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

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No. 4 Vol. 5

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May 2022

Senior Jessier Soriano Leaves Behind Impressive Legacy,

By Abigail Kosch assaic Valley track star Jessier Soriano ‘22 ends his Winter Track career with some very notable achievements and a strong legacy for future Hornets. Soriano›s accomplishments include being named Track and Field Athlete of the Week, breaking a 13-year Passaic Valley record, and making 1st team All-Conference for both the 800 meter and the 4x400 meter. “Jessier is a master of himself; he’s driven to get to the next level of what he wants. The kids are able to learn through him how to get better and excel,” said Track and Field Head Coach Joel Thornton. “The other athletes are able to see that and pick up on that, they learn from it and realize it’s more than just practice.” Soriano has a long list of accomplishments for the 2021-2022 Winter Track season. Accolades such as 1st team All-Conference for the 800 meter event, 1st team All-Conference for the 4x800 meter event (along with teammates Gawad Alhau ‘24, Leith Matari ‘23, and Basell Dahhan ‘24), and 2nd team All-Conference for the 4x400 meter (along with teammates Anthony Scielzo ‘22, Tavi Victoria ‘24, and Leith Matari) highlight the senior’s successful ﬁnal winter track season as a Hornet. This season, Soriano set a new Passaic Valley Track record for 800 meter time, 1:58.24, also setting a record for all of North Jersey. The previous PV record was held for 13 years by Nico Stabile. “I was actually going to switch jerseys and have Nico Stabile’s,” said Soriano. “I wanted to break the record in his jersey, but [Eddionel Gonzalez ‘22] told me you want to do it in your own jersey, you want to set it in your own jersey. I was excited about that, because Nico was a great runner. I was ready for it next. It was deﬁnitely a stepping stone for me.” Soriano’s hard work and dedication to his sport have

not gone unnoticed, as he was awarded NorthJersey. com’s Track and Field Athlete of the Week for the week of January 24-30, the week he set his record breaking time at the Passaic County Champions Meet. “You had some other great guys nominated, but it deﬁnitely felt cool to get this achievement,” said Soriano. Soriano’s representation of Passaic Valley student-athletes doesn’t stop after he steps oﬀ the track, as he was selected earlier this school year to be one of Superintendent Mr. Bracken Healy’s Superintendent Ambassadors. Soriano also looks to have his success and achievements carry over into this spring’s Track and Field season, and hopes to continue pursuing track in college. Soriano puts in countless hours into his preparation, always looking to get better. “He’s driven, he’s focused. He’s a winner, he always wants to win. He never accepts defeat.” said Assistant Coach Erik Getz, who has coached Jessier for the past four years. “He’s always working 100% and he never goes easy during a workout or a meet. He gives everything he’s got every time he gets on the track.” Soriano began his track career his freshman year as a part of the spring Passaic Valley Track and Field team, and continued to run cross country and winter track in the following years. “As a freshman, he had a really great group that stayed together. From there, they were able to see a great group of varsity athletes ahead of them, to show them how to lead, to show them success, and then they were successful on their own level individually as a result,” said Mr. Thornton. “They excelled as freshmen well ahead of other athletes. We tried to throw him into as many varsity races as possible so he could experience what it takes.” Over time, Soriano became more and more disciplined with his training, and began looking to continue to beat

personal records and get better every race. “Jessier knew where he needed to be, even as a freshman,” said Mr. Thornton. “Every year, Jessier was able to look out and say, I want to break 2:15, then 2:10, then 2:05, and so on. Being able to see the end result as a freshman and what you needed to do to get there, he was really able to focus and that’s where you see his success in his senior year with his times.”

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Toenail Fungus Courtesy Matthew F. Wachtler, DPM hat’s an ingrown toenail? An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of your nail grows into the skin nearby. This causes inflammation and irritation, along with serious discomfort or pain. Ingrown toenails usually occur in big toes, and typically affect only one nail border. What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail? Ingrown toenail symptoms change as the problem develops. Stage I Stage I ingrown toenails cause skin redness and swelling. You may have some soreness and discomfort, which worsens if you touch or apply pressure to the nail. Stage II Stage II ingrown toenails cause increased symptoms, including intensifying pain and pus drainage from the nail border. In stage II, new skin often starts growing at the border of the nail. Stage III Stage III ingrown toenails have granulation tissue, new skin that envelops the nail border. This encourages infection, which leads to worsening symptoms that can spread throughout your toe.

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Little Falls Seniors Enjoy Luncheon for St. Patrick’s Day

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WE BEAT ANY PRICE! Local seniors enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day luncheon on March16. Photos courtesy of The Township of Little Falls.

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Little Falls Seniors Luncheon... continued from page 14 music was enjoyed by several dozen seniors who came by to enjoy the atmosphere in honor of the Feast of Saint Patrick. Joan Adams, former social director for the board, said so many great events are always offered for the Township’s senior citizens. “I enjoyed planning trips and other activities for seniors when I was social director,” she said. “This board always does very nice things for us.” Local resident Rita Zizak said the board plans an array of many amazing activities for Little Falls seniors. “This town does a lot for the seniors, such as today’s luncheon and the upcoming Spring Fling, which is a fun night of dinner and dancing,” Zizak explained. “They always have something special planned.” Local resident Nicki Del Polito echoed the sentiment. “Just look at the crowd we’ve got,” she said. “Everyone is really enjoying this event.” DJ Luke O’Malley provided music for the event. O’Malley, who specializes in singing and playing Irish music, sets out to give his audience the sound of a four-piece band.

“I’ve been doing this for more than 30 years and this is my first time at this event,” he said. “It’s really a wonderful atmosphere here today.” Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilwoman Tanya Seber and Councilwoman Christine Hablitz welcomed attendees back to the event after the prior year’s absence due to the pandemic. Deputy Chief of Police Bryan Prall of the Little Falls Police Department (LFPD) gave tips to seniors on how they can prevent becoming victims of fraud, and protect themselves from what is known as “The Grandparent Scam.” He said afterwards that he wants to ensure that the needs of seniors in the Township are being served by the police department. Sgobba said the event was very well attended with over 70 seniors who enjoyed it. “The seniors who attended this corned beef and cabbage St. Patrick’s Day luncheon thoroughly enjoyed seeing one another, while having lunch together and listening to Irish music,” he said. “They all look forward to the next event, which is the Spring Fling.” The Spring Fling will be held at the Little Falls Civic Center on April 22.

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Therapeutic Taping

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Courtesy Dr. Gabriel Hannawi, DC Chiropractic Physician Therapeutic Taping, also known as Kinesiology Taping, is a method of treatment offered by the physical therapists at Elite Spine and Sports Care of Totowa. The therapeutic taping process is simple – it involves a special tape placed along your body to ease muscle tenseness, improve movement and support your joints. Unlike athletic tape, kinesiology tape promotes movement rather than restricting! This additional movement helps to improve circulation promoting healing, pain relief and more.

We Now Carry Low Cost Toys For All Ages How Does Therapeutic Taping Work? On the surface, Kinesiology tape is simply pulling at the outer epidermis. However, it is much more than just surface effects! As the tape pulls on the outer skin, the muscles and tissue below begin to have increased blood flow or circulation. This helps to decrease pain and muscle spasms. This increased blood flow creates balance in the neural circuitry within tissues, muscles, and

joints. Lastly, this tape has been seen as a useful tool in the realignment of joint positions after injury. Goals of Therapeutic Taping: Reduce pain and inflammation Increase blood flow Improve joint stability Inhibit improper muscle activity to promote proper muscle activity Elite Spine and Sports Care Of Totowa, 349-351 Union Boulevard, Totowa, 862-239-1768

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3 Tips for Spring Shopping Success

May 2022 • Page 21

Courtesy Dr. Anant Joshi f it’s time to make the trip to the shoe store for spring shoes, you’re not alone. Whether you are shopping for your child’s sports shoes or searching for a comfortable pair of sandals, now is the time. While you may love shopping, are you doing it the right way? As podiatrists, we have a few boxes that we think you should check. At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC Dr. Anant Joshi is committed to helping patients make changes at home and in the stores that could provide long-term benefits for their feet and ankles. Here are three suggestions: Wear comfortable shoes Would you believe that many people are wearing notso-comfortable shoes while shoe shopping? Yes, it happens. Prepare for a shoe shopping day by wearing supportive shoes. There is a chance that you may be visiting multiple stores. Wearing comfortable shoes is a top recommendation, but do you also consider how easy it is to take them off and put them back on? That’s right — you’re trying on shoes. Make the process as stress-free as possible. Walk around the store Congratulations! You found the shoes of your choice. Have you walked around the store? With all the excitement of finding a shoe that fits, many people forget to put both shoes on and walk around the store. Does the left shoe feel as comfortable as the right one? Sitting down with a shoe on is very different from taking a walk around the store. Also, make sure you are wearing socks while trying on shoes that require them.

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Page 22 • May 2022

Little Falls Police Host ‘Coffee With A Cop’ to Strengthen Community Ties

By Tina Pappas olice in Little Falls invited those who live and work in the community to visit with them during the recent Coffee with a Cop event. “Coffee with a Cop” is a national program, which brings police officers and community members they serve together and strengthens community ties. It serves as an informal and casual setting for residents and business owners to meet officers, ask questions, discuss issues, break down barriers and get to know one another. The event was held at The Falls Kitchen, located at 90 Main Street on April 6 . National Coffee with a Cop Day is usually held on the first Wednesday of October each year. According to Deputy Chief of Police Bryan Prall, he felt it was a good opportunity to hold the event during the month of April being he was recently sworn in to his new position on Dec. 20. “It’s about building relationships one cup at a time,” said Prall. “This is typically an initiative that happens across the country in October. I thought it was important to embed myself out in the community and introduce myself, so if people had any questions or any issues and wanted to get to know me better, we can address them. I felt it was definitely a good opportunity to do this.” Along with Prall was Lt. Robert Prall and Sgt. John Cespedes, and over a dozen members of the Little Falls Police Department at the event. Mayor James Damiano, Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Al Kahwaty, Councilwoman Tanya Seber, Councilman Chris Vancheri and Councilwoman Christine Hablitz also attended the event. Afterwards, Damiano commented on the event’s purpose. “Coffee with a Cop in Little Falls is so much more than

The Little Falls Police Department hosted Coﬀee with a Cop on April 6. Pictured are members of the LFPD, along with Mayor James Damiano and council members. Photo courtesy of the Township of Little Falls.

just having Coffee with a Cop,” he explained. “The downto-earth discussions that residents were able to have with the members of the Little Falls Police Department were heartwarming and conversational, strengthening the bond between the Police and members of the community.” Local resident Maryann Marino, widow of Mario Marino

who was a past president of the Little Falls Fire Department, said events like this are a good thing for both residents and police alike. “It’s a good thing when members of the community and those who serve the community come together,” she said. “It strengthens the bonds and it helps everybody.”

May 2022 • Page 23

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Page 24 • May 2022

A Brunch Spread Fit for Spring

rom tasty small bites to a filling feast and even dessert for breakfast, brunch options are nearly endless. Take your spring brunch to the next level with recipes that appease appetites of all kinds. First, start with portioned pastry cups perfect for appetizers. Bring out the protein-packed breakfast burritos for the main course then, for a final touch of sweet deliciousness, offer up lemony doughnuts to cap off the feast. Find more brunch recipes at Culinary. net. Bite-Sized Breakfast Appetizer-sized portions and small bites of all sorts are ideal for breakfast spreads, and these Pastry Brunch Cups are perfect for starting a morning meal with loved ones. Or, if a busy schedule looms, try baking a batch and separating into appropriate serving sizes for a simple way to meal prep heading into a new week. Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary. net. Pastry Brunch Cups Servings: 18 2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 2 sheets puff pastry 18 eggs 2 cups diced ham chopped fresh green onions Heat oven 375 F. In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking each time. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside. Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides

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for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham. Bake 10-15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions. Power Brunch with a Protein-Packed Burrito A well-rounded brunch calls for a multitude of dishes and beverages, but it wouldn’t be complete without a protein-packed recipe to get the day started. This delicious Breakfast Burrito is loaded with colorful veggies and Silver Fern Farms 100% grass-fed strip steak. Hailing from New Zealand, home to some of the world’s most natural tasting beef and lamb, this premium cut of beef is aged 21 days and minimally processed with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. The animals are grass-fed year-round and allowed to roam and graze freely, so the beef offers a lean, flavorful texture that tastes just as nature intended. Visit silverfernfarms.com to find more at-home brunch inspiration. Breakfast Burrito

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A Brunch Spread... continued from page 24 1 tomato, finely chopped 8 eggs 1/2 cup milk 4 large tortillas 1 cup spinach 1 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup cilantro 1 avocado lime wedges (optional) hot sauce (optional) Remove steak from packaging and set aside 10 minutes. Once steak reaches room temperature, heat pan over medium-high heat. Rub steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook until medium-rare, approximately 3-4 minutes each side. Remove from pan and cover loosely with tinfoil to rest 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add splash of oil. Add onion; cook 1 minute. Add red bell pepper and mushrooms; cook 1 minute. Add cumin, paprika and chili powder; stir through. When veggies are tender (about 2 min-

utes), add tomato and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt and pepper, to taste. Heat pan to medium heat and add splash of oil. Pour egg mixture into pan and cook, lifting and folding eggs until thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. Do not stir constantly. Lay tortillas on flat surface or plate. In center of tortilla, add cooked veggies and top with thinly sliced beef. Add handful of spinach, scrambled eggs, crumbled feta, cilantro and avocado. Fold bottom of tortilla and roll. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce, if desired. Dine on Deliciously Sweet Doughnuts Brunch is never complete without something sweet to cap off the morning feast, and doughnuts are often the perfect complement to an array of main courses. These Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts pair the bite-sized morsels with lemon curd (if that suits your style) for a sweet-tart combination. They’re made using Domino Golden Sugar, which is made from pure cane sugar

and is less processed than white granulated sugar, as one you can always trust in your favorite recipes. It works cup-for-cup just like white sugar but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor. Visit dominosugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating throughout the year. Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 7 minutes Doughnuts: Vegetable oil, for frying 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 3/4 cups Domino Golden Sugar, divided 2 tablespoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons lemon zest 5 large eggs 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Lemon Curd (optional): 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar 2 large eggs 2 egg yolks 4 lemons, zest and juice only 1/8 teaspoon salt

To make doughnuts: In large saucepan, preheat oil to 350 F. Prepare cookie sheet with paper towel to drain doughnuts once out of hot oil. In bowl, mix flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Add lemon zest, eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. Use ice cream scoop to scoop small amounts dough into oil, 4-5 pieces at a time. Fry each batch until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Keep oil at or near 350 F; if oil is too hot, doughnuts will turn golden brown but centers may still be raw. Remove from oil and drain in paper towel. Repeat with remaining dough. While still hot, toss doughnuts with remaining sugar. To make lemon curd, if desired: In large bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and egg yolks, one at a time. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and salt. Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook at low-medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool before serving with doughnuts.

Page 26 • May 2022

A Signature Side Dish

lmost every get together – whether it’s family, friends or neighbors – always has one dish that’s the star of the show time after time. It’s usually a staple dish, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the main course. It can be a side dish that pairs with almost everything else on the table. The kids gobble it up, and the adults ask “Can I have that recipe?” Side dishes can be some of the most enjoyed foods at every meal. There is a large variety of options and a multitude of possibilities and variations of almost each and every classic side dish. There are a lot of elements that go into making a stellar side, however. It must have lots of flavor and the seasoning needs to be on point. Next time you’re looking for a versatile, delicious side dish nearly everyone will love, try these Horseradish Mashed Potatoes. They have a perfect potato texture and are full of creamy goodness with a horseradish kick to savor. To make these potatoes, start with 2 quarts of water in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes then boil 15-20 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of water from the pot.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk 16 ounces of sour cream, 1/4 cup of horseradish, salt and pepper. Add butter to warm potatoes then mash. Add sour cream mixture, chives and reserved water halfway through mashing. Once you have the desired consistency, your potatoes are ready to serve with additional butter chives. Once you sink your spoon into a bowl of these flavor-packed potatoes, you’ll understand why there are never any leftovers. These potatoes can satisfy almost any appetite with a unique flavor combination and appealing aroma. Find more side dish recipes at Culinary.net. Horseradish Mashed Potatoes Servings: 4-6 2 quarts water 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, halved 1 stick of unsalted butter, cut into 8 slices, divided 16 ounces sour cream 1/4 cup horseradish, prepared and squeezed of moisture 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup chopped chives, plus additional for topping In saucepan, bring water and 1 teaspoon salt to boil.

Add potatoes and boil 15-20 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup liquid. Drain potatoes and place in bowl. Add six slices of butter and mash potatoes coarsely. In medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, horseradish, remaining salt, pepper and chives. Add mixture to mashed potatoes. Add reserved water. Mash to combine. Transfer to serving bowl and top with remaining butter pieces and additional chives.

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oodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark and Borough Council honored its first responders - fire, police, first aid squad, and Department of Public Works - for their heroism in responding to Tropical Storm Ida and the flooding which followed. “These men and women are the backbone of our community,” Mayor Keith Kazmark said. “They saved lives, protected property, and did everything possible to keep us all safe. We salute them.” On Sept. 1, 2021, the Borough was

First Responder Accolades

struck with excessive amounts of heavy rain as well as excessive flooding. During a four-hour period, the Borough experienced over seven inches of rain, causing streams to overflow their banks and become swiftflowing rivers in our streets. The West Paterson Fire Department responded to 60 calls during this time period. Many people were rescued from their vehicles and houses by fire department personnel under extremely hazardous conditions, putting their lives in danger to rescue others.

The members of the Department of Public Works emergency crew that evening went above and beyond the call of duty driving vehicles to assist in evacuations, removing people from vehicles in the rising water, and swiftly moving to barricade streets. The Fire Department was dispatched during the storm to 227 Lackawanna Ave. for a person hanging onto a tree in the water. Upon arrival, Asst. Chief Anthony Ficcara made an attempt to reach the person from the shoreline in the rapidly moving

Dowling Brook without success. Asst. Chief Ficcara then tied a rope around himself and entered the swift-moving and rapidly rising water without regard to his personal safety. He was able to bring the resident to safety with the assistance of Capt. Alex Fink, and Firefighter Steven Spies, who controlled the lifeline connected to Asst. Chief Ficcara, and George Galbraith Jr., a member of the Department of Public Works, who operated and properly positioned a five-ton OEM truck, which was used for a safety tie-off of continued on page 29

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First Responder Accolades... continued from page 28 Asst. Chief Ficcara. The following honors were given at the meeting: An Honor Award was bestowed on Asst. Chief Ficcara A Life Saving Award was given to Capt. Alex Fink, Firefighter Steven Spies, and George Galbraith Jr., a member of the Department of Public Works A Civilian Service Award was given Department of Public Works Supervisor John Pietrowski, and members Dave Spinelli, Jimmy Pacelli, Gerard O’Brien, Matthew Mulroony, Anthony Laguerra, and John DeCeasare. Unit Citations were given to all three volunteer fire companies: Rifle Camp Fire Company 3, Passaic Valley Hose Company 2, and West Paterson Fire Company 1. Uniform bars were awarded to Rifle Camp Fire Company 3 members Chief Paul Salomone Jr., Asst. Chief Jack Witting, Asst. Chief Andrew Roehrich, Capt. Alex Fink, Lt. Samuel Gaita, Lt. Michael Diana, Patrick Biernat, Kevin Connors, Todd Hollritt, Sebastian Rodriguez, Dylan Spies, Steven Spies, Nicola Zummo, Damian Carter, Isiah Davis, Chris Negron, Alex Samilow, George

May 2022 • Page 29

Spies, and Pete Wilk. Uniform bars were awarded to Passaic Valley Hose Company 2 members Asst. Chief Michael Herrmann, Asst. Chief Michael Muccio, Lt. Matthew Vargas, Gene Markowski, Joseph DeSomma, Charles Derrot, Michael Hicks, Raphael Nuzzo, and David Garcia. Uniform bars were awarded to West Paterson Fire Company 1 members Asst. Chief Anthony Ficcara, Asst. Chief Joseph Macones, Lt. Brian Ramirez, Michael Adis, Hermes Rodriguez, Anthony Bitondo, Tristian DePrizio, Richard Estey, and Luis Reyes. Commendations were given to Woodland Park Police Department Lt. Erik Luker, Lt. Daniel Russo, Sgt. Joseph Domicolo, Sgt. Mike Koehler, Sgt. Sean Morrison, Sgt. Leonard Schaefer, and Officers Timothy Condron, Richard Di Zenzo, Justin Castro, Marc Bonilla, Anthony Peluso, Derrick Morrison, and Lisandro Rosario. Commendations were given to Woodland Park Police Dispatchers Joel LaTorre and Dawn Klutsarits. Commendations were given to West Paterson First Aid Squad Captain Andy Dillon, and member Sergio Valverde.

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Residents are asked to ‘Imagine the Possibilities’ with Library campaigns

lfred Baumann Library Director Linda Hoffman recently led a Library construction grant presentation to the Woodland Park Borough Council to provide more information about the project to the Council and the public. The Council that night passed a resolution to execute a grant agreement with the state and introduced an ordinance to authorize the project, which essentially guarantees the full project funding and will allow the Library to commence construction on the project. The Library’s construction campaign and plan, entitled “Imagine the Possibilities,” asks every resident to join them in making its vision for a 21st Century library a reality. It was recently awarded a $2.9 million New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act grant, the largest grant the Borough has ever received. The total construction project stands at $5.8 million and it will take a true community effort and investment to make the plan a reality. In addition to the state grant, the Library has a $1.8 million municipal equity contribution (bond) commitment, has received Community Block Development Grants for $135,000, has over $1 million in Library Capital Reserve, and has $50,000 committed and an additional $25,000 pledged by the Friends of the Library. In addition, the Woodland Park Business Association donated $5,000, the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary donated $750, and residents have made individual donations in varying amounts of up to $5,000. “Every day when I go to work I am reminded that a public library is one of the community’s most valuable resources,” Hoffman said. “This is what drives me, my staff, my library board, and our Friends to work so hard with passion and fearlessness - because we believe in public libraries!” The needs of the Library have been changing and evolving. According to the 2020 Census Data, over the last

40 years, the population increased 19%. Over just the last 10 years, Woodland Park’s population grew 14.1%. New Jersey’s population overall grew 5.5% Old wiring and infrastructure, HVAC in need of upgrades, old and heavy furniture, lack of ADA compliance, and lack of office and programming space are just a few reasons for the project’s need. Hoffman showcased both the exterior and interior design in her presentation. The exterior of the building blends with the current building but feels updated and modern. The interior design includes a larger children area that will accommodate all children, including special needs children; a teen area; a lounge area where people can grab a cup of coffee; and an Innovation Lab, with computers, 3D printers, and media equipment, not only for children to create, but for adults and entrepreneurs. A large conference and community

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room will be able to host programs and community groups meetings. This space can be used even when the main library is closed. And in the back of the library, an amphitheater will be constructed to bring theater, culture, and music in a beautiful setting. The Library will work to continue to raise funds for the project through a variety of capital campaigns. There will be a town-wide brochure going out this month, 60th Birthday Campaign in May ($60 for 60 years), round-up For Your Library Campaign, portfolio for large donors and naming opportunities, and ongoing Friends of the Library events. Additional grants will be sought to offset the cost. The Friends are also planning the following: a 2.5K9 Walk (2.5K for dogs and their humans) on Sept. 18; 50/50s in the spring and fall, Sweet Sensations Dessert Night on Oct. 15, and “Let’s Eat” Dinners to Go on Nov. 18.

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Little Falls Raises Flag to Highlight Autism Awareness Month for April

By Tina Pappas he Township of Little Falls highlighted Autism Awareness Month in April with raising the autism flag at a ceremony in front of the municipal building. Councilman Chris Vancheri welcomed attendees, along with Councilman Al Kahwaty and Councilwoman Tanya Seber. Mayor James Damiano read a proclamation recognizing April 1 as World Autism Awareness Day in the Township and Autism Awareness Month for the entire month of April. “As we have done in the past, this year the municipal building will be lit up blue again for the month of April here in town,” said Damiano, who then read a proclamation for autism as a complex brain developmental disorder affecting social, communication and behavioral skills of those affected by it, with rates as high as 1 in 54 children nationally and 1 in 32 children in New Jersey. “While there’s no cure for autism, it’s well documented that if individuals with autism receive early and intensive treatment throughout their lives, the may lead significantly improved lives,” he stated, adding that individuals with autism often require a lifetime of specialized and community-supported services to ensure their health and safety to support families’ resilience as they manage the “psychological and financial challenges autism can present.” Damiano also stated that Autism New Jersey is spearheading an awareness effort in order to educate parents, professionals and the general public about autism and its effects. The nonprofit agency works towards ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them through awareness, credible information, education, and public policy initiatives, according to the website.

Above: Local resident Debbie Trapanese holds up one of the T-shirts to raise funds for Special Needs Skate at Montclair State University Arena. Photos courtesy of the Township of Little Falls

Afterwards, Damiano raised the autism flag with assistance from several children from the Township. Local resident Debbie Trapanese was also on-hand to raise funds for the Monarchs Hockey, a special needs skating league at the Montclair State University Arena, with Autism Awareness T-shirts. Vancheri commented after the ceremony. “Whether you know someone living with autism, your child has autism, or you yourself are on the spectrum, raising the Autism Awareness Month flag in Little Falls serves as an opportunity to provide an understanding and an awareness,”

Right: Pictured (from left) is Councilman Chris Vancheri, Councilwoman Tanya Seber, Councilman Al Kahwaty and Mayor James Damiano, along with local kids during the autism flag raising ceremony in Little Falls.

he said. The blue lighting in front of the Little Falls Municipal Building, located at 225 Main Street, will be displayed for the entire month of April.

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Little Falls Cub Scout Pack 14 held its annual Pinewood Derby

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Cub Scout Pack 14 who participated in the Pinewood Derby in Little Falls. Photos courtesy of the Township of Little Falls.

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Totowa Holds Successful First-Ever Easter Egg hunt with Annual Bunny Breakfast

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The Easter Bunny takes photos with local residents Donovan and Jackie McGovern. Photos courtesy of Mark Monteyne.

By Tina Pappas he Borough held its first annual Easter Egg Hunt in conjunction with the annual Easter Bunny Breakfast. The event was held on April 9 at the Barnyard and Carriage House, located at 754 Totowa Road. “The event was a huge success,” said Mark Monteyne, Recreation Director. “This will be an annual event at our spectacular venue at the Barnyard and Carriage House. We had the Totowa Easter Bunny live in our community and the children loved it!” Tom Mele, Commissioner of the Board of Recreation, said the Bunny Breakfast was put on hiatus due to the pandemic the past few years so he felt it was important to have a successful event. “We hit it out of the park!” he added. “It was important to come back strong after the last two years of the pandemic.” Dan Palazzo, Commissioner of the Board of Recreation, agreed. “It was another success,” he said. “Lots

of happy kids faces, which is what it’s all about!” Debbie Barone, Secretary of the Board of Recreation, echoed the sentiment. “Happy to see the community spirit back again with lots of smiling little faces!” she said. Mickey Pascucci, President of the Board of Recreation, said having it at the Barnyard and Carriage House and the gazebo was in a perfect spot and made the day very enjoyable. “All the kids had a blast, really great to see!” he added. Monteyne wished to thank event sponsors Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Kinder Pediatrics Urgent Care, Bromilow’s Chocolate, Balloon Planet, All County Apparel, Balloon Planet and Party Supply, and University Health & Urgent Care. Libby McGovern played the role of the Totowa Easter Bunny this year. “They made it enjoyable for the children,” he added.

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Page 36 • May 2022

Police Chief Steven Post of Little Falls Retires With Heartfelt Send-Off

By Tina Pappas t was a heartfelt send-off for Police Chief Steven Post of the Little Falls Police Department (LFPD), who is retiring from the department. Post received cheers and accolades, particularly from young people of the community, in a manner any fans would give for their hometown hero. The deep appreciation for his service resonated with students and staff of the Little Falls School District on March 30. Along with Mayor James Damiano, Councilman Al Kahwaty and Schools Superintendent Tracey Marinelli, Post rode through town in a school mini-bus and stops were made at School No. 3, where the Chief was greeted by third and fourth grade students, then School No. 2, which allowed the Pre-K through second-graders to say thank you and goodbye. A final stop was made at School No. 1 Middle School, where the fifth through eighth graders had their chance to thank the Chief. Students and staff lined the front sidewalks of all three schools holding up signs with messages of gratitude as Post gave repeated high-fives to everyone as he walked by. Mayor Damiano commented on the outpouring of well-wishes for Post, noting his long-standing career with the LFPD.

“Having Chief Post lead the Little Falls Police Department over the past six years has been nothing short of incredible,” Damiano said. “The drastic improvement throughout the department over this time is all due to his leadership, and the bonds that he has developed with the community over his 29-year career here has been noticed by all. I wish Chief Post nothing but the best on his future endeavors and know that he will be an asset no matter what he does. I also want to thank Chief Post for all he has done for this community during his career, and these last six years as Chief.” Post became a member of the Little Falls Police Department when he first served as a dispatcher beginning in 1994. He became a patrolman in 1998 and then served as a field training officer, and as one of the agency’s specialized crime scene investigators. In January 2006, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the patrol division where he assumed duties as a squad supervisor. In 2014, he was reassigned to an administrative position as a patrol division commander. In March 2015, he was assigned to the investigation division within the LFPD, at which time he attained the rank of detective sergeant. In July 2015, he became a lieutenant and served as second in command of the LFPD.

In December 2015, he was sworn in as the eleventh Chief of Police for the Township, serving for more than six years. Local police officers from the LFPD joined the students by lining the sidewalk of Stevens Avenue at the site of the old police department building across from

School No. 1 Middle School, to send their well-wishes. Deputy Chief Bryan Prall detailed Post’s career over a loudspeaker, and added, “The Township of Little Falls and the community we serve thank you for your selfless service with the Township.” continued on page 37

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Photos courtesy of the Township of Little Falls.

Police Chief Retires... continued from page 36 Councilman Kahwaty commented on Chief’s Post career by adding, “He has a lot to be proud of, he leaves behind a distinguished career and a terrific department. Personally, I have enjoyed working with Chief Post very much.” Marinelli, who organized the send-off

with township officials, said Post has been a tremendous presence in the schools, adding that she is proud of the relationship formed and the programs that were developed as a result. “Chief Post was not just our chief, he was a key partner,” she explained. “He made knowing our staff and students a priority and

keeping our schools safe paramount.” Post also commented on the strong bond between the LFPD and the Little Falls School District as “second to none” and commended Marinelli for leading the district. He said he and local police were happy to have a presence at all three public schools. He also said that police presence at schools gives

students, staff, as well as parents before they leave for work, a feeling of safety every day. He added that the police presence also reassures the community as a whole. “I’m sad because I know I’m going to miss it,” said Post. “But I’m excited too. It’s been like an emotional rollercoaster this week.

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Page 38 • May 2022

Next Level Lawns and Gardens: 6 Steps to Spring Success

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New Superintendent Ambassadors Program Provides Students With a Voice

By Ava Mania uperintendent Mr. Bracken Healy has implemented a Superintendent Ambassador program for the 20212022 school year. A committee of twelve students, with three representatives from each grade level, meets monthly with Mr. Healy and staff, representing the voice of the student body. Student Ambassadors: Grade 12: Jenna Anevski, Chyna Sinclair, Jessier Soriano Grade 11: Katharine Cottone, Sophia Guarente, Leith Matari Grade 10: Damian Kribs, Kaiden Rodriguez, Ali Stefanelli Grade 9: Kacey DiPasquale, Ayden Mulroony, A’Meire Simpson Mr. Healy’s passion for working with students prompted his implementation of the program. “For me, it was a nobrainer. It gives me an opportunity to speak with students, engage with them, interact with them, and collaborate with them. I think that’s what good administrators do and what good teachers do. We want student input, and this committee allowed us to get just that,” said Mr. Healy. “I want a positive environment that is conducive to learning. That’s really the whole idea behind giving the students a voice: to make sure that we are doing things that are in the best interest of our students.” Once a month, Mr. Healy invites the ambassadors to have lunch and share their thoughts. He usually begins each meeting by simply asking, “What’s new?”. Ambassadors vocalize their own concerns and suggestions for improvement, as well as advocate for their peers and make recommendations in an open discussion. “Topics discussed

range from school climate, facility upgrades and academic needs,” said Mr. Healy. “We believe it is important to listen to the student body and have a read on all of PV’s strengths and areas of improvement. Together we will change this school for the better.” This past November, “[administration] sent out a Google Form to be filled out by any students interested in being Student Ambassadors,” said Mr. Healy. Students who wanted to share ideas on how to “enhance programs, activities, and overall school culture” submitted applications which were then sorted by a committee of administrators. 85 applications were received, and the selected

participants were announced in December. “We tried to get an array of academic students, students that are involved in clubs and activities, and students involved in athletics. We try to represent general education and special education, so we have a good variety of student voices as part of this committee,” said Mr. Healy. Senior athlete and PVTV member, Jenna Anevski was inspired to apply to be a Superintendent Ambassador because of the deep passion she has for Passaic Valley and its community. “Earning this position means so much to me. It means I have the ability to help make progress throughout PV and make it a stronger and more amazing experience continued on page 41

May 2022 • Page 41

Ambassadors Program... continued from page 40 for future Hornets,” said Anevski. “This program is such an important addition because it allows the students, their families, and everyone in the Passaic Valley Family to be heard. With this committee, there is room for more success and it is such a powerhouse group of leaders who want nothing but the best for Passaic Valley.” Only a few months into the program, the ambassadors have already been successful in furthering the legacy of Passaic Valley and promoting the school community to younger students. “Everyone knows all the great things that we’re doing once you get to school, but the kids that aren’t here don’t really know of the things we have to offer,” Mr. Healy explained. “The Ambassadors have been instrumental in trying to identify and highlight our best areas so that when we go down to the schools we have a pitch that makes sense, and people can band together and swarm behind.” Junior ambassador, Sophia Guarente, who is both honored and eager to serve PV, recognizes the notable accomplishments they’ve achieved in a short period of time. “In just four meetings, we have discussed some problems at PV and how we can fix them. This program, in the little time we have met, is such a great outlet.” Mr. Healy and the Ambassadors stress that the program has exciting plans and additions which will revitalize the school and its community. Mr. Healy has already noted a change in the atmosphere while working closely with students and continuing to foster healthy relationships with staff. “The students want to be here and they seem more happy. The teachers have been phenomenal, they seem very energetic, and so far it’s been a good experience for all,” he stated.

New Jersey Authors Contribute to A Book For Our Time - VOICES-19: Their Legacies Live On

uthor Brenda E. Cortez announced the upcoming release of a collection of stories celebrating our loved ones, and the life and legacies they left behind. Cortez was inspired to create this book after her best-friend, and contributing coauthor, Jean Sime, (Wayne, NJ resident), lost her sister, Vivian, to COVID on April 16, 2020. “Voices-19” brings awareness and shines an important light on the faces and names lost during this ongoing pandemic – humanizing the numbers, the souls lost, and those left behind to grieve. “Voices-19” was released April 26, and is available online. In this heartfelt collection, 19 contributing authors bravely pay tribute to those they lost and share the impact they made. Their loved ones’ legacies will live on forever; they will never be forgotten. This book is a tribute to all the lives lost during this difficult time. These beautifully written stories help humanize the losses behind the numbers. Each chapter is a celebration of life remembering our moms, dads, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and our children. Cortez is the author of ‘Because of Organ Donation’ and has authored nine children’s books, including “My Mom is Having Surgery: A Kidney Story,” and the “Howl the Owl®” children’s book series. Howl is an acronym for “Help Others With Love” and his stories focus on kindness, helping others, and organ donation. Voices-19 is published by BC Books, LLC.

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Celebrating Memorial Day around Northern New Jersey

By Elsie Walker At 3pm on May 30th, Americans are asked to a observe a moment of silence. As noted on the site of the Memorial Day organization, “The National Moment of Remembrance was created [in 2000] by President William Clinton …to encourage Americans everywhere, to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.” Memorial Day dates back to just after the Civil War. It has come to mean a variety of things, but at the heart of the day is remembering those men and women, now gone, who served this country. “Memorial Day means to me a lasting friendship. My dad was in the Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge [World War II]. He served with a man from North Carolina named Robert L. McGaha (known as R.L.). They became fast friends. When the war was over, dad and R.L. came home, but R.L. made the Army a career. My parents and siblings, and myself in my younger years, made trips to North Carolina to visit with the McGaha’s. Although my Dad and R.L. are now in heaven, our family has stayed close with the McGaha family for over 65 years,” shared Amanda Rush of Netcong.

Remembering friendships formed during service and honoring those who died was probably part of what was on the mind of those who laid the seeds for Memorial Day. According to a publication put out by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs titled, “The Origins of Memorial Day”, many local communities held ceremonies of remembrance for the fallen shortly after the end of the Civil War. Then, “Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared it should be May 30. It is believed the date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.” However, history.com gives another reason why that date was chosen, “The date of Decoration Day as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.” For many years, the day continued to be known as Decoration Day. It was not an official national holiday, but was marked around the country. In its early days, the focus was on those who died in the Civil War. However, as time passed and the country got into

Various monuments throughout the Northern New Jersey area.

other wars, the focus changed, as noted by history.com, “By the late 19th century, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate [it as] Memorial Day, and after World War I, observers began to honor the dead of all of America’s wars…. in 1968,

Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The continued on page 43

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Celebrating Memorial Day... continued from page 42 same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.” Over the years, for many families who lost loved ones who served in the military, special traditions became associated with Memorial Day. Sue Labelle, of Madison, recalled the traditions of her family. Those traditions would start before Memorial Day by putting flowers on family graves in Succasunna and then attending a special church service. “On Memorial Day itself, we would attend the Roxbury parade and the ceremony held at Horseshoe Lake Park. My parents always felt that the ceremonies in Roxbury were not to be missed. The ceremony would take place next to the beautiful Roxbury Veteran’s Memorial, which was dedicated twenty years ago on November 11, 2001. The names engraved on the bronze plaques of the memorial include my father, Ken, his brother, Hugh, and all the other veterans of WWII from Roxbury.” The Roxbury Veterans Memorial is located on Eyland Avenue at the Horseshoe Lake Baseball Field. Many towns have memorials. For example, Netcong has a memorial located on Route 183 which is dedicated to those local residents who lost their lives serving in World War I and World War II, while at the intersection of Willow Grove Road and Main

Street in Hackettstown is a Civil War memorial monument. Searching the historical marker database (www.hmdb.org), people can look for memorials in their area. Another way the fallen have been remembered is through street blades, such as the one put up this past fall in Roxbury for Hugh Mooney who died during World War II. “On Memorial Day you can honor the fallen by attending memorial services within your community or laying flowers and planting flags on graves at your local Veterans cemetery. Veterans Day is an opportunity to do the same, but it is also an appropriate time to show your appreciation to Veteran friends and family. You can also recognize Veterans Day by flying the American flag outside your home, visiting or volunteering at a Veteran facility, attending a local event, and, of course, thanking Veterans and their families for their service,” shared Kenneth Steffan, of Long Valley, Major, U.S. Air Force/ New Jersey Air National Guard, retired. Chris Fallon, of Long Valley, whose three sons served in the military, added there is a memorial at Lyons VA Hospital which reminds people of the sacrifices of those wounded in war. Articles on the history of Memorial Day note how the holiday has evolved with many people thinking of the day as the unofficial

first day of summer, a day off from work, and a time of picnics and parades. However, at the heart of Memorial Day is the remembrance of those, now gone, who served in this country’s military. The Rev. Hazel Thomas Shue, of Budd Lake, grew up in a military family. She served as a Chaplain in the US Navy from 19821996 and will tell you she was honored to do so. As she thought about Memorial Day, she reflected how she’s marked it and on something said at a funeral last month for a retired colonel: “Memorial Day was always significant. My parents referred to it as Decoration Day, its original name. We flew the flag, wore patriotic colors and remembered the ‘men’ who served and died. Beginning

in 1982, when I became a Navy Chaplain, I participated in many Memorial Day ceremonies. Recently, I attended a Committal Service for a Retired Army Colonel at Arlington National Cemetery. The person in charge said, ‘while burial here is no monetary cost, none of these graves are free. Each of them has been earned with patriotism and sacrifice.’ That is the true meaning of Memorial Day.”

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Page 44 • May 2022

NJStarz Li Li Leung Hometown: Ridgewood

SA Gymnastics President and CEO, Li Li Leung, has some advice for youngsters, especially young women. “Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks,” Leung says. “Dreams do come true. They really do. Not being afraid to take risks is really important, because if I if I didn’t take that leap in the first place - going to China, which was scary - I wouldn’t be where I am today.” The inspiring story of the 48-year-old Leung, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, but was raised in New Jersey after moving to Ridgewood with her family when she was three-years-old, follows. “I went to Ridgewood High School for one year,” Leung says. “And I have a twin sister, May May, who did gymnastics as well. After we completed one year at Ridgewood High, our family picked up and moved to Parsippany, and that’s where we completed our high school days. We moved because we could be closer to the gym and train twice a day.” Leung is the only member of her family who is not a professor. Her brother, Ming, teaches out in California, her dad, CK, was a professor at William Paterson University, and her mom, Lin, and sister teach in New York City. “Growing up in Ridgewood was idyllic,” she says of her childhood. “It was an incredible childhood, and I’m so grateful in terms of the childhood that my parents were able to provide for us. I look back very fondly on my childhood, and a lot of it was gymnastics-focused, but I was able to have I would say a relatively balanced childhood in terms of gymnastics, and also being able to go to school and just enjoy what the town of Ridgewood had to offer.” Leung took up gymnastics at the age of seven – and prior, in a way. Li Li and May May would practice their raw gymnastics skills in the most convenient spot: on the couches and other furniture in the Leung home. “My parents would walk in the kitchen, and they’d see us hanging from the kitchen counter and cabinets,” Leung

recalls with a laugh. “I think they said, ‘We need to get the kids out of the house.” The furniture was spared, however. “The sport I would say was just really ingrained in us in early age. We were bouncy kids, I guess, and so my parents put us in the sport at that age. We loved the sport. It is an aesthetically stunning sport.” At age 15, Leung took part in the junior Pan American Games and finished third in the youth division. The humble Leung, however, prefers to focus on the team triumph. “What was more memorable in the Pan American Games was not the individual finish, but was the Team USA finish. We actually won the team competition, and that to me is more memorable because of the fact that it was a team competition and that we were an underdog, and that it was an absolutely incredible experience.” After high school, Leung attended the University of Michigan. While a Wolverine gymnast, the team won the Big Ten conference title four times, an she was named a three-time Academic All-Big Ten gymnast, and graduated the institution with a BA in Psychology. “Michigan was fantastic,” Leung states happily. “My sister and I attended Michigan, we were recruited together, and transitioning to being an NCAA gymnast is really quite different. When my sister and I were training in New Jersey, we were training 35 hours a week. It was literally a full-time job, essentially. And then, when you go to university and collegiate world, it’s no longer a ‘full time job,’ and you cannot train beyond 20 hours. You’re there as a student athlete. The student always come before the athlete, and our coach made sure that we were all doing well in school. The camaraderie and the experience at Michigan were fantastic, and I still keep in touch with my Michigan teammates today. They’re lifelong friends of mine, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. Michigan did a fantastic job of setting you up not only in terms of having a fantastic athletic experience, but also a fantastic academic experience. And the spirit on campus is incredible as well.”

Li Li Leung

Afterwards, she attained Science in Sports Management and Business Administration masters degrees from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Amherst at Massachusetts, and while at that school was also a volunteer gymnastics coach. Prior to graduating, Leung made a key decision which would change her life and ready her for the future in a big way. UMass allowed Leung to create a 6-credit course where she would go oversees and do a sports analysis in China. “The sporting industry is very competi-

tive,” she says, “and I could see that when I was in school. I saw that I would be able to gain a lot more experience if I went overseas, especially with Beijing hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, because then I knew that the sporting industry would take off in China, with the Olympic Games as an anchor.” During a spring break, she headed overseas to and traveled through China during the SARS outbreak. “I traveled from north to south China and interviewed a bunch of people in the sporting industry to do this extra independent study, and especontinued on page 45

May 2022 • Page 45

NJ Starz...

continued from page 44 cially since the university allowed me to do that, that also allowed me to network and it helped me get my job in China as well. It’s a credit to university for giving a student a chance to develop their own educational programming and run with it.” After school she moved to China in 2004 and started working at Zhou Marketing. “Zhou had the NFL (National Football League) as a client, so we were helping the NFL move into China, and they had Reebok as a client, and that was when Reebok was the official outfitter of NBA, and they also had sponsored Yao Ming (former Houston Rockets center), so I got to work on the first ever NBA game in China in ’04.” Her toiling and overall experience was extremely valuable, especially with her dream as well to work with the Olympics. It led to her opening a Beijing office for and being named Managing Director of Helios Partners, a global sports management firm, in 2005. “70 to 80% of their business is Olympic-related,” Leung explains, “and I jumped at that opportunity.” In that role, Major League Baseball (MLB) came on as a client, and China hosted its first ever MLB game. Thereafter, Helios worked with both the Women’s Tennis Association and London’s Arsenal Football Club, encouraging both to the Far East. “Just some incredible opportunities were given to me, which I’m so grateful for.” Leung remained in China for six and a half years, and then moved to London to open a Helios office there, just in time for the 2012 SumLIC #8414

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mer Olympics. After being overseas for over a decade, both Leung’s family as well as her husband’s (Christopher Smits, who is from Michigan) wondered when the couple would return to United States soil. “They were missing us and we were missing them, too,” Leung says. “When we embarked on this international journey, originally we said, ‘Anywhere from six months to two years,’ and 10 years flew by, and we knew it was time to move back to the US.” The year was 2015. In March of 2019, after serving as a Vice-President of the NBA, Leung was named President and CEO of USA Gymnastics, which prior to her arrival had been rocked by scandal. “It has been an incredible opportunity to lead this organization,” Leung says. “And of course, I took this role with eyes wide open in that there were a lot of issues this organization was facing at the time. This opportunity has been almost in a way that I have come full circle in my life, because I started gymnastics when I was seven years old, and in my many years training in and being involved in the sport, I learned so much in the sport that has set me up for where I am now in life and in my journey here as well. This is an incredible opportunity and it is the opportunity of a lifetime, because this position has the ability to positively impact children for generations to come.” In her current position, Leung helped establish in 2020 the USA Gymnastics Bill of Rights. “This was a way to kind of pay it

forward to the sport in terms of the sport that has given me so much in my life and so much opportunity. There’s no question that it’s been a challenging few years, but we have managed to make pretty big strides in terms of changing the subculture of the sport, which will continue. This is an ongoing effort. We now are an organization that is focused on really helping our athletes develop in a holistic manner. It’s no longer about just developing technically superior gymnasts in the gym. It’s about, ‘How do we utilize the sport to set our athletes up for success beyond the sport, and in life?’ We’ve reset our mission, our focus, and our value system. We’re about safety, we’re about accountability, and transparency is a valuable thing to our community that we serve. We’re making great strides, but we’re still on a journey to get to where we want to go. This is an ongoing process.” In addition to the above, Leung in October 2020 was voted vice chair of the NGB Council of U.S. Olympic sport governing bodies, and last fall was elected to the Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation. Li Li Leung’s philosophy in life is to continually expand her comfort zone. “That’s one reason why I physically took myself out of a comfortable situation and moved myself to China, because I knew I’d expand my comfort zone. I continually do that in my life, and that is one thing that I hope I never stop doing. If I stop doing that, I stop living.”

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Page 46 • May 2022

A Moment in Time from May of 1959: Blessed Be, Earl’s Bountiful Rose Bush

By Richard Mabey Jr. n May of 1959, I was just four years old. At the time we lived on Madeline Avenue in Clifton. Every Saturday, my mom, my dad, my sister Patti, and myself would take the long ride to a town called Lincoln Park, to have dinner at the old Mabey Homestead. There, my aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents would gather to visit my great grandmother, Dora Dolson Mabey. As we would enter the old Mabey Homestead, my three great aunts, Myrtle, Alberta, and Marie would be cooking a big turkey, complete with all the dressings and side dishes. The aroma of apple and blueberry pies would fill the air of the kitchen. At the age of four, I had thought of the old Mabey Homestead as a most magical place. There comes a time when God’s blessing descends upon a person, and a once-in-a-lifetime moment is etched into the marrow of bone, the fiber of heart, and the sacred core of soul. Such a moment in time, came to me in May of 1958. As my great aunts cooked the big feast for Saturday dinner, Great Grandma Mabey asked me to help her water her flowers. Flowers abounded upon the three-acre estate of the old Mabey Homestead. Flowers of all kinds flourished along Mabey Lane. Great Grandma Mabey would fill her watering can at the outside faucet, then begin her sojourn to water the scores of flowers that adorned her beautiful yard. What is that makes a moment so all unforgettable?

What is it about one sacred moment in time, that tears at the deepest chambers of our heart? O’ dear and cherished grand matriarch of another time, another place, so dearly does thou memory overfloweth in my heart. I remember it like it was yesterday, when Great Grandma Mabey came upon the big rose bush in the front yard of the old Mabey Homestead. The big rose bush grew and flourished between the big farmhouse and the little house, that once stood right at the corner of Mabey Lane and Route 202. “Dicky Jim, I planted this rose bush a long, long time ago. I planted it to honor your Great Uncle Earl. He was killed in World War I,” Great Grandma Mabey gently told me as she reverently watered the beautiful rose bush. I looked up to the eyes of Great Grandma, as her left hand held mine and her right hand held her watering can. Her eyes began to water as she sprinkled water upon Earl’s Rose Bush. “Dicky Jim, you would have liked your Great Uncle Earl. He would have liked you,” Great Grandma Mabey quietly said to me as she continued to sprinkle water on the beautiful rose bush. “I still miss my boy, Earl,” Great Grandma said as she still held my hand. We turned toward the old Mabey Homestead. We began walking to the front door. In cherished memory, I hold dear to my heart that sacred moment in time that I so dearly shared with my Great Grandma Mabey. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please write on the subject line: May Flowers.

My great grandmother, Dora Dolson Mabey, standing in the front yard of the old Mabey Homestead. This photo was taken in 1958.

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