AVM Friend Honored At Well Attended Remembrance Day

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By Cheryl Conway 

The Mt. Olive Trap-Neuter-Return program has been “furtunate” for the past 14 years with the number of cats it has saved, the feral cat colonies it has reduced and the number of volunteers who have helped along the way. 

But, the program is not “purrfect,” and is in need of more fosterers and volunteers to keep the program intact. 

“Even as our intake has gone down so much, we're having more difficulty finding foster homes for the tame cats we do get,” says Michelle Lerner, founder and co-coordinator of MOTNR since 2005. “Many of our fosterers have moved away; others adopted their foster cats and stopped fostering.” 

COVID and low intake of cats discouraged volunteers too.   

“Some people stopped fostering during the pandemic due to not wanting potential adopters entering their homes,” says Lerner. “Conversely, people who wanted to foster all the time, rather than sporadically, started fostering for other groups, because our fostering needs have become intermittent due to our low intake.” 

While it is good that there are less cats who need homes, it has affected involvement. 

“This means that when we do need a foster home, usually on a sudden and urgent basis, we often don't have one,” says Lerner. “Other groups were helping us out for a while, but they've had less capacity to do so lately.” 

History of MOTNR 

MOTNR has been in existence since 2009.  

“We came together as a group of residents to stop the large-scale killing of cats by the town,” explains Lerner. In 2008, Mt. Olive impounded 181 cats and euthanized 141 of them. 

“At the time, the animal control officer said it was mostly feral cats, many from the apartment complexes, so we lobbied for a Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance for feral cats, and once we got it passed, we set up a program to do TNR for feral cats: Trap them, get them neutered and vaccinated, and support them and their caregivers long-term by providing warm shelters, ongoing veterinary care and food when needed. 

“When we first started trapping, we got a lot of kittens and tame abandoned cats who could be adopted, so we set up a foster care network and adoption process for them,” she continues. “We also started taking impounded cats after their seven-day hold was up, and helping low-income residents get their own cats spayed and neutered. Eventually, in 2020, we got a no-kill ordinance passed protecting impounded dogs and cats from euthanasia in most cases.” 

Lerner is pleased with the results.   

“Due to the extensive trapping and spay/neuter we've done over the years, the numbers of cats on the street in Mt. Olive have dropped dramatically,” she says. “The feral cat colonies have largely gone extinct, with an average reduction of 89% and only about 20 TNR'd cats left in town, most of them elderly. 

“Impoundments have also been reduced by 91%; in 2022, the town impounded a total of 17 cats and kittens and did not euthanize any of them. We went from taking in well over 100 tame cats and kittens per year in the beginning to about 20 or fewer per year now. Last year we took in 13.” 

Since its inception, MOTNR has rescued more than 1,500 cats, reports Lerner.  

“Most of these were in Mt. Olive, but in the early years we also did quite a bit of work in Netcong as they got their own program up and running,” she says. “They had more cats and fewer volunteers, so we provided a lot of backup for a while. In more recent years, we've worked only with Mt. Olive cats.” 

While the cat population is currently stable, Lerner is trying to establish a solid base to keep operation running smoothly. 

“The cat situation in Mt. Olive is very much under control,” she explains. “We have a very low, humanely controlled population, and MOTNR tends to respond quickly to any new need. As our intake has gone down, we've just gotten a lot smaller as an organization, so have fewer volunteers. Since we don't always have a need for foster homes, fosterers who want to continuously foster have to work with other organizations as well, so become unavailable when we have a cat needing a placement. Our needs have changed due to the lower intake, so that we now need people willing and able to foster who are willing to only do so a few times per year, often on short notice. It's a very specific need.” 

Foster Homes & Volunteers Needed 

MOTNR currently has three cats in need of fostering, but the number changes. 

“We're aware that we can get a call about additional cats at any time, and since we're full, it's nerve-wracking not to know in advance that they'll have somewhere to go after we get them vetted,” says Lerner.
“The cats we need foster homes for are tame,” she adds. “Some are very friendly while others are skittish and need some time to adjust to being in a home again. Some are young, and some are elderly.”
Bullwinkle is one of those cats.  

“He's in a very temporary placement where he was able to decompress from living on the street and readjust to being a house cat,” describes Lerner. “He's a gentle giant and still skittish, so he needs a quiet foster home where he can start out in a separate room and be given time to adjust, but once he gets to know you, he's a cuddle bug.” 

The other two cats are tame young cats someone abandoned with a relative who can't keep them, she says.  

As far as volunteers, MOTNR currently has 16 helping with different things. 

“Some are only available sporadically. Only a few foster. Others trap, transport, do pre and post operative care, post flyers, manage websites, and do administrative work. 

“It would be great to have about five more volunteers,” says Lerner. 

“We'd be thrilled to welcome and train volunteers interested in trapping or transporting if people are interested in getting involved but do not have the capacity to foster. 

“Something else volunteers do is feed some of the remaining feral cats whose caregivers have died or become incapacitated,” she says. “This is a daily task, and we can always use help with it. But our primary need is fosterers willing to hold a cat every now and then. 

“What we need most is fosterers: People willing to take a tame cat into their home for a few days to a few months,” she stresses. “Our need is sporadic but when a cat needs help, we need a foster home within a few days. Fostering for MOTNR might mean having a cat for a few weeks at a time, a few times per year. Or it might mean holding an older cat or one with medical care for longer. Fosterers can decide how often they want to foster, and for how long, and the type of cat.” 

MOTNR helps with the rest. 

“MOTNR provides transportation, veterinary care, and, if needed, all food and supplies,” says Lerner. “We can provide everything. We remain responsible for the cat's permanent placement and work on it from the moment the cat goes into the foster home.”  

Donations are always welcome. 

“We are always in need of donated cat food (wet and dry), litter, and financial donations toward vet care,” she says. “Veterinary costs have gone up dramatically in the past year due to rising prices, and many of the cats we care for at this point, the feral ones and ones we have in foster care, are elderly and in need of more extensive vet care.” 

Lerner credits several organizations for their assistance over the years. 

“We've received significant help from a few partner organizations that have taken cats from us, including the Hopatcong Pound Project, Pet Adoption League, and Randolph Regional Animal Shelter,” she says. “We've also received prescription food donations from St. Huberts, BARKS, and Denville Animal Shelter. Our vet, Black River Veterinary Hospital in Chester, significant assistance, and Animal Care Center in Flanders and Landing also helps our cats when needed. Mt. Olive Township also helps with a fixed amount of reimbursement for certain expenses related to keep the cat population under control.” 

Requirements to Foster 

The fosterer must have a room or bathroom where a cat can be kept either for acclimation or for the entire foster period. Some cats can be integrated into a household after a short amount of time, while others need to be kept separate for longer, and time and love to give to a cat in need. 

“We do a vet reference check to make sure that the fosterer is a responsible caregiver,” says Lerner. “Certain cats have more specific needs; for instance, a very scared cat may need a home without children and a fosterer who is experienced working with scared cats. A cat with a medical problem may need a fosterer who can medicate. But in general, if someone has space and time, and is a responsible pet caregiver, that's all we need. And the amount of time needed really varies; a young, friendly, healthy cat may just need food and litter box cleaning and some attention and not take any more time than a person's own cat would.” 

For more information, contact Mt. Olive TNR Project at mtolivetnr@gmail.com or (973) 804-6273.  

“Fostering can be a really great experience,” concludes Lerner. “There's nothing quite like helping an animal in need get from sad or scared or unhealthy to happy, healthy, and living in a forever home.  Fosterers are an incredibly necessary part of this process. 

“We also do foster-to-adopt, where someone interested in adopting a particular cat can foster the cat temporarily to make sure the cat will fit into the household before committing to adoption.” 

Mt. Olive Public Library is filling up the summer calendar with some awesome programs.  

Join in at the Gathering Room on Monday, June 19, at 1 p.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for the movie “Marry Me,” the 2022 music/drama/comedy starring Jennifer Lopez as a betrayed pop star slated to marry her pop star fiancé on stage and instead marries a stranger in the audience. 

Planting Seeds of Kindness is set to be held in the  library’s Conference Room on Monday, July 10, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Get those hands dirty and plant seeds of kindness, aka sunflower seeds, in a colorful pot to take home and brighten the day.   

Essential Oils Talk & Take-away Craft in the Gathering Room on Wednesday, July 12,  from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. to discuss the benefits of including essential oils in daily life. Make a silver aromatherapy necklace to take home using Young Living’s “Oola Friends” and “Oola Family” blends.  

Movies at the Library in the Gathering Room, Monday, July 17,  at either 1 p.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. -7:30 pm. for the movie “Pay It Forward” about a young boy’s attempt to make the world a better place by creating a plan to “pay forward” favors. See how he sets in motion an unprecedented wave of human kindness which blossoms into a profound national phenomenon. 

Salsa Making & Healthy Eating Tips w/Weis Markets in the Gathering Room on Thursday, July 20, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Kimberly from Weis Markets will show  how to prepare Chipotle Black Bean Salsa and share nutrition information and healthy eating tips.  

Movies at the Library in the Gathering Room on Tuesday, August 1, at either 1 p.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for the movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers (aka TV’s Mr. Rogers) played by Tom Hanks and journalist Lloyd Vogel. 

The Mt. Olive Public Library presents All Together Now as its adult summer reading program theme. The program will run from July 1 – August 12. Those who register will have a chance to win prizes each time they submit a book / movie review. Review sheets can be picked up from the Reference Desk. The prize winners will be drawn at the end of summer reading. Pre-registration for summer reading starts June 23. The library will be hosting an opening day celebration on July 1 from 11 a.m. -2 p.m.. Along with programs throughout the summer, the library will also have puzzles, crafts, and contests for adults to enjoy! 

Kindness Bombing will be Monday, July 3 - Friday, July 7. Drop in between 7/3-7/7 to help "kind bomb" the library. Stop by the Reference Desk and write an encouraging note to hide in our books. 

Adult Painting is set for Thursday, July 13 at 6 p.m. in the Gathering Room. This is an instructor led program to paint a beach scene on canvas. Supplies are included. Registration required.  

Kindness Rocks is set for Tuesday, July 25 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the library’s front lawn. Join in for a fun-filled day of spreading kindness and positivity by painting and decoratinge rocks with uplifting messages, inspirational quotes, or simple acts of kindness. Registration is preferred but drop-ins are also welcome. Go to www.mopl.org to register. 

Friends Trivia is set for Tuesday, July 25, at 6:30 pm in the Gathering Room. Want to test a friend’s trivia knowledge? Come to trivia night! All of the questions will be from the TV show Friends. Registration required.  

Golden Girls Bingo is set for Monday, July 31, at 1:30 p.m. in the Gathering Room. Come play bingo with a twist! All of the bingo cards will feature the beloved TV show Golden Girls as the theme! Registration required.  

Adult Painting is set for Thursday, August 10, at 6 p.m. in the Gathering Room. This is an instructor led program to paint an underwater scene onto ball jars. Supplies are included. Registration required. 

Go to www.mopl.org to register.  

By Cheryl Conway

Individuals aged 55 and older who live in the surrounding area are invited to join a nearby resource center to enjoy a wide array of programs geared to improving health both mentally and physically. 

The Senior Resource Center of Chester is widening its doors to more members to participate in its growing program. Located in the Church of the Messiah on Route 24, the center is non-denominational and non-profit serving any member for free. 

For some this may be the next best kept secret. 

“Not too many people in Mt. Olive, Roxbury and surrounding areas even know about us,” says SRC Program Director Lisa Sibelman of Mt. Olive. “I've been trying to grow the membership at SRC by bringing new programs and events to the building, especially for younger seniors (55–70-year-olds).  Us baby boomers are getting older but we still are extremely young minded.”   

Sibelman has been directing the center since February, but it has been around for the past 23 years. 

SRC was founded in 2000 as a 501(c)3 community outreach ministry for the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, explains Sibelman.  In August of 2011, the SRC was reincorporated as a non-denominational community center serving people of all faiths. 

“Our services are open to all people regardless of economic, social or religious background,” says Sibelman. “There is no membership fee and there is no waiting list,” says Sibelman. “The Senior Resource Center is a not-for-profit organization relying on various grants and donations.  We ask our participants for a voluntary donation of $2 a class.” 

The center offers a wide array of programs for beginners as well as long-time participants in exercise.  

“These programs are all geared to improving everyday life, allowing our participants to grow older, healthier and “age in place,” she says. “Our monthly Lunch & Learn outreach programs offer presentations on many topics of the day that affect our seniors and/or their caregivers. Many of these programs are presented by local health professionals and service providers.” 

Participants reside in areas such as Chester, Long Valley, Mt. Olive, Hackettstown and surrounding towns.   

“We serve over 300 participants a week and are growing every month,” says Sibelman. “We have a walking group of 100 and visit a different location every Friday. We use many of the rooms of the church and at any time we could accommodate over 100 people. 

“We have recurring weekly exercise programs Mondays through Thursdays,” she explains. “Twice a month we offer lectures and presentations on a variety of topics related to issues of aging and the caregiving of the aging. Speakers include medical professionals and service providers in the local area.  We also have special monthly workshops such as Jewelry with Julia, Basic First Aid with the Chester First Aid Squad, Nutrition Workshops, etc.  We also just formed the SRC String Band made up of musicians who are seniors, many close to 80 years old!  They will be performing for the community in the future.” 

While most towns do have their own senior centers, some decide not to join or there is a waiting list. The SRC welcomes all and provides seniors to get to know other people outside or their local towns.   

“The members of the Senior Resource Center are made up of a vibrant, active group of people who are eager to learn and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Sibelman. “The Senior Resource Center is a warm and welcoming place where seniors will make new friends while getting and staying active and healthy.  SRC is also a place of continuous learning. 

During the winter holidays, the SRC holds an annual community-wide celebration called the Festival of Trees featuring decorated holiday trees in a rustic winter wonderland setting at the Barn at Highlands Ridge Park in Chester.  

“The trees are individually decorated by families, businesses and civic organizations and are enjoyed by hundreds of people every year,” she adds. 

To get involved, call Sibelman at 908-879-2202 or just come to the center and take a class. Visit www.srcnj.org or email programdirector@srcnj.org. 

Project Self-Sufficiency received a grant from the Acme Foundation’s 

Nourishing Neighbors Program. The funds will be used to help ensure that every child has access to a healthy breakfast. Project Self-Sufficiency offers free food and limited personal care products to Sussex and Warren County residents through The Food Project, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Patrons need not be agency participants.  

“We’re excited to partner with the Acme Foundation to help our community’s children start their days with a nutritious breakfast,” said Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Together with the Acme Foundation, we’ll continue to tackle the ongoing food insecurity issues in our community.” 

Project Self-Sufficiency relies on community donations and grants from local businesses like the Acme Foundation to supply free food to children and families.  The agency has distributed approximately 87,500 meals during the past year. 

“We’re pleased to partner with Project Self-Sufficiency to address hunger issues in our community,” said Dana Ward, Acme Markets. “Nourishing Neighbors, together with partners like Project Self-Sufficiency, is making our neighborhoods better for our most vulnerable community members.” 

Nourishing Neighbors is a charitable program of the Acme Foundation. The program aims to eradicate hunger in America by keeping food banks stocked and supporting meal distribution programs at schools. In 2022, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $200 million in food and financial support, including more than $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat. 

Project Self-Sufficiency is welcoming monetary donations to purchase food, as well as the donation of non-perishable items such as canned soups and stews; canned fruits and vegetables; fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables; frozen meals; coffee; tuna; pastas and sauces; peanut butter and jelly; toothpaste; shampoos and conditioners; hair care products; skin care products; laundry detergents; diapers and baby wipes; toilet tissue; facial tissue; and feminine hygiene products.  Monetary and food donations will be gratefully accepted at the agency Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Monetary donations can also be made at www.projectselfsufficiency.org. 

Those who are interested in accessing The Food Project: Nourishing Our Neighbors at Project Self-Sufficiency are invited to visit the campus, 127 Mill Street, Newton or call the agency, 973-940-3500. 

Musconetcong Lodge #42 F & AM,  Budd Lake, has planned an  All you can eat breakfast on Father’s Day Sunday,  June 18. Proceeds to help defray the lodge building overhead.  

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

Cost is $10 per person; $9 seniors (62 & up);  $5 children (ages 4-10); under 4 are free. 

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

We spend so much time focusing on the negative; isn't it time we start to pay attention to the good in our lives?

Every  night ask yourself: What went right today? What did I do well today?

You can ask this question and base it on your whole day, or you can divide it     up and ask:

What went right at work today?

What went right with my family? Friends?

What went right with school?

You can base the question on any or every area of your life.

In our day, we might have 10% go wrong, and 90% of our day was excellent, but at the end of the day, what do we focus on? The 10% that went wrong. The  question above will help you to notice the 90%. That starts the process of  re-training your brain and how you see things. Remember, your brain is  trainable.

We  need to switch our view and spend it looking at the positive, the little     accomplishments that make us feel good. We naturally look at the negative.  Look at your morning news program, and you have to watch the show for a few hours before any good news is discussed.

By   focusing on the positive, you start raising your self-worth and seeing     yourself as valuable. When we focus on the good, we start appreciating     ourselves and our life. This helps us to view life from a positive     perspective.

What went well in your life today?

Looking to be more mindful in 2023? Want to cultivate more   happiness in 2023? My Book gives you the tools to live your best life.

The E-book is $5.

Please email Diane at diane@dianelang.org for   details or to order.

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