Pequannock January 2024

Pequannock January 2024

& Pompton Plains

CRUISING INTO 2024

WITH THE LOURIDAS FAMILY

ACTOR NEAL MATARAZZO REACHES FOR THE STARS

JUMP-START YOUR FITNESS THIS YEAR

Beyond the Steeple

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JANUARY 2024

Contents

18

14

22 8

28 IN EVE RY ISSU E

30 F E AT U RES

14 18

All Hands on Deck

The Louridas family mixes business with pleasure at Cruise Concepts travel agency.

In the Heart of Town

The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains provides a bounty of beauty, service and community spirit.

22 Lights, Camera, Action!

Working actor Neal Matarazzo has channeled a successful performing career into coaching and directing.

28 Talk About Crafts!

At Knit Knot & Natter, patrons enjoy a shop devoted to wool, wood and words.

4

Publisher’s Note WELCOME, 2024!

6

Around Town BITE-SIZED UPDATES

8

Better Health STEPS TOWARD A HEALTHIER YOU

10 Q&A THE HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE 30 Local Tastes COMMUNITY-MINDED JERSEY MIKE’S 32 Photo Op SLIP SLIDING AWAY AT GREENWAY PARK

O N T HE COVER

Rev. Stacey Duensing Pearce (left) and Rev. David Sippel value community appreciation for The First Reformed Church.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Welcome, 2024!

I can hardly believe

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAN PICCOLI

we are welcoming a new year!

There’s so much to celebrate as we publish our eighth edition of Pequannock & Pompton Plains magazine.

This month, we honor our Pequannock Township High School Hall of Fame inductees. Read on to learn more. Who knows, maybe you will be our next inductee—or will consider nominating someone you know!

As we cruise into 2024, it’s wonderful to learn more about our resident travel agency. You’ll read about this family business and its owners’ firsthand passion for cruising.

This winter, be sure to enjoy the stillness of the First Reformed Church steeple that illuminates our town. Check out the story behind it all, and make a point to slow down and enjoy the steeple’s beauty and splendor this season. We also take you inside the church to see the sanctuary’s architectural and stained-glass workmanship.

Speaking of winter, we share more about Knit Knot & Natter.

It’s the perfect place for you to get cozy and create something new, whether knitting or chalk-painting some furniture, a personal favorite of mine.

Lastly, we recognize Jersey Mike’s of Lincoln Park for all it does for our community, offering fundraising throughout our schools and beyond. We so appreciate all the Jersey Mike’s team does for us, truly “changing lives one sub at a time.”

In closing, I wish you all the best this coming year as we continue to celebrate this amazing community. This magazine is for and about you, so be sure to like and follow us on social media to share your stories and pictures using @pequannockmagazine.

Donna Fillweber

Pequannock & Pompton Plains MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Donna Fillweber Art Director Sue Park Copy Editor Nancy Fass Writers Danielle Clements Dana Regan Mary Shumeyko Angela Teta Kohle 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 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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Around Town GET READY TO REGISTER

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Mark your calendar now for summer theater camp registration—space is limited to 50 participants!

Pequannock Parks and Recreation Theater Camp 2024 show: “Shrek the Musical Jr.” June 24 to July 26 Final Production Dates: July 26 and July 27 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Pequannock High School Ages 9 to 15 $225 per person Registration opens March 1 at 6 a.m.

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LIBRARY CORNER • January 9 at 7 p.m.

Wayne Lucina will present a program on the JFK Assassination: “November 22, 1963, Places, People and Things.”

This program is jointly sponsored by the library and the Historic Commission.

• January 11 at 1 p.m.

Danielle Buonforte will present “Eat Well and Be Happy into the New Year.”

• January 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Make Valentine’s Day cards. This program is limited to Pequannock residents and there is room for 20 participants.

• January 30 at 7 p.m.

Cook and Share will meet. This group will cook from “Paula Deen’s Southern Cooking Bible” and bring the dish to share at the meeting.

• February 8 at 5 p.m.

Morris County Parks Commission will present a program on maple sugaring.

Visit the library website for more children, teen and adult programs: www.pequannocklibrary.org Pequannock Township Public Library 477 Newark-Pompton Turnpike Pompton Plains 973-835-7460

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BETTER HEALTH

Make This Your Fitness JanYouary A local health instructor explains how to start a feel-good journey to a healthier you.

BY TONI IAPICCA

strength training to see results. If a tightand-toned body aesthetic is what you’re looking for, you mustn’t starve yourself. You cannot out-train poor nutrition.

Commit to moderate changes by drinking more water, adding more protein to your diet and minimizing sugar intake.

Invest in yourself by working with a certified nutrition coach temporarily, as knowledge is powerful.

Build Strength Weight lifting can be intimidating. Yet the benefits of strength training outweigh those of cardio alone, boosting your immune system, increasing metabolism, promoting muscular growth, raising your metabolic rate and allowing the body to continue burning calories all day post-workout.

Not ready to join a gym? Start small: Lifting a gallon of water in three to four sets of 12 at home several times a week can start you on the right path.

We can’t avoid aging. But the way we

age, move daily and feel—both physically and mentally—can be in our control, and we can age gracefully.

Losing weight is a key component to feeling healthier and is a popular New Year’s resolution, for good reason. As the owner of Mindset180, a functional training and nutrition facility in Pompton Plains, I have years of personal and professional experience and understand what it takes to start on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

All people—teens, men, women, pre/ postnatal mothers—who want to look and

feel great can benefit from understanding that what they do now will directly impact their ability to stay active and improve their quality of life as they age.

Here are some key steps:

Understand Proper Nutrition Weight loss and proper body composition transitions are achieved largely through nutrition. Cutting calories alone is not the answer. With the right fuel, your body becomes more effective at burning fat.

You must follow proper protein, fat and carbohydrates intake combined with

Play the Long Game Work toward living a healthy, long life by instilling consistent lifestyle practices rather than trying to achieve quick results. There is no easy trick, no fad diet, no quick fix that will produce instant changes and set you up for lifelong benefits. To reach your goals, your input will be your output! There is no better time than now to prioritize your health.

Toni Iapicca is a certified fitness instructor and nutritionist, and owner of Mindset180 Fitness and Nutrition, which has won Readers’ Choice awards for best place to work out for two consecutive years.

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Q &a

The Kids in the Hall How former high school students reach the PTHS Hall of Fame

BY ANGELA TETA KOHLE

The PTHS Hall of Fame Committee includes (from left) Richard Hayzler (PTHS principal), Rudy Ference, Ken Hellyer, Sue Hellyer, Terri Horgan, Mary Shumeyko, Brian Silipena (PTHS assistant principal), Angela Teta Kohle and Russell Irving.

INTERVIEW WITH

THE PEQUANNOCK TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE

Pequannock Township High School (PTHS) has plenty of distinguished alumni—and their accomplishments are recognized by the school’s Hall of Fame. We asked members of the Hall of Fame Committee to explain the honor and how awards are given.

What is the Hall of Fame?

The PTHS Hall of Fame was created to honor successful past graduates of Pequannock Township High School whose deeds and lives bring credit to PTHS in the following categories: Outstanding Contribution to Academics, Community, Athletics, the Arts, his/ her profession and/or the military, outstanding Recognitions and Accomplishments (local, state, national) and/or outstanding Alumni Contributions.

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When was the Hall of Fame established?

It was established in 2008, and the first induction took place in 2009. Nominees must have graduated at least five years prior to being nominated, and the number of recipients is limited to five for each induction class.

Nominees who are not selected for one class are reconsidered in following years.

Who is on the PTHS Hall of Fame Committee?

The Hall of Fame committee is made up of community members, former teachers, current teachers, alumni and two administrators. The committee shares the nomination form with the community every two years via their website and several social media platforms. Once nominations come in, the committee reviews the forms and votes, and the top five nominees are selected.

How are Hall of Fame inductees recognized?

They are celebrated at an induction ceremony dinner, are invited to PTHS, given a tour of the school and an opportunity to speak with students and teachers, and are recognized at the homecoming game during halftime.

How does one nominate a PTHS alum?

Go to the Pequannock Township School District website (www.pequannock.org).

During the nomination period, the link to the nomination form will appear on the menu drop-down box. Also at this site is a list of all previous Hall of Fame inductees and their bios. We recommend that community members read about these amazing PTHS graduates; they are truly an impressive bunch!

For questions about the PTHS Hall of Fame, email Brian Silipena, PTHS assistant principal, at brian.silipena@pequannock.org.

The PTHS Hall of Fame plaque (top) explains the recognition extended to those who appear on the Hall of Fame wall (bottom).

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

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All Hands on Deck The Louridas family mixes business with pleasure at Cruise Concepts travel agency.

BY DANA REGAN

Some time ago, Adam Louridas was

on a cruise to Bermuda with three friends when he spotted a girl enjoying the pool with her family. She was quite beautiful and seemed like a lot of fun, so Adam initiated a conversation. Her name was Carolyn Swiss.

As it turned out, they had a lot in common, and the two enjoyed each other’s company.

After the cruise, each went their separate ways, but they never forgot one another.

Many years later, after some tough times, they reunited thanks to social media. Adam finally asked Carolyn out on a date, and she eventually agreed. The rest is history—a marriage and life together, set into motion on a cruise.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN PICCOLI

A staff of seasoned travel specialists provide service to Cruise Concepts customers, with cruises accounting for 60 percent of the family-owned company’s bookings.

JANUARY 2024

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Leisure Travel Experts Cruises seem baked into the Louridas family story.

In January 1990, Adam and his parents, Leo and Eileen Louridas, birthed Cruise Concepts, a full-service travel agency that specializes in booking cruises.

It all began when Adam and his parents went to a job fair at the Meadowlands looking to start a business.

It was there that they learned about the travel profession and decided to get a running start on this new adventure.

Initially, the family ran their travel agency out of their home in Wayne. After

eight months of advertising by word of mouth, newspaper ads and stuffing mailboxes with self-made flyers, Cruise Concepts booked its first cruise.

Soon after, the family managed to secure a storefront location on NewarkPompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains, where they have remained for 31 years and counting. These first steps were a springboard for what turned out to be a very rewarding family livelihood.

Still active members of the family business, Adam’s parents—both in their 80s—still work in the office to serve their loyal travelers. It is clear that this family is committed to impeccable customer

service for all their clientele.

Connected with many different local travel agents, including Erin Anello of Pequannock Township, Adam and his family are experts on leisure travel in both the United States and Europe. Sixty percent of their bookings are cruises, while 40 percent are hotel packages.

Family groups, business travel, river cruises and European tours are all included in services provided by Cruise Concepts. The Louridas family can find a trip suitable for anyone and for a variety of budgets, from individuals who can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a vacation to holiday bargain hunters.

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What began as a love of travel blossomed into a family business for Louridas family members (from left) Adam, Carolyn, Eileen and Leo—and a romance for Adam and Carolyn.

Knowledge and Experience Adam and Carolyn admit that they are playful children at heart. Traveling is a passion they possess, and they love nothing more than sharing their experiences and expertise with friends and followers on multiple social media platforms.

The video media they post help potential travelers get a firsthand feel for what it would be like to trek into unknown territory. Because they travel often, Adam and Carolyn can offer authentic advice and information when clients book vacations. Additionally, they are true client advocates. Cruise Concepts sews up a trip from end to end, and if problems arise, they are there to help make things right.

Regardless of how good business is now, Cruise Concepts had to make every effort to survive shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Louridas family quickly moved from making a

profit to coming up short as they amply helped clients navigate cruise credits and refunds. Adam and Carolyn say this was an especially difficult time. Nevertheless, the company kept afloat.

Being in business for 33 years brings forth memorable moments. Adam recalls one notable incident 25 years ago when he booked a group of 80 people, including himself, on a cruise to Bermuda. (He often joins cruises he books.)

At port, the cruise ship was delayed for 7½ hours because Legionnaires’ disease was found on the ship from previous passengers. Eventually the ship set sail, but not until all the passengers signed a release. Soon they were off to Bermuda.

Later, while off the ship and enjoying Bermuda on land, passengers noticed their vessel pulling away from the harbor.

Legionnaire’s disease was still detected on board—and to passengers’ surprise, they would be stranded in Bermuda and put up in hotels until arrangements could be made to fly everyone home.

Adam kicked his knowledge and experience into gear and began to solve the problem for his group of 80. He negotiated for his group (including himself ) to board another ship in port.

This ship’s final destination was Boston— not too far from New Jersey. This group happily completed their cruise by sailing home from Bermuda to Boston, with flights arranged upon arrival. As a travel agent, Adam fulfilled his duties. All 80 clients had a surprisingly marvelous cruise to Bermuda—and back!

Dana Regan is a happy wife and proud mother of four who moved to this town in 2013. As a longtime educator and aspiring writer, she recently published her first children’s book, “Amaryllis Bunny: Where is She Now?”

JANUARY 2024

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In the Heart of Town The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains provides a bounty of beauty, service and community spirit.

One hundred thirty feet above the

center of town, the new steeple of The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains soars high into the sky. To Pequannock residents, it is instantly recognizable as a symbol of peace, faith, devotion and beauty.

Yet it is the people both within and outside the church’s doors who make this exceptional church the heartbeat of this town through acts of unparalleled service.

The original structure, built in the 1700s, is literally one for—and found in—the history books. Rev. David Sippel, Pastor of

Discipleship and Missional Engagement at First Reformed, describes how a church that is literally hundreds of years old manages to both stay rooted in values yet progress with the times.

Passersby may not notice right away, but the church’s placement within town is uniquely symbolic. “Our doors open and go across the street and sidewalk right into the town hall—we are directly connected,” Sippel says. “It is a unique symbol that this is the heart of the community; this church is a place where resources are available.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS

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Pastors Rev. Stacey Duensing Pearce (left) and Rev. David Sippel (right) say The First Reformed Church is central to the local community by virtue of both its location and the services it provides at the intersection of faith and life.

JANUARY 2024

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Open Doors, Hearts and Hands “Our mission is to create experiences that connect us with Christ and inspire us to serve,” Sippel says. The church frequently uses the phrase “open doors, open hearts, open hands,” which was created by a team of church leaders who were “working to define who we are and what the core values of this place are—how the intersection of faith and life crash today,” Sippel says.

Currently, the church has about 400 members, many of them young families. Despite that significant number, Sippel says it can be challenging to be a historic mainline church because people assume the age of the church might directly correlate with outmoded beliefs and ways of doing things. But First Reformed recognizes the need to change and grow.

“While our core values still guide us, we are truly a church that is welcoming and accessible to all,” Sippel says.

Church leaders, including Rev. Stacey Duensing Pearce, Pastor of Worship, Care and Strategic Leadership, work hard to ensure the community is being served. The church is a very busy place. In fact, during recent renovations, hospitality was one of its priorities.

“Adding air conditioning to our public spaces made more usable space for groups,” Sippel says. “We place a very high value on hospitality.”

In addition to internal teams that run ministry work, outside groups and events such as the Knit & Crochet Group, the Men’s Bible Study and others use the church’s spaces. More than a dozen different recovery groups, including AA, Al-Anon and Gamblers Anonymous, meet in the church’s facilities each week. Sippel believes that these acts of hospitality help to generate good will toward the town and church.

Beautiful inside and out: First Reformed’s steeple was recently renovated, and its sanctuary is highlighted by panels of stained glass on many windows. For more on the history of The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, visit firstreformedchurch.com/about-us/our-history.

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A Mindful Makeover On December 7, 2020, Sippel and others walked outside and noticed a white chunk of wood on the sidewalk. They couldn’t immediately identify it. Then a staff member walked across the street, looked up and realized the wood had fallen from the lantern level of the steeple.

Thus began a process of discovery, fundraising and rebuilding. Working with contractors and the Morris County Historic Preservation group, a restoration began that mindfully and carefully honored the original design. These repairs, many of which Sippel participated in personally,

were completed in September 2021.

It took a significant amount of philanthropy to make the repairs.

Even though the steeple is a wellknown and beloved landmark in Pequannock, Sippel was surprised at the generosity of church members and nonmembers alike. More than $175,000 was raised to repair the steeple and lights, leaving some reserves to pay for inspectors to check and ensure stability for the next few years.

Sippel described a particularly meaningful moment following the renovation that touched his heart.

“We lit up the steeple with the colors

of the flag of Ukraine when the war started,” he says. “Before I could even step outside—before I even closed the door—there were people in cars taking photos of it from across the street.”

Shortly after, Sippel noticed a social media post with a photo of the steeple lit blue and yellow, captioned simply, “I love our town.” “There’s something about being in the center of the town, being the visual symbol of the town,” Sippel says.

It is clear that the expression of gratitude stretches far beyond the four walls of the church, and that the steeple overlooking the town means something to everyone.

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

JANUARY 2024

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Neal Matarazzo’s film and television acting career has included playing roles opposite Glenn Close and Forest Whitaker.

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Lights, Camera, Action!

Working actor Neal Matarazzo has channeled a successful performing career into coaching and directing.

BY DEBBIE WALSH

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN PICCOLI

Mark Twain famously said, “Find a job

you love doing and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Pequannock native Neal Matarazzo is lucky to be living that dream—and even luckier to be among the small percentage of people who have made a career out of acting.

The significance of that accomplishment cannot be overstated considering there are 160,000 members of the Screen Actors GuildAmerican Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and a meager 7 percent earn $80,000 annually. Only 14 percent make the $26,470 annually to qualify for the union’s health insurance coverage.

“You know I don’t drive a Porsche; I drive a Honda,” Matarazzo says. “We were able to put

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our three kids through college, and my dream of buying my parents’ house came to fruition.

Like, 90 percent of the actors in the union are usually unemployed. And then you have the 1 percenters—the known celebrities. Then there’s the [remaining] nine percent, who are trying to make a living. I feel fortunate to sit in that group.”

So maybe Neal Matarazzo isn’t a household name, but how many people can say they were driving in a limousine with James Woods, sitting in a van with Michael Imperioli as he waited to shoot scenes for “American Horror Story” or swapping lines with Glenn Close and Forest Whitaker? Being part of that 9 percent has its perks.

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A Fruitful Career The acting bug bit Matarazzo at a young age. It started with Mildred Ohlson’s School of Dance. Little did Matarazzo know at age 9 that his future wife, Pam, was taking dance lessons there, too.

From there, he got involved in theatrical productions at Holy Spirit Church, where Linda D’Amico (Linda D’Amico’s Academy of Dance and School of Arts) became a lasting influence. Next Matarazzo would come under the tutelage of beloved Pequannock Township High School (PTHS) theatre arts and humanities teacher William Cromie. Matarazzo, a 1980 PTHS grad, earned the coveted role of Jesus in the school’s spring musical, “Godspell.” At that age, it doesn’t get any bigger than that.

After graduating Ithaca College, Matarazzo moved to New York City.

Chosen to study with legendary acting teacher Uta Hagen, he secured his first professional acting job in a commercial and got his union card.

Working in theater and winning some roles on daytime TV, Matarazzo felt he might find more work in Los Angeles. Once there, he studied with acclaimed acting teacher Milton Katselas, founder of the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Katselas’ countless A-list students included George Clooney, Alec Baldwin and Kate Hudson.

Matarazzo got his first big break when he landed a role in the Warner Bros. film “Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home.” Pam got a job with the special effects company responsible for the mechanical

whales in the “Free Willy” movies.

Next Matarazzo earned a role in Steven Bochco’s police TV drama “Brooklyn South.” He’s had multiple guest roles in “Law & Order: SVU,” “V.I.P.,” “24” and “The Young and the Restless.” More recently, Matarazzo portrayed Lieutenant Mills in an episode of “Godfather of Harlem,” which stars Forest Whitaker.

Matarazzo is also a voice-over artist and has appeared in more than 100 commercials. He was the voice in Toro lawn mower commercials for seven years.

Never forgetting home, Christmas holidays and summer visits were always part of his and Pam’s script.

They wanted to give their children the same small-town upbringing they had, so they moved back to Pequannock in 2006.

“When I first started working with Glenn Close, it felt like she was going to eat my face off, because she’s so intense.”

- Neal Matarazzo

Neal Matarazzo reviews the script of “The Line,” a short film he’s directing using Tavern 5 as a location, with writer/actors Fernando Figueroa Valladares (left) and Daniel Condon.

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In addition to appearing in films such as “Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home” and TV productions such as “Law & Order: SVU” and “24,” Neal Matarazzo advises actors breaking into the business and is directing a short film co-written and starring student Daniel Condon. Above right: Matarazzo shares his latest project with his wife, Pam. “She’s my whole storyline,” he says. “I couldn’t do any of it without her.”

Empowered by Experience Matarazzo credits Katselas with instilling the attitude that he belonged on stage with anyone, no matter how big their star shined. Though he never felt intimidated, he’s worked with actors who possess a searing intensity.

“I’ve worked opposite Forest Whitaker and Glenn Close,” he says. “I’ve never been fearful, but you do have such reverence for their careers. I told friends when I first started working with Glenn Close, it felt like she was going to eat my face off, because she’s so intense. The bottom line is you can have reverence, but once they say ‘action,’ you better put it aside and know you can compete with anybody. The more work you get, the more empowered you feel and the more you feel, ‘I can do this.’”

As the owner of the New Jersey Acting Studio in Pequannock and as a teacher

at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in New York, Matarazzo shares that advice with his many acting students. He is a soughtafter coach, and many of his students have successful careers. These include Sadie Sink, who stars on “Stranger Things,” and Mattea Conforti, who has starred on Broadway in “Matilda the Musical” and “Frozen.” Conforti voiced the young Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen II.” Matarazzo also spends time behind the camera and is directing a short film cowritten and starring one of his students, Daniel Condon.

When Condon first moved up from Florida to pursue his acting career, Matarazzo sent him to Tavern 5 for a job. The name of the film currently is “The Line,” and it portrays life inside a restaurant’s kitchen. Shot at Tavern 5, the film is bound for festivals, where aspiring filmmakers seize the opportunity to

showcase their work.

Besides working with Condon, Matarazzo found it gratifying to work with his son Nicholas and nephew Jack Landon on the film. Landon does sound work, and Nicholas served as the first assistant director.

Matarazzo’s other son, Noah, also works in the entertainment industry. His daughter, Isabella, who works in the social media marketing field, is the only one to resist the lure of show business…so far.

“A student asked me recently what else I’d like to do,” Matarazzo says. “I’ve guest starred. I’d love to be a series regular or have a monumental role—a defining role—in a movie. I can’t complain. It’s been a great ride. I’ve never gone to work not loving what I’m doing. It’s terrific to see my students’ careers take off. It’s like a little piece of you going with them. It’s very fulfilling.”

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.

JANUARY 2024

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Talk About Crafts!

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12/18/23 12:18 PM

Top right: Knitting instructor Barbara Bonini (standing) leads a class enjoyed by (from left) Helen Jamison, Deb Dross, Hannah Stoudt, Karen Falduto, Debbie Elefante, Debbie Spinnler, Lori Bellet and Robin Ringer. Bottom right: Knit Knot & Natter co-owners Stephanie Stoudt (center) and Mary Jane Lombardi (right), with Hannah Stoudt.

At Knit Knot & Natter, patrons enjoy a shop devoted to wool, wood and words.

BY MARY SHUMEYKO

Knit Knot & Natter co-owners

Stephanie Stoudt and Mary Jane Lombardi chuckle when asked where the idea for their business came from. Their answer: midnight inspiration.

Home during the pandemic and reluctant to return to a corporate job, Stoudt created the shop and its name to bring together three (shall we say) threads: knit, representing yarn; knot, relating to wood; and natter, pertaining to the act of creating while inviting conversation.

Something for Everyone The shop at 610 Newark-Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains uses every inch of its charming interior.

Yarns of every color and type are held on floor-to-ceiling racks, reflecting Lombardi’s talents with wool.

Annie Sloan chalk paints sit on a repurposed breakfront, showing Stoudt’s skills in restoring furniture.

The multitiered center table offers

scented candles and other gifts, assuring noncraft clientele that there’s something for everyone.

And there’s a hilarious collection of tea towels with catchy phrases.

Three generations of ladies met with me to talk about the store. During our chat, Lombardi organized products for sale, Stoudt took phone calls and helped customers, while Hannah Stoudt (creator of the shop’s logo) crocheted a stylish hat.

Community-Building Classes “Our classes are a big hit,” says Stephanie.

“We’ve offered sessions in painting, knitting, crocheting, macramé, jewelry making and more.”

Lessons are taught by talented experts and provide drop-in experiences, directed skill learning or opportunities to create and work on individual projects. Classes range in size from one to eight people and can be arranged for any age.

Groups meet in both a lovely upstairs

gathering space and in a larger downstairs area. Students describe the courses with adjectives like friendly, therapeutic, fun and delightful.

Dedicated to serving the community where the family has resided for over 40 years, the ladies recently led a bus trip to the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, New York. Participants enjoyed a day of inspiration and shopping, complete with swag bags, raffles and prizes.

Knit Knot & Natter’s website, www. knitknotnatter.com, shows class schedules and product availability. Customers can order online, have items shipped or pick up merchandise in the store, where everyone is greeted and helped.

Warm, inviting and motivational, this establishment is a treasure!

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.

JANUARY 2024

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| 29 12/18/23 12:18 PM

LOCAL TASTES

From Subs to Support Sean and Kim Calliahan use their Jersey Mike’s franchise to provide local jobs and bolster community causes.

BY DANA REGAN

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Opposite page: The Calliahan family at Jersey Mike’s. Left: Kim Calliahan with (center) Pequannock mayor David Kohle and high school principal Richard Hayzler. Above: Preparing subs are (in red shirts, from left) Pequannock Valley Middle School Principal John Seborowski, the school’s assistant principal, Emily Ringen, and Superintendent Michael Portas.

You may think that “changing lives one sub at a time” is just a slogan for Jersey Mike’s in Lincoln Park, but it is so much more than that. For owners Sean and Kim Calliahan of Pompton Lakes, it is why they get up and go to work each day.

This sub franchise, located on Comly Road, does about 20 fundraisers a year for the surrounding neighborhoods in an effort to foster giving, renew a sense of community and create a ripple effect that will extend well past their busy counter.

Conscientious Employers With a background in finance, Sean remembers always wanting to own a franchise. Because of the values this husband-and-wife pair possess, they found the Jersey Mike’s franchise enticing because of its solid commitment to giving back to people in need.

As they raise their three daughters, Kayla, Rylli and Samantha, to value hard work, the Calliahans also strive to be a

positive influence on other local children, including their younger employees.

The couple’s sandwich-making business employs mostly high school and college students from surrounding towns to work the counter and cash registers.

Amid applications and scheduling, Kim makes a point of saying she takes employing these young people very seriously. Oftentimes, she is a worker’s first employer, and she strives to be a good role model. Moreover, the Calliahans also hire teens with special needs to provide skills and employment in their store.

Benefiting Schools and More Jersey Mike’s is constantly giving back to the community through fundraisers that entail donating a percentage of the store’s profits, and the local community is a beneficiary of this altruism.

All Pequannock schools, many local sports programs and, especially, the town’s high school marching band have been

recipients of this benevolence.

These owners double down on their commitment to these programs by going to local competitions and games to support their causes. One recent fundraiser for Stephen J. Gerace Elementary School was so successful that the store actually ran out of bread!

Sean and Kim never run short of passion. They are fond of helping out not only school and town sports programs but also individuals and families who are struggling because of serious illness.

Laughing and joking with regulars and new customers alike keeps the atmosphere at the shop light and fun, according to the Calliahans. Inspired by this local business?

Don’t hesitate to go get a delicious sandwich and know that your money is going to a great cause!

Dana Regan is a wife, mother, longtime educator, aspiring writer and author of the children’s book “Amarylli’s Bunny: Where is She Now?”

JANUARY 2024

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PHOTO OP

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If it’s January, it’s time for scenes like this of young people sledding the day away in a winter wonderland—beautifully captured by Maureen Brain at Greenview Park.

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to donna.fillweber@wainscotmedia.com.

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