Yes, I know…but according to History.com, “In 1989, PepsiCo inked a deal with the Soviet Union to trade its cola syrup for Russian vodka—and a decommissioned fleet of rusting warships, including 17 attack submarines…the undersea arsenal briefly acquired by the soft drink conglomerate would have equaled India’s submersible fleet—at the time, the seventh largest in the world.” In addition to the subs, the deal also included 3 warships, a cruiser, frigate and a destroyer.

This leads me to why?! Well at the time of the Cold War, the Russians had acquired a taste for Pepsi since Coca-Cola as well as many other western companies did not want to enter the Russian market. In addition, the Russian’s currency, the ruble was not convertible to dollars. So, they had to barter to get many goods including the syrup for Pepsi! Some called it the “Pepski generation”!

Pepsi had no intentions of using the old fleet but quickly converted it to scrap metal to help fund new bottling plants. So, to be fair, then it really wasn’t a viable navy and according to History.com, “The Soviet Union’s creaky cast-offs weren’t exactly seaworthy. “In any real sense, the story is false,” wrote Paul Musgrave in Foreign Policy. “The Pepsi navy no more conferred military power than a rusting Model T could have been a Formula 1 contender.” Ouch. Cool story though…who knew?!

As one of Governor Murphy’s last acts he signed into law a bill sponsored by State Senators Scutari and Singleton that would allow NJ towns to increase already existing fees including building permits, licenses, etc. to create and fund a municipal homelessness trust fund.

The money collected would not only allow for a dedicated trust fund but also let municipalities adopt their own homeless housing plans. As stated in an article in Patch, the fund could support the following:

· The acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of permanent affordable housing

· Rental assistance vouchers, including tenant and project-based subsidies

· Support services to help residents obtain or maintain permanent housing

· Prevention services for individuals and families at risk of homelessness.

Senator Scutari declared, “Homelessness continues to increase across New Jersey, and local leaders need to be supported with the resources and ability to respond effectively. By giving municipalities the ability to invest directly in affordable housing, support services, and prevention programs, we can help families and individuals before they fall into crisis, and strengthen communities in the process.”

Let’s hope this new legislation and funding stream will enable us to better serve more people who are increasingly needing this kind of support.

Donor Advised Funds or DAFs are increasingly gaining in popularity for their tax benefits and flexibility in making charitable donations. So, what exactly is a DAF? It’s an investment fund, similar to what you may do to help pay for your child’s education (529 plan) or for your own future income needs (401K, 403B, etc.). In the case of a DAF, you are setting aside funds in an account that can grow tax free for the intent of charitable giving either now or in the future.

Some of the other tax benefits are the ability for an immediate tax deduction in the year you contribute and a reduction in any estate tax as the contribution would not be counted as part of the taxable estate. A DAF allows your investments to grow over time and for you to decide which organizations you would like to contribute to and when. Two of the more popular companies who can set up a DAF for you are: Fidelity Charitable and Charles Schwab now known as DAFgiving360.

So, if you are looking for an easy, cost effective way to maximize your dollars in helping out your favorite non-profits, consider opening a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). I, of course, am not an accountant or financial professional, so please first consult with a tax or financial advisor.

Every once in a while, you hear people talking about seeing a bobcat in the wild right here in Sussex County, NJ. You also hear about mountain lion sightings; however, according to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, that is not the case. But back to bobcats which we do in fact have in this great state of ours.

Recently I read online about The Last Resort Wildlife Refuge in West Milford who took in a male bobcat kitten who was injured. That article led me to The New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the history of the bobcat in NJ. Bobcats are New Jersey’s only native wildcat and about twice the size of a housecat. Their markings range from spotted patterns to “tabby” stripes, and their distinctive bobbed tail has a black tip.

Back in the late 1970s, wildlife officials trapped bobcats in Maine and brought them back to New Jersey to help with the diminishing population. From 1978 to 1982, 24 bobcats were released in sections of Warren, Sussex and Morris counties north of Interstate 80. (who knew?)

Now it is estimated that our bobcat population has grown to between 200-400, but maybe higher close to 500. Nearly all bobcats are found in the northwestern section of the state.

Lucky for us, bobcats are quite shy and elusive and really do not want much to do with us. So, if you see one (they move fast) revel in their sheer beauty that mother nature always provides.

Ever heard of a cryptid? Me either, so I looked it up. It’s actually what you call an animal that people have claimed but has never been proven to exist. Think Big Foot or Loch Ness Monster. The word cryptid comes from cryptozoology which is the study of legendary or unknown animals. Again, who knew?

New Jersey makes the list of the top five states with cryptids. Here they are in order with number of cryptids:

· California – 8

· Texas – 7

· Pennsylvania – 6

· New Jersey – 5

· Wisconsin – 4

New Jersey is known for quite a few “famous” cryptids including the Jersey Devil and the Mantis Man – which is described as an insect like creature seen in Hackettstown near the Musconetcong River…again who knew?!

What cryptids have you seen in the state? Let us know in the comments section below.