George Roland Olson, age 85, of Lakeville, MN passed away peacefully on the morning of December 23, 2021.
Very simply put, George lived life to the fullest. He loved spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, and traveling, as well as being an ‘Uber’ driver for his grandsons. He was a family man in the truest and deepest sense of the word, and his passing will leave an empty spot in the hearts of many who will miss him dearly.
George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara; sons Scott of Byram, NJ; Randy (Gretchen) of Mound, MN; Todd (Ginger) of Goodyear, AZ; and daughter Kim Michie (Jack) of St. Augustine, FL; as well as six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by grandsons Jackson Michie and Joshua Olson.
A celebration of George’s life is being planned for a future date, to allow friends and family across the country the opportunity to gather and share with others the special memories they made with George.
In lieu of flowers, George’s family ask that you consider making a donation in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Thread: 1/6 This is an outtake that I (until today) refused to publish because I felt it was “disrespectful.” Today I couldn’t take any more. For over 4 years, Ive been disgusted by his lies, inhumane policies against migrant children, people of color, LGBTQ community, Muslims…
2) …disabled people, women, science, the ACA, only matched by his love of dictators & disdain of our allies. Add that to his impotent COVID response, tear gassing peaceful protesters for a photo-op..this guy actually ALTERED a Dorian trajectory map w a Sharpie because he misspoke.
3) He unapologetically pardons war criminals. He is a pandemic super spreader that has probably killed tens of thousands (of HIS supporters), he discussed imposing martial law after refusing to accept the results of a free and fair election…
4) Trump and his ilk failed to successfully suppress the votes of Democrats, their only move is to scream fraud and shout about insane conspiracy theories while failing in court after court with not a single incident of voter fraud proven in scores of lawsuits…
5) Sadly, the worst is yet to come because the day Congress is scheduled to meet to finalize the result of the 2020 presidential election, (an election that was won by Joe Biden in a landslide) the President of the United States actively looks to incite chaos and encourage…
6) …violence, inviting his rabid followers to DC to sow chaos. He’s a failed despot, an autocrat who’s fueled by power hungry Republicans 2 weak, shameless & cowardly to stand up for what they know is right. He golfed while thousands died. I’ve got zero F**ks left. you lost, move on
Carlos Luaces, not worthy of your vote for Byram Council.
In my last blog post, Byram Township Voters – Be Informed for the Upcoming Election, I made the statement regarding candidate Carlos Luaces that “He is hot-tempered, arrogant, ill-informed and often practices purposeful deceitto try to make his ill-conceived arguments.” I stand by that statement.
Since that post, several people, including the candidate himself, have accused me of a ‘personal attack’ on him. Incredible, since he himself has personally attacked me as “immoral and unethical” on a number of occasions, (including once in the article mentioned below).
So let’s just use a Byram Council meeting as an example of what I and my fellow council members experienced with him at almost every meeting until he quit halfway through his term.
After a statement by the Township attorney: “I totally disagree…this is ridiculous! …it’s absurd! It’s absolutely absurd! I refuse to vote on this! I’m not going to vote on this!”
Then, after having voted “Here” during roll call on the vote, while the clerk continues to take the roll, he blurts out, “Hold on! Did I just vote on this whole ordinance?”
Yes, Carlos. You did.
“I’m voting absolutely not! I don’t want to discuss this at all! This should be tabled 100%!”
When Mayor Oscovitch tries to explain to him that he’s already voted, his response is, “What are you gonna do, throw me in jail? NO! I’m taking my vote away! I WILL NOT VOTE ON THIS AT ALL!”
Then the grand declaration: “Do I have to throw over a god damn table? This is ridiculous!” He then stumble and grumbles until the attorney suggest he is abstaining, to which he says, “Yes.”
The vote is finished, it passes 3-0, with two ‘abstains’, to which he shouts “Congratulations!” and begins clapping. Then scatters paperwork on the dais.
As Mayor Oscovitch tries to continue the meeting, Luaces shouts “Yeehaw! This is a total cowboy move!” To which the Mayor agrees, and Councilwoman Raffay quietly adds, “On your part.”
You think this is hard to believe? That I’m making this up? Listen yourself by clicking here.
You can also read how the New Jersey Herald covered the meeting by clicking here.
And read an email sent to the entire Town Council by a resident upset by what he read in the paper and listening to the complete tape of the meeting by clicking here.
“…I was not at the meeting but I read about it in the paper and have listened to audio of the meeting. I want to say how disappointed I am in the way councilman Luaces acted. …I do not know enough about the Highlands Act to comment on the Act itself but from what I heard and read, there are some opposing views on the council. After listening for about 15 minutes I still don’t know much about the Highlands Act but do know that I don’t care for Mr Luaces style of governing. “
Dealing with Carlos on a regular basis back then, and on the VERY few occasions where he bothered to attend Municipal Building Sub-committee meetings recently, I still stand behind my statement – I believe he is completely lacking the moral character that Byram’s residents deserve of their elected officials.
Cast your vote wisely on November 5, neighbors. There is no place on your governing body for a person like this.
Having served over 12 years as an elected official, and a half dozen years prior to that as a volunteer on numerous Township commissions and committees, I believe I am uniquely qualified to make these observations.
I am not intending this post to be an endorsement.
I do believe, however, that three of the candidates appear knowledgeable, dedicated and capable of representing all of us if elected. Please do your homework and research these candidates yourselves. I feel you will agree.
Instead, I write as a warning about the fourth candidate.
Having served on Byram’s Council with him previously – a term he shortened by his resignation after only two years, and after a thorough defeat in an attempted mayoral campaign– I feel obligated to inform the voting public of my opinion.
A simple Google search of “Carlos Luaces Byram” will easily explain many of my concerns.
He is hot-tempered, arrogant, ill-informed and (to put it kindly) often practices purposeful deceit (see examples above) to try to make his ill-conceived arguments. The man is incapable of admitting a mistake, or apologizing after doing so.
The bottom line? I believe he is completely lacking the moral character that Byram’s residents deserve of their elected officials.
I believe that Byram Township is moving in a positive direction, and I am proud to have been part of that process for the last 12-plus years.
To ensure our Township continues that positive movement, I encourage my neighbors to not misplace their vote on an unqualified, undeserving candidate.
At this time three months ago tonight – December 2, 2018 – this is the first entry in my admissions record at Newton Memorial Hospital.
If not for my neighbor who found me unconscious, the Lakeland EMS volunteers who began treatment & rushed me to the hospital, and the talented ER doctors & nurses there, you wouldn’t be reading this right now. (He says, tearing up as he types this.)
While I still have a ways to go, with the love, care and support of my incredible friends, I’ve made great progress in my recovery. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all! I LOVE you guys!!!
Today, I start my 60th trip around the sun, and I’m planning on using the coming year for a ‘mini bucket-list check-down,’ and to escape much of the growing absurdity and insanity that is Internet and American politics.
Birthdays offer a time to reflect on the past year, and look ahead to the coming year. When you reach milestone birthdays, it becomes a good time to reflect on the past decade and and plan for the decade ahead.
I sit here today at 59, feeling beat – mentally, physically and emotionally drained. I’m extremely proud of so much that I’ve accomplished in my fifties – 10 years as an elected member of Byram’s governing body. Overwhelmingly reelected twice. Working diligently with our planner, attorney and two of my colleagues – against great odds – to make Byram, NJ the first municipality to achieve New Jersey Highlands conformance and the first to receive a Highlands Center designation. Fiercely led a coalition of seven municipalities and a dozen regional and national activists groups in a three year battle against a massive and unnecessary powerline project. Assisted my incredible friend Andrea Proctor in bringing school tours back to Byram’s historic Waterloo Village, teaching thousands of children the important history of the area’s past. And just last year completed a major Sustainable Economic Development Plan for the Township.
On the negative side, I’ve struggled financially to just ‘get by’ as a self-employed designer, through the second-worst economic crisis in our nation’s history. Fought a greedy, rudderless and dysfunctional environmental community thru eight years of their ineptitude under one of the worst Governors NJ has ever seen for environmental protections. And for the last four years, dealt with the groundswell of anger and ignorance among the public that, not surprisingly to me at least, culminated in the tragic results of last November’s election and continues to threaten the civility of our democracy. Ugh.
The energy and effort expended over last decade for both the good and the bad, however, has taken a toll on me in a way that cannot be sustained during the next decade. I’ve got some big plans and a growing bucket-list that I’m going to address in my 60’s. Something’s gotta give.
So starting today, on this 60th orbit of the sun, I’m taking some advice (See ‘Self Care in the Age of Trump‘) from a wonderful Twitter friend, Kristin Wald and doing the following to prepare for the tasks ahead:
Dropping off of Twitter for the year. “Hi, I’m Scott and I’m a Twitterholic.” This is going to be tough, but necessary. There’s something addicting about Twitter as social media and the ability to communicate directly in bursts of thought with like-minded and well-known activists. It’s a community to me, I’ve made some incredible friends and I will miss it, but damn, there are days it sets my blood pressure through the ceiling!
Saying ‘Eff-Off’ to the clowns that call themselves leaders of the NJ environmental community. This will be much easier! The issue of the “Highlands Mist” that this post appears in will be the last issue for the next year.(I’ll drop a more detailed note to the listserve over the weekend.) I feel like I’ve given and given to make this a better planet for all of us to live on, and I’m beating my head on my desk while being stabbed in the back by faux enviros. In the last five years I’ve lost two very dear friends, Ella Filippone and Peggy Snyder, both pillars of support to me in many challenging situations. Life’s too short, people. And I just can’t give any more until I take care of my self. A year’s rest and a fresh outlook and I’ll be ready to kick some asses properly. Count on it.
I plan to continue concentrating on a few things that help me relax and grow. I will continue posting positive, personal interests – gardening, the outdoors and cooking – on my Instagram account and want to work on some deep, long reads for this blog. So follow me here and on Instagram if you want to see what I’m up to.
[Note: This is a repost of a blog entry from September 11, 2013]
Since October of 2001, I have worn this band to honor the memory of Yuji Goya, a 42-year-old Japanese national, husband, father of two, and vice-president of Mizuho Capital Markets Corporation, located on the 80th floor of Two World Trade Center.
The four perished as United Airlines Flight 175 slammed into their building at 9:03 am.
I wear this band as a constant reminder of those whom I will never know, citizens of countries all around the world whose lives were tragically ended that September morning. People working innocently at their desks, sitting helplessly aboard hijacked airliners, or hurriedly rushing to the aid of others while risking their own well-being. All of them asking nothing more than to to live as free men and women, and make an honest living for themselves and their families.
I will continue to wear this band as long as I live, so that the tragedy of that morning, and the lives of these people, especially that of Yuji Goya, will not be forgotten.
Fourth of July, 2016. Hudson Farm Community Garden, Andover, NJ.
It’s Independence Day, 2016. Let freedom ring.
“One of the most famous political speeches on freedom in the twentieth century was delivered by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his 1941 State of the Union message to Congress,” according to the National Endowment for the Humanities. “In bold and plain language, Roosevelt’s declaration raises many of the broad questions underlying any discussion of freedom. “
With the state of politics in the United States – and around the globe – in a tumultuous condition, this iconic speech is just as pertinent today as it was 75 years ago. Take a moment to reflect on it’s meaning as you celebrate with family and friends today.
“For there is nothing mysterious about the foundations of a healthy and strong democracy. The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:
“Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.
“Jobs for all those who can work.
“Security for all those who need it.
“The ending of special privileges for the few.
“The preservation of civil liberties for all.
“The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.
“These are simple, basic things that must never be lost in the sight of the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations….
“In future days, which we seek to secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.
“The first is the freedom of speech and expression–everywhere in the world.
“The second is the freedom of every person to worship God in his own way–everywhere in the world.
“The third is the freedom from want–which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants–everywhere in the world.
“The fourth is freedom from fear–which, translated into world terms, means a worldwide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor–anywhere in the world.
“That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called new order of tyranny which dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb.
“To that new order, we oppose the greater conception–the moral order. A good society is able to face schemes of world domination and foreign revolutions alike without fear.
“Since the beginning of American history, we have been engaged in change–in a perpetual peaceful revolution–a revolution which goes on steadily, quietly, adjusting itself to changing conditions–without the concentration camp or the quicklime in the ditch. The world order which we seek is the cooperation of free countries, working together in a friendly, civilized society.
“This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and heads and hearts of millions of free men and women; and its faith in freedom under the guidance of God. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights or to keep them. Our strength is our unity of purpose.
“To that high concept there can be no end save victory.”
