Mount Olive February 2023

MOUNT

Vol. 18 • Issue 2

Mount Olive

LIFE

February 2023

of Psychological Thrillers, Pens Memoir of Grandmother’s Extraordinary Life

BY ALEXANDER RIVERO

STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - One of the most profound experiences in Dr. Michael Canzoniero’s early life was watching first-hand as many of his childhood friends descended into drug and alcohol addiction in his native Bronx. Wanting to do anything he could to help, he noticed a community priest doing the work to push these individuals into programs and grew inspired to follow suit. At first he thought the priesthood was for him, but figured that going into psychology would be a better idea. He earned his Ph.D from St. John’s University in Queens. He

Psychologist, Author

worked for decades as a school psychologist, and is now retired.

Over the length of a full career, if there is one thing a psychologist lacks, it is naivety. Such is one way to describe what is now the blossoming new career for Canzoniero, that of writer. He was inspired by some of his many cases over his long career as a school psychologist to turn to fiction writing— specifically, thriller writing—as a way of drawing attention to some of the problems that arise naturally out of certain cases of inter-familial dysfunction.

“You certainly see a lot of in-

teresting cases,” says Canzoniero by phone. “One of the things I learned as a psychologist is that there are roles that a child will play when they grow up in abusive homes—such as the role of the hero child. I began to write my early books in such a way that they would teach some of these issues.”

Most recently, fresh off four novels, he turned to the task of writing a memoir of the life of his grandmother, who went from living in abject poverty in southern Italy to, as he describes it, “abundance in America.” The title of the memoir is The Evil

Town Officials Thank Mayor’s Assistant for Longtime Service

Eye, The Pure Heart, and it is available on Amazon.

“About thirty years ago, we were having a cousin’s reunion,” says Canzoniero, recalling the origins of the memoir. “I decided it would be a nice thing to do to put these historical accounts on paper for my cousins. I heard the stories of what they went through to get to this country, and for the reunion I put together a sort of family history.”

Canzoniero’s cousins absolutely loved it. A few of them worked as teachers, and incorporated the historical articles into their own lesson plans to share with their students during classes having to do with immigration.

“Years later,” he adds, “after one of my cousins lost the book I presented her at the cousin’s reunion, she asked if I had another copy of the manuscript.”

Canzoniero says he refused to give his cousin a copy of that manuscript, which he felt was too flimsy, so he set out to rewrite the whole thing, but to do so completely, for a wider audience.

she went to work in local factories and sweat shops. Here, she met her future husband—Canzoniero’s grandfather, who happened to be from a neighboring village to hers in southern Italy—and married him some time later.

an expectation that those immigrants respect our rule of law.

MOUNT OLIVE - Upon her resignation as Mayor’s Assistant for the last 11 years, Lisa Brett was acknowledged by the

BY RICHARD MABEY JR.

GUEST WRITER

AREA - Author’s Note: I do my absolute, honest best to write stories that are true and endearing to the human heart. This story is very precious to me, in that it is the story of the love that brought my paternal grandparents together.

From September of 1965 till the late Summer of 1966, my feet never touched the ground as I battled a most serious case of Rheumatic Fever. Like clockwork, my grandparents, Watson and Bertha Mabey would come to visit me in my bedroom every Tuesday and Thursday. It is during these endearing visits with my grandparents that Grandpa told me many, many stories of his youth and of his remembrances of life along the old Morris Canal. This very story was one of those true-life tales that Grand-

mayor and township council for her dedication, hard work, and for going above and beyond. She was the “go to per-

pa told me, all those years ago.

son” at town hall and will be missed tremendously. Wishing her all the best in her new job.

At the time of writing, Canzoniero already had the full background story. His mother would tell him stories about her mother, specifically that she came over from the southern Italian town of Pomarico, at the age of 16, alone. She herself was fleeing a dysfunctional family situation in which she could not get along with her step-mother, and her father thought it better if she left. When she arrived in New York,

Asked if we stand to learn one thing in particular from his grandmother, Canzoniero explains that there is, in all of us, a courage that our ancestors had.

“It’s important for people to not be so quick to go to pessimism in life, in handling crises. We have a deep, deep well of courage within us, and it’s always a good idea to focus more on that than on whatever is pushing us into depression.”

Canzoniero adds that we can be a welcoming country to all immigrants, but that implicit within that welcome should be

A Valentine’s Day Story

a date.

My grandfather was a very shy man. However, the good Lord graced him with the gift of story telling. Grandpa had this uncanny talent to use his voice flexion, to animate his hands, and to use his facial expressions to hold me spellbound as he spun his yarns of a time, long since past.

One of Grandpa’s favorite stories to tell was about the Valentine’s Day of 1915. Grandpa was 21 years old and Grandma was 18. It is a story unto itself, but Grandma’s parents, David and Catherine Storms, moved to Beavertown, just across the street from the old Mabey Homestead, in 1914. Grandpa was friendly with the Storms family. And, on the Valentine’s Day of 1915, Grandpa finally got the nerve to as Grandma for

From Grandma’s point of view, I had learned that Grandma’s father did not fully approve of Watson taking his daughter for a date. You see, Grandpa rode his Indian motorcycle across Route 202 and knocked on the door of the Storms Homestead and asked to see Bertha. According to Grandma, it was her father who answered the door and when he saw Grandpa’s motorcycle in the back driveway, he was very concerned about Watson being too wild and reckless for his beloved daughter. Grandpa often told me, with a big smile on his face, how he remembered sitting on the bench just outside the backdoor of the old Storms Homestead.

“I remember your Grandma and her father had a bit of a

discussion whether or not your Grandma was going to be allowed to go for a motorcycle ride with me,” Grandpa would tell me. Then Grandma would interrupt Grandpa and say to me, “but I finally convinced Pop to let me take that motorcycle ride with your Grandpa!”

In May of 1916, my grandfather got the courage to ask his beloved Bertha to marry him. She said yes. They got married the very next month. Together my grandparents had nine children, 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 16 great great grandchildren.

In memory, I return to those wonderful and magical times of watching and listening to Grandpa tell his stories of the remembrances of his life as a young man. I do my best to be true to bring his stories back to

“Especially in light of the southern border,” he says, “I think that there should be a mutual understanding of the law. People come to America because it is a welcoming country. In my grandparents’ day there was respect for authority. Returning to that should be something to aim for.”

Currently, Dr. Canzoniero is working on another memoir, this one on his grandfather’s life. It will be called My Papa: An Homage to My Courageous Italian Grandfather. For more information on Dr. Michael Canzoniero and his books, including The Evil Eye, The Pure Heart, please visit his page on Amazon, or e-mail him: drmichael817@optonline. net

An endearing photograph, from 1915, of my Grandma and Grandpa, Watson and Bertha Mabey, on Grandpa’s Indian motorcycle. life, to honor the beloved patriarch. I loved my grandfather all so very much. In many ways, he taught me a lot about the

Canzoniero’s first memoir, The Evil Eye, The Pure Heart, traces his grandmother’s journey from southern Italy to America.

Mayor Rob Greenbaum, Lisa Brett and Council President Joe Nicastro.

Dr. Michael Canzoniero went from psychologist to writer, and now memoirist.

Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.

Dental Digest: Teeth in One Day

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

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

removable denture called an overdenture, or permanent teeth can be placed onto these 4 to 6 implants.

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

This term is widely applied in dentistry and can mean a lot of different things to different people. This article is focusing on dental implants, specifically when all the teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both are replaced with dental implants.

For some people, there comes a point when they say to themselves, “OK, its time I did something with my teeth.”

Reasons for this epiphany can vary greatly, and might include: frustration with constant pain, bleeding gums, a smile that they are ashamed of, inability to chew and eat, or dentures they just can’t wear.

Dental implants can help with all of these issues. They can provide comfort, stability, increased chewing efficiency, and improved self-esteem. Overall health improvement is another result reported by people soon after implant treatment is completed.

Dental implant treatment options can vary greatly: 2 to 6 implants can be placed to stabilize a denture, individual implants can be placed to replace missing teeth, 4 to 6 implants can be utilized to support a

This last option goes by many names: Teeth In One Day, All-On-Four®, Same Day Smile, and the list goes on and on. The process includes removal of any remaining teeth, 4 to 6 implants are placed, and teeth are attached to the implants. These 3 steps are performed in one appointment, so the patient is able to leave the dental office with a new smile the same day! It truly can be life-altering for some people: we see it time and time again. It should be noted that these are temporary teeth: the final teeth will be fabricated approximately 4 to 6 months later.

New Patient Special $149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films

These Teeth In A Day processes have revolutionized implant dentistry. Although more expensive than dentures, it is less expensive than traditional full-mouth implant reconstruction. Costly and time-consuming grafting is usually avoided. Furthermore, pain levels are significantly decreased. The overall number of visits to the dentist is drastically reduced, too.

Its important to understand not everyone needs this advanced implant procedure. It may be appropriate when all remaining teeth require removal, but oftentimes people leave my office after a consultation with a list of other options that help to save their teeth!

Who should perform dental implant procedures? Only well-qualified dentists who have had extensive training in implant dentistry, and specifically these full-mouth implant

procedures. Dr. Goldberg has been performing these procedures for almost 30 years! He also teaches these techniques to other doctors learning to become proficient with dental implants and full mouth procedures.

At Morris County Dental Associates, all treatment is performed in one location: there is no bouncing between offices.

In fact, Dr. Goldberg performs so many of these procedures he has built a surgical suite within his practice in order to deliver exceptional implant care to his patients.

To learn more about Teeth In One Day, please visit the special videos Dr. Goldberg has created. Click on the red tab on the right side of his website at MorrisCountyDentist. com and view as many of these educational videos as you’d like. Feel free to also call his office for a free consultation.

About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 28 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. He lectures to dentists in the field of implantology. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at 973328-1225 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist. com Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist, and also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

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.

Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI

with Saint Clare’s

A Look Inside A High-Tech Cath Lab

MARK J. BONAMO STAFF WRITER

AREA - An inside look into a high-tech cardiac catheterization lab, better known as a cath lab, can be both fascinating and life-saving. Dr. Barry Lowell, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiac Rehab at Saint Clare’s Health, believes the updated cath lab at Saint Clare’s Health offers the highest quality and most advanced technology available, anywhere.

Understanding the treatments options inside a hightech cardiac catheterization begins with the difference between elective angioplasty and emergent angioplasty.

Elective angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves a catheter, which is a flexible plastic tube. The catheter with a small balloon dilates, or “opens up”, a blocked artery that supplies your heart muscle with blood. The balloon compresses builtup plaque and creates a wider channel for blood to flow. Emergency angioplasty is a life-saving procedure designed to open coronary artery blockages that are impeding proper blood flow to the heart.

“At Saint Clare’s Health, we have been performing emergency angioplasty for patients having heart attacks for many years. We quickly assemble an exceptional team to treat and open the arteries of people experiencing heart attacks. In that instance, a blood vessel on the heart is occluded generally with plaque and a clot. Within 90 minutes, we have the vessels open through angioplasty, and we cease any damage that may arise in a patient’s heart,” Dr. Lowell explained.

“Elective angioplasty is an exciting new addition to what we do. We have recently begun providing the same services electively for patients who are experiencing any type of coronary obstructive disorder, like angina or a small heart attack,”

Dr. Lowell added. “We have learned that angioplasty of this nature is safe, and we are very comfortable providing these comprehensive services. The technologies have allowed us to safely treat people electively, and in most instances send them home on the very same day.”

The new technologies available at Saint Clare’s Health allow Dr. Lowell to treat his patients at the hospital in a way that is both local or around the corner from his patients, as well as ahead of the curve in providing advanced technology for critical heart procedures.

“From the 1990s onwards, we were working with balloons and then subsequently stents, and we were working under X-ray conditions. Today, our technologies provide us the opportunity to look directly

inside the artery and characterize the nature of the blockage. Is it a flaw? Is there calcium? Is it just a single blockage or perhaps several?” Dr. Lowell queried. “We can use various different technologies which enables us to provide our patients with the safest and highest quality of care depending upon what we’re up against, and can readily choose another modality versus a stent, for example, if need be.”

“These changes in technology bring about better outcomes for patients both in the short term and the long term,” Dr. Lowell added. “When we were using mostly balloons, they were not as durable as we would prefer. Later, after stents were more widely used, a substance was developed that made it inert so it wouldn’t react adversely with the body, making them virtu-

ally permanent. We can also now place stents more effectively as a result.”

Dr. Lowell pointed out that Saint Clare’s Health employs these types of advanced technologies within the smaller, more intimate confines of its facilities, providing patients with the same advantages found at larger academic hospitals.

“At this point in time, I can comfortably tell you that we have the absolute best imaging, best technology and the most high-quality angioplasty catheterization laboratory services available anywhere in the country. This new technology has taken us leaps further. We are able to assess the physiology of the blood flow characteristics in blood ves-

sels. We are able to see inside of blood vessels,” Dr. Lowell said. “After working in this field, I am able to see things better than before. We are so proud of this lab.”

Along with the benefits created by the use of new technologies, Dr. Lowell outlined how Saint Clare’s provides the rehabilitation and recovery services needed to ensure continued cardiac health.

“From our perspective, we think of our cardiac rehab program as a cardiovascular wellness program. Not only are we treating patients postheart attack or post-placement of stents, we are treating people with peripheral arterial disease, or who have difficulty walking,” Dr. Lowell said. “What we do is also more than

just a program of exercise. Our nurses provide exceptional care. They teach dietetics and lifestyle change, and it becomes a separate community in and of itself.”

“I might also add that our program here at Saint Clare’s Health is perhaps the largest and one of the few programs that offers not only acute cardiac rehab for people who have had a recent incident, but we offer maintenance, which most other places do not,” Dr. Lowell added. “As a result, it’s been a wonderful and rewarding experience for the patients.”

For more information on Saint Clare’s Cardiac program, visit www.saintclares. com/cardiac

Dr. Barry Lowell, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiac Rehab at Saint Clare’s Health Dr. Barry Lowell, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiac Rehab at Saint Clare’s Health

Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired? Exploring Another Treatment Option for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome (CFIS) also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a disabling and poorly understood illness that is becoming more widespread in Western countries. CFIS is a term used to describe a myriad of neurological, neuromuscular, and immunological abnormalities. The initial onset of CFIS

consists of flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, chills and extreme fatigue. The chronic manifestations of CFIS always include disabling fatigue but can also include muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders, headaches, hypo- or hypersensitivities, cognitive disorders, depression, malaise, anxiety,

irritability, confusion, weight fluctuations, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle fatigue, worsening PMS, visual disturbances, tachycardia, paresthesias, dry eyes, dry mouth, night sweats, skin rashes and decreased sexual desire.

The etiology of CFIS is still unknown, but the suspected cause is a viral infection. Some

1 OLD WOLFE ROAD Lakeview Plaza BUDD LAKE

973-527-7978

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researchers believe that CFIS is actually a neurological response to a viral infection.

Since there are no absolute markers or lab tests to confirm the illness, chronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome is often diagnosed by symptoms alone and by process of elimination. For the same reasons, western medicine has no treatment for chronic fatigue.

Instead, doctors prescribe individual medications to deal with each of the associated symptoms.

As with any illness, traditional Chinese medicine treats the individual on a case- bycase basis. A diagnosis is made based on the individual’s symptoms as well as their tongue and pulse presentations. The patient’s tongue is inspected and 6 pulses are felt on each wrist in order for the Acupuncturist/ Chinese Medical Practitioner to determine the diagnosis. Since chronic fatigue manifests differently in each person, this method of diagnosing is superior. The treatment plan is then formulated

based on the individual’s diagnosis. As you can see in the chart- one Acupuncture treatment plan will address all of the individual’s symptoms as well as the illness as a whole.

This is known as a root and branch treatment. Addressing the root cause of the chronic fatigue is addressing the illness as a whole while treating the branch aims to relieve all

of the symptoms associated with the illness. A single Chinese herbal formula can also be prescribed to treat both the root and branch of the chronic fatigue syndrome.

For more information about Acupuncture and Chronic Fatigue Immunodeficiency Syndrome, call Kearstin R. Tripi, L.Ac at Mt. Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973-527-7978.

• Improves sleep

• Enhances mood

• Stimulates blood flow

• Shortens recovery time

• Improves mobility

• Releases the body’s natural pain killers

• Relaxes tight muscles

• Reduces inflammation

Annalee Smith Concludes a Successful Career as a Susquehanna River Hawk

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - Mount Ol-

ive’s Annalee Smith recalls the comments she made to Susquehanna University River Hawks head field hockey coach, Allison Fordyce, and her teammates prior to the 2022 season.

“I said to her (Fordyce), ‘I made my decision to come back, and it’s because of you and this program.’ It had built me so much, and I had such great memories because of it. I didn’t even care if we finished 0 - 20 this year, I still would have had the best time of my life because I was playing the game I love with the people I love. I would say all the time to them, ‘I really have no more shots. I’m leaving a piece of my heart and soul on this field because we’re never going to get this back.”

Smith’s last hurrah as a River Hawk was a fine one. The graduate student, who this year was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Region V First-Team, was also for the second consecutive year the Landmark Conference top defenseman.

A four-time All-Landmark

First-Team defender who led a stingy defense that posted seven shutouts during the 15 – 6 2022 campaign, Smith also excelled offensively, scoring a team high 13 goals and 29 total points.

Smith, 22, graduated from Mount Olive High School in 2018, and played field hockey and softball at the school. She lauds the schooling and coaching she had in the Morris County township. “It was honestly a great feeling, and I had

a lot of support there,” Smith says. “Both of those programs, I think, really shaped the player and the person I turned out to be. I love Mount Olive. I can’t say enough about the sports and the programs, the teachers, the administration. It was a very welcoming environment for an athlete, for sure.”

Smith started 16 games for Susquehanna in 2018 and was Landmark Conference rookie of the year. The following season, she was a starter in all 21 games and led the conference with eight defensive saves. COVID-19 shut down the River Hawks 2020 season, so Smith returned home to do her studies, and became a Ju-

nior Varsity coach at her former high school. “It was honestly a great experience. I learned a lot about how to communicate with people who didn’t know the sport as well,” Smith explains. “I think that that contributed to me being a good leader on my collegiate team. It was crucial for my training, and to come back the last two seasons after COVID-19.”

The River Hawks were back in action in 2021, and Smith scored seven goals and had 14 total points in 20 games. She scored two goals in a game three times, and tallied four points in a game three times, all career highs. And then came Smith’s before mentioned 2022

season, the replacement campaign for the 2020 junior season.

Smith is quick to mention the support she’s had from her family during her career. Her mom, Patricia Colvin-Costanza, Stepfather Neil Costanza, Stepbrother Justin Costanza, and sister Ellie Costanza. Her mom played field hockey at

Mount Olive High School, and her sister is a current Marauder. All have always rooted Annalee on.

As significant as all her honors and numbers are, when Smith looks back on it all, being a good teammate is most important to her. “My college coach asked me at the beginning of the season, ‘What do

you really want your legacy to be?” Smith recalls. “I told her that obviously I want to be a great field hockey player, but I also want my teammates to remember me as a good teammate. When you have good people, even if at the end of bad games someone’s there to lift you up, that makes you feel good about yourself.”

What’s happening in your school or organization?

Annalee Smith (credit: Susquehanna Athletics Department)

Believe in Possible: How One Mount Olive Woman

BY CHIP O’BRIEN STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - Imagine the phrase “living the dream,” and you might picture Bianca Roman’s life today: an apartment in Los Angeles, acting credits that include two major TV shows, a contract with a pop R&B girl group, and opportunity around every corner.

It’s a life she wouldn’t have pictured years ago.

Roman originally planned on a much different career.

She graduated from Rutgers Newark in 2019 with a degree in criminal justice and international affairs. Then, intent on having different experiences before settling down for a nine-to-five job, she moved to Madrid to teach English abroad. After a delay in paperwork, she arrived in Spain–two months before COVID shut the country down.

Luckily, Roman was able to return to the States before the lockdown on international travel. She took jobs in different COVID testing labs, and time passed without an overarching sense of purpose.

By spring of 2022, Roman felt listless and unmotivated. “I didn’t like the vision of where I saw my life going,” says the now 25-year-old Mount Olive native. “And one thing about me: I don’t want to live with regrets.”

Plagued by stagnation and a fear of complacency, Roman found her mind returning to a conversation she’d had back in November 2021, when she met a former coworker for brunch.

The former coworker had recently moved to L.A. “I always wanted to go to L.A.,” Roman says. “It always sat in the back of my heart… I want to be in the arts. And she’s like, there’s so many opportunities to do it.”

Roman sat with her growing urge to leave NJ behind and follow her interest in the arts– what she calls her “silent desire of the heart.” In February 2022, she met with a psychic and asked her the question that had bothered her for months: should she take a leap of faith and move to L.A.?

The psychic laid down the cards and replied: “It would be in your best interest.”

With no background in acting or music, the decision to change her life looked impractical. But in Roman’s words: “I don’t believe in practical. I believe in possible. If it’s possible, you can do it.”

In July 2022, Roman packed her things and hit the

Chased Her L.A. Dreams

road for California. “I had pure will and just pure drive to make this thing happen,” she says. “I have this belief that once you start in the direction of where you want to go or where you feel is correct for you, even if you don’t have all the answers beforehand, you still have to go down that path for everything to start falling into place.”

Once Roman reached L.A., everything did fall into place. She found a roommate, made her own headshots in her new apartment using ring lights and an iPhone, and began applying for acting gigs on casting call websites.

The first gig she landed was a background position on the Amazon Prime show “Bosch: Legacy.”

How long did it take for Roman to land this first role?

“Maybe two weeks,” she says.

The next gig came in September: a two-day shoot for “NCIS.” “I had so much fun on that one,” Roman says. The shoot allowed her to talk with the crew and other actors, who were amazed that she’d landed two roles so quickly. In the show’s final cut, Roman is the most visible person in a crowd scene that places her front and center.

The fall of 2022 brought new opportunities. First, Roman was invited to participate in the game show “Let’s

Bianca Roman, headshot

Make a Deal” as part of their Mega Money Mondays series. Roman played– and won $10,000.

“I was like, oh my God, no way!” she recalls. “Because at this point, I burned through almost all my savings. And during this whole time I was probably the brokest I’ve ever been, very close to what I was in college. The brokest I’ve ever been, but the happiest I’ve ever been.”

Then, in October, Roman saw a casting call for singers in a pop R&B girl group. “I had also always wanted to be a singer,” she says. “I never thought I was good enough and very insecure for that reason. But that’s also why I came out here: because it was like, we’re going to try it all.”

She submitted a recording, went to two auditions, and landed the role. The five-woman group is called JBVOA, named for the first initial of

each group member. They’re contracted to produce an EP as well as a full-length album. They’re also planning to open for another artist on his tour this summer.

Life has been a whirlwind for Roman, who looks forward to acting classes later this spring while working on her music with JBVOA. Her friends back in NJ are amazed.

“They’re like, how did you manage this in such a short period of time?” Roman says. “And I was like, I have no idea. Literally by the grace of God.”

Roman hopes that her story can inspire others. “I want other people to know that that little feeling that they feel inside of what they really want to do, that’s silent but it doesn’t shut

up, is there for a reason,” she says. “God doesn’t put these desires in your head and your heart without also giving you the tools to accomplish them. And most people have more tools in their toolbox than they lead themselves to believe.”

Follow Bianca’s adventures on Instagram at @biancaroman2.

Marguerite Agnes Mary Eileen Kidd Will Celebrate Her 100th Birthday

SUBMITED BY PETER R. KING

MOUNT OLIVE - Margue-

rite Agnes Mary Eileen Kidd’s 100th birthday is this coming April 7th, and her family is planning a celebration at Bentley Commons at Paragon Village.

Born on April 7, 1923 Marguerite Agnes Mary Eileen Kidd (daughter of Ernest and Agnes Kidd) She is known to most as ‘Peg’ or ‘Peggy’. She was born in Margate, Kent, England. She served in the Women’s Royal Navy during WWII.

She married George T. King (Newark, NJ) on Feb.19, 1944

in Tottenham, Middlesex, London, England. He was a G.I. and was part of the U.S. forces staging for D-Day. She arrived via a U.S. hospital ship bringing wounded soldiers and others back from Europe in late 1944 pregnant with her first child. Her husband was still with the 102nd Cavalry serving in the front. Marguerite and George upon his medical discharge, lived with his parents in Newark until George became a ward nurse (LPN) at Greystone State Park and moved the family into family housing there at Greystone in Parsippany.

The family lived in Grey-

stone until 1955, at that time they bought a home at 420 William Street in Boonton.

She was a working mother. She worked at Silver Burdett as a receptionist in the early 60’s.

Her and her husband worked to afford the home in Boonton and send their first three children to Catholic schools (Our Lady of Mount Carmel and (Terry) through to his freshman year at Morris Catholic. All four children continued their education through the Boonton School System and graduated from B.H.S. (Terry, ‘62; Dennis, ‘68; Peter, ‘71 and Lauren, ‘74).

MARCH 17TH

Marguerite was an active member of the ‘Cosmopolitan Club’ for many years. The ‘Cosmos’ were a group of foreign born women who, through group funding, made it easier for members to find the funding to visit their native lands.

She remarried in the early ‘70’s and lived in Guam for a short bit before moving to Camden, SC and later Garden City and Pawleys Island, SC. On January 2, 2014 she moved into Paragon Village in Mount Olive Township where

she has been a resident to this day. She is one of a few World War II veterans currently living

at Bentley

at

BREWING COMPANY

A few years ago taken at Jersey Girl with (from left to right) her children Dennis, Terry, Peter, sister Lauren and Marguerite.

Commons

Paragon Village.

Unashamed of Hope: The Power of the Untold Stories Project

AREA - What’s the point of storytelling? What are stories for?

In early 2020, these questions held dire importance for the nonprofit organization Storytelling Arts, Inc. Before 2020, it had focused on bringing programs about folk tales to schools throughout NJ. Now the pandemic had shut down schools across the state.

Faced with an existential threat, Storytelling Arts questioned its core mission. “We had to ask ourselves, in times of Black Lives Matter and COVID-19, are folktales the most relevant way to use sto-

rytelling?” remembers Linda Helm Krapf, Executive Director of Storytelling Arts. “Or is it time for us to begin thinking about personal stories?”

The idea for a new direction came from an unexpected source. Krapf’s last flight before the COVID shutdown took her through the Denver Airport, where she spied a Desmond Tutu quote on a poster. It read, “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

Krapf immediately recognized its relevance. “That told me we all have to get together and listen to one another,” she

says. “Because the answers are with all of us together, not separate.”

The idea turned into an online storytelling event conducted over Zoom. Krapf describes the events as tentative, an experiment. Both storytellers and audiences enjoyed the personal stories program. When shutdown regulations receded, the concept reached its full incarnation as the Untold Stories of a Storied People project.

Phase One of the project began last year. A total of eight storytellers gathered from four NJ communities, Jersey City,

The New Year Always Brings Renewed Hope of New Opportunities!

BY PASTOR MATT JONES

MOUNT OLIVE - It’s a time to reflect on the previous year and plan accordingly for upcoming year! We call that thoughtful determination, “New Year’s Resolutions”! More times than not, those resolutions, like our hopeful expectations, get broken before they get started! Here are some humorous new year’s quotes that sort of reflect that:

“This year will be amazing!

After last year and...well...the year before that, and . . well. . the year before that . . . It has to be amazing!”

“2023, Let’s try this again…”

“Here’s to 2023 actually being a new year and not just 2020 part three.” I love this one . . .

“May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions.”

What a wonderful sentiment . . I think . . . But as we all know, there are no guarantees in sentiment! So how do we secure to one degree or another a better 2023? Well, the Bible can help us!

“What the New Year brings to you, will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year!” Mindset is everything! It makes the difference between being bitter, or being better… Being a victim, or being a victor… being a worrier or a warrior . . . Being a whiner, or a winner. One’s attitude will determine their aptitude!

Here Some changes in my mindset over the years, that I’ve helped me…

See Life’s Liabilities as Life Opportunities.

Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

God promises, for those who look to Him, that He will turn bad situations around for good!

Recognizing this truth in difficult times will cause us to look for the “silver lining’ on the dark ominous clouds of life!

With this mindset, Joseph went from being sold into slavery and imprisonment by his own brothers, to ruler over Egypt, second only to Pharoah! His wisdom saved many from a famine that was in the land! This is what He said to the dastardly deeds of his brothers!

“What you intended for evil, God intended for good to save many this day!”

Looking for the “silver lining’ isn’t just wishful thinking . . It’s holding God to His promise!

It’s builds resiliency in our lives and spares us a lot of needless bitterness!

Seize The Opportunity In Tough Times to Help Others.

Complainers only amplify the problem, doer’s exemplify the solution! Proverbs 3:27 encourages us to to what we can in our sphere of influence, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so!”

Helping others, is opportunity to bless others, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially bless and encourage those who are of the family of faith.”

Galatians 6:10

Last, Philippians 2:14-15 tell us the attitude in which we should serve help others, “Do all things without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you! Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and twisted people!”

Blessing those in need within

our sphere of influence, instead of cursing others in the darkness, is a surefire way to make a huge difference by blessing other’s, building their faith, and overcoming evil with good!

See Life’s Roadblocks as Opportunities for New Direction

There’s an old expression. . “When God closes a door, He opens a window!” Many see closed doors as unanswered prayer! If God is truly for us, then maybe that closed door is His way of directing us to something better!

Proverbs 3:5-6, encourages us to trust in the one who knows better. . . “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths”

It has taken me years to learn, “I can’t control, what I can’t control!” When I’ve tried, the results have usually been disasterous! Some of the worst roadblocks in my life have led to some of the greatest blessings when I embraced the positive change that it brought, instead of fighting it! Remember, even positive change is initially difficult!

I pray for 2023 when others see liability, you’ll see life opportunities! When others see tough times, you’ll see opportunity to bless others, and when others see roadblocks you’ll see opportunity for a new and fresh direction for your life!

Sponsored by Mountain Top Church 6 Naughright Rd, Hackettstown (Mt. Olive), across from the old A&P. 908-850-5477 Watch online at https:// mtopag.churchcenter.com/home. English service 10am, Hispanic service 1pm.

Morristown, New Brunswick, and Trenton, to prepare for in-person performances. The project focused on people with profound life experiences whose stories had not been heard so those stories could be elevated and amplified.

One of those storytellers was Ron Ritzie, a lifelong resident of Morristown who has watched his childhood community change over the years. An accomplished artist, painter, and muralist, Ritzie had not yet committed his own story to words. The Untold Stories project and its training workshops gave him the opportunity to craft his story creatively, during a summer when many of his childhood haunts were being destroyed for new construction.

“It became a cathartic process,” Ritzie remembers. “I went into a search of going back to my childhood, childhood trauma. And it was very difficult because I thought, I’m 64 years old. I felt that I had dealt with it all. And I had. But there were certain things that needed truth to be told to it, because there were two sides to a story. And I wanted to know the truth.”

As the storytellers worked together in workshops, many

of their stories became more vulnerable and personal. For Ritzie, as for many of the storytellers, facing the truth of their stories activated emotions that they had buried for

years. But allowing their buried stories to be seen, heard, and validated also proved liberating. “To tell you the truth,

A performance of the Untold Stories of a Storied People project in Jersey City last year.

New Jersey’s National Guard Militia Museum is a Draw for All Ages

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - New Jersey’s National Guard Militia Museum has two locations. The main location is in Sea Girt, and the second is in Lawrenceville.

The museum is an offshoot of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Staff Sgt. Andrew Walker is the Director/ Curator of the 501 c 3 non-profit organization that (courtesy of the museum website), “supports the collections, exhibitions and educational programs of the museum through volun-

teerism, advocacy, and fundraising.” Walker, who is in Sea Girt

(LTC (Ret) William Kale is Volunteer Co-Curator in Lawrenceville), is an informative, eager guide. He has a wealth of knowledge of military history. When you visit the Sea Girt location which is located a shell’s toss from the beach, you can visit display cases and see artifacts throughout the one-room facility. The museum details the Garden State’s Militia and

National Guard history starting with the Dutch and Swedish, who arrived in the late 15th century, up through the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, World Wars I and II, to the present day. “We’re basically tracing the citizen soldier really since New Jersey’s inception,” Walker says. “There are different players at that point. We do trace our lineage and our heritage through the British colonization, but we do recognize the other nations that were called

Mount Olive Reorganizes

on in New Jersey at the time.”

Founded in 1980, the National Guard Militia Museum was the fourth state National Guard Museum at that time.

ed Civil War research material in the United States.

Council President Joe Nicastro, Councilwoman Colleen Labow, Councilman John Ferrante, Councilman Greg Stewart, Mayor Robert J. Greenbaum, Commissioner Tayfun Selen, Councilman John Mania, Councilman Charles Aaron and Council Vice President Alex Roman

MOUNT OLIVE - On Tuesday, January 3, at the Mount Olive Town Hall, Mayor Robert J. Greenbaum presented

his twelfth and final State of the Township Address. Pastor Matt Jones of Mountain Top Church gave the Invocation. In

addition, Councilman Charles S. Aaron was formally sworn in as councilman.

Rapid growth and expansion encouraged the opening of the Lawrenceville Museum in 1998. Walker says, “We do rely on private donations mostly, so you’re able to reach out to us and inquire about whether or not we want a certain artifact.” Uniforms, medals, several types of equipment, and handwritten notes relating to New Jersey militia can be viewed here, as well as federal artifacts. One especially fascinating aspect of the museum is that, with so much emphasis placed on New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution – and rightly so - the museum also has a deep focus on our state’s involvement in the Civil War. Copies of articles, diaries, letters, memoirs, newspaper clippings, and regimental histories are part of one of the largest collections of New Jersey relat-

“National Guardsmen are, and still are viewed, as citizen soldiers,” Walker explains. “Civilians during peace, and then soldiers during war. That is really what the militia is: citizens leaving their normal, everyday lives and being called into service. That is the National Guard - you are just supposed to protect your state and your country, and so that’s where citizen soldier comes from.”

The museum relies heavily on in-person visits, and if you enter the doors in Sea Girt, you will see displayed an 18th century powder horn, the oldest artifact on-site, and the 28’, 4,000 pound “Intelligent Whale.”

Built in 1864, the submarine, mammal-like vessel was tested in the Long Island Sound, but the Navy was not interested in using it. There are also quite a few replications of period militia uniforms.

Walker has tried to bring

Untold Stories...

FROM PAGE 10

that last summer, I did nothing but cry,” Ritzie says, comparing the process to peeling the layers off an onion or a scab off a wound. “It was like that. And when I finally got to the root of the truth, I was okay.”

After completing their training, the storytellers performed in each of their four communities. For Ritzie, the Morristown venue held particular symbolic importance: the event took place at Grow It Green Urban Farm, across from his former junior high school.

About sixty people attended the Morristown performance. In the talkback after the event, one audience member addressed Ritzie specifically. Ritzie had told a story about a painful and highly unusual childhood experience; the man in the audience had lived through the exact same thing.

“That’s when it came full circle for me,” Ritzie says. “After everything was done on the last performance, I knew I

had done what I needed to do. And the healing started.”

It’s an experience that happened more than once. “Every single audience reflected back to us that they too felt seen and heard, because the storyteller stories were often their stories,” says Krapf. Sharing stories not only healed the storytellers, but helped their audiences heal, too.

Ritzie is still performing with the Untold Stories of a Storied People project, but his stories will most likely turn aside from childhood trauma.

“I did it,” he says, “I dug up those bones. I buried them so many times. And now it’s time for me to continue to do what I need to do as an artist, as somebody that’s going to live a healthy life for years to come.”

After the success of Phase One, the project itself will change and expand, too. If funding is secured, a hopedfor Phase Two will grow Untold Stories of a Storied People to include a monthly storytelling lab in Madison

into the museum a narrative, downhome connection, and resident historian Joseph Bilby has delivered. “He crafted all of our narratives, and it really makes sure that it’s pointing to those human connections, those kind of personal stories on those citizen soldiers from New Jersey.” The museum’s Oral History Program is run by Assistant Curator, Ms. Carol Fowler, who has over 20 years of interviews that need to be summarized from audio logs. Volunteers and especially interns value the effort. “It’s a great learning tool for them to see all the work that goes into keeping history,” Walker says.

The Sea Girt location is located at 100 Camp Drive, and the Lawrenceville museum is at Lawrenceville Armory, 151 Eggert Crossing Road. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Visit www.njmilitiamuseum.org for more information.

and the ability to bring aboard more storytellers with untold stories from immigrants, veterans, especially female veterans, essential workers during COVID, and all others who feel unseen and unheard.

Krapf hopes that the empathy created by storytelling can offer better solutions. “Our humanity needs to be elevated,” she says. “We need to respond to these times in a different way than the way that we’re responding.”

That’s one answer to our original question: what are stories for?

The Untold Stories project / program shows that stories can be for healing, catharsis, connection, and liberation.

Or, as Micah Bournes writes in the poem “Humming Fools” linked on Storytelling Arts’ website, stories can be for creating hope– hope that by witnessing each other’s stories, we can all become more human. For more information about Untold Stories of a Storied People, visit www.storytellingartsinc.org/

Centuries of guarding New Jersey (courtesy if the National Guard Militia Museum)

Bucket List Travels: The World’s Wildest Horse Race

Morristown resident Paul Partridge has been building a travel bucket list for years.

Now he’s diving in – near and far – and shares his adventures in this column.

The Palio di Siena is an insane horse race that’s been held since the Middle Ages and continues today. Here’s a view from inside the ropes.

BY PAUL PARTRIDGE GUEST WRITER

AREA - Ten wild-eyed stallions are sprinting straight at us. The rumble of their hooves and violent power of their strides augurs a frightening determination. Hours earlier these horses were blessed at church, and it looks like they may need it. There’s a hairpin turn ahead and surely there’s no way all can make it through without incident.

Welcome to the Palio

I’ve been lucky enough to attend the World Series, the U.S. Open, the Indianapolis 500, the America’s Cup, Army vs. Navy, and the Tall Ships parading down the Hudson during the Statue of Liberty’s Centennial celebration.

Nothing compares to the spectacle, the pageantry, and the pandemonium unleashed by a bareback horse race involving three death-defying laps around the Piazza del Campo in Siena Italy.

All that’s delightful and charming about Italy is on display – food, wine, art, architecture, fashion, passion, it’s all here – compressed into a single, unforgettable day.

Neighbor vs. Neighbor

Siena is divided into 17 neighborhood districts or wards called Contrade. Each contrada has its own colors and flag, and takes the name of a spirit animal or object. For example, Leone (lion), Lupa (she-wolf) and Drago (dragon).

The rivalry between neighborhoods is fierce. The greatest outcome is for your contrada to win. The second-best outcome is for your rival neighborhood to lose.

Some contrade have resorted to bribery to get their horses to perform better, while others have employed drugs. Jockeys have been kidnapped, seduced, and threatened. Heavy objects have been placed under saddles to slow down competing horses.

The preparations that take place leading up to race day are enormous. Think Halloween, Mardi Gras, and the Rose Bowl parade, rolled into one. The festivities culminate with the pre-race dinner.

My family is invited to dinner with the Aquila (eagle) contrada. The setting, in the shadow of the Duomo, is so spectacular I get goosebumps. It feels as if we’re dining at Hogwarts.

Up at the main dais, the jockey is serenaded by hymns, chants, children’s poems and vino-fortified toasts. Some vestal virgins may have been offered but I can’t be sure from my seat. Our jockey seems surprisingly subdued, as if hoping for the fete to end.

Perhaps he’s not confident in his steed because horses are not chosen; they’re assigned by lottery. Or maybe he’s recalling the unfortunate history of Aquila, as Eagle holds the record for fewest race victories. Or he could be contemplating the plight of previous riders –heroes turned goats following inglorious defeat. For a Palio jockey, adoration can turn to contempt – or worse – in under 90 seconds.

Race Day

For three days prior to race day, a watchman has been

sleeping with Eagle’s stallion to guard against tampering. This morning he’s walked to the Duomo and blessed by the local priest.

Piazza del Campo starts to fill around 3 pm. The festivities officially begin when the Italian cavalry enter the square. Impressively, majestically, they parade in, salute the dignitaries, and then lead a series of charges, swords drawn. Half mesmerizing, half terrifying, it jolts the crowd to attention.

Next comes the parade, a two-hour feast for the eyes featuring archers, horsemen, flag wavers, drummers, trumpeters, noblemen (and women) – all dressed in Medieval and Renaissance era costumes. Every neighborhood is represented.

By 7 pm it’s race time. An entire Shakespearian play takes place in the leadup to the start. Nine horses are chosen randomly to enter the starting line. They take their position rather casually, Italian style. There are no gates; only a singular rope holds the ensemble (loosely) in place. It’s more like a moving scrum of unruly kindergarteners then a starting line.

The Puppet Master

The 10th horse, called the Rincorsa, stands alone, surveying the scene. He can enter when its jockey so decides. In this way he’s the puppet master, because the race begins only when the Rincorsa crosses the starting line.

The dance between the Rincorsa and the other horses is called the Mossa. There’s lots of banging and bumping and

Local homeowners are asking our opinion about 2023 and home values.

According to everything that Mike and I have seen in the past year, it looks like we are pretty much back at the top of the market in our home prices - something we have not seen since 2007.

We may appreciate slightly in this next year, but there is no guarantee, and some “experts” are predicting depreciation in home values due to current economic conditions.

If your plan was to sell your home and downsize or move out of state in the next few years, then now is probably the best time to do it!

Regards, Debra and Mike Burke

Palio jockeys race bareback just as they have since 1656.

fidgeting. Jockeys are tense. Horses twitch and snort. The crowd, 40,000 strong, crescendos into a fevered roar – shouting, gesturing, imploring, cursing (and that’s the women).

Then, a moment of calm, a second of quiet. All eyes turn to the Rincorsa.

Suddenly a horse rears, squealing and kicking. The other mounts scatter. Race organizers scramble to get the horses calmed and realigned. This happens several more times. Mossa can take two minutes or over an hour. Seven centuries of grudges and paybacks play out in the scrum activities.

Secret Backroom Deals

Heads of the contrade make secret backroom deals, so if their horse is the Rincorsa, they might be rewarded if they enter when their horse is in a good position, or their enemy is in a

bad position. The jockeys also make deals, so you don’t know if they are trying to win or just block another rider. Perhaps this explains why the Sienese name for jockeys is assassini (assassins).

Without warning the Rincorsa bolts across the starting line and a cannon fires to signal the race is on. Our Aquila jockey hasn’t recovered from last night and is late off the line.

The racetrack is not a perfect oval. Walls jut out at crazy, dangerous angles, especially in Turn 2 where we’re sitting. The walls are padded to protect the horses, but that doesn’t prevent collisions.

Jockeys are sometimes separated from their mounts (remember, they’re riding bareback). A riderless horse is not disqualified. The first horse to cross the finish line – with or without a jockey – wins.

The lead changes constantly – and suddenly. Which fuels the excitement. And the delirium of the crowd. One minute your horse is at the back of the pack. Two breaths later, he’s charging to the lead.

Going into the final lap, it looks to be a two-horse race between Nicchio (Seashell) and Oca (Goose). Meanwhile the Eagle has landed, crashing in Turn 2 and never finishing the race.

The crowd is on its feet. It’s a photo finish. The winner is . Goose! The Oca neighborhood faithful rush onto the racetrack, flags waving, tears of joy overflowing. They hug and kiss the jockey and hoist him onto their shoulders, singing songs of joy. The winning horse is marched into church and down the aisle for a blessing.

BURKE Realtor, Sales Associate

MIKE BURKE Broker, Sales Associate

BY DANA JACKSON

Q: What is Bryan Cranston’s new show “Your Honor” about? Does he play a judge? Where can I stream it? -- L.J.

A: Yes, Bryan Cranston does play a judge in Showtime’s “Your Honor,” but it’s not your typical courtroom drama. It’s about a father who must confront his deepest convictions after his son is involved in a hit-and-run accident and becomes the target of a crime family. In addition to the four-time-Emmy-winning Cranston (“Breaking Bad”), “Your Honor” boasts a stellar cast that also includes Oscar nominee Rosie Perez (“Fearless”) as an assistant U.S. attorney. Season two premiered this January on Showtime, which can also be streamed as an add-on service through existing streamers like Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount+ and AppleTV+. ***

Q: When is “The Mandalo-

BY DEMI TAVERAS

“Everything Everywhere

All at Once” (R) -- Evelyn

Quan lives in a state of chaos in her everyday life. She is the owner of a laundromat and mother to her misunderstood daughter, Joy, and a million other tasks always seem to snatch up her attention. Because of this, her relationships begin to fall apart, leading up to one seemingly ordinary day when her life gets flipped up-

ENTERTAINMENT

rian” returning with new episodes? I vaguely remember the season two finale having a very young-looking Luke Skywalker. How did they make Mark Hamill appear so young? -- D.A.

A: It’s been more than two years since the second chapter of the Disney+ Star Wars saga “The Mandalorian” concluded. Mark Hamill, who has played Luke Skywalker since the first “Star Wars” movie wowed audiences in theaters during the summer of 1978, made a surprise cameo in the season two finale. Richard Bluff, industrial light and magic VFX supervisor, explained to IndieWire.com that they tried to recreate Luke as he looked in “Return of the Jedi,” and they used both Hamill as well as a younger body double.

They then used Lola Visual Effect’s 2.5D process and compiled photographs and scenes of Hamill from “Return of the Jedi,” using Lola’s

Photoshop-like technique involving skin smoothing and shape warping through 2D compositing. The end result was an astonishingly believable likeness of a young Luke Skywalker.

Season three of “The Mandalorian” premieres on Disney+ March 1.

***

Q: I was so upset when they canceled “Good Girls.” What are the three female stars doing now that it ended?

-- W.C.

A: Christina Hendricks, Retta and Mae Whitman reportedly agreed to take pay cuts if NBC renewed their series, “Good Girls,” for a fifth season, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the show to avoid the ax. It’s been rumored that failed negotiations with Manny Montana, who played fan favorite Rio on the show, were what ultimately ended any chances of another season. Apparently, there was no

love lost between Hendricks and Montana either, but Hendricks was disappointed in the show’s cancellation.

Up next for Whitman is “Up Here,” a new musical comedy series premiering on Hulu in March, co-starring Carlos Valdes (“The Flash”). And Hendricks has joined the cast of an upcoming series on AppleTV+ based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel, “The Buccaneers.”

Retta signed a talent-holding deal with NBCUniversal to find projects for her to headline. In the meantime, she’s been hosting “Ugliest House in America” on HGTV and is filming the upcoming film “Hitman,” co-starring Glen Powell (“Top Gun: Maverick”).

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

side down. A version of her husband, Waymond, from an alternate universe, visits her in need of her help from the evil Jobu Tupaki, who plans to destroy each existing universe one by one. As this alternate Waymond teaches her about the multiverse, Evelyn learns she has a much bigger purpose than she ever imagined in the fight against Jobu. With Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan

taking home Golden Globes for this visually stunning film, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is incredibly profound -- and a must-watch. Out now.

(Showtime)

“You People” (R) -- Ezra Cohen (Jonah Hill) hasn’t had much luck in his quest for love, although marriage is something he definitely sees in his future. When he accidentally wanders in Amira’s (Lauren London) car, thinking that she’s his Uber driver, he begs her for the chance to make it up to her. Ezra and Amira begin to hit it

off, and Ezra finally feels like he’s found the right person for him. As he makes plans to propose to Amira, Ezra’s friend, Sam, tells him he needs to speak with Amira’s family. So, Ezra sits down with Amira’s parents (Eddie Murphy and Nia Long), and he finds that integrating his Jewish family with Amira’s Black family isn’t as seamless as he thought it’d be. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Mike Epps also star in this relatable comedy film, co-written by Hill and director Kenya Barris.

“You People” premieres Jan.

27. (Netflix) “Shotgun Wedding” (R)

-- Originally starring Armie Hammer as the male lead before abuse allegations came out against him, this romantic comedy film about a destination wedding replaced him with Josh Duhamel in the male lead role, with Jennifer Lopez as his opposite. They play a couple named Tom and Darcy, who are about to say their “I do’s” in the perfect tropical setting. At first, Tom and Darcy think the worst of their worries will be dealing with their

eccentric family members. But then, right before the wedding, plans get interrupted by a heavily loaded gang of criminals. The criminals take Tom and Darcy’s families hostage, but the couple manages to escape and attempts to get help while simultaneously running from the captors. Is there any better way to start the rest of your lives together? This Prime Video original film premieres Jan. 27. (Prime Video) (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

From left, Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan star as the Wang family in

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elevation Pictures

Bryan Cranston (“Your Honor” and “Breaking Bad”). Photo Credit: Depositphotos

Staying healthy is important year-round, but especially in the cooler months when temperatures drop, people spend more time inside and germs can spread easily. What you eat and the lifestyle you embrace are critical components of staying healthy.

Nourishing meals full of fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods and whole grains help provide the body’s immune system with the nutrients it needs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, being physically active every day, having enough fluids and reducing stress also help keep the immune system in shape.

As a nutritious food to include on your grocery list, grapes of all colors – red, green and black – contain more than 1,600 natural plant

RESTAURANT GUIDE Easy Dishes to Boost Immunity

compounds such as antioxidants and other polyphenols that help protect the health of cells throughout the body. They also contain about 82% water, so they provide important fluids for hydration, which is also critical to a healthy immune system.

Grapes can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or an immune-boosting ingredient in recipes like Chicken, Spinach and Grape Pita sandwiches and Grape and Salmon Power Salad. Each provides a mix of immune-supporting nutrients, including zinc in chicken, vitamins A and C in kale, polyphenols in grapes and other important nutrients in the salmon, walnuts and barley. Find these recipes and more in “Eating for Immune Health” along with additional ways to eat healthy and stay well at

grapesfromcalifornia.com

Chicken, Spinach and Grape Pita

Servings: 4

2 tablespoons pine nuts

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons minced shallot

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1pinch red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon ground sumac salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 package (5-6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

1 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 8 ounces)

1 cup red California grapes, sliced

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

4 whole-wheat pita breads (6

1/2 inches each), warmed and halved

In small skillet over medium-high heat, toast pine nuts,

Show Your Heart Some Love

stirring constantly until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and let cool. In large bowl, whisk lemon juice, shallot, olive oil, red pepper flakes, sumac, salt and pepper. Add spinach, chicken, grapes, feta and pine nuts; toss to mix. Stuff into pita breads and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 445 calories; 24 g protein; 46 g carbohydrates; 20 g fat (39% calories from fat); 5 g saturated fat (10% calories from saturated fat); 57 mg cholesterol; 658 mg sodium; 6 g fiber.

Grape and Salmon

Power Salad

Servings: 6

3/4 cup pearled barley

bons

1 cup halved red or black seedless California grapes

8 ounces cold, cooked salmon, skin and bones removed

1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped

Dressing:

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 clove garlic, mashed

1/2teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Cook barley according to package directions. Drain and cool.

onds or microwaving 1 minute. Rinse pieces in cold water to stop cooking; squeeze dry. Fluff and uncrimp dry kale pieces with fingers. In medium bowl, mix barley, kale, grapes, salmon and walnuts.

To make dressing: In small bowl, whisk lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne. Gradually mix in olive oil. Pour onto salad and fold gently to combine.

Nutritional information per serving: 413 calories; 15 g protein; 30 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (47% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 22 mg cholesterol; 232 mg sodium; 500 mg potassium; 4 g fiber. (Family Features)

While heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, many of the risk factors associated with the condition can be controlled with dietary and lifestyle changes. By centering your meals around better-for-you ingredients and recipes, you can show your heart some extra love.

Consider walnuts, which are a heart-healthy food certified by the American Heart Association. More than 25 years of research shows walnuts may play a key role in heart health. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved one of the first qualified health claims for a whole food, finding that eating 1 1/2 ounces of walnuts per day as part of a low-saturated fat and low-cholesterol diet while not increasing caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Additionally, walnuts are the only nut significantly high in omega-3s, with 2 1/2 grams of alpha-linolenic acid per ounce. Walnuts can add this essential nutrient to dishes like these American Heart Associ-

ation Heart-Check Mark certified recipes for Greek Cucumber Walnut Bites and Banana Bread Overnight Oats. Find more information and heart-healthy recipes at walnuts.org/heart-health.

Greek Cucumber

Walnut Bites

Recipe courtesy of Beth Stark, RDN, LDN on behalf of the California Walnut Board

Prep time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1 English cucumber, ends trimmed (about 14 ounces)

1/2 cup roasted red pepper hummus

1/2 cup reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese

5 cherry tomatoes, quartered

Heat oven to 350 F.

On small baking sheet, arrange walnuts evenly. Bake 8 minutes, checking frequently, until toasted. Slice cucumber crosswise into 3/4-inch thick slices. Using small spoon, gently scoop out and discard center of each cucumber slice, leaving bottom and sides intact.

In small bowl, stir 6 tablespoons chopped walnuts and

hummus. Spoon walnut-hummus mixture into each cucumber slice and top with reserved chopped walnuts, feta cheese and quartered tomatoes.

Banana Bread

Overnight Oats

Recipe courtesy of Crowded

Kitchen on behalf of the California Walnut Board

Prep time: 15 minutes • Servings: 4

3 ripe bananas, sliced

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup chopped California walnuts, divided

1 tablespoon maple syrup

3 cups skim milk

In large container with lid, add sliced bananas. Use potato masher or fork to mash bananas until smooth.

Add oats, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, half the chopped walnuts, maple syrup and milk. Combine thoroughly and refrigerate overnight.

To serve, divide among four canning jars or glass containers with lids. Top each with remaining walnuts before serving. (Family Features)

3 cups firmly packed kale leaves, torn and sliced into rib-

Tenderize kale by blanching in boiling water 2-3 sec-

6 Tips for Adding More Seafood to Your Family’s Menu

Seafood can make for a healthy addition to diets, particularly for children. It improves body and brain function, and studies conducted by “Pediatrics” and the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” have linked seafood to reduced risks of heart disease and allergic conditions like asthma.

In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture suggests making seafood part of healthy diets and its 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend putting it on menus at least twice a week.

While there are common complaints, such as “my kids won’t like it” or “I don’t know how to prepare it,” these tips can help make it quick, easy and affordable to add nutritious seafood to your family’s menu. Start with shrimp. Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood in the United States.

Try shrimp warm or cold as a snack, appetizer or main course. It’s versatile and can be

sauteed, broiled, boiled, grilled or baked. Make it fun. Consider putting healthy fish like wild cod, salmon or pollock into fun foods like tacos or burgers. Buy frozen. Fish is now flash frozen at sea to lock in freshness. Frozen seafood meals add convenience and help cut down on waste because what you don’t use can go back in the freezer.

Cook with your kids. If your kids don’t think they like seafood, have them help with dinner. Cooking with kids can help develop healthier long-term habits and a more adventurous palate. It also helps improve motor functions and confidence. In fact, a study published in “Pediatrics” shows getting children involved in meal preparation may increase their enjoyment of healthy foods. Pick the right products. To create a family-friendly menu, consider an option like Aqua

Star’s Cutting Board meal kits, a selection of 10 recipes that include everything a family needs to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. Selections include tacos, flatbreads and comfort favorites. With pre-portioned ingredients for quick preparation and cleanup, they make it easy for parents and kids to create their own restaurant-quality meals.

Eat at home. Eating out often can drive unhealthy eating habits and strain family budgets. Seafood is easy and convenient to make, whether you use a simple recipe like these Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos or choose a convenient meal kit, and can help you spend more time together at the dinner table.

Find more tips and recipes to add seafood to your family’s table at aquastar.com.

Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2

1 Aqua Star Chipotle Shrimp

Street Tacos Meal Kit, including: creamy ancho chili sauce, Aqua Star shrimp, chipotle seasoning, spinach, corn , roasted tomato white corn tortillas 2 teaspoons cooking oil, divided Submerge unopened sauce

packet in bowl of water to thaw.

In large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil; add shrimp and cook 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fluid and add chipotle seasoning.

In medium skillet, heat remaining oil; add spinach, corn and roasted tomato. Cook 4-5 minutes until water is evaporat-

ed; set aside. In microwave, warm tortillas in moist paper towel 30 seconds.

To build tacos, fill two tortillas with shrimp and vegetables then top with sauce. (Family Features)

A Fresh, Flavorful Take on Family Dinner

If your family ever gets stuck in a dinner routine rut, it can feel like you’re eating the same recipes over and over again.

However, this fresh and unique recipe for Cuban

Chicken with Salsa Fresca might inspire you to think outside the culinary box and give your family members the satisfactory flavor they desire at dinnertime. With fresh ingredients and a wholesome flavor,

this meal is perfect to add to your dinner menu rotation.

The chicken is full of flavor and baked using multiple seasonings to create a Cuban-like taste. The salsa fresca, which is added on top of the chicken,

is a tad sweet with grapefruit segments and juice, but also satisfying with jicama, onion, cilantro and jalapeno. It adds so much color to your plate, and all these flavors mash together for something unique and special.

To start, create the marinade for your chicken and let it rest to allow all those wonderful spices to do their jobs. Set it in the fridge for 30 minutes or more.

Next, it’s time to make the salsa fresca. Start by chopping red onion and jicama then add grapefruit and jalapeno to the mix. Add grapefruit juice, olive oil and, finally, cilantro. Stir well with a large spoon until everything is combined.

Once the chicken is baked, cut it and assemble. The final result is a juicy chicken breast with a sweet yet crisp salsa

topping. The flavors in this dish harmonize together to bring you a bite you have likely never experienced before.

This meal is also nutritious with fresh fruit and lean chicken, so it’s a meal almost anyone can enjoy, even if you’re on a healthy eating kick.

Find more recipes and family dinner ideas at Culinary. net Cuban Chicken with Salsa Fresca

Servings: 5

1 cup grapefruit juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salsa Fresca:

1 cup grapefruit segments

1/2 jicama, cubed

1/2 red onion, chopped

3/4 cup grapefruit juice

4 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, chopped Heat oven to 400 F.

In large bowl, mix grapefruit juice, oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika and red pepper until combined. Add chicken to bowl and turn to coat. Refrigerate 30 minutes or longer.

To make salsa fresca: In medium bowl, mix grapefruit segments, jicama, red onion, grapefruit juice, olive oil, cilantro and jalapeno pepper until combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Remove chicken from marinade. Place chicken in baking dish. Bake 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Serve chicken with salsa fresca.

GAME TIME

NJ HALL OF FAME

We would like to introduce you to the NJ Hall of Fame where it states on their website The accomplishments of Garden State citizens span the pages of nearly every vol-

ume of American history. Their stories offer boundless hope and inspiration for millions of New Jerseyans. People just like you.

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Some professional basketball players have stood taller than Val Ackerman, but few have reached the heights she has achieved as an athlete and sports executive. Currently the commissioner of the Big East Conference, Ackerman was the founding President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and is a past President of USA Basketball, which oversees the U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic basketball program.

Ackerman grew up with sports in her veins. Her grandfather was athletic director at Trenton State College and her father the athletic director at her high school—Hopewell Valley Central. In high school, Ackerman set the varsity basketball record for career points scored (male or female), as well as the career scoring record in field hockey. She also ran track—and graduated second in her class. Her high school performance earned Ackerman one of the first female athletic scholarships to the University of Virginia. She was a starter all four years on Virginia’s varsity basketball team (including

captain for three seasons) and an Academic All-American twice. Ackerman received her bachelor’s degree in political and social thought, graduating with high distinction. She later earned a law degree at UCLA, but first, she played a single season of professional basketball in France.

Following her academic years, Ackerman started her legal career with a firm in New York, then joined the National Basketball Association as a staff attorney in 1988. She was as an executive at the NBA for eight years, serving as special assistant to NBA Commissioner David Stern and eventually VP of business affairs. In 1996, Ackerman was named first president of the new WNBA. She guided the league’s launch and helmed day-to-day operations for eight seasons. During her tenure, the league expanded from eight to sixteen teams.

In 2005, Ackerman was elected the first female president of USA Basketball.

During her four-year term, she led the organization to a record of 222-23 and gold medal performances by the U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams

at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. In all, she served on the USA Basketball board of directors for 23 years.

Ackerman was named the fifth commissioner of the Big East Conference in June 2013. Upon taking the top spot, she guided the realignment of the Big East, with new schools, a new headquarters in New York City, and new partnerships with Fox Sports and Madison Square Garden.

Among her other achievements, Ackerman served two terms as the U.S. delegate to the Central Board of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), basketball’s worldwide governing body. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Reflecting on her pioneering path as a female sports executive, she told New Jersey Monthly: “A number of women are in positions of leadership in sports. It’s not 50-50, and there’s work to do, but more women have become mentors and guiding lights. We’re moving in a good direction.”

Blessed with a four-and-ahalf octave voice, Sarah Dash could take on any musical challenge. R&B, funk, disco, rock, rap—Dash wowed audiences in a variety of genres, whether performing as a headliner, group member or back-up singer.

Born to a pastor and a nurse, Dash, like many vocal greats, initially sang gospel music. Eager to perform secular songs, she formed her first group, the Del Capris, with a Trenton schoolmate, Nona Hendryx. The group—initially a quartet—added new vocalists, including Patti LaBelle (nee Patricia Holte), and tried new names. In time, they settled on Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles.

Dash was just 16 when the group was credited with its first single, “I Sold My Heart to the Junkman.” The song reached No. 15 on Billboard’s pop singles chart in April 1962. Subsequent hits included “Down the Aisle (Wedding Song)” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” In 1964, the group (by then the trio of Dash, LaBelle and Hendryx)

landed a spot as opening act on the Rolling Stones’ first American tour.

As the music scene changed, so did Dash and company. They moved to England for a period and then came roaring back with an edgier image, a funkier sound and a new name: Labelle. The formula worked and in January 1975 Labelle reached No. 1 on the pop chart with an instant classic, “Lady Marmalade.” Suddenly Labelle was everywhere, the three women performing in space-age suits and feathery head-dresses.

After that career peak, the members split up to pursue solo careers—although there would be later reunions. Dash’s self-titled debut solo album in 1978 included the disco hit “Sinner Man.” Three more albums followed, and Dash found herself much in demand as a back-up singer. She frequently recorded with her friend Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, as well as such varied artists as the Marshall Tucker Band, David Johansen, Alice Cooper, Laura

In recent decades, Dash toured in gospel productions and appeared onstage in musicals, including the self-penned “Dash of Diva,” which was presented at the Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick. Dash never forgot her roots in Trenton’s West Ward. She returned frequently to support local events, and in 2017 was named the city’s musical ambassador. In 2021, she appeared at the opening of a Covid-19 vaccine center in Trenton, arriving in a sequined mask to attract media attention to the inoculation effort. In recent decades, she also put significant focus on raising funds for at-need single mothers in New York City.

Upon her death, longtime friend Patti LaBelle said in a statement: “Sarah Dash was an awesomely talented, beautiful and loving soul who blessed my life and the lives of so many others in more ways than I can say. “

Swiss banks.

A big man in both stature (he stood 6-foot-7) and influence, Paul Volcker helped shape American monetary policy for more than six decades. Best remembered for his efforts to reel in inflation, Volcker served two terms under two presidents as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank from 1979-1987.

Born in Cape May, Volcker was raised in Teaneck, where he played high school varsity basketball and his father served as city manager. Volcker received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s from Harvard. In 1952, he took a job as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank In New

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York. Five years later, he left for a position at Chase Manhattan Bank. This began a career-long pattern of shuttling between government jobs and the private sector, including a period starting in 1974 when he was a visiting fellow at Princeton.

Volcker’s government posts included deputy under-

secretary for monetary affairs in the Treasury Department and president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he became actively involved in decision-making on monetary policy. In 1979, following a sharp rise in inflation, President Jimmy Carter nominated Volcker to be board chair of the Federal Reserve Bank. Here, Volcker had his greatest impact. He instituted policies to fight inflation, tighten controls on banks and limit the size of the national debt.

Volcker’s efforts to slay what he called “the inflationary dragon” proved controversial and painful. His intention was to slow spending by driving up interest rates. But rates rose higher than expected, which plunged the econo-

my into recession. Consumer spending dropped; unemployment soared. Auto dealers reportedly sent the Fed keys to unsold cars. Homebuilders sent chunks of two-byfour lumber. And in 1980, the weakened economy helped cost President Carter his job.

In the long run, Volcker’s harsh policies worked and by 1983 (with Ronald Reagan as president), inflation had slowed and the nation was back to work. After leaving the Fed in 1987, Volcker served as chair of the National Commission on Public Service and later as chair of the International Accounting Standards board of trustees. He also chaired numerous committees, including one formed to mediate the claims between Holocaust victims and their survivors and

President Barack Obama cast Volcker in his final public role as a chairperson of his Economic Recovery Advisory Board from 2009 to 2011. During his tenure, he introduced what became known as “the Volcker Rule,” a provision limiting banks and other financial institutions from making certain highly risky types of investments.

Upon Volcker’s death, Carter said in a statement: “Paul was as stubborn as he was tall… and although some of his policies as Fed chairman were politically costly, they were the right thing to do.” Indeed, as the New York Times stated in its obituary of Volcker, inflation has remained under control ever since Volcker’s tenure atop the Fed.

Nyro and Nile Rodgers.

Sarah Dash

Vocalist; co-founder Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles

Valerie B. Ackerman Professional basketball player; sports executive

Paul Adolph Volcker Jr. Economist; 12th chair of the Federal Reserve Bank

NJ Starz: Ariana Crowder Hometown: Franklin Township

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - Former So You Think You Can Dance contestant, Ariana Crowder, traded sports for dance, and never looked back.

Crowder was, in her words, introverted as a child. Dance for her was a way of being expressive without having to speak. “It was kind of my way of communicating and expressing myself without having to use words,” she says. “It was kind of my own language. I felt more comfortable expressing myself that way than using words at that point. I think that’s what got me really interested (in dance) in the first place.”

Originally born and raised in Jersey City, Crowder lived with her parents in the upstairs portion of her grandparents’ home. “We were a very tight, close-knit family. I went to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Bayonne for a little bit, and then I actually started dancing with my very first dance classes at Ms. Hugette’s School of Dance, also in Bayonne. I was four-years-old.”

Sports – especially track, softball, and cheerleadingwere her primary interests, however, up until the sixth grade. After that, her family moved from Hudson to Somerset County and Franklin Township. At Conerly Road School, she made many friends, and her interest in dance piqued. “I really liked growing up in Franklin,” Crowder states. “Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow up. It’s super diverse, and I had great, supportive teachers; not just dance teachers, but teachers in school as well. I was very serious about my studies, being a good student while also dancing.”

Crowder attended a summer dance camp with Center Stage Dance and Theater School in East Brunswick, and it was there and then her love for dance was cemented. She joined a serious dance program for the school’s younger students, and practiced almost every day. “I started training a lot at a very young age, and I did all different styles. I started out with ballet, tap, and jazz, and then moved into hip hop and contemporary styles.” Crowder also took part in a lot of dance competitions during

her young teen years, traveling throughout New Jersey primarily in the springtime, and then during the summer headed with the school to different states for national competitions.

Early on, a few people inspired her. One was Center Stage founder, George Warren. Crowder says, “He was really great about helping or getting my mom to understand that I did have a future and potential.” And then there was her teacher, Nadine Moody. “One of my first ballet teachers,” Crowder says. “She really sort of nurtured my hunger and passion when I was really young. She talked to my parents and told them, ‘She’s pretty good; keep her coming back to classes.”

Her mom, Stephanie, whom she refers to as her “Ride or die,” also encouraged her. “My mom wanted to make sure that I tried a bunch of different things, to really figure out what I was interested in, and what I gravitated towards the most,” Crowder recalls. “She gave me a lot of options. Once I found dance, that was the one thing that I was really excited about and wanted to keep doing. She’s been supportive throughout my entire life and journey as a dancer and my career. She had taken me to every single one of my dance classes and all of my auditions. Even when we struggled financially, she’d figure out a way for me to still take classes. I honestly would not have the career that I have now without my mom. I just love her so much and I’m so grateful for her. And I look up to her. If I ever have kids, I would just love to be like the mom she has been to me.” Crowder also has a close relationship with her younger brother, Eric. “We all always have each other’s backs, so I’m grateful for both of them.”

After moving on to Franklin Township High School, she studied at FUNKtion Dance Complex in Edison, and it was there that she learned how to dance hip hop and street jazz. Then, after attending Rider University in Lawrenceville as a Psychology major for one year, Crowder opted out of the institution. Plan “A” had to be embraced. “It was kind of interfering with my schedule with dancing and I

was becoming more successful professionally with dance, so I decided to pursue that. I figured I’d go to school some other time later in life. The window for a dance career is much shorter because it is so athletic. I wanted to maximize time as a professional dancer.”

Crowder is best known for her time spent on the hit television competition show, So You Think You Can Dance. She competed during season 12 as a member of team “Street.”

“It was a great experience,” Crowder says. “I learned so much. I met so many great dancers and choreographers. The season I was on it was ‘Stage’ versus ‘Street,’ and it was a competition between more classic styles like ballet and contemporary jazz versus more contemporary styles like hip hop.”

Crowder, when hearing that her friends were going to the initial audition for the show, on a whim joined them, and auditioned for the “Stage” side of the competition. She made it all the way through the initial rounds, and then met up with the portion of the show where she faced the three judges at the time, Nigel Lythgoe, Paula Abdul, and Jason Derulo. They saw something on her dance resume that they found fascinating. “When I went in front of them to audition, they saw my dance history and that I did hip hop, and they made me freestyle on the spot. And I got through to the Las Vegas round, but they told me I had to pick a side to be on the show.” “Street” it was. “It was more of a strategic move just because on that show or with the history of that show a lot of times, hip hop dancers aren’t as well versed in choreography, they’re better at freestyling. I figured I had a better shot at getting on the show if I went on the ‘Street’ side since I am trained in so many different styles. It ended up working out.”

As for the competition. Crowder took a unique approach, not really preparing a full audition, but freestyling all throughout the entire process. Therefore, she went in minus jitters. “It was kind of like playing with house money,” she says. “I told myself. ‘I’ll just see what happens.’ And then I just kept making it

through each round. I wasn’t really nervous. It was more just like, ‘This is a really cool experience and really fun, and I’m going to enjoy myself because I don’t know if this is ever going to happen again.”

Crowder made it to the top 14 before she was eliminated, but the competition and appearance on the show, coupled with her immense talent, opened many doors. She’s met many choreographers, learned many new dance styles, and, now living out on the west coast, has connected very heavily with the Los Angeles dance community. “It was a great experience – I really enjoyed it!”

As she moved on in her dance career, she has performed for and with some of the best. “I’ve danced for a few different artists: Chris Brown, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Katie Perry, Mary J. Blige, Emeli Sande, Aloe Blacc, and recently Shania Twain.” She also appeared in the film “Bolden,” a biopic about early jazz blues musician Buddy Bolden. She had done some teaching prior to leaving the Garden State, but since moving to LA, has also engaged in other things. “‘I’ve also started doing some commercial acting,” Crowder says. “I’m branching out a little bit now. I feel like LA is definitely good for television and film and the music industry. I’ve done a couple of music videos since I’ve been here, so it’s been nice. I loved growing up in New Jersey,” Crowder continues, “but I definitely appreciate LA and all its offerings, especially as an adult.”

As Crowder approaches her 30th birthday in April, she has some bucket list stuff on her agenda. “I am thinking about transitioning into more creative directing or choreographing where I’m not in front of the camera but more so behind the scenes,” she says. “I’m also in a serious relationship (her mate is Adam Beshara; “He’s one of my biggest supporters and biggest fans, so I love him very much,” Crowder says) and I would love to travel with my partner and my family and live abroad for a couple of years. I’m happy with my dance career and I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished, and I’m

just continuing to accomplish new things and more things. I’ve started to discover new things that I’m interested in and new hobbies and new interests. That’s a good feeling, being a beginner at something

again, since I’ve been dancing my whole life and I’ve honed that skill to as much perfection as I can. I’m currently just enjoying getting to know myself beyond just defining myself as a dancer.”

Ariana Crowder (Credit: Zachariah Schmitt)

The Underlining Message Behind Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera

BY TOMMY HUGHES STAFF WRITER

AREA - When was the first time, through the art of fiction, an individual genuinely felt that one good scare?

When was the first moment where they felt a cold shiver of fear running through their body, causing them to crawl up into a ball on the floor?

In the case of an operatic soprano, it was her mysterious angel of music. A guide toward glory. The unseen genius.

After 35 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s: The Phantom of the Opera will close it’s record run at Broadway’s Majestic Theater on April 16th, 2023.

A timeless classic that not only set the bar high for musical sto-

rytelling, but also set the bar for theatrical productions as a whole. As was the Winter Garden Theatre with the original run of Cats, the Majestic Theater has evolved to Broadway what Augusta National Course has become to the sport of golf. An equivalence of what Williamsport, Pennsylvania has become to the sport of baseball. What the Rose Bowl is to NCAA Division I football, and what the city of Indianapolis is to open-wheel automobile racing. While New York City will move on and keep going, the closing of this record run is something no one thought they

would ever see. The musical has become a staple for the city. A timeless classic, the musical has spanned the globe having evolved into a phenomenon. Relatable, the power within emotionally connects viewers in mannerisms reminiscent of what led them toward their love for a particular craft.

The gifts of the title character engulfed in a tragic love story by a path of fantasy.

An evolution, it is a story that began through the writings of a journalist. Upon retirement, the journalist took inspiration through in-depth investigation of the Paris Opera House, and it’s basement cell that housed

prisoners of the Paris Commune. Gaston Leroux. His inspiration told a story of both fear and irrelevance. A horror story of underlying meaning.

Fear, not due to the story or subject matter, nor because of the closed-minded onlooker and their reaction to the title character. A fear of the individual taking the next step forward due to internal fear placed in them by society. Shamed into solitude. Shunned by the multitude.

Irrelevance, because the story serves as a reminder that talent is profound irregardless of what one looks like. While the story’s main theme is surround-

ed by romance, it’s underlining focus is a title character and their gift of music. It was a gift discovered on their own. The music, there. The passion, undeniable. They had no way of sharing this gift with the world until they heard the voice of Christine Daaé. A voice imagined by the Gods. A reason and platform to share his gift with the world.

And a gift the world received.

When the final curtain falls inside the Majestic Theatre on April 16th, the chapter may fade, but the story will live on. An ending that may be scary. Fear of the unknown.

Yet, if the title character’s fear is felt, it is a fearful wonderment of what will happen next. An individual cannot simply hop aboard César and set a course for Coney Island. Though, if the individual’s gift lives within them, they will find further inspiration to make their song take flight.

The power of the music of the night.

The Phantom of the Opera runs until April 16th, 2023 at the Majestic Theatre on 44th Street in New York City. Tickets Available through: mtc.telecharge.com

Morristown Author Addresses Food Allergies in New Book

BY EVAN WECHMAN STAFF WRITER

AREA - Morristown resident

Kayla Cappiello has always enjoyed cooking up tasty meals in the kitchen since she was a child. She has always had a flair for designing recipes which would delight her friends and family.

However, as much as Cappiello loved eating her delicious creations, as a young adult she started to suffer many unhealthy reactions after eating some of these meals. She desperately wanted to know what was going on and how she could help herself.

“Food allergies and dietary restrictions can be tricky. It’s often confusing what doctors to go to. Everyone’s journeys are different. I started my journey with an allergist. They were able to test and diagnose for actual allergies and helped me navigate my tree nut allergy.

When I was still experiencing digestive issues, I saw a gastroenterologist for my celiac gene testing and my lactose intolerance testing. They specialize in disorders and diseases that affect the digestive system,” says Cappiello.

This long and difficult process of finding out why she was having such negative reactions to certain foods led Cappiello to be her best advocate. She found out she was gluten free, lactose intolerant and allergic to some tree nuts (pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds).

Cappiello started looking for other people in the area who were going through similar issues. As a result, she started blogging about her food allergies and which foods did and didn’t work for her. In a short time, she created a large fol-

lowing of people with food allergies which provided a sense of community for both her and her several thousand followers.

She kept experimenting in the kitchen to find out what foods worked for her and how she could tweak otherwise unhealthy foods into good choices.

Her findings will be published in her new cookbook, «Easy Allergy-Free Cooking» which comes out in early April through Simon and Schuster. She hopes these recipes will allow readers to keep their allergies in check while enjoying such wonderful and yummy creations. Some of the offerings include sugar-free cinnamon bun French toast and one of the author’s personal favorites, a caramelized onion and pear pizza with a white balsamic dressing.

This cookbook caters to people with all kinds of allergies. It allows readers to select from a wide variety of milks, grain substitutes, and meat replacements that will work for them.

According to Cappiello,”gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarians, this book welcomes everyone.”

The Morristown author is hoping her book becomes part of a larger conversation regarding food allergies and how people can overcome them. She wants residents to not give up looking for answers and to stay strong.

“If you suspect you may have a food allergy or a food intolerance, reach out to your primary care doctor or an aller-

gist and they can help you by finding you a specialist. My advice, and so many people told me this along the way, but be your own advocate. You have to speak up and be honest and continue talking to doctors and ask to be tested. Often if you have a food intolerance your symptoms may be written off, misdiagnosed, or just not prioritized. Make sure you ask for the tests and push for the care you want. If a doctor isn’t giving you the tests or the care you want, find another doctor who you connect with who can give you the answers you need.”

Cappiello works full time as a designer for the well-known undergarment company, Tom-

my John, but has always had a passion for writing. While studying the fashion industry at Marist College, she minored in creative writing and loved it. She has not ruled out writing a second cookbook in the near future where she concentrates on one idea such as allergy friendly pizzas.

But for now, according to Cappiello, “I’m hoping people see you can still live a normal, healthy life with whatever allergies or dietary restrictions they have. You don’t need to stop eating the foods you love; you just need to adjust them and I’m here to show them how.”

The book is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

Photo Credit: Jen Costa of Fox and Hare Photography

Morris County NJSFWC Participate in MLK Day of Service

AREA - 55 members, representing nine clubs in the highlands district of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s clubs (NJSFWC), participated in a Martin Luther Jr., Day of Service.

Clubs that participat-

ed included Boonton, Denville-Rockaway, Hopatcong, Long Valley, Madison, Roxbury, Parsippany, and Washington.

109 pre-designed Kits: Dinner-in-a-Bag, HealthyLifestyle-Meal-Kit, Snow-

Each

and College-

all eight

districts in the state participate

Match Your Winter Skin Care Routine with Your Active Lifestyle

Winter weather can pose some unique challenges to your skin, especially if you’re trying to maintain an active workout routine. Exposure to the elements while exercising outdoors can have a harsh impact on the skin. On the other hand, the humidity and constant running of heaters can also wreak havoc if the weather forces you to work out indoors.

“The winter season can be a challenge for those trying to maintain their workout regimens, especially this year when many people are staying closer to home,” said Dr. Jeanine Downie, board-certified dermatologist and Medline Remedy consultant. “An outdoor workout is a great way to get some fresh air and burn calories, but it’s also important to nourish your skin before and after you’ve completed your workout.”

Just like establishing a good winter workout routine, there are some things you can do to keep your skin in shape all winter long. Use sunscreen any time you venture outdoors and dress for whatever elements you may be facing. Be sure to remove wet clothes, which can create friction and skin irritation, immediately after returning inside. Limit the length of hot showers, which can also dry out skin, and use a quality moisturizer, especially after exposure to harsh

weather.

Learn more about winter skin care at remedyderm.com

Long-Lasting Moisture

When you spend time working out outdoors, your body’s natural hydration is more prone to evaporating. That, in turn, can lead to dry skin. Whether you’re battling rough skin or simply want to help keep your skin hydrated, a clinically tested lotion can help maintain the skin’s natural defenses. After spending time outside and every time you wash your hands or bathe, help retain moisture for up to 24 hours with an option like Remedy Dermatology Series Body Lotion, which includes safflower oleosomes for lasting moisturization with natural oils. Its smooth, rich formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft with no greasy or

oily residue.

Enriched Skin Nutrition

Repeated exposure to the winter elements can take a toll, leading to dry, cracked and dehydrated skin. A quality lotion that matches your skin type can help. Formulated by skin care specialists for dry, dehydrated skin, Remedy Dermatology Hand & Body Moisturizing Cream contains soothing antioxidants and vitamins that support skin nutrition. The fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cream goes on rich and thick but still absorbs readily into the skin to help it stay hydrated. The proprietary botanical blend of humectants, manuka honey, natural oil emollients, ceramides and botanical nutrition is also free of 80 of the most common allergens that contribute to skin sensitivity. (Family Features)

in the same Day of Service project. Past day of service projects include Covenant House, Embrella and NJ Veteran’s homes. New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, founded in 1894, has its Headquarters on the Douglass Residential Campus, in New Brunswick. The

college, formerly Douglass College, was established by NJSFWC in 1918. To learn more about NJSFWC and membership in a local club, visit www. NJSFWC.org or call 732-2495474.

For more information regarding the General Federation of

Women’s Clubs, contact www. GFWC.org. Opportunities are provided for women in education, leadership training, and community service projects through participation in local clubs, enabling members “to make a difference in the lives of others, one project at a time”.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

6 Tips to Keep Pets Safe and Warm This Winter

Just as people prepare their homes, cars and families for extreme temperatures and weather events of winter, it’s important to remember pets’ needs this time of year.

As cold weather sets in, Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian at PetSmart, shares these tips to prepare and ensure your pets are warm and happy throughout winter.

Take Caution When Outdoors

When temperatures reach levels of extreme cold, Freeman recommends limiting outdoor walks and monitoring your pet’s behavior for signs of stress or discomfort. Letting your dog outside to use the bathroom or go for a quick walk is OK, but never leave a pet outside for a long period of time, especially during a winter storm.

“Don’t let your dog off its leash after snowfall, as snow

can mask familiar scents,” Freeman said. “This can cause your pet to become disoriented or lost if they get too far away.”

Add Extra Layers

Despite efforts to limit time outdoors, your pet needs to go outside for bathroom breaks and exercise. Pets who are small, short-haired, old or have any health issues or illnesses may be more sensitive to cold weather.

Pet sweaters can help keep your pet warm. If your pet is shivering, that’s a sign they need extra layers. To help trap body heat and protect paws from extreme cold, consider using booties when venturing outside.

Watch out for Hazardous Chemicals

Many people use snow-melting products like deicers, antifreeze and salt, which can cause skin irritation and be fatal if ingested by your pet.

Pet parents should keep an eye on their pets when they’re outside and be mindful of hazards.

After a walk, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws and stomach, Freeman said, especially after walking in areas where these products are frequently used.

Keep Skin Protected

Just like humans, many pets get dry skin during the winter. When your pet needs a bath, try using a pet-friendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your pet’s skin seems extra dry, supplements like fish oil can be added to your pets’ food to help the skin and coat. It’s important to keep an eye on skin health and check with your vet if issues persist as they could be signs of larger problems.

Have an Emergency Plan

“While creating emergency kits in case of a storm or power outage, don’t forget about your

pet’s needs,” Freeman said. “A pet’s kit should include supplies needed to keep them fed, warm and secure during emergency conditions like blizzards or extreme cold. Items like sweaters, insulated vests, paw booties, pet-safe ice melt and a heated bed or pad can help avoid risks associated with freezing temperatures.”

Gather any other care items your pet may require such as medications, puppy pads, waste bags, litter box supplies and calming spray. Freeman also suggests storing a one-week supply of food in a waterproof container along with bottled water and portable bowls as well as a list of feeding routines and behavioral considerations in case others need to care for your pet.

Ensure Identification Information is Current

While winter emergencies may add to the importance, it’s

crucial your pet wears a tag displaying your phone number year-round. Microchip and register your pet with current contact information and tuck a copy of their vaccination and medical records, veterinary

contact information and a current photo in your emergency kit. Find products to help protect your pet this winter at PetSmart.com. (Family Features)

Fighting the Flu: 3 Tips to Protect Your Health

When most people hear about vaccines these days, the first thing that comes to mind is COVID-19. However, vaccines also help prevent other serious illnesses like the flu, especially for those at higher risk.

According to the American Heart Association, people with underlying risk factors like heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes are at high risk of serious flu complications. During the 2018-19 flu season, more than 93% of adults hospitalized for the flu reported at least one underlying medical condition that placed them at high-risk for complications, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Even so, a survey on behalf of the American Heart Associ-

ation found 3 in 5 U.S. adults may delay or skip the flu shot this year, despite warnings from health experts the influenza season could be severe after a mild 2020-21 flu season.

“Unfortunately, the flu is back,” said Donald LloydJones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association.

“We’re seeing cases in communities across the country. If you’ve delayed your flu shot, it’s not too late to get one for the current flu season, which usually lasts until late spring. Getting it as soon as possible offers the most protection for you and your loved ones.”

Knowledge Gap

A lack of information may contribute to decisions to skip or delay the flu shot. The sur-

vey identified a significant knowledge gap, with an overwhelming majority (94%) of adults in the United States incorrectly answering at least one of eight questions about the shot. Younger generations were less informed than their older counterparts, but across all age groups, more than half of U.S. adults answered at least two questions incorrectly.

Despite the knowledge gap, some common misconceptions may be fading. Among all respondents, 73% know you can’t get the flu from the flu shot and 88% know you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot at the same time.

Flu and Heart Health

There is a strong correlation between the flu and cardiovascular diseases like heart

disease and stroke. Among adults hospitalized with flu during recent flu seasons, heart disease was one of the most common chronic conditions. According to the CDC, about half of adults hospitalized with flu have heart disease. In addition, research published in “The New England Journal of Medicine” showed those who are not vaccinated against the flu are six times more likely to have a heart attack within a week of infection.

Preventing the Flu

Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from

the flu this season with these tips from the American Heart Association:

Get your flu shot. Most experts recommend getting your shot early in the season, but it’s not too late to benefit from the protection. The flu shot is available to anyone at least 6 months old. While getting the shot isn’t a guarantee you won’t get the flu, it reduces the chances of contracting a severe case.

Wash germs away. Washing hands frequently and thoroughly helps reduce the spread of germs, including those that

cause viruses like the flu. Also make a point to avoid touching your face, since your nose and mouth are natural entry points for germs. Seek medical attention. If you get sick, seeing a doctor can bring relief and help shorten your illness. If the flu is detected early enough, you may be able to take an oral antiviral treatment that reduces the length and severity of your symptoms.

Learn more about protecting your heart health and preventing the flu at heart.org/flu (Family Features)

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Build Heart-Healthy Behaviors for Preschoolers at Home

A pressing concern like a global pandemic can quickly overshadow other important health challenges facing families. One is the issue of childhood obesity, a problem the slower pace of life brought on by COVID-19 could exacerbate.

Numerous cardiovascular and mental health risks are associated with childhood obesity, and many experts expect to see increases in both mental health challenges and obesity as a result of COVID-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity impacts 40% of children between the ages of 2-5, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes, asthma and depression.

Data from a study published in the “Early Childhood Education Journal” from the American Heart Association shows children diagnosed as overweight between 7-13

years old may develop heart disease as early as age 25. However, preventative steps taken in early childhood can help reduce this risk.

Keeping young children healthy while at home during the pandemic requires extra attention to their nutrition, physical activity and screen time. Programs like the American Heart Association’s Healthy Way to Grow, a national, science-based, early childhood technical assistance program, provide educational resources to help communities, educators and caregivers improve practices and policies for obesity prevention. These tips from the program can help early childhood professionals and caregivers promote best practices into the daily lives of children.

Nutrition

Less than 1% of children have ideal diets, and under 10% have reasonably healthy

diets, according to the American Heart Association. On any given day, 27% of 2- and 3-year-olds don’t eat a vegetable; among those who do, fried potatoes, which are high in fat and lower in nutrients, are most common. In fact, data shows kids eat less nutritious foods up to age 19.

Children should consume a variety of foods daily, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairies, lean vegetable or animal protein and fish. At the same time, kids should minimize trans fats, processed meats, refined carbohydrates and sweetened beverages. Consistently timed meals and pairing new foods with choices they already enjoy are two ways to help form healthier habits. Be aware that healthy choices should apply throughout the day, not only for meals but also snacks and beverages. Eating together as a

family provides an opportunity to model healthy eating and encourage children to try new foods. Also make water available and accessible to children throughout the day.

For infants, feeding provides nutrition for their physical and mental growth. Healthy babies usually double their birth weight between 4-5 months of age. Infants and children with congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure or cyanosis (blueness) tend to gain weight slower. An 8-ounce-1-pound gain in a month may be an acceptable weight gain for a baby with a heart defect.

Physical Activity

Only about 20% of kids perform enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. Whether you’re working with children in a childcare setting or at home, look for ways to incorporate lesson plans that offer learning

Photo courtesy of Getty Images experiences about healthy eating and physical activity, and ensure the daily schedule includes ample active playtime.

The Healthy Way to Grow program recommends all children, including infants, have at least two outdoor active playtimes daily, weather and air quality permitting. Toddlers should engage in 60-90 minutes while 120 minutes of dai-

ly active play is recommended for preschoolers. Half the time should be structured and led by a teacher or caregiver while the remaining playtime should be unstructured and up to the child.

Learn more about protecting the health and wellness of children in your home and community at healthywaytogrow.org. (Family Features)

Notable Moments in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Few individuals in American history have made an impact as sizable as Martin Luther King, Jr. King wore many hats throughout his tragically short life, from minister to activist to scholar, leaving behind a legacy that is worthy of celebration.

Though King was assassinated before he even reached his fortieth birthday, his life was filled with many notable events. Many of those events positively affected, and con-

tinue to affect, the lives of millions of others. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University notes that the following are some of the major events of King’s life.

• January 15, 1929: Now commemorated annually as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (in 2023, the holiday is observed on Monday, January 16), January 15 marks the day King was born in 1929. King was born in Atlanta, where

his father was a pastor at the Ebenezer church.

• September 20, 1944: Despite being only 15 years old, King begins his freshman year at Morehouse College. King was only a high school junior in 1944, but he was admitted to Morehouse, where his father studied for his ministerial degree, after passing the school’s entrance exam.

• August 6, 1946: King’s letter to the editor of The Atlanta Constitution is published. The

Caring for Your Nutrition When Caregiving

Family caregivers of people with illnesses, injuries or disabilities sometimes spend more time thinking about those they care for than themselves.

It’s important to remember that self-care is essential to providing good care to others and must include eating well.

Healthy eating can be especially challenging for caregivers who often have limited time to shop and cook. Fast food, snacks and comfort meals are tempting but usually lack healthy amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

In addition to preventing low energy, muscle loss, illnesses and unplanned weight change, a healthy diet may

help reduce the stress and fatigue that can come with caring for a loved one.

These tips from the Administration for Community Living can help caregivers take steps toward better nutrition without adding to already full to-do lists:

Drink healthy beverages at each meal and 2-3 times between meals. Water, milk, juice (to replace missing fruits and vegetables) or non-sweetened drinks are all better-foryou options.

Get enough protein, a key nutrient that helps build and repair tissues. Consider these ideas for increasing your protein intake: (Family Features)

letter reflects King’s belief that Black Americans are entitled to the same rights and opportunities as White Americans. King’s father later admitted this letter was the first time he and his wife recognized their son’s “developing greatness.”

• February 25, 1948: Following in his father’s footsteps, King is ordained and appointed assistant pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in his hometown of Atlanta.

• June 8, 1948: King earns his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Morehouse College.

• May 6-8, 1951: King graduates from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania. He delivers the valedictory address during the graduation ceremony.

• June 18, 1953: King marries Coretta Scott near the bride’s family home in Marion, Alabama. Coretta Scott King would also become a vocal activist, advocating for peace and gay rights and expressing her opposition to apartheid in the 1980s. She would not remarry after her husband’s assassination.

• June 5, 1955: King ears his doctorate in systematic theology from Boston University.

• December 5, 1955: King becomes president of the Montgomery Improvement Association after the organi-

zation is formed at the Holt Street Baptist Church. MIA is formed in response to the arrest of Rosa Parks five days earlier after she refused to vacate her seat for a white passenger.

• January 27, 1956: A threatening phone call late in the evening inspires King to carry on with his activism.

• January 30, 1956: King’s home is bombed while he is elsewhere delivering a speech. His wife and daughter are not injured in the blast.

• January 10-11, 1957: King is named chairman of what becomes the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which was an organization of southern black ministers working together to combat segregation.

• June 23, 1958: King and other leaders meet with U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Washington, D.C.

• September 17, 1958: Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story is published. It is King’s first book.

• September 20, 1958: King survives a stabbing during a book signing in Harlem, New York. During a surgery after the stabbing, doctors remove a seven-inch letter opener from King’s chest.

• April 16, 1963: King writes his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” in response to criticisms of the Birmingham

Campaign, a collective effort on the part of the SCLC and the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR) to combat segregation in the Alabama city. The letter becomes one of King’s most famous writings.

• August 28, 1963: King delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

• January 3, 1964: King is named “Man of the Year” by Time magazine.

• December 10, 1964: King receives the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway.

• March 17-25, 1965: King helps to lead civil rights marchers from Selma to Montgomery.

• June 7, 1966: King and other leaders resume James Meredith’s “March Against Fear” from Memphis to Jackson, Mississippi. Meredith was unable to continue after he was shot and wounded.

• April 3, 1968: King delivers his final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” as he returns to Memphis to lead a peaceful march of striking sanitation workers.

• April 4, 1968: King is shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. He is buried in Atlanta five days later.

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