Pequannock April 2024

Pequannock

& Pompton Plains

WORKING ON THE RAILROAD TREASURED MEMORIES

JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS THE YOUNGEST HEROES

CUSTOM EMBROIDERY MARLENE AND DAVE MELFI

Dedicated to Brides

Marie T. Hunt

Hope Blooms in April

Who doesn’t like springtime, especially in our quaint little town, where there is an abundance of color as you walk, bike or drive around?

We’re excited to celebrate and share our 11th edition of the magazine. In this issue, we interview—and learn more about—our mayor, Ryan Herd.

Take a walk down memory lane with Joe Phalon Jr. and Sr. They both have vivid memories of the elder Joe working on our local railroad line. You can still hear local trains in the area and can easily imagine it all as you walk our soon-to-be-completed Pompton Valley Rail Trail.

Never been to Headpiece.com? Well, you are in a treat just as I, our

writer and our photographer were as we delighted in our visits to this spectacular shop. Read more about the history and stories as Marie T. Hunt shares how she makes every bride sparkle and shine on her wedding day, often transforming precious family heirlooms to suit their dreams.

We pay tribute to our local Fire Department Company 1 and Company 2 junior firefighters. We are so proud and happy to learn more about these brave young ladies and gentlemen as we see what it’s like to walk in their boots.

Thinking of checking out the Rail Trail? You’ll have to walk fast to keep up with Joyce Rauch, who just celebrated her 80th birthday along the way. Read on to surely be inspired!

Lastly, we take a glimpse into Initial Encounter Embroidery, where our personalized Pequannock Township logo is made. Stop in and see what you can create. Almost anything you have can be customized into the perfect gift.

As always, many thanks for all the well-wishes and continued support for the magazine. We love hearing from you and sharing your stories. It truly takes a village. We are blessed with an amazing team of writers, photographers, editors and staff at the Wainscot Media headquarters who make it happen each and every month.

Want to be a part of it all? We are a magazine for and about you! Reach out if you’d like to contribute through @pequannockmagazine.com.

Donna Fillweber Publisher

Donna Fillweber

Art Director

Sue Park

Copy Editor

Nancy Fass

Writers

Danielle Clements

Greg Dabice

Joe Phalon

Dana Regan

Mary Shumeyko

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

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAN PICCOLI

WHAT’S NEW Around Town

60 Celebrating WITH A MURAL

As part of Hillview Elementary School’s 60th anniversary, the Home and School Association (HSA) generously sponsored a residency with artist Caren Frost Olmsted to create a stunning mural. Frost Olmsted met with staff in the fall to gather ideas about the history and tradition of the town and school. The mural is meant to commemorate and celebrate pride in Hillview.

Frost Olmsted designed the mural and—with the help of students in fourth and fifth grades, parents and staff members—brought the vision to life in vibrant color. Students get to enjoy the mural daily, and it has already made a positive impact. From students pointing to parts of the mural they painted, finding a familiar location or saying hello to the panther, it makes everyone smile. Upon seeing the completed project, one teacher commented, “This makes me really proud to work here.”

The HSA is sponsoring a second mural project during the 2024-25 school year. This larger project will be painted on hallway walls near the gym and will be more focused on the unique attributes of Hillview and the experiences students enjoy. The artist will conduct this residency in January 2025, and all students from kindergarten through fifth grade will have the opportunity to paint. Community members will also have opportunities to volunteer and make a monetary donation to have their name placed on the mural if desired.

GET JAZZED

The Friends of the Pequannock Township Public Library will be hosting An Evening of Jazz, a free event featuring the Bloomingdale Cornet Jazz Big Band, the Pequannock Township High School (PTHS) Jazz Band, the PTHS Noctaves and other student groups.

This musical event will be held at the PTHS auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10. Come for a fun evening of performances!

Also mark your calendar for an outdoor summer concert with The Kootz band that will be held at the library on June 14.

TASTE OF THE TOWN 2024

Pequannock UNICO (the acronym

Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity

Opportunity used by the country’s largest Italian American service organization) is holding its annual event at a new location. Taste over 20 local

Holy Spirit School

Tuesday, April 30

to 8 p.m.

For tickets, call 973-845-8685 or email unicopeq@gmail.com.

Adults: $35 before

after April 15 or at the door

Children under 13: $20

Ryan Herd is serving his second term as Pequannock Township’s mayor as well as his second term on Township Council. A technology entrepreneur, Herd views community service as a priority for himself and his family. We sat down with him to learn more about his background and some of his goals and initiatives.

INTERVIEW WITH RYAN HERD

Meet the Mayor

From securing federal funding to presiding over weddings, Pequannock’s leader strives to serve the public.

Why did you get into politics?

I had the unfortunate experience of living in the flood zone through three major floods about 15 years ago. It was a very difficult time for many, and I became a leader of the flood committee that was forming at the time. I am very proud of what that committee accomplished; we’ve been responsible for getting over $20 million in federal aid, which assisted in elevating 65 houses in the township.

BY GREG DABICE

What is the best part of being mayor?

Marrying people! I just think that’s the most wonderful and fun thing you can do!

And the hardest part?

You know you really want to help people; you want to do the best you can, but, unfortunately, you can’t fix everything. And whether it’s state or federal government that ties your hands, you just do the best you can.

What are your goals for this term as mayor?

My goals this year are to really bring the community and our culture out more. Ours is a super special town, and I think it has to do with volunteerism—not just organizations like the fire companies and the First Aid and Rescue Squad, which are pillars of our town, but all the little things, too.

I also have a goal of serving the township long into the future and am running for reelection to Council.

Tell me about giving back to loved ones with Caregiver Smart Solutions.

I developed Caregiver Smart Solutions to help elderly loved ones who are living on their own. This technology enables them to live independently and with dignity while allowing their adult children to not have to worry about Mom and Dad. It is just a simple and effective way to know that your loved one is OK.

We understand fitness is important to you.

By training on the very streets in this town, I have been able to compete in some of the world’s most renowned events, such as the New York City Marathon and the Ironman triathlon. But it is not just me. We are fortunate to have a very active community with a lot of great programs and groups. I am proud of what this town achieves!

Greg Dabice is a longtime active member of the Pequannock community. He is currently president of the Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Economic Development Committee and a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

Railroad

For Joe Phalon Sr., “I’ve been working on the railroad” was less a song lyric than a fact of life during a career as a train conductor.

Recollections

For the author’s father, years spent working on local trains provided lasting family memories.

BY JOE PHALON

When considering ways to get around, my preferred modes of transportation have always been by train and by bicycle. So, it should come as no surprise that I’d be all aboard with the recent mash-up between rail and rims through Pequannock Township.

My father and I visited that new bike path and former railbed recently and remembered its halcyon years.

My dad—Joe Sr.—was a conductor on the Erie Railroad trains that traversed this very route, stopping right where we stood. He turned 91 recently and is long retired from the railroad, but the memories we both have could fill a tank car.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN PICCOLI

Encounter at the Crossing

The last train of any sort clattered through Pequannock almost 40 years ago, and passenger trains ended in 1966, when I was about 7 years old.

We lived on Della Avenue, just a couple blocks away from the tracks. From time to time as a toddler, my mom, Marsha, would pack up the stroller with whichever of my siblings had arrived by that point and we’d cross the Newark-Pompton Turnpike and head up Jefferson Street to the railroad crossing.

The sunny, midmorning quiet gradually gave way to a distant rumble. Then out of nowhere, bells rang furiously and red lights flashed on the white crossbucks that guarded the tracks. The horn on the locomotive roared in a deep baritone. And everything began to shake.

Suddenly the train blasted into our view—a diesel locomotive, several coaches and a mail car pounding over the crossing in a storm of dust and leaves. My mother shouted, “There’s Daddy! Wave to him!”

It was all a blur to me. But I did glimpse my dad waving to us from the back of the last coach. Then, as quickly as it started, it was over. The train continued its journey from little town to the big city, and we walked home.

As I grew older, I could ride my bicycle down to the crossing. Along with passenger trains, Dad worked on many of the freight trains that rolled through Pequannock and Pompton Plains.

It was heady stuff when my father would lean out the window of the locomotive or stand on the rear platform of the caboose and call to me by name.

The other kids were starstruck.

One day, just before summer gave way to school, I came out to see the train at Jefferson Street, and as I saw my dad and waved, the train slowed down. It came to a stop, with the engine blocking the street and all the other kids wondering what gives. My father climbed down, walked up to me and said, “Let’s go for a ride!” He picked up my bike and handed it up to the engineer, who stowed it in the cab of the locomotive.

The other kids’ faces were simply in awe, and I think a few them stayed that way for several months. I got to blow the horn, and we started out westward. We came upon a crowded Pequannock Valley Park. I leaned on the horn all the way past the beach and made enough noise that almost every head turned.

The two Joe Phalons, father and (right) son, share a family heritage tied to local railbeds that continue to be a community focus.

Flagging Down a Train

Knowing when the trains passed PV Park came in handy. But first, just a couple facts about the American railroad industry in the early 1970s: U.S. railroads moved more than 180 million freight cars on an interconnected network of rail lines totaling 200,000 miles, carrying raw materials, coal and the goods that fueled the American economy. And I was about to bring it all to a stop. For ice cream money.

I was 11 years old and could swim, so I could go to the lake without parental supervision. But that meant no parents nearby to hit up for money to spend at the ice cream truck.

I remembered it was Wednesday, which meant that Dad’s freight train would be passing by at about 2 p.m. A parent just when I needed one! I crossed the street and hiked over to the tracks just in time to see a headlight pierce through the summer haze.

I waved my arms and brought an entire freight train to a stop. My dad was kind of amused at my resourcefulness and gave me about 75 cents, which bought a lot of ice cream and snacks at the time. But he added, “Don’t do it again!”

Many years later, we stood on the bikeway that used to be a railway, remembering that day, and I thought I’d hit my father up for ice cream money one more time. Even if it was January.

Joe Phalon is an award-winning, more-orless retired journalist and columnist who has covered law, justice and the courts for national magazines. He grew up in Pompton Plains on the other side of the tracks.

Never Out of Style

In handcrafting and restoring bridal headpieces and veils, Marie T. Hunt fulfills dreams—including her own.

BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS

Entering Marie T. Hunt’s shop, Headpiece.com, is like stepping into a beautiful and enchanted space for brides.

The eye is immediately drawn to tulle, lace, tiaras, Swarovski crystals, gowns, delicate gloves and handcrafted veils that are clearly made with care, devotion and love. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of Hunt’s sweet pup, Chappy, whom she affectionately calls her assistant designer.

Hunt has been obsessed with sewing since age 9. After graduating high school, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, where she focused on intimate apparel.

Immediately following graduation from FIT, Hunt’s talent and credentials led to no shortage of job prospects: Within weeks, she was offered a dozen different positions. While many stylized pieces now use computer technology to assist in design, Hunt’s roots began with handmade patterns.

Details Matter

These days, Hunt’s business looks quite different. With a storefront on Newark-Pompton Turnpike, she consults with brides from all over the country. Some make special

appointments to come see her in person and many set up Zoom calls, but all are looking for something— and someone—extra special.

Hunt is a leading expert designer in modern designs, vintage restyles and restorations and, remarkably, wax flower restoration. She has restored and restyled wax flower bridal crowns dating as far back as 1920. The fragile nature of this specific type of work speaks volumes about Hunt’s high standards of quality and delivery of excellence.

Hunt is famous for her expertise and passion for restoring vintage pieces. For many brides, this may mean using the lace of a mother’s bridal gown or turning a loved one’s formally worn headpiece into stunning hair clips.

This craft is far from easy or quick—and it is quite emotional for both designer and bride.

Hunt spends time with each bride, learning her story and why a specific piece or inclusion is so important to her. In even a brief conversation with Hunt about this critical step in the process, you can see that she internalizes its importance, often finding herself falling in love with the bride’s story—and therefore with the pieces themselves.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

A Love Language

Hunt describes the personal nature of working with brides and how she feels privileged to “become part of the story.” She lovingly and genuinely refers to her clients as her “HPC daughters,” using an abbreviation for Headpiece.com.

“All of my brides mean something to me—every single one,” she says. “I know when they’re having their babies, even. The relationships I develop with my clients is just beyond.”

In one particularly emotional story, Hunt describes a bride whose grandmother desperately wanted her granddaughter to wear the grandmother’s own gown, crown and veil. But upon opening up the preserved gown box, they were devastated to see that the crown was missing.

The bride’s mother drove the gown and veil to Hunt with an accompanying wedding album that included photos of the crown. Given that these photos were old and grainy, Hunt pulled off nothing short of a miracle.

“I redesigned this piece from photos by blowing up the photos and comparing them to the size of the pupil in her eye” to ensure the dimensions were correct, Hunt says. She adds with a smile: “I even surprised myself on that one.”

The Headpiece.com shop that Marie T. Hunt (top) operates on Newark-Pompton Turnpike is a beautiful and enchanting space where she both produces modern designs and brings new life to vintage designs from the past.

Timing Is Everything

Hunt may have begun her business focused on tailored and personal bridal design, but her days have turned into so much more.

Amid consultations, intricate design work, beading restorations, applications of crystals and everything in between, you can find Hunt speaking at and participating in seminars, creating content for her social media platforms and interviewing and writing entries for her monthly blog.

She has been pursued by celebrities and, internationally, by bridal design shows that have asked her to send pieces for inclusion in extraordinary displays. Yet quite possibly her favorite creations are the pieces she designed for her own

daughters’ weddings.

Hunt’s work has been featured on The Knot, Bridal Buzz, Saratoga Bride and many other outlets. She has turned her 9-year-old self’s dream into a real-life fairy tale.

On the 14th of each month, Hunt posts a new wedding blog entry on brides and designs, appropriately titled “Fourteenth.” Be sure to have some tissues in hand before you visit, as you’ll be reading intimate details of how— and why—every single piece Hunt creates is so very meaningful.

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

The Youngest Heroes

Junior firefighters learn life-and-death skills along with duty, responsibility and leadership.

BY DANA REGAN

Imagine a situation where your partner—your friend—is in trouble, maybe trapped. You have to get to him, but you can’t see a thing because of all the smoke. So you begin to map out a route using only your sense of touch. You feel along a firehouse, gripping step-by-step. It feels like a maze. You are tense, but you remember what you’ve been taught. You will get to your partner and save him. There is no other option.

The above scenario is an actual confidence course drill performed by our Pequannock Junior Fire Department with the help of senior members who faithfully dedicate themselves to disciplining and educating these remarkable young men and women.

At the young age of 14, any boy or girl can apply to become a junior firefighter. The process is similar to becoming a volunteer firefighter and includes an application, interview, background check and physical exam. There is no need for any prior knowledge or experience; these young people must only show up and be eager to learn.

“When they join, they are just normal teenagers, focused on their phones and not willing to say much,” says Ron Aiosa, a 26-year-old firefighter and chief instructor of the juniors. “But once they get drilled and recognize the importance of what’s going on, they begin to develop a sense of duty, responsibility and leadership.”

Pequannock’s junior firefighting team includes (standing from left) Dave Reeves, instructor; Alexa Reeves; Kiley Crowe; Charlie Aiosa; Caden Chase; Ron Aiosa, chief instructor; (kneeling from left) Tyler Carson, instructor; Lucas Taylor; Paul Statuto; and Joe Gilligan.

Teen Training

Instruction gives birth to an understanding that juniors are being prepared for life-and-death situations and that giving up is not an option.

Teens go through noticeable changes as they progress through their practice, Aiosa says. Jack Longo, a 19-year-old lifelong township resident, is an example.

Aiosa watched Longo go through his entire journey as a junior firefighter. Now, Longo serves as

an official volunteer. Aiosa states proudly that he would, without hesitation, go into any dangerous situation with Longo by his side.

At the same time they are learning, juniors provide supplemental support to firefighters. This is done in a controlled manner to protect our young trainees.

For example, junior firefighters are allowed to respond to fire calls outside of school hours and during the curfew period of 10:30 p.m. to

5 a.m. But they have to refrain from out-of-town calls, motor vehicle accidents and dangerous hazmat calls.

These brave young men and women are also not permitted in the “hot zone” of a fire. Instead, they must stay in the “warm zone,” which limits them to the outskirts of a typical house fire, completing tasks such as hooking up fire hoses to hydrants and getting needed tools for firefighters who are battling the blaze.

Forming Bonds

Engine Company No. 1, located on Jackson Avenue on the north side of town, and Engine Company No. 2, located further south on Oak Avenue, house Pequannock’s bravest.

When residents dial 911 because of a fire, they know that valiant women and men who volunteer their time will come to the rescue. Residents must be sure to never take this for granted, in hopes that many people in the future will be inspired to put themselves out there and save lives.

This is a unique calling that requires sacrifice. As part of our community, our volunteer firefighters do a lot to connect with residents.

Scott Berkenbush, chief of Company 2, describes outreach efforts such as connecting with school children during fire prevention month, drunkdriver simulations performed with high school students, and open house education and recruitment events during the year.

Berkenbush stresses that Pequannock residents should have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all floors, and that batteries should be tested and changed

regularly.

At times, our juniors are heavily relied upon in serious emergency situations. Among others, Charlie Aiosa, a 16-year-old junior, is ready and prepared to serve.

Charlie’s cousin Ron Aiosa recruited him at a very young age. Now Charlie not only faithfully attends drills and calls but also looks forward to being a paid firefighter someday.

When asked how becoming a volunteer has changed him, Charlie responds, “It’s made me want to help people more, and it has helped me learn to stay calm in difficult situations. I think about things more as I watch, learn and adapt to the environment.”

Charlie expresses that it is fun doing what they all do together and that there is a great sense of community between department members. He and the rest of these gifted young people make this community proud beyond measure. Thank you for your service!

Dana Regan is happily married with four children and a beautiful new daughter-in-law. Her family, friends, career as an educator and adorable dog, Jax, keep her busy and smiling.

Top left: Junior firefighters Kiley Crowe (left) and Alexa Reeves. Top right (from left): Ron Aiosa, chief instructor; Charlie Aiosa, junior lieutenant; and Scott Berkenbush, chief of Company 2. Above: Bryan Daley (left), chief of Company 1, with Berkenbush.

2 PIZZAS FOR $19.99 ~ TAKE OUT ONLY!

BYOB Come enjoy one of our Signature Dishes; Chicken & Shrimp Pequannock, Zuppa Di Pesce, Santa Lucia, Chicken Milanese, Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast and more... at our cozy, family restaurant.

CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS!

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

 @pizza_man_trattoria_italiano

CLOCK TOWER SHOPPES

574 Newark Pompton Tpke. Pompton Plains, NJ

Tue, Wed, Thur 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Fri, Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sun 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

(973) 835-3383

pizzamannj@gmail.com

A walk from the Rail Trail... Stop in for a bite!

Pizzaman_1.2H_Peq_0823_CVR_V2.indd 1

Sew Many Options!

Marlene and Dave Melfi continue a high level of customer service at Initial Encounter Embroidery.

BY DANA REGAN

Marlene Melfi knew Donna Cetani needed some help in her store on Newark-Pompton Turnpike, so after leaving her career as branch manager at a bank for 24 years and transitioning careers, Melfi decided to take a part-time job at Cetani’s specialty shop, Initial Encounter Embroidery.

A few years later, in 2017, Cetani was ready to retire, so Melfi and her husband, Dave, purchased the business from her, promising that it would remain in good hands.

Marlene and Dave sewed, pressed and stitched this embroidery business with care, leveling it up as Pequannock residents slowly began to admire their designs and trust in their timing.

Soon, Initial Encounter became the local place to go for customers looking for embroidered clothing, personalized gifts and customized screen-printed garments made to order.

Planting Local Roots

Lyndhurst natives, Marlene and Dave married in 1989 and lived in Rockaway for eight years. Soon after having their daughter, Marissa, the bank Marlene worked at opened a branch in Lincoln Park.

Consequently, in 1997, the Melfis moved to Pequannock and joyfully watched their daughter grow up in the Pequannock school system. Now grandparents of twin boys, Logan Alexander and Wesley Jacob, the Melfis are proud to say they serve this community well.

When the Melfis took over Initial

Encounter, it was mostly Marlene’s project. The business grew so much that Dave decided to come on board full-time as well.

Personalized apparel for local businesses, nursing units, police departments, fire departments, EMS and sports teams made up many of their orders. Custom-made gifts such as baby blankets, Christmas stockings, T-shirts, hoodies, wedding handkerchiefs and senior banners were also in demand.

Word of mouth spread and now Initial Encounter receives orders from near and far.

Customized Orders

Marlene says that the most exciting part of her job is seeing her customers’ faces when they finally view a finished product.

Customers come in and share a vision, and then Marlene and Dave see it through to completion, adding a touch of creativity and workmanship.

Everything contrived in this extraordinary store is tailor-made and worth the wait. Initial Encounter will customize a single item for you, whereas most, if not all, larger companies require bulk orders to customize.

Dave and Marlene are always willing to donate items to fundraisers such as school tricky trays.

Living and working in this neighborhood has brought this couple many blessings and benefits. Be sure to come visit, shop local and support this thriving partnership that stitches love back into our little town.

Dana Regan is happily married with four children and a beautiful new daughter-in-law. Her family, friends, career as an educator and adorable dog, Jax, keep her busy and smiling.

Dave and Marlene Melfi

Spring Blessings

You know it’s springtime when Pequannock Township begins to blossom, as seen by this natural burst of color that Maureen Brain captured in front of The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains.