Roxbury Native Creates Influencer Board Game
By Megan Roche
Nick Montesano has wanted to break into the toy industry for quite some time. After creating a pandemic themed chess set during the COVID-19 pandemic, Montesano had found a passion for creating new and innovative games.
A rising senior at William Paterson University, Montesano is studying public relations and art. As he prepares for his senior year of college, Montesano hopes to land a job as a product designer for a toy company like Hasbro, Mattel, or Fisher Price.
His newest game, Influence Avenue, is similar to that of Monopoly. The game requires players to make their way around the board and earn followers, likes, and hashtag cash. There are challenges to overcome and the possibility of ending up in jail.
“When you play the game, you are given a set amount of cash, similar to that of Monopoly. For every time you go around the board, there are different spaces where you can gain cash, encounter challenges or you can go to jail. There’s a lot of different things that can happen as you play the game. It’s kind of like Monopoly but you just don’t buy property, you really just gain and lose cash and once you hit a certain threshold of cash, you can win the game,” Montesano explained.
The primary goal of the game is to earn as much cash as possible.
“I really wanted to do something original that we haven’t seen in the market. Ever since COVID, board games have become boring and not as fun as they used to
be. This game is something people can relate to, especially among different generations. This game is more modern,” Montesano said.
Montesano used a 3D printer to make the game pieces. Game pieces represent various styles, items, and influencers of the social media age. Creation of the game took Montesano about two months from conception to production.
The hardest part of production? Creating the rules.
“Creating the rules of the game is really a process of trial and error. You really have to have multiple people play the game to ensure that the game can be played successfully,” Montesano said.
Montesano ultimately wants to bring back the fun of playing board games. Thanks to that drive, Montesano wants to lend a hand in creating the games and toys of the future.
“I feel like there are less things that people can relate to nowadays because of the generation that we’re in and everything having gone digital. I want to revive the board game industry because I feel like people get a lot of encouragement and happiness out of actually physically touching a game, instead of just playing on a tablet. People get more out of a tactile and sensory board game and products that have to be physically played,” Montesano said.
While Influencer Avenue is not currently for sale, Montesano hopes to offer it on the market soon. For the most up to date information on sale dates, visit www. nicholaspmontesano.myportfolio.com
Nicholas Montesano, a Roxbury native, created Influence Avenue, a new board game that he hopes to have on the market soon.
Dental Bridges, Dentures, & Implants: What’s The Difference?
do NOT take them in-and-out.
Dentures can be made from a number of different materials: acrylic (plastic), metal, a combination of acrylic and metal, or “thermoplastic.” The advantages of the acrylic include cost and simplicity. They are the least expensive, and the easiest to fabricate and repair. The disadvantages include thickness and low stability.
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term
teeth on either side of spaces to keep them in place (called “abutment” teeth), and potential cavity development or need for root canals on these abutments over time.
New Patient Special
Metal dentures are thin, rigid, and fit tightly. The downsides include increased difficulty to repair (although not terribly difficult) and cost (they are the most expensive).
$149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films Regularly $362.00
Sometimes people need to replace missing teeth or teeth that will be extracted shortly. Bridges, dentures, and implants are the most common ways to accomplish this, but what are the differences?
Thermoplastic materials have the advantage of being flexible, which many patients find to be more comfortable. However, repairs can be difficult to impossible, based upon the type of material utilized.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
The most common area of confusion lies between dentures and bridges. Dentures are removable: you take them in-and-out of your mouth. Bridges are permanent: you
Dental Implants
removable teeth and poor chewing ability. Patients instantly benefit from a strong bite, excellent smile, and freedom of regaining the roof of their mouths if they had a denture that covered it previously. Many patients who have dentures or require removal of most teeth present to Dr. Goldberg for this procedure specifically: he is a leading authority on this type of procedure within the community.
More information regarding this, and other topics, is available on our website.
Cannot be combined with other discounts Refer to New Patient Specials on our website for details Coupon must be presented, & mentioned at time of scheduling
Unlike dentures that are removable, bridges are permanent. This is one reason why bridges are more popular than dentures. Other advantages include increased biting / chewing power, increased esthetics, and less fuss with them since they don’t have to be taken in and out. Downsides include the “shaving down” of
Dental implants provide a host of options. Most people think of an implant as a post that is placed into the jawbone to hold a single tooth (crown). This is one use of an implant, but there are other functions. The implant is actually the post: you can use it to secure a denture or a bridge, also! With respect to dentures, the implant can help to eliminate or decrease the number of clasps, providing a more esthetic outcome and more stable set of teeth. Bridges benefit from implants because now you cannot develop cavities around the abutments and there is no need for root canals. Implant bridges also eliminate the need for drilling on other teeth.
Expires 2/28/22 3/5/6
Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his website
A very common substitute or replacement for large partial dentures and full dentures is “All-On-Four®.” This revolutionary technology provides the patient with permanent, non-removable teeth in just a few appointments. Gone is the stigma and disappointment of
Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist & implant expert with 29 years of experience. He is located in the Roxbury Mall in Succasunna, NJ. He provides general dentistry for the entire family, including: cleanings, check-ups, whitening, veneers, crowns, root canals, dentures, periodontal (gum) services, dental implants, and much more. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Implantology/Implant Dentistry, holds multiple degrees and is recognized as an expert in dental implants. You can find additional information on his website:www. morriscountydentist.com. The office can be reached at: (973) 328-1225 or via email: frontdesk.mcda@gmail.com
Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant or complex full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.
General
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
By Megan Roche
ARandolph Native Represents USA as Field Hockey Olympian
manda Golini started playing field hockey in high school and loved it so much that she never could stand the thought of retirement. After playing varsity all four years at Randolph High School, Golini went on to play at Lafayette College. It was there that she learned of opportunities to take the field post-college.
“My coach at Lafayette introduced me to this young woman’s tournament. I got to play with a bunch of collegiate athletes over the summer and train twice a week. That was a super pivotal conversation for me because I ended up realizing there was more to this sport. At that point, I had made the U21 team and knew that I really wanted to eventually join the national team,” Golini said.
Golini made her first national team in 2017. She helped the team secure a gold medal at the 2017 World League Semifinals in Johannesburg, South Africa, earned a bronze medal at the 2017 Pan American Cup, and finished seventh in the 2017 World League Final in Auckland, New Zealand.
As Team USA Field Hockey geared up for a berth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Golini traveled to Bhubaneswar, India in 2019 to compete in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier. While there, the team lost to India which cost them a spot at the 2020 summer games. Through a lot of thought and reflection, Golini decided to return for a shot at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
“For me as an athlete, having even gotten to that point to even play to qualify for an Olympics was something that I couldn’t have even imagined when I was little. I realized that I really had the potential to do it. I knew I wanted to live out my potential and be the best that I can be. I knew that as
cruel as the defeat was in 2019, there was so much to gain and I wanted to help build and be supportive of Team USA Field Hockey’s future at the Olympic Games,” Golini said.
Recalling the competition to earn an Olympic berth in 2024, Golini remembers her shot at redemption very well.
“It was a really full circle moment. The 2019 Olympic Qualifier that we lost, it was in India and that is ultimately who we lost to. To qualify for Paris, we were headed back to India in a different city and our first game was against none other than Team India. Our previous coach was also now the head coach of Team India. Having gone through all of that in 2019, I kind of leaned on it more as experience rather than fear. I was really at peace with it all going into the tournament. I was super focused going into the tournament and we all really relied on each other and that lended itself to us being successful in earning an Olympic bid,” Golini said Golini shed light on what she was most looking forward to about exploring Paris as a member of Team USA.
“I was just super excited to take everything in with my teammates and experience all the little excitement that comes with it. Putting on Team USA is always such a huge honor and something to be proud of and cherished. Those little small moments being in Paris both on the field and off the field will always be my favorite,” Golini said.
Being a role model for the next generation of athletes, Golini knows that plenty of young athletes look up to her. Her message to them? Work hard and don’t be afraid to dream big.
“A lot of athletes these days are fearful of making mistakes. That said, fail forward and dream big. Anything is possible and you can achieve anything that you set your mind to.”
Amanda Golini during a field hockey match representing Team USA. She competed in Paris at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games
County College of Morris Vice President Vivyen Ray Honored by ROI-NJ
Featured as an Influencer on ROI-NJ’s People of Color 2024 List
County College of Morris (CCM) proudly announces that Vivyen Ray, SHRMSCP, vice president of Human Resources and Labor Relations, has been named to ROI-NJ’s Influencers: People of Color 2024 list. ROI-NJ, a highly respected business publication in the state, released the 2024 list to showcase and celebrate the depth of talent among workforce leaders of color in the Garden State.
Ray is recognized alongside an impressive list of CEOs, presidents, vice presidents and global leaders of industry, education, healthcare and other organizations, as well as entrepreneurs, advisors, civil rights leaders, commissioners and state senators. She is the only honoree employed by a community college.
“Vivyen Ray is a tremendous asset to CCM and we take great pride in having her on our senior leadership team,” said Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM. “Her outstanding contributions to the college and the community are exemplary and she is very deserving of this recognition by ROI.” Ray has spent over 30 years working in higher education and for corporations in America as a senior administrator in human resources, labor relations,
training and development, organizational development, coaching, instruction and talent development. She has served as an instructor at Essex County College, NJ as well as the University of Mount Saint Vincent, NY, teaching courses in human resources, business management, entrepreneurship, organizational development, strategic planning and public speaking.
Ray’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in Personnel and Labor Relations from the University of Baltimore, a master’s degree in Human Resource Education from Fordham University and is in all but dissertation (ABD) status from the University of Phoenix.
She is a graduate of Corporate Coach University. She holds 25 certifications from organizations like ATIXA, SHRM, NABITA, the Center for Creative Leadership, Franklin Covey, Eagle’s Flight, the Blanchard Institute, plus additional certificates in public employee relations and negotiations, arbitration and conflict resolution from Rutgers Law School.
Ray is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), a Certified Workplace Mediator with the Mediation Training
Institute/Eckerd College and certified by the Center for Creative Leadership to administer 360-degree feedback assessments.
Ray spent 22 years as an Army Reservist, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. She ran a small satellite Civil Affairs school at Fort Dix, NJ, training non-commissioned officers and soldiers to prepare for post-battle and environmental disasters across the world. She is a Trustee and member of the Joint Board at Metropolitan Baptist Church, Newark NJ.
“I am honored to be recognized by ROINJ alongside other leaders in the state,” said Vivyen Ray, vice president of Human Resources and Labor Relations at CCM. “I
Atruly love what I do each day here at CCM.”
CCM ranks as the #1 Best Community College in NJ by Salary Potential (Payscale), Best Community Colleges in NJ (Intelligent) and Best for Transfer Students in NJ (Intelligent). Many of its 100 programs are #1 in the State, rank best in the Mid-Atlantic and are recognized nationwide, as well as the college being named a best value leading to lucrative job opportunities. CCM’s Center for Workforce Development provides a highly educated and skilled workforce for regional employment and offers customized training for individuals and local businesses. For more information about CCM, visit https://www.ccm.edu/.
Did You Know?
ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for one in 10 deaths among working-age adults in the United States. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are produced jointly every five years by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, advise
adults about healthy alcohol consumption. According to the guidelines, women should consume no more than one drink per day while men should limit their consumption to two drinks per day or less. Consuming more alcohol than the guidelines suggest can prove fatal, as the CDC notes that binge drinking is responsible for almost half the deaths related to excessive alcohol consumption.
Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Oktoberfest in Rockaway
by Elsie Walker
Oktoberfest is a German festival which started as the celebration of a prince’s marriage in the 1800s. Online Brittanica explains that over time, Oktoberfest morphed into a folk festival famously celebrated in Munich, Germany, but it is also held in areas of the United States with the celebratory spirit of food, fun, and music. Germania Park of New Jersey, Inc., a social club dedicated to sharing German traditions and culture will be holding Oktoberfest, open to the public, on Saturday, September 21st from 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm and on Sunday, September 22nd from 1:00pm – 7:00pm. Located at 56 Conger Street in Rockaway Township, admission to the event will be $5 at the door. The event will be held rain or shine (as Germania Park has a large outdoor pavilion). Recently, Susan Herleth of Allamuchy, Germania Park’s entertainment chairperson, talked about the festival.
Some might wonder why they are holding Oktoberfest in September. Herleth explained that they started holding the festival in the ‘70s; September was picked for it because, at that time, German bands were coming over for the Steuben Day parade in New York in September and would be available to come to Germania Park. Even though things changed, the date tradition continues. Actually, Germania Park holds an Oktoberfest in June, too. It is the German spirit to celebrate; it doesn’t matter what the date. Herleth shared that in Germany, “they make a celebration out of the simplest things.” As an example, she noted the Asparagus Festival held to celebrate the harvesting of asparagus.
Germania Park’s September Oktoberfest will include German food, music, vendors, a beer stein contest, and
special fun for kids on the Sunday. Past Oktoberfests have had 2,000 in attendance over two days. The kitchen opens at 1pm each day. There will be German beer and the kitchen will be preparing and selling German style food including potato salad, bratwurst, potato pancakes, and various German desserts. There will be live music on both days. On Saturday, from 1pm – 5pm will be Budd and Linda, and from 6pm – 10pm, the Barvarski Boys will be performing. Herleth describes the latter as “an absolutely phenomenal young band”. On Sunday from 2 – 6pm will be David Betz. Offerings will include traditional German music such as polkas. There will be vendors with a couple of them selling German items. Among the vendors will be Eddie’s Almonds, which has been at the festival for years. “He sells the best nuts,” shared Herleth. In addition, there will be an information table representing the German Language School of Morris County for those who might be interested in its offerings. There will also be a beer stein contest for both men and women; and on Sunday, there will be a variety of special offerings for children.
What’s a beer stein contest? Herleth explained that in a beer stein contest, participants have to hold a stein full of beer with a straight out-stretched arm. It takes a strong arm. The one who can do it longest is the winner. There will be a beer stein contest for men and for women.
As for that Sunday, it will be a busy day for children’s activities. Those include a petting zoo, a clown, and face painting in the early afternoon. At 3pm, there will be a children’s ice cream parade. The children in attendance will be asked to get up and join in the parade that will walk around and end up at an ice cream vendor’s truck. There,
the children will be treated to free ice cream. For more information on Germania Park, Inc. and its events, visit its website at https://germaniapark.com/
By Henry M. Holden
IRandolph’s Only Railway Station – Ironia Depot
n 1828, the first iron ore mining operations began in the Comb’s Hollow section of the township. Over the next sixty years a dozen mines were worked. None of the mines, however, proved productive enough to warrant railroad extensions, and families, rather than mining companies, operated most of them. Ironia was the only railroad station within the present boundaries of Randolph Township.
The prospect of wealth from iron ore had inspired the building of a railroad to Chester. Charted in 1867 as the Chester Railroad, it was taken over by the Morris and Essex line, which in turn came under the control of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroads. Connecting with the mainline through Dover, the branch was operated as the familiar “Lackawanna,” starting in January 1869. It was this rail outlet that inspired visions of developing Ironia into a great industrial center.
A severe economic downturn occurred in 1873, crushing those dreams. The Ironia Iron Company was to develop future railroads needed to access area mines. The Ironia Car and Transportation Company was to manufacture train engines and cars. And the cornerstone of the project, the Ironia Land and Improvement Company, was to acquire rights to purchase up to 1,000 acres
of land in the vicinity of the railroad for the development of a planned community based around the iron industry. Although the railroad was meant to serve the now defunct iron mining industry it continued to play a part in the development of Ironia.
The Chester Railroad, a branch of the Morris and Essex Line offered passenger service as well as freight. Main Street, Budd Street, and Chester Avenue were the names given to the roads that were to have anchored the town of Ironia.
Main Street led to the railroad depot, where a large 14 x 22-foot station was built. Ironia also boasted a freight house of 11 x 15-feet.
The station, however, reflected Ionia’s importance to the railroad rather than the railroad’s importance to Ironia. This was the envy of Horton, the next stop down the line, which posted a shelter with a dimension of 7 x 12- feet.
Even with its much-diminished expectations, Ironia, now a rural hamlet had become significant enough to attract services such as a store, and post office (July 17, 1871) in addition to its regular train service.
A three-story hotel was constructed along with a general store. Along Budd Street and Chester Ave, three homes were constructed to house mining families. But no more were
built, despite the grand scheme of the Ironia Land Company.
Four furnaces, along with the already existing Thorpe’s sawmill, were to harness the waterpower from Bryant’s Pond to provide the needed materials for the Car and Transportation Company.
In 1871, a small section of Randolph Township was given a name for what its soil contained (Ir0n). It was born when the booming iron industry in Morris County was the third largest in the nation.
Ironia was surrounded by several of the large and most productive mines, in neighboring Chester, Mine Hill, and Port
Oram. Even though the mining industry had lost most of its investors, this section of land drew the attention of several prominent local men.
Daniel Budd and Nathaniel Cooper were two prominent Chester citizens who lobbied for the railroad to come to Chester and connect to the mines further north. The line opened in 1869, passing along the Black River and through the land upon which Ironia would be developed.
Budd joined forces with the Canfields, owners of the Dickerson Mine, the largest of all the mines, and several others to embark
continued on page 11
The Ironia railroad station is seen under construction. (Credit Randolph Township.)
Ironia Depot...
continued from page 10
a three-tiered project to create an industrial town out of this area of wilderness and scattered farmland.
Soon, plans for developing a town out of this isolated woodland were formulated; a town christened, appropriately from the Dickerson Mine south into what would be the “missing link” connecting the rich vein of ore that ran from Ironia to Chester.
At the time of this speculative plan, there were about 45 houses in the surrounding area, mostly farmhouses, along with various gristmills, sawmills and distilleries. But there was no “downtown” as had developed in nearby Chester, Dover, or Succasunna. This was a rural area, where neighbors were miles apart, roadways barely passable, and self-sufficiency a requirement.
The railroad, with the demise of the iron industry, created a new source of income for Ironia. The tourist business became established in the railroad’s first decade with a huge hotel built on a hill called Vannier’s overlooking the Succasunna plains.
In the summer, every spare room and vacant house in Ironia was occupied by temporary emigrants from the east and its urban heat.
After leaving Port Oram, the Chester Railroad branch ran 11 miles Westwood through the country made famous for its
rugged mountain peaks, green valleys and brisk streams. According to records, this entire section of Morris County ranked among the most healthful places in New Jersey. “The water is pure and of good quality, and the drive delightful any time of year remarkable,” said the promoters.
Although commuting tickets to New York were available, there was no regular daily commuting from Irona. In fact, it was a notable event worthy of mention in a local newspaper. It was also worth noting when the first commutation ticket to New York was sold in Ironia, in 1890. The cost was $1.35. The round trip was $2.05. For comparison, a laborer would earn $1.25 a day. Lackawanna also set special excursion rates to encourage shopping trips to places such as Morristown.
Ironia was serviced by two trains in each direction from the start of service until 1887, when the third train was added permanently. These were mixed trains, carrying both freight and passengers, and some of the mid-afternoon runs were extremely slow because it took time to load and switch cars. July in 1896, a fourth train was added, but the cost could not be justified, and the train was removed from service in 1900 causing a decade-long struggle between the commuter and the freight.
There was also a downside. Even
the normal operation of trains, and the telegraph was exciting and at times there was additional drama. Sparks from the locomotives started brushfire along to rightof-way, explaining perhaps why to this day there many open spaces near the former roadbed. And winter snow drifts were often a problem. Seldom did trains get stuck in Ironia, but there are records of trains being stuck for hours, and even days by drifts of snow in the service on the plains.
Ironia gave a faster mail service and made it easier for Ironia youth to attend high school in Dover or Roxbury. The fare between Ironia and Dover schools was five cents.
Although the railroad was meant to serve the now-defunct iron mining industry, it continued to play apart in the development of Ironia. The Chester Railroad offered passenger service as well as the freight line. The train ran from Chester and stopped in Horton, Ironia, Succasunna, McCainsville (Kenvil), Port Oram (Wharton), and Dover. Connecting trains into New York City were available. The last Chester Railroad passenger train left Ironia on December 31, 1932. The last freight train soon followed. The railway was officially abandoned in December 1933, and the track. removed.
The Ironia railroad station in operation sometime around 1900. (Credit Randolph Township.)
CCM Foundation Golf Classic to Raise Funds for CCM Students Annual Fundraiser Welcomes Participants and Sponsors
Enjoy a day out on the links on one of North Jersey’s premier golf courses with the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation. Supporting the college through this event is not only an investment in education, greatly impacting CCM students and the community, but makes a tangible difference in the overall prosperity of the region.
This year’s Annual CCM Foundation President’s Golf Classic takes place on Monday, September 23 at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park. It includes a BBQ lunch, a
full day of golf with bag drop off and locker room access, plus an open bar cocktail reception with buffet dinner and awards program. The cost is $375 per player. All registrants will receive a special golfer gift as a thank you for supporting CCM students. Additional raffle prizes and 50/50 tickets will be available for purchase throughout the day.
Check-in registration begins at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The cocktail reception with dinner, prizes and awards program starts at 5 p.m.
Corporate foursomes and individual players are being sought. Sponsorships range from ad journals and tee signs to various player-packages and other opportunities.
CCM serves as an integral institution that not only educates and trains individuals, but also actively contributes to the economic vitality and cultural richness of the local community.
For more information and to register by September 16, call 973-328-5060 or visit http://www.ccm.edu/events/ presidents-golf-classic/.
NJ Ballet Enters 66th Performance Season
The NJ Ballet calls Florham Park home but performs throughout the state of New Jersey during its season. The 2024-2025 season is no different.
The ballet announced recently that it’s 2024-2025 season will house an array of works from George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Justin Peck, Peter Martins, Lauren Lovette, and also a world premiere from former New York City Ballet principal dancer Harrison Ball.
Maria Kowroski, who has been at the helm of NJ Ballet since 2021, made sure that the 2024/2025 performance season was full of ballet classics and also new pieces.
Around the state, NJ Ballet has performances scheduled at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Mayo Performing Arts Center, Two River Theater, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, Bergen Performing Arts Center, and Union County Performing Arts Center throughout the year.
Among the season’s highlights are George Balanchine’s Serenade, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary since its premiere in 1935, and Jerome Robbins’ In the Night, performed with live piano accompaniment. In April, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) will present NJB in the Victoria Theater on April 24 and 25. The program will feature Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs and the highly anticipated World Premiere by former New York City Ballet principal dancer Harrison Ball, marking his second world premiere for NJB.
As New Jersey Ballet is the resident ballet company at Mayo Performing Arts Center, planned performances include Creative Forces on Nov. 8, The Nutcracker from Dec. 13 through Dec. 26, Masterpieces in Motion on March 15, 2025, Once Upon A Time on
March 23, and Timeless Masterpieces on May 17 and 18.
In partnership with the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJB will present two Sensory Friendly programs: The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 1, and Once Upon A Time on March 30. Both Sensory Programs are one hour in length.
Season lineup by theater is below: Morristown at the Mayo Performing Arts Center:
November 8, 2024: Creative Forces
December 13-26, 2024: The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
March 15, 2025: Masterpieces in Motion; Balanchine and more
March 23, 2025: Once Upon A Time
May 17 and 18, 2025: Timeless Masterpieces: Swan Lake Act II, George Balanchine’s Serenade and Rubies
Newark at the NJ Performing Arts Center:
April 24 and 25, 2025: New Jersey Ballet in the Victoria Theater
April 24, 2025: NJ Ballet Spring Gala Red Bank at Two River Theater:
November 16, 2024: Creative Forces Rahway at the Union County Performing Arts Center:
December 1, 2024: The Nutcracker (sensory friendly)
March 30, 2025: Once Upon A Time (sensory friendly)
New Brunswick at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center:
February 22, 2025: Masterworks in Motion: Balanchine, Martins and more Englewood at the Bergen Performing Arts Center:
December 7, 2024: The Nutcracker
December 8, 2024: The Nutcracker
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.njballet.org.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
AI Remember Dad: Home From The War
t the age of 18, my father enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, during World War II. What inspired my father to sign up for the Air Corps, is in itself, an inspiring story.
Dad’s older brother, Edward, was serving in the U. S. Navy, aboard a ship, not far from the coast of dear old England. The ship was sunk by a German war ship. Uncle Ed bobbed up and down in the Atlantic Ocean for at least one full day and one full night. He was saved by a British ship. I think that the sinking of Uncle Ed’s navy ship, had a deeply profound effect upon my father. It inspired him to join the service, at such a young age. My father grew up in the shadows of the maple, the elm, the oak and the pines, at the end of Mabey Lane. It was there that his father had built a two-story home. To the west, the north and the east of this dear home, lied a thick forest. To the south, lied a big, open field. My grandfather named the big field, Earl’s Meadow. For it was on this beautiful field that Grandpa’s brother, Earl, was going to build a home, when he came home from World War I. Sadly, my Great Uncle Earl was killed in battle in France.
After his basic training was completed, Dad was shipped to Hickam Airfield in
Hawaii. Hickam bordered Pearl Harbor. At first Dad had the job of driving a big fuel truck, to fuel up war planes in the open fields of Hickam. Later, Dad would work on P-51 Fighter Planes. Specifically, Dad had the responsibility to change spark plugs in these Mighty Mustangs, as they were also called.
An interesting side note of Dad’s stay at Hickam Airfield is that he became acquainted and became friends with the late, great Jerry Siegel. The man, whom with the help of Joe Shuster, created Superman. Jerry wrote for Hickam Highlights, the official newspaper publication of Hickam Airfield. Dad had the high honor of once being interviewed by Jerry.
My father told me, on several occasions, that there was always the fear of another Japanese attack upon Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airfield. The servicemen at Hickam were always on alert, for another attack. My grandmother, Bertha Mabey, was a very devoted, religious woman. She once told me that she prayed many times a day, that the Japanese would never again attack Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airfield.
During the early Summer of 1946, Dad received an Honorable Discharge from the U. S. Army Air Corps. He had served his country well. Dad returned home to Lincoln Park, to
AL’S JUNK REMOVAL
A rare photo of Dad and Grandma taken at the end of Mabey Lane, upon Dad’s return home from Hickam Airfield. In the background, on the right hand side of this picture, you can see the garage that Grandpa built. Dad’s old homestead still stands beside that garage. To the best of my knowledge, the old garage is also still standing.
his hamlet homestead at the end of Mabey Lane. He began dating Janet Kemmerer, from Boonton. The girl who had sent him cookies and wrote letters to him during his stay at Hickam. The very girl that Dad married and was destined to became my Mom.
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@ gmail.com.
New Jersey’s Olympians are Bringing Home the Hardware
By Megan Roche
As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games have come to a close, New Jersey athletes earned a number of medals. Here’s how New Jersey members of Team USA fared in Paris.
USA Gymnastics
Earning the title of the youngest athlete on Team USA for the 2024 Olympic Games, 16-year-old Oradell native Hezly Rivera contributed to the women’s team gymnastics competition during the qualification round. While she did not compete in the team final competition, she still earned a gold medal for her efforts during qualification.
USA Judo
Jack Yonezuka of West Long Branch competed as the youngest member of USA’s Judo team. His family is famous in the Judo world, as he is the son of 1980 Olympian Nick Yonezuka. During the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Yonezuka competed on July 29 against Moldovia’s Adil Osmanov and lost 10-0.
USA Fencing
Foil fencer Jackie Dubrovich of Riverdale may not have placed in the individual foil competition, but alongside her teammates, she is bringing home a gold medal after
defeating Italy 45-39. Dubrovich was ousted in the individual competition during the first round after a tough bout with Hungary’s Flora Pasztor.
Sabre fencer Mitchell Saron of Ridgewood went head to head during the first match of his Olympics with Maxime Pianfetti of France, who he beat 15-12. During the second round of individual competition, Saron was ousted by Egypt’s Ziad El Sissy by a score of 15-13. Saron also contributed to a seventh place finish in the team competition.
Livingston native Elizabeth Tartakovsky participated in the Olympic Games as a sabre fencer. Tartakovsky competed individually but lost during the first round against Nada Hafez of Egypt. During the team competition, Tartakovsky helped the US to a fifth place finish.
USA Swimming
Morristown’s Jack Alexy earned both a gold and silver medal in the pool. As a member of the 4x100m freestyle team, Alexy swam first and helped set the rest of the team up for success. The team’s final time of 3:09.28 earned them gold. While Alexy did not swim in the 4x100m medley relay, his swim during qualifying earned him a silver medal.
These Olympians from New Jersey are bringing home medals of all kinds (Photos courtesy of USA Judo, USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming/Mike Lewis, US Fencing/Serge Timacheff, US Soccer/Getty Images, US Field Hockey, USA Basketball, US Golf/J. Lindeberg, USA Track and Field, USA Table Tennis, USA Sport Climbing, US Triathlon, and US Rowing)
Morristown’s Nic Fink is bringing home three medals; two silver and one gold. As part of the mixed 4x100m medley relay team, Fink helped secure a new world record on the event with a time of 3:37.43.
The mixed relay team took the gold. Fink’s swim in the men’s 4x100m medley and the men’s 100m breaststroke earned him two silver medals.
continued on page 17
NJ’s Olympians
continued from page 16
USA Field Hockey
Randolph’s Amanda Golini was on the pitch with the US Field Hockey team. The U.S. team was an underdog going into the competition and ultimately lost its first game to Argentina. USA turned it around during the second match, tying Spain. In the match against Australia, the U.S. was shut out. For a chance to qualify for the medal rounds, the U.S. needed to beat Great Britain on Aug. 1, but ultimately lost 5-2. The team played its final match against South Africa and won 1-0 to close out their Olympic journey.
USA Men’s Soccer
Paxton Aaronson of Medford and John Tolkin of Chatham helped the United States Men’s Soccer team to pool play wins against New Zealand and Guinea. During the quarterfinals against Morocco, the US was shutout 4-0, thus ending their Olympic Games.
USA Sport Climbing
Upper Montclair’s Jesse Grupper competed in the semifinal of boulder and lead climbing. During the boulder semifinal, Grupper placed 18th with a final score of 18.9. He also placed 18th in the lead climbing competition with a score of 30.9.
USA Track and Field
East Brunswick’s Sam Mattis, who competes in the discus throw, earned his chance to compete after Track and Field Trials in Eugene, OR. During qualifications, Mattis threw for 62.66m, putting him in 7th place and just outside a shot at the finals.
Sydney McLoughlin-Levrone, a three time Olympian,
returned to the Games to defend her title in the 400m hurdles. During the finals, McLaughlin-Levrone posted a new world record for the event with a time of 50.37. She won the gold medal for her performance.
Mount Olive’s Keturah Orji also returned for her third Olympic Games. Participating in the triple jump, Orji qualified for the finals, but ultimately placed ninth in the competition.
Curtis Thompson of Florence competed in the qualification round of the javelin throw competition. He placed 13th overall and did not advance to the finals.
USA Triathlon
Morgan Pearson of New Vernon competed in both the individual triathlon and as part of the mixed relay triathlon. During his individual competition, Pearson placed 31st overall with a time of 1:48:26. As part of the mixed relay competition, Pearson took home a silver medal in a photo finish with Team Germany who ended up with the gold.
USA Rowing
Molly Reckford of Short Hills competed with Team USA as a member of the Women’s lightweight double sculls team. During the team’s first qualifying heat, they placed second behind Romania and in the semifinal round placed third behind Great Britain and New Zealand. In the finals, the team landed in sixth place.
USA Men’s Golf
Scottie Scheffler of Ridgewood found his way to the top of the podium in the individual men’s golf competition. In round 1 of the competition, Scheffler placed sixth, in round 2 of the competition, Scheffler placed 10th, in round 3 of
the competition, Scheffler placed sixth again and during round four placed first, earning him gold.
USA Table Tennis
Sewell’s Amy Wang contributed in the women’s table tennis team competition against Germany, where the US ultimately fell 3-2. In the individual competition, Wang won a shutout match against Vanuatu’s Priscila Tommy and advanced to play Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz where she lost 4-2.
USA Basketball
Bam Adebayo of Newark returned for his second Olympic Games. The USA men’s basketball team returns as the defending gold medalists. With pool play wins against Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico, the US was matched up against Brazil in the quarterfinals. After beating Brazil 122-87, the US once again faced Serbia in a tight game that they won by coming back from a 17 point deficit. During the gold medal game, the US took on France and won gold after posting a 98-87 final score.
USA Women’s Soccer
Casey Murphy, goalie on the women’s soccer team, helped the team earn pool play wins against Zambia, Australia, and Germany. During the quarterfinals, the US shut out Japan with a score of 1-0. Facing Germany again in the semifinals, the US also shut them out with a score of 1-0. With a gold medal on the line, the US met with Brazil in the finals. The US won gold with a shutout against Brazil, 1-0.
For more content on the Olympics, visit www.olympics. com.
7 Tips for Readying Your Outdoor Power Equipment for Winter Storage Prep Equipment for Season
After your lawn gets its last cut before winter, it will be time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment, like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. What’s next? Snow throwers, generators and other small engine equipment need to be readied for winter use. How and when you prepare your equipment for seasonal changes can save you time and money later, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
With record-breaking sales of outdoor power equipment, homeowners are spending more time during the COVID-19 pandemic working or renovating their family yards. This means more people are using outdoor power equipment, and OPEI reminds everyone the importance of proper outdoor power equipment storage, maintenance and safe handling.
“During this very challenging pandemic, we’ve learned our outdoor spaces are more important than ever,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI and the TurfMutt Foundation, which encourages outdoor learning experiences, stewardship of our green spaces, and care for all living landscapes. “Our yards, parks and schoolyards are our safe space for connecting with friends and family, acting as outdoor classrooms and offices. Green space also contributes to the health and wellbeing of people, pets and wildlife, and having the right outdoor power equipment to take care of it is key. But preparation is everything —understanding how to store equipment and get it serviced, how to operate it safely, and how to ready your space to use that equipment.”
He adds, “Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines, and remember to keep kids and dogs away from operating equipment at all times.”
Here are a few tips from OPEI to ensure your lawn mower and other spring equipment will be available for use when warmer temperatures return, and snow throwers and other winter equipment will be ready for use when the snow falls.
1.Review owner’s manuals. Refamiliarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online. Save a copy on your computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with your equipment, and all its features, including how to turn it
off quickly and safely.
2.Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small engine repair shop. Drain and change engine oil and safely dispose of the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.
3.Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer. Get more information on safe fueling for outdoor power equipment at LookBeforeYouPump.com.
4.Charge the battery. Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wood shelf in a climate-controlled structure.
5.Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.
6.Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make space in the garage or basement before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Clean up the yard of sticks, debris, dog and kid’s toys and other items that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly in your yard, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things.
7.Have the right weather appropriate extension cord for your generator. Keep heavy duty weather proof extension cords on hand to use with it. Ensure the length of the cord is necessary to operate the generator a safe distance from the house or building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, breezeway or under an open window. (NAPSI)—
200 Club of Morris County 2024 Annual Meeting and Entertainment Event
The 200 Club of Morris County announces its 2024 Annual Meeting and entertainment event on Thursday November 14, at 6:30 pm at The Knoll Country Club West, Boonton, NJ. Get ready for an unforgettable evening as 200 Club members and the general public enjoy an extensive buffet, networking opportunities and the experience of the Mike Marino comedy show!
Lovingly known as New Jersey’s Bad Boy, Mike’s comedic genius will leave you in stitches as you join the ranks of his global fan base. Born and raised in New Jersey, Mike grew up in a lively Italian family that inspires much of his comedy. A Clio Award nominee for outstanding performance in a television commercial, Mike also earned a spot in the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame. But that’s not all - Mike is a proud supporter of our military, veterans, and first responders, as is the 200 Club. He was honored with the USO Bob Hope Comedy Award for his incredible performances for our troops, and is proud to bring joy to those who serve others.
Come for the networking, stay for the buffet, and leave with memories of a
comedy show that will have you laughing for days! This event is FREE for 200 Club of Morris County members. Nonmembers pay $95 in advance for the dinner ticket, but if you join the 200 Club membership that evening, your $95 dinner fee is refunded! An individual 200 Club membership is $200 and a family membership for up to four people is $500 (restrictions apply), payable that evening. Seats will go fast! Contact Club Administrator Lori Richmond at 973630-7933 or visit https://rb.gy/3c7y9x for tickets, sponsorship or details. What is The 200 Club? The 200 Club of Morris County is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization for over 50 years, providing support to Morris County’s first responders and their families in the Fire, Police, EMS, Sheriff ’s Office, Office of Emergency Management and NJSP. Over the years, millions of dollars have been distributed from the 200 Club to families of first responders for line-ofduty deaths, including child benefits and over 725 scholarships to qualified high school seniors. Join the Mission today! 200clubofmorriscounty.com
By Richard Mabey Jr.
AWhen You Are Granted A Bad Medical Report
s I write this article, it is early morning, in early August. Next month, in early September, I will turn 71. I am woefully aware that I have fallen back in writing back to people who have written to me. Lately too much time has been spent in the waiting room of doctors, going through different cardiac tests and scans, and spending too much time waiting in hospital waiting areas to have MRI’s and more involved heart scans being done.
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the second cousin, twice removed, at the family picnic of the priority of heart disease research. It really is. Basically because HCM only affects about one out of every 500 people, and the very specific Apical HCM affects even less people.
Regardless of the disease, getting a bad medical report is not a Sunday afternoon picnic. But if I may, here are some uplifting thoughts and perspectives that I would like to share with others.
First and foremost, give yourself the gift of time to be alone with your thoughts, in order to digest your disease. Especially if your disease is terminal. If you believe in God, do three basic things. Pray, then pray some more, then pray even more. If you do not believe in God, please consider pondering how the universe was created. Please do consider, for even a moment, that there may well be a greater Wisdom that greater the universe.
Secondly, go through your stuff. If you want Cousin Tom to have your Cross pen and pencil set, give it to him while you’re
still alive. If you live near Cousin Tom, take the time to meet with him and personally hand him your precious pen and pencil set. If miles lie between the two of you, then mail it tom him, with a kind, hand-written letter.
Third, research and research and research your disease. Then research it even some more. Open your mind to new and cutting edge healing procedures to your disease. Keep hope alive in your heart. Keep your mind open to alternative healing methods.
Fourth, talk it out with others. Do not keep your emotions all stored up. Find a support group for your specific disease. If that is not possible, please do find a support group for people with terminal illness.
Fifth, watch rerun episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, or some other silly sitcom that brings a bit of joy to your heart. Laugh. By all means laugh. Do your absolute best not to swim in the lake of “Feeling Sorry For Myself Pond.” Go through your old scrapbooks, photos, post cards and souvenirs of the places that you once visited that brought joy to your heart.
Sixth, buy a birdbath. Yes, buy a birdbath. Fill it with fresh water three times a day. Place it in a position in your yard, where you can easily see the birds splashing about, from your favorite chair in your living room. Take photos and videos of the birds drinking and playing in your birdbath. You will be amazed at how much joy a simple birdbath can bring to your heart.
Seventh, do not be afraid of hurting your doctor’s
feelings. If you feel that your doctor is really not doing his or her best to treat your condition, then move on and find another doctor. But first, pray about this decision. God will guide you in this matter.
Personally, I am now on my third Cardiologist. My first Cardiologist wanted to put me under Hospice Care, right away. My second Cardiologist was pushing for me to have an artificial heart replacement. My present Cardiologist has the spirit of partnering with me. He sincerely listens to my perspective.
Eighth, write up a legal will. Get it registered with your county. Entrust a copy of it with a dearly trusted friend or loved one.
Ninth, write down your lifetime memories that you want shared with your loved ones. Or have a loved one write down your dear and cherished memories for you.
Tenth, have a loved one or close friend help you create at least one video of you talking and reminiscing about your life. If it’s possible make up a number of videos of yourself, sharing thoughts, beliefs and life memories.
Eleventh, pray, pray and pray. Then pray some more. Then pray even more. Develop a personal relationship with God. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul.
At best this is just a list that touches upon the surface of preparing to cross over to the heavenly worlds. Above all else, tell your loved ones that you love them. Forgive all those who have done you wrong. Be kind to animals. Go out one day, either driving yourself or having someone
drive for you. If you can afford it, put $50.00, in five dollar bills, in an envelope. Then, go to shopping centers, parks, and here and there, and give that money to homeless people. God will guide you how many five dollar bills to give to each homeless person. You will be blessed, beyond your wildest dreams, for doing this.
Above all else, be immensely grateful for the time you were given to be alive upon this earth.
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@gmail. com.
Yours truly, in reflecting upon the theme of this article.
By Henry M. Holden
WSowing the Seeds of Victory
orld War I created a severe food crisis in Europe as agricultural workers were recruited into military service and farms were transformed into battlefields. As a result, the burden of feeding millions of starving people fell to the United States.
Faced with having to feed an expanded military and a hungry population, the US government reintroduced the idea of War Gardens from World War I. They rebranded them as Victory Gardens for World War II.
Victory Gardens freed up agricultural produce, packaging, and transportation resources for the war effort, and helped offset shortages of agricultural workers. Victory Gardeners increased their health through physical activity, and their families enjoyed better nutrition. The program also fostered patriotism, and a sense of community.
World War II Victory Gardens were grown on farms, in backyards, on city rooftops, in window-boxes, on public lands, and in vacant lots.
Victory Gardens, also called food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted around private homes and public parks during both World Wars. In wartime, governments encouraged people to plant victory gardens not only to supplement their rations but also to boost morale. They were used along with rationing stamps and cards to reduce pressure on the food supply.
Victory Gardens is Morris County’s smallest municipality, measured both by size and population, and its most densely populated. The origins of the borough began as a federal housing project for local defense workers employed at Picatinny Arsenal and other nearby defense related industries during World War II.
The initial layout of the land to construction took just six months.
This youngest municipality in Morris County was incorporated after separation from Randolph Township in 1951. Victory Gardens, like the 19th century company towns that preceded it, was created to encourage efficiency and productivity by providing affordable housing.
Morris County acquired 91 acres in Randolph Township as the site of a 300-unit housing project for war industry employees. The borough was named for the victory gardens planted at private residences during World War I. The federal government paid for all infrastructure.
The program discouraged people from growing private victory gardens in large towns and cities. The general lack of space, poor soil, and poor light meant a poor return on war-scarce materials including pesticides, tools, and
fertilizers
Gardening was also a way to spend time when not working and a way to improve their surroundings. Because those in the camps were under the same rationing restrictions as other Americans, victory gardens supplemented government-issue meals with fresh and varied produce
Promoted through posters advocating civilians planting their own vegetables, the war garden movement spread by word of mouth, through women’s clubs, civic associations, and chambers of commerce. which actively encouraged participation in the campaign. First-time gardeners were provided with pamphlets on how, when and where to sow. They were offered suggestions as to the best crops to plant, along with tips on preventing disease and insect infestations.
The venture was so well received that the government turned its attention to distributing canning and drying manuals to help people preserve their surplus crops. In addition to the appeal to men and women, the Federal Bureau of Education initiated a U.S. School Garden Army to mobilize children to enlist as “soldiers of the soil.” The results of these efforts yielded more than 5.2 million garden plots nationally which generated an estimated 1.45 million quarts of canned fruits and vegetables.
Shortly after the United States was drawn into World War II, victory gardens began to re-emerge. Once again, commercial crops were diverted to the military overseas while transportation was redirected towards moving troops and munitions instead of food.
With the introduction of food rationing in the United States in the spring of 1942, Americans had an even greater incentive to grow their own fruits and vegetables in locations they could find: Eleanor Roosevelt even planted a victory garden on the White House lawn.
Randolph Township residents approved a referendum as part of a September 1951, special election in which voters were asked if the township’s Victory Gardens neighborhood should be removed from the township and created as an independent municipality for its 1,300 residents covering 92 acres.
Victory Gardens was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on June 20, 1951, from portions of Randolph Township, based on the results of the referendum passed on September 18, 1951.
After almost 40 years, the original buildings needed replacement. A project approved in 1973 brought the construction of 184 units of garden apartments on a site
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covering 12.4 acres, providing permanent housing for an estimated 400 people. That would be contrasted with the original structures built in 1942 that had long passed their expected lifespan.
People who were unable to garden were encouraged to help preserve produce for others, or to distribute flowers to hospitals and shut ins.
Victory Gardens introduced people to gardening and to unfamiliar crops like Swiss chard and kohlrabi. Some also raised chickens in their gardens, providing eggs, meat, and insect control. Community Victory Gardens provided more than a plot of dirt: “War news was shared. Recipes and remedies were shared, and gossip too.
Some Americans had gardens before World War II. But many were new to the practice: About 18 million families met the situation by growing Victory Gardens. Many of continued on page 25
By Megan Roche
ONJStarz
NJ Stars: Olivia Eden
Hometown: Long Valley
livia Eden grew up loving music thanks to her dad who brought her up around guitar, piano, drums, and bass. She recalled growing up listening to him play and always looks back fondly on her first performance opportunity; a chance to perform with Dad.
“From Kindergarten to fifth and sixth grade, we’d go out and we’d do these art fairs together. He would play guitar and I would sing,” Eden said.
When the COVID pandemic struck the U.S. in 2020, Eden had the same feelings of uncertainty that many others did. To pass the time, she picked up a guitar and started teaching herself how to play.
“I wrote a song during COVID and it was so bad. It will never ever see the light of day. Most artists will tell you that their first songs are terrible,” Eden said with a laugh.
It was during the COVID quarantine that Eden knew she had found what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.
A high school student at West Morris Central, Eden is just as academically gifted as she is musically. She is an honor roll student and performs the national anthem at many school events.
“I’ve always been a big lover of English class, it has always been my favorite class. Me as a kid, being able to see that my favorite thing I would do was write, and I would turn that writing into something that was a performance. I loved the idea of that and also the idea of presenting my life through music and in a way that is relatable,” Eden says. After being a contestant on Chopped Junior at the age of nine, she made her way to the top seven on Top Chef Junior just a few years later. Attending open auditions led the way for her humble Hollywood beginnings.
“After being eliminated from Top Chef Junior, I was devastated. My mom took me to the movies to try to cheer me up. We’re at the movies in Burbank and I see this billboard for an open casting call for The Voice. I just said ‘Oh my God mom, we have to go’ and she promised me that one day I could audition because I wasn’t age eligible,” Eden said.
Finally age eligible for the show, 15-year-old Eden once again found herself on the professional audition circuit. This time, it was for The Voice, the same show she saw advertised right after being cut from Top Chef Junior. She kept her mom’s thoughts in the back of her mind and exactly five years later, she got the call that she had made it through the first three rounds of auditions for the show.
“I’d come home from rehearsal from the school musical. I was tired, I was sweaty, I did not want to do anything. My parents had already known that I had made it because the producers at The Voice love to see the reactions. My
mom had said that someone had called and I needed to call them back. When they said ‘you are coming out to LA for the blind auditions’, I lost my mind, it was crazy,” Eden said.
Next stop, Los Angeles.
Armed with a mic, Eden auditioned during the series season 24 blind auditions for judges Niall Horan, Reba McEntire, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani.
“It was the most surreal experience to audition. I think they told us that we were 56 out of 30,000 people who had auditioned. I don’t think I was really and truly nervous until I was actually backstage for the blind audition,” Eden said.
As she sang Horan’s “This Town”, both he and Reba turned their chairs, signifying that they wanted her on their respective team. Eden then had to choose between the two as her coaches. Being that she sang a Niall Horan song, her decision was easy.
“I think that I chose Niall because we have such a similarity of style. Reba definitely could have helped me mature my voice and perform, but I feel like at my core I am truly a songwriter. I sing songs for the lyrics rather than to show off. I’m not a professional vocalist at all. I feel that in Niall’s songs, he really focuses on being a songwriter and I really connect with that,” Eden said.
Once she became an official member of Team Niall, the real work began.
“You are really watching and learning from some of the best in the industry. Being on any type of these shows is such
a genuine gift. You’re able to learn from experience which is something that is so important. For me, as someone who is not a professional musician yet, it was so valuable and is something that I will forever hold onto,” Eden says.
While she ultimately didn’t win The Voice, her experience has a very special place in her heart.
“I made so many memories and met so many friends. As far as what I’ve gained, it’s experience, it’s friends, and it’s the most rewarding thing in the world to be able to look back and watch myself make it as far as I did,” Eden said.
A songwriter at heart, Eden will contribute her talents to an original song for a Morris County based movie, set to film in October.
Still performing in local bars and restaurants across Morris County, Eden has dreams and goals to become a professional performing artist one day. To those who look up to her, she says to never stop.
“Never stop writing, never stop performing. It is not about how many people are listening to your music, it’s more important to have quality viewers and quality listeners. That’s really what sticks, are those people who will always support you and love you,” Eden said.
Still a high school student, Eden’s current goals are to get a good score on her SAT’s, networking, building a name for herself, and graduating from high school.
For more information and to see where Eden is performing next, visit www.oliviaedenmusic.com.
Olivia Eden performs during Season 24, Episode 6 of The Voice. Photo: Greg Gayne/NBC
Sowing the Seeds...
continued from page 22
these people will be growing a garden for the first time.
Growing Victory Gardens was only half the challenge. Gardeners also had to preserve their crops for use throughout the year. There were many resources to help people preserve their crops, ranging from information to canning classes.
As in World War I, Victory Gardens freed up agricultural produce, packaging, and transportation resources for the war effort, and helped offset shortages of agricultural workers. Victory Gardeners increased their health through physical activity, and their families enjoyed better diets.
At the outbreak of WWII, virtually all Japanese Americans were relocated to detention camps far away from the cities. Perhaps most importantly, gardening was a way to keep the Japanese heritage alive and foster community healing. Detention camp gardeners planted traditional Japanese vegetables and ornamental plants alongside vegetables like peas, pumpkins, corn, and cucumbers. Japanese gardeners often incorporated traditional layouts and locations in their plantings. Japanese and Japanese Americans planted their gardens in detention camps knowing they may not be there to harvest them. The reasons that residents chose to grow Victory
Gardens were complex. For many there was the patriotism of being American and supporting the war, despite the government forcing them into camps.
Federal and state agencies, local governments, private citizens, and civic groups all published guides and held classes to ensure success. They advised on what to grow, how to grow it, gave sample garden plans, sample yields, and information on weed and pest control.
Camp residents planted these trees in part for shade, but they are also a popular choice for bonsai. Soil chemistry identified chemicals added to make the desert soils productive. These included ammonium nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, crumbled eggshells and crushed abalone shells.
By encouraging Americans to spend time outside and eat more fresh produce, the Victory Garden Program promoted healthy habits. In addition to their physical health benefits, victory gardens helped boost morale by bringing communities together.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved mood.
Organizers recommended communal gardening in school grounds, parks, vacant
lots, and elsewhere. Companies and agencies including the National Institutes of Health and managers of the Manhattan Project also provided land for employee Victory Gardens.
Many Americans had gardens before World War II. But many were new to the practice.
Federal and state agencies, local governments, private citizens, and civic groups all published guides and held classes to ensure success. They advised on what to grow, how to grow it, gave sample garden
plans, sample yields, and information on weed and pest control. Many who grew up with Victory Gardens continued gardening throughout their lives and introduced it to their children.
Today Victory Gardens in Morris County is like many other suburban regions. But there are some differences. Victory Gardens has curvilinear streets, a pattern that is a legacy of Romanic nineteenth century characteristic of many New Jersey suburbs built in the late 1920s and 30s. It also named its streets after American presidents.
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