Mt Olive January 2022

M t . O l i v e’s H o m e t o w n N e w s p a p e r

MOUNT OLIVE LIFE Vo l . 1 7 • I s s u e 1

Ja n u a r y 2 0 2 2

Member of Mid-Atlantic Community Papers • Association of Community Publichers • Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL (CVC), ST. LOUIS, MO.

School Bus Cameras Making for Safer Roads in Mount Olive

BY GRACE MAGUIRE

Staff writer

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. Unfortunately, each of us can recall a time we have watched a vehicle drive by as a school bus is stopped to tend to children being dropped off and picked up. Every time this happens, a significant risk is being taken by the vehicle driving past. The parents and bus drivers should not have to question the safety of their students when going back and forth from school.

The Mount Olive School District has seen and heard these fears and taken steps to help create change in its community.

Over the past six months, the Mount Olive School District implemented cameras outside four of their school buses. After many bus drivers complained and voiced their

worries about vehicles illegally driving past their buses when taking care of the children, they knew a change needed to be made. Drivers did not have the time to record or write down the license plates. The next option was installing cameras.

“We have cameras all over our school and cameras inside the buses. We should have cameras outside the buses,” Superintendent Robert Zywicki stated about the new bus accessory.

So far, only four buses have cameras installed as a pilot test.

These compact cameras are placed underneath the stop arm and are constantly recording.

If the bus driver sees a vehicle passing illegally while they are stopped, they can simply press a button on their dashboard,

and the camera will get a clear shot of the vehicle and license plate in question. That video is then sent off to the Director of Security for Mount Olive School District, James Carifi.

Just like the rest of the district, Carifi is invested in the well-being of the students and keeping the streets safer, “Motorists are passing stopped school buses everywhere, residential areas and side streets.” Carifi will then petition for a summons for the driver, and soon later, the driver will be asked to appear in court. Since implementing the first four cameras, Mount Olive School District has seen over 120 violations. These violators will get points on their PLEASE SEE SCHOOL BUS, PAGE 6

Photo courtesy of Mount Olive School District

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Mount Olive Remembers Renny Van Dine

For Rosaritas Mexican Grill of Mount Olive, It’s All About Giving Back

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. Alex and Meg Fonseca didn’t just open Rosaritas Mexican Grill in January of 2021.

They, with lots of wonderful help, have also spread giving.

Since the ribbon was cut in front of their eatery, the couple and the community have been donating food to the needy with the Share-a-Meal program.

Meg Fonseca explains. “I heard about the idea actually on Facebook. There’s a pizzeria in Chicago, and there’s a huge homeless population there. So, he (the owner) started doing post-its where anybody can come in and they can grab a slice of pizza. Their walls are filled with them (post-its) - the whole restaurant is filled with them. And I said, ‘You know, when we open the restaurant, I would really like to do that.’”

And they have. In 12 months, the Fonsecas – and those who have purchased a Share-a-Meal for others – have donated over 500 meals. “It doesn’t matter if you are on the street, or if you’re a banker, or if you’re in between,” Fonseca states definitively. “If you need a meal, everybody can come

Share-a-Meal cards ready for the taking. Photos courtesy of Rosaritas Mexican Grill. and sit and have a meal.” And she knows the need from experience. “It’s really important, especially with me and Alex.

We know sometimes what it’s like to not have $1 in your pocket, and I thought it was really important that we have that

sense of family and camaraderie in the community.”

Here’s how the Share-aMeal program works. A donator will select and purchase a $10.66 meal (there are 10 options) either at the eatery or online, and he or she gets a

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postcard to write a nice wish or wording on the card. The card is then hung up on the Rosaritas Mexican Grill wall, ready for takers. If after a certain time a card or a group of them has not been chosen, the Fonsecas will gather them and prepare meals for delivery to Morristown’s Market Street Mission, the Mount Olive Food Pantry, and other spots where there is a need.

Yes, people are being fed, but there’s the more personal side of this for those who get the card and meal. “And then you (the recipient) keep the card,” Fonseca says. “You keep the card and you have that moment of connection between a human and another human.

And I think that’s really important.”

And, if those who have grabbed a Share-a-Meal card at some point and have never used it can’t make it to the restaurant, call Fonseca. She’ll make sure it gets delivered.

“We’re trying to get to those people that really do need these meals and that really just need a warm meal in their belly.”

“It does take a village to work together, to raise our kids, to help each other, and to grow with each other,” Fonseca says.

“That is something that we’ve always talked about, Alex and I. We have this platform - and I know it doesn’t seem like a platform like a celebrity or someone who has millions of dollars, because I don’t. But at the same time, I wanted that sense of community. I want you to feel like you are part of my family when you sit down PLEASE SEE ROSARITAS, PAGE 8

From the Mayor’s Desk ................................................................................................................................... Page 4 Newest Part Time Animal Control Officer for Mt. Olive........................................................................... Page 8 For your health .............................................................................................................................................. Page 10 Sports .............................................................................................................................................................. page 13 A New Year’s Day Story ................................................................................................................................ Page 15 NY Starz .......................................................................................................................................................... Page 16 Message From Council President ................................................................................................................ Page 17 Morris County News..................................................................................................................................... Page 18

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. - The Mount Olive community is coming together to support the Van Dine family after Lorenzo Van Dine, age 6, lost his life in a tragic car accident just days before Christmas. The Van Dine’s have set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses, www.gofund.me/d1858589.

According to the GoFundMe, Renny’s mother Ashley shared the following; “I’m a single mom with not much money to make something beautiful for him to celebrate his loving life. He was loved by many. He played lots of sports. He also was a kind hearted loving boy who wanted to be a cop when he grew up. He just started out wanting to be on Masterchef Junior and always tried to make new things. He was my family’s love and he knew how to make everyone’s day brighter.”

Lorenzo, also known by Renny, was a first grade student at Chester M. Stephens School in Mount Olive. Also a trisport athlete, Renny played football for the Mount Olive Junior Marauders, and was also a wrestler and baseball player. The Junior Marauders organization shared the following on Facebook.

“The Junior Marauders are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of our flag football player Lorenzo ‘Renni’ Van Dine. Renni was a fun loving kid, with the brightest smile and had the biggest personality. In addition to football, Renni was also a Mount Olive baseball and wrestling athlete. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Van Dine family.”

As of this writing, the accident is still under investigation.

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tures might be utilized as the to preserve bone in your jaw, ing implant procedures for 26 have no teeth in one jaw. 90% tient wishes to invest.

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Maintenance of an overden- Implantology / Implant DenThere is a dental implant removable, meaning the teeth from $4,000 to $16,000. There solution known as an “overden- need to be taken out after meals are many variables involved, ture is something else to consid- tistry, a Diplomate of the Inture.” An overdenture is a full to clean, and at bedtime, the and “one size does NOT fit all.” er. The denture will still wear ternational Congress of Oral denture that snaps onto den- teeth should be removed to rest A consultation for YOUR par- out like a regular denture, typi- Implantologists, and a Fellow tal implants that are placed the tissues in the mouth. In ticular situation is something to cally with an average of 7 years. of the American Academy of within the jaw. The implants contrast, there are some implant consider, to get a more accurate The “attachments” or “snaps” Implant Dentistry. He performs that go into the overdenture will all phases of implant dentisteliminate, or significantly re- solutions that are non-remov- estimate.

Regularly $125 Regularly $190-$344. Up toWhy 6 would films. a person select need replacement on a regular ry at his office in Succasunna, duce, problems such as denture able, meaning the teeth do not NJ.- Expires He lectures to dentists in come in-and-out. an 11/30/21 overdenture versus a non-re- schedule,Cannot too: this be is typically movement, pain, frustration,Cannot combined 11/30/21 be combined - Expires the field of implantology. For Temporary dentures are movable option?

Typically 10 months to 2 years. and embarrassment.

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If you have been consider- a free consultation, including The number of implants sometimes required in the pro- finances are the reason. An 3/5/6 3/5/6 placed can vary. Two, three, or cess of making overdentures. overdenture provides a great ing a denture, or are a current a free 3-D scan (if necessary), Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI Reasons include: to allowin the service, as it allows a his person wearer, please his offi ce at (973) four implants are the comDr.most Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials multiple organizations.

Please visit website denture for a complete listing.overdentures Dental implants are not a call recognized dental specialty.

A large percentage of the mon configuration for the lower mouth to heal after extractions; to increase their chewing abil- are one treatment option worth 328-1225 or visit his website U.S. population have full den- jaw, and 4 to 6 implants for the to allow implants to integrate ity, and provide comfort since considering! at www.MorrisCountyDentist. tures: it is estimated 23 million upper. It depends greatly upon with bone for a few months; or the overdenture doesn’t move com Dr. Goldberg is a general have no teeth in both the upper the amount of bone available, to try out a re-designed smile. around as much as a traditional About the author: Dr. Ira dentist, and also a Fellow of the and lower jaws, and 12 million and the amount of money a pa- At times, these temporary den- denture. The implants also help Goldberg has been perform- Academy of General Dentistry.

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Morris County Dental Associates,LLC Experience, Compassion & Quality MOUNT OLIVE TWP. Mount Olive’s Shiloh Moy and Jude Moy spread holiday cheer and kindness via cups of cocoa in December. The two embarked on this journey after Shiloh desperately wanted to do a lemonade stand.

“Shiloh had been wanting to do a lemonade stand for some time. Since we did this

in December, we decided to offer Hot Chocolate to warm everyone up. We asked her what she would do with any money she raised and told us she wanted to donate the money to help children who were sick. In 2016, Shiloh suffered a head injury and spent some time at Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown NJ,

this made a huge impact on her and touched her deeply.”

Job well done by Shiloh Moy (10) and Jude Moy (4). Special thanks to Ashley Farms for letting them set up a booth outside. Thank you Aimee Ashley Myers. Shiloh’s donation link is, https:// w w w. a l e x s l e m o n a d e . o rg / mypage/2772577.

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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.

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Dental implants are not a recognized dental specialty.

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FROM THE MAYOR DESK

Page 4 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

ROBERT GREENBAUM

State of the Township Address 2022

Council President, members of the Town Council, Municipal Employees, friends, relatives, and fellow residents of Mount Olive: I proudly conclude my tenth year as Mayor of this wonderful Township, and twentieth year as an elected official. I once again thank you for the opportunity to report on the 2022 State of the Township of Mount Olive.

It goes without saying that 2021, like 2020, was a difficult year for all of us. We can only hope that things return to normal soon, whatever the new normal may happen to be. I am pleased that no matter the obstacles, Mount Olive Government continues to provide first class services to our residents, while maintaining the momentum in terms of civic improvements that have been the hallmark of my time as Mayor.

As in past years, the most important goal continues to be tax stability. Notwithstanding the pandemic recovery efforts, for the tenth year in a row, we will be introducing a budget that will include no municipal tax increase for the residents, while continuing to improve the level of services that we provide.

In terms of our facilities, over the next couple of years I am looking forward to the development of passive recreation at Valley Brook Park, the Budd Lake Beach Redevelopment project and our most recent open space purchase of 5 Pond View Drive.

Of course, all the accomplishments could not have been achieved without the hard work and support of the Governing Body. We work collaboratively as a team in Mount Olive. Although I may sound like a broken record, I would once again like to thank Joe Nicastro for his leadership in 2021 and look forward to working with him again in 2022. I congratulate Joe on his appointment to another term, I believe an unprecedented 8 consecutive terms as Council President, so many I have lost count. I thank Joe and the rest of the Township Council for their support and guidance.

While I generally get the credit, the successes are equally shared with and earned by the Township Council. So too, I would be remiss by not highlighting the outstanding work and accomplishments of your Department Heads and employees.

Prior to discussing each of the Department’s successes in 2021, I wanted to specifically thank the Health Department for their continued guidance and the extraordinary efforts by our first responders in keeping our community safe as we focus on our pandemic recovery.

Administration The Administration Department continues to coordinate all aspects of local government and is responsible for the day-today operations associated with all municipal activities. Those responsibilities stayed elevated as the primary goal continued to ensure that all essential public services were delivered, Township employees, residents and visitors were kept safe and pandemic recovery efforts were being instituted. Amongst all this, daily challenges of local government were overcome, and progress continued in multiple facets.

As with any large organization, a significant amount of time was spent on human resources, hiring thirty new employees and processing six retirements. The Township Personnel Manual and Handbook were updated as required by our insurance carrier and we negotiated a new contract with the

Mount Olive Township Public Employee Association. As we enter 2022, we will continue to look for dedicated individuals to best serve our Township and provide a work environment that our employees can be proud of.

Legislatively, we supported policies and made changes to our ordinances to reflect the current environment and we will continue to make recommendations as we encounter issues throughout the year. Most notably, several DEP model ordinances were adopted regulating the importation of soil and amending the stormwater management standards to be consistent with the green infrastructure Best Management Practices.

The past year was extremely busy catching up on projects delayed due to the pandemic along with commencing new projects which were budgeted for in 2021. Phase I and II to rehabilitate Continental Drive were completed, a large pavilion was constructed at Turkey Brook Park, the Cobblestone structure was demolished, the Sutton Plaza Water Tank has been painted, the Old Flanders sewer project is now complete, and the football field complex was given a complete upgrade receiving accolades from across the region.

Of most financial and environmental significates, the Combe Fill North landfill solar project is underway, gaining recognition from the State as the 2021 recipient of the Innovation in Governance Award.

This project will provide clean power for over 4,000 homes, create new jobs, re-generate tax revenue moving forward of approximately $50,000 a year and pay back the existing $2.3 million tax lien which removes a thirty (30) year tax burden, along with improving the quality of the environment of our local community.

Long standing problems were also addressed. The water quality of Budd Lake continues to improve as we mitigate HABs and stormwater runoff with the installation of a new eco-island. Furthermore, our shared services continue to deliver as our contracting towns show confidence in our services by renewing their contracts and adding additional services. The Township is the provider of thirteen shared services, generating over $500,000 in gross revenue.

Over $3,000,000 was awarded in grants from Federal, State and County agencies and we will continue to look for additional grant opportunities to help offset our expenditures.

Major projects include the rehabilitation of Continental Drive, the restoration of the Seward House, a purchase of a sanitation truck, implementation of body worn cameras and the disbursement of Federal and State aid for COVID19.

The Administration was also instrumental in raising donations for various events, coordinating programs such as the Table of Hope Food Drive and the DMV satellite site, organizing food pantry donations and continuously being the link between businesses and our local government.

Finance Department The Finance Department, which comprises the finance, collection and assessment divisions increased fund balances in 2021 by continuously providing financially prudent advice and always keeping a keen eye on expenses and revenues.

In the Tax Assessment Division, the Township received over $769,000 in revenue from added assessments. We also

M t . O l i v e’s H o m e t o w n N e w s p a p e r

MOUNT OLIVE LIFE Vo l . 1 7 • I s s u e 1

settled nine County tax board judgments which resulted in no refunds in addition to settling two State Court tax appeals with minimal impact. For 2022, our property values are expected to grow by $25,000,000 or almost 1%. We have the lowest number of pending State tax appeals in comparison to similar Morris County towns and are near the top in added assessments.

In the Collection Division, we were responsible for collecting over $110,000,000 in property taxes, water, and sewer rents. Our tax collection exceeded 99% which we have been able to do since 2014. A successful tax sale also resulted in over $1,000,000 in premiums which will return to the Township in five years pending no lien redemptions.

In the Finance Division, the 2020 audit was completed for the thirteenth year in a row with no audit recommendations, along with no recommendations for the LOSAP, JIF and arbitrage audits. The best practice checklist was completed satisfactorily to obtain our final allotment of state aid and we met our continuing disclosure requirements. All non-vested LOSAP accounts were closed resulting in an additional $26,000 in revenue, banking services have been renegotiated to maximize interest rates and electronic applications have been established for our financial requisitions and time & attendance platforms.

A historical bond sale was conducted for over $4,000,000 that earned a low interest rate of .4% and a premium of $32,000 to be retained by the Township. In addition, reports were prepared using the new FAST online module, a cloud-based solution has been implemented for our financial software, upgrades were made in our purchasing procedures and we assisted in completing the annual census report. Finally, and most notably, we are diligently following up on all the Federal and State reporting requirements related to the American Rescue Plan funding and other COVID relief grant programs.

Police Department The Mount Olive Police Department continues to put forth effort into building and maintaining relationships with the community and providing police services in a manner that provides for a positive impact on quality of life within the Township. This was accomplished by again receiving accreditation through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police for the third reaccreditation since initial certification in 2013. In addition, the Police Department sponsored and participated in several community events such as National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, Bag for Hunger, Safety Day, and Touch a Truck. Their presence during large scale Township activities has also strengthened the relationship between residents and the department.

In the school system, the Police Department continues to collaborate with school administration to enhance safety, security, and training for all school personnel.

Attorney General guidelines were also implemented with the purchase of Body Worn Cameras which was fully funded by a grant which will ensure financing for the next ten (10) years.

In the Communication Center, redundancies have been built in for the safety and continuity of operations along with having our dispatchers highly trained and familiarized with all aspects of Township operations. Residents continue to

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have in-person service 24/7 to address their concerns.

Overall, the Police Department continues to maintain its capability of handling all calls for service, crimes, and investigations as almost 200 arrests have been made, 2,800 motor vehicle stops and 900 citations issued.

Department of Public Works In the Roads Department, another successful year of paving was accomplished by resurfacing over twenty roadways and improving drainage in four areas prone to flooding. NJ Natural Gas also paved an additional forty roads which the residents benefited from.

The Parks, Building and Grounds Department continued to address the original HVAC systems in the municipal building by replacing four units and improvements were made to the splash pad flooring and activity field.

In the Water and Sewer Department, engineering plans continue for the installation of water lines in the Pershing Estates Development and the Carlton Hills water filter media is scheduled to be replaced. A contract has been awarded to rehabilitate the Clover Hill sewer treatment tank and the Department assisted in closing out the Old Flanders Sewer project.

The Sanitation Department continued with another successful town wide large item cleanup and new recycling trucks were delivered which continued the conversion of our one arm bandits.

The Fleet Department continues to handle all maintenance issues for township owned vehicles and held a successful public auction bringing in over $50,000 in revenue.

Recreation Department The Recreation Department was able to rebound nicely from the pandemic, offering many recreational opportunities throughout the year which all revolved around the Township’s 150th Anniversary. Each of the fourteen events reflected the theme “150 years – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. The Township partnered with the business community to sponsor commemorative banners throughout the town and the Mount Olive School District developed a video presentation showcasing performances, interviews, and events. Commemorative items were offered yearlong including posters and books designed by Tim Jacobus and the late Bill Strum.

As the pandemic restrictions eased, thousands of residents participated in events such as the Fairy & Pirate Festival, Remote Control Air & Land, Laser Tag, Carnival Week, the Food Truck Festival, Sesquicentennial Bash and Oktoberfest. Outdoor camps also resumed and were popular all summer long.

Other forward-thinking events were offered such as Geocaching, StoryWalk Trails and a new augmented reality program will be available at Mount Playmore and Flanders Park designed to keep children and parents engaged in healthy and energetic activities.

Moving forward, over nineteen events are planned for 2022 with the addition of a Township wide block party, cultural events, and E-sports programing. Mount Olive Recreation continues to provide safe and fun opportunities for our communities physical, emotional and social well- being.

Health Department Like all Health Departments across the County, ours continued to focus much of its efforts this past year again toward

fighting the COVID19 pandemic. This includes investigating and helping to control outbreaks at long term care facilities, group living facilities, our public schools, daycare centers and local businesses. To help sustain these efforts, the Department continued to leverage existing resources and was awarded over $300,000 from the NJ Department of Health in part to hire two full-time COIVD19 Specialists and additional nurses to vaccinate residents.

Despite the obstacles, the Senior Transportation Program continued to serve residents allowing them the ability to get to their much-needed medical appointments and providing for social events throughout the year. Over 2,100 trips were taken, and 2,400 meals delivered.

In addition, health clinics and child health exams resumed.

IT Department The IT Department continues to provide security updates to the technology infrastructure throughout the Township. The existing surveillance camera system at Turkey Brook Park has been upgraded along with securing 130 mobile devices protecting township-sensitive information while in the field.

In addition, the IT Department proactively monitors firewall, VPN, Web Filter, and Anti-viruses for incoming and outgoing vulnerabilities and threats.

Security awareness is continuously expanded by providing interactive training, educational courses and email security guidelines to all employees by simulating phishing cyberattacks throughout the year. All policies and procedures are adhered to under the guidance of the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund’s Cyber Risk Management Program.

Planning Department The Planning Department is responsible for assisting the Planning Board with all development applications, enforcing the Township’s zoning and property maintenance regulations, and ensuring that Mount Olive’s Master Plan and affordable housing efforts stay current. To this end, twenty-three Planning and Zoning Board applications were processed and reviewed by the Township Planner.

New development approvals included an amended site plan for the solar array facility now under construction on the former Combe Fill North landfill and a 90,000 sq. ft. production facility for Fratelli Beretta, their third building in Mount Olive.

The Township Planner, together with the Township’s Engineer and Environmental Consultant, continue to work with the design professionals for the new residential community in the FTZ district to ensure consistency with the objectives set forth in the General Development Plan regulations. This development will include 138 affordable units to be credited towards Mount Olive’s obligation.

The Township Planner has also been working with Habitat for Humanity to draft a plan for the redevelopment of the former Cobblestone nursing home site.

These units will also help address the Township’s affordable housing obligation.

The Planner, in his role as Municipal Housing Liaison, responded to inquiries and coordinated efforts between the developer of Mountain Ridge Estates and the Township’s affordable housing consultant to assist in the application process for the 54 affordable units, of which half are now built and occupied.

Construction on the remaining

buildings is in progress.

In his capacity as Zoning Officer the Township Planner issued 75 property maintenance and zoning violation notices.

All but eight were resolved before issuance of a summons. In addition, over 340 zoning permits have been issued and 24 vacant and abandoned properties have been registered.

Construction Department During the past year, the Construction Department has collected over $1,300,000, issuing over two thousand construction permits and over sixteen hundred certificates of occupancy.

The Department conducted over seven thousand inspections and will continue to bring the best possible service to the residents, business owners and contractors of Mount Olive.

Fire Prevention The Fire Marshal’s Office enforces fire safety regulations to every commercial building and business in the Township, along with providing shared services to Chester Borough, Hackettstown and Allamuchy.

Over nineteen hundred commercial businesses were overseen by completing four thousand annual inspections. The Fire Marshal’s Office also provides 24/7 emergency response, attended to twenty-six callouts and investigated thirty-one fires. A new Deputy Fire Marshal position has also been created to best serve and protect the community.

Library The library took several steps towards normalcy by re-opening in March which gave patrons access to book clubs, computer, and study rooms, outside story times and an assortment of other socially distanced programs. Approximately 40,000 people visited the library and checked out close to 130,000 total items, which almost matches pre-covid numbers. In addition, the Friends of the Library are back in action, holding book sales to help fund programming and museum passes.

Due to the pandemic, the library was able to pivot by introducing and expanding digital services to the patrons. This access will only increase in 2022 with additional apps and databases. Next year, library card holders will receive FREE access to thousands of eAudio & eBooks, digital magazine titles, movie streaming service, consumer reports, language courses and lots more.

Conclusion This is only a snapshot of the many achievements and accomplishments our Township Departments and employees have achieved this past year. I will continue to strive to make Mount Olive Township the best place to live, work and raise a family. I consider every member of the community a family member. The pride that you have shown me, the dedication for our community and the support that we have for one another is overwhelming.

I know there are still many things upon which we need to improve, and I promise to do my best to accomplish and make as my priority in the New Year. I look forward to and ask for the resident’s support for many years to come. In closing, I would like to thank the Township Council, our Business Administrator and all our Department Heads and Municipal Employees for a job well done in 2021. May the New Year bring you good health, happiness, and prosperity.

With Gratitude and Appreciation, Rob Greenbaum Mayor, Mount Olive Township

★ Publishers: Joe Nicastro & Mary Lalama ★ Graphics: Mary Lalama, Terri Armswood ★ Editor: Megan Roche

Member of Mid-Atlantic Community Papers • Association of Community Publichers • Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL (CVC), ST. LOUIS, MO.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Page 5

Mount Olive Youngsters Embrace Kindness

BY MEGAN ROCHE EDITOR

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. Mount Olive is getting a little kinder these days, thanks to the help of ten year olds, Madison Shaffer and Sofia Huff.

Shaffer and Huff, both in the fifth grade at Mountain View Elementary School, hosted a food and animal item drive the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

In total, the girls collected between 50 to 60 pounds of food.

They even got special donations from some of their teachers and their guidance counselor.

“Their spirit to spread kindness is contagious to people of all ages! I believe that Madison and Sofia will touch many lives and do incredible things in their future. I read that there is a correlation between kindness and happiness- Sofia and Madison prove that everyday. I’m thankful I know them and they make me smile everyday,” Margaret Maute, the girls fifth grade teacher, shared.

Inspired by the Kindness Club at their school, Shaffer

and Huff both felt the need to give back. However, the girls have not just aimed their focus on the holiday season. The two have big plans to continue their efforts well into 2022 and beyond.

“We want to make others feel good. We want to share things with people, help people, and just overall make them feel good,” Huff shared.

Shaffer feels the same way.

“I just like to see people smile and when I see them

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smile, it just makes me really happy. That smile lets me know that I’ve been kind and they are happy about what I did.” Shaffer says.

According to the girls guidance counselor, Kathryn Devins, Shaffer and Huff work hard each day to spread kindness to all who cross their paths.

In addition to being Kindness Ambassadors, the girls also serve on the Safety Patrol.

“Madison and Sofia not only help our students stay safe during arrival and dismissal working their assigned duties, but they also spread positivity in their roles as Kindness Ambassadors. I am blown away by their efforts to host a food and pet drive on their own time, and spearhead writing and delivering holiday cards to one of our local senior living communities, Paragon Village. I’m super excited to see what we can accomplish together to continue spreading kindness and giving back to Mount Olive. Having the opportunity to work with kids like Sofia and Maddie makes my role as their counselor so very rewarding,” Devins said.

During their drive over Thanksgiving weekend, the girls set up a table and donation location at one of their homes.

They braved the cold weather and stood outside all day and patiently waited for donations to come in.

“We really wanted to help others. We wanted to give back to people and just be kind. Our Kindness Club really inspired us. It just makes us happy that we’re making a difference in our community,” Shaffer said.

The two are excited to continue their efforts beyond the holiday season, aiming their efforts toward Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“We want to continue helping nursing homes, but we also want to do a lemonade stand in the warmer weather for Saint Jude’s. It’s not just about giving back at the holidays; I want to do this with Madison all year round,” Huff said.

In addition to their fundraiser for Saint Jude’s, the girls would also like to host another food drive, as well as a baby needs drive. Both the girls mothers, Dee Shaffer and Kelly Huff, couldn’t be more proud to

watch their girls give back.

“We’re proud to know that these girls can put others before themselves. Teaching empathy is a hard thing to do these days, where some kids have it naturally. We want them to know that you should put yourselves in other peoples shoes and appreciate what you have. Just watching them organize this and get inspired by the kindness club, I’m super proud of both of them,” Dee Shaffer said.

Being two ten year olds, Sofia and Madison are encouraging kids their own ages to get out into the community and help others.

“Always be kind and no matter if a person or animal looks different, you need to help them. We hope to inspire other kids to give back and do good things in their own communities. We want other kids to do it too because if we get more kids to do things like this, we can help more people all around the community.”

To keep up with upcoming drives, follow Madison and Sofia on Instagram at @give_ back_girls.

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Mount Olive’s New Acquisition Holds Much History

Page 6 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

BY MEGAN ROCHE EDITOR

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. The property at 5 Pondview Lane in Flanders is now in the process of being turned into another passive recreation spot in Mount Olive.

“5 Pondview Lane was an abandoned house which we were monitoring for the past year over property maintenance issues when we decided that it would be a great piece of property for the Township to acquire and add to our park system. Its 25 acres offers passive recreational, conservation and historic preservation opportunities. It is locally known as The Tarn, also as the Bartley Foundry/Mill,” Andrew Tatarenko, Mount Olive Business Administrator, said.

The Tarn or Bartley Foundry/Mill, has quite a history.

The Bartley Turbine was born at the William Bartley and Sons Foundry and Machine Shop. Turbines began coming about in the late 19th century to replace waterwheels. Turbines were considered to be less susceptible to freezing temperatures and more easily

maintained.

Mayor Rob Greenbaum finds the addition to be a great one for many reasons.

“The hope is that we can restore the outside of the property initially for passive recreation. We also thought that we can find people interested in horticulture to create a gardening club there, similar to what they’ve done at the Highline in New York City,” Greenbaum says.

According to the Morris County Heritage Commission, “Bartleyville” was established in 1861 when the foundry was opened for business. The access to the south branch of the Raritan River and the High Bridge branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey gave great access to wider markets.

At the foundry, not only were turbines built, but also bridges, farm machinery and steam engines. The machine shop helped to supply items to local farms and mines. By the year 1887, Bartleyville and the Foundry were so popular, they were shipping an average

of 30 tons of feed and flour a week.

There is even a Morris County historical marker on Bartley Road that makes note of the once thriving foundry area.

According to Tatarenko, plans for the property include the use of the outdoor space as another open area for residents to enjoy. As far as indoor space, that is still up for discussion.

“The indoor space is still being developed but it would most likely be used as a small rental space or meeting area.

Next year, we will hire an architect and start to develop plans for the renovations along with doing the exterior maintenance in house (tree-removal, access road/parking, and landscape clean up” Tatarenko shared.

Overall, the township is excited to get to work on the property.

“We were very fortunate to have been able to purchase this land and make it available to all residents to

Cub Scout Pack 156 Donates Toys

enjoy in the near future. The home was built around 1830 with some great characteristics as well as the property having

a large pond with a walkway all around it. The 25 acres are beautiful and I look forward to seeing the home fixed up and

become a useful property for all to enjoy,” Council President Joe Nicastro said.

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School Bus FROM FRONT PAGE

license and a $300 fine.

Superintendent Robert Zywicki and the rest of the Mount Olive School District plan to equip the rest of the 72 buses with cameras by January 2022.

“We want the message to be if you pass a school bus, you could kill a kid, number one, and number two, don’t do it because we are constantly watching,” Zywicki proclaimed. The path to getting these cameras in place was not a difficult one.

The Board of Education fully

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backed the idea of the District, and the parents of the students were ecstatic about the new safety measure. When asked if any interactions with parents stood out, Superintendent Zywicki could proudly say, “Other than resounding applause?”

As more cameras are being put on school buses in the upcoming months, hopefully, the number of reckless drivers will decrease, and the number of safe children will increase.

While placing cameras on the outside of school buses is a

relatively new concept, Zywicki stated, “It would be great if every district did this.” Adding an extra measure of security to buses only keeps the children and drivers safer and creates a situation where the driver of the vehicle is held accountable.

With all the excitement from the Mount Olive School District, Superintendent Robert Zywicki, and all the parents, cameras outside buses may become the new normal in the upcoming years.

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Mount Olive Superintendent Dr. Robert Zywicki Discusses the School District’s 2021 Year

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Page 7

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. When Mount Olive Life recently discussed the Mount Olive School District’s (MOTSD) 2021 year with Dr. Robert R. Zywicki, both pride and gratitude emanated from the threeyear Superintendent of Schools, and it all hovers around the word “commitment.”

“It’s a constant commitment on the part of the teachers to the kids,” Dr. Zywicki says. “Our teachers, do whatever it takes to meet the needs of our kids. And the next level can be found in the Board (of Education), and it’s still this commitment of innovation, constantly moving forward, of constantly improving.

Then there’s the parents; they’re so into the school district. The school district is in so many ways the identity of the commu-

nity. So I think that that constant commitment, and that you have all of those oars in the water, really set the district apart. And, bolstered by all of that, our kids - because there’s such a commitment wrapping around them, and you know they say it takes a village - take advantage of this and compete and connect at the highest levels.”

The MOTSD, due to the pandemic, remained in January 2021 on the hybrid, cohort schedule begun in September 2020. “But in March,” Dr. Zywicki says, “we got everyone back in school. Basically, anyone who wanted to be in school could come to school at the same time starting in March. So we were really happy about that, and were really proud about that team effort to be able to do

2022 Thin It to Win It Challenge

that. And continuing with that, after all the sports (seasons), we hosted the Tournament of Champions for lacrosse, and the regional wrestling tournament.

We also had our spring musical production (Bright Star), and that was a success.” When the MOTSD school year ended, it welcomed its largest summer programs ever, which were primarily intervention programs, and its valuable summer ESY (Extended School Year) program was the biggest ever.

As the 2021-22 school year began, all was going successfully, until a spike in COVID cases after Thanksgiving forced the district to slip back into pandemic operations. However, it removes none of the luster and pride that invigorates the fine school district.

“I would say the other thing with the pandemic that I am super proud of is, since I first got here, we got our ‘Response to Intervention’ program up and running,” Dr. Zywicki says.

“I think the thing that we have done best is that we have been providing intervention to our kids continuously throughout the pandemic. We were proactive and used all of our universal screening mechanisms and had RtI going every day, full time from March of 2020 through the summer of 2020, straight through last year, straight through the summer 2021. I’m really proud of all the teachers and all the work we did there.”

When it comes to advancing equity, Dr. Zywicki is extremely proud of the “Marauders Believe” program, which helps students with academic and developmental disabilities prepare for independence and adult life. “I think that’s a huge component,” he says. “I’m very proud that since I got here, we brought a Special Ed inclusion from K to 5, and we’ve gone

Photos courtesy of Dr. Robert R. Zywicki.

full day kindergarten.” Also, the AP (Advanced Placement) incentive program, which the Mount Olive Board of Education approved in January 2020, numbered over 800 AP exams in 2021.

And then there’s the accolades and the recognition that the district has received. “We were once again ranked in the top 50 by niche.com, and our schools were ranked in the top 10% by US News and World Report,” Dr. Zywicki proudly states. Also, all six MOTSD schools were awarded a Digital School Star and earned bronze certification from Sustainable Jersey. “We’re one of only three districts in the state to have all

of our schools certified, so that’s a big point of pride and shows you the commitment of our teachers and our administrators to continue innovating and adopting best practices, even with the pandemic swirling around us,” Dr. Zywicki says.

Mount Olive is also committed to having awesome facilities. Phase one of the renovation of Chester M. Stephens School took place this summer, and ground was broken on a new multisport field at the site of the old baseball diamond. Soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and baseball will be played at the new field. “As you know,” Dr. Zywicki says, “this is a community that really supports athletics as

well as the arts.”

As for 2022, Dr. Zywicki envisions the same stellar performance from the MOTSD, and even more progress. “’Response to Intervention’ is not going away,” he says. “We’re going to keep going with that.

And I think for next year, there’s going to be more facility improvements when they complete the field project. We’re doing the second stage of the renovation of Chester M. Stephens School, and we actually implemented the statewide computer science curriculum a year early before we were required to do so. So, you’re going to see a lot more robust curriculum activities from the computer science area.”

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Long Valley Resident is Newest Part Time Animal Control Officer for Mt. Olive

Page 8 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

BY GARY SIMEONE STAFF WRITER MOUNT OLIVE TWP. -It is her love of animals that brought Long Valley resident, Cindy Zeller, to her new position as a part-time Animal Control Officer in Mount Olive Township. In her new position, she will be on call during the week and weekends to answer animal related calls after normal Township business hours.

“I have been informed by my superiors that the majority of the afterhours calls I’ll be receiving will be wildlife related, with other calls including but not limited to dogs and other animals running at large,” said Zeller, a West Morris Central High School graduate.

Zeller said that working with animals has been a calling of sorts and that she has always been drawn to animals in many aspects of her life. “ I always find myself seizing any opportunity that arises where I am able to interact with animals. I have worked

Obituary

extensively with horses and have experience with many different breeds and equine disciplines. In the past few years, I have spent time as a dedicated hands-on volunteer at several different wildlife refuges including Antler Ridge in Newton, Woodlands wildlife Refuge in Pittstown, and most recently The Last Resort Wildlife Refuge where I am presently still volunteering.”

She added that she has had many adventures with the natural world, including swimming with stingrays and with beluga whales. She also has “hung out” with wolves, wolf-hybrids, tigers, monkeys, and even rescued a large angry seagull with her husband while on vacation.

Currently she is rehabilitating a small amount of wildlife in her home under the permit and supervision of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Zeller said that her most

favorite thing about being an animal control officer is being able to help animals and people in distress.

“I truly enjoy being that person that someone can call to help them when they find an animal that needs help or to be rescued,” said Zeller. “I love being able to rescue an animal in distress whether it›s a domestic or wild situation, and get it the help and assistance it needs to heal.”

She says that her least favorite thing about her new position is seeing animals being abused by their owners or caretakers.

“Cruelty cases are very difficult, but I try to concentrate on helping the animal and sometimes the people who are involved. I hate seeing animals in pain and suffering. Sometimes they don’t understand you are trying to help them but I do my best to try and not cause any more pain, fear, or

discomfort to them while trying to help. I don’t think any of us like to see the suffering, whether its animals or human beings. To be able to rescue animals in distress and get them the help they need, and see them released back into the wild is an amazing feeling.”

As far as interesting or weird occurrences that happened to her while she was out in the field, Zeller said that there have been a few memorable ones.

One that stands out most in her mind was a badly burned abandoned building where rescuers found a community of bats that were in bad condition.

“When the fire department arrived on scene and began fighting the fire, there were bats flying out of this building in mass amounts. Many of the bats were very badly burned and did not survive. After carefully combing around the building and fire scene, I managed to find six bats that

Nicole Marie Barbato Connolly

Morris Plains - Nicole Barbato Connolly, a beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, friend, and teacher, passed away on Saturday, December 4, following a hardfought battle with cancer. Nicole passed in her home in Morris Plains, surrounded by people that loved her dearly. Nicole was born at Dover General Hospital on December 29, 1980, and grew up in Mt. Olive Township, New Jersey.

A brilliant and gifted student, Nicole was 13th in her class at Mt. Olive High School, and received a scholarship to Rutgers University. She studied History at Rutgers, graduated with Honors in 2003, and was inducted into Phi Betta Kappa.

Nicole also earned a Master’s degree in education from Rutgers in 2004, and was a teacher for 17 years, 15 of which were spent at Roxbury High School in Succasunna. A marvelous,

passionate, and dedicated educator, Nicole touched the lives of thousands of students, parents and colleagues, as a classroom teacher, club and class advisor, and union leader. She was adored by the Roxbury community. In July of 2019, Nicole married the love of her life, James Connolly, another History teacher at Roxbury High School. They went on countless adventures together, traveling across North America and Europe, tasting as much of life as they could. In the Spring of 2021, they fulfilled a lifelong dream when they purchased their home in Morris Plains, a community of which Nicole was deeply proud. Nicole was kind, generous, passionate, fun, brilliant, and beautiful.

She loved history, romance, music, dancing, laughing, fashion, food, travel, friendship, and cats. She was also a giver, volunteering at and donat-

ing to numerous charities and non-profit organizations. Nicole was a person who always selflessly put others before herself. She enriched the lives of everyone around her, and made the world a better place, through her smile, warmth, and compassion. Nicole will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her. Nicole is survived by her husband James Connolly, mother Joanne Barbato, twin brother Stephen Barbato, sister Laura Barbato, step-mother Natalie Sylvester, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many devoted friends. A viewing was held at Dangler Funeral Home in Morris Plains on Friday, December 10, from 4-8 PM. On Saturday, December 11, at 9:30 AM, a funeral mass was held at St. Virgil’s Church, Morris Plains. The funeral mass was followed by burial at Stanhope Union Cemetery in Mt. Olive

FROM FRONT PAGE

Fonseca’s goal is to grow the program at Rosaritas. “My goal with the program is to get it so well known, have so many people donating, that every month I can feed at least 100 people – and that’s just the least. I would love to feed 200 people, and that’s just a month.

And then in the future, maybe every week.”

“Come in,” Fonseca says.

“I’ll give you a hug. I’ll give you a meal. We’ll talk, I’ll get to know you. My family is your family now.”

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at my table, and I want you to feel like you have a place to go if you need a place to go.

Whether it’s because you are homeless, because you have special needs, because you are part of the LGBTQ community and you don’t feel safe somewhere or any of those things, I think that Share-a-Meal has hit a lot of those points.”

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Township at 11:15 AM. You may make a donation in Nicole’s name to a cancer charity of your choice, such as the National Cancer Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or the Cancer Research Institute.

were still alive and was able to transport them to a bat rehabilitator, where they could get the emergency care and rehab they desperately needed. I found out later those five of the six bats had survived and were successfully able to be rehabbed and released. back into the wild.”

Another story revolved around a mother deer and her baby fawn that was caught underneath a car.

“I got a call late one night from a friend who lives on a very busy road. She reported to have seen a deer run across the road by her house and then a tiny baby fawn stumbling behind her shortly afterwards.

She told me the baby had trouble keeping up with the mom and skidded across the road. The fawn became separated and was caught under a car in a nearby driveway. I was able to crawl under the car and free the baby fawn with the goal in mind of reuniting it with its momma. Unfortunately, I was unable to safely do so but the baby was eventually freed and taken to a wildlife refuge where she was successfully rehabbed and eventually released back to the wild.”

One of her favorite stories is centered around two kittens

who were found in very rough shape inside of a horse stall in a barn.

“I was working at a horse farm several years ago and there were multiple barns and buildings on the property. One day while working in one of the smaller barns, two tiny kittens were discovered by the gentlemen cleaning the stalls.

He showed them to me and I figured that the mom may have been scared off.”

She said the next day when she arrived at the farm, the first thing she did was go check on the kittens.

“I was sad to find they were not there. The gentleman who found them said they moved them to one of the hay bales so they could work in the area.

I found them cold and hungry with their eyes still closed and bits of the umbilical cord still attached. I ended up taking them home and did my best to warm them up and get them to eat something. I did not expect them to survive as they were so tiny and in rough shape. For the first few days it was pretty much touch and go. I was happy when I began to see them thriving. Watching them grow and turning into happy active kittens was truly amazing.”

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Page 9

Jenna Murphy , Michele Doucette, Pastor Alan Pirrello Budd Lake Chapel and Derrick Webb. Photo taken by

Claudia Tomasello.

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. - On Tuesday, December 7, 2021, Pastor Alan Pirrello of

Budd Lake Chapel donated gift cards to the Health Department. Together with his

members of Budd Lake Chapel, they have been able to donate for the past decade.

Boy Scouts Spread Cheer Through Song

From the Chamber President MOUNT OLIVE TWP. Happy Holidays and New Year to all our Mount Olive Area Chamber Members.

Today I’m sitting back and reflecting on 2021 and as we enter the short time between Christmas and New Year’s.

What comes to mind first is what an exciting year 2021 has been for reuniting the Chamber.

Exciting in that we are back to full face to face meetings.

While Zoom made contact and communication possible, seeing each other and engaging in meaningful one to one dialog is so critical to our success and well-being. Through the process I’ve met some amazing people and learned a lot about their businesses. Many new members are stepping up and wanting to get involved in the Chamber which to me is a big success of everyone’s efforts. At the core it means we are attracting the members who want to be engaged, not just a member checking a participation box.

So, thank you for your support of, investment in, and involvement with the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce.

We have a great Board watching over the Chamber.

Each engaged to ensure the continued success and growth of the Chamber. While my personal health issues didn’t always cooperate this year, I’m proud of the Board for stepping up and making sure member events and activities continued. In the end, the board continues to prove that the success of the Chamber is due to the efforts of many engaged members, not one.

The Board remains focused to deliver impactful member events in 2022. Our Business Builder and Marketing in the Morning events will continue to be the platform we build upon.

The strategy of holding events

on the second Tuesday and third Wednesday of the month has proven successful in engaging membership at regular, and consistent dates. Business builders will take on some new expanded event types this year. Based the success of the 2021 Business Builders series, expect to see some new formats incorporated, including the Multi-Chamber BBQ and Round Table discussions.

Our Marketing in the Morning continues to remain our flagship networking event where membership remains in contact with other chamber members to present their business and look for strategic alliances and opportunities. Membership attendance is always strong at this event and if you are a new member and have not attended one, let’s get you at one early this year.

2022 is right around the corner. The board is committed to continue the focus on member engagement and connecting to our community. This year we began a direct mail marketing campaign which brings a strong focus on the Chamber within the broader business community. There remain so many businesses in our area that are not engaged in the Chamber. It will take our unified support to talk to and encourage them to at least come to an event and see what we are all about.

Our board will look a bit different in 2022. We welcome to the board Bill Ritacco, Manager of the Hackettstown Staples, elected by membership into a Trustee position. Bill has been an active Member both in the Chamber as well as heavily involved in community events and donations. I’m excited to see his energy brought to the board.

I’m sad to say goodbye to

vMt. Olive Life, Mt. Olive’s Own Community Newspaper, wants to hear from you. Have something to complain about?

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you want to give a shout out too? Send us your letters to the editor, birth, wedding, engagement anniversary announcements, obituary, or any news

two board members who have been active in the Chamber and we’re critical in its development. Trustee Glenn Ehrgott owner of Performance Trailer here in Mount Olive and Harry Browne of One Legacy Financial Group and Captain, Master 25 ton at Hey Pal Fishing LLC. Glenn in his role as Trustee supported many successful Chamber Events. Harry is a past President of the Chamber who in the more recent years took on the Trustee role to support the Chambers efforts in the area of Membership. While neither have plans to leave the Chamber, both are stepping down from the board to focus on their growing business demands. I thank you both for your years of service to the Chamber.

As I wrap up, 2022 is shaping up to be a great year for the Chamber. I am thankful for all the member support we receive, for the commitment of our Board members, and to you for being members of the Chamber.

Our strength is always in our membership. Our future is a result of our membership. Our focus is on our membership.

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous holiday season and New Year!

Sincerely, Chuck Aaron, President – Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce, Owner – Jersey Girl Brewing

Accepting Letters to the Editor

Silvio D’Amico, Antonio Sanchez, Kieran Abramson, Caden Abramson, Jayden Samuel and Alonzo Moliner sure know how to spread holiday cheer. The boys from Pack 62 went to Paragon Village on December 11 to sing Christmas carols to the residents.

ideas you might have. Simply go to www.mtolovelife.com fill out the appropriate form.

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FOR YOUR HEALTH

Page 10 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

2022

How You Can Take a New Approach to Wellness This New Year’s

If you’re seeking ways to boost your well-being for the new year, consider taking a holistic approach. Don’t focus on one specific habit to conquer, but instead look at supporting the different systems within you - like your respiratory, immune, digestive and cardiovascular systems. A holistic approach focuses on those interconnected systems, not just aiming for a specific number on the scale.

Registered dietitian nutritionist and certified yoga teacher Keri Gans, author of “The Small Change Diet” and an EpiCor¬Æ ambassador, offers tips to help you view wellness in a whole new way.

“Find routines and practices that support your entire body,” advised Gans. “Think about how the exercises you choose, the habits you adopt or dietary choices you make support your well-being as a whole.”

Here are three tips from Gans that can help revamp your wellness routine this year to focus on your whole self: 1. Move more and breathe When you’re stressed, you take shallower breaths, which can reduce your oxygen intake.

Deep breathing helps you take in more oxygen, which travels throughout your body and gives you more energy. According to Healthline.com, deep breathing can help relieve stress while supporting a number of your body’s systems. * Take “breathing breaks”

daily, closing your eyes and taking a few slow breaths. * Practice guided meditation or mindfulness techniques using breathing. Try a meditation app to help you learn easy techniques. * Move more, daily. Steady walking or cycling promotes deeper breathing, as does more rigorous exercise. Aim for at least a half hour of moderate physical activity most days to get your heart pumping and oxygen circulating throughout your body. Regular physical activity also helps to reduce stress. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program.

“Daily deep breathing and moving more helps you feel better, and has other positive benefits for your whole body, like potentially lowering your blood pressure,” said Gans.

2. Support your gut health Gut health is vital for keeping your digestive system working as it should - and also supporting your immune system.

“The majority of immune cells originate from the gut, so your gut health influences your entire immune system,” explained Gans.

Some foods can make a big difference when it comes to having a healthy gut microbiome, specifically fermented foods.

“Fermented foods offer cultures - which are beneficial to live bacteria or microorganisms - plus metabolites and

compounds that are produced by those cultures during the fermentation process,” explained Gans. “These metabolites are part of the foundation for a healthy gut microbiome.”

These fermented foods help support your gut health: Sourdough bread, Yogurt, Kombucha, Kefir, and Sauerkraut.

“If you can’t include many of these foods in your diet, or you don’t like their taste, you can benefit your gut health by taking a supplement containing postbiotics, which have beneficial metabolites and compounds shown through research to support your health,” says Gans.

For example, look for supplements containing the #1 postbiotic brand, EpiCor®, which is a first-of-its-kind whole food ingredient that taps the natural power of fermentation to help positively modulate the gut microbiome.

“You can think of EpiCor Postbiotic as a multivitamin for your immune system, which helps take care of your health every day,” said Gans. “Clinical studies have shown that it can help support your immune system for coping with everyday challenges.”

EpiCor postbiotic is found in a number of vitamin and supplement products, such as Healthy Origins EpiCor. For other products using EpiCor postbiotics, visit EpiCorImmune.com.

3. Improve the quality of

your sleep According to WebMD, deep, restorative sleep is crucial for resetting all of your body’s vital systems, from your brain to your immune system and more.

To get more restorative sleep: * Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet

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ments in how you feel sooner than you think, which inspires you to do more.”

Taking positive actions toward better health doesn’t need to be just a New Year’s activity. Taking time to care for your whole self throughout the year will pay dividends, all year long. (BPT)

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Page 11

2022

Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired?

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. - 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 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 in-

dividual 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

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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.

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I Remember Dad: The Ghost of the White-Tailed Pony

Page 12 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

BY RICHARD MABEY JR. GUEST WRITER

I have been all so reluctant to write about this little chapter of my dad’s life. Well, not so much just of my dad’s life, but of a legend, a most haunting and eerie legacy of the Mabey family. As most of you know, my dad was born and raised in the home that his father built at the end of Mabey Lane. There was once a large, open meadow lying between the home at the end of Mabey Lane and the old Mabey Homestead facing Route 202. My grandfather crowned this beautiful open field as “Earl’s Meadow.” For it was the very land upon which Grandpa’s brother, Earl Mabey, was planning on building a home upon, when he came home from fighting in World War I. Sadly, Great Uncle Earl was killed in action in France.

Growing up in Lincoln Park, my dad and his brothers had a most wonderful blessing in their childhood. They owned a pony! How the pony came to be the prideful property of my dad and his brothers had many legacies to it. My grandfather often told the story that his eldest son, Bud, had won the pony in a poker game. My cousins and I would sit at Grandpa’s feet, as he would tell this story, complete with animation and dramatic voice flexion. This story would always infuriate my grandmother because she was dead set against gambling.

Then there was a legendary story that Grandpa simply bought the pony from one his cousins who lived along the Mabey Lane in Towaco. Still another, more haunting and eerie family legacy, is that one day the pony simply walked out

from the woods at the end of Mabey Lane and took a strong liking to my dad and his brothers. Everything in my heart and soul tells me that the story that Grandpa simply purchased the pony from one of his cousins, is the core truth.

Here is where the story takes on a most eerie and haunting twist. My great grandmother, Dora Mabey, owned and managed a little ice cream parlor at the corner of Route 202 and Mabey Lane. In 1959, Dad added on a few rooms to the old ice cream parlor, and it became the home of his brother Dave and wife Sue, and their two children, young Dave, and Kathy.

Sadly, the “Little House” as everyone called it, no longer stands.

Great Grandma Dora would often fondly talk about the white-tailed pony. I remember as a young child, sitting on the front porch of the old Mabey Homestead, with my sister and my cousins. My great grandmother would tell us about the white-tailed pony. How she simply loved that little pony and how it would walk up Mabey Lane, on its own, two or three times a day to get the gift of a carrot from her.

Sadly, the pony passed away in 1944. My grandmother, Bertha Storms Mabey, often said that the pony simply died of a broken heart. That it missed my dad and his brother, Edward, so very much while they were away, serving their country during World War II. Grandpa simply accounted for the precious pony’s passing to old age.

For nobody really knew how old the pony really was.

The grand Legacy Castle on Route 23 in Pompton Plains has been the selected venue, fitting to celebrate the club’s 50 years of supporting Morris County first responders from Fire, local Police, New Jersey State Police departments and Emergency Medical Technician services on Thursday, May 5th, 2022.

Weather permitting, outside displays will be available for the attendees from those services prior to the event. Trained personnel will greet guests and be available for questions and walk-through. Stay-tuned in the coming months for additional information!

Guests will be welcomed inside by magnificent 55-foot ceilings, hand-painted gold detailing, and a dual floating staircase featuring the richly worked Italian marble medallion at the base.

In keeping with the ambiance, the 200 Club is proud to showcase professionally accomplished Soprano Laura Zupa D’Avella, who will lead the evening’s festivities with The Star-Spangled Banner.

Laura Zupa D’Avella, Soprano, has been performing professionally since 2005, when

she made her debut in Verdi’s Il Trovatore under the baton of her late mentor and New Jersey State Opera founder Alfredo Silipigni. Her lyric soprano has delighted audiences in numerous concerts and operas throughout the United States, and her most recent engagements include performances with the Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ), Opera New Jersey, Eastern Opera, Pacific Opera, and Empire Opera in such roles as Papagena, Adele, Susanna, Despina, Papagena, Gilda, Micäela, Frasquita, Mabel, and Josephine. In 2021, she debuted the role of heroine Elsie Bengough in Paul Ziegler’s well-received chamber opera, The Beckoning Fair One. She is a founding member of Savoy Faire, LONJ’s educational outreach ensemble and has been the soprano section leader and soloist for many churches including St. Peter’s Episcopal Chancel Choir, Central Presbyterian Church of Montclair, and St. Mary’s Abbey Delbarton.

Laura received her Master’s Degree in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College and holds a BA in music from Barnard College

Dad, at about eight years old, sitting upon the legendary white-tailed pony. Please note that a corner of Earl’s Meadow can be seen in the background.

At any rate, here is where the story gets to be a bit of a Twilight Zone tale. Great Grandma Dora often told the story that she would be sitting on the front porch of her ice cream parlor, and she would hear the distinct cadence of the pony walking up Mabey Lane, even after the beloved pony passed away. Even my dad hinted that after he came home from World War II, from time to time, he heard the clip clop of his endearing white-tailed pony walking up Mabey Lane.

And, yes, even my grandfather told stories that he had also heard the clip clop sound of the ghost of the family pony, walking up Mabey Lane.

The 200 Club of Morris County Announces Laura Zupa D’Avella at 50th Golden Celebration

of Columbia University. She is a NATS certified teacher and currently maintains an active private voice studio. www.lauravoice.com.

For the past four years, Laura has served as the Co-Music Director of Montclair Kimberly Academy (MKA)’s Upper School musicals (Annie and Chicago). During the 2020-21 school year, she was proud to have been the Music Director and Conductor of a musical movie version of Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World at MKA. Laura looks forward to returning to MKA as Music Director of Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella in March of 2022.

Laura and her husband BJ reside in Essex Fells. They are proud parents to Ben and Liliana and enjoy giving back to their community. For six years, Laura was an active Trustee and then President of the Essex Fells Foundation for Educational Excellence, an organization comprised of community members who provide financial support and enriching programs, including the annual musical, variety show, and assemblies for the students at Essex Fells School.

From the time I was 10 years old till I was about 13, my pals and I would often sleep out in my backyard, along Mabey Lane, during the summer months. I don’t know if it was just my vivid imagination, but I did hear the clip clop sound of the white-tailed pony walking up Mabey Lane as I looked up at the canvas roof of my old tent, before falling deeply into sleep. Some of my buddies also attested to hearing the sound of the ghostly pony’s hoofs, in the midst of the summer nights.

Is it possible that a pony’s love for its family, brought its

CALL FOR YOUR VIRTUAL MEETING!

My beloved great grandmother, Dora Mabey, standing beside her old ice cream parlor.

specter form back from the grave? Can the love between an animal and a person ever be limited? Does love ever die?

Who among us can say for certain, that there is not an ethereal world that lies between earth and Heaven’s Gate? I really don’t know the answers. But I do know that my family truly loved the white-tailed pony.

That it brought great joy to all of their lives.

Hold dear and true the faith of a life beyond this physical world. Try to see life as a most unlimited thing that cannot be boxed in, in any way, shape, or form. Love knows no limita-

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tions. It is a force, an essence, a spirit that abounds in heart, mind, and soul. For love has infinite possibilities.

Can science really understand the wonders, the power, the infinite possibilities of the loving heart? Is there a tie between people and animals that will never be truly, fully understood by the human mind? For truly, love is the greatest gift a person can give to another living being.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail. com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Page 13

MOUNT OLIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Zachary Heeman Takes Over as Mount Olive Head Basketball Coach

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. 25-year-old Zachary Heeman has his dream job. He is the new head coach of the Mount Olive High School Marauders boy’s basketball team.

“Last season, I was the JV coach and varsity assistant, and then was able to step into the head coaching position this season,” says Heeman, who also served at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School as JV coach and varsity assistant as well. He takes the reins from predecessor, Mike Lupo.

Heeman himself played center for perhaps Mount Olive basketball’s finest hours un-

der former head coach, Kevin Moore. “My basketball years were 2011 through 2014. We had a couple of really, really good teams. That was where coach Moore kind of took me under his wing as a mentor, and where I got my passion in terms of wanting to work in a school and college, and have that double effect on students,” says Heeman, who also works as a school counselor. “But we had some really good years. We had two conference championships from 2011 and 2012, and then we were fortunate enough my junior and senior year to win the Morris County cham-

Marauder coach Zachary Heeman teaching his players the x’s and o’s.

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pionship in ‘13 and ’14.” Heeman scored over 1,400 points as a Marauder.

Heeman looks for consistency from his players and himself. “That’s just being in the building, being consistent in practice, and being consistent in games, just in terms of a winning culture,” he says. “I think Kevin Moore laid a great foundation here, and I was able to be a part of some of those really good teams in terms of winning habits and winning cultures, both from players and coaches. I think in terms of the expectations, whether it’s accountability, whether it’s energy, or whether it’s standards - all something that I was able to witness that a coach held everyone to, but also all the best players held each other to - I think that’s the biggest thing

that we’re trying to get to, just a level of consistency.”

The Marauders own a 12 – 20 record from the past two seasons, something Heeman, a former Rutgers Scarlet Knight football lineman, would like to reverse. “We have four returning lettermen (guards Donovan Rauh and Tony Del Vescovo, and forwards Nico Del Vescovo and Sean Harris) who are seniors,” says Heeman, “but we also have three other seniors that we expect to have a big role for us. We have a heavy senior class: guys that have played, guys that are experienced, and guys that can play multiple positions.” Heeman is assisted on the bench by his assistant, Mike Radzieski.

Heeman, after a year of COVID-19, is also looking for the fan base to return. “If you

have a team that’s energetic and plays hard and hustles, there’s a lot of people not only in this school, but in this town that rallies around it and comes to the games. It’s quite an atmosphere. We’re hoping that we’re able to get our students in, and then just regular fans that are Mount Olive township residents. But it’s going to be exciting, and I’m looking forward to this year, and hopefully we get all our fans back in.”

As a coach, Heeman’s desire is for his players to attain and enjoy the same winning experience he had as a Marauder, and he feels they are headed in the right direction. “There’s a lot of goals on this team that’s driven by a senior class that’s hungry for a successful varsity season.”

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Mount Olive’s Tree Lighting

Page 14 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Mendham High School Class of 1972 Reunion

MENDHAM - The class of 1972 was the first graduation class of the brand new high school in Mendham. This class was the top class for two

years as the students that ended up going to Mendham High School were split from West Morris Central High School after our soph-

omore year.

There is a Mendham High School 50th Reunion site on Facebook where any updates will be posted.

Navigating Hope Coming to Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. - At the Mount Olive Senior Center, 204 Flanders Drakestown Rd, on January 25, residents can stop by to sign up for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, General Assistance (Cash), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), Utility Assistance, and Housing As-

sistance. The Navigating Hope van will be on site from 10 AM to 2:00 PM. Navigating Hope is sponsored by the Morris County Board of County Com-

missioners.

For more information visit, www.hs.morriscountynj.gov/navigating-hope/.

friend. At the end of the fourweek study, Dr. Matthews concluded that those who made a public commitment by sharing their goals with a friend, sent weekly progress reports to their friend, and wrote down their

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Individuals making New Year’s resolutions should not discount the value of utilizing a multifaceted approach to achieving their goals. A recent study from psychology professor and researcher Dr. Gail Matthews examined the effects of writing down goals, committing to goal-directed actions and creating accountability for those actions. The 267 participants in the study were separated into five groups and asked to identify their goals. Each group was then asked to rate each goal based on how difficult and important they thought it was.

They also were also asked to rate the extent to which they had the skills and resources to accomplish the goal and rate their commitment and motivation to do so. Participants were also asked to disclose their previous history with the goal, including whether or not they had pursued it or succeeded in their pursuits in the past. Group one was directed to think about their goals but not write them down, while groups two through five employed progressively greater initiatives in pursuit of their goals. The further efforts employed by group five included writing their goals down, sharing those goals with a supportive friend and sending goals progress reports to that

The Mount Olive tree lighting ceremony was held on Dec 17 at town hall. The township thanks Pastor Matt Jones and Mountaintop Church for presiding.

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A New Year’s Day Story

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Page 15

BY RICHARD MABEY JR. GUEST WRITER rom the days of my early childhood on through my senior year of high school, we would always spend a good portion of New Year’s Day at my maternal grandparents’ home in Boonton. The home was a two-story, yellow brick farmhouse that proudly stood on the 600 block of Boonton Avenue. A stone wall proudly stood on the edge of the entire front yard, just about a foot from the sidewalk. It was a most majestic stone wall with a level, concrete top.

I so dearly remember the big feasts of New Year’s Day at my maternal grandparents’ home. My mom was the youngest of nine children.

The house would abound with aunts and uncles and cousins.

It was a joyous time, a time of innocence. It was a time when most people still had black and white television sets, there were no microwave ovens, no laptop computers, and no cell phones.

Grandma, Mom, my sister Patti, my aunts, and my girl cousins would all somehow manage to fit into Grandma’s kitchen and would be busy cooking the big New Year’s Day feast. The men would be huddled around Grandpa’s little black and white television set, watching football games. I know how chauvinist this all sounds, but it was just the way it was back in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

The timing of the feast was always a bit of a puzzling thing to me. We would all eat at about 3:00 in the afternoon.

So, the big feast was either a late lunch or an early supper, depending upon how you looked at it.

Grandpa Kemmerer and I had a most wonderful and magical bond. We were both drummers. I had started

F

playing the drums when I was in fourth grade. I was in my school band from fourth grade on through all of my time at Boonton High School. Through the years, I had quite a few of drum teachers and band leaders. But, I learned the most about the art of being a fine percussionist from my Grandpa K. There comes a moment in time, in everyone’s life, when they look at the things, the places, then nooks and crannies that they have looked at a million and one times, but in one solitary moment see in an entirely different array of colors, meanings, and abounding depth. Such a moment came to me when I was 14 years old and in my freshman year at Boonton High School.

Unbeknown to me, Grandpa K had gone to a football game at Boonton High, with a few of his fellow volunteer firemen. Grandpa saw me play the big bass drum during the half-time show. It was in the midst of New Year’s Day of 1968, that Grandpa K shared a sacred moment with me.

It was New Year’s Day 1968. As Grandpa K sat in his easy chair, surrounded by his sons, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, he took a look at his watch. The football game on the old black and white television had mostly everyone hypnotized.

“Well, here it is two o’clock in the afternoon. I better check on old Mickey,” Grandpa announced to everyone. Old Mickey was Grandpa’s beloved beagle, who had a most elaborate pen and doghouse in Grandpa’s backyard.

I remember this moment all so well.

Grandpa unceremoniously arose from

Grandpa K and his charming smile, that I remember, oh so well.

My grandfather, Edmund C. Kemmerer, and myself when I was a boy, standing on the sidewalk, just outside of the old Kemmerer Homestead on Boonton Avenue.

his comfortable chair, walked into the kitchen, and came out with a big aluminum bowl, filled with dry dog food.

Grandpa looked down at the dry dog food as if it were tea leaves left at the bottom of a teacup, filled with fortune telling properties.

“Richie, you wanna help me feed Old Mickey?” Grandpa called out to me.

“Sure thing, Grandpa,” I responded.

Grandpa and I put our coats on, walked out the side door of the old Kemmerer Homestead and began the walk down the gravel driveway to Old Mickey’s doghouse.

I think that Old Mickey had the most elaborate setup that any dog could ever imagine. It was a large, gated area, with a big shed in one corner of the gated area. Grandpa had cut out a little doorway for Old

in the middle of the shed, warmed us both.

“Richie, I’ve had this old bass drum mallet more years than I can recall. I want you to have it,” Grandpa gently told me.

I was lost for words. I could tell that the old bass mallet meant a lot to my dear grandfather. I thanked my grandfather for the endearing gift. I held the drum mallet in my hand, holding back my tears. For I knew, deep in my heart that my grandfather had just passed on something to me that he dearly cherished.

As we walked out of the shed, Grandpa heartily petted Old Mickey. We walked out of Old Mickey’s big, gated area and began our walk up the long driveway to the side door of the endearing Kemmerer Homestead. Smoke ascended from the brick chimney atop

Mickey to come in and out of the shed. A piece of canvas hung over the little opening, so that the cold air would not intrude upon the warmth inside Old Mickey’s walk-in doghouse.

Old Mickey’s tail wildly wagged as he saw Grandpa and I walk down the driveway.

Grandpa opened up the gate door, we walked into Old Mickey’s domain. Dear Old Mickey jumped wildly onto Grandpa, until Grandpa put down the metal bowl and Old Mickey begin eating his early supper. Grandpa petted Old Mickey, then began walking to Old Mickey’s shed. I followed my beloved grandfather.

To my surprise, Grandpa grabbed a big, oversized bass drum mallet. He looked at the drum mallet with a certain sad reflection pouring from his eyes. The big, pot belly stove

the roof of the yellow brick home.

“You’re a good drummer,” Grandpa said to me. Holding back my tears, I clenched the handle of Grandpa’s precious bass drum mallet with my right hand.

“Thank you, Grandpa,” I simply replied.

Over 50 years have come and gone since that wonderful, memorable New Year’s Day of 1968. Now at 68, I return in memory to that little, modest home atop Boonton Avenue.

I would give everything I own to go back in time, for just one hour, to relive those precious and endearing memories.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

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Page 16 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

NJStarz

NJ Starz: Carol Blazejowski Hometown: Cranford, NJ

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER CRANFORD - The year was 1997, and Carol Blazejowski, often referred to as “The Blaze” by many basketball fans, had landed her dream job. The New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association needed a Vice-President and General Manager, and Blazejowski got the call.

She was happy to be back at Madison Square Garden, where she’d played perhaps her greatest game. On March 6, 1977, 20 years earlier, while a member of then-Montclair State College, she torched Queens College by scoring a still-collegiate record for the famous arena of 52 points. “What I do remember was how blessed and where fate really takes you,” Blazejowski says. “You never know where your life’s going to go. In 1977, I’m playing in the Garden in front of 12,000 people - the most ever seeing women’s basketball game - and then, many years later, now I’m running a women’s professional basketball team whose home court is at the Garden.”

A double blessing for a great player who has lived her life and career with a humble determination.

Blazejowski grew up with an older sister on the south side of Cranford. Her sister wanted nothing to do with sports, while her younger sibling would rewrite basketball record books.

“My love for sports started at an early age. There were only boys in my neighborhood, so I was the neighborhood tomboy, and learned how to play football and baseball and stickball, all before I really touched a basketball.” A gym teacher while she was in fifth grade saw her potential and said to her, ‘I think you’re really going to enjoy the sport of basketball,’ and introduced her to the game. “From the moment I touched it (a basketball), it really was love at first sight. The passion started immediately. I would dribble my ball or ride my bike down to this little side street not far from my home, and either work out there by myself and just shoot, and play if people came. But I always got the quizzical looks. Back then in the day, girls didn’t play sports. It was taboo.” In an era where women’s sports was not embraced and little or no leagues existed, Blazejows-

ki didn’t let it deter her. “I just continued to play because I loved it so much, and really felt at peace on a basketball court.

I would fantasize about someday playing on a high school team, someday getting a college scholarship, playing in the Olympics, and beyond.”

Cranford High School had no girl’s basketball team until Blazejowski’s senior year in 1974. When she threatened to join the boy’s team, a girl’s team was established. The team finished 19 -1, their only loss being in the state title game.

Blazejowski that season scored 638 points and averaged 31.9 points and 17 rebounds per game.

Montclair State was next for Blazejowski, where she was an All-American her sophomore through senior seasons. “No scholarships, and we were middle to low income, so I had to go to a college that was close to where I grew up, and ended up at Montclair,” she says.

The team competed well on the state level, and eventually elevated to national level recognition. “We got a few players in there and we ended up on the national landscape and the top 20,” Blazejowski recalls. “And of course, media started following us then, and then we were traveling all around to play top 20 schools that had full women’s college scholarships. We had nothing - but we were still competing with them. When we got really good my last two years, my junior and senior year, we had great opportunities to travel to really great places, playing at the Palestra, playing at Madison Square Garden. And then, of course, I had my signature game on that March 6, 1977 at the Garden.”

In her junior year, Blazejowski averaged almost 34 points per game, and in her senior campaign, almost 39, she winning the initial Wade Trophy as the top women’s collegiate player in the nation. She was certainly in the spotlight, but felt no pressure at all those last two seasons. “I thrive on pressure,” she says. “I’m challenged by pressure. Believe it or not, Montclair State was always the underdog. I had a committed group of teammates that just complemented me so well. The coaching staff was

Blazejowski teaching youngsters the fundamentals of basketball.

Photos courtesy of Carol Blazejowski.

phenomenal. And so, when we went into battle, we were a united group. And I never felt like I was in this by myself.”

As Blazejowski’s senior year was approaching its end, Montclair State played in the first ever Women’s NCAA Final Four. “You played two games, so if you lost in the first round - and we played UCLA in the first round, lost to them - you came back and played a consolation round,” Blazejowski explains. She scored 40 in the loss to UCLA, and her final collegiate game was an overtime win against Wayland Baptist in the consolation contest, she tallying 44 points.

She concluded her MSC years with a total of 3,199 points and an average of 31.7 points per game.

Blazejowski next had a commitment to make the 1980 Olympics team. “That started in 1978,” she says. “I didn’t play for those two years because I was committed to my Olympic pursuit. I traveled extensively with the team and competed. I was driven since I had failed in my attempt in the ‘76 Olympics; I was more determined that nothing was going to stand in my way.” She

made the team and was named captain, but never saw action.

The United States boycotted the 1980 games. However, Blazejowski and the USA team did score a Gold medal at the 1979 World University Games.

Blazejowski turned pro in 1980, signing a three-year contract with the New Jersey Gems of the Women’s Basketball League. “There was a lot of hype about me playing,” she says. “I mean, I was a little kid growing up, never thinking I would ever see the day that I’d be doing something I love and getting paid for it, and that was playing basketball. It was great because it was in New Jersey and I was geographically in the right place around my family support group.” Blazejowski’s three-year deal, the largest in the history of the WBL, was also for the biggest amount, $150,000. “That was all big news, and it was exciting. I was able to continue to play, get paid - at least for a moment or two. Of course, then they had some financial issues, and we played to empty arenas, and most often the travel was interesting. They did their best, but we didn’t have what the WNBA has today.” Devoid of

Carol Blazejowski as a member of the New Jersey Gems

sponsors, big money owners, and television coverage, the WBL folded after her first season of play. “We didn’t have any of those things, but for me, I played for the love of the game, and it was a wonderful, great experience for me.”

Her playing career now officially over, Blazejowski worked for Adidas as a promotional and sales rep. “I was still connected with the game,” she says, “and then I went to work for six years at the NBA League office. I was Director of Licensing and that was a wonderful career change for me, but again, still even closer to basketball at the highest level, and I had the opportunity to work with incredible executives and David Stern.”

Then came her time with the WNBA, where she initially served as the league’s Director of Basketball Development, and shortly afterwards her 1997 – 2010 tenure with the New York Liberty, she first a VP and GM, then Sr. Vice-President and, eventually, President. In 2011, Blazejowski returned to her college alma mater, working in administration.

Blazejowski, 65, now runs Blaze Hoop Crew, educating

youngsters in the proper way to play the game she loves. “My passion is basketball, and I believe that I can now make an impact,” she says. “I work on the grassroots level, introducing the correct fundamentals of the game at an early age. I teach them how to play the game. It’s not about just getting your own; it’s about making others better. It’s about when you have like I did at Montclair State, and many other teams that I’ve played on: a committed group, and all the pieces fit together and complement one another. It’s a thing of beauty to watch.”

Carol Blazejowski, a member of 10 Hall of Fames (among them the James A. Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame, the National Polish American Sports Hall of Fame, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and the New Jersey Hall of Fame) has had a rewarding life. “I’ve thought about it many times,” she says while reflecting. “How blessed I was to have these opportunities and to fit all of these great memories to be a part of my life. It was just a fabulous, fabulous adventure.”

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Families will have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while the kids will be excited to go station to station to find out what happens next in the story! This interactive walk is approx. 1 mile along the paved trails. Books will be changed approx. every 6 weeks. The Story Walk begins in the right back corner of the Soccer parking lot.

Visit https://www.mountolivetwpnj.org/recreation-department For additional informatio

Message from Council President, Joe Nicastro

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Page 17

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. Happy New Year!

As we enter 2022, We look forward to a healthier new year.

I want to thank all township employees who have been working nonstop to keep the town running all through the year despite the issues from the pandemic.

I have decided to keep our council meeting via zoom until we see a decline in the latest spread of the virus.

Our meetings are held every other Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Our re-organization was held on January 4th. The schedule is posted on the township website for those who would like to attend via zoom.

Regarding the township, I am very proud of the work the Administration and Council have accomplished in 2021.

2022 will be a busy year as well. We will be working on the new Valley Brook Park, Budd Lake beach area, our newest acquisition of Pond View and our continued improvements in Turkey Brook Park. While also dealing with the usual day to day issues such as improving services, offering recreational events, and ways to improve the lives of our residents.

Our historic restorations continue with work on the Seward House and Baptist Church.

I want to thank all my fellow Council people, Vice President Alex Roman, John Ferrante, John Mania, Colleen Labow, Greg Stewart and Daniel Amianda for having the confidence in me to lead as Council President for my 8th year. We have a great team and work very well with the Mayor and admin-

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istration.

We are very fortunate in Mt Olive to have one of the best police departments, unbelievable volunteers from our Fire and EMS. Some of the best schools in the area, as well as the finest parks and trails along with an abundance of open space for our residents to enjoy.

All of that is great, but what really makes this town special are the residents and organizations that are always there to help. One of those persons that do a lot for residents is my wife, Mary Lalama-Nicastro.

Mary organizes a Thanksgiving dinner for residents that either can’t afford a meal or are alone for the holiday. She has spearheaded this effort for the past 6 years and with the help of our family, many caring volunteers and businesses she is able

to put smiles on many people’s faces.

Thanksgiving dinner is held each year at the Mt. Olive Senior center where Mary, along with our family and volunteers, serve a full course Thanksgiving meal to people who can gather.

During the pandemic she started to deliver to meals because of covid gathering restrictions. In 2021 over 110 meals were delivered and another 40 were served at the center on Thanksgiving day.

For years Mary did a toy drive, which over the past 3 years has evolved. She now works directly with Cathy Chessen and the guidance office at the Mt. Olive Middle School.

This past year there were over 148 children that received gifts from this program.

The generosity of the resi-

dents of Mt. Olive is incredible.

Mary had one posting online and all the families were taken within a few hours. Sposnors were given a list of what the families need. The generosity was so great, that it afforded Mary to include many Shoprite gift cards to the families.

There were even some families outside of Mt. Olive that participated, and Mary made sure she delivered those gifts to them personally.

Mary is just one of many residents that make Mt .Olive Township the great town it is.

We may not all agree on everything, but I know we can all agree that helping our fellow residents who may be going through some tough times has nothing to do with politics, opinions and differing views, just helping fellow neighbors

who are no different than we are.

Thank you for allowing me to continue to serve as your Councilman for the past 10 year and a very Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

I can always be reached at jnicastro@mtolivetwp.org

Committee Approves Oroho Bill that Would Help Protect Farmland from

Farmers throughout New Jersey may soon be able to apply for agricultural grants to help cover the cost of deer fencing thanks to bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho and advanced today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

“Damage to crops from deer has become a crippling problem for many New Jersey farmers,” said Oroho (R-24). “In some instances, producers have abandoned fields that are too vulnerable to deer damage, and others have transitioned away from produce and row crops to hay, just to lessen the impact. By issuing grants for fencing, my legislation will provide a practical and humane method of protecting crops.”

The bill, S-4231, would create a grant program within the Department of Agriculture to provide matching grants to the owner of (1) unpreserved farmland; (2) a farm for which pinelands development credits have been sold; or (3) a farm that is located in a sending zone pursuant to the “Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act.” The agricultural grants would not exceed a total of $20,000 per applicant for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, which would include the cost to purchase deer fencing and the maintenance costs of existing fencing.

“Within the past 20 years, the Department of Agriculture has had various programs to provide deer fencing to farmers to help protect their crops,” added Oroho. “However, these funds have only been available to farmers on preserved farmland. My bill would simply expand these programs to help farmers protect their crops on unpreserved farmland as well.”

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MORRIS COUNTY NEWS

Page 18 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Park Police Sworn in as Morris County Sheriff Officers Law Enforcement Veteran Jack Ambrose Sworn In As Chief of New Patrol Unit

MORRIS COUNTY - Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon presided over a swearing-in ceremony today for Park Police officers who were merged into his agency as sheriff’s officers under actions taken in October by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners and the Morris County Park Commission.

The Morris County Park Police were absorbed by the Sheriff’s Office, effective Jan. 1, 2022, in a move that will keep the 24 park officers on staff and enable an increase in overall park patrols, while addressing insurance coverage issues that arose earlier in the year. The newly sworn officers will become part of a newly formed Patrol Division within the Sheriff’s Office, with Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose serving as chief of the unit.

“This is a historic moment.

Today, we join two outstanding law enforcement agencies to create a new, highly trained Patrol Division within my office that will enhance the protection of not only our unique, one-ofa-kind park system, but also all of our county facilities and the Morris County community in general. Under the tutelage of Jack Ambrose, a seasoned, law enforcement veteran who was sworn in as Chief of the new division today, the people of Morris County can expect nothing short of the finest service from this professional team of officers,” said Sheriff Gannon.

The special ceremony was held in the Dragonetti Auditorium at the Student Center at County College of Morris

(CCM) in Randolph.

Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioner John Krickus attended the event with a host of other county dignitaries. Among the attendees, in person and virtually, were Morris County Park Commission Chairman Stuart Lasser, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, CCM President Anthony J. Iacono and his administrative staff, Morris County Crimestoppers Chairman John Sette and Washington Township Chief of Police Jeffrey Almer, who is Chairman of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association.

“This ceremony culminates a necessary and prudent consolidation of law enforcement resources that will enhance the safety and enjoyment of our Morris County park system for more than four million people who visit it each year.

With more than 20,000 acres of parkland and 39 facilities ranging from golf courses to historic sites, this is the largest county park system in New Jersey and an important community asset that we need to properly protect,” said Commissioner Director Shaw.

“The Park Commission is excited and looks forward to working on the continued protection of the county properties and the public. Sheriff Gannon has been most gracious and fully understands the needs of the Park Commission,” said Park Commission Chairman Lasser.

The decision to merge the state’s last remaining county Park Police department into the Sheriff’s Office was prompt-

ed by concerns over insurance coverage for the park officers.

It brings the Park Police in line with insurance coverage afforded all other officers in law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey, particularly in terms of coverage should any legal actions arise in regards to an officer’s performance of his or her duties.

“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office commends the merger of the former Morris County Park Police into the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

This action provides a beneficial unification of command, improves efficiency, enhances coverages of key County properties and increases the law enforcement protection of all our communities. The appointment of Jack Ambrose as Chief Warrant Officer adds a highly experienced and respected law enforcement professional to lead the Patrol function and the Morris County Prosecutors Office looks forward to working with the Sheriff and Jack in this new unification,” said Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll.

“I worked with Jack for over 25 years and I have never met such a loyal, natural leader. He is dedicated and motivated, and he will excel in leading this new Patrol Division within the Sheriff’s Office. I can think of no one better suited for this position,” said East Hanover Police Chief Christopher F. Cannizzo.

Ambrose joined the Sheriff’s Office in May 2020 after retiring in November 2019 as a Captain for the East Hanover Police Department following

MORRIS COUNTY - The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unveiled a $67,242,800 capital spending plan last night that expands educational programs at the Morris County School of Technology, while aggressively investing in improvements to county roads, intersections, bridges and culverts.

The board’s Capital Budget Committee, which includes Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw, Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo and Commissioner Tayfun Selen, outlined the plan during a work session, additionally pointing to funds earmarked for public safety, public health, parks and improving information technology.

“This capital plan contains $14 million to resurface 25.6 miles of roads in 15 towns, $2.8 million to improve key intersections and dedicates nearly $7 million so that Morris County will continue to lead the state

with its bridge and culvert upgrades,” said Commissioner Director Shaw.

“This plan also makes good on the commitment our board made this past summer for a 30 percent expansion of the Morris County Vocational School with a new Career Technical Education Center, as well as an investment in the continuing expansions and improvements at the County College of Morris,” Shaw added.

The 2022 Capital Spending Highlights Include: Improving Our County Road Network $2.8 in Intersection Upgrades, including: Flanders Netcong Road and Main Street Intersection with Route 206, Mount Olive Boonton Avenue at Taylortown Road, Montville Township Guide Rail Upgrades and Installations throughout the County $14.0 million for roadway

resurfacing, including: 2.2 miles of Fairmount Road in Washington Township 2.2 miles of Green Pond Road in Rockaway and Jefferson Townships 2.5 miles of Park Avenue from Columbia Turnpike to Route 124 in Madison, Florham Park and Morris Township 2.5 miles of Village Road in Harding Township $6.83 million for bridge and culverts projects, including: Dickson’s Mill Road Bridge in Harding Township Pleasant Hill Road Bridge in Mount Olive Hurd Street Bridge in Mine Hill Township Commitment to Education $25.3 million for the School of Technology’s construction of its new Career Technical Education Center at the County College of Morris and Science Lab upgrades with $18.8 million coming from a State Grant $5.2 million at the County College for facility accessi-

Morris County Park Police retire their banner and wear their uniforms for a final time as they are sworn in as Morris County Sheriff Officers.

Jack Ambrose is sworn in as Chief of the new Patrol Unit of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

33 years with the department.

For 25 of those years he helped to train generations of police officers in Morris County and beyond as the lead Drill Instructor and a Physical Training Instructor at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy

The 20,000-plus acres of parkland and 39 facilities making up the park system also includes outdoor educational and recreational facilities, arboreta, conservation areas, more than 253 miles of trails and an ice skating arena. Park activities operate year-round, requiring

police presence to ensure the safety of visitors and park employees alike.

At the ceremony, officers officially retired the flag and patch of the Morris County Park Police, and those items will be preserved with county historical artifacts.

bility upgrades and Academic Complex roof replacement Other 2021 Capital Spending Highlights Include $1.9 million for Information Technology Upgrades and Improvements $1.7 million for the Morris County Park System $4.1 million for 451 new voting machines to comply with new voting laws $1 million for Public Safety Enhancements $550,000 for County Owned Railroad Upgrades $366,000 for Health Management and Mosquito Control The slide-show presented by the Capital Budget Com-

mittee may be viewed by clicking here.

The $67.2 million plan reflects a commitment of $36,875,294 million by the county, which will be offset by an anticipated $30,367,506 million in grants.

Morris County government has a massive and diverse inventory of responsibility, ranging from the Morris County Administration Building in Morristown, to Human Services and Law & Public Safety complexes in Morris Township and Parsippany. The infrastructure includes: 287 miles of county roads in all 39 Morris County munici-

palities 1,000 bridges and culverts throughout all Morris County municipalities 3 Freight Railroads 1,185 vehicles and or pieces of equipment used by various county agencies 3.3 million square feet of buildings and structures The County of Morris also is responsible for: Maintaining all trees within county road rights-of-way Facilities required by the Judiciary, Sheriff, Law and Public Safety Mosquito Control services throughout all Morris County 20,197 acres of Parkland

Morris County Commissioners Present 2022 Capital Spending Plan

Help Morris County Document the History of its Vietnam Veterans

MORRIS COUNTY - Morris County is inviting the public to assist in documenting the history of its Vietnam veterans by helping to build an on-line collection of names, service narratives, historical information and photographs being compiled by the Office of Planning and Preservation.

“In Morris County’s continuing efforts to capture the history regarding the military service rendered by her citizens, the next list of veterans will be posted in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, 2022,” said Jan Williams, a cultural and historic resources specialist with the county.

Her office has reached out to the public in the past to build webpages memorializing Morris County residents who served in our nation’s armed forces. An accounting of Civ-

il War men of color affiliated with Morris County was initially launched in 2018 and the office continues to update its list of more than 3,000 residents who were part of The Greatest Generation – Morris County in WWII. A page dedicated to veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine War was launched a week ago. The Office of Planning and Preservation has created on-line collections of other historical aspects of Morris County residents, including railroad workers, canal workers and the county’s history of changing street names.

The project lists may be found on the Office of Planning & Preservation projects website.

For the Vietnam page, a Vietnam veteran who was born in Morris County or has been a resident of the county for ten

years is welcome to be recognized by submitting his or her information.

“For the families of Vietnam vets who have passed on, you may submit their information.

If a veteran has retired out of state, they qualify for listing, too,” said Williams. “If you are a Morris County veteran who would like a buddy remembered, you may include the buddy’s name and it will be listed with yours,” Williams said.

The type of information needed for the project includes the names of the Vietnam veterans, their Morris County municipality, their service branch, battles or incidents participated in, and awards or citations issued. Of course, photographs are always appreciated.

Information may be forwarded to Jan Williams at jwilliams@co.morris.nj.us.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Page 19

Morris County Honors Retiring Tourism Director

MORRIS COUNTY - Leslie T. Bensley, who built the Morris County Tourism Bureau from a mere idea in 1997 into a driving economic force in the region, was honored by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners upon the announcement of her retirement as Executive Director of the agency after 24 years.

Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw presented her with a framed Resolution of Honor on behalf of the board, followed by state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, who issued a state honor during the board’s public meeting.

“We are forever indebted.

You put Morris County on the map and helped the local economy. It is phenomenal what you have done. Once again, on behalf of this board, and all the residents of Morris County and all the people who visit Morris County, it’s my privilege and honor to present you with this resolution, and to thank you,” Shaw said.

The Beginning Bensley has been at the helm of the Tourism Bureau since it opened its doors across the street from the historic Morris County Courthouse with the support of the board, then known as the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and particularly then-Freeholder Frank Druetzler.

“I am very humbled and honored to have been the executive director for nearly a quarter century,” said Bensley, praising Druetzler with having the foresight to invest in the Tourism Bureau.

“I remember when Frank hired me in 1997, he did something so remarkable. He saved and salvaged tourism because when it had started before, it had petered out, and he felt it was too important to this county not to do something,” Bensley explained.

Shaw noted that Bensley initiated the Bureau’s efforts to promote Morris County’s exceptional historic, cultural

and recreational opportunities, helping Morris County tourism to grow four-fold and generate more than $2.3 billion in annual economic activity in 2019. The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism estimates the county averaged 6.5 million annual visitors at the time.

Bensley initially focused on Morris County’s historic links to the Revolutionary War in luring visitors to the area through “heritage tourism.”

“That’s been my guiding star.

That’s my loadstar. It says, tell the destination story,” Bensley explained. “No matter who else has American Revolutionary history, or Gustav Stickley his-

MORRIS COUNTY - “I am very excited to both announce my candidacy for Morris County Commissioner and to join the ticket with Commissioners Doug Cabana and Tom Mastrangelo. As a lifelong resident of Pequannock Township and as someone who has taken a very active role in our community, I know there is a lot of work that

needs to be done to continue to maintain the high quality of living that Morris County residents have come to expect and enjoy.

My promise to Morris County is to continue to fight to keep taxes low, improve our parks, preserve open space, and support our law enforcement community to keep our communities safe.

I look forward to speaking with

the voters of Morris County to earn your vote to serve as the next Morris County Commissioner,” said Florance-Lynch.

Florance-Lynch brings significant experience to the Mastrangelo, Cabana, Florance-Lynch ticket as she has: Served 11 years on Pequannock Town Council and 2 years as Mayor

tory, or Thomas Nast history or the magnetic telegraph history, our story is unique to us. So as long as you are true to that, you will find an audience because it is worthy.”

Force of Nature Bensley’s heritage tourism focus was so effective, she was appointed in 2010 to the Governor’s Task Force for Heritage Tourism, where she served as vice-chair and worked on the publication of the Heritage Tourism Plan for New Jersey.

The document served as a roadmap for heritage tourism development throughout the state.

“Leslie is a force of nature.

She can move anything, and she

could probably solve climate change,” said Druetzler, who attended the meeting. “What was the visitor’s center before she came? In the lobby was a bulletin board with some flyers on it.

That was it. … Morris County is really the true capital of the American Revolution and she made people realize that.”

Number One Cheerleader Bucco referred to her as “the number one cheerleader of Morris County.”

“Not only did you represent millions of people that were coming into the county, but billions of dollars in economic revenue that your office helped to generate around the county -and that is so important for the economic growth of this area,” Bucco said. “So tonight I’m honored to also present a Senate and General Assembly Citation recognizing your work. I also have a Senate resolution which will be adopted on the floor of the Senate and the Assembly recognizing all of your achievements, so good luck and God bless you.”

The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism honored the Morris County Bureau of Tourism’s marketing campaigns on many occasions over the years.

Bensley was additionally honored with the 2013 Award of Recognition by the New Jersey Historical Commission for her many years of support, advo-

cacy and promotion of Morris County’s history and historic sites.

A Tour of the Tourism Bureau Under Bensley’s tutelage, the Bureau grew by creating a membership program and obtaining grants beyond the county contributions. She also established historic kiosks and walking tours, as well as destination signs to guide visitors, and frequently created public events to attract attention to Morris County’s historic locations.

During her tenure, Bensley also served as the Treasurer of the Advocates for New Jersey History, co-founded the Coalition of New Jersey Destination Marketing Organizations and served on the boards of both the Crossroads of American Revolution Heritage Area and the New Jersey Travel Industry Association.

Bensley lives in Morris Township with her husband of 36 years, Charlie, with whom she had two children, Eliza and Sam. She said she plans to spend more time in retirement being a tourist as well as spending time in Morris County with a new addition to her family: grandson, Graham McKenzie Folsom.

Visit the Morris County Tourism Bureau website.

Is a successful Broker Associate / Sales Manager of Local Real Estate Firm Serves on Multiple Township Committees and Boards as Council Liaison Is a Member of Pequannock Valley Rotary, Pequannock Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Woman’s Club of Pompton Plains

“Morris County is very fortunate to have someone that is of the caliber of Melissa FloranceLynch seeking the opportunity to serve on the Morris County Board of Commissioners. She has been successful in stabilizing municipal taxes, making improvements to parks, has been instrumental with flood mitigation projects such as FEMA

house elevations and working to significantly advance critical water and sewer projects in Pequannock. Melissa’s love of public service is infectious, and we are very excited to both welcome and work with Melissa as our running mate as we begin our campaign for the Morris County Board of Commissioners,” stated Cabana and Mastrangelo.

Melissa Florance-Lynch Announces Candidacy for Morris County Commissioner

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Section 2 • Page 3

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER MOUNT OLIVE TWP. In 2005, when Jordan Barrow was 14-years-old and living in Maryland, he begged his mom and dad for a special Christmas gift. He wanted to see a stage performance of Wicked at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. His parents delivered that special gift to him, and he still has the program and ticket stub from that evening.

Now, he’s got another great gift for himself, and a return gift for them. Barrow, 30, a former Mount Olive resident and Mount Olive High School grad who now lives in Brooklyn, was recently cast as the first black performer ever to play the role of Boq in Wicked at Broadways’ Gershwin Theater.

When his performances were scheduled to begin, Barrow’s photo was placed outside the theater with the rest of the cast. “It’s pretty remarkable, because I know that if I were a black performer, age 15, 16 or 17, or even eight-yearsold going to see a Broadway show, and I saw me (Barrow’s picture) outside of a theater, I would lose my mind. ‘There’s someone who looks like me who is doing this, and look

Mount Olive’s Jordan Barrow Joins the Wicked Cast on Broadway what they’re able to do, and look at these people who have endorsed them.’ It’s just an honor to know that it’s happening at all, and that I’m going to be able to be the person to bring that story to people.”

His first performance was Tuesday, December 7, and his parents were in the audience.

“It’s been amazing,” Barrow says excitedly. “The first show felt very strange. There are moments that I completely don’t even have memory of, like I was sort of out-of-my-body doing it. And it just keeps hitting me that, when I leave the house to go to work, I’m going to the Gershwin. It’s nice to do a show where every night people really want to be there.”

Barrow’s first role at Mount Olive High School was How to Succeed in Business during his sophomore year. “I was just happy to be there,” he recalls. “It was a new school, and I got a fairly good role which was great, because there was a lot of talent at Mount Olive.” In his senior year, Les Miserables was presented, and sandwiched in between was Barrow’s nomination for a Papermill Playhouse “Rising Star Award,” where he did the summer conservatory and per-

formed in The Miracle Worker.

“That was really one of the first times that I knew I could really make theater a career,” he says.

He next went to the University of Michigan to study Musical Theater, and while there also studied abroad in London for a semester at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts Shakespeare in Performance program.

When he exited Michigan U, for Barrow it was not a quick ascent to roles, while some of his college classmates, in his words, ‘hit it out of the park very early on.” However, he remained focused on his own career. “It does keep you humbled, and it also just keeps you motivated. It was happening to people around me, so it could happen to me, too. It’s possible.”

It’s happened in a big way, and Barrow is enjoying the journey. “It truly does feel like maybe the best Christmas gift,” Barrow says of his Broadway landing. “We (he and his parents) were talking about Christmas, and saying, ‘What do we want?’ And my parents said, ‘This is the gift. This is it.’”

For more information about Jordan Barrow and his career, visit www.jordan-barrow.com.

series “True Blood.”

Next up for Paquin is the Netflix family film “True Spirit,” in which she’ll play the mother of a teenage girl who sails solo around the world.

Q: I’m surprised there hasn’t been a sequel to the holiday movie “Elf.” Hollywood usually wants to capitalize on a big hit. Do you think it will stay that way? -- J.K. A: “Elf” has remained a standalone movie, but it’s not for lack of trying. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Will Ferrell, who starred in the 2003 film, turned down a $29 million paycheck for “Elf 2” because he didn’t feel the script measured up to the original. However, Ferrell might not be the best at predicting box-office success because at one point in filming “Elf” he thought the movie would be the end of his career. Instead, it turned out to

be a mega hit and has become a holiday classic.

Most recently, Ferrell took on a dramatic role in the Apple TV+ series “The Shrink Next Door,” and is wrapping up filming “Spirited,” a musical retelling of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Q: I was pleasantly surprised to see Tom Hanks in the new “Yellowstone” spin-off series. Do they have any other big names slated to guest star?

-- K.W. A: The new Paramount+ series “1883” already had an impressive cast with country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill headlining the new Western series. Then they announced the addition of the always charismatic Sam Elliott (“The Ranch”) to the cast. In the second episode, if you did a double-take during a Civil War

BY DANA JACKSON Q: Who plays Kurt Warner’s wife in the new film about his life? I saw a commercial for it the other day but missed the actress’ name. She looks so familiar. -- O.S. A: “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” was released in theaters on Christmas Day. It’s a feel-good flick about the Super owl-winning quarterback who stocked shelves at a grocery store before making his way to the NFL. Zachary Levi (“Shazam!”) plays Warner in the biopic that was filmed mostly in Oklahoma City.

Anna Paquin plays Kurt’s devoted wife, Brenda. At just 11 years old, Paquin won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in “The Piano” opposite Holly Hunter. She’s been thriving ever since, playing Rogue in the “X-Men” films and starring for seven seasons in the HBO vampire

Jordan Barrow . Photo credit: Polk & Co.

Celebrity Extra

flashback scene, you weren’t alone. Yes, that was movie star Tom Hanks playing famed Union Gen. George Meade, simply doing his friend McGraw a favor by filming a cameo for his buddy’s new show.

“1883,” the prequel to the massive hit series “Yellowstone,” starring Kevin Costner, follows the Dutton family on their journey through the Old West to Montana. The show’s premiere was the most viewed original series for the streaming service Paramount+, with new episodes dropping every Sunday.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail. com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc. Anna Paquin Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Couch Theater

“The Tender Bar” (R) -- Cute kid with deadbeat dad gains male guidance from good-hearted uncle, who lets him hang out in his neighborhood bar in 1970s Long Island. The story is the real-life memoir of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer J.R. Moehringer and stars Ben Affleck as Uncle Charlie. Young J.R. is played by Daniel Ranieri and older J.R. by Tye Sheridan.

This George Clooney-directed film generates a nice mix of chortles and throat-tightening sobs from the sweet -- if not slightly predictable -- story. Extra love for Christopher Lloyd as Grandpa Moehringer. (Prime Video) “Hype House” -- First there was Tik-Tok, which begat influencers, some of whom made a lot of money doing random things for 20 seconds at a time.

Then a handful of the most popular influencers all moved into a big house in Los Angeles so they could create their content full-time. Netflix decided to film them 24/7 and make a reality series out of it. We have now arrived at the fifth circle of Dante’s Hell (or is it the fifth circle of Hype?). Premiers Jan. 7. (Netflix) “Teenage Euthanasia” -First, don’t judge the series based on its title; “Euthanasia” is actually the first name of the teenaged main character (who

goes by Annie for short). Annie was given up at birth by her mother, Fantasy Trophy, and raised by her grandparents at their funeral home in fictional Fort Gator, Florida. Upon Fantasy’s death by overdose, her body arrives at that very funeral home, where Annie’s tears combine with embalming fluid and a lightning bolt to magically bring her mother back to life.

This animated, adult-oriented, dark comedy stars Maria Bamford as Fantasy and Jo Firestone as Annie, and includes a plethora of celebrity guest voices like Stephen Colbert, Patton Oswalt and Aidy Bryant. (HBOMax) “Amazing Race Season 33” -- In what has been the longest season-in-progress in “Amazing Race” history, the perennial award-winning competition show returns Jan. 5. Eleven teams initially began filming in early 2020, only to be suspended after just eight days due to the emerging pandemic in many of the planned locales. Eighteen months later, aboard its own chartered 757, the show recommenced filming, with an altered schedule to visit only countries with low COVID-19 rates (and down two teams who were unable to rejoin for other reasons).

Teams this time around include internet personalities, teachers, radio hosts and police officers, all vying for the $1 million

Daniel Ranieri, Christopher Lloyd in “The Tender Bar”. Photo Credit: Prime Video.

grand prize. (Paramount+) “The Righteous Gemstones” (TV-MA) -- One of streaming TV’s most underrated shows, the satirical comedy about a dysfunctional family of evangelical televangelists returns Jan. 9 for its second season. The star-packed cast includes John Goodman, Jason Schwartzman, Adam DeVine, Eric Roberts and Dermot Mulroney, just for starters, and is the brainchild of actor/producer/writer Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express,” “Vice Principals”). While continuing their Texas-based ministry of self-promotion, the Gemstones are saving souls and padding bankrolls (though not necessarily in that order). (HBO Max) (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

GAME TIME

Page 4• Section 2 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

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NJ HALL OF FAME

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Section 2 • Page 5

We would like to introduce you to the NJ Hall of Fame where it states on their website The accomplishments of Garden State citizens

BUZZ ALDRIN Montclair (1930) - Born and raised in Montclair, Buzz Aldrin distinguished himself in West Point during the Korean War. Selected as a NASA astronaut, Dr. Aldrin earned the privilege to be part of the his-

CLARA BARTON Bordentown (1821-1912) Born in 1821 in Massachusetts, Clara Barton moved to New Jersey while in her 20s. During her nine years as a teacher in Bordentown, she created New Jersey’s first free public school, based on her belief that edu-

span the pages of nearly every volume of American history. Their stories offer boundless hope and inspiration for millions of New Jerseyans.

toric Apollo 11 flight where he and Neil Armstrong became the first humans to walk on the moon. He has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in addition to more than 50 other distinguished awards and medals. Dr. Aldrin contin-

cation should be based on her belief that education should be available to everyone. Attendance grew to 600 students under her leadership. With the start of the Civil War, Barton’s tireless work as a wartime nurse earned her the title “Angel of the Battlefield.” After the

People just like you.

Check them out at https:// njhalloffame.org/ and donate at https://njhalloffame.org/donate/.

TONI MORRISON Princeton (1931) - Born in Ohio, Toni Morrison has carved out a career as one of this country’s most popular and respected authors. From 1989 until her retirement in

2006, Professor Morrison held the Robert F. Goheen Chair in the Humanities at Princeton University. Named one of the 30 most powerful women in America in 2001, Toni Morrison has been awarded the

Nobel Prize for Literature, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the National Book Critics Circle Award and Grammy. Some of her best known novels are the Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon and Beloved.

VINCE LOMBARDI Englewood (1913-1970) - One of the most successful football coaches in history, Vince Lombardi began his career at St. Cecilia’s High School in Englewood, where he spent nine years. His success led him to the college

ranks and eventually to the New York Giants where he spent four years. In 1958, he became head coach for the Green Bay Packers where he took a perennial loser and transformed it into the standard by which all other teams measured. His philosophy and

motivation skills still inspire people today and he is legendary for his legacy of hard work, perseverance and dedication. Elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 this New Jersey High School coach became the greatest head coach of all time.

HARRIET TUBMAN Cape May (1822 – 1913) - Born in Maryland, Harriet Tubman became a leading African-American abolitionist who helped liberate scores of slaves through a network of antislavery activists and safe houses known

as the Underground Railroad.

Using Cape May as her base, she led expeditions into Maryland, bringing slaves to freedom and serving as an inspiration for others to escape. She was the first American woman to plan and lead a military operation,

a raid that freed more than 700 slaves. While she spent only a few years in New Jersey, we are proud that her reputation as an icon of freedom and courage began here and proud to have her so well known by schoolchildren across the state.

ues to remain at the forefront of efforts to ensure a leading role for the United States in manned space exploration. Although he now makes his home in California, Buzz Aldrin has never forgotten his New Jersey roots.

war, she founded the American Red Cross and devoted much of her later life furthering the rights of women. A teacher, nurse, activist and humanitarian, this famous New Jersey resident was one of the most decorated women of all time when she died in 1912.

Check them out at https://njhalloffame.org/ and donate at https://njhalloffame.org/donate/.

N

ICASTRO

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

H CO U N C I L M A N H

What I Stand For

4 Stable Taxes 4 Fiscal Responsibility 4 Energy Efficient Green Community

4 Safe Communities 4 Transparency 4 Sustainable Energy

4 Senior Citizens 4 Responsible Growth 4 Open Space

Who is Joe Nicastro?

I moved to Mount Olive in 2004 with my wife Mary Lalama and our family of 5 children.

Along with my wife we publish Mt Olive Life Newspapers as well as other newspapers in areas of North Jersey.

In 2011 I ran for council to serve the residents of Mt Olive. I am currently the Town Council President and have that privilege of serving for the past 7 years.

When you serve in a local community it is about keeping residents safe, providing the services as well as representing all residents that live in our great township.

I want to keep Mt Olive the great community it is by working on bringing green and renewable energy programs to the community as well as keeping and improving on our open space and parks for our residents to continue to enjoy.

Questions or concerns?

Contact me at 973-809-4784 Cell • jnicastro@mtolivetwp.org

Join us on Zoom for our council meetings in 2022 • 7PM Jan. 5 (Reorganization Meeting), 12, 26 • Feb. 9, 23 • Mar. 9, 23 • Apr. 6, 20 • May 4, 18 June 1, 15, & 29 (June 8th Primary Election) • July 6 & 20 • Aug. 3, 17 & 31 • Sept. 14, 28 Oct. 12, 26 • Nov. 9, 23 (2nd General Election, 16 NJLM) • Dec. 7 & 21

Visit www.mountolivetwpnj.org/ to register or Register by using this link

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Gk2pdBp0RoeRHAjcHd8vPQ

Together We Can Make A Difference Paid for by Friends for Nicastro

John Floretine Treasurer

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Page 6• Section 2 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Warm Up with Classic Comfort Foods

With plenty of cold-weather events and gatherings to celebrate alongside loved ones, one classic way to warm up the crowd is hot, comforting food.

Soups, chili, casseroles, stews and more provide perfect ways to shake off the chill that comes with the season.

Ideal for serving family and friends after time spent outside or just as an excuse to get together, Beet Lentil Chili with Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Beets and Loaded Chicken Bake made using READ German Potato Salad provide filling options for satisfying a group with eight servings each. Plus, they’re easy to make – the chili calls for 20 minutes of prep before simmering while the chicken casserole requires less than an hour spent in the kitchen.

Next time a brisk day cools your family to the core, keep these hearty meals in mind for simple options to warm up

from the inside out.

Find more comforting recipe ideas at auntnellies.com and readsalads.com.

Beet Lentil Chili Recipe courtesy of Angie McGowan of “Eclectic Recipes” Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 2 hours Servings: 8 2 jars (16 ounces each) Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Beets

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, diced 4 stalks celery, diced 3 medium carrots, diced 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cloves garlic, diced 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 2 tablespoons ground cumin 1 1/2 tablespoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 tablespoons chili powder

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste 2 quarts low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock 1 quart water 1 pound lentils Garnishes (optional): 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup radishes, cut into matchsticks 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro 1/2 cup finely chopped onions 1 cup crumbled queso fresco Drain beets; dice and set aside. Discard liquid.

Preheat large soup pot over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil. Add onion, celery, carrots and salt; saute until softened, stirring occasionally.

Add garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, chili powder and tomato paste; saute un-

A Hall of Fame Feast for Homegating Fans

Gathering your team to plan for a truly memorable game day at home starts with almost everyone’s favorite part of the festivities: the food. From meaty meals and zesty appetizers to sweet, long-lasting snacks, fuel your crowd with recipes that keep them coming back from kickoff to overtime.

One superstar of the menu at many homegating parties is salsa, whether it’s used as a finishing touch in recipes or as a standalone snack to enjoy with chips, veggies or other pairings. In fact, according to the Game Day Eats Report from Fresh Cravings, 22% of guests would insist on running out to pick up salsa if it wasn’t available for the feast; 18% would even be devastated and consider leaving.

Chef Anthony Serrano recommends these all-American recipes he makes for his family on game day. Pulled Beef and Slaw Sliders are perfect for piling high with delicious toppings before hitting the couch just in time for kickoff. Snacking throughout the action is a preferred approach for many fans, making Cast-Iron Smoked Queso Dip and Hummus Deviled Eggs go-to options for armchair quarterbacks.

These crowd-pleasers make game day worth celebrating, especially if you use a salsa with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices found in Fresh Cravings Salsas. Their flavor-packed, vibrant recipe offers a homemade-tasting alternative to the softer, duller blends of jarred salsa.

To find more championship-level game day recipe inspiration, visit FreshCravings. com.

Pulled Beef and Slaw Sliders Recipe courtesy of chef Anthony Serrano

Pulled Beef: 2 pieces (about 3 pounds each) beef chuck roast 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or barbecue rub 1 cup beef bone broth 16 ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Mild Salsa Salsa and Queso Slaw: 16 ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Mild Salsa 16 ounces broccoli slaw blend 1/4 cup green onions, sliced 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup crumbled queso fresco 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/2 cup mayo 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons cilantro (optional) slider buns Fresh Cravings Salsa barbecue sauce pickles jalapenos sliced cheese roasted peppers onions To make pulled beef: Season both sides of beef with taco seasoning. Wrap with plastic wrap and place in fridge 2-12 hours before cooking.

Place meat, beef bone broth and salsa in pressure cooker; seal according to pressure cooker directions. Cook on high 60 minutes. Once pressure cooker is safe to open according to instructions, open and let meat rest in liquid 15 minutes.

Remove meat from liquid and place in large bowl. Carefully shred meat. Pour liquid, up to half, over meat while shredding to keep it juicy.

To make salsa and queso slaw: In large bowl, mix salsa, slaw blend, green onions, salt, queso fresco, Dijon mustard, mayo, apple cider vinegar and cilantro, if desired. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

To assemble sliders, place pulled beef and salsa and queso

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Cast-Iron Smoked Queso Dip Recipe courtesy of chef Anthony Serrano 2 cups cheddar cheese 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese 1 teaspoon almond flour 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup Fresh Cravings Restaurant Style Salsa 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 cup cooked chorizo 1 teaspoon liquid smoke cilantro, for garnish diced bell pepper, for garnish In cast-iron pan, mix cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese and almond flour. Pour in heavy cream and salsa; bring to gentle simmer. Whisk while simmering 5-7 minutes, or until queso dip begins to thicken.

Add paprika, salt, chorizo and liquid smoke; adjust seasoning as necessary.

Garnish with cilantro and bell pepper.

Hummus Deviled Eggs Recipe courtesy of chef Anthony Serrano 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled 1/4 cup Fresh Cravings Classic Hummus 1/4 cup smoked cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 teaspoon yellow mustard 1 teaspoon salt smoked Spanish paprika, for garnish parsley, for garnish Cut hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in bowl. Using fork, mash yolks into fine crumble.

Add hummus, cheese, bacon, mustard and salt; mix well.

Evenly disperse teaspoons of yolk mixture into egg whites.

Sprinkle with any remaining bacon, paprika and parsley.

(Family Features)

3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon French-fried onions (optional) Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly coat 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Spread potato salad evenly in dish. Top evenly with chicken.

In small bowl, stir together cream, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken.

Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and French-fried onions, if desired.

Bake 15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with additional French-fried onions, if desired. (Family Features)

til fragrant, stirring frequently.

Add stock, water, beets and lentils. Bring to boil; reduce to simmer. Simmer about 2 hours, or until lentils are tender.

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Loaded Chicken Bake Recipe courtesy of “Hungry In LA” Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 8 Nonstick cooking spray 2 cans (15 ounces each) READ German Potato Salad 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Section 2 • Page 7

Hearty, Wholesome Winter Meals

Seeking comfort from the cold in the form of a wholesome meal is a perfect way to cap off a day with loved ones.

During the winter months when brisk temperatures chill you to the bone, warming up with hearty dishes at the family table can bring everyone together.

Full of seasonal flavors with top-notch taste, Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin offers a delicious main course you don’t have to feel guilty about. This easy yet elegant entree puts a unique spin on a dinnertime staple thanks to a crunchy pecan crust.

With cheddar and ricotta cheeses, sour cream and cavatappi noodles, this Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs is an extra creamy, creative twist on the kid-friendly classic. Pair this family favorite with the pork tenderloin for

an easy weeknight combination that little ones can help with in the kitchen by stirring together the cheesy goodness.

This family dinner is made possible with tasty pecans, which are among the lowest in carbs and highest in fiber compared to other tree nuts, helping you stay fuller longer. As a nutrient-dense powerhouse, they have 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber per 1-ounce serving with 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat. Essential nutrients like thiamin, zinc, copper and manganese – a mineral that’s essential for metabolism and bone health – mean you can feel good about serving pecan-infused dishes to your loved ones.

Visit americanpecan.com to find more winter weeknight recipe inspiration.

Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Total time: 35 minutes Servings: 6 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/2 pounds) salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/2 cup pecan pieces 1/4 cup pineapple juice 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Preheat oven to 400 F and lightly grease large baking dish. Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, to taste; set aside.

In small bowl, stir 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce and minced garlic.

Spread mixture over pork.

Press pecan pieces into brown sugar mixture on pork.

Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes.

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine remaining brown sugar, remaining soy sauce, pineapple juice and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to boil; reduce to simmer 3-5 minutes then remove from heat.

Slice pork, spoon sauce over top and serve.

Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs Total time: 50 minutes Servings: 6 8 ounces cavatappi pasta 1 tablespoon butter 1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese 4 tablespoons sour cream 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 375 F. In salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.

Return pasta to pot and stir in butter.

Using box grater, shred cheddar cheese.

Using food processor, process 1/4 cup shredded cheese with pecans to coarse breadcrumb consistency.

Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, salt and pepper to warm pasta.

Stir until thoroughly combined.

Add egg; stir. Add reserved pasta water to loosen mixture; stir until smooth.

Pour into buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan topping.

Bake 30 minutes. (Family Features)

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

Dinnertime can be a cinch with Peanut Butter Chicken, a simple dish that takes less than 20 minutes to make when busy evenings call for a quick solution. If a veggie-based option aligns better with your family’s desires, try Veggie Sammies with Peanut Butter Satay Sauce or go full-on comfort food with Very Vegan Peanut Butter Jackfruit Chili. Snacking doesn’t have to mean forgoing your dedication to nu-

tritious choices either – these Peanut Granola Bars can be your made-at-home masterpiece for adults and children to enjoy.

These recipes from the Georgia Peanut Commission are powered by peanuts, a nutrient-rich superfood that delivers 19 vitamins and 7 grams of protein per serving for a health benefit punch in each bite.

Discover more nutritious recipe ideas at gapeanuts.com.

Veggie Sammies with Peanut Butter Satay Sauce Prep time: 30 minutes Servings: 2 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 3 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons water 4 teaspoons hoisin sauce 2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons sriracha 2 French baguette rolls (6 inches each) 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced 1/2 cup white onion, sliced into thin strips 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips 1/2 cup purple cabbage 1/2 cup fresh cilantro In small bowl, combine peanut butter, lime juice, water, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sriracha; mix well.

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

Top with cabbage and cilantro.

Very Vegan Peanut Butter Jackfruit Chili Recipe courtesy of the National Peanut Board Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Servings: 8 2 teaspoons oil

1/2 large white onion, chopped 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 can crushed tomatoes 1 can whole tomatoes 2 cups water 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can green jackfruit, drained and chopped 1/4 cup peanut butter cornbread (optional) tortilla chips (optional) cinnamon rolls (optional) Heat large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add oil, onion and peppers; cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic, salt, cumin, chili powder and tomato paste, stirring to coat. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, then stir in crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, water, kidney beans and jackfruit; bring to boil then reduce heat to medium-low.

Simmer 25-30 minutes. Stir in peanut butter and simmer 5 minutes.

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

Peanut Granola Bars Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 6 minutes, plus 3045 minutes cooling time Servings: 12-14 1/2 cup honey 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2tablespoons creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4teaspoon salt 2 cups rolled oats (quick or regular) 1 cup bran flakes 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes1 cup dried fruit (raisins, blueberries or cranberries) 1 cup roasted peanuts, chopped In large, shallow, microwavable dish, combine honey, butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla and salt. Microwave at 50% power 2 minutes then whisk to combine and microwave at 50% power 2 minutes.

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

Press mixture into 13-by9-inch baking dish lined with parchment or wax paper with some extra hanging over edges to easily lift bars out. Use bottom of glass wrapped with plastic wrap to press granola mixture firmly into pan. Allow to cool completely 30-45 minutes. Cut into 12-14 bars.

Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe courtesy of “Unsophisticook” Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes Yield: 6 cups Peanut Sauce: 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut

butter 3 tablespoons sweet red chili sauce 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1/8-1/4 cup hot water (optional) chopped unsalted roasted peanuts (optional) 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon soy sauce 3/4 cup peanut sauce cooked brown rice assorted bell peppers, sliced chopped unsalted roasted peanuts (optional) To make peanut sauce: In small glass bowl, whisk peanut butter, sweet red chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce and honey until blended smoothly.

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

To make chicken: In large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle oil. Add diced chicken then pour soy sauce over top.

Saute about 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

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

Power Family Meals with Protein-Packed Peanuts

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Get Ready for Your “Revenge Travel” with These Travel Tips

Page 8• Section 2 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

After a year and a half of not traveling or taking smaller, local trips, everyone is itching for the vacations the pandemic put on hold. This feeling of being hungry for travel is what some are calling “revenge travel”: the idea that people are more eager to travel after being homebound for so long and want to go big - whether splurging or finally heading to a bucket list destination.

To put your revenge travel plans in motion, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless¬Æ and Bold¬Æ Cards can help cardmembers earn now so they can turn their travel dreams into a reality. Whether that next big trip is around the corner or a year away, it’s never too early to kick off travel planning. Here are some top tips to help you organize the ultimate return to travel adventure.

Earn more now, enjoy more later As you embark on planning, get started by working on a budget to narrow down options. One way to maximize spending, and even unlock destinations that felt out of reach, is to take advantage of the Mar-

riott Bonvoy portfolio of cards.

The cards offer earning on Marriott Bonvoy properties and everyday purchases so you’re able to rack up points now and redeem them for future travel.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cardmembers earn 6x points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 2x points per $1 spent on all other purchases and a Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary. Marriott Bonvoy Bold cardmembers earn 3x points per $1 spent at participating properties, 2x points per $1 spent on travel purchases and 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Whatever your travel style, there are endless hotel possibilities to explore from the Ritz-Carlton to W Hotels to Westin, Sheraton and more in destinations spanning the globe.

Set your travel intention After a year without travel, we might feel pressured to pack our first trip with as much adventure as possible. Just remember that vacations are best enjoyed when

rest and resetting are part of the plan - and this can look different for all of us. Setting a trip intention can help your trip take shape, giving you an idea of which activities you and any travel companion(s) want to prioritize, but make sure to leave a little wiggle room to relax.

Travel safe, travel smart Even if your next big trip isn’t for a while, it’s important to stay up to date on safety and travel requirements. For example, if you don’t have a passport or if it’s expiring soon, it’s recommended to start that process as soon as possible given recent delays in passport processing. It’s also helpful to look into what safety and cancellation accommodations your selected airlines have in place to help you travel with more peace of mind. For example, when you book a trip with a Marriott Bonvoy card, cardmembers have added protection benefits for lost luggage and trip delay, as well as a travel and emergency services hotline to help you get back on track.

Most importantly, planning “revenge

travel” gives us something to look forward to. Many travel booking sites and services make it possible for you to book well in advance, with low or no fees for cancellations. Plus, if you follow the few tips we’ve outlined, it’s sure to be smooth sailing (or flying!) for your future travels.

After a massively unpredictable year, it’s never felt more empowering to plan for the future. *Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. (BPT)

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“It’s like a run on the banks. The phones are ringing off the hook. That’s because everyone is trying to get them before they’re all gone,” according to officials at the National Mint and Treasury who say they can barely keep up with all the orders.

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■ GOT ‘EM: Residents all across New Jersey who get their hands on these State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls are definitely showing them off. That’s because they are the only ones known to exist. And here’s the best part, these Bank Rolls are loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty coins some dating back to the early 1900’s and worth up to 100 times their face value so everyone wants them.

Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to New Jersey residents New Jersey residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for the next 2 days STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per NJ resident has been imposed NEW JERSEY - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist.

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For the next 2 days the last remaining State of New Jersey Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to New Jersey residents who call the State Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication.

“National Mint and Treasury recently spoke with its Chief Professional Numismatist who said ‘Very few people have ever actually seen one of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said.

“Now that the State of New Jersey Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be surprised if thousands of New Jersey residents claim the maximum limit (Continued on next page)

SILVER: one of the last silver coins minted for circulation

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Weathering the Storm: 5 Tips for Disaster Preparation

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Section 2 • Page 9

Over the past year, homeowners from coast to coast have experienced tussles with Mother Nature from arctic storms and heat waves to powerful hurricanes. Not only can storms wreak havoc on homes, they damage the fragile electric grid, which may result in power outages that can sometimes leave families in the dark for days or weeks.

While no amount of preparation can stop the forces of nature, planning ahead to manage blackouts can have a significant impact on you and your family. Get your home ready for what lies ahead with these tips from the Propane Education & Research Council and Anthony Carrino, a home designer, developer and contractor with more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Outdoor Maintenance You may not realize it, but chores like cleaning the gutters and keeping your vegetation trimmed can actually make a big difference in the event of a major storm. If your gutters are full of debris, water rushing from your roof has no place to

go, and that could mean major damage to your roof, siding and even foundation.

Falling branches and trees can create a great deal of damage not only on your home but also to surrounding powerlines, which can easily break, so it’s a good idea to monitor closely for branches that could be affected by high winds and promptly remove dead trees that are especially risky in inclement weather.

If there’s time, you should also secure any outdoor furniture or belongings that could blow away or get damaged in the storm. If you have them, secure the storm shutters. It’s also a good idea to evaluate your yard’s grading at least once a year to be sure the ground slopes away from the house to keep water from pooling against your foundation.

Standby Power Major weather events are often accompanied by extended power outages. Homeowners may turn to portable generators to turn the lights back on after the storm has passed. However, they are difficult to find and

can only power a small portion of a family’s home.

Unlike a portable generator, which can power only a few appliances in a home, a propane-powered standby generator or backup generator can be a total home solution, depending on the size of the unit.

When a homeowner purchases a backup generator, a licensed technician installs the unit outside of the home and wires it to the home’s electrical system.

When a power outage occurs, the generator automatically senses the disruption of service and starts the generator’s engine, which then delivers power to select appliances in the home.

Propane-powered standby generators can supply supplemental electricity in as little as 10 seconds after an outage.

They are available in a variety of capacities to fit the needs of any size home and can power several major appliances, including furnaces, boilers, water heaters, cooking equipment, fireplaces and clothes dryers.

For homes that already run on propane, consider running

important systems and appliances like the furnace, water heater, stove and fireplace on propane so they’ll continue to run even during a power outage. The more appliances that run on propane, the smaller and less expensive your standby generator can be. Plus, propane is environmentally friendly and won’t degrade over time like some other fuel sources, ensuring the backup generator reliably powers your home to give you added peace of mind.

Home Systems If your home is struck by a major storm, you may need to manually turn off the power, gas or water to prevent a life-threatening situation or further damage. Refresh your memory regularly on where the shut-off valves are located. If your home has a propane tank, open the lid of the tank to reveal the shut-off valve then turn it to the right to shut off the propane. If there are multiple tanks, turn them all off the same way. If possible, be certain at least two members of the family are able to perform a safe shut-off just in case

someone is injured or unable to access the shut-off site. If you turn off the propane, make sure a qualified technician from your propane supplier turns the gas back on and performs a leak check. Ensuring there isn’t an issue is another step to safeguard your family after a disruption of service.

Insurance Coverage When your home is in the path of a major storm, insurance is an important way to protect your investment. Reviewing your insurance coverage at least annually, if not every six months, can help you stay well-informed about possible exclusions and ensure you have the opportunity to increase your limits if you’ve made improvements or values have grown in your area.

An important aspect of good coverage is a thorough inventory of your possessions that details what you own and could potentially lose in a major storm. Including details like purchase price and condition may help smooth the way if you have to file a claim.

Emergency Kit

After a couple abnormal years, many families are eager and ready to travel together again, and there are indications some pandemic-influenced travel behaviors will persist in 2022.

For example, remote work and virtual school allowed families to travel and combine work and vacation time into “flexcation” getaways, a trend that will continue, according to the 2022 Vrbo Trend Report.

In addition to the 44% of families that said they’re more likely to work remotely from a place that’s not their home,

extended stays are also on the rise. The vacation home site and app has seen a 68% increase in demand for 3-4-week stays over the past year.

Consider these 2022 trends spotted by the travel experts at Vrbo: Up-and-Coming Destinations Spots in Ohio, New York and Alaska saw double vacation rental demand over the past year. Within driving distance of major Midwest metros like Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville, Cincinnati was the year’s top emerging destination.

Other up-and-comers in-

clude Niagara Falls, a popular choice for those who wanted to experience life at the border. Yorktown, Virginia, the location of the last Revolutionary War battle, allows history buffs to witness a battle reenactment. Adventurous travelers trekked to Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska, to enjoy the wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve, breathtaking glaciers and surrounding mountains.

Chalet All Day You may have heard of Cabincore and Cottagecore, but chalets are a trending aesthetic that inspires family trav-

el. Chalets saw a nearly 85% increase in demand year over year. Located on lakefronts or nestled in the woods, these charming and idyllic properties are desirable lodging options for many families.

Kids Call the Shots After being cooped up at home, it may be no surprise parents are letting their kids have a bigger say in vacation planning. Compared to pre-pandemic times, half of the families surveyed said they’re more likely to let their kids decide where they vacation and 43% of parents are more likely to let their kids

skip school for vacation.

Traveling with the Pack Many families adopted pandemic pets because they had more time at home to spend with their furry friends. Now more people are bringing Fido and Fluffy along on vacation; 68% of pet parents have traveled, plan to travel or would like to travel with their pets.

What’s more, there has been a 40% increase in demand yearover-year for pet-friendly vacation homes.

Early Bird Bookers If 2021 was any indication, families will continue booking their vacations further in

What to Expect in Travel in 2022

Storms can blow in fast, so having some emergency equipment you can grab in a hurry may help ease your storm response. Include flashlights, a battery-powered radio, cellphone charger and cash. You should also include first aid supplies, essential medications for everyone in the family, some nonperishable food and an adequate supply of water.

Also include clothing and toiletry items, as well as supplies to care for your pets. It’s also a good idea to have copies of important records like your insurance policy, an emergency contact list and any other personal documents you may need.

By planning ahead with an emergency kit, propane-powered generator and other steps, you can put your family and home in a better position to ride it out as safely and comfortably as possible – giving you peace of mind during and after the weather-related event.

Find more ideas to help get your home storm-ready at Propane.com/Generators. (Family Features)

advance. Booking activity occurred an average of 2-3 months earlier than usual for several major travel seasons.

Families booked summer travel in February, holiday trips in July and snowbirds got a head start on booking warm weather stays for 2022. In fact, 60% of survey respondents said they plan to book their vacations earlier than they did in pre-pandemic times with nearly half making plans 3-5 months in advance.

Find more ideas for planning your next vacation, along with the full report, at Vrbo. com. (Family Features)

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(Continued from previous page)

allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne.

“That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of New Jersey Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what New Jersey residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say.

And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of New Jersey you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline.

The only thing New Jersey residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends.

“Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said.

“We’re guessing thousands of New Jersey residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued.

“We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning.

We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy.

So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said.

The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of New Jersey and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS FACTS:

If you are a New Jersey State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-800-979-3771 EXT: RWB3510

Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only New Jersey State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Why are so many New Jersey residents claiming them:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all New Jersey residents are guaranteed to get them for the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:

New Jersey residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-979-3771 Ext. RWB3510 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist. That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each New Jersey State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain.

R1043R-5

NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2021 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY.

Managing Cold and Flu Season

Page 10• Section 2 • January 2022 • Mt. Olive Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

As temperatures drop, the risk of illness – including cold and flu – rises. It can be easy to mistake the flu for a common cold since many of the symptoms are the same, but muscle aches, cough, fever, headaches and sore throat are some of the more common signs you may be suffering from the flu, which tends to come on quicker than a cold.

In fact, a random, doubleopt-in OnePoll survey of 2,005 Americans commissioned by Mucinex found sore throat pain to be one of the top three most debilitating symptoms along with fever and migraine.

While there’s no way to ensure you and your family members won’t get sick, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances.

Get a Flu Shot The flu spreads differently than colds and can be transmitted before symptoms even arise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people older than 6 months of age get the influenza vaccine, or flu shot, annually to help protect against the strains of flu expected to be the most common during the current flu season. The injection, which does not contain a live virus, goes into the arm muscle to generate antibodies that protect against future flu infection about two weeks after receiving the vaccine.

Practice Self-Care While important yearround, maintaining regular self-care practices can go a long way toward maintaining your health during cold and flu season. Eating a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can help strengthen your immune system, as can working out moderately each

day. Regular exercise also helps reduce inflammation. In addition, proper hydration can help maintain many important body functions, and getting the National Sleep Foundation-recommended 7-9 hours of sleep can help keep antibodies strong and build a defense against illnesses.

Prepare for Symptoms As one of the common symptoms of the flu, sore throat pain can flip your life upside down with the constant nagging, disruptive pain and irritation. However, 55% of those surveyed said they were likely to “power through” a sore throat and continue working, going to school and completing other tasks while dealing with sore throat pain. To make powering through easier, the Mucinex InstaSoothe line includes lozenges and sprays designed to numb, soothe and relieve sore throat pain.

“What separates these lozenges from others is they’re clinically proven to numb sore throat pain fast,” said Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngology, and head and neck (ENT) surgeon. “Both lozenge varieties contain Hexylresorcinol, a local anesthetic for topical use on the mucous membranes of the throat and mouth. As a lozenge dissolves in the mouth, it starts to deliver a local ‘numbing’ anesthetic effect directly to the throat within seconds, lasting up to two hours. For those needing relief from a sore throat and cough, the Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat + Cough Relief Lozenges also contain the active ingredient Dextromethorphan HBr to provide cough suppression.”

Stock Your Medicine Cabinet Be ready before cold and flu hit your household. Take

inventory of your medicine cabinet, get rid of any expired medicines and make note of any you need to replace and replenish. Make sure you have pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, antihistamines and cough syrups that can be used to help fight cold and flu symptoms. In addition, think about other supplies you may need to have on hand such as tissues, cough drops, hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial soap, a thermometer and a humidifier.

Disinfect Household Surfaces Cold and flu viruses can live outside the human body on hard, non-porous surfaces such as metal, plastic and wood for hours, and sometimes even days. Regularly cleaning often-touched household surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, faucet handles and countertops with a disinfectant spray or wipe can help kill germs that cause the viruses. Look for Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants containing bleach, alcohol, pine oil, sodium hypochlorite, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium compounds for best results.

Remember Healthy Habits One of the easiest ways to help avoid getting sick is to practice proper hygiene. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible, as these are areas where cold and flu germs can most easily gain entry into your system. Remember to cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow if a tissue is not readily available. Frequently wash your hands with warm water and anti-bacterial soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating and after touching surfaces in

MOMENTS IN TIME The History Channel

* On Jan. 22, 1779, famed Tory outlaw Claudius Smith meets his end on the gallows in Goshen, New York. Nicknamed the “Cowboy of the Ramapos” for his use of guerrilla tactics against Patriot civilians, legend has it that Smith’s skull was filled with mortar and included in the edifice of the Goshen Court House. * On Jan. 21, 1789, “The Power of Sympathy or the Triumph of Nature Founded in Truth” is printed in Boston, the first novel by an American writer to be published in America. Early editions did not carry the author’s name, but a later printing credited Sarah Wentworth Apthorp Morton. * On Jan. 23, 1855, John Moses Browning, sometimes

referred to as the “father of modern firearms,” is born in Ogden, Utah. Many of the guns whose names evoke the history of the American West -- Winchester, Colt, Remington and Savage -- were based on Browning’s designs. * On Jan. 17, 1953, a prototype Chevrolet Corvette sports car makes its debut at General Motors’ Motorama auto show at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The Corvette was named for a fast type of naval warship. * On Jan. 19, 1977, President Gerald Ford pardons Tokyo Rose, a Japanese-American woman named Iva Toguri, who broadcast Axis propaganda over the radio to Allied troops during World War II.

* On Jan. 20, 1980, President Jimmy Carter proposes to the United States Olympic Committee that the 1980 Summer Olympics be moved from Moscow if the Soviet Union failed to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. The USOC later voted to boycott the Moscow games. * On Jan. 18, 1996, Major League Baseball owners unanimously approve interleague play for the 1997 season. The owners’ vote, which called for each team to play 15 or 16 interleague games, broke a 126year tradition of teams playing only within their league during the regular season. (c) 2022 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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public places. A good rule of thumb is to sing “Happy Birthday” twice to judge the time.

Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also suffice when a sink isn’t within close proximity. Also avoid sharing items like utensils and cups, even with family members, to help avoid spreading germs.

Have a Plan for Sick Days During cold and flu season, you or one of your family

members may become ill and need to miss work or school. If you typically work in an office space, check to see if working remotely is possible and verify your office’s policies about sick time. Saving sick time or a couple vacation days for the season can help avoid having to take unpaid time off if you need to stay home for any reason. Also consider enlisting the help of friends or relatives

to help with sick children in the event you’re unable to take time off from work, and coordinate with your children’s teachers to ensure your little ones receive any schoolwork they may have missed while home sick.

Find more self-care remedies and tips for managing cold and flu season at Mucinex. com. (Family Features)

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Mt. Olive Life • January 2022 • Section 2 • Page 11

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How did your local seller do in 2021?

• If you lived in Mt Olive- You would have been on the market an average of 28 days, and sold with an average of 2% ABOVE list price.

• If you lived in Chester- You would have been on the market an average of 49 days, and sold with an average of 99% list to sale price.

• If you lived in Roxbury- You would have been on the market an average of 29 days, and sold with an average of 3% ABOVE list price.

Unless…You were a DEBRA BURKE GROUP Seller- then you would have been on the market for an average of 18 days and would have SOLD for an average of 4% ABOVE list price.

The DEBRA BURKE GROUP’S average sales price was also 13% above the average Mt Olive sales price and 22% ABOVE the average Roxbury sales price.

1 Tempe Wick Rd, Mendham List: $800,000 Sold: $843,000

2 Robert St, Mount Olive List: $400,000 Sold: $430,000

18 Saunders Ln, Mount Olive List: $750,000 Sold: $770,000

19 Brewster Pl, Mount Olive List: $359,900 Sold: $389,000

20 Saunders Ln, Mount Olive List: $700,000 Sold: $725,000

37 Gordon Way, Mount Olive List: $800,000 Sold: $820,000

37 Warwick Rd, Mount Olive List: $739,000 Sold: $790,000

41 Drakesdale Rd, Mount Olive List: $335,000 Sold: $363,500

60 Deer Path Dr, Mount Olive List: $339,000 Sold: $370,000

Call Mike and Debra (973) 275-8869 127 Lozier Rd, Mount Olive List: $425,000 Sold: $455,000

DebraBurkeGroup.com Who You Work For Matters

Your home is one of THE largest investments in your life.

Can anyone sell a home in this current market? Pretty much, but if you want the BEST PRICE, the BEST TERMS AND the LEAST STRESS in your move, call Debra! Debra, Mike and the Team will make it happen!

A few kind words from our satisfied customers...

M

Michael Allen I reached out to Debra on the advice of my neighbor. My neighbor stated that the Debra Burke Team is by far the best in the area. She was Right. The whole experience was painless.

We met and Debra laid out a plan and executed it flawlessly. Debra’s marketing skills, tools and support staff make it work. It is rare experience to receive this type of service today. Her husband, Mike is available to help with anything and was vital in helping me secure resources during these difficult times.

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Jessica Daehnke

We have had a wonderful experience with Debra Burke and her team! From Debra’s initial visit and clear eye for detail and what buyers are looking for, to the photos, listing and then getting our house sold within a few days, it was seamless and easy! The whole thing was a bit of a whirlwind, and yet we felt anchored by her experience and guidance, especially when it came to choosing an offer.

Every individual we have worked with from her team has been professional and a pleasure to interact with!

I highly recommend The Debra Burke Team!

D

Deborah Reiner Throughout our transactions, Kim Mott and The Debra Burke group were the most helpful, kind, informative, heartfelt people with an aggressive “get it handled” attitude.

Everyone in this perfectly seamless group knows their role and helps you along the way. I couldn’t have felt more comfortable with such a huge step than I did with Kim and The Group! Kim puts her heart in every single thing she does and my family and I are forever grateful for such a great experience in selling and buying our new home! Thank you Debra Burke Group for everything!

191 MAIN ST. • CHESTER Cell

201-275-8869 908-879-4900

Office

Log onto www.debraburkegroup.com for more information about my services.

DebraBurkeTeam@yahoo.com This representation is based in whole or part on data supplied by GSMLS LLC, who do not guarantee or is in any way reSold:onsible for it’s accuracy. *Debra Burke Sales data from GSMLS LLC. *#1 Large Team Morris County Coldwell Banker.

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