Back-to-School Time
Welcome, September! I hope you had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to autumn and all that we have to share in our back-to-school edition.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which is especially heartfelt here in town. Be sure to mark your calendar and stop by our annual Hoedown on October 19. I am always honored to support the local Cookies for Kids’ Cancer booth and enjoy a few sweet treats. Why not bake some cookies for the cause or stop by to make a donation?
Our first feature story is about school principal Rich Hayzler.
What an amazing man and family. You can easily see why he is so loved in our community. I won’t spoil the story, so read on and you will agree that he exemplifies our Golden Panther pride.
Hillview recently had a wonderful day celebrating its 60th birthday. Check out the festivities and all about the time capsule.
Did you know our local library has 9,361 patrons? Read on to learn more; there’s literally something for everyone with the vast array of programs. Meet the lovely team behind the scenes that does it all. We celebrate and wish Debbie Maynard all the best and are grateful for all she has done in her 10 years as the library’s director.
Meet wrestler Sophia Klecha. She became fascinated with wrestling, and the rest is history. She is leading the way for young women in the field and is an inspiration to all of us.
Lastly, it’s the perfect time to thank and share more about our crossing guards. Snow, sleet, rain and heat don’t stop them from keeping our children safe all school-year round. We owe a ton of gratitude to these men and women. Why not stop and thank them along the way?
Wishing you a safe school year and lots of fun this beautiful fall season. Have an idea, story or photo for consideration? Be sure to submit them to pequannockmagazine.com. This magazine is for and about you!
Donna Fillweber Publisher
Pequannock & Pompton Plains MAGAZINE
Editor and Publisher
Donna Fillweber
Art Director
Sue Park
Writers
Courtney Brown
Donna Del Moro
Antonietta Henry
Mary Shumeyko
Angela Teta Kohle
Debbie Walsh
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
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
Fighting Cancer with Cookies
One local mother’s story of joining a cause to help children survive—and how you can help
BY COURTNEY BROWN
It all started with one cookie and a mother’s passion to raise money for pediatric cancer.
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by Gretchen and Larry Witt, who were inspired by their son Liam’s battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma. He tragically lost his battle at the age of 6.
Since then, the Witts have been committed to raising funds for research into new, improved, less toxic treatments for pediatric cancer. Cookies for Kids’
Cancer has helped fund 100 childhood research grants at five of the top hospitals.
I have personally held seven Cookies for Kids’ Cancer events at the local Hoedown in the last 10 years and have raised approximately $14,000 toward this amazing cause. Janine Ataide and I, who both have children (Luca Ataide and Delaney Brown) who were diagnosed and overcame childhood cancers, along with Lori Merusi, now run the booth.
We hope you can visit us at the Hoedown
this year on Saturday, October 19, at Greenview Park. Stop by our booth for a treat; we appreciate everyone’s support and generosity for such an amazing cause!
If you’d like to bake, donate, participate or learn more, call or text me at 973-568-3032 or email 01215@gmail.com.
From left: (back row) Courtney Brown, Lori Merusi, Janine Ataide, (front row) Juliana Ataide and Olivia Ataide
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Back to School with Principal Hayzler
Education has long been at the center of life for Pequannock Township High School’s leader.
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
Richard Hayzler, principal of Pequannock Township High School, enjoyed school from the beginning.
“I appreciated my education in the Wantage school district, respected my teachers and had a great time,” he says. In Wantage, he graduated from High Point High School and was a very active student. He was captain of the ski racing team, played baseball, was on student council and was a peer leader. It seems being a leader was a trait he always carried.
Four years later, Hayzler earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from TCNJ and decided to use his training to educate young people. He began teaching in 2001 at Pequannock Township High School. There, he taught business education, accounting, computer applications and everyday law, to name a few.
He was advisor to FBLA with over 100 student members and also coached baseball and swimming. In 2005, Hayzler was named Coach of the Year. Coaching was particularly special to him, as he took joy in seeing students succeed both on and off the field. He reflected on how “getting to know kids outside of the classroom helps to build relationships.”
Hayzler earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from New Jersey City University and became the vice president of academic affairs at PTHS in 2007. In 2012, he moved over to Pequannock Valley Middle School to serve as principal until 2019.
He found administration at the middle school level to be very rewarding. “You’re working with kids at a critical point in their lives,” he says. “They’re finding out who they are, soaking up all of that information and learning about what it means to be a good citizen.”
When the opportunity to be principal of PTHS arose in 2019, he swiftly made the move. Finding both school levels equally rewarding, Hayzler has been principal at PTHS ever since and describes high school as “a perfect time to help kids fine-tune their skills as they figure out who they’re going to be.”
Opposite page: Rich Hayzler, principal of Pequannock Township High School, with the panther statue in front of the school. Above: Hayzler at his desk in the school’s office.
Personal Connections
School has also figured into Hayzler’s personal life. While teaching at PTHS, he met his lovely wife, Kristen, a math teacher. The pair also coached swimming together. They’ve been married for 19 years and have a son, Ryan, an incoming junior at PTHS, and a daughter, Brooke, an incoming freshman. Yes, all four Hayzlers will be under the PTHS roof for the 2024-2025 school year!
“The kids definitely have their own space at school, even with us in the building,” says Hayzler. “I want to make sure they have their high school experience. We moved to this town because we love it; it’s a great town and I like living and working here. My family is everything to me, and this year will be special.”
When asked about some of the most inspirational times in his years in education, Hayzler shares a personal and beautiful story. In 2010, he was diagnosed with nonHodgkin lymphoma. At the same time, two students at PTHS were battling cancer as well.
As Pequannock Township often does, the community rallied around the three of them. Students, staff and parents showed tremendous support—something that Hayzler will never forget. “The way everyone supported us—it spoke to the outstanding character of our students, their families and the staff,” he says.
A Caring Staff
Hayzler feels fortunate to work with a professional, inspirational and dedicated faculty. “The staff is at the heart of what we
do,” he says. “They help build relationships with the kids, from that first day of grade nine all the way to handshakes at graduation.”
He adds that he couldn’t do any of it without his staff. Among them are a dynamic duo at Hayzler’s side, assistant principals Jennifer Mildner and Brian Silipena. “Our goal is to get kids to believe there is more for them in the future than they ever thought was possible,” Hayzler says. “I’m lucky to lead with fellow educators who help kids become the best versions of themselves.”
On the door to the principal’s office hangs a plaque with a quote from author, speaker, colleague and Hayzler friend Jimmy Casas. It reads: “In the end, your legacy won’t be about your success. It will be about your significance and the impact
you made on every student, every day, and whether you were willing to do whatever it took to inspire them to be more than they ever thought possible.”
Referring to the plaque, Hayzler says: “At its foundation, it is a charge to create an environment where students feel safe, supported, encouraged and full of Golden Panther pride!”
There is no doubt that Rich Hayzler is in the career he was meant for. We wish him, his staff and all the students of PTHS a wonderful and successful 2024-2025 school year!
Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography studio in Pompton Plains. She enjoys living and working in our beautiful township!
Opposite page: Rich Hayzler with (from left) son Ryan, wife Kristen and daughter Brooke.
Above: Brian Silipena, Rich Hayzler and Jennifer Mildner in the PTHS main office.
Left: Mildner, Hayzler and Silipena in the halls at PTHS.
Happy 60th, Hillview!
Students, staff and the community mark six decades of a ‘magical’ school.
BY ANGELA TETA KOHLE
Hillview Elementary School turns 60 this year— and the birthday celebration has been fantastic!
Valerie Munro, Hillview library media specialist, spearheaded the idea of celebrating the school’s six decades, and in October a committee formed to plan a birthday party. She found that many people wanted to do something extra special to commemorate this milestone.
“All year, the students and faculty have been doing small activities to work toward this
special occasion,” Munro says.
Teachers and students decorated classrooms and doors. Alumni and townspeople were asked to send birthday cards, which are displayed in a showcase near the Library Media Center.
The HSA sold T-shirts. Artist Caren Frost Olmstead painted a special mural, which was formally installed in the school for all to admire.
But the highlight of the celebration was a special gathering on a spring afternoon in April.
Left, top: Michael Portas, Superintendent of Schools. Left: Burying a time capsule to mark Hillview’s birthday are (from left) teacher Katie Sullivan, student Penelope Diakakis, principal Allison Stager, custodian Gabe Halabi and superintendent Portas. The capsule is slated to be re-opened for the school’s centennial in 40 years.
A Superintendent’s Perspective
On Wednesday, April 24, students, faculty, staff, former teachers and principals and other invited guests assembled on the front yard of the school to enjoy the festivities. Music teacher Ann Marie Finnen led the choir and participants in the national anthem, followed by the Hillview school song.
Superintendent of Schools and former Hillview principal Michael Portas led the celebration with a heartfelt, meaningful speech about why Hillview School is so special.
Portas highlighted the fact that
Hillview is like a family and said he was “honored to be welcomed into the fabric of this wonderfully supportive and demanding family of learners.”
He reminded students that Hillview “will reside in our heads in the form of a memory, and we can shape these memories with our actions and attitudes.” He stressed, however, that Hillview will reside in everyone’s hearts as “something more meaningful.”
Portas reflected on the school’s ongoing character. “As much as things have changed in education and our community, the culture that defines Hillview has remained remarkably
consistent,” he said. “I remain impressed with the combination of high expectations, constant support and genuine care that you see among staff, students and families.”
Other Voices
Edward Engelbart, Pequannock Township historian, regaled the crowd with lessons of the past. He told students that Hillview was so named because it has such a beautiful view of the hills. Many years ago, he said, the property was filled with apple trees.
Mayor Ryan Herd said how much his children enjoyed Hillview and told
students how lucky they were to be attending such an excellent school.
Allison Stager, Hillview principal, asked the students, “What’s the name of our school?” Students responded proudly, “Hillview!” She applauded her students, the faculty and staff for being the best of the best.
“I’m humbled to be the principal of Hillview Elementary School,” Stager said. “If you’ve ever walked the halls, you know Hillview has a heartbeat, a soul, an unmistakable spirit that everyone feels yet can’t actually describe. The way in which the faculty, staff, students, parents and greater community work together is remarkable.”
After several impressive student speeches, Munro shared anecdotes of her past as a student of Hillview. She fondly remembered her classes and experiences as a young girl and said her teachers always made learning exciting. She even read a letter from Hillview School reminding students to always be kind to each other and never lose the love of learning.
A special tribute went to Krystyna Kanczewski, who will be retiring this year after many years as the school’s crossing guard. She was recognized for her commitment to students. Kanczewski said it has been an honor serving as a crossing guard all these years and applauded parents for raising polite, respectful young people.
A Point in Time
Next on the agenda was the burying of the time capsule! In preparation for this, teacher Katie Sullivan had
surveyed students on their favorite subjects, musicians, songs, foods, games and pastimes. Artifacts of these were represented in the time capsule.
In addition, a copy of “The Pawn’s Puzzlement” by Munro, a bookworm puppet, a Hillview School lanyard, eclipse glasses and photos of the school were placed inside the capsule.
Portas, Stager, Sullivan, custodian Gabe Halabi and student Penelope Diakakis donned yellow hard hats and dug shovels into the dirt to bury the stainless-steel capsule, which is to be opened at Hillview’s 100th birthday.
The crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to Hillview, and teacher Rhea Greenberg displayed a birthday cake before cutting it. The entire student body then sang a special song written by the fifth graders, “I Feel Good,” directed by Finnen. The celebration concluded with ice pops and ’60s tunes provided by DJ Fabian.
Hillview School is indeed special and worthy of such fanfare. “There are many reasons why Hillview is successful,” Stager summarized: “dedicated teachers, hardworking students, supportive parents. However, it’s really that sense of belonging that everyone senses from the moment they walk in the front door. Since I cannot tell you an exact formula that led to that feeling, I can only describe it as magical.”
And the magic of Hillview is real. Happy 60th birthday, Hillview!
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.
More Than Books
The Pequannock Township Public Library has become a community hub with digital resources and events for all ages.
The image of a public library has evolved from shelves full of DeweyDecimal-System-arranged books in a space where you can barely hear a pin drop to a vibrant community hub. The Pequannock Township Public Library is not just a place where patrons check out books; it is a place where the community gathers.
If you have not been to the library in a while, you might be surprised to see the array of services and activities offered and designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. From children’s story times and educational workshops to social events and technological resources, the library is a cornerstone of community engagement.
As co-president of Friends of the Library, Georgette Braga sees firsthand how the library is not merely a place to check out books but is a place that provides welcoming space for people of all ages to learn, interact and enjoy all sorts of activities.
BY DEBBIE WALSH
“The library is not just for people who like to read,” Braga says. “It is a gathering place. That is how a lot of people in town feel about the library. It is a community center as much as it is a library. That speaks volumes about the leadership here.”
Transforming Services
Debbie Maynard had been the Pequannock library’s director for 10 years before recently accepting an opportunity at the East Hanover Public Library. The search is on for her replacement. According to Maynard, Pequannock library has 9,361 patrons, which is an impressive number considering the community’s population totals about 15,500.
One of the biggest changes Maynard saw during her tenure was the expansion of digital materials, which transformed the library from being a building with finite hours to an information center with 24/7 access.
Pequannock belongs to the Main Library
Alliance, a consortium of more than 40 libraries that share materials and services. So if Pequannock does not have a book you need, it can quickly get a copy from another alliance member.
Additionally, with access to computers, the internet and various multimedia resources, the library helps bridge the digital divide, offering essential support for those who may lack these facilities at home or may be a bit intimidated by today’s technology.
One of the most popular services is having mobile Wi-Fi hotspots available for patrons to borrow. This service is invaluable for those who do not have an internet connection at home and for individuals heading to vacation spots without internet service.
The library also offers Nook e-readers, generously supplied by Friends of the Library, allowing members to explore digital reading conveniently.
Opposite page, from front left: Debbie Maynard, Jessica Moskowitz, Molly Camera and Nancy McMahon. Above: Molly Camera organizes the new books section where patrons can review books they’ve read.
Plenty to Do
The library boasts of programing geared to all age groups. And activities do not shut down over the summer. The library’s vibrant and diverse range of activities ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of age or interest. Examples for different age groups include:
• Adults: Engage in creative activities such as birdhouse and trivet painting, movie night, trivia, sketching or participation in social and leisure activities such as canasta, mahjong, chair yoga, knitting and crochet.
• Teens: Enjoy exciting events like Shark Week trivia, magnet making and monochrome flower painting.
• Children: Take part in fun outdoor activities such as chalk drawing, play giant board games or have Lego fun.
“What I like about Pequannock Library is there is something for everyone, and residents take advantage of everything that is available,” Maynard says. “We have everyone from babies coming in for story time to seniors, who are very involved. We are what is called a third place for people. Besides home and work, we are that extra place where people can spend their time. You could go to Starbucks, but most times [at a coffee shop] you need to be a customer and buy something.”
Maynard emphasizes that running the library is a team effort made possible by the dedicated work of its staff. Key team members include Molly Camera, head of adult services; Nancy McMahon, circulation supervisor; and Jessica Moskowitz, head of children’s services. Each of these individuals plays a crucial role in ensuring the library runs smoothly and meets the varied needs of its patrons.
You’ve Got to Have Friends
Maynard also expresses gratitude to the 103-member-strong Friends of the Library for its unwavering support. The organization provides invaluable financial assistance through various fundraising events, including an annual book sale. This group’s contributions help enhance the library’s offerings and enable it to better serve the community.
One of the cultural initiatives sponsored by the Friends is a concert series. Despite threatening weather in June, over 150 people attended a Kootz concert. Weather ushered the concert indoors. In May, 250 attendees enjoyed the Friends-sponsored event called An Evening of Jazz at Pequannock Township High School. The event featured performances by the Bloomingdale Cornet Big Band, the PTHS Jazz Band and the PTHS Noctaves, an a cappella group.
The Friends do not just support local cultural events but also encourage library members to explore artistic and educational opportunities outside of town by providing museum passes to the Museum of Modern Art, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, the Liberty Science Center, the 9/11
Nancy McMahon checks books at the front service desk.
Memorial and Museum and more.
Nancy McMahon, the Friends’ other co-president, says the museum passes do not gather dust on a shelf and are one of the ways the group helps defray costs for patrons. The Friends rely on suggestions from library staff for the needs of cardholding members.
“The people of Pequannock know we are a welcoming place and that they’ll be greeted by a smiling face,” says McMahon. “They know we are happy they came in and we are there to help them find a book, conduct research or use technology. We want to be a hub of activity and a valued resource for the community.”
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.
Right: Debbie Maynard served as the Pequannock Library director for 10 years. Below: Jessica Moskowitz shelves books in the Children’s Department.
Setting Records
High school wrestler Sophia Klecha breaks new ground in one of the fastest-growing female sports.
BY DONNA DEL MORO
To her coach, Sophia Klecha sets the standard for a well-rounded student-athlete.
Approaching her junior year at Pequannock Township High School, Klecha has neither missed a practice nor a match for the Pequannock wrestling team including off-season workouts, summer tournaments, and 6 a.m. conditioning sessions.
That dedication has certainly paid off. Last season, Klecha not only became the first female wrestler to qualify and then go on to place in state competition but also advanced farther than any other wrestler on the team—from second place at the Girl’s North 1 Region in her weight category to placing fourth in the NJSIAA Girl’s State Wrestling Championships, where she was seeded 11th. In doing so, she became the first girl in the school’s history to qualify and place in states, a feat only 13 other PTHS student wrestlers of any gender have accomplished since 1965.
Her fourth-place win ties the best state finish in PTHS history.
Sophia Klecha (middle) with (from left) assistant coach Shaun O’Brien, assistant coach Steven Pocze, head coach Jay LaPaglia and assistant coach Mike Moschella.
Unmatched Potential
Recently touted as the fastest-growing high school sport, girls wrestling has seen a 55 percent growth in participation between school years 2021-22 and 2022-23. Jay LaPaglia, Pequannock’s head wrestling coach, hopes that Klecha’s example will attract even more girls to the sport.
“Pequannock has a good chemistry in the wrestling room, and the community that follows us welcomed our first-ever girl wrestler,” LaPaglia says. “We want other girls to come out for the team, and hope that Sophia’s success will encourage them to do so.”
Acknowledging that wrestling is not an easy sport and with just 17 wrestlers on his team, including Klecha, LaPaglia says the team’s motto, “Outwork everybody,” has gone a long way to motivate the wrestlers. As part of that team, Klecha has been an example for all.
“Sophia’s desire to improve and meet her potential is unmatched,” says LaPaglia, who has 22 years of coaching experience and a lifelong dedication to the sport. “She is one of the most coachable athletes I have had the honor to coach.”
LaPaglia asserts that Klecha— whose total season record in the 2023-24 school year of 26-12 includes bouts with boys and girls—possesses essential qualities of a champion, including intelligence and humility along with her ability to take direction.
“These are not only traits that assist an athlete; they are traits that she will carry on throughout her life,” he says. He adds that Klecha’s success has “nothing to do with gender; it has more to do with her values and how her parents raised her.”
The Wrestling Road
Klecha’s decision to participate in wrestling happened in sixth grade when she was dining locally with her parents and found herself mesmerized by a large screen in the restaurant showing female World Wrestling Entertainment members compete.
“I have a really big obsession with the WWE,” Klecha says. “I thought it was so cool, so I started watching matches on YouTube and thought I’d give it a try on the scholastic level.”
Her career as a wrestler began
in earnest in seventh grade after she approached the coach, who welcomed her graciously.
“He could not have been more welcoming to me,” Klecha says. “He said, ‘If you want to wrestle, then you can wrestle.’”
It wasn’t an easy road for Klecha at first. She lost her first two matches but was determined to continue on the team, which included mostly boys and one girl.
Klecha says she had the jitters before her first match in middle school.
Wrestling against fellow teammates in practice was one thing, but facing her first male opponent in a match was another. “Preparing yourself for someone else’s style and mentality is completely different,” Klecha says.
Fast forward to high school, where Klecha describes her first-season
experience as the only female wrestler on the varsity team as surreal. “Could I be on the mat with varsity high school guys who were men, pretty much?” she asked herself. She says the reality of her situation didn’t quite sink in until her first season was behind her.
Klecha’s parents, Maria and Kevin, admit they were taken aback when Sophia announced her intentions to wrestle. “However, we told her we would support anything she’d like to do, within reason,” says Maria. Watching her daughter wrestle in middle school was one thing; watching her on the mat at the high school level was a bit different.
“At the first high school meet, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, these are men,’” Maria says, echoing Sophia’s comments. She adds, however, that she had full faith in the coaches, and her doubts subsided.
Wrestling is now a 12-month commitment for Klecha. She works out three times a week and competes in the off season with Olympic Wrestling Club in Wyckoff.
Maria and Kevin fully support their daughter’s efforts on the mat and in the classroom, where Klecha excels academically. They are open-minded about college wrestling and feel the timing could not be better for their athlete.
“Girls wrestling is a burgeoning sport—it’s exploding at the college level,” Kevin says. “Sophia would like to take advantage of that.”
Donna Del Moro is a freelance writer and former English teacher who has lived in Pequannock since 1991.
Adventures in Traffic Stopping
Encountering wildlife, battling the elements—and receiving valentines: School crossing guard may be the ultimate outdoor job.
BY MARY SHUMEYKO
“Good morning!” “Wait for me to stop the cars!” “Walk your bike, please.” “Have a great day in school!”
These are some of the greetings heard by kids and parents as they walk to school each morning. Well-trained crossing guards are stationed at some of Pequannock’s busiest traffic spots, and these dedicated professionals take their jobs seriously.
“The children are very respectful” is a comment heard throughout the staff at all 13 posts. “They are always thanking us.”
Many of this team have been at their corners for over 15 years. They undergo training with the Pequannock Police Department’s Traffic Bureau each year
before school starts. They must pass physical tests and they provide their own transportation. Some are Pequannock residents; others drive from miles away. Everyone serves every day, twice a day, in all kinds of weather.
Sweetness and Surprises
When asked about their favorite parts of the job, crossing guards almost universally say, “The kids!” Guards enjoy getting to know students and their families, hearing stories about the school day and even relishing bits of gossip here and there.
Siblings and multiple generations have passed through their intersections.
There are heartwarming tales of holiday celebrations and simple acts of kindness. Guards Toni Townsend and Krystyna Kanczewski shared thank-you notes and valentine stories when they gathered for a recent group photo.
The job sometimes comes with surprises. Some of these surprises have involved animal sightings: Along with chipmunks, squirrels and birds, there have been deer, raccoons, possums—and even a bear on Robin Tomzick’s corner. With police circling around and warning pedestrians about the large creature, Tomzick stood her ground. (However, she did not stop traffic for the bear!)
Unsung heroes include (back row, from left) Jerry McMahon, Bill Brooks, Jim Hough, Charlie Stepnowski, Steve Longo, (front row, from left) Ellen McNamara, Felix Melleno, Stacy Piano, Denise Cordeiro, Robin Tomzick, Toni Townsend, Linda Cerullo and Krystyna Kanczewski. Not pictured: Jeannie McCarren, Tina Hadjissa, Joseph Knizeski, Nancy Klein, Nancy Salch and Norman Shattuck.
Weather or Not
One difficult aspect of being a crossing guard is dealing with the weather, especially when it gets hot.
Another challenge is rude or inconsiderate drivers who aren’t paying attention. Newer electric vehicles can be hard for guards to hear. Yet every member of this courageous crew still loves the job.
So, as back-to-school time nears, let’s all take a lesson from the kids and this valiant group of unsung heroes: Be respectful! Slow down! Share a smile and wave as you pass by.
In their words, “Have a great day!”
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.
Tina Hadjissa sends students off to school with a smile. Crossing guards receive yearly training with the Pequannock Police Department’s Traffic Bureau, and many guards have staffed their posts for more than 15 years.
Have
A Deer Friend
Morgan Monteith snapped this cute little guy in her neighborhood as he took refuge from scorching heat under a bush in her Pompton Plains backyard. Monteith is a talented general photographer who has a keen eye for capturing wildlife and horses. She is a graduate of Pequannock Township High School who was a member of the school’s photography club and recently graduated magna cum laude from Montclair State University.
