As the summer heat begins to fade and the leaves change color, the autumn season brings with it a certain charm that feels almost magical. This enchantment seems to fill the air, making everything seem more vibrant and alive. It's a time when nature showcases its artistic skills, transforming the landscape with hues of red, orange, and yellow. The falling leaves create a beautiful tapestry on the ground, providing a sensory feast for the eyes. Autumnal charm can be felt everywhere one looks. The crispness of the air brings a refreshing coolness, inviting people to wrap themselves in cozy sweaters and scarves.
The crispness of the air brings a refreshing coolness, inviting people to wrap themselves in cozy sweaters and scarves. The scent of fallen leaves and wood smoke from chimneys creates a comforting atmosphere that speaks of warmth and nostalgia. Autumn brings with it a feeling of change and transition, reminding us that life is ever-evolving.
A Royal Wedding
Chief of University Police Paul Cell officiates the wedding of Janet Fenner and Gregory Dabice on the Montclair State 50-yard-line.
The last time Janet (Jaramillo) Fenner ’93 and Gregory Dabice ’93 shared the spotlight on the 50-yard line they were crowned Montclair State’s Homecoming queen and king. In a fairy-tale ending 27 years later, their reunion on Sprague Field on Saturday, August 1, included a kiss and wedding vows.
“We never dated in college,” Fenner recalls. “We knew each other from Greek life, but I was a straight-A student, intra-sorority vice president, on the student government and track team, the whole nine yards. Then there was Greg, who’s completely 180.” They parted from their royal duties, and each other, after graduation.
Their reunion was a long time coming. Over the course of two decades, they each married, had children, eventually divorced and were beginning a new phase of their lives when Fenner randomly swiped right on a dating app. “It turns out I swiped right on Greg without even recognizing it was him. He reached out to me, ‘Is that you, Janet?’”
It was Dabice’s first and only time on the app. “I always say to her, and I really believe this, that we’ve been guided on the path we’ve been given. If we don’t force anything and enjoy it, it will be magic. It’s been exactly that,” Dabice says.
Their courtship has been a whirlwind since their first date on April 2, 2019. “By our third date, I just knew she was it,” Dabice says. “I started ring shopping three months later.”
He proposed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ring engraved with two tiny crowns and a song lyric, “Everything has changed.” Family who participated in a drive-by parade outside their home in Pompton Plains carried signs that spelled out, “Will you marry me?”
“He definitely struck a chord in my heart and here we are,” Fenner says. “We have seven kids, two dogs and a sulcata tortoise, and it still works just perfectly. I wouldn’t change a single detail.”
They decided to marry now despite the coronavirus restrictions to set an example for their children ages 10-18 as they combine households. “Their response to us throughout this whole process has been a big part of the magic,” Dabice says. “They are eating up the love and security of a full family unit.”
The wedding, officiated by Chief of University Police Paul Cell, observed the mandatory safety measures, including social distancing on the athletic field and the wearing of face coverings to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. The Montclair State mascot, Rocky the Red Hawk, served as ring bearer.
Cell says he’s honored to be part of the ceremony. “I was here when they were in school and crowned,” he says.
The bride, 48, graduated from Montclair State with a Bachelor of Arts, with a concentration in Graphic Design. She recently opened her own agency, Defined Marketing in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The bridegroom, 50, graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology. He is director of procurement for Carl Stahl Sava Industries, Riverdale, New Jersey.
While an unusual wedding venue, “the football field definitely encompasses who we were back then, who we are now and how long we’ve taken to get to this day,” Fenner says.
Their honeymoon will be just as unusual. “We have plans at Saint Barnabas hospital starting August 4 when I get my knee replaced,” Dabice jokes. “If we are not counting that, then no, no plans until COVID settles down.”
“We never dated in college,” Fenner recalls. “We knew each other from Greek life, but I was a straight-A student, intra-sorority vice president, on the student government and track team, the whole nine yards. Then there was Greg, who’s completely 180.” They parted from their royal duties, and each other, after graduation.
Magical kanan, a tradition rooted in ancient folklore, adds an extra layer of mystique to the autumn season. Kanan, a Japanese word meaning "autumn's beauty," is believed to embody the spirit of autumn itself. It is said that kanan possesses the ability to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, as if sprinkling invisible magic upon the world. The concept of magical kanan encourages us to slow down and appreciate the fleeting beauty of nature. It beckons us to take leisurely walks through parks and forests, observing the transformation of the landscape firsthand. Amidst the rustling of leaves and the soft touch of a gentle breeze, one can't help but feel a connection to something greater than themselves. Autumnal charm and magical kanan remind us of the importance of embracing change in our own lives. Just as the leaves let go of the branches they've clung to all summer, we too must learn to let go and move forward. Autumn is a season of reflection, a time to shed old habits and make room for growth. It is a reminder that transformation is beautiful and necessary for personal development. So, as the autumnal charm surrounds you and the magical kanan envelops your senses, take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of this fleeting season. Bask in its vibrant colors, savor its crisp air, and allow yourself to be captivated by the simple yet extraordinary moments that autumn brings. Live in the present, knowing that change is constant, and that there is beauty to be found in every season of life..
Reviews for "Embracing the Autumnal Tranquility of Kanan"
1. Emma - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Autumnal charm magical kanan". The storyline was weak and unoriginal, and the characters lacked depth and development. The writing style felt forced and overly descriptive, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, which made the book a chore to read. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Mike - 2 stars
While "Autumnal charm magical kanan" had a promising premise, it failed to deliver in execution. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, often leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from the story. The dialogue was stiff and contrived, making it difficult to relate to or care about the characters. Furthermore, the plot was predictable and lacked any real tension or excitement. Overall, I found this book to be lackluster and struggled to finish it.
3. Sophia - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Autumnal charm magical kanan" based on the glowing reviews, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The writing style was overly flowery and verbose, which made it hard to stay engaged with the story. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, with their actions often not aligning with their supposed motivations. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed, confusing plot developments. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and would not recommend it.
4. Daniel - 1 star
"Autumnal charm magical kanan" was a complete waste of time. The writing was unpolished and full of grammatical errors and inconsistencies. The plot felt disjointed and nonsensical, with events and character actions that lacked any logical explanation. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it impossible to connect with the characters. I found myself rolling my eyes at the repetitive descriptions and clichéd tropes. In the end, I regretted picking up this book and would not recommend it to anyone.