Passaic Valley December 2021 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

No. 3 Vol. 12

By Richard Mabey Jr. he Christmas of 1962 showed me the kindness and appreciation of a dear and kind friend and classmate. I was nine years old and in Mrs. Jacobchick’s fourth grade class. I sat in the middle of the classroom, Pamela Rawlings sat next to me. In early December, Mrs. Jacobchick had all of us draw names from a shoebox. As if the odds were a million to one, I chose my old best friend, Stuart Steinhauser. Unbeknownst to me, Pamela Rawlings picked my name from the box of folded papers. I remember that I bought eight comic books for Stuart. I am positive that two of them were Batman and Superman titles. I’m pretty sure that two other comic books were Flash and Superboy. I’m not sure at all, about the other four comic book titles. I remember in early December, walking home from school, and I had a whole, paper dollar in my pants pocket. I went into Moe’s Sweet Shop, with the intent to buy comics for Stuart. I remember it being such a magical moment in time. I had never bought eight comic books, at one time, any other time in my entire life. It was just a monumental moment. I remember when I carried the stack of eight comic books to Moe’s cash register. It’s so funny, the things you remember. I remember Moe saying to me that it looked like I was going to read a lot of comic books that night. I confessed that I did read all of those eight comic books, before I wrapped them up in brightly colored Christmas wrapping paper for my old friend, Stuart. For the next few weeks in December, I

December 2021

A Christmas Story wondered and wondered who could have picked my name from Mrs. Jacobchick’s shoe box of hand-written names. What I was about to ﬁnd out, as to who picked my name from the box, would touch my heart, all so very dearly. In 1962, Christmas fell on a Tuesday, which meant that more than likely Mrs. Jacobchick had us exchange gifts on the Friday before Christmas, since we probably had the entire next week oﬀ from school. Our little fourth grade Christmas party was a happy and joyful little celebration. My mom was the Class Mother for our class. Mom had baked a lot of Christmas cookies for our little party. And we had plenty of apple juice to drink. My mom did come to the little party, to help Mrs. Jacobchick hand out the cookies and pour the apple juice for the children. I was lost for words when Pamela Rawlings looked at me, from her desk which was right across from me, and simply said “Merry Christmas, Richie!” And I then said “Merry Christmas” to Pamela. Then Pamela handed me a colorfully wrapped Christmas gift. It all felt like a dream! Cute Pamela Rawlings was the one who picked my name from the shoebox, vastly full of hand-written names. I remember thinking to myself, “of all the names in that were in that shoebox, sweet Pamela Rawlings chose my name! It was a religious experience for me! I just sat there looking at Pamela’s gift for me. I remember Pamela saying to me, “Richie, aren’t you going to open it?” And, I think I said something like, “oh, yea, open

1962 was very much representative of the height of the era of the baby boomers. I remember that there were well over 35 children in Mrs. Jacobchick’s fourth grade class. Although this is not a photo of my fourth-grade class, it is amazingly close to how that classroom looked.

it up, right….” I carefully removed the brightly colored wrapping paper from Pamela’s gift. And, lo and behold, there it was, a handmade pencil holder. Obviously it was constructed from a soup can or a vegetable can of some kind. The tin can was carefully covered with colorful construction paper. All the while I was looking at that beautiful homemade pencil holder, I kept thinking to myself, “Pamela Rawlings made a pencil holder for me… me….. me!” I thanked Pamela. She asked me if I liked it and I told her that I just loved it. I then turned to my left-hand side, looking toward the back of the classroom, Stu-

art was looking at the covers of his eight comic books. He sent me a big thumbs up, along with a big smile. It was such a memorable little classroom Christmas party. Here’s the amazing thing. I still keep in touch with my old friend, Stuart. And, just a few years ago, I was reunited with my old friend, Pamela, through a common friend. The odds were a million to one that Pamela and I were able to ﬁnd each other, after having lost touch with each for a little over 45 years! The friends of early childhood are truly, the dear and beloved friends. 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 6 • December 2021

oodland Park Borough has been awarded a $373,700 NJ State Department of Transportation municipal aid grant for the Browertown Road streetscape project. This will enhance the Borough’s other business district, which runs from Hromiak Terrace to Route 46. Decorative lighting, pavers, planters, litter and recycling containers, and safer pedestrian crossings will all be part of the plan.

“Friendsgiving”

WP Awarded Grant for Browertown Project Streetscape work along McBride Avenue is just about complete along the entire thoroughfare from Rt. 46 at the Little Falls border to Glover Avenue in Paterson. Funded by over $3.1 million in state grants, work began on the project in March 2017. The goal of the streetscape project is to make the thoroughfare safer, smoother, more business-friendly, and pedestrianfriendly.

Did You Know?

hose poised to begin a health regimen that includes probiotics would be wise to also educate themselves about the closely named, yet vastly different, “prebiotics” that are also beneficial to health. Prebiotics are to probiotics what fertilizer is to a vegetable garden. Prebiotics are essentially a special type of soluble fiber that is used by the beneficial bacteria as fuel, advises the prebiotic supplement company Prebiotin. Examples of good sources of prebiotics include bananas, onions, garlic, Jerusalem

artichokes, apple skins, beans, and chicory root. The prebiotic fiber moves through the small intestine undigested and fermented until it reaches the large intestine. Once there, beneficial bacteria break it down and use it as food. Thusly, the prebiotics can then multiply readily and improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Eating prebiotic foods can fuel the process, but many probiotic supplements now have a combination formula that includes prebiotics in the recipe.

Photos courtesy of the Woodland Park School District.

he students in Mrs. Cieslak’s and Mrs. Parker’s classes at Charles Olbon School in Woodland Park participated in a “Friendsgiving” event. Students enjoyed snacks together outside, listened to a story

about friendship, and created a leaf project. This event was sponsored by our Preschool Home & School Association and the Special Needs Advisory Committee (SNAC).

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Courtesy Dr. Gabriel Hannawi, DC, Chiropractic Physician hysical Therapy and Rehabilitation are important for the success of your recovery after surgery. When your body has gone through a repair procedure you need to retrain it to be active again. This takes time and hard work. Everyone has a role in their own recovery after surgery. The physical therapy specialists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa can design a regimen of exercise to rehabilitate your body. We are focused on helping you get back to normal

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Courtesy Carissa Jannicelli Pampanin, MS, OTR/L Director of Occupational Therapy and Deanna Jannicelli Corby, MS, CCC-SLP Director of Speech and Language Pathology ensory integration is the key to a happy and healthy nervous system. In children, when nervous systems aren’t functioning properly, we often see anxiety, poor frustration tolerance, poor coping mechanisms, behavior overreactions, endless battles and tantrums over the smallest issue, fear of new activities, and poor safety awareness amongst many more. There are many things to look out for if you believe your child may have difficulty interpreting and processing sensory information. Sensory Seekers

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WP Rec Dept Will Manage Youth Sports Programming

s of the March 2022 spring athletic season, the Borough of Woodland Park’s Department of Recreation will begin to offer sports programs and other activities to children in town. As was discussed in spring of 2019 when the Borough pitched a merger to the West Paterson Boys & Girls Club leaders and members, the Borough will hire paid staff to effectively and efficiently organize and manage youth programs, just as it does for its summer camp. It will also continue to run its annual activities for seniors, community celebrations and holiday events. The Borough is well aware of the challenges in delivering quality youth programs, especially in light of the setbacks related to COVID-19. The suspension of youth athletics during that time period,

a further drop in volunteerism and uncertainty amongst parents as to safety — all contributed to these issues. “On behalf of the Council, we thank the decades of leadership — both past and present — at the West Paterson Boys & Girls Club for their efforts in providing athletics to the children of Woodland Park since 1955,” said Mayor Keith Kazmark. “While we will keep the many traditions of being a Panther — today we start anew! The Council and I fully understand the importance of good organization, proper scheduling, volunteer recruitment and the need to provide a positive experience for our children and families across all programs.” More information will be released in the coming weeks regarding the transition.

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Bridge Design

Photos courtesy of the Woodland Park School District.

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Remembering John Howard

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n Monday, November 1, 2021, John Howard passed away peacefully. Mr. Howard began his career at Passaic Valley Regional High School in 2006 as a Science Teacher. In addition to teaching, Mr. Howard also served as a Fencing Coach

and Chess Club advisor. He genuinely cared about his students and had an uncanny sense of humor that created a positive classroom environment for all that he taught. Today we lost a passionate educator, a great man and a friend to all.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at jeff@mylifepublications.com

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Mrs. Thornton and Mr. Sileo Advise PV’s First Mathematics Honor Society

By Gabrielle Lim or the first time at Passaic Valley Regional High School, math teachers Mrs. Ennely Thornton and Mr. Salvatore Sileo will advise the Mathematics Honor Society. As members, scholars that possess an interest in mathematics have the opportunity to become nationally recognized and assist other students. Mu Alpha Theta provided Passaic Valley Regional High School with its first charter for the Mathematics Honor Society. National Mu Alpha Theta is an organization founded in 1957 to help students develop a strong scholarship in mathematics and connect dedicated students with interests in the subject. There are currently thousands of student members worldwide. Forty-six Passaic Valley students are expected to be inducted as members this year. Fully inducted members will receive a national certificate and membership card for national recognition, as well as an honor cord and pin upon graduation. To become an inducted member, students submitted an application to Mrs. Thornton and Mr. Sileo. Students are required to have successfully completed two honor courses and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 in all prior math courses. Students must be currently enrolled in an upper-level math course. After being inducted, students are expected to participate in math competitions, regularly attend meetings, partake in fundraising activities, and support math peer tutoring. “Math is not everyone’s favorite subject,” said Mr. Sileo. “And maybe part of our responsibility as those who appreciate and understand math is to help others, not love it, but have a better appreciation that this stuff [mathematics] actually

works.” Members are also required to display proper character, such as demonstrating honesty, upholding principles of morality and ethics, and complying with school rules. By upholding these ideals, members may receive national recognition from various organizations as well as scholarships from colleges and universities. Accepted associate members or declined applicants will have the opportunity to become full members by fulfilling the requirements in the following year. Over the 2021 summer, Mrs. Thornton began her research into the National Math Honor Society. She later approached Mr. Sileo with her plans. “Once I received approval I reached out to Mr. Sileo because I thought he would want to be a part of [Math Honor Society],” said Mrs. Thornton. Both Mrs. Thornton and Mr. Sileo teach mathematics at PV and have prior experience operating various clubs. Mrs. Thornton serves as the Math Peer Tutoring Coordinator for the Teen Center for the past five years and served as a cooperating teacher and mentor for student-teachers and Practicum students from local colleges and universities. Mr. Sileo also has prior experience advising clubs at PV and tutoring students in mathematics as a former National Honor Society member. PV’s students and administration offered much support for establishing the Math Honor Society. The response from the students was equally as enthusiastic, with about 70 students starting the application process after the introductory meeting. “Our students were ecstatic, they couldn’t believe it was a possibility to create a National Math Honor Society charter here at PV,” said Mrs. Thornton.

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Page 18 • December 2021

Passaic County Is Preventing Evictions With $33 Million in Relief for Tenants and Landlords

overnor Phil Murphy’s moratorium on residential evictions will end soon, and Passaic County’s commissioners are working hard to make sure the next COVID19 crisis isn’t a crisis of evictions and housing instability for families. The County Commissioners have set aside at least $33 million from the 2020 CARES Act and President Joe Biden’s 2021 American Rescue Plan, as a fund to help renters who lost work due to the coronavirus pandemic. In most cases, the program can pay 100% of eligible tenants’ rent, covering the period from March 2020 to the present. “We are trying to prevent the public health crisis of 2020-2021 from turning into a housing crisis in 2022,” said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, who meets weekly with the team of professionals that lead the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). “In addition to rental relief from March 2020 until today, eligible tenants can also receive ‘wrap around’ services including job placement, education, and help paying for utilities,” Bartlett explained. “This assistance is made available through Passaic County’s Human Services Department, Board of Social Services, the Passaic County Community

College (PCCC), and other offices.” Through September 2021, more than $3.4 million of rental assistance was paid to landlords, helping 514 families stay in their apartments. “Both tenants and landlords are essential to our local economy,” said Passaic County Commissioner Cassandra “Sandi” Lazzara, who has helped develop Impact Passaic (www.impactpassaic.com) as a one-stop outreach location for county residents to research and apply for available services. “Through ERAP we will put money in landlords’ pockets while providing tenants and their families with housing stability while they get back on their feet.” Either the landlord or the tenant can begin the application process online at www. impactpassaic.com, and receive help and ask questions by telephone at 862-657-5797 (9am-5pm M-F, with extended hours until 8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Once both landlord and tenant have provided their information, the County evaluates tenants’ eligibility based upon income limits (see chart) and whether the tenants suffered a loss of job or work time due to the COVID19 pandemic. The program’s rules are less restrictive

than other similar programs. For example, rental assistance is available regardless of tenants’ immigration status or history of contact with the criminal justice system. Landlords are paid promptly, in exchange for promising not to lock-out their tenants for at least three months. Landlords are still free to apply for other assistance programs, like the State’s business grants, just not to receive more than 100% of the rent they’re owed. ERAP is Impact Passaic’s first major project, recognizing housing security as essential to the quality of life of all Passaic

County residents. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the fundamental need for affordable housing. The Passaic County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, in coordination with wrap-around services, will begin to address the County’s larger need for affordable housing and homelessness prevention. The ‘ImpactPassaic.com’ web site is the first major initiative of the Passaic County Collective Impact Council. The Council consists of 40 governmental, non-profit, continued on page 24

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December 2021 • Page 19

Courtesy Dr. Anant Joshi t’s that time of year again! The holidays are quickly approaching, and the temperatures are dropping. Did you also know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month? At Advanced Footcare of NJ LLC, we know firsthand how patients with diabetes experience complications that impact their feet and ankles. Before you begin to make your holiday plans, we want to make sure that you’re diabetes-aware. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition that is characterized by high blood sugar or glucose levels. Symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, blurred vision and sores that take longer than usual to heal. How can I ﬁnd out if I have diabetes? Through a quick and easy test at your doctor’s office, you can have confidence in your status. Schedule an appointment and ask for a blood sugar test. I have a family member with diabetes. Does that mean I will have diabetes, too? You are not guaranteed to have diabetes because a family member also has the condition. However, your risk has increased, so it’s important to remain proactive about your health. I just learned that I am prediabetic. What’s next? It’s not too late to fight against diabetes. You can reduce your risk by doing the following: Exercise weekly Eat healthy and balanced food options Stay in communication with your doctor

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delays their ability to notice the injury. Over time, an injury can worsen into non-healing wounds such as foot ulcers. Don’t enter the new year without knowing if you’re at risk for developing diabetes. Make an appointment with Dr. Anant Joshi. Call our office at (973) 256-0002. We are located at 1031 McBride Avenue, Suite D-105, Woodland Park.

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Page 20 • December 2021

Move with Ease Again – Find Relief for Your Hip and Knee Pains

Courtesy Dr Raffaele Lagonigro, PT Founder, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Treat Your Pain at its Source with Physical Therapy here are a multitude of reasons why you may be experiencing aches and pains in your hip or knee. In fact, hip and knee pain are some of the most common types of pain people deal with – they are some of the top pains listed on the Centers for Disease Control surveys of adults reporting joint pain. From excess weight, to sports injuries, to rising age, to repetitive motion injuries, there are many ways that the hips and knees can develop uncomfortable symptoms. Regardless of the cause of your

hip and/or knee pain, if you experience it regularly, physical therapy can help you manage it. Many people use pain-management drugs such as anti-inflammatories to minimize their discomfort. However, these drugs do have potential side effects, so it would be a better bet to find a safer, natural way to relieve your pain. Physical therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for! Why pain management drugs are not ideal If you have been prescribed pain relievers by your doctor, it is best to follow the advice of your doctor. However, you

are welcome to discuss physical therapy with your doctor or one of our licensed physical therapists, as well. If you find that your pain level has decreased through physical therapy, you can discuss reducing the use of your pain reliever so you can focus on natural treatments. Physical therapy can treat persistent pains It is likely that you will begin to notice pain relief while you are participating in your physical therapy treatments, but what about when you go home? Your physical therapist’s main goal is to heal your injuries or symptoms over the long

term, so you can live a comfortable, painfree life. The various exercises and treatments that your physical therapist will prescribe will consistently work to improve your condition so that you experience less pain on a daily basis. As your body grows stronger and more mobile during your physical therapy treatments, you are likely to experience less persistent pain in your hips and knees. How can physical therapy help me find relief? According to the Centers for Disease Control, hip and knee pain are both commonly reported areas of discomfort across the United States. If your doctor has told you to take pain relievers every day for your hip and/or knee pain, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations. But it also cannot hurt to ask about alternatives like physical therapy. Working with a physical therapist can help reduce or eliminate your pain in a variety of ways, including: Ultrasound therapy.Ultrasound is used continued on page 21

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Move with Ease Again... continued from page 20 by physical therapists to apply heat deeper in your soft tissues to provide pain relief. The heat can improve circulation and aid in healing, which can ultimately reduce the pain you experience day to day. Ice and heat therapy. Heat can be used to improve your mobility and decrease the amount of pain you are experiencing so that you can move more freely. Ice can also be used to lessen pain from your hip and/ or knee as well as to reduce inflammation. Exercises to improve mobility and flexibility. Often hip and knee pain can lead to loss of mobility and flexibility – which then increases the wear on your joints and leads to even more pain. Physical therapists can take you through exercises to improve your mobility and flexibility so that you can move your limbs and joints in the fullest range of motion that is available based on your body and circumstances. Exercises to increase your strength. Loss of muscular strength can contribute significantly to hip and knee pain because

December 2021 • Page 21

the weaker your muscles get, the more stress is put on your joints. Physical therapy centers around specific exercises designed to target various muscles and strengthen them so that they better support your joints. Identify the causes of your hip and knee pain. There may be one or several reasons why you are experiencing hip and knee pain. A physical therapist can examine your movement to help identify things that are contributing to your pain, such as poor posture, unhealthy walking patterns or unhealthy movement patterns at work. Once they identify these kinds of issues, physical therapists can tell you how to correct them. Consult with a physical therapist today Please contact Aim Orthopedics & PT today to schedule an appointment to help relieve your hip and knee pains. We’ll help treat your pain at its source so you can enjoy long-term relief! AIM Orthopedics, 44 Main St Little Falls, 973-860-0550

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Page 22 • December 2021

What is Gout? Holiday Season Can Trigger Foot Pain

Courtesy Matthew F. Wachtler, DPM ot gout? If so, Dr. Wachtler, a Cedar Grove foot and ankle surgeon has a recommendation for surviving the holidays: Watch what you eat and drink. Changes in diet, including overindulging in certain foods and beverages, can cause gout attacks this time of year, says Dr. Matthew F. Wachtler, DPM, FACFAS. Gout attacks can be difficult to diagnose, often mistaken for a sprain, arthritis or other ailments. Gout attacks are extremely painful, often red, hot and swollen. If left untreated, they can last for months and cause significant joint damage. They are caused when uric acid accumulates in the tissues or a joint and crystallizes. This most commonly occurs in the big toe joint. Foods that are high in purines contribute to uric acid build-up. People prone to gout attacks should avoid purine-rich items such as shellfish (shrimp, crab, etc.), organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red meat, red wine and beer. Gout can be treated with medications, diet changes, increasing consumption of appropriate fluids, and immobilizing the foot. In some cases injections may be required as well as surgery to remove the uric acid crystals and even repair the joint. Gout is a form of arthritis that develops

when high levels of uric acid in your body form crystal deposits in your joints. Gout can develop in any joint. However, your big toe is the most common location. Gout causes symptoms including intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. There are several stages of gout. The first stage is asymptomatic, which is when you have elevated levels of uric acid in your blood. As the disease progresses, you can develop acute gout, in which you experience attacks that are usually triggered by heavy drinking or eating a very rich meal. Eventually, you can develop interval gout, where you have intermittent attacks. While you may not experience symptoms all the time, your joint is continuously inflamed,

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which can cause other complications. The final stage of the disease is chronic gout. It becomes chronic when you’ve had several years of elevated uric acid levels. Your attacks will then become more frequent, and the pain may not go away completely between flare-ups. What causes gout? Gout develops when uric acid crystals accumulate in your joints. Your body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in red meat, organ meat, and seafood. Alcohol and high sugar drinks also trigger uric acid production. You can have an increased risk of getting gout if you have a family history of the disease. Furthermore, if you’re overweight and eat a diet that includes a lot of red meat and alcohol, your chances of developing

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gout are higher. How is gout treated? At, Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Wachtler offers effective in-office treatments for gout. He may prescribe medications to relieve gout pain and reduce your uric acid production. He also helps you to change your diet and modify your lifestyle to reduce your risk of having gout attacks. Limiting your intake of red meat, sugar, and alcohol can often reduce your risk. If you’re concerned about gout, call or book an appointment online with Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists today. Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists, 886 Pompton Ave , Suite A-1 Cedar Grove.

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Preventing Evictions... continued from page 18 faith based and community members. It was established in the fall of 2020 to identify, develop and implement strategies and systemic solutions to identify the unmet needs of Passaic County residents. The end goal is to provide individuals, families and communities with the knowledge, resources, and skills to successfully support themselves, their families and community members from birth to the end of life. As it considers how best to help all Passaic County residents recover from the pandemic and build brighter futures, the Council’s most significant findings concern income disparities across the county and how they are reflected in symptoms of distress. More than 2,600 Passaic County residents took part in a Needs Assessment and four areas of unmet needs were identified as the most critical: Housing insecurity: a lack of affordable housing puts struggling families and individuals at risk of homelessness Poverty: income insecurity leads to food insecurity, difficulty accessing healthcare, and other basic challenges Drugs and mental health: especially the Opioid Crisis, and people who need but cannot access Behavioral Health support

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and treatment Communication about available resources “A systemic approach to change includes both short term and long-term solutions,” County Commissioner Lazzara explained. “The Passaic County Collective Impact Council will take a holistic approach, including collaboration across all levels of government, partnerships with non-profit organizations and other community leaders like clergy, and involving individuals and families.” “Like with Census 2020 and other projects, Impact Passaic’s outreach will be in many languages,” Passaic County Commissioner Assad Akhter added. “We recognize that major immigrant populations in Passaic County need to receive information in Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Gujarati, and other languages, in order to access the services they are eligible to receive.” By starting with housing insecurity, and providing $33 million to help tenants and landlords through ERAP, the County Commissioners hope to prevent a crisis of evictions and foreclosures so all Passaic County residents can recover and thrive in the years ahead.

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December 2021 • Page 25

Passaic Valley Tennis Champions

remier Properties The Damiano Group sponsored a local tennis tournament with over 30 competitors All proceeds have been donated to the Little Falls Recreation Center with over $500 raised. We had over 30 competitors including men and woman. Pictured are the men’s 1st & 2nd Place winners. The winner Arvin Upadhyay (on left) over Liad Amir. The women’s Champions were shared between Larysa Cohen and Claire Dillon. Stay tuned for the spring tournament. Go to JerseyTennis.net for details and become a member of our Facebook Group. North/Central/ South Jersey Tennis Community.

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hannon Marren was recently sworn in to the Woodland Park Board of Education. Marren is filling the 11 weeks remaining on the term of former Board Member Chris Mania, who stepped

down. Marren, who successfully won a bid for an open Board of Education in the Nov. 2 election, which will begin on Jan. 1, 2022, was one of four women who interviewed for the position.

Page 26 • December 2021

NJStarz NJ Starz: Andrew Reich Hometown: Morristown

Andrew Reich and his family. Photo courtesy of Andrew Reich.

By Steve Sears ndrew Reich just wouldn’t commit. When asked which of the six stars of the popular sitcom, Friends, was most enjoyable to work with, he says with a slight laugh, “You are not going to get me to answer that question.” He does, however, offer the following. “You did have that cast who could elevate anything you wrote. If they didn’t make it work, it was a bad line. And, chances are, they would make it even funnier than you thought it would be.” The 52-year-old Reich would write 164 episodes over sevens seasons for the show, eventually becoming an Executive Producer and garnering himself an Emmy Award. “We had this incredible group of writers,” Reich explains of the Friends experience, “and a lot of us were around the same age as the characters. So, we were writing our lives on that show. We were coming in and talking about what we had done over the weekend or that night or whatever, and finding a way to turn that into stories. We were, for the most part, very close. We worked these 80hour weeks, I mean – the hours were insane! There were many, many times where I would leave that writer’s room at five or six in the morning, get a couple hours of sleep, and come back in a few hours again.” Reich was born on Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. His father, Martin, was a doctor in the Air Force. “We moved to Morristown when I was about one and a half, so really all my childhood memories are of Morristown. He (his dad) was a doctor; he worked at Morristown Memorial (Hospital)

and had a practice in Basking Ridge. Both my parents are from Hackensack. My mother (Susan) was a school teacher at Pingry, teaching sixth grade science, and I have an older sister, Vicki.” It all started in the Garden State for the 52-year-old Reich, who calls his younger days an “idyllic suburban childhood.” “Just riding bikes around the neighborhood,” he recalls, “lots of friends in the neighborhood, that kind of ‘70s childhood where it was just like, ‘Be home for dinner. We don’t really know where you are, what you’re doing, but be home before dark.’ And going to great public schools.” There was also New York City. Reich’s parents were oft theatergoers, heading to Gotham for plays and dining. Their son embraced the big town as well, but in a slightly different way. “Starting in early high school, I was getting on the train to the PATH in Hoboken, and taking the PATH train into the city. I was a punk rock kid. I got really into punk rock, and so there was a lot of just taking the train in to go to record stores on St Mark’s Place, to go to CBGB, to go to Danceteria, the Peppermint Lounge – to go to all those clubs with some friends, and just having that kind of freedom even as a high school kid. New York was quite a bit more dangerous in those days, but we always managed to make it back home.” While at Morristown High, drama teacher James Hogue inspired Reich, and his very good friend, Ira Ungerleider. “You could just as easily be writing this article about him,” Reich says of the latter, whose writing credits continued on page 27

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continued from page 26 include Friends and How I Met Your Mother. The duo is also currently collaborating on a their first new project together since high school. “I think it was maybe sophomore year, we took this acting class - this drama class - with Mr. Hogue, who I had known actually before this: I was good friends with his stepson when I was in elementary school. He (Hogue) introduced us to improvisation, to the sort of classics or Viola Spolin improv games, and we really took to that more than to the sort of scripted acting stuff we were learning. It was the improv that we loved, and he recognized that when Ira and I would do these improv scenes together, we were really good. We had been best friends since sixth or seventh grade, and had this sort of telepathy that enabled us to really do these improv scenes well together.” It got to the point that, when Hogue would visit other schools and teach them the rudiments of improvisation, he would take Reich and Ungerleider with him, having them be part of the demonstration. “He would talk about these concepts and we would do these improv scenes for these kids.” Reich had acted in plays as a youngster, but he was now in a different realm. “It was this improv, and feeling like we’re good at it, that sort of lit this fire.” Reich carried the torch to Yale University, auditioning for the school’s improv group and, becoming a member and utilizing his prior experience, took over directing the group halfway through his freshman year and directed and performed in it all through college. The foundation was effectively cemented. “I will say that that was really the training for being a television comedy writer.” Reich says. Reich graduated from Yale in May of 1990, and by September was living with some Morristown buddies in California. He lives now in the Windsor Square-Hancock Park area of Los Angeles. “We were all in the same apartment. There was this group of us, these Morristown kids, and three of us ended up writing on Friends. I think sort of moving out with this sort of built-in group was key. It’s a tough town, sometimes, to meet people and find your place, but we had that connection, and for a while there was a sort of separate group of slightly older guys who were also out here, so there was a good Morristown crew.” As for Friends, Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, Perry, and Schwimmer could, as Reich says, “take any good line, and they could make it work.” He then adds, “And that’s not always the case. You rarely get that with every member of a cast on a show. A lot of the times, you have this feeling of like, ‘God, that was a great joke, but it died because it wasn’t delivered right!’ And that’s

December 2021 • Page 27

always heartbreaking. You didn’t have that experience there (with Friends). What they would do sometimes is reveal, ‘Oh no, we’ve got to try harder, we’ve got to do better,’ because if they’re not making it work, it’s no good. So, that was just incredible to have. They were brilliant.” Per Reich, there was a very healthy competitiveness among the writers, and a deep respect. “I was never thinking about, ‘Okay, I’ve got to make these 20 million people laugh.’ It was like, ‘I want to make that writer who’s sitting across the table from me laugh, and if I can get that laugh, then I know that it’s (the line or joke) good. That was the goal: to make the other writers laugh, and that’s what we were focused on. Our world was just this big conference table in this building, just off the Warner Brothers lot.” Reich also states emphatically, “We were all really determined that the show was not going to go downhill on our watch. We never felt like, ‘Okay, it’s season eight, we can coast. We can go home early.’ We cared so much about keeping the quality of the show high, to the point where it’s like, ‘Alright, we’ll spend two hours, three hours, on this one joke. We will sit here and we will keep pitching for hours trying to find the line that’s actually funny.’ We were sort of obsessive about that.” Reich is married to the magazine writer and novelist, Christine Lemon, and they are parents to 14-year-old twins, Millie and Lewis. “That’s the most important thing,” he says. “I think I’ve really organized my life since them, too. I would never work those hours I worked on Friends now, because the most important thing is for me to spend time with them.” Reich also produces a podcast called Dead Pilots Society. “I’ve done 60 or so episodes at this point,” he says. “It’s comedy pilots from great, great writers whose pilots were sold to networks or streaming services but never shot, and then I cast them with great actors and we do table reads. And then I interview the writers. It’s a really rewarding thing, just to get to have these writers get to hear their work that was rejected, and here it allows us to do it in front of a live audience. I think that’s really fun.” Reich, who also wrote for other shows such as Worst Week and Rules of Engagement, sums it up. “All you have is the feeling like you’re doing work that you’re proud of, and then the rest of it is out of your control. I spent many years sort of struggling with that. I truly have come to accept that you do the best you can, the rest is out of your hands. You’ll get some lucky breaks, you’ll get a lot of unlucky breaks, and you just keep doing it. All you can control is the work that you do and how you feel about it.”

Page 28 • December 2021

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ettling in for an afternoon of gridiron action calls for football food from dips and appetizers to full-blown feasts. Whether you’re a diehard fan, casual observer or just there for the game time grub, a full day of “homegating” requires flavorful eats to refuel the crowd. One of the easiest ways to take your menu from benchwarmer to superstar status is to add foods from one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, Cacique, to your playbook. For example, flavor-packed, heaping Cheesy Chorizo Nachos can score a touchdown at your gathering, even among the pickiest of fans. When the game is on the line, call on this dish to keep your team satisfied from kickoff to the final whistle. Made with crumbly, creamy, pleasantly milky queso fresco; authentic real cheese queso dip that’s ready in minutes; robust, spicy pork chorizo; fresh-tasting Crema Mexicana; and small-batch homestyle salsa, this shareable dish can feed a houseful of hungry fans. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a perfect solution for pregame baking so it’s ready just before the coin toss. To find more game day recipes, visit CaciqueInc.com. Cheesy Chorizo Nachos 1 package Cacique Pork Chorizo 1 package Cacique Queso Blanco Queso Dip 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans 2 tablespoons water, plus additional, if necessary 1 bag (12 ounces) tortilla chips

1 package Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco 1/2 cup Cacique Crema Mexicana 1 large jalapeno, sliced thin 2 radishes, sliced thin fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish guacamole, for serving Cacique Mild Homestyle Salsa, for serving In large nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium-low heat, cook pork chorizo, using spoon to break it up. Stir regularly until completely warmed through and deep brown, scraping crispy bits from bottom of pan. Microwave queso dip 2-3 minutes until heated through. In medium bowl, thin refried beans with water. Beans should be thick but nearly pourable; add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary. Heat oven to 350 F. To assemble nachos, add half the tortilla chips to 13-by-9-inch rectangular baking dish. Use spoon to drizzle half the queso dip and half the refried beans evenly over chips, distributing as evenly as possible. Sprinkle with half the crumbled queso fresco. Repeat with remaining chips, queso dip, beans and crumbled queso fresco. Bake 5-8 minutes until crumbled queso fresco softens and queso dip is creamy. Remove from oven then drizzle with crema Mexicana and scatter pork chorizo over top. Garnish with sliced jalapenos, radishes and fresh cilantro. Serve with guacamole and salsa. (Family Features)

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December 2021 • Page 29

Celebrate the Holidays with Special Centerpieces

ew things bring family and friends together quite like the holidays, and serving up an elegant, seasonal meal centered around a mouthwatering main dish is a recipe for creating lasting memories with the ones you love. Forging a fabulous holiday experience for the special people in your life starts with choosing a flavorful, tender cut of meat to serve as the centerpiece of the meal. Handcut by expert butchers, an option like SpiralSliced Ham from Omaha Steaks can serve as the focal point of a memorable holiday dinner. Flash frozen to capture freshness and flavor, you can select a standout cut of meat from the comfort of your home and have it delivered directly to your door in time to put together a tender, juicy main course. Find more holiday recipe inspiration at OmahaSteaks.com/blog/recipes. Rum and Cola Holiday Ham Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 80 minutes

Servings: 10-12 Ham: 1 Omaha Steaks Spiral-Sliced Ham (8 pounds) Glaze: 1 cup cherry fruit spread 3/4 cup dark spiced rum 3/4 cup cola 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt To make ham: Thaw frozen ham in refrigerator 24-48 hours. Remove from refrigerator and let ham come to room temperature, about 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 F. Remove ham from foil and film. Return ham to foil wrapping and place in oven-safe roasting pan. Roll foil down leaving 2 inches of foil around bottom of ham. Place roasting pan with ham in oven on lower rack and heat uncovered 60-75 minutes, until ham starts to brown. While ham cooks, make glaze. To make glaze: In medium saucepot,

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any holiday hosts tend to pull out their most treasured family recipes when entertaining loved ones. After all, taste is the most important aspect of most holiday spreads, particularly when it comes to favorite baked goods and desserts. Put a better-for-you twist on your baked classics this holiday season by swapping out less healthy cooking fats like butter, canola oil and vegetable oil with an option like Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil. Ideal for baking desserts like this Lemon Cake or Sugar Cookies with Orange Glaze, as well as frying, this light tasting olive oil provides a healthier take on your holiday recipes without impacting the taste you and your guests love. This olive oil is high-quality and authentic, backed by a brand that has been perfecting the craft of olive oil since 1906. Find more better-for-you holiday recipe inspiration at Pompeian.com/recipes. Lemon Cake Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Servings: 30

Healthy Holiday Baking Swaps 1 1/3 cups Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil, plus additional for oiling pan 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/4 cups whole milk 3 large eggs 1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon zest, plus additional for garnish (optional) 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup limoncello powdered sugar, for garnish (optional) dried sweetened lemon rings, for garnish (optional) Heat oven to 350 F. Oil 8-by-12-by-2inch pan with olive oil and line bottom with parchment paper. In bowl, whisk flour, sugars, salt, baking soda and powder. In another bowl, whisk 1 1/3 cups olive oil, milk, eggs, lemon zest, juice and limoncello. Add dry ingredients; whisk until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake

60-75 minutes until top is golden and cake tester comes out clean. Transfer cake to rack and let cool 30 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan, invert cake onto rack and let cool completely, 2 hours. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon rings right before serving, if desired. Sugar Cookies with Orange Glaze

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 36 Cookies: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup cake sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt continued on page 31

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December 2021 • Page 31

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continued from page 30 1/2 cup Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened milk of choice Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional if needed, for thickening 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice 1/8 teaspoon salt orange slices or blood orange slices, for topping sugar, for topping To make cookies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease baking sheet. In large bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt to combine. Add olive oil, vanilla extract and almond extract. Stir until crumbly dough forms. Add 2 tablespoons milk; stir until soft dough ball forms, adding more milk if needed. Place dough ball on lightly floured surface. Roll out dough until 1/4-inch thick. Using jar lid or other circular object, cut out cookies; place on baking sheet. Repeat until

all dough is used. Bake 8-10 minutes; do not overbake. Set aside to cool. To make glaze: In small bowl, stir powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons orange juice and salt until thick glaze forms. Add more juice, if needed, to thin out glaze or add more powdered sugar to thicken. When cookies are cooled, glaze them. Top with orange slices or blood orange slices and pinch of sugar. (Family Features)

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Page 32 • December 2021

Red Ribbon Week

ed Ribbon Week was sponsored in the Woodland Park School District by the WP Municipal Alliance Against Alcoholism & Drug Abuse. Red Ribbon Week is aimed at promoting a commitment to be a drug-free, alcohol-free, violence-free, and smokefree community. Members of the local Daisy and Girl Scout Troops and Memorial School students decorated the grounds of the schools with red ribbons. During the week, the schools had different theme days, such as wearing red, superhero shirts, and team jerseys, as shown by Mayor Keith Kazmark, School District Superintendent Dr. Michele Pillari, Memorial School Principal Stephen Scholtz, and students. In addition, there was an antialcohol and drug door decorating contest sponsored by the Alliance in the schools for students.

December 2021 • Page 33

I Remember Dad: Hold Dear To Heart, This Cherished Heritage

By Richard Mabey Jr. ne of the most powerfully positive influences upon my beloved father was his grandfather, William H. Mabey. Sadly, my great grandfather passed away in 1936, about a year after having suffered a stroke. Dad was nine years old, when his grandfather was called Home to be with the Lord. My great grandfather was born on October 15, 1868, at a time when our nation was still healing from the wounds of the great Civil War. Great Grandpa Mabey grew up in a modest home, atop Hook Mountain. The home had no running water, nor did it have an indoor bathroom. In 1892, at the age of 23, Great Grandpa Mabey married Dora Dolson. My great grandmother was born and raised in New York City, in a rather wealthy family. How it came to be that she traveled to Beavertown (the former name of Lincoln Park) and met my great grandfather is unclear. Dora Dolson was 20 years old when she married my great grandfather. Great Grandpa Mabey worked as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East. He was a strong, hard-working man. For the first two years of their marriage, William and Dora Mabey lived with William’s parents, William and Catherine Mabey. During those two years, my great grandfather worked

every minute he could, on building a home for his bride and himself. He single-handedly built the home. As a tribute to his carpentry skills, the home still stands today. My dad loved his grandfather, oh so very much. Dad was nine years old when his grandfather passed away. My father often recollected about how devastated he was to lose his grandfather. According to my beloved father, Great Grandpa Mabey was a most incredibly talented story teller. My father often told me how he would gather about his grandfather, sitting on the floor with his brothers and cousins, while Great Grandpa Mabey told dramatic stories of life along the old Morris Canal. I remember, as a child, Dad would often retell these stories. Dad would preface the stories with saying, “of course I can’t tell it quite like my grandpa could. He was quite a story teller.” Now at 68, I so deeply regret that I didn’t take out a pencil and paper and write down those stories. My great grandfather taught my father the treasured principles of farming, specifically the art of successfully growing corn. Legend has it that Great Grandpa Mabey was a great hunter. My dad often told the stories about the days of going on a hunt with his father and grandfather and his older brother, Edward.

There was a great legend of the great buck, whose presence was overwhelming. Dad often told me about the great buck. That his grandfather held a certain reverence and respect for the great buck, and so never raised his rifle sights upon the tremendously large deer. I remember my father telling me about the time he did sight the great buck. He told me that once a man saw the great buck, he was destined to never be the same again. The great buck was the king of the wooded land that ran the forest range, all along the old Morris Canal in Lincoln Park. I have but only one picture of my dear great grandfather. I cherish that photograph, oh so dearly. Whenever I am faced with the dreaded plague of writer’s block, I take out Great Grandpa’s picture from the top drawer of my desk. I look at that photo of my great grandfather, that was taken shortly after he had his stroke. I try my utmost best to be true to Great Grandpa’s love of storytelling. A part of the spirit of my great grandfather lives on in my heart, solely because my dad took the time to share with me his fond memories of the beloved patriarch, who was born just a few years after the monumental surrender at Appomattox. Cherish your unique family history. By all means, please do take the time to pass on your knowledge of your family’s history and legends to the younger ones of your family.

The only photograph that I have of my great grandfather, William H. Mabey. This picture was taken in 1935, after Great Grandpa Mabey had his stroke. A corner of the home that Great Grandpa Mabey built can be seen in this picture, on the right hand side.

Truly, it will be time well invested. 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 34 • December 2021

Springfield Man Writes Other’s Stories with LifeStory Memoir

By Steve Sears or 43-year-old Richard Squires, Thanksgiving of 2015 will always be special. That very Thursday, his Grandpa Ben asked Squires when he was going to write a story about him. Squires embraced and embarked on the request. The book was printed two days before his grandfather died. There’s sometimes a touch of melancholy. “Come Thanksgiving,” Squires says, “I start to think about that. My grandfather was in the hospital, he had a stroke, and I was there and I was able to tell them that we finished the book and it was at the printers. He wasn’t able to speak, but he could communicate with his eyes, and it was a beautiful moment that I’ll never forget. I could see that he was very happy about it.” 25 copies of the book were printed, and it was the inception of LifeStory memoir. “I gave it out to my cousins, my aunts and uncles, and my brothers. I have a couple copies here, I keep it with me, and I always talk about it. I love to share it because that was before my branding. My books now all have my logo, so it really was the lightbulb moment with my business.” Squires, who has done corporate writing and has taught the writing at both Kean University and Union County College, has written thirty memoirs for clients and is currently at work on six others. Both the initial meeting with a clients and handing them the final product – their own memoir – are equally exciting for him. “When I give them the book - I call it the Big Book Reveal – I like to video it so I capture their expression when they first see it. I capture it on video and

then I have it edited into professional quality, and I’m able to provide that to the clients, also. But that’s just a moment. The interviews are probably my favorite part. What’s so great about it is that they really open up to me, telling me the heart of their lives. And I asked them a ton of questions, and we always have an idea of certain things we’re going to talk about, but then through the questions that I ask, I kind of probe and make certain connections, and they always think of things that they haven’t thought about for years.” A trust is cemented between Squires and those he writes for. “And it really continues on forever,” he says, “because for pretty much all my clients, we become friends. I’m always available to them. They are in touch with me, they may want to do other books, sometimes they want to make a change, or sometimes they have questions for me or they need my help.” Squires work is not limited to memoir writing. Consider his LoveStory keepsake books for those getting married, eulogies and programs authored for funerals, slide presentations, podcast and workshop work. “I offer memoir writing workshops and creative writing workshops,” Squires says, “and that includes the genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. And I’m always available to chat with people. I talk with a lot of people who don’t move forward with projects, but I’m always happy to do it. Some people have already done some of their writing or are in different stages. Some people have interviews with family members who have already passed away. I work with all that.” And there is a pressure to get the work done when it comes to memoir work. “There’s this pressure,” Squires says,

Happy and healthy holiday wishes from our family to yours.

Photos courtesy of Richard Squires.

“because for one thing, a lot of my clients are elderly, and I need to get the project done. Time is of the essence. So, there’s that, and just that my clients are waiting on me. And I put that pressure on myself because I believe in customer service. I’m big on that. I want all my clients to be happy, and I’ve had 100% satisfaction; my clients have been happy. And I want to keep going.” Squires is fully committed to his wonderful career. “I am blessed. I figured out a way to do something that I love to do that’s in my skill set, and it’s just amazing. Better than anything I’ve done before.” For more information about LifeStory books, visit www. lifestorymemoir.com. Squires can be contacted at (973) 9031487 or Richard@LifeStoryMemoir.com

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December 2021 • Page 35

Page 36 • December 2021

f showing loved ones your appreciation with holiday presents is a tradition in your family, you can take that sign of affection a step further this year with gifts that give back to the world around you. These simple yet impactful gifts help support the Arbor Day Foundation and its mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. With a vision to lead toward a world in which trees are a solution to some of the biggest problems facing the planet today – from air and water quality to climate change and more – the foundation has more than 1 million members, supporters and partners that have helped to plant more than 400 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests in almost 50 countries to ensure a greener and healthier future. For each of these holiday gifts, the foundation will plant one tree in a United States forest to help ensure a greener and healthier future. Find more environmentally friendly gift ideas at arborday.org/giftideas. A Warm Cup of Compassion You can change the world one sip at a time by gifting delicious Arbor Day Coffee this holiday season. Grown under the tree canopy in Central and South American rain forests, the shade helps protect an entire

Gracious Gifts that Give Back ecosystem while maintaining fertile soil and providing habitat for wildlife. Expect a rich taste that offers as much flavor as environmental support – for every bag purchased, one tree is planted. A Gift that Lasts a Lifetime Personalize gifts for those in your life with Give-A-Tree Cards. Each card you purchase plants a tree in honor of family, friends, customers or associates, helping bring the nation’s forests back to life. Plus, you can personalize the cards for free and they’ll be sent to you to sign and deliver personally. Arbor Day Apparel No holiday gifting is complete without thoughtful stocking stuffers. Share your commitment to trees with a loved one by giving a t-shirt from the Arbor Day Foundation. Made from a 50/50 blend of recycled polyester produced from plastic bottles and organic cotton, each shirt, available in adult and youth sizes, is designed to be soft and comfortable. Produced using eco-friendly manufacturing processes, each t-shirt purchase also plants a tree in one of the nation’s forests. Bring the Outdoors In Give your loved one the gift of serenity with the smell of the great outdoors. This 9-ounce Arbor Day Foundation Soy Wax

Candle provides an exclusive scent featuring a premium blend of plant-based and ethically sourced fragrance oils. Scent notes include fresh pine, berry, red currant, juniper, light musk, sage, pear and amber. The candle is hand-poured and 100% American-made. Each candle purchased plants a tree. Save the Environment with Stainless Steel Show your love of trees with this 16-ounce vacuum insulated Klean Kanteen

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December 2021 • Page 37

Be Car Care Aware Tips to Ensure Cool Weather Safety and Visibility

here’s a chill in the air, leaves are changing colors and falling from trees and there are more porches decorated for the seasons ahead than the eyes can see. The changing weather also means shorter days and longer nights where visibility becomes critical from sunset to sunrise. Now is the ideal time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the transition of seasons by checking key safety and visibility items. While it can be picturesque, seasonal weather is often unpredictable, so it’s important to ensure your vehicle is ready for all conditions. Make sure your headlights, wiper blades and windshield washer fluid are ready for the challenges of driving during the fall and winter months ahead. Windshield Wiper Blades Start with checking the windshield wiper blades that work overtime in inclement weather. Flat blade windshield wipers are designed to hug the curve of your windshield and provide a clean wipe. Be sure to invest in a pair of new wiper blades to help give you a clear line of sight behind the wheel as the weather changes. “To help keep drivers’ windshields clean regardless of the season, PEAK offers a full line of wiper blades that help keep drivers’

windshields clean regardless of the season,” automotive DIY expert Emily Reeves said. “It’s important to make sure you check your car manual to help determine which blade size is right for your vehicle and take into consideration the environmental elements you’ll face heading into fall and winter.” Windshield Washer Fluid Wiper blades alone won’t keep leaves, dirt and grime off of your windshield. Next, it’s crucial to check your windshield washer fluid to make sure its fresh and caters to seasonal needs. Be sure to do some research to determine what is best for both your vehicle and local climate, whether that be allseason, bug cleaning or de-icing. Seasonally appropriate windshield washer fluid can help ensure you’re prepared to fight everything from rain, bugs, tree sap and bird droppings from interfering with your visibility and allow you to drive more safely. Headlights A clean, clear windshield is nothing if you aren’t able to see more than 5 feet in front of you. Shorter days mean less sunlight and decreased visibility while on the road. Now is also a perfect time to check your headlights to ensure they aren’t dimming, which will reduce visibility, particularly at nighttime.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

There are options available to suit both drivers who prefer a more golden hue as well as a white halogen glow. “There is nothing worse than a dim headlight when you’re driving at night, especially as our days get shorter,” Reeves said. “Whether you’re dealing with morning fog or chilly temperature drops, help maintain your visibility with PEAK Power Vision Headlamps, which include options

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that range from a golden hue to a white halogen glow.” These tips can help ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle fall and winter weather conditions. For additional insights to maximize your car’s potential, and key products to use as you prepare for the road ahead, visit owi.com/retail/brands/peakauto. (Family Features)

Page 38 • December 2021

Don’t Let Winter Wage War on Your Skin

hen temperatures cool and you start layering on more clothes, you may think your skin is better protected since it’s less exposed to the elements. However, that’s not always the case. Cold, dry winter air can take quite a toll on your skin. Your skin naturally produces oils that help keep skin supple and soft, but you may need a helping hand if you notice signs of dry skin like redness, itching or irritation. Serious symptoms include flakes and cracks, which can be painful and lead to infection, so it’s important to address any problems before they progress that far with simple tips like these. Drink plenty of fluids. Even when it’s cooler outdoors and you may be sweating less, you can still get dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your whole body hydrated so your skin isn’t pulling from limited resources. Treat problem spots. Hands, elbows and especially feet are common danger zones when it comes to dry skin. To eliminate layers of dry skin on feet, try an option like the Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File, which smooths hard skin effortlessly using micro-abrasive particles made with finely ground diamond crystals. Be smart about the sun. The sun’s rays may not feel as hot on your skin, but that doesn’t mean they’re not causing damage. Always use sunscreen when you’ll be outdoors for extended periods of time. Also remember snow acts like water and can reflect the sun’s rays back on your skin, which may cause burns. Dress with care. When selecting your wardrobe, be conscious of how long your skin will be exposed and do your LIC #8414

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best to cover it, especially if it’s cold or windy. Pay attention to the fabric, as certain types of material can be more drying and irritating. Cotton, silk and cashmere are skin-friendly fabric options. Find more tips for winter skin care at amope.com. Prevent Cracked Heels When It Gets Cold Cracked skin occurs when the skin becomes so rough and flaky that small tears begin to form due to lack of sufficient moisture and elasticity. These tears can grow bigger under stress from movement and may become fissures that extend deeper into the skin. Causes of Cracked Heels The first step toward tackling cracked and dry heels is to eliminate the source. Seasonal changes: Dry skin on feet and heels is closely associated with the winter months. This is because the cold, dry weather draws moisture out of skin all over your body, including your feet. Baths: Long, hot baths can wash away the natural oils of your skin. These oils are essential for locking in moisture and preventing your skin from drying out and cracking. Opt for showers rather than baths or limit baths to just a few minutes. Also avoid rubbing your feet dry afterward, as this can further remove natural oils. Instead, pat your feet dry then apply a moisturizer. Harsh soaps: Just like hot water, certain soaps can strip essential oils from your skin. Avoid the temptation to wash your feet vigorously or use harsh soaps, even if you’re combatting foot odor. Use a gentle touch and products that preserve your skin’s natural protection.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Treating Cracked and Dry Heels If you suffer from cracked heels, you can boost your body’s natural renewal and repair process. Gently buff away dead, hard skin to reveal the healthy, soft skin underneath. Then, for long-lasting hydration, follow up with an option like a coconut oil-enriched Amope PediMask, which will leave your feet soft, smooth and nourished in just 20 minutes. (Family Features)

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December 2021 • Page 39

Keep Healthy for the Holidays

uring this year’s holidays, many families are looking forward to celebrating a closer-to-normal season. However, that means staying healthy and keeping all kinds of germs at bay, including seasonal cold and flu bugs. “With life getting back to normal, we are expecting a more severe cold and flu season than we encountered last year,” said Dr. Jennifer Caudle, family physician. “It’s important to both take preventative measures and stay prepared for keeping symptoms at bay. I recommend looking for over-the-counter medicines with active ingredients like dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, which help relieve both cough and chest congestion.” Practice good hygiene. Washing your hands has become a common refrain throughout the pandemic because it’s a simple and effective way to keep germs away, whether they’re of the global pandemic variety or a common cold. As you’re out shopping and mingling this holiday season, you’re likely to come into contact with more germ-laden surfaces than usual. Shopping carts, doors and public restrooms are major culprits, so carry sanitizer and be sure to give your hands a thorough wash when you get home.

Treat symptoms. While addressing the symptoms of an illness won’t necessarily make it go away, it can ease your discomfort while it runs its course. An option like Mucinex 12 HR Extended Release Tablets provides relief for 12 hours by helping thin and loosen mucus to relieve chest congestion. The tablets are also available in a DM formula, which provides relief for both wet and dry coughs. Protect your immune system. A healthy immune system helps your body fight off germs so you don’t get sick, or if you do come down with a cold or the flu, you may have a milder, shorter illness. Getting plenty of rest, staying well hydrated, eating well-balanced and nutrient-rich meals and getting plenty of regular physical activity can all help keep your body in good condition to fight off seasonal germs. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked. There’s hardly anything worse than waking in the middle of the night with a cough or sinus trouble and discovering your medicine cabinet is empty. Be proactive by restocking on over-the-counter basics to help keep your symptoms in check. It’s also a good idea to check the expiration dates of any medications you do have on hand and replace anything that is out of date.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Be mindful of spreading germs. If you do get sick, you can take steps to protect your loved ones. If possible, stay home until your symptoms have passed and you’re less likely to be contagious. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneezing into your elbow if you don’t have a tissue, can be effective in preventing the spread of germs. Know when to consult a doctor. In most cases, minor cold symptoms don’t require a visit to the doctor (unless you think you may

have been exposed to COVID-19 and need to arrange for testing). However, if symptoms don’t resolve within a week, grow worse in a short period of time or aren’t responding to over-the-counter medicines to ease your symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor or at least speak with a triage nurse for advice. Find more resources to help you prepare stay healthy for the holidays at Mucinex. com. (Family Features)

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Page 40 • December 2021

How to Make the Holidays Less Stressful for the Whole Family

etween changes in routine and visiting family (or having them visit you), the holidays can be emotionally overwhelming for children and adults alike, even in “normal times.” Add in inclement weather, the desire for a perfect holiday and parents still working, and you have a perfect cocktail for emotional meltdowns. “The key to enjoying whatever this holiday season brings is to acknowledge the range of emotions the entire family may be feeling and hold space for those feelings,” said Ariel Acosta from KinderCare’s Inclusion Services team. “By working on a few key things now before the heightened expectations and busyness set in, families can build a toolbox of skills that will help make the season less stressful for everyone.” Consider these tips to help families prepare for a less stressful holiday season. Find ways to destress as a family – Throw on some music and have a dance party. Incorporate some simple yoga moves or stretches into your day to create mindful moments. Help your children create a list of calm-down techniques to choose from when they start to become overwhelmed or as a way to reset after an outburst, such as taking a deep breath.

Set expectations for greetings – Talk with your children about your family’s expectations around greetings and help them think of and practice different ways to say hello, such as a hug, handshake, high-five, wave or verbal greeting. Giving your children options ahead of time allows them to choose the greeting that feels most comfortable in the moment. To lessen the pressure, make sure family members and friends understand what you and your children are comfortable with. For example, “It looks like Zazil doesn’t want a hug right now, Auntie Mei. Perhaps a high-five would be better.” Give your children (and yourself) grace – Talk with your children about the range of emotions you feel throughout the day. This can help them learn emotional literacy and flexible thinking. It also normalizes feelings. When a big feeling does happen, remember to connect before you correct by labeling and validating your child’s emotions: “I can see that you’re really sad we have to leave the party. Leaving makes me feel sad, too. What would help you feel better?” If your child is engaged in unsafe behaviors, like hitting, wait until after everyone is calm before talking about what could be done differently next time.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

“How you handle your mistakes can be a powerful example for your children,” Acosta said. “Once you’re calm, explain what happened to your children. Start by naming your emotion, apologize if you didn’t handle your feelings well and let your children know what you plan to do differently next time. ‘I was really mad you

two were arguing and I yelled. I shouldn’t have done that. Next time, I’m going to try to remember to take some deep breaths to help me speak more kindly.’” For more tips to help your children with social and emotional development, visit kindercare.com. (Family Features)

December 2021 • Page 41

Earth-Friendly Home Improvements for Winter

lustery winds raging outdoors may leave you struggling to find a balance between making sure your family stays warm and maintaining an earth-friendly home. Keeping your home cozy and honoring your sustainable sensibilities can actually go hand-in-hand. Making green upgrades to your home can add value, too. These sustainable home improvements can go a long way toward boosting your comfort, so you have an inviting oasis to linger where you’re well protected from the elements. Carpeted Floors The sleek, clean look of wood or tile flooring is in high demand for many homeowners. However, carpet can actually provide help with climate control that goes beyond a softer, warmer surface for your bare feet to tread. Carpet can act as an insulator and help keep a room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If carpeted flooring isn’t consistent with your style or budget, consider adding substantial area rugs to rooms that could use some extra warmth. Energy-Efficient Heating Systems An efficient option like Mitsubishi Electric’s Zoned Comfort Solutions uses energy smartly by actively heating specific areas

of your home where you need it. The system monitors the conditions in each room and adjusts automatically to maintain the desired temperatures. The system’s ductless indoor units offer reusable, long-life, washable filters to improve your indoor air quality while minimizing impact on landfills. Plus, advanced filters on some models offer enhanced odor control to help ensure fresher air during winter months when air tends to stagnate inside due to closed windows and doors. Ceiling Fan Adjustment You may naturally turn off your ceiling fans when winter arrives, but the same fans that provide refreshing cool air in the summer can actually help keep your room warm, too. Simply switching the fans to run clockwise helps draw warm air upward and distribute it throughout the home. This little circulation-boosting move can reduce your energy bill by as much as 10%. Tankless Water Heaters Make leaving the warmth of your bed each morning more appealing with the assurance of a steaming hot shower that doesn’t needlessly burden the environment. Traditional water heaters run a continuous power cycle to maintain a tank full of hot water, regardless if you’re using it or

not. However, a tankless version heats what you need when you need it. It’s important to ensure your tankless unit is sized with the proper gallons-per-minute rating to handle demand for multiple simultaneous uses, like a load of laundry and a shower at the same time. Smart Controls The wide range of smart-enabled home products, appliances and entertainment devices make life more convenient and enjoyable, but they can also play a role in managing your environmental footprint. Helpful tools, like Mitsubishi Electric’s kumo cloud mobile app, ensure you’re not wasting energy to perform functions when you’re not even home. These programs allow you to schedule your daily routines and even make adjustments remotely when your day gets off track. For example, it allows you to program and adjust your heating and cooling system from a smartphone or tablet so you won’t come home to a house that’s freezing cold. Better Lighting Winter isn’t just cold; it’s often dark and dreary, too. That means you’re more likely to rely on energy to illuminate your home, especially since an alternative like throwing

open the curtains to let in natural light can have the unintended consequence of allowing cold air to seep in. You can curb your energy reliance and the impact on your energy bills by swapping out your bulbs for light emitting diode lights, compact fluorescent lamps or energy-saving LED lights, which can reduce your energy needs by up to 80%. Find more tips for heating your home at mitsubishicomfort.com. Use Zones to Reduce Energy Heating your home zone-by-zone can be much more energy efficient and serve as a better means of maintaining your home’s temperature and comfort level. Consider these benefits: A zoned system allows you to control each area in your home independently and even turn off ones that are not in use. This means you’re only using energy where you need it. Conventional HVAC systems are either on or off. An option like Mitsubishi Electric’s Zoned Comfort Solutions compressors ramp up or down based on the needs of each room to maintain comfort and conserve energy. (Family Features)

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t’s Chanukah and in Israel and in many places around the world Jews are lighting candles in their window as night falls. They’re adding a little light to the world and reminding everyone of the miracles that happened to their ancestors so long ago. Over two thousand years ago, the Jews of Israel were ruled by the Greek conquerors of Syria. Antiochus, the Greek king, wanted all of his subjects to live like Greeks so he made laws prohibiting Jews to practice their religion by forbidding the study of the Torah or keeping the mitzvot. The Jews revolted and had a whole army fighting the Greeks. After many long years, the Jews finally threw the Greek army out of the country. The first thing they did as soon as they conquered Jerusalem was to rededicate their Temple (Chanukah means “dedication”.) When they tried to light the menorah, all they could find was enough oil to last them for one day. To make more oil would have taken at least a week – eight days more likely. A miracle happened and the little jar of oil burned for eight days. Ever since then, Jews have celebrated the victory over the Greeks during the holiday of Chanukah. On the first night we light one candle, on the second night we light two candles, and so on. By the eighth night we have eight candles burning brightly, reminding us of the eight days that the oil burned in the Temple and of the Jewish struggle against oppression. “Pirsumei nisa” or publicizing the miracle is a very important custom on Chanukah. We light the candles in a window or by a door facing the street so that everyone

The Story of Chanukah passing by will see them and remember the miracles that happened. The special menorah we use on Chanukah is called a “chanukiah” in Hebrew. It has places for eight candles and an extra place for the “shamash” – the candle we use to light all the other candles. There’s an old custom of giving children gifts of coins on Chanukah. Sometimes the coins are real and sometimes they are made of chocolate (gelt.) Since the miracle of Chanukah happened through a jar of oil, one way to remember the miracle is to eat foods cooked in oil during Chanukah. “Latkes,” or potato pancakes fried to a crispy, golden brown are one popular Chanukah food. “Sufganiyot” or jelly donuts are another as they are also fried in oil. “Dreidels” are a favorite toy on Chanukah. They are four-sided tops with Hebrew letters painted or carved on the sides. The letters – nun, gimel, heh, and shin stand for the Hebrew words: “Nes gadol hayah sham” (A great miracle happened there.) One way to play dreidel is to spin it for money. Everyone puts a coin or gelt in the pot, then they spin the dreidel to see who wins: nun means nothing – you don’t have to put in another coin and you don’t get anything; gimel means you get everything in the pot; heh means you get half of what is in the pot; and shin means you have to put one into the pot. In Israel, a dreidel is called a “sevivon.” The sevivon has a “peh” instead of a shin on one side, so that the letters stand for “Nes gadol hayah poh” (A great miracle happened here.) Happy Chanukah!

December 2021 • Page 43

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