Welcome readers to the 103rd issue of Mt. Olive Online!

By Cheryl Conway 

A 2010 alum of Mt. Olive High School has recently self-published a children’s book and local readers may be amused and quick to recognize that some names in the book are too close to home.

Erin Farley, 32, of Hoboken is the author of “The Pizza Dog,” a 37-page children’s book about a golden retriever who dreams about becoming a pizza chef. The book was published in April 2024 and is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and select bookstores.  

Raised in Mt. Olive, Farley resided in Flanders Crossing from 1995-2018 and attended the Mt. Olive School District. She played varsity soccer, varsity lacrosse and was involved in student council.

“My father, Jim, was a very active member in the Mt. Olive community, especially with his commitment to the Mount Olive Soccer Club,” shares Farley. “My two sisters, Dana and Catherine also grew up in Mt. Olive.”

During her collegiate years she completed one year at Fairfield University in Connecticut before transferring to Rutgers in New Brunswick, graduating with a double major in English and political science in May 2014.

After college graduation from Rutgers, she began her career in production at Fox, eventually transferring within the company to the television advertising sales team.

After seven years of working in NYC, she returned to school to pursue a law degree at Rutgers Law School in Newark. She was on target to graduate this May 24. At the same, she works as a plaintiff’s personal injury and medical malpractice firm, Glugeth & Pierguidi, in Hoboken, where she intends to begin her career as an attorney.

In between the lines of her career, however, has been her passion for writing.  

“I have loved writing since the very moment I could form cohesive sentences,” says Farley. “I always excelled in language arts and English courses (not so much science!) While I have written many academic papers, but this is my first published book.”

“The Pizza Dog” is about Zeppole, a golden retriever, who dreams of becoming a pizza chef like the town’s miniature Italian greyhounds, Giuseppe, Enzo and Valentino.“Zeppole doesn’t think he has what it takes to make pizza like them because he thinks he is too big and too clumsy,” explains Farley. “One day, he confides in a trusted friend who gives him the courage to try something new.”It’s nice to write a book where “everyone knows each other’s names.

"Many characters in the book are inspired by real-life pups,” says Farley. “Zeppole is my current companion, Seamus is my family dog, and Teddy is my family dog that crossed the rainbow bridge in 2018. Many other dogs in the background are friends and family dogs, including Mt. Olive graduates.

“You may recognize the names Valentino and Enzo as Mt. Olive pizzerias!” she adds.  

While many may get a kick out of “the Pizza Dog,” Farley recommends the best age of readers for 3-years and older. Readers can learn life lessons about “overcoming self-doubt, confiding in a trusted friend, gaining courage and trying something new,” shares Farley.

The main character of Farley’s book, Zeppole, is her 2-year-old golden retriever. What a character he is as “He made headlines (literally) when he jumped over our fence at the Jersey shore and into our neighbor’s pool (luckily, we are very close with our neighbors, and they found it adorable),” she says. “The video was viewed over 40.5 million times on TikTok and was featured on media outlets like People, Yahoo!, Fox News, The Dodo, and many more. Zeppole especially loves swimming, the local fire department (who give him lots of treats), and most definitely, food. He is a little scared of animatronics and Santa, unfortunately.”

While “The Pizza Dog,” is her first and only book to date, Farley had been enjoying the experience.

“Being able to express my thoughts through words,” has been inspiring, she says. “Turning an idea in your head into a tangible product like this children’s book.”

Farley offers some sound advice to future authors: “Do not be afraid to try,” says Farley. “If you ever felt a jolt of envy or the “I wish I could do that,” there’s nothing stopping you but yourself. In this modern era, there are many avenues available for creative minds, like self-publishing a book or creating content on social media. Don’t be afraid to try something.”

Farley hopes to line up some book signings in the future, once she passes the bar exam, she shares. In the meantime, the book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and select bookstores.“You can help get the book in more stores by contacting your local bookstore and asking for the book (this creates a demand),” suggests Farley.

“I would love it if we could encourage purchasers to write a review,” she adds. “Also, if they are willing, to send a photo with the book and their child(ren) or animal to be featured on our social media accounts @thegoldenzeppole and www.thegoldenzeppole.com“

By Cheryl Conway 

The Mt. Olive Public Library in Flanders is showcasing the unique paintings of the library director’s late uncle- an esteemed artist and beloved member of the Italian-American community.

MOPL Library Director Mauro Magarelli had been planning to feature the display since his uncle Salvatore ‘Sal’ Scardigno moved closer to him just this past year. His unexpected passing has turned into a touching tribute and celebration of his uncle’s work.

“Earlier this year, he and my aunt Anna moved from Wallington to Sparta to be closer to family,” explains Magarelli. “It was at this point when I got the idea to showcase his work at the library since he now lived much closer to the library. My goal was to share my uncle’s perspective (through his art) of being a proud Italian immigrant who made a great life for himself here in the United States. Unfortunately, he passed away in early June 2024.  I take solace in knowing that he knew the exhibit was going to happen and he was excited about it.”

The exhibit, titled “My Molfetta, An Artist’s Passion for Home,” is currently on display at the library and will run through mid-July. A special gathering of friends and family is set to be held on Monday, July 8 at 6 pm to celebrate Scardigno’s life and work.

“The paintings are snapshots from Sal’s life and when viewed all together, they literally tell his story,” explains Magarelli. “Most of the paintings are set in Molfetta, an Adriatic seaport located at the heel of Italy’s boat, where Sal was born and raised.  

The nature of Molfetta, its buildings, people and iconography are all seen in the paintings. Then, juxtaposed within that imagery are aspects of Sal’s life. His role as father, grandfather, engineer and overall admirer of his family and culture.”

Scardigno was the third of five children born to a poor rope maker, shares his son Nicolo Scardigno. In the 1950s, his family left Molfetta, Italy to find the American dream in Hoboken. He worked days at a coat factory while attending night school to earn his high school diploma. Eventually accepted to the Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT), he ultimately became a nuclear engineer.

Outside of his professional career, Scardigno also founded several societies and social clubs to promote and preserve his Italian culture with his fellow immigrants in Hoboken.

“He was so successfully promoting his Italian roots, he earned several awards and accolades, including the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic,” shares his son. “This title of knighthood is the highest award given to any civilian in Italy. His achievements gave all those that knew him hope that they could also one day live the American dream. If a son of a poor rope maker could do it, so could they.”

After retiring in 2012, Scardigno spent some of his free time painting and writing books, adds Magarelli.

“He was very prolific, he wrote four books and painted more than 40 works,” he says.   

Working mostly with acrylic on board, Scardigno’s style blends primitive and modern elements.

“His paintings burst with an array of vibrant, almost surreal colors that stand in stark contrast to the actual white limestone that characterizes the architecture of Molfetta,” as noted on the art gallery flyer. “This choice of color is not a reflection of reality, but rather an echo of Sal's rich and imaginative recollections of his childhood – a time when the world was much more vivid and full of life.

“Each piece is a journey through time and memory, capturing the essence of Molfetta as seen through the eyes of a young boy with a boundless imagination.”

His son expresses how much the exhibit meant to his father, especially during his final months.

"He knew about the exposition at the library and was very excited at the idea of people outside the family getting to see his art,” says Nicolo Scardigno. “He even delighted at the idea that someone might be interested in buying some of it and that he would want the money to be donated to a children’s cause.  For a man who once had every hour of his day filled with social, political, and business affairs, Sal didn’t do much during his last few months. But he was very involved and moved by the idea of exhibiting. I’m excited to be a part and be able to fulfill the last endeavor of a very busy accomplished man."

The library exhibit stands as a tribute to Scardigno’s legacy, celebrating his contributions to art and the Italian-American community, and ensuring his story continues to inspire future generations.

The exhibit is free and all inquiries about purchasing the artwork will be directed to the family.

By Cheryl Conway 

When it comes to softball, this local teenager is hitting the scene as a top player. An opportunity has been thrown her way and she is catching it!

Grace Varua, 14, of Flanders, has been invited to play in the NL Cup set for Jan. 15-22, 2025, in Schiedam, Netherlands. The recent 8th grade graduate of Mt. Olive Middle School is a catcher and also plays third base for Stars National 14U VOAK & Malgradi based out of Charleston, S.C.

Playing softball since she was 7 years old, Varua has turned into one exceptional player and has some home hitting plans to continue playing the sport she enjoys.

“I love playing softball because it gives myself an opportunity to challenge myself,” she says. “I love being on the field with the other players and doing my part as a catcher to help my teammates.  Ever since I started softball, I loved competing.

“I also love what the sport of softball can teach you,” she adds. “It teaches you a lot of life lessons like working hard, being respectful, loving, consistency, respect.  My dream is to make the Olympic Team in 2028. I always want to give back some way, somehow.  If I have the opportunity to go far in softball, I promise to figure out how to give back to society.  God has given me so much. My job is to serve, help and love others."

Every year Extra Inning Softball.com announces some of the best players around the country in specific age groups.  In 2023 Grace was announced as being the 18th ranked overall player in the country for her age group and ranked eighth in the country for catching, according to her father Bobby Varua.

“Grace has an incredible arm for her age,” he says. “She has been complimented by other coaches as having one of the strongest arms for her age.  She has also been complimented by being an incredible defensive catcher in her ability to block and frame balls. Grace hits for power and for average.  But her greatest attribute is her work ethic.  She has the work ethic that can be compared to a Division 1 softball player.  It’s unreal.”

Her talent and skill was identified by the NL Cup which has led her to compete in the upcoming cup.

“The NL CUP's Director Kirt Whiteside conducts a very detailed selection process to which they will review footage of a player,” explains Bobby Varua. “They will reach out to the coaches to understand the character of the player.  They will do research on their stats, their achievements throughout their career.

“Finally, Kirt Whiteside conducted an interview with Grace and us as her parents to observe her interview skills, the way she handles herself, how she answers certain questions,” he continued.  

“The selection is incredible due to the fact that it’s just not about softball, but selecting players that can show their work ethic in their body language, verbiage skills and values that will properly, respectfully, and professionally represent The United States of America in the best possible way.”

She can expect fans in the stands as “her proud grandmother of 90 years old” and father will accompany her.

With that comes the expense of $4,250 to attend.

The Varuas have connected with various fundraisers to help support their trip. As of early June, they had raised $1,100.

While they fundraise for their trip, they are simultaneously helping the community.

“We have several fundraisers being conducted and will continue to add on additional fundraisers to help Grace,” says her dad. “Our goal is to not only help Grace, but to utilize Grace's journey and fundraising as a way to give back!

"You give, we give," is one of their campaigns. “We are partnering with St. Jude's Hospital.  Whatever anyone donates to Grace, we will give back 25% of your donation to St. Jude's.”

To donate, individuals can Venmo to:  @Jennifer-Quinn-Varua and mention "You give, we give."

Two fundraisers they conducted recently ended but will return in the fall. That was with Sweet Sisters, a local cupcake company in Mt. Olive in which part of the proceeds of buying cupcakes go to Grace; and through Thirty One, an online shopping platform for clothes and  accessories.

They are planning a charity event at St. Lawrence Church in Chester called St. Lawrence Cares.

“Proceeds will be helping those in need, local parish members (or anyone for that matter) that needs financial assistance to buy food, pay for rent, buy clothing,” says Bobby Varua.

To make a direct donation, Venmo account @Jennifer-Quinn-Varua and mention "St. Lawrence Cares.”

This is not the Varua family’s first time up at bat giving back.  

“Our family has dedicated our time and efforts, whether it is helping with the Mt. Olive Food Pantry, Mt. Olive clothing drives to help the homeless,” says Bobby Varua. “We are always looking and working hard to give back to our community to which we love so much and super proud to be a part of.”

At the same time, Mt. Olive should be proud to have one of its young athletes compete at the top of her game.

“This tournament will be represented by some of the best players in the world representing 16 countries to include Denmark, Italy, France Germany, The United States,” says Bobby Varua.  “It is always an incredible honor to represent your country.  As Mt. Olive Community members for 11 years now, we are super proud to represent the community of this amazing town.”

For Grace Varua, playing at this level will put her on the map internationally as a promising athlete.  

The Netherlands National Team are the defending champions of the 2024 NL CUP, shares Bobby Varua.

“Winning this most prestigious cup gives the player the opportunity to be exposed to hopefully help and assist the players to officially represent their country in the Olympics,” he says.  “Grace's goals are to play Division 1 softball; and again, be a member of the 2028 Olympics.  Being selected and participating is one level of exposure to help Grace.  Coming home with The National Title will help Grace reach her dreams.”

While her spotlight brightens, Grace’s greatest fans are her parents.

“Jennifer and I were super excited for Grace,” says Bobby Varua.  “She's an incredible hard worker and such an amazing example of leadership and dedication.  As parents, we want nothing for the best for our children.  This experience will not only help Grace in her dreams to become an Olympic member but will also shape Grace culturally.  The opportunity for Grace to communicate with other players from different countries is such an amazing experience.  We could not be any prouder or happier for her.”

This is yet another blessing the Varuas can add to their list. 

“God has blessed our family in so many ways,” concludes Bobby Varua. “Whether it was through hard times or good times, we always want to work hard to give back and serve others.  We are so thankful that God has given Grace this opportunity.”

It's shorts weather! Slim down with the classes offered at Mt. Olive Exercise, a female only group and our classes are low impact. The routines are easy to follow. Come and try a few classes!

Classes are currently being held at New Beginnings Bible Church, 104 Bartley Flanders Road in Flanders.

For those who have never taken a class at this new location, come try two classes in one week for only $10. The normal price is $10 a class. 

Mt. Olive Exercise also offers package pricing so ladies can sign up for just 4 classes a month, 6 classes a month, 8 classes a month or unlimited classes (which is usually 26 or 27 classes a month).

For more information on these pricing options or classes, email program founder Laura Hars at lmhars@gmail.com or call/text her at 973-903-0453.

Monday 6PM - 7:00PM.- Zumba (Deanna)- a total dance/cardio workout to hip-hop or Latin music. Join the party and dance those pounds off.

Tuesday 6PM - 7:00PM (Lisa) Step & Strike” – 25 minutes of Step, 20 minutes of cardio kickboxing and abs at the end.

Wednesday 6PM - 7:00PM - (Cheryl)  “Cardio Blast” - It is all in this class. Intensity, strength training and even a little kickboxing focused on the “core”. Weights, dyna bands, steps and the physio ball are used.

Thursday 6PM - 7PM - – “Buts and Guts” (Julia) -NEW CLASS- This class is designed to tone up the whole body, with separate sets of exercises designed to target the lower body, upper body, and tummy and core area. First 35 minutes of cardio followed by 20 minutes of floor work for legs & abs. Five minutes of stretching at the end to cool down.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. - (Laura) -10/10/10/10”- an interval cardio class alternating different cardio activities every 10 minutes. Intervals of kickbox, medicine ball aerobics, step and strength training with dyna bands are included.

Sunday 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. - “Step & Sculpt” (Lisa) - toning segments added to a step class for all levels alternating using low level weights.  Some aerobics with a ball, weights and band may be added.

Come try this slim trimming, muscle building, heart beating and inspiring program today! Hope to see you exercising on the floor when you come through the door at New Beginnings Bible Church!

Budd Lake will be seeing even cleaner waters after the state has approved funding for the Mt. Olive Township Stormwater Management project.

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) recently presented a $600,000 ceremonial check for the Mount Olive Township Stormwater Management project secured by the FY2024 Community Project Funding process. This funding will be used for upgrading the Mount Olive Township Stormwater Management.   

The project will include construction and installation of water pollution prevention and abatement features that will enhance stormwater runoff from transportation facilities that discharge to the lake. 

Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko dives into some background for this project.

“This Community Funding Project grant was applied for in 2023,” he explains. “The project includes the installation of improved storm drain inlets (18) along municipal roadways in addition to the installation of stormwater Manufactured Treatment Devices (3) along Route 46 which are considered “green infrastructure”.

“The goal is to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the stormwater system,” says Tatarenko.  “The township will include the funding in the 2025 capital budget and we will start the process to engineer the work.  I anticipate the improvements to be completed by 2026.” 

Kean says, “New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation. The construction and installation of water pollution prevention and abatement features will enhance stormwater runoff from transportation facilities that discharge to the lake. Management and maintenance like this are necessary for the well-being of Mt. Olive residents and all New Jerseyans who depend on Budd Lake for drinking water, and for a fun place to cool off during the summer months. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have and will continue to prioritize storm water management and improving water quality for all New Jerseyans.” 

Photo by Robert Ruggiero

Thankful for these funds, Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Joe Nicastro says “I want to thank Congressman Kean for his support in securing a $600,000 grant for stormwater management. This grant will help prevent water pollution in Budd Lake, the headwater of the South Branch Raritan River and the largest glacial lake in New Jersey. Congressman Kean's commitment to our environment is evident, and this grant will greatly benefit the residents in many ways.” 

Also appreciative, Assemblyman Michael Inganamort  says "I want to thank Congressman Tom Kean for championing our community's vital needs. Budd Lake offers abundant recreation opportunities and generates significant economic activity, making its water quality critically important to Mt. Olive and beyond. We will continue working with Congressman Kean, Mayor Nicastro, and others to safeguard this invaluable environmental resource." 

Commissioner John Krickus adds,  “I want to thank Congressman Kean for this important funding. Morris County is a leader in open space preservation with nearly 18,000 acres protected, providing significant benefits for aquifers, streams, lakes and rivers we all depend upon.”

Mara Tippett, executive director of the Raritan Headwaters Association adds, "We thank Congressman Kean for his commitment to protecting our precious water resources.  Mt. Olive now has the necessary funding to implement the Budd Lake Restoration Plan and address stormwater runoff at its source. This will ensure Budd Lake and the South Branch Raritan River remain healthy and vibrant resources for generations. The positive impact will ripple throughout the entire Raritan River watershed, from the headwaters to the bay." 

This funding for the Budd Lake project is one of 13 projects in the state approved by Kean, who has secured $24 million in Community Project Funding for the fiscal year 2024. 

Thank you volunteer trail stewards for your continued hard work.

An award ceremony for the trail stewards was held on May 14 during the Mt. Olive Township Council meeting. The event was to formally recognize the volunteers who maintain the trails throughout Mt. Olive.

The Mt. Olive Open Space Committee was also building and placing trail puncheons on the Budd Lake Vista trail on Saturday, June 15, according to Bob Delpizzo, MO Open Space Committee Chair. These puncheons were engraved with the various sponsor's names who donated to pay for the lumber.

The Mt. Olive Township Council presented the Mt. Olive trail stewards, volunteers who take care of hiking trails on open space owned by the township, with certificates of appreciation. 

Stewards recognized include, from left,  David Alexander, the Sica family, Maureen & David Lamm, Mayor Joe Nicastro, Dan Penczak, Jeffrey Wells, Irene Sergonis, Laura Szwak and Robert Delpizzo.   Trail stewards not in the picture include Jon Medallis, Boy Scout Troop 249 led by Kien Huynh, Ryan Murphy, and Tim Clark & family.

A trail steward walks a section of trail at least three times a year from spring through fall.  They clip encroaching vegetation, cut branches, replace markers and generally make sure the trail is open and inviting for trail users.  Some stewards place rocks across streams to make them easier to traverse; some clear areas for parking; others build puncheons or boards that lay over wet areas; one team installed a kiosk for the Silver Springs trail.  

The Trail Steward Program is overseen by volunteers serving on Mt Olive’s Open Space Committee.  The township has preserved more than 2000 acres of open space over the past 30 years, since voters approved the Township’s Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust.  The Open Space Committee wants to encourage residents to explore these places by developing trails. 

Mt. Olive’s trails are beautiful, and the trail stewards help keep them safe.  Hikers follow along farm fields on the Silver Springs Trail, view Budd Lake from the Budd Lake Vista Trail, visit a heron rookery from the white trail starting on Goldmine Road, walk along Turkey Brook until it empties into Maier’s Pond.  To find the trails, use the interactive map found this link or google “Mt. Olive trails interactive map”: https://natureintoaction.com/2021/03/10/mount-olive-trails-interactive-map/

“If you see a steward on the trail, identified by a green hat with a hiker logo, say thank you for keeping Mt. Olive trails safe and easy to navigate!” says Delpizzo. For more information about the trails or the program, send an email to mtotrails@gmail.com.

Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown is excited to announce its 2024 Summer free concert and movie lineup. Events will take place outdoors at Vail Mansion Plaza and Pioneer Park by 1776 on the Green. Summer movies will be held at MPAC. This year’s outdoor events will feature music ranging from salsa to hip-hop to Bollywood. ADP sponsors the Summer Arts in the Community concert series.

Bollywood Dance Bash with DJ Arjun

Wednesday, July 10 at 6 p.m.

Location: Pioneer Park.

Born in Mumbai, Arjun is known for his Bollywood and Top 40 dance music mix, infusing his events with energy and enthusiasm that captivates Joshua Van Ness the dance floor! Featuring Indian dance instruction from B2Z Dance School and henna tattoo artist Mehndikalogie.

Salsa at Sunset with DJ KD

Wednesday, July 24 at 6 p.m.

Location: Pioneer Park.

MPAC’s popular salsa dancing event returns featuring DJ KD providing the spirited sounds of salsa, merengue and more. Dance instruction from Daniel Herrera and Dreams Dance Studio.

Summer Soulful Dance Party with DJ Frank D

Wednesday, August 7 at 6 p.m.

Location: Pioneer Park.

Morristown’s own Frank D expertly mixes, blends and spins every genre of music.

You won’t want to miss him!

Photobooth available!

Jake Wildhorn

Wednesday, August 21 at 6 p.m.

Location: Vail Mansion Plaza.

Singer-Songwriter Wildhorn is a skilled writer, producer and performer, showcasing the talents he’s inherited from his mother, well-known Broadway singer, Linda Eder and his father, composer Frank Wildhorn. His music is a mix of alternative blues rock and acoustic rock inspired by both modern and classic artists such as Don Henley, Rob Thomas, John Mayer and Ed Sheeran.

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.

Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn is showcasing the work of six County College of Morris (CCM) Visual Art students in her Chester office. The exhibit, of landscapes in pastels, was created in conjunction with Professor Todd L. W. Doney’s class, in the department of Art & Humanities, as students were asked to explore and portray the beauty of Morris County.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain experience at exhibiting their work,” said Doney. “It’s also a wonderful chance for the community to view the high-quality work produced by CCM students and perhaps purchase a painting of a local setting if they wish.”

The exhibition features the work of the following student artists: Jophiel Gonzales, Jr., of Kearny; Katherine Hernandez, of Dover; Jay Mezzina, of Flanders; Belen Roldan, of Boonton; Riley Ryder, of Rockaway and Teja Young, of Hamburg.

“Special thanks to Assemblywoman Dunn for giving us this opportunity,” said Doney.

This is the seventh exhibit Dunn is supporting and displaying in her office as she continues the CCM tradition established in 2013 with Senator Anthony M. Bucco.

The exhibition will run through October at Dunn’s office, 191 Main Street, Suite D, Chester. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.