Effort Underway to Support Wreaths Across America in Roxbury, New Jersey

Ferro Monte Chapter DAR is looking for wreath sponsors to ensure that all veterans at Succasunna Cemeteries are honored this December

Thank you wreath
made by Roxbury children

The Ferro Monte Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and local volunteers are working hard to ensure that all veterans laid to rest at three Succasunna cemeteries: Flanders-Hillside, First Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church. are honored this December on National Wreaths Across America Day. This year, the ceremony, held simultaneously across the country at nearly 2,000 participating locations, will be on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019.

The goal: to place a live, balsam fir veteran’s wreath at the headstone of every veteran buried there and spread patriotism and ensure no one if forgotten. The cost: Each wreath sponsorship costs $15.

 “Every wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “We are so grateful to the community of Roxbury for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”

“It is an honor and a privilege for DAR to support Wreaths Across America” said Denise VanBuren, DAR President General. “For years DAR members have remembered those who have worn the uniform of our nation through participating in their local Wreaths Across America observance.” The Daughters of the American Revolution is a volunteer women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members, who seek to honor their revolutionary ancestors and promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism in their communities. The partnership between DAR and WAA helps to ensure communities across the United States learn the indelible mark our veterans have on our country and the value of honoring their sacrifices. National Wreaths Across America Day is a free, non-political event, open to all people. For more information, to donate locally, please visit www.RoxburyWAA.org, facebook.com/RoxburyWAA, and twitter.com/RoxburyWAA.

About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,800 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. To learn more about Wreaths Across America visit youtube.com/WreathsAcrossAmerica

About Daughters of the American Revolution
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With nearly 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations.  DAR members are committed to volunteer service having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities throughout the world during the past three years.  To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit DAR.org or connect with DAR on social media: facebook.com/TodaysDAR, twitter.com/TodaysDAR and youtube.com/TodaysDAR.

1st Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church Cemeteries Announced as an Official Location for 2015 National Wreaths Across America Program

Community Fundraising Efforts to Culminate in Wreath-Laying Ceremony on National Wreaths Across America Day 

Wreaths Across America (WAA), a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, announced that 1st Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church Cemeteries in Succasunna, NJ has once again joined in the effort to fulfill the national WAA mission of remembering, honoring and teaching under the 2015 central theme: “Cemeteries are for the living.” This is the second year that 1st Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church Cemeteries will be participating.

1st Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church Cemeteries will be organizing several fundraising events in the coming year that will culminate in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor veterans on National Wreath Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. Remembrance wreaths will be placed at the headstones of fallen veterans at more than 1,000 locations across the country and overseas. A remembrance ceremony will be held at 1st Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church Cemeteries in Succasunna, NJ, on this day to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country are not, and never will be, forgotten.

The Ferro Monte Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, is proud to coordinate this event.” It is truly a community event with countless residents all coming together to sponsor wreaths, lay wreaths and create a moving memorial ceremony to honor these veterans.” Vice Regent and Location Coordinator Kim Armstrong says. “We hope with the generous support of the community as well as local businesses we will be able to honor all 560 veterans in the combined cemeteries with wreaths this year. To accomplish this goal we ask you to sponsor wreaths at RoxburyWAA.org by November 28th and attend the ceremony on December 12th.” 

“Wreaths Across America has grown on the passion of our volunteers,” said Karen Worcester, WAA executive director. “Many of our organization’s most successful ideas came from those who do the real work of organizing and carrying out our ceremonies in their hometowns. It is overwhelming to realize that more than 1,000 locations are living our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach the service and sacrifice of veterans.”

Those interested in volunteering with their local Wreaths Across America location in Succasunna, NJ are invited to email NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, please visit RoxburyWAA.org. 

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission, Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December at Arlington, as well as at hundreds of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. To keep up with all the Wreaths Across America news, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WAAHQ and on Twitter at twitter.com/WreathsAcross.

Happy Constitution Week

AMERICA CELEBRATES U.S. CONSTITUTION

DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness

Constituition Week Display
@ Roxbury Library

Mayor Jim Rilee
with Sue Anderson

At the September 8^th Roxbury Town Council meeting, Mayor Rilee presented members, Linda Smith, Sue Anderson and Kim Armstrong, of the Ferro Monte Chapter, NSDAR with a Constitution Week proclamation. September 17, 2015, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every American. Ferro Monte Chapter members Sue Anderson (Roxbury) and Melvina Annis (Rockaway) have created a Constitution exhibit in the lobby of the Roxbury Library. The Constitution exhibit including the Town Council proclamation will be on display throughout September. In addition, the Roxbury Township Public Library will be distributing Preamble to the Constitution bookmarks courteous of the Ferro Monte Chapter.

 

DAR Promotes Constitution Week Awareness

September 17, 2015, begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every American. 

The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787. 

The United States of America functions as a Republic under the Constitution, which is the oldest document still in active use that outlines the self-government of a people. This landmark idea that men had the inalienable right as individuals to be free and live their lives under their own governance was the impetus of the American Revolution.  Today, the Constitution stands as an icon of freedom for people around the world. 

“Constitution Week is the perfect opportunity to read and study this great document which is the safeguard of our American liberties,” states DAR President General, Lynn Forney Young. “We encourage all citizens across the country to take time this week to reflect on our heritage of freedom and come together to Celebrate America!”

DAR has served America for 125 years as its foremost cheerleader.  In 1928, the Daughters began work on a building as a memorial to the Constitution. John Russell Pope, architect of the Jefferson Memorial, was commissioned to design the performing arts center, known as DAR Constitution Hall. Today, DAR Constitution Hall is one of the only structures erected in tribute to the Constitution of the United States of America.  

Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has over 180,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and activities for children, and programs for new immigrants. For more information about DAR and its programs visit www.dar.org

Church and State

1st Presbyterian Church Succasunna

The Morris County Freeholders are debating tonight whether to restrict historic preservation grants to only those organizations that own and maintain historic buildings to those that do not have any religious affiliation.

Church buildings were among the first community buildings built in our towns and villages. They served as houses of worship, schools, and community gathering places. The 1st Presbyterian Church in Succasunna served as a hospital during the American Revolution serving soldiers regardless of their faith; those who didn’t survive are buried in their cemetery. Don’t ask the government who married who in the 1700s, or when a child was born in most of the 1800s; this information was only kept by churches. Whether the politically correct like it or not, church going Americans founded this country and their buildings and records are inter-woven in the fabric of our society.

The 1st Amendment to the Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” The resolution being proposed in this motion clearly is prohibiting the free exercise of religion. A historic building that once was a church but is now used for another purpose would be eligible for county historical preservation grants; however, that same building if used for religious purposes today cannot. How is this not against the constitution? It is absurd to deny the historical status of these buildings and the accompanying need for upkeep just because they are run by thus and such religion. We are not asking you to establish a religion.

I ask Morris County Freeholders to NOT to prohibit the free exercise of religious organizations by denying them the necessary funds to maintain their historic buildings, solely on the basis of their religious beliefs. Tell your Freeholders what you think tonight 7:30pm at the Morristown Courthouse.

Online Wreath Sponsorship Deadline Extended to Dec 3

I was interviewed this morning for an article on the Wreaths Across America event being held at the combined cemeteries of the 1st Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church by Fred Aun from the new online news service servicing Roxbury, Tap Into Roxbury. As the headlline notes, the big news is you still have 3 days, including #givingTuesday to sponsor a wreath for our location by going to www.roxburywaa.org. And if I haven't mentioned it before, sponsorships are tax deductible. 

Fred took a great shot of the cemetery covered in snow which I am fervently praying will melt prior to December 13th. Check out his article to find out more about the WAA event in Succasunna.

The 27th Annual Olde Suckasunny Day Street Fair is Saturday, September 6th on Main Street in Succasunna from 10am – 3pm. Sponsored by The Roxbury Public Library, The Succasunna United Methodist Church and by The First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna; there are games, live entertainment, musical guests including the Roxbury Marching Band, food, a Friends of the Library BookSale and 75 plus vendors, crafters, and non-profits.

The Friends of the Library are selling 15,000 gently used books priced from .50 for paperbacks and $1 for hardcover books. Among the non-profits tents at the Library are the Friends of the Library and the Daughters of the American Revolution. They can be found on Main Street between the Library driveways. The Friends table will be promoting memberships and driving traffic back to the Book Sale. Morristown Festival of Books schedules will be posted too. Meanwhile, the Ferro-MonteChapter DAR have balloons and pinwheels for the little ones, family trees and pocket Constitutions for the rest of us. The chapter will have information on the Wtreath Across America event they are sponsoring at the First Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church cemeteries.

New this year will be a Dog Adoption from St. Hubert's which I hear will include puppies. Dad, I promise not to bring one home. Coming back after a few years absence is the Fire Safety house from the American Red Cross. Food is abundant including my favorites from hot dogs, corn on the cob and church lady brownies; a corner with no nuts please! During my break, I'm looking forward to stopping in at Village Antiques and Collectibles to see what fun things my friend Debbie Lauda has gotten in.

Admission into the fair is free with events scheduled throughout the day starting with opening ceremonies with Mayor Jim Rilee. The fair is on Main Street from Hillside Avenue to Hunter Street. Parking for the fair will be available at: Lincoln Roosevelt School, Franklin School and the Saint Therese Church where they are sponsoring a Granny's Attic.

The Friends are going GREEN!

The Friends are going green! Ok, we're really have blue bags, but they are recyclable so that makes them green. Read about it in the latest Among Friends E-newsletter.

Friends of the Library Open for Book Donations

Clear off your shelves and drop off your gently used books, CDs and DVDs Aug 23-29

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Among-Friends.html?soid=1104907686970&aid=4r1tm-ArFqU

Ferro-Monte Chapter, NSDAR Honors its Departed Sisters

With the spring thaw, the Ferro-Monte Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will move their April 19th meeting outside to the gravesides of their recently departed Sisters. They will be placing DAR grave markers on the resting places of six fellow daughters in Chester, Stanhope, Dover and Succasunna. Beginning at the First Presbyterian Church, 99 Main Street, Succasunna, the chapter will visit five cemeteries in the area.

Ferro-Monte Chapter meetings are held at Roxbury Township Free Public Library 103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ at 10am the 2nd Saturday of the month from October - April. Prospective members are always welcome. If you have an interest in learning about your family tree, we can help you; maybe we can even find a Patriot among your leaves. For information, email: NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

Snow Day

The East Coast is being hit by another nor'easter named Pax. The snow started last night and snowed continuously until a little while ago. The storm isn't over it is just taking a breather and so are we. Neighbors ventured out to clear pathways. We started cleaning off cars and decks while we wait for the resumption of the storm. The weathermen are telling us that we've gotten 14 inches so far. And oh goodie they just reported we should be getting another 3-6 inches tonight.  I wonder what Dr Tierney has up his sleeve for tomorrow's delayed opening school closing. 

Here is what it looked like out my backdoor for part 1 of Pax. The square that is being buried by the snow is my AC unit.

Fág an Bealach! Morris County Resident to Discuss the Irish Brigade

Clear the way! Mine Hill resident Andrew Bermingham fought at the Battle of Antietam as a part of the Irish Brigade. Hear Civil War chronicler Steve O’Neill recount the story at the Ferro-Monte Chapter, NSDAR on Saturday February 8th at 10am.  

Ferro-Monte Chapter meetings are held at Roxbury Township Free Public Library 103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ at 10am the 2^nd Saturday of the month from October - April. Prospective members are always welcome. If you have an interest in learning about your family tree, we can help you; maybe we can even find a Patriot among your leaves. For information, email: NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

Superbowl Eats

Today is the 1st time in 20 years I will be home for the Superbowl. Usually I attend a friend's Superbowl party. However, this year the party is cancelled. As much as I will miss spending time with all my bowl game friends, I am looking forward to my Superbowl menu. My niece-in-laws will be attending the game courtesy of their new bff Seattle Seahawk Derrick Coleman. Fox taped a segment with the girls for the pre-game show. The pre-game show is four hours long and of course we don't know when their piece will air. Then the game. As football fans, we actually look forward to this part. At my friend's house the guys & I are glued to the game. This year will be no different. Prior to the aforementioned letter exchange, I was leaning toward Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Now, I'm die-hard Seahawk fan. Half-time is usually the time for eats, but this year Bruno Mars has invited several New Jersey marching bands to participate in his show. Roxbury High School will be among those performing at half-time. 

Multi-Grain Nachos

Sweet Potato Chips

Given the amount of articles written, it is clear how important what is served during the Superbowl festivities is as important if not more important than the game itself. Since we are planning on watching not only the game but the pre-game show as well; I need to plan enough food to cover 9 hours of munching. The menu choices will be on the healthy side: cut veggies (celery, radishes, cauliflower & carrots), multi-grain cheese nachos, baked chicken tenders, sweet potato chips and green beans. The green bean recipe intrigues me the most. I had been planning on frying them with olive oil & garlic when I came upon this recipe to bake them. 

  

Healthy Chicken Tenders               Oven Roasted Green Beans

Now to the good stuff... desert! One of my favorite memories of my Nana was sitting on the red stool in her kitchen while she cooked.  There were no short pre-packaged short cuts for her, everything was made from scratch. She made the BEST chocolate pudding on the stove. Once it cooled it had a yummy skin on top that seems to be out of vogue today. Awhile back I found a chocolate pudding recipe from Hershey. I'm going to make it in the morning (without the covering so it will develop a skin). As the game winds down, I'll enjoy the treat and remember my Nana. 

Chocolate Pudding

3rd Grader writes to her inspiration Derrick Coleman

Riley's letter to Derrick Coleman went viral, then mainstream. Riley along with her twin sister Erin and dad Jake appeared on Good Morning America this morning. Unfortunately for those of us in New Jersey, GMA was preempted due to the snowstorm. Happily the segment has now been posted online. 

Derrick Coleman Duracell Ad: Deaf NFL Player Inspires Hearing Impaired Twins Riley and Erin Kovalcik to Write Letter | Video - ABC News

Ferro-Monte Chapter NSDAR celebrates Lenape Culture

The Ferro-Monte Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, hosts a NJ Council on the Humanities program by Beverly A Friend titled “Lenape Culture: An Introduction to American Indian Life in New Jersey”, on Saturday November 9^th.  The Lenape Indians occupied New Jersey at the time of European exploration and colonization. Ms. Friend will present a variety of authentic artifacts, crafts and clothing used in Lenape daily life, beliefs, history and creative expression.

Illustration courtesy of
Herbert C. and John T. Kraft

Ferro-Monte Chapter meetings are held at Roxbury Township Free Public Library 103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ at 10am the 2^nd Saturday of the month from October - April. Prospective members are always welcome. If you have an interest in learning about your family tree, we can help you; maybe we can even find a Patriot among your leaves. For information, email: NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

Autumn DAR Social

The Ferro-Monte Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, will hold its Autumn Social Saturday, October 12 meeting at Roxbury Township Free Public Library 103 Main St, Succasunna, NJ at 10am. The Autumn Social is a wonderful time to meet new friends, catch-up with old friends and learn about our Revolutionary Patriots. If you have an interest in learning about your family tree, we can help you; maybe we can even find a Patriot among your leaves. Prospective members are always welcome. For information, email: NJDARFerroMonte@aol.com.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

Roxbury library seeks residents’ input for future

The Strategic Planning Committee of Roxbury Library invites all Roxbury residents to participate in our planning. Two opportunities are open to all residents: the survey   https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XSCKKS2 available online now thru Oct 8 and a Town Hall Meeting Wed, Oct 9 at 6pm in the Council Chamber in Roxbury Town Hall.
Roxbury library seeks residents’ input for future - New Jersey Hills Newspaper: Roxbury Register News

I Love Living in a Small Town

Tonight was a wonderful example why I love living in a small town. Our town’s kickoff to summer is the Roxbury Arts Alliance’s Annual Beach Blast. Rain delayed twice the event which is why we’re kicking off summer in the middle of July. Several community groups, local businesses, recreation and police came together to create a fun filled evening of food, music, fireworks, and friends. Residents brought their beach chairs and blankets to the only NJ park listed in the top 15 best parks in the Take it to the Park, Coca-Cola Park Contest; Horseshoe Lake Park. Lounging in the sand, we caught up on our summer activities and commiserated about this blasted heat wave while we enjoyed a local band play. As darkness approached, the excitement grew for the start of the fireworks. Local businesses stepped up a few years ago to pick up the torch after budget cuts forced the town to drop the annual fireworks display. While the fireworks weren't as splashy as Macy’s they were still wonderful. Oh did I mention it only took me 5 minutes to get home after the show?

Friends Spring Book Sale is Here

Read all about it in the latest Among Friends.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Among-Friends.html?soid=1104907686970&aid=O209r5pEpv4#fblike

Roxbury Library Desperately Needs Help

Our Roxbury Twp Free Public Library plays a vital role in the community. It is the center where people can gather, where they can use a computer or where they can borrow a book or DVD to learn new skills and be entertained.  Sandy and its aftermath made this very clear when over 18,000 residents came to the Library to access the internet, re-charge their batteries and pass the time until power was restored to the town.

Computer Center during Sandy

Sandy has past and most of us in Roxbury have gotten back to our daily lives. The Library however is experiencing a storm of its own. The state mandated MINIMUM portion of the Library’s budget has been released with a $68,000 reduction from 2012 numbers.  Most people know that the vast majority of library funding is raised through local taxes, but you may not know that the State mandated annual minimum appropriation for the operation of our Free Public Library is equal to 1/3 of a mill on every dollar of assessable property within the municipality.  Due to the downturn in the economy, the mandated funding that the Trustees rely on for daily operation of the library has been decreasing each year for the past several years.  The minimum funding for 2013 is $1,096,213. In total, the 2013 proposed funding is $241,000 less than it was in 2008. The dramatic decreases in funding have necessitated difficult budget cuts; reducing hours, limiting book purchases and forcing technology to surpass its “End of Life” usefulness. Many needed projects and improvements have been set aside or scrapped altogether.  

The time has come for the residents to ask the Town Council to once again step up and support the Library beyond the state minimum. In years past the Council routinely added to the Library budget to create a Library that was looked up to in the county.  The past few years the Council has chosen not to continue that assistance. The result of the decreased funding; reduced hours, staff reduced by 1/3, program funding eliminated, and materials purchase (books, CDs and e-books) at a paltry 3% of the budget. We will need additional municipal funding to begin to restore our Library to the premier facility it once was. Please help the library by contacting your councilman and ask him or her to consider adding to the 1/3 mill for the library. Contact info for the council can be found at http://roxburynj.us/index.aspx?nid=3 .

Friends of the Roxbury Twp Public Library

The Friends are dedicated to preserving the library and its programs, an effort that has become increasingly important with the continued budget cuts to library funding. For more information on the Friends of Roxbury Twp Public Library visit http://www.roxburylibrary.org/friends/membership.html.