2022 Memorial Day Issue

INFORMING, SERVING AND CELEBRATING THE LAKE REGION
ake Hopatcong News
MEMORIAL DAY 2022 VOL. 14 NO. 2
Home Sweet Homestead
A visionary Jefferson couple turn their dream into reality for their ‘differently-abled’ adult daughter
THE BATTLE TO KEEP
CANADA GEESE AT BAY
MAKING MERRY MUSIC
WOMEN’S NETWORKING
GROUP A HIT
IN SEARCH OF SPIRITS

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From the Editor
If you’ve been reading this magazine for the past 10 years, you’ve probably noticed that I shoot
most of the photos in each issue. The exceptions are the photographs for Marty Kane’s history
column and the wildlife photos in Heather Shirley’s column, Words of a Feather.
While Heather can dazzle with the written word, she readily admits that her talents fall short
when it comes to capturing her subjects on film—or, in this digital age, on a memory card. Luckily
for us, her birding/adventure mates provide stunning images of the creatures she features in her
column.
For Marty’s column, Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum’s vast collection of historical photos
and postcards—there are nearly 12,000 images in its archives—has proven to be a treasure of visual
representation of a time gone by. He is very generous with sharing, usually sending me a half dozen
or more photos per column that range from sweeping landscapes to buildings and structures to
portraits to random observations of a particular subject.
Unfortunately, many times I am unable to use all the photos he provides with his column due to
space issues in the magazine. But when push comes to shove, I will always publish photos that have
that human element present. I have a real fondness for old photos, especially ones that capture the
uniqueness of an individual subject.
One day, I will ask Marty to let me look at all of those 12,000 pictures.
His column in this issue is about Cornelia “Corky” Gilissen, an Olympic diver from the 1930s
who got her start here at Lake Hopatcong. Of the eight great photos he sent me, there is one in the
bunch that I find fascinating. It’s of Corky coming off the diving board in what looks to me like
perfect form as she flips inward, hands out to the side, hips hinged in a perfect V as she heads for
the water.
Technically, the photo is very well done for that era of photography. The photographer was able
to capture peak action, keeping the subject in sharp focus. Every element of the photo is such that
you automatically focus on her. There’s the crowd, all heads turned toward the sky. Then there are
the two male divers below the diving platforms, eyes focused on Corky.
And you can’t help but notice the two cameramen on the platform above her. I’ve certainly been
on the front lines of many sporting events, but their location really puts them in the middle of the
action. A really wonderful old photo.
Speaking of being in the middle of the action, in April I tagged along (in my kayak) with wildlife
biologist April Simnor as she kayaked her way around the canals in Lake Hopatcong looking for the
nests of Canada geese. Our window of opportunity to get photos for Mike Daigle’s story (see page
6) about the Canada geese population in the area was one day—weather be damned.
Unfortunately, the weather that day was brutal. Temps were in the high 30s with wind gusts of
about 16 mph. And it flurried. Most of the lake had white caps that morning. Getting into the
canals from MarineMax where we launched proved the trickiest part of the journey, but once we
were deeper into the canals, the wind broke up a bit.
I do love a good adventure to go along with a good story.
Another good story in this issue is the cover story about one Jefferson
family’s journey to provide their adult daughter, who has developmental
disabilities, with a chance to live independently in an affordable group
home. Michele and Dennis Elmers’ commitment to seeing their
daughter Rebecca live her best life is inspiring. And with the help of an
army of volunteers, move-in day is just around the corner.
It was an honor to be able to document a part of their journey for
this story.
—Karen
ake Hopatcong News
INFORMING, SERVING AND CELEBRATING THE LAKE REGION
MEMORIAL DAY 2022 VOL. 14 NO. 2
Home Sweet Homestead
A visionary Jefferson couple turn their dream into reality for their ‘differently-abled’ adult daughter
ON THE COVER
KAREN FUCITO
Editor
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Stephen Daigle
Bonnie-Lynn Nadzeika
Melissa Summers
Maria Vogel-Short
Ellen Wilkowe
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Heather Shirley
Barbara Simmons
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4
THE BATTLE TO KEEP
CANADA GEESE AT BAY
MAKING MERRY MUSIC
WOMEN’S NETWORKING
GROUP A HIT
IN SEARCH OF SPIRITS
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
Dennis and Michele Elmers with their
daughter Rebecca at Rebecca’s Homestead in
Wantage.
-photo by Karen Fucito
Lake Hopatcong News is published seven times a
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lakehopatcongnews.com 5

April Simnor
keeps an eye on
a pair of Canada
geese as she
checks the eggs
from their nest.
Simnor shares the water with a male
Canada goose.
Homeowners at
Lakeshore Village
install fencing along
the boat launch.
Jamie Brunn and Tena Bos install
fencing at Lakeshore Village.
Solving This Issue Can Be
A Wild Goose Chase
They are harassed, their nesting areas
targeted, their eggs addled. Humans
plant taller grass near favored lakes and
streams to deter them or add chemicals or
rough surfaces around water bodies that make
walking to lakes and streams uncomfortable.
Feeding them on public property is illegal
in the four Lake Hopatcong towns—Mount
Arlington banned feeding them on public and
private property.
But Canada geese never seem to go away.
Not for lack of trying.
This year the Lake Hopatcong Commission
will jump into the fray to make the watershed
uncomfortable for the Canada goose, a large
(average weight 12 to 14 pounds, with a 4- to
6-foot wingspan), protective, aggressive and
omnipresent bird.
The birds are both an important member of
the Lake Hopatcong wildlife community and
an identified nuisance whose feces foul parks,
playing fields and beaches and add to the
collective pollution that plagues the lake.
Wildlife professionals have identified
two groups of Canada geese in New Jersey:
Migratory birds that move between breeding
grounds in Canada and overwintering areas
in the United States, and a resident group that
has grown since the 1930s, when they were first
released.
A 2012 Rutgers University Cooperative
Service study noted there were 80,000 native
6
Story by MICHAEL DAIGLE
Photos by KAREN FUCITO
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
Jersey geese. In 2008, there were an estimated
3.6 million resident geese in the United States.
The study said “The overabundance of
resident Canada geese in the eastern U.S.
has significant negative impacts on both
ecosystem and human health. Intolerable
levels of negative human-goose interactions,
including agricultural damage, habitat
degradation, aircraft strikes and environmental
contamination, make managing resident goose
populations a necessity. A lack of natural
predators and high-quality food resources have
greatly increased survival.”
And, oh, both groups of geese—the migratory
and the resident—are federally protected.
Karen Porfido of Mount Arlington, an
alternate on the Lake Hopatcong Commission,
is heading up that group’s new effort to reduce
goose damage to the lake watershed.
She said the impact of goose feces on Lake
Hopatcong is profound.
“Four adult geese can produce as much
phosphorus as one septic system,” she said.
“One goose produces one half pound of
phosphorus a year, which has the potential to
generate 550 pounds of wet algae.”
For comparison, reports filed by Princeton
Hydro LLC, the lake’s water quality consultant,
say removal (through weed harvesting) of one
pound of phosphorus from the lake can result
in the removal of 1,100 pounds of wet plant
material.
Porfido said the commission this year will
begin with an education program designed to
show the impact of the geese on the lake and
to outline preferred discouragement methods.
One goal is to secure permission from
property owners to allow volunteers next spring
during breeding season to enter properties and
addle eggs.
The goose battle is not new nor confined to
Lake Hopatcong.
At Lake Shawnee, Jefferson Mayor Eric
Wilsusen, who is also president of the private
Lake Shawnee Club, said, “We have tried
everything.”
That included egg addling, pyrotechnics
and other noisemakers to startle the geese,
planting tall grass near the shore and chemical
treatments.
“It’s important to addle the eggs,” he said. “At
times we had to close beaches because of the
mess.”
The 83-acre lake is home to 2,559 residents
whose activities rely on access to clean beaches
and a clean lake.
The lake averages 12 to 15 pairs of geese,
Wilsusen said, but has been home to as many
as 25 pairs.
“We have to find a balance that protects the
geese and keeps the lake clean,” he said.
There’s also this: “We are the headwaters for
Lake Hopatcong,” Wilsusen said. “What we do
in Shawnee has an impact in Lake Hopatcong.”
The Lake Mohawk Country Club, a private
lake community in Sparta and Byram, extends
its mitigation efforts to all waterfowl, said
engineer Sabina Watson.
The program includes the usual efforts: Egg
addling, no feeding of birds and other wildlife,
habitat disruption and eradication.
The community of 9,916 people on the 800-
acre lake shares the space with about 30 pairs of
geese, Watson said. The aggressive mitigation
has meant “we have not seen an increase in the
population of geese,” Watson said.
Netcong partners with the Lake
Musconetcong Regional Planning Board and

neighboring Stanhope Borough to tackle the
goose issue on the lake, said Administrator
Ralph Blakeslee.
“It’s a health issue,” he said.
Off-lake efforts include dog cut-outs, taller
grass and other efforts to discourage the geese
from landing on the grass lakeside and in parks
where the waste can be washed into the lake
and the Musconetcong River.
“It makes a difference,” he said. “It’s a public
service to keep the parks and lake cleaner.”
Meanwhile, the Longwood Lake Cabin
Owners Association in Jefferson makes “no
community-wide interventions” to address
geese, said Eva-Lee Baird, the group’s secretary.
“Longwood Lake, formed by a dam on a
small river, has a fairly high flow rate, [which]
keeps a number of potential problems from
becoming serious and avoids the need for
community-wide interventions,” she said.
Grace Rhinesmith, Jefferson Township’s
director of parks and recreation, has been
scheming against Canada geese for 20 years
when the birds invaded the Lakeside Recreation
Complex, which borders Route 15 South and
is surrounded by a section of Lake Hopatcong
known locally as the canals.
The fields were covered with geese feces, she
said. “It was a health issue for the players and
was washing into the lake.”
The township tried all the recommended
mitigation efforts: Habitat disturbance,
fencing, tall grass and egg addling.
Early on, Rhinesmith, along with her then
boss, Roland Sparling, supervisor of parks,
would search for nests along the shoreline
surrounding the park, addling as many eggs
as they could find. It was a daunting task, she
said.
Soon after, the township enlisted the help of
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, settling
on a course of action that has shown significant
improvement, said Rhinesmith.
“There is a huge difference. We used to see
20, 30, 40 geese a day [on the fields]. It’s gotten
a lot better over the past decade.”
The number of nests and eggs addled varied
over the years, said Rhinesmith.
In 2003, the first year, 101 eggs were addled.
In 2005, 30 nests were found and 151 eggs
were addled.
In 2011, there were 11 nests and 30 eggs
addled.
In 2021, there were 18 nests and 87 eggs
addled.
April Simnor, a USDA wildlife biologist, has
been tasked with addling in Jefferson for the
last 16 years, spending countless hours in her
kayak searching for nests hidden among the
vegetation along the shorelines in the canals
and around Liffy Island and other lakeside
township-owned property.
On a recent April morning, Simnor paddled
her way a short distance in the canals, checking
the first half dozen known nests along the route
and encountering three pairs of protective
parents along the way.
The success of addling, in which Simnor
terminates the growth of the embryo by oiling
the egg and returning it to the nest, is to trick
sitting adults into believing the egg is still
developing.
On this day, three nests were “active” with
sitters while three others were abandoned,
flooded out due mostly to the high-water level
in the lake at the time.
At its April meeting, Simnor, who comes
with an impressive resume, advised the lake
commission on its goose mitigation program.
(In 2019, she was the lead biologist on a
program to disperse tens of thousands of crows
from the state government complex. That same
year she led an effort to reduce the impact of
Canada geese on the properties operated by the
Passaic Valley Water Commission.)
In her presentation, Simnor focused on
employing many of the current techniques,
advised the commission on current laws and
highlighted the need to secure permission from
property owners for access to their properties
to seek nests.
“Lake Hopatcong is a challenge because of
its complex watershed and the size of the lake,”
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Simnor said.
The effort to move geese is complicated, she
said.
Tall grasses along a lake can offer a hidden
nesting area, for example, she said, but also
raise concern among the geese because they
might not be able to see a predator.
That might make the geese seek another
nesting area, she said.
Yet that is also tricky, Simnor said.
Geese might respond to persistent efforts
to disrupt their habitat, she said, but they are
genetically attached to their birthplace, like
many animals.
So, while humans want the geese to find
another home, if they were born there, Lake
Hopatcong is their home.
Simnor said the last data from USDA showed
there are 68,215 Canada geese in New Jersey.
That would be a drop of about 12,000 from
2008, as measured by Rutgers.
“Making a consistent effort is the key” to
reducing the goose population, said Jefferson’s
Rhinesmith. “These birds are harmless in one
sense—they are not predators, but at the same
time they are dangerous because of what they
leave behind.”
For Karen Porfido, the effort is about looking
ahead.
“I want the lake to be clean for my children
and grandchildren,” she said.
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Businesswomen Find Benefit
in Joining Jefferson Group
Photos by KAREN FUCITO
chance encounter led two women to
A launch Jefferson’s Professional Women’s
Networking Group, which has seen local
businesswomen gain exposure, be inspired and
find camaraderie.
Alexia Lewis, a financial advisor, and
businesswoman Elisa DeYoung remember
the day they first decided to start the women’s
networking group.
The May-December partnership—Lewis
is 27 and DeYoung is 66—originated after a
Jefferson Township Chamber of Commerce
meeting where they were the only two women
in the room. After brainstorming together, they
decided to start a female networking group that
meets monthly and has grown from a dozen
members two years ago to 150-plus women
today. Women professionals learn about the
group through Facebook and word of mouth.
“I always wanted to start a ladies’ networking
group,” said DeYoung, who had a business
cleaning houses and now works for Welcome
To Our Neighborhood. Covering Morris,
Somerset and Union counties, Welcome To Our
Neighborhood connects local businesses with
new homeowners. Marketing and representing
local businesses give DeYoung encouragement
to keep working, she said. “People just love
someone knocking on their door and welcoming
them to their new home and finding out about
business in the area.”
DeYoung manages the Jefferson area of
Welcome to the Neighborhood. She and her
husband have lived in Jefferson for 32 years;
it’s where they raised their three, now-adult
children.
“My husband tells me I’m perfect for this
job because I know and talk to everybody,”
DeYoung joked.
“We hit it off right away,” said Lewis, of
DeYoung, when asked about how the group
began.
Lewis grew up on the lake
side of the township and
went to school with some
of DeYoung’s children. In
her senior year at Jefferson
High School, she and her
family moved to the Oak
Ridge side. She graduated
from Ramapo College and
became a financial advisor
at Mass Mutual in Warren
a couple of years ago.
“We both wanted to see
10
Story by MARIA VOGEL-SHORT
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
more women’s business events because we saw
a need for networking with business owners in
our town,” said Lewis, who still lives in Oak
Ridge with her parents. “The biggest benefit is
that women can make connections…whether
they’ve been in business for six months or 20
years.”
The group meets in person at restaurants and
businesses the third Wednesday of every month.
The group alternates from the Lake Hopatcong
side to the Milton side.
“Our inspiration developed from the women
who attended our events. At every event we
have hosted so far, we have had several women
come up to us and tell us how happy they are
that we put this together, and they tell us their
own success stories from coming to the events.
Elisa and I both love our community and are
thankful we started this group,” said Lewis.
At each networking meeting, women
introduce themselves, seek to make contacts
and, eventually, use the services of someone they
meet in the group. “You never know who you
are going to meet,” said DeYoung. “Generally,
everyone introduces themselves and tells them
what they do.”
Saralyn Betley, an executive consultant with
Rodan + Fields, said she comes to the group for
business growth. “I get ideas from coming here.
After a wonderful job in the luggage industry,
COVID hit, and I had to think of other ways to
make a living.”
At the March meeting, author and inspirational
speaker Janet Pfeiffer was the featured guest.
She discussed how to communicate effectively,
especially when dealing with a partner who does
not communicate at all. “Those who seek the
truth ask questions. Those who fear the truth
make assumptions and judgments,” Pfeiffer
said.
At the April meeting, hosted by real estate
broker Johanna Rivera of Realty Executives
Property Squad in Lake Hopatcong, women
congregated in Rivera’s new office on Route
15, sipping wine and snacking on homemade
Barbie Garruto, Elisa DeYoung and Elizabeth Baldyga
share a laugh during a recent networking meeting.
lasagna and decadent desserts made by members.
Rivera, who has been in real estate for nine
years, said she comes to the group to “be
inspired.” At the April event, she connected
with Greta Melofchik, a real estate agent who
has been in the business for 39 years and is
currently with Exit Neighborhood Realty in
Lake Hopatcong on Route 15. Both discussed
the best advice they ever received from fellow
businesswomen.
The April networking event was designed
to generate self-reflection, too. Members
went from table to table to meet new people
and answer such game questions as: “What is
something you want to accomplish before this
year is over?” and “What legacy do you want to
leave behind?”
Some come to the group to fill job positions.
Johanna Rosario, of medical technology
company BD, is a manager for contract analysts.
When her company needed an analyst, she came
to the group last month to network and find
someone who could fill the position.
Lisette Rogue, who owns Royalty Cleaning
Services with her husband, said she comes
because she meets empowering women.
Laura Bald, of Leisure Travel by Laura, said
she heard about the group and wanted to be
a part of it. Bald started her own independent
business after her job ended at Liberty Travel,
a company that folded during the pandemic.
“This year everyone is traveling again,” said
Bald. “People still use travel agents, and it does
Alexia Lewis at a recent meeting.
Johanna Rosario, Johanna Rivera and Laura Bald participate
in a question-and-answer exercise during a recent meeting.

not cost more for people to book a cruise with
me than it does for them to order it online.”
Gisela Arias, who co-owns DLA Executive
Limo with her husband, said she comes to
the meetings for exposure. “I heard about it
on Facebook and through Johanna Rivera. It’s
a chance to meet a lot of different people. I
started organizing for people and also becoming
a wedding officiant, so I wear a lot of hats.”
MaryAnn Cuervo, of Oak Ridge, came to her
first meeting in March after interfacing with
DeYoung on Facebook. DeYoung suggested
promoting her business through the networking
group and suggested that Cuervo attend
meetings to see what other entrepreneurs do
when starting a new business.
Cuervo started Queen Bee Custom Creations
five months ago because friends raved over the
custom baskets she made for bridal showers
and other events. “They’re not really baskets,”
explained Cuervo. “They are custom-made
pieces designed around a personality. For
example, for honeymoon gifts, I found these
little white suitcases that I fill with personal
items. I am all about listening and finding out
about the person I design for. One woman
could not believe the things in her case, saying
‘how does this woman know what I like?’”
DeYoung believes the group will continue to
gain momentum and grow.
“I’m hoping to keep the community as a focus
to help all of these ladies’ businesses flourish.”
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Hopatcong Environmental
Commission Marks 50 Years
of Preservation
Story by MELISSA SUMMERS
Photos by KAREN FUCITO
One of the oldest environmental
commissions in the state has turned 50
this year. But the Hopatcong Environmental
Commission certainly isn’t showing its age,
keeping up with evolving environmental
conditions and the need to educate residents on
how to keep their surroundings beautiful and
healthy.
The organization was established in May 1972
as the Hopatcong Conservation Commission.
It was modeled after a Massachusetts program
designed to create a local unit of government
that would be the watchdog for the environment,
according to Cliff Lundin, 70, one of the original
members appointed by the mayor and borough
council.
“At the time, Hopatcong was an
environmental catastrophe,” said Lundin, who
left the commission in 1975 when he became
a councilman. “The population had almost
doubled between 1960 and 1970, due primarily
to Route 80 opening up and it became a cheap
place to live and commute to jobs east. You
had all these summer bungalows that were in
the process of being converted to year-round
homes. The privately owned water systems were
collapsing. The lake was showing major signs
of stress. Septic systems were spilling over and
running down the street.”
The group was put in charge of protecting and
representing the environment in the community,
according to Lundin. “One of the first things
the commission set out to do was to perform
a national resource inventory, which was
completed in 1975.”
The study looked at all the natural resources—
wetlands, streams, steep slopes, flood plains—
mapping out where the most sensitive areas
were. “The result was a recommendation that the
borough adopt critical area zoning, an overlay
that defined the natural resource areas,” Lundin
said.
The council adopted an ordinance that required
anyone looking to build in an environmentally
sensitive area to go before the zoning board and
demonstrate how they were going to address the
environmental feature. According to Lundin,
that provision remains in the borough code
today.
Jule Girman, 79, was appointed to the
Hopatcong Environmental Commission in
2012, later becoming a full member and voted in
as chairperson in 2014, a position she still holds
today. “We are very lucky to be an environmental
commission in a very environmentally diverse
community, and we have the best—the lake,
the woods, the trails, the wildlife. It’s just a great
place to live,” she said.
“Mayor [Mike] Francis has appointed a great
team that works together with motivation and
energy and has the knowledge and wherewithal to
get things done,” said Girman. Current members
include Jen Barone, Lisa Hirschfeld, Brad
Hoferkamp, Pat Hoferkamp, Jon Rafalowski,
Willa Scantlebury and Georgia Schilling.
One of the group’s biggest achievements has
been becoming involved with Sustainable Jersey,
according to Girman. The program encourages
communities to work toward certification, a
distinction Hopatcong has held since 2015.
“The borough had to accomplish actions
and complete environmental projects that
support us as a sustainable community,” she
said. Hopatcong gained “points” through the
maintenance of a community garden, the
establishment of a farmers market, as well as by
supporting recycling and “shred days.”
“All these things that we do make Hopatcong
a better place,” she added. Certification is good
for three years, and communities can recertify by
maintaining or increasing their points.
The commission works in conjunction with
the borough council. John Young, 72, who has
served as a councilman since 2009, was asked
to act as the liaison between the council and
the commission. “I’m the spokesperson for the
environmental commission to the council and
vice versa. If there is something the council
wants the commission to look into, I might
be the delivery mechanism, and I report to the
council on the environmental commission.”
Young said educating the public about how to
become better contributors to the environment
is of the highest priority. “People don’t realize
that a lot of the plants you can buy for gardening
are actually invasive species,” he said. “If they are
not indigenous to this area, they can take over—
like bamboo. It’s about recognizing in your yard
what’s not natural to the area and what’s harmful
if you let it go.”
One of the ways the commission has encouraged
that knowledge is through participation in
programs such as a free tree giveaway—held this
year at the end of April—through New Jersey
State Tree Recovery. “We received 500 trees; we
gave away over 400,” said Young. “What we had
left, we made arrangements with the Cub Scouts
to replant the rest of them off Stanhope-Sparta
Road. So, none of them went to waste.”
Young believes the yearly distribution is also
an opportunity to educate residents on native
trees and also provide advice on how and where
to plant them. “Trees are a natural resource and
replenishing them is not a bad idea.”
Sometimes an extra special honor comes
around. “This year we were given a seedling from
the historic Salem oak tree. It’s been potted and
will be planted somewhere in town,” Young said.
The environmental commission was also very
instrumental in the installation of two small rain
Volunteer Jamie Windt advises Katelyn
MacDonald and Jeffrey Rundle on how
best to care for a tree sapling.
Nicholas Tommasulo, center, looks skyward on a
recent guided bird hike in Hopatcong.
Jule Girman shows a group
of hikers in Hopatcong
one of many invasive
plants in the area.
12
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022

gardens by the senior center. “Rain gardens are
important in helping to put water back in the
aquifer,” said Young. “We’re teaching people that
a rain garden doesn’t have to be very big; you can
do it in your backyard.”
Girman is especially proud of other
enhancements like a dog park installed near
Jefferson Field and the beautification committee
that’s been planting perennials and beautifying
the parks and streets.
Certain projects are still on the commission’s
wish list. They’ve talked about forest
management in the natural area preserve along
Stanhope-Sparta Road. Young said they’d also
like to address the water runoff that draws salt
into Lake Hopatcong in the winter, specifically
near Witten Park.
“The Lake Hopatcong Foundation and the
Lake Hopatcong Commission have gotten some
grants for the reconstruction of the drains as well
as putting in a small retention pond that would
help filter out the sediment,” he said.
The commission is also a big part of the
Hopatcong Green Bill, which has been key in the
ongoing development of the Lake Hopatcong
Trail, a continuous path that will eventually
encircle the lake. “That’s all land that’s been
preserved in the last 40 years,” said Lundin. “The
commission was always there supporting it.”
But, he says, it’s important they remain
vigilant, especially when it comes to future land
use and its impact on the lake. “In the 50 years,
the commission has always played a key role
in protecting the environment,” said Lundin.
“They’ve done a great job in getting the message
out that the environment needs saving.”
“We want to establish a healthier and more
sustainable beautiful community and we are on
our way to doing that,” added Girman. “We’re
constantly working with the council and the
mayor to accomplish these things.”
Recently, the commission hosted a guided
bird hike at Roland May Eves Mountain Inlet
Sanctuary, taking advantage of the spring bird
migration with Mike Anderson, director of
the New Jersey Audubon’s Scherman Hoffman
Wildlife Sanctuary in Bernardsville. The group
scheduled nine events for 2022.
Upcoming events include the dedication of the
newest rain garden in June and Hopatcong Days
in early September.
“I think people come to Hopatcong for a
reason—it’s beautiful here,” Girman said. “We
have the lake, we have the trails, we have a lot
of community spirit. We want it to continue to
evolve into a place where everyone is happy to
say they’re from Hopatcong.”
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Investigators Nicole Kries, Joe Cahill and Jacki Hangley
in the original kitchen at the Lotta Crabtree house.
Margaret
Miller sets
up a device
to record
static noise or
background
noise at the
Lotta Crabtree
house.
Eleanor Wagner on the porch of an old house at
Waterloo Village.
More Than
a Feeling
When Bob and Sherry O’Donnell purchased
the Lotta Crabtree House in the Breslin
section of Mount Arlington in 1987, the couple
had no idea the summer cottage of the famous
19th century actress would come complete with
invisible roommates eager for company.
“I would see people walking down the hall—
women in long white dresses,” said Sherry. “There
was a rocking chair on the top floor, and I kept
seeing this much older woman rocking up there.”
Meanwhile, her husband, who owns a
contracting business with her, noticed things
happening right away. “He would be working
and put his hammer down, turn around and then
the hammer would be gone,” said Sherry. During
their three-year renovation of the home, “he had
tools taken all the time,” she said.
This is where Eleanor Wagner, a paranormal
investigator from Wantage, comes in. The
paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and
self-identified empath has been answering calls
from the other side for more than a decade.
14
Story by ELLEN WILKOWE
Photos by KAREN FUCITO
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
On Friday the 13th in May, Wagner
and a group of fellow paranormal
investigators went to the home to connect
with the spirits that have co-existed with
Sherry and Bob O’Donnell for the past
32 years as they raised their three children
in the historic home.
Before they began exploring the house,
the investigating team put some ground
rules in place. Specifically, the team
did not want to hear about any of the
paranormal moments the O’Donnell
family had experienced until after the
investigation was complete.
Wagner and her team toured the expansive
three-level house, starting with the first two floors,
before descending to the basement. Maze-like in
design, the basement, with its thick stone and
brick walls, had been partitioned into several
rooms. What was the original kitchen was now a
workshop, and a room used as a workout space
featured a bar and paintings directly painted onto
the walls.
“This is my gym, as you can see,” Bob said,
gesturing to fitness equipment.
The investigating team meandered throughout
the house unimpeded, taking notes and using
devices to record sounds or detect changes in light
and temperature. Two spaces proved “very active”
to the group: a small unremarkable room in the
basement and a room on the third floor.
After almost two hours, Wagner and her team
assembled in the living room of the main floor.
There, Margaret Miller, a Rockaway resident with
clairvoyant visions, invited family members to ask
the spirits questions. Along with Sherry and Bob,
their two adult daughters—Brianna Boehm and
Amanda Braico—were in attendance, as well as
Braico’s husband, Dan.
Miller set up a recorder to pick up on any
electronic voice phenomena. EVPs are described
as sounds such as static or background noises that
are found on recordings. Such sounds are said to
be the voices of spirits.
“EVPs are the best form of evidence,” Wagner
added.
Initiating the question-andanswer
session, Miller spoke directly
to Lotta, asking everyone present to stay silent.
“Lotta, what was your favorite dance?” Miller
asked.
Silence. Others asked questions.
“Are you here, Jimmy?” asked Sherry, about her
deceased brother who had lived in the house for
about six months. Silence again.
Before long, the conversation switched to the
activities the group had detected during their
investigations.
Spiritual healer and medium Mike Hangley of
Hopatcong said he experienced “bad mojo” in a
specific area of the basement. Hangley’s wife and
psychic medium, Jacki, “sensed that someone was
hurt” in that area.
Bob O’Donnell explained that during
renovation of the house, when that spot was being
prepped for a concrete floor, a stone arch was
discovered, indicating the start of a tunnel. His
crew at the time wanted to keep digging to see
where it led, but O’Donnell had a “bad feeling”
about what was there and stopped them from
continuing.
Jacki Hangley also sensed a dog—she thought
it was a golden retriever with a name that began
with an ‘M’—throughout the house. Daughter
Boehm confirmed the last dog that lived in the
home was a golden retriever named Madison.
Medium Nicole Kries of Washington Borough
shared her experience as she entered a third-floor
room with a rocking chair next to the window.
“The room makes me want to cry,” she said.
Sherry confirmed this is the room—and rocking
chair—where there have been many sightings of
an elderly woman sitting, looking out the window.
A previous owner of the house let the family
nanny live out her days in that room, said Sherry.
Growing up with a spirit in the house was
something Wagner could relate to. A Bronx
native, she had a spirit visit her every night in the
home she grew up in. “I was frightened because I
was a kid,” she said. “I actually want to go back
now and apologize [to the spirit].”
In addition to the visiting spirit, Wagner
experienced childhood premonitions, what she
describes as “little things I knew that were going

Wagner takes
photos using her
phone in hopes
of seeing a spirit
in a window of
an old house at
Waterloo Village.
Mike Hangley, Amanda and Dan Braico and Brianna
Boehm listen to Jacki Hangley describe her findings.
to happen.”
While experiencing premonitions, Wagner
also learned she could not prevent the actual
event from happening. “In one instance I blamed
myself,” she said. This led her to stifle her gift until
the age of 30, when the death of her father caused
a re-awakening from within.
“I was on the George Washington Bridge
rushing to get to my father’s bedside,” she said.
“I had a vision. He sent me this vision like a
full-fledged movie that lasted just seconds. In it,
I knew he was gone. That was my first of many
visits from my dad after his death. I knew I was
back and wasn’t going to be scared anymore.”
Even as a child, Wagner gravitated toward the
horror and ghost genres, immersing herself in
novels by the likes of Stephen King and Dean
Koontz.
“I wrote my first poem in seventh grade, and it
was about ghosts, goblins and witches,” she said.
She credits her seventh-grade teacher for
inspiring her to write, and she boasts a half dozen
published books as proof.
It is in these books where Wagner has
documented some of the experiences told to her
by people who sought her expertise.
Such was the case with Richard Clarkson, a
former Hopatcong resident, who is “pretty certain”
the outline of a phantom that burst through his
closet in 1989 would still exist—if the house
hadn’t been remodeled after his move in 1997.
“If the closet door is still on the door of the
main bedroom, you could see the outline of
the phantom, including the eyes,” he said of his
former Durbin Avenue home. “You have to look
hard.”
Precipitated by a violent thunderstorm, the
phantom appeared over Clarkson and “plunged a
sword into my heart and removed my soul,” he
said.
During the storm, lightning struck and entered
the house, hit the ceiling fan and started a small
fire. Neighbors called the fire department, but
Clarkson remembers none of it. During his
blackout, he said he was
transported to England and found himself in a
vault where he saw an elderly man and heard the
voice of his grandmother.
“There was this elderly man standing there,” he
said. “And I hear my grandmother’s voice behind
my back: ‘Albert, this is ridiculous. You need
to come with me. It’s been 80 years. Stop this
nonsense. It’s time to go.’”
Clarkson realized his grandfather was there to
tell him the real story about his death in 1924,
which was somewhat of a family secret. “He was
hanged.”
His account will be detailed in Wagner’s
upcoming book: “Sussex County and Other
Strange Phenomena: Part III,” coming out later
this year.
Wagner stores each account in digital folders,
which are organized according to county.
“If I get enough [material], I write a book,” she
said.
Her first in-person investigation took place
in 2019 at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in
Ogdensburg at the request of the staff.
“We were there for six hours and got some
great footage,” she said. “Everyone was videoing
different stuff. There was this misty, foggy thing,
almost like cigar smoke, that was communicating,
and you could smell that the spirit was smoking.”
Wagner, accompanied by her team of six Lady
Ghostbusters, sensed a “brotherhood” of about 30
“happy” spirits.” The team was accompanied by
museum staff.
After trying to coax the spirits into the light,
Wagner said about half didn’t want to go. “So,
they all decided to stay,” she said.
Wagner never intended to build a team of
ghostbusters. “What ended up happening is that I
would be asked to bring a team,” she said.
Wagner reached out to some of the people she
had interviewed for her books, and that is how
the Lady Ghostbusters team came to fruition.
The group consists of mediums, psychics and
clairvoyants—to name a few—“each with their
own special gifts,” she said.
Following the investigation at the mining
museum, Wagner sent the footage to “Paranormal
Caught on Camera,” a show on the Travel
Channel. It aired in the fall of 2020.
After the broadcast, Wagner was bombarded
with people reaching out with their own footage,
pictures and audio.
These included accounts of Big Foot and even
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More Than a Feeling (cont’d)
UFO sightings near High Point State Park. She
was also contacted about several experiences at
Waterloo Village in Stanhope, a historic site that
Wagner describes as “very active, even in the
daytime.”
When Wagner isn’t investigating the
paranormal, she can be found producing podcasts,
including her flagship product, “Eleanor Wagner’s
Strange and Scary World,” available through the
Paranormal UK network. She has also been a
featured guest on other paranormal podcasts.
And when she is not communicating with the
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She will also explain to the spirit why the
residents are occupying what had been their
territory first. In turn, she will educate the current
other side, Wagner holds down a steady day job as residents about the importance of acknowledging
a kindergarten aide, which she’s had for the past the ghosts.
16 years.
“I might tell them [the residents] to say, ‘I know
“Not many people can say that they started a you’re not living here anymore but I am, and I
whole new life at 50 and the support of my family would love to make your home as happy and
makes it even better,” said Wagner, who lives with beautiful as when you were there,’” she said.
her husband, a self-described skeptic, and their In most cases, the spirit’s personality mirrors
23-year-old daughter.
who they were in life, she said. “If they were mean
Regarding her role as paranormal investigator, in life, they are mean as ghosts,” she said.
Wagner sees it as more of a mission: “I am there According to Sherry, a seance performed in
first for the spirit and then I let it know that the the early 1990s by a family friend confirmed the
team is there for them.”
spirits in the Lotta Crabtree house were happy to
have them, almost as much as her son, Nick, was
happy for the late-night company.
“One night we woke up at 3 a.m.—he was 3 at
the time and his room was right across from us,”
Sherry said. “We heard him laughing and talking
and went in. He said, ‘That guy up in the corner is
so funny. He’s so nice.’”
During Wagner and her team’s recent visit to the
O’Donnell home, the group felt the spirits were
indeed friendly. Having others confirm what had
long been experienced by the family was a relief.
“I feel like we were validated,” said Boehm after
listening to the investigators share their findings.
Wagner encourages anyone with a story or a
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18
Betty Holick leads Rev. Archie Palmer
during the closing procession.
One of 10 stained-glass windows at St. Peter’s.
Above: One of
the Stations of
the Cross plates.
Left: Joyce
Anderson reads
during service.
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
A recent Bible study meeting.
Congregation Feels Like
Family at St. Peter’s
Story by BONNIE-LYNN NADZEIKA
Photos by KAREN FUCITO
There was no stately pipe organ. There
was no choir with embroidered
matching robes. Yet that did not mean
beautiful music wasn’t to be heard inside the
historic walls of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
in Mount Arlington.
On a Sunday morning in early May, the
small electric organ was played by Anne
Puskas, 81, who was baptized in the church.
The dozen or so attending service that
day—many former choir members
looking forward to reestablishing the
choir post-COVID—joined their
voices in harmony.
Each person took different vocal
parts to create a homophonic
sound—a single melody accompanied
by harmonic parts. The resulting
music was every bit as rich as a full
church choir.
Area residents and summer visitors
have been taking
Terry Beatty rings
the church bells.
part in services at
the small stone
church with its
single tower since
the late 19th
century.
In 1888, the
cornerstones of
two churches were
laid in the Breslin
Park section of
Mount Arlington one
month apart. Our Lady
of the Lake was first,
followed by what was
originally known as the
nondenominational
Union Protestant
Chapel.
The churches were
created to serve both
the influx of summer
residents and the
smaller population
that lived in the area
year-round. Both are
officially part of the
Mount Arlington State
and National Register
of Historic Places.
The Union Protestant
Chapel was located
near the 300-room
Breslin Hotel and the magnificent summer homes
of silent screen actress Lotta Crabtree and Mount
Arlington’s first mayor Howard Frothingham.
At a cost of $2,500, the Union Protestant
Chapel’s stone building was built by Cyrus Cook
on land donated by local resident Robert Dunlap.
Money was raised by hosting “entertainments”
and soliciting friends for donations, according to a
passage in the book, “Mount Arlington: A Pictorial
History: The First 100 Years.”
In 1892, Dunlap paid off the remaining mortgage
and the church was donated by the Breslin Park
Association to the Episcopal Diocese of Newark
and renamed St. Peter’s.
At its peak in the 1990s, membership at St.
Peter’s numbered around 100 to 125 and included
all ages, said Puskas. The church has room for about
125 people. There used to be weddings (the last one
was in 2013) and baptisms (the last of these was in
2019).
Today, membership is hovering around 40, most
of whom are well beyond child-bearing age. “We
can’t seem to keep young people in the church,”
Puskas said.
One reason, she said, is because the church has not
had a full-time priest since September 2008. Since
then, the Diocese has assigned Priests in Charge or
Long-Term Supply Priests. “That definitely hurts
us,” Puskas said, adding that except for a few years,
the day-to-day running of the church has been led
by laypersons.
The interior of the church features dark
wainscoting, oak pews, a beefy coffered ceiling
and 10 stained-glass windows. A striking brocade
fabric—that’s been there for a least 50 years—hangs
behind the pulpit and covers the altar.
The picturesque windows were purchased in the
early 1980s through donations by church members
and replaced windows that were plain diamond
patterned stained-glass. Many of the new windows
were donated by family names familiar to longtime
residents including Chabon, Lee, Decker and Wiss.
The window known as “Jesus’ Birth” was given by
Michael and Dina Cabot in memory of their son,
William Roger Cabot, who died in a car accident.
In this traditional nativity scene, a likeness of
Cabot’s face has been added to portray a shepherd.
One unique feature of the church decor is the
Stations of the Cross, which serve to visually remind
churchgoers of the stages of Jesus’ final sufferings
and his death and burial. Typically, the Stations are
sculpted or carved out of stone, wood or metal. At
St. Peter’s, the 14 Stations of the Cross are large,
round platters that have been hand-painted.
The brainchild of Pat Mueller, 65, a church
warden, vestry member and longtime parishioner,
the clay plates were painted by children in Sunday
school in the mid-2000s. Mueller, now a retired art

teacher and practicing artist, had the idea to create
the Stations of the Cross with the students to teach
them about Jesus. She drew the outlines, and the
children carefully painted the scenes.
Each platter had to be painted three times prior
to the firing process.
Services at the church begin with the ringing of
the tower bell using a pulley system of long ropes.
Led by interim pastor, the Rev. Archie Palmer, 82,
with the assistance of several lay leaders, a service is
a combination of readings from the Bible, hymns,
a sermon and prayers leading up to Communion.
Tall and thin, Palmer has only been at St. Peter’s
since June 2021, but his affection for the church is
evident. He refers to the congregation as “dear and
dedicated.”
Preferring to be called Archie, he wears a stole—a
long strip of material worn by bishops, priests and
deacons when officiating at the Eucharist or other
sacraments. His is made of fabric featuring a variety
of images of children of all races. Palmer said he had
the stole made so he could kneel down to children
and ask if they see themselves pictured.
“It’s a way to help them understand that they are
all children of God,” he said.
This message is also offered to adults. While
serving Communion, Palmer asks each person to
say their name out loud prior to him replying, “You
are a precious child of God. The body of Christ.”
A number of parishioners have been longtime
members, coming to the church in a variety of
ways.
Betty Holick, 71, was in search of a new church
after moving to the area from Morristown in 1974.
She found St. Peter’s in the Yellow Pages.
“I walked in, and it was love at first sight. I was
impressed with the people, and they have become
my extended family,” she said.
Terry Pine and his wife, Carrol, have been
members of the church since 2008. “We were
looking to join a church to get involved in the
community. We attended a friend’s wedding at St.
Peter’s and decided to join. We enjoy the people
here,” he said.
Although Puskas was baptized and spent her
youth as a church member, she did not attend
for 20 years, she said. Dealing with her husband’s
terminal illness, she returned in 1992 and found
the “something missing” she felt in her life.
As a small congregation, all members are heavily
involved in church activities and fundraising efforts.
Seven times a year, about a half dozen members
organize a rummage sale held in the parish hall—a
cinder block building located just across a side
street. Purchased in the 1970s, the building was
once a former bar named Dawn Patrol.
Membership outreach includes collecting items
for North Porch, an organization formed in 1984
by the Episcopal Diocese of Newark that provides
emergency aid and baby supplies to mothers and
babies in need. The items collected through St.
Peter’s go to the organization’s Dover location. The
congregation also runs its own food pantry and
supports Family Promise of Morris County, which
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The most popular service every year is the Blessing
of the Animals in celebration of Saint Francis,
patron saint of animals. On or around October
4, the Feast Day of Saint Francis, the church
welcomes anyone—whether they are members or
not—to bring their pets to be blessed. To encourage
children to participate, stuffed animals are also
welcome.
Another church activity that brings both
members and non-members together is the weekly
Bible study. Led by the Rev. Deacon Jeanette
Hile, 72, the group meets on Thursday evenings
and reviews the readings of the previous Sunday’s
service.
On a Thursday in May, eight women gathered
around a table in the small auxiliary room off the
main church. Although there are deep and serious
discussions about each Bible passage, there are also
lighthearted moments.
A review of Acts 9:1-6 led to a conversation about
miracles, with participants sharing stories ranging
from childbirth to surviving a car accident. As if on
cue, Holick chimed in with her miracle wish.
“I wish a miracle would restore my husband’s
hearing,” she said, and the room dissolved into
laughter.
The members of St. Peter’s Church pride
themselves on being a congregation that sticks
together and combines faith and laughter in all that
they do.
“We
TM
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LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022

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lakehopatcongnews.com 21

Leo McLaughlin and Bruce Dunbar team up to
secure fencing in the chicken coop.
Michele, Rebecca and Dennis Elmers.
Volunteers prepare the garden for planting.
Helping Hands Turn a Family’s Dream into a Home
Story by ELLEN WILKOWE
Photos by KAREN FUCITO
Michele Elmers of Jefferson gestured to a
fresh wooden fence on an inviting and
vast 200-year-old property in Wantage.
“This was built in one day—by men who
usually wear suits during the week,” she
marveled.
She points to a wheelchair ramp built by
Habitat of Humanity of Sussex County that
allows access from the driveway to the allpurpose
room at the back of the barn.
Elmers enters one of the rooms in the barn
and directs her attention to a board containing a
growing list of names. “Everyone who volunteers
has their name here,” she said. “Everybody
counts.”
Next to the barn a group of volunteers paints a
future chicken coop the traditional barnyard red
on a warm sunny day in April that was equally
as conducive to outdoor work as it was to a
community gathering.
So, what exactly differentiates what may have
appeared as a spring cleaning and renovation that
often take place when a home changes hands?
If you ask Elmers and her husband, Dennis,
who purchased the property in January 2021,
they may simply reply with their daughter’s
name.
Welcome to Rebecca’s Homestead, a soonto-be
residential home and farm for adults with
developmental disabilities. Or, as the Elmers
prefer, “differently abled.”
The five-acre property, which features a twostory
farmhouse, a 3,500-square-foot barn, a
two-story detached garage and a driveway that
circles around a garden that stays in bloom
throughout the growing season, was not in bad
shape when purchased. But it needed special
adjustments to meet the needs of its future
residents.
Rebecca Elmers—Michele and Dennis’s
34-year-old daughter and one of four children—
is the family’s driving force behind their vision
of not only a home for their daughter, but also
a self-sustaining lifestyle through farming and
hospitality employment. Rebecca has good
company among her two brothers, Adam and
Andrew, and a younger sister, Maria.
“I’m scared but I like it,” said Rebecca as she
showed a visitor her new home. “But there are
not enough people. I want more people.”
Upon completion, Rebecca’s Homestead
will get “more people”—six co-ed adults with
developmental disabilities as well as a live-in
“house mother.” There will also be overnight
staff and four to eight additional adults to cover
the 24-hour shifts.
The property will also feature vegetable
gardens, a chicken coop and a goat pen that will
serve as the farming aspects. In the detached
garage, a consignment shop is being planned as
well as a space to display and sell artwork created
by the developmentally disabled community.
This decades-long dream would not have
been possible if not for the countless number of
volunteers and businesses who have pitched in
their time.
“We have been, with the help of over 250
volunteers, renovating the rooms, outside
gardens and walking areas, making things as
barrier-free as possible,” Michele said.
Rebecca was born in 1987 at what was then
Wayne General Hospital. Within an hour
of her birth and in critical condition, she was
medevacked to St. Joseph’s University Medical
Center in Paterson where she was placed on life
support.
At 18 months, she underwent heart surgery,
at age 2 she started attending a state-run
early intervention program for children with
disabilities and by age 5 she learned to walk.
With cerebral palsy, epilepsy and global
developmental disabilities, Rebecca will need
lifelong assistance.
Yet, the charismatic social butterfly, who
enjoys a good manicure, is very much like
everybody else, said her mom.
“She is very much a people person,” said
Elmers. “She likes to go to the movies, she likes
to stay up late, hang out with family and she
loves the beach.”
On that sunny Sunday in April, volunteers from
all over were busy pitching in where needed. Some
spruced up a new 1-mile trail at the back of the
property. Others put the finishing touches on the
chicken coop, cleaned windows or provided snacks
and drinks.
So, how did Rebecca’s Homestead, a registered
501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2017, come to fruition?
More than 4,000 adults with developmental
disabilities are on the waiting list for state-funded
group homes. The most recent list was produced
by the New Jersey Division of Developmental
Disabilities in May 2021 and is subcategorized into
a priority list and a general waiting list. The Elmers
said that while Rebecca is on the priority list, her
status is a low priority.
“We as parents just wait it out for our child’s
‘number’ to come up and that is exactly how it
is,” said Michele. “A letter is sent out once a year
to tell us where we are on the wait list and mostly
you move from your position in that number when
someone dies, a parent of a person dies or becomes
so deathly ill that the child is placed in an emergency
placement. No parent of a child like ours ever wants
that to happen.”
With such limiting options that might fall short
of meeting Rebecca’s individual needs for a selfdirected
life, the Elmers decided to take matters
into their own hands with the help of more than
250 handy heartfelt volunteers with plenty of elbow
grease to go around.
The recruitment of volunteers stemmed mainly
from the 2,000 letters the Elmers wrote when they
first launched their nonprofit. They reached out to
everyone they knew to grow interest in their vision.
As second-generation owners of Homestead Lawn
Sprinkler Co. in Jefferson, the Elmers had acquired
a large customer base to call on, as well as members
of their church, Grace Evangelical Church in Oak
Ridge, and friends and family. Word of mouth and
media postings took care of the rest—Rebecca’s
Homestead was recently featured in a two-part
News12 segment.
“This is a vision they had from when Rebecca was
a young age,” said Jeff Young of Jefferson, a longtime
22
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022

family friend and regular volunteer. “They’ve
been contemplating this for years.”
The Elmers’ journey began in 2005, when
the search for just the right property began.
Jeff and his wife, Connie, befriended the
Elmers at Grace Evangelical Church more
than 25 years ago. Their children attended
the church’s youth group and became
natural playmates. A volunteer to the core,
Young said he and Dennis once traveled to
Honduras together to help build a church.
So, when it came to Rebecca’s Homestead,
the self-proclaimed laborer rolled up his
sleeves and pitched in, painting, planting and
doing large cleanups.
“Dennis has ‘workdays,’ and a core bunch of
guys—his friends from high school, college and
church—show up. He sends out a text a few weeks
in advance,” he said.
Young’s name can be found on the Volunteer
Board, which lists each volunteer who has touched
this project. It’s a list that continues to grow.
Leo McLaughlin, another longtime friend via
Grace Evangelical Church, has known the family
since Rebecca was an infant.
“Over the years we watched each other’s kids grow
up, been on vacation together, buried each other’s
parents, and shared life’s ups and downs,” he wrote
in an email. “My wife and I count them among our
dearest and oldest friends.”
Like Young, McLaughlin could also attest that
Rebecca’s Homestead is no flash in the pan.
“They have literally been talking about this for the
last 20 years, so when I see all the improvements
they have made to the property in just one year, I
am not surprised,” he said. “These ideas have been
percolating inside both of them for a long time.”
McLaughlin was one of the volunteers who helped
install the wooden fence for the future goat pen. He
also erected some chicken wire to enclose the coop
to keep predators out.
McLaughlin has been volunteering for many local
charities for more than 25 years.
“Rebecca’s Homestead is right up my alley,” he
said.
It is also right up the alley of Jennifer Baranowski,
44, of Hopatcong, who will be joining Rebecca as
one of the residents once the property is completed
and open for occupancy, which will hopefully
happen sometime this summer, said Michele.
Jennifer’s mother, Kathy Kasper, learned about
the homestead through a neighbor who has two
adults with developmental disabilities.
“I never wanted to put Jennifer in a traditional
group home,” Kasper said.
She first contacted Katie’s House in Stillwater,
which has four different affiliated group homes.
A conversation with founder Evelyn Dudziek
steered her toward the Elmers.
Kasper met with Michele at the homestead
and “fell in love with the place,” she said. “This
would be perfect for Jennifer. She loves farms
and the whole atmosphere is warm and loving.”
Kasper is in awe of the Elmers’ plans,
particularly the farm and garden work. “That’s
what I pictured for Jennifer for when I am not
here any longer.”
Over the past year, Rebecca and Jennifer
have become fast friends, going to the movies
together and having sleepovers.
In addition to socializing with Rebecca,
Jennifer attends events at The SMILE of
Hopatcong, a residential home in Hopatcong
for those with developmental disabilities. The
residents of SMILE, a similarly family-founded
nonprofit that opened in 2018, were on hand
during the homestead’s chili cook-off social in
April at which Jennifer and her brother Derek
won first place.
Other residential homes, including Katie’s
House were represented at the social. Also
on hand was Peace By Piece NJ, a nonprofit
community center that provides services for the
disabled population when they transition out of
school.
It is this type of community gathering and
lightheartedness that the Elmers consider an
integral part of their vision.
“Integration has to continue,” said Michele.
“When you’re around this population you laugh
more and tend to take things
not so seriously. They love you
for who you are.”
Having just purchased the
property in January of 2021,
the Elmers are still amazed
that the initial net they cast for
volunteers continues to grow.
“When people have a desire
to do something, they want to
help in a different way,” said
Michele. “They saw something
tangible here.”
Jennifer Boyle, for example, traveled all the
way from West Caldwell with her 18-year-old
son, Sean, who has cerebral palsy, to help at a
recent “workday.”
“I’ve been thinking about and planning his
adult life and this gives me hope,” she said.
In addition to the countless volunteers—friends
and strangers alike—the Elmers expressed equal
amounts of gratitude toward the organizations
that have provided pro bono services. This
includes Team Depot, the philanthropic arm
of Home Depot, whose volunteers built raised
garden beds. The materials and supplies for the
gardens totaled $5,000, said Dennis.
“A friend of ours who works for Home Depot
also donated $500 worth of paint,” said Michele.
The Elmers gave additional shoutouts to Allen
Paper Supply of Dover, Storr Tractor Company
of Branchburg, Bob’s Discount Furniture in
Wharton, Pass It Along (a teen leadership
nonprofit in Sparta), Girl Scout Troop 4937
from Jefferson, and Julia Ralicki, a middle
schooler from Wayne who raised $1,000 among
her classmates for the cause.
Michele has documented the progress and
the people behind it in several coffee table-style
photo albums.
Rebecca, too, continues to monitor and
contribute to what was very much her home
from the start.
“When we first came up here, Rebecca took
magnets and put them on the fridge and smiled,”
she said. “I said, ‘she is ready to be here. She’s
home.’”
For more information go to: https://www.
rebeccashomestead.com/
Taste testing at a spring chili
cookoff at the homestead.
Rebecca Elmers at
a social gathering
recently.
Michele Elmers at a recent
social event at the homestead.
Maria Elmers helps her sister, Rebecca,
with lunch at the homestead.
lakehopatcongnews.com 23

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LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
Accessible By Car Or Boat

GEORGE G. MALANGA
By the time George Malanga was 13, he was playing the trumpet professionally. First, in his own trio, then later in his father’s
band, playing parties, events and nightclubs. Around 1990, he was asked to do two things he had never done before as a
musician: play solo and in a restaurant. Within no time, his Tuesday night gigs “were always packed,” he said. It was the start
of something new, both professionally and personally. Today, the 74-year-old is still getting booked at local venues, and he is
still married to the woman he met on a Tuesday night more than 30 years ago, his wife, Jill.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE AND WHO MAKES UP YOUR FAMILY?
I live in Hopatcong at Pickerel Point on Lake Hopatcong. If you have been on Miss Lotta,
you may have heard me play my trumpet for the passengers as they cruise by our house.
I’ve lived here full time since 1970 and have summered here since 1952. I have been
married to my wife, Jill, for 30 years. We have a son, George, and his wife, Angelica, and a
daughter, Brielle, and her boyfriend, Andrew, and a rescue dog named Lola.
DO YOU MAKE A LIVING OUT OF PLAYING MUSIC? IF NOT, WHAT IS YOUR
FULL-TIME PROFESSION?
I did make a living full time in music for six years as a music agent. (My agency was called
George Lang Orchestras, and I contracted out 15 bands for private events.) I was also a
full-time performer in the ‘80s. I’m a retired schoolteacher after teaching in high school
for 27 years. Teaching allowed me to play on weekends and do appointments to book
bands weeknights. My wife and I own two businesses: Kiddie Academy in Sparta and
Preferred Care at Home, a senior in-home care agency.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY PART OF A BAND OR HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE PAST?
My band is called the George Lang Orchestra where I am
the band leader supported by a seven- to 10-piece band. My
instrument is the trumpet, and I am the lead singer.
WHAT OR WHO MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A
MUSICIAN?
My father was a musician, an accomplished pianist
and band leader. That’s where the name George Lang
came from. I’ve always loved and had a strong interest
in music and learned the love of music at an early age.
My parents always supported me.
DESCRIBE THE TYPE OF MUSIC YOU TYPICALLY PLAY
IN PUBLIC. IS IT ORIGINAL? COVERS? COMBINATION
OF BOTH?
Since weddings, bar mitzvahs and private parties
were our market, I had to be able to play all types of
music. Now, when I play publicly, generally I like to
lean toward the American standards. My genre is Frank
Sinatra style music and that of other similar artists.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ANYONE HAS
EVER GIVEN YOU CONCERNING YOUR PURSUIT OF
MUSIC?
If you’re good at what you do, say so. Don’t be
modest. Also, if you make a mistake, be sure it’s loud
enough so everyone hears it.
BESIDES MUSIC, DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER HOBBIES?
As a past Commodore of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club
and an active member, I still play trumpet for our opening
Memorial Day ceremony and piano on Thursday evenings for
porch dining. I have enjoyed sailing competitively but now enjoy
being a member of the sailing race committee. My wife and I
enjoy boating, traveling and spending time with family and our
many longtime lake community friends.
IS THERE SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED
TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
Most people who know me know that I taught high school and
think I was a music teacher. I was a marketing teacher. I taught
in Hopatcong High School for 16 years and Morristown High
School for 11.
LOCAL
VOICES
local engaged creative
I AM I AM I AM
lakehopatcongnews.com 25

Families Happily Make Music
with Interactive Class
Story by MELISSA SUMMERS
Photos by KAREN FUCITO
Anyone strolling by Memorial Park in
Mount Arlington on a sunny afternoon
in April might have been pleasantly surprised
to hear the lively tunes and playful giggles
coming from the cozy nook surrounding the
white gazebo.
Genevieve Schmidt, 62, has been hosting
children’s music classes in the area through
Music Together for 28 years, bringing joy and
developmental benefits to kids from birth to
early childhood.
Before Music Together, Schmidt owned
another business called Play Arena. She ran a
storefront but also traveled to teach gymnastics,
dance and other active kids’ classes in other
locations. “I ran it till I had my second son and
then realized I didn’t want to work that hard,”
she said. “They told me about Music Together,
and instead of moving around all that gym
equipment, now I can travel with just a cart.”
Music Together is an international company
based out of Princeton, N.J. “They are in 40
different countries and 4,000 communities
worldwide,” Schmidt said. “Everyone does the
same collection of music at the same time, no
matter where you live.”
The curriculum is divided into semesters—
Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer—and the
collections cover three years without repeating,
according to Schmidt. The classes are held in
various locations and in different formats for
babies, toddlers and older kids. But the benefits
go far beyond sing-alongs and dance parties
because the program is designed to touch on
skills essential to a young child’s growth.
“There are tonal patterns and rhythm
Henrik Horstman hits sticks with
his parents, Christon and Liz.
patterns,” Schmidt said. “Rhythm patterns
have no melody to it, like ‘bah, bah, bup, bup,
bah,’ that kind of thing, and it helps them
with learning to repeat things back. They are
learning by listening and following.”
Tonal patterns make up the melodies. “The
songs are placed in the children’s voice range.
At this age, they have probably six notes, so
if you don’t sing in their voice range, they are
just singing on one note,” Schmidt explained.
“Music within their voice range teaches them
to parrot back the melody, and they’ll learn
how to have a conversation—so it’s my turn,
then it’s your turn, then it’s my turn, etc. That’s
why we do it.”
And it’s not just vocal development, according
to Schmidt. “Everything we do, we do for a
reason. We hit this stick and then this stick
because crossing the midline is a pre-reading
skill,” she said. “Your eye has to transition from
the right side of the brain to the left side of
the brain to read across the page. The science
does show that you do need to do things with
both hands and legs because it straightens the
connection between the left side and the right
side of the brain.”
Parents say there is something for everyone in
experiencing Music Together.
Denville resident Jillian Wells has been
bringing her kids, Carina, 2, and Theo, 5, to
classes whenever she can and has been coming
since Theo was a toddler.
“Theo likes to play instruments, and it
makes him get up and dance,” she said. “He
even makes up his own songs.” The program,
she said, nurtures parents’ ability to interact
with their kids. “It makes things 100 percent
easier. It gives them room to be silly.”
Schmidt has had to adjust her classes
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “Before,
when we got up and danced, we’d dance in
a tight little circle,” she said. “Now everyone
has to dance around their own little spot. It’s
isolating, but at least when we are outside we
Kathy Bolanos with her
grandson, Alexander Passaglia.
can move a little bit more.”
She also had the opportunity to teach online
classes. Through a contract with Music Together,
she and 14 other teachers sang and danced with
a preschool program in Richmond, Va. “It was
so cute—you could see a dozen faces and they
loved it and it was fun for everybody.”
But when she couldn’t be there with the
families, it was the babies-only classes that were
a real thrill. “It was nice because the mothers
were looking at me and the babies were in front
looking at them,” she said. “I would give the
instructions to the parents and show them with
my [stuffed] monkey what to do. This way they
were really engaging with their child and just
glancing at what I’m doing.”
There are lots of ways to take advantage of the
curriculum at home and on the go, Schmidt
added. There’s a book for each semester that
has all the songs and the first line or two of
the music and a supplemental CD. On the app
or website, you can download the songbook or
full score of the music, which is ideal for parents
who play an instrument at home. There’s also
an option on the app to turn down the lyrics
if you want to add your own and the ability to
video your creation.
It’s a family affair for Liz and Christon
Horstman of Landing, who bring their children,
Henrik, 20 months, and Luka, 2 months, to
the class. They have been coming since Henrik
was 10 months old. “We like coming together,”
Christon said. “In the wintertime, we were
doing indoor classes, but these outdoor ones
being so close here are awesome. The kids
are outside in the grass and playing around
and it’s awesome.” They
even brought their own
instruments to play along
and listen to the CD at
home.
For parents who
are raising children
in a bilingual home,
early childhood is the
best time to introduce
multiple languages,
Schmidt points out. “For
a child at that age, if it’s
a nonsensical song, it
has the same effect on
JJ Weintraub bangs
on a tambourine.
26
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
Genevieve Schmidt leads a class in song.

them regardless of language.”
This is key for Kathy Bolanos of Randolph.
She brings her grandson, Alexander, who is 18
months old. “It’s a blessing when you have little
ones, and I love it,” she said. “I can take him
to classes, teach him in Spanish and English
with different music.” She’s reliving being a
parent—as a grandparent. “There are games
and songs that I remember from when my kids
were little.”
Schmidt has a musical family but only
participated casually in choirs in high school
and college. It’s the flexibility of skill levels and
schedules that makes her classes work. “That’s
the beauty of it. There are opera singers that
do Music Together. One of my teachers was in
a rock band at night, and he would do Music
Together in the morning.”
In the end, it’s about fun and family and
experiencing something that will have lifelong
benefits.
“Usually, he’s running out of the car to come
to this,” said Mountain Lakes resident Ben
Weintraub of his son, JJ, who is 3. “Our little
one, she’s only 8 months and she loves it, too.
It’s adorable. Everyone is just really great and
engaging and it’s getting them into the fun side
of music at a very early age.”
For more information about Music
Together in the Morris County area visit www.
merrymusicians.com.
Est. 1991
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lakehopatcongnews.com 27

Lake Front Homes by Christopher J. Edwards
RE/MAX First Choice Realtors II
Chris has been boating
on Lake Hopatcong
since 1957, and has
sold more than 250
lake front homes!
Chris in 1958 Chris in 1961 Chris in 2016
Christopher J. Edwards
www.MrLakeHopatcong.com
chrisedwards@chrisedwardsrealtor.com
211 Route 10 East
Succasunna, NJ 07876
Cell: Home: 973-400-9540 973-398-0964
Office: 973-598-1008
UNDER
CONTRACT
SOLD
SOLD
$495,000 $1,300,000 | Jefferson | Hopatcong Twp Boro$350,000 | Hopatcong $1,175,000 Boro | Jefferson $595,000 Twp. | Jefferson Twp $855,000 $495,000 | Hopatcong | Jefferson Boro Twp
2 Bedrooms, 4 Bedrooms 2.0 Bathrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Bedrooms, 1.0 Bathrooms
4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Bedrooms, 3.0 Bathrooms 4 Bedrooms 2 Bedrooms, 3.1 Bathrooms 2.0 Bathrooms
UNDER
CONTRACT
SOLD
UNDER
CONTRACT
$895,000 $599,000 | Hopatcong | Hopatcong Boro Boro $945,000 | Hopatcong $550,000 Boro| Hopatcong $750,000 Boro | Jefferson Twp $550,000 $895,000 | Hopatcong | Hopatcong Boro Boro
3 Bedrooms, 3 3.0 3 Bathrooms plus guesthouse 4 Bedrooms, 4.0 Bathrooms 3 Bedrooms 1.1 Bathrooms 3 Bedrooms, 2.1 Bathrooms 3 Bedrooms 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms 3.0 Bathrooms
UNDER
CONTRACT
UNDER
CONTRACT
$550,000 | Hopatcong Boro
$500,000 | Hopatcong
$499,000 | Hopatcong Boro
$1,300,000
3 Bedrooms
| Hopatcong
1.2 Bathrooms
Boro $1,795,000 | Hopatcong Boro $1,849,000 | Mt. Arlington $1,300,000 | Hopatcong Boro
3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms
3 Bedrooms, 4.0 Bathrooms 5 Bedrooms, 4.0 Bathrooms 5 Bedrooms, 4.0 Bathrooms 3 Bedrooms, 4.0 Bathrooms
Chris sold all of these homes featured in this
Chris has been boating on Lake Hopatcong NEW YORK for TIMES nearly article, 60 one years! of them twice!
Take advantage of Chris Edwards’ specialized lake front experience: www.MrLakeHopatcong.com
Hopatcong, N.J.: ‘We Call It Lake Life’
28
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022

Barbara Anne Dillon, O.D., P.A.
License # OA 05188 OM 0373
180 Howard Boulevard, Suite 18
Mount Arlington, NJ 07856
(973) 770-1380
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lakehopatcongnews.com 29

Academy students present
their projects to visitors.
Mitali Patel, Olivia Pasquariello, Caitlin Sipple and Maria Alfaro
Adeline Ward and Brianna Arango
Andrew Henderson, Owen Helfand
and Neylan Preetanchal
Ecofest
Showcases
Sustainability
Story and photos by KAREN FUCITO
Visitors to the annual Jefferson Township
High School Ecofest on Wednesday, May
4, experienced a variety of informational stations
and student-made organic and sustainable
products.
Hosted by the Morris County Vocational School
District’s Academy for Environmental Science, the
event coincided with New Jersey’s ban on plastic
bags. Attendees received free reusable bags.
Academy students displayed and shared research
products that yielded easy-to-use alternatives to
environmentally harmful products. Ideas ranged
from combating household ant infestations with
essential oils to selling homemade organic body
soap to making homemade natural cleaning
products to a solution for chemical-laden
sunscreen.
“There are a lot of diverse presentations this
year,” said retiring lead academy teacher, Nancy
FitzGerald. “The students did an outstanding job
with their research.”
Caralyn Rexroad and Ericka Nimbley
Christina Grider, Sam Merkin
and Maya Noone
Erin Nimbley, Maia Alick, Gwen Kosciolek
and Katherine Blair
30
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
Dawson Povilaitis,
Zach Chen and
Christian Covello

Gala
10 th anniversary
Gala
Celebrating a decade
of protecting our lake, together.
& Auction
July
21
2022
6 PM Stone Water
Tickets, Split the Pot Raffle, & Sponsorships available NOW!
Call 973-663-2500 or visit lakehopatcongfoundation.org/gala
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91 Mt. Arlington Blvd., Landing, NJ 07850
Pontoon Boat Rentals
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lakehopatcongnews.com 31

KathySellsLakeHomes.com
Top
Producer
2006-2021!
Lakefront Resident
25 Years Experience
2021 Award Recipient #5 Selling Agent in RE/MAX of New Jersey for Closed Sales!
Direct 973-420-0022
Office 973-770-7777
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$1,500,000 HOPATCONG • Stylish 3 living levels offering 300ft of lakefront with 3800 sqft. 4 Bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 2 car garage. Main living level offers an open floor plan. Kitchen to dining & living rm w/gas fireplace.
Slider to deck with outdoor fireplace overlooking the lake. In-law suite with second kitchen, dining/living rm, full bath and bedroom. Covered patio on lower level walk-out. Sitting area at lakeside dock with swim ladder.
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Income producing two homes on one lot. Main house built 2008 offers open floor plan with over 3000 ft. Three living levels with walk-out
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TO BE BUILT ON LAKE HOPATCONG • 2970 Square feet. Lake views & lake access to beach. Back’s to 7 acre
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bedrms, 2 baths. Master bedrm w/full bath. Laundry rm/mud rm. 1 car det garage. Bonus room & finished attic.
$180,000 JEFFERSON • *Build your dream home! Opportunity to own your own piece of lakefront on NJ’s largest
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UNDER
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COMING
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21 McGregor Ave in Mount Arlinton • Lakeview custom home. Stylish open floor plan. 30 x 40 lakeview roof top deck. Walk
to lake access. 4 bedrm, 4 bath, en-suite in finished basement. 1 car gar. Backs to 36 acre woods. City water, sewer and gas.
Lakeshore Village. 3 living level townhouse. Lake
views from the deck. 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, full
finished basement with wet bar. Open deck,covered
deck. Boat slip, club house, tennis & pool.
SOLD!
YOUR LAKE HOME AD HERE!
I have many qualified buyers.
Call me today for your confidential market analysis.
32
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022

KathySellsLakeHomes.com
Top
Producer
2006-2021!
Lakefront Resident
25 Years Experience
2021 Award Recipient #5 Selling Agent in RE/MAX of New Jersey for Closed Sales!
Direct 973-420-0022
Office 973-770-7777
SOLD!
SOLD BY KATHY
SOLD!
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$2,100,000
35 Cove Rd, Lake Hopatcong
$1,400,000
35 Elba Ave, Hopatcong
$1,050,000
157 Maxim Dr, Hopatcong
$999,900
41 Cove Rd, Lake Hopatcong
$980,000
105 Mt Arlington Blvd, Roxbury
$975,000
106 Kingsland Rd, Roxbury
SOLD!
SOLD BY KATHY
SOLD!
SOLD!
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$949,900
504 Lakeside Ave, Hopatcong
$900,000
16 Windjammer Ln, Mt Arlington
$899,900
13 Point Pleasant Rd, Hopatcong
$899,900
7 Wildwood Shores Dr, Hopatcong
$895,500
7 S Bertrand Rd, Mt Arlington
$895,000
159 Lakeside Blvd, Hopatcong
SOLD BY KATHY
SOLD!
SOLD!
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$875,000
27 Ripplewood Dr, Lake Hopatcong
$850,000
2 Skytop Rd, Hopatcong
$825,000
4 Oneida Ave, Hopatcong
$799,900
60 Ithanell, Hopatcong
$799,900
11 Portside Rd, Hopatcong
$799,000
33 Ripplewood Dr, LakeHopatcong
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
$750,000
93 Bertrand Island, Mt. Arlington
$750,000
Hopatcong
$740,000
25 Lines Ave, Hopatcong
$739,900
25 Lakeshore Dr, Mt Arlington
$725,000
307 Kingsland Rd, Roxbury
$699,900
91 N Bertrand Rd, Mt Arlington
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
$699,900
24 McNabb, Lake Hopatcong
$675,000
175 Mt Arlington Blvd, Landing
$675,000
49 N Lakeshore Ave, Lake Hopatcong
$633,750
91 B Bertrand Rd, Mt Arlington
34 Mason St, Lake Hopatcong
125 Closed Transactions 2020-2021
I am a lakefront specialist serving lake properties in northern New Jersey.
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$325,000
Bear Pond, Hopatcong
lakehopatcongnews.com 33

34
HISTORY
Lake Hopatcong’s
Queen of the High Tower
The Treaty of
Versailles,
which ended World
War I, forbade Germany from stationing
armed forces in a demilitarized zone known as
the Rhineland, a region in western Germany
bordering France, Belgium and part of the
Netherlands. Although the agreement stated
that Allied forces would occupy the region,
German troops reoccupied the zone on March
7, 1936, in a blatant violation of the treaty.
Hitler gambled that the western powers
would not intervene.
His action brought condemnation from
Great Britain and France, but neither nation
intervened to enforce the treaty. At a point
when German forces were still weak and could
have been stopped, the world watched German
aggression across eastern Europe until the
invasion of Poland in 1939 shattered the idea
that war could be avoided.
Many parallels have been drawn recently
between these events preceding World War
II and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Another
comparison between recent events and 1936 is
the way news from Europe cast a foreboding
shadow over an Olympic Games.
Throughout the Winter Olympics in Beijing
this past February, there were constant reports
of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Most people could not conceive of the world
again witnessing a land war in Europe. Yet
Got leakys?
by MARTY KANE
Photos courtesy of the
LAKE HOPATCONG
HISTORICAL MUSEUM
ARCHIVES
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
Russian forces crossed the Ukrainian
border just days after the Games
ended.
At Lake Hopatcong in the summer
of 1936, many were focused on the
upcoming Olympic Games in Berlin.
Thousands of cheering, flag-waving
spectators lined the New York and
New Jersey shoreline on July 15 to see
359 members of the U.S. Olympic
team off for their 10-day journey to
Germany.
Among the 46 female team members
was Cornelia “Corky” Gilissen, a
20-year-old diver who had learned to
swim at her family’s Lake Hopatcong
cottage.
In an Olympics that will forever be
remembered for the dramatic politics being
played out as a precursor to the devastating
war ahead, the American team also featured the
great Jesse Owens, who would win four gold
medals in track and field, and a men’s rowing
team made up of University of Washington
college students who would manage an
incredible David versus Goliath victory over a
dominant German team in front of Hitler and
Nazi officials.
The Lake Hopatcong community eagerly
followed the story of one of its own.
Born on September 21, 1915, in Elmhurst,
Queens, Gilissen began summering in the
Northwood section of Hopatcong with her
family around 1920.
In a 1939 newspaper interview with the
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Gilissen
explained she learned to swim at Lake
Hopatcong at the age of 6. Though their
973-398-0875
We’ll never ask how it happened!
Cornelia Gilissen competing in the 1934
Metropolitan AAU Swimming Meet at
Jones Beach, Long Island.
parents could not swim, Gilissen and her two
younger sisters learned by daily practice in the
lake.
In July 1928, 12-year-old Gilissen caught
the attention of the lake community by
winning the girls’ “fancy diving” title (known
today as springboard) at the Lake Hopatcong
Association competition at Glasser’s Pavilion
(now the location of Lola’s Mexican Restaurant).
A year later the talented teen earned
the interest of the entire American diving
community when she competed in the annual
Daily News Water Derby in New York City’s
Central Park.
A photograph in the August 2, 1929 Daily
News of Gilissen in mid-flight during the
Water Derby competition was captioned “as
graceful and poised as a bird on the wing,
Cornelia Gilissen, of Lake Hopatcong, N.J.,
goes through one of her dives from the fourfoot
board. She won third place in the event for
girls and helped to thrill the crowd of 60,000.”
Just one day earlier, Gilissen had earned two
first-prize trophies at the Lake Hopatcong
Yacht Club’s annual competition. Younger
sister Josephine, a competitive swimmer, also
took home a first-place trophy.
Competing nationally while still finding the
time to participate in diving, swimming and
canoeing competitions at Lake Hopatcong was
the norm for Corky Gilissen.
In 1930, Gilissen began training and
competing with the Women’s Swimming
Association of New York. She moved up to
a second-place finish in the Water Derby
that year and in 1931 won the competition,
establishing her as one the East Coast’s strongest

Gilissen at
the women’s
Olympic
swimming &
diving tryouts
at Astoria Pool,
Queens, July 11,
1936.
Cornelia Gilissen on
the cover of the Lake
Hopatcong Breeze, July
31, 1937.
competitors for the
1932 Olympics.
During this period
Gilissen trained with
Blanche Mandel,
a noted American
swimming instructor
whose vaudevillian
parents summered at the lake on Lookout
Mountain (now Hudson Avenue). Although
she missed the 1932 Olympics, over the
next few years Gilissen won a plethora of
competitions, including the 1934 National
Junior Fancy Diving Championship. That
year she began competing in platform diving
(from a height of 10 meters, or 33 feet), which
became her specialty in the years that followed.
Two weeks after placing second in the
33’ platform diving contest at the Women’s
National Championships in Detroit, the
August 11, 1934 issue of the Lake Hopatcong
Breeze carried congratulations to Gilissen from
the Bon Air Lodge in River Styx, noting that
“after never having dived off a 33 foot platform
until one week and a half before the event, it
is indeed a very noteworthy incident,” and
adding that “we at the Lodge have so often
watched Corky dive from our 10 foot board,
and enjoyed it so much.”
In 1936, a 20-year-old Gilissen faced what
would likely be her last chance to make the
Olympic team. Competing on July 12 in the
newly christened Astoria Pool in New York, she
was stacked against what newspapers of the day
described as a very strong field in the 10-meter
platform competition. The top three divers
would qualify for the Olympics.
Competing in her hometown, Gilissen did
not disappoint, finishing in second place. The
reigning women’s Amateur Athletic Union
Babe Ruth, Cornelia Gilissen and Olympic
diver Mickey Riley at Manhattan Beach, N.Y.,
August 3, 1935.
(AAU) platform champion and other wellknown
divers failed to qualify.
It was unusual for a diver from the East to
earn a spot on the Olympic team as the sport
was dominated by Californians. The July 25,
1936 Breeze credited Gilissen’s success to the
fact that she was “hardened by 15 years of
swimming at the lake.”
The 1936 Olympic platform diving
competition was decided on August 13
at Berlin’s Olympic Pool when the 1932
champion, Dorothy Poynton Hill of Los
Angeles, again took the gold medal. Velma
Dunn, another Californian, won silver, and
Kate Kohler of Germany took bronze. The
American women competed well, with Gilissen
finishing a very respectable fifth.
Following her Olympic experience, Gilissen
continued to train and perform. She toured
with the Water Follies almost continually from
1937 to 1944 as a featured performer in a show
that included such famed swimmers and divers
as Eleanor Holm, Dorothy Poynton Hill and
Buster Crabbe.
Billed as “the world’s most daring diver,”
Gilissen was known for stunt diving, her
specialty. The July 31, 1937 edition of the Breeze
noted that “Corky has recently completed a
tour with the 1937 Water Follies in which she
was featured as diver at many cities throughout
the country.”
Cornelia Gilissen, Camel cigarette advertisement, 1946.
SAVE THE DATE
LHYC Fireworks
July 1, 2022
(Rain date July 9)
Her sister, Josephine, was also on the tour and
the Breeze noted that “both girls are spending
the summer at Northwood where they will keep
trim in preparation for further achievements.”
The 1941 Water Follies program described
the 5’1” Gilissen as being “on a par with the
outstanding male divers of the world” and
noted she had recently been proclaimed “the
world’s professional female diving champion.”
A 1946 Camel cigarette ad depicted Gilissen
as the Queen of the Tower for her death-defying
stunt dives. Following her affiliation with the
Water Follies, Gilissen toured the country with
the American Sportsmen’s Show in 1946 and
1947.
Along the way came marriages and divorces,
a son and three grandchildren. Gilissen made
her home in Miami for most of her adult life
and died there in 1994 at age 78.
As war continues to rage in Ukraine, one
must hope that no further parallels will be
drawn to those events of over 85 years ago.
As stated in the Olympic Charter, “the goal
of Olympism is to place sport at the service of
the harmonious development of humankind,
with a view to promoting a peaceful society
concerned with the preservation of human
dignity.”
Let us work toward a time when the
Olympics will reach this goal of highlighting
a better world and look forward to an occasion
when our entire focus will be on enjoying the
achievements of individuals like Gilissen.
For now, our thoughts are with the Ukrainian
people.
Please help sponsor this event!
Email LHYCFireworks@gmail.com to learn how.
lakehopatcongnews.com 35

COOKING
WITH SCRATCH ©
Although my father, Horst, was the salt
of the earth—kind, generous to a fault,
hardworking, honest, dependable, friendly,
a loving father who gave the world’s best
hugs—he was, well… less than adventurous
when it came to food.
Breakfast was a boiled egg with toast or cold
cereal and milk. Lunch was a thin sandwich:
two slices of buttered rye bread with one to
two slices of ham or slab of liverwurst. And
dinner was meat, potatoes and (brown) gravy,
a vegetable and salad. Dessert didn’t much
matter to him.
Back in the ’60s when I was growing up,
I enjoyed meals at friends’ homes and was
curious to recreate for my parents the exotic
things I had tried.
Horst would come home from work and,
noticing the new aromas coming from the
kitchen, would look in and say in his heavy
German accent: “Vat iss diss sh*t?”
I didn’t let it discourage me from my
cooking experiments.
My mother, Gertrude, was the opposite
of her not-so-adventurous husband. Always
interested in trying something new, she
relished the opportunity to test a new recipe,
or on the rare occasion that we went out to
dinner, try something foreign to her from the
Asian Adventures
by BARBARA SIMMONS
Photos by KAREN FUCITO
restaurant’s menu.
As I grew older, I found myself fascinated
by Asian food. The cans of La Choy Chicken
Chow Mein (with the cool add-on can of
crispy noodles) were about the only thing we
could find in our local Pathmark.
Little did I know this soggy abomination
was lightyears away from what real Asian
cuisine was all about. The Time-Life Foods of
the World subscription cookbook series was
my launchpad into the world of Asian foods.
In the ’80s I discovered the cookbook
author Barbara Tropp, who was featured in a
series called “Great Chefs of San Francisco,”
one of the oldest cooking and travel series on
television. I think I found it on PBS channel
13.
She made a tea and cassia bark smoked
chicken from scratch in the kitchen of her
restaurant, China Moon. I remember her
warning about turning on the vent fan and
opening a window to prevent the smoke alarm
from going off. I thought she was absolutely
fascinating.
I hunted down her first cookbook, “The
Modern Art of Chinese Cooking,” in a large
bookstore in New York City. She hooked me
with her engaging storytelling and anecdotes
about each recipe.
Never had I read a cookbook that was so
thorough and completely captivating. There
were chapters on how to choose and properly
use a cleaver, how to stand while chopping
ingredients, how to season a wok and—best
of all—an exhaustive glossary of ingredients
in Chinese with a phonetic pronunciation
guide, should you find yourself shopping in
Chinatown and not able to communicate
with the shopkeeper.
Since 1982, when her cookbook was
published, ingredients for authentic Chinese,
Japanese and Korean dishes have become
more widely available. My local ShopRite
even sells fresh kimchee!
Despite that, I still enjoy making a yearly
trip to one of the bigger Asian markets in
Morris County: Kam-Man Food in Whippany
or Top Quality Food Market in Parsippany. I
load up on black soy sauce, Chinese cooking
wine, good quality Japanese sesame oil, frozen
shao mai dumplings and fermented black
beans.
Now, this recipe won’t involve making the
schlep to one of the big Asian markets, unless
you want to, of course. Your local supermarket
should have all the needed ingredients. You
may already have everything you need in your
pantry.
This is a totally addicting, delicious salad.
Take it to the next picnic!
STRESS-FREE
RENOVATIONS
36
Showroom
SPARTA, NEW JERSEY
HappsKitchen.com • 973-729-4787
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022

NAPA CABBAGE SALAD WITH RAMEN NOODLES
Yield: Enough for a big party
Ingredients
Veggies:
1 head napa cabbage, thinly sliced (about 12 cups)
1 bunch scallions
¼ head red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
1 carrot, grated (1 cup)
¼ cup frozen edamame (shelled fresh soybeans), rinsed
1 can mandarin oranges, drained (optional)
Dressing:
¼ cup apple cider or unseasoned rice vinegar
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
½ cup vegetable or peanut oil
½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Crunchy ramen topping:
1 (3-ounce) package ramen noodles
(discard or save flavoring packet for another use)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 cup slivered almonds
¼ cup butter
Procedure
Salad:
In very large bowl:
1 Trim off any wilted leaves from the head of the napa cabbage, cut into quarters
longways and slice very thinly, stopping about 1 inch from the root end.
2 Rinse the scallions under running water, slicing off the root end, trimming any
wilted leaves. Use the entire scallion—white and green parts—slicing them thinly.
3 Slice the red cabbage by hand or with a mandoline. Watch your fingers.
4 Peel and grate the carrot.
5 Defrost the edamame, rinse in cold water and drain.
Make the dressing:
6 Add all ingredients except the sesame oil to a small saucepan. Cook over high heat
until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. When cool, stir in the sesame oil and then pour
into a jar with a tightly fitting lid.
Make the crunchy ramen topping:
7 Smash the package of ramen noodles with a rolling pin or other lethal kitchen
object. Open the package and remove the seasoning packet. Save for another use.
8 Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan.
9 Add in the crushed ramen noodles, sesame seeds and slivered almonds. Cook until
everything is nice and brown.
Notes
Just before serving, shake the jar of dressing well and pour it over the salad. Garnish with
the optional mandarin orange segments. Sprinkle the toasted ramen topping over the
salad and serve. If you’d like to make more of a well-rounded meal out of this salad, add
shredded cooked chicken or cubes of firm tofu.
lakehopatcongnews.com 37

WORDS OF
A FEATHER
The Legendary
Kingfisher
by HEATHER SHIRLEY
Photos by OLEG GURVITS
“C hit-chit-chiterree-chit-chit!”
The rattling call of a kingfisher
skips over the morning and brings a smile to
my face. I look across the lagoon behind my
house and see a male belted kingfisher perched
on the branch of a cypress tree that is leaning
over the water.
The steel-blue and white bird surveys his
kingdom. He watches the surface of the pond,
then launches himself into the air, flying
straight and fast before stopping midair to
hover over some ripples in the water.
He dives in with eyes closed, barely making
a splash and spreads his wings underwater to
break his dive. Surfacing with a fish pinched
in his ample, dagger-like bill, he returns to his
perch, knocks the fish against the tree branch
to stun it, tosses it into the air then swallows it
down, head first. Belly full, he seems content to
rest for a moment, enjoying the beauty of the
surroundings and the warmth of the morning
sun.
It’s not hard to understand why these birds
have long inspired myths and legends. Ancient
Polynesians believed kingfishers controlled the
sea and waves. The ancient Greeks also told a
myth about the kingfisher.
Halcyon, the daughter of the god of the winds,
and her husband, Ceyx, the son of the morning
star, were deeply in love. Unfortunately, they
offended the gods and as punishment were put
to death. The gods relented and reincarnated
the couple as a pair of kingfishers. Their love
continued, and as kingfishers they laid a nest.
The Greeks believed kingfishers laid their
eggs on the surface of the sea only during those
rare times of year when conditions were warm
and calm. Thus, that magical and elusive time
became known as halcyon days, named for the
wind god’s ill-fated daughter. To this day, those
precious, deliciously perfect days of warmth
and calm are referred to as halcyon days, and
kingfishers continue to represent them.
There are more than 80 species of kingfishers
in the world. The smallest is the African pygmy
kingfisher, a mere 4 inches long, which dwells
in African rainforests. On the other end of the
38 LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
spectrum is Australia’s laughing kookaburra
which, at 19 inches, is the world’s largest
kingfisher.
In North America, we have four species:
ringed, green, Amazon and belted. The first
three are really Central American species that
are occasionally seen in southern border states
like Texas and Arizona. The belted kingfisher,
however, can be seen across most of our
continent for at least part of the year.
Belted kingfishers live in New Jersey yearround
as long as there is open water for them
to fish in during winter. Kingfishers eat many
species of small fish as well as crustaceans,
invertebrates, insects and even berries. These
birds are easily recognized by their stocky
builds, shaggy crests and large bills.
The male is two-toned, grayish blue and
white. The female is more colorful than the
male, which is rare in the avian world. She is
similarly blue and white but also has a chestnut
band across her belly and down her flanks.
Kingfishers nest not on the water’s surface, as
the ancient Greeks mistakenly believed, but in
burrows they dig into earthen banks.
Males establish a territory at the start of
breeding season and court females by feeding
them. Once paired up, they select a nest site.
They prefer a bank of earth that’s both high
enough to avoid the danger of flooding and
is clear of tree roots that would make digging
too challenging. If these ideal conditions aren’t
available, kingfishers may build nests in road
cuts, ditches or sand or gravel pits.
Using their large, strong bills and specialized
front claws, which are fused together for
added strength, both the male and female
birds excavate the nest burrow. Quite a feat of
engineering, the burrows are typically 3 to 6
feet long and slope upwards from the bank’s
edge so that any rainfall drains out.
At the end of the burrow is a nest chamber,
where the female lays five to eight eggs. After
three weeks of incubation and another month
of nestling development, the chicks finally
leave the nest.
And then, thanks to hard work by the parents
Shop with us starting in July!
MARKET IN THE PARK 12-4PM
JULY 9 TH - Market & Concert in Maxim Glen
AUG. 20 TH - Market & Concert in Maxim Glen
SEPT. 10 TH - Hopatcong Days in Maxim/Modick
SATURDAY
EVENTS
OCT. 15 TH - Market & Halloween in Maxim/Modick
DEC. 10 TH - Holiday Market & Santa in Modick Park
Once a Month Market in the DPW Lot JULY – NOV
3 RD SUNDAYS 12-4PM
farmtoartfun.com/events
Belted kingfisher
in flight
Belted kingfisher, female
Scan the QR code to
hear what a belted
kingfisher sounds like.
as well as the ongoing cycle of nature, the
world is blessed by having a few more belted
kingfishers.
Have you seen any yet this year? Spotted any
nest burrows? Why not go look for some along
streams, rivers, ponds or lakes that are clear and
unclouded (and therefore better for seeing prey
in the water).
Look for kingfishers on perches hanging over
the water, like bare tree branches or telephone
wires. Listen for their metallic, rattling call.
As you seek them out, bear in mind one final
legend about the kingfisher that is worth
sharing, if for no other reason than it’s my
favorite: only the righteous get to see them.
Are you worthy? Go find out. Get out there,
enjoy the halcyon days of early summer and go
birding!
Gated Marina
Seasonal Space Rentals
973-663-1192
Sheltered/No Wake Zone
Private Off Street Parking
123 Brady Road ~ Lake Hopatcong

15 Commerce Boulevard, Suite 201 • Roxbury Mall (Route 10 East) • Succasunna, NJ 07876
(973) 328-1225 • www.MorrisCountyDentist.com
• Dental Implants
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Porcelain Veneers
• Family Dentistry
• Invisalign
• Dentures
• Teeth Whitening
• Crowns and Bridges
• Smile Makeovers
• Sedation Dentistry
New Patient Special
Dental Implants
$149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films
Regularly $362
•Cannot be combined with other discounts
•Refer to New Patient Specials on our website for details
•Coupon must be presented and mentioned at time of scheduling
Expires 6/30/21
Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the
American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, which is a degree held
by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant or
complex full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be
considered.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include
cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and
his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.
Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his website for a complete listing.
DENTAL DIGEST
New Patient Special
FREE
Implant, Cosmetic or General Dentistry Consultation
Regularly $125.00
•Cannot be combined with other discounts
•Limited to 50 minutes
Expires 6/30/21
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI, FAAID
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry
DENTAL INSURANCE: THE BASICS, AND IS IT WORTH THE EXPENSE?
Did you know dental insurance isn’t insurance at all?
An insurance plan reimburses you for a loss. As an example, if your house burns down, your insurance company covers the loss. With
an insurance plan, the insurer caries the risk.
Dental “insurance” is really a “benefit plan.” YOU carry the risk, not the insurance company. It is designed to cover only certain
procedures, and is capped with an annual maximum. That maximum allows the insurance company to know in advance its absolute
greatest annual expenditure. It is at levels that really haven’t changed since dental insurance was invented in 1954. But your
premiums keep increasing….
Almost on a daily basis, patients will ask me if its worth purchasing an “insurance plan” they saw advertised on TV or a flier in the
mail. Usually it is not. You’d be better off putting those monthly premiums in YOUR pocket, rather than the insurance company’s.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
Some definitions:
MAXIMUM: The plan maximum is the most amount of money the company will pay during the benefit period. In 1954, that amount was about $1,000 to $1,500 per
year. If your policy kept up with inflation, that would now be roughly $10,688 to $16,031. However, it is still between $1,000 to $2,000 per year.
EXCLUSIONS: Many procedures are not covered, so be careful. These can include: white fillings versus metal fillings, teeth that were missing before the new policy
goes into effect, some extractions (this is new: dental policies will push the burden onto your medical plan). Other services could include implants, crowns, or dentures.
WAITING PERIODS: When you purchase a plan, many companies will not cover services for variable periods of time. We have seen waiting periods up to one year!!!
So while you pay the company a monthly premium, you don’t have benefits until your Waiting Period is over.
NETWORKS: Depending on the plan you purchase, you may be forced to go to certain offices or see certain doctors. Otherwise, you may have no benefits. You might
have to travel 50 miles to find a participating office!
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS: If you are missing teeth when you purchase the plan, the ‘insurance” company may not pay for those replacement teeth, or even decrease
the benefit by the percentage of missing teeth.
About the author: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 26 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a
Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. For a free consultation, please call his office at
(973) 328-1225 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist, and also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
lakehopatcongnews.com 39

DEP announces compromise
Peter Salmon and his very unusual car
Page 6
Page 16
Vol. 8, No. 5
Vol. 1, No. 3
Vol. 10, No. 2
Labor Day 2016
Vacationing close to home
Hopatcong couple dedicated to rescue
Page 20
Page 30
Memorial Day 2018
Vol. 8, No. 7
Page 6
Page 14
Page 2
Pages 28
Holiday 2016
Looking skyward
Local DAR honor soldiers
Charity on wheels
1
Vol. 1, No. 6
Fa l 2019
LH refi ling after drawdown
Page 4
Princeton Hydro: Stewards of LH
Page 16
Page 20
Ice boating on area lakes
Page 24
Vol. 10, No. 5
Vol. 10, No. 6
1
Labor Day 2018
Community garden turns 5
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Not your average summer camp
Family reunion
Page 6
Page 16
Page 24
Page 30
Vol. 9, No. 5
farmer
Labor Day 2017
Vol. 7, No. 4
Page 6
Page 10
Page 16
Page 26
Baitfish fishing
Aug. 1, 2015
Vol. 1, No. 2
Memorial Day 2019
Page 12
Vol. 8, No. 4
Beauty queen
Page 18
Vol. 1, No. 1
Page 26
Aug. 1, 2016
Vol. 1, No. 5
Vol. 1, No. 4
Labor Day 2019
Spring 2019
Page 10
Page 14
Page 28
Page 2
Vol. 10, No. 3
Fourth of July 2018
• American picker
• Olympic spirit
• Passion for golf
• LHC budgets for weeds
Spring 2017
directory
CONSTRUCTION/
EXCAVATION
Al Hutchins Excavating
973-663-2142
973-713-8020
Lakeside Construction
151 Sparta-Stanhope Rd.
Hopatcong
973-398-4517
Northwest Explosives
PO Box 806, Hopatcong
973-398-6900
info@northwestexplosives.com
ENTERTAINMENT/
RECREATION
Hopatcong Marketplace
47 Hopatchung Rd.
Lake Hopatcong Adventure
973-663-1944
lhadventureco.com
Lake Hopatcong Cruises
Miss Lotta (Dinner Boat)
37 Nolan’s Pt. Park Rd., LH
973-663-5000
lhcruises.com
Lake Hopatcong Mini Golf Club
37 Nolan's Pt. Park Rd., LH
973-663-0451
lhgolfclub.com
Investors Bank Theater
72 Eyland Ave., Succasunna
973-945-0284
roxburyartsalliance.org
Northeast Health & Fitness
50 Hopatchung Rd., Hopatcong
@northeasthealthandfitness
HOME SERVICES
Accurate Pest Control
Landing
973-398-8798
accuratepestmanagement.com
Central Comfort
100 Nolan’s Point Rd., LH
973-361-2146
Homestead Lawn Sprinkler
5580 Berkshire Valley Rd., OR
973-208-0967
homesteadlawnsprinkler.com
Happs Kitchen & Bath
Sparta
973-729-4787
happskitchen.com
Jefferson Recycling
710 Route 15 N Jefferson
973-361-1589
www.jefferson-recycling.com
JF Wood Products
973-590-4319
The Polite Plumber
973-398-0875
thepoliteplumber.com
Wilson Services
973-383-2112
WilsonServices.com
Window Genie
973-726-6555
windowgenie.com
LAKE SERVICES
AAA Dock & Marine
27 Prospect Point Rd., LH
973-663-4998
docksmarina@hotmail.com
Batten The Hatches
70 Rt. 181, LH
973-663-1910
facebook.com/bthboatcovers
Lake Management Sciences
Branchville
973-948-0107
lakemgtsciences.com
MARINAS, BOAT
SALES & RENTALS
Beebe Marina
123 Brady Rd., LH
973-663-1192
Katz’s Marina
22 Stonehenge Rd., LH
973-663-0224
katzmarinaatthecove.com
342 Lakeside Ave., Hopatcong
973-663-3214
antiqueboatsales.com
Lake’s End Marina
91 Mt. Arlington Blvd., Landing
973-398-5707
lakesendmarina.net
Morris County Marine
745 US 46W, Kenvil
201-400-6031
South Shore Marine
862-254-2514
southshoremarine180@gmail.com
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS
Lake Hopatcong Commission
260 Lakeside Blvd.,Landing
973-601-7801
commissioner@
lakehopatcongcommission.org
Lake Hopatcong Foundation
125 Landing Rd., Landing
973-663-2500
lakehopatcongfoundation.org
Lake Hopatcong Historical
Museum at Hopatcong SP
260 Lakeside Blvd., Landing
973-398-2616
lakehopatconghistory.com
Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club
75 N Bertrand R., MA
973-398-4324
PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
Barbara Anne Dillon,,O.D.,P.A.
180 Howard Blvd., Ste. 18
Mount Arlington
973-770-1380
Fox Architectural Design
546 St. Rt. 10 W, Ledgewood
973-970-9355
foxarch.com
Morris County Dental Assoc.
15 Commerce Blvd., Ste. 201
Succasunna
973-328-1225
MorrisCountyDentist.com
REAL ESTATE
Kathleen Courter
RE/MAX
101 Landing Rd., Roxbury
973-420-0022 Direct
KathySellsNJHomes.com
Robin Dora
Sotheby’s
670 Main St., Towaco
973-570-6633
prominentproperties.com
Christopher J. Edwards
RE/MAX
211 Rt. 10E, Succasunna
973-598-1008
MrLakeHopatcong.com
Jim Leffler
RE/MAX
101 Landing Rd., Roxbury
201-919-5414
Darla Quaranta
Century21
973-229-0452
century21gebarealty.com
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Alice’s Restaurant
24 Nolan’s Pt. Park Rd, LH
973-663-9600
alicesrestaurantnj.com
Andre’s Lakeside Dining
112 Tomahawk Tr., Sparta
973-726-6000
andreslakeside.com
Bagels On The Hill
175 Lakeside Blvd., Landing
973-770-4800
bagelsonthehill.com
Big Fish Lounge At Alice’s
24 Nolan’s Pt. Park Rd, LH
973-663-9600
alicesrestaurantnj.com
The Windlass Restaurant
45 Nolan’s Point Park Rd., LH
973-663-3190
thewindlass.com
SENIOR CARE
Preferred Care at Home
George & Jill Malanga/Owners
973-512-5131
PreferHome.com/nwjersey
SPECIALTY STORES
AlphaZelle
Toxin-free products
973-288-1971
alphazelle.com
At The Lake Jewelry
atthelakejewelry.com
Best Cellars Wine & Spirits
1001 Rt. 46, Ledgewood
973-252-0559
bestcellars.com
Hearth & Home
1215 Rt. 46, Ledgewood
973-252-0190
hearthandhome.net
Helrick’s Custom Framing
158 W Clinton St., Dover
973-361-1559
helricks.com
Olympia Pools
41 Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge
973-697-1200
Main Lake Market
234 S. NJ Ave., LH
973-663-0544
mainlakemarket.com
Nature’s Golden Miracle
CBD Products
973-288-1971
NGM-oil.com
Orange Carpet & Wood Gallery
470 Rt. 10W, Ledgewood
973-584-5300
orange-carpet.com
Sacks Paint & Hardware
52 N Sussex St., Dover
973-366-0119
sackspaint.net
STORAGE
Woodport Self Storage
17 Rt. 181 & 20 Tierney Rd.
Lake Hopatcong
973-663-4000
FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AND FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT
WWW.LAKEHOPATCONGNEWS.COM
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
ake Hopatcong News
Police Unity Tour
Members of Hopatcong’s Police Department ride
to honor those who have fa len in the line of duty
Lake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving & Celebrating The Lake Community
A tale of two coves
Is i the best of times or the worst of times in Byram Cove?
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
ake Hopatcong News
Skiing Sole
with
Barefoot sk ing on Lake Hopatcong with the "Jersey Boys"
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
A
Walk
in the
Woods
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
• Young miner
• LHF Block Party
• Benefit for wounded vets
• The lure of a fish tale
Bottoms Up
Ninth Annual Jersey Wakeo f at Lake Hopatcong
Inside this issue:
Local couple ties the knot, fina ly
Page 4
Running club dedicated to helping others
Page 18
Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s Gal and Auction
Page 12
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
ake Hopatcong News
Aug. 1, 2014 Vol. 6, No. 4
Christmas
in the village
Annual holiday celebration in Je ferson
The tradition of telling the stories of the lake community
continues thanks to all the advertisers.
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
• Algae Bloom Lingers
• Northwood A sociation Turns 100
• Mount Arlington Opens Community Garden
• West Side Methodist Celebrates Milestone
ICE JOB
Volunt ers, including two from Hopatcong, take part in a
century-old tradition at Raque te Lake in the Adirondacks
Vol. 9, No. 1
Work begins on 40-plus mile trail
around the Lake Hopatcong
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
ake Hopatcong News
Windup toy co lection
Hydro raking program begins
‘Study Hull’
makes maiden
voyage
Teen program turns 2
WW I vet records history
Local students schooled on fresh water aboard the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s floating cla sroom
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
For the Birds
Andrew Eppedio (and his mom’s) great avian adventure
Fourth of July 2019
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
Mid Summer 2018
Swimming Around
Bridgete Hobart-Janeczko becomes the firs to swim the
perimeter of Lake Hopatcong
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
NEW CAREER
TAKES FLIGHT
Mount Arlington’s P.J. Simonis
is flying high with birds of prey
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
Chicken
crazy
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
LOCALLY
GROWN
Je ferson farm comes alive
thanks to third-generation
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
Bee-lieving
in bees
Local beekeepers
passionate about honeybees
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
Answering
The Call
Firefighter honored for 70 years of service
with Roxbury Engine Company No. 2
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
•We lne s center opens in Hopatcong
•Children’s author penning third book
•Bridge to Liffy Island taking shape
•DEP says no to carp in Lake Hopatcong
Paying Tribute
Local vets honored during boat ride around Lake Hopatcong
ake Hopatcong News
Informing, Serving and Celebrating The Lake Region
Happy Campers
Sixteen years in and Camp Je ferson is sti l a l about good ole’ fashioned outdoor fun
40
• Markets are open, bounty is fresh
• Smithsonian exhibi to open
• King House expands offerings
• 4H standout leading the way
Vol. 10, No. 4
• Road bowlers
• Marching to the beat
• Hopatcong honors two
• Confusion at BRC meeting
• State Aid Comparison
• University Opens New Campus
• What’s It Rea ly Worth?
• Looking for Solutions to Lake’s I sues
Inside this issue:
Hundreds ‘leap’ into icy water for good cause
Plus: Food, LHC Meeting, In Brief, Busine s Directory, and Much More!
Winter, 2014 Vol. 6, No. 1
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Memorial Day 2022
• Drawdown coming
• Artist in residence
• Bertrand Island revisited
• Old-timers’ game days
Je ferson's selfless citizens
Hopatcong's super seniors
Tuesday night jam session
•Qua ry Silt S eps into Lake Hopatcong: DEP Slow to React
•Working Sma l Proves Big for Local Artist •Girl Scouts Tackle Trail Maintenance
•New Fireboat for Lake Hopatcong
973-663-2800 • editor@lakehopatcongnews.com
Four-legged fire prevention ambassador
Ten years of super summer concerts
• Algae Invades Lake Hopatcong
Volunteers Drive 1th Hour Rescue
• Wiffle Ba l Game Helps Raise Funds
• Sharing Books One Li tle Fr e Library at a Time

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37 Nolan’s Point Park Rd. Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 • 973-663-5000
lakehopatcongnews.com 41

Lake Hopatcong...
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Nolan’s Point Park Rd., Lake Hopatcong •

973-663-2490 • Connect with us! @livethelakenj Live the Lake NJ