Lanette Dukett:  

I grew up on Mountain Avenue. My father was on the parade committee for our township and my family owned a private horse boarding stables called, "Mountain Shadow Stables," and a tack shop. After one bad marriage, I met my current husband of 21 years and left the restaurant management business to pursue a bachelor's degree in both English/Creative Writing & Women Studies along with a minor degree in Environmental Science at the University of Toledo where I remain at the top percent of my class and live close by. I enjoy research projects pertaining to women's issues, writing about almost anything:) and presenting my work and poetry at public and school related events. Unfortunately, I don't have many fond memories of my school days in New Jersey. When I moved to Pompton Plains from the township of Riverdale, (which I miss so much) at the start of sixth grade, I was shy. A lot of kids at our school were pretty stuck up, especially the "Jocks," who tried to act and dress the same and held too high opinions of themselves. I hope their children never suffer at the hands of bullies like their parents. (You guys know who you are without mentioning names) I hope you have matured into more respectful individuals, but never forget the ones you tortured at recess, on the bus and in classrooms. Mr. Cusimano was the worst teacher I ever had the displeasure of learning from. Like I said, there were a lot of mean girls (bullies) to contend with if you were the new kid in town. I h...Expand for more