OCTOBER CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Noteworthy Statistics Underscore the Prevalence of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer affects millions of women and their family and friends every year. Each of those women has their own unique experience upon receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and those journeys hopefully end with successful treatment. Because each woman’s breast cancer journey is unique, data regarding the disease only tells part of the story. But recognition of key breast cancer statistics is still important, as data can compel support for women fighting the disease and underscore how vital it is for young women to prioritize breast health.
• A 2017 study from the American Cancer Society found that roughly 42 percent of cancer diagnoses and 45 percent of cancer deaths in the United States are linked to controllable risk factors for the disease. Breast cancer is no exception in that regard, as the Breast Cancer Coalition Foundation points to studies that have shown as many as 50 to 70 percent of breast cancers can be prevented if women adopt lifestyle changes early enough.
• The ACS estimates that approximately 30 percent of postmenopausal breast cancer diagnoses are linked to modifiable risk factors such as diet and physical activity levels.
• The World Health Organization reports 2.3 million women across the globe were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. WHO data also indicates 670,000 women lost their lives to the disease in 2022.
• Breast cancer poses a greater threat to women’s lives in countries with a low Human Development Index (HDI), which is a metric used by the United Nations Development Programme to gauge a country’s average achievement in areas such as healthy life and standard of living. WHO data indicates one in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and one in 71 women will die of the disease in countries with a high HDI. In countries with a low HDI, where access to medical care is more limited, one in 27 will be diagnosed with breast cancer and one in 48 will die from it.
• Five-year survival rates indicate that treatment is most effective when breast cancer is caught in its earliest stages. Data from the ACS indicates a 99 percent five-year survival rate for cancer discovered before it has spread beyond the place it started. When the cancer is considered regional, which the National Cancer Institute defines as cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes, tissues or organs, the five-year survival rate is 86 percent. The five-year survival rate for distant cancer, which indicates it has spread to distant parts of the body, is 30 percent.
• Survival rates differ considerably between Black women and White women diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the ACS, the five-year survival rate for Black women between 2012-2018 was 83 percent compared to 92 percent for White women during that same period.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mrs. D’Amico and Mrs. Davidson’s first grade class at Charles Olbon School kicked off the new school year with Fundations. The students worked on reviewing letter-keyword-sound recognition as well as forming and writing letters correctly.
Animal Classification
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT
uring free choice time in Ms. Wittig's PreK-4 class at School 1, these boys classified animals in the Block Center by their habitat: water, jungle, farm, etc. They showed great initiative and cooperation working diligently and were proud to show their work.
Capalbo Ave, Little Falls
Taft Ave, Woodland Park
Little Falls
Robinson Dr, Woodland Park
Yolanda Dr, Little Falls
Overmount Ave, Woodland Park
29 Vetrone Dr, Woodland Park
Melissa Dr, Totowa
Wallace Ln, Woodland Park
St. James Pl, Totowa
Grandview Dr, Woodland Park
Rose Pl, Woodland Park 67 Bergen Blvd, Wooodland Park
Rose Pl, Woodland Park
Little Falls Honors Four Passaic Valley Youth Baseball Championship Teams
By Tina Pappas
Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council honored three Passaic Valley Youth Baseball League championship teams and one of the PV Junior Hornets travel teams at the recent council meeting on July 22.
"We have four separate baseball teams that went on to win a championship and bring the trophy back to Little Falls again this year," said Damiano. He then called up each of the team's coaches an awarded a medal to every player in attendance.
The winning teams are comprised of third and fourth grade Farm League, fifth and sixth grade Little League, and seventh and eighth grade Pony League divisions. PV
Junior Hornets 10U travel baseball team also clinched their title. Each team's coach introduced every player in attendance to receive a medal.
Coach Steve Guerra of the Farm League filling in for Head Coach Al Hubi came up to announce each of players calling them "great, great players of the season." He also thanked the coaches who were involved during the season.
"It was an amazing season and I'd like to thank every one of the kids," he said. "They showed a lot of heart and pulled it together, and we had some MVPs. Thank you to Little Falls."
Coach Rich Appaluccio of the Little League division highlighted the 6 and 2 vic-
NORTH JERSEY BACKGAMMON CLUB
tory of the team.
"The two teams that beat us, we ended up beating in the playoffs and taking the championship. And one team was from our rival town of Totowa," he said, as he thanked the assistant coaches.The Pony League team's coach Jarret Newman said it was a bittersweet victory as he announced it was his last year of coaching. He also thanked the players and assistant coaches from the team.
"Thank you everyone, this has been a great honor. I'm very proud to say we went 12 and 1," he said. "Bringing home the championship is a great honor for me and for the whole team to share."
Damiano then introduced the 10U trav-
el team, which he said had "one heck of a season" as they finished undefeated. Coach Derek Damiano said he was honored to be there with the team.
"The coaches and I have been coaching this group since they were 8U," he said. "Watching them progress over the years is just a really, really cool experience and seeing them go undefeated in the spring to win the championship. They're a good group of kids."
Damiano congratulated all of the championship teams and their coaches.
Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls
Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council recently honored four separate Passaic Valley Youth Baseball League teams for clinching their respective championships.
Little Falls Promotes EMT Philip Wilk to Crew Chief
recent Workshop meeting on Sept. 9.
By Tina Pappas
The Township promoted one of its emergency medical technicians (EMTs) at the recent Township Council Workshop meeting on Sept. 10. Philip Wilk was sworn in as EMS Crew Chief by Mayor James Damiano.
"We have an individual who has been instrumental in assisting our EMS program here in town," Damiano said of
Footcare You Can Count On
Wilk during the meeting.
Damiano explained that Wilk is being promoted to crew chief as a result of a former crew chief Sarah Ramos resigning for an appointment in another town and in another capacity, as an inspector.
"We wish her well!" he added.
• Parking in Rear • Across from St. Catherine’s Church
Photo provided by The Township of Little Falls
Pictured is Little Falls EMT Philip Wilk being promoted to EMS Crew Chief by Mayor James Damiano. Also pictured is Wilk with Damiano and the Township Council during their
By Tina Pappas
3-year-old boy who touched many lives during his short life was remembered by Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council during the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month proclamation at the Council Workshop meeting on Sept. 9. Liam Marquez, of Haskell, was scheduled to become an official member of the Little Falls Police Department and Little Falls Fire Department but succumbed to cancer in 2023.
Liam's uncle, Corey Eopechino, a resident of Little Falls, attended the meeting during the proclamation ceremony. He and Liam's aunt Jessica Myers, were especially close to Liam.
Photo provided by the Township of Little Falls Pictured is Liam Marquez wearing his honorary police officer's hat.
Damiano made an official proclamation to honor Liam's memory, including children and families who have had to deal with the struggles of battling childhood cancer.
"We remember Liam and all of the joy that he brought to all of us in this community," said Damiano prior to reading his proclamation. He then emphasized that childhood cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in childhood with 1 in 285 children in the U.S. being diagnosed with cancer by their 20th birthday.
He added that 46 children per day or 16,790 children per year are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. and there are approximately 40,000 children on active treatment at any given time. The average age of diagnosis is 6-years-old, compared to 66 years of age for adults in cancer diagnosis. 80 percent of childhood cancer patients are diagnosed late with metastatic disease. Overall, there has been an 24 percent incident increase over the last 40 years.
He also stated that approximately one-half of childhood cancer families rate the associated financial toxicity due the out-of-pocket expenses as considerable to severe. Additionally, in the last 20 years only four new drugs have been approved by the FDA to specifically treat childhood cancer.
"Too many children are affected by this deadly disease and more must be done to raise the awareness and find a cure," he further emphasized.
Damiano then proclaimed September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the Township.
Pictured is Mayor James Damiano with Corey Eopechino, the uncle of Liam Marquez.
Mayor James Damiano issued a Childhood Cancer Awareness Month proclamation and honored Liam Marquez.
Photos provided by The Township of Little Falls
Pictured is the family of Robert Cordice, along with Mayor Damiano, County Commissioner Sandi Lazzara and the Township Council, gathered around the Survivor Tree Seedling and monument plaque.
By Tina Pappas
Little Falls Holds...
cont. from page 12
Under sunny skies, the ceremony was held in front of the 9/11 monument, which displays two pieces of World Trade Center steel and an 8 by 6 foot waterfall, with the engraved words, "Never Forget - September 11, 2001." The five-foot long I-beams were erected by the Township in 2011. A central theme was recurring throughout the evening of how complete strangers came together to help one another in the face of horror and devastation, and the way the country became unified after the attacks, which took nearly 3,000 lives.
Councilman Chris Vancheri held a moment of silence and welcomed attendees on behalf of Mayor James Damiano, the Township Council, the Little Falls Police Department (LFPD) and the Little Falls Fire Department (LFFD).
The Boy Scouts Troop 14 Color Guard and Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was performed by Anna Kiefer. God Bless America was performed by Abigale Mugleston. Saxophonist John Morano performed America The Beautiful, Amazing Grace and Danny Boy.
"We have a special program to honor those lost, including two of our own - Linda Rosenbaum and FDNY firefighter Robert Cordice," Vancheri said, and then recognized the Cordice family, including several elected officials from the community.
Vancheri spoke of the impact of that day when many lives were changed as two hijacked planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. A third hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon and a fourth hijacked plane crashed on a field in Pennsylvania.
"A total of 2,977 people died that day and the victims ranged from 2 to 85 years old," he said.
He also spoke of the specific amount of lives lost at each target, which includes 2,753 lives at the World Trade Center, 184 lives at the Pentagon, and the 40 people who died when one of the planes crashed on a field in Shanksville, Pa. 343 firefighters and paramedics also died, including 23 NYC police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers. Many have since died due to 9/11-related health issues having been at Ground Zero in the days, weeks and months following the attacks.
Pastor Emily Youngberg of the First Reformed Church led the invocation, asking for deepening the commitment to the "love of neighbor" during the prayer.
"We are so aware of the fear and violence that continues to permeate our world since then," she said. "As
cont. on page 15
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Councilman Chris Vancheri hosted the Little Falls 9/11 ceremony at Memorial Park on Wilmore Road, marking the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Mayor James Damiano speaks to attendees at the 9/11 memorial ceremony in Little Falls.
Mayor James Damiano, along with Councilwoman Christine Hablitz and Councilwoman Jayna Patel, place a wreath in front of the 9/11 Memorial in Little Falls.
Little Falls Holds... cont. from page 14
we pray in remembrance of that tragic day, help us to be people of hope and belief that a new way is possible. We remember all that was lost to us that day - our sense of security, our peace, and our belief that we were safe. Most of all we remember those who died in New York, Washington, D.C., and in Pennsylvania. Their lives of promise that were extinguished."
Mayor James Damiano reflected on the impact in the wake of the attacks, which ultimately brought out the best of people.
"It's been over two decades since that fateful day when the world as we knew it changed forever," he said. "It was a day of unfathomable loss. A day when we witnessed the worst of humanity, but in spite of the dark, this nation came together when
Police Chief Bryan Prall and officers of the LFPD place a wreath in front of the 9/11 Memorial in Little Falls.
we saw the very best come out of people right after. We saw heroism, compassion and resilience in the face of the terror."
Damiano added how many individuals can still recall the exact location they were when they heard the fateful news.
"I was a sophomore standing in the halls of Passaic Valley High School when I first heard," he add-
ed. "But today it's not just remembering the tragedy, it's about honoring the 3,000 innocent souls who were taken from us too soon. We remember the brave first responders who rushed towards the danger. The firefighters, police officers and paramedics who risked, and too often lost their lives to save others. Their courage reminds us cont. on page 16
Little Falls Holds...
cont. from page 15
of the strength and resilience of the American spirit."
He also spoke of the volunteers who offered to help in any way they could.
"This is a day not only for remembrance, but also of reflection," he explained. "Have we become a kinder and more unified nation? Have we upheld the values of freedom, justice and peace that were attacked so brutally that morning? In our town, in our community, let's reaffirm those values. The legacy of 9/11 is not just about the lives lost, but in the way we live now, and carry forward a spirit of compassion, resilience and unity."
Damiano, along with the Township Council, placed a wreath in front of the 9/11 Memorial. The second wreath was then placed by Police Chief Bryan Prall and officers of the LFPD. LFFD Chief Ken Cichy placed a third wreath, along with the Cordice family, at the FDNY Firefighter Robert Cordice Memorial.
Passaic County Commissioner Sandi Lazzara also spoke and recalled her years as a teacher when 9/11 occurred. She spoke of the fear and confusion the staff had at Memorial Middle School in Woodland Park, where she taught.
"My main concern at that point was staying with my kids and making sure they were protected before parents rushed down to the school to pick them up," she said. "Every year as I get older, for some reason it gets more difficult to remember 9/11. I think it's more than just the names of men and women on the 9/11 monument. It's the way lives changed forever."
She also referred to the brave first responders who ran into the burning buildings that day.
"They say the only reason we have freedom today is because of courage, and if that doesn't illustrate that point....then I'm not sure what does," she added.
Vancheri closed the ceremony thanking everyone in attendance, including the Little Falls Department of Public Works for their upkeep with Memorial Park and the Recreation Department for always providing support. He also encouraged the Scouts at the ceremony to find out more about 9/11 and the memorial through the Cordice family, council members and first responders in town.
The Cordice family, along with Damiano, Vancheri, Lazzara and the Township Council, then gathered around the Survivor Tree Seedling and monument plaque for reflection.
Cordice's mother, Caroline, said it was important for the memorial services to continue.
"Since this happened, so many police and firefighters came to my house to see me and I didn't even know them, "she recalled. "And since that day these people haven't stopped. I can't say thank you enough to the whole town for doing what they do. It's a beautiful ceremony each year honoring my son and others who lost their lives."
LFFD Chief Ken Cichy and the family of Robert Cordice are pictured at the FDNY Firefighter Robert Cordice Memorial, where a wreath was placed.
Saxophonist John Morano performs during the Little Falls 9/11 memorial ceremony.
Passaic County Commissioner Sandi Lazzara speaks to attendees at the Little Falls 9/11 memorial ceremony.
Little Falls to Hold Annual Spooky Sprint 5K Run/Walk in October
By Tina Pappas
The Township will run its annual Spooky Sprint 5K Run/ Walk on Sunday, Oct. 20!
Participants will put on their scariest, funniest, or most creative costume for a fun run! After the race, there will be a costume contest with winners announced in three categories: Adults - top 4 overall, Groups - top overall
group, Kids Under 18 - top 2 overall, top 2 babies/toddlers in strollers.
The race categories include top overall winners (male/ female), ages 10-19 (male/female), ages 20-29 (male/ female), ages 30-39 (male/female), ages 40-49 (male/ female), ages 50-59 (male/female), ages 60-69 (male/female), over 70 (male/female), and the eldest runner!
Sign up now and sprint into the Halloween spirit! Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/LittleFalls/RunLittleFalls.
The start location is at the Little Falls Sports & Recreation Complex at 160 Paterson Avenue. Check in and stretching time is at 8 a.m. The race begins at 9 a.m. Run, dress-up, win prizes and have a hauntingly good time!
Photo provided by the Township of Little Falls Pictured are last year's Spooky Sprint 5K Run/Walk contest winners in Little Falls.
Little Falls Reviews Master Plan Update During Presentation
Areview of a Master Plan update was presented by Township Planner Sanyogita Chavan during the Township Council Workshop meeting on Sept. 9.
The Master Plan is a guiding document for the physical development and improvement of a town over a long-term period, which typically covers a timeframe of a decade or more. The elements of the Master Plan cover land use, transportation, parking, open space & parks, sustainability and economic development. Each line item of the draft was analyzed during the presentation.
"In the state of New Jersey, the municipal language law provides stipulations regarding how the master planning process is conducted," Chavan said during a slide presentation, adding that by law a Master Plan must be updated every ten years.
The last time the Township completed a full Master Plan was in 2002, with several updates since. A report determined that a new master plan should be prepared, according to Mayor James Damiano. Last year, a series of community workshops were held inside the Little Falls Civic Center aimed to engage the community and collect public input for the latest Master Plan update.
Chavan previously showed the slide presentation at the recent Planning Board meeting on Sept. 5 and gave in detail each of the areas encompassing the update. Among some of the line items discussed were Key Open Space and Recreation Recommendations, Key Sustainability Recommendations, Sustainability Goals, Key Economic Development Recommendations, Circulation Goals, and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. Feedback was also provided from the Survey Results by the Numbers and Community Engagement & Public Participation line items.
Chavan also reaffirmed that a comprehensive plan was prepared by the Township in 2002, with reexaminations in 2008, 2013, and 2021. She emphasized that in 2023, it was determined that an update to the Master Plan was needed.
"As far as land use, the Master Plan is adopted by the Planning Board, but based on the recommendations, it provides policy framework where the governing body adopts ordinances," she explained.
Chavan said the Planning Board gives the community
cont. on page 21
Photo provided by the Township of Little Falls Little Falls Township Planner Sanyogita Chavan presented a Master Plan update during the Township Council Workshop meeting on Sept. 9.
the legal basis for control over future development, including the land use planning policy and zoning changes. Most changes are implemented in the form of zoning amendments and land development ordinances. She also referred to the recent proposed draft as having been a yearlong process with initial subcommittee meetings that included Township officials to discuss different data. It also included reviewing online surveys to receive public input.
"It was essential that we get public input so we had online surveys and we conducted three community workshops," Chavan said. "We also conducted interviews with different department heads to get their input, as well as working sessions with the subcommittees to discuss the different elements. We met with the Planning Board last Thursday and this is the second draft review we're presenting."
She also added that the Township has already started infrastructure efforts, such as sidewalk improvements.
"You see those changes along Main Street, so it's recognizing that and continuing those efforts," she added. "We also studied downtown parking to have a clear understanding and set forth funding opportunities and recommendations."
Chavan said that since major roads are under Passaic County's jurisdiction, the Township will continue working closely with the County to partner with transportation measures that can help alleviate congestion in and around the town in order to improve pedestrian safety around the Main Street area.
She also discussed economic development in the Township.
"The economic development is essential to any town's fiscal health and vitality," she said, adding that recommendations are to continue enhancing the downtown area through ratables, which reflect favorably on the image and identity of the Township.
Chavan also stated the next steps include incorporating feedback for revisions necessary to the draft, including any major changes so the Master Plan can be adopted at the upcoming Planning Board meeting on Oct. 3. The updated draft of the Master Plan can be viewed on the Township's website at LFNJ.com.
Girl Scout Goods
Please be reminded of availability of the Girl Scout Goods food pantry, which is available to those in need. The pantry, created by Girl Scout Troop 97702, is discretely located at the rear of the Woodland Park Boys & Girls Club, 7 Memorial Dr. Anyone is need is welcome to visit and take what they need. In addition, anyone wishing to donate items can leave them any time. The pantry will regularly be checked and restocked as needed and contains canned and boxed foods, feminine hygiene products, and baby items such as food, diapers, and wipes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODLAND PARK
Former Little Falls Resident Brings Creativity Full Circle With Opening New Business in Town
Aformer resident of the Township has decided to set her sights on opening up a company right in the place she grew up.
Vanessa Eirekat, founder of Vanessa's Creative Connect, a new small business, has taken her love of several creative specialties and rolled them together in one new space. She has brought her creative talents full circle, which are now located at 24 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Suite 104A.
Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council held a ribbon-cutting grand opening event dubbed "The Grand Connect" for Vanessa on Sept. 14. A 2015 graduate of Passaic Valley High School, she now lives in Hillsboro and is thrilled to be establishing her business back to where her roots are.
"A lot of my family still
lives here, including many of my friends, so I'm happy to have opened my business right here in Little Falls this past July," she said.
According to Vanessa, tying in several creative processes into one convenient spot, has spawned a unique and innovative "creative hub."
"It's a space where creative media and arts processes connect so it really ties into my background of dance, which I've done since I was very young," she explained, adding that she attended Point Park's Conservatory of Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, which is the third top best dance college in the U.S
She also minored in communications and has tapped into the other creative areas, like content creation and video-editing.
"So my business encapsulates all of those areas as well," she added. Additionally, Vanessa does private mentoring. She has also built a following within the dance community in Little Falls as a full-time dance choreographer and teacher before she opened her new business.
"It's really been a labor of love for me," she noted. " I connected with kids who came to me for private sessions, or if they are in need of head shots or any photography to support their work."
Vanessa feels anything that can be thought of as having creative elements can be found in her space and says she's very grateful to work with other creatives forms. She recently worked with a soap company that makes handmade soap by cont. on page 24
Photos provided by the Township of Little Falls Pictured (from left) is Mayor James Damiano, Vanessa Eirekat, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz and Councilman Chris Vancheri during the ribbon-cutting grand opening ceremony for Vanessa's Creative Connect.
producing all their marketing photos and visual creative content.
"I think it's so important now because we're in such a visual digital age, and I take a lot of pride in making all those visuals and creative moments come to life," she further added. "I think my services will be really great for people who want to excel or enhance their business."
Damiano spoke after the event.
"I am thrilled to have Vanessa join our Little Falls community with her new business, where she will get to combine her love for photography and dance all in one location," he said. "We are all wishing her the best on her business endeavors here in town."
For more information on Vanessa's Creative Content, visit vcreativeconnect.com.
Vanessa Eirekat, founder of Vanessa's Creative Connect, has recently opened her new business, located at 24 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Suite 104A.
Mand their families to the school community. The children heard a story, and enjoyed some ice cream, and each student in attendance was provided with a book to take home. The kids had a great time!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODLAND PARK
ayor Tracy Kallert and the Woodland Park Borough Council, the Recreation Department, and the Alfred Baumann Library hosted a fun Kindergarten Ice Cream Social at Charles Olbon School to welcome the new kindergartners
Celebrating Summer Reading
School District Improvements
T- installation of additional alarms and exterior door replacement throughout the
- electrical system upgrade and completion of air conditioning project at Beatrice Gilm-
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Welcome a New Business to our Area
Welcome to Pokestop ,Our restaurant is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, culture, and hospitality.
Pokestop was born from a passion for authentic Japanese food and a desire to share it with the community. Our journey began with a simple idea: to create a place where people could enjoy the true flavors of Japan, crafted with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service and warm.welcome environment for all our guests.our team is passionate about Japanese cuisine and culture. We are committed to delivering an authentic experience that you will cherish!!
Pictured from left to right, Washu Kung Fu Chinese Martial Arts, Melissa Forance-Lynch Counilwoman, Andrew brother of the owner, Teresa Chen (owner), Tony brother of the owner, Mayor Ryan Herd, and Town Councilman David Kohle
Get into the Spooky Spirit this Halloween
Come October 31, there is extra mischief in the air, and who knows what might be lurking around those dim corners? Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred.
While trick-or-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.
• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.
• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jacko’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.
• Create a haunted
house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.
• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.
• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some of the ways to create a scary Halloween feast.
• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.
• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book.
Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.
• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet.
Since it gets dark somewhat early in October, the movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will be viewing.
• Organize a Halloween treat exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or store-bought foods and exchange with others.
Halloween can be made even more entertaining with some extra activities that appeal to people of all ages. .
By: Megan Roche
New Jersey Paralympian Recounts Special Paris Games Experience
Catarina Guimaraes remembers competing for the first time on the track. She was 12 years old and was facing competitors much older than her with just two months of training under her belt. She smoked the competition and won against seven other males.
“I just remember thinking ‘I can do that again’,” Guimaraes said.
Leaving behind taekwondo, a sport she competed in for 10 years, Guimaraes chose to focus on track and field fulltime. In 2019 at the ParaPan American Games, Guimaraes walked away with a bronze medal in the 400m dash.
“From that point on, I decided that I was going to work so that the next time I competed, it wasn’t a bronze, but a gold or a silver,” Guimaraes said.
To qualify for the Paris Paralympics, Guimaraes had to meet a certain set of standards according to her classification status. While competing at the Paralympic Trials, Guimaraes points from her finish became a percentage of those standards. At the end of the Trials, everyone’s name gets added to a list and the top 24 females and top 26 men advance and become official Paralympians.
“I think what made the Paralympics so special was that I really had to dig deep to become a Paralympian. I just kept telling myself that I wanted to be a Paralympian. While I won my very first track meet I ever competed in, I wasn’t naturally gifted in track the way that a lot of the national team athletes are. Being a Paralympian was like everything that I had been working towards the past five years, all the literal blood, sweat, and tears, the ups,
the downs, the being overlooked, the feeling out of place, the joining club teams and racing against 14 year olds and getting my butt kicked…all of that came down to me being able to call myself a Paralympian,” Guimaraes said.
When she arrived in Paris this past summer, Guimaraes was trying to soak in every moment.
“I remember arriving for my first world championships and feeling like an imposter. I didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there, let alone good enough to be there. For the Paralympics, I didn’t feel that way at all. As I was walking around the village, I saw my competitors, I saw other athletes, I saw previous world record holders and medalists, and I really felt like I belonged and was ready to compete at the elite level,” Guimaraes said.
When she stepped on the track for the first time in Paris, Guimaraes recalled looking up into the stands for the first time.
“I remember looking up into the stands and thinking ‘that’s a lot of people’. I just remember thinking that I wanted to put on a show for everyone watching the race. I wanted to be entertaining. Yes, I was there to win, but I was also there to entertain at the same time. There’s nothing like getting a crowd to clap for you, there is nothing like getting a whole stadium cheering for you,” Guimaraes said.
While she didn’t place, Guimaraes returned home to New Jersey with no regrets.
“I know that I didn’t choke under the pressure. The reason why I didn’t win wasn’t because I didn’t perform to my capabilities, it was simply because everyone else
Cat Guimaraes, a New Jersey Track and Field Paralympian, recently returned from her Paris Paralympic Games competition (courtesy of Team USA)
had an even better day. Even though I gave it my best, my personal best wasn’t enough to beat my competitors and that’s okay,” Guimaraes said.
Though she has Cerebral Palsy, Guimaraes doesn’t let anything stop her. She hopes that those who want to be where she is one day continue to love their sport.
Vincent Bernarducci
Israel Rodriguez
Teresa Endrikat
Jenniffer Ziolkowski
New Jersey Gymnast Appearing on Gold Over America Tour with US Gymnastics Royalty
By: Megan Roche
16-year-old Hezly Rivera has accomplished a lot in the last few months; earning an Olympic team spot, winning a gold medal, beginning to look at colleges, and now heading out on a post-Olympic gymnastics tour with some of USA Gymnastics best.
After securing a place on Team USA’s women’s artistic gymnastics team earlier this summer, Rivera was busy training before her Olympic debut. In Paris, she contributed to the success of Team USA during the qualifying round of competition. While she did not compete in the team finals portion, she still earned herself a gold medal during the highly-coveted women’s artistic gymnastics competition.
While Rivera was part of the team that won the gold medal during the Paris Olympic Games, she is no stranger to the spotlight. In 2023, Rivera won the junior U.S. National Championship title, she’s won two silver medals at the Junior World Championships, and is a four-time member of the US Women’s National Gymnastics team. She is the 2024 Winter Cup balance beam champion and all around and floor exercise bronze medalist.
Rivera is now touring the country as a member of the Gold Over America Tour. The tour showcases gymnastics skills, fun choreography, while also working to promote inspiring messages. After a successful Olympic Games performance for both the women and men of Team USA artistic gymnastics, the show is a celebratory cap on a winning year.
The 30-city tour will travel across the U.S. during the fall
and hit various arenas. Rivera’s hometown show was Oct. 1 at Prudential Center.
“The Gold Over America Tour enables fans to see some of the world’s best gymnasts in a celebratory, non-competitive environment,” USA Gymnastics President and CEO Li Li Leung said in a press release. “Having the tour at the end of one of the biggest years ever for the sport provides a great opportunity for athletes and fans alike.”
On tour with Rivera are Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Paul Juda, Brody Malone, Yul Moldauer, Frederick Richard, Joscelyn Roberson, Shane Wiskus, Ellie Black, Ian Gunther, Peng-Peng Lee, Katelyn Ohashi, Melanie Johanna De Jesus Dos Santos, Casimir Schmidt, Trinity Thomas, and Donnell Whittenburg.
Originally from Oradell, Rivera began her gymnastics journey after attending a birthday party for a friend. She competed for ENA Gymnastics in Paramus before moving to Texas to train with Valeri Liukin, father of 2008 all-around gold medalist Nastia Liukin.
While she attends high school virtually, Rivera has also started attending official recruiting visits to major schools like the University of Florida and the University of Oklahoma. She plans to attend college and hopes to earn a full academic scholarship and compete in NCAA gymnastics.
To learn more about Rivera and follow her on her Gold Over America Tour journey, follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hezrivera.
Hezly Rivera was the youngest member of the Team USA delegation at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Now she is on a nationwide tour with some of USA Gymnastics best (photo courtesy of Hezly Rivera)
By Richard Mabey Jr.
When I was attending Boonton High School, I was a very sincere, serious student. I took my studies very serious and made the Honor Roll all throughout high school. I was not good at sports, as my Mitral Valve had been damaged when I was 12 years old, in my year-long battle with Rheumatic Fever. I found my glory, my happiness, my contribution to dear old BHS, in my God-given talent to play the drums and to put words down on paper. I was a drummer in the school marching band and very rarely missed playing the drums in the band at football games and in various community parades. I contributed articles to my school paper and wrote articles for the old Lincoln Park Herald.
On the home front,
A Most Precious and Enduring Life Lesson
in my little hometown of Lincoln Park, there were two things that held the highest importance for me, church and scouts. I attended Sunday School, church and Youth Fellowship faithfully. I had a burning desire, an obsession of sorts, to become an Eagle Scout. When I completed my freshman year at BHS, in June of 1968, I had a total of 15 Merit Badges, Twenty-one Merit Badges were required to earn the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. My beloved father was my Dad and Scoutmaster. I remember a very serious conversation Dad and I had at his workbench in the basement of the old Mabey Homestead. Dad told me that it was time for me to start thinking about starting my Service Project for Eagle Scout. A small miracle unfolded, right before my
very eyes. Mr. King (oddly enough, I never did learn his first name) was the Sexton of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Lincoln Park. The very church that sponsored Boy Scout Troop 170. One Friday evening, in early June of 1968, Mr. King asked my father if any boys needed service projects for their scout ranks. That there was a lot of work that needed to be done at the church.
I was standing there, beside my father and Mr. King, just outside Thorpe Hall of Saint Andrew’s Church, when Dad and Mr. King had this conversation. I was a shy boy. So, this was a big step for me. I remember that I got the courage and spoke up and told Mr. King I would help him with chores around the church, for my Eagle Scout Service Project. I remember that The only
cont. on page 36
I
picture
have from my year of doing practical, hard work, for Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. My dad took this very picture in the Autumn of 1968.
Most Precious...
cont. from page 35
Coleman Lantern, at a night-time scout campsite.
We talked about it for a few minutes and I agreed to meet with Mr. King, the morning of the next day, which of course was a Saturday. During our Saturday morning Mr. King explained all that needed to be done. This included mowing the lawn, raking leaves, washing windows and a list of other chores. Right then and there, I agreed to take on the job, for my Eagle Scout Service Project.
I rode my bicycle home, and during lunch at the old Mabey Homestead, enthusiastically told Dad of my plans for my Eagle Scout Service Project. I do remember that in the midst of our lunch time conversation, my Mom voiced concern that she thought it might take away time away from my studies. I remember my Dad telling Mom, “I don’t think it’ll hurt the boy. We got a thoroughbred for a son.” My Dad often referred to me as a “thoroughbred of a son.” It always gave me such a big boost and good feeling in my heart center.
Long story short, for one year of my life I met with Mr. King every Saturday morning and did basic, mundane chores for Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, till about four o’clock in the afternoon. From June of 1968 till June of 1969, I put in all so many hours of real, down-home labor for that dear, beloved church. I developed a most respectful friendship with Mr. King.
Mr. King shared much of his wisdom and insight into life, with me, during that year. “If your going to do a job, do it right,” was one of Mr. King’s favorite little sayings that he would share with me. “You can overlook the leaves between the hedges, and most people won’t notice it, but the good Lord will,” was another one of Mr. King’s little sayings that he would tell me. I learned all so much from Mr. King that year. Mostly, that serving God in the most humble way, in doing mundane chores, was just as important to the good Lord as being the Minister.
Sadly, my friendship with Mr. King drifted away after that heart-warming year of service to Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. We did not have a disagreement, nor anything like that. It was just one of those things, just the way life is at times. It is late August, of this year, as I write this true-life story. Yesterday, I just got home
from a short-stay hospital visit. I had yet another Cardiac Catheterization and some other cardiac tests done. During that time, at the hospital, I reflected upon Mr. King. How he served God in very real practical ways. How he rolled up his sleeves and worked hard, doing mundane jobs that some other people may have chosen to stick their nose up in the air at. It’s just the way it is.
I seriously doubt if Mr. King is still with us, on this side of Heaven’s Gate. Still, a part of him lives on in my heart and inner self. Now at 70, I have become more aware of all that I owe Mr. King for helping to shape me into the man that I now am. It’s a debt I can only recognize and never repay.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
NJ Paralympian..
cont. from page 32
“No matter what sport you are doing, make sure you are having fun, make sure that you are finding joy in your sport, and just do your best. Some of my worst performances were when I was stressed out and concerned about beating someone or running a certain time,” Guimaraes said.
Looking ahead, Guimaraes hopes to be named to the 2028 Paralympic Games, set to take place in Los Angeles, CA from Aug. 22 to Sept. 3.
