Jim Dowd: A True Hometown Hero!
Jim Dowd is my favorite famous native New Jerseyan. Jim Dowd is a player in the National Hockey League, currently playing on the Philadelphia Flyers. He has played on several NHL teams such as the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and twice on the New Jersey Devils, my favorite team. He was the first person born in New Jersey to play for the Devils! Years ago, before I was born, Jim Dowd helped the Devils win the Stanley Cup. After that he moved on and played for other teams before returning to the Devils in November 2006, for the 2006-2007 hockey season.
My favorite fact about Jim Dowd is that he was born and raised right here in my hometown of Brick, New Jersey. He still has family and friends here. In fact, his wife is the sister of Osbornville School’s very own Mrs. Harrison! Jim graduated from Brick High School in 1987 and played hockey for the Brick Dragons at the Ocean Ice Palace. He broke a national scholastic scoring record and helped Brick win a New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association hockey title.
Jim Dowd remembers where he came from and gives back to the community through various fundraisers and charity events. His “Shoot for the Stars Foundation” has raised thousands of dollars for local families going through difficult times. He is proof that if you work hard you can achieve your goals. Jim Dowd is a true hometown hero!
By: Jack Jachim
Osbornville Elementary School
It’s Music to My Ears!
The New Jersey State Opera is well known for using a full chorus, orchestra and singers from all countries performing their shows in their original languages.
The New Jersey State Opera, first known as the Opera Theatre of Westfield, began in 1964. The name was change to the Opera Theater of New Jersey and finally renamed to the New Jersey State Opera in 1974. The shows were performed in Westfield and Scotch Plains High Schools and the Newark Symphony Hall.
The Principal Conductor and Artistic Director is Alfredo Silipigni. He has a reputation for performing the rare and unusual.
Some of the great singers who have performed her were Placido Domingo, Beverly Sill and Anna Moffo. Some famous productions were Don Carlo and Don Giovanni.
The State Opera created several programs for children. The Young Artists Program, Apprentice and Intern Program allow young performers to work with artists and directors and behind the scenes. The International Vocal Competition allows children to compete in a singing contest where they can win money and chances to perform in shows.
The New Jersey State Opera has entertainment and opportunities for people of all ages.
By: Nicole Romaine
Midstreams Elementary School
“History in a Park”
Do you like history? If you do, you should visit Allaire State Park. It is a great way to see what it might have been like to live in the past. It is a very important part of New Jersey’s history.
Mr. James P. Allaire bought this property in Wall Township in the early 1800’s. It was rebuilt in 1876, shows life in the early 19th century and has never changed since. There is a church for religious meetings, a schoolhouse for boys and girls, bakery, carriage house, blacksmith shop, and general store for tourists to see.
If you and your family decide to take a Sunday drive, you could actually experience a demonstration of a blacksmith making horseshoes. You can smell the cookies baking in the old-fashioned brick ovens of the bakery, and even get to shop at the General Store for souvenirs. So try it out and catch up on some history!
By: Taylor Reeves
Emma Havens Young School
Hacklebarney State Park
Did you ever think that there are mountains in New Jersey? If you thought no, well you are in for a great surprise! In Somerset County, Hacklebarney State Park has beautiful mountains. Hacklebarney is a cherished place for hikers, picnickers, and fishermen.
The Trout and Rinehart Brooks are in remote places where you can view the pieces of rocks formed a thousand years ago when a sheet of ice covered the region. Not only is this a great place to fish, but you can climb rocks and picnic at the edge of the brook. The brooks are as big and beautiful as can be. Water falls feed into the enormous Black River.
Hacklebarney State Park is beautiful and rich in history. The Lenni-Lenape called the Black River the Allamatunk River. The name Hacklebarney comes from Barney Hackle, who was an ironmaster. In 1740, iron was discovered around the Black River. In 1924, Adolph Borie donated 190 acres to the park.
Some interesting trees in the park are the Red Maple, Yellow Birch, American Beech, Red Cedar, White Mulberry, Pitch Pine, and White Pine. This park is home to over 100 different birds, including Cooper’s hawk and the Barred owl.
Hacklebarney State Park is a great place to visit because it has many activities to do. In addition, this New Jersey State Park has such rich history. I love it because I get to spend time with my Dad and the mountains are so beautiful!
By: Mary Russomanno
Drum Point Road Elementary School
“Not Too Large, Not Too Small: Cape May Zoo is Just Right!”
Cape May County Park and Zoo is a great place to visit. It has over 200 acres of family fun! My family and I went there, recently.
We visited the cool Reptile and Amphibian House. Inside there are more than 60 species, including the Giant Tortoise, American Alligator, Panamanian Golden Frog, Rhinoceros Iguana, and the Albino Burmese Python.
Another very interesting spot in the zoo is the “Pathway to Diversity.” Here you’ll visit animals from four different continents. You might see snow leopards, red pandas, spotted leopards, and giraffes!
The World of Birds aviary exhibit contains twenty three species of birds! Spoonbills, Sacred Ibis, and Victorian Crown Pigeons are just a few of the beautiful birds you can see there. Most are in large cages, but some birds are free to fly throughout the zoo.
The Cape May County Zoo offers educational programs for class trips and holds seasonal events at the holidays. It’s located on Route 9 in North Cape May, NJ. There is no fee to enter, but you may give a donation of your choice, which will help continue to make it the perfect zoo!
By: Kaycee Romanow
Emma Havens Young School
Perfect Performance
Would you like to go to a school where you can learn acting, singing, or dancing, along with the normal academics? Well, I’ll tell you where you can! It’s a high school called Performing Arts Academy in Lakehurst, New Jersey. It is a fun filled school for anyone interested in theater and performing. I interviewed a current student, Anais Paccione, to learn about what P.A.A. is really like.
Anais says that the best thing about Performing Arts Academy is how students get training in performing arts, while still getting the normal high school subjects like language arts and math. The academic teachers give a lot of work to the students but are very nice. The acting, singing, and dance teachers are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They give students information to help improve their technique and have a professional attitude. “They really want to show us what it is like in the real world,” says Anais.
There are a few steps involved in becoming a student at PAA. When you are an eighth grader, you put in an application. Later, you take an exam which you must pass in order to be allowed to audition in your area of performing arts: acting, singing or dancing. If you do well in the exam and audition then you are accepted into Performing Arts Academy.
Anais is a sophomore dancer at PAA. Dancers focus a lot on ballet and modern dance. They also learn about anatomy and dance history. A few times a year, guest artists come in to teach a few classes. Another great thing about Performing Arts Academy is how students get cross-trained in their minors. Anais reports, “I get to take classes in acting and singing for two weeks. It’s fun to get a little break from dancing and try new things.” Teachers grade students on their technique and improvements. In addition to this, all Performing Arts students get written work in their performing arts area.
Performing Arts Academy is a great school for kids with talent. I would love to go there when I am older. I am lucky to get the inside scoop on this wonderful high school in New Jersey because Anais is my sister!
By: Alana Paccione
Drum Point Road Elementary School
Pigskin in the Garden State
Football has been played in New Jersey for a very long time. The first football game was played at the college level. Rutgers and Princeton played a game that was like soccer and rugby. Then the National College Athletic Association was created. Today Rutgers University still plays and important part in New Jersey football.
Earlier the sport was played like soccer and rugby, was changed by Amos Alonzo Stagg. Stagg was born and raised in West Orange. He brought many changes to football. One of them was forward passing. He was also responsible for the team huddle and numbers on the players’ jerseys.
Vince Lombardi, who comes from Englewood, helped to make professional football popular. He led the Green Bay Packers to two straight Super Bowl titles. He was born in Orange and became one of the greatest centers of all times.
Today there are two NFL teams playing in New Jersey. They are the Giants, who won Super Bowl XXI beating Denver 39-20, and the Jets. The Giants use to play in Yankee Stadium and the Jets in Shea Stadium.
Many New Jersey people have contributed to the football we enjoy.
By: Alex Santos
Midstreams Elementary School
Princeton Pride
Did you know that one of the smartest men of all time worked and lived right here in New Jersey? That’s right. That smart man was Albert Einstein and that place was Princeton University.
Princeton University is a private, coeducational research university. It’s one of eight colleges that belong to the Ivy League. It was founded in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1746, and was known as the College of New Jersey. It relocated to Princeton in 1756 and was renamed in 1896.
Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. It has a beautiful, old-fashioned campus with some of its earliest landmarks still standing. It’s situated about one hour from New York City or Philadelphia. It is led by President Shirley Tilghman, who served as a faculty member for 15 years.
You can take tours of the beautiful Princeton campus online or in person. Princeton has cute shops and cafes, and the Morven Museum which is the former governor’s mansion.
Academic areas at Princeton include Music, Geography, Math, Science and of course, Reading. If you think you’re smart enough, like Albert Einstein, then go visit. You may even be a student there one day. I hope to!
By: Tiana Ring
Emma Havens Young School
Queen of New Jersey
Who is the Queen of New Jersey? That person is Dana Elaine Owens, but you probably know her as Queen Latifah. She is an amazing singer and actress. This talented star was born in Newark, New Jersey on March 18, 1970.
Queen Latifah was raised by her mother in East Orange, New Jersey and has one brother. She went to a school close by her house. She was a power forward on the basketball team. Queen Latifah‘s work in music also began in high school. When she was a sophomore she started a hip-hop group and she also sang in her high school play.
Queen Latifah made her first album when she was 19. Her latest album was made last year. She had many special guest stars sing with her. Her voice is very powerful on this Grammy nominated album. Latifah also does commercials and had a talk show for a few years.
This New Jerseyan has also been in a lot of movies. Maybe you have seen her in Chicago, Scary Movie 3, Taxi or Beauty Shop. She was the voice of a big mammoth in Ice Age: The Meltdown. My favorite movie that Queen Latifah was in is Hairspray. She was so amazing that it made me love her even more.
We are very lucky to have Queen Latifah represent our state of New Jersey. Her work in film and television has earned her a Golden Globe Award, an Academy Award nomination and many other awards. So many people think she is awesome! There is a quote that Queen Latifah gave in an interview that I like. She said, “Dreams become reality when we put our minds to it.” Her dreams have come true. Listen to her new album or watch one of her movies. I bet you will like the Queen of New Jersey too!
By: Allison Krebs
Drum Point Road Elementary School
Rockit for Kids, a Real Blast
Looking for something to do? Well, there is a show in Red Bank at the Count Basie Theater on Monmouth Street. This show puts young musicians on a stage that has been used by many famous entertainers. These children perform current rock hits as well as some of the classics.
Bruce Gallipani, the director, has put together a program which keeps kids ages 8-16 excited about playing their instruments. Vocalists, guitarists, bass player, drummer and keyboardists are all allowed in this show. They must pass an audition and be actively taking lessons with an instructor. Once all the children have been selected, Mr. Gallipani breaks them into bands and allows them to rehearse once a week for six weeks. Rehearsals give the children plenty of time to learn their songs.
“Rockit for Kids” performs four shows a year, to over 2,000 people. Most of the audience has no idea how good these kids are. They are always brought to their feet during each show. Ticket prices are $10 and you may purchase them online or at the box office. They are also available at the door.
Don’t miss the show!
By: Alea Sharpe
Midstreams Elementary School
Sandy Hook
At Sandy Hook there are beautiful beaches, a lighthouse, 300 species of birds, Fort Hancock and much more. Henry Hudson explored Sandy Hook in 1609. It used to be a barrier island and home to the Unami Indians for thousands of years.
The Lighthouse was built 500 feet from the tip of Sandy Hook in 1764 and stands 103 feet tall. It was the fifth lighthouse built in America and is the oldest standing lighthouse in the country. The lighthouse is still operational today.
In 1895, Fort Hancock was established. It was used in World War I to train men on how to use artillery. During World War II, it was used to station troops going to Europe and was headquarters for New York’s harbor defenses. A decade later they replace anti-aircraft guns with Nike Ajax missiles. In 1974, the Fort closed and was added to the National Park Service.
The Sandy Hook Bird Observatory was created in 2001 and has recorded over three hundred and forty species of birds and over fifty species of butterflies.
Sandy Hook is a great place and I would like to visit again.
By: Tim Gizzi
Midstreams Elementary School
“Scrumptious Seafood in Belmar”
The Seafood Festival in Belmar, New Jersey has all kinds of seafood and two days of fun. Master chefs, artists, and musicians from around the state come to this event. It’s one of the Top 100 Events in North America!
Belmar’s scenic view brings people from around the state to taste seafood from some of their favorite restaurants. They can sample shrimp, lobster, calamari, sushi, conch fritters, seafood paella, and even alligator! All of this delicious seafood is caught right here at the Jersey Shore! While tasting this delicious food, visitors are treated to a line-up of musical performances.
There’s a “Children’s Fun Tent” for the younger audience, where kids can do arts and crafts or be entertained by storytellers and musicians. It’s a blast!
The International Wine Tent is where adults can sample different wines while they’re eating seafood. Visitors can also enjoy a Festival Trolley that loops through Belmar at no charge.
This event is important to New Jersey because it attracts many visitors. It’s a place where family and friends can enjoy the day, so whether you like seafood or not, you are sure to have fun at the Seafood Festival in Belmar.
By: Joseph Candiano
Emma Havens Young School
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Do you like to shop until you drop? If so, I have the perfect place for you. The Ocean County Mall, located in Toms River, New Jersey has it all! Do you need a new outfit? Old Navy has a large selection of clothes for adults and kids. The Gap and Eagle Outfitters also have many types of casual clothing. Do you need more choices? Then try one of the other large department stores, such as Boscov’s, Macy’s, JC Penney, or Sears.
Perhaps you have a birthday coming up. Libby Lu and Build-a-Bear Workshop are great places to have a party. After the party, take the kids to Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream or Mrs. Field’s Cookies. Are you shopping for a gift for the holidays? The Disney Store has lots of toys and cool clothes. You could also go to customer service and buy a Simon Visa gift card. Then the gift recipient can go to any store in the mall and get what they want!
Do you need to relax? Then stop at the Deborah Relaxation Station. You can read about health and wellness, as well as get great recipes. Speaking of food, if you are hungry, visit the Food Court where you will find Subway and other yummy places. Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill is a sit-down restaurant for your whole family.
If you are shopping until you drop and your kids need a break, go to Simon’s Kidget Korner. There is a fun place for the kids to play. Finally, the mall is even open at convenient times. The hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. So what are you waiting for? Go to New Jersey’s own Ocean County Mall!
By: Gabriella Buchanan
Drum Point Road Elementary School
Smithville
Have you ever been to Smithville, New Jersey? You haven’t ……. then you are really missing out on all the fun! There are so many wonderful things at Smithville. You can buy candy, play tag, shop at all the nice shops, and take a tour of Smithville!
One place to visit is the bakery. They have friendly cashiers and fantastic cookies. Another place is Fred and Ethal’s Lantern Light Tavern where you can sit down and enjoy a drink or meal, and that cookie you bought at the bakery. The Two Country Ducks store has a nice manager and they change their knick – knacks every season; for example, turtles in the summer and birds in the spring. I also like to go on the side of the covered bridge near the bakery where there is a little pen with some roosters to chase!
Some of the other things you can do with your family and friends are going to the barn and playing tag. Also you can visit the restaurant on the other side of the bridge and there is the train tour of Smithville. If you go on the week of a holiday there are usually decorations up on the tour. Finally, don’t forget about the boat rides. You get to go on a little paddle boat with six seats and the boat goes in a small river with streaming fountains all around.
So if your family is looking to go to a town where there are shops, boat rides, restaurants, and roosters to chase, then I suggest you go to Smithville. It is a reason to celebrate New Jersey!
By: Adam Garcia
Drum Point Road Elementary School
Stormin’ Norman
Do you know who the best army general was? His name is General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, or “Stormin’ Norman”. This general’s full name is Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf and he is from the state of New Jersey. Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf was born on August 22, 1934 in our state capital, Trenton, New Jersey. He lived in Lawrenceville, New Jersey until he was twelve years old.
Norman Schwarzkopf attended the United States Military Academy and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He became a platoon leader and served as an executive officer with the 2nd Airborne Battle Group at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his military career, he was a teacher at West Point before going to Vietnam to help the South Vietnamese Army. While he was in Vietnam, Norman Schwarzkopf was promoted from Captain to Major and in 1968 was promoted again to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Norman Schwarzkopf was injured in a horrible explosion in a minefield after crawling through the minefield to save the life of one of his soldiers. For this act of bravery, Norman Schwarzkopf received his third Silver Star for bravery.
Over the years, Norman Schwarzkopf was promoted to many different ranks in the army but in 1988 he was promoted to General and commanded the U.S. Central Command. Then in 1990, he was appointed the leader of the coalition forces and was sent to Saudi Arabia to command the armies against Iraq.
Norman Schwarzkopf is most famous for leading the coalition forces against the Iraq Army in the Gulf War. General Schwarzkopf proved to be one of the nation’s finest generals because he was able to bring many countries together in the common goal of pushing the Iraq army out of Kuwait. Norman Schwarzkopf’s military career was filled with many accomplishments and awards. This New Jerseyan became a hero to the people of the United States of America and to the people of Kuwait.
By: Taylor Price
Osbornville Elementary School
Strike or Spare?
I take four steps looking at the middle arrow, swing my arm back and forth, I roll the ball, all the pins go down, it’s a strike! Where am I? Ocean Lanes, located at the corner of Route 88 on Lanes Mill Road in Lakewood.
The lanes were built and opened in November 1959. Ocean Lanes was nicknamed the “House of Numbers” because of all the high scores. There is a restaurant, pro-shop, video games and forty-two lanes for bowling.
Ocean Lanes offers a variety of ways to bowl. They include open bowling, birthday parties, bowling leagues, high school teams and tournaments. They have moonlight bowling for late night bowlers. Their bowling balls and lanes glow in the dark. There are twenty-six employees who are there to help you get shoes, bowling balls weighting from six to sixteen pounds and with the computers. They are open from 8:00 A.M until 1:00 A.M.
You should go to Ocean Lanes because its fun meeting with everyone there. They always make sure everyone is having fun at their activities. Be sure to check with Jay Meyer, the owner, he will give you a lot of information.
By: Victoria Boughton
Midstreams Elementary School
What Do You Do To Help the Earth?
Clean Ocean Action is an organization that spends its time cleaning oceans which help the environment. They are located in Sandy Hook. When the ocean is threatened they do research, educate people and they take action!
The threats that would affect the ocean could be waste water, sediments, energy development and storm runoff. These are all things that can pollute the ocean and can be harmful to people and to sea creatures. This is also known as the marine ecosystem.
Clean Ocean Action is also called COA. The COA has members from businesses, communities, conservation groups, environmental groups, students, and members of surfing, fishing and boating clubs. These people came together in 1984 to clean up and protect the ocean. Some of the things they do are write letters, hold rallies, have press events, go to public hearings and give out literature on ocean pollution.
Three important things they have done so far have been closing down eight ocean dump sights, having new clean water laws put on the books and making people realize how important the ocean is.
Clean Ocean Action helps the earth. What do you do?
By: Rachel Marks
Lanes Mill Elementary School
