Virtual Ceremony Planned- A Day To Remember

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By Cheryl Conway

Patriotism  thrives in Mt. Olive and will ring true on Monday, May 25, at the annual Memorial Day ceremony still set to take place at the All Veterans  Memorial in Budd Lake.

While  New Jersey’s executive orders for social distancing and group  gatherings of less than ten people resumes, the local ceremony will be virtual to the public via live-stream on different social media outlets.  No one, other than those invited to participate in the ceremony, will be  allowed to attend.

The  All Veterans Memorial / All Veterans Alliance in Budd Lake has received  approval from Mt. Olive Mayor Robert Greenbaum to hold a Memorial Day  Ceremony at the AVM on May 25, at 11 a.m. The ‘2020’ Memorial Remembrance Day Ceremony is being organized and sponsored by the AVM and AVA.  

While  many other organizations in surrounding areas are cancelling their  Memorial Day events this year because of the governor’s orders, AVM and AVA Founder Charlie Uhrmann is planning her traditional annual event.  Now, more than any other time is to stand united under one nation.

“We can figure out a way to adhere to the governor’s orders, do it safely, common sense precaution,” says Uhrmann.

As  this year’s keynote speaker, Uhrmann will pay tribute to fallen warriors, and will also “address the period we are in right now,” during a time of crisis and uncertainty, as “One Nation Under God; our need to be one nation under God, under these circumstances.”    

While she accepts that she will not have her usual 200 plus people in attendance along with groups such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Junior ROTC and color guard, she says holding a ceremony, “that’s essential to us.”

She  says, “I started rallying the troops and they’re all available,” all nine of them to be exact as she knows she needs to adhere to the governor’s orders.

She contacted the mayor with her idea to keep him informed and seek approval.
“We  discussed and both agreed that the ceremony should not be open to the  public and that the participants should be restricted to no more than ten people present at one time,” says Uhrmann. “We should also try to limit the number of participants on the main complex to only three  during the ceremony.  
“This  will be the first year we will not have the participation of a full Color Guard, Boys and Girl Scouts, period military displays and a live National Anthem performance,” she says. Since the flags remain at  half-staff for those who have died due to COVID-19, Uhrmann says she won’t need to use the color guard.
“Instead,  we are hoping that Mark Noyes [U.S. Navy] will open the ceremony by  playing each military homely in front of the specific branch of service  flag,” she says. Frank Mezle of the U.S. Coast Guard will raise each  service flag as each song is played, as noted on the itinerary.

Live Stream Suggested

The mayor had suggested to her, “why don’t you stream it on the township website and his website?” says Uhrmann. 

Grateful  for the cooperation, “the ceremony will be available to the public in  real time via FB Streaming and through other internet sites that have voiced interest,” says Uhrmann. “We would like to respectfully ask that you do not invite any family or friends to the AVM, as we have made a  commitment to control the attendance at the park; only those with  exceptional circumstances will be allowed. “Mt.  Olive Township has offered to assist us in this year’s Spring Clean-up  efforts, as the pending mandate prohibits group gatherings,” she says.  “I will be working alone on various projects that warrant attention Monday through Friday.  Displays will be set up on Friday and will remain at the park until Tuesday.” 

During  the last Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting, Greenbaum applauded Uhrmann  for coordinating this year’s upcoming ceremony. He requested township  officials jump on board, whether that is helping her prepare the sight,  video-taping the event, live-streaming and watching virtually.

“I thought it was pretty impressive what she was able to put together,” says Greenbaum.

Mt.  Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko says “The township  is currently trying to work out the logistics with  videotaping/livestreaming, the details have not been worked out.  At a  minimum it will be broadcasted via our social media platforms, most  likely the Mayor’s Page, but we are also trying to get it on our  website.  Our Public Works Department assists by prepping the grounds,  provides cones, etc.”  

Event Prep

Uhrmann  reached out to nine selected people that she figured “were not  committed to anything else” that day and she got a “100 percent  response,” she says. “People felt the same as I did. I feel it’s  essential. You don’t forget this day.” 

She  says, “it’s amazing how many people want to participate, but they  can’t” because of the mandate. “Our whole goal is the stream it; don’t  come to the AVM, she stresses.

Those  nine who are attending will be sitting 20 feet apart, she says. The Boy  Scouts will provide a display prior to the event, and the AVM will  allow the set-up of displays by other groups or organizations, which  will be left up through Tuesday for any visitors who visit.  

The  person, who was originally planned to serve as the keynote speaker, had  to cancel for unfortunate circumstances. This person would have been  Uhrmann’s first female keynote speaker for this event.

“I  had hoped to have a female speaker, however and sadly, she had recently  lost both her parents to COVID-19,” says Uhrmann. “Since we are now  fighting a different war that is affecting all of America’s citizens, to  which is now being fought by civilians in the front line, and in  respect to the governor’s social distancing mandates, we had decided it  would be appropriate to allow me to be this year’s keynote speaker.   

Uhrmann  plans to deliver a bipartisan message: “I will deliver the Keynote  Message that will address our nation’s loss of brave warriors and our  most recent civilian warriors battling the war on COVID-19.  The message  will be about unity and oneness. A belief long held by the All Veterans  Memorial board members.  

The  keynote message will not only address our fallen warriors; but the  recent COVID-19 losses as well.  Our focus this year is to cultivate a  oneness between our service members and civilians.  It is the perfect  time to integrate the two; One Nation Under God.”

She  says they “will have a moment of silence” for those who have passed  way, including military and those who died from COVID-19.

Participants  of The Morristown Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution will  be laying the memorial wreaths during the ceremony.  Participants  include: Corresponding Secretary Katherine Newcomber who will represent  the U.S. Army and lay a wreath at the Global War On Terror Memorial  Bridge; Chapter Regent Carrie Efinger, who will represent the U.S. Navy  and lay a wreath at the War Dog Memorial; First Vice Regent Peg Shultz  who will represent the U.S. Air Force and lay a wreath at the Spiritual  Cenotaph; Registrar Becky Wilder who will represent the U.S. Coast Guard  and lay a wreath at the Warrior Obelisk; and Past Chapter Regent  Patricia Sanftner, who will represent the U.S. Marine Corps and lay a  wreath at the POW/MIA/PTSD Remembrance Wall.

Rob  Bedell of the U.S. Air Force- who will also serve as the narrator of  the event, lead the “Pledge of Allegiance,” as well as the Introductory  Remarks/Presidential Proclamation- will call each participant of the  NSDAR while Mark Noyes of the U.S. Navy will play “Amazing Grace” at the  Bill of Rights Wall.

“Rob  will call for a moment of silence after the last wreath has been laid,”  says Uhrmann. “TAPS,” will be played by Christine Emmett of the U.S.  Marine Corps after 15 seconds of silence. 

Chaplain Amber Charman of the U.S. Army will provide the Invocation and the Benediction. 

See the detailed itinerary included on this page for more information.

A private ceremony will be held at this year’s ceremony for the laying of the pavers. 

The  setting of a memorial paver during the ceremony is pending for the  latest N.J. fallen warrior, U.S. Army Sgt. Michael James Goble.

“We  are also setting a service paver for Andrew Kacmarcik – a WWII Veteran  who lost his life at Iwo Jima,” says Uhrmann. Kacmarcik was with the  U.S. Marine Corps. 

Those who have been asked to participate in the event are honored to comply.

“The  members of the Morristown Chapter, NSDAR are honored to have been asked  by the AVM organization to be a participant in the Memorial Day  ceremonies this year,” says First Vice Regent Peg Shultz of the  Morristown Chapter of the NSDAR.

“As  a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution,  the daughter of a career USAF Veteran, and a member of Post 91 American  Legion Auxiliary, I feel it is my patriotic duty to participate in any  way I can,” says Shultz of Andover. “I am particularly honored to place  the USAF memorial wreath. 

“As  the word "Memorial" tells us, it's a day for remembering and honoring  those who sacrificed their lives in battle,” explains Shultz. “It is  their ultimate sacrifice that allows all Americans to enjoy the freedoms  outlined by the founding fathers in our national documents.

“While  this year will be a little different due to Covid-19 and social  distancing, we should pause to reflect and remember the brave men and  women who answered the call of the nation and made the ultimate  sacrifice for the freedom all Americans enjoy,” Shultz concludes.

The live-stream is so far set to be hosted on the Mayor’s Facebook page and the All Veterans Memorial’s Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/AllVeteransMemorialMountOlive/

https://m.facebook.com/Mayor-Rob-Greenbaum-148566751876210/

By Cheryl Conway

Sweet 16 birthday parties are the icing to many girls’ teenage years, and one  Flanders sophomore made sure COVID-19 would not sour her day.

Ashley Koch of Mt. Olive Road rang in her 16th birthday on May 7 with a Drive- By Birthday Celebration with family,  friends, balloons and decorations. The sweetest part was her request for  food donations to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry in lieu of birthday gifts. 

“Ashley  asked to have A Drive-by Food Fundraiser Donation Party on the day of  her birthday,” says her mom Jennifer Koch. “Wayne and I were planning a  Drive By Birthday for Ashley. When we told Ashley, she said she would  like to help the Mount Olive Food Pantry by having friends and family  bring food instead of gifts.”

As  residents of Flanders for the past 15 years, the Koches were planning a  Sweet 16 Party for Ashley at the Hanover Manor. With the executive  order by the New Jersey governor to disallow social gatherings and  public celebrations, the Koches had to change their birthday plans.   

“When  Ashley told us her thoughts on making her birthday a food pantry  donation party we were touched,” says Jennifer Koch. “Ashley amazes us  every day. She is always thinking of others. She truly has a heart of  gold and we are so very proud of the young woman she is.” 

The birthday girl was part of organizing and coordinating the food collection.

“We notified friends and family through text messaging,” says her mom. “Her friends helped spread the word. 

“We  had set up balloons and decorations with a table at the top of the  driveway,” says Jennifer Koch. “Ashley also donated her Sweet 16 party  favors to the Mt. Olive Police Department and the fire department. 

“The  party favors were individual mason jars filled with candy that Ashley  filled with red, white and blue M&M’s,” she explains. “She made  labels that read ‘Thank you for being here for us!’ Ashley made 125  favors.”

Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Ashley Koch greeted friends and family who drove by with canned foods.

As  the country slowly starts to open, such as beaches, state and county  parks and non-essential stores with curb-side services only, schools  remain closed with end-of-year details still in question.

Mt. Olive Schools Superintendent Dr.  Robert Zywicki has been holding separate Parent Universities this week  for different grades to focus on the various issues and respond to  numerous questions.  Whether it is graduation, award ceremonies, clap  outs, school trips reimbursements, cleaning out lockers, returning books  and Chromebooks and Kindergarten registration, Zywicki has been  providing detailed answers.

His main message was for parents to remain patient.

Mt.  Olive School District is “in a holding pattern waiting for the  governor,” says Zywicki. “Chill out a little bit. Please be patient.”  With five weeks left, 20 days to be exact, things can change. These are  “unchartered waters.”

Zywicki  says distance learning in the MOSD has “been successful because we’ve  been communicating. We are here for you. We want to help.”

He reiterated to parents to contact their school principal, guidance counselor and even him with any issues.

“We  are here to serve you,” Zywicki told the parents during the session  Wednesday, May 20, for parents of students in grades one through five.  “Feel free to reach out to us.” 

Zywicki  says school leaders are working on a pre-plan of what the fall will  look like regarding going back to school for in-person learning. Like  his actions before the shut-down, he says Mt. Olive wants to be  “proactive” with a plan so he is looking at what other schools, like in  Maryland, Kansas and in Europe, are doing as well as recommendations  from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Direction  in the end will come from the state, he says. The pre-plan will also be  presented to the Mt. Olive Board of Education for their input and  guidance.

Ideas  on the return plan from schools vary and include traditional method;  keeping schools closed with distance learning intact; or hybrid in which  kids report to the school in the a.m. and others in the p.m. “For  working parents, that looks terrible,” says Zywicki. More information  will be coming in June, he says. 

Regarding caps and gowns, Zywicki says it is still mid-May, but they will probably have a drive-thru process for distribution. 

Sports, he says, “I have no answers for what fall sports will look like. As soon as we hear, will put that out to you.” 

This  past Monday, attendance returned requiring all students to check in by  noon that they are present. If they do not check in by that time, they  get marked absent for the day.

Regarding  the retrieval of belongings, Zywicki says he will have more answers to  specifics on that next week so students can get their “moldy bologna  sandwiches in lockers of some of our high school students.” For those  who do have medicine, or need their eyeglasses, he says accommodations  can be made to retrieve from the school nurses. 

MOHS Seniors         

Zywicki spoke to the senior parents on Monday, May 18. 

For  all families, the “COVID closure has been an extremely challenging  time,” says Zywicki. “For the seniors and for their families it’s been  possibly the most challenging. We send our kids to school in  Kindergarten with the thought of them graduating and walking across that  stage, the thought of being there to celebrate that momentous occasion,  one of the biggest occasions in the developmental milestones in our  kids’ lives.

“What it’s like to be a senior during this time period is really challenging for our kids and our families,” he says.   

The main challenge is graduation.

“We  are going to go ahead and plan a virtual graduation,” says Zywicki.  “There’s a good number of days ahead before graduation,” however, so if  anything, maybe there can be “some kind of event later.” 

All depends on the governor and state police, he says. 

A week ago, the governor said no graduations, then changed it to permitting graduations in cars.

“I am very hopeful that something will change,” says Zywicki, especially with the warmer weather ahead. 

 “I  want to have traditional graduation in Marauder Stadium like we did  last year,” says Zywicki. But based on directives from the governor, “We  should plan alternatives for graduation.

He says the district can do “a wave parade,” but cannot get out of the car. “Let’s take a deep breath,” says Zywicki.

“We’re  planning all this out,” he says, adding that he has “a feeling” that  the district will have more options come the first week of June. 

Five  ideas are being considered: Traditional graduation; in-person  graduation with two parents; in-person graduation with just students,  principal and superintendent; Drive-in with students remaining in cars;  or virtual ceremony. 

For  a virtual graduation, Zywicki says many schools are showing pictures  from the yearbook, but he is thinking more about having the seniors be  given appointments to walk across the stage wearing their cap and gown,  one by one, to get there diploma before the graduation date. With usage  of the Mt. Olive in-house Television Studio (MOTV), each walk would be  videotaped and then edited and made into one video streamed-lined  virtually to the school community.  

“I’m going to make every effort that each high school student gets to walk across the stage,” he says.

But  sadly, “I’m not committing to anything right now,” he says. “Please be  patient with me,” as he needs to take direction from the governor and  listen to the mandates.

“It’s  not something I can change, or interpret or fight,” says Zywicki. “I  have an obligation to listen to it. I have to listen to his directives.”  

For  caps and gowns, the MOHS principal will be organizing a drive-thru  process for pick up. Students will be notified after Memorial Day  weekend, says Zywicki.   

Other Topics For Seniors

Prom is the other big topic, which was originally set for today, May 23. The  senior class will be getting their deposit back that they put down at  Meadowbrook in Randolph where the prom was set to be held. 

If  the class of 2020 is permitted to have a prom later in the summer,  after June 26, or even over Thanksgiving weekend, it will have to be  held without chaperones by the school administration, he says.

All money raised by the senior class will go into a trust account that can be used later, like if it were a reunion. 

For yearbooks, Jostens will be mailing them directly to the students during the third week in June, says Zywicki. 

Students may be entitled to get money back from their parking fees but more information will be forthcoming, says Zywicki. 

Senior Banner Signs are being purchased by the school district and will be displayed around  the loop at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake with permission by the Mt.  Olive Township Council. Families will be invited to drive around the  park to see pictures of the graduating seniors.

“Councilman  Nicastro coordinated the Townships response by allowing the signs to be  placed around the loop road at Turkey Brook Park,” explains Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko. “Turkey  Brook Park is the most visible landmark in Mt. Olive. The township  historically has a good working relationship with the school board; this  year was even more important as we wanted to help and show our support  to the seniors who are not allowed to have a traditional graduation.”

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