Roxbury December 2021 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

★ ★★

ALL IN ONE Collectibles

★ ★★

Full Service Sports Card, Gaming Card, Miniature Game, Toy and Comic Book Store

25 OFF

Any Purchase of $100 or more. Excludes Sale Items. Expires 1/15/22

No. 17 Vol. 12

My Life Publications • 973-809-4784

December 2021

540 Rt 10 West, Randolph • 973-664-0912 all_in_one_collectibles@yahoo.com http://allinonecollectibles.com/

Local Churches Help Operation Christmas Child

by Elsie Walker ne day about 20 years ago, Daryl Blewett, of Succasunna, was driving with her kids and a friend. As they drove, the radio station they were listening to shared something about Operation Christmas Child. A project of the Samaritan’s Purse organization, Operation Christmas Child spreads the word about Jesus to needy children around the world, including his love shared through gifts donated in a shoe box. Blewett ’s friend said, “let’s do it” and that was the start of Blewett getting involved, first bringing it to the attention of her church, Ledgewood Baptist Church, and then growing in the project to where she and her husband, Ed, are now Area Coordinators, Northwestern NJ Operation Christmas Child Team. In November, Blewett ’s church and others donated boxes during the yearly Operation Christmas Child collection week. However, although its name is Operation Christmas Child, the project brings the message of Christmas to needy children throughout the year. Blewett shared a brief history of Operation Christmas Child, which started with a forgotten promise. In 1993, Rev. Franklin Graham, President of Samartan’s Purse (an organization dedicated to do good works, like the Good Samaritan in the Bible), received a call from a man in England asking for help in filling shoeboxes with gifts for children in war torn Bornia. Graham agreed to help, but it was months before Christmas, and it went to the back of Graham’s mind. Suddenly, it was November and the man from England called back Graham about the boxes. Graham had forgotten all about them. Working fast with help from a church in the U.S. and help from Canada, a miracle happened: they were able to come up with 28,000 shoeboxes filled with gifts for the children. Operation Christmas Child was born. Since 1993, 188 million children in 170 countries have received boxes. The boxes contain gifts such as colored

pencils, gloves, socks, a pair of shoes, a toy, etc. Each box is labeled as to the sex and age group of the child who should receive it. Operation Christmas Child recipients are ages 2 - 14. Also, inside each box is a book in the child’s own language with the stories of Jesus. Many churches on the receiving end, which give out the boxes, invite children to come to a 12- week the Greatest Journey program to learn more about who Jesus is. Those children who choose to attend will tell others in their area about Jesus. Blewett has seen Operation Christmas Child from both sides: the giving and the receiving. Two years ago, she was invited to Tanzania to be there when boxes were distributed in June. (Due to travel distance, customs, etc. it can take a while for the boxes to get to their destination.) Blewett said she believes God helps the right child get the right box. She saw a child with very worn shoes open her box to find a pair of crocs in it! Blewett notes that for Ledgewood Baptist Church, Operation Christmas Child is a year-around project, gathering items for boxes and then having a box filling event before the shoebox collection week. Last year, her church contributed 800 boxes. Besides contributing boxes, her church is a drop-off point for others to bring their boxes and then the Blewetts get them down the delivery pipeline. “It reaches a spot in your heart,” said Paula Ackley of Christ Episcopal Church in Budd Lake. Her church has been donating boxes for over two decades to Operation Christmas Child. Former parishioner, Carole Zicherman of Florida, originally brought the idea before the congregation when the church was looking for outreaches. First Zicherman, and now Ackley, of Budd Lake, has coordinated the effort at the church. Ackley said, “You want to do it. You feel like this is part of what you should do.” She noted how the children receiving the boxes, who have so little, get excited at something most children in this country wouldn’t see as

much of a gift: crayons, a pad of paper, the simple things. Another church in Mount Olive which supports Operation Christmas Child is New Beginnings Bible Church in Flanders. Its treasurer, Eric Seal, shared that the previous day he had dropped oﬀ 43 boxes. “[Our church] has participated in the shoebox program for roughly 10 years. We’ve also branched out to my place of employment, Red Hook Terminals in Newark. They do a fantastic job supporting continued on page 6

GET A GUARANTEED

OFFER ON YOUR HOME TODAY! DOUGTUCKER.COM 1200 Morris Turnpike Short Hills 973.315.8180

Page 2 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Adults with Asperger’s Invited to Join Social Group for Monthly Gatherings

t is not always easy to connect with people socially after one graduates from college but by getting involved with a nearby social group, Asperger’s Adult Social Group of Northwest NJ, people can make new friends and socialize. In its 9th year, The Asperger’s Adult Social Group of N.J., has grown to over 25 members who were meeting once monthly to participate in a planned social activity. Due to the pandemic, the group has stalled and is now looking to begin meeting again and grow the membership to have others join in on the fun. “Our current members have asked that we continue to grow, so I am spreading the word,” says Debra Burke of Budd Lake, founder of The Asperger’s Adult Social Group of Northwest N.J. “It’s a great core group, and we are hoping to get more members.” Established in October 2013, Burke and her daughter, Jaclyn, who is an Aspie Adult, had discussed how great it would be to have a social support group for adults with Asperger’s “since we hadn’t heard of anything like that in our part of N.J.,” says Burke. “Since then, connections have grown, new friend-

ships have been made, and it’s truly been a wonderful thing.” “While there’s a lot of support for children on the Autism spectrum, once they get out of school, there’s not enough outlets,” she says. Jaclyn, who graduated Mt. Olive High School and attended County College of Morris in Randolph, was 31 when they began the group. “I just felt there was a need for adults with Asperger’s to have a social outlet,” says Burke. Other adults were asking for such a group as well, she says. Intimidated at first, she admits, to begin such a program, Burke attended a workshop held at Saint Claire’s Hospital in Denville to learn how she could start such a group. Her idea was to meet socially for a night of fun and laughter and grow relationships “I knew I could do that, I can throw a great party,” she says. So, she decided

to organize an event once a month. Since that time, members have met at different types of social get togethers such as dinner at an Italian restaurant, Hibachi, bowling nights, summer barbecue, swimming party, pizza and dessert party, paint and wine night and movie night. Of the members, Burke says “it’s an amazing, positive group of people. It’s grown into a community of people and friendships, not only for the members but also for their families. It’s evolved so much.” Current members consist of men and women, 18 years old through the 40’s from Morris, Warren, Somerset and Sussex counties. For more information, email Debra Burke at aspergers.socialgroup@yahoo.com or call her at 201230-4725 to join. Follow on Facebook- Asperger’s Adult Social Group of Northwest NJ.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 3

Page 4 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Randolph Rotary to Celebrate 50 Years

Open 7 days

25 years experience The Fair has been going on a long time. Its purpose is to bring the community out and bring them together and enjoy the day as a community. (credit KellyAnn Carmona)

By Henry M. Holden n February 19, 2022, the Rotary Club of Randolph will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The club was first formed at the 1972 international convention. The Rotary Club started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on February 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Rotary members now span the globe, working to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities. After a hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Randolph Rotary Club was back, and it was like they never put their commitment on hold during the pandemic. “Over the years, when there’s been a fire, or someone has cancer, and the insurance has not yet arrived, we will give them a cash stipend for immediate needs such as clothing, food etc., even before the insurance adjuster gets there,” said Andrew Shaw, a 48-year veteran of the Rotary and three-time president of the organization. “When the pandemic hit, Kelly Carmona organized local restaurants, and we would buy the food and give it to first responders. There was a lot of sharing during the pandemic.” She also organized efforts to address the food pantries. “We had to do many things differently,” said Shaw, “Now there were people lockeddown, and they were cut-off from friends and relatives, and everyone had needs which we tried to address.” Every Thanksgiving the Rotary gives

away 12 complete turkey dinners with all the fixings to needy of the local families. “The turkeys are donated by our members, and we deliver them right to their doorstep.” Rotary usually gives the high school a scholarship so that the students use the money properly, for their education. “This year the Rotary teamed up with Randolph Township and held a very successful Country Fair,” said current president Christine Brain. “The Fair created an opportunity for exposure, and we had an outstanding attendance,” To staff the Fair, the Rotarians turned out 100-percent of the membership. The members participated by taking the tickets, putting the crafters where they needed to be, and more. As the second year as president, Brain knows the Rotary is moving in the right direction. “The Fair brought in a few new members, so we’re building our membership. That gives us an opportunity to do more in the community. Everyone had a wonderful time and learned what Rotary does.” The Fair has been going on a long time. “Its purpose is to bring the community out and bring them together and enjoy the day as a community,” said Brain. “For the 50th anniversary we are planning a cocktail party,” said Kelly Carmona who chairs the 50th anniversary celebration committee and has a team of three to help her with all the logistics for a successful 50th anniversary party. “We decided to have a cocktail party! We just want to have a friendly gathering, no stiff shirt theme or grandiose affair. We’re just ordinary people so it’s a business/casual dress and we’re planning to have a fun evening to celebrate 50 years of the many Rotary Club successes.” continued on page 7

Gift Certificates Available

Top Quality Instruction Stop sitting, start dancing Learn for a wedding or any special occasion Couples and singles welcome Private and group lessons available

First Lesson Free We offer a complimentary private lesson to all new students. Call today to schedule! No purchase necessary

Limit 1. May not be combined with any other offer. Expires 1/31/22

44 Main Street • Chester

201.574.3616

NJBallroomDanceCenter.com dance@njballroomdancecenter.com

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 5

Not All Headaches are Created Equal

lmost everyone has experienced a headache, at some point in their life, to varying degrees. In fact, roughly 45 million Americans suffer from Headaches each year. In today’s world, most people reach into the medicine cabinet for one of the various pain relievers to alleviate their head pain. But what happens when that doesn’t work? Or, the headaches become more frequent and more painful? Some get headaches so often and so painful, they even take prescription drugs with side effects and no avail. But have you ever stopped to think, “What is causing my headache?” Headaches and more severe headaches, known as Migraines, can be caused by various triggers including foods, chemicals or preservatives in foods, allergens in the environment, chemicals in cleaning products or herbicides/pesticides, sinus congestion, tension in the neck or jaw, lack of sleep, dehydration, stress, and the list goes on… Sometimes the cause is completely unknown and with no relief the patient can be left hopeless, debilitated and in pain. An assessment by an Acupuncturist can often identify and treat imbalances (that are causing the headaches) that are unknown to the patient previously. In Chinese Medicine not all headaches are created

equally. Rather, during an assessment, we evaluate the individual patient on many levels to determine their exact symptoms (i.e Is the headache frontal? One sided? Behind the eyes? Is there nausea? Frequency and intensity of pain?....) and if there are any triggers. We take a whole body approach and assess the patient’s physical condition as well as their constitution, emotional health, diet and lifestyle. Unlike the blanket treatment western medicine offers which is typically some type of pain reliever, Chinese Medicine finds a specific treatment for each patient based on their individual symptoms. Five patients suffering “headaches” may receive five completely different treatments. By addressing the root cause, Acupuncture can be a safe way to prevent and treat various types of headaches, without the unwanted side effects of medications. Based on the individual assessment and diagnosis, tiny needles are inserted into various points on the body. Depending on the case, small electrodes can be attached to specific needles that elicit a small electrical current. The feeling of the electric stimulation on the needles is a comfortable sensation that generally elicits a feeling of tingling, tapping or heaviness. The electric stimulation en-

hances the release of specific neurochemicals which aids in the treatment of headaches. The needles are typically retained for 20-30 minutes, during which the patient is left to relax and take a nap. Acupuncture is known to be effective and can offer long standing results, but it is not always a quick fix. Especially if the headaches are chronic, several treatments may be required to achieve the full result. Again, this is because it is addressing the root cause and not just covering up symptoms like other treatments. If you suffer from headaches or migraines start getting relief today! Use the following tips to achieve long- lasting results for a healthy life: Be aware, track food and environmental triggers to see if there are any patterns, get adequate sleep, eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits (limiting sugars and processed foods), drink plenty of water, manage stress with things like meditation and try Acupuncture! For more information about Acupuncture and Headaches contact Mount Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973527-7978.

Improves sleep Enhances mood Stimulates blood flow Shortens recovery time Relaxes tight muscles Releases the body’s natural pain killers

Reduces inflammation Improves mobility

1 OLD WOLFE ROAD • Lakeview Plaza • BUDD LAKE • 973-527-7978 www.mtoliveacupuncture.com

Page 6 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

t’s Chanukah and in Israel and in many places around the world Jews are lighting candles in their window as night falls. They’re adding a little light to the world and reminding everyone of the miracles that happened to their ancestors so long ago. Over two thousand years ago, the Jews of Israel were ruled by the Greek conquerors of Syria. Antiochus, the Greek king, wanted all of his subjects to live like Greeks so he made laws prohibiting Jews to practice their religion by forbidding the study of the Torah or keeping the mitzvot. The Jews revolted and had a whole army fighting the Greeks. After many long years, the Jews finally threw the Greek army out of the country. The first thing they did as soon as they conquered Jerusalem was to rededicate their Temple (Chanukah means “dedication”.) When they tried to light the menorah, all they could find was enough oil to last them for one day. To make more oil would have taken at least a week – eight days more likely. A miracle happened and the little jar of oil burned for eight days. Ever since then, Jews have celebrated the victory over the Greeks during the holiday of Chanukah. On the first night we light one candle, on the second night we light two candles, and so on. By the eighth night we have eight candles burning brightly, reminding us of the eight days that the oil burned in the Temple and of the Jewish struggle against oppression.

The Story of Chanukah way to remember the miracle is to eat foods cooked in oil during Chanukah. “Latkes,” or potato pancakes fried to a crispy, golden brown are one popular Chanukah food. “Sufganiyot” or jelly donuts are another as they are also fried in oil. “Dreidels” are a favorite toy on Chanukah. They are four-sided tops with Hebrew letters painted or carved on the sides. The letters – nun, gimel, heh, and shin stand for the Hebrew words: “Nes gadol hayah sham” (A great miracle happened there.) One way to play dreidel is to spin it for money. Every-

one puts a coin or gelt in the pot, then they spin the dreidel to see who wins: nun means nothing – you don’t have to put in another coin and you don’t get anything; gimel means you get everything in the pot; heh means you get half of what is in the pot; and shin means you have to put one into the pot. In Israel, a dreidel is called a “sevivon.” The sevivon has a “peh” instead of a shin on one side, so that the letters stand for “Nes gadol hayah poh” (A great miracle happened here.) Happy Chanukah!

Operation Christmas Child...

“Pirsumei nisa” or publicizing the miracle is a very important custom on Chanukah. We light the candles in a window or by a door facing the street so that everyone passing by will see them and remember the miracles that happened. The special menorah we use on Chanukah is called a “chanukiah” in Hebrew. It has places for eight candles and an extra place for the “shamash” – the candle we use to light all the other candles. There’s an old custom of giving children gifts of coins on Chanukah. Sometimes the coins are real and sometimes they are made of chocolate (gelt.) Since the miracle of Chanukah happened through a jar of oil, one

continued from front page the program.” The children who receive the boxes come from a variety of situations. The Port Morris United Methodist Church in Landing found out about one such situation from a former pastor and his wife who came from Bulgaria. Their Bulgarian church had received the shoeboxes and gave them to children in a Bulgarian orphanage, some of whom were not necessarily parentless, but were sick or disabled and the parents gave them up. Those children knew they had a family which may have kept healthier children, but they were abandoned. The orphans were vulnerable to being exploited once they outgrew the orphanage, and the boxes helped the

local church to make a vital connection with them, to offer them love and guidance. The Landing church adopted Operation Christmas Child a few years ago as its Christmas Outreach. Boxes can be tracked, and the Landing church has seen its boxes go twice to the Ukraine, once to Honduras, and once to the Dominican Republic. Besides being packed with love, Ackley noted that before the boxes leave her church, they are prayed over: for those who will be handling each box during its travels and for the one who receives it. Blewett echoed that sentiment, “The most important thing that goes into any box is prayer.”

Apply with Keith Tatum: www.rate.com/keith-tatum Keith Tatum | VP of Mortgage Lending Mobile: (973) 219-8383 | keith.tatum@rate.com | NMLS: 239309 11 Deerfield Place, Suite 7, Flanders, NJ 07836 | nmlsconsumeraccess.org NMLS ID# 2611 Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking ing and Insurance. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions apply.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 7

When the Rotary discovered a Randolph student needed a camera for his school work they donated a Canon EOS Rebel T 7. Here we see Brandon N . with his mother Maria N. to his right. Some of the Rotarians who made Brandan’s gift possible share his happiness. (credit Kelly Carmona)

Randolph Rotary... continued from page 4 For the last half century, the Rotary has been fulfilling the needs of people locally, and for an organization to survive for 50 years they must be doing something right. Some of the arrangements were tentative at this writing. But Carmona says the location planned will be the Ironia Fire House Number 4, next to Saint Matthews Church. Tickets will be approximately $30$50 and Kelly is expecting a handful of original founders to be present at the evening’s ceremonies.

“I think we’re a great team and we have great ideas,” said Carmona, “and we work well together. I’m looking forward to the celebration.” The dual mottos of the Rotary are, “Service Above Self,” and “One Profits Most Who Serves Best,” can be traced back to the early days of the organization. And it is obvious in the lifeblood of today’s modern Rotary Club. Next year’s Country Fair will be Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Veteran’s Park - Calais Road in Randolph.

Healthy Smiles for the Entire Family Preventive Dentistry

Dr. Michael McCleaster

• Dental cleanings • Digital X-ray • Sealants • Fluoride treatment

Cosmetic Dentistry

• Porcelain Veneers • Bonding • Teeth Whitening • Invisalign and Clear Correct Orthodontics

General Dentistry

• Emergency treatment • Porcelain crowns • Extractions • Full and partial dentures

Advanced Dentistry

• Full mouth rehabilitation • Implant crowns • Overdentures • Implant supported bridges

From left to right: Laura Gloshinski, Dental Assistant Dr. Michael McCleaster, Toni Janaro, Office Administrator Clarice Lyon, Dental Hygienist

Happy Holidays from our family to yours

410 Rt. 10 West • Roxbury • 973.598.0800 • mccleasterdental.com

Page 8 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

By Richard Mabey Jr. he Christmas of 1962 showed me the kindness and appreciation of a dear and kind friend and classmate. I was nine years old and in Mrs. Jacobchick’s fourth grade class. I sat in the middle of the classroom, Pamela Rawlings sat next to me. In early December, Mrs. Jacobchick had all of us draw names from a shoebox. As if the odds were a million to one, I chose my old best friend, Stuart Steinhauser. Unbeknownst to me, Pamela Rawlings picked my name from the box of folded papers. I remember that I bought eight comic books for Stuart. I am positive that two of them were Batman and Superman titles. I’m pretty sure that two other comic books were Flash and Superboy. I’m not sure at all, about the other four comic book titles. I remember in early December, walking home from school, and I had a whole, paper dollar in my pants pocket. I went into Moe’s Sweet Shop, with the intent to buy comics for Stuart. I remember it being such a magical moment in time. I had never bought eight comic books, at one time, any other time in my entire life. It was just a monumental moment.

A Christmas Story

I remember when I carried the stack of eight comic books to Moe’s cash register. It’s so funny, the things you remember. I remember Moe saying to me that it looked like I was going to read a lot of comic books that night. I confessed that I did read all of those eight comic books, before I wrapped them up in brightly colored Christmas wrapping paper for my old friend, Stuart. For the next few weeks in December, I wondered and wondered who could have picked my name from Mrs. Jacobchick’s shoe box of hand-written names. What I was about to find out, as to who picked my name from the box, would touch my heart, all so very dearly. In 1962, Christmas fell on a Tuesday, which meant that more than likely Mrs. Jacobchick had us exchange gifts on the Friday before Christmas, since we probably had the entire next week off from school. Our little fourth grade Christmas party was a happy and joyful little celebration. My mom was the Class Mother for our class. Mom had baked a lot of Christmas cookies for our little party. And we had plenty of apple juice to drink. My mom did come to the little party, to help Mrs. Jacobchick hand out the cookies and pour the apple juice for the children.

I was lost for words when Pamela Rawlings looked at me, from her desk which was right across from me, and simply said “Merry Christmas, Richie!” And I then said “Merry Christmas” to Pamela. Then Pamela handed me a colorfully wrapped Christmas gift. It all felt like a dream! Cute Pamela Rawlings was the one who picked my name from the shoebox, vastly full of handwritten names. I remember thinking to myself, “of all the names in that were in that shoebox, sweet Pamela Rawlings chose my name! It was a religious experience for me! I just sat there looking at Pamela’s gift for me. I remember Pamela saying to me, “Richie, aren’t you going to open it?” And, I think I said something like, “oh, yea, open it up, right….” I carefully removed the brightly colored wrapping paper from Pamela’s gift. And, lo and behold, there it was, a handmade pencil holder. Obviously it was constructed from a soup can or a vegetable can of some kind. The tin can was carefully covered with colorful construction paper. All the while I was looking at that beautiful homemade pencil holder, I kept thinking to myself, continued on page 10

Although not the exact same pencil holder that Pamela Rawlings made for me, for the Christmas of 1962, when I was in the fourth grade and nine years old, this one still holds a very close resemblance!

OF MT. OLIVE

MICHAEL J. SIEGEL, O.D.

LIC#OA 05118

Happy Holidays and

Happy New Year! 135 Route 46 East, Unit E, Paramount Plaza • Budd Lake 855-948-2020 www.visionsourcemtolive.com

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 9

Jillayne Southren

973-539-8000

Wishing Everyone A Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL?

20 Madison Avenue, Morristown NJ 07960

Working with a knowledgeable, local real estate agent throughout the home buying or selling process is extremely beneficial. Having the right realtor by your side can make or break your home buying or selling experience. No one knows the local area and local market like a well-known and established local realtor CALL ME FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION MARKET ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOME.

Page 10 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

1962 was very much representative of the height of the era of the baby boomers. I remember that there were well over 35 children in Mrs. Jacobchick’s fourth grade class. Although this is not a photo of my fourth-grade class, it is amazingly close to how that classroom looked.

Christmas Story...

continued from page 8 “Pamela Rawlings made a pencil holder for me… me….. me!” I thanked Pamela. She asked me if I liked it and I told her that I just loved it. I then turned to my left-hand side, looking toward the back of the classroom, Stuart was looking at the covers of his eight comic books. He sent me a big thumbs up, along with a big smile. It was such a memorable little classroom Christmas party.

Here’s the amazing thing. I still keep in touch with my old friend, Stuart. And, just a few years ago, I was reunited with my old friend, Pamela, through a common friend. The odds were a million to one that Pamela and I were able to find each other, after having lost touch with each for a little over 45 years! The friends of early childhood are truly, the dear and beloved friends. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line:

FOREIGN CAR EXPERTS 360 Route 46 Budd Lake www.DTA-Auto.com Monday-Friday 8:00AM-6:00PM

LOANER VEHICLES

973-691-1953 $25 OFF $50 OFF $100 OFF available

Any Service

Cannot combine with any other offers. Excludes tires and batteries. Exp. 1/31/22

Any Service over $250

Cannot combine with any other offers. Excludes tires and batteries. Exp. 1/31/22

Any Service over $750

Cannot combine with any other offers. Excludes tires and batteries. Exp. 1/31/22

4.9 Google Rating

Synthetic Oil Change

$59.99 Up to 5 quarts

Cannot combine with any other offers. Excludes tires and batteries. Exp. 1/31/22

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 11

UPGRADE OR REPLACE YOUR HOT AIR FURNACE OR BOILER NOW! • Variable speed allows for minimal energy usage • Engineering with continuous airflow, ensuring clean fresh air • Efficient, reliable, durable • Stainless steel tubular heat exchanger, built to last

License 8641

Furnace Cleaning

Starting at only

5500

Call Today for an Appointment!

Includes Nozzles, Pump Strainer & Filter Spin on Filter Extra

Exp. 1/31/22

125

862-437-2759

BrunerHeating@yahoo.com

Page 12 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

CFR’s Third Annual SHINE Gala Will Honor Four Professionals As ‘Educator Of The Year’

By Ashley McCann hild & Family Resources (CFR) is hosting their Third Annual S.H.I.N.E. Educator of the Year Awards Gala, where they will honor four deserving professionals as Educator of the Year, while raising money for their organization. The S.H.I.N.E. (Serves, Helps, Inspires, Nurtures, and Excels) Award will acknowledge educators in Morris County who have made a significant impact, going above and beyond to motivate and inspire their students. “We find education important, starting straight out of the womb,” said Rebecca Sherrod, Executive Director of Child & Family Resources. “Children develop more in the first five years of their life than they do any other time throughout their life. So it’s really important that we acknowledge educators throughout these children’s lives, which is how we came up with the S.H.I.N.E. Awards.” The gala honors not just school teachers, but also child care providers, professors, principals, before or after school staff, safety officers, guidance counselors, aides, and anyone who works with children and families in any capacity. They have been nominated online by students and members of the Morris County community, and will then receive final votes from the CFR board. An educator from several different categories will win, including early education (birth to five years old), school district (pre-k to high school), and higher education (local college). A fourth category has also been added on for this year’s gala. The new category will hon-

or someone in a corporate setting who works closely with educators or children. The gala will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes. The night will consist of a cocktail hour, a live band, a silent auction, dinner, a slideshow, and the awards. “Education will always have a special place in all of our hearts, no matter what type of school you went to.” Sherrod said. “It will be a fun night to learn more about education, to network with people and to get to know people in your community, so I would definitely encourage anyone to come.” Tickets can be purchased for $89 on eventbrite.com by searching “SHINE Educator of the Year.” Sponsorship packages can be purchased on CFR’s website at cfrmorris.org/s-hi-n-e-award. All proceeds go to Child & Family Resources and their efforts to support the development of children and strengthen their families. In addition to honoring educators, the gala will also be a celebration of Child & Family Resources’ 50th anniversary. For the past 50 years, CFR has been providing many different services for Morris County, including childcare assistance, childcare provider trainings, CPR training, parenting coaching, and more. They also have a diaper bank for families in need of diapers for their young children, holiday shops for low-income families to receive gifts for their kids, and a back to school event to distribute school supplies. They even offered emergency childcare during the pandemic. To learn more about CFR and how they help children and families in the community, visit cfrmorris.org.

CARPET • AREA RUGS • VINYL LAMINATE • WOOD • TILE • WOOLS

The Name You Can Trust in Moving Since 1903

Compare Our Prices & Save

Compare our Prices to Big Box stores and Save!

Yes, We’re OPEN

Packing Services Lic.# PC000680

Moving Supplies Available

www.vernaymovingincnj.com

Locally owned family business for 39 Years!

“We must be doing something right”. Personalized service when you visit our store to the installation. Cannot be compared to the big box stores. To them you are just a number.

Our prices are the best around. Winter Special!

400off

Per Sq. Yard!

Our Already Discounted Prices Per Square Yard of Carpet, Vinyl or Laminate Flooring

With this coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 1/31/22

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED NO JOB TOO BIG! NO JOB TOO SMALL!

Local & Long Distance Climate Controlled Storage Facility Free In Home Estimates

Our Own Professional Installers • Expert Binding & Repair Services @vernaymovingNJ

Village Mall • Route 206 South • Flanders

973-584-1350

@vernaymovingNJ

75 Love Lane, Netcong 973-448-1700 Fax: 973-448-2240 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Saturday till Noon

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 13

I Remember Dad: Hold Dear To Heart, This Cherished Heritage

By Richard Mabey Jr. ne of the most powerfully positive influences upon my beloved father was his grandfather, William H. Mabey. Sadly, my great grandfather passed away in 1936, about a year after having suffered a stroke. Dad was nine years old, when his grandfather was called Home to be with the Lord. My great grandfather was born on October 15, 1868, at a time when our nation was still healing from the wounds of the great Civil War. Great Grandpa Mabey grew up in a modest home, atop Hook Mountain. The home had no running water, nor did it have an indoor bathroom. In 1892, at the age of 23, Great Grandpa Mabey married Dora Dolson. My great grandmother was born and raised in New York City, in a rather wealthy family. How it came to be that she traveled to Beavertown (the former name of Lincoln Park) and met my great grandfather is unclear. Dora Dolson was 20 years old when she married my great grandfather. Great Grandpa Mabey worked as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East. He was a strong, hard-working man. For the first two years of their marriage, William and Dora Mabey lived with William’s parents, William and Catherine Mabey. During those two years, my great grandfather worked

every minute he could, on building a home for his bride and himself. He single-handedly built the home. As a tribute to his carpentry skills, the home still stands today. My dad loved his grandfather, oh so very much. Dad was nine years old when his grandfather passed away. My father often recollected about how devastated he was to lose his grandfather. According to my beloved father, Great Grandpa Mabey was a most incredibly talented story teller. My father often told me how he would gather about his grandfather, sitting on the floor with his brothers and cousins, while Great Grandpa Mabey told dramatic stories of life along the old Morris Canal. I remember, as a child, Dad would often retell these stories. Dad would preface the stories with saying, “of course I can’t tell it quite like my grandpa could. He was quite a story teller.” Now at 68, I so deeply regret that I didn’t take out a pencil and paper and write down those stories. My great grandfather taught my father the treasured principles of farming, specifically the art of successfully growing corn. Legend has it that Great Grandpa Mabey was a great hunter. My dad often told the stories about the days of going on a hunt with his father and grandfather and his older brother, Edward.

There was a great legend of the great buck, whose presence was overwhelming. Dad often told me about the great buck. That his grandfather held a certain reverence and respect for the great buck, and so never raised his rifle sights upon the tremendously large deer. I remember my father telling me about the time he did sight the great buck. He told me that once a man saw the great buck, he was destined to never be the same again. The great buck was the king of the wooded land that ran the forest range, all along the old Morris Canal in Lincoln Park. I have but only one picture of my dear great grandfather. I cherish that photograph, oh so dearly. Whenever I am faced with the dreaded plague of writer’s block, I take out Great Grandpa’s picture from the top drawer of my desk. I look at that photo of my great grandfather, that was taken shortly after he had his stroke. I try my utmost best to be true to Great Grandpa’s love of storytelling. A part of the spirit of my great grandfather lives on in my heart, solely because my dad took the time to share with me his fond memories of the beloved patriarch, who was born just a few years after the monumental surrender at Appomattox. Cherish your unique family history. By all means, please do take the time to pass on your knowledge of your family’s history and legends to the younger ones of your family.

The only photograph that I have of my great grandfather, William H. Mabey. This picture was taken in 1935, after Great Grandpa Mabey had his stroke. A corner of the home that Great Grandpa Mabey built can be seen in this picture, on the right hand side.

Truly, it will be time well invested. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail. com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

Looking to Buy or Sell? Hebrews 12:11 Se habla Español Rebecca Wade Sales Associate

973-984-1400 office 908-962-6446 cell Rmdo79@gmail.com rebecca-wade.weichert.com

Corporate Headquarters 1625 Route 10 East Morris Plains, NJ 07950

Page 14 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

The Railroad That Wasn’t in Morris County

By Henry M. Holden he Underground Railroad is an epic American story featuring the forces of righteousness against evil, locked in a moral combat. The fight would eventually eliminate one of the greatest expressions of inhumanity: the ownership of one human by another. In the years up to the start of the American Civil War (1861), New Jersey was a major route for slaves escaping their masters in the South. The legendary Underground Railroad (UGRR), which was neither underground nor a railroad, is preserved today at sites throughout the region including Morris County. Most Underground Railroad fugitive slaves came from Kentucky, Missouri, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Most were males between the ages of 15 and 30, who traveled alone, by foot, horseback, wagon, stagecoach, train, and boat—and at night, often guided by the North Star. While most people have heard of the Underground Railroad, few people know that it came as far north as Sussex County. Most UGRR books list Jersey City as the railroad terminus. There were people like Harriet Tubman who was a major figure in the Abolitionist movement. Maryland put a $40,000 bounty for her capture because she encouraged and strongly advocated freedom for the African slaves. She is credited with helping over 300 slaves reach freedom. She was never apprehended. There was always a bounty on the head of the runaway slave, from $50 to $500, depending on the value of the slave as a chattel, as was the horse. Until the outbreak of the Civil War, New Jersey continued to bear witness to the presence of runaway slaves. However, with the passage in 1804 of the New Jersey Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, these fugitives saw New Jersey as part of the “Promised Land,” where they escaped their master’s lash, or worse. There are several sites in Morris County which are documented by the New Jersey Historical Commission and listed as “Communities with extant Underground Railroad Sites.” Boonton and Boonton Township are two sites that are preserved. One of the more conspicuous stops on the Underground Railroad was the Boonton home of abolitionist Dr. John Grimes. There, at the corner of Main and Liberty streets, the doctor harbored fugitive slaves, according to Grimes’ 1875 obituary in The Jerseyman. The railroad’s “Boonton Station,” is now home to a commercial business, and never was underground. Boonton was an epicenter of anti-slav-

ery work. It was considered an important Underground Railroad link in the New Jersey chain that moved some 40,000 slaves north to freedom in Canada. Grimes lived there while publishing his monthly newspaper, The New Jersey Freeman, an abolitionist newspaper, and he sheltered runaway slaves in his home. The Grimes Homestead, in Mountain Lakes, is one of the few documented physical remnants of the UGRR, and the Abolition movement of the 19th century in New Jersey. Near Grimes’ home, in neighboring Boonton Township, is another station, the Powerville Hotel. It was owned by Nathan Hopkins, whose son Charles became involved in the railroad as a teenager. He chronicled his Underground Railroad experiences in the 1910 publication Boonton: Gem of the Mountain, which identified individuals and communities involved in the Boonton area’s Underground Railroad. Hopkins indicated there were Underground Stations at Rockaway, Dover, Pequannock, Newfoundland, Stockholm, Canistear and Charlotteburg, areas at the convergence of Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties. In the Northeastern part of the state, in Morris County, are Dover, Rockaway, Pompton Plaines, which were UGRR communities. However, there was no town called Randolph, until it was split off from Mendham in 1805, and it is there where a UGRR site and a probable extant building remains. For decades a rumor floated that the (Quaker) Friends Meeting House (circa 1757) in Randolph was an Underground Railroad station. James Brotherton, a member of one of the founding families, speaking of his father Richard in A History of Randolph said, “Richard was a kindly man, often helping those in need. He felt that slavery was a great wrong and his house, along with the Quaker Meeting House became one of the stops on the Underground Railroad…” The popular story states that fugitive slaves on the way to freedom in Canada, would stop and rest at the Brotherton house. Richard would feed them, clothe them, and give them a little ready cash, according to his son. To protect these unfortunate persons from search and seizure by authorities, a secret passage from the Brotherton house to the Quaker Friends Meeting House supposedly existed. With the physical altering of the landscape by developers, it may never be known where exactly that secret passage was. Should the authorities enter the meeting house itself, with or without respect

for the sanctuary, fugitive slaves could be concealed in the gallery with the “shutters” closed, or in a space under the seat where the elders sat. No fugitive slave was ever reportedly recovered, and the number of slaves sheltered at the Friends Meeting house remains unknown. The story is derived from Richard Brotherton, who is later repeated as a Newark News feature story. Today, the Brotherton house is gone, replaced by apartment houses. It is reasonable, based on the proximity of the apartment houses to the Friends Meeting House, that was within walking distance of the Brotherton house. Those slaves who were not rescued by the Underground Railroad would have to wait until the end of the Civil War and the ratification of the 13th Amendment, on December 6, 1865, for their freedom. The Underground Railroad was for the slaves who had escaped the terror of recapture, an opportunity to befriend people who were sympathetic to their plight, and to live free.

The fear that traveled with the runaways was being captured and returned to the slave auction block. (Library of Congress)

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 15

Grand Opening Season’s Greeting and Holiday Cheer from the staff of Entourage

$20 Off First Visit

New Clients Only Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 1/31/22

Come Visit Our New Boutique Area... PERFECT FOR GIFTS!

$10 Off

Any Boutique or Beauty Product Purchase Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 1/31/22

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon.-Fri. 10-8 • Sat. & Sun. 9-4

ITC Crossing Shopping Center 30 International Dr. South • Suite E6 • Flanders

973-426-0005 www.entouragesalonnj.com

@entouragesalonnj

Creative Gift Ideas for Children

eeing a child’s face light up with excitement during the holiday season is a sight that can bring feelings of joy to everyone gathered around to celebrate. Though many wish lists are filled with tech gadgets and gizmos, gifts that allow kids to explore their artistic sides and foster imaginative play are still popular picks as well. For example, options like these from the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie line can spark young imaginations and encourage children to express themselves creatively and colorfully. A perfect option for animal lovers, these themed playsets allow girls and boys to unlock endless hours of playful fun as they color, wash and color their pets again. Find more inspiration for presents that allow kids to create colorful memories this holiday season at crayola.com/productfeature/scribble-scrubbie-pets. Reimagine Underwater Animals Take your gift giving off the beaten bath this year and help kids dive into adventure with an award-winning present like the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Ocean Pets Lagoon Playset. Young Explorers can add bright, fun designs to shark, octopus, whale and clownfish pets. Using the six included washable markers, children can color and customize the

ocean pets for nearly endless underwater imagination. Then simply dip the pets in the kid-powered lagoon shower to wash in style before recoloring and playing again and again. Colorful Pet Fun in the Clouds With colored pets for added fun and excitement, kids can take imaginative play to new environments this holiday season with an option like the Scribble Scrubbie Peculiar Pets Cloud Clubhouse. The set includes Crayola’s most recent innovation: colored pets. Featuring a Uni-Owl and UniKoala as well as a rainbow slide, a rainwater shower, three washable markers and a cloud environment that doubles as a storage solution, the entire collection is washable so children can color and customize then wash and color again.(Family Features)

Page 16 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Springﬁeld Man Writes Other’s Stories with LifeStory Memoir

By Steve Sears or 43-year-old Richard Squires, Thanksgiving of 2015 will always be special. That very Thursday, his Grandpa Ben asked Squires when he was going to write a story about him. Squires embraced and embarked on the request. The book was printed two days before his grandfather died. There’s sometimes a touch of melancholy. “Come Thanksgiving,” Squires says, “I start to think about that. My grandfather was in the hospital, he had a stroke, and I was there and I was able to tell them that we finished the book and it was at the printers. He wasn’t able to speak, but he could communicate with his eyes, and it was a beautiful moment that I’ll never forget. I could see that he was very happy about it.” 25 copies of the book were printed, and it was the inception of LifeStory memoir. “I gave it out to my cousins, my aunts and uncles, and my brothers. I have a couple copies here, I keep it with me, and I always talk about it. I love to share it because that was before my branding. My books now all have my logo, so it really was the lightbulb moment with my business.” Squires, who has done corporate writing and has taught the writing at both Kean University and Union County College, has written thirty memoirs for clients and is currently at work on six others. Both the initial meeting with a clients and handing them the final product – their own memoir – are equally exciting for him. “When I give them the book - I call it the Big Book Reveal – I like to video it so I capture their expression when they first see it. I capture it on video and

then I have it edited into professional quality, and I’m able to provide that to the clients, also. But that’s just a moment. The interviews are probably my favorite part. What’s so great about it is that they really open up to me, telling me the heart of their lives. And I asked them a ton of questions, and we always have an idea of certain things we’re going to talk about, but then through the questions that I ask, I kind of probe and make certain connections, and they always think of things that they haven’t thought about for years.” A trust is cemented between Squires and those he writes for. “And it really continues on forever,” he says, “because for pretty much all my clients, we become friends. I’m always available to them. They are in touch with me, they may want to do other books, sometimes they want to make a change, or sometimes they have questions for me or they need my help.” Squires work is not limited to memoir writing. Consider his LoveStory keepsake books for those getting married, eulogies and programs authored for funerals, slide presentations, podcast and workshop work. “I offer memoir writing workshops and creative writing workshops,” Squires says, “and that includes the genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. And I’m always available to chat with people. I talk with a lot of people who don’t move forward with projects, but I’m always happy to do it. Some people have already done some of their writing or are in different stages. Some people have interviews with family members who have already passed away. I work with all that.” And there is a pressure to get the work done when it comes to memoir work. “There’s this pressure,” Squires says,

Every Life is a Story Let Me Write Yours Imagine...

Your Memoir • Your Words • Your Voice

Holiday Gifts - This year, get your loved one something original, meaningful and heartfelt: a LifeStory Memoir! LifeStory books are oneof-a-kind treasures, legacies your family will cherish for generations.

Call now for a free consultation: 973.903.1487

Photos courtesy of Richard Squires.

“because for one thing, a lot of my clients are elderly, and I need to get the project done. Time is of the essence. So, there’s that, and just that my clients are waiting on me. And I put that pressure on myself because I believe in customer service. I’m big on that. I want all my clients to be happy, and I’ve had 100% satisfaction; my clients have been happy. And I want to keep going.” Squires is fully committed to his wonderful career. “I am blessed. I figured out a way to do something that I love to do that’s in my skill set, and it’s just amazing. Better than anything I’ve done before.” For more information about LifeStory books, visit www. lifestorymemoir.com. Squires can be contacted at (973) 9031487 or Richard@LifeStoryMemoir.com

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 17

Roxbury High School’s Gary Irwin Retires Coaching Reigns After Amazing 33-Year Run

By Jerry Del Priore oxbury High School’s Boys’ Soccer Head Coach Gary Irwin felt it was the right time to step down. Afterall, he said he and his boys had accomplished so much during his 33-year fruitful coaching career at the high school: 348 wins, one state, one county and two conference titles during that time span, which he said started back in 1987. And let us not forget the countless student-athletes who went onto grace the collegiate pitches across the nation. First, there is Doug Brooks, the 1995 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year. Then, Tim Babbitt, a 2003 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) All-Conference team member who played at Rowan, and Michael Distefano, the single-season boy’s soccer scoring record leader who played at Big East Conference’s Providence College, among other players. Furthermore, Irwin didn’t want his impending retirement to distract from the 2021 season, so he did not make an official announcement. That came from Roxbury Athletic Director Stuart Mason-- a former goalkeeper under Irwin and Division I Delaware netminder--who let the cat out of the proverbial bag. Mason invited former players to the Gales’ last regular season game against Mount Olive as a way to honor the great coach and educator. They won, 2-0, and over 50 ex-Gales showed up for the contest. But Irwin said he did not want the spotlight shined on him, as to not take away any attention from the team. However, it was the administration’s support, not to mention the respect and admiration of his ex-players, that left him with a profound sense of accomplishments and appreciation. “I’ve been blessed with tremendous administrators throughout my years as a coach and

teacher at Roxbury,” he said. “Hey, you can’t do this by yourself. I’m very at peace with my retirement. I’m comfortable with it.” When asked what his secret to the program’s success was, Irwin deflected the credit to the countless talented, selfless players that he has helped guide over the years, who unequivocally bought into the Roxbury Soccer program’s team-first family attitude. “It’s about the boys, not me,” Irwin said. “The boys’ development as student-athletes meant more to me than the wins. They turned me into we. They coined the term family. It’s almost an impossible thing to do today, but they played as one unit. I would like to think that I’ve been successful, but I attribute it to the boys buying into the system. It’s about them.” And it busted through again in 2021, as the Gaels finished with a 18-3 overall record and went 10-0 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). It was another impressive season, which ended after Roxbury lost to Pascack Valley, 2-1, in the NJSIAA Tournament, North Jersey, Section 1, Group 3 Finals. But when asked which season provides him with his fondest memory, Irwin said it was the time the Gales, ranked 18th, knocked off powerhouse Delbarton to win the 2012 Morris County Championship. “Nobody gave us a shot,” he recollected. “That sticks out in my mind the most.” For now, Irwin will sit back and relish in the moments that made Roxbury Soccer and its players matter in life and on the pitch while contemplating what is next for him. “Roxbury High School Soccer means something, ‘’ Irwin said in earnest. “I’m really proud of the program. Maybe I will find my way back into soccer.”

Page 18 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Earth-Friendly Home Improvements for Winter

lustery winds raging outdoors may leave you struggling to find a balance between making sure your family stays warm and maintaining an earth-friendly home. Keeping your home cozy and honoring your sustainable sensibilities can actually go hand-in-hand. Making green upgrades to your home can add value, too. These sustainable home improvements can go a long way toward boosting your comfort, so you have an inviting oasis to linger where you’re well protected from the elements. Carpeted Floors The sleek, clean look of wood or tile flooring is in high demand for many homeowners. However, carpet can actually provide help with climate control that goes beyond a softer, warmer surface for your bare feet to tread. Carpet can act as an insulator and help keep a room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If carpeted flooring isn’t consistent with your style or budget, consider adding substantial area rugs to rooms that could use some extra warmth. Energy-Efficient Heating Systems An efficient option like Mitsubishi Electric’s Zoned Comfort Solutions uses energy smartly by actively heating specific areas

of your home where you need it. The system monitors the conditions in each room and adjusts automatically to maintain the desired temperatures. The system’s ductless indoor units offer reusable, long-life, washable filters to improve your indoor air quality while minimizing impact on landfills. Plus, advanced filters on some models offer enhanced odor control to help ensure fresher air during winter months when air tends to stagnate inside due to closed windows and doors. Ceiling Fan Adjustment You may naturally turn off your ceiling fans when winter arrives, but the same fans that provide refreshing cool air in the summer can actually help keep your room warm, too. Simply switching the fans to run clockwise helps draw warm air upward and distribute it throughout the home. This little circulation-boosting move can reduce your energy bill by as much as 10%. Tankless Water Heaters Make leaving the warmth of your bed each morning more appealing with the assurance of a steaming hot shower that doesn’t needlessly burden the environment. Traditional water heaters run a continuous power cycle to maintain a tank full of hot water, regardless if you’re using it or

not. However, a tankless version heats what you need when you need it. It’s important to ensure your tankless unit is sized with the proper gallons-per-minute rating to handle demand for multiple simultaneous uses, like a load of laundry and a shower at the same time. Smart Controls The wide range of smart-enabled home products, appliances and entertainment devices make life more convenient and enjoyable, but they can also play a role in managing your environmental footprint. Helpful tools, like Mitsubishi Electric’s kumo cloud mobile app, ensure you’re not wasting energy to perform functions when you’re not even home. These programs allow you to schedule your daily routines and even make adjustments remotely when your day gets off track. For example, it allows you to program and adjust your heating and cooling system from a smartphone or tablet so you won’t come home to a house that’s freezing cold. Better Lighting Winter isn’t just cold; it’s often dark and dreary, too. That means you’re more likely to rely on energy to illuminate your home, especially since an alternative like throwing

open the curtains to let in natural light can have the unintended consequence of allowing cold air to seep in. You can curb your energy reliance and the impact on your energy bills by swapping out your bulbs for light emitting diode lights, compact fluorescent lamps or energy-saving LED lights, which can reduce your energy needs by up to 80%. Find more tips for heating your home at mitsubishicomfort.com. Use Zones to Reduce Energy Heating your home zone-by-zone can be much more energy efficient and serve as a better means of maintaining your home’s temperature and comfort level. Consider these benefits: A zoned system allows you to control each area in your home independently and even turn off ones that are not in use. This means you’re only using energy where you need it. Conventional HVAC systems are either on or off. An option like Mitsubishi Electric’s Zoned Comfort Solutions compressors ramp up or down based on the needs of each room to maintain comfort and conserve energy. (Family Features)

All shows will be performed at

Investors Bank Theater at the Horseshoe Lake Complex, 72 Eyland Ave. Succasunna JANUARY 22, 2022 • 8PM Join us for a Comedy Night, with The Legendary Wid, who has appeared on Stand-Up Spotlight, Make Me Laugh, and Caroline’s Comedy Hour. Also appearing on this show is John Kensil (Comedy Central, Good Morning America) and host Matt Dolan (NYC Underground Comedy Festival). This show is being presented by Ginger Ninja Productions, a New Jersey-based production company specializing in live, professional stand-up comedy shows for fundraisers and other community events. FEBRUARY 13, 2022 • 4PM The Silver Starlite Orchestra has been playing in the New Jersey/New York area for over 40 years! Playing the great standards from the 1930’s & 40’s all the way to music by Elton John, Linda Ronstadt, and Stevie Wonder. This show will feature the beautiful and talented singer, Corinn Springer and talented musicians who have played with many of the greats, such as the Count Basie Band, the Lionel Hampton Band, the Ringling Bros. & Barnum Circus, and the Midiri Brothers.

ROXBURY AREA

CHAMBER of COMMERCE THE VOICE OF ROXBURY’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The RACC is made up of more than 100 businesses based throughout the region and has been successfully representing local businesses for over four decades. We can help your business: 3Grow your local customer base. 3Offer opportunities for promotion and advertising to our local audience. 3And so much more!

JOIN TODAY: ROXBURYNJCHAMBER.ORG/JOIN

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 19

All of us at Heritage Properties thank you for allowing us to serve your real estate needs. Our Heritage 'family' wishes everyone Happy Holidays and many blessings in the New Year! The Area’s Finest Agents at Work For You Tammy Abrusci (c) 973-229-3322

Nour Omar Agha Vito Abrusci (c) 973-229-3323 (c) 201-456-1480

Martine Arndt Patricia Berzanski Carol Borman Karen Alecci (c) 973-670-9539 (c) 732-801-7995 (c) 973-713-4795 (c) 908-581-9205

Patricia Caruso Avyril Brady Nick Bugemelian Virginia Butkus (c) 201-317-0073 (c) 908-914-8145 (c) 201-519-7171 (c) 908-227-2247

Alexander Sharon Caruso Chris Cleffi David Cunico Dana Donaldson Alyssa Abrusci DeSario Allen Emmons Kenneth Fox Glenn Garland Jeff Chatfield Lynne Gormley Spanja-Goldman (c) 201-906-0090 (c) 973-945-8142 (c) 973-713-4848 (c) 973-714-9005 (c) 908-798-8360 (c) 908-310-8936 (c) 973-229-1462 (c) 973-219-7166 (c) 973-219-4830 (c) 973-219-0726 (c) 908-339-7740

Raeann Jackapino Rebekah Kalis Mark Laratta Perry Lesko Barbara Kelly Charles Kerr Tara Lauterbach Cindy Graham Mary Grant Nancy Greenblatt Kathleen Hill (c) 201-841-4747 (c) 908-803-4523 (c) 973-219-1469 (c) 973-219-6256 (c) 973-476-3531 (c) 973-713-1690 (c) 908-246-2232 (c) 973-229-5593 (c) 973-580-5875 (c) 973-219-8490 (c) 973-479-0799

Catherine Sacco Meghan Mooney Vicki O’Leary Cynthia Rec Kathleen Reidinger David Ribeiro Melissa Robertiello Tammy O’Brien Roselle Dulce Ruivo Deborah Oszust (c) 973-725-7175 (c) 201-993-0683 (c) 908-217-1103 (c) 973-445-0443 (c) 862-432-2572 (c) 908-268-4345 (c) 862-266-9351 (c) 973-479-9266 (c) 908-256-0326 (c) 973-861-2581

Johnny Sciortino Richard B. Segrave (c) 973-920-0170 (c) 973-479-7480

Jessica Sartori (c) 914-563-6460

Jacob Snyder Jessica Sohl Donna Stahl Grace Stampf Sydney Uster James Sheldon Linda Smith Brian Weaver Mark Velez (c) 908-914-1878 (c) 973-489-0655 (c) 973-973-0101 (c) 973-906-6572 (c) 908-887-5953 (c) 917-716-4813 (c) 908-246-8753 (c) 973-350-2258 (c) 201-280-1151

Liza Wiley Pamela & Andrew Adrian “Dru“ Eugenia (Gina) Wnek Colon Zavala Wildrick Wimmershoff (c) 646-772-7704 (c) 908-878-9594 (c) 503-530-6166 (c) 908-310-5117 (c) 973-809-5360

NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN

Janen L. Ardia Broker of Record (c) 908-433-9297

Robert Bednar Broker/Manager (c) 908-500-8700

Karen Resch Broker, Marketing Manager (c) 908-310-5756

Stephanie Mancilla Operations Manager (c) 908-399-2120

Mt Olive Office: 293 Route 206 North, Flanders • 973-598-1700 Chester Office: 294 Main Street, Chester • 908-879-4700 www.heritagepropertiesrealestate.com

Page 20 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

A Winning Recipe to Feed Game Day Fans

ettling in for an afternoon of gridiron action calls for football food from dips and appetizers to full-blown feasts. Whether you’re a diehard fan, casual observer or just there for the game time grub, a full day of “homegating” requires flavorful eats to refuel the crowd. One of the easiest ways to take your menu from benchwarmer to superstar status is to add foods from one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands, Cacique, to your playbook. For example, flavor-packed, heaping Cheesy Chorizo Nachos can score a touchdown at your gathering, even among the pickiest of fans. When the game is on the line, call on this dish to keep your team satisfied from kickoff to the final whistle. Made with crumbly, creamy, pleasantly milky queso fresco; authentic real cheese queso dip that’s ready in minutes; robust, spicy pork chorizo; fresh-tasting Crema Mexicana; and small-batch homestyle salsa, this shareable dish can feed a houseful of hungry fans. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a perfect solution for pregame baking so it’s ready just before the coin toss.

To find more game day recipes, visit CaciqueInc.com. Cheesy Chorizo Nachos 1 package Cacique Pork Chorizo 1 package Cacique Queso Blanco Queso Dip 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans 2 tablespoons water, plus additional, if necessary 1 bag (12 ounces) tortilla chips 1 package Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco 1/2 cup Cacique Crema Mexicana 1 large jalapeno, sliced thin 2 radishes, sliced thin fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish guacamole, for serving Cacique Mild Homestyle Salsa, for serving In large nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium-low heat, cook pork chorizo, using spoon to break it up. Stir regularly until completely warmed through and deep brown, scraping crispy bits from bottom of pan. Microwave queso dip 2-3 minutes until heated through. In medium bowl, thin refried beans with water. Beans should be thick but

nearly pourable; add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary. Heat oven to 350 F. To assemble nachos, add half the tortilla chips to 13-by-9-inch rectangular baking dish. Use spoon to drizzle half the queso dip and half the refried beans evenly over chips, distributing as evenly as possible. Sprinkle with half the crumbled queso

fresco. Repeat with remaining chips, queso dip, beans and crumbled queso fresco. Bake 5-8 minutes until crumbled queso fresco softens and queso dip is creamy. Remove from oven then drizzle with crema Mexicana and scatter pork chorizo over top. Garnish with sliced jalapenos, radishes and fresh cilantro. Serve with guacamole and salsa. (Family Features)

Long Valley Pub & Brewery at

Restaurant Village

Happy Holidays

to you and your family

3 Years in a row

Rated in the

TOP 30 BEST RESTAURANT -N.J. Monthly

Full Bar • Exciting Cocktails Martini Nights Thursday Local Draft Beers & More

Come Check Out Our New Fall Brunch and Dinner Menus LUNCH Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 11:30am - 3pm

NEW HOURS: Tues., Wed., Thurs. 11:30am - 10pm Fri. & Sat. 11:30am - 10:30pm Sun. 11:30am - 9pm

BRUNCH Sat. & Sun. 10:30am - 2pm

SOCIAL HOUR DINNER Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri. Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sun. 3pm - 5pm 5pm - 9pm Sat. & Sun. Fri. & Sat. 2pm-5pm 5pm - 10pm Closed Mon.

Closed Monday

1 Fairmount Rd • Long Valley • 908-876-1122 RESTAURANT VILLAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP

RESTAURANT VILLAGE HOSPITALITY GROUP

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Randolph-Roxbury Life • December 2021 • Page 21

Celebrate the Holidays with Special Centerpieces

ew things bring family and friends together quite like the holidays, and serving up an elegant, seasonal meal centered around a mouthwatering main dish is a recipe for creating lasting memories with the ones you love. Forging a fabulous holiday experience for the special people in your life starts with choosing a flavorful, tender cut of meat to serve as the centerpiece of the meal. Handcut by expert butchers, an option like SpiralSliced Ham from Omaha Steaks can serve as the focal point of a memorable holiday dinner. Flash frozen to capture freshness and flavor, you can select a standout cut of meat from the comfort of your home and have it delivered directly to your door in time to put together a tender, juicy main course. Find more holiday recipe inspiration at OmahaSteaks.com/blog/recipes. Rum and Cola Holiday Ham Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 80 minutes

Servings: 10-12 Ham: 1 Omaha Steaks Spiral-Sliced Ham (8 pounds) Glaze: 1 cup cherry fruit spread 3/4 cup dark spiced rum 3/4 cup cola 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt To make ham: Thaw frozen ham in refrigerator 24-48 hours. Remove from refrigerator and let ham come to room temperature, about 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 F. Remove ham from foil and film. Return ham to foil wrapping and place in oven-safe roasting pan. Roll foil down leaving 2 inches of foil around bottom of ham. Place roasting pan with ham in oven on lower rack and heat uncovered 60-75 minutes, until ham starts to brown. While ham cooks, make glaze. To make glaze: In medium saucepot,

whisk fruit spread, rum, cola, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and salt until well incorporated. Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium. Simmer over medium heat 10

minutes then remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. During last 15 minutes of cooking, glaze ham every 5 minutes. (Family Features)

for your g! y a d Call to Caterin

Holiday OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10 AM - 9 PM Monday to Thursday 10 AM - 10 PM Friday & Saturday 12 PM - 9 PM Sunday 862-244-9844

3 OFF 5 OFF 7 OFF 10 OFF 12 OFF

$ 00

any purchase over $20

any purchase over $40

any purchase over $50

With coupon. Cannot be combined. Expires 2/31/22

Mondo

$ 00

any purchase over $70

Mondo

With coupon. Cannot be combined. Expires 2/31/22

$ 00

any purchase over $90

Mondo

With coupon. Cannot be combined. Expires 2/31/22

540 RT 10, RANDOLPH | 862-244-9844 | WWW.MONDOPIZZANJ.COM

Page 22 • December 2021 • Randolph-Roxbury Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

The Perfect Sauce to Pair with a Roast

reating a crowd-pleasing holiday centerpiece starts with choosing a flavorful, tender cut of meat. This year, you can make a holiday roast to remember with an elegant cut from Omaha Steaks paired with this Red Pepper Cranberry Sauce to elicit rave reviews from guests. Find more recipes and tips to create a holiday dinner to remember at OmahaSteaks.com. Holiday Roast with Red Pepper Cranberry Sauce Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Yield: 2 cups Roast: butcher’s twine 1 Omaha Steaks chateaubriand roast (2 pounds) 2 tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons, canola oil, divided Omaha Steaks Private Reserve Rub Red Pepper Cranberry Sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil

2 medium red bell peppers, finely diced 1 cup red wine 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/3 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds 6 tablespoons dried cranberries 6 tablespoons dried currants 1/4 teaspoon salt To make roast: Heat oven to 250 F. Using butcher’s twine, tie roast to maintain shape. Coat all sides with 2 tablespoons canola oil and season with rub. In medium skillet, heat remaining oil. Sear all sides of roast 2 minutes each. Place roast in roasting pan and bake 1 hour, 30 minutes. To make Red Pepper Cranberry Sauce: Heat medium skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil and diced red pepper; saute 3-5 minutes. Add red wine, red wine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, cranberries, currants and salt. Bring mixture to boil then turn temperature to low and simmer 20 minutes, or

until liquid is mostly evaporated and thickened. Top each serving of roast with Red Pep-

per Cranberry Sauce. Note: Mostarda can be made up to 3 days in advance.

www.brandasitaliangrill.com PARTY SPECIALS FOR ANY OCCASION! PARTY PACKAGE #1

PARTY PACKAGE #2

PARTY PACKAGE #3

PARTY PACKAGE #4

1 Large Pizza w/any 2 Toppings, 1 Large Plain Pizza, 1 Stromboli, (Meat or Veggie) & 40 Blazing Hot Wings

1 Large Pizza from Gourmet Section 1 Large Pizza w/any 2 Toppings, 2 Large Plain Pizzas, 3 Strombolis, (Meat or Veggie) & 40 Blazing Hot Wings

2 Large Pizzas from Gourmet Section 2 Large Pizzas w/any 2 Toppings, 2 Large Plain Pizzas, 5 Strombolis, (Meat or Veggie) & 80 Blazing Hot Wings, 3Ft Hero (1 ft. Italian, 1 ft. Turkey, 1 ft. Roast Beef)

1 H/Tray Antipasto Salad w/Balsamic Dressing, 1 H/Tray Baked Ziti, 1 H/Tray Chicken Parmigiana, Includes Italian & Focaccia Bread

(6-9 people)

(12-18 people)

$162.60 $101.80 -21.38 SAVINGS 21% -35.77 SAVINGS 22%

80.42+tax

126.83+tax

(24-36 people)

(8-10 people)

$338.25 -77.80 SAVINGS 23%

$121.10 -24.22 SAVINGS 20%

260.45+tax

96.88+tax

TAKE OUT • DELIVERY • CATERING WING IT!

FAMILY COMBO

1 Large Cheese Pizza 1 Order Wings, 1 Order Mozzarella Sticks & 1 2-Liter Soda

1 Large Cheese Pizza Fried Calamari, Baked Ziti, House Salad w/ choice of Dressing & 1 2-Liter Soda

$46.80 - 11.23 SAVINGS 24%

$51.80 - 12.95 SAVINGS 25%

35.57+tax