Pequannock
A Time of Thanksgiving
As we celebrate Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, this month’s edition is a special one.
We begin by learning more about veteran Dominick Sabol, who has dedicated his life to service. Read on to learn more as Dominick encourages all veterans to join the VA, stating, “Many veterans don’t realize what’s available to them. I want them to have access to everything, whether physical/ mental medical care, any type of support— so much is available.”
A source of comfort for decades, Scanlan’s has changed with the times, but what has remained is their support during life’s most difficult moments. Check out our story and interview with Kiera Scanlan-Wespestad. She feels lucky to be such an important part of the neighborhood: “It is a profound
honor to continue my family’s legacy of service here in our town.” Also learn more about Wreaths Across America, a way to give back to our veterans this holiday season.
U.S. Army Col. Forrest S. Chilton IV proudly waves to the crowds as grand marshal in the 2024 Pequannock Memorial Day parade on our cover as part of our Chilton story. It’s so heartwarming to learn how the beloved Forrest S. Chilton III Memorial Hospital grew to what it is today with this beautiful family’s dedication to helping others. What a blessing to celebrate 70 years in our community with them this month. We recently hosted our 38th Annual Tri-County Olympics in Randolph this year. The event exemplifies team spirit, camaraderie and friendly competition. As our writer and photographer Dan Piccoli states, “Pequannock Township’s commitment to fostering community and celebrating life at every age ensures that next year’s event will be another memorable occasion. So mark your calendars for 2025—and be part of the fun!”
A real sense of community ties together our feature on the debut of the PTHS Alumni Veterans Wall. More than just a memorial, it exemplifies our sense of community. Be sure to check out the story and social media updates—and stop by to see it yourself. Lastly, check out this month’s Photo Op dedicated to Junior Citizen of the Year Hank Struble. Look for his story in a future issue as we celebrate this fine young man!
Wishing you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued support and love. And, as always, be sure to send in your stories, ideas and pictures. We are a magazine for and about you— @pequannockmagazine.com.
Donna Fillweber Publisher
Pequannock & Pompton Plains MAGAZINE
Editor and Publisher
Donna Fillweber
Writers
Antonietta Henry
Robin Jones
Dan Piccoli
Angela Teta Kohl
Photographers
Antonietta Henry
Ed Leonard
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 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH
BY DAN PICCOLI
Dominick Sabol served in Vietnam (opposite page) and is now Morris County American Legion vice commander.
Advocating for Vets
Dominick Sabol steers fellow veterans to services—and tells them, ‘Welcome home.’
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
When Dominick Sabol, Morris County vice commander of the American Legion, has the opportunity to help another veteran, he doesn’t hesitate.
With a life dedicated to service, Sabol is passionate about veterans getting the care they’re entitled to. We had the pleasure of sitting down with him just in time for Veterans Day. Sabol is often seen wearing his Vietnam veterans baseball-
style cap. “I arrived in Vietnam October of 1967,” he says. “I spent 11 months, 19 days, five hours and three minutes there.” He served in The United States Army with the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division Recon Unit. Sabol didn’t get into details about his time overseas but focused on how veterans can seek the help they need once home.
Care and Communication
“Many veterans don’t realize what’s available to them,” he says. “I want them to have access to everything, whether physical/ mental medical care, any type of support— so much is available.”
Sabol encourages all veterans to join the VA. “You’re not automatically enrolled, but by providing your DD214 [military service record], you can get your ID card,” he explains. “Our Morris County VSOs [Veteran Service Officers] want you to come in.”
A VSO can do everything from helping veterans schedule doctor appointments through Morristown Community-Based Outpatient Clinic to filling out paperwork if it becomes overwhelming.
As the local vice commander, Sabol participates in various American Legion ceremonies, dedications and parades throughout the year and oversees the Facebook page for the Morris County
organization.
He encourages locals to join the social media site’s pages for American Legion Post #450 in Pequannock and American Legion John H. Lookhoff Post #242.
“Following the pages allows people to see what we’re doing all year,” he says.
As a town resident, Sabol is impressed with the Pequannock Township High School Alumni Veterans Wall and how beautifully it has come together. “There are so many great memorials right in the area,” he says. He has visited the Vietnam wall in Washington, D.C., and describes the County of Passaic Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Wayne as just like the one in D.C.
Civilian Life
In addition to representing fellow veterans, Sabol enjoys spending time with the love of his life and bride of 55 years, Joanne.
“Before he left for Vietnam, he asked
me, ‘If I make it back, will you marry me?’” Joanne recalls with tears in her eyes.
Marry they did, and they raised two children, a daughter and son. These days, Sabol enjoys swimming in their pool and visiting the park with the “joy of his life,” his 8-year-old grandson.
He also loves to work on his 1965 Dodge (he’s the original owner), enjoys puzzles and likes dining out for “Thursday lunch with the boys”—a group of friends, some since kindergarten, who gather weekly for their midday meal.
With Veterans Day approaching, Sabol will be attending ceremonies in Morris County to mark the occasion. As a Vietnam vet, he says, “whenever I see a veteran, I always make sure to say, ‘Welcome home,’ because nobody ever said it to us.”
Welcome home, Dominick. Thank you for your service and your continued service to your fellow veterans and community.
Sabol waves to the crowd during the 2024 Pequannock Memorial Day Parade.
Where Life Is Celebrated
Scanlan’s continues a family calling to provide comfort, calm and a place to remember loved ones.
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
In overwhelming times of loss, the caring Kiera Scanlan-Wespestad and her equally warm staff at Scanlan’s in Pompton Plains have become a mainstay in the community. More than just a site to hold a funeral service, Scanlan’s is a place where life is celebrated.
The story of the Scanlan family begins as far back as the 1880s, when Martin John Scanlan, great-grandfather of ScanlanWespestad, began the business in Paterson.
“In 1954, my grandfather, also named Martin Scanlan, moved the business from Paterson to 781 Newark-Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains,” says ScanlanWespestad. For local historians, this was the original 1902 Peck family cottage. By the 1980s, Scanlan-Wespestad’s father, Charlie Scanlan, took over the business.
“In 2005, I joined the team,” says Scanlan-Wespestad. “I was happy to follow in the footsteps of my family.”
Sadly, in April 2020, just as the world was shutting down for the COVID-19 pandemic, Charlie Scanlan passed away after a prolonged illness. This loss devastated the family as they faced what so many of their clients were going through: loss during quarantine.
Opposite page: Kiera Scanlan-Wespestad represents the fourth generation in the Scanlan family business. This page, top: The children’s room at Scanlan’s provides a space for young family members to relax. Middle and bottom: The new visitation room at Scanlan’s offers a large picture window overlooking serene gardens.
Meeting Client Needs
“The pandemic was one of the most challenging times I’ve ever experienced as a funeral director,” says Scanlan-Wespestad. “It was heartbreaking to witness people mourning in isolation, unable to share their grief or be comforted by the community that would normally surround them.”
The experience only deepened her belief in the importance of what they do at Scanlan’s. “We are dedicated to creating opportunities to celebrate life, to come together and to honor
the legacies of those we have loved,” ScanlanWespestad says. “The idea that ‘a burden shared is a burden lightened’ has never felt more true. It has always been an honor to serve our community, but COVID showed us just how essential we are to one another in getting through the hardest days of our lives.”
Scanlan-Wespestad now carries on her father’s vision while respecting the changing needs of her clients.
“As an industry, I noticed a decline in services tied to religion and viewings,” she says. With trends moving away from traditional services, Scanlan’s wants to help clients plan a custom service to meet their specific needs.
Whether it be religious or not, the goal is to create a personal and uplifting experience. “We encourage you to remember the legacy of your loved one when honoring them, from the simple touches to the extraordinary,” says Scanlan-Wespestad.
She describes a celebration of life at Scanlan’s for an ice cream lover. The staff set up an ice cream bar outside, where guests enjoyed a treat in honor of their loved one after the service.
At another service, guests left with a small bag of their loved one’s favorite cookie. Small touches can often leave big impressions.
Top: Amanda Gates (left) and Kiera ScanlanWespestad are part of the supportive staff at Scanlan’s. Bottom: Scanlan’s is located at 781 Newark-Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains.
REMEMBERING VETERANS
Sources of Comfort
In 2023, Scanlan’s underwent an extensive renovation. The interior is brighter and the main visitation room has a beautiful picture window overlooking the peaceful gardens and waterfalls. The light and refreshing space gives clients a feeling of calm.
“We pride ourselves on the changes we’ve made,” says Scanlan-Wespestad. “Nobody wants to go to a funeral, but we hope to make it as pleasant as we can and surround guests with a peaceful setting and competent, caring staff.”
The children’s room, complete with technology, children’s books about loss, sofas and toys is a perfect place for youth to unwind. From the moment you walk into the renovated Scanlan’s, there is a feeling of peace.
The staff at Scanlan’s is at the heart of the business. Barbara Scanlan, Scanlan-Wespestad’s aunt, is co-owner of Scanlan’s. Amanda Gates, director, has been employed with Scanlan’s since 2010. Bill Montano has been assistant
to the directors since 2005, following his retirement as Pequannock’s chief of police. Meghan Owens has been a director since 2010. Nicolette “Niki” Guiterrez has been a Scanlan’s director since 2018, and Jennifer Van Gieson has been a director since 2022.
A source of comfort for decades, Scanlan’s has changed with the times, but what has remained is its support during life’s most difficult moments. ScanlanWespestad feels lucky to be such an important part of the neighborhood.
“It is a profound honor to continue my family’s legacy of service here in our town,” she says. “The trust that our community places in us to care for them during their most vulnerable moments is something I hold with the deepest respect. Every day, I am grateful to work with so many wonderful families, to hear their stories and to learn about the legacies of their loved ones. These experiences serve as a powerful reminder to live life to its fullest, and I am truly blessed to be able to do this work.”
This season, Scanlan’s has locally partnered with First Reformed Church for Wreaths Across America, honoring veterans by sponsoring evergreen wreaths on veteran graves during December. Kiera Scanlan-Wespestad and fellow director Amanda Gates, (whose brother is a career marine), along with Forrest Harper, (who maintains the cemetery at First Reformed Church), as well as Bob Nixon and Barbara Davis (of the First Reformed Church Cemetery Board) have a goal to lay wreaths on the 780 veterans graves in Pompton Plains.
Donations of $17 per wreath (write checks to Wreaths Across America) can be dropped off at Scanlan’s or made at the link from this QR code, which also provides more information and offers volunteer opportunities to place wreaths in December and help clear them in January.
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!
Teaming up for Wreaths Across America are (from left) Scanlan’s staff members Kiera Scanlan-Wespestad and Amanda Gates; First Reformed Church Cemetery board members Bob Nixon and Barbara Davis; and Donald Harper, standing in for his brother, Forrest Harper.
Suzanne Chilton Hellyer (left) and her nephew, U.S. Army Col. Forrest S. Chilton IV, hold portraits of their fathers. The large photo shows Chilton Hellyer’s father, Forrest S. Chilton II, MD, and the inset image shows Lt. Forrest S. Chilton III, son of Dr. Chilton and father of Col. Chilton.
A Legacy of Service
The Chilton family has committed to community and country for generations—and marks 70 years of the namesake hospital.
For residents of Pequannock, having a hospital in town for emergencies is comforting. Quick access to a medical facility was one of the goals of its founder, Forrest S. Chilton II, MD. His story is one of perseverance and determination.
Town resident and daughter of Dr. Chilton, Suzanne Chilton Hellyer, tells us about his legacy in time for the 70th anniversary of the hospital.
When speaking of her father, Chilton Hellyer is full of pride. “When I was a child, my memories are filled of Dad
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
wanting to help people,” she says. She describes Dr. Chilton’s beginnings as humble.
Born in Hernan, New York, in 1902, he left high school at the tender age of 15, attempting to join the U.S. Army and help efforts in World War I. “His mom said no,” Chilton Hellyer recounts with a chuckle. “She dragged him out of the recruiting office, so Dad worked at his brother’s farm and, a few years later, married his first wife at 17.” The Chiltons welcomed a son, Forrest S. Chilton III,
soon after.
About a year following the birth of his son, Dr. Chilton moved his family to Brooklyn and earned his high school diploma. “Dad did whatever [was] necessary to make ends meet,” Chilton Hellyer says. “He drove taxis, sold ice cream, you name it.”
Dr. Chilton earned a four-year degree in almost half the usual time from New York University, then earned a medical degree from Long Island School of Medicine.
Service and Sacrifice
Next, Dr. Chilton moved to Lincoln Park, New Jersey, rented rooms from his sister and started his first practice in the late 1920s.
Dr. Chilton’s goal was to make people well, no matter the circumstances. If patients couldn’t afford to pay cash, he accepted payments in chickens or potatoes. “He treated everyone like family,” says Chilton Hellyer. By 1936, he moved to Pompton Plains and opened an office on Sunset Road for a short time before moving his practice to NewarkPompton Turnpike, with offices downstairs and living quarters upstairs.
Dr. Chilton and his second wife, nurse Elizabeth Reik Chilton, converted the upper floors of the building into the Pompton Plains Maternity Hospital in 1943. He delivered babies and Elizabeth was the on-site anesthesiologist. This location helped local pregnant women who struggled to reach other hospitals due to wartime gas rationing.
Dr. Chilton then put his practice on hold during World War II to enlist in the U.S. Navy as a surgeon.
Sadly, on June 21, 1944, his son, Army Air Corps Lt. Forrest S. Chilton III, was reported missing in action when his plane was shot down over the English Channel.
Left: Construction of Forrest S. Chilton III Memorial Hospital. Opposite page: Dr. Chilton at work in his early days as a surgeon.
Below: Generations of nursing: Suzanne Chilton Hellyer (center) holds a photo of her mother, Elizabeth Chilton, wife of Dr. Chilton, with (left) her granddaughter Amanda Lukacsko and (right) daughterin-law Joyce Harper. At front are Chilton Hellyer’s greatgranddaughters (from left) Callie and Sadie Lukacsko.
Bottom: Gathering before a patriotic speech at the hospital are (from left) John Hellyer; his wife, Suzanne Chilton Hellyer; Col. Forrest S. Chilton IV; and his wife, Valerie Chilton.
This was a devastating time for the Chiltons, including the young wife of Forrest S. Chilton III, Marie, who was raising their infant son, Forrest S. Chilton IV.
Dr. Chilton forged on to serve in Okinawa as a lieutenant commander and upon his return, continued his dream of providing care while remembering the sacrifice of his precious son.
In 1947, the Chiltons donated 7.5 acres on Newark-Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock Township to build a nearby facility and name it after Forrest S. Chilton III. Throughout this time, the couple was also raising their other three children, Clive, Suzanne and Thomas.
Chilton Hellyer describes how fundraising efforts for the hospital included a jar in Dr. Chilton’s office where patients could drop monetary donations. “My parents would go door to door for donations and hold car raffles and dancing balls, but the most popular [fundraisers] were the doctor shows [follies],” she says.
Doctors and other professionals in town would put on variety shows for the community and charge admission to
raise money. Residents—who had never seen the local professionals they had come to know in such roles—loved the performances!
A Local Institution
In November 1954, Forrest S. Chilton III Memorial Hospital opened with 50 beds.
By the early 1960s, an addition expanded the facility to 119 beds. Locals today fondly refer to the building as the “Old Chilton” or its biggest claim to fame, “the birthplace of Derek Jeter.”
A second building was opened on West Parkway in Pompton Plains in 1971. “Both hospitals operated at the same time for over 10 years,” says Chilton Hellyer. Today, the West Parkway facility has 270 beds in addition to Collins Pavilion.
Chilton Hellyer shares that her dad retired in 1972 and passed in 1975, serving the community right until his last years.
A retired nurse, Chilton Hellyer herself served 37 years as a nurse at Chilton, following in the footsteps of her mother.
“We are a family of nurses,” Chilton
Hellyer says proudly. “My mother was a nurse, I was, my son’s wife and my granddaughter are both nurses at Chilton. Even one of my greatgranddaughters has expressed a future interest in nursing.”
She holds dear her father’s motto: “Don’t ever say you can’t”—an adage she quotes to this day. Clearly, Dr. Chilton proved through his determination and many accomplishments that “can’t” wasn’t a part of his vocabulary.
Serving not only the community but also their country, the Chilton family has made and continues to make a difference.
As Veterans Day and the 70th anniversary of the hospital both fall in November, it’s only fitting to reflect on the words of Dr. Chilton’s grandson and son of Forrest S. Chilton III (namesake of the hospital), U.S. Army Col. Forrest S. Chilton IV: “Such remembrance sustains me, as the hospital being a memorial sustains all of you, to go forward with pride in America—reflect on why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today as represented by the Forrest S. Chilton III Memorial Hospital.”
‘It’s
All About Fun’
The Tri-County Senior Olympics brings communities together for activity, friendship and a healthy dose of competition.
On September 18, overcast skies could not dampen the enthusiasm of 16 competitors from Pequannock Township and nearby towns who took part in the Tri-County Senior Olympics. The event, held at Veterans Park in Randolph, was a day filled with spirit, camaraderie and friendly competition, showcasing the energy and vitality of seniors in our community.
Now in its 38th year, the TriCounty Senior Olympics continues to be a vibrant gathering of towns
BY DAN PICCOLI
including Randolph, Wayne, West Milford, Morris Township, Sparta and Pequannock. With a total of 144 registered participants this year, the event is a testament to the enduring spirit of local seniors who come together to celebrate health, friendship and fun.
Participants engaged in a variety of skill events, rotating through soccer kick, basketball free throw, chicken toss, golf putting, ladder toss and cornhole. Prior to the event, the Pequannock team practiced together, fostering
connections and preparing for the day’s challenges. Practice not only helps hone skills but also strengthens community ties as old friends reconnect and new friendships blossom.
The event kicked off with a welcome breakfast followed by a warm-up session and a parade of towns, with participants dressed in vibrant colors that added to the festive atmosphere. Pequannock Township members donned green shirts, making it easy to identify their team as they cheered on their fellow participants throughout the day.
Celebrating Senior Spirit
For the six events, each town sponsors an event, and Pequannock’s role was moderator of the ladder ball competition.
The town’s Parks & Recreation Department played a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations, with Amy Dempsey and Emily Wall managing rotations and scoring. Their dedication, along with the efforts of volunteers like Tom Andrea and Rudy Steinthal, contributed significantly to the day’s success.
As the competition wrapped up, participants gathered for lunch before the highly anticipated awards ceremony. Medals were awarded for gold, silver and bronze placements in each event, recognizing both male and female winners. While Pequannock did not secure any medals this year, the joy of participation and the thrill of competition were enough.
Each town also presented a spirit award, celebrating the individual who embodied enthusiasm and support for their team.
Congratulations to Fran Fricke for earning Pequannock Township’s award, a reflection of her infectious positivity throughout the day.
Several participants marked their inaugural experience at the Senior Olympics, and they expressed a keen desire to return next year. The sense of community and shared joy made a lasting impression, with many encouraging their peers to join in the fun.
Long-time participants like Rita Phillips and Patricia Black shared their experiences, having participated for a decade each. “It’s all about fun, being with friends and making new connections,” Rita noted, echoing the spirit of the event.
Patricia reflected on her own journey: “I can still participate at my age,” she said, fondly recalling her winning a medal in 2002 for soccer kicking.
Special thanks were extended to DialA-Ride for providing transportation to Pequannock Township members, celebrating 45 years of service to seniors and individuals with disabilities in surrounding towns. Its support ensures that everyone can participate, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and community engagement.
The overall winner for the day was the host town, Randolph, which took home the overall title for 2024. Congratulations to all participants, especially Randolph team members, for their achievements.
Opposite page: With Olympic theme music playing, Randolph Township leads the parade of Senior Olympic participants as the host town for this year’s event.
Top: Pequannock Township participants included (from left) Amy Dempsey, Pequannock Township Parks & Recreation; Fran Fricke; Marie Stica; Ken Hill; Frances Adamo; Pat Black; Ed Wallace; Jane Sheehan; Deb Wallace; Nancy Latta; Rita Phillips; Joan Rasa; Mary Catherine Nash; Tom Flood; Andrea Noto; Sudha Patel; and Emily Wall, Pequannock Township Parks & Recreation. Middle: Seniors warm up before competitions. Bottom: Sudha Patel (center right) is embraced by Andrea Noto after scoring big in the ladder ball event as green-shirted Pequannock teammates Nancy Latta (far left) and Rita Phillips (far right) look on.
A Look Ahead
Next year’s Senior Olympics are being held in Pequannock Township, presenting a perfect opportunity for newcomers and seasoned participants alike to join the festivities, and offering an exciting opportunity for residents of the hosting community to engage.
To be eligible, participants must be 65 years or older. Interested individuals can contact Barbara Meloy at the Pequannock Township Parks & Recreation Department for information and registration details at (973) 8355700, extension 145.
In a world that often overlooks the contributions and capabilities of seniors, the Tri-County Senior Olympics stands as a powerful reminder of the vibrancy and resilience of older adults.
This annual event not only showcases athleticism but also highlights the invaluable connections forged through shared experiences. As the closing remarks of the day echoed with laughter and cheers, it was clear that the spirit of the Senior Olympics will continue to thrive in the hearts of all who participate.
Pequannock Township’s commitment to fostering community and celebrating life at every age ensures that next year’s event will be another memorable occasion. So, mark your calendars for 2025—and be part of the fun!
Clockwise from left: Jane Sheehan celebrates scoring a goal in soccer as teammates cheer her on. Fran Ficke (left) receives the spirit award for her ongoing enthusiasm and support from Amy Dempsey, Pequannock Township Parks & Recreation. Andrea Noto (far right) scores points in the putting competition as teammates (in green, from left) Nancy Latta and Joan Rasa look on. Deb Wallace (left) throws a perfect ringer in the chicken toss while Nancy Latta prepares.
Dan Piccoli is a regular contributor to Pequannock & Pompton Plains magazine and is the owner of 4 Shore Photography LLC.
Honoring Those Who Served
A new PTHS Alumni Veterans Wall highlights graduates who protected the nation’s freedoms.
At noon on Sunday, November 17, 2024, the Pequannock community will gather for the dedication ceremony of the new Pequannock Township High School (PTHS) Alumni Veterans Wall, located on the school’s front lawn. A reception will follow immediately at The Castle.
The idea for this wall was conceived by Butler resident Steve Mulligan, who founded the Butler High School Mission Honor Veterans Project. In 2020, he
BY ANGELA TETA KOHLE
was introduced to Rich Hayzler, PTHS principal, and the groundwork for the community project began.
In September 2020, the school’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students generated four designs that became the foundation for the current project.
Although the search for PTHS veterans continued, the project slowed down because of funding and other
issues. But in January 2024, the project saw new life: The Veterans Wall committee was established, spearheaded by Colleen McMahon and Pequannock councilman David Kohle, both PTHS alumni.
The committee formed a 501(c)(3), set a timeline and began networking. Meanwhile, the district architect developed the final design of the wall using concepts the students had created.
Committee members and in-kind donors for the Alumni Veterans Wall include (from left, front row) Frank Messineo, Rich Hayzler, Peter Grimbalis, Jim Van Dyke, Dave Kohle, Colleen McMahon, Colleen Glynn, Gene Spillane, Kathy Skrobala, Michael Portas, (back row) Steve Cunningham, Doug Rankin, Brian Senyk, Joe Blumert, Larry Steimel, Don Semerero, Demetro Carbone and Steve Mulligan.
A Grateful Community
The committee advertised for sponsors and contacted local contractors asking for inkind donations to complete the work.
Committee members were overwhelmed by the response to their requests—as a range of community and school leaders indicate in comments about the project, its supporters and the veterans it honors.
“The joy that the contractors felt to be a part of this project was remarkable!” says Pequannock Township Board of Education president Brian Senyk.
“They did so much more than we asked for, and it was so rewarding to see how much they cared about the project,” adds McMahon.
“May the Alumni Veterans Wall be a symbol of hope, courage, honor, loyalty, strength and Golden Panther pride for our entire community,” comments Hayzler.
“I am so proud to have been involved in this project because it honors our alumni veterans who served our country and placed their lives on the line for our freedom,” agrees Kohle. “The PTHS Veterans Wall is a way to thank them for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice.”
“Initially, I was inspired by the recognition of our community’s veterans, and I continue to be,” says superintendent of schools Dr. Michael Portas. “But what I could not have anticipated is the incredible generosity of our community. Seeing how hard our contractors have worked, their level of care and their absolute joy in being part of the project has taken the inspiring aspect of this to a level I could not have imagined.”
To learn more about the wall, follow the PTHS Veterans Wall Project on Facebook.
Angela Teta Kohle, retired after 35 years of teaching, lives in Pequannock. She enjoys volunteering at her church, traveling, reading, baking, walking and working for the family business.
Plaques at the wall indicate support for the project from individuals, organizations and businesses throughout the community. To learn more about the wall and community donations, visit the Pequannock Township High School Alumni Veterans Wall page on Facebook.
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Open Space: A Recent History
Pequannock Township’s Open Space Advisory Committee marks 22 years of volunteer community service.
BY ROBIN A. JONES
To address flooding statewide, the New Jersey Blue Acres program was created—funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency—to remove the most flood-prone homes in the state, dramatically reduce the risk of future catastrophic flood damage and help families move out of harm’s way.
The November 6, 2002, ballot included a referendum to create an Open Space Trust Fund. The Environmental Commission had been asked to explore advancement in 1999. Pequannock Township voted in favor as Ordinance 2002-04 established the Municipal Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
June 24, 2002, was the first Open Space Advisory Committee meeting; creation of bylaws and a list of priority sites followed. The committee acts in an advisory capacity, providing recommendations to the town council concerning open space acquisitions obtained by donation, fair market purchase or easement, and property stewardship issues.
Additional funding partnerships include Morris County Preservation Trust and Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program. By purchasing properties in our township, we get a quality return from those trust funds that we contribute to annually. Our contributions are minimal thanks to our funding partners.
Far left: Golden Panther Park is among acquisitions resulting from open-space initiatives. Middle: Pequannock Avenue open-space plantings. Above: The Pequannock Township Open Space Advisory Committee includes (from left, seated) Robin Jones, Frank Spizzirri, Joe Wells, (standing) Anita Daniel, Rudy Steinthal, Kerry Heck and Tom Andrea. Not pictured: Ryan Herd and Frank Pinto.
Beautiful Priorities
A priority was to create the Pompton Riverwalk trail along the entire length of the township, preserving land from further development; establishing a linear, green, buffer-zone park for residents to fish, hike and picnic; and improving river quality and stormwater permeability.
Removing homes eliminates the danger of repetitive flooding for the most flood-prone residents and township first responders—the town council’s greatest concern.
Acquisitions include Golden Panther Park, the Pompton Plains train station (Pequannock Township’s historic museum), Lyman Park and TD Bank parcels, along with 42 homes, mostly
overseen with great determination and dedication to detail by the late Frank Spizzirri as chair. Joe Wells, current Open Space chair and original member, has made significant contributions since day one.
Most properties along the Pompton River have been obtained, including on Harrison Road, Pequannock Avenue, Riverside Drive and all of North Pequannock Avenue.
Picnic tables and kiosks (Eagle Scout award projects) have been installed along the river, with boat launches at Harrison Road, Pequannock Avenue, Riverside Drive and behind the Stop & Shop.
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey awarded Pequannock Township the
2013 Smart Growth Award from New Jersey Future for the Pompton River project. In the words of New Jersey Future, “The Pompton Riverwalk is a bold strategy to purchase properties subject to chronic flooding, enables residents to relocate out of harm’s way and allows the town to create public space along its riverfront.”
Further Projects
In 2018, Open Space Committee members and township residents planted 400 trees and shrubs on Pequannock Avenue and Riverside Drive through a grant, coordinated by Americorps Watershed ambassador and township resident Adam Iaccleo. Plastic sleeves protect plants from deer.
In 2020, the township received Salem white oak saplings from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection—raised from a 500-year-old tree in Salem that was the last tree from a forest cleared in colonial times. The committee cares for these trees, planted at Greenview Park and Farm Road.
There are more properties to be obtained, primarily along the river, but with willing property owners and the town council’s approval, we hope to create the Pompton Riverwalk along the entire length of our wonderful town for a visual and environmental green-park buffer zone to be enjoyed in perpetuity by all.
Robin A. Jones is secretary of the Pequannock Township Open Space Advisory Committee, and he thanks committee members for their contributions to this article.
Pompton Plains Railroad Station serves as Pequannock Township’s history museum.
Outstanding Citizen
Henry Struble of Bikes by Hank, Pequannock Township’s 2024
Junior Citizen of the Year, waves to the crowds in the Pequannock Memorial Day Parade in a shot taken by photographer Antonietta Henry. This year, Henry donated $1,000 to our local VFW and American Legion posts through Struble’s fundraising. Follow Struble’s Facebook page, Bikes By Hank, to stay up to date on future fundraising efforts—and keep an eye out for a 2025 article in Pequannock & Pompton Plains featuring Henry and Bikes by Hank!
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