Pequannock February 2025 by Wainscot Media

Pequannock

& Pompton Plains

ARCA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

A Dream Comes True

Brianna Fillweber

Welcome, February

Winter is in full swing but love is in the air… We begin this month’s edition with tips to supercharge your physical, mental and cardiovascular health and set your 2025 goals in motion.

Next, we feature the area’s hottest new restaurant and lounge. Celebrating their new establishment’s one-year anniversary, the people behind Bistro 202 transitioned St. Andrew’s Church into Arca—a favorite of mine as it will likely be yours. Be sure to visit and check out the fabulous food, drinks and ambiance.

Dreams do come true. Check out my daughter’s inspirational story, “The Road to Fabulous.” Each of us has a story and has overcome obstacles, and it’s always inspirational to see how it all unfolds.

I hope you enjoy her story as much as I have watched her grow into the amazing young woman she is today.

Love never ends. Read Lee Cahill’s endearing, eternal love story. It captured our hearts when we learned he read about Headpiece.com through our cover story last April. “Thanks to Pequannock magazine, I have a growing friendship with Marie Hunt and Antonietta Henry and have reconnected with past friends,” says Cahill. It is so wonderful to hear how we are changing and connecting lives by sharing stories, with over 21 editions to date.

Brandon’s Heart and Sole offers a heartfelt story celebrating an amazing young man taken far too soon. Brandon Lastfogel’s mother, Allison, struggled to find a fitting way to honor Brandon’s memory and created BHAS, a nonprofit organization. You can learn more about how Brandon’s Heart and Sole continues to touch the lives of many, making a difference one step at a time.

Lastly, we share Brianne Colombo’s dream. She always imagined herself owning her very own bookshop and “kept it as a hopeful possibility in my heart.” We introduce her in an interview about the Gingerbread Bookshop and what inspired her to open it.

We close with a fitting photo taken by Maureen Brain reflecting how winter can be beautiful.

February may be cold but I do hope this month’s edition warms your heart. We love sharing these amazing stories and look forward to hearing from you. Be sure to share your photos and stories @pequannockmagazine.com. Our community magazine is for and about you.

Donna Fillweber Publisher

Pequannock & Pompton Plains MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher

Donna Fillweber

Writers

Antonietta Henry

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

Art Director

Rosemary O’Connell

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 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAN PICCOLI

Courtesy

Photo

of Antonietta Henry Photography

Reenergize Your 2025

Simple February resets can supercharge your physical, mental and cardiovascular health for the rest of the year.

February is when reality starts to chip away at New Year’s resolutions. Hopeful goals often turn out to be too ambitious and therefore destined to fail. But 2025 can still be your year to create new, healthier habits. Now’s the time to fine-tune, get real and set yourself up for success based on moderate goals that you can actually accomplish. Here’s how to reset—and give your journey to better health a kick of energy.

1 START SMALL. People often see the best results when they take small steps. Choose goals that meet criteria in the acronym SMART: Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Timely. It’s usually not enough to say, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to be healthier,” experts say. Instead, think more along the lines of, “I want to lose 20 pounds by next January by doing X, Y and Z.”

2 FIND EXERCISE YOU ENJOY. Walking is often the easiest exercise to incorporate into a daily routine. But if you’re more inclined to swim, dance, golf or play tennis, get out there and do it.

3 CREATE A SUPPORT SYSTEM. Having an exercise buddy makes it easier to keep going, as does using a personal trainer. Trainers often can provide one-on-one or small-group guidance. If you have a condition such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease or Parkinson’s, or have had weight loss surgery, you may be able to find sessions tailored for people with those health concerns.

4 TRY HABIT

STACKING. This process builds new habits by adding them to existing actions. Booking appointments? Add exercise to your calendar as with any other priority. Filling your plate? Serve vegetables first. Grabbing keys to go out? Clip them to a packed gym bag so you’ll have it with you.

5 READ LABELS. When buying packaged foods, favor products higher in fiber and lower in sugar and fat. High-fiber foods make you feel more satisfied so you eat less.

6 CHOOSE “GOOD” SUGAR. Sugar from an orange is beneficial; sugar from orange candy or soda, not so much. All sugar provides fuel for the body, but naturally occurring sugars such as those in fruits are metabolized in healthier ways than processed sugar.

7 GO NUTS. Nuts are a great go-to source of protein and healthy fats—vital for cellular turnover, hormone synthesis and bowel health. Other sources include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds, which can be added to yogurt and oatmeal to pump up their nutritional value.

EMBRACE YOUR ROOTS. Root vegetables such as yams, beets, carrots, turnips, rutabagas and parsnips are perfect for soups, stews and frittatas—dishes that are great places to hide a lot of vegetables or to try a vegetable for the first time.

9 EAT THE RAINBOW. Every color of fruit or vegetable has a different nutrient profile, and the more you mix things up, the more your body will benefit.

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Celebrating Arca

Brothers and Arca owners

Genc Selimi (left) and Fatos Selimi at the front doors of the restaurant.

One of the area’s hottest restaurants marks its first year of offering extraordinary dining experiences.

Arca Restaurant & Lounge, a stunning model of elevated dining, is one of the newest restaurants in Lincoln Park. This modern place provides a feast for your eyes and tastes. Yet its history and the story of its owners are both steeped in rich tradition.

The idea for the business, co-owned by brothers Fatos and Genc Selimi, came from a casual conversation between Fatos and a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, located nearby.

Already busy with nearby Bistro 202, Fatos offered help to the

BY MARY SHUMEYKO

church, just around the corner on Main Street. Recognizing that the congregation was dwindling in size, the brothers remarked that the location would be perfect for another restaurant.

The large, unique building was built in the 1950s and served a substantial number of worshipers. But attendance continued to drop, and when the people of St. Andrews decided to join another body of faith, the Selimis’ vision became a reality. Renovation began at around the same time as the COVID-19 pandemic, with work being

completed in the new facility while Bistro 202 remained open.

“We moved from one place to the other and didn’t close for even one day,” Fatos says proudly. He and Genc oversaw all work, including permits, engineering and architecture.

Renovations kept the building’s original charm while creating an elegant, comfortable dining experience. The vaulted ceiling reminded a worker of an upsidedown boat, leading to the name Arca in reflection of both the arc shapes overhead and Noah’s Ark, relating to religious history.

Genc Selimi and Fatos Selimi at the beautiful bar in the restaurant.

Accommodations

An Elevated Experience

The main bar faces the original, signature stained-glass window, which casts a saintly glow over the entire interior space.

All of Arca is breathtakingly beautiful. There are two bars with cozy seating, a main dining area that seats about 100 guests, two smaller areas perfect for private parties and a mezzanine that holds another 50 patrons.

Upholstered chairs add to the comfort, and widely spaced tables invite enjoyable dinner conversation. An outdoor area is also available that can be both heated and cooled. The décor throughout is welcoming and tasteful, creating an ambiance of comfort and style.

Arca’s menu is as stunning as the facility. Similar to the offerings at Bistro 202, the food and drinks are all delicious.

Beginning with cocktails, bartenders mix up signature drinks like the Arca old fashioned, their own “Arcarita” and a pear martini. An extensive wine list complements every taste, with advice available from the knowledgeable owners.

Appetizers include their famous Bistro calamari, vegetable Napoleon and East Coast oysters, to name just a few.

Favorite entrees include sizzling New York strip or porterhouse steaks, cedar plank salmon and seafood dishes like capellini and shrimp pomodoro. Signature pasta plates are other choices. There are also delectable desserts like tiramisu and a fabulous pistachio ricotta creation.

For guests with limited time, a quick bite and relaxing drink may suffice. Consider Arca’s happy-hour menu, available Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Arca is a popular spot for private parties as well. Although the restaurant is not open to the public for lunch, noontime festivities are available, along with events throughout the open hours. With three different possible spaces, groups of any size from 20 to 50 can be accommodated. The facility is perfect for showers, baptisms, office gatherings or family celebrations.

The main dining room of Arca Restaurant & Lounge.

include beautiful, curved booths, providing plenty of comfortable seating.

Connecting with the Community

The Selimi brothers’ history is as unique as the building. As war refugees from Kosovo, Fatos and Genc emigrated to the United States in 1999. Years of education, determination and success followed these young men.

Now their work ethic is reflected in their families, the beautiful business they’ve created and a spirit of giving back.

Recognizing the veterans in their new country and grateful for U.S. help during the turmoil in their homeland, they decided to serve those who’ve served. So, on Thanksgiving Day in 2024, they welcomed veterans and their families to a complete four-course holiday dinner.

The brothers used social media and

communicated with local organizations to let former service people know about the event. Soup, salad, turkey with all the trimmings, wine, dessert and coffee were all provided free of charge.

“It’s our way of recognizing what this country did for us all those years ago,” Genc says. “We wanted to show appreciation for their service.”

Family and community are important to the Selimi brothers. They both live nearby and are involved in local schools, activities and sports.

One or both of the brothers are always at the restaurant and available to have conversations about the menu, their history and the restaurant’s dinner specialties. Their overarching goal is to provide a comfortable,

elegant and friendly experience.

Indeed, Arca is becoming a destination favorite: Folks don’t mind travelling a bit to enjoy exceptional food and service.

If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, use Resy online or call to reserve a table. Whether you have in mind a romantic dinner, a special party or simply a delightful night out, treat yourself to a special evening and an extraordinary dining experience.

To learn more, visit arcarestaurantnj.com or follow Arca on Instagram and Facebook.

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.

A transformed building: Arca restaurant in Lincoln Park includes (above left) a terrace bar and dining area and (above right) a secluded back dining space.

Brianna Fillweber welcoming winter with sparkle and style.

The Road to Fabulous

Pequannock native Brianna Fillweber’s dreams of walking the runway became a reality with famed designer Mac Duggal.

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

From a young age, Brianna Fillweber’s love of all things beauty soon developed into the dream of becoming a model. While a student at Pequannock Township High School, she attended Barbizon, learning everything from how to walk and pose to finishing-school lessons on etiquette. She felt ready to dive right into the career she yearned for.

After graduating, Fillweber signed with a local agency in New Jersey, Cleri Models, but soon became discouraged by the unrealistic expectations of the modeling world.

“I’m tall, and at 120 pounds I was so skinny, but for modeling agencies, they wanted me

even thinner,” Fillweber says. “It wasn’t healthy; it demanded too much of my emotional and physical health.”

Fillweber reflects on how those difficulties resulted in a time during which she battled an eating disorder, something she chooses not to hide.

“I hope my story will help young girls who are going through the same issues,” she says. “We need to teach confidence to the upcoming generations. Girls need to learn at a young age to love themselves and their bodies. I hope to inspire other women to feel this way about their bodies and their lives.”

Chasing Her Dream

After going through a four-year relationship and broken engagement, Fillweber noticed the Mac Duggal Face of Fabulous competition on Instagram.

“I entered the ‘This Is Why I Am Fabulous’ plus-size model contest in 2017, and it’s opened up so many doors for me,” Fillweber says. The contest was a model search that encouraged women to feel beautiful at any size. She knew that this was her calling, and it rekindled her dreams of becoming a model.

Weeks later, she was notified of her semifinalist status and headed to Chicago to meet Mac Duggal, be interviewed, have headshots taken, practice walking the runway, tour corporate headquarters

and view dresses. “I was over the moon,” says Fillweber.

She says the best part of the competition was the women she competed with.

“Everyone was supportive of each other— no cattiness, just hundreds upon hundreds of wonderful women,” she says. She made it to the top 10.

Fillweber ended up winning the title of The Face of Fabulous. Many opportunities followed, such as walking in Mac Duggal’s runway for New York Fashion Week and modeling the Mac Duggal Fabulouss line for digital/print, to name a few.

“I’m so grateful for Mac Duggal believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” says Fillweber. “What I love about this company is the belief that every

woman should feel beautiful. Every woman should have a Mac Duggal dress, every body is beautiful.” Fabulouss (the line that launched from The Face of Fabulous contest) has gorgeous gowns for all sizes.

The ride with Mac Duggal still wasn’t over for Fillweber. Just one year after being named The Face of Fabulous, Mac Duggal offered her a job in Burr Ridge, Illinois. She took a position in sales, then in the department store business. Fillweber is now the company’s head of operations—a perfect position for her, as she likes to know every angle of the business.

“I don’t like to stay in one spot; I’m a fast runner with an East Coast mentality,” Fillweber says with a grin. “‘Throw me in the deep end’ is what I always say.”

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

Scan this code to view a video that includes the moment designer Mac Duggal tells Brianna Fillweber she’s won a company modeling contest. To track Fillweber’s continuing journey, follow @briannajeanxx on Instagram and TikTok, where she shares beauty tips and day-in-the-life reels as head of operations for Mac Duggal.

Fillweber is now head of operations for Mac

page: Fillweber searches through Mac Duggal’s website, where she sometimes models gowns in advertisements.

A Good Fit

If you’re familiar with the clothing of Mac Duggal, then you know quality is very important. However, it’s not just about quality products, but a quality experience as a company.

“The company is very family-oriented,” says Fillweber. “Duggal makes everyone feel important and has made me feel at home working there.” Since this wonderful opportunity, Fillweber has purchased a suburban home in Illinois and enjoys working close to where she lives.

In her spare time, Fillweber’s hobbies include home décor, gardening, cooking, shopping and going to the gym. She enjoys a fun night out in Chicago and a great meal at Osteria Del Pastaio—“a must-go-to restaurant downtown”, says Fillweber. “They have a specialty pasta prepared in a cheese wheel with shaved truffle that is to die for!”

As much as she enjoys her time out, she loves curling up under a blanket and being cozy at home. She stays in touch with family and friends in Pequannock and visits whenever she can. Sharing girl time with her mother and grandmother are extra special times on those visits.

Her mom, Donna, who encouraged Fillweber to follow her dreams to Chicago, always says to “bloom where you are planted.” Fillweber has certainly bloomed with Mac Duggal. We look forward to seeing her beautiful face through Mac Duggal and beyond.

Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys living and working in our beautiful township!

Brianna

Duggal. Opposite

Lasting Love

Lee Cahill found the perfect place for the wedding dress of his late, beloved wife, Patricia, through Pequannock magazine.

“I asked her to go out with me three times before she agreed,” says Lee Cahill with a smile. His late wife of 58 years, Patricia, was the beautiful redheaded sister of Cahill’s friend in the Bronx. Cahill was smitten from their very first introduction.

The pair dated while Cahill earned his degree at Iona University, and soon after, he was drafted into the Army. He earned the ranking of second lieutenant, and throughout his time stationed away

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

from home, he would get on a bus to see Patricia every weekend.

Her sense of humor and their ease of being together made for a wonderful dating history. When Cahill was ready to propose, he did so at her home. He laughs as he recalls it was an evening Patricia’s mother decided to stay up chatting with them.

“She talked and talked as I was nervously waiting, but she eventually went to bed, and Patricia and I became engaged,” he says.

The couple married in 1963. By 1971 they moved to Pompton Plains and raised sons Tommy and Michael, (both Pequannock Township High School alumni) and fostered many children together over the years. Throughout all the ups and downs of life, they could always rely on their strong relationship. “Good marriages become better,” says Cahill. “The key is to enrich what you already have.”

Cahill smiles at a stack of love letters that his late wife, Patricia, saved throughout their years together.

Lee Cahill holds a wedding portrait of himself with Patricia, his wife of 58 years.

Inspiring Brides

Enrich they did. Both were part of marriage workshops to keep their relationship strong, and they served as a Pre-Cana couple at their church.

“We’re a couple; it’s natural teamwork,” says Cahill. The pair never let an occasion go by without a card or heartfelt note. In fact, Patricia saved every written word Cahill ever sent or gave to her. He brought out a stack of cards and letters from their early days of dating throughout their last anniversary celebrated together.

In 2001, the couple downsized, ending up in a house just down the road from the home in which they raised their family. It was a perfect setting for the empty nesters.

Sadly, in May 2022, Cahill lost his beautiful Patricia. “Everyone reacts differently to the passing of a spouse,” says Cahill. “Some people can’t face it; I had to. I had to go through all of her precious things. I donated clothing and, of course, kept things that are sentimental. But I never did anything with

her beautiful wedding gown.”

Patricia’s gown had been in a box since their wedding, placed in a wooden chest. “This past year, I was really trying to figure out what to do with it,” Cahill says.

About three weeks later, he picked up a copy of the April 2024 issue of Pequannock magazine. “I always find the articles interesting and informative,” he says. “I don’t always read them right away, but get to them eventually. Last April, I was struggling and searching for a solution regarding Patricia’s wedding gown. Having a strong faith, I always turn to my spiritual source for help. It came in the form of an inspiration to pick up the current issue of Pequannock magazine, which contained a beautiful article on Headpiece.com in Pompton Plains. The Lord does work in strange ways.”

Cahill brought the dress to Marie Hunt’s Headpiece.com shop. “The door had a sign that said to make an appointment; I rang the bell anyway,” he says with a grin.

Hunt remembers the moment fondly. “He

had his wedding photo in his hand and told me he had his late wife’s wedding gown in the car and was wondering if I could use it to make headpieces,” says Hunt. She knew instantly this couldn’t just be a drop-off. He needed to come back and open the box with her, and it had to be special.

Although she couldn’t use the dress to make headpieces, she wanted to restore and display it in the store as an inspirational piece for brides. She took a selfie with Cahill, asking permission to post, and up it went.

A Photographer’s View

That night, Hunt received much feedback from the post—mine included. I have been photographing Marie Hunt and her work for years. When I saw the Instagram story, I immediately let her know my connection to Cahill: His beloved Patricia was a dear friend of my late mother.

Surprised by this coincidence, Hunt asked if we could switch an upcoming photo shoot we had scheduled and instead capture

Above: Cahill and Marie Hunt unbox Patricia’s wedding gown for the first time since 1963 at Headpiece.com in Pompton Plains. Opposite page: Cahill and Hunt take the gown out of the box (top) and discover it’s still in good condition. Together (bottom) they place it on a form, where Hunt intends to keep the dress on display in her shop.

Cahill opening the box with her.

Cahill was all for it. When Patricia’s gown was placed on the dress form, Cahill’s first words were “Hello, sweetheart”—a special and emotional moment.

Cahill is so glad he picked up Pequannock magazine the day he did. After reading the article and meeting Maria at Headpiece.com, “the magic began to unfold,” he says.

“Marie, due to her innate gentleness and artistic sensitivity recognized how important the dress was to me,” Cahill continues. “I was very pleased with her final solution and understand the blog has been widely viewed. Thanks to Pequannock magazine, I have a growing friendship with Marie Hunt and Antonietta Henry and have reconnected with past friends.”

Hunt describes the way everything intertwined as “serendipitous,” resulting in unique projects such as Angel Brides, a way Cahill wants to give back to the community by sponsoring brides under special circumstances.

“Love’s reach is unknowing,” Hunt says. “When Patricia wore her wedding gown to profess her love for Lee, I am sure she never imagined how that love would live on in the lives of other brides-to-be. What a perfect ending to a beautiful story!”

Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys living and working in our beautiful township!

Learn More Scan this code for a Headpiece. com blog post on the dress’s story with more photos of Lee and Patricia’s wedding day.

A Living Legacy

Allison Lastfogel, mother of Brandon and creator of Brandon’s Heart and Sole, the charity founded in his honor.

Honoring the memory of Brandon Lastfogel, Brandon’s Heart and Sole provides socks and essentials to those in need.

BY DEBBIE WALSH

According to the often-quoted Chinese proverb, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Brandon’s Heart and Sole (BHAS) makes that first step a little easier for many people.

Born in Pequannock and raised in Kinnelon, Brandon Lastfogel tragically lost his life at age 30 when the Harley Davidson motorcycle he was riding struck a deer on Route 80 near Exit 25 in Stanhope on June 1, 2018. After his ejection from the motorcycle, a hit-and-run driver struck him.

For three years, Brandon’s mother, Allison, struggled to find a fitting way to honor Brandon’s memory by bringing his legacy of kindness and compassion to life in a fashion that would carry on long after his passing. Through BHAS, a nonprofit organization, Brandon’s heart and soul continues to touch the lives of many, making a difference one step at a time.

“I got that knock on the door at 3 a.m. that is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Allison recalls. Brandon had just bought a home in Blairstown and was on his way to work in Rockaway when the accident happened.

“Brandon was a very humble and giving person,” Allison says. “He had strong faith. No matter how busy he was, if someone needed help, he’d make himself available. One of my biggest fears [after the accident] was that he’d be forgotten. I wanted to find something that would have meaning and purpose and make a difference like Brandon did.”

Enthusiastic Donors

Allison considered spearheading a food drive, which would honor Brandon’s favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, but found that many organizations conduct food drives. She wanted to fulfill a need not often covered.

She came up with the idea of a sock drive and learned that socks are rarely included in charitable drives despite being essential to warmth, comfort and hygiene.

Familiar with Good Shepherd Mission in Paterson and Market Street Mission in Morristown, Allison launched her inaugural sock drive for these two shelters. She decided to start small by merely posting a request for socks on Facebook. She figured even if the response was meager, she could add her own resources to bolster this initial effort.

To her surprise, she received an almost immediate response from a Facebook friend, Mary-Ann Urbanovich of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, whom she had not seen in many years. Urbanovich suggested that Allison share the option of purchasing socks online for BHAS, which would streamline the process and help minimize shipping fees. After Urbanovich’s response, donations followed from two tree-service companies where Brandon had worked before becoming a member of Local Union 825, working for Bruce R. Koerner Cranes and Equipment in Rockaway.

Allison and Travis Lastfogel with a Brandon’s Heart and Sole charity table set up for events.

By the end of the week, Allison had more than enough socks to stock the two shelters, By the end of four weeks, she had 4,000 pairs of socks, which prompted her to expand BHAS’s charitable outreach to shelters in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties.

To keep up with the growing demand for socks, Allison began exploring creative ways to boost her supply. She approached clothing retailers with the idea of taking their seconds or opened packages of socks that were possibly missing a sock or two. She found a receptive merchant in Wayne, the Berkshire General Store (aka Hanes Outlet). After the discounter closed its shop, she continued to work with the business’ wholesaler.

Allison also filed for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to make donations tax-deductible. As donations of socks flooded in, Allison realized she needed storage space other than her home. Fortunately, Brandon’s close friend, Travis, provided the perfect solution. With his family’s ownership of Farms View Roadstand in Wayne and farmland in Montville, Travis offered a barn for storage space. Now the Montville barn routinely takes delivery of pallets of socks.

Top: Bees are a special part of Brandon’s Heart and Sole and a reminder of Brandon for the family. Little bees that the organization passes out come with notes asking recipients to remember Brandon’s Heart and Sole each time they see a bee. Above: Brandon’s signature cowboy boots and hat are a reminder of his style and spirit.

A Long Reach

The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina prompted BHAS to broaden its outreach, extending its efforts far beyond New Jersey.

The organization responded to the disaster by donating 20,000 pairs of socks. Though this depleted the BHAS inventory, a hopeful Allison remained steadfast in her belief that “God always provides.” Within just a few weeks, the organization received 1,200 pairs of socks, which were passed on to a homeless outreach organization.

One of the local organizations that BHAS partners with is Our Lady of Good Counsel’s (OLGC) Mission of Hope Ministry. Together, they bring thousands of pairs of socks to the impoverished Haitian community in Batey Lecheria, in the Dominican Republic. OLGC’s charitable outreach to this area began more than 20 years ago. Through fundraising efforts, OLGC built a school and clinic for Batey Lecheria.

According to Nancy Baran, Mission of Hope president, volunteers from OLGC travel annually to the Dominican Republic, where they work on vital projects such as installing tin roofs on basic homes and filling a shipping container with 40,000 pounds of supplies. Among the supplies are socks, donated by BHAS.

Baran emphasized the dire need for essentials, saying, “These are people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. They

BRANDON’S HEART AND SOLE STATS

First sock donation: Mary-Ann Urbanovich, Berwyn, Pennsylvania.

Number of socks delivered: more than 115,000 pairs.

Donations have come from: (U.S) Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Wyoming, Nevada, (international) Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, South Africa.

Socks have gone to: more than 30 shelters in New Jersey, North Carolina, Dominican Republic and Ukraine. More than 7,000 pairs have been donated to veterans support groups.

Sock drive hosts include: 12 schools; eight Starbucks locations; five banks; five Chevy dealerships; two libraries; one barn; numerous churches and youth groups; adult independent living communities; YMCA; martial arts schools; Scouts; doctor’s offices; country clubs; civic organizations; veterans organizations; local businesses; countless individuals with generous hearts.

To learn more: Visit Facebook and www.brandonsheartandsole.org.

need the basics.” She praised BHAS as a valuable partner, calling their contributions a “Godsend.”

Tania Novak, of Family Promise of Morristown, also shared her gratitude for the organization’s charitable efforts. At the homeless drop-in center, Novak noted that people there appreciate the socks provided by BHAS. “They are amazing,” Novak says. “Anytime I ask, Allison comes through. We appreciate their generosity.”

These testimonials highlight the profound impact of BHAS. Partners with local and international outreach express deep gratitude for the organization’s commitment to providing essential items like socks to those in need.

While Allison dedicates considerable time and effort, the organization’s mission would not be achievable without the contributions of her family, including another son, Travis; her sister, Lauren Chandless; her sisterin-law, Sue Lastfogel; and the broader community. Civic organizations, churches, schools, businesses and individuals who organize sock drives also play pivotal roles.

The organization’s foundation, built upon the public’s generosity, honors the compassionate legacy of Brandon Lastfogel.

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.

A basket filled with just a fraction of the socks collected for Brandon’s Heart and Sole.

OPEN HOUSE

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A Life in Books Q & a

A long-standing love of reading led a local librarian to open the quaint and cozy Gingerbread Bookshop.

BY DANA REGAN

WITH BRIANNE COLOMBO

Brianne Colombo grew up in Pequannock and now owns Gingerbread Bookshop on Main Street in Boonton. This quaint little treasure consists of gently used books, wooden shelves, creaky floors covered with area rugs and a cozy fireplace in the back. Upon entry, the comfortable, charming atmosphere immediately confirms the expectations of book lovers.

We sat down with Colombo to learn more about her pleasant shop and what led her to a life in books.

Tell us about your childhood in Pequannock.

I grew up on Mountain Avenue. In the ’90s, we had a gravel driveway, a handful of crab-apple trees and, to the west of the house, a dense stretch of tall trees and thick grapevines, with little dirt paths cut through creeping myrtle. It was here that my early understanding of the world was shaped.

When I learned to read, I realized there were many more worlds to explore. One of our favorite places to visit was the library. I can still remember walking down the stairwell into the familiar smell and dim glow of the cool basement. Perhaps it’s no surprise that when I grew up I became a librarian, a position I’ve held my entire adult career in several public libraries.

INTERVIEW

Brianne Colombo describes browsing the Gingerbread Bookshop as serendipitous: You don’t know what you’ll find until you stop in and look around.

How did your library work inspire you?

I have always had a deep interest in collecting, facilitating and managing documents and books. As a librarian and bookshop owner, I care deeply about privacy, provenance and the public good. I feel I’ve always been thoroughly immersed in the world of information and that my passion for the work I do as a librarian and bookseller is born out of the same ideals.

When did you decide to open the bookshop?

Deep down, I think it’s something I’ve wanted since childhood. I also wanted to be a singer, a photographer, a writer and a gelato artisan, but about 10 years ago, I really started thinking about what it would be like to own a bookshop and kept it as a hopeful possibility in my heart.

In December 2023, I stopped into an antique shop on Boonton’s historic Main Street. I felt so welcomed into this tiny, quirky shop, with tall ceilings and a charming gas stove heating the space. When I was checking out, I talked with the owner, who mentioned that she was relocating and that the storefront was just listed for rent. Everything fell into place. I pulled out my sketchbook, trusted my gut, signed the lease and got to work.

How would you describe your bookshop?

Gingerbread is a secondhand bookshop for all ages. It is my hope that when you walk in, you recall the warmth of a place that brought you comfort in childhood—for me, that’s my grandma’s living room.

The shop offers readers a serendipitous browsing experience— you won’t know what you’ll find until you stop by and have a good look around. Although I post occasionally to Instagram [@gingerbread_bookshop], the bookshop only exists in real life.

On Fridays, I have homemade gingerbread cookies available for a book trade: I gratefully accept donations of books in exchange for gingerbread. More details about the gingerbread book barter can be found at www.gingerbreadbookshop. com. I also offer storytime every Friday for babies and toddlers from the perch of my grandma’s rocking chair next to the gas stove.

I welcome you into the bookshop any time you’d like to disconnect from the real world and reconnect with the wonder and joy of the hidden worlds tucked carefully within the pages of books.

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