Saturday, August 4
STAMPEDE UNITES LONG-TIME BUDDIES
STAMPEDE UNITES LONG-TIME BUDDIES
By Laurie Gordon
Each year, on the first Saturday in June, two area men -- one from West Milford and the other from Oak Ridge -- make a traditional pilgrimage. Their destination it the annual Healthy Heart Stillwater Stampede 5-K race held just outside of Newton at Swartswood State Park.
For West Milford’s Ken Freedman, the trip is about running in the race. “Knowing I’m going to do it every year keeps me motivated to stay in shape,” the father of two very athletic daughters said. For Jim Valentine, of Oak Ridge, it’s about proudly representing America’s heroes. The Vietnam Veteran is the race’s official flag bearer each year, waving it above the starting line as the National Anthem plays. And for both men, going to the race is about friendships. “Two of our long-time buddies come in from the Philadelphia area to help out the race. It’s a real team effort,” Valentine said.
All of the men met through the Stampede’s race director, Guy Gordon. Gordon met Larry Gochman when the two were classmates at Temple University in the late 70s. Gochman has been at most of the 12 runnings of the Stampede and now holds the title of Director of Volunteers. He arrives in the area on Friday night to help with last minute details and accompanies Gordon to the park on race day at 3 am to help set up. Five years ago, Grant Brewer, a friend of Gochman’s through the two men’s love of The Eagles, started tagging along and now Brewer also has the race on his annual calendar. Like Gochman, he arises at 3 to help put out cones, mark the course and set up registration, food and t-shirts.
Gordon met Freedman when both were working at the Morris County Youth Detention Center in 1980, then Valentine and Gordon met through their jobs at the Morris County Division of Youth and Family Services in 1985. Over the years, Freedman, Valentine and Gochman have all become good friends through Gordon and the annual Stampede.
“I wouldn’t miss the race for the world,” Gochman said. “It’s a lot of fun, it’s a great cause, and I take my title very seriously.” Gochman can be found rallying his cast of volunteers from early in the morning until every award is handed out, every last morsel of the race’s trademark post-race baked goods is eaten and everything is cleaned up and put away for next year.
The Healthy Heart Stillwater Stampede benefits Newton Memorial Hospital’s heart center and a vital youth running program that instills the many benefits of the sport in area elementary and middle school kids. This year, the race will be held on Saturday, June 2nd. The marquis event is the 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race, which participants can either walk or run. Following the 5-K, there is a Mile Fun Run then the “Tiny Trot” for kids five and under. The 5-K starts at 9 am at Swartswood State Park (on Route 619 in Newton) and the other events follow. As an added treat, participants will be serenaded by live music sung by Jack Tannehill before the race, as they finish and afterward.
“It’s great to see the pouring of support not just from the immediate community but from people from all over,” Freedman said. From the runners to all of the sponsors, it’s become a tradition for many.
Later in the afternoon on Stampede Saturday, when another Stampede is over and everything is tucked away, Valentine will be found flipping burgers on Gordon’s deck. Gochman will be standing next to him, sipping a cold beer, joined by Freedman, Brewer, Gordon and a gathering of race volunteers. The banter amongst the five friends is always lively, laughter abounds and so does a lot of reminiscing.
As traditional as the race had become to so many runners, to these men, it’s even more than a tradition. Though each of them have taken different paths in life, the first Saturday in June always leads them in the same direction: to Swartswod State Park.
Saturday, August 4
Savino comes home to race his rival at Stampede
Savino comes home to race his rival at Stampede
By G&L Gordon
Chris Savino was at yesterday’s 12th Annual Healthy Heart Stillwater Stampede at 6:30. The former Newton High School soccer stand out traded in his cleats to run cross country and track for St. Joseph’s College in Philly. He doesn’t regret his soccer days, “I had some good times” but regrets the base he could have built had he run cross country. His goal yesterday? Beat an idol: Hampton’s Andy Latincsics.
He did, by 7 seconds, however 16:13 wasn’t fast enough for the win as another Newton High grad, Ray Biersbach, defended his title by running 15:57. Biersbach, who pocked $100 or his effort, said that he enjoys returning “home” for this annual event. “Running through the camp ground with all the campers out there is an awesome feeling. I also love the finish through the pavilion while music is blaring through the speakers system.”
Rebecca Catalano, of Elizabeth, wanted an excuse to return to Swartswood State Park as she has been a past-participant at the annual August X-Treme Youth Running Camp. The return trip paid off handsomely, as Catalano was fastest female in 19:45. Forty eight year old Janice Morra, of Morristown, was second in 20:17, while 11-year-old Brittany Day, of The Bears Youth Running Program, ran a sizzling 21:06 on a hot and sizzling day.
Over 250 runners competed in the Stampede 5-K which was followed by a Mile Family Fun Run and a “Tiny Trot.” Proceeds benefited The Newton Memorial Heart Center.
Many employees from Newton Memorial participated in the event leading them to victory in the race’s “Hospital Challenge” over Morristown Memorial and St. Clares. Said Newton Memorial’s Jim Ferguson, “My son, Nicholas, had a ball challenging himself to run the one mile fun run instead of the Tiny Trot after seeing me run in the 5-K. The atmosphere was terrific, and the hospital is proud to be a part of this event.”
12th Annual Healthy Heart Stillwater Stampede 5-K Results
1. Ray Biersbach, 28, 15:57
2. Chris Savino, 19, 16:13
3. Andy Latinsics, 41, 16:20
4. Mark Banuk, 28, 16:30
5. Andrew Catalano, 20, 16:42
6. Leigh Parisak, 29, 17:42
7. Dave Siuta, 18, 17:42
8. Alex Erins, 18, 18:05
9. Bill Bosmann, 56, 19:05
10. Ryan Hashway, 31, 19:06
11. Torstem Madsen, 40, 19”08
12. Nick Kazimierczak, 18, 19:14
13. Brian Vogler, 23, 19:20
14. John Guth, 32, 19:24
15. Jon Kameen, 26, 19:32
16. Greg Mullins, 32, 19:37
17. Michael Maniscalco, 17, 19:39
18. Anthony Trombette, 17, 19:43
19. Rebecca Catalano, 20, 19:45
20. Adam Devine, 32, 20:04
21. Chris Maniscalco, 16, 20:06
22. Janice Morra, 47, 20:17
23. Drew Reinhardt, 14, 20:38
24. William Whitley, 58, 20:39
25. Brittany Day, 11, 21:06
26. Virginia Day, 42, 21:06
27. Dennis McGinley, 48, 21:14
28. Bill Plough, 52, 21:14
29. Dan Holdt, 31, 21:15
30. Niall Campbell, 23, 21:21
31. Robert Parisien, 26, 21:21
32. Al Siuta, 45, 21:35
33. Tina Flemming, 28, 21:44
34. Jim Rehrig, 64, 21:47
35. Paul Williams, 39, 21:48
36. Jim Stark, 47, 21:59
37. Charlie Marron, 51, 22:01
38. Bob Masci, 50, 22:03
39. Bogden Bienko, 59, 22:14
40. Rob Jennings, 35, 22:26
41. Michael Lawlor, 36, 22:28
42. Ralph Abramowitz, 62, 22:33
43. Dean Geiring
44. Rick Toma, 42, 22:40
45.Susan Cipriano, 30, 22:55
46. Bridget Jones, 32, 23:04
47. Randy Parks, 43, 22:06
48. Craig Polizzi, 44, 23:08
49. Rich Furlong, 59, 23:09
50. Kim Johnson, 45, 23:11
51 ED MAGEE, 45, 23:15
52 PETER KUCHIRSKI, 54, 23:23
53 LINDA HETER 48, 23:33
54 VINNIE CONNORS 65, 23:35 7
55 ELISE TOOKER,19, 23:42
56 ROBERT MCGILL 47 23:44
57 JOSEPH FARINELLA, 68, 23:48
58 MICHAEL BUSSOW 12, 23:53
59 JULIE STROTHER 12, 24:09
60 DANIEL DALRYMPLE 44, 24:12
61 TOM HEATHERWOOD, 46, 24:16
62 NED JENNINGS, 52, 24:22
63 SEAN DONOVAN, 16, 24:26
64 STEVEN SCHEIDER, 51, 24:46
65 GERALDINE SCERRA 43, 24:53
66 KATIE ROHBLER, 12, 25:02
67 LINDA PEOPLES 38, 25:15
68 STEPHEN NUGENT 15, 25:18
69 JIM FURGESON, 39, 25:19
70 REBECCA BUCHANAN 31, 25:27
71 JEAN NUGENT, 42, 25:31
72 JOHN PINIANA, 40, 25:51
73 JOHN NUGENT, 45, 25:53
74 NICOLE BOND, 22, 26:05
75 HILARY MANSEN, 39, 26:07
76 JOANNE BROWNE, 36, 26:35
77 TYLER THONHER, 15, 26:47
78 ANN WILLIAMS 39, 26:49
79 CHRISTINA GORDON, 47, 26:52
80. KAREN GABA, 47, 27:00
81. Amy Hoffnagle, 19, 27:01
82 DENISE AUTER, 32, 27:05
83 JENICA ASADOEIAN, 26, 27:07
84 ANN MCERLEAN 39, 27:10
85 JACKIE KAUFMAN, 42, 27:17
86 RAY WEBSTER 66. 27:26
87 JENNI SOFIO 35, 27:35
88 SHAWNA BENGIVENNI, 45, 27:39
89 BOB MATTIA 63, 27:47
90 JENNIFER MARRASH 19, 28:01
91 SANDRA SABOX 48, 28:19
92 HAL HALVORSEN 53, 28:37
93 WENDY FRIELING 43, 28:44
94 DARYL JONES 35, 28:47
95 NICOLE KLINDT, 25, 28:49
96 TIM RYANR 55, 28:59
97 JIM SCHUTTE, 44, 29:09
98 BOB HOPE, 57, 29:10
99 ALI TAYLOR, 15, 29:20
100 JAMES SMITH, 58, 29:21
101 SEAN MAYER 38, 29:26
102 SUE MAYER 38, 29:29
103 ELANOR YOUNG 36, 29:54
\104 JENNIFER HENNION 33, 30:02
105 MIKE BUSSOW 42, 30:22
106 WILLIAM DECKER 70, 30:27
107 MICAH MESKOWITZ 10, 30:46
108 JEN PINIAHA 44, 30:50 9:56
109 STEFANIE KAZIMIERSZ 16, 30:52
110 REBECCA SCHEIDER 15, 30:55
111 PENNY YOUNG 48, 31:10
112 THOMAS DAREY 55, 31:14
113 LOUIS IOPPOLO 73, 31:29
114 BILL GREENILLE 54, 31:51
115 JIM WONG 33 M 32:31
116 LISA HANRA 36 F 32:39
117 MARK VITALE 15 M 32:40
118 RICHARD WILDE 72, 32:51
119 LORI MCGILL 45, 32:53
120 DIANE JONES 54, 32:54
121 PATRICIA VOLIN 54, 32:54
122 RICHARD RHINESMITH 63, 33:06
123 SUE ESPOSITO 42, 34:45
124 JAMI KESSLER 45, 35:15
125 KATHIE ROHBLER 49, 35:18
126 DOROTHY HEATHERWOOD 38, 35:27
127 NINA JONSSON 46, 35:41
128 SANDRA ADAMETZ 51, 36:25
129 NANCY SMITH 55, 36:25
130 BoB FAY 65, 36:26
* There was not an official timing for those who chose to walk the 5-K course. Over 60 additional people participated in that faction of the event.
Saturday, May 19
WIND RUN
Wind Run
By Laurie Gordon
It was Presidents Weekend, 2007, and my husband and I were nestled in our bed at Antoinettes Guest House, on Washington Street in Cape May, New Jersey. Our one-and-a-half year old lay beside us. It was Sunday night, and outside, the wind wasnt just howling: Aeolus, the Greek King of the Winds, was in a fury.
I thought ahead to the run I had planned for the morning.
It was going to be a tough one.
In light of little Ashley Rose, we take turns running on the weekends. Guy went first, and while I played with the baby awaiting his return, the wind continued an unrelenting rage outside.
Guy entered shaking his head and freezing. Hed forgotten to take a hat and when hed attempted to run on the beach into the wind, he reported hed felt like his ears were going to fall off.
I was up next. Because of Ashley, I only get to run outside on the weekends, the other days of the week relegated to treadmill workouts during her nap with the baby monitor on so I can see her.
Yes it was cold and yes there was a inexorable wind, but I was going out. On top of that, I was determined to run my favorite Cape May loop: through Washington Square, down Sunset Boulevard to the lighthouse then back down the beach and boardwalk to town.
Bundled from head to toe, I turned right out of Antoinettes. As I entered a virtually empty Washington Square, I felt like I was running down Main Street in Disney World before the days opening. It was like a ghost town. The wind was primarily from the South, so I knew the trip to Cape May Point Light would be a rough one.
I exited the square and after a right, quick left, then another right, was on Windsor Avenue. As I passed number 235, the house we rent for two weeks each summer, I was already feeling the wind in my face. With three more turns, I simultaneously passed Guys parents favorite restaurant, Mangia Mangia, and headed South down Sunset
directly into the wind.
It was like running into a wall, and less than a quarter mile down Sunset, I had serious thoughts of turning back. The gusts surged relentlessly, whisking right through the mesh in my running shoes like it was thin mosquito netting. Soon, my feet were numb, and I felt like I was running on two stubs. I was using every ounce of energy I possessed yet my pace was slow. I was a matter of mustering all my gumption just to continue to struggle forward. I passed the sign for Higbee Beach and the Farmers Market and was tempted to make a right there then another two back to town, but something inside of me pushed me forward.
The next stretch was brutal. I battened down for each gust as I had for each contraction while giving birth: just fighting with all my might to get through it.
My 102 pound frame was no match for the wind, but like a tiny sailboat caught out to sea during a Nor Easter, I persevered. Then, I spotted the directional sign indicating the turn for Sea Grove Road. It was my beacon in the storm. I doubled my efforts just to get to that long-awaited left hand turn. As I turned left then the road curved again toward the wind, there was some relief. Now the end of the wind-in-my-face was in sight. I just had to make it to Lighthouse Drive.
My whole body ached as I tried to lean forward into the wind as much as I could. The bayberry thickets of Cape May Point that are so lavish with chirping wildlife in the spring and summer were thin and barren as were the flower beds in front of the shore homes.
Finally, I achieved Lighthouse Drive and made the left toward the light.
Cape May Light is always stunning, but against the stark, gray sky, the 199-step beacon took on a new character of glory. I entered the State Park, skirting the light to its left then headed out over the dune and onto the beach. As I headed left past the old barracks, the wind was now at my back. I was extremely fatigue, but the push it now gave me was phenomenal, and the runner in my soul couldnt help but harness its majesty.
Realizing this phenomenon, I was, to my delight, able to turn my feelings of exhaustion into those of exhilaration at having such an intense wind to push me. Suddenly, I was Marion Jones
.I was Michael Johnson
I was a sprinter, flying down the wind-rippled sand. The patches of ice on the shores of the Atlantic made the beach almost surreal. I lifted my knees and pulled with my arms spinning my legs as fast as they would go in this impromptu wind-pushed race of me verses me. I hopped over pieces of driftwood as if they were miniature hurdles, and weaved in and out of the wrinkles in the sand left by the tide.
When I started to slow, spent from my adventure, I remembered the agony of the fight against the wind out to the light, and with renewed power, strided it out down the beach.
Nearing the boardwalk, the wind caught some sand and it swirled around me like a little twister. The sand sprung off of my sunglasses like beads of a torrential downpour bounce off a car windshield. At the mouth of the boardwalk, a sand drift had piled so high, it was nearly impossible to access the promenade, but undaunted, I pawed my way to the top and up and over. Now, without the give of the sand, the firm surface of the boardwalk was like a runway, and like a plane getting ready to take off, I crescendoed down to Jefferson Street getting faster and faster with each bound.
With the left-hand turn on to Jefferson, my sprint ended. I again felt the wind, now beating at my side as I shook out my legs and jogged back to Washington Square. I made the right and headed back to Antoinettes.
My lips were numb as I entered the foyer, and as I tried to sign the guest book for my family, I realized my hands were pretty numb as well. Completely spent, I flopped down at the bottom of the stairwell that led up to the Peppenelli Suite and my husband and baby for a moment and thought about my run.
Over the years, the wind had beaten me: The E. Murry Todd Half Marathon of 1992, many times at the Newark Distance Classic 20K, at the annual Leprechaun Leap and in many other races and training runs over the years. Not today. Today, I had cursed the wind, I had fought the wind, I had ridden the wind and I had loved the wind. Above all, I had a new respect for the wind and its power and an even deeper love for the many seasons of Cape May.
Saturday, May 19
Kittatinny senior running down his dream
By Laurie Gordon
You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.
-- Steve Prefontaine
Sam McMullen ran his first cross country race at the Wallkill Invitational when he was in second grade. Soccer was his primary sport, so he used running on and off over the years to get in shape. Then, when he turned 10, that changed and over the next few years, running became his primary sport and
his passion. A senior at Kittatinny Regional High School, McMullen is far and away the best distance runner on his cross country and track teams. With no one on his own team to push him, hes learned to push himself and has had the tenacity to read, to learn and to self coach himself to become a champion.
When McMullen was 10, he joined The Bears Youth Running Program and began going to races at Brundage Park. Often, hed leave right after the race to get to a soccer game. Through the Bears, he improved and improved, and earned the right to travel around the country to the AAU Nationals.
McMullen remained a member of The Bears through middle school and shone not only at Kittatinny, but throughout the state, hitting personal records in several distances.
Then, ninth grade came and McMullen had aged out of the Bears. Many of his Bears teammates were going to Pope John, so theyd have one another to push in training. Not McMullen.
As a freshman at Kittatinny Regional High, McMullen was an immediate stand out, and Coach Lou Cravotta recognized that. My relationship with Coach Cravotta has been a big help in the way I train, McMullen said., One of his best qualities has always been his willingness to listen. We both have a tremendous amount of respect for each other which has allowed him to trust me enough to suggest a big part of weekly workouts.
Over the past four years, McMullen has plotted out each of his seasons. Since Kittatinny doesnt have an indoor program, hes accounted for the winter as a time to base build then add speed when hes ready. An ankle injury plagued McMullen on and off for several years. McMullens initial ankle injury was sustained when he was 12 years old and the leader of the Bears Boys 11-12 Youth Team. The team, which included current Pope John stars Jeremy Scheid and Clay Smith, had very high expectations of winning a National Championship. Unfortunately, McMullen broke his ankle while skate boarding two weeks prior and this turned out to be the first of many ankle injuries he had to overcome. Undaunted, each time the injury reared its ugly head throughout his high school career, he sought treatment and eventually, orthotics, and finally, just in time for his senior year, it went away.
When it comes to working out by himself, McMullen said its both good and bad. On the one hand it allows me to relax and be alone with my thoughts on easy days. On the other hand, on hard days Id much rather run with people who are better than me. Having someone to push you throughout a workout I think is just as important as the type of workout being performed.
Still, hes stayed motivated through the base-building hot months of summer and the freezing icy winter months not to mention throughout his fall and spring seasons. I have always had a few things that motivated me in sports before running. No matter what sport I stuck with, I always wanted to work hard at it so Id eventually be able to continue it in college. After some of my friends left to go to Pope John to run it always left a bit of a chip on my shoulder and motivated me a little more. Although I have great teammates that can push me at the beginning of workouts, Ive always struggled to push myself at the end of workouts when they might begin to fall behind. Thats when that chip on the shoulder really begins to motivate me because I think how hard my Pope John friends are running, so I push harder.
McMullens biggest two fans are his parents. My parents have always been a huge support system for me, he said, They never put pressure on me because they know I am always trying my hardest. They come to almost all of my races and always have a calming influence that helps me to relax, especially my dad. Aside from his parents, McMullen looks up to a lot of famous elites. Steve Prefontaine has always been the American icon of distance running to McMullen, and he finds reading about him very motivating. McMullens Bears coaches continue to motivate him, especially Guy Gordon who attends many of his races and trains with him when he can on weekends. Bears coach, Bruce Wask, is also a big influence, attending races and sharing his years of experience in the sport. Of Coach Cravatta, McMullen said he has always demonstrated the importance of patience and listening to help me be more mature. McMullen credits all of these people with making him a well-rounded as a runner and person and said they still continue to be a huge part of my inspiration.
Running has had a huge impact on the career McMullen plans to pursue. I love working with sports and other athletes, so I figured one of the best ways to do that is to get a degree in Athletic Training. In the future I hope to eventually become a sports doctor of some kind for a professional team. Though he hasnt made a final college decision, its down to Marist, Roanoke, and Temple. He said he will definitely run in college and that half of my decision on which college I go to is just based on how I like the coach and team at each school.
Some of McMullens Kittatinny teammates have asked him to make them preseason schedules and he said, I always love hearing that because I know how important it is to get in base workouts in order to stay strong through the season.
McMullen lives in the Crandon Lakes section of Newton, and running from his house is one of his favorite places to enjoy his sport especially following the trials that go over the Kittatinny Mountains into Sandyston. I especially love running through Tillmans Ravine and down into Buttermilk Falls. These areas are always so scenic and peaceful and have great dirt trails.
His favorite two early season workouts are long distance runs and hill repeats because they are the basis of a good foundation. Later in the season, his favorite workout is a combination of 400s and 200s.
Alan Sillitoe wrote a short story entitled The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner. Though McMullen and the lad in the story are in different circumstances, they both seek solace in distance running. Like Steve Prefontaine, running has become McMullens positive obsession and its taken him to great heights including: 1st Team All-League SCIL Cross Country in 2005 and 2006, 1st Team All-Area Cross Country in 2006, 1st Team All League SCIL Track, 2006, Kittitanny Athlete of the Month, November, 2005, Sussex Bank Athlete of the Month, September, 2006, Kittitinny MVP in Cross Country, 2005 and in both Cross Country and Track in 2006. Kittitinny Coachs Award Recipient, 2005 and of late, the Kittitinny High School Scholar Athlete of the Year for 2006-2007.
McMullen placed 2nd in the North I Group Cross Country Sectionals, running a blazing 16:51 on the grueling Garrett Mountain 5-Kilometer Course and his personal bests include a 2:05 for 800 meters, 4:37 mile, 9:58 3200 and 16:18 for 5-kilometers.
Several years ago, Bears teammates would tell stories about how McMullen would get off the school bus and run, with back pack in tow, all the way home. That was before practice and he was also known to run to the bus in the morning. Those bus runs added to McMullens mystique among the Bears and his passion for running became infectious in his Bears teammates. From a little boy who couldnt wait to run after school to a young man determined to take his running to the highest level he can, McMullen epitomizes the word commitment.
Like his American icon, Prefontaine, McMullen is willing to suffer any amount of pain in order to win a race, and his self-coaching and training is a reflection of that.
Monday, January 8
A Story about Swartswood Lake - Home of The Bears
Simplicity of days of old alive and well at Swartswood
By Laurie Gordon
Thousands of years ago, Swartswood Lake was formed by glaciers. The lake is a 550 acre aperture surrounded by its watershed: 10,000 acres of Kittatinny Mountains. These mountains and Neldons Brook are its headwaters, and the lake spreads out into shallow coves and into Little Swartswood Lake before it rides the dam to empty into Mill Brook. The lake is a sheltered grand retreat, with clear, sparkling waters nestled in the mountains. Motors arent allowed on the lake, and the peace and tranquility found in its surroundings make a visit like taking a step back in time.
No one knows this better than Rafe and Lorna Sharon who have owned a house on Swartswood Lake for the past 15 years. Located on a little dirt road called Emmons Lane that few would ever notice, the Sharons retreat house has great views, a dock and is an escape from all the bustle of the real world. Emmons Lane is home to just a handful of dwellings, and like the entire Swartswood Lake area, is one of the true last hamlets of the northeast.
We had owned a house at the Jersey shore and got tired of the crowds, the sand, the sun and the noise, Rafe Sharon said. After taking a vacation to a lake in the mountains of New Paltz, New York, the Sharons decided to explore options to trade in their beach house for a lake house. A friend who has a house on Lake Carnegie told Sharon about Swartswood Lake as hed owned a house there in the past. The Sharons found a realtor in Sparta and the search began.
We told her that we wanted a house on a lake and would consider any lake as long as it was large enough for me to row my racing shell, Sharon said. Then, on a day in February, 15 years ago, the Sharons toured a house for sale on Swartswood Lake. The day was freezing and it was hard to imagine what the place would be like minus the snow and ice, Sharon remembered.
They spent another few weeks looking at houses on various lakes in the area but kept going back to the one on Swartswood. What made the lake attractive to us was its size and the fact that no gas motors are allowed. This would guarantee that jet skis would not be polluting the water and the air. As fate would have it, on the day Sharon decided to bring his parents up to see the house, a front page article in the Wall Street Journal appeared titled "Vacation Home Bargains Abound." He said, I read the article and of all the vacation houses in the country, they used the house we had been looking at on Swartswood Lake to illustrate their article! Thanks to the photo, Sharons plans to give a low offer were instantly thwarted and his intended low offer turned into a bidding war he was determined to win. We had to get the house. They did.
With electric heat and a wood-burning stove, the Sharons use the house from the beginning of April until the end of November. Someday they plan to put in a real heating system so they can use it year-round.
As for Emmons Lane, Sharon said, It would make a great sitcom. We have Ph.D.'s and a MD, bankers, a Methodist preacher, retired couples, and a man who only has a high school education who is now in his 70's and grew up on the lane. Weekend users such as ourselves come from as far away as Baltimore.
Retired psychiatrist, Henry Pinsker, who winters in Florida, has been a summer resident on Emmons Lane since 1962 occupying the first cottage built on the lane built, Probably in 1907. Back in 62, they had 8-party line telephone service and in the 60s, Pinsker said, One would see 50-60 sailboats on a Sunday afternoon. Now the weekly summer regatta boasts 10-15 vessels.
Like all communities settled in the 18th Century, the Swartswood Lake area is the subject of many tales and legends. One rumor, that there is a Hessian cemetery in the area, is quickly debunked by long-time residents, but when it comes to Emmons Lane, one tale is true. Pinker said a man named Larry Strang has lived on the lane since he was a child in the 30s, and His mother showed me a clipping about the murder on Emmons Lane sometime in the '40's.
Dr Robert Johnsons parents had a house on Swartswood Lake before he was born, and has always been passionate about the place. When the physical demands of getting to Swartswood and maintaining the house became too much, he had to sell it a few years ago. Pinsker said, unfortunately, Ive seen that happen to many people over the years. A wealth of knowledge regarding names of property owners from the past, Dr. Johnson has stories to tell dating back to the 20s. For instance, his original house on the lake, along with a few others, was destroyed around 1967 by an arsonist.
Scuttlebutt aside, the lane and the whole hamlet of Swartswood is a coveted retreat for some and full-time home for others. The Sharons daughter, 14-year-old daughter, Cimerron, has attended the youth running camp, held each August at nearby Swartswood State Park, and their son, five-year-old Canaan, enjoys frolicking and playing with friends by the lake.
Long before the Sharons discovered Swartswood Lake, it was a major resort in the early 1900s. Although many of the local families took in borders throughout the summer, there were other places to stay. The North Shore Inn, now only opened for special occasions such as Kittatinny Regional High Schools prom, was once a booming hotel, as was The Casino and The Dove Island Inn, now private homes. Later, weekenders stayed in summer cabins. In response to the creation of New Jerseys first state park, Swartswood State Park, in 1914, the nearby Paulinskill River was dammed in the 1920s to create Paulinskill Lake, now primarily a year-round community, but which was for many years summer residences.
The history of the area started long before it was discovered by Brooklynites looking to escape the city heat. A map and driving tour guide is available at the township municipal building in Middleville and takes tourists to some fantastic old establishments including: the Stillwater Mill and the nearby Casper Shafer house, a stone structure with an elaborate porch. Opposite the church is the former Stillwater Academy, an old schoolhouse, now the historical society museum, which is open on Sunday afternoons all summer.
Swartswood Lake itself is a treasured lake, maintained and restored continuously by the Swartswood Lakes and Watershed Association. It's predicted lifespan is 100,000 years, which is a long time for a lake. This is because there is little to accelerate its progression to bog status in the countryside of Sussex County.
Though geological history says a glacier formed the lake, former Swartswood State Park Superintendent, Steve Ellis, couldnt help wondering about another theory. Looking at an aerial map of the lake, he used to point out, doesnt [the lakes profile] look like the outline of a space ship? It does. Ellis moved on from Swartswood State Park to become Superintendent at Liberty State Park, but he still enjoys returning to visit Swartswood State Park.
For the past six years, Blanca Chevrestt has been at the helm as Superintendent of the 2,272- acre Swartswood State Park Under her reign, the park has added vital pieces of equipment, increased its special events, and cleared more trails. Swartswood State Park offers wildlife from bald eagles to unique vegetation found in its sinkhole ponds. Its open year-round with a host of recreational activities depending on the season. There are secluded picnic areas overlooking the lake with grills available and for overnight stays, there is camping available from April through October. Swartswood State Park features a number of nature trails at both ends of the lake, and in the summer, there are kayak tours of the lake as well as a number of other wildlife programs.
Swartswood is also a town with its own post office and is home to a handful of businesses and eateries including: The Swartswood Deli, Mengos Pizzeria, and its newest restaurant, The Boathouse.
Several pizza places tried to make it where Mengos has been now for the past four years. Owner Steve Meng seems to have found the winning combination, offering both pizza and dinners. Mengos delivers all around the lake area, but many locals and out-of-towners prefer to visit the restaurant on Route 622 just off Swartswood Lake. Meng chose Swartswood for his business because, Its a very personable area and it was close to home. His hand-tossed circles of dough can be topped with pedestrian and gourmet items, but either way you slice it, the result is a tomato-sweet, herbaceous pie with a crust that's at once crispy and flaky. Several Kittatinny Regional High School graduates home for the holidays couldnt wait to meet at Mengos. Its become an area tradition.
Kathy and Ken Snyder purchased what is now The Boat House Restaurant in August, 2005 and opened it several months later on October 12th. The building has a long history starting out as a bar called Lotus Landing owned by a brother and two sisters who lived upstairs. After that, it became another bar called Peacock House which was open just an hour a day for years. After that, a local man bought it with plans for a restaurant, but it didnt work out for him.
The former owner bought it out of bankruptcy and operated it as a restaurant and bar called The Last Stand. Immediately upon purchasing the building, the Snyders went to work taking out a big bar that took up much of the main room, redoing the floors, and restoring the bar in the front room with its original cabinets they found in the attic. Having been in the restaurant business most of her life, it had been Kathy Snyders long-time dream to own a place of her own. She and her husband lived across the lake from the restaurant for many years and used to dream of owning it while out on Swartswood Lake in their pontoon boat. Once it sold and became The Last Stand, we thought our chance had passed, she said.
One day, they learned it was up for sale and at that point, We knew wed do anything to get it. After lots of hoops and hurdles and having to sell their home to move into the living quarters over the restaurant, the Snyders dream came true and the restaurant on the lake was theirs.
Ive only had a few gut feelings in my life and [buying the restaurant] was one of them, Snyder said. I just knew I could do it because there was nothing like this in the community. Everything I have done had turned out better than I dreamed of, and the community has been fabulous to the point of thanking me so much that its embarrassing.
The Snyders worked in tandem with the restoration. They went to Stroudsburg and selected tiffany lamps which Ken Snyder, an electrician, installed himself. When it came to the outside of the building, that was Kathys forte. I wanted to bring back the old fashioned lake-style atmosphere. If you went to Greenwood Lake or even down the shore, they would paint the buildings white with green trim. Thats what she did with The Boat House.
The menu took Kathy Snyder and her chef 45 minutes to create. We knew exactly where we wanted to head. Now with a full entrée menu and additional pub menu which is always available upon request, the Boathouse is up and running Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm right on Swartswood Lake at 1040 County Road 521. Come March, the menu will change a little, and come the warmer weather, theyll add outdoor tables overlooking the lake and someday hope to put a deck on the lake. We can go 35 feet out into the lake, Snyder said. For now, though, though theyre making ends meet, Expenses are extreme, she said, but that doesnt bother her. With all the support from local residents and those who frequent this area, well be just fine. Snyder is expecting a real boom in business come summer.
Winding roads skirt Swartswood Lake, bald eagles fly in its skies and legends of old abound in this tranquil country oasis. Leave your jet ski at home, because motors dont mar this lake which is expected to be around for 100,000 years. But do bring your camera, your appetite for one of the local restaurants and your thirst for adventure.
Said Sharon of Swartswood Lake, Every time I have guests up to the lake, they can't believe that they are in New Jersey. Snyder added, There arent places like this anymore. Its great to be able to call it home and even more of a pleasure to see the look on peoples faces as they realizes places like Swartswood Lake still exist.
Tuesday, November 21
2nd Annual Corporal Christopher M. Shea 5-K Huge Success
VanAlstine and High Points Brummell win Shea Memorial 5-K run
By Laurie Gordon
Spurred on by the cause and the spirit of the day, Kenny Freedman lifted weights and did a quarter mile tester" run before he left his house in West Milford to head to the Corporal Christopher M. Shea Memorial 5-Kilometer in Newton on Sunday.
Freedman races just several times a year, but this cause, coupled with the venue of Swartswood State Park was something I just had to do. Realizing his running shoes were shot, he even swung into the new Sports Authority near his home en route.
The directors of The Bears Youth Running Program organized it and I know they always do a good job, Freedman said, But more compelling was the cause: to support a race in memory of a fallen trooper from our area.
Christopher Shea grew up in Newton, graduating from Kittatinny Regional High School, then served in the United States Marines and went on to become a State Trooper in Delaware where he lived with his wife and two children. On July 18, 2004, he was killed in the line of duty by a drunken driver.
Determined to let his memory live on, the Shea family, led by Chris brother, Tim, and parents, Maurice and Pat, founded the annual race which they stage with the assistance of The Bears. It will now be held annually the same day as The New York City Marathon, the first Sunday in November, at Swartswood State Park in Newton.
In its first year, 2005, the inaugural race raised about $2,000, but Sundays race surpassed that with several hundred runners and walkers plus sponsors and donations amassing close to $3,500. Money raised from the race goes toward a scholarship given to a Kittatinny Regional High School senior going into law enforcement.
Ryan VanAlstine, of Midland Park, was the winner, running a blazing 15:31, just 10 seconds shy of the Parks course record. It was a neck and neck battle for the first two thirds of the race with Hackettstowns Mark Bahnuk, but the second time they hit the wooded camp ground area, VanAlstine pulled away to beat Bahnuk by 25 seconds.
I liked the course, VanAlstine said, Especially the part in the camp ground. We had a good race and its certainly a good cause, Bahnuk added, The conditions were great too.
In the womens race, 16-year-old Sam Brummell ran 19:49 for the win the day after competing in high school Sectionals for High Point Regional. Though she advanced to next weeks Group Meet at Holmdel Park, she wont be running because it conflicts with a confirmation. That made it great to be able to run today in this race, she said, I liked the course and it was nice to find a good 5-K so close to home. Brummells teammate, Jessica Grimn, was second in 20:15, and Tina Fleming
The Shea family didnt just put on the race, they also part-took. Chris brothers, Patrick, Andrew and Tim all ran while dad, Maurice, walked one of the double loops of the course. Next year I think I might just try to run it, Maurice Shea, who recently quit smoking, said . That would be a great goal and something good to do in Chris memory. Other members of the family, including the late Christophers Godmother, walked the race.
As for Kenny Freedman, maybe it was the morning lift or the quarter mile he did to warm up or perhaps it was the slick new Asics racing flats he found on a super Sunday sale at Sports Authority on the way to the race, or...maybe it was because he ran in his tried and true baseball pants, but the 47-year-old achieved his goal: to break 28 minutes. He ran 27:59:82.
Corporal Christopher M. Shea Memorial 5-K Results
Men
1- Ryan Van Alsaltine-Midland Park-15:31
2- Mark Bahnuk- Hackesttown- 15:56
3- Jim Murnane- Byrame- 18:29
4- Bill Bosmann- Sparta- 18:42
5- Andrea Shea- Newton- 19:47
6- Tom Canvanaugh- Sussex- 19:49
7- William Whitley- Newton- 20:35
8- Greg Aromondo- Warren- 20:59
9- Mitch Schimmenti- North Warren- 21:01
10- Al Siuta- Tittusville- 21:03
Women
1. Sam Brummell, Wantage, 19:49
2. Jessica Grimn, Wantage, 20:15
3. Tina Fleming, Newton, 20:18
4. Shannan James, Lafayette, 21:36
5. Katie Rohsler, Fredon, 22:07
6. Nina Poccia, Newton, 22:40
7. Kaylynn Constantine, Hampton, 22:53
8. Hailey Guhr, Hampton, 23:48
9. Carley Pierson, Hampton, 24:27
10. Jenica Asadorian, Westwood, 24:56
Tuesday, July 18
My Training Partner
My New Training Partner
By Laurie Gordon
As far as pregnancies go, save some morning sickness in the first and third trimester, mine wasnt that bad which I attribute highly to running. As my belly blossomed and my hormones raged, running kept me toned and emotionally on an even keel. I either ran, did Nordic Track or walked every day.
Running became more labored by the end, but I could still do a few miles at a comfortable pace.
The morning of July 19th, two-and-a-half weeks before my due date, I coached a client at the Newton High School Track from 8:30 to 9:30. It was the hottest day of the year, and during our mile warm-up, I was bothered by cramps. I figured I was dehydrated, and was embarrassed that I couldnt finish the mile warm up with her. I had a break before my afternoon client, so I decided to combine getting some fluids and food with my errands and headed to Wal-Mart. The cramps persisted.
Part way though Wal-Mart, it occurred to me that these cramps were a) getting worse and b) coming in cycles. Id never been pregnant before, so I hustled to the baby department, found What to Expect when Youre Expecting, and looked up contractions. That was at about 10 AM. Long story short: went home (still in denial), called my husband who told me to call the doctor, called the doctors office, they said get here now, drove myself, now scared and timing the cramps at 2 minutes apart, got to the doctors, they got me in, water broke, husband arrived, rushed me to hospital, no time for epidural or anything, baby arrived 20 minutes later.
The delivery had been one of the fastest and most intense nurses of 20 plus years said they had ever seen. Unfortunately, the intensity took its toll in the form of my blood pressure spiking dramatically. So much so, that I was re-admitted to the Emergency Room the day after I was discharged. I dont recall the top number, but my bottom number was 125 and I nearly died of a stroke.
For the next two months, sleepless nights with a newborn were accompanied by mandated high doses of blood pressure medicine. Without them, my diastolic pressure was 90 or above, a far cry from my pre-birth low 70s. I went to my cardiologist, ironically, also a runner, every few weeks, and he wanted me to stay on the medication. I hated how it made me feel, and when I tried to run, I felt like the whole world was spinning.
As summer turned into fall and the leaves started changing color, one day running on the trail I fell because of the vertigo from the medicine. That was it. I dont recommend what I did, but I decided to wean myself off of the medication.
By mid November, I was off it completely. I entered a 15K the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and though I finished in a decent time, it was a far cry from times I ran back when I qualified for the Olympic Trials.
Before giving birth, I had planned to do a spring marathon, but after the marathon Id been through with the intense delivery followed by the battle of the blood pressure on top of caring for a newborn and balancing my coaching and writing jobs, I realized it wasnt meant to be. The icing on the cake came when they cancelled the inaugural marathon.
My new plan was to be ready for The Long Branch Half Marathon on April 30th. I had a lot of running to do. I was determined, but the greatest strength came from the help of a great new training partner. She was different from any training partner Id had in the past. Amazingly, though he didnt speak English very well and wasnt a runner, her encouragement was immeasurable.
When the weather was bad, shed get me through arduous runs on the treadmill. When the weather got warmer, she rode along with me as I had to retrain my body to run up hills. I thought I could just bounce back, but that wasnt so. Some days, I had to walk some of the up-hills, but undaunted, my training partner rode along with me.
I did several runs without her some weekends with my husband and his running friends, and a few times, I did a race. The long runs seemed to take forever compared to the past, and my 5Ks were two minutes slower than I wanted them to be, but I persevered. My training partner came most of my races as her schedule allowed, watching from the side lines.
Finally, there was one hard effort left going into the April 30th The Long Branch Half. It was the week before the race, and I knew I had to prove to myself that I could do a hard 11 miles or Id have doubts about finishing the half. Problem was, I had to do it on the treadmill. That would be a mental bear.
Undaunted, my faithful training partner stayed with me through the first five miles. She had some emotional issues going on, and they hit her then, but shed gotten me through the pivotal first half of the run before she had to go.
On April 30th, I ran The Long Branch Half in 1:31:39 and placed 8th female out of 1186 in the race. It wasnt the 1:17 I ran years ago, nor was it the pace I ran for 26.2 miles in the 2000 Olympic Marathon Trials, but it was a victory and made me thankful for my health (m blood pressure is back to 106 over 73), my family and above all
my new training partner who was waiting with them at the finish line.
PS:
My training partner got me through the arduous winter runs by smiling up at me from her play pen next to the treadmill. The January and February runs had to be indoors because you cant take a six-month-old out in the cold weather. I had to walk up some of the hills because you cant run pushing 20-pounds and a Baby Jogger up the steep hills of Sussex County. My training partners emotional problems at the five mile mark of my last workout were because it was her nap time and it was time to stop the treadmill, put her in her crib, turn on the baby monitor, then resume the 11 miles.
You see, my new Training Partner isnt just anyone.
Shes my baby Ashley Rose, and I love her with all my heart.
Being a new Mom is a whole new world, and for any woman runner out there who thinks you cant run and have a baby, youre wrong. Your times may not be as fast, but you can find the time and a way to train f you want to: you just have to get creative. If someone had told me I could balance two jobs and a baby several years ago, I would have said no way. Somehow it works. She comes along with me to do my interviews for the articles I write for the Herald and when my husbands working when I have clients, shes there in her stroller or play pen when I personal train people. My life is so fulfilled with the baby in it, and regarding balancing everything, if you set your mind to something, you can do most anything. That determination I learned from my years of competitive running.
Tuesday, August 15
Run for Rich Top 10 Results, July 21st, 2006
Top Men
1. Chris Savino, Newton, 16:40
2. Ryan Hashway, East Stroudsburg, PA, 17:06
3. Lucas Pratt, Blairstown, 17:14
4. Nick Gerafolo, Sparta, 17:33
5. Nick Meeker, Hamburg, 17:52
6. Greg Mullins, Wharton, 17:54
7. Adam Earny, Blairstown, 18:24
8. Nick Kazimierzak, Warren, 18:30
9. Jef Staple, Sparta, 18:35
10. Tyler Schiavone, Sussex, 18:53
Top Women
1. Amanda Hefferan, Parsippany, 20:31
2. Tina Flemming, Newton, 20:46
3. Lindsey MNcKee, Blairstown, 20:54
4. Ingrid Berken, Sparta, 21:14
5. Melissa McKee, Blairstown, 21:7
6. Molly McConnel, Newton, 22:24
7. Sandra Gonzalez, Morristown, 22:24
8. Karen Murphy, Wharton, 22:45
9. Jackie Engwall, Blairstown, 23:00
10. Mary Baker, Blairstown, 23:46
Tuesday, July 18
2006 Stillwater Stampede Story
Biersbach defends title at Stampede
By Laurie Gordon
Former Newton High School running stand out, Ray Biersbach, came home and successfully defended his title but not his course record at Saturdays 11th Annual Healthy Heart Stillwater Stampede.
The rain could have made the race, which included a 5-K, Mile Family Fun Run and Tiny Trot a wash out.
But it didnt.
Driven by the cause-- The Charles L. Tice Heart Center at Newton Memorial Hospital -- participants came out to do something healthy for their hearts while helping the heart health of Sussex County.
Biersbach said he was not nearly in the shape he was last year when he ran 15:27 to set a new course record. Still, 15:44 in a torrential downpour is hardly shabby.
Biersbach, who went to Columbia University where he ran a 4:00 minute mile at the Penn Relays, declined a complimentary entry, insisting he pay the fee and contribute to the heart center. He followed suit at the race, donating his $100 check for first place back to the race to go toward the cause.
So did second place finisher, Mark Banuch.
Banuch, who ran 15:49, is one of the greatest runners to come out of Hackettstown High School, and runs for The Running Company. I like the course, the event and the cause, he said.
And I liked that the humidity was lower than its been the past week, added female champion Jamie Fiscus. The freshman at Bloomsburg and former Kittatinny cross country stand out turned in a 21:13 for the decisive victory.
A little further back in the pack, another battle ensued.
Newton Memorial Hospitals Chief Operating Officer, Sean ORourke, ran in his second Stampede, but this year, it wasnt just about doing the race and trying for a good time.
It was about dinner.
ORourke made it known that any Newton Memorial Hospital employee who beat him would be treated to dinner
on him.
Appropriately, as funds raised from the race benefited the heart center, it was a cardiologist who rose to the occasion. Marathon runner and expert water skier Dr. Bob Masci, said he knew ORourke was close behind him.
I know those guys who work with numbers are very calculating, so I thought he was planning something. In the end, Masci showed his heart and out ran ORourke 21:44 to 22:10.
Hospital employees from around the are came to the race to vie for the new Hospital Challenge Award. Newton Memorial was victorious with the most employees running.
RESULTS
MEN
1. Ray Biersbach, Manhattan, 26:15:44
2. Mark Banuch, Hackettstown, 27, 15:49
3. Greg Mullins, Wharton, 31, 17:19
4. Ryan Hgashway, North Warren, 17:43
5. Nick Garofolo, Sparta, 15, 17:48
6. Lucas Pratt, North Warren, 16, 17:52
7. Dave Siuta, Titusville, 17, 17:56
8. Carl Goldschmidt, Hillsboro, 44, 18:29
9. George McDonough, Sparta, 47, 19:04
10. Al Siuta, Titusville, 45, 19:09
WOMEN
1. Jamie Fiscus, Fredon, 19, 21:13
2. Lindsey McKee, North Warren, 15, 21:29
3. Tina Flemming, Newton, 27, 21:33
4. Linda Andover, Sparta, 47, 22:33
5. Melissa McKee, North Warren, 15, 22:44
6. Julie Shaffer, Newton, 42, 22:57
7. Erin Headley, Sussex, 23, 23:02
8. Dawn Harris, Sussex, 48, 23:09
9. Dawn Latinciscs, Hampton, 38, 23:24
10. Salina Sheerin, Sparta, 48, 23:21
MILE FUN RUN WINNER
Frank Heter, Andover, 6:49
TINY TROT WINNER
Tyler Latinciscs, Hampton
Running With a Cause - A Story About The Bears
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