Fair Haven Resident Mike Dawson Publishes
New Book ‘The Fifth Quarter’
Middletown Teens Who Saved
BY LES PIERCE
Children from Ice Honored for Their Bravery
This past year, as communities across New Jersey and the country
TheJournalNJ.com | MAY 2021 29
faced an array of challenges, unsung heroes stepped up to help
feed, comfort and educate their neighbors, and in other ways protect
public health and safety.
On May 7 at a virtual awards ceremony, the Russell Berrie Foundation
recognized a number of these unsung heroes from across the
during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Russ Berrie Making a
Difference Award.
For 25 years, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has honored
New Jersey residents whose outstanding service to others and heroic
acts make a substantial impact on the lives of others. A top prize of
$50,000, four awards of $25,000 and 14 awards of $7,500 were presented
this year. The award has now given $3.75 million to 380 people, each
of whom has an inspiring story to tell about how they made a difference.
-
dividuals answered their communities’ call for help,” said Angelica Ber-
injustice and systemic inequities to neighbors helping neighbors struggling
during the pandemic, it’s an honor to celebrate this remarkable
group of individuals as part of our 25th anniversary celebration of the
awards and Russ’ legacy.”
Ramapo College of New Jersey manages the awards program and
ceremony on behalf of the Russell Berrie Foundation.
Among this year’s awardees were Kieran Foley, Joseph Dietrich,
Drew Scalice, Ryan Day and Tyler Armagan, of Middletown, who created
a human chain to save two small children whose sled entered an icy
pond on a cold December day. To honor their bravery, they received a
$7,500 reward.
To learn more about the other 2021 honorees, visit ramapo.edu/
berrie-awards.
Mike Dawson’s latest novel, “The Fifth Quarter,”
is scheduled to be published this month.
The title is based on youth basketball and the
of a game where the less skilled players get a chance
to play, but the points don't count. Dawson was
inspired to craft the story by his daughter Orli's experiences
playing in the Mid-Monmouth League as
a fourth grader.
The main character of the book is Lori Block,
who loves basketball but is one of those not-so-good
players. She strives hard to improve her skills, and
through those efforts, grows in other ways and gains
Her mother, Rachel, runs for a seat on the town
council against the father of a friend, which complicates
Lori’s life in the community. Rachel ultimately
fails in her bid, but Lori gains respect for her mom for
trying. It’s a takeaway lesson for Lori about putting
fears aside when reaching for a lofty goal.
-
ers will recognize that the story set in Fair Haven. Locals will relate to area
traditions, like the Little League opening day parade and the end-of-summer
Fireman's Fair.
“I didn’t grow up playing sports, so when my
daughter joined the Fair Haven Mid-Monmouth
build self-esteem,” stated Dawson. “I wanted to
a kid who’s not a great player but is determined
to succeed.”
“The Fifth Quarter” is a 240-page graphic novel
with the story told in comic strip-style panes. It
is available in both hard and soft cover and is targeted
for readers aged 8 to 12. The book has al-
ready received good notices from Kirkus Reviews
and Publisher’s Weekly. It is published by First
Second Books and can be purchased through Amazon,
Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indiebound
and Powells.
This is the author’s sixth published graphics
book. Previous works are “Freddie & Me: A Coming
of Age (Bohemian) Rhapsody,” “Ace Face: The Mod
with the Metal Arms,” “Troop 142,” “Angie Bongiolatti”
and “Rules for Dating My Daughter.”
To learn more about “The Fifth Quarter,” visit us.macmillan.com/
Dawson resides in Fair Haven with his wife, Aliza, and two children,
Orli and Ewan.
/TheJournalNJ.com
/ramapo.edu
/us.macmillan.com