Passaic Valley July 2022 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

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Little Falls Farmers Market Holds Opening Day For Its Third Season

By Tina Pappas he Township of Little Falls held its opening day for the annual Farmers Market with a ribbon-cutting on on May 22. Now in its third season, it will be held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, through Oct. 30. With summer-like temperatures, a ribbon-cutting was held by Mayor James Damiano, along with Councilman Al Kahwaty, Councilwoman Tanya Seber, Councilman Chris Vancheri, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Council President Anthony Sgobba, including Market Manager Michele Kocotos. Its opening day drew one of the largest crowds in three seasons. The Farmers Market is coordinated by Seber and Habllitz and is held in the parking lot of the municipal building, located at 225 Main Street. Parking is available in the lot and on the street. According to Hablitz, this season promises to be

Little Falls Mayor James conducts a ribbon-cutting for the opening day of the Farmers Market. Pictured (from left) is Market Manager Michele Kocotos, Councilman Al Kahwaty, Councilwoman Tanya Seber, Mayor James Damiano, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz and Councilman Chris Vancheri. Pictured is Jaleesa Mason, along with her husband Mohamad, owners of Mo & Jay Pastry Shop, who are back again at this year’s Farmer’s Market. Jaleesa was the recent winner of Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship. Photos courtesy of The Township of Little Falls.

even better than before. “I am so excited for the opening of the market this year,” she said. “ It’s our third season and this year we will bring on the addition of grab-and-go food with food trucks and weekly food vendors. The market will

have produce, coﬀee, pickles, homemade prepared frozen meals and more.” Hablitz added many vendors are making their return this season, including Mo & Jays Pastry Shop. Jaleesa Mason, who owns the pastry shop with her

husband Mohamad, was recently named winner of the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship. Seber also commented on the return of the market, adding that more events than ever before will be featured. “New vendors

will also be making their debut and more community groups will be joining us as well,” she explained. “We’re looking forward to 2022 being a wonderful season!” She also said that farmers markets are vital to communities and supporting them is important. “We need to support

our local growers and food producers,” she further added. “Most importantly, we need to support our local economy.” There are still opportunities for vendors to sign up for the Little Falls Farmers Market. For more information, contact Lﬀarmersmarket@lfnj.com.

Page 2 • July 2022

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Tips To Prevent Snoring: Did You Know That about 45% of All People Snore?

Courtesy ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP. ID YOU KNOW that about 45% of all people snore at least sometimes and 25% of people snore regularly. In the US, about 37 million people are habitual snorers. “Snoring can create serious problems in any relationship or marriage,” says Ofer Jacobowitz MD, PhD, FAASM, an internationally recognized expert in obstructive sleep apnea and rhinology, and otolaryngologist for ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP. Not only can snoring become a real annoyance, but many people who snore have obstructive sleep apnea (when breathing is disrupted during sleep for short periods), which raises the risk of developing heart disease, Jacobowitz says. Jacobowitz recommends using caution before you self-treat with over-the-counter remedies until you’ve checked with your doctor, “Numerous snoring-prevention aids are marketed without scientific data and evidence to support their claims.” If you or your bed partner are affected by occasional or regular loud snoring at night, there are a number of natural solutions and

lifestyle changes that can help prevent this. TIPS TO PREVENT SNORING: If you’re overweight, losing weight can help. Try sleeping on your side. Raise the head of your bed. Quit smoking. Get enough sleep. Limit or avoid alcohol and sedatives. Use Nasal strips or an external nasal dilator. Treat any persistent nasal congestion or obstruction. Engage in tongue and throat exercises Don’t ignore it, see an ENT specialist ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP (ENTA) is the largest ear, nose, throat, allergy, and audiology practice in the country. With more than 50 office locations throughout the tri-state area, the practice sees more than 100,000 patients per month. Additionally, with more than 240 physicians, ENTA has the largest pool of board-certified/ fellowship-trained Otolaryngologists and Allergists in the country – many of whom have been voted “Top Doctor” by leading publications.

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What is Morton’s Neuroma? Footcare You Can Count On

Courtesy Matthew F. Wachtler, DPM orton’s neuroma is a common condition that causes pain in the ball of your foot—most often in the area between the third and fourth toes. The feeling is often compared to that of having a small rock—or marble—stuck

in your shoe. A neuroma is a small benign tumor of a nerve—although Morton’s neuroma is not actually a tumor. Instead, it is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerves that lead to the toes. Causes & Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma Ill-fitting shoes—like those that squeeze toes together or distribute weight unevenly—are thought to be the main cause Morton’s neuroma. Those suffering with this condition often fiend relief by changing shoes, stopping their walk, or by rubbing the affected area. While poor shoe choice is usually the main cause of Morton’s neuroma, there are a number of other factors that contribute to its development. Some of these include: Trauma Biomechanical deformities Repeated stress Overuse In most cases, there are no outward symptoms related to this Morton’s neuroma. Instead, most people experience a burning pain in the ball of their foot, tingling or numbness in the toes after long continued on page 10

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Neuroma... continued from page 8 period of stress, or the feeling of walking on a pebble in your shoe. When pain persists for more than a few days and you suspect it might be Morton’s neuroma, see your podiatrist to discuss your treatment options. Diagnosis & Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma To diagnose Morton’s neuroma, your podiatrist will perform a physical exam, where he or she will feel around for a mass or tender spot. Some imaging tests—like x-rays or an ultrasound—may be ordered to rule out any other causes of your foot pain. In most cases, Morton’s neuroma can be treated with non-surgical and non-invasive methods. Some of these treatments include:

Changes in footwear Custom orthotics Cortisone injections Ice/rest Anti-inflammatory medications If conservative approaches don’t relieve symptoms, your podiatrist may recommend surgical treatment. These procedures may include a procedure where pressure is relieved from the nerve by cutting the nearby structures, known as decompression surgery. Your podiatrist may also recommend removing the affected nerve altogether. The treatment your doctor chooses depends on the severity of your symptoms. Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists, 886 Pompton Ave Suite A-1, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009.

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Why Do You Need A Chiropractor? courtesy Dr. Gabriel Hannawi, DC Chiropractic Physician

sually, you go to see a Chiropractor if you are suffering with back, neck. or joint pain. Therapeutic procedures

performed by Chiropractor’s are commonly known as “spinal manipulation” or “chiropractic adjustment”. The purpose of these procedures is to help you regain mobility of joints that have become restricted as the result of a tissue injury or repetitive stress to the affected area. At Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa our very experienced Chiropractic staff practice a hands-on approach to your health care. This includes examination, diagnosis and treatment. This excellent Chiropractic care is offered by trained professionals who are able to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, along with lifestyle changes. What Causes Tissue Injury? Tissue injury can be caused by heavy lifting or repeated stress to an area of your body. These injured tissues result in physical and chemical changes that cause inflammation and pain. The work of a Chiropractor by

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I Love Woodland Park Essays

tudents at Memorial Middle School have volunteered many times in the past to assist at functions held for the Woodland Park Seniors at the WP Boys & Girls Club. After a long closure due to COVID-19, the seniors resumed meetings this spring and wanted to say “thank you” by presenting awards of $100 each to three graduating students. Students were required to write 500 words or less, explaining, “What I Love About Woodland Park.” The essays were judged by a committee that included retired teachers. At a recent club meeting at the WP Boys & Girls Club, the winners were honored. Ava Beirne, Alejandro Nuques, and Jonathan Herrera were each awarded $100, a certificate, and read their essay to the club members.

Photo courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park.

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Page 14 • July 2022

Mr. Sanders’ Students Reach For the Stars in NASA’s Pepper and Radish Experiment

By Gabrielle Lim r. Randall Sanders and his STEM Explorations classes collected data on the growth of Mexican chili peppers and radishes in a closed environment experiment simulating the conditions of the International Space Station. Students are sending their data to NASA to help further their research on how they can grow food in such alien environments. After speaking to a group of NASA scientists on a Reddit Ask Me Anything, Mr. Sanders presented an interesting experiment to the students of last year’s STEM Explorations class. NASA Scientist Jacob Torres and Mr. Sanders’ class became the first to conduct the experiment. Now, Mr. Torres collaborates with thousands of schools across the world to collect data and teach students about hydroponics. As NASA explores more and more of space, they must find creative ways to provide food for the astronauts that travel beyond Earth’s habitat. Students are required to test variables that will affect the growth of their plants while in a closed environment. The experiment consists of two different plants: radishes and peppers. Mr. Sanders and his students have replicated the Space Station’s veggie system to grow the radishes, which consists of an open chamber and different vegetables being grown on-site. For the peppers, students are not able to fully replicate the Advanced Plant Habitat that is used on the Space Station. Students still continue to grow peppers and send their data to help researchers compare results due to the difference in environments. In this ongoing experiment, students have experienced

a variety of results. Students have witnessed plants with nitrogen deficiencies and unique shape deformities. For the pepper plants, students have attempted to create a hot pepper and results have ranged from levels of mild to spicy. Checkups have become routine for the students. “Every morning, everybody gets up and the first thing they do is water their plants [and] check their plants. That’s our basic daily routine in class,” said Betule Zaher ’25. Students observe and log their daily findings following their checkups. Students look for any deformities, dehydration, signs of deficiencies, and any other noticeable indicators that could give them insight towards growing their plants. By conducting these experiments, students are

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Page 16 • July 2022

Poetry Contest

Photo courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park.

he Alfred Baumann Library saluted the winners of its 26th annual poetry contest at a reading event in Dowling Gardens. The staff sends its thanks to all those that submitted poems. Winners in attendance at the event read their poems. All winning poems will be published into a bound library book. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place in five categories. The winners are: Category A – Kindergarten - 2nd Grade: 1st place, Ella

Yodice; 2nd place, Katalina Rodriguez; 3rd place, Jayvin Espinal. Category B – 3rd - 4th Grade: 1st place, Francesca Huelmo; 2nd place, Kamrin Carswell; 3rd place, Adriana Lee; honorable mention, Jade Lanfear. Category C – 5th - 6th grade: 1st place, Mercedes Vila; 2nd place, Zyir Melendez; 3rd place, Josephine Limone; honorable mention, Sebastian Gomez. Category D –7th - 8th grade: 1st place, Jillian Troiano;

2nd place, TIE, Jordin Campbell and Karina Lopez; 3rd place, TIE, Hannah Shany, and Jacob Parkerton; honorable mention, Loujain Lafi. Category E – High School to age 18: 1st place, Jonathan Cariello; 2nd place, Melissa Gaita. Category F – 18 and older: 1st place, Lily Valour; 2nd place, Cathy Pagano; 3rd place, Paul Murphy; honorable mention, Alessandra Cavalluzzi.

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Page 18 • July 2022

PV Interact and Environmental Clubs Team Up to Make Passaic Valley a Little Bit Cleaner

By Abigail Kosch n May 13th, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of PV Environmental Club and Interact Club students with environmental ambitions set out to make Passaic Valley a little bit more beautiful and a little bit cleaner, one piece of litter at a time. The cleanup took place behind the Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse field in a wooded area on school grounds next to the Peckman River. “The Peckman feeds into the Passaic River and there are many cleanup efforts for the river. That’s definitely something we should look into,” said Mr. Sanders. After flash flooding over the course of the past year, the Peckman River has overflown and lots of debris and litter from the streets, sewers, and residents’ garbage has wound

up in the river and on the river banks. “It’s something that we definitely try to do every year,” said Mr. Randall Sanders, Co-Advisor to the Environmental Club. “Obviously, COVID happened and life got put on hold, but there are also some bigger groups that do clean ups too. It’s definitely something we’d like to continue in the future and to get a bigger one going.” Mr. Sanders and Mr. Billy Goodman, the other half of the Environmental Club Advisor duo, said that their hope is for the students participating to take away the idea that even small steps can make a big impact and hope that students develop a caring approach to the planet. “We also invited the Interact Club to join us so we could get as many students as possible to help out,” said Mr.

Goodman. “It’s important to get as many students involved as possible so it can make the clean up process a little bit easier and it helps students get involved with more things that might interest them in regards to the environment.” This year’s cleanup group filled three large garbage bags with trash they found around the area, and filled a wheelbarrow with bigger pieces of debris, such as house molding, an old tire, and more. “We hope to just help beautify the area a little bit,” said Mr. Sanders. “We want to try to remove some of the trash and debris from making its way into the water systems, because eventually a lot of trash pollution in waterways ends up in the oceans. We just hope to do our part, even if it’s small, to impact a big issue.”

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1011 McBride Ave Woodland Park 973.837.8510 The housing market has moved past the recovery phase and is now booming! Sales have continued to increase. Don't miss your opportunity while the demand for homeownership is strong. Let us help you get started with all of your real estate plans! Don't wait, please call us (973) 837-8510.

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Career Options for People with Art Degrees

reative individuals may be compelled to pursue degrees in the arts when enrolling in traditional colleges or universities or specialized schools. Studying the arts can be exciting, and an arts degree makes it possible to pursue an array of professional opportunities. Students interested in the arts may question their desire to pursue an arts degree. Since technology is now ingrained in daily life, some students may wonder if they can chart a successful career path with a degree that does not fall under the STEM umbrella? Thankfully, art degrees can prepare students for a wide range of jobs. Here are some career options to explore. • Illustrator: Someone with an arts degree can work in many areas of illustration. This may include fashion illustration, medical illustration, comic book illustration, and even children’s book illustration. • General artist: An artist works with different media to create and sell original works. This may include weaving, glassblowing, painting, or knitting. • Production artist: Production artists produce high-quality print materials, packaging and displays across a variety of industries. • Curator: Curators specialize in particular subjects and work in museums. Curators also may work as educators.

• Graphic designer: Graphic designers primarily work in digital artwork for editorial products, company brands and logos and product packaging. • Industrial designer: Industrial designers develop the look of manufactured products, such as cars, toys and home furnishings, among other items. • Art director: Art directors develop the visual style for various items, including magazines, online publications, product packaging, and marketing materials. Art directors work in conjunction with graphic artists. • Art therapist: Art therapists are mental health professionals who use creative outcomes and tools to help patients deal with a variety of mental and emotional issues. • Interior designer: Artists with an eye for home design will need to take some interior design courses in school, but this can lead to a career making spaces beautiful — both for private and corporate clients. • Architect: Artistic individuals who also are interested in designing buildings and other spaces can pursue careers in architecture. Illustration skills are a valuable asset to have in this field. Art degrees can open doors in a variety of fulfilling fields.

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Page 22 • July 2022

Woodland Park Cub Scouts Hold Fifth Annual Advancement Ceremony

Pictured are members of Cub Scout Pack 31. Photos by Tina Pappas.

By Tina Pappas ub Scout Pack 31 held its fifth annual advancement ceremony. Members were awarded badges of rank and other awards, including the NNJ Council COVID-19 Service Award. The ceremony was held at the American Legion in the Borough. Additionally, Pack 31’s five Arrow of Light Scouts

Pictured are Arrow of Light Scouts (from left) Gregory Marousis, Sebastian Gomez, Dylan Baccaro, Sean McGovern and Zain Yazaji.

graduated from the Cub Scouts and were welcomed as the newest members of Boy Scout Troop 238. They are Dylan Baccaro, Sebastian Gomez, Gregory Marousis, Sean McGovern and Zain Yazaji. Their Den Leader is Bonnie Thompson McGovern. “The leaders of Pack 31 are very proud of the hard work our scouts put in this year in earning their badges,

as well as the community service they performed during the pandemic to earn the COVID-19 community service award,” said John Brost, Cub Scout Pack 31 Cubmaster. “We also congratulate our graduating Arrow of Light Scouts, and we wish them good luck as they continue on their scouting journeys.”

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American Legion Essay Contest

Photo courtesy of the Woodland Park School District.

he West Paterson American Legion Auxiliary Unit #238 recognized its Americanism essay contest winners for 2022. The following Beatrice Gilmore School students are the winners at the Unit Level: 3rd Grade – Damian Casado Honorable mention – Veronica Murphy, Gabrielle Huamancaja, Jacob Camacho and Luay Hajbi

5th Grade – Liana Bisultanova Honorable mention – Jahida Ali The following students are winners at the Passaic County level: Class I – Grades 3 and 4 – Damian Casado Class II – Grades 5 and 6 – Liana Bisultanova County winners’ essays then moved on for consideration at the state level.

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Youth Month

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oodland Park’s annual Youth Month gave 17 eighth grade students an in-depth look at how their local government and town works. Similar to running for real office, students ran for and were elected to positions Following elections, the students had a number of opportunities to see their government in action. A tour of the town included stops at Fire Company No. 2, the Department of Public Works, Board of Education building, municipal building, police department, Alfred Baumann

Library, and WP First Aid Squad. Students also ran a Board of Education and Mayor and Council meeting and marched in the Memorial Day parade. The month concluded with a celebratory dinner. The 2022 Youth Month participants were: Mayor Anthony Billson Council members Jonathan Herrera, Aryanna Dela Cruz, and Kayla Valer Municipal Clerk Ava Beirne Borough Attorney Damaris Cruz

Police Chief Devin Natusch and Amayiah Pena Fire Chief Stephanie Martinez First Aid Squad Captain Kerinette Rodriguez Chief Financial Officer Bella Mastropoalo Superintendent of Public Works Stivet Salcedo Library Director Aleja Municipal Judge Gracyn Roehrich Superintendent of Schools Michael Moro Board of Education President Athena Galindo

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Page 26 • July 2022

Passaic County Fair Returns This August

he Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. will be hosting the annual Passaic County Fair from Thursday, August 11th-Sunday, August 14th at Garret Mountain Reservation. The opening ceremony will be held on Friday, August 12th at 7:00PM. This year’s fair will feature four days of unique activities for all to enjoy from games and rides, to art activities and environmental excursions. Additionally, “Family Night” is on Thursday, August 11th. The four-day celebration will also feature fireworks displays. The County Fair stage will feature an array of local musicians. Some of the bands on this year’s slate are The Garret Mountain Boys, Grand Theft Audio, Craig Redmond and C Dreams, and The Kootz. Live music will be complimented with a beer garden and some of the best food from around Passaic County. “We’re so excited to be able to bring

the Passaic County Fair back this year. It is an annual summer highlight for our residents, visitors, and vendors alike. With lots of carnival rides, food trucks and carts, activities, local businesses and popup shops, live music, performances and fireworks, there is something for everyone,” stated Passaic County Commissioner Pat Lepore. “We invite everyone to come have some summer fun at our long-awaited fair atop our beautiful county park, Garret Mountain Reservation.” Entrance to the fair is free, parking at the Passaic County Fair is $5.00 per car. All proceeds from the fair benefit the Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. for future programming, park improvements and preservation projects throughout the Passaic County Park System. For more information, please visit www.seepassaiccounty.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ SeePassaicCounty.

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Page 28 • July 2022

Farmers Market

Photo courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park.

oodland Park opened up this year’s Farmers Market with much fanfare on June 4. Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council members stopped by for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the market.

Kids enjoyed a free bounce house at the event. There will be a free bounce house on the first Saturday of each month. Shoppers received a free reusable shopping bag courtesy of the Borough. The market continues every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2

p.m. on Dowling Parkway at the corner of McBride Avenue and Dowling Parkway. It is held rain or shine. Follow the Market on Facebook or Instagram to keep informed on weekly vendors and special events.

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Singer-Songwriter Alex Mabey Preparing to Release New Album

By Steve Sears lex Mabey responds to the question very definitively when asked if her guitar is her best friend. “I would say more than that, God is my best friend,” Mabey says. “Because that’s who I go to. He gives me the music, and that’s the channel. The guitar is, but it’s just more of like a tool, and it’s like a companion, but it’s not my best companion. But we’ve definitely gone through a lot together.” It’s been a nice career for Alex Mabey, and quite a road back to where she is today. Mabey, a singer, songwriter, and musician, will soon be unveiling her newest album offering, The Waiting Room, and she’s had help doing it. More in a moment. Mabey currently lives in Nashville, and she couldn’t have landed in a more appropriate place. “It’s the spot that always made sense for me to be in,” Mabey says happily. “Because I was 18 years old when I moved here, and I just wanted to do music. So that’s the place where I knew to go, because I loved country music, and I felt like it was more fitting to me for me than being in Los Angeles or New York, per se. So, I came here and I ended up meeting a lot of really close friends and people I stayed in touch with in the business over the years. I was only there for one year to begin with, and then I left. I first went to school at Belmont University, which is the music school here in Nashville, and I was studying music business, because I had already been writing songs and, not to say that I didn’t need to major in songwriting, but I felt that I could learn more from learning about the business because that was something I had no idea about.” Mabey, now 31, left Nashville but continued to make her music, but

Alex Mabey doing what she loves (courtesy of Alex Mabey)

eventually returned. However, she was to have her obstacles. And after putting a halt to her career to deal with pain, both emotional and physical, she needed to rediscover and be again who she was: a performer. A performer who, through that very pain, which included poor health, a failed young marriage, and many other things that brought her down, wants to inspire and, perhaps most of all, aid others in realizing that there is a hope and a radiant light. “I really just wanted to sit and think about what the experience truly was,” she says. “What was it? Where was I? It wasn’t just pain. It wasn’t just emotionally and physically with the illness and everything,” Mabey says, exhibiting a deep heart, which is reflected in her prior works, but which you know is again forthcoming in her new material. “I had written all the songs already before I made the name,” she says of the aptly-titled The Waiting Room. “It just felt like the name of the album because of what I’ve gone through. It’s the period of time before you have your answer or your dream come true, or your miracle that you’ve been praying for and waiting for.” Mabey is no stranger

to hard work in her realm, and has for almost 15 years developed an eager fan base for her music. She previously released Dancin’ in Dirty Feet (2009), Banks of the Sky (2010), Bring Me Back, When I’m Far (2014), and Enough (2017). The before mentioned titles alone give a hint to Mabey’s story and timeline and emotions. The Waiting Room is next up, with new songs being released in August and the fall, and Mabey knows in what direction she’s headed. “I think the whole theme of the album is finding freedom,” she says. And when she decided that she had to do it independently to move forward with her new album, she asked for help via a 39-day, $45,000 Kickstarter campaign. She kicked the campaign off in the fall of 2021, and by December, those who believed in her and her music came through. Although concentrating now on The Waiting Room release, Mabey is also considering planning a new work as well. “I always am because this has been my life,” she says. For more about Alex Mabey and her music, visit her website at www. alexmabey.com.

Page 30 • July 2022

Blast from the Past: Sterling Hill Mining Museum, New Jersey’s Gemstone of Geology

By Henry M. Holden efore becoming the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, it was a zinc mine. The Dutch arrived in the 1600s looking for iron and copper. The value of zinc as a minable commodity didn’t take off until The New Jersey Zinc Company incorporated in the late 1800s. “It took time for mining and science to catch up and discover that there are minerals here that are found nowhere else in the world,” said William Kroth, President Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Inc. Have you ever seen rocks glowing in the dark or walls changing colors? Inside the mine is a tunnel where you’ll see a wall of dull, brown rocks that begin to glow in vivid greens, oranges, blues, and purples when the ultraviolet lights turn on. “Come have a fun scientific adventure when you take our underground mine tour,” said Kroth. “Along the way, you will visit our two museums, go inside the mine itself and see mining equipment, a drilling and blasting demonstration, and the worldfamous fluorescent “Rainbow Tunnel” among many other enticing displays. Our tour is sure to engage people of all ages

and interests.” Nestled in the small town of Ogdensburg, New Jersey, the mine which once was one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits and renowned zinc mine is now a world-famous rock museum. “Our mine run dump area is perfect for avid mineral collectors,” said Kroth. It is available and is recommended for avid rock collectors 18 and older. There are two main sections to our mine run dump, the International pile and the Local pile. The International pile contains diverse minerals from all over the world that people can dig through. The Local pile contains hundreds of tons of highgrade zinc ore that was derived from the Sterling Hill Mine itself. Much of the ore in the local pile is full of highly fluorescent minerals. There is a shed on the mine run dump which has a shortwave ultraviolet light in which collectors can check their rocks and see if they do fluoresce. “Because the mine is a constant 56 degrees year-round, we attract visitors who come to cool down in the summer, and warm up in the winter months,” said Kroth. Another fun activity is sluice mining.

The entrance to the museum displays the ore cars used to get the ore out of the mine and to market. (Courtesy Sterling Hill Mining Museum)

This is a perfect activity for children. Just like panning for gold, children (or mom or dad) can purchase bags of sand that are

pre-loaded with gems and minerals or a bag pre-loaded with fossils, or “Motherlode” continued on page 31

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Sterling Hill Mining Museum continued from page 30 bag which is a larger mixture of both. The sand mixture is then slowly poured into a tray which is dipped into a water feature to unveil the treasures inside. Although there are about 35 miles of tunnels, you will be guided through about 1,300 feet of generally level tunnel inside the mine. There are no train rides involved. It is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes. It is also wheelchair and stroller accessible. Along the way, guides will stop at various stations and explain the equipment,

history, working conditions, and geology of the mine. Visitors do not need flashlights or headlamps and will see the lamp room, the shaft station, mine galleries dating to the 1830’s, and much more. Although there are 25 levels to the mine, the tour is only for the first level of the mine, visitors do not go down to any lower levels. “One of the most anticipated exhibits in the mine is the Rainbow Tunnel,” said Kroth. “This is an area of the mine wall where the intensely fluorescent zinc ore is exposed.”

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“All minerals can reflect light. That is what makes them visible to the human eye. Some minerals have an interesting physical property known as “fluorescence.” These minerals can temporarily absorb a small amount of light and an instant later release a small amount of light of a different wavelength. This change in wavelength causes a temporary color change of the mineral in the eye of a human observer.” The color change of fluorescent minerals is most spectacular when they are illuminated in darkness by ultraviolet light (which is not visible to humans) and they release visible light. The mine has tours at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm weekends only. Please call 973209-7212 in advance to make a reservation for the tour. Reservations cannot be done online. Tours are not self-guided; you need to go out with a guide. Private tours are available for groups of at least 15 paying people. Please call to discuss details, availability, and reservations. Reservations should be made at least 2 weeks in advance for private tours. Please call 973-209-7212 between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. For more information on the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, visit www. sterlinghillminingmuseum.org.

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When subjected to shortwave ultraviolet light, the walls fluoresce bright green and red. The red is calcite, and the green is willemite, which was one of the main zinc ore minerals mined here. “The Rock Discovery Center provides children with a great introduction into geology,” said Kroth. “Guides discuss and educate the children on the three different rock types. Then, the guides focus on six different rocks and how they were formed and why they are important to us today. Each participant receives their own collecting box and after the presentation get to collect the rocks discussed, in a large outdoor area, to take home with them.” Rock Discovery is great add-on to the tour for private groups, especially school groups, scouts, and birthday parties. Sterling Hill is the treasure chest of minerals. Dubbed the florescent capital of the world, together with the nearby Franklin Mine, 2.5 miles to the north, more than 350 different mineral species have been found here — a world record for such a small area. More than two dozen of these are found nowhere else on Earth. Almost 90 different mineral species have been documented as fluorescent. Geology. com explains what causes fluorescence in minerals. Quoting from the website:

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Page 32 • July 2022

Xiomaro’s Artistry Captures the Magic of New Jersey National Park

By Jillian Risberg ith their upcoming 90th anniversary on the horizon, Morristown National Historical Park (MNHP) has enlisted nationally recognized New York artist Xiomaro to create fine art photographs of the park’s key features: Ford Mansion (Washington’s headquarters), Jockey Hollow (troops were encamped), and the Cross Estate (semi-abandoned mansion). Join the park’s artist-in-residence for a kickoff meet and greet at Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. When it comes to his pictures, Xiomaro says he challenges people to view them more critically (from a design/color/composition point of view) and not accept as they were taught in a superficial way growing up, without the context of history. The artist took his Cross Estate Mansion chandelier photograph as he lay on the floor looking up. “The photo gives a different perception,” he says at first sight, it might resemble a metallic snowflake. “Provoke folks to look at ordinary things we see everyday differently.” One may care less about the history and just want to enjoy the art. “It also may provoke or inspire others to delve deeper into the history,” says the artist. He says much can come from this and photography is in its golden age now. According to Xiomaro, there’s a tradition in the park

service of ‘interpretation.’ When you take a park tour, they share the history behind what you see to give context because history is composed of many layers and ways to convey. “In the past many of the exhibits I’ve done with/or for the park service have had this interpretive element — where each picture would be accompanied by text I wrote to tell the story,” but the artist says for this exhibit, they decided to go the more traditional museum/gallery approach with photo captions as identifiers. This leaves it up to the viewer to interpret what those photographs mean to them, much the way one might if they listened to lyrics of a song or read a poem. If one wants further information about the image, in terms of historical representation — feel free to speak with the visitor’s center or a ranger. “I want them to appreciate the images for what they are,” Xiomaro says to have unfettered access where the public cannot go (like the Cross Estate Mansion) allows him to spend days there soaking it in and taking pictures. “For me it’s not just photography, but the experience of coming as a visitor behind the scenes — helps inform the work I do.” The skillful examination of something in his own house, neighborhood or that no-one else sees may change the artist’s perspective, which drives a lot of his photography. “Care less what the object is and more about the

Xiomaro

colors, texture or how it’s juxtaposed,” says Xiomaro, who processes all pictures in his (dry darkroom) studio, from inception to frames. Nikon D810 digital is his current camera of choice and he uses an additional camera for street photo shoots in Times Square (NYC) but says there are other ways. continued on page 33

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Xiomaro’s Artistry... continued from page 32 “With this exhibit I’m taking a dozen people (on photo walk) along Wick Farm/ trail and showing them even with a smartphone they can get intriguing, artistic photographs,” the artist says he knows his own photos resonate when someone points

out a detail he didn’t notice. “Or something in the composition or subliminal,” says Xiomaro. “I learn about my own photography and aesthetic through other people’s comments because I’m too close to it — and it’s very satisfying that

the pictures connect with people in a deep, emotional way.” He first fell in love with photography as a teenager, at the time a musician with a basement band. Back in the 70s it was more complicated and cameras were expensive. It wasn’t accessible for a teenager with not much money. With digital photography on the scene, it was more attainable for someone to pursue as an art form. After he beat cancer in the early 2000s, Xiomaro reassessed his life and felt the need to move in a new artistic direction. To overcome the ensuing depression, the artist visited national parks, where he wandered and took casual photos with a simple digital camera. “I eventually got rid of the band, then as a solo singer/songwriter I performed at coffeehouses and universities in the Northeast,” he displayed the photos at those concerts and said in some cases those photos attracted more attention than the CDs he sold. “It got me thinking maybe photography is something I should pursue more seriously.” In 2009 he was accepted to Weir Farm’s artist-in-residence program, where he lived

for a month and created a photographic collection; the park itself later wanted to use some of those photographs. It triggered the publication of the book (Weir Farm National Historic Site) and the attention of Sen. Joe Lieberman, who sponsored the bill to create that park and wrote the book’s forward. “Then other parks in the Northeast started connecting with me and asked me to photograph theirs in a similar fashion (more artistic), Morristown was one of them,” says Xiomaro. “I’ve been working with them for five years now.” The renowned artist has at least two more New Jersey (next year) exhibits in the works but can’t announce what they are yet. A curious person by nature, he continues taking pictures because he likes to push himself. “It’s a little risky ‘cause sometimes when I push (that’s) weird for people to get but sometimes they do, you have to try,” Xiomaro says on occasion he buys a different lens or tries another technique to switch things up. “What is nice about working with various parks — with each project a new challenge hopefully injects freshness to the photos I’m taking.”

Page 34 • July 2022

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5 Tips... continued from page 34 bodies, especially during a day at the beach or pool. Be sure to reapply sunscreen often, before and after swimming. 2. When and when not to wear flip-flops. Going barefoot on the beach has many health benefits for adults and children. It helps promote coordination, stamina, and balance while providing extra resistance by stretching and strengthening leg muscles with each step. But be careful not to step on rocks or shells that can cause puncture wounds or cuts. On the other hand, wearing flip-flops at public beach bathrooms or around the community showers protects against athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and other germs. 3. Stay safe while on the playground. You can help keep little feet safe on the playground by ensuring children wear protective, supportive footwear. While sandals and flip-flops are acceptable for the pool or beach, they’re not the best option for the playground. Sneakers are a better footwear selection for sliding, swinging, and running children. They support ankles and feet and won’t fall off or cause your child to trip over them while running. 4. Wear appropriate footwear when playing sports. Soccer, golf, tennis, and other

summer sports are more fun for kids when they wear proper footwear. Investing in a good shoe appropriate for each sport can prevent ankle and foot injuries. Shoes are designed for a specific sport, like baseball cleats, and provide gripping power on turf, sandy surfaces, or grass, so your child is less likely to fall. 5. Wear non-skid shoes at waterparks. While waterparks can be fun for children of all ages, it’s also a place where they can easily slip and twist an ankle. So, protect your children’s little feet with non-skid water shoes. Any footwear with rubber soles is excellent for wet, slippery surfaces, and the quick-drying material provides ventilation. Summertime, or any time of year, we are here to help you and your whole family keep your feet happy and healthy. If you have questions or concerns, call us to schedule an appointment. At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi treats various conditions, including Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, athlete’s foot complications, diabetes, fractures, fungal toenails, and more. He also performs foot and ankle surgery. Advanced Foot Care of NJ, 1031 McBride Ave Suite D105 Woodland Park, 973-2560002

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Page 36 • July 2022

NJStarz NJ Starz: Darren Prince Hometown: Livingston

By Steve Sears ne might look at celebrity agent and sports marketer Darren Prince and envision a highlight reel life, and you would be right. He has, after all, through his Prince Marketing Group, represented Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Carmen Electra, Chevy Chase, and the late boxing champions Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. But lurking behind that success were the demons in his life, primarily addiction to prescription drugs, and how he has battled those demons and is on the playing field as a teammate for others who are suffering as he did. He is also the author of the best selling book, Aiming High: How a Prominent Sports and Celebrity Agent Hit Bottom at the Top, which was published 10 years after he one day dramatically turned his life around. Prince has also started his own 501c3, the Aiming High Foundation, where 100% of the proceeds provide treatment for those suffering with substance abuse and mental health issues. “I won’t do press, I won’t do speeches, I won’t do anything unless it comes up,” Prince says of his past. “I can walk into a Fortune 500 corporate meeting, and I’m going to find my opening to talk about it while I’m alive. I can’t tell you I’ve never left a corporate meeting where someone wasn’t impacted. And all of a sudden, you now leave as a friend much more than the business side of it, because of the vulnerability and the accountability. Just putting myself out there like that, it’s not something most people are comfortable doing.” Prince then adds, “And I still make mistakes every day. I like to think I make a better-quality mistake every day.” Prince, 52, moved with his family - his dad Martin, mom Andrea, and sister Stacey - from Hillside to Livingston in 1977. He attended both Mount Pleasant Elementary and Junior High schools, and Livingston High School. “It was a big class, 500 kids, and I just never really felt comfortable in my own skin. I just always kind of felt like an outcast. I was in special education and small

classrooms, and even in big classrooms I was isolated into special groups.” As a member of those latter groups, he and his friends were looked down upon by other classmates, which created inadequacies and insecurities. “I kind of grew up a bit of a mama’s boy, and my dad was my closest friend in the world. May he rest in peace. And we had a very close family bond, and I would just not feel comfortable, was riddled with anxiety, when I wasn’t around them. Even sleepovers, the times when I would go to a friend’s house, I remember feeling homesick and wanting to run back to my family, but I would just suck it up and do it. And all of that I just explained, I look back and would say that’s why I was a prime candidate for drug addiction.” When he was age 14, Prince was at a sleepaway camp in the summertime, where he would enter a dangerous realm which would scar him for almost 25 years. “I had terrible stomach pains one night, and now when I look back, I realize it was anxiety. The counselor took me to the nurse, and she gave me this green liquid (Demerol) in a cough syrup that tasted disgusting, and while walking across the softball field within a few minutes, my life changed forever. I felt at that moment that I was introduced to the world, and the minute I got back to my bunk, I felt like Superman. Every bit of fear, every bit of anxiety and self doubt that I was not worthy enough, I think it just went away in that moment. I felt so super confident, and I just knew something special was happening, and I needed more of it.” For three straight weeks, Prince acted as if he were ill, just to get some more Demerol and a feel good feeling. It continued until his parents came for a visit and they put a stop to it. The seed, however, was planted, and he would be hooked. A few months later, Prince got started collecting baseball cards, and he turned that hobby into a business. With money he made from odd jobs, he would buy all his friends’ card collections, and if he wasn’t buying their collections, he was buying all the current top cards like Wade Boggs, Darryl Strawberry, Tony Gwynn, and Roger

Courtesy of Prince Marketing Group

Clemens, and would trade those cards for older ones that his friends got from their dads and their grandfathers and their uncles. “Players that we never heard of, like Joe DiMaggio, Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron – those were the ones that were worth the money,” Prince says. “I wanted the ones that were worth the money.” Little by little he accumulated the best cards, and he realized he had accumulated almost $9,000 worth of old baseball cards. He went to his dad and asked to insure them, and his dad asked him how he had accumulated that much

money in baseball cards. “I just lit up like a Christmas Tree,” Prince says. “When he looked at me with his eyes wide open, that moment changed my life, because I know a lot of people that have relationships with their mom and dad, or don’t have relationships with their mom and dad, but what it gave me was a sense of confidence. My dad expressed interest in something with his son who was classified with such a severe learning disability. That was so exciting.” A few weeks later, Prince headed to a baseball card show at a New Jersey continued on page 38

July 2022 • Page 37

Page 38 • July 2022

NJ Starz...

continued from page 36 Holiday Inn. “My dad had ignited something inside of me, and I was going to show the world that Darren Prince was somebody. I made $1,000 on that Sunday afternoon at age 14. The light bulb just went on, and not only in his head, but also my Uncle Joe - may he rest in peace - and they went out, raised a bunch of money from an investment group, and I paid the investors back literally within weeks, at a substantial profit.” After a while, the card business lost its luster for Prince, but he was starting to meet athletes at conventions. He got introduced to Muhammad Ali’s agent, Harlan Werner, and an ensuing event the duo held with the legend earned Ali’s compliments. From there in 1993, Prince worked with Frazier, and eventually also worked with Pamela Anderson, Dennis Rodman, and many more. Reeling from near bankruptcy from another venture but at the same time enjoying the representations he had with some of the bigger names in entertainment and sports, at age 24 while on a fishing trip he mentioned his desire to his dad of becoming a full-time sports agent. “I said to him, ‘Dad, I really want to be an agent, but I just don’t have eight years to go to law school.” The elder Prince dropped his fishing pole and said to his son, “Lawyer? Why do you need to go to law school? Do you realize the relationships you have right now? There’s not an entertainment lawyer on this planet that would not give their right arm to have the relationships you have.” After his dad then suggested Prince speak with Magic

Johnson, the duo met in a Michigan hotel room, and Prince told Johnson he wanted to start a marketing agency, and wanted him as his first client. Johnson said, “Get yourself a good entertainment lawyer, and I’m signing with you two years. If you don’t use me to knock on every door, to bring in all the celebrities you can, I’m going to fire you before the two-year contract is up. Because life isn’t about how successful I become. It’s how successful I make you and everybody else around me. It’s a domino effect.” “That just taught me the power of leveraging,” Prince says. Prince at that time stopped doing harder drugs, but also started to experience painful sciatica, which was caused by the stress of being a sports agent. For five years, he legally went to physicians to get pills and felt on top of the world - again. He was representing the icons, the best in their respective fields. However, he now doesn’t recall much from 2004 to 2008, when he had a few overdoses and his life was becoming hell. Finally, on July 2, 2008 it all came to a head. “That’s when I found the willingness and took an action,” he recalls. “This was literally the one time in life I had to take desperate action. I had diarrhea, vomiting, felt like I was crawling out of my skin, sweating and chills.” Worse yet, Prince was suicidal. He headed to the bathroom, locked the door, and was ready to take pills, but instead he fell to his knees, pills in his hand, and screamed at the top of his lungs to God, “I can’t do this! I cant do this without you!” while he felt a hot sensation over his

right shoulder. With his pills in one hand, he dumped and flushed them, and then said, ‘Help me stay sober, one day at a time. Get me out of hell, and I’ll help take others out with me.” He then headed to a local church and an addict’s recovery group. Nobody cared what he did for a living, who he worked for, his income status, or his accomplishments. Instead, they embraced him as a person. He was on his way to being clean, sober. “I’ve kept my word for almost 14 years,” Prince says. He started to build a different type of self-esteem that he had never gotten from anywhere else. Those few hours were the most important hours of his life. “The worst day of my life,” he says. “Is now one of my very best. I started to find my soul. That day I found my purpose.” Another happy thing was the fact that his dad, in the last eight years of his life, got to enjoy a sober son. Prince, who knew his job would never be done, recalls the final moments they spent together. “The day he died, I held his hand in Saint Barnabas Hospital and said, ‘Your son…I’m going to touch and change the world with my story. You never saw me have kids, but God’s got a plan for me to save other mommy and daddy’s kids out there.” And Prince, who currently lives in California with his loveable dog, Rodney, defines a happy life with just five words. “Being of service to others.” And he’s living that happy life. For more information about Darren Prince, visit www. officialdarrenprince.com.

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