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A TASTE OF BROOKLYN BEANS & BREAD
• The Old Franklin Schoolhouse • ‘Unmistakable calling’ • Metuchen on the Move
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FALL 2023
Letter from the Editor:
Kathy Chang EDITOR
Hello 08840! Can you believe it’s that time of year again for a new school year and ALL things Fall? I definitely can’t, but here we are! I am excited for you to check out our Summer into Fall edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Metuchen. School days and lessons may be part of the distant past inside the borough's Old Franklin Schoolhouse, but in essence it remains a vibrant presence in the community thanks to an expansive guiding vision and the efforts of dedicated volunteers and supporters of the Borough Improvement League (BIL). Constructed circa 1807, the one-room schoolhouse on Middlesex Avenue was Metuchen’s only public school for more than 50 years. It has evolved since then. During Superstorm San-
dy in 2012, the schoolhouse served as a center for donations. In recent years, the schoolhouse has hosted live music performances from local artists to artists from all over the country. The schoolhouse has even been a venue for bridal showers and small weddings. Learn more about how the Old Franklin Schoolhouse has evolved from a one-room schoolhouse to so much more under BIL’s leadership starting on page 6. After you check out the Old Franklin Schoolhouse, stop by Beans & Bread just a quarter mile down Middlesex Avenue. Just as the name implies, this fairly new spot along Middlesex Avenue in Metuchen has a selection of coffee and bread – and so much more. “The whole idea was to bring fresh items from Brooklyn,” owner Erik Diamond explains. James Straub travels to Park Slope, Brooklyn, to Buttermilk Bakeshop, Baked NYC and Runner & Stone to get the best cookies, cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, bread, croissants, sweet Danishes and brownies. Bakery items are just part of all the deliciousness. There is a brand-new sandwich menu. Diamond and his wife Rebecca, along with their business partner Clinton Straub (James’ father), wanted a “beautify, trendy, cozy spot.” The business partners have found that at 660 Middlesex Ave. Learn more about the taste of Brooklyn on page 10.
We round this issue with a feelgood story. Have you met Johnathan Kraus? He is often seen as a modern-day, male version of Mother Theresa for helping India’s poorest children. Literally. This is why he traded in his career as a teacher in Metuchen in order to create a formidable nonprofit - Love Never Fails International - that offers life-changing opportunities to children in India. His compelling, heartwarming journey filled with resilience and love essentially started after Kraus watched the 2008 movie Slumdog Millionaire, which sheds light on the heart-wrenching impact of poverty in India. Kraus lived in India for seven years after he got the nonprofit organization on its feet. He has since moved out of the South Asian country that he was called to oh so many years ago, but he continues to travel back to where it all started. Learn more about Kraus and the work of Love Never Fails International on page 14. Also check out our Metuchen on the Move on page 19 for future community events. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
Kathy Chang Editor
Fall 2023 Contributors
Jamie Giambrone
FALL 2023
Jennifer Amato
Gloria Stravelli
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Debra Wallace
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The Old Franklin Schoolhouse remains a vibrant presence in the community THE BOROUGH IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE’S BROADER MISSION HAS ALLOWED THE LEAGUE TO REMAIN A “HEALTHY ORGANIZATION” WITH ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS AND HELP PRESERVE THE 1807 SCHOOLHOUSE
Story By Gloria Stravelli Photos By Tyreen Reuter School days and lessons may be part of the distant past inside the borough's Old Franklin Schoolhouse, but in essence it remains a vibrant presence in the community thanks to an expansive guiding vision and the efforts of dedicated volunteers and supporters. Constructed circa 1807, the one-room schoolhouse on Middlesex Avenue was Metuchen’s only public school for more than 50 years. The original 20-by-20-foot structure was built by local craftsmen who volunteered their labor to build the schoolhouse on donated land, according to Tyreen Reuter, president of the Old Franklin Schoolhouse and chair of the Borough Improvement League (BIL), which maintains the historic schoolhouse. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TYREEN REUTER
The Borough Improvement League’s broader mission has allowed the league to remain a “healthy organization” with active volunteers and help preserve the 1807 schoolhouse.
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The schoolhouse was awarded a “Certificate of Eligibility” for the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 and in 2017 was listed on the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places as a “Key Contributing Site” in the Middlesex Avenue-Woodwild Park Historic District. Under BIL’s leadership the schoolhouse has evolved to encompass a broad mission, championing social causes, offering a welcoming community gathering space, hosting social events, fundraisers, musical performances, art exhibits and more. Reuter has been part of that broad mission having served as president of the Old Franklin Schoolhouse since 2002. She is also chair of the borough’s Historic Preservation Committee. The BIL currently has about 160 to 170 members with a core group of 10-15 volunteers.
LOOK AT THE HISTORY As stated, the schoolhouse was built circa 1807. The BIL formed a century later in 1901 right after the Borough of Metuchen was founded, according to Reuter. “The ladies and gentlemen who formed BIL had fond memories of the building because this was 1901 and some of them had actually gone to school there or knew people who did, and they wanted to preserve it,” Reuter said. “So they started an effort to rescue the building and took it over and pretty soon they started using it in the same ways it is now - hosting events to raise funds for different causes and having musical performances and things like that.” At some point by the 1860 and 1870s, it changed primarily to a women’s organization. It was involved in the state Federation of Women’s Clubs, which was a “very big organization in the late 19th century.” “… [It] was a way [for] women [to be] able to have some political power because we didn’t have the [right to] vote until 1920,” Reuter explained, adding she believes a lot of what they do now was initially done in the early 1900s. “They were a very progressive group. They wanted to have speakers from around the world, they had a guy who explored the North Pole come and speak, they were very involved in the Women’s Suffrage movement, issues having to deal with child labor laws, things like that.” see SCHOOLHOUSE page 8
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SCHOOLHOUSE 08840 from page 7 In the 1960s, the BIL became more of a women’s social function and they did a lot of conventions. In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a shift as volunteerism started to decline. “… [The BIL] became ladies who were really interested in preserving the building and they had a couple of core events they ran: there was a tea in May and the house tour in December,” Reuter said, adding they would rent out the building to fundraise.
ADAPTING TO THE TIMES The BIL is dedicated to the preservation of the Old Franklin Schoolhouse and other community-centered initiatives, according to the website, www.boroughimprovementleague.org. And every chance they get, they support other nonprofits in and around the community. The BIL also supports a wide range of arts – visual to dramatic to musical. “We basically make [the Old Franklin Schoolhouse] available for their fundraisers at bare minimum cost and if they’re just
FALL 2023
looking to have a meeting they can [just] bring food bank donations,” Reuter said. “Or if somebody’s a member of our organization they can meet [at the schoolhouse].” For example, the BIL partnered with the group Breaking the Chain Through Education, which was founded by Metuchen High School social studies teacher Evan Robbins. The organization focuses on child slavery in Uganda. Each year, the BIL also provides a scholarship to a graduating high school student. Another financial source for the schoolhouse includes making the schoolhouse available for social event rentals such as bridal showers and small weddings, Reuter added. From the beginning, the BIL has been going along with the ever-evolving nature of volunteering. Over the years, BIL volunteers have wanted to take on small improvement projects around the town, helped organize a town clean up and helped to form a Parent Teacher Organization and public library. During Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the schoolhouse served as a center for donations and the BIL organized a number of
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collections. During the pandemic, it was no different. BIL members donated to particular causes having to do with children’s issues and they supported essential workers. Club members have clearly embraced a broader mission. A decade ago, the BIL decided to open the league up to men. “I think that’s part of our strategy to be a healthy organization,” Reuter said. “Meaning we have active volunteers and fairly decent income. What we want to do, and I really credit the president before me, we need to figure out what people want to do and offer that.” As for improvements, the BIL is planning to fundraise for an alternate entrance ramp, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)accessible bathroom and a small storage area. The fundraising for the improvements was put on the back-burner due to the pandemic.
SUPPORTING THE ARTS In recent years, the schoolhouse has hosted live music performances from local artist to artists from all over the country, Reuter said.
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“The schoolhouse is really more of a listening room, so it's an opportunity for a musician to sit in front of a really interested audience and have a lot of interaction with them,” she said.
UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE: - A jazz musician’s live show on “Nesferatu,” a 1927 movie about a vampire. - A local indie music band is coming back to the area for a record release in November. Danny Adlerman, a Metuchen resident and member of the local band, The Just Cause, runs the open mic nights at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse. “The schoolhouse has its own vibe,” he said. “I’ve had book-signing events there. My wife, Kim Adlerman, is an illustrator and fine artist as well as an art teacher. She’s had shows of her artwork. “It's a fabulous venue, I’ve seen plays put on there and readings, and staged radio plays.” Adlerman noted at the open mic nights, they raise funds for different charities, which raise on average about $200 a month.
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Renee Maskin, a Metuchen native and Asbury Park-based jazz/soul vocalist, said the schoolhouse provides a relaxed atmosphere scene for a great listening room. “It’s a very welcoming space, a ‘come as you are and bring the kids’ [space],” she said. “It's very casual, which makes it special, too. There’s not a lot of pretense, just come experience it, meet people.” Maskin will be at the schoolhouse in No-
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vember for the release of a new album. The Adlermans will return to the Old Schoolhouse venue to host a joint birthday party to celebrate their mutual upcoming milestone birthdays. “There’s just no better place to celebrate,” he said. “When you're at the schoolhouse you don't just feel that you’re celebrating the schoolhouse, you feel like the schoolhouse is celebrating you.” — 08840
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Borough Bites
A TASTE OF BROOKLYN BEANS & BREAD TRANSPORTS COFFEE, CAKES AND COOKIES FROM PARK SLOPE TO MIDDLESEX AVENUE
Story By Jennifer Amato Photos By Jamie Giambrone Warning: Reading this article will cause your mouth to water and your stomach to growl. Just as its name implies, this fairly new spot along Middlesex Avenue in Metuchen has a selection of coffee and bread – and so much more. Seven days a week, James Straub travels to Park Slope, Brooklyn, to Buttermilk Bakeshop, Baked NYC and Runner & Stone to get the best cookies, cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, bread, croissants, sweet Danishes and brownies. Erik Diamond and his wife Rebecca Sabreen, along with their business partner Clinton Straub (James’s father), wanted a “beautiful, trendy, cozy spot,” said Diamond, who moved to Metuchen a little over two years ago. They opened in March, realizing they
were missing their favorite items from their Brooklyn home. “The whole idea was to bring fresh items from Brooklyn,” Diamond said, noting, although it’s only about a 40-minute drive, they wanted “that New York experience in our little town.” Bakery items are just part of all the deliciousness. There is a brand-new sandwich menu. Over the summer, patrons were able to enjoy a caprese with pesto with fresh Jersey tomatoes from the farmers market on a sesame semolina. Yum! Also, there is a year-round peanut, butter and jelly, or PB&J made with pistachio butter and strawberry preserves on buttery brioche bread. Double yum! Some specialty items include salted caramel bars (their version of a Twix); and a Rocher cake made with chocolate cake, hazelnut buttercream and topped with the truffles. Woah!
PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE
Beans & Bread transports coffee, cakes and cookies from Park Slope to Middlesex Avenue seven days a week.
“WE WANT TO BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER,” DIAMOND SAID OF THEIR VISION. “THE GREAT FOOD, THE GREAT SERVICE AND BEING A CENTRAL GO-TO SPOT FOR THE TOWN AND SURROUNDING AREAS (IS KEY).”
“THE WHOLE IDEA WAS TO BRING FRESH ITEMS FROM BROOKLYN,” DIAMOND SAID. Diamond and Straub have been wanting to co-own a business together, and this was the perfect opportunity. They decided on three core business concepts: great food, great service and being part of the community. Diamond said their Middlesex Avenue location is “really welcoming and a safe haven – and [just] a fun, good energy place to hang out.” Special events have been planned for the LGBTQ+ community, the Metuchen Milers, the Metuchen Arts Council and Picture Perfect Studios. There is local artwork adorning the walls and a DJ or jazz band
may play at night on occasion. They recently held a pop-up shop for the YMCA so that parents who were dropping off their kids to camp on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the summer could grab some sweet treats including a DiCosmo’s Italian Ice special ice cream sandwich collaboration. “We want to bring everyone together,” Diamond said of their vision. “The great food, the great service and being a central go-to spot for the town and surrounding areas (is key).” Diamond and his wife “fell in love with the town” and they wasted no time getting see BITES page 13
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from page 11 involved. He is on the Parks and Recreation Commission and she is part of Shade Tree Commission. Diamond has a background in the food and hotel industries; his first job out of college was serving the athletes at the Olympic Village in Athens, Greece. So cool! He also worked for Baked by Melissa, the vegan chain By Chloe (now known as Beatnic) and Pop Up Bagels. Sabreen is a nutritionist, and “a zero waste advocate.” So, they partnered with Too Go To Go so that anything left over at the end of the day is offered at a discounted price through the app. “We have not thrown anything out since we started with them,” Diamond said proudly. They have about 10 employees on staff - half of whom are local high school students, and many who are from Metuchen and the surrounding towns. At Beans & Bread, they are a “tight-knit” family working together in the 1,300-square-foot space. “The emphasis for me always has been on the quality of our food and having a great team behind that, and being part of a community,” Diamond said. “Our home is your home.” Beans & Bread is located at 660 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen. The hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. There are gluten-free, vegan and nut-free options available. There is no set kid’s menu, but they offer plenty of options for a kid’s sweet palate. — 08840
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‘Unmistakable calling’ FORMER METUCHENAREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER TOOK THE LEAP TO UPROOT HIS LIFE IN NEW JERSEY TO PAVE THE WAY FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR CHILDREN IN INDIA LIVING IN POVERTY Story By Debra Wallace Photos By Johnathan Kraus
Literally. This is why he traded in his career as a teacher in Metuchen in order to create a formidable nonprofit that offers life-changing opportunities to children in India. His compelling story is a heartwarming journey filled with resilience and love, as well as emphasizing the power to make a difference. Founded by Kraus in 2009, the Metuchen-based nonprofit, Love Never Fails International, has helped more than 200,000 children with necessities including education, food, and after-school tutoring during its 14 years. “These are major opportunities that the children need and must have to get out of poverty,” Kraus said. “From access to a quality education, nourishing food at our food banks, and a center in their community to come to play, and grow gives them the confidence to believe in their dreams.”
Former Metuchen-area elementary school teacher Johnathan Kraus is often seen as a modern-day, male version of Mother Theresa for helping India’s poorest children.
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Good Eats Every Time
Kraus said he “felt an unmistakable calling to leave my teaching career in New Jersey [which also included instructing anatomy and physiology at a community college] and go to India; heading to places where poverty looms like a dark cloud.” “I wanted to give children in India -- orphans, street beggars, and those deteriorating in the slums -- inspiration and proven effective tools to become greater than poverty and to assure that they live a life that is filled with joy,” he said.
Breakfast for Lunch & Dinner
THE LASTING IMPACT OF FILM This all started after Kraus watched the 2008 movie Slumdog Millionaire, which tells the story of an 18-year-old boy who goes on an Indian-Hindi version of the reality TV show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and surprises everyone by answering all of the questions correctly; winning nearly $500,000. Based on a novel of the same name, the main character in the movie is accused of cheating and must explain to the police how he accomplished his contest win. He takes them on a journey through his life, filled with challenges, to demonstrate that he never had to cheat. Life provided him with the answers. The movie sheds light on the heart-wrenching impact of poverty in India. “Changing the lives of underprivileged children ignites a deep sense of purpose within me,” explained Kraus. “It's as if I am fulfilling a compassionate calling, destined to help those in need. This is my reason for being, my mission in life.” At the time Kraus envisioned establishing this nonprofit, he had no connections to make any of this happen. But in 2010, after conducting extensive research, and seeking guidance from others in the humanitarian field he took the next step. He fervently rallied support from “kindhearted souls” to aid his nonprofit organization in what he calls “its noble mission” of helping underprivileged children in India from the clutches of poverty.” Kraus uprooted his life and relocated to the heart of India, thus paving the way for a brighter future for children in poverty. see CALLING page 16
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CALLING 08840 from page 15
ONE MAN ON A SERIOUS MISSION TO CHANGE THE WORLD “Through the work of Love Never Fails International,” he explained. “We are changing the lives of children in India, granting them countless opportunities that we often take for granted in the United States.” Through the service of an independent certified public accounting (CPA) firm that reviews its finances, 81% of all donations directly benefits the children. Love Never Fails is committed to making sure that every contribution makes a tangible difference. India is small and versatile, Kraus stated. “We care about the donors and use their money wisely,” he said. “We do all of this so they can be assured that each donation is going to make a positive change in a child’s life.” There are many examples of how Love Never Fails International has helped to transform lives. One of them is Max, a nine-year-old boy who grew up in the slums of Mumbai. “There was sewage seeping into his home in this devastating area where he lived,” explained Kraus. “He came to our center at the beginning and had access to a good education and a positive atmosphere.” What has been the impact on the boy’s life? Max was accepted into a top college in Mumbai, graduated, is working in his field, and has moved out of the slums. “Max is one of our first kids, and we are so proud of him and the others,” Kraus said. “As we continue on with this important work, we strive to motivate the children towards a positive path.” Kraus lived in India for seven years after he got the nonprofit organization on its feet. He has since moved out of the South Asian country that he was called to oh so many years ago, but he continues to travel back to where it all started. So far this year he has been back to India three times, and in 2022 he was there five times. “I need to be actively involved in the day-to-day work to ensure the children are progressing effectively and the mission is being carried out every day,” Kraus explained. After 14 years of operating a life-altering nonprofit, Kraus expresses immense gratitude for how his own life has been transformed. “The work of Love Never Fails International has given me more of an appreciation for being content with what I have – my beautiful son and daughter, a loving supportive family, as well as my education from Rutgers University, which has given me the opportunity to learn and create a better future for children in India,” Kraus said. Kraus’ philanthropic roots run deep. He was influenced as a young child by his favorite Uncle Ed, who did extensive humanitarian work in Thailand, Malaysia, Hungary, and other countries. FALL 2023
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“Poverty is extremely oppressive. Many of the girls are forced to get married at age 13 and have their first baby by the time they are 14, and are given no choice of who they are going to marry,” Kraus said. He believes that by getting involved in the work of Love Never Fails International, new donors will see just how they can make a profound difference for a child in poverty. For a $5 donation, donors can feed a child for two weeks.
LOVE NEVER FAILS INTERNATIONAL TRANSFORMS LIVES “I had heard that money is the key to happiness, but I believe that it is in the act of giving it away that it makes you feel so fortunate in your own life,” Kraus said. “When you are able to help someone, there is no greater joy that comes from this.” The current fundraising campaign is focused on the development of an exciting new children's education center in India. This innovative facility is designed for 70 children and will offer them a stimulating and enriching learning environment. With four spacious and well-equipped classrooms, as well as a dedicated office area, Kraus said this new center is set to be “a beacon of educational excellence.” The overall cost for this remarkable project, including all of the necessary furnishings is $25,000. Kraus believes that each individual can make a significant impact on the lives of others, and he has an abundance of photographs that show this is certainly the case through the work that he does. “When donors see the impact that they are making it is a way to see their donation in action,” explained Kraus. “This is the difference they want to make in the world and that’s our mission,” he said, “to help get kids out of poverty, and to help them receive life-changing opportunities that they desperately need and deserve.” — 08840 For additional information, to make donations or for any questions please contact the nonprofit at: loveneverfailsindia.com or contact Kraus on his email: jkraus@loveneverfailsindia.com or call 1-800783-4157.
Question & Answer COFFEE OR TEA? WHICH DO YOU PREFER? WE ASKED OUR NEIGHBORS, HERE’S WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY!
(L-r) Petra Hegedus, Anushree Sutradhar and Aanya Tripathi. Coffee! We like the flavor, and it wakes us up.
Janette Ramon and her son Jaden Ramon both prefer coffee. Janette says “I grew up with coffee, it’s part of my culture. growing up everywhere you went people would offer you coffee.” Jaden prefers coffee he says “after school, we would get coffee together.” When Jaden was younger, he would get a cookie, and when he got older, he graduated to coffee!
Jon Rabinowitz and his dog Stella. Jon Prefers coffee “that’s what I have always drank. It’s the preferred means of caffeine.”
Susan Clayville and her son Dom Clayville. Dom prefers coffee because it’s hot and it’s nice on a cold day. Susan says “I am more of an iced green tea person because of the antioxidants.”
(L-r) Kaitlyn Joyce, Tiffani Joyce (mom) and Kiera Joyce. Coffee all the way! It’s my pick me up in the morning and I can’t function without it.
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Metuchen on the Move
SINCE 1948
SEPT. 28 TO OCT. 1
Middlesex County Jazz Festival involves performances in Edison, Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, Metuchen and Woodbridge. The Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Sept 28 at Edison’s Papaianni Park located off Route 27 at 100 Municipal Blvd, rain or shine. On Sept. 30, the Festival comes to Halsey Street Station Lot 6 near the Metuchen train station starting at 6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the performances will move to Metuchen High School, 400 Grove Ave.
OCT. 7 – 4-6 P.M.
Metuchen Downtown Alliance (MDA) presents Downtown Rumble on the Town Plaza.
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OCT. 28 – 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
MDA presents Haunted Downtown.
SATURDAYS THROUGH NOVEMBER
Metuchen Farmers Market on Town Plaza, rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit www. metuchenfarmersmarket.org.
NOV. 25
Small Business Saturday.
DEC. 2 – 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
MDA presents its Winter Market.
Creative Ideas Included FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT ARLENE REYES 856.779.3800 EXT.6837 AREYES@NEWSPAPERMEDIAGROUP.COM
08840
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FALL 2023
Fall Registration Is Now Open!
Are You Ready For The Dance Floor?
Hip Hop Acro/Gymnastics Ballet Tap Lyrical and More!
Visit us at jilljustindancealliance.com to register! Tano Mall, 1199 Amboy Avenue, Edison 08837
732-662-9808