equipment and response assets proved vital in the successful management of this Mass Casualty Incident. “Everyone treated and transported is alive today because of the aggressive triage and reassessment of process and a complete system of core. The result was one unified team of professionals. God bless each and every one of you, you did a helluva job.”

Superintendent of New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan represented the NJSP under Captain David Dias for NJSP Honorees Tprs. Sweeney and Dabrowski, and NJSP Lt. George Brower for Tpr. Dabrowski. He shared with the audience that he had been hundreds of miles away at the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C., but was in communication with Governor Murphy, Atty. General Grewal and Morris County Prosecutor Knapp who expressed concern regarding the gravity of the incident and for the status of public welfare and safety. “I had no doubt about the men and women responders” who “knew what they were doing” and would be handling the tragedy in a professional and highly skilled manner. “Whether it’s the patch on your shoulder, or you’re in white, or blue, or you are a receiving trauma nurse in the hospital, it really didn’t matter. It was a one-team effort. Across the entire U.S., I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder” with these first responders.

Mt. Olive Police Chief Stephen Beecher spoke on behalf of the local police Valor recipients, which included the Netcong Borough Police Department recipient under the direction of Chief James Blesson, and expressed the importance of building relationships with first responders from various departments, as he referred to the “incomprehensible” incident. “That really came into play, as did training.” “Our mission and purpose is saving lives. I am proud to be a member of the first responder community. It is remarkable how all the agencies came together. I am especially proud of all those on the dais tonight.”

Mt. Olive Fire Marshall Fred Detoro described his ‘proud mo-

ment’ on behalf of all firefighters and responders. “Everyone knew what they were doing. We’ve trained for this for years, hoping we’d never have to (respond). But, it did (happen), and it was amazing to see - we came together. Thank you.”

Sheriff Gannon introduced a 12 year-old brave survivor of the tragic Mt. Olive Route 80 school bus accident involving 46 patients, who asked his parents to bring him to the Awards Event to celebrate his birthday and to see his personal hero, Netcong Valor Award recipient Ptl.Thomas Borgia.“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped me and saved my life, and of course, my classmates too. They are all happy that these people helped them.” He then thanked every award recipient on the Dais. Sheriff Gannon urged members of the public, “All I ask you to do, is tell somebody about that. That sums it all up. God bless you all.”

Father Lance Reis of St. Virgil’s Church gave the Benediction: “(God) Give these first responders the strength so that you will be honored. Watch over all the men and women who so generously devote themselves to helping others. Grant them courage, wisdom, strength and compassion.”

Since 1971, the non-profit mission of The 200 Club of Morris County is to support Morris County’s first responders through scholarship funding and financial support for grieving family members of public safety heroes who lose their lives while in the line of duty. President Bill Lockwood quoted Martin Luther King, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

Awards Co-Chairs Janet Rapisardi and Ron Barnett thank the public safety Heroes of our communities, who courageously put their lives at risk to guarantee the safety of those residing or traveling in Morris County. Through memberships and generous personal and corporate donations and sponsorships, the 200 Club of Morris County has collected more than $5 million to date for this worthy cause.

Membership Co-Chair Jim Rizzo invites you to our next “New Member event” with an anticipated date of August and a special membership advantage*. For annual membership, ad journal advertising or donations, Call Club Administrator Lori Richmond today at 973-630-7933 or info@200clubofmorriscounty.com and *use code 08JJR19.

Mt. Olive Life • June 2019 • Page 45

Schiano Mt. Olive Chamber’s Business Person of the Year; Westpy Named Humanitarian of the Year

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ount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing two individuals for their contributions to the Greater Mount Olive area, on Thursday, June 13.

Tom Schiano, co-owner of Mama’s & Café Baci in Hackettstown, has been chosen the Business Person of the Year. Joan Westpy, president of the Hackettstown Rotary, has been named Humanitarian of the Year.

They will be honored at the annual event, which will be held at Audio Visual Dynamics in Budd Lake starting at 6:30 p.m.

Schiano and his family have been catering to the area’s need for Italian cuisine for nearly 50 years. Mama’s & Café Baci began as a small pizza place in the Hackettstown Mall, but has grown into a destination restaurant for any occasion.

Voted the best Italian Restaurant in Warren County by NJ.com and known for adapting to food trends and dietary sensitivities, offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan menus, Mama’s & Café Baci offers its customers exactly what they want. Further, Schiano uses his role as caterer to give back to the community, as he and his fam-

T

Tom Schiano

ily donates meals to volunteer groups and those in need, putting the “comfort” back in comfort food.

Joan Westpy, owner of Westpy Marketing Services, Inc., has volunteered tirelessly to help better the Mount Olive and Hackettstown areas. She is a longtime member, and now President, of the Hackettstown Rotary, which brings together professional leaders to provide humanitarian service and advance goodwill through local projects. She has also dedicated endless time and energy to the Hackettstown Medical Center and many other local non-profits. Westpy Marketing Services, Inc., specializes in providing promotional products and gift incentives to Public Broadcasting, non-profits, and small local businesses, as well and multi-national corporate clients as far as the Pacific Rim. The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce has members throughout Northwest New Jersey.

To learn more about the Chamber, or ticket or sponsorship information for this event, go to www.mountolivechambernj. com.

Joan Westpy

Did You Know?

he Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the trail stretches across 14 states from Maine to Georgia. The total length of the trail is 2,192 miles. Millions of visitors traverse all or a portion of the trail every year. Many thru-hikers attempt to hike the entirety of the trail in a single season, beginning either at the trail head at Springer Mountain, GA or Mount Katahdin, ME. Those who have hiked the trail estimate it typically takes five

to seven months to do so in its entirety. Most hikers can average about three miles an hour and will travel between 12 to 24 miles a day. The highest elevation of the trail can be found at Clingmans Dome on the Tennessee/North Carolina Border. The lowest point on the trail snakes through Bear Mountain State Park in New York.

Although the AP trail is a very long hiking trail, many day hikers do portions of it only and still can respectfully say they’ve hiked the AP trail.

Page 46 • June 2019 • Mt. Olive Life

Birthdays & Celebrations

June

Send names, dates and photos...production@mylifepublications.com

Cathy Corbo June 1

Michael Lalama June 5

Andrew Tatarenko June 11