Pequannock December 2023 by Wainscot Media

Pequannock December 2023

& Pompton Plains

SWEET MEMORIES

75 YEARS OF LOCAL COOKIE RECIPES

THE PIZZA MAN ALADIN NASSER

BREWING UP CHEER

JEFF MAURIELLO GOES PRO

Tish Auslander Welcomes the Holidays PEQ_Cover_1223_Final.indd 1

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Christmas Wishes to you and your family Rejoice in the spirit of Christmas which is Peace, in the miracle of Christmas which is Hope, and the heart of Christmas which is Love.

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DECEMBER 2023

Contents

20 10

26 IN EVE RY ISSU E

Publisher’s Note THE GIFT OF DECEMBER

Around Town BITE-SIZED UPDATES

10 Q&A MICHELLE BORDEN OF NEW BRIDGE SERVICES 26 Life Outdoors PEQUANNOCK’S MARCHING BAND 28 Local Tastes CHEERS AT DOUBLE TAP BREWING

F E AT U R ES

12 16

32 Photo Op WINTER WONDER

Sweet Memories

A lifelong resident of Pompton Plains shares Christmas cookie recipes collected over the years from local friends.

A Spirit of Tradition

As owner of the Van Gelder-Van Saun House, Patricia Auslander upholds a heritage of domestic elegance and community service.

20 The Man Behind the Pizza

Aladin Nasser of Pizza Man Trattoria Italiano turned a high school job into ownership of a staple community restaurant.

O N T HE COVER

Patricia Auslander fills her home with festive seasonal decorations that enhance the house’s historic charm. PHOTOGRAPH BY ANTOINETTA HENRY

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THE COMPANY TO CALL WHEN QUALITY MATTERS

Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours! Green Nature Landscape Design provides high quality landscaping and hardscaping design services to Northern New Jersey. Green Nature Landscape Design LLC Pompton Plains, NJ 973.633.8445 | GreenNature.net

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

The Gift of December

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAN PICCOLI

love from the minute she opened the door. It’s “eating season” and the perfect time to learn more about our local Pizza Man Trattoria Italiano. It’s been a favorite of mine for generations, with “must have” mussels, the house salad spilling with breaded eggplant and provolone cheese and, of course, Chicken and Shrimp Pequannock. The restaurant’s location next to the new Pompton Valley Rail Trail makes it the perfect spot to walk or bike and meet friends for a bite or grab dinner on the way home. Baby, it’s cold outside, but rain or shine the Pequannock Township High School Marching Band practices with grit and passion. It’s a town treat for all of us to watch during local games, admire as we walk the high school track or enjoy the glorious music from afar. It certainly makes your heart smile to watch them perform, listen to their music and hear about all of their well-deserved accomplishments. Lastly, we learn of a Pequannock dad who takes his brewing hobby to a new level, proving you can do what you love around your precious family. Be sure to stop in to see what Double Tap Brewing in Whippany is all about. I know I plan to this holiday season! We are a community magazine for and about you, sharing one another’s stories. Do continue to share your ideas, like and follow us on social media, and visit us at www. pequannockmagazine.com. I hope that you enjoy every bit of this holiday season. Wishing you love, peace and joy.

No matter your religion, the gift of December remains the same: gathering together with friends and family and remembering to count our blessings. This month, we have a spectacular lineup of special stories and memories to share. We start with priceless historical cookie recipes from Karen Kinnane, who has hosted a local cookie swap for decades. This article is a true walk down memory lane as Karen shares some of her favorite recipes and treasured memories with us. Also in this issue, we treat you to a magical, grand tour of the Van Gelder-Van Saun House courtesy of Tish Auslander, who grew up in the home and now owns it. It was a spectacular treat to meet her children, see her holiday decor and learn interesting details about this beautiful Victorian home, full of

Donna Fillweber

Pequannock & Pompton Plains MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Donna Fillweber Art Director Sue Park Copy Editor Nancy Fass Writers Danielle Clements Karen Kinnane Angela Teta Kohle Dana Regan Debbie Walsh Photographers Antonietta Henry Chris Maher 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 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 publisher. Copyright 2023 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Publisher

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Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours!

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WHAT’S NEW

Around Town

STITCHING FOR THOSE IN NEED The Quilting for a Cause sew-a-thon is back! The event is celebrating its 7th year of making quilts for people who are homeless. We need your talent! Please volunteer to help sort, cut, piece, sew, pin, quilt and bind for those in need. Date: January 14, 2024 Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Location: Senior House, 530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains

PARKS & RECREATION HOLIDAY PARTY Santa will arrive on a fire truck and be available for pictures! Goodie bags, music and fun! Saturday, December 9, 2023 11 a.m. to noon Ages 10 and under Greenview Park $5 per child Register online using CommunityPass

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

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Q &a

NewBridge Services Celebrates 60 Years The nonprofit’s CEO explains vital resources that support the local community. BY ANGELA TETA KOHLE

How can people stay informed about services and ways to contribute?

INTERVIEW WITH

MICHELLE BORDEN

Behavioral health is

increasingly seen as an important part of overall well-being. We asked Michelle Borden, CEO of NewBridge Services, for information on resources and perspective on the legacy of her organization, which is celebrating six decades of meeting the needs of local residents.

What is NewBridge and where is it located? We are your community mental health center and a nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health and support services, housing and educational programs to children, adults and seniors of Morris, Sussex and Passaic counties. Our corporate and outreach offices are located at 620-630 NewarkPompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. The NewBridge Crossroads Day Counseling Center is located next door at 640 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, and we have counseling offices in Haskell, Parsippany and Sparta.

Tell us about NewBridge SAIL.

What are some specific services that NewBridge offers? NewBridge provides outpatient mental health and substance abuse counseling for adults and families; substance abuse treatment and addiction recovery; gambling abuse treatment and addiction recovery; play therapy for young children; school-based prevention programs; youth employment and education services; adult day treatment programs; and outreach programs for the elderly. We also provide a range of adult residential services including group homes, supervised apartments, supportive and affordable housing, and case management.

SAIL, or Senior Assistance for Independent Living, supports our community’s seniors, who deserve to live life to the fullest and as independently as possible in their own homes. NewBridge connects Morris County residents 60 and over with community resources such as senior day programs, home health aides, transportation, shopping assistance, nutrition programs, legal counseling, medication management, home repairs, hospice care and more.

What is the Jobs Plus program? This is a service for young people ages 16 to 24 who have dropped out of high school and want a second chance at their education and future. We work one-on-one with students to cultivate their strengths, personality and career aptitude. They receive academic assistance, life and professional skills training, career guidance and counseling to overcome emotional challenges. Ninety percent of our students earn a diploma, and 85 percent go on to college, technical school, the workforce or the military.

Visit https://newbridge. org or call 973-316-9333 to learn more, sign up for our newsletter, connect with our team or find information on how to donate. Our Annual Gala is held in April, and our Annual Golf Outing is held in October. As part of our 60th anniversary, we have a “Buy a Brick to Build the Future of NewBridge” campaign. Bricks can be inscribed with names to honor a loved one or an important event.

Tell us more about the anniversary. NewBridge was created as the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center in 1963 in response to growing mental health challenges in the community. You can read a bio of our five founders and an interview with a family member on our website. Our anniversary celebrations give us opportunity to revel in our founders’ legacy and the longevity of the organization as we continue to grow. It is very exciting. Pequannock resident Angela Teta Kohle retired after 35 years of teaching and now enjoys volunteering at her church, traveling, reading, baking, walking and working for the family business.

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Sweet Memories A lifelong resident of Pompton Plains shares Christmas cookie recipes collected over the years from local friends. BY KAREN KINNANE

After 75 years in Pequannock

Township, I’ve collected Christmas cookie recipes from many town residents. Some folks are happily still here, some have moved away and some remain forever in our hearts as their treasured recipes live on. It all started with a cookie exchange. My friend Marlou Belyea from Bog ’n Vly Farm on Mountain Avenue somehow nudged me into hosting the inaugural event. After that, it was hosted each year at the Slingerland Farmhouse. The event

was an afternoon tea party. We put out each person’s sample plate of cookies plus tiny tea sandwiches, such as cucumber, cream cheese on pumpkin bread, and radish with butter and mini crab cakes on buttermilk biscuits. These were all set out on special Christmas dishes with thimblesized stemware accompanied by sherry and hot tea. The recipes I have collected over the years mean so much to me that I thought I’d share a few to keep these local favorites going.

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Many years ago, one of the

best bakers in town was Dot Kocon, whose recipes all followed her Hungarian ancestry. Each Christmas, she outdid herself with lots of different and delicious cookies, but by far, my favorite taste of heaven is below.

APRICOT TRIANGLE COOKIES

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN PICCOLI

INGREDIENTS • 1 pound cream cheese • 1 pound butter • 3 cups flour • Confectioners/powdered sugar • 2 jars apricot butter (I use Simon Fischer, but apricot jam may be substituted.) DIRECTIONS 1. S often butter and cream cheese at room temperature for at least an hour. 2. C ream butter and cream cheese together thoroughly. 3. M ix in flour with a wooden spoon until blended thoroughly. 4. R oll dough into a ball and wrap in wax paper or cling wrap. Chill in refrigerator for 3-4 hours or overnight. 5. P reheat oven to 400°F. 6. R oll out dough ¼” thick on a little bit of granulated sugar so dough does not stick to the table. 7. C ut into 3½-4” squares. Put one teaspoon of apricot butter (or jam) in the center and fold over into a triangle. Press edges to seal. 8. L ine cookie sheets with parchment paper. 9. B ake until barely golden (about 10-12 minutes).

DECEMBER 2023

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In 1954, the local electric company sent each

customer in Pequannock Township a small, printed flyer with Christmas cookie recipes. My mother and many of the other ladies in town tucked the flyer in their big cookbooks and made these simple frosted Christmas cutout cookies for decades. Sixty-eight years later, I still make a batch of these to keep the tradition going.

KRISS KRINGLE COOKIES INGREDIENTS • 3½ cups sifted flour • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 cup butter • 1 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 2 large eggs DIRECTIONS 1. S ift flour and salt together. 2. C ream butter, sugar and vanilla until light. 3. A dd whole eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. 4. W ork flour in thoroughly. 5. R oll to ¼” thickness on lightly floured board. 6. C ut with cookie cutters or a sharp knife around cardboard patterns into stars, trees, crescents, etc. 7. T o decorate before baking, sprinkle with finely chopped nuts, colored sugar or sprinkles. 8. B ake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. 9. U ndecorated cookies may be frosted after they have cooled. Makes about five dozen 2” cookies.

POWDERED SUGAR FROSTING INGREDIENTS • 1½ cups sifted flour (sift before measuring) • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine • 2 tablespoons light cream or evaporated milk • Red or green food coloring (optional)

DIRECTIONS 1. Cream butter or margarine until light. Alternate adding sugar and cream, beginning and ending with sugar. Beat well after each addition. 2. Add vanilla and continue beating until fluffy. Beat in food coloring if you want to tint the icing. 3. Spread icing on cooled cookies. If desired, sprinkle the fresh icing with colored sugar, sprinkles or finely chopped nuts. Allow a few hours for icing to dry.

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Eleanor Bogart and her husband, Charlie, lived for many happy decades in the Martin Berry House. Eleanor and her mother, Nanny, were excellent bakers. They loved entertaining and made lots of cookies for Christmas. Eleanor’s favorites were these delights.

MARTIN BERRY HOUSE SPICE COOKIES INGREDIENTS • ¾ cup butter • 1 cup sugar • 1 egg • ¼ cup molasses • 2 cups sifted flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • ¾ teaspoon ground ginger • ½ teaspoon ground cloves • ¼ teaspoon salt • 2 additional tablespoons sugar DIRECTIONS 1. Cream butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add egg and molasses, blending well. 2. Sift together the next six ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt). Stir into creamed mixture. Form into balls using one teaspoon of dough. 3. Roll balls of dough into the 2 additional tablespoons of sugar. 4. Place 2” apart on a buttered/greased cookie sheet or parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Caution: Do not overbake!

“Every time I went to a function in town, if there were really tasty, homemade cookies, I collected the recipe and always noted a little bit of the treasured backstory.” - Karen Kinnane

Every time I went to a function in town, if there were really tasty, homemade cookies, I collected the recipe and always noted a little bit of the treasured backstory. Charming and heartfelt, handwritten recipes are on 3 x 5 cards in old wood boxes. Some are cut from magazines or newspapers, and some are scrawled on paper napkins and the backs of grocery

store receipts. I hope you enjoy trying these treasured recipes. It truly is the little things that can spark joy and bring back the sweetest memories. Karen Kinnane is a lifelong Pompton Plains resident. After living on a small farm on West End Avenue, she moved to the Slingerland Farmhouse on the Boulevard, where she shares her love of antiques and plants.

DECEMBER 2023

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Patricia Auslander welcomes us into her home, the historic Van Gelder-Van Saun House.

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A Spirit of Tradition As owner of the Van Gelder-Van Saun House, Patricia Auslander upholds a heritage of domestic elegance and community service. BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTOINETTA HENRY

Pulling into the long driveway off Newark-Pompton Turnpike onto the stately property at number 770, there is an immediate sense of history and wonder. With a horse farm bordering the property, a sprawling front yard and gorgeous front and side porches, the house instantly evokes a sense of warmth and times past. Beautifully decorated to usher in the holidays, this home holds generational history so unique that even seasoned

historians would be intrigued. The Van Gelder-Van Saun House has been host to several families since the early 1700s, and each has passed down something of significance, be it the home’s name, antiquities or special traditions. When current owner Patricia “Tish” Auslander purchased the home last year from her mother, the deed stated in black-and-white print, “Van Gelder-Van Saun.” Catalyna Vender Beek, born

in 1704, married a man named Abraham Van Gelder and raised their children in the home. Upon the deaths of Catalyna and Abraham, the home was bequeathed to their son and daughter-in-law, who eventually left the home to their son. He in turn left the house to his daughter, who married a man with the last name Van Saun. Hence, the Van GelderVan Saun home has been named after these families ever since.

DECEMBER 2023

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Patricia Auslander, seen below with her four children, is carrying on the Van Gelder-Van Saun House tradition of decking the halls with festive Christmas decorations, both old and new.

Honoring Previous Generations Auslander has promised to ensure that the home’s name doesn’t change, in homage to the previous generations. The home boasts a layout that is regal yet has a warm flow, with holiday decorations at every turn. From antique tables that have been in the home for hundreds of years to a delicate and detailed snow village that surrounds one of the Christmas trees, the home is the epitome of Christmas spirit. And what better way to personify the true meaning of Christmas than the tradition and sentiment of giving? One could spend hours going room to room, examining every decoration. Some decorations have special meanings, while others have been inherited and add to the ambience of classic antiquity. When we asked Auslander if any one piece spoke to her above the rest, she answered, “It’s not really any particular item in the house. I love what the house stands for. Everything was passed on, and I definitely appreciate the generations that came before me.”

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“I love what the house stands for. Everything was passed on, and I definitely appreciate the generations that came before me.” - Patricia Auslander

A Behind-the-Scenes Champion Auslander works to embody the phrase “service before self,” and her successes are noteworthy. An active member of the Pequannock community, she is the realtor and broker manager of Century 21 Crest Real Estate Company. Auslander’s mother, Patricia Rose Wojtyszyn, started the company in 1981. Auslander describes the realty business as, on the whole, a career undertaken with love. “It is very personal,” she explains. “I love finding people homes—and businesses, too. There are so many people who start businesses that feed their families; it makes them grow.”’ Auslander credits her mother with instilling the value of living life as an example for the next generation. A single mother of four children, Auslander is a steady role model of kindness and

giving. “You can tell a kid five times to do something, but when you actually do it, they’ll do it,” she says. Auslander is also a volunteer and board member with the Pequannock Valley Rotary, a member of the Pequannock Township Economic and Development Committee, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and on the county and state Juvenile Conference Committee for Morris and Sussex counties. Asked how she manages to make time for all these service organizations, Auslander points out, “Any good we can do in this world is beneficial to all.” The Rotary is involved with almost every aspect of town. According to Auslander, Rotary members are always ready to lend a hand. “I can call any Rotarian and they will be here in a second,” she says. The organization

channels volunteers’ time and financial contributions, and sponsors numerous scholarships. In one touching instance, Auslander described Rotary funding of a hospital bed rental for a terminally ill resident who wished to pass at home. “We give with our hearts,” she says. The Crest Real Estate office also actively works in town to enhance aesthetics and quality of life for town residents. For the last 32 years, Auslander’s real estate office has funded and placed the 1,500 American flags seen lining NewarkPompton Turnpike for Memorial Day parades. There is no doubt that the Van Sauns and Van Gelders are looking down upon the Auslander family and community, beaming with pride at this continued legacy and tradition of servant leadership.

Pequannock resident Danielle Clements is a lucky wife, mom to two awesome boys, a dog lover (especially to her beloved Bowie) and a communications professional.

DECEMBER 2023

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The Man Behind the Pizza Aladin Nasser of Pizza Man Trattoria Italiano turned a high school job into ownership of a staple community restaurant. BY DEBBIE WALSH

Restaurants seem to come and go, but Pizza Man Trattoria Italiano discovered the recipe to success long ago and is serving the latest generation of young diners. Established in 1977, Pizza Man continues to bring a quality product to the table and initiates innovative approaches to keep things fresh. You could say the restaurant business is in Pizza Man owner Aladin Nasser’s blood. His family owned the Luxor Restaurant and Banquets establishment in Clifton, which they opened in the mid-1990s. When Nasser bought the Pizza Man Family Restaurant seven years ago, he was no stranger to the establishment: Nasser had honed his culinary chops working there in high school, from 1995 to 1999. Going beyond learning on-the-job skills, Nasser enrolled in Morris County Vocational and Technical School’s culinary arts program and went on to study at the renowned Culinary Institute of America

at Hyde Park. Before buying Pizza Man, he had worked at The Manor in West Orange and served as an executive chef for Nordstrom Restaurants.

A Curated Menu When taking over Pizza Man, Nasser did not rashly make changes for the sake of it. Instead, he studied ordering trends for six months and gradually replaced less popular menu items with new, creative dishes. New offerings were introduced as specials and earned their way onto the menu by popularity. “Most recipes are the same, with the same high-quality ingredients,” he says. “I felt if it wasn’t broken, we shouldn’t fix it.” The most popular menu items? Well, with a name like Pizza Man, the pizza must pass muster with connoisseurs—and does. A lot of pies leave the premises and are consumed at the trattoria. Mussels are a must for many patrons. Chicken and Shrimp Pequannock and Parmesan Crusted

Chicken Breast are also extremely popular. Nasser says thankfully restaurant traffic has rebounded since the onslaught of COVID-19 and is now at pre-pandemic levels. During lockdown, Nasser and his staff brainstormed ideas to keep business afloat in an unprecedented time. They pushed pizza since it was an affordable option for those who suffered financial setbacks. They offered family dinners. They put together pizza kits to help parents and their children combat the boredom of sheltering in place. They also provided scores of low-cost meals to Chilton Memorial Hospital twice weekly. “We had to get creative and think out of the box,” says Nasser. Rising costs now pose a new challenge, but Nasser tries his best to keep prices down. Pizza Man has received an unexpected boost in customer traffic from the newly completed Pompton Valley Rail Trail, which runs next to the restaurant and whose walkers and bikers often stop in.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN PICCOLI

Aladin Nasser, owner of Pizza Man Trattoria Italiano, which has served the community since 1977.

DECEMBER 2023

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“People know when they come in, they’ll be greeted with a smile. We are on a first-name basis with a lot of our customers.” - Aladin Nasser, owner, Pizza Man Trattoria Italiano

Faris Alhalabi (above) assists Nasser in the kitchen, which serves up a variety of Italian fare.

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Family Affair Customers appreciate the many specials Pizza Man offers during the week. Deals include two large plain pies for $19.99; weeknight four-course dinner specials that feed four to six people; and football pizza and wing specials on Thursdays and Sundays—two large plain pies and a dozen wings for $29.99. Pizza Man offers a robust catering menu, and many choose the restaurant for children’s birthday parties and other celebrations. Many residents also know they can count on the restaurant’s support for community fundraising. Pizza Man gift cards are routinely donated to charitable and civic organizations, including schools, such as Holy Spirit, the library and the local American Legion Post. Nasser offers many explanations for why Pizza Man has continued making customers happy for over 40 years. “I think people are comfortable here and familiar with us, and the restaurant has been a staple of this town for decades,” he says. “People

know when they come in, they’ll be greeted with a smile. We are on a first-name basis with a lot of our customers.” He adds: “Nobody is going to come here just because we’re nice to them. Obviously, food quality plays a big role, too.” Being family-friendly is also important, Nasser says. When one couple recently ate with their 4-year-old son, the father noted that he used to come to Pizza Man with his own parents when he was even younger than his child. “I hear that kind of thing often,” Nasser says. “It’s generation after generation coming here, which is pretty cool.” Even Sirene, the 7-year-old daughter of Nasser and his wife, Sonya, sometimes helps at the trattoria by placing menus on tables and serving baskets of bread. Pizza Man, located in the Clock Tower Shoppes off NewarkPompton Turnpike, is closed on Mondays unless it is catering events or hosting a private party. A BYOB restaurant, Pizza Man is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Debbie Walsh has 30 years of experience writing for various newspaper publications and recently as a ghost blogger. A semi-retired sports mom, she enjoys dining out with friends, reading and playing golf.

Pizza Man is located steps from the new Pompton Valley Rail Trail, making it a convenient stop for walkers and bikers to either dine in or take out.

WHAT PIZZA MAN PRODUCES A popular restaurant requires prodigious output. Here’s how much of the following selected items Pizza Man Trattoria Italiano serves each week. • Pizza pies: 800 to 1,000 • Fresh mozzarella: 80 to 100 pounds • Prince Edward Island mussels: 180 to 200 pounds • Tomato and marinara sauce: 35 gallons each • Vodka sauce: 20 gallons • Chicken stock: 15 to 20 gallons • Veal stock: 15 gallons

DECEMBER 2023

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LIFE OUTDOORS

They’ve Got the Beat Pequannock’s award-winning high school marching band embraces commitment, character and community—no matter what the weather.

The members of the Pequannock Township High School Marching Band are dedicated to the organization and passionate about playing their best at every performance.

Seventy-seven students strong,

the Pequannock Township High School (PTHS) Marching Band is a force like no other. Chances are, if you’ve been outside in the summer and fall seasons, you have heard the unit rehearsing or performing on the high school football field. Sitting down with band director Anthony Streifer and assistant band director

Bruno Mayoria, we delved into what makes this brigade of students so special. Membership in the band takes grit, dedication and passion. “We start in a place of comfort with the students,” says Mayoria. “We start slowly, get them to trust us as educators and then move on to helping them understand the responsibilities they will need to take on—and they get it.”

Rain or Shine Mayoria notes that there is an arc to the marching band season. “It starts in the summer when we’re outside for a little bit, then ramps up to band camp, where we’re outside for 10 to 12 hours per day,” he says. “It takes a lot of planning, especially in a particularly rainy

season like the one we’ve just had,” Streifer chimes in with a chuckle. “I’ll have a plan A, plan B, plan C.” Streifer and Mayoria credit their students for having commitment and focus. In any given week, students may rehearse for more than 10 hours and perform pep songs and a full halftime show during football games. Band members also commit to a grueling competition schedule, including two this year at MetLife Stadium. “They know it’s a big deal,” Streifer says. “The social aspect is as important as the music. They don’t want to let each other down; we’re blessed with this culture.” Support comes from many angles—an involved alumni base, town residents and what Mayoria refers to as the “saviors” of the group: the PTHS Association of Music Parents. “A strong band parent association is a necessary piece of this puzzle, and we are so grateful to have one,” Streifer echoes. Students earn compliments at every turn for their professionalism and respectful behavior. “The activity itself is so demanding, it really helps them become superfocused young adults,” says Streifer. While this season has come to an end, keep your eyes and ears open for next year’s show—the planning has already begun. Danielle Clements is a Pequannock resident, wife, mom, dog lover and communications professional.

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BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS

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LOCAL TASTES

Serving Up Cheer Taking a beer-making hobby to the next level, Jeff Mauriello is having barrels of fun at Double Tap Brewing.

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BY DANA REGAN

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Pequannock resident Jeff Mauriello took his home brewing to the next level with partners Chris Mock, Todd Townsend, John Coyle and Jared Dougherty, opening Double Tap Brewing in the old Whippany post office.

What’s on tap? Whether you like your beer light, bright, frothy or toasty, Double Tap Brewing in Whippany has a selection you are sure to enjoy. Pequannock brewer Jeff Mauriello has recently taken his brewing hobby to the next level, and he wants nothing more than to see local patrons enjoying the different flavors, textures and aromas of craft beer. Originally from Nutley, Mauriello moved to Pequannock in 2010 after marrying his wife, Heather, and having two children, Nate and Maddie. After earning a culinary degree from New School University in New York City, Mauriello began home brewing. He kept at it for many years and entered numerous local competitions. Before long, Jeff began to consider new business opportunities in the wonderful

world of lager. A well-known winner of quite a few beer brewing competitions, Jeff was soon approached by some fellow home brewers and asked if he wanted to be part of a new business venture. He was certainly on board!

A Craft Beer Destination After overcoming pandemic-related delays, Double Tap Brewing opened its doors on September 3, 2022. Mauriello, along with his partners, Chris Mock, Todd Townsend, John Coyle and Jared Dougherty, fully renovated the old Whippany post office, creating a modern brewery with a rustic barrel-themed flair. All their beer is brewed on-site along with a selection of hard seltzers. Double Tap Brewing is a place for everyone. Customers are welcome and

encouraged to bring in food to eat while enjoying craft beer. Games are available for both kids and adults. Better yet, Double Tap offers select nights of live music and trivia nights on the first and third Thursdays of every month. A perfectionist when it comes to beer, Mauriello, along with the other owners and brewers at Double Tap, work hard to brew crowd-pleasing beer. The partners look forward to eventually canning their beer for distribution and sale. So take notice, Pequannock: One of our own is serving up a perfect blend of hops, barley and friendship just for you!

Dana Regan is a wife, mother of four and longtime educator who recently published her first children’s book, “Amarylli’s Bunny: Where is She Now?”

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