Pequannock
& Pompton Plains
REUNITING RESCUED DOGS HIGH SCHOOL HIT ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’ TENNIS, ANYONE? THE HISTORIC PACQUENAC CLUB
PHOTOGRAPH BY DAN PICCOLI
Dog Days, Indeed
I cannot believe it’s August and the dog days of summer have arrived.
There are some pretty lucky pups around here, as you will read in this special edition featuring our fine, furry friends for National Dog Day, August 26. Be sure to check out Pequannock Pets on Facebook and share your favorite pic for a chance to win our September featured pet!
We begin with a Q&A about our local animal shelter and ADOPT. Whether or not you’ve adopted a pet (or want to), you can get involved. Why not donate some time, blankets or pet food? Be on the lookout to donate or shop the organizations’ annual garage sale and you, too, can give back to our local animal community. Every bit helps!
Next, read a heartfelt story about three dogs that were adopted and then reunited
right here in our town. It’s so wonderful to see the proud owners and their pups share their warm and joyous story.
It truly is a top-dogs tale when you read about Besties 4 Paws doggie daycare and more. Gloria and Domingo Silva are truly blessed to do what they love, which is obvious in their fun social media posts and our story. What dog wouldn’t want to go to camp or be pampered there? Services from the Silvas’ team provide furry fun for all—and peace of mind for pet owners!
I’m proud to share the amazing story of our high school production of “Beauty and the Beast.” It truly takes a village to put on a show like this. Meet the director and cast, and dive into all that goes into producing a fine musical like this.
Tennis anyone? How lucky are we to have our very own tennis club in the heart of our town? Check it out and take advantage of the Pacquenac Tennis Club’s halfprice savings this month—the perfect time to join or get back in the swing for the fall season!
Lastly, it’s so wonderful to share the story of our local Rotary’s ninth year of sponsoring our amazing 5K race. The event is just one of the many things the organization does. “Service above self” is its motto, and Rotary members give back so much to our community. Check out the story to learn more and be a part of it all.
Wishing you a wonderful August as we wind down summer for back-to-school and fall. Have an idea, picture or story? Be sure to share! We are a community publication for and about you!
Donna Fillweber Publisher
Pequannock & Pompton Plains MAGAZINE
Editor and Publisher
Donna Fillweber
Art Director
Sue Park
Writers
Danielle Clements
Angela Teta Kohle
Dan Piccoli
Dana Regan
Mary Shumeyko
Debbie Walsh
Photographers
Antonietta Henry
Dan Piccoli
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Executive Editor
Richard Laliberte
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Pequannock & Pompton Plains Magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Pequannock Township, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH
BY DAN PICCOLI
Pet Protectors
Local organizations that help with controlling, sheltering and adopting pets bestow a range of benefits to local animals.
BY ANGELA TETA KOHLE
INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTIANNE MORALES AND PENNY WILD-PERKOWSKI
With August 26 designated as National Dog Day, we sat down with the leaders of two local organizations dedicated to dogs as well as cats and other animals. Christianne Morales, Pequannock Township Animal Control Officer and Animal Shelter Manager, and Penny Wild-Perkowski, ADOPT President, explain how these local groups coordinate for the benefit of our furry friends.
Penny Wild-Perkowski (left) and Christianne Morales with cats from the animal shelter.
Christianne, tell us how the Pequannock Township Animal Shelter and Animal Control work together.
As Animal Control Officer, it is my responsibility to ensure that domestic animals in our community are safe. I am responsible for managing the shelter and for keeping unwanted, abandoned and stray impounded animals healthy, happy and safe until they can find a home. I respond to calls if an animal is injured and work with local sanctuaries if an injured wild animal needs a permanent home.
I am also responsible for enforcing township ordinances and state law. I am on call 24-7 to respond to issues that need my expertise.
Penny, what is ADOPT?
Animal Dignity Organization of Pequannock Township is a group of volunteers who work to enhance the adoptability of animals at the shelter and assist the shelter in providing quality of life for animals in need.
ADOPT raises funds to provide the shelter with things like dog and cat wet food, treats and toys. It pays fees for spaying and neutering stray animals so they can be adopted. It also promotes animals on Facebook and Petfinder and with flyers at local supermarkets.
What are some fundraisers and activities that the shelter and ADOPT have done?
In April, we had a garage sale that raised $3,400 to help provide food and medical care to shelter animals. In May, we joined with ShopRite of Lincoln Park in a donation drive. We recently had a fundraiser at Bardi’s, and Rita’s sponsors a donation drive every year. We are very lucky; the community always responds generously to our fundraisers.
How else do you connect with the community?
In April, we partnered with the library, and children made adoption posters of kittens in the shelter. We also do educational programs in schools. We recently hosted a booth at PrideFest, and this fall we will be at the HoDown.
How can the community help the shelter?
We need volunteers! ADOPT needs new members! Volunteers perform daily chores like sweeping and mopping, giving the animals food and water, changing litter boxes, doing laundry and dishes and much more. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what we do.
Angela Teta Kohle, retired after 35 years of teaching, enjoys volunteering at her church, traveling, reading, baking, walking and working for the family business.
Left: Doors at the animal shelter. Right: The ADOPT booth at PrideFest.
A Furry Family Reunites
Three sibling rescue dogs found separate forever homes—and then found each other once again.
BY DANA REGAN
And God said, “Let us send them without wings so none suspect they are angels.”
This may be a Bible misquote, but God did create dogs for a reason. Although some people may presume that dogs are heavensent, most folks are simply thankful for the presence of “man’s best friend” here on Earth.
Life can be difficult, but coming home to an adorable furry face somehow makes it better. Blood pressure drops, anxiety decreases and smiles spread. Dogs bring joy to the lives of many—so when owners decide to rescue a dog from an unthinkable fate, many wonder: Who rescued whom?
With that, some local pups have a rescue fairytale to share.
Canine Sisters
Picked up somewhere in the Midwest, three Austrian cattle dog/Pomeranian mixes were brought to New Jersey in coordination with the Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter Society (BASS). All from the same litter, these three sisters were about a year old and looking for forever homes.
A BASS-sponsored adoption event at the Petco in Kinnelon was arranged to help these beauties find safe, loving homes. Little did the pooches know just how perfect their lives would turn out.
Brooke Imperatore and her husband, Andrew, were the first to show up. They went to Petco to see a beagle, but when they saw Molly, they fell in love with her. That same day, Molly left behind her two furry sisters and went to her new home.
About a week later, Sharon Foti went looking for a dog to adopt at BASS, where Molly’s two sisters remained. After Labor Day 2018, the Fotis adopted Maggie and were thrilled to have a dog in their home to complete their loving family.
Now one canine sister was remaining, yet her time alone was not long.
A few days later, BethAnn Tobin made her way to the shelter looking to rescue another pup and locked eyes with Millie. There was an immediate connection between the two, so Millie instantly became part of the Tobin family.
Together Again
Now that all three dogs—Molly, Maggie and Millie—had found their forever families, things kept improving.
Thanks to friends, family and
Facebook, a few years later, the three pups were reunited when their owners learned they all lived in the same town!
Today, the dogs enjoy each other’s company often at each other’s homes, on walks and at Woodland Lake. In addition, Molly works as a service dog with teens at a local high school.
The reuniting of these three adorable sisters shows that perhaps a divine hand works for the good of hearts and paws alike. All three of these loving families want their neighbors to know how wonderful it feels to rescue a dog needing a home.
The Good Book does say, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, thereby some have entertained angels unawares”—and this possibly could be referring to our angels without wings.
From left: Sharon Foti and Maggie; BethAnn Tobin and Millie; Brooke Imperatore and Molly.
Gelato 23 GRAND OPENING
Devoted to Dogs
At Besties 4 Paws, Gloria and Domingo Silva provide safe fun for dogs and peace of mind for pet owners.
Gloria and Domingo Silva are the proud owners of Besties 4 Paws, a full-service doggie day care, where they pledge to love your furbaby as their own. There, your pets will be treated to a fun and secure setting during the day or at doggie camp adventures, so “pawrents” can enjoy time away without worry.
Located in the Pompton Plains Clock Tower Shopping Center just off the Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Besties 4 Paws is a massive, 3,400-square-foot space where, at any given time, you can
BY DAN PICCOLI
find dogs of all sizes having fun, running and playing.
Both Gloria and Domingo are retired Passaic firefighters (thank you for your service!) and lifelong dog lovers. After losing a beloved toy fox terrier named Gucci, the Silvas fulfilled their dream of building a loving environment for dogs to enjoy that would give pet owners peace of mind, knowing their animals were being well cared for.
“We have been in business for eight years, with the last three years here in Pompton Plains,” Gloria says. “We love
being part of the Pequannock Township community. When we opened our business here, we were immediately welcomed and quickly found the town to be a super-dog-friendly community.”
As a holiday-season thank-you to the entire community, customers and their dogs were invited to place luminarias along the walking path to create a beautiful and evocative winter scene. It was a great opportunity for interaction and was so successful that the Silvas plan to make it an annual event, open to the public.
Gloria (left) and Domingo Silva enjoy time with one of their four-legged friends. Opposite page: Throughout the year, Besties 4 Paws throws costume theme parties that are a highlight for customers and pets.
Expertise and Affection
Visitors to Besties 4 Paws are buzzed in, as the doors are always locked. Once inside, you will likely be greeted by Harvey, a handsome beagle, lazing on the couch and Jett, “the CEO,” a whippet peeking out from behind a computer monitor.
Harvey is a longtime patron and once suffered from high anxiety. Today he is a relaxed dog, with many of these positive changes attributed to the Silvas and the Besties 4 Paws team.
Doggie day care is the establishment’s main focus, but Besties 4 Paws also offers a variety of services, including costume photo shoots, grooming, bathing, pickup/drop-off services in their doggie bus, a treadmill to help with anxiety and exercise, and unique doggie camp adventures including nature walks and swimming.
Besties 4 Paws employs a team of six, including family, affectionately referred to as the Paw Team, with each member selected based on experience, knowledge and doggie expertise. Love of animals is the key factor in being a part of the Besties 4 Paws family.
When asked what her proudest moments with Besties 4 Paws have been, Gloria quickly responds, “Every day when I walk into our business, I could cry. I am super grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by our Paw teammates, our four-legged friends and our awesome customers.”
The interaction between the team, customers and dogs is priceless, full of genuine affection, respect and love. Clients are appreciative of the care and handling that pets receive, and this motivates the entire Paw Team.
Top: A lot of fun and interaction goes on in the playroom as members of the Paw Team hang with their canine buddies. Bottom: Erin Arsenault, a Paw Team member, washes down a pooch using only pet-safe shampoo and equipment.
Giving Back
The Silvas also manage a nonprofit that assists people in need with pet-related support such as food, care and, if necessary, shelter—an operation that is aptly named Besties LOVE 4 Paws. “I just love animals, [so] this is not work for me” says Gloria.
The couple’s passion to help those in need extends well beyond pets. Recently, the Silvas traveled with their church group to Venezuela to help feed a local community.
And in 2018, Gloria published a children’s picture book! Inspired by true events, “Through the Eyes of a Sato” tells the story of a dog abandoned in Puerto Rico just when a hurricane threatened the island. It’s
a fantastic read and can be purchased on the Besties 4 Paws website.
In wrapping up a conversation, Gloria summarizes an outlook underlying the couple’s efforts, adding with heartfelt emotion: “Walk in as a customer, leave as a friend.”
Besties 4 Paws offers dog owners a friendly, welcoming environment. It is family-owned and operated with a commitment to quality and a passion for animals, especially dogs. It’s located at 574 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, with plenty of parking available. To learn more, call Besties 4 Paws at 973-727-0030 or visit its website at https:// besties4paws.com.
Dan Piccoli is a regular contributor to Pequannock & Pompton Plains and is the owner of 4 Shore Photography LLC.
The cast and crew of Pequannock Township High School’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Back row, from left: Jonathan Seeber, Ben Santana, Isabella King, Taylor Cooper, Kendra Meyer, Elizabeth Budesheim, Hanna Sisler, Matthew Bulger, Kiley McGowan, Hailey Colicchio, Rafael Fajardo, Caroline Budesheim, Analee Santana, Aubrey Lenz, Mary Ference, Shannon Sittig, Laney Scillia, Zoe Piroh, Grace Dolan and Molly Spillane. Front row, from left: Andrew Meyer, Cadence O’Connor, Jacob Golbek, Christina Dewey, Victoria Falzarano, Andy Cusimano, Alex Nacion, Mia Tammaro, Madelyn Henry, Megan Henry, Gabby Rodriguez, Kaitlyn O’Brien, Sean Fournier and Joshua Brandom.
Be Our Guest
Pequannock High School Music Department’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” broke audience records.
BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS
The Pequannock Township High School (PTHS) Music Department debuted its spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast” at three separate performances in April, to three packed houses.
The jammed seats were an appreciated counterpoint to slight concerns over getting people in the door that the production’s director, William Arnold, briefly mentioned in an interview prior to the shows. He expressed his appreciation for all who shared posts on social media and for the district superintendent’s office for distributing a special email about the production.
Whether due to the power of social media, email, word of mouth or simply the promise of a magical Disney production, Arnold’s concerns quickly proved unfounded. In fact, “Beauty and the Beast” broke audience attendance records for a PTHS spring musical even before the third performance.
Arnold had really wanted the hardworking cast and crew to enjoy a lively audience. “We’re hoping for a lot of younger kids in the audience,” Arnold remarked before the performances. Those hopes were met with success as kids filled the seats and had audible reactions to what was happening onstage. Audience enjoyment was palpable.
PHOTOGRAPHS
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
A Community Effort
Arnold is now in his seventh year as the vocal and theater teacher at PTHS. He teaches a variety of music classes and directs both the choir and an award-winning acapella group, the Nocktaves.
“I always try to help kids understand the fun of really working hard on something,” he says—“a lot of hard work, a lot of thought, a lot of rehearsal time. The performances are wonderful—applause and laughter—but the process with the students is the most important thing to me; that’s the real joy.”
Joy was on full display as the student performers sang and danced their hearts out, earning laughs, gasps, applause and standing ovations.
As many people familiar with “Beauty and the Beast” know, it opens with a narrator explaining how the prince became a beast, then moves into a small-town scene where we meet Belle, the beauty of the title.
In this production, two unique elements that were included in the opening scene/song came from the community.
Lights came up on the narrator reading to children from a beautiful, oversized, handmade storybook that was created by resident Megan Henry. This storybook contributed to a sense that audience members were in for something special.
In addition, four young children from the audience were brought on stage to hear the story and participate in the opening scene. Each child was assigned to shadow a particular actor for that opening song, bringing to life innocence and wonder.
Arnold seemed truly excited by these two additions, expressing gratitude for Henry’s creativity and appreciation for the kids’ participation.
Top, from left: Michele Crefeld, assistant director; Savannah Moody, stage manager/costumes; Kelsie Daniels, choreographer; and William Arnold, director/producer. Bottom: The do-all duo for sound, Christine (left) and Rob Meyer.
Adding Production Value
Budgets for spring musicals are often tight, creating a lot of work for costumers and volunteer set designers. This time, Arnold really “wanted to have a ‘wow’ factor.”
The department was able to “rent professionally-made flats on wheels, which the cast wheeled in and out,” Arnold says. “They’re really cool.” The innovation, along with the talented cast, gave the production a highly professional feel.
Arnold also was able to bring in a choreographer named Kelsie Daniels, who has her own studio and has worked with Arnold over the years. She currently directs productions at Butler High School, but years ago, Arnold directed her in “Tarzan” at the Rosen Performing Arts Center in Wayne.
The two title roles in “Beauty and the Beast” were played by powerhouse actors Kiley McGowan (Belle) and Matthew Bulger (the Beast). Talented and hilarious standouts included Andy Cusimano as Gaston, expertly exaggerating his movements and bellowing his voice, and Rafael Fajardo as Lumiere, the once-human, nowcandlestick host of the castle who never gave up his dream of returning to his original form.
Arnold spoke highly of all the students in the show and those behind the scenes, praising their hard work and dedication. He talked about the challenges of teaching the actors the correct pacing while rehearsing without a live audience.
During those rehearsals, he says, he would laugh out loud at funny
moments to help cast members anticipate their timing in response to audience reactions. “The funny thing is, I am a laugher, so I [was] still laughing during the performances,” he says.
“These kids are so talented; they do make me laugh. They’re always adding some small toppers to bring out their character and add to the drama, so it is fun to watch.”
Arnold stresses the importance of getting students involved in shows.
“There is a big drop-off between middle school and high school,” he says. “Kids can get lost in the shuffle and can fall between the cracks. There should be all kinds of kids in the play.”
Keep an eye out for the Summer Theatre production of “Rock of Ages.” You won’t want to miss it.
Pequannock resident Danielle Clements is a lucky wife, mom to two awesome boys, a dog lover (especially her beloved Bowie) and a communications professional.
Left: Playing the title characters of “Beauty and the Beast” are Kiley McGowan (Belle) and Matthew Bulger (Beast). Bottom: The enchanted rose on the production’s set.
Tennis, Anyone?
Pacquenac Tennis Club serves up opportunities for play, coaching and social gatherings that are the toast of the town.
BY DEBBIE WALSH
All four courts at Pacquenac Tennis Club are active with current and future members at a recent open-house event.
You could say tennis is a game where love means nothing in the heat of competition—unless referring to the score. But tennis meant something more to the organizers of the Pacquenac Tennis Club (PTC), who oversaw the installation of tennis courts where potatoes once grew. This hidden gem still sits in the same serene residential neighborhood picked out by its founders in 1914. Nestled between Manor and Sherman avenues in Pompton Plains, PTC is the area’s best-kept secret. With a baseline of about 85 members, the club aims at netting additional
tennis enthusiasts before this season reaches its peak.
Bob Reich, a 55-year PTC member, started playing tennis in high school and has never put down his racket. When he retired from a career as a broadcast executive at age 60, he turned tennis into his vocation.
A former tennis coach at Mount St. Dominic Academy and Caldwell University, Reich has served PTC in variety of capacities, including club president, newsletter writer and director of the club’s Junior Tennis Academy for 26 years.
He still actively participates
in the club, where he holds the distinction of being a permanent member. Securing a defibrillator from Chilton Medical Center, bringing on Johnathan Le as head pro and winning the club’s men’s singles championship at age 50 are among his proudest accomplishments.
“This is the crown jewel of the township,” Reich says. “The dues were $40 a family when I joined. We had the biggest social event in town back then—a spring dance with a fivecourse meal and a five-piece band. Women dressed up and men wore jackets and ties.”
A SHORT HISTORY OF PACQUENAC TENNIS
• 1914: Nine families under the leadership of Richard Seaman meet to discuss the start of a tennis club.
• 1917: Two lots are purchased on Sherman Avenue for courts 1 and 2.
• 1922: Two adjoining lots to the east are purchased for courts 3 and 4.
• 1930: The club’s first newsletter is printed.
• 1935: Umpire stands are erected. Property on Manor Avenue is purchased for a parking lot.
An Evolving Club
Playing on red clay courts—which offer a more forgiving surface than more commonly available coated concrete or asphalt courts—ranks among the top reasons PTC members love their club. Members also enjoy player camaraderie and regular round-robin competitions.
A witness to positive change, Reich endorses a more inclusive approach to membership that has developed over the years. He recalls being unable to join PTC when he first moved to Pequannock because the club limited membership to Pompton Plains residents. Today, PTC members hail from more than 30 different communities.
When Helene Scott inquired about joining PTC in 1983, she found that she could secure an associate membership if her husband, Howard, joined. Associate memberships for women were commonplace back then.
Beyond the club’s shift toward inclusivity, tennis itself has seen
significant advancements in equipment technology over the years. For instance, when Scott joined PTC, she was wearing Wimbledon white, hitting white tennis balls and swinging her trusty wooden racket. Graphite rackets started gripping the tennis nation in the early 1980s.
“When we moved here, I was teaching adult school and had young kids,” Scott says. “I wanted to join a club that had organized tennis so I would not have to try and find someone to play with each time.” With two round-robins available a week, “I can just go and play,” she says. “I really like that aspect of it. We also have a lot of nice social events. It’s very familylike. Our kids grew up playing.”
Another member, Todd Crane, had played tennis in his youth but drifted from the sport in adulthood. After moving to West Milford more than 15 years ago, he rekindled his interest. The allure of clay courts, a laid-back atmosphere and round-robin opportunities makes membership renewal an easy choice for him.
• 1939: Members build a porch and locker room.
• 1943: Members dig a four-foot-deep trench and install a pipe to connect to the town’s water system.
• 1956: A capital fund is started with $100.
• 1961: The clubhouse is extended to include an anteroom containing a restroom.
• 1963: Cyclone fencing replaces chicken wire fencing.
• 1971: The wooden clubhouse is demolished and the current clubhouse is erected under the direction of PTC member Harry Gerstenmaier.
• 1976: A sprinkler system is installed.
• 1978: The club adopts an emblem designed by local high school student Sue Neill.
• 1982: The Art Worden scholarship is created. The Worden family generously donated their time and talents to the club.
From left: Joanne Nasto, recently elected to the board, comments that Pacquenac Tennis Club courts are well maintained. Current president Mark Kass shares that the club is a friendly place to both enjoy tennis and socialize. Cathy Sheldon, current board secretary, has been a member since 2012. Tom Moore has been a member for 24 years. All enjoy their time at the club.
New Programs
Dedicated to revitalizing membership and programs, PTC president Mark Kass feels new members and young families can inject new energy and ensure the club’s longevity.
Improvements to tennis and social programs show the club’s commitment to providing members a well-rounded experience.
In addition to Junior Tennis Academy, PTC will run junior tennis clinics throughout the summer, and a new instructional program is being offered to high school girls. Certain programs are open to nonmembers as well.
Adult additions include clinics and a “stroke of the week” program. The club has expanded its popular round-robin offerings to provide more opportunities for members to play.
New social events include an early season mixer, movie nights and evening meals. These new PTC happenings supplement the club’s wellattended annual breakfast, barbecues and Friendship Tournament.
Though evolving, the club has never strayed from the mission authored by its founders “to promote interest in the game of tennis, outdoor sports, civic work and sociability among its members.”
A single membership costs $450. A recently added family membership totals $550, and a junior membership runs $100.
The 10-session Junior Tennis Academy began on June 24 and runs $140 for the first child and $70 for each additional child in the same family.
Trial memberships are available in the spring. Starting August 1, the club has a 50 percent discount on membership. Call for details or visit www.pacquenactennisclub.com.
Debbie Walsh has 30 years of experience writing for various newspaper publications and more recently as a ghost blogger. A semiretired sports mom, she enjoys dining out with friends, reading and playing golf in her spare time.
Right: Cathy Dondiego, a longtime member of the club, demonstrates her strong overhead serve.
Below: Charles Epstein, a 22-year member, offers an aggressive forearm return.
Running the Rotary 5K
Whether hoofing the route or planning ahead, it takes many hands—and feet—to make this annual event a success.
BY MARY SHUMEYKO
It’s Sunday June 9, and the Rotary 5K is about to begin.
The 3.1-mile run/walk, held each June, offers a fast, flat event that invites seasoned runners as well as first-time participants and young families.
First organized in the 1990s, the course has been used yearly by different groups, with Rotary hosting its ninth event.
The 5K takes effort not only on race day but also in the weeks and months beforehand as organizers plan and prepare. Then comes the big day.
Opposite page: Ready, set, go! Nearly 300 runners begin the 3.1-mile race. Above: Rotarians Cary Adler and Ernie Pizza prepare the DJ tent. Right top: Race organizers (from left) Janet Cassidy, Herb Hamilton and Dr. Shreyens Shah meet to plan this year’s event. Right bottom: Prepping snacks for finishers are (from left) Theresa Cecylija, Doug Cook, Patty Odenbrett and Larry Steimel.
Race Time!
The preparations pay off as the event gets underway. Here’s how the day unfolds.
• 7 a.m.: Race organizers Janet Cassidy, Herb Hamilton and Dr. Shreyens Shah are double-checking last-minute details—the course is marked, registration is ready, snacks are being prepared. At the DJ tent, motivating music is playing.
• 7:30 a.m.: Runners, walkers and spectators are pouring in. They gather for the national anthem and last-minute instructions.
• 8 a.m.: They’re off and running! This year, nearly 300 participants have joined to give their best—that is, their best athletic efforts and their best in monetary donations.
• 8:15 a.m.: Rob Albano, a former Pequannock resident, is once again first over the finish line, followed by 280 other runners and walkers—all proud of their accomplishments.
• 9:30 a.m.: Awards are presented. This year’s winners were Pequannock resident Courtney Nebesnak in the female category and Albano, who praises the run. “I will never miss this race!” he says. “It’s a great course and a well-planned event.”
‘Service Above Self’ Profits from the run event support the Pequannock Valley Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding scholarships, providing community support and assisting those in need.
Echoing its motto “service above self,” the foundation has provided substantial donations since its inception in 1953.
The group meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Bardi’s Restaurant to collaborate on service projects, educational efforts and welfare activities. Many meetings are community events themselves, such as lunches honoring scholarship recipients.
Rotary holds other major fundraising events as well. A golf outing takes place in September at Meadows Golf Course in Lincoln Park. Usually sold out, proceeds are shared with the Friends and Family for Freedom Fund, which supports families of wounded veterans.
A newer endeavor is Comedy Night, held in winter at the American Legion Hall in Lincoln Park.
Thank you, Rotarians, for everything you do! For more information and details on other ways to help this amazing organization, visit https://pequannockvalleyrotary.org.
Mary Shumeyko is a retired Pequannock teacher who helps at her church and the Pequannock Library. Traveling, running, reading and spending time with family fill her free time.
Left: Rob Albano, overall winner this year and in multiple past years, receives his trophy from Herb Hamilton.
Right: Courtney Nebesnak, first female overall, holds her trophy.
Purple coneflowers make a summertime splash, especially in this spectacular shot captured by Maureen Brain—an image that raises the question: Where would we “bee” without pollinators?
