Candy Kiss Lady Sweetens Strangers’ Day

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By Cheryl Conway 

Memorial Day is just three weeks away and a lot of preparation has been underway for the 15th annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. 

The event is set for Monday, May 29, 10 a.m., at the All-Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake. From a detailed itinerary, cleanups and a social, it is almost time to commemorate and recognize the commitments of the American military and honor those who have lost their lives to defend the country.  

Volunteers are always welcome to help clean up the grounds at the AVM. Clean up days are set for Monday, May 15 Thursday, May 18; and Saturday, May 20. Sign up to help the Mt. Olive High School JROTC, The Home Depot, Morris County American Legion and Mt. Olive Scouts. Tasks include weeding and cleaning up debris, trimming plants and hedges, replacing mulch, rake, plant flowers, polysand and repaint as needed. 

Sponsored by the AVM for the past 15 years, with its first event held May 25, 2008, the Remembrance Day Ceremony will begin with opening remarks by AVM Founder Charlie Wood Uhrmann, formerly of Hackettstown. 

Lt. Col. Alexander Burgos will be the keynote speaker with this year’s theme, “Why We Serve.” 

“Almost everyone has someone who had either served or is serving in the United State Armed Forces,” says Uhrmann. 

The event will end with the installation of five honorable service pavers and an honorary service ceremony for Ret. Col. Jeanne Murphy who died in Hackettstown in January. Her husband, Dr. Bruce Murphy, is president of Centenary University and both have been involved with the AVM the past few years through sponsorships and speakers.     

The AVM has organized an Honorable Service Ceremony to recognize her years of service. 

Uhrmann will give the opening remarks at 10:30 a.m. at the Honorable Service Ceremony to acknowledge Murphy’s  military service and to demonstrate gratitude to her surviving family members so that they know her service and sacrifice was not in vain. 

U.S. Army Sergeant Luis Mattacastro of Hackettstown will deliver Col. Murphy’s accolades. 

“We plan to lay a Memorial Wreath at the Prayer Garden bench that she and her husband Dr. Bruce Murphy sponsored and dedicate a Tree of Life in her memory and support,” says Uhrmann.     

Murphy will lay the memorial wreath to honor his late wife who died on Sunday, Jan. 8, of injuries suffered as the victim of a hit-and-run accident a day earlier while on her morning walk near her home. She was 70. Murphy was laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery on Wednesday, April 12. 

“Jeanne was our first combat female keynote speaker at the 2022 Memorial Remembrance Day Ceremony,” adds Uhrmann. “Col. Murphy delivered a compelling speech regarding the historical role women played on the battlefield.  From that point forward, Col. Murphy offered to play an active role in the volunteerism and planning stages of the memorial and POW/MIA events; attended the AVM Awards Ceremony; and began assisting in the planning stages of the 2023 Memorial Remembrance Day Ceremony.”

Centenary University Alumni will dedicate the Tree of Life in Murphy’s honor. 

“Within only a couple of years, the tree will cascade over Jeanne and Bruce’s memorial bench,” adds Uhrmann. “The tree, I believe, is an excellent symbol of Jeanne’s strength, resilience and contribution to society.  Like the many memories we all hold dear of Jeanne, the tree will continue Jeanne’s gift of life and giving heart.” 

Military Child 

As its last element at the AVM, Uhrmann has also planned a social fundraising event for Sunday, May 21, at Jersey Girl Brewery in Budd Lake. The Military Child Painting Event is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the AVM’s Beer Garden Social from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.   

Sponsored by the AVM, a non-profit 501©3 organization, 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Military Child Monument. Artist Eileen Schissler of Mt. Olive will be instructing the class. Participants will get to create a replica of the monument — a dandelion to represent the Military Child, explains Schissler, an associate support department supervisor at Home Depot. 

 “The three flowers represent the stages of a child’s life,” Schissler explains. “The bud for the infant/toddler, flower for the adolescent and the fuzzy dandelion for the teen.” The flower will be painted with acrylics on a black canvas, she describes. 

For the Military Child Painting event, Uhrmann asks participants to register to ensure there are enough materials. Anyone aged 16-90 is welcome but there is a limit of 50 attendees. The cost is $45, which will include all materials and instructions.  

“Each participant will take home their painting, and a gift bag from the AVM,” says Uhrmann. 

To raise additional funds, “We are selling dandelion necklaces for $20,” says Uhrmann, at the upcoming 2023 Memorial Remembrance Day Ceremony.    

To reserve a place at the easel, contact the AVM at: info@allveteransmemorial.org or 973-479-4959.  It will be on a first come, first serve basis. The area will be open to the public to observe.  

By Cheryl Conway 

Have no fear, Skully the skeleton was repaired earlier this month and is back up standing its ground. 

For those who do not know, the Adams’ family in Budd Lake is living up to its name from the 1964 television show with some strange behavior. But anyone who knows the family appreciates their humor, especially their giant skeleton that adorns their front yard.  

Skully the skeleton has been on the Adams’ family lawn since Halloween 2021. Most people take down their decorations after the holiday, but the Adams decided to make it a more permanent decoration to use in other holidays throughout the year.  

“He has become the display for each holiday/birthday and his location has moved depending on his outfit,” describes Minerva Adams. He was recently dressed like a bunny for Easter with a big sign that said, “April Fools.” 

“We got the skeleton for our front lawn a few years ago,” she says. “We were looking for something to add a little bit of Halloween spirit to our home, and we thought a skeleton would be the perfect way to do it.”  

They bought the skeleton from Home Depot and he is a sight that can’t be missed. 

“He is 11'11" but when he stands up straight, he's 12',” says Adams. They named him Skully. “Skully is a he, and he's very friendly. He loves to wave to the neighbors, and he's always up for a good game of hide-and-seek. 

“We use Skully for all sorts of fun things,” she says. “We dress him up in different costumes for different holidays, and we even try to take him trick-or-treating with us on Halloween, but we have a hard time keeping up. He's a big hit with the kids, and he always makes us laugh.” 

Adams is married to Christian Adams, who grew up in Mt. Olive. They’ve lived in town as a family since August 2021 and have seven children: Analissa, 24; Mason, 11; Logan, 10; Lina, 8; Justin, 8; Elliana, 7; and Juliana, 4.  

They seem to enjoy the humor.  

“We thought it would be a fun way to add a little bit of personality to our home, and we're so glad we did,” says Adams who works as a general manager of a global software/tech company and coaches kids’ volleyball. 

“We think a skeleton is a great Halloween decoration because it's both spooky and funny,” she adds. “It's a great way to get into the Halloween spirit, and it always makes people laugh. We've received a lot of positive reactions from people about the skeleton. People often stop by our house to take pictures with it.” 

Neighbors and those who pass by can expect more decorations this fall and other initiatives at the Adams’ house.  

“We like to decorate our front lawn every Halloween,” she says. “We hope to soon set up children's art classes.” 

While some may think the skeleton can be cooky and creepy, especially when it’s not Halloween, if it gets people laughing, Skully is there to stay. 

“Humor is good for the soul because it helps us to relax and to see the lighter side of life,” says Adams. “It's also good for the bones because it makes us laugh, which helps to keep our bones strong.” 

Skully blew over a few days ago and got busted up, says Minerva but hope is not lost.  

“He’s going up even if it’s duct tape and rods this week,” she says. “I’ll be saving up to replace him while we keep him going if possible.”  

Feel free to follow Skully on Instagram @skullyadams or #skullyradams. “We will be working on his next outfit. Keep a look out.”   

By Cheryl Conway 

Mt. Olive High School Senior Catherine Kopas of Flanders was recently recognized by the Morris County School Board Association for her outstanding student contributions and involvement in the school district and community.  

She is one of 40 students throughout the Morris County school district selected to receive this year’s Unsung Hero Award. In its second year, the 2023 Unsung Heroes Student Recognition Ceremony was held Wednesday, March 29, at the County College of Morris in Randolph.  

At the event, Mt. Olive’s award-winning jazz ensemble under the direction of Darrell Hendricks performed and its Air Force Jr. ROTC color guard presented colors. Mt. Olives choir sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremony. 

The purpose for the inaugural program is to honor “the students who make your district a better place because they are a part of it,” as stated on the cover of the program.
“The Unsung Hero program is an unique honor that strives to identify students who typically are not recognized for traditional honors but who often have just as important an impact on our school community,” says Dr. Sumit Bangia, acting superintendent of Mt. Olive School District. “Catherine Kopas is the embodiment of an unsung hero. Catherine is an active member of the MOHS school community serving as a member of a variety of student organizations including Best Buddies and Key Club. She is also active in her Teen Ministry. 

“It is evident through her contributions to these important organizations that she is an active citizen who strives to improve her community through her actions,” says Bangia. “We are fortunate to have such a remarkable student as Catherine in our district. We are truly so proud of her and all her accomplishments.” 

Kopas was nominated by MOHS Counselor Mary Kellam and was accompanied by their parents and friends at the event. MOHS Vice Principal Susan Zawastetcky gave the introduction on why she was nominated.
In her nomination letter, Kellam writes that she has been Kopas’s school counselor for the past three years and described her as “respectful, kind, and responsible. Such characteristics are reflected in Catherine’s chosen extracurricular activities. Catherine has been able to manage her time well as she involved herself in our community while making her academics a priority.” 

She says Kopas began her high school career enrolled in all college preparatory classes, but soon challenged her schedule with honors level courses and most recently an Advanced Placement level course, earning impressive grades while engaging in several extracurricular activities. She has been an active member of Best Buddies, SAVE club and Key club, all of which have the theme of helping others. Kopas has also volunteered with the Teen Ministry at her church and engaged with senior citizens as part of one of their activities.  

“She seeks to help others and finds fulfillment in doing so,” writes Kellam, while also working a part-time job. She is also a member of the MOHS field hockey and lacrosse teams. “Catherine Kopas has been a positive addition to our school community.”

Inaugural Unsung Heroes Event Is Formed 

Two years ago, the Morris County School Boards Association established the Morris County Recognition and Awards Committee to research and recommend ways to acknowledge well deserving Morris County school students and Board of Education members, explains Bernadette Dalesandro, president of the Morris County School Boards Association and president of the Netcong Board of Education.  

The committee is made up of Morris County school board members “who believe that recognition of outstanding student contributions in their respective schools and communities will help drive strong student outcomes and support student achievement,” says Dalesandro. 

Last year the committee established the inaugural unsung heroes award to recognize a student from each Morris County School District who makes outstanding contributions to their schools and communities but who are often overlooked by traditional student recognition programs. 

“Students considered may have overcome difficult academic or personal challenges, modeled good citizenship or exhibits a spirit and quiet strength that has inspired others or a student who has achieved academic success despite disabilities, language barriers or other significant challenges,” says Dalesandro. 

Once the criteria was established by the committee, all 41 Morris County School Districts were invited to submit the name of a student to be recognized. All K-8 districts were asked to nominate one 8th grade student and the K -12 and 9-12 districts were asked to nominate one high school senior. 

Last year all nominees were recognized with a professionally made video that highlighted each student.  

“This year we are able to meet in person and congratulate all 40 of our winners,” says Dalesandro. “Also, through the hard work and dedication of all our committee members I am happy to report that this year at our May meeting at Hanover Park Regional the Morris County School Boards Association will be awarding just over $5,000 in monetary and tuition assistance awards. 

All students nominated attended the award ceremony at CCM and all nominees had their nominator present the narrative as to why they felt they were their district’s unsung hero. They were then presented with a certificate. 

All unsung heroes who plan to enroll at CCM will receive a $500 tuition assistance scholarship, she adds. Nominees will also be considered for monetary awards that will be presented after review of an impartial committee on May 4 at Hanover Park Regional High School. 

The sponsors for this year’s event included Solutions Architect, the law firm of AG&L and American mechanical HVAC.  

“Our sponsors have made available $5,000 to be awarded to our high school, senior nominees, and 8th graders who in the opinion of the committee exemplify an unsung hero,” says Dalesandro. 

While other counties do some sort of student recognition with seniors receiving an unsung hero award, Dalesandro says “Morris County is unique because we include our 8th grade districts who select a graduating 8th grader. We, Morris County, have put our own little spin on things. We are the only county that involves the county sheriff and has monetary sponsors for awards. 

“Our 8th grade unsung hero monetary award winners are sponsored by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon,” she adds. He reads and reviews all nominations and selects three students to be honored. The sheriff will come and present good citizenship plaques to those three students on May 4 and $500 monetary awards will be given. 

Congratulations to all Unsung Heroes!  

Bullwinkle had a home at some point. But when he was trapped by the Mt. Olive TNR Project, he'd been wandering Eagle Rock Village and the streets in a nearby development, scrounging for food and covered in scratches. He wanted to be back inside-- a tenant at Eagle Rock twice found him sleeping on her bed after he'd climbed in her open window, but he ran back out when he saw her. He's still scared, but after only a week inside, he's enjoying gentle head scratches and pets. Bullwinkle is about 6 years old, negative for FIV/FeLV, neutered, and up to date on shots. He's a gentle giant who really wants to be a housecat again, but MOTNR has no open foster homes. If you can foster him (or adopt) and you're experienced with cats, have a relatively quiet home, and are willing to go slow and keep him in a cage for the first week, please contact MOTNR at mtolivetnr@gmail.com or (973) 804-6273.  For fostering, MOTNR provides all supplies (including cage), food, vet care, and transportation. All you need to provide is space, time, and love.
 

How do young people learn about the extraordinary array of jobs they may someday pursue? Career Carnival for Kids has an exciting answer to that question: Offer career exploration events to introduce elementary and middle school students to professionals in a variety of fields such as health care, STEM, public safety, and more. 

Join in on Saturday, May 13, from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. at Rockaway Townsquare Mall for an engaging career discovery experience for kids ages 8-14. This exciting event is free and open to all. 

Career Carnivals are interactive and fun-filled opportunities for kids and families to meet Career Guides from Atlantic Health System Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Visions Federal Credit Union, Below Zero Degrees, F&S Digital, Weis, Langan, and others who will share hands-on activities, demos, games, and giveaways to “spark career curiosity." 

Learn about marketing with Alliance Promotional Products, tutoring and enrichment with Math Imagined,  engineering with American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Picatinny STEM, law and public safety with the Morris County Sheriff's Office, Rockaway Police Department, Rockaway Fire Department, and NJ Army National Guard, aviation and aerospace with NJ Aviation Education Council and Civil Air Patrol, and more. 

Be sure to register via Eventbrite for this free event to receive coupons and special offers from Rockaway Townsquare shops and restaurants. 

For more information, visit www.careercarnivalforkids.com;

careercarnivalforkids@gmail.com 

The Highlands Natural Pool in Ringwood opens to swimmers on opening day on Saturday, May 27. This unique spring-fed pool is surrounded by the beauty of Norvin Green State Forest. 

It was first opened over 80 years ago as part of the nation's first racially integrated camp (Camp Midvale). Some say Highlands Pool has healing properties but, at the very least, visitors will find themselves relaxed in the midst of nature. The pool is not treated with chemicals but the water is constantly refreshed by the stream that fills it.  

Just outside of the pool area, there is a Picnic Grove with a number of tables and charcoal grills. Adjacent to the pool and picnic grove on New Weis Center property is a beach sand volleyball court and ping pong tables. The pool snack stand offers a variety of hot and cold snacks, ice cream, and drinks. 

The pool offers free Wi-Fi! The Highlands Natural Pool is currently run by a non-profit group, the Community Association of the Highlands, which offers day passes as well as seasonal memberships. Being fed by a natural spring, the pool is not heated and the water temperature rarely rises above 65 degrees. The depth of the pool ranges from under 4' in the shallow section to over 10' at the deep end. It's the perfect place to cool down after a long hike in the surrounding area. Annual Memberships and Day Passes are available to all.
www.highlandsnaturalpool.org

First Presbyterian Church Of Hackettstown is planning a Clothing Drive on Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at its  church parking lot on Washington Street. It will accept shoes (please put in separate bags); hats; belts; purses; towels; bedding; curtains; tablecloths; stuff animals; strollers; bikes; toy (2 feet and smaller); and clothing. Please bring items in plastic garbage bags. sponsored by the Deacons of First Presbyterian Church of Hackettstown.  

Do you like cats and want to keep Mt. Olive no-kill? Learn how to trap cats for the Mt. Olive TNR Project! MOTNR needs new volunteers, and trapping is a big part of the work they do. They'll provide training (an online or in-person class plus accompanying experienced trappers) and all supplies. Volunteers must be over 18, have transportation, and be able to lift up to 20 pounds. The trapping needs are sporadic and timing is often flexible; there is no minimum time requirement and help isn't needed every week. If you're interested or have questions, contact MOTNR at mtolivetnr@gmail.com or 973-804-6273.  

Musconetcong Lodge #42 F & AM in Budd Lake has planned a a breakfast fundraiser for Sunday, May 21, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., to celebrate a belated Mother’s Day. 

Enjoy scrambled eggs, pancakes, Texas French toast, home fries, Belgian waffles with homemade strawberry sauce and whipped cream, bacon, sausage, Taylor ham pork roll, orange and apple juice, chocolate milk, coffee, tea. 

Cost is $10 per person; $9 seniors aged 62+; $5 children aged 4-10; under 4 eat free. 

Registration for Summer 2023 Performing Arts School programs is open. A variety of one and two-week sessions will be available with programs beginning June 26. 

Sessions are available for children between the ages of 7-18. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Registration can be done at www.MayoArts.Org. 

Classes include Broadway Kids for ages 7-10, with sessions July 10 - July 14; or  August 7 – 11,  9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost is $375 per session. 

Have fun while working on musical theatre skills including singing technique, movement, stage presence, acting and more! Students will work on their own mini musical which they will present on the MPAC stage on the final day of class! 

Musical Theatre Workshop for ages 10-15, with sessions July 10 – July 21 and July 24 - August 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost is $625 per session. 

Become a triple threat musical theatre performer in this exciting two-week workshop! Work on singing skills, song performance, acting, improvisation and stage presence! Students learn professional rehearsal techniques as they put their skills to use in an end of session main stage performance for family and friends! 

Teen Musical Theatre Conservatory, ages 14-18, July 24 - August 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $625. 

Come and experience a true summer stock rehearsal process while working with professional teachers and directors! Mornings will be spent in the conservatory training program and focus on vocal technique, song performance, acting skills, character development and much more! Afternoons will be spent rehearsing a Main Stage production to be presented on the final class. 

Young Actor’s Workshop, ages 9-12, July 17- July 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $375. 

Work on acting skills, character development and improvisation in a fun and creative atmosphere. Students will work on their own play which they will present on the MPAC stage on the final day of class. 

Teen Actor’s Workshop, ages 13-18, July 31 - August 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 

$625 

Don't miss this exciting workshop for teens!  Program will focus on advanced acting skills, character development and improvisation while rehearsing toward a final acting performance on our main stage! 

Miracle Project, ages 9 – 18, July 11-August 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 p.m.  – 4:30p.m. Cost for the 10 sessions: $175. The Miracle Project New Jersey is an evidence-based, groundbreaking program which helps children and young adults with autism and other special needs build communication and social skills, community, and greater self-esteem though music, acting, dance, acting and storytelling. This fun in person summer camp will involve peer mentors from our Performing Arts School program. Students will have a great time socializing, learning new skills and working toward a mini musical performance! 

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2022-2023 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals.  

Submitted by Diane Lang, positive living expert, life coach, speaker.   

Most of us spend our lives avoiding change and transitions. The truth comes out eventually that we cannot prevent change, and the more we try, the more stressed we become. 

One thing we must remember is that we have been changing since birth. We go from crawling to walking, from elementary to middle to high school. We transition into college and adulthood. In adulthood, we go through many changes. Change has been part of our lives forever, but we spend so much time avoiding it, worrying about it, and living in fear of it. Imagine if we never changed. We would never grow and develop. We would be stuck and lost. You would not be the person you are today.

In today’s world, change is forced upon us by a recession, changes in employment and school, gas and food prices going up, etc. These changes can be stressful and overwhelming. So, we try to stay right where we are. We think if we do not change, everything will be ok. We think we could trade in change for security/stability. It does not work that way. We have two options during a transition:

1.   Look at the change as an opportunity for growth. To learn, grow and be better. 

2.   Stay the same, do not make any changes but feel the discomfort of being stuck and stagnate. 

Here are 6 ways to avoid the vicious cycle of change.

1.   We must realize and accept change will happen. It is the only constant in the world, so embracing and accepting is the only way. Evaluate your life at this moment: What changes are going on for you? What changes can you make during the shift? When we truly accept a situation, we let go of the resistance. When we release the resistance, we reduce the stress. When we reduce stress, we can breathe again and see the situation with clarity. We can make decisions based on well-thought-out solutions instead of fear. Acceptance is a choice. Acceptance leads to action, which gives us back some of our control.

2.   Change is both a beginning and an end. You must see it as both. When something ends, a new beginning can start, which brings new possibilities and opportunities. 

3.   Perception- How you perceive change will help you through the process. Most of us fear change, that is completely normal, but do you let fear paralyze you? Some of us are so afraid of change, and we cling to our current situation even if it makes us miserable. Start changing how you perceive fear. One way to do this is to do something new every day. Something small: Try a new food or drink, a new type of exercise, learn something new, etc. When we step outside of our comfort zone by trying something new, we feel fear, but we do not let it stop us. 

4.   Examine the consequences – what would happen if you did not change? If, one year from now, everything is still the same, how would you feel? Could you take another year of everything being the same? 

5.   Make sure your goals are realistic. When goals are unrealistic, it can cause more fear which can lead to procrastination. When setting goals, ask yourself: Are they realistic? Is the time frame I set realistic? Are the goals sustainable? Do I have the right support system? What obstacles can I expect, plan, and prepare for?

6.   Teachable/learnable moments – all change brings growth, experience, lessons, and moments of enlightenment. When we survive and thrive through transitions, we build resiliency. What can I learn from this situation? What benefits will come from the change? What can I do differently next time I’m in the middle of a transition?

For more information visit: www.dlcounseling.com or email Diane Lang at DLCounseling2014@gmail.com.  

When I received the top prize of $50,000, from the Russ Berrie Foundation’s Making a Difference Awards, I gave it to the shelter and we purchased a new house. Right now we are faced with a dilemma, due to flooding and freezing pipes on one of our homes in Wanaque. Although, we have fought to rectify the situation, we may be forced to sell the house. We worked so diligently to get the homes that we have and have women with large families that we are helping, and would hate to lose any of these houses. The reason that we don’t have funding, is that we are the only shelter that accepts people without welfare vouchers, and currently that is the only way that the state assists shelters. Because of our role in advocating for the underdogs, it is a constant financial struggle.  We are in desperate need of $50,000 to help us repair this home, and continue to provide safe housing, and keep these women from returning to their batterers or living outside, or under a bridge.

Please help us to make the world for people to live in peace.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter. For over half a century I have maintained an open home to shelter battered women and children. As the founder/director of www.sosdv.org  I have reached out to Governor Phil Murphy, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, The New Jersey Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Center for Hope and Safety, 211 Hotline, Passaic County Social Services, and many others - seeking pathways to receive financial assistance to help others. We continue to volunteer our services often without funding. So many people say they would like to help, yet we continue to struggle and face many challenges, most of which we have been able to overcome and prevail. At present, Strengthen Our Sisters has seven houses, two licensed daycare centers, a thrift store and food pantry. Our dedicated volunteer staff works diligently around the clock to serve those in need, many of whom nobody else would take. 

We ask that you help to make the world a better place free from violence, poverty, and homelessness. Help us break the cycle, and keep families together.  

In the struggle for a just society, 

Sandra Ramos, founder/director Strengthen Our Sisters