Mt. Olive Online Publication March 21, 2023

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AVM Leader Lauds MO Cadets For Impressive Volunteerism 

By Cheryl Conway

As groups and organizations are gearing up with the new school year just begun, members of the Mt. Olive High School Air Force JROTC program are getting ready to participate in the fifth annual National POW/MIA Recognition Day 24 Hour Vigil. 

During the 24-hour vigil, set for Friday, Sept. 17 thru Saturday, Sept. 18 at the All Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake, cadets from the MOHS AFJROTC plan to hike 14 miles to commemorate the Bataan Death March.  Cadets who complete the march receive a ribbon, as well as community service hours for taking their time to commemorate the sacrifice of America’s prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. 

Marching during the POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil is just one of several events the group participates in during the school year. The cadets’ actions and efforts do not go unrecognized. 

Charlie Uhrmann, founder of the All Veterans Memorial, praised the MOHS AFJROTC at a Mt. Olive School Board of Education meeting this past year and presented the cadets with a beautiful, custom frame certificate and challenge coin. 

“The leadership in the Mt. Olive High School Jr. ROTC is second to none,” says Uhrmann during the May 24 BOE meeting. “They are more than willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. 

“They are professional at all times,” she says. “They are beyond impressive.” 

Uhrmann, the creator of the memorial for the past 17 years, spoke about how the AVM has been a volunteer endeavor. She has been grateful to the many individuals who have helped along the way whether it’s been through building the elements or participating at the events. 

“One of the things we always thought was important was to get the schools involved,” she tells the school leaders at the BOE meeting. Her dream was to get the community involved, “to build and fund 100 percent with private donations.” 

She says to BOE members, “You made such an amazing decision to go forth and recruit the Junior ROTC program. It’s absolutely outstanding. A lot of times, community comes in, they love seeing our schools involved.” 

Uhrmann mentions the JROTC’s participation during the AVM Memorial Day event and the National 24-Hour Vigil to remember POW/MIA soldiers. 

“They show well, they are impressive,” she says of the cadets. Having an example of a hero, “true heroes that are going to make a difference, young adults to look up to,” has been a positive result for these cadets. “Sometimes they get it at home, sometimes they don’t.” 

These cadets come to the AVM to volunteer whether it is “throwing dirt, moving rocks, scrubbing the complex in preparation for Memorial Day. They want to please their leaders. They want to do this. They have this desire.” 

Says Uhrmann: “I cannot thank you [enough] on behalf of a grateful organization, on behalf of a mother. They [JROTC] are second to none. Kudos to you guys for picking the best of the best. I see the camaraderie, the respect, the hard work. This is the face of Mt. Olive. This is our community’s Airforce ROTC. We do have the best organization our money can buy.”  

She concludes, “I cannot be more excited and more trusting. I would not trust anybody more than this organization if anything would happen to me.”   

MOHS AFJROTC 

Leaders from the group presented its progress during the May 24 Mt. Olive School Board meeting before being recognized by Uhrmann. 

Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki introduced the Mt. Olive AFJROTC as “one of the jewels in the crown at Mt. Olive High School.” 

Several students stood up and spoke about the group. In its fifth year at MOHS, the AFJROTC has set some of its goals including academics, service hours and participation rate. 

Students should have at least a 3.1 grade point average to participate.  

The group has set an 84 percent retention rate of its members for this year. Last year it reached just 43 percent retention out of its goal of 50 percent, blaming the pandemic for its decline in membership. 

Its goals for recruitment and retention this school year is to attract 50 new cadets; it was losing 28 senior cadets this past school year.  

Another one of its goals is to achieve 700 community hours per year with five school-wide events planned. At the BOE meeting, the group announced it had reached 575 hours with three community events still planned. One of those events was to volunteer at an Adopt A Spot on Flanders Rd. 

Some of the cadets’ personal accomplishments in the previous year included one member who was picked out of 120K cadets to receive a Cyber scholarship; graduates who attended impressive schools such as a Flight Academy, West Point, and Virginia Tech to name a few. 

In its third year of existence, the MO’s Virtual Radar Team placed 17th out of 22 teams in the Virtual Radar Team National Competition. 

Its Cyber Team established a website containing important information for incoming cadets and their parents.    

Two new rockets were fabricated and designed along with two new rocketry teams established with launches and internal competitions. 

Last August, a cadet enrichment event was held to provide orientation to 27 new cadets so they could learn the fundamentals of the program. 

One highlight includes manning the cannon at MOHS Football games, says one of the student leaders. 

The MO AFJROTC also holds morale events so cadets can get to know each other better outside the classroom. Three were held per semester during the past school year that included: For the first semester, an outdoor movie “Top Gun,” on the MOHS softball field with popcorn and hot chocolate; a Halloween Scavenger Hunt in which cadets searched for Halloween clues around the school premises; and online fun events for holidays like watching “Home Alone.” For the second semester, cadets were invited to a Military Ball, a night of celebration for senior cadets; an Award Ceremony recognizing cadets who earned awards and medals; and a bowling event at Circle Lanes in Ledgewood in June. 

Run by cadets under retired CMSgt. Robert S. Bedell, its plans for this year include physical training, teaching and learning drills; formal unit inspection; Cadets In Action Field Trip; New York Duty Veterans Parade; Washington D.C. Trip… and of course marching in the National POW/MIA Recognition Day 24 Hour Vigil. 

The commemorative march honors the 60,000 - 80,000 American and Phillipino POWs who were forcibly marched 66 miles from Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan and Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in 1942.  Exact numbers are unknown, but approximately 18,000 POW deaths occurred over the five-day trek.  

By completing the 14 miles the cadets will earn the Bataan Death March Memorial Ribbon.  Although the 14-mile Bataan Death Memorial March is nothing compared to what those POWs endured, it is carried out every year in order to commemorate their sacrifice. 

National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies are held to ensure that America remembers its responsibility to stand behind those who serve the U.S. 

The cadets from MOHS will march around the loop at the AVM in their civilian clothes carrying the POW/MIA flag so others recognize the POW/MIA Recognition Day vigil. 

Around since the 1940’s, the JROTC was added as an elective course at MOHS about five years ago.                

“JROTC is an elective; they get five credits,” says Bedell during a former interview with “Mt. Olive Online.” 

“It is a class but it’s so much more,” he says. “The focus is “to develop citizens of character; young men and women ready to succeed in what they pursue.” While they are not obligated to enlist in the armed services, Bedell says 40 percent of the cadets are interested in pursuing the military. 

“Most enjoy the camaraderie and activities,” he says.

Welcome readers to the 72nd issue of Mt. Olive Online.

Experience + Positive Mindset Brings MO Woman Home As AD 

By Cheryl Conway

There has been a whole lot of shuffling, on an off the field, by cleat worn athletes in football and soccer….as well as administrators.

The Mt. Olive School District welcomes a new Director of Athletics to manage its sports programs- Colleen Suflay of Flanders, who started as the new AD in July, and no, that is not a typo--- For the first time in MOSD history a woman has been assigned to this post.

She has been hired to replace Mark Grillo who took over in January 2020. Grillo had replaced long-time former AD Dave Falleni who had been promoted to Mt. Olive High School vice principal. Grillo, meanwhile, has been moved over to work as the new principal at Tinc Road Elementary School.

Suflay, who has lived in town since 2015, takes pride in her leadership expertise and is confident that she will succeed in her new role.

“It’s not a gender role, it’s a leadership role,” Suflay explains about the athletic director’s responsibilities.

“As the Mt. Olive athletic director, I will use my knowledge, leadership, and strong interpersonal skills to facilitate an environment for meaningful and engaging experiences,” she says.  

Selected from a pool of more than two dozen applicants once the position opened in July, Suflay is pleased to have been selected.

She says she is “thrilled, excited and eager for progress.

“The pros of any position held by someone new is that they can see things from a different perspective, angle and lens,” says Suflay. “People are hired because they have a philosophy that will best suit the needs of the district.”  

She explains her three main goals:

“Create an environment where coaches and players can develop, be successful and give back to the community; Develop a cohesive community where parents can participate in their student's success and journey; Develop a system where the grassroots and feeder programs are sustained and developed to support success.”

Her greatest challenge is patience. 

“I want things to happen quickly, but I know that it will be a two to five-year plan for most of my goals,” says Suflay. “My personal challenge is to be patient and meet the process where it is, then move it if necessary.” 

Years Of Coaching

Suflay has been involved with teaching and coaching since earning a bachelor’s in teaching K-12 in 1993 from Kean University in Union. Then in 2012, she received her master’s in urban education-principal certification from New Jersey City University in Jersey City.

Since 1994, she has worked as a health and physical education teacher for grades 6-12 at Randolph Township schools.

“I have been passionate about athletics my entire life,” she says. “As a teacher and coach for 20+ years, I am confident that I will make a notable and positive impact in the Mt. Olive community.”  

She has also served as president of the Morris County Girls’ Soccer Coaches Association; supervisor, site manager at Randolph High School; and staff member of the United Soccer Coaches Association.

“As the Morris County Girls Soccer Coaches Association president, I’ve successfully built relationships with districts for many years,” she says. “In addition, I have spearheaded the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Leadership Summit, with a resounding attendance of 30 districts with over 500 student-athletes.  Furthermore, I have provided professional development by teaching Sport Methodology, Sport Liability and Beginners Coaching classes with the United Soccer Coaches Association.”

Suflay carries a positive attitude, and as the saying goes in sports “Win or lose, it’s how you play the game!”

“I am able to provide effective communication, a structured environment, and organization that coaches and student-athletes require and deserve,” says Suflay. “I am knowledgeable in the NCAA process, NJSIAA rules and policies, and will meet the demands of supervision, recruitment, budget, transportation, schedules, facilities, equipment and professional development.” 

Love For Mt. Olive

While she spent many years working for the Randolph School District, Suflay adores her hometown.

She says she applied for the director of athletics position because of her “Love [for the] Mt. Olive Community” and her “shared value system with the philosophy of the district.”

When asked what she likes most about the Mt. Olive schools, sports and community, Suflay who ran for the Mt. Olive School Board of Education last year and has been a volunteer with the Mt. Olive Recreation Department, says: “The people, the community atmosphere and the desire to be the best and provide for the individuals in the community.”   

Excited For the Season

After COVID disrupted the sports season last year, Suflay is pleased that practices and games have been on track and normalized for the most part.    

“We are excited to have a regular season this fall,” she says.

 “It’s awesome… the coaches are incredible and the community is excited about the fall season.”   

Man-Made Islands Will Float To Improve Budd Lake

By Cheryl Conway

Township officials have been looking into installing floating eco systems in Budd Lake to rectify its water quality and storm water pollution.

After discussion and consideration, the Mt. Olive Township Council approved a resolution at its Aug. 31 meeting to authorize the use of its Open Space Funds for a Professional Services Agreement with Eco Islands for the creation of three Eco Islands at Budd Lake.

Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko has been in touch with a lake consultant who has recommended Eco Islands, an “artificial floating island which is a low cost, sustainable method to improve water quality and mitigate storm water pollution,” he explains.

“The township is looking for environmentally friendly ways of improving the overall water quality of the lake,” explain Tatarenko. “This method will be a nice compliment to the other mitigation techniques we are implanting on the lake.” 

“Councilman [Joe] Nicastro was approached by a consulting firm that offers this service,” he says as to how the township learned about the eco islands.”

According to the company’s website, [https://www.eco-islands.org,]https://www.eco-islands.org, “we create floating ecosystems. When so many are being destroyed. Eco islands are floating pollinator gardens that also naturally clean water, decrease algae blooms and so much more.”

Explains Tatarenko, “It is a man-made island composed of woven and recycled plastic material which floats in the water. Vegetation is planted and the root system removes nutrients from the water.” 

Mt. Olive is not the first to consider eco islands. Some other towns that have installed similar islands include: Crystal Lake in West Orange; Mahwah Pond in Mahwah; Vincent’s Pond at Degnan Park in West Orange.

“We are one of the few townships in New Jersey that will be installing these eco islands,” says Council Vice President Alex Roman. He says the idea was something council officials had brought up three to five years ago.

“It’s really a fantastic idea,” says Nicastro, that “will add more to what we are doing in town to improve the environment and help our waters.”  

 Considering the issues at Budd Lake and its size, Tatarenko explains why three islands would be ideal.

“Based on a conversation with our lake consultant, it was determined that three locations along Rt. 46 where the storm-water enters the lake would be the best locations for the islands,” he says.  

“The islands will have a 25-foot circumference and approximately 8-foot diameter with approximately 24 aquatic, primarily phosphorous loving, plants,” describes Tatarenko. “The size is all dependent on the onsite build location and capability to move the islands out into the water. The islands will be weighted down with concrete blocks with plastic recycled bottles used for floatation.  Seventy five, one liter bottles will need to be collected.”

A recycling container has been placed in the lobby of the Municipal Building located at 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road. Please consider dropping off a clean bottle without a label to help the township construct the islands.

Open Space Funds will be allocated to fund the eco islands if approved by the council.

“Three islands cost about $6,000 in material,” says Tatarenko, but that “does not include consulting service fee.  Total contract will be around $12,000.”

If all goes according to plan, “we are trying to have one installed this year [spring] and two next spring,” he says.

“The township is very excited about this program and improving the overall water quality of Budd Lake,” says Tatarenko.  “Anything we can do to further mitigate the HABs and give our residents an enjoyable recreational space is important.  This project will tie in nicely to our Budd Lake Municipal Beach Improvement project as well.”

Another objective is to use the eco islands for educational purposes.

Tatarenko says the Mt. Olive School District may utilize the eco islands as an educational component in its environmental and science departments.

He has reached out to Superintendent of Mt. Olive School Dr. Robert Zywicki to discuss the idea in hopes that he can coordinate some activities with the students.

He may also invite the Scouts and other volunteers to use the eco systems in their programs.

Zywicki was unable to be reached before press time.  


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KO Ok With 7th Place Jump In Summer Olympics

By Cheryl Conway 


Muscles and core may have backed her strength in jumping to the top, but her mind and attitude have been in the forefront throughout her journey.

Mt. Olive High School Alumnus Keturah Orji “KO” shares her experience with “Mt. Olive Online” readers about her recent stunt as a second-time Olympic triple jump contender. The 2014 graduate represented Team USA in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Orji, 25, placed seventh during the women’s final triple jump event held Aug. 1 at the Japan National Stadium. She had jumped 14.59 meters, compared to the Olympic champion Yulimar Rojas Rodriguez of Venezuela who jumped 15.67 meters and holds the world record for women’s triple jump.  

Not her first rodeo, Orji took fourth place in the triple jump for track and field during the finals of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

While she didn’t jump to the front of the pact, she has gotten further than most. For that, she credits her mindset as her motivation to keep leading her way and advises other athletes to follow suit.

“Do not dwell on the negativity or the failures,” says Orji. “The negativity will come no matter what. Things will never be perfect but if you can find a way to learn from everything that happens and if you can find a way to remain thankful and grateful in those bad situations, that’s what will help you be the best athlete because sometimes things take a lot of time. You have to be really patient. And to be one of the best in the world, failures will come with that.

“I just hope they are patient and resilient and stay positive and stick with it, and to always remain grateful and stay present in the moment,” advises Orji.

Orji looks at her own successes and failures, learns from them and appreciates the experience.

KO’s Reaction

“It’s always an honor to represent the United States in the triple jump or in any event especially because our team is one of the hardest to make in the world so it’s really an honor to make that team and to know I’m one of the best in America and I’m going to represent what we have and it was even more exciting to make the Olympic final again,” says Orji.

“I was able to do it when I was 20 at my first Olympics but I think it meant more to do it again because it shows consistency and level of excellence that I can maintain,” she says.

Most Competitive Contest Yet

Placing seventh in the 2020 Olympic Triple Jump contest, Orji says “this competition was one of the most competitive triple jumps ever. The world record was broken and there were three or four national records so it was definitely one of the most competitive triple jump competitions in a long time. I was glad to be part of it; I just wish I would’ve done better too.”


Favorite Moments

“One of my favorite moments is always the gear,” says Orji. She says she received “two suitcases full of Nike stuff and Ralph Lauren stuff. It was just so much gear, so it’s really nice and it’s really special to receive that much.”

Orji also was thrilled when she found out that her roommate at the Olympics was her college roommate, Kendell Williams of Virginia, an American track and field athlete who also competed in the 2020 Olympic events. The two were also roommates during their first Olympic competition in 2016.

“This year they didn’t let us choose our roommates ourselves, so I was really surprised that we ended up together again and I was just so grateful to have her there because we’re both just very comfortable with each other, we know each other,” says Orji.

“We are really supportive of each other,” she explains. “It kind of makes all the nerves and all the high anxiety that comes with the Olympics settle down when you have someone you are comfortable with there with you.”

Future Plans

With two Olympic competitions behind her, Orji plans to take some time off to reflect and refresh before leaping into the next contest.

“I’m going to end my season actually so I won’t be competing again until 2022,” says Orji, when the World Championships are set to take place in Eugene, Ore., followed by Budapest in 2023 and Paris in 2024.

“I have three years of great competitions to go after,” says Orji, “and hopefully improve enough so that I can again contend for a medal in 2024.

“I’m the first American triple jumper and to make it to the Olympics two times,” she says. “It’s great to create that history and I’m just really thankful to do that even though I did not accomplish exactly what I wanted to do.”

Advice To Others

“You are more than an athlete,” Orji learns from her own experiences. 

“You are more than your accomplishments and you’re more than your failures," she says. "Don’t ever let people label you by what you’ve accomplished, by what you have done or what you haven’t done.

“We all are really talented in many different areas, especially athletes,” she says. “We don’t have just one talent. We are really good at a lot of different things so don’t let people put you into a box or make you feel like you do one thing or you’re just an athlete because you are more than that.”

One of the greatest life lessons is learning how to deal with failure.

“Things are not going to go as planned,” says Orji. “It’s best to go into championships or go into practices knowing that the plan that you make may not go as you want but you can always learn something, find the something to be grateful in every situation and find what you can learn from the situation.”

Orji writes a blog filled with advice to students and athletes on how to deal with losses and failures as well as other inspirational topics. Go to www.keturahorji.com/blog 

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Votes Are In To Help New Jersey Cares Feed 500 Families

By Dawn M. Chiossi


New Jersey Cares recently placed as a finalist in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program for their Healthy Food Delivery Program.

This initiative tackles the issue of food insecurity and aims to help. For 10 years, empowering communities and building stronger neighborhoods together,  the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program has teamed up with hundreds of non-profit organizations to make a difference in the communities they serve.

The top 40 causes that receive the most votes will be announced at 9 a.m. on Sept. 29 at www.neighborhoodassist.com. Anyone older than18 who has a valid email address was invited to vote, starting Wednesday, August 18 until midnight, Friday, August 27.

“We are currently counting votes to determine which 40 causes will each win a $25,000 grant from State Farm Neighborhood Assist,” as it states on the website. A $25,000 grant will be awarded to each of the nonprofits.

If awarded the money, Jersey Cares plans to use it for its Healthy Food Delivery Program to deliver 500 healthy food boxes to families in Newark.

This is the first year that Jersey Cares has entered the State Farm Program and its first year as a finalist. Simply by voting, the public has a chance to help decide which 40 causes receive $25,000 to continue in their work of making a difference in the lives of others.

One of the most troubling issues in today’s society is food insecurity. It can affect anyone and everyone: families, seniors, and the young. For school-age children, their school meal might be their only meal they eat that day. Jersey Cares Healthy Food Delivery Program helps feed those who need it.

Evan Lewis, director of Corporate & Foundation Relations for Jersey Cares,, explains, “Jersey Cares’ Healthy Food Delivery Program partners with a values-based food distributor connecting sustainable family farms to communities that do not otherwise have access to healthy, fresh foods. These “food deserts” are low-income communities that do not have access within a one-mile radius to healthy, fresh foods.”

So this is where Jersey Cares Healthy Delivery Program steps in. Each healthy food box contains eight to nine fruits or vegetables, one quart of yogurt, one loaf of bread, and one dozen eggs. Deliveries are made to shelters, food pantries, schools, and other organizations that are in need.   “This program model has two distinct benefits,” Lewis claims. “First, it delivers healthy, fresh food to families living in food deserts. Second, it enables small family farmers in other parts of the state to continue critical food production efforts.”

Lewis, who has been with Jersey Cares for almost seven years, and calls himself “a Jersey guy, through and through,” says that the Healthy Food Delivery Program was an easy choice for submission in the State Farm Neighborhood Program.

“We chose the Healthy Food Delivery Program because there are still thousands of families in New Jersey struggling to financially recover from the pandemic,” he remarks. “Health and nutrition are also major issues in communities like Newark. Access to healthy, fresh food is critical to supporting a child's mental and physical development. In “food deserts,” the incidence of negative physical and mental health outcomes is much greater.” And he has the numbers to back up his findings. “Recent studies confirm that nearly 40% of Newark residents have high blood pressure compared to 30% of the rest of the nation. The rate of coronary heart disease is 25% higher than the rest of the United States. The percentage of Newark residents with diabetes is two-thirds higher than in the United States. In 2013, nearly one in three children in Newark between the ages of 10 and 17 were overweight, and the state had one of the highest obesity rates in the nation for children ages 2-5 years. Clearly, the negative outcomes of being denied access to healthy, fresh food have a lasting long-term impact on children and the community in which they live.”

Ideally, Jersey Cares strives to deliver healthy food boxes once a week, but it all depends on the funding they receive.

The Jersey Cares Healthy Food Delivery Program holds a special place in Lewis’s heart because of its timing. “This program is inspirational because of its launch during the pandemic,” he relates. “As food insecurity was on the rise in 2020, Jersey Cares jumped into action to provide as much support as possible to our community members. Leveraging our connections with communities around New Jersey as well as resources from corporate partners, Jersey Cares was in a perfect position to help food-insecure families in 2020-2021.

“Something that specifically stands out to me was the first food delivery Jersey Cares conducted in early 2020,” Lewis shares. “While schools were being forced to shut down in-person learning, students were struggling to receive their free daily meals from school. Seeing the first families pick up their boxes of healthy food after spending weeks at home was something that gave hope to Jersey Cares. Things were going to get better.”

While the Healthy Food Delivery Program itself is incredibly impactful, the success of programs like it is dependent on continued funding. This is why voting in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program is so vital to New Jersey Cares.

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Local and County News

911 20th Anniversary Commemoration

Public Invited To Read Names During Upcoming Vigil

Public Invited To Read Names During Upcoming Vigil

Public Invited To Read Names During Upcoming Vigil

Public Invited To Read Names During Upcoming Vigil

Public Invited To Read Names During Upcoming Vigil

The All Veterans Memorial plans to host its fifth annual National POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil on Friday, Sept. 17 through Saturday Sept. 18 and has invited the public to play a greater role as participants.

As in previous years, the vigil is set to take place at the AVM, located inside Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake.  National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies are held to ensure that America remembers its responsibility to stand behind those who serve the United States.

This year’s vigil is being co-sponsored by the AVM, Harley Davidson Inc., Morris County American Legion and National Rolling Thunder. It will begin at 4:30 p.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. the next day, followed by a social event.

 “POW/MIA affects veterans and civilians alike; that is why we have decided to open participation in this meaningful demonstration to the public which includes, but not limited to private individuals, families, churches, community organizations fire/police departments, colleges, businesses etc.,” explains AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann.

Anyone who would like to participate by either speaking, reading names and/or tolling the Ascension Bell, is welcome to sign up.   

Veteran organizations are welcome to set up a booth to provide information and veteran support. Please call 973-479-4959 to discuss details and restrictions.

“Please take special note that the arrival of National Rolling Thunder will be this year’s  “Closing Ceremony;” it is anticipated to be a spectacular event!" says Uhrmann  “We invite you to join us after the vigil for food, live music and a lot of comradery; this event is sponsored by Harley Davidson and is open to the public.” 

For those lives lost in Afghanistan recently, Uhrmann says “We have added a distinctive ceremony to our program to honor the lives and honorable service of our 13 U.S. fallen warriors.”

Throughout the vigil participants will maintain the Memorial Fire, read the names of New Jersey veterans unaccounted for from all wars and ring the Ascension Bell 21 times on the hour every hour to honor their memory.

The event is free to both participants and the public.

Also during the 24 hour vigil cadets from the Mt. Olive High School Air Force JROTC will each hike 14 miles to commemorate the Bataan Death March. The commemorative march honors the 60,000 - 80,000 American and Phillipino POWs who were forcibly marched 66 miles from Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan and Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in 1942.  Exact numbers are unknown, but approximately 18,000 POW deaths occurred over the five-day trek. By completing the 14 miles the cadets will earn the Bataan Death March Memorial Ribbon.  Although the 14-mile Bataan Death Memorial March is nothing compared to what those POWs endured, it is carried out every year in order to commemorate their sacrifice.

Friday Night Lights Upset at MOHS

Public Invited To Read Names During Upcoming Vigil

Twp. Seeks Plastic Bottles & Volunteers

Photo by: Todd Conway


Way To Go MO Marauders Football Team in its first game of the season. The home game against Top 10 ranked Irvington High School on Friday night, Sept. 3, ended with a score of 2-0, after the Mt. Olive defense forced a safety. The crowd was big, the energy was loud, and the smiles were continuous at Marauder Stadium at Mt. Olive High School.  

Twp. Seeks Plastic Bottles & Volunteers

Twp. Seeks Plastic Bottles & Volunteers

Twp. Seeks Plastic Bottles & Volunteers

With the recent contract approval to Eco Islands, LLC for the creation and implementation of eco islands at Budd Lake, Mt. Olive Twp. is seeking 75 one liter recycled bottle to construct the islands.

The bottles are necessary to create the floating buoyancy.

A recycling container has been placed in the lobby of the Municipal Building located at 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road. Please consider dropping off a clean bottle without a label to help the township construct the islands.

An eco island (artificial floating island) is a low cost, sustainable method to improve water quality and mitigate storm water pollution. The man-made island is composed of woven, and when possible, recycled plastic material which floats in the water. Vegetation is planted directly in the plastic material and cleanses the water by absorbing and removing nutrients which will help to improve the overall water quality of the lake.

Three eco islands will be installed along the shore line and near the municipal beach.

In addition, a small group of volunteers may be needed to build and launch the islands. If interested in volunteering some time, reach out to Lisa Brett at lbrett@mtolivetwp.org.




Twp. Seeks Plastic Bottles & Volunteers

Be A Karen

Outdoor Exercise Classes Offered

 

The Sky Is The Limit With Mt. Olive Exercisers

Experienced local instructors are on the move in Mt. Olive offering a variety of outdoor fitness classes to keep those bodies in shape this September.

End summer heat with Zumba, Aerobics, Kickbox, Pilates, Yoga, Mt. Olive Walkers, Toning & More….All outdoors in various locations.

$ Most affordable pricing around! $

Email cherylc6@optonline.net for more information and schedule of daily classes. 

Be A Karen

Twp. Seeks Plastic Bottles & Volunteers

Be A Karen

By Cheryl Conway 


It was a Sunday morning in August, when a local fitness instructor was teaching her outdoor exercise class at a park when this stranger walks onto the pavement and asks “Are you Jen?”

The instructor says, “no I’m not Jen, but she teaches Zumba for my exercise program?”

Well, this blonde woman walks on over and hands this instructor an envelope and says she found it on the parking lot and assumed it belongs to someone who frequents the park. The instructor was dumb-founded as she knew the envelope filled with money went missing a week ago.

Six days earlier, the head instructor had handed the envelope to Jen at the end of her class, and was certain she had placed it into her bag. But when Jen texted her later that day, saying she couldn’t find the money envelope she told her to empty her bag, search her car. It was frustrating as she saw her put the money envelope away. 

The mystery of the lost envelope lingered all week. Jen even returned to the park looking for the envelope the next day, but still could not find it. The two colleagues stopped their search for the money, accepting that it was probably gone forever.

It was miracle that the lost money envelope turned up, and a blessing that there are people out there still, who know right from wrong; who care about others and look out for their best interest; who make it a priority to live a life with good morals and ethics and top-notch etiquette.

Before this kind woman walked away, the head instructor asked this woman her name and she laughs “It’s Karen….I know, Don’t be a Karen.”

Lesson Learned: Be A Karen.

This local resident could have kept the envelope with the money to herself, but instead, she followed her ears to the sound of music in the park; she used her head and figured it must belong to someone who goes to the park; and she used her heart to care that the person who lost the money, must have been annoyed and frustrated that it had gone missing.

Thank you, Karen, for being a Karen, for your kindness and looking out for the well-being of others!!

Mt. Olive Online is always looking for these kindness stories, Feel free to email the editor at editor@mtoliveonline.today to inspire others. 




Lost Cat or Dog? Follow These Tips

MO TNR Project Creates New Facebook Page

Lost Cat or Dog? Follow These Tips

 "Maurice the cat, reunited with his family after a 2 month separation. His family reported him lost to their town but he was picked up by the neighboring town's animal control and the towns did not share information. Following the tips in this article can prevent a similar mishap from happening to your animal."


Lost Cat or Dog? Follow These Tips


Submitted by Michelle Lerner, coordinator of the Mt. Olive TNR Program


Running a cat rescue for the last 12 years, I’ve seen a lot of animals get lost, found, and impounded. Over time, I’ve realized that many people love their animals and are despondent when they get lost, but do not know the steps to take to prevent losing them in the first place or to find them once they’re gone. Please take these steps to hold onto your beloved family member.

How to prevent animals from getting lost

It happens even to the most careful people—a cat or dog slips out an open door or window and is gone. How to best prevent losing your pet?

  1. Don’t let your animals outside unsupervised. Dogs should be fenced in, with a gate. Electric fences are not sufficient because they stop working when the power goes out.

If you want to let your cats outside, make sure you have a fenced yard with cat-proof fencing, i.e. fencing that cannot be climbed or jumped over. You can buy freestanding cat fencing or a “topper” to put on top of existing fencing from companies like Purrfect Fencing. The top is sagging netting or other material that extends a foot or two inward at an angle. Or you can get a small portable cat enclosure, sometimes called a catio, to attach to a window or keep outside your house.

You may think your cat is fine going outside unsupervised because they’re used to doing it and have never gotten lost or hurt. Believe me, my rescue has encountered a lot of situations where cats who were indoor-outdoor just left one day, for whatever reason, and either were difficult to find, were impounded by animal control, or were never found. Some were hit by cars. No matter how long your cat has been indoor-outdoor, you’re in danger of losing them to injury or disappearance if you let them free roam.

  1. Be careful with doors and windows.  This may seem obvious, but we often forget. Tell everyone, including kids and especially guests, to never leave a door to the outside open, even just for a few minutes while bringing in packages, and to watch for your animals when they go in and out. If you have windows that you open to the screen level, buy and install screen guards to prevent a cat or dog from scratching a hole and climbing through. This is true even for windows that open from the top. Don’t leave sliding glass doors open to the screen level without a barrier in front of the screen. And never let cats out on balconies or porches unless they’re covered—cats will jump off even from two or three floors up.
  2. Keep identification on your animals. Dogs should wear collars with a tag with your contact information. Cats should wear breakaway collars, so that they don’t’ get caught on tree branches, etc., with your contact information, either a tag or your phone number written on the collar with indelible marker. Get your cat or dog microchipped at a vet’s office or microchip clinic. If you adopted from a rescue or shelter they may already be microchipped, but possibly not with your current contact information. Make sure you keep the microchip company up to date on how to reach you so that you can be quickly located if your animal is impounded or brought to a vet office.



MO TNR Project Creates New Facebook Page

Lost Cat or Dog? Follow These Tips

 

What to do if your animal gets out

Most lost cats and dogs can be found, but you need to know what to do and act quickly.

  1. Call Animal Control, in every nearby town, repeatedly. And send them photos.  If an Animal Control Officer impounds your animal and there is no ID tag or microchip, state law requires them to hold your animal in the pound for at least seven days. Call your town’s Animal Control Officer immediately upon realizing your animal got out. Give them the date and location the animal went missing from. Ask them if any animals were recently impounded matching the description. Send them a photo. Ask them to call you if they impound anyone over the next weeks or months matching your animal’s description. Then call Animal Control for every adjoining town and do the same. Dogs can move fast. Cats move more slowly but can survive outside for a long time and may show up days or weeks later in the next town.

Here’s an important second step: Call Animal Control again, at least every few days, until your animal is found. It would be great if all Animal Control Officers or departments kept searchable databases of lost reports and checked every new impoundment against them. But many ACO’s do not do this. Your lost report might be written down on a note pad by a receptionist or an ACO and left in a pile on a desk. It might not get written down at all. Keep checking. If you filed a lost report on Monday and the ACO impounds your animal on Friday, there’s no guarantee they will connect the dots on their own. 

2.  If your town has a pound facility that you can visit, go at least every few days to check and see if your animal is there.  Some towns impound infrequently and use private vet offices, which would make this difficult. But if your town has a public pound or shelter where you can walk in and check, this is the best way to know for sure if your animal is impounded. Once an ACO picks the animal up—which can happen long after they go missing, especially for cats—they only have to hold them for 7 days. Make sure you don’t let a 7 day period go by without checking.

3.  Search online for every local rescue and contact them. Also ask your town’s ACO for a list of rescues to contact. Independent rescues might pick up a stray cat or dog, and they may or may not coordinate with the local ACO. So contact them directly by email or phone. Give them your name, contact info, the date your animal went missing, the location the animal went missing from, and photos of your animal. Ask them to post your lost animal on their social media accounts.

4.  Put up flyers. We’ve found that the most effective way to flyer for a lost animal is to post simple, easily readable flyers on poles at intersections. At the top of the flyer, put LOST CAT (or dog) in huge bold capital letters, at least 70 font. Below that, put a photo of your animal that takes up most of the rest of the page. Below the photo put your phone number in a large bold font. No other text—this needs to be easy to see and read from a car. Put the flyer at intersections, facing both sides of traffic, for at least a half mile radius from where the animal got out. Also at the nearest large intersections and development outlets where most people have to drive to reach a main road or highway, even if these are not very close to your home. If you have stores or businesses nearby, ask them if you can post your flyers there too. Bring a flyer to every local vet office. Also bring one to your town’s Animal Control Officer, health department, police department, and library. Ask if you can post the flyer where people will see it. If they say no, ask if you can leave it with them for reference.

5.  Post on social media—and not just your own! Put information on all of your social media accounts, including your pet’s photo and where and when they went missing, and your contact information. Explicitly ask people to share it. Contact the town and ask if they have their own social media sites, or if the mayor does, and if they can put your post there as well. Post on your local Patch and Next Door and any neighborhood or town-specific sites.  If you live in an apartment complex or condo, post on the tenants’ or residents’ portal or social media, and be sure to report your missing pet to the management office. Ask every local rescue to post your animal’s information. Look up county and state social media groups for lost and found pets and share information there.

6.  Post with online flyer distribution services like Pawboost, lostmykitty.com, and lostmydoggie.com. There are several companies like this that keep large distribution lists of rescues, vets, and individuals who help find lost animals. You can usually send out an alert for free, and use their template to make a flyer to attach. You can usually also pay a fee to increase the range or amount of distribution.

7.  Set a trap or find someone who can.  The way this is done is different for cats and dogs, but it’s important for both. If you have an indoor cat who got out, chances are that, at least for a few days, the cat is hiding somewhere very close to your home. This is not always true (which is why we post flyers) but it usually is. Set a humane trap near where the cat got out. If you don’t have a trap, ask Animal Control or a local rescue or Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) group if you can borrow one. Also ask for advice, or look up instructions, on how to set the trap effectively. For a cat, buy human grade sardines in oil in the canned fish aisle of the supermarket and trap with that, and make sure the trap is set against something like a wall or large object, as cats will not go into traps sitting in the middle of open space. You can also ask your ACO or local rescue or TNR organization to set the trap for you; they may or may not be willing/able but it’s worth asking.

Unlike cats, dogs often make a run for it and can go far fast. You will want an actual sighting of your dog before setting a trap, and you will need help as dog traps are not as readily available or intuitive to use. Your local Animal Control Officer may or may not be willing to help. There are two nonprofit organizations you can call for help with trapping dogs in NJ: Buddha Recovery Rescue, and Hound Hunters.

8.  If safe to do so, leave your door open at night.  If you don’t have children or other animals that can get out, and are not otherwise afraid to do so, leave a door open when you go to bed. Preferably the door the animal got out. If you have other animals and want to try this, close them in a room for the night. I don’t know if this works for dogs, but we’ve seen it work multiple times for cats. Cats who are not used to being outside get scared and often hide nearby, but under cover of darkness they’ll sometimes feel brave enough to run back to the door and into the house. You might just wake up with them on the bed.  If you try this, I’d do it for at least 2-3 weeks. My own neighbor had her cat return this way two weeks after going missing.

9.  Don’t give up!! My rescue has reunited cats with families as long as eleven months after they got out. A few weeks or months after disappearance is not uncommon. Dogs are usually located more quickly because they’re less discreet, but it can sometimes take days or weeks. Keep flyering, keep trapping, keeping calling Animal Control or visiting the impoundment facility. As the saying goes, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Until you have evidence that your animal is gone for good, keep looking.

MO TNR Project Creates New Facebook Page

MO TNR Project Creates New Facebook Page

MO TNR Project Creates New Facebook Page

 

The Mt. Olive TNR Project's FB page became inaccessible to their administrators a few months ago due to a technical glitch that they've been unable to resolve. They created a new Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MtOliveTNRProject. 

Please like or follow this new page. MOTNR is a Trap-Neuter-Return and cat rescue organization that helps with feral, stray, and impounded cats in Mt. Olive, assists low-income Mt. Olive residents with accessing spay/neuter for their cats, and helps residents locate lost cats.

The organization helped Mt. Olive become and stay a no-kill town. It's all-volunteer and relies on residents and allies in other towns to get the word out about lost, found, and adoptable cats, and to volunteer as fosterers, transporters, and trappers.

Contact the organization at mtolivetnr@gmail.com or (973) 804-6273.

College & Other News

Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Local Professor

CCM Foundation Golf Classic Supports Student Athletes

Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Local Professor

The Hackettstown Rotary Club has recognized Centenary University Professor Dr. Linda Poisseroux as a Paul Harris Fellow, an honor reserved for members who have made significant progress in upholding the mission of the organization. The recognition is named for the Rotary founder, a Chicago attorney who envisioned a place where local professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, long-term friendships. The award, which was announced last year, was recently presented in person.

Poisseroux of Mt. Olive was inducted into the Hackettstown Rotary Club several years ago.

She said, “It is truly an honor to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow recipient. I feel extremely fortunate to work with such dedicated and amazing people. Our Hackettstown Rotary Club members genuinely care about the community, the people, and for each other. They willingly give so much and exceedingly commit themselves to Rotary’s principle of ‘service above self.’”

Poisseroux is an assistant professor of business and director of Enactus, Centenary University’s competitive business team. A social entrepreneurship organization, Enactus strives to increase the livelihoods and economic success of businesses, local communities, and the world. Under her direction, the team has placed in regional, national, and international competitions. Poisseroux earned a master’s degree from Montclair State University and a doctoral degree from Capella University.               

Table of Hope to Give Free Backpacks At CCM

CCM Foundation Golf Classic Supports Student Athletes

Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Local Professor

As parents start to plan for a new school year, Table of Hope helped make things a bit easier with a free backpack distribution event at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph.

The Backpack Giveaway took place Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., in Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s campus. 

The partnership between Table of Hope and CCM has benefitted the community throughout the ongoing pandemic. CCM has hosted three previous events with Table of Hope to assist those in need. This latest distribution event to provide backpacks filled with school supplies – consisting of pencils, rulers, glue sticks, notebooks and more – was sponsored by Alstede Farms, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Bethel Church of Morristown, Cable Communications, Fully Promoted, Hope One, Market Street Mission, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Parsippany Police Local PBA 131 and PCNY.

Shortly after the pandemic struck New Jersey, Table of Hope began operating monthly mobile food distribution programs in Morristown, Parsippany and Dover, along with other grocery supply events in Morris County communities. Its first event at CCM was held in June 2020. Serving as volunteers at that event were New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, and County Commissioners John Krickus and Steve Shaw.

To volunteer or make a donation, visit www.springstreetcdc.org and click “Volunteer” or email volunteer@springstreetcdc.org.


CCM Foundation Golf Classic Supports Student Athletes

CCM Foundation Golf Classic Supports Student Athletes

CCM Foundation Golf Classic Supports Student Athletes

Enjoy a day out on the links with the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation and help support students with fulfilling their dreams for a rewarding and satisfying life.

This year’s Annual CCM Foundation Golf Classic is set to take place Monday, Sept. 27, at the Picatinny Golf Club in Dover and includes lunch and an extended cocktail hour. All participants will receive a special Golfer Gift and there will be a Hole in One Car and Prize Contest. Raffle prizes also will be given out during the evening program. The cost is $175 per player.

The outing raises funds for the college’s scholarship programs and this year is focusing on supporting student athletes and the college’s athletic programs.

Picatinny is an exclusive, membership-only facility that is considered to be the most respected, perfectly balanced course in New Jersey.

“We’re thrilled to offer golfers this opportunity to experience and play on this top-notch, picturesque course in northern New Jersey,” said Katie Olsen, executive director of the CCM Foundation. “Players will discover why this course is so well respected for its toughness, fairness and excellent greens.”

The day begins with registration at 10 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon. The extended cocktail reception takes place from 5 p.m.– 7 p.m. Corporate foursomes, sponsorships and individual players are being sought. For more information and to register, call 973-328-5060 or visit www.ccm.edu/foundation/golf/
 

Morris County Observes International Overdose Awareness Day

Morris County Observes International Overdose Awareness Day

CCM Foundation Golf Classic Supports Student Athletes

Families who lost loved-ones due to overdoses joined Morris County and state officials along with community organizations Tuesday, Aug. 31, in Parsippany to observe the 20th Anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day as drug related deaths continue to surge around the nation.

The annual event observed worldwide to focus on the lives lost to drug deaths was recognized in a ceremony on the lawn of the Morris County Addiction Center, where Morris County planted a weeping cherry tree last year to mark its first inaugural recognition of the event.

“We are survivors,” said Marisol Cruz Stahlberger of Morristown, who spoke at the gathering about a son, older brother and younger sister she lost to addiction. “We can all begin this wonderful journey of recovery together as addicts, as families and as a community. In the process, we grow stronger in love, stronger in strength, faith, hope. We can recover. We do recover. We exist.”

Overdose deaths spiked when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020 and have remained elevated, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH).

More than 94,134 deaths have been reported nationwide for 2020, and the CDC estimates that number will settle at over 95,000 when all data is in. It is the largest one-year increase in overdose deaths since 1999 and a record high, according to the CDC.

“We continue to recognize the losses incurred, the damage done and the fact we will never rid this nation of our growing addiction problem without openly acknowledging that we have a problem,” said Stephen H. Shaw, director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

“We have a problem even in our beautiful suburban enclave of Morris County,” he said. “We have a problem, and we gather again today with our families, our neighbors, and our dedicated health-care providers, counselors and law enforcement members to commit ourselves again to face the insidious nature of addiction in our community.”

Shaw was joined at the ceremony by Deputy Director Deborah Smith, state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll. To the side of where they spoke, 60 empty chairs were placed on the lawn to symbolize the number of reported drug-related deaths in Morris County so far this year.

The NJDOH is reporting 1,626 drug-related deaths in the state as of the end of June, a trend that would make 2021 a record year to lives lost to addiction in New Jersey.

“This is a tough day of remembrance, but remember we must,” said Bucco. “Life will never be the same for those that are left behind, but the stories and the names are important for everyone to hear. For those that have been lucky enough to escape this disease, I hope today will be the day that you join us as we raise the voice of awareness.”

He introduced the legislation signed last year to recognize every Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day, and said yesterday the “crisis has evolved” with inexpensive, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl surpassing traditional drugs and resulting in poisoning deaths around the nation.

“It’s bittersweet today to look out and see a lot of friends, but see a lot of people in pain,” said Gannon during the ceremony.

He said law enforcement cannot arrest and prosecute the nation out of the addiction problem, but can focus on criminals distributing the synthetic opioids that have become the leading cause of addiction and death. Law enforcement raids are netting more of the synthetic opioids than traditional heroin because the synthetics are 20 times less costly to process and more affordable to addicts.


 

Morris County Observes International Overdose Awareness Day

CCM’s Fine Dining Event Supports Dover Students

Families and friends of people who died of overdoses gathered at the Morris County event, many bringing photos of their lost love-ones to display during the ceremony. 


He introduced the legislation signed last year to recognize every Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day, and said yesterday the “crisis has evolved” with inexpensive, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl surpassing traditional drugs and resulting in poisoning deaths around the nation.

“It’s bittersweet today to look out and see a lot of friends, but see a lot of people in pain,” said Gannon during the ceremony. He said law enforcement cannot arrest and prosecute the nation out of the addiction problem, but can focus on criminals distributing the synthetic opioids that have become the leading cause of addiction and death. Law enforcement raids are netting more of the synthetic opioids than traditional heroin because the synthetics are 20 times less costly to process and more affordable to addicts. 

They also are more deadly.

“Some of the numbers that have struck me, that makes this problem a high priority --from January 2014 through August 26, 2021, Morris County lost 492 persons to fatal overdoses,” said Carroll. “That’s almost 500 people that are not here to walk among us. In regards to statewide NJ, the current estimate is that we have been losing eight people each day to overdose. This is an American and New Jersey tragedy.”

Matthew Albanese of the Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES) is a recovering addict who told the gathering that he lost an older brother, Mike, to an overdose.

“The numbers are too high; I can’t count anymore,” said Albanese, who is committed to helping others recover and works with Morris County’s Hope One mobile recovery access vehicle.

Other personal stories were shared by former Pompton Lakes resident Ruthann Gaspari, who lost her son to an overdose, and Tonia Ahern, who also lost a son. At the closing of the event, other people came forward with photographs of their loved ones lost to overdoses.

“We remember those who tried and did not make it,” said Rabbi Inna Serebro-Litvak of Temple Shalom in Roxbury during an invocation. “We pray for all of those still out there using today. God lead us and guide us in a way of healing and hope so that one day we will be free of this manmade plaque called overdose.”
 

CCM’s Fine Dining Event Supports Dover Students

Morris County Observes International Overdose Awareness Day

CCM’s Fine Dining Event Supports Dover Students

The County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation brings the Flavor of Giving: Un Eento para recaudar fondos, a delightful virtual event with a selection of fine dining options to support Dover College Promise (DCP), an educational partnership between CCM and the Dover community. The mixologist from Sabor Latino, a highly regarded restaurant in Dover owned by Wilson and Maria Vasquez, will serve as guest speaker and offer recommendations for the fine art of making a signature sangria and margarita.

DCP is a grant funded collaborative project between CCM and The Educational Center (TEC) Inc. in Dover to provide low-income middle and high school students with college readiness training, mentoring and scholarships to attend CCM upon earning their diploma.

The Flavor of Giving, the second virtual dining event to be offered by the CCM Foundation, is set to take place Wednesday, Oct. 6, starting at 7:30 p.m. Dining package options consist of Churrasco: Sirloin Steak, Cazuela De Mariscos: Seafood Casserole, and Pechuga Al Ajillo: Garlic Chicken Breast. A vegetarian option is available. Included are starters and a dessert, and a carafe of Sabor Latino’s Signature Sangria. A demonstration of how to prepare the restaurant’s signature sangria and margarita also will be provided. Dining package pickup is from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. the afternoon of the event. Cost for an individual meal is $125, two meals is $175, three is $225 and four meals is $275. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

To purchase a dining package, go to www.ccm.edu/foundation/flavor-of-giving. Virtual program access will be sent to you prior to the event. For questions, email foundation@ccm.edu.
 

Morris County Celebrates Five Centenarians

Morris County Celebrates Five Centenarians

Morris County Celebrates Five Centenarians

Commissioner Deputy Director Deborah Smith congratulates the birthday honorees. 


Five women were honored by Morris County officials, friends, family and caregivers this week at the Morris View Healthcare Center, which hosted a birthday party to celebrate their reaching ages of 100 to 105 years old this year.

“I’m delighted to be celebrating these lively, lovely ladies as they reach these birthday milestones,” said Deborah Smith, deputy director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. “On behalf of myself and the board of county commissioners, I am here to say congratulations and to wish you a happy continuance in your long lives.”

She presented each of the women with an individualized, framed Morris County “Resolution of Honor” on behalf of the full board. Each resolution outlined their backgrounds, cited their longevity and wished them “many more fruitful years with family and friends.”

The honorees said they enjoyed the celebration, but one expressed surprise at the attention.


 

Morris County Celebrates Five Centenarians

Morris County Celebrates Five Centenarians

Madeline Allen, 104, watched as speakers congratulated her and the others who reached birthday milestones this year. 


“You’ve all done so much for this, so much work,” said resident Madeline Allen, who is turning 104 this year. “It’s very beautiful. I’d like to thank everyone.”

Celebrating milestones with her were Rose Amoruso, who turned 100 last month; Helen McNerney and Rita Gallo, both 102; and Madeleine Caselli, who will turn 105 years old. The women reside at the Morris View Healthcare Center in Morris Township, a county-owned facility operated and managed by Allaire Health Services, whose staff arranged the joint celebration in the facility's Dean Gallo Atrium on Tuesday afternoon, August 31, complete with music, entertainment, special guests, balloons, refreshments and decorations.

“Having the ability to celebrate such significant milestones in the lives of our residents is a unique privilege,” said Allaire CEO Ben Kurland, who joined the party. “It is something we have tremendous joy in -- celebrating with them, this moment, this occasion. In light of everything that's going on, in the backdrop of the pandemic, to be able to have something like this is very special and an honor.”

The women were presented with bouquets of flowers and multi-color crowns, and were cheered by a crowd of attendees who took turns congratulating them.
 

The Importance of Routines

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


According to studies, up to 40% of our daily actions are powered by habits. Do you have good, healthy habits is a very important question. Basically, we are what we do over and over. Habits form our life.

Why routines are important:

They create structure: A daily routine often begins with the alarm clock ringing to start our day and the routines follow from there with showering, brushing our teeth, getting dressed, etc. This allows us to have our day mapped out for us, so we don’t have to spend extra time creating a new list of what to do every day. It takes the guesswork out of our day and makes our days run smoother. This gives us extra time for other things. 

They give us a sense of accomplishment: Routines typically have a beginning and an end, and we plan our day and time around being able to prioritize them and accomplish the most important tasks of the day for ourselves and our families. Habits are things we do repeatedly. The more we do them, the easier they become and the better we are at the habits. Practice makes perfect. It also builds our self-esteem. Feelings of accomplishment and pride are positive emotions and cultivate happiness.

They let us know how we are doing:  Even small routines like showering, brushing our teeth, and making our beds are important parts of our day. Every time we make our bed we get a sense of accomplishment and pride so we are starting our day in a positive way. Since the pandemic, many of us have had our routines shaken up, we are doing things differently such as working from home in sweats that were once reserved for weekends. Even though it's a small change, it can have a big impact, making you feel unproductive or lazy. It can cause the Groundhog Day feeling.

They let people around us know how we are doing: Routines also are indications to people around us of how we are doing. Before the pandemic, if you didn’t show up for work co-workers would worry, or if you didn’t come out of your house for weeks friends and family would look in on you. With no routine, there are a lot of unknowns that can cause concern or anxiety. Routines help keep us balanced. 

Creating Routines

Sit down with a pad of paper and write out everything you do each day over the course of a week. See what you can cut or reduce. Then see what you can set as a normal routine, something you do at a set time daily or weekly. It must work with your current lifestyle. If you like to stay up late, getting up early as part of your routine may not work. Don’t judge or compare your schedule to anyone else. We are all different. Don't follow someone else's routines if it doesn't work for you.

Once you have your routine, give it a little time and it’ll start to feel like second nature—but if you realize something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it. It's important to check in with yourself every few months to make sure these habits are still working for you. Life is constantly changing, and our routines and schedules might need tweaking. This is normal.

Structure your day around morning, midday and evening. Which parts of your day are you filled with the most energy and most productive. Set your schedule accordingly. I'm the best in the morning but again my morning time might not work for you. The thought of getting up at 5 a.m. makes me stressed but 7 a.m. or 730 a.m. works great for me. You know yourself the best. You can be specific and add times to your schedule or you can just do it according to morning, midday and evening. 

Don't schedule every minute of your day. We need time that is free time, and we can go with the flow. Spontaneous activities are great! 

After you create your schedule/routine, test drive it for a few weeks to a month and see how it feels. If something isn't working, tweak it. 

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

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