Wayne January 2023

William Paterson Professor, NJ Devils Organist, and Overall Street Pro: The Many Musical Hats of Pete Cannarozzi

By Alexander Rivero

This story started in a church in Chicago. When he was 11, Pete Cannarozzi, chest-deep into his Catholic grammar school years, caught the attention of his school principal. There was little Pete, casually, as easily as one might drink a glass of water when thirsty, playing the organ. But not only was he playing it; he was playing it beautifully, and by ear.

The principal assigned the young Cannarozzi to play the Mass, a responsibility that quickly incorporated the playing of weddings, funerals, confirmations, and just about every other formal service the church had to offer is parishioners. Even during baseball season in the spring, where 11-yearold boys across the country tend to find themselves suddenly swamped, the organ awaited what was by then its primary handler—the kid with the golden touch (and ear).

“The principal lassoed me into it,” says Cannarozzi over the phone, recalling those early days that set off a career he could not have possibly imagined then. “But in retrospect, I’m happy he did.”

By 12, he was showing up to gigs. His father served as his roadie, and on weekends for the next six years, he would load that unloadable organ into his truck and together they would hit the road. Unbeknownst to him then, the time playing these gigs planted within Cannarozzi the seeds of what would later bloom into the inner confidence necessary to project himself fully into his music. Clocking in the hours and miles, within time his skillset grew sharper, more precise, his ear more sensitive, more lethal.

Entering his college years at Indiana State University, he wanted to major in music but did not know how to read it. The skills were there, though, and so he matriculated into the basic musical courses to pick up the academics of the trade. Now into his third year, one day he came across a note on a bulletin board calling on an organist able to work immediately, for hotels. He left school at once, and spent the next three years on the road. By the time he came back to Chicago he enrolled in the American Conservatory for Music.

The young man that emerged from those years was a polished debutante part deux, ready to relaunch himself into the great unknown, this time into the teeth of it all.

“I really considered myself a street musician by ear, and a schooled musician by every other standard,” says

Cannarozzi, manning the organ for the NJ Devils, a post he has held now for over 20 years.

Cannarozzi, seemingly relieved that his earliest exposures to playing live music did not, in fact, come from inside the cozy confines of a lecture hall basement, but in brick and mortar venues, in front of paying customers, and his supportive father.

This time, Cannarozzi’s inner compass beckoned eastward, and a phone call from a buddy in New York was all it took for him to set his new bearings. His friend, also a musician, had a really big problem and needed Cannarozzi’s help. The problem: He had too much work and needed someone to give all of his overflow to.

In no time, Cannarozzi, now in the heart of the world’s capital, was playing jingles, film scores, records, backup gigs. He was a solid guy, dependable and of good fundamentals, continued on page 4

Montville’s Debut Author Creates Charming Children’s Book in Honor of Beloved Nanny

By Emily Pirrello

reunited with his Nanny.”

When asked what she hopes her readers will take away from her story, Di Leo-Banta shared, “the importance of family.”

Robin C. Di Leo-Banta was very close with her Great Grandmother Maria “Nanny” Mollica, she treasured her time with her great-grandmother and decided during the COVID-19 Pandemic shutdown that she wanted to create a literary legacy dedicated to her dear Nanny. Robin’s award-winning debut children’s novel, “Giuseppe, My Mischievous Goat!” is a heartwarming homage to her Nanny, Maria.

This captivating tale follows the story of an Italian grandmother, Nanny Maria, who awakes one morning to discover that her beloved goat, Giuseppe has gone missing.

“When the mischievous goat Giuseppe goes astray, his Nanny, Maria, must leave her mountaintop village to find him. On her journey, she discovers a community of people who help her along the way. Unbeknownst to her, little Giuseppe has all his needs met by the generous people along the way who help him until he is

“These memories I’d like to share with my kids, and someday with their kids, all the times she spent teaching me skills I carried throughout my life. And of course, a warm homage to our Italian heritage.”

Like many during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Di Leo-Banta found herself reflecting on her life and what she valued most in the world, her family.

“During the shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, I sat daily listening to the news awaiting our fate as a nation. I started thinking about my Nanny Maria and what she meant to me as a child.”

Di Leo-Banta continued to share about her own childhood with her Nanny, Maria, “I would assist her in cooking family meals as she taught me at an early age to make meatballs. I could barely reach the table and would stand atop the highest step of her rickety old stool. She seasoned by hand without measure and always cooked with love.”

During the uncertainty of the shutdown, Di Leo-Banta felt her beloved great-

grandmother encourage her to write.

“She guided me on this journey, she was my voice of reason in a time of chaos. ‘I envelop you with my love’ I would hear

her say in the middle of the night. What a comfort knowing how loved I was by her. ‘Write,’ she said to me…. ‘Just write.’” continued on page 4

As the celebrated saying goes, “grandparents hold our hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.”

William Paterson Professor...

easy to get along with. Before long, he was working with George Benson, Chaka Khan, Yoko Ono, Ashford and Simpson …

“It snowballed,” Cannarozzi says. “At one point, I had to hire a road crew just to move all my instruments around to each of the studios I was scheduled to play at in a given week, or day.”

A typical day often included a jingle session at 10 in the morning, a film score at noon, and band work at 2.

These were the great times, which would soon enough segue into different— but no less great—times. By the late 1990s, he was hired as an in-house arranger at a jingle company. While working one day in the studio, he received a phone call from the New Jersey Devils, asking if he would be interested in becoming their new in-game organist. Needless to say, he just wrapped up his 22nd year on the job.

“The hardest part of it all was the beginning, really,” he says. “Learning the

game. You don’t have to be a fantastic musician, but a competent one. Knowing when to play, what to play, and being able to do it in a moment’s notice. Learning the rules to the game.”

Only two years after he signed on as organist for the Devils, Cannarozzi witnessed first-hand the team’s meteoric rise to the Stanley Cup Finals, and was a part of its victory in those Finals. It is a memory, he says, he will forever cherish.

Aside from his work for the Devils, he also works as a media technician for William Paterson University in Wayne. Here, he works as an audio and video engineer, and also works with professors and students, teaching them to record music into computers.

“I love the people I work with,” he says of his colleagues and students at William Paterson.

For more information on Pete Cannarozzi, please visit his website at www. petecannarozzi.com.

Montville’s Debut Author...

continued from page 2

Di Leo-Banta went on to share that she didn’t know where to begin or how to start but she knew she wanted to create a story to pass on the wisdom of her cherished Nanny Maria.

“Her generosity as a human being and the time she devoted to me as a child is a standard which we all should live up to.”

As many would agree, family heritage and traditions are so very important.

Di Leo-Banta reminisced to some of her favorite childhood memories, “We’d gather every Sunday after church and eat together with our large family. I’d run to the local Italian store to pick up the fresh ricotta and Italian bread for our weekly gatherings. Now my kids’ favorite treats they request every Christmas Eve.”

While writing, Giuseppe, My Mischievous Goat!, she wasn’t quite sure where the story was headed— “As I struggled with an ending, my Nanny came to me again and said, “this story ends where yours began, in church!”

She went on to share her initial wariness about this, “I was uncertain about keeping this part in the book. I didn’t want to exclude anyone, but again, this is who I

Peace of mind has an

am, and my fondest memories are of those we spent as a family every Sunday after church. These memories I’d like to share with my kids, and someday with their kids.”

Di Leo-Banta valued “all the times her Nanny Maria spent teaching her skills as a child,” and she has always “carried them throughout her life.”

Although this is Di Leo- Banta’s debut novel, she shared that she’s always enjoyed writing. “I used to write riddles or quick little poems as teaching points for my kids when they were young.” Admirably this charming children’s book has already received an Honorable Mention award from Writer’s Digest.

Don’t worry young readers! This is not the last you’ve seen of Giuseppe. Robin shared that she’s currently working on her next Giuseppe adventure, “Giuseppe Chews My Shoes”. As Di Leo-Banta playfully shared, “My Nanny taught me about well-made shoes too.”

Giuseppe, My Mischievous Goat! is available on Amazon and online at Barnes and Noble. Don’t forget to also keep an eye out for Giuseppe’s upcoming journeys!

address.

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Call 973-942-4800 for more information.

Wyckoff Bobsled Pilot Shares Inspiring Olympic Quest to Compete for the US

By: Tommy Hughes

She

has a dream.

A dream of wearing the colors of red, white, and blue.

It is all she ever wanted. An effort to chase the single greatest trophy in all of sports:

The Olympic Gold Medal.

She originally thought her dream would be chased through track and field, yet the changing of the world during an unforeseen battle opened her eyes to a new endeavor.

Today, she is ranked 11th overall in the combined women’s standings of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation. 355 points out of 1st and the 4th highest American woman. She maintains a goal of remaining in the Top 15 and making her dream a reality.

Her name? Lauren “Zozzy” Brzozowski. Her dream? Competing for Team USA at Milano Cortina in the 25th Winter Olympiad.

The spirit of competition has always been in Zozzy’s soul. From racing her siblings down her hometown street to the nearest garbage can to adolescent athletics. The passion. The desire. One that ignited her with purpose and being unafraid in sharing that her dream was to be a professional athlete when she grew up. Originally aspiring to become a soccer player, Brzozowski’s journey led her to a full-track scholarship at Elon University, specializing in both 400 and 200-meter events. An epiphany during her freshman year told Brzozowski that if she wanted to be a star, she had to get to Europe.

Following the career journey of Sydney Griffin, a

fellow Phoenix, Brzozowski was provided with the needed confidence of taking that next step. As there is no jurisdiction in Europe by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, it showcased to Brzozowski that college sports aren’t limited to the respective university where one competes. In Brzozowski’s case, it was the experience of that initial trip that cemented the next step of her dream becoming a reality.

“I faced a huge culture shock (in Europe). The level of competition is there, but they will not have anything that compares to the NFL or the NBA. The sports are different. The way (an individual) trains is different. I really just felt like a professional athlete. I had coaches, but they really weren’t hands-on (in the vein of collegiate coaches) and I was responsible for choosing my own dream. I am super grateful that I was able to have a taste of that experience because that has set me up for success today,” Brzozowski says.

Brzozowski was training in Switzerland when COVID hit. An uncertain pause for many. Yet for Brzozowski, it was a pause that ended up opening the door for a new opportunity. A new desire that told Brzozowski she could do that if, for whatever reason, track fell through. The desire to trade in her track spikes for ice spikes.

Brzozowski’s journey toward bobsleigh greatness began by following the journey of two athletes. Veronica Day and Megan Kelly. Day, a fellow Phoenix alumni, competed in skeleton for eight years. Kelly, a fellow athlete within the Colonial Athletic Association (Towson), competed in bobsled and skeleton. With the similar competitive mindset

of these athletes combined with the drive of wanting eternal glory bad enough, Brzozowski immediately felt at continued on page 6

Photo Credit: Lauren Brzozowski

Wayne Third Grader Continues Gift Donations

Terrie O’Connor

Realtors’ Kinnelon office is so happy to have met our friend, Valentina, a third grader from Wayne, NJ. Valentina voluntarily collects new toys from her neighbors and family members to donate to kids in need. She starts collecting toys in the Fall for our Kinnelon Office Toys for Tots program. Valentina thoughts were that she wanted to help children that might not be receiving any gifts. She said she “wishes she could see the kids opening their presents, that would make her so happy.” Valentina is such a talented girl. She loves school, drawing, and gymnastics and she’s even a green belt in Tae Kwon Do! Her favorite vacation place is Disney World. Valentina lights up a room when she enters it and makes so many children happy with her generous

heart. Valentina is a role model for not only children but for adults as well. This is the third year that Valentina was kind enough to drop her collection of toys at Terrie O’Connor Realtors’ Kinnelon office in support of the company’s drive for

the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

For over 65 years, the United States Marine Corps has worked with families in need with the Marine Toys for Tots program. Overall, over 400 million toys have been distributed to over 188

million children. Although Toys for Tots is a non-profit organization, they do rely on the generosity of others in their giving to keep the organization afloat. They have found a good partner in Valentina and in Terrie O’Connor Realtors.

Wyckoff Bobsled Pilot...

home in the case of making the transition.

“(Bobsleigh) has the power to unite us all in different ways. Whether it’s bringing us together or getting us through a tough loss, it’s a beautiful thing that I think needs to stay in this world as much as possible,” Brzozowski says.

While no pristine athlete can sleep on their start, Brzozowski says that while she is not an adrenaline junkie, a relaxed approach to her mindset is what helps her mentally focus on balancing anxiety.

“In a sport that is so scary…to be able to laugh at the little things…having a more laid back attitude…because (bobsleigh) is so crazy,” she shares.

Lauren Brzozowski is a reminder that an individual can never say never.

“Never give up on your dreams, because you never know who you could inspire,” Brzozowski says.

In a time where self-confidence is critical, athletes of all backgrounds can look to this 25-year-old athlete and share an emotional connection that anything is possible.

“If I can inspire someone to (chase their dreams) and work hard, then I know that I’ve done my job.”

Whether it’s a televised competition for the IBSF, or trials to make it to Milano Cortina, hearing Leigh Diffey call Zozzy to victory across NBCUniversal’s platforms will help bring that inspiration to fruition.

Follow Brzozowski on Instagram: @zozzy7 for continual updates on her Team USA bobsled journey.

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Program Returns to Deliver Message to High Schoolers

By Steve Sears

For the first time in two years, the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Program, courtesy of the Partnership for a DrugFree New Jersey (PDFNJ) and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (HBCBS), in collaboration with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), has returned to deliver a powerful message to high school students in the area.

And late in August, current Harrison High School football coach, former Rutgers Scarlet Knight quarterback, and New York Jets/New England Patriots/Miami Dolphins player, Ray Lucas, delivered a key address. Lucas suffered numerous injuries and underwent more than a dozen operations while and after he was a player. After becoming dependent on prescribed opioids, Lucas sometimes took up to 1,400 pills monthly.

Recognizing the concern that teen athletes who get injured can also suffer the same type of addiction, PDFNJ, HBCBS, and the NJSIAA wants to stop the spread before it gets out of hand.

“The Partnership has developed a multi-pronged approach to educating young people in the state of New Jersey on the opioid epidemic,” Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Executive Director, says. “That approach includes events such as what we’re doing with Ray which we’ve just completed at Clifton High School: talking to student athletes who are very vulnerable, unfortunately, because they experience injuries, and as a result, may be in a

position where they may be prescribed an opioid. We’re also delivering messages through various media outlets, including but not limited to signs on buses and trains and billboards, and messages on our social media platforms.”

Another part of the process, per Valente, is engaging young people in many of the PDFNJ’s school-based programs, allowing them to become more knowledgeable about the issue. “ That’s also another part of the approach,” Valente adds. He also feels that, in addition to Lucas being representative of an esteemed group that had risen to the top ranks of professional sports and had fallen on hard times in addiction, Lucas’s presence is also emblematic of someone who, if he knew back then what he knows now, he would not have become dependent on opioids. “That is one of the reasons his presentation is so important. As a person who has gone through athletics on the high school, college, and professional levels, by speaking to athletes, he can easily relate to what they are experiencing on a day-today basis. When he delivers his message about looking at ways to deal with pain other than through opioids, speaking to your trainers, doctors, and coaches about alternative to using opioids to address any sports injuries, I think that’s most important.”

Lucas played for seven seasons in the National Football League, primarily as a quarterback. Two years after he left the NFL, he had major back surgery, and five years after that started to experience serious neck issues. He started to take pills regularly, and his addiction had begun. “I was

in a very dark place,” Lucas says. “I don’t know if I’m a role model, but a survivor definitely. Again, I was in a very dark place.” He had also dropped from his playing weight of 215 pounds down to 164 pounds, and he was approached about telling his story. “That night I went home and prayed, and I heard a voice that asked, ‘How many others are suffering in silence like you?’ I didn’t know, but made the decision that, if I could tell my story, then maybe they (others) could get some kind of hope.”

For more information about the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey and its programs, visit www.drugfreenj.org.

New Jersey native Ray Lucas and Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo Valente at an event

Surprising Facts About Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks rely on blood for food. They are the vampires of the pet realm, silently stalking companion animals wherever they go. Once fleas and ticks find a victim, they are bound to stay around for a while, enjoying the free meal.

Fleas, in particular, can grow quite fond of a cat or dog - reproducing and quickly building an infestation. Few people are enamored with fleas and ticks, but learning a little more about them can help pet owners understand their behaviors and how to best keep their pets safe.

Fleas

Fleas have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and biting adult. Most people are familiar with the adult stage because those are the most noticeable and painful. Fleas can feed on just about any blood host.

Scientists know of more than 2,000 species and subspecies of fleas. However, in North America, the cat flea (ctenocephalides felis) is responsible for the majority of cat and dog infestations.

Female fleas are typically larger than the males and are responsible for proliferating the flea brood. Females can consume up to 15 times their body weight in blood every day. This helps to fuel egglaying, which can take place within 36 to 48 hours of the female’s first meal. In her lifetime, a female flea can lay roughly 2,000 eggs.

Fleas are wingless parasites that get around by jumping from host to host. If they don’t have to expend too much energy (i.e. get comfortable on a host),

Brought to you by Dr. Matthew Krupnick, the owner of Pequannock Animal Hospital

Fleas and Ticks...

continued from page 8

they can go anywhere from between two months and 100 days without a meal. Fleas can jump up to eight inches high, enabling them to grab onto a passing meal source. A typical flea can live for a few months, and fleas can carry a number of different diseases. From plague to cat scratch fever to tapeworms, fleas can make pets ill and also affect people who interact with them.

Ticks

Ticks are not insects; they are arachnids. That means they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions. The stages of the tick include the egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Depending on the species, nymph ticks can be quite small to the naked eye. Ticks’ small stature can make them difficult to detect until they have become engorged with blood.

The University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease and its TickEncounter Resource Center say that spring is a prime time for the birth of new ticks. During this time of year, ticks are on the hunt for their next meals.

Ticks can be carriers of a number of diseases, but it’s important to note that a tick has to be attached for longer than 24 hours to transmit diseases to a host. That means checking animals (and yourself) for ticks frequently can help avoid the spread of illness. Ticks don’t jump or fall from trees. The parasites crawl upward, so start looking from the feet, moving up. In addition, check a dog’s face, where a tick may latch on while the dog is sniffing in the grass.

Ticks and fleas are pesky critters that can carry disease.

What’s happening in your school or organization?

Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share?

Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

Taxes and Uncollectible Debt

There are few things as frustrating as not being paid what is owed to you. If it becomes clear the debt is not going to be paid, you might be able to recoup some of the lost money via a tax deduction. The IRS has two classifications for bad debt: business and non-business, each with its own deductibility rules.

Business bad debt

In order to be considered a deductible business bad debt, the IRS states that the debt must be closely related to your trade or business. To qualify as a deduction, both of the following must be true:

The amount is or has already been included as income or as an asset

The debt is considered to be partially or completely worthless

There are many ways to determine the worthlessness of a debt, but at a minimum, you should be able to produce a summary of your collection efforts. If you determine that the debt is indeed bad debt, you can deduct it as a business expense if the aforementioned statements are true.

Non-business bad debt

All bad debt not defined as business-

related is classified as non-business. For a non-business bad debt deduction, the debt must be considered 100 percent worthless. There is no partial deduction available. In addition, you need to prove that the debt is a loan intended to be repaid and not a gift – especially if loaned to a friend or family member. The best way to prove this is with a signed agreement.

If you determine the bad debt is valid, you can report the amount as a short-term capital loss. The loss is subject to capital loss limitations and you need to submit a statement with your tax return that

includes the following:

Description of the debt

Amount of the debt and when it became due

Name of the debtor

Business or family relationship between you and the debtor

Efforts you made to collect the debt

Why you decided the debt was worthless

The other side of the coin

If, on the other hand, you owe someone money and they write off the debt, the tax code generally requires you to record the

forgiven debt as income on your tax return. There are cases, however, when this is not required. So if during the year you have forgiven debt, you should ask for a review of your tax situation. This is especially true if the forgiven debt is a discharge of:

A home mortgage

Student loans (especially for failed schools)

Pandemic-related debt forgiveness

While no one wants to be in a position to write off debt, it’s nice to know that you can at least benefit from a tax deduction. If you find yourself in this situation or are planning to loan funds in the future, call to set up a plan of action.

Shah & Sokoloff , CPA’s, is a year round full service CPA firm providing a wide range of Accounting and Tax services to both Small Business and Individual Clients. We are QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisors and provide new business set up, training and support. Our office is located at 166 Main St. Lincoln Park, NJ 07035. Our website is www.cpanewjersey.com and email is rps@cpanewjersey.com. To contact us by phone please call 973-633-1001.

Bucket List Travels: Surprising Cape May

By Paul Partridge

Even after 12 years of family retreats, Cape May offers new surprises and adventures

The Bread Lady

Down towards the Nature Conservancy on Sunset Boulevard sits an inconspicuous roadside stand that’s open one or two days a week, and the days change randomly. Enfin Farms operates like Vatican City does when choosing a new pope. Thousands breathlessly wait for the signal, only in this case the signal comes via Facebook and Instagram: One hour ‘til fresh bread!

Signal given, the race is on. Men, women, children, and dogs dash to the stand on foot, bike, car, golf cart and jogging strollers to secure a place line in hopes of getting one or two loaves of the best (still warm) homemade wood-fired bread you’ve ever tasted.

The Bread Lady makes 15 or so different varieties, but those waiting in line don’t know what today’s offerings will be. But we don’t care. Because whether it’s beet and dill or rosemary or pumpernickel, we know it’s going to be amazing. We also know that her 100 or so loaves will sell out within minutes, so we pray she doesn’t run out before it’s our turn.

Tiki Cruise

The phrase ‘tiki cruise’ conjures up images of loud, drunken revelers cruising the harbor in a floating Mexican hat. Nevertheless, I agree to go when I learn that we have the boat to ourselves, and our dog Billie is welcome.

Our 2-hour sunset cruise gives us a chance to explore Cape May from the

water. As a bonus we have Captain Rob, a fountain of knowledge. By day, Rob is a tugboat captain. Today he’s sitting in for the boat owner, who’s taking part in the MidAtlantic fishing tournament. Some fun facts we learn from Rob: 80% of the world’s squid production comes from Cape May. Also, a very high proportion of bunker, which is used for cosmetics and other fish oil products.

The tournament purse for this year’s MidAtlantic competition was $5.23 million. 1st prize in the white marlin category paid $871,404. Second prize went to Michael Jordan’s boat (yes, that Michael Jordan), paying $693,615.

One angler tried to cheat by pumping his catch with seawater to add weight. One of the judges was a taxidermist

who deduced that the fish was waterlogged. The competitor was disqualified. The Marvelous Mrs. Mallard

One afternoon my daughter Emma and I are taking a walk. Suddenly, a mallard duck lands at our feet and starts to follow us. Her little duck feet struggle to maintain our pace. So she flies ahead and waits by the side of the road for us to catch up.

The same pattern repeats a few more times. Finally, she takes flight high into the sky. We wave au revoir.

A minute later she’s back, this time landing across the street. She waddles through traffic straight to us and settles at our ankles. Maybe it’s a relative reincarnated, Emma suggests. The duck accompanies us for another continued on page 13

Morristown resident Paul Partridge has been building a travel bucket list for years. Now he’s diving in – near and far – and shares his adventures in this column.

Billie after her rescue at sea.

half mile, finally breaking off to swim in a backyard pool.

Later that evening, we learn that Carol, my mother’s best friend for 70 years, passed away earlier in the day. Mom wonders if the Marvelous Mrs. Mallard was Carol saying goodbye.

Pontoon Swoon

My wife’s brother Marco is an avid fisherman. The rest of us are the gang that couldn’t cast straight. Our specialty is hooking everything that’s not a fish. Fingers and thumbs? Check. A baseball cap? No problem. The boat’s canopy? Snagged it. A PBS tote bag? Reel it in.

For years we rented the same ragtag pontoon boat. To picture it, imagine a 1967 VW Bus – not well maintained. Duct tape holding the seat cushions together. Shag carpeting. Cigarette burns in the dashboard. More than a little rust.

On our first fishing trip, we said to the marine owner, “We’d like to rent this pontoon boat.”

“You would?” he said, totally surprised.

Even worse than the relic’s shabby condition is the engine – a 4 horsepower lawnmower engine. It’s the only craft that can go full throttle through a no-wake zone without creating even a ripple. Each year we putt-putt along, embarrassed, passed by kayakers, row boats, floating sea gulls, turtles. Last year, when a woman doing an open ocean swim zipped lapped us, waving, we decided it was time for an upgrade.

We found a new marina with an updated pontoon boat and – best of all – a 60 HP engine! So we set out with great expectations and the wind in our hair (for once).

The fish start biting right away. First a small shark. Then several dogfish. Marco tries to kiss a dogfish for good luck, but it jumps out of his hand. Uh-oh, is this bad luck?

As we wonder, the engine makes a grinding noise and abruptly conks out. The mooring line is wrapped around the propellor. We cut the line free, restart the engine, and breathe a sigh of relief. Then… “Dog overboard!” Billie is in the water – and getting pulled away from the boat by the current. Emma leaps in and manages to wrestle her aboard after a few nervous minutes.

We decide it best to take Billie ashore. My daughter Grace, Billie and I offload at The Crab House at Two Mile Landing. The rest of the crew ventures back out, catches more dogfish, several black sea bass and a 19” flounder, which becomes dinner.

Other Fun Surprises

Elaine’s Porch – an ideal summer hangout with a neat outdoor bar. One of the regulars is Chunk the bulldog, a spitting image of Winston Churchill. Only thing missing is a cigar.

The Washington Inn restaurant – at some point during dinner, you will say Wow! Especially if you try the crab & corn chowder or the lamb cavatelli.

Cape May Point Beach – never crowded, a daily dolphin show right offshore, good fishing off the rocks, and delightful sunsets.

Music – free concerts all over town. Enjoyed the Sensational Soul Cruisers and Hunka Junk at the Cape May ferry, and The Big House Band in Rio Grande.

Leaving the beach for happy hour.

Cupid’s Chase 5K Morristown Spreads the Love for a Beautiful Cause

By Jillian Risberg

Since 1989, Community Options has encouraged the freedom and selfdetermination of all people with disabilities by always advocating for them.

And 2023 will mark the 15th anniversary of Cupid’s Chase. It originated in Princeton, and this is the 10th year being held in Morristown — on Saturday, February 11 from 11am to 6pm.

There are also races in Bridgewater, Burlington, Glen Rock, Princeton, Seaside Heights, Spring Lake, Westfield; and occurring simultaneously in 40 additional cities across 10 states.

“We raise the funds to improve our residences and accessibility supports,” says Northern NJ State Director, Tracy Mendola. “Funding for these are not provided by the state, and we want to ensure that those we support have the most up to date technologies, activities, and homes in order for them to live their most meaningful lives in the community.”

The 5K became a yearly tradition for people to stay fit while raising money for a worthwhile cause.

There are currently about 55 runners registered in this year’s race and they expect to have about 300.

According to Mendola, the course runs throughout the town suburbs, beginning

and ending at their Daily Plan It location, 150-152 Speedwell Avenue in Morristown.

This location provides rental space for businesses and employment training for individuals with disabilities who provide concierge services for those tenants.

For the State Director, the most rewarding part of this journey is being able to include the local community in raising awareness for individuals with disabilities and their housing and employment needs — and the substantive lives they are living with the support of Community Options staff.

The most challenging part is the unpredictability of February weather.

“Last year we had a beautiful 50-degree day, but negative temperatures and snowstorms make logistics of the race a bit more complicated,” Mendola says. “Thankfully we have a wonderful team and group of volunteers that ensure the race goes off without any issues.”

The State Director has organized the Morristown race for 10 years. Although she has not attended other races, they all often share information regarding what works and what doesn’t.

“It is truly a team effort with the National office and the race directors to ensure each race is successful,” Mendola says this year’s goal is $30,000; currently they have amassed about $5K. “Last year we raised over $26K, so we are hopeful.”

All proceeds from each Cupid’s Chase race go directly to benefit the region that hosts the race. So anything raised for Morristown benefits the residences and services in Morris, Sussex, and Essex Counties.

“In the past we have utilized the funds for updating wheelchair ramps, creating accessible bathrooms and many more improvements for residences,” says the State Director.

Her greatest hope for this year’s Cupid’s Chase is that everyone has a great race, and they exceed their fundraising goal.

According to Mendola, the race has a little catch.

She says on the runner’s registration one is asked if they are “available” or “unavailable,” which translates to the color of the Under Armor shirt they are provided

in their competition goody bag.

“This year single runners looking to make a connection at the race will be wearing a white shirt with ‘available’ on the back,” says the State Director. “Those who are ‘unavailable’ will be wearing a red shirt with ‘unavailable’ printed on the back. This makes it easy for Cupid.”

They also have sweatshirts (available in pink and red) for sale with the CC logo and “Morristown” on the back.

With previous races sidelined because of COVID-19 everyone couldn’t be happier to be back.

“Community Options is grateful for all the local participation and support,” Mendola says, adding they hope for a lovely day.

For more information, www.comop.org/ cupidschase

Warm Up with Classic Comfort Foods

With plenty of cold-weather events and gatherings to celebrate alongside loved ones, one classic way to warm up the crowd is hot, comforting food. Soups, chili, casseroles, stews and more provide perfect ways to shake off the chill that comes with the season.

Ideal for serving family and friends after time spent outside or just as an excuse to get together, Beet Lentil Chili with Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Beets and Loaded Chicken Bake made using READ German Potato Salad provide filling options for satisfying a group with eight servings each. Plus, they’re easy to make – the chili calls for 20 minutes of prep before simmering while the chicken casserole requires less than an hour spent in the kitchen.

Next time a brisk day cools your family to the core, keep these hearty meals in mind for simple options to warm up from the inside out.

Find more comforting recipe ideas at auntnellies.com and readsalads.com

Beet Lentil Chili Recipe courtesy of Angie McGowan of “Eclectic Recipes”

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 2 hours

Servings: 8

2 jars (16 ounces each) Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Beets

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

4 stalks celery, diced

3 medium carrots, diced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cloves garlic, diced

2 tablespoons smoked paprika 2 tablespoons ground cumin

1 1/2 tablespoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 tablespoons chili powder

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

2 quarts low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

1 quart water

1 pound lentils

Garnishes (optional): 1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup radishes, cut into matchsticks

1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro 1/2 cup finely chopped onions

1 cup crumbled queso fresco

Drain beets; dice and set aside. Discard liquid.

Preheat large soup pot over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil. Add onion, celery, carrots and salt; saute until softened, stirring occasionally.

Add garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, chili powder and tomato paste; saute until fragrant, stirring frequently.

Add stock, water, beets and lentils. Bring to boil; reduce to simmer. Simmer about 2 hours, or until lentils are tender.

Serve with sour cream, radishes, cilantro, onions and queso fresco, if desired.

Loaded Chicken Bake Recipe courtesy of “Hungry In LA”

Happy New Year

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 8

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cans (15 ounces each) READ German Potato Salad

4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper

3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon

French-fried onions (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Lightly coat 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Spread potato salad evenly in dish. Top evenly with chicken.

In small bowl, stir together cream, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken.

Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and Frenchfried onions, if desired.

Bake 15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with additional French-fried onions, if desired. (Family Features)

A Classic Steakhouse with a Modern HHHH Twist

By GAIL GERSON

From its tasteful 18th century décor, to their smooth, nicely liveried servers, to a versatile & intelligent wine list & sophisticated kitchen, the PH Steakhouse is everything a refined steakhouse should be. Although many of the dishes seem familiar, they are designed with a creative & very modern flair, that contribute to a singular & memorable dining experience. The beautifully appointed & fully restored dining room with comfortable chairs & roomy tables, the extremely knowledgeable servers, who are absolutely up to their eyebrows trying to make sure that guests have good reasons to like the restaurant, indicate someone is paying attention. The talented host-owner, Steve Bussel, who has developed many restaurants, along with manager Jennifer Evans, Assistant Manager Blake & the talented Chef Juan, believe in making almost everything from scratch, following the seasons & savoring & caring about the food. Here, the original flavors are wisely presented in all their opulence. They do believe in the slogan: “Keep it simple, work with quality ingredients.”

ABOUT THE OWNER

The steakhouse & Publick House hotel re-opened September 28, 2022. Mr. Bussel’s plan was to offer the finest cuts of USDA, perfectly seared prime, dry-aged steaks. Steve Bussel, the son of a Kosher butcher, grew up in an atmosphere where food was the main topic in the family, from the start.

He fell in love with the 1812 building that was a stagecoach stop between Morristown & Pennsylvania & accomplished his dream to restore the building to its original splendor. After our press tasting, our researchers concluded that the entire staff presented a combination of style, personality, know-how & perseverance, along with a passionate mix of delectable culinary delights. With mouth-watering side dishes created to enhance the flavors of the cuisine & award-winning cocktails & dazzling desserts, our group of researchers were truly impressed. This talented team brings a unique hands on approach, to restaurant ownership & hospitality. Mr. Bussel and his skillful organization have created a recipe for success, by applying their own unique ideas & extensive experience, to this new American steakhouse. Gail says “Go!”

HHHH STEAK & SEAFOOD SPECIALITIES

PH Steakhouse 111 Main St., Chester, NJ 908.955.7911 Phsteakhouse.com

Valet Parking & Piano Player Sat in Bar 6:30-9:30pm; Open 7 days Mon-Thurs 12-9pm, Fri & Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-9pm; Full Bar; All Major Credit Cards Accepted; Handicap Access; Flat Screen TVs; Bar Menu at Eat in Bar; Specialty Cocktails; Outside Catering (up to 20 miles), Call For Info; Train 10 mins away in Peapack-Gladstone; Total Seating: 130; Outside Porch, 9 tables - Seats 30; Restaurant Reservations Preferred; Daily Specials; Gift Certificates; Available for Private Parties - All Custom Designed, Private Party room Seats 80; 3 Dining Rooms: Chester, Publick, Washington Rooms Seat 130; Party Pkgs - Call ASAP to book; Ample Parking; Open Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve; Complete Art Deco

Renovation Hotel with 10 suites, 5 on each floor, various sizes; Reserve online with Resy & Roomkey.com; Prices-Moderate. GELATO CAFÉ - OPENING IN SPRING Call Mgr Jennifer Evans to book a party

To say the starters are impeccable, would be an understatement. Try the colossal new SEAFOOD TOWER, the unique CRABMEAT COCKTAIL, the addictive TUNA POKE BOWL & the exquisite Fall CHOPPED SALAD, along with a superb LOBSTER ROLL. The deletable MARGUERITA & BLANCO FLATBREADS were a joy to our tastebuds and true flavor explosions.

I heartily recommend the DRY AGED PORTERHOUSE FOR TWO, but the generous cut of oven roasted BONE-IN RIB-EYE, is marvelous as well. From the impeccable DRY AGED DOUBLE CUT DUROC PORK CHOP, to the delicious TOMAHAWK CHOP FOR TWO, our researchers were impressed with every bite. The unsurpassed FILET MIGNON is another glorious selection. Non steak entrees include the pleasant tasting AHI TUNA STEAK & the striking GRILLED SWORDFISH STEAK. Other dishes that readers recommended are the OLIVE CRUSTED SALMON & sauteed mushrooms. The list of superb sides includes the supreme TRUFFLE SMASHED YUKON GOLD POTATO, the CREAMED OR SAUTEED SPINACH, the JUMBO GRILLED ASPARAGUS and BAKED WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE. The ROASTED BROCCOLINI & THE SMOKED BRUSSEL SPROUTS are divine. You can also choose your own sauce from a wonderful selection.

“Owner Steve Bussel, along with famed Chef Juan, GM Jennifer Evans & Assistant Manager Blake, present the area’s best steak & seafood by any standard, with the USDA’s highest designation for beef. The PRIME steaks we experienced have the necessary marbling that impart a unique combination of taste & texture & define the ultimate steak-eating experience,” Writer Gail Gerson.

Chef Juan presented us with the perfect finale. The succulent CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE & CREME BRULEE are finger-licking good & the RICOTTA CHEESECAKE delish, but the HOMEMADE DELICATE MILK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE is enchanting.

Ten suites, five on each floor, of various sizes & each with its own living room, are quite historical & beautifully appointed. Several can accommodate 4-6 guests. Reserve with Roomkey.com.

The New Seafood Tower

Majestic Catering Room Seats 80

Turn to Tradition for Tex-Mex Taste

The next time your loved ones crave a comforting dish that’s warming from the inside-out, turn to an alltime classic with a touch of southern flair.

Take inspiration for this Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna from season 3 of “BBQuest: Beyond the Pit,” a video series that dives into the long-held traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration that make Texas barbecue legendary.

Developed from the show by BBQuest co-host and “Hardcore Carnivore” cookbook author Jess Pryles, this tasty take on comfort food can be the perfect solution for a family meal with plenty of leftovers.

After dinner, settle in together and learn pitmaster techniques from the experts as the series follows four themes that capture the essence of Texas barbecue: legacy and tradition; creativity and innovation; Texas trailblazers; and family and community.

“Since launching BBQuest four years ago, it’s truly remarkable to see how much has changed and yet stayed the same when it comes to Texas barbecue, and that’s exactly what you see in season 3,” said Rachel Chou, Texas Beef Council’s director of consumer marketing. “There has been so much exciting innovation around cooking methods and international flavors while there’s still a huge dedication to long-held recipes and smoking techniques.”

To find more pitmaster-worthy recipes, visit

BeefLovingTexans.com

Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna

Recipe courtesy of Jess Pryles on behalf of Beef Loving Texans

Total time: 60 minutes

Servings: 10 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced 2 pounds ground beef

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

2 teaspoons chipotle powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

15 ounces canned corn, drained

15 ounces canned seasoned black beans, drained 10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained

15 ounces canned red enchilada sauce 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream nonstick cooking spray 12 corn tortillas 8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese cilantro (optional) green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In large pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat then add onion. Cook until softened, 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly.

Add ground beef and cook, stirring regularly, until beef has browned.

Add kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, chipotle powder and onion powder; stir well. Add corn, black beans and diced tomatoes. Turn heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

In bowl, combine enchilada sauce and crema; mix well.

Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup enchilada sauce mixture on bottom to prevent tortillas from sticking.

Layer 2-4 tortillas across bottom then top with layer of ground beef mixture. Use ladle to spoon some enchilada sauce mixture on top, distributing evenly. Top with another layer of tortillas then repeat layers until casserole is full, 3-4 layers. Top with shredded cheese.

Loosely cover dish with foil in tent shape to help prevent cheese from sticking then bake 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Cool 5 minutes before serving. Top with cilantro and green onions, if desired. (Family Features)

Give Quick and Easy Meals a Fun Spin

Work, school, extracurricular activities, social events and more can make the winter months feel frantic and it can often seem like you’re running out of time. This seasonal time crunch makes it even more difficult to answer the age-old, mealtime question kids are always asking: “What are we having?”

To help solve that daily meal dilemma and discover family-pleasing recipes that take 35 minutes or less, the RAGÚ Meal Wheel lets the entire family take an active role in choosing what’s on the menu. Simply ask one of your kids to click the “spin” button to find delicious, quick-and-easy recipes like Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine and Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes.

Both easy-to-make recipes take 35 minutes or less and feature RAGÚ sauces, which come in a variety of taste-tempting classic flavors and styles, perfect for any mealtime occasion. Created 85 years ago by an Italian mother using a family recipe she brought to the United States from Naples,

Italy, the sauces are made from quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, hearty vegetables, Italian cheeses, herbs and spices, allowing home cooks to “Cook Like a Mother” and quickly create affordable, crowd-pleasing meals for their busy families.

To find more quick and mouthwatering recipes to feed your family during the chilly winter months, visit RAGU.com/mealwheel.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 1 tablespoon butter 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips 1 jar RAGÚ Classic Alfredo Sauce 1 package (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed 1 package (12 ounces) fettuccine pasta grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

In large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat, melt butter. Cook chicken, in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally, until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.

In same skillet, add sauce and broccoli; stir. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 2 minutes.

In separate pan, cook fettuccine according to package instructions.

Serve chicken, broccoli and sauce over hot fettuccine and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Mini Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe courtesy of “Honey and Birch” on behalf of RAGÚ

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup diced onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup finely diced carrots

1 medium green pepper, diced

1 medium red pepper, diced

1 jar RAGÚ Simply Chunky Marinara Sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 mini buns

In large skillet over medium heat, heat extra-virgin olive oil. When hot, add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.

Add ground turkey. Break up meat and stir frequently until browned. Add carrots, green pepper and red pepper. Cook 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

Add marinara sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and partially cover pan. Cook 10 minutes. Serve on mini buns.

(Family Features)

Mahwah Gymnast Aims to Compete in 2024 Olympics

By Evan Wechman

Olivia Kelly is well known on the small island of Barbados. Her friends and fellow citizens are aware of her grace and poise on the gymnastics floor. However, Kelly, born in the Bronx and now residing in Mahwah is quickly garnering attention throughout New Jersey due to the 16-year-old’s phenomenal success.

Just several weeks ago, Kelly became the first gymnast to represent Barbados on the international level at the 2022 World Gymnastics Championship in Liverpool. “Worlds was an amazing experience that I will remember forever. I’m so excited that I got an opportunity to compete at this level for a country that I care so much about.”

Kelly maintains dual-citizenship due to her paternal grandfather being from Barbados. She feels at home in both countries. However, due to her family’s ties to the small island, she is competing internationally on behalf of Barbados.

The people in Barbados are in awe over what she has accomplished and even Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley recently tweeted “Congratulations to Olivia Kelly. Not only did Olivia make history today for Barbados by being our first gymnast to appear at a Worlds Gymnastics Championship, but she made her debut in stunning form. Congrats once again and keep up the good work.”

Kelly is starting to gain more clout in the United States

since her last competition but knows she must remain focused on the future.

She plans to prepare and compete again at the same tournament being held in 2023 in Belgium. Also, on the horizon is the upcoming USA Women’s Development Program Level 10 season, which will keep her in top shape as she continues to train for elite competitions including the Pan American Championships in Medellin, Colombia in May 2023.

However, she doesn’t intend on stopping there as she is focused on the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

“My goal is still the 2024 Olympics and getting the international exposure,” says Kelly.

The aspiring Olympic star is being supported in her dreams by her coach at North Stars Gymnastics Academy in Boonton.

Kelly trains under the tutelage of Ashley Umberger who is a two-time U.S.A. Women’s Gymnastics Team member. Umberger also received a full academic scholarship where she competed for the University of Georgia.

Umberger shares Kelly’s goal of competing at the Olympics and says “she (Kelly) is the type of athlete that could do it.” She also says “to be able to coach an athlete at World’s is a gift in itself. All the athletes are so driven, talented, and poised. Olivia definitely fits in and belongs on the international stage.”

continued on page 21

Olivia competes at the 2022 World Gymnastics Championships (courtesy of Olivia Kelly)

Mahwah Gymnast...

continued from page 20

More importantly, the coach is amazed at the poise Kelly maintains while competing. “She’s got some of the highest skill level without a doubt. And I think she can handle the training and the competition. A lot of kids get on that international stage and it’s intimidating and more nerves than they can handle, but this is something she can do,” says Umberger.

Kelly, who is home schooled will be graduating in 2024. She is hoping for a scholarship as well, though she has not narrowed down which university she hopes to attend. She understands to compete at the highest collegiate level as well as the Olympics will require both time and dedication. She is fine with that as she spends almost all her time training, when not pursuing her studies. It is not

uncommon to find her training 4 hours or more on a given day.

Kelly is working on sharpening her skills and increasing her endurance, which is critical to win at this level. She is a natural athlete and became a gymnast almost by accident.

Her mother was a cheerleading coach when Kelly was about 4 years old. Her mom noticed she was great at tumbling and her gymnastics development took off from that point. Both Kelly’s parents have athletic backgrounds and encourage their daughter to be the best gymnast she can be.

Kelly loves helping others in the North Jersey area hone their skills as well and is constantly cheering on her teammates. “I like the fact that gymnastics is an individual sport but doubles as a team sport.”

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

Lincoln Park Communications Expert and Former Teacher

Distills Life Lessons, Experiences into Writing

By Alexander Rivero

Alittle over twenty years ago, after the passing of his wife, Frank Plateroti closed down the international production company he had been operating. In regular contact with the Communications department over at William Paterson University, he was offered a chance to teach communications courses, and he agreed.

What started off as a possible gig turned into a second career, and for twenty years he taught at William Paterson. He loved the production courses, saw some enormous potential, and fell in love with one course in particular— Communication and Action.

“I absolutely loved that course,” he says, “and after a while I incorporated some self-esteem components into it. I wanted the students to have more than just a course of papers, assignments, and lectures. I wanted more for these kids, specifically to really get ready for what awaited them after college.”

Plateroti’s students, whom he referred to in class as pre-career professionals, liked the material enough to encourage him to put it all into a book. It was advice Plateroti took to heart, writing his first book, Speak No Evil: In Search of Our Self-Esteem, Self-Empowerment, and Self-Worth, published in October of this year.

Plateroti is a focused man, loyal to his vision and tireless in his approach and execution. His energy transfers over in conversation, and there is an electricity to his voice that speaks to the urgency of his mission and his belief in his purpose. At 60, having already earned a masters in communications

and media productions, he decided to return to school for a doctorate in education research with a concentration in psychology. He finished in four years, a process that he describes as the most difficult one he has ever personally undertaken in his life, and has since kept up the pace, publishing two books. The first, mentioned above, is Speak No Evil, and the other is the first installment of a planned trilogy about the history of his Sicilian family’s arrival in the United States. Book One of the tree-part set is called East Clifton Avenue: From Sicily to America, 1889-1966, and it is also available for purchase.

“My grandmother lived with us for years,” he says, “and I head a lot of stories from her. Lots of connected and unconnected stories. So I connected them at freedom here, in this book, which is really just a tapestry of stories, with some implementations of the lessons I’ve been teaching for years.”

At heart, however, Plateroti is a born teacher, and his new writing career is but an extension of his old job, albeit quieter, more solitary, and done from home. He cites his access to his students, and specifically his ability to inspire them on a daily basis, as the crowning joys of his professional career. It was a particular pleasure to have had such an influence in this age of hypercommunications and social media which, he assures us, has fundamentally altered everything for everyone, but especially for the young.

“I look at social media,” he says, “and I see the building of jealousy, envy resentment. The whole idea of ‘look at what I’m doing’, which is of course

always a sneaky way of showing the people looking at the photographs what they’re not doing. There is something profoundly wrong with it all, with the idea of people surrendering who they are to others, of being told by others what they should be doing, wanting, pursuing.”

Students would often come up to him, he remembers, and tell him about how they were cancelling their memberships to these social media platforms. Understanding this reaffirmed for Plateroti a lesson he felt should serve as the backbone—one of them at least—of Speak No Evil: that the most important things we have in our lives is relationships.

“No doubt about it, the happiest people I’ve ever met in my life are those people invested into the lives of others,” he says.

“And by extension, the saddest ones are those too invested in themselves. That said, we also have to have a sound relationship with ourselves, a healthy selfesteem, and developing the basis from which to never allow others to have power over us and determine our self-worth.”

For more information on Frank Plateroti, EdD., please visit his website at www.drfjesteem.com. There, readers can find a summary of his life’s work, reviews of his books, and links to websites where

Plateroti’s book, Speak No Evil, based on his over twenty years of communications experience.

they can purchase each of those books. For those searching specifically for

With East Clinton Avenue, Plateroti traces his family’s arrival and assimilation in America, as well as his own childhood.

copies of Speak No Evil and/or East Clifton Avenue, simply go to to amazon.

com, barnesandnoble.com, or wherever books are sold.

Dr. Frank J. Plateroti

Approaching 70: Remembering West Virginia

By Richard Mabey Jr.

In September, I’ll turn 70. In many ways, it is a most incredible milestone. From having done decades of research on my family heritage, I found out that my forefathers settled in what is now known as Lincoln Park, way back in the 1600’s. Here is a most interesting fact. Going back many generations, none of my forefathers ever made it to 80. So, I have become ever aware of the clicking of the clock and tearing of the pages of the calendar.

I tend to write about my family heritage, of the years of growing up in old Lincoln Park, and of people who deeply touched my life. I don’t write much about my years of living alone in a small town in West Virginia, wherein I did my very best to maintain a small chiropractic practice. They were painful years. You see, back in the mid seventies to the early eighties, in a small town in West Virginia, I may as well have put up a sign that read, “Witch Doctor.” I don’t mean to sound harsh, but sadly, that is the painful truth.

There was a time when there was a great prejudice against chiropractic, sadly it was headed by the well meaning, buy poorly misdirected leaders of the established medical profession. I don’t write those words with malice and bad feelings, but rather as facing a cold, hard historical fact.

A very close friend of mine, whom I have known for many years, suggested that I should write about those years of struggle, the years of counting pennies, the years

of a certain loneliness. In many ways, my failure to make it as a chiropractor in that little town in West Virginia, was actually one of my greatest successes.

Each and every one of us knows deep within the chambers of their heart that they hold the key to their own fate and destiny. Struggles can be looked upon as a means to feel sorry for yourself, to look with envy at those who have all so much while we are faced with living on hot dogs and beans as a dietary mainstay. Or, we can look at our times of struggle as a precious gift that gave us the opportunity to grow and become stronger and dig deeper to find faith in God.

The West Virginia Years as I now call them were the some of the toughest times of my life. But along the path of that journey in time, I did come to meet and know some very kind people. And, sadly, I came to know some very cruel and mean-spirited people.

This is a most painful, but still inspiring, memory of my life. It has been very hard to face square on, let alone write about it. Now, at the age of 69, I have found the courage and strength to revisit that time of hard challenges, a certain loneliness, a devastating heartbreak, and a struggle that only strengthened me in heart, mind and soul.

In the next few montths, that lie ahead, I will share this heart warming story with you.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

A recent photo of yours truly with my dear friend, Little Rocky. I still wear my old West Virginia sweatshirt and baseball cap, for old time’s sake.

PH Steakhouse Revives Historic Chester Publick House

By Stacey Feintuch

The history behind the building that now houses PH Steakhouse in Chester dates back over 200 years. The location has been a stagecoach stop, prep school, hotel, tavern, and famously The Publick House up until 2020. Now, the Restaurant Village Hospitality Group is reviving the space as an upscale steakhouse.

The building itself is part of the National Register of Historic Places. While developing PH Steakhouse, the 18,400-square foot space received cosmetic renovations, but no structural changes have been made. For instance, wood was stripped down and refurbished, and the walls have been painted burgundy and forest green shades. They also upgraded the kitchen appliances to accommodate steakhouse cooking.

“My vision for this place is to have everything be first class and high end,” says Steve Bussel. This includes hosting a live piano player and offering valet parking on Friday and Saturday evenings. The President and Owner of Restaurant Village Hospitality Group, Steve resides in Tewksbury but once lived in Chester. He works alongside Andrea Bussel, his wife, who manages all of the marketing and social media for the group.

A Prime Menu Selection

PH Steakhouse offers an elevated steakhouse menu. They only serve prime cuts of meat, with sirloin, porterhouse, tomahawk, T-bone, and New York strip options. All their meats, desserts, and dressings are made on-site. Steve says he prefers to try a little bit of everything, but ultimately loves the porterhouse for two. Other menu highlights include seafood, chicken, burgers, and salads. But save room for tasty desserts like crème brulee, 24-layer chocolate cake, apple crisp, and banana bread pudding.

As for drinks, the cocktail menu comes from a professional mixologist, and their high-end wine list from a sommelier. PH Steakhouse presents favorites like the dirty martini and classic collins, as well as seasonal flavors. For example, fall options include the Harvest Spritz and A Stroll on the Boulevard. The former mixes Grey Goose Essences White Peach & Rosemary Vodka, Aperol, apple cider, honey syrup, and Prosecco. Meanwhile, the latter combines Starlight Applejack, apple cider, Nonino Aperitivo, and Blandy’s Rainwater Madiera with shaved cinnamon and lavender.

About the Building

Despite the updates, PH Steakhouse has the look and feel of a 200-year-old building. In particular, décor includes some old art and sewing machines from the building’s previous lives. “The ambiance suits a steakhouse. It has a lot of history and charm,” Steve says.

The interior seats 130 diners, in addition to a catering room for up to 80 guests. Meanwhile, the outdoor porch has nine

tables that can seat 30 people comfortably. There are also 10 renovated hotel suites on the upper floor which will open in the future for reservations. Each suite includes a living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Future plans include opening a gelato café within the building.

Visit PH Steakhouse at 111 Main St in Chester. To learn more, visit www. phsteakhouse.com.

GRAMMY Museum Experience™ Prudential Center Educates and Provides a Timeline of GRAMMY® History

By Steve Sears

Even though COVID-19 came calling in March of 2020, don’t think activity wasn’t bustling at the 8,200 square foot GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center in Newark.

“We lost a year and a half in the physical museum, but we went digital,” Mark Conklin, Director of Artist Relations and Programming, states. “We did a lot of programming. Our ‘Behind the Song’ series, our ‘Off the Record’ series, our mini masterclass interviews, and we did virtual education programs for lots of kids. We lost the foot traffic in the physical museum, but we kept at it pretty strong.”

Also, as part of the museum’s fifth anniversary celebration in 2022, a “Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles!” traveling exhibit opened in October, and will run until June 25, 2023. On display are many Beatles-related pop culture artifacts from the period, as well as original lyric sheets, clothing worn by the band, posters, photographs, interviews, interactive displays, and more. Ladies and Gentlemen… The Beatles! provides insight into how and why The Beatles impacted America in the

1960s—and beyond.

Two offshoots of the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, California – Recording Academy GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Mississippi and GRAMMY Museum Gallery at Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee - predate the Newark Museum, which was the first to open on the east coast on October 20, 2017. When interviewed for his position, Conklin asked founding Executive Director, Robert Santelli, why Newark was the chosen spot. “His response to me was great. He said –and I’ll never forget what he said, ‘Because New York doesn’t need it. New Jersey needs it.’ It was his vision to bring it to New Jersey, and also because obviously New Jersey has had a large influence on music, probably greater than a lot of people realize. I think Newark needed it for the education side, but also there’s a great cultural contribution musically and historically here in Newark. And then I think finally and very importantly, they found a great partner in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment company, who owns Prudential Center and the New Jersey Devils.”

If visiting the GRAMMY Museum

Experience in person, you’ll discover that about 70% of it is interactive. First, there’s the ability to play actual instruments and learn about the recording process. Conklin says, “You can drum along with Max Weinberg from the E Street Band, and you can rap along with Wyclef Jean. There are a lot of things that you get your hands on, which is really great for anybody, but especially for younger people, or students that come through with large groups.” Then there’s celebrating the history of the GRAMMYss featuring a timeline, with a focus on Garden Staters who have made a significant contribution to music. “You can see artifacts from legends like Bruce Springsteen, Whitney and Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick, Kool and the Gang, and Les Paul,” Conklin adds. “And then there’s the traveling exhibit, which changes once or twice a year, and programs. We just screened May Pang’s new documentary, we’ve had Gloria Gaynor, we’ve had Mary Wilson of the Supremes. You can come and get a very close and intimate experience with artists, and hear their stories and talk about the creative process.” If you can’t visit in person, online virtual visits yield informative, digital interviews. “If you just love music and want to learn more about artistry and creativity, that’s a great place to be,” Conklin says.

A deep focus of the GRAMMY Museum Experience is education and even music career planning. Conklin says, “The big thing that we focus on is teaching young people how to have careers in music. We’ve

developed a program called Record High. We’re going into schools and organizations and teaching young people how to have careers in the music business.” Record High after-school classes are available in the spring and fall, in addition to a weeklong immersive camp experience during the summer. Courses include contemporary songwriting, Hip-Hop performance, vocal performance, audio production, and the music business itself. Additionally, there are exclusive mentorship and internship opportunities.

The GRAMMY Museum Experience has been working with youths for almost four years, and the initial seeds are bearing fruit. Conklin speaks proudly about progress made with regard to young people enjoying success. “There are so many avenues for young people that can have exciting, fulfilling careers that we’ve been doing with this program. We have a kid that just signed his first record deal, and we have a girl that signed her first music publishing deal. We have several of them now at USC, and they’re also at NYU. I don’t know of anybody who’s really doing it as well as we’re doing it. That’s the most fulfilling thing that we do, the role that we play in the community, and that’s what we’re very excited about.”

For more information including directions, ticket prices, visitation and event hours for the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, visit www. grammymuseumexp.org.

GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center in Newark

Preschool Advantage Annual Gala Funds Tuition for 40 Children

Preschool Advantage, a Morristownbased non-profit organization, held its 2022 annual Turning Leaves benefit dinner at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park on October 12th. After a twoyear hiatus, the event returned with great energy fueled by guest emcee Guy Adami of CNBC’s “Fast Money,” who challenged the 250 attendees to give generously in support of this important cause. They took note, raising over $200,000 to fund preschool tuition for children in our community. The event was sponsored by the William T. & Marie J. Henderson Foundation with additional support from Hackensack Meridian Health, Private Advisor Group, Wiley Malehorn Sirota & Raynes, and several other individual donor-sponsors.

At this year’s event, Preschool Advantage honored its 11 past board presidents. Under their selfless leadership, the nonprofit has sent 1,300 local children to preschool since 1995. Special recognition was given to trustee, Gail Reuther for her

40 years as director at Mount Olive Child Care & Learning Center, a partner preschool of the Organization. Preschool Advantage Executive Director, Nancy Bangiola noted, “Gail has generously shared her decades of experience and expertise in early childhood education with Preschool Advantage. Her peers recognize her a leader in the field, and we consider ourselves very lucky to have benefitted from her wisdom for so many years.”

Preschool Advantage also recognized a local family whose twin daughters attend preschool with a grant from the Organization. The twins’ mother, Jillian, remarked “The cost of preschool turned out to be one of our biggest challenges.” Expressing gratitude to the supporters in attendance, Jillian shared that her daughters are thriving and will be ready for kindergarten in the fall. “It has been an extraordinary journey watching our children learn and grow,” she said with great emotion.

Jillian (left) and Hector (right), Preschool Advantage parents with Nancy Bangiola, Preschool Advantage Executive Director (center). Photo by Baseline Productions

Accounts vary on Valentine’s Day Origins

Valentine’s Day is a bright light in the middle of the winter . Come February 14, sweethearts celebrate their love and affection for one another on this day devoted to happy couples.

The origin of Valentine’s Day has generated much speculation over the years. Most early accounts do not point to heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. Rather, a few distinctive tales may paint the picture of early Valentine’s Day, and they have nothing to do with stuffed animals or romantic dinners.

Roman festival

One of the earliest records of the term Valentine’s Day is traced to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was a fertility festival. This annual event held on February 15 included animal sacrifices and priests called the Luperci who would take pieces of animal hide and touch it to the foreheads of women in the hopes it would make them more fertile. Fortunately for the squeamish (and the sacrificial animals), Pope Gelasius I ended Lupercalia and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day by the end of the fifth century.

Two or three St. Valentines?

Most people attribute the origins of Valentine’s Day to the holiday’s namesake, St. Valentine. But it seems that Valentine was the surname of a few different individuals.

According to History.com, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus. One Valentine was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who decided that single men made better soldiers than those with families or wives. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine disagreed with the decree and would perform marriages in secret. Others believe it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop beheaded by Claudius II outside of Rome, who was the true namesake.

Yet another Valentine may have been jailed and fell in love with a jailer’s daughter while in prison. He purportedly wrote to her, beginning the first Valentine card or letter tradition. Other stories say the imprisoned Valentine actually was writing to a blind woman he purportedly healed, and signed the note “from your Valentine.”

It is hard to know who is who in regard to the name Valentine, as the stories and the people behind them are used interchangeably. Some historians believe they actually are the same person rather than several Valentines, while others insist there were multiple martyred individuals.

However you slice it, the defiant actions of one or more people named “Valentine” set the course for centuries of romance to follow.