Bake Sale to Support Mt. Olive Marauders Soccer Team

The Mt. Olive High School girl's soccer team will be holding a bake sale this Saturday, July 21st from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the ShopRite in Flanders, NJ.

The girls will have a nice display of freshly baked goods. The fundraiser was designed to help the team raise money for new uniforms for this year's upcoming season.

Stop by and show your support!

Plenty of tails are wagging over construction of community 'bark park'

Mount Olive Township Council will hold a public hearing next Tuesday, July 24 to discuss an ordinance to appropriate $35k for construction of a community dog park.

I'm a cat lover myself, but understand the need for an area where man's best friend can roam freely. Dogs are very social creatures that need to de-stress and play as much as we do. The socialization aspect alone could be the answer to a dogs mental well-being. If that doesn't work, you can always call the dog whisper... Cesar Millan.

The chosen spot is an open field in Turkey Brook Park. It will be approximately 2 acres with dedicated areas for small, large, and disabled dogs. Dog owners who use the park will be required to 'scoop the poop' with the assistance of on-site disposable containers and Pick up bags.

William Cirone, the township animal control officer, is heading up the fundraising efforts and looking for volunteers. If your interested in joining the pack, please give Willie a call (973) 691-0900 ext.7334

Mutant Crickets of Flanders

Ok, maybe there are not really mutated crickets caused from radon exposure. But exactly what are these strange bugs living in my garage? The insect is a beige to light brown color with bands or "rings" of a darker (black) color on it's body and legs. They don't chirp, are wingless, humpbacked in apperance, 1-2 inches long with antennae twice the length of it's body. When poked with a stick, the darn thing jumped higher than a grasshopper AT ME! I promtly attacked back with a fly swatter leaving a few broken legs and a rather large spot on the garage floor. When I went to get my husband, we discovered that it actually crawled away. Tough little bugger.

I had to know what these military style mutant crickets really were. After a few searches on Google, I discovered they are commonly known as the Camel or Cave Cricket of the Rhaphidophoridae family.

Camel Crickets are occasional indoor pests in damp dark places, but generally prefer some juciy spots outdoors like rotten logs, stumps or hollow trees, damp leaf litter, stones, or wood piles. They feed on organic debris and seem to love any fabric that may be stored in a damp basement, crawl space, or laundry room.

Contolling the population
Start by eliminating there habitat. Remove any leaf litter or grass clippings. Move any wood plies away from your house, garage or shed. Use grout, caulking, or other sealers for any possible entry point into your home such as doorways, windows, faucets, or masonary cracks. Make sure to replace or patch any damaged screens.

If you happen to see one inside, I recommend a shoe because the fly swatter seemed to be quite ineffective. There are also pesticides for control that may be effective, consult a professional exteriminator for the best recommendation.

Good Luck!

Sizzling Heat

Up and Up it goes - summer temperatures are beginning to soar! During hot and humid weather, the body's internal temperature can rise. Watch out for heat-related illnesses such as sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, or worse... heat stroke.

Who's at risk?
Plain and simple, Everyone. Although some people may be at greater risk than others. Babies, small children, and older people are more susceptible, as well as anyone suffering from a recent illness like diarrhoea or mild dehydration.

Think Prevention!
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after any hot and sunny activity. Stay in the shade as much as possible. Avoid alcohol and sodas, and for pete's sake don't overexert yourself!

For more information on emergency preparedness and response visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's FAQ About Extreme Heat.

Note: All information is for informational purposes only. For specific medical advise, consult a doctor.

7-7-07 Luck and Superstition

I wonder just how many weddings will be preformed today throughout the state. There maybe a grand total of seven hundred and seventy seven in Morris County alone. Superstitious couples all over the world will tie the knot today in hopes of tripling their chances of successful marital bliss. Leaves me to wonder if 9 months from now will there be 777 births on the same day? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Feeling Lucky? Atlantic City casinos are offering very creative triple digit promotions as flocks superstitious gamblers rush in to try their luck. The Borgata is rolling out the '777 Extravaganza' which offers $777 bonus slot dollars every seven minutes. Around town you can also find $7 drink specials and a $7,777 deluxe hotel package.

Throughout history, the number seven has been associated with good luck and bad, wisdom, intelligence, mystery, and solitude. Seven is a prime number that has inspired many historical facts and has surrounded many findings in Science and Technology. There seven days in a week, seven continents, seven deadly sins, seven Liberal Arts, seven wonders of the world, seven seas, seven chakras, seven colors in a rainbow, and it's even the neutral pH of pure water.

7-7-07 is considered by many to be the luckiest day of the century. How ever you decide to spend your time today, we wish you lots of luck!

Gray Fox spotted in my backyard

I was quite surprised to find a Gray Fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ) in my backyard yesterday evening. At first glance I thought it was my neighbor's cat. When I casually called out with a sort of kissing noise, it turned and looked right through me. This curious creature was grayish-black with beautiful orange eyes.

After some searching, I discovered the gray foxes diet consists of small mammals, insects, fruits, acorns, birds, and eggs. They are excellent mousers and possess expert climbing skills. I started to wonder, if he was hungry enough, would he go after my cat?

Unfortunately, I did not get a picture. Has anyone else spotted a gray fox running around flanders?

The Buzzzzzz on West Nile Virus

As summer kicks off with barbeques, picnics, camping trips, outdoor sporting events, carnivals, and trips to the jersey shore, better beware of what’s in the air.

Most Mom’s and Dad’s are already equipped with sunblock, bandaids, and bottled water, but what do you do about those pesky mosquitoes?

West Nile Virus is a microorganism spread by mosquitoes that could cause a fever, headache, nausea, or worse. Take a few moments to stop an apply an effective repellent. If you feel a bite or see a scratch, it’s time to re-apply or go inside. Always follow the directions and recommendations for the product you are using.

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention. Protect your home by installing window and door screens. Repair holes or tears in your existing screens.

Eliminate standing water. If they can’t breed, they won’t spread... as fast anyway. Do what you can to reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play.

For more information on West Nile Virus visit the CDC Website and read
‘Fight the Bite’>>