Pequannock August 2023

Pequannock

COMMUNITY GARDENS

GROWING GOOD VIBES

100+ YEARS OF LOCAL EDUCATION

ARTIE PASQUALE

‘THE SOPRANOS’ AND BEYOND

CORRECTION: We regret an error in our July “Get Fresh!” story: Todd and Mitzy Vanderwekke of Twins Hobbee (honey) are not twins but, in fact, husband and wife. And we should have mentioned that Todd’s twin brother, Jason Vanderwekke, is also involved in the business.

ON

Pickleball has a growing number of fans, including the players on our cover, Jen Hardie, Simon Hardie, Greg Dabice and Courtney Brown.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAN PICCOLI

A Month to Treasure

Pequannock & Pompton Plains MAGAZINE turned “gangster actor.” You’re bound to notice his autographed photos in local restaurants and watch his movies now that you have formally met him here!

Did you know our Pequannock and Pompton Plains residents play pickleball and have a league of their own? Learn more about the craze and why it’s so popular all over the world--and in our own back yard. I am anxious to learn and get in on the action, too.

Haven’t biked the neighborhood or new Pompton Valley Rail Trail? You will surely be inspired to do so after reading Tom Solej’s article. He offers routes and suggestions to keep you not only challenged but safe along the way.

Editor & Publisher

Donna Fillweber

Art Director Sue Park

Copy Editor

Nancy Fass

Writers

Danielle Clements

Greg Dabice

Angela Teta Kohle

Thomas Solej

Debbie Walsh

W. Jay Wanczyk

Photographer

Dan Piccoli

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Ahhh… August! It’s still summer, yet “back to school” and fall are upon us. My hope is you will soak up every ounce of sunshine and treasure this time outdoors with friends and family and continue to make the most of your summer.

This month we are proud to share images from and details about our local gardens. Watch us grow at the Pequannock Township Community Garden on Farm Road, Sunset Community Garden on Sunset Road and Chilton Garden near the hospital on West Parkway. Each garden tells a story and reaps so much joy for participants.

Read all about our local, retired gym teacher

BY DAN PICCOLI

It’s almost time for “back to school.” How appropriate for our local historian W. Jay Wanczyk to share our past, covering that very subject about our town. Read on to learn about where it all started.

As always, thank you for your warm wishes and reception to Pequannock & Pompton Plains magazine. We are overjoyed with the responses, ideas and sense of community it has elicited.

I am grateful for the team of writers, photographers, advertisers and village at Wainscot Media that makes this amazing magazine a reality for all of us.

Be sure to stay in the know and like and follow us on all social media platforms. Reach out to share ideas, photos and your businesses @ pequannockmagazine.com.

We are a community magazine for and about YOU.

Donna Fillweber Publisher

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden Pequannock

PHOTOGRAPH

Around Town

A Great Way to Make New Friends for Those 55+

Disc 55 (Drop In Senior Center) is a group for nearby neighbors 55 and up. It holds various activities during the year, many with guest speakers. Meetings take place at the Pequannock Senior Center, located at 530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike next to Town Hall. New members are always welcome.

Disc 55’s senior picnic takes place on Sunday, September 17, from noon to 4 p.m. It will include a barbecue, games and more. The per-person cost is $12, which covers food, beverages and dessert. For more information, call president Debbie De Lucca at 201-478-2281.

ANIMAL SHELTER WISH LIST

The Pequannock Animal Shelter (11 Washington St., Pompton Plains; 973-835-3980) wants to provide shelter pets the quality care they deserve. You can help by donating items the shelter needs, which currently includes the following:

• Dog and cat food (contact the shelter for specific brands and types)

• Dog and cat treats

• Small litter boxes

• Gift cards to Chewy, ShopRite and Amazon

• Checks payable to ADOPT

2 PIZZAS FOR $19.99 ~ TAKE OUT ONLY!

BYOB Come enjoy one of our Signature Dishes; Chicken & Shrimp Pequannock, Zuppa Di Pesce, Santa Lucia, Chicken Milanese, Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast and more... at our cozy, family restaurant.

CATERING FOR ALL

Be sure to order our award-winning Tiramisu for dessert!

Around Town

BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL

It’s almost time for fall sports to get underway at Pequannock Township High School. Support all your favorite teams! Here is a rundown of opening games and matches:

• Varsity Football:

August 31, 5 p.m., at Boonton

• Girls Tennis:

September 5, 4 p.m., Whippany Park at home

• Boys Soccer:

September 7, 4 p.m., at Morris Catholic

• Girls Volleyball:

September 7, 5 p.m., Whippany Park at home

• Field Hockey:

September 8, 4 p.m., Parsippany Hills at home

• Girls Soccer:

September 8, 4 p.m., Dover at home

• Cross Country:

September 9, at Darlington Park, Mahwah

THURSDAY NIGHT TREATS

Come on down to Just a Little Something at 591 Newark-Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains for dessert waffles, crepes, brownies and more, every Thursday night 5 to 9 p.m. through September. Try one of their 16 flavor combinations or build your own! Gluten free options available.

NO MORE EMPTY BOWLS

The purpose of the Community Partners for Hope Empty Bowls Project, an international movement, is to raise funds for local food charities and educate people around issues of poverty and hunger in their communities. A special Empty Bowls dinner will be held on November 5 in Friendship Hall at the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains where, for a donation, guests will gather and eat a simple meal of soup and bread, then choose a ceramic bowl to bring home as a keepsake and reminder of the hunger that exists. Guests will sit together, eat their meals and learn about how their donations will help to fill the truly empty bowls of people less fortunate around town. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Pequannock Food Pantry and Grains of Hope. Please sign up at emptybowls23.eventbrite.com.

‘The Sopranos’ and Beyond

Television and film actor—and Pompton Plains resident for more than 30 years—Artie Pasquale talks luck, perseverance and gratitude.

BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS

“The Sopranos” is considered one of the best series in history. Was that role a highlight?

It was a great experience. I befriended David Chase [creator of “The Sopranos”] way back and would tell him stories about all the wise guys in Providence. As they say, the rest is history. I pinch myself knowing how lucky I was to be part of it.

You recently visited a very ill Sopranos fan suffering from ALS. Was that significant to you?

You never know what feeling you can bring to someone. If I could bring him a little encouragement, and “life,” so to speak, why shouldn’t I? I try to make time to give back—maybe that’s the way I was brought up.

You’ve remained friends with fellow Sopranos alums. Is that common?

Sometimes you develop friendships with the people you’re working with, and rarely, long-term relationships. Steven Van Zandt has a framed picture of the scene where he strangled me, (laughing) so he can see me every day.

Most gratifying role?

“I’ve been a mobster, a lawyer, a detective, a priest,” says Artie Pasquale, best known for his role as gangster Burt Gervasi in “The Sopranos.” Growing up in an Italian neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island, Pasquale was an athlete with a fascination for film. Since his work on “The Sopranos,” he has appeared in more than 70 films. A former high school teacher and coach, Pasquale holds a master’s degree in physical education and administration from New York University. Yet, it is crystal clear that acting is his passion.

It was a short play called “Mama’s Chair” by Vincent Pastore. Emotionally it was draining. With film, you do it two to three times to move cameras, change lighting. It’s a whole different world, theater.

You won two best supporting actor awards, IndieFEST Film Awards and Best Shorts Competition, for the film, “We Remember.”

That was probably one of my best performances: a dying father making amends with his son. I learned a lot from the director (John Gallagher). A lot of this business is learning to work with the styles of different writers and directors.

INTERVIEW WITH ARTIE PASQUALE

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Pequannock has wonderful music programs. What advice would you give students pursuing performing arts?

Once you start, persevere. You’ll have more downs than ups but stick with it. Get involved in local theater groups. Look for film students who need actors. You never know who’s going to see that film.

Your career brings you all around the country. What is it about Pequannock?

I miss the hustle and bustle of a city like Providence, but Pequannock is a nice small town—people tend to know each other. We’re surrounded by squirrels, deer, nice people, and (laughs) a visitation from an occasional bear or two. Where else would I want to live?

Pequannock resident Danielle Clements is a wife, a mom to two awesome boys and a communications professional. She loves family, friends, dogs (especially her beloved Bowie), concerts and writing.

RECENT PROJECTS

Some of Artie Pasquale’s most recent work includes roles in:

“Cocoa” (2023)

“The Families Feud” (2023)

“Old Man Jackson” (2023)

“Tulsa King” (2023)

“MobKing” (2022)

Clockwise from top left, Artie Pasquale with Eric Roberts in “Camp Joy,” with Sylvester Stallone in the television series “Tulsa King” and in “Brooklyn Banker.”

Growing Good Vibes

Pequannock’s community

gardens thrive thanks to local support, dedicated volunteers and lots of green thumbs.

BY DEBBIE WALSH

In a town with a rich farming history, it is no wonder several community gardens have sprouted up on Pequannock’s fertile plains. Rooted in sustainability and healthy eating trends, community gardens also plant the seeds of contentment, friendship, collaboration and even personal growth.

The Pequannock Township Community Garden (PTCG), the Sunset Community Garden and Chilton Garden are three places where local planters connect with their community and Mother Earth. Of the three, the PTCG has the bragging rights for having been around the longest. The Jersey tomato, which helps put the garden in Garden State, thrives in all three community gardens.

Pequannock Township Community Garden

Pequannock & Pompton Plains magazine caught up with Loretta Terraneo of the PTCG Committee to see how the community garden took root. The garden, which is under the auspices of the town’s parks and recreation department, is fittingly located on Farm Road. It dates back to 2009 when community members and Boy Scouts ready for Eagle Scout projects started the ball rolling.

The garden had a rocky start when concrete was discovered at the site, which made digging almost impossible. The installation of raised beds solved the problem. Today, there are 62 plots. Tomatoes, beans and zucchini are among the leading crops. Gardeners can grow taller plants like corn but must stick to the six-foot height limitation to prevent throwing shade on neighboring plots. The gardeners are excited about the prospect of the local food pantry enacting “fresh” days when they can share their locally grown

produce. The garden might see a native plant area added to the property in the future.

“Even though we really do not advertise the garden because we do not have any space open, we still have a waiting list,” says Terraneo. “It’s very popular.”

So, what kinds of threats do gardens face? Though a bear unsuccessfully tried to scale the garden’s fence, the biggest garden pests are of a smaller variety— chipmunks, birds and rabbits. Disease can quickly spread and wipe out crops, so gardeners are vigilant about controlling weeds and disease. There are costs associated with operating the garden. Luckily, garden volunteers have cultivated good relationships with local businesses, which have been generous. The garden property backs up to Van Wingerden Greenhouses and Alan Van Wingerden, now retired, offered his support to the community garden.

Top Left: Joseph Jorgensen harvesting garlic. Bottom Left: Three generations of gardeners: Zofia Hasaj with her daughter Kathy Denman and granddaughter Alexandra. Bottom Right: Andrea Noto harvesting lettuce and tomatoes for her salad.

Sunset Community Garden

When one door closes, another opens. In 2019, Grace Bible Church made the painful decision to end its ministry at its Sunset Road location. The Chapel, which developed a close relationship with Grace Bible Church, acquired the vacated church and established the Sunset Ministry Center there. With inside church renovations finished, Pastor Paul Klouse, who confesses to having a bit of a green thumb, turned his attention to the outside sunlit field. The pastor envisioned a garden tended by church members with special needs.

An idea is only an idea if not implemented. So next came the tough part. Klouse and his team secured permits and initiated the design phase, which called for 17 beds raised and far enough apart to accommodate wheelchairs. The installation of fencing and a sprinkler system followed. Joe Lelinho, Liberty Science Center’s beekeeper, supplied the know-how and some beehives for the creation of an apiary for bees and honey. Companies generously donated or discounted goods and services.

Klouse sees how the horticulturists love the tactile nature of gardening and benefit from spending the day outdoors. Their favorite plantings include tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, strawberries and a variety of flowers. In addition to learning gardening skills, the growers have learned how to be stewards of the environment. The garden is organic with pesticides banned and waste composted.

“Our gardeners get to keep some of what they grow for themselves and in keeping with our values, they donate food to their neighbors,” says Klouse. “It makes them feel so good to do that. The pride they have in their plants is unbelievable. It adds value to their lives.”

What is next for the Sunset Community Garden? Plans are already underway for the planting of an orchard on a 100 X 175-foot section of land adjacent to the garden. In keeping with being a good neighbor, the pastor plans an aesthetically pleasing project with curb appeal.

Chilton Garden

Dedicated in memory of Matt Simon, a Chilton Medical Center cafeteria employee, Chilton Garden opened in Fall 2021. Matt lost his life to COVID-19 on Christmas Eve in 2020 at age 74. Hospital staff members thought it was fitting to name a garden after a team member who brought a sandwich and smile to customers day in and day out.

So, how did Chilton Garden come about? According to Bill Daniels, Chilton’s director of operations, employees expressed interest in a garden and growing wholesome food; positive activities for employees support the hospital’s commitment to healthy living and wellness. Along the way, dedicating the garden to Matt’s memory came into play.

“Matt was known for his big smile. He greeted regulars by their names when they walked in and knew what they normally wanted for lunch,” says Daniels. “Everybody liked Matt. He went above and beyond.”

Though a contractor built the garden, employees, led by security officer Bob Martello, do the weeding, planting and maintenance. These volunteer planters often buddy up and enjoy the communal feel of working together. Tomatoes, cucumbers, a variety of peppers, eggplant and herbs grow in the garden.

“What we harvest, we bring back into the hospital. We had a great Eggplant Parmigiana Day. It was an enormous success. We notified everyone that it was happening, and our chefs did a wonderful job of preparing it. It was nice for employees to see the fruits of their labor. People really seem to enjoy being part of this,” says Daniels. “We are extremely proud of our garden. It may not be the largest garden in the world, but it was built with love and purpose. People are proud of the work they are doing and dedicating it to Matt made it so meaningful to a lot of us.”

Debbie Walsh has 30 years of experience writing for various newspapers and, more recently, as a ghost blogger. She enjoys dining out with friends, reading and playing golf.

Above: Pastor Paul Klouse of The Chapel in the church’s Sunset Community Garden. Right: Christina Brino of Pompton Plains, who planted a sensory garden bed, with her service dog, Wings, and her friend Sarah Siroka.

EAGLE SCOUTS KEEP PEQUANNOCK TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY GARDEN GROWING

Aspiring Eagle Scouts helped get The Pequannock Township Community Garden off the ground and the fruits of their labor remain key components at the Farm Road parcel. Several Boy Scout Eagle projects have cropped up at the garden since its inception:

• Matt Can of Troop 144 oversaw the construction of the original raised garden beds. (2009)

• Jordan Lohn of Troop 144 supervised the installation of fencing around the perimeter of the garden. (2009)

• Michael Thumann of Troop 144 managed the construction of a wooden information kiosk. (2011)

• Vincent Terraneo of Troop 79 outfitted the garden with a limited mobility area. (2015)

• Andrew Terraneo of Troop 79 led the building of an apiary for bees and honey, although apiary use was scrapped after the project’s completion when concerns arose for those with bee-sting allergies. (2018)

Aspiring Eagle Scouts helped build Pequannock Township Community Garden.

Above: Shalem Santa Cruz, Kayla Martello, Bob Martello and Dawn Siek. Right: Bob Martello and Bill Daniels

BY

Pequannock’s Hottest New Sport

In September 2022, courts at Greenview Park were resurfaced and lined for the dual purposes of tennis and pickleball. From that point on, the pickleball craze that is sweeping America took off in Pequannock Township. But what is pickleball and where did it come from?

While the sport’s roots in Pequannock go back about a decade, its origins date to Washington State and the summer of 1965, when three friends—U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell—sought a fun outdoor activity for their children on picturesque Bainbridge Island. They gave birth to pickleball by combining elements of badminton, tennis and ping-pong.

Joan, who thought the combination of sports was akin to pickle boats in crew, which comprised leftover oarsmen from other boats.

Pickleball became an instant hit not only with children but also adults. Its popularity grew first in the friends’ neighborhood, then throughout western Washington. By 1972, demand for pickleball equipment such as paddles, balls and nets had surged so much that Pritchard and his friends founded Pickleball Inc., marking a new era for the game.

BY GREG DABICE

The name pickleball was either derived from Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, or coined by Pritchard’s wife,

By 1975, intrigued articles about the sport started appearing in publications like the National Observer and Tennis magazine, and pickleball continued its growth across the United States and even around the globe.

The pickleball craze that’s sweeping the nation brings local people together for fun, fitness and friendship.

Paddle in hand, Greg Dabice prepares to hit an incoming ball on a Greenview Park court, which has been lined for both pickleball and tennis.

Simple, Fun and Healthy

The secret to pickleball’s popularity lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It is easy to learn, making it ideal for beginners and people of all ages. The social nature of the game fosters a sense of community, as players make new friends and connect with others in the pickleball community.

Pickleball isn’t just fun, it’s also beneficial. Players often improve cardiovascular health, enhance hand-eye coordination and even reduce depression. The game provides low-impact exercise—perfect for older adults or those with joint issues—yet still offers a good workout.

Pickleball can also be played both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile, year-round activity regardless of weather. Above all, pickleball is inclusive. People of all ages, fitness levels and abilities can enjoy its physical exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction and—most important—fun.

By 2022, the number of pickleball players reached 8.9 million in the United States, surpassing older sports like softball and volleyball. Manufacturers raced to meet demand for balls and paddles while others looked to build new courts or even entire destinations catering to the pickleball set.

Today, the pop-pop-popping of pickleballs across the country shows little sign of letting up—including in Pequannock Township.

Jen Hardie, Simon Hardie, Courtney Brown and Greg Dabice enjoy the friendly competition, exercise and social aspects of pickleball.

Growing at Greenview

Pickleball’s first roots in Pequannock can be traced to our high school’s gym class, where the activity has been an option for at least 10 to 12 years. About six years ago, the Parks and Recreation Department first attempted to bring the sport to the broader local population by purchasing nets and marking lines at Greenview Park. The nets were short-lived but served their purpose in helping the township realize this up-and-coming sport deserved attention.

With the 2022 court resurfacing at Greenview Park, pickleball truly arrived in Pequannock. Realizing the need for organization, Tim Gitin and Adriana Costa started a Thursday night league through the Parks and Recreation Department. The first spring league of 24 teams filled up in just five hours!

Not everyone wants to play in a league, so Dave Vasilenko and Simon Hardie of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee started openplay nights, with Greenview courts reserved for that purpose every Tuesday through the end of September. During open play, beginners and experienced players alike get together for an informal good time, making it an excellent entry point for those looking to give pickleball a try.

With demand growing by the day, the township is responding with tentative plans to add as many as four more dedicated pickleball courts at Greenview. So if you haven’t tried it yet, grab a paddle, get yourself over to Greenview Park and see what this national sensation is all about.

Greg Dabice is a longtime active member of the Pequannock community. He is currently president of the Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Economic Development Committee and a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

School Days

A look back at more than a century of education in Pequannock Township.

BY W. JAY WANCZYK

With the first day of a new school year not far off, can you imagine what it would be like if you were starting classes in Pequannock Township 100 or 150 years ago?

Despite obvious changes such as clothing styles, facilities (schools a century ago featured multigrade classrooms) and the evolution of teaching methods, the basics of what children learn today are not too different: The three “R’s” were (and still are) a basic foundation for curricula. But where would you be attending? What would lessons be like?

Before the dawn of the 20th century and into the World War I era, Pequannock Township included not only present-day Pequannock Township, Pequannock and Pompton Plains but also Lincoln Park, Riverdale and Kinnelon. You would attend a neighborhood elementary school, but a neighborhood was much larger then—it covered an entire town! Elementary schools (grades one to eight) were located in Pompton Plains, Riverdale, Stonybrook (Kinnelon), Jacksonville/Lincoln Park and Wayne. The burgeoning manufacturing town of Butler had already split from Pequannock Township in 1898, with one contentious issue being local control of schools.

Two-room Pompton Plains public school circa 1910

Evolving Districts

Larger jurisdictions meant the Pequannock School at that time was located in Wayne, just past the Pompton River at the intersection of Newark-Pompton Turnpike and Black Oak Ridge Road. An even earlier joint school existed on that site before 1900, and students from both Pequannock and Wayne are shown posing behind it (left), their names lost to history.

That part of Wayne was served by the Pequannock Post Office and known as the Pequannock section of Wayne. (The name of today’s Pequannock Reformed Church, located on Newark-Pompton Turnpike just south of Black Oak Ridge Road, is a remnant of that period.) While both towns’ boards of education cooperated at times with a joint school district, Pequannock Township later appears to have become a sending district until enrollment was high enough to build Pequannock School in 1924 (left) at the corners of Oak Street and Lincoln Park Road, where the Boys and Girls Club now makes its home.

After World War I, intramural and interschool athletics became more important. Regular contests were held between Pequannock School and the elementary schools of Pompton Plains, Lincoln Park, Riverdale, Pompton Lakes and Butler, often arranged by legendary educator Frank Lewis. Girls’ sports were encouraged as well.

The new Pequannock School, located at Oak Avenue and Lincoln Park Road in Pequannock, built in 1924

Class photo at the original Pequannock School in Wayne

The Pequannock Public School, located at the corner of Black Oak Ridge Road and Newark-Pompton Turnpike in Wayne.

Two-Room Schoolhouse

Pompton Plains School— once located where the Pompton Plains post office is today—was a brick two-room building erected in 1888, with additional rooms added in 1924 and 1928. An earlier wooden school had been located on the site as well.

A Well-Rounded Education

In his 20-year career with the Pequannock Township school system, Frank Lewis, first as teacher and later as supervising principal, believed that education extended beyond book learning. He helped expand students’ horizons with traditional athletics, gymnastics training and exhibitions, student Thanksgiving dinners for the town and student government (including student council-run discipline)—even in elementary school. His summertime extracurricular cross-country trips were legendary.

Lessons From the Past

An 1846 arithmetic textbook of a student who attended that earlier school illustrates how scenarios for the type of word problems that still vex math students today reflected a different world. Instead of referencing cars and planes speeding between cities, illustrations speak of travel by horseback or on foot: “An old man, who was blind, had a little dog to lead him about. ... The man took 1,980 steps in a mile, while the little dog took 3,220. How many steps …”

Pequannock School boys basketball team

Pompton Plains School, built in 1888

An 1846 elementary school math textbook shows a different world

Serving Students for Generations

A Growing Population

An increase in the elementary school population during the later 1930s and early 1940s led the township to propose constructing Pequannock Valley Middle School (PVMS) on the site of the old Mandeville Inn, and the school opened circa 1950. Ever-increasing enrollments from the Baby boom and beyond prompted additions in the late 1950s, early 1960s and later, resulting in the school we have today.

Population growth also led to construction of North Boulevard School in the early 1950s, Hillview School in the early 1960s and “South

Boulevard School,” which was named upon dedication for Stephen J. Gerace, the school superintendent who oversaw massive expansion from the mid-1940s though the late 1960s.

Butler was the first town in the area to establish its own high school in the early 1900s, and Pequannock Township students attended there. The first graduating class from Pequannock Township High School (PTHS) graduated in 1960, with classes having begun there two years earlier. Massive additions including a wing of classrooms, an auditorium and a second gym were begun in the mid1960s, and more recent upgrades were completed in this century to meet modern standards.

In 2023, Pequannock Township’s public school system consists of five public schools: PTHS, PVMS, North Boulevard, Hillview and Stephen J. Gerace. Several private schools exist as well, including Holy Spirit School, which opened in the 1950s; the Netherlands School; and Chancellor Academy.

Like time itself, education marches on, and as today’s students and parents get ready for the 2023-24 school year, it’s worth pondering how residents a century from now will look back on what has changed—and what remains the same.

A lifelong resident of Pompton Plains, W. Jay Wanczyk serves as chairman of the Pequannock Township Historic Commission and is a member of Pequannock Valley Rotary and the Open Space Advisory Board.

In a 1933 photo, the Pompton Plains School’s girls basketball team is all smiles and ready to win. Pompton Plains School was decommissioned in the mid-1980s—but not before the entire student body, teachers and staff posed for one last photo.

Pompton Plains School girls basketball team in 1933 Pompton Plains School staff and students mark the school’s decommissioning in the 1980s

Pequannock Valley Middle School in 1951

Rendering of Pequannock Township High School circa 1955

Enticing Local Rides

Serious and casual cyclists alike find Pequannock Township an ideal place for biking.

BY TOMAS SOLEJ

Wide, smooth roads and an absence of hills top the reasons many local residents and visitors find Pequannock Township to be an enticing place to ride bicycles. But if you like the challenge and excitement of hills, you’ll find those in the area as well.

While Pequannock has its own attractions, the town’s location makes it a great place to start rides to surrounding regions. Whatever your taste in two-wheeled adventure, these noteworthy routes are sure to please.

• Road loop: For people on road or hybrid bikes, one popular route is a loop that runs from Boulevard to Jacksonville Road to West Parkway to Boulevard again. At five miles, this route’s length also makes it easy to track your distance.

SAFER CYCLING

While New Jersey’s recently enacted Safe Passing Law requires motorists to use due caution when passing vulnerable people such as bicyclists, following these basic rules further enhances safety.

• Wear a helmet and maintain situational awareness.

• When on the road, ride with traffic and follow traffic rules.

• Neighborhood ramble: Enjoy exploring local streets? Ride from Greenview Park to Woodland Lake; then to Foothills Park and back.

• Traffic-free option: The Pompton Valley Rail Trail—open to pedestrians and bicycles only— is a 1.5-mile paved trail that starts at River Drive in Pompton Plains. If you have a hardtail mountain bike or a gravel bike, you can easily get off the rail trail to explore the unpaved trail around Woodland Lake.

• Longer flat excursion: If you are in the mood for a longer flat ride, head south into Fairfield and then on to Montville.

• Climbing ride: For those who want to add hills, head west into Kinnelon or north into West Milford, where the Macopin Road climb has a nice rhythm to it.

• Ultimate adventure: Head to New York’s Harriman State Park, where County Road 106 off Seven Lakes Drive is exceptionally scenic and features some of the region’s best descents.

• On trails, slow down when approaching pedestrians.

• Use bright, blinking lights for increased visibility.

• Ride a properly sized and maintained bicycle.

Local, reputable bike shops like Bicycle Tech in Lincoln Park and Cycle Craft in Parsippany offer valuable sale and service expertise that you can tap to make each ride your best ride.

Tomas Solej has lived in Pequannock Township for more than 30 years. He rides about 6,500 miles a year. When not riding or training, he is talking or reading about all things cycling.

Opposite page: The new Pompton Valley Rail Trail. Left: Tomas Solej. Above: Woodland Lake.

ANGELA TETA KOHLE

Happiness on Ice

Part of the community for 24 years, Rita’s of Pequannock is still as popular now as it was when it opened. Why? Their Italian ices are made fresh daily with real fruit and favorite sweets—gummy bear, Swedish Fish or cotton candy Italian ice, anyone? Rita’s also offers frozen custard, a mix of Italian ice and custard and other frozen treats.

Mike and Karen Simineri, owners since the beginning, left the corporate Wall Street world behind and never looked back. They take great pride in what they do, boast of having the best employees around, and are honored to serve the people in their community. “There is nothing better than working my window,” says Karen Simineri. “The people here are so friendly. I especially love serving

the children.” The Simineris’s business is treats. Their mission? Spreading happiness.

95 Flavors and Counting

Rita’s opens the second week of February every year. To let the community know, students in Pequannock and Lincoln Park receive a coupon for a free Italian ice. On the first day of spring, Rita’s gives free Italian ices to all comers. This year, they dished up more than 2,000! Overall, mango is the most popular flavor, but if that’s not your fancy, don’t worry—the shop rotates 95 flavors of Italian ice along with frozen custard and other treats.

Rita’s spreads happiness throughout the community by supporting the children’s programs at the Pequannock Library, Scout

projects, school awards and tricky trays. On opening day, Rita’s hosts a drive for the Pequannock Animal Shelter, giving a 10% discount card good for the entire season to anyone who donates. Rita’s caters local corporate events, birthdays, graduations, retirement parties and weddings. Can’t get there? Use one of the popular delivery services to enjoy Rita’s wherever you are. Stay current on flavors and more by following Rita’s of Pequannock on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Rita’s of Pequannock offers Italian ice made fresh daily, along with frozen custard and other treats to keep you cool—and happy—this summer.

BY ANGELA TETA KOHLE

Angela Teta Kohle, retired after 35 years of teaching, lives in Pequannock. She enjoys volunteering at her church, traveling, reading, baking, walking and working for her family’s business.

Karen Simineri (opposite page and above) co-owns Rita’s of Pequannock with her husband, Mike. For 24 years now, they’ve been dishing up happiness for local tastebuds, including those of young Norah Martin (pictured at left).

Fishing for Fun

Maureen McCarthy Brain took this photograph at Woodland Lake and sums up the moment this way: “Paul casts out his line as Sofia looks on and I get to reel in golden hour reflections of priceless memories being made.”

TRANSFORMING LIVES BY TRANSFORMING LIVING SPACES