Passaic Valley March 2024 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

A YUM Publication

No. 6 Vol. 3

MARCH 2024

Communities Rally Around Stephanie Sorrentino

Stephanie Sorrentino drops the ceremonial first puck on January 27 at Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange (credit: Mordy Photo)

By Steve Sears

hen former Hackettstown resident and Hackettstown High School student, Stephanie (Cucinella) Sorrentino, was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer on May 11, 2023, the universe neglected to consider that you do not mess with a

tiger. A Hackettstown Tiger, that is – and their friends. Mount Olive-Hopatcong-Hackettstown head hockey coach, Ryan Tatarka, and Sorrentino have been friends since they were five years old, and when he knew his lifelong friend and classmate needed help, he sprang into action, as did others. Tatarka said, “We've stayed in touch throughout the years. I knew that she was a teacher in Millburn. I heard about her diagnosis through the grapevine and social media over the summer after she had gotten married. I thought immediately we should do something as a program. We have the platform to be able to do the right thing here.” Sorrentino, 30, had already benefitted by goodness courtesy of a special volleyball game between Hackettstown High School and Millburn high School on October 6, 2023, so Tatarka contacted the Millburn High School athletic director about an open date in the MOHOHA hockey schedule and asked if the school’s team would be interested in a January 27 benefit game at Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange. All were on board. Sorrentino, her husband John, and many family members attended the late January contest. She said, “When the game started, we had a little pregame ceremony again, and it was just awesome to be able to share our story to all the fans that came out for both teams, some of which were my old students, and some of my current colleagues were there.” And Sorrentino the evening of the 27th was happy to report that, after a recent procedure, a pathology report had declared her cancer free. She said, “It has just been nice to

Stephanie and John Sorrentino (credit: Mordy Photo)

see the outpouring of love. It was really nice to be able to share that I was cancer free with the two communities that came together to help out.” And there is a PSA, an important message, that Sorrentino wants to get out. She said, “We did catch this early. Life gets so busy, and day to day you are not really thinking about stuff like this. But prioritizing your health and making sure that you do get to the doctor and are doing self-checks and things like that are important.” Donations can still be sent to a Venmo account titled "Steph Donation,” and cash or checks payable to the MOHS Booster Club to PO Box 648 Flanders NJ 07836. Also, donations can be mailed to the Hackettstown, Hopatcong, and Mount Olive High Schools, “Attn: hockey team.”

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March 2024 • Page 3

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Little Falls Seniors Enjoy Annual Valentine's Day Dance

(From left) Mayor James Damiano, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz and Council President Anthony Sgobba

Attendees came together to socialize and dance the afternoon away at the “Dessert & Dancing” Valentine’s Day celebration

By Tina Pappas ove and fun was in the air during the annual "Dessert & Dancing" Valentine's Day celebration on Feb.14. Sponsored by the Little Falls Senior Citizens Advisory Board, the event brought out approximately 50 senior citizens, who came by to dance, eat, and spend an enjoyable afternoon with each other. Mayor James Damiano, along with Council President Anthony Sgobba and Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, welcomed attendees. Also on-hand was Cpl. Jon Vanak of the Little Falls Police Department. Attendees kicked up their

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls eniors enjoy an array of delicious desserts provided by ShopRite of Little Falls at the “Dessert & Dancing” Valentine’s Day celebration

heals on the dance floor to classic oldies, memorable dance tunes, and other song favorites. The event was held at the Little Falls Civic Center, located at 19 Warren Street, and was free for Little Falls seniors, with a $5 per person charge for non-residents. Delicious desserts were provided by ShopRite of Little Falls. Music entertainment was provided by DJ Fabuloso's Fabricio Munoz. Jack Zuckerman from TRPT Total Recovery Physical Therapy, located at 72 Main Street, spoke with seniors and distributed useful information. Little Falls resident Richie Pasquini said he enjoys the

Senior citizens kick up their heels during the “Dessert & Dancing” Valentine’s Day celebration

events that the Township runs for senior citizens throughout the year. "It's really nice that the Mayor and Council plan things like this for us," he said. Sgobba said the event was a wonderful afternoon of desserts and dancing for all those in attendance. "Seniors had an enjoyable time at the Senior Citizens Advisory Board's Valentine's Day Dessert and Dancing Party," he added.

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Little Falls Public Library is Bringing the Library To Your Front Door

By Tina Pappas he Township Council passed two resolutions seeking grant funding to update two area parks, including its facilities. The grant applications stem from Passaic County's Green Acres program slated for two major upgrades to Duva Field and Amity Park, along with increased ADA compliance for restrooms at each location. Public hearings were held prior to the passing of the resolution at the Township Council meeting, held on Jan. 22. Mayor James Damiano said the purpose of the hearings were to discuss whether or not residents were in favor making improvements to these particular areas. "The hearings are to show support as to why improvements should be made or if residents have

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objections," he said. He added that the "Jake's Law" application for Duva Park is "a very specific and particular application" that focuses on ADA accessibility and allows that park to become even more inclusive. The grant is also targeted at making improvements at restroom facilities for further ADA compliance. Passed in 2018, Jake's Law encourages counties in New Jersey to construct inclusive playgrounds for children and adults with disabilities. The law states that any county accepting Green

Acres money must build at least one all-inclusive playground. The grant funding for Duva Park improvements amounts to $968,000. Councilwoman Christine Hablitz said that the grant for Jake's Law is to have a fully inclusive playground. She added that there is a requirement of a 25 percent match by the Township's portion amounting to $242,000 leaving the remaining amount of $726,000, which is the maximum amount earmarked for the upgrades. Other cont. on page 9

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March 2024 • Page 9

Little Falls Passes...

The United Way of Passaic County Seeks to Assist Flooded Residents of Little Falls

cont. from page 8

funding can be applied for once the grant comes in to offset costs. "We have put in for the ultimate inclusive park and playground, and we'll see how the grants come back," she explained, adding that the projects should be completed by the end of the year. Damiano said that the projects will go out to bid, in a similar fashion to Wilmore Park, and that actual cost of the project can come in lower priced. "We're seeking the maximum amount, so just because the current indicators are in the $900,000 range, the playground improvements to the actual facilities may come in substantially lower when the actual bids are received," he added. The Amity Park project upgrades will stem from grant funding sought at $582,000, which is the maximum amount avail-

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls The Township Council recently passed two resolutions seeking grant funding to update both Duva Field and Amity Park, with further ADA compliant facilities.

able designated for the improvements. According to Hablitz, the Township is putting $145,500 of its portion due to the required 75 percent match for the project. Additional funding can be applied once the grant is received, as with the Duva Field upgrades. "As the Mayor said, we do not know what the bid will come in as, so it could be also less than that," she said, adding that the projected improvements are scheduled for the

2025/2026 year timeframe. Hablitz also said submitting both grant applicants simultaneously will would be helpful towards securing additional funding. "We are going to need additional funding, so we'll start with Jake's Law funding for Duva Field," she noted. "Then for Amity Park we'll also apply for one, and hopefully then be able to apply for other grants as well within the timing."

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Mary Celis, CEO of the United Way of Passaic County, speaks during the Jan. 22 Township Council meeting to coordinate assistance for flooded residents in Little Falls.

By Tina Pappas he Township Council received a special visit from Mary Celis, CEO of the United Way of Passaic County during the Jan. 22 Township Council meeting. Council President Anthony

Sgobba had reached out to Celis to see what The United Way could do for residents impacted by the recent floods. Celis reported the United Way launched the Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund for Passaic County in response to

the flooding that occurred in December. "I sent out a press release knowing that many families had suffered significant loss heading into the holidays," Celis said. "The announcement cont. on page 10

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United Way of Passaic... cont. from page 9

was to raise funds for flooded victims. The funds will be used to coordinate a recovery response." Celis explained that The United Way activates the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) in response to disasters like flooding or the recent pandemic. The funds would be raised in collaboration with and administered by the organization's partners throughout the COAD, such as The Salvation Army, The Red Cross, and the Office of Emergency Management. The Red Cross and OEM are first responders during a disaster, she said. "The Red Cross has done disaster assessments, and the OEM has all the maps in terms of where the flooding took place," she added "But the purpose of the fund is to help meet unmet needs of residents that have been affected by flooding, knowing that FEMA assistance most likely will not be coming directly to individuals." Celis further added that The United Way knew there was a significant need in the community, not just related to flooding, but because many communities have been hit hard by other factors, such as inflation and high interest rates, as it was during the recent pandemic. "I sent out a press release this morning that we're partnering with Catholic Charities to provide disaster case management for the flooding victims and that there would be a cash assistance given out as funds were available," she further explained. "The one thing that I'm always talking about is that we don't have enough for everyone, so we're trying to raise the funds. We had a local business in Paterson donate to the fund, as well as individuals who have also donated. I'm continuing to do outreach, but this really can only be successful through partnerships."

Celis also added that the purpose of her press release announcement that was distributed to various media outlets was to provide the contact information for case management, where individuals can reach out to, have intake, and that direct assistance would be administered on a case-by-case basis. She said case management is also an important component because there may be referrals that can be made to provide additional assistance and exhaust all the resources that may exist for flooding victims. "So direct assistance is really to meet unmet needs because we know there are significant needs in that community," she noted. Councilwoman Christine Hablitz said residents have reached out regarding making a monetary donation to The United Way in order to help out, adding that many inquired if donations can be funneled specific to the residents of Little Falls. Celis responded that donors can visit The United Way's website under the disaster recovery fund page, and encouraged people to make donations specifically to the disaster relief recovery fund if they desire. "Please go to that page and make that donation," she emphasized. "It's in a separate portal from our general online donations." She added that when writing a check, a donor needs to make the specific notation in the memo because the account for flood recovery is housed separately in a different bank account. However, when making a designated donation specific to Little Falls, Celis said it's a conversation she would be willing to have with the donor. "We haven't had that request yet, so that would something I would have to take under consideration and confer with my

board of directors," she said. Councilman Chris Vancheri suggested that the press release be sent over an email blast and placing it on social media in order to get the word out. He said once it hits social media, he was confident a lot of the residents who were impacted would want to look into the information. "Thank you and the organization for doing this for our residents," he said. Celis also thanked Damiano and council members for helping The United Way raise funds. "That's one of the reasons I'm here," she said. "Hearing stories that have been coming in and what people have been going through is really heartbreaking. I know that we don't have enough money in place to meet the need, so thank you for your support." Sgobba inquired about the range of monetary funds that flooded residents could receive from The United Way. Celis responded that it would be on a case-by-case basis depending on the need regarding household size and circumstances, but could range up to $750. Damiano said he appreciated Celis for coming to speak during the meeting and everything that The United Way is doing for residents who desperately need this assistance during this time. "This is certainly something this community needs, much just like Casa Arturo provided meals for flooded residents. You are providing a level of assistance for these people who certainly need it," he said. He also thanked Sgobba for setting up the assistance from The United Way.

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Mayor James Damiano Delivers 2024 State of the Township Address By Tina Pappas ayor James Damiano delivered his State of the Township address during the Little Falls Township Council meeting on Jan. 22. He began with a recap of 2023 that consisted of the recent flooding which impacted residents. He also discussed highlights and accomplishments made by the Township during the past year, while giving a bright preview for 2024. Damiano began by expressing his appreciation for everyone who has helped others during the two flood events occurring just three weeks apart, and was inspired to see the community come together to support those affected. "I stand here today as the proudest mayor of this country," he said. "And I stand here before a Township that has reaffirmed my faith in humanity. I want to thank anyone who has a had a part in helping the residents - from our police, fire, EMS and Office of Emergency Management, and our DPW to help get our neighborhood back on track in record time." He also commended the Little Falls Recreation Department, which collected toys for flooded residents around the holidays. He also said seeing neighbors providing food for one another and local restaurants giving free meals was inspirational. Additionally, he thanked his administration for working tirelessly during the floods. "Most of all, I want to thank our residents who came together," he emphasized.

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Pictured is Mayor James Damiano during his 2024 State of the Township Address at the Township Council meeting on Jan. 22.

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He added that 2023 was a very busy year in Little Falls, and that he, along with the Township Council, have no intentions of slowing down in 2024. Streetscape Improvements With his commitment to bringing back the curb appeal to the Township, Damiano spotlighted the transformation of the downtown area that he said was especially evident during the holidays, beginning with Main Street. "I was excited to see our new, beautiful streetscape with new sidewalks, curbs, lights and wreaths, all funded by grants," he said. "Soon the streetscape will extend down Main Street and our other main corridors from end to end." Property Tax Reduction Damiano announced an overall tax decrease for the second time during his seven years as mayor. He said he was confident that it's a sign of what's to come over the next several years as the tax benefits of the revitalization of the Township takes effect. Playground and Park Improvements Also in 2023, Damiano said the Township received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funds, including a grant to improve Wilmore Park. He looked forward to the installation of a new playground at the park during the upcoming months, including a stateof-the-art jungle gym and swings with a rubberized floor. He also said a real bathroom will replace the current port-o-john at the park. cont. on page 12

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Mayor James Damiano...

cont. from page 11 "I'd like to thank Councilwoman Hablitz, along with our recreation directors for making this a reality," he said, adding that he and the Township Council will continue to seek out grants this year to also improve the playgrounds at the recreation center, including other parks in town. "This administration has placed a premium by improving our recreational facilities for our youth to strive, while offsetting these costs with grants." Old Municipal Building and Police Station Site Upgrades Damiano discussed plans to renovate the former municipal building and police station site as part of the Little Falls Historical Society, and future location of the "Ethan and the Bean" eatery, after sitting vacant for over a decade. He re-emphasized that the work being done for all the town's improvements, including the revitalization of the old building, comes at no cost to the taxpayers. "This is a major step towards modernizing that property as we strive to continue to bring the curb appeal back to Little Falls," he explained. Downtown Parking Expansion Damiano gave an update on the progress of the downtown area public parking capacity where plans are for the former PNC Bank parking lot to be converted into a 75-plus parking space lot . He said the lot will soon be available in an effort to meet the growing demands for parking space with the modernization and revitalization of the downtown area, "This is all part of the Township's plan to meet the

expanding need for our downtown parking as our businesses in the area demand the space," he said. Peckman River Bank Cleanout As the Township's excavator continues to clean out the Peckman River of any shoals created by prior storms, Damiano said the Township engineer is exploring the need to to remove trees along the Peckman River Bank, with 30 trees that have been identified for removal to ensure no damming occurs at any of the bridges. The goal is to also reduce the risk of future floods as the Township continues to work towards finding additional flood solutions. He said one of the goals is to replace any trees that have been removed, and also to identify other locations to plant trees. "It is our intention to continue to do so as the need arises," he explained. "But just as important as it is to have these trees removed, it's equally important to plant more trees that the Township removes and continue to identify locations for trees with the assistance of our DPW superintendent Ron Campbell, who has planted over 100 trees during my tenure as mayor." Little Falls Police Department Efforts According to Damiano, the Little Falls Police Department (LFPD) responded to 41,267 various calls for service and made 180 arrests this past year. He also noted the LFPD, comprised of 30 members, had a record number of traffic stops, continued thorough surveillance at the local schools and dealt with nearly 900 motor vehicle accidents. "In 2023, the LFPD led by Chief Bryan Prall received

the AAA award in being a safe town," he added. The accomplishments he noted were all done while "patrolling 134,896 miles, enough miles to travel around the equator of the Earth nearly six times." "This was done all in our little 2.8 square mile town," he further added. Damiano also commended both Little Falls Police and dispatchers for working countless hours and spending time away from their families, by working nights, weekends, and holidays. The LFPD is also looking to increase security around town with license plate readers to ensure that no stolen vehicles are entering the municipality, and allowing officers to respond accordingly. He also said that the acquisition of a new fire truck was in the works for the Little Falls Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Ken Cichy, in order to replace Company 4's decades old engine. He also announced that the addition of a new fulltime resource officer this year to assist the LFPD in keeping the schools safe. Little Falls EMS was also commended for answering 911 calls in and outside of the municipality with life-saving emergencies and providing under four minute response times. He touted Little Falls EMS Captain Michael Bandurski for "leading the charge" and meeting the demands of all emergency calls. Continued Transparency and Responsiveness Damiano sought to address residents' concerns for any matter more quickly and efficiently this past year, cont. on page 14

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Mayor James Damiano...

cont. from page 12 so a complaint board portal was launched. He added that addressing issues raised by residents can be now done through the portal, which can be easily accessed through the Township's website. Any complaints made are monitored on a daily bases and forwarded to the appropriate departments to be handled. "We received dozens upon dozens of complaints, which are all monitored and forwarded to the appropriate department heads who can quickly address those concerns," he said. Road Resurfacing Program The past year also entailed continuing the road resurfacing program, which had been suspended under prior mayoral administrations, with a strive to bring all roadways in the Township up-to-date. "We will continue to make improvements to our roadways as the needs arise, while ensuring roadways remain safe," Damiano said. He also said the DPW continues to be second to none when it comes to cleaning roads after a snowstorm. "I want to thank them for all their hard work, including during the overnight hours to keep us all safe, waking up to black roadways," he added. Senior Citizens Damiano thanked Council President Anthony Sgobba who has continued to expand the senior citizen services, by planning activities and dances for Little Falls

seniors. "In the past year, he's advocated for more winter, spring and fall events for our seniors, which we have continued to expand each year," he said. Damiano then publicly thanked all the public employees of the Township who work very hard each and every day to keep the town up and running. He especially thanked Business Administrator Charles Cuccia and Assistant Business Administrator Vincent Quatrone, including Township Clerk Cynthia Kraus and Deputy Township Clerk Melissa DePiro for keeping the clerk's office running smoothly. "I'd also like to thank all the volunteers in town who assisted our committees and our council members, who chair each of them," he said. "You continue to be a invaluable asset to this community." Damiano then thanked the Little Falls residents for making Little Falls a great place to live, where he has the honor to serve as mayor. "I've truly enjoyed each day that I have been fortunate enough to be your mayor, and I look forward to what's in store for the Township," he said, adding that residents are free to contact him at anytime of day or evening for any issue they may have. "I hope I've made everyone proud of the 2023 that we all have had here in Little Falls, and I look forward to continuing to serve as your mayor."

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ourth grade student Ella Yodice from Beatrice Gilmore School was honored by Woodland Park Mayor Kallert and the Borough Council for being one of the 12 selected winners of the 28th Annual My County Poster Calendar Contest, which is sponsored by Passaic County Clerk Danielle Ireland-Imhof. The County received approximately 700 submissions by fourth grade students from across the municipalities in Passaic County. Ella’s artwork is showcased on the 2024 Passaic County Calendar Poster for the month of August. "Her beautiful picture depicting Garret Mountain right here in Woodland Park makes us extremely proud," Kallert said.

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n February 4th, Bloomingdale welcomed Bataille Jiu Jitsu Academy to the Borough. Bataille Jiu Jitsu Academy can improve your mind, body, and life through fun and consistent training through the martial arts of Jiu Jitsu. The academy firmly believes that Jiu Jitsu is for everyone which is why they cater their lessons based on the techniques for each individual. Bataille Jiu Jitsu Academy is located at 47 Main St. Mayor John D’Amato officially welcomed owner Alex Delannoy and instructors James Mevoglioni and Kyle Maloney, accompanied by Council President John Graziano, and the Economic Development Commission’s Michelle Reynolds and Jen Ellis.

March 2024 • Page 17

Night to Shine Prom

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODLAND PARK

embers of the Woodland Park Police Department and West Paterson Fire Department recently took part in the 2024 "Night to Shine" prom hosted by St. Ann's Church. The event was one of 725 churches across 56 countries to take part in the initiative, which honors young adults and teens with special needs and disabilities. The event, created by the Tim Tebow Foundation in 2015, allows young people to come together to enjoy a prom experience complete with music, dancing, food, and more. The events are open to anyone living with a disability age 14 and older.

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Souper Bowl of Caring

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he annual Souper Bowl of Caring food collection at Beatrice Gilmore School in Woodland Park brought in an amazing 1,840 items, which were donated to the St. Agnes Food Pantry in Little Falls, which serves the tri-town area.

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The Universal Barcode

By Henry M. Holden here is a small town, Troy, Ohio, that celebrates an occasion that put it on the world map of the grocery trade. On June 26, 1974, when the first item marked with the Universal Product Code (U PC) was scanned at the checkout of Troy’s Marsh Supermarket. It was a ceremonial occasion and involved a little bit of setup. The night before, Marsh employees had moved in to put barcodes on hundreds of items in the store: while the National Cash Register installed their scanners and computers. The first "shopper" was Clyde Dawson, who was head of research and development for Marsh Supermarket. Legend has it that Dawson dipped into his shopping basket and pulled out a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum. Dawson explained later that this was not a lucky dip. “I had chosen it because nobody had been sure that a bar code could be printed on something as small as a pack of chewing gum.” Finally, there was a solution to the problem of slow checkout lines and inventory control. But it would take years for its successful implementation. On October 20, 1949, Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver filed their patent application for the "Classifying Apparatus and Method,” describing their invention as "article classification...through the medium of identifying patterns." The first patent for a barcode type product (US Patent #2,612,994) was issued to the inventors on October 7, 1952. The invention was based on Morse code. It was Morse code that gave Woodland the idea. Woodland had learned Morse code when he was in the Boy Scouts. As he was sitting in a beach chair and pondering the checkout dilemma, Morse came into his head: “I remember I was thinking about dots and dashes when I poked my four fingers into the sand and, for whatever reason—I didn’t know—I pulled my hand toward me and I had four lines. I said ‘Golly! Now I have four lines and they could be wide lines and narrow lines, instead of dots and dashes. Then, only seconds later, I took my four fingers—they were still in the sand—and I swept them round into a circle.” However, it took twenty years before

Code 1 QR codes, a specific type of 2D barcode, have recently] become very popular due to the growth in smartphone ownership.

this invention became commercially successful. An early use of one type of barcode in an industrial context was sponsored by the Association of American Railroads in the late 1960s. Developed by General Telephone and Electronics (GTE). It was called KarTrak ACI (Automatic Car Identification). This program involved placing colored stripes in various combinations. to the sides of railroad rolling stock. Two plates were used per car, one on each side, with the arrangement of the colored stripes with encoded information such as ownership, type of equipment, and identification number. The plates were read by a trackside scanner located at the entrance to a classification yard, while the car was moving past. The project was abandoned after about ten years because the system proved unreliable after long-term use. Barcodes finally became commercially successful when they were used to automate supermarket checkout systems, a task for which they have become almost universal. The Uniform Grocery Product Code Council had chosen, in 1973, a barcode design developed cont. on page 21

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Unilersal Barcode ... cont. from page 20

Code 2 The first patent for a barcode type product (US Patent #2,612,994) was issued to the inventors on October 7, 1952. The invention was based on Morse code.

by George Laurer. Laurer's barcode, with vertical bars, printed better than the circular barcode developed by Woodland and Silver. Their use has spread to many other tasks that are generically referred to as automatic identification and data capture (AIDC). In June 1974, the Marsh supermarket in Troy used a scanner made by Photographic Sciences Corporation to scan the Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode on a pack of Wrigley's chewing gum Woodland said it sounded like a fairy tale: “I had gotten the inspiration for what became the barcode while sitting on Miami Beach. What I was after was a code of some kind that could be printed on groceries and scanned so that supermarket checkout queues could move more quickly, and stocktaking would be simplified.” That such a technology was needed was not Woodland’s idea: it came from an anxious supermarket manager who had asked a dean at Drexel Institute of Technology, in Philadelphia, to come up with a way of getting shoppers through his store more quickly. The

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delays and the regular stocktaking were costing him profits. The dean shrugged him off, but a junior postgraduate, Bernard Silver, overheard the conversation and was interested. He mentioned it to Woodland, who had graduated from Drexel in 1947. Woodland decided to take on the challenge. In 1948, Silver joined together with fellow graduate student Joseph Woodland to work on a solution. Woodland's first idea was to use ultraviolet light sensitive ink. The team built a working prototype but decided that the system was too unstable and expensive. They went back to the drawing board. With the barcode it was soon realized that there would have to be some sort of industry standard. So confident was Woodland that he would come up with a solution to the supermarket dilemma left graduate school in the winter of 1948 to live in an apartment owned by his grandfather in Miami Beach. He had cashed in some stocks to tide him over. It was in January 1949 that Woodland had his ah ha, moment. Though the brilliance of its simplicity and its far-reaching consequences for modern existence were not recognized until many years later. Back in Philadelphia, Woodland and Silver decided to see if they could get a working system going with the technology at hand. Although the patent illustrates the basic concept, there is only limited anecdotal evidence about what Woodland and Silver built. A crude prototype in Woodland’s own home used a powerful 500-watt incandescent bulb. An oscilloscope was used to "read" the code; the whole thing was too big. Allegedly, it worked, up to a point. But an objective evaluation judged it would take 20 years. Bar codes became commercially successful when the scanning technology came up to speed, and were used to automate supermarket checkout systems, a task for which they have become almost universal. The Uniform Grocery Product Code Council had chosen, in 1973, the bar code design developed by George Laurer. Laurer's barcode, with vertical bars, printed better than the circular barcode developed by Woodland and Silver. Their use has spread to many other tasks that are generically referred to as automatic identification and data capture (AIDC). Today the barcode business is booming throughout industries and by 2023, virtually all products sold contain bar codes.

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oodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert recently swore in the Borough's new Recreation Director, Jason Hersh. Hersh comes to Woodland Park from the Parsippany PAL, where he served as program director. There, he implemented, managed, and evaluated the organization's programs, services and events. He spearheaded the development of a comprehensive recreational strategy, resulting in a 50 percent increase in community participation by the end of 2022. Hersh also grew the overall program variety and availability by 200 percent in two years. He is also owner of JC3 Leadership & Development LLC (JC3 Basketball,) which specializes in improving recreation business efficiencies and assisting local sports organizations in operating fluid programs in their communities. A Saddle Brook resident, he and his wife Danielle have two children: Cameron, 9, and Aubrey, 5. He enjoys coaching his children and sports teams in town. A NJ state sports official, Hersh also enjoys the outdoors and traveling with family and friends. He was a 2003 graduate of the University of Delaware, where he earned a business degree. “After many resumes and many qualified candidates, Jason came to us with a plan already," Kallert said. “He had driven around. He saw our facilities. He saw what we wanted. He saw what we needed. He had a plan. He knew where were and what we were lacking. He knew what we needed to offer to our residents, our families, our children, our seniors.” One of the big misnomers of recreation is that it's just the sports, Hersh said at the swearing in. “I watched, post COVID, children challenged in all different areas - in mentorship, in youth enrichment, and, in soul and arts, and all these different activities we can bring to the town,” he said. “That will be my focus… to really make sure that we bring a huge variety of activities to nourish the mind, body, and soul of Woodland Park. I'm extremely excited to get started.”

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When You Get A Bad Medical Report…. By Richard Mabey Jr. came into this world with a congenital heart defect, known as a Myocardial Bridge. Simply put, a Myocardial Bridge is a medical condition in which an artery of the heart interweaves and tunnels through the spindles of the heart muscles. Thus, every time the heart contracts, it squeezes the blood vessel, resulting in cutting off the blood supply to that area of the heart. On top of all of this, I recently had an MRI of my heart and a heart catheterization. The bottom line is that my Cardiologist found a second aneurysm near my heart. The first is at the base of my Ascending Aorta, the second aneurysm is located at the base of my Brachiocephalic Artery. My Cardiologist gave it to me straight. Based on the rate of growth of my aneurysms and the factors of my Myocardial Bridges, my Cardiologist told me that she estimated I have about two years to live. That was tough to hear. I admit that I was sad to hear that news. And, yes, for a couple of days, I was feeling sorry for myself. But then I woke up from a deep sleep, I walked over to my bedroom window and opened up my curtain and blinds. I saw the glistening morning sun, a couple of squirrels climbing up and down the Live Oak in my front yard, and took in the sight of a couple of birds perched upon the edge of my front yard birdbath. Once again, I saw the joy and splendor and wonder of the beauty of God’s creation. Life is tough. At times it gets really tough. And then at times it gets so tough, we’re tempted to fall into sadness, even depression. But that is just the time when we need to pull up our boot straps, take a good hard look in the mirror

Yours truly, complete with the old school tie and sports coat.

and dig deep to rediscover the joy and splendor of being alive. Even in the midst of getting the bad news of having a serious health condition, we’ve got to fight, tooth and nail, to stay positive. This article will, no doubt, be read by hundreds of people. Yet, I know deep in my heart and soul, that I am writing this column for one specific person. Odds are that I’ve never met this person. I don’t know their name. I don’t know what they look like. But I do know this. After praying and praying about it, God directed me to write these words. Hold dear to each and every precious day. Time is more valuable than all the gold in Fort Knox. Love the dear ones in your life. Tell them you love them. Find a purpose, a means to uplift others. Even if it’s just sharing a smile to a passerby in a grocery store. Forgive all those who have hurt you. Love one another. Read the spiritual writings of your faith. Pray. Meditate on God’s beauty in nature. Be kind to animals. Speak gently to children. Encourage someone who is struggling in life. Write a poem, don’t worry about making it rhyme. Donate a few dollars to a worthwhile charity. Love one another. As long as your heart is beating, and your breathing air into your lungs, you can make a positive mark upon another person’s life. For love is the key that unlocks miracles. Simply put, love one another. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

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omen's History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the countless achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This annual observance, which takes place in March, serves as a reminder of the remarkable women who have shaped our world and inspired future generations. The origins of Women's History Month can be traced back to the early 20th century when International Women's Day was first observed in 1909. Inspired by labor movements and activism, this day aimed to highlight the social, economic, and political achievements of women. Over the years, the observance of International Women's Day spread globally, gaining momentum and recognition. In the United States, the push for a designated month to honor women's history gained traction in the 1970s during the height of the feminist movement. In 1978, a school district in Sonoma, California, organized a week-long celebration of women's contributions, which soon spread to other communities across the country. Encouraged by this grassroots movement, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women's History Week in 1980. The momentum continued to build, and in 1987, Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women's History Month. Since then, Women's History Month has been a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in all fields, including politics, science, literature, art, and beyond. Throughout history, women have made significant strides in the face of adversity and discrimination. From trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who fought tirelessly for women's suffrage, to Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked the Civil Rights Movement, women have been at the forefront of social change. In science and technology, women have also left an indelible mark. Figures like Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of women in STEM fields. Literature and the arts have also been enriched by the contributions of women. From the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Maya Angelou to the novels of Jane Austen and Toni Morrison, women writers have captivated audiences and challenged societal norms with their words. In recent decades, Women's History Month has expanded to recognize the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities. This inclusive approach reflects the intersectional nature of feminism and acknowledges the unique challenges faced by different groups of women. Today, Women's History Month is celebrated with events and activities that highlight the achievements of women past and present. From panel discussions and lectures to art exhibitions and film screenings, there are countless opportunities to learn about and honor the contributions of women in all aspects of society. As we commemorate Women's History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for gender equality. By honoring the past and uplifting the voices of women today, we can create a more equitable and just future for all.

March 2024 • Page 29

REVIEW of Crime and Punishment

Is This The Behavior of A Sane Person"? "Crime and Punishment" by Fydor Dostoevsky at the Gural Theatre and produced by Phoenix Theatre had a run in Nyack, N.Y. Theater Festival last year where it was highly praised. As a condensed version of this masterpiece, the 90 minutes for the most part goes by quickly. The superb acting by all three actors, the gothic style staging, the sound, the music makes this an excellent off Broadway night out! In "Crime" we get Dostoevsky at his peak; this novel always questions sanity, intellect, God, Man, and man's inhumanity towards the world in general. In this rendition we get a glimpse of just how complex Raskolnikov (Josh Tyson) is. At times he is Christ like, at other times, Plato comes to mind; we also get the darker side of him, which makes the audience think just what is on his mind. In many aspects this play

works so well... the traverse staging for one brings the audience up close to these fine actors. Director Karen Case Cook invites us into the lives of these characters, we see clearly their lives, their squealer and their miseries. The dialogue between the actors is exceptional and Cook is masterful with her direction. The staging, the costumes (Debbie Hobson), the sound (Ellen Mardel), the lighting (Bill Schmidt) all contribute to this well made play. In the abbreviated rendition writers Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus have the daunting task of picking out which parts to put into this gem and what to omit. At the 55 minute mark till the 1:10 portion of the play it tends to drag a bit as we get a lull here. The last twenty five minutes of this play, however, picks up steam and ends with a deep, resonating body of work; we get a clearer picture as to how the detective (John Lenartz) as Porfiry, So-

nia (Elise Stone) as a prostitute handle this complex Raskolnikov. As a writer, a person who has studied law, a good seminarian, he questions religion, man and ordinary people versus extraordinary ones. The audience needs to deviate which is which and where does it go from here.We are always questioning his motives, his thoughts and certainly his actions. Phoenix Theatre Ensemble brings forth how an off Broadway show should be done... the eerie feel, the raw energy, the up close personal feel to it and simple but relevant staging. Even though the show borders on the Bohemian feel, Cook captures the pulse of Dostoevsky in that we cannot help but feel the desperation of the characters we watch so closely for over 90 minutes.As one of the best off Broadway shows I have seen in sometime, with all its masterful stagecraft, this show is a keeper!

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CASA of Essex County Announces “Pinwheels of Possibilities” Kick-Off Celebration for Child Abuse Awareness Month

ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Essex County is thrilled to announce the launch of its "Pinwheels of Possibilities" celebration with a kick-off cocktail party. This special event will take place on March 22nd at the Loop in Montclair, marking the beginning of a month-long campaign in April for Child Abuse Awareness Month. The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds to continue supporting the youth of Essex County in foster care. "Pinwheels of Possibilities" serves as a beacon of hope and support for the vulnerable children in Essex County, representing the bright future that every child deserves. The event will bring together community leaders, advocates, and supporters for an evening of solidarity, reflection, and action. Guests will enjoy a curated selection of hors d'oeuvres by Skopós Caterers, a dessert spread by The Dessert Ladies and engaging presentations about the impactful work of CASA Essex as well as musical performances by Dawn Patrick, Abraham Burton Trio and the Condrad Herwig Quartet. Event Details: Date: March 22nd Time: 7:00pm Location: Loop, 80 Maple Ave., Montclair, NJ Tickets: https://www.casaessex.org/pinwheelsofpossibilities Throughout the month of April, CASA of Essex will lead a series of initiatives to shine a light on the critical issue of child abuse and the vital role that advocacy provided by CASA volunteers plays in the lives

of foster children. These efforts include community workshops, educational outreach, and fundraising drives, all designed to mobilize support for children who need it most. "The 'Pinwheels of Possibilities' event is more than just a celebration; it's a call to action," said Marla Higginbotham, Executive Director of CASA of Essex. "Child Abuse Awareness Month is a crucial time for us to come together as a community to reaffirm our commitment to protect and advocate for the most vulnerable among us. With the support of our community, we can provide a strong voice and a brighter future for every child in foster care." All proceeds from the event and the month-long campaign will directly support CASA of Essex's ongoing efforts to train and support volunteer advocates who work tirelessly to ensure that children in foster care have the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. For more information about the "Pinwheels of Possibilities" event, including ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.casaessex.org/pinwheelsofpossibilities or contact: Stephanie Phelan at sphelan@casaessex.org. About CASA of Essex County: CASA of Essex County is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the best interests of children in foster care. Through the efforts of trained volunteer advocates, CASA works to ensure that every child in the foster care system has a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. For more information, please visit www.casaessex.org. Together, we can help change a child’s story.

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Sales Associate

CENTURY 21 Quality Service Award

Consumers selected the CENTURY 21® brand as “most likely to consider” for future transactions. © 2024 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logos and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Centruy 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Study Source: 2023 Ad Tracking Study. The survey results are based on 1200 online interviews with a national sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decisions makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years). Recognition question based on consumer awareness of brand in question. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited a leading global market research organization from November 17 - December 1, 2023.

Page 32 • March 2024

NJ Starz: Dionne Warwick Hometown: East Orange

orn in East Orange, New Jersey, Dionne Warwick would sing for her church every Sunday ( Sound familiar? ). Warwick established fame at an early age. In 1962, she was discovered by Burt Bacharach and Hal David gaining her first hit "Don't Make Me Over". Within the decade she had 18 consecutive Top 100 Singles. Last night, Dionne Warwick took us down memory lane at the bucolic Morristown Performing Arts Center. Even though she played for an hour with her granddaughter opening for her, Warwick, ever so humble, talked about friends, family and her great love, music. As a multiple Grammy winner, Warwick was constantly on the radio in the 60's and 70's; she was a hit machine with numbers like " Walk on By, " San Jose", " Alfie", " This girls in Love". Ms Warwick with Bacharach and David would rack up 30 hit singles and 20 best- selling albums. Dionne Warwicks musical genre crosses over between pop, gospel, and R&B . She transcended race, culture, and musical boundaries. At 86 years old and still a heavy smoker, Ms. Warwick 's voice is still strong! Playing 14 songs last evening with most of the songs abbreviated, the evenings best song was her longest: " Do You Kow The Way to San Jose". Accompanied by her granddaughter for the remainder four songs, it is evident that Ms Warwick is happy with her life, and with all she has done.

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Page 34 • March 2024

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

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2023 NJ REALTOR CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE® AWARD SILVER CENTURY 21 EMERALD AWARD CENTURY 21 QUALITY SERVICE PINNACLE AWARD FINISHED RANKED #29 IN SALES STATEWIDE AMONG 5,000 CENTURY 21 AGENTS Looking to make a move in 2024? Contact me today for a No Obligation Consultation!

Happy Easter Everyone!!

March 2024 • Page 35

Here are some balance-boosting footwear tips: Courtesy Dr. Anant Joshi

ere are some balance-boosting footwear tips: Did you know that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older people? Three million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries every year. And more than 800,000 patients of all ages require fall-related hospitalizations annually. Preventing falls among older Americans is a top health priority, and improved balance can help reduce the risk of a fall. Proper footwear can help improve balance, especially in people who may struggle with mobility and balance issues. When selecting a shoe to improve balance, put them to the 1-2-3 test. Step 1: Press on both sides of the heel area to ensure the heel is stiff and won’t collapse. Step 2: Bend the shoe to check for total flexibility. The shoe shouldn’t bend a lot in the toe box area, but it shouldn’t be too stiff and inflexible either. Step 3: Try twisting the shoe. It should be flexible enough to twist in the middle. Here are a few more tips to help you with shoe shopping: When possible, have your feet professionally measured every time you shoe shop. Natural aging and health changes can cause the size of your feet to change. Bring the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes, and walk around the store in the socks and shoes before you buy. If you don’t feel comfortable or sturdy walking in them in the store, don’t buy the shoes. Shoes should feel comfortable and supportive right away. If they don’t feel good right away, breaking them in won’t improve things. If you have specific health challenges or foot issues, talk to us about the best footwear for your needs. Quality shoes are an investment that can literally save your life. To healthy feet, Anant Advanced Foot Care of New Jersey

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Page 36 • March 2024

Mary Edwards Walker the Only Female Medal of Honor Winner

By Henry M. Holden ary Edwards Walker (1832-1919) challenged the practices of her day. Born and raised on a farm in Oswego, New York, Walker became one of a handful of female physicians in the country. Despite the mockery and destain from her contemporaries she continued to break customs and wore men’s clothing rather than corsets and large petticoats and dresses. She believed they were unhygienic and caused health issues. Walker lectured and campaigned for woman's suffrage, and for prohibition, and against tobacco, and alcohol. From the outset of the Civil War, Walker volunteered her services as a physician. Despite opposition from army commanders and field surgeons, Walker served as a surgeon at Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Chickamauga, and other bloody theaters of the war. She attended to the wounded soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conflict. At the time, women physicians were considered unfit for military service. Captured by Confederates near Chattanooga in 1864, she served four months in a Southern prison near Richmond where she nursed wounded prisoners of war. Walker was a skilled surgeon, and graduated in 1855, from Syracuse Medical College. She was an abolitionist, prohibitionist. and prisoner of war. She was captured and arrested as a spy for the Union Forces by Confederate troops after crossing enemy lines to help a Confederate doctor perform an amputation on a civilian. She remained a prisoner of war for four months until August 12 when she was released in a prisoner exchange.

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker dressed in men’s clothing, and wearing her Medal of Honor. (Photo Public Domain)

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She frequently crossed battle lines to treat civilians, and this led to her capture by Confederate troops in 1864. She was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1865 by President Andrew Johnson. Before her capture, Walker wrote to the department of war, and requested to act as a spy in the conflict; she was rejected, but later was employed as a civilian surgeon by the army of the Cumberland, becoming the first female surgeon to work for the US Army surgeon general. Walker's Medal of Honor was withdrawn following a 1917 review of Army Medal of Honor awards. In their review it recommended that the medal be restricted to enlisted personnel. There is no higher accolade awarded in the United States Armed Forces than the Medal of Honor. In 1917, Congress passed an Act detailing the requirements for qualification for the Medal. The Medal of Honor recipient must be enlisted personnel. And involved in actual combat with an enemy. This review resulted in over 900 names being deleted from the Medal of Honor roll.. Dr. Mary Edwards was one of those names. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter, reinstated Dr. Walker’s Medal of Honor; Walker was only one of six people who had their medals restored. Although married, there is no evidence that she had children. She divorced her husband on the grounds of his infidelity. After the war, Dr. Walker became a writer, lecturer, and advocated in support of women's rights. At the time, it was cont. on page 37

March 2024 • Page 37

Mary Edwards Walker...

cont. from page 36 illegal for women to wear men’s clothing. She was arrested many times for wearing men's clothes, but never stopped insisting on her right to wear the clothing she felt was appropriate. Dr. Walker tried to vote in 1871 but was turned away. She became a leading member of the early suffrage movement, arguing that women already had a constitutional right to vote. Dr. Walker never stopped pushing for women's rights. In the exact words of the Congressional Resolution on 12 July 1862 “the award is for gallantry, and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing force or while serving with a friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict … It is awarded to only American military personnel for incredible acts of valor and selfishness.. In a presidential review of the Medal of Honor In 197, after reviewing her record of valor, President Jimmy Carter said that although a civilian at the time of her valor she was restored to the Medal of Honor Roll in 1977. After a long illness, Walker died at home on February 21, 1919, at the age of eighty-six. She was buried at Rural Cemetery in Oswego, New York, in a plain funeral, with an American flag draped over her casket, and wearing a black suit instead of a dress. Her death, in 1919, came one year before the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote.

Women’s History Book Shines a Light on the Stories Lost to Patriarchy

f history is written by those in power, then there are countless unsung heroes among the women who lived it. For too long, women who have served as leaders, champions of justice, and pioneers in their fields have been relegated to footnotes in our textbooks. Dr. Jackie Casper Agostini writes this powerful, transformative volume to rectify those errors, shining a light on these social movers. Women like Mary Harris, Ida B. Wells, and Isabella Baumfree (known to most as Sojourner Truth) are some of the most prominent forces behind not only the feminist movement but also many of the rights we all hold in society, regardless of gender. Shining a Light on (Her)Story paints a

vivid picture of how conventions were defied to bring us the world we know. The book is a powerful statement on the dangers of patriarchy, championing the importance of women crafting their own visions for the future. Featuring historical accounts of the lives of powerhouse social contributors like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul, Agostini’s work is a treasure trove of forgotten stories. In addition, the book functions as Agostini’s personal memoir as she explores her own relationship with America’s historical narrative. Readers of any gender will find nuggets of wisdom to glean from this title. Women in particular will find it empowering, inspiring, and

revelatory as stories of the past point toward a future built on solidarity. Shining a Light on (Her) Story is available for purchase online at Amazon. com and Barnes and Noble. com. About the Author Dr. Jackie Casper Agostini is a native of New Jersey, where she teaches women’s history with the LIFE Program at Rowan College of Burlington County. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s in math education, along with a PhD in Social Psychology from Temple University. Agostini began her career as a math teacher, later becoming a licensed psychologist and family therapist, a role which she held for twenty-two years. She is now

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proud to champion the role of women in history both in the classroom and through her written work. She avidly encourages women everywhere to tell their own stories.

Page 38 • March 2024

March 2024 • Page 39

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Celebrating our 2023 Award Winners! Lisa Tomasella

Robert Van Der Wende

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Kim Fialkowsky

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