Denville Life November 2018

FREE, Please Take One

Vol. 1, No. 3 Nov. 2018

What is Thanksgiving All About?

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Page 6 • November 2018 • Denville Life

A Little Bit Of ‘Pamperin’ Goes A Long Way For Sister Owners Of Urban Muse

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By Jane Primerano he Pamperin sisters were too close to the World Trade Center on 9/11 not to have second thoughts about remaining in corporate America.

Tracy Pamperin was off that day, but saw the planes hit the towers from her home. Kristin Pamperin was in her office near the Battery. Both worked in graphic arts.

“But I wasn’t making a difference in anyone’s life,” Tracy Pamperin said.

In 2003, they embarked upon a new journey. The sisters were interested in wellness and natural healing and their first thought was to start a full-service wellness center. When the location they found turned out to be next door to a yoga studio, they changed their thinking a bit and founded Urban Muse on Broadway in Denville.

“We were thinking of Morristown or Ridgewood,” Kristin Pamperin said of their first preferences for a location for the spa. However, they were familiar with Denville and when a friend noticed the space was available they looked at it. There was no question

it was a perfect location.

“I love everything about Denville,” she said. Her involvement with the town makes that obvious. She is a former president of the Chamber of Commerce and is now chair of the Business Improvement District.

The Pamperins are now renovating the building, taking advantage of the space in slightly different ways. They are adding a salt room. Dry salt therapy is very popular in Europe. The salt air in the room is good for detoxifying the respiratory system, healing skin conditions, promoting better breathing, sounder sleep and overall wellness.

Kristin Pamperin said people who work in salt mines have pristine lungs, unlike other miners, and also have good skin. There are only a few salt rooms in New Jersey, she noted.

The salt therapy room will join the massage rooms and two relaxation rooms.

Urban Muse started with two rooms, expanded to six within six months, then added two more in 2008 and now is going up to 10. There are also steam showers and will be saunas and

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post-sauna showers.

One of the massage rooms will be for ashiatsu massage. Literally foot pressure, ashiatsu is a barefoot massage therapy applying deep broad constant pressure with the therapist using her feet and body weight. Workmen installed parallel bars above the table for the balance, support and safety of the therapist.

They are choosing some new colors for the new rooms.

The current motif is a subdued “chocolate and vanilla,” Kristin Pamperin said. One relaxation room features two hand-made kimonos on the walls and lamps with hand-painted shades. The new palate is bringing in greys, she added. All of the décor is soothing as is the instrumental music piped into the rooms. Art was carefully chosen for each room But soothing doesn’t mean bland. From the lines of the furniture to the choice of art on the walls, the highlights of the décor catch the eye pleasantly.

Business was not always smooth.

The upward trajectory of the business hit a roadblock in 2011: Hurricane Irene.

While Hurricane Sandy devastated the shore area, Morris County and other parts of the northern and northwest part of the state were hit harder by Irene.

“We only got 14 inches of water,” Kristin Pamperin said, noting it could have been worse. Two-thirds of the businesses in Denville were damaged.

“We had to cut open the walls,” her sister added, and replace

much of the first floor.

The town worked with FEMA and Kristin Pamperin, as president of the chamber, was in the thick of it.

“We had to get permits to demolish what was damaged and get rid of the material before it smelled any worse and mold started to form,” she said.

“We had to let everybody know the town was open,” Tracy Pamperin added.

The damage forced every business to do a make-over, but the town was already working toward that.

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Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 9

“I heard about Main Street USA in 2007,” Kristin Pamperin said, “and decided to explore that.”

She went to the first meeting that created the Business Improvement District. The creation of the Denville BID was delayed

by Irene, but got going with the only unanimous council vote to create a BID in Morris County. She speaks to the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and neighboring towns about the BID concept.

“It’s not a quick fix,” she said of the BID, but she is seeing the effects of some of the events on the businesses, especially some of the newer businesses. Broadway, Bloomfield Avenue and Diamond Spring Road have very few empty storefronts.

Retail Impacted One of the impacts of the new renovation is less space for retail since one half of the front of the building will now house the salt room and new massage rooms, but the sisters and their employees are weeding items out discreetly and keeping the most popular items.

“We are learning to curate for the best,” Kristin Pamperin said.

“We have a great team of buyers,” her sister adder, “and we focus on quality.”

Earrings sparkle on the counter racks as jewelry is their best seller.

The jewelry is from local artisans. Popular local artist Georgene Novak is well represented as are other local jewelry makers. The front window is ready for winter with handmade hats, gloves and scarves. Giraffe and piglet-themed baby items line another wall.

The baby clothes are made from all natural fabrics.

At the back of the shop are packages of sage and trays of sorry stones and crystals as well as essential oils and infusers.

Holly Edge is the crystal expert.

“I communicate with the energy of the crystals,” she said, noting she has been able to do so forever. She holds a crystal in her hand until she “wakes it up” and can feel it vibrate and then passes it along to the customer.

Edge has been with Urban Muse for four years and has a large following. She does crystal energy healing. She also puts together house blessing kits, including sea salt, rose quartz and amethyst, and an outdoor mix for nature spirituality. She also interprets cards.

The Urban Muse is cutting out some of its books, leaving mostly the books on crystals.

Also carried is an herb-based facial line featuring high-quality botanicals and another line of products with a sugar scrub.

A big seller also offered in the relaxation rooms is Tea Forte. Its white ginger pear is Urban Muse’s signature flavor.

The tea and the comfortable rooms are only part of the customer service.

“We ask people to get here early for their appointments and we don’t kick them out right away,” said Kristin Pamperin. She also noted Urban Muse doesn’t offer Botox or microdermabrasion, relying on more natural processes.

And the name came from her love of urban energy and inspiration.

She said the renovation should be done within a month, but doesn’t want to predict an exact date.

Page 10 • November 2018 • Denville Life

Denville Man Combines Passion For Cycling And Literacy With Cross Country Trip And Book

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By R.E. Wagner n an effort to raise awareness for literacy, local coach/teacher, Kevin Vrabel decided to put his passion for cycling to the ultimate test by riding his bicycle across the United States during the summer of 2011.

“I’ve been riding my bicycle around for years,” shared Vrabel, “going cross-country had always been something that I’ve wanted to do.”

When asked about where he got the idea for supporting literacy, Vrabel gave a nod to an old friend.

“I was planning for the trip when my college friend, Chris Barrett, suggested the idea to ride for literacy,” explained Vrabel.

“She knows that I love to read and it instantly resonated with me.”

Aside from support of close friends and family, Vrabel was joined on his adventure by his two 22-year old nephews, Andy Underwood, John Vrabel, along with his 82 year old father “Big Frank.”

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“I had made a promise to my nephews about six years before the bike ride,” said Vrabel. “We had just finished cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway; it’s this 470-mile scenic roadway connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. When we were done, they had loved the experience so much that at I promised them that once they graduated, we would go on a cross-country ride together. And so with my father, their grandfather, on board for support, we had three generations of our family sharing in the adventure.”

After loading up their bicycles and supplies in a rented RV and heading for the Santa Monica Pier, Calif., Vrabel began the bike ride on May 22, 2011. Together with his team, the trio began a 3,111 mile ride back to Ashbury Park. The entire experience took 43 days to complete and when looking back on the extraordinary experience, Vrabel recalls the challenges he and his riders faced both on and off the road.

“That first day was challenging no doubt,” recalled Vrabel. “We ended up taking a wrong road. And when it’s over 100 degrees in the sun and no shade, you’re looking at a tough ride. But in the end it’s more mental than anything else; you just need to put keep turning those pedals. But sure, you bet there were days when we struggled!”

When asked about the one of the hardest challenges faced on the ride, Vradel’s response was instant.

Kansas!

“It was the worst,” exclaimed Vrabel, “normally on those flat farmlands you would have the wind at your back and the riding

was supposed to be easier. But instead we had headwinds gusting so hard we could barely move forward!”

Sometimes Vrabel and his nephews would ride their bikes up to 100 miles in a single day all the while enduring heat, rain, wind, and both mental and physical fatigue. Known as a century in the cycling community, when asked for the secret of their success, Vrabel kept the answer simple.

“We were always there to keep each other going and support one another,” shared Vrabel. “We took breaks whenever we needed and made sure to watch out for each other. Plus we had our cause help raise literacy to motivate us.”

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Throughout their ride, Vrabel reached out to local libraries in each state he visited, to offer to speak about the importance of reading and literacy.

“It wasn’t a fundraiser, just something to raise awareness for our cause, said Vrabel. “Sometimes we’d draw crowds as large as 100 people to hear us talk. It was amazing getting to connect with so many people and hearing their stories.”

Vrabel mentioned that it was during his very first talk that one of his favorite moments took place.

“It was our very first stop in Lucerne Valley, Calif.,” said Vrabel.

“I had asked what he liked most about reading books and he replied that he liked how it made movies in his head. It was so funny and honest, I’ll never forget it.”

Throughout the 43 day trip, the group ran into all sorts of interesting people, including other cyclists riding across America.

“We met a woman involved in a seven day ride across America called Race Across America (RAM),” Vrabel shared. “She had already been cycling for almost 23 hours straight and when she got off the bike she started hallucinating, tiptoeing around on her cycling cleats while explaining that she was trying to avoid

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stepping on all the kittens!”

Vrabel made sure that he and his nephews continued to practice what they preached by reading books daily.

“Andy started Garth Stein’s “The Art of Racing In the Rain,” finished it by the second day of the trip,” laughed Vrabel.

When asked about some of his own favorite reads, Vrabel made sure to include works from classic authors including John Steinbeck and Kurt Vonnegut, as well as the novel “Unbroken,” by Laura Hillenbrand.

He said, “Some of the books I read were “Travel with Charley” and “The Last of the Mohicans.”

Vrabel also decided to share his passion for literacy through his online journal, claiming that it was his grandmother who had inspired him.

“I was helping my father repair the roof on his garage, collecting some things when I came across my grandmother’s old journal from when she was 19 years old,” he said. “It was over 90 years old and when I read it, I felt this kind of connection and I knew I was going to write about this trip.”

Sure enough, Vrabel went on to use his journal as source material to write his book, “Bikes Books and Better Living.”

“I wanted to connect with others through my writing like my grandmother’s journal had connected with me nearly one hundred years after it was written,” explained Vrabel. “When I read her words, I was able to form a new relationship with he and I thought of her every time I sat down to write.”

When asked if he had any final words to share about his experiences on the roads of America, Vrabel shared one of the last passages of his book.

“We crossed a beautiful and magnificent country filled with breathtaking landscapes from the surf of the Pacific, to the magical, mystical desert to monuments in valleys,” he said. “We breathed in the splendor of the Rockies and the vastness of the Great Plains. We pedaled above the mighty Mississippi to the eastern mountains to home. Those physical images have already come and gone, but the people remain; their spirit is intact and lives inside each of us. Along with it, my grandmother lives again as a teenage girl in a country filled with hope and promise.”

Copies of Vrabel’s book can be purchased at https://www. smashwords.com/books/view/221755.

Page 16 • November 2018 • Denville Life

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Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 17

Rotary Club Of Denville Provides Service Above Self

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enville Rotary was chartered on March 26, 1947.

Rotary is an opportunity to build lifelong friendships and experience the personal fulfillment of providing volunteer service. It is an organization of professional and business leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and build goodwill and peace in the world. Contact Tony Toriello, membership chairperson, regarding questions and/or becoming a member at 973-625-1362 or ttoriello@yahoo.com.

Club members include, from front left, Isis Casanova, Tony Toriello, Rita Ambrosi, Donna Ott, Diane Vezzuto, Bill Conway, Patricia Agliata, Helen Quan and Brian McCabe. Second row, from left: Emile Ayli, Andrew Crawford, Sal Paci, Mike Boudway, Jennifer Hillegass, Mary Radicsh, Betsy Roberts, Frank Costello, Bob Ott, Mike Turallo and Rick Rafferty. Third row, from left: Mike Rowland, George Hrobuchak, Steve Widuta, Joe Velocci and Karl Timmermann. In the back row is Frank Vezzuto.

Page 18 • November 2018 • Denville Life

Vibrance MedSpa Vibrance MedSpa is located in The Shoppes at Union Hill, on Route 10 in Denville, NJ. They provide medical-grade treatments that help you achieve the aesthetic results you’re looking for.

These include anti-aging, skin correction, and bodysculpting.

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he colors of the fall are everywhere, with crisp, cool air and all the planning that goes with getting ready for Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season. ...but don’t forget to take a little time for yourself and taking care of you! Autumn is a perfect time to take a little time and schedule skin rejuvenation, minimizing lines and wrinkles, working on reducing cellulite or shaping your body by reducing unwanted fat!

For a more beautiful, youthful you, look no further than Vibrance MedSpa, a premier medical spa providing a relaxing environment while offering treatments to achieve superior aesthetic results. In business for over ten years, Vibrance assures its clients that they will receive the highest standard of care. The board-certified physicians and medical aestheticians are highly-trained according to Vibrance standards. These skilled doctors have dedicated their careers to achieving successful results through triedand-true methods performed in a safe environment and they consistently deliver award-winning results for Vibrance clients who want to know that they are in the most capable hands. Prior to treatment, clients have a comprehensive consultation which defines the patient’s aesthetic goals and assists in designing the appropriate treatment course.

Vibrance MedSpa is located in The Shoppes at Union Hill, on Route 10 in Denville, NJ. They provide medical-grade treatments that help you achieve the aesthetic results you’re looking for. These include anti-aging, skin correction, and bodysculpting.

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Discover the non-surgical options Vibrance MedSpa provides to restore your youthful, vibrant complexion and skin tone.

They offer HydraFacial® MD, VibraDermabrasion, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Sublative, triniti™ Skin Series, and a number of other leading skin treatments to reduce wrinkles, aging and improve sun damaged skin. Rejuvenating facials atVibrance MedSpa use the highest quality pharmaceutical grade products in each treatment. All facial treatments begin with a thorough skin analysis to determine each individual’s skin care needs The award-winning physicians of Vibrance MedSpa will guide you every step of the way as we help you evaluate the best methods to achieve your desired result. They can provide quick and effective remedies for facial lines and wrinkles produced by age, stress and worry and can smooth lines, lift your smile and eyebrows using a combination of dermal fillers, lasers treatments, Botox® and the new Vibrance Lyft to produce the most natural-looking effect.

Vibrance MedSpa and The Shoppes at Union Hill in Morris County, allow you to enjoy a day of shopping, relaxing, dining, and pampering in one convenient location.

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Sheriff’s Dept. Hosts Senior Fraud Presentation

A free presentation by the Morris County Sheriff’s Department is set to be held, Wed., Dec. 5, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Saint Francis Residential Community in Denville.

Scam Topics include: • Healthcare Fraud • Phishing • E-mail • Reverse Mortgage • Telemarketing • IRS • Grandchild • Obituary Scams • Social Networking Safety • How to Report on any Scam RSVP is requested by Dec. 1 to Debra Shay at (973) 627-5647 or Debrashay@primehealthcare.com

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Page 24 • November 2018 • Denville Life

Butter And Velvet Home And Design Brings Warmth And Charm At New Location

by Kathleen Artiglier estled into a beautiful new location on Broadway is a family owned business that will be on the top of everyone’s list for stopping in.

The new Butter and Velvet Home and Design in Denville is a unique and friendly store that is filled with charm, eclectic pieces, colorful works, whimsical items and home decor.

At first glance, it’s very appealing to the eye. A customer could spend hours browsing and picking pieces or ask the knowledgeable owners, Kelly Daab and Michaeline Fernandez. From picking out furniture to jewelry to one of a kind show pieces for any size or style home, they have it.

Sisters from New Jersey, Daab and Fernandez both developed a keen eye and taste when it came to decorating. They admit they got their flair from their mother. Fernandez is a certified ASID interior designer and also owner of Create Your Space Design. Daab has always had a love of design and they joined artistic forces to open Butter and Velvet Home & Design.

How did they come up with such a cute name for the business?

Daab gives the credit to her sister. Their love of butter and cooking as they were growing up evokes a great memory and said

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Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 25

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it’s warm like their family. The velvet is the equivalent fabric and soft, so they combined the names into one amazing name for their business.

When Fernandez decided that she wanted to bring her accessories and her expertise to a retail location, she asked her sister to join in.

“Denville is such a warm and welcoming downtown,” she said.

“We love that it is a walking town with a community feel, welcoming many surrounding towns who do not have their own downtown.” They agreed it would be a positive addition to the many wonderful restaurants and existing businesses that they already grew to love. They also enjoy sponsoring and supporting events downtown, which are vital to the community and are looking forward to being a ‘must see’ location in town.

With their interior design services, they can customize any ideas that customers can visualize. Butter and Velvet offers furniture, art, window treatments, lighting, gifts that are unique, jewelry, wall coverings and more. The location showcases items of all kinds to give customers an idea of what style they would like to decorate with. They can help customers redecorate, update or add pieces.

They also know that sometimes customers are looking for special gifts for occasions and want to give their friends and family pieces they can cherish. Gift giving is personal when browsing through their shop. Personal touches are all about the store.

They can transform any living space in any home and decor into a personalized and comfortable room. Bringing a current photo of the space a customer is updating or decorating from scratch is also helpful to Butter and Velvet. They have a large design studio to

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work with clients, choose fabrics, develop ideas, and choose items to help build that into a reality.

What does Fernandez suggest when starting out decorating a new home?

“I truly believe that two heads are better than one and that collaborating with a designer not only creates unique and functional areas, but also prevents the new homeowner from making costly mistakes.” Those are excellent points in keeping their customers happy and returning clients. Accessories, throw rugs, pillows, and other small touches can make a home more beautiful and bring an entire room together.

“My favorite way to make a home feel comfortable and appealing to the eye is to purchase quality upholstery that is family friendly, but soft to the touch and then is adding unique art,” she said.

They work well with customers that have a ‘wish list,’ especially if a client is not sure whether to start with one room or the whole home. They keep in mind the budget that the client brings with them to ensure that the realistic budget sticks to the numbers.

Keeping it simpler and beautiful is not a problem for these professionals. They offer ideas for the home from the ceiling on down.

From flooring to ceiling lights, they have it all covered. They will design a floor to ceiling plan and everything in between. Making lasting memories of rooms that the family will remember for years to come is their main concern. They focus on what makes one comfortable and what the family needs. Butter and Velvet creates rooms that are livable and lovable.

What do they suggest when a client wants to come up

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with ideas before coming to Butter and Velvet? Poke around the internet, why of course. Browsing sites that offer ideas such as ‘mantel displays’ or furniture styles or any home decorating tips can be helpful. Customers should know whether the room or pieces will be for entertaining, gifts, furnishing family areas, a new home, and so on. A new home is a virtual blank slate for a decorator. There are things to consider for older homes, such as salvaging pieces like architectural mold that can be turned into an interesting wall piece or adding to other pieces of art.

Butter and Velvet make the process of updating, decorating or redecorating a painless one. From fun designs and professional opinions to budget friendly advice, they are making a name for themselves with their new location.

When viewing Butterandvelvet.com people can see the furnishings, home decor, artwork, flooring, and all of their pieces. Their gallery is rich with designs and colorful ideas. The owners will help clients with design tips, go over personal styles, and even draw storyboards of how the end results will look. They don’t just sell pieces. They discover likes and dislikes of their clients. Butter

CORRECTION REQUESTED An article that appeared in the October issue of Denville Life titled “Denville Native And Family Man Lights Up The Town” on page 35 incorrectly stated that Donald Ranft, Sr. is retired.

Donald Ranft, Sr., lives in Denville and is the owner of Ranft’s Rockaway TV & Appliance, recently shortened to Ranft’s Appliance Repair as he only repairs appliances now.

Contact Ranft’s Appliance Repair at 973-627-3279; ranftsappliances@aol.com; visit www.ranftsappliancerepair.com.

and Velvet is a full service gallery with a large selection of products, art, and unique treasures to fill either a room or an entire home. Custom designs are their business. They also have an extensive list of contractors they work with for all home projects and timely completions.

Looking forward to being Denville’s choice for personalized design needs, they are committed to the community and the family oriented atmosphere that the town evokes. Making families happy in their homes and helping them achieve beauty in those surroundings make them a happy pair of sisters.

Denville is proud to have them as a new and thriving downtown business, as well. Dorothy may have said “there’s no place like home,” but Daab and Fernandez will make sure there is no place like home once they decorate it.

Stop in for gifts, pieces, artwork, jewelry, or call for an appointment for consultation for the entire home.

Butter and Velvet is just as warm as the name implies. Located at 11 Broadway in Denville, go to www.ButterandVelvet.com for a preview of its pieces and more information on services.

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Page 28 • November 2018 • Denville Life

What Is Thanksgiving All About?

Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863.

I

n the middle of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, prompted by a series of editorials written by Sarah Josepha Hale, proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated on the 26th, the final Thursday of November 1863.

The document, written by Secretary of State William H. Seward, reads as follows: The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.

Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented

strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.�

Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863.

Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 29

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Page 30 • November 2018 • Denville Life

Downtown Denville Continues Tradition With Weekend Of Holiday Festivities “In past years we have seen upwards of 600 people come downtown to experience the Annual Holiday Open House,” states Gleason and notes that a similar turnout is expected for this year pending the weather.

By J. L. Shively Downtown Denville prepares for winter with a warm welcome to the holiday season, kicking of their long held tradition with a Holiday Open House and a weekend of fun and festive activities for all ages.

Typically this long weekend of holiday merriment begins on the Friday following Thanksgiving and is indeed set to begin this year on Fri., Nov. 23.

The beautiful downtown district of Denville will be transformed into a bustling holiday wonderland featuring festivities for kids as well as offering a great opportunity for adults to start their holiday shopping.

The theme for this year’s event is “Holidays on Broadway,” explains Ryan Gleason, the first executive director of Downtown Denville Business Improvement District, or BID. Gleason has taken up the mantle of this position since July of 2017. After the closure of the Denville Chamber of Commerce, which had for years been the main organizer of this event, Denville BID “took over and is committed

to keeping the tradition alive,” states Gleason.

The aim with this type of event and with the other works of BID “is to create a vibrant downtown that reflects our unique history and where both businesses and residents can flourish,” states Gleason.

To start off the weekend, the Holiday Open House is set to begin on Black Friday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This portion of the weekend will be presented by Duphiney Financial Network.

Duphiney Financial Net-

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Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 31

work is co-partnered by brothers Gerard and Glenn Duphiney.

The company has deep roots within Denville and currently serve more than 1,000 families. Gerard states that he and their small business are “proud to be a part of the Denville community.”

Of their involvement in the Holiday Open House, Gerard states that “Duphiney Financial is very happy to be a sponsor for this Downtown Denville tradition.”

In addition Gerard states that he believes it is important to support local merchants, especially during the holiday season and looks forward to the weekend of festivities.

Like the many years before it, the Holiday Open House is planned to include traditional favorites such as pictures with Santa Claus, horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo, hot chocolate stations as well as entertainment from local performance groups.

The wagon rides are planned to be offered by Moutainside Stables of Lafayette. The Denville BID is hosting this year’s wagon rides and the route is planned to run from Broadway down Second Ave. Although the list of performers for this event is not yet finalized, it is planned to include local dance troupes, school choirs and karate dojos. Although not yet confirmed, Denville BID hopes to have roaming carolers join the list of performers for the event.

As always, the downtown district is prepping itself to offer great shopping and discounts and even activities in “everyone’s favorite downtown stores,” states Gleason.

During this event the entire street of Broadway will be closed

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to traffic to accommodate the activities and the horse drawn wagon rides.

“In past years we have seen upwards of 600 people come downtown to experience the Annual Holiday Open House,” states Gleason and notes that a similar turnout is expected for this year pending the weather.

The evening of festivities is planned to be followed up with a local celebration of Small Business Saturday, set for Nov. 24. This year the events in Denville will be presented by WP Realty of Denville.

While the previous day, Black Friday, has long be a celebrated day of shopping and a kick-off to the holiday season, the last few years have seen an increase interest in shopping at small businesses, especially local ones.

Small Business Saturday is a day specifically crafted to draw attention to the local businesses and what each of them have to offer the community. During this day in Denville businesses are set to offer their holiday finest as well as offering some of their best deals of the season.

In the spirit of this event, Denville BID plans on hosting a Shop Small Passport Contest. This contest, Gleason explains “will challenge holiday shoppers to visit a set number of stores that day to be entered to win a number of great prizes.”

The weekend will conclude with a bang on Sun, Nov. 25 when the annual Denville Holiday Parade is set to be held.

The parade is planned for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will fea-

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Page 32 • November 2018 • Denville Life

ture floats, great vehicles, and local dignitaries. This event shares the theme of the Open House with “Holidays on Broadway.”

The route will begin on Bloomfield Ave. at the front of McCarter Park and file down towards Broadway and then through the downtown district.

“The Holiday Open House is a Denville tradition going back years,” sates Gleason. “Our feedback is always positive and we always have families come up to us with great stories of experiences [with] the Holiday Open House in years past.”

While many of the events and activities being offered are tradition and the same which is offered each year Gleason is sure to note that this does not mean that the organization does not look to improve upon the event.

“This year the committee members have been hard at work brainstorming great ideas for this and future events,” says Gleason.

The upcoming event is chaired by Dana King from Richards and Summers Insurance Agency which is a local business that is also located directly on Broadway. Richards and Summers Insurance Agency, Gleason states, “has been a great community partner for many, many years.”

Other committee members Gleason notes are Meg Olenowski from Sisters and Surprises in Store, Paula Battle from New View Media Group, Jenn Fox from Dash Thyme, and Gene Fitzpatrick, a resident and former Councilman in Denville.

Battle is a sales representative for “Denville Life Magazine” and has volunteered for several years helping out with this event. She recalls many fond memories of past events as well as challenges in

assisting in getting everything ready for the big day.

“I usually am at the hot chocolate table, supervising the volunteers pouring the hot chocolate and giving out the cookies,” says Battle. “The hot chocolate is prepared by the Denville Dairy and it is delicious, everyone loves it.”

The feedback Battle has received from residents regarding the event is very positive, noting this weekend of holiday spirit as one of the times they feel the town is really giving back to them.

“They love the fact that Broadway is closed and can walk in the street and not worry about their children or their pets crossing,” states Battle.

With years of merriment behind them, the residents and merchants of Denville are certainly headed for another year of fun and holiday spirit, best shared with family, friends and of course their neighbors.

For more information about Denville BID or about how a local business can get involved, visit www.downtowndenvillecom. This site will also offer further information regarding the upcoming Holiday Open House and other events planned for the months ahead.

The Denville BID is a 501 (c)(3), non-profit organization. Their mission, Gleason states, “is to drive commerce and expand economic opportunity in Downtown Denville by providing services, development, improvements, and community-oriented programming that appeals to shoppers, workers, residents and visitors.”

The BID organization is made up of local businesses and property owners in the actual downtown district who help to shape the priorities and efforts of the area.

Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 33

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Boy Scout Troop 17 Helps Make Denville Bloom

Boy Scouts from Troop 17 recently pitched in to help with fall cleanup at Denville’s Kitchell Road and Cemetery gardens, which are maintained by the Denville Beautification Committee.

Guiding the young workers as they prepared the gardens for upcoming spring bulb plantings included DBC volunteers Dave Sipple, Sandy Shaller, Don Reinhardt, Jennifer Hagenow, Sue Phloem, and Sheela McClone. Adult volunteers from Troop 17 were Mark Harrison, John Happy, Bruce Bauman, and Ken Arntzen.

The Denville Beautification and Green Sustainability Committees are comprised of local residents who volunteer their time and talents to make Denville a green, environmentally-friendly, and beautiful community. In coming weeks, Beautification volunteers plan to plant thousands of flowering bulbs throughout the township for everyone’s enjoyment next spring.

More volunteers and many skills are always welcome.

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Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 35

Fresh Dried Fruit, Veggies And Specialty Items Manufactured Right In Denville

By Cheryl Conway or those who seek healthier eating, there is a local distribution and manufacturing center right in town that specializes in products that are natural, organic, wheat and gluten-free.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables never ends with Kariba Farms in Denville, open year round, providing the freshest ingredients directly to consumers, national retailers, farmers markets and grocery chains. Established in 1991, Kariba Farms is known as a leader in the dried fruits, nuts and specialty food industry.

Customers can find a variety of choices at Kariba Farms, from its dried fruits, nuts, gourmet specialties, party trays, seasoning blends, spices and rubs.

As opposed to other products that may contain preservatives, sulfides and sulfurs, “We don’t use anything that could harm the body,” says Steven Testa of Denville, president of the company for the past year, since Oct. 20.

“It’s definitely a healthier alternative,” with choices that provide “optimal taste and nutritional benefit.”

Testa joined the company just one year ago with his colleague Donny Apolito of Cliffside Park, who serves as the operations manager at Kariba Farms.

At the age of 86, original owner Martin Welt, turned over his business to Testa, who also works full time as a finance director for a bank’s mortgage division.

At Kariba Farms, “Donny runs day to day operations,” says Testa, while he handles the books.

Both decided to sink their teeth into a company that promotes healthier eating.

“I’ve seen the benefits of the millennials today,” says Apolito, who attended the New York Restaurant School and worked as a food services director and chef in culinary arts. “People are more health conscious. This is where the market is now; healthier living and non-GMO.” Testa explains his business decision.

“I looked at the company and what it was doing- dried nuts and fruits and health benefit,” he says, and its move “toward cleaner eating,” says Testa. “It was expanding.”

The products provided at Kariba Farms, “it sets us apart,” says Testa. “It’s definitely not bland. It’s eating healthier and cleaner and making sure you are not losing that taste when you are eating that way.”

As a single dad of two daughters, with one in college and one in middle school, Testa tries to encourage healthy eating in his household. His middle schooler plays for softball for a national club team so healthy eat-

ing is key.

“As an athlete, she has to eat properly, fuel properly if you are going to play properly,” says Testa, who has been involved with Denville Softball for 10 years, and as its president from 2011 to 2016.

The Kariba Farms Story “Kariba Farms derives its name from the town of Kariba in South Africa,” as it states on its website. “The town was built during the construction of the Kariba Dam to house the engineers and workers.”

Today the dam supplies the irrigation that produces the resources needed to grow an abundant quality of tropical fruits that Kariba Farms sells today. The founder of the company helped build that dam and when he returned to the United States in 1991 he created Kariba Farms.

Products are sold directly to consumers and through national retailers like Amazon, Whole Foods, grocery

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chains such as Shoprite as well as mom and pop shops and farmers’ markets.

Located off Franklin Rd. and Stewart Court, the 8,000 sq. ft. facility manufactures and blends its products right on sight.

With seven employees, the small distribution center provides dried fruit, gourmet specialty items, gift/party trays, seasoning blends, spices and rubs- with all items that are natural, organic and free of GMO. It currently carries 209 different items, says Testa.

Out of the dried fruit line, the more popular items include the tropical fruit and the mango which is “all natural” with nothing added and organic.

Guava, strawberry rhubarb, blueberries, cherries and papaya are also tasty.

Also popular is Kariba Farms NutCrusters gourmet coating mix with a blend of nuts and gourmet spices, which offers an alternative to breading on fish, seafood, vegetables, pork, poultry and tofu; as well as its kiwi mixes and hot sauce.

While competitors will offer nuts and dry fruit, they do not offer this nut crusted alternative to breading.

“We infuse ground nuts into the rub which gives it a distinct flavor,” says Testa, adding that there are currently nine different flavors to choose from. Its newest version is the Wasabi NutCruster, he says.

Kariba Farms is also offering a new line of muffin mixes that uses rice flour, a wheat and gluten free product; as well as some new trail mixes and stuffing.

“We do dried vegetables as well,” says Testa, like dried green beans, mixed veggies, and dried okra.

With a small store front to display its products, consumers can even stop in to buy their goods. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; on Saturdays they are at different farmers’ markets; and on Sundays at the Denville Farmers’ Market.

Testa says they currently visit six different farmers’ markets in northern N.J. with hopes to expand to more next year. The markets are in Denville, Hawthorne, Fairlawn, Westwood, Riverdale and Fort Lee. “Kariba Farms shops the world to source the highest quality natural and organic products to bring to market,” as stated on the website. “Our dried fruits, nuts and gourmet specialties are Star-K Kosher certified as well as non-GMO, all natural, organic, wheat and gluten free and are simply a healthier alternative.”

Testa says “products come from resources across the country and around the world,” like Turkish figs and Figi apples.

Kariba Farms fruits, nuts and specialty lines fit a variety of diets and lifestyles including: Atkins, Keto, Paleo, vegan, vegetarian, Mediterranean and many more, according to the website.

“We strive to deliver fresh and tasty products by constantly monitoring and improving our processing methods and adhering to strict quality controls,” the website states. “This ensures that we are not only delivering the best product but also delivering world class service to our customers.”

New Owner Enjoys New Role With the first year digested as owner of Kariba Farms, Testa has enjoyed his new role.

“I really enjoy meeting the people, the different folks at the farmers’ markets,” says Testa, adding that he still goes out on Sundays to sell his products at area farmers’ markets. “It’s kind of cool,” he says, hearing “how they are going to use a certain product. They’re making casseroles. It’s exciting to see what they are making; it really is.”

While many farmers markets close in the winter, the Denville Farmers’ Market stays open year round, notes Testa. The sale of dried fruit and nuts gets busier in the winter months, he explains, since it becomes more difficult to purchase fresh fruit in the colder climate.

“Right now, especially with the holidays, people are preordering trays with dried fruits and nuts,” he says. Pecans, figs, apricots, more holiday type fruits and nuts, are starting to sell more.

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Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 37

Kariba Farms ships orders anywhere in the U.S., as well as to Canada and even as far as Hawaii, he notes.

As a resident of Denville for the past 16 years, Testa has appreciated the town he has lived and worked in. As part of his in-

volvements in town he served on the field committee that was involved in getting the turf field installed at Veterans Park.

“I love the sense of community and how neighbors help each other especially when times get tough,” says Testa, who took courses in Applied Science at Central Texas University while serving in the U.S. Marines Corp, from 1990-1995 during the War in Iraq, Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

“Hurricane Sandy showed just how much the people of this town stuck together,” he says. “I have always said that Denville has felt more like a big family more than just a town. There is something very special here.”

To benefit the community, Testa says his company will be starting fundraising programs in December for local sports programs and schools to provide a healthier alternative in items they purchase.

“Just trying to give back a little bit,” says Testa. Items will be sold at a wholesale price to fundraising groups; the groups will then sell the items at a higher retail price and keep the profit.

For more information visit www.karibafarms.com. Through Jan. 1, customers can enjoy 15 percent off their entire order.

Page 38 • November 2018 • Denville Life

Full Body Workout Without Impact Reshapes Bodies And Lives

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By Cheryl Conway hile visiting her family in Indianapolis six years ago, this Denville business owner stumbled across an exercise workout one Saturday morning and ever since has become addicted.

She liked the class so much that when she returned to New Jersey she found the exercise technique in New York “two subway stops” away from her office in the city. She started taking classes there during her lunch hour, until she got certified and opened up her own studio in June 2015.

Located at 20 West Main Street in Denville, Pure Barre is in its third year and owner Beth Billmeier is pumped on how this “high energy fitness center” is changing bodies and lives.

“It’s so rewarding, we are changing people’s bodies in terms of their fitness goals, fitting into their clothes, feeling better, strengthening their joints, seeing tone and definition in their body,” says Billmeier, 47, of Morris Plains.

Healthier, stronger bodies have also led members to greater success “in other parts of their life,” in their daily lives such as “on the job tasks” in their professions like for police officers and school teachers, adds Billmeier, as well as in the community as many members and even her staff have created friendships and a support system.

“It’s really created a nice community of people which is amazing,” she says.

Pure Barre is a full body workout class equipped with a ballet

barre built around the room, explains Billmeier. It is structured to “serve all fitness levels.”

One common complaint she hears from new members is “I can’t put my leg on the barre,” says Billmeier. But, the barre, she explains is used for support and for various exercises.

Exercising her “whole life,” Billmeier explains what it is about Pure Barre that is so great.

“Everything,” she comments. There was “nothing about class I didn’t like. It’s a full body workout, head to toe. You’re going to do the whole body, mental and physical.”

She describes it as “fast paced” with “a lot going on at one time,” allowing students to distress, use mental energy and “focus on what the teacher is telling you to do. The mind doesn’t have time to wander; you are really engaged.”

Each class is 50 minutes long and “every exercise is positioned so the work is in the muscles and not aggravate your joints; it’s very safe. The technique is fast and effective.

“You will walk taller; your posture will feel improved; your core will be strengthened,” she says. For members who stick with the program, “clothes are fitting differently.”

Before she started this new technique to exercise, Billmeier says there was “never any definition in my triceps.” That has all changed.

Classes include various moves. There is a pushup series, weight work.

The “entire warm-up is focused on developing upper

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Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 39

body strength” and classes are geared toward strengthening core and the back.

West To East Not necessarily a new technique in the exercise world, Pure Barre is growing especially in the east.

Pure Barre began in 2001when it was founded by its owner in Michigan, says Billmeier, and then expanded west to Denver and California. As it grew, the franchise expanded across the country making its way east.

When Billmeier started out she says there were about 400 franchise owners; now there are close to 500 “in almost every state,” including 14 Pure Barr studios in N.J. With a bachelor’s in radio and television from Butler University in Indianapolis, Billmeier had been working for 25 years in advertising and sales in the Midwest and N.Y. for ad agencies, MTV Network and Comcast when she retired in 2015 to switch careers and become a franchise owner.

“I was trained by Pure Barre,” to learn the technique and prepare as the owner of her own studio. It involved a “lengthy training process and program,” what all Pure Barr teachers must attain.

She says they learn how to deliver the best class to a variety of levels. Those taking the class can modify the moves according to their capabilities and strength level, she says.

Billmeier’s connection to Denville is also through her husband, Kyle Krause, as he was born and raised in Denville.

“To have a business in his hometown is kind of cool I think,” she says about her husband who she coins as “a behind the scenes kind of guy” and co-owner. “Kyle and I were able to make it happen.”

Billmeier also serves on the board of directors for Downtown Denville Business Improvement District, helping to work booths during the town’s street festival and other promotional events.

Three Class Styles Offered Pure Barre Classic is the main class offered. Billmeier has been taking this class for six years and teaching if for the past three years. This signature class offers a low impact full body workout that utilizes small isometric movements that engage all major muscle groups to fatigue using one’s own body weight for resistance to create long, lean muscles without the bulk.

Pure Empower is high-cardio intensity, low impact workout that combines strength training with cardio circuit exercises. Ankle weights and a plyometric platform are used.

Although it is “non-impact,” Billmeier stresses “you will sweat.”

Just launched last week, Pure Reform is the newest class at Pure Barre which involves resistance training, coordination and balance by using resistance bands, sliders and the barre.

It is a total body workout that targets, shapes, and defines all major muscle groups.

All of the classes include contemporary music that is motivating, from dance mixes to popular songs and even some country songs. The music is “definitely something for everyone,” she says.

“Empower is dedicated to elevating heart rate and cardio burn,” says Billmeier. “Reform is probably more of a calorie burn.”

Offered Seven Days A Week Classes at Pure Barre in Denville are taught throughout the day, offering eight to ten classes, seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. There are 47 classes in total offered each week with nine held on the weekend, she says. The 900 sq. ft. facility features a one room carpeted studio with a ballet barre that goes around the room. One class is taught at a time and are rotated between 11 different instructors who are all trained and certified to teach the Pure Barre technique, and more specifically the format of the class whether it is the classic, empower or reform style, notes Billmeier. While all the teachers are women, men are certainly invited to train to become a certified Pure Barre instructor.

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Page 40 • November 2018 • Denville Life

In the front lobby, a retail boutique offers some clothing to be worn at class such as leggings, tanks and sticky socks with rubber grips required for class.

“No sneakers, no bare feet” are permitted in class, specifies Billmeier.

Since classes are safe and non-impact, shoes are not necessary, even the cardio blast portions and toning segments.

Both men and women take classes at Pure Barre in Denville with just about 20 students per class. Students must be 16 years old and up. No need to “fear of being too old, of being too out of shape,” says Billmeier. “Class is modifiable, even with injury, everything is safe.

“This is completely safe for pregnancy,” she says, adding that clients who were pregnant have claimed to have had a “great pregnancy, great delivery” and stay in shape by the time they return post pregnancy. “Most come back six to eight weeks after and don’t look like they had a baby,” she says.

Clients come from Denville as well as surrounding areas such as Rockaway, Mountain Lakes, Boonton as well as Randolph.

An average student can burn anywhere between 400 to 600

calories per class “depending on how hard you are working,” she says.

Current specials include first week free to new local clients; and an intro month for $45 that includes unlimited classes. Those who join will then be offered unlimited packages, monthly memberships or can pay per class.

“You can really do good work once you are getting in the groove,” says Billmeier. “With Pure Barre, I’m six years in. “I’m not remotely bored. I’m still seeing results and changes; I’m still getting sore; still toning the body. The class is never the same class twice and it works.”

When it comes to exercise, Billmeier says “I may have done it all including running a marathon,” but with Pure Barre “its fun, it works, it’s addictive. You look forward to getting to your Pure Barre class.”

Billmeier says she is “hoping things like Pure Barre are keeping me young;” that it is providing that “mind, body connection” that is “good for the brain.” The Pure Barre technique is “mental and physical.” It is clearly “the fastest, most effective way to change the shape of your body.”

Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 41

Denville Schools Superintendent Leads The Way To Improved District Programs “I told my assistant coach at the time that I was going to help lead the team to their first state championship in the next five years,” Forte said. “We started our first year with me at the helm 0-13.

I promised my team that if I couldn’t do it in five years, I’d let someone else take the reins.”

By Megan Roche Steve Forte was not a kid who grew up loving school. The West Orange native graduated from high school in 1985 and headed off to Kean University to major in criminal justice. After changing his major to education, he still had hopes that he could become a police officer. It was then that he got kicked out of school.

After being kicked out, Forte picked up a job as a security guard at Channel Lumber in Springfield. Fast forward a few months and Forte got his act together.

He re-entered school and took things seriously. During his year student teaching, Forte’s athletic excellence came through as he was an assistant football and wrestling coach at Livingston High School. His first big job out of college was a special education teacher position at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge.

From West Orange to Glen Rock, Forte bounced around to different teaching jobs throughout his early career. In his time at Glen Rock, he was the head wrestling coach where he led the Panthers to two state championship titles.

“I told my assistant coach at the time that I was going to help lead the team to their first state championship in the next five years,” Forte said. “We started our first year with me at the helm 0-13. I promised my team that if I couldn’t do it in five years, I’d let someone else take the reins.”

After taking the Panthers to victory, Forte decided it was time to look into a potential future as a school administrator. He headed to New Jersey City University where he earned his first master’s degree. His first principal job was at Lincoln Elementary School in Hasbrouck Heights before eventually becoming principal of Hasbrouck Heights High School.

“I loved working with the high school kids,” he said. “We did a lot of great things there. We brought in a lot of dual enrollment programs where kids could earn college credit while still in high school. We increased our AP offerings. Things are condensed in Bergen County but it was a great place and I loved working with the kids. Top notch. I can’t say enough positive things about it.”

Forte recalled some of his best moments in Hasbrouck Heights as he worked alongside kids that struggled. Much like himself, Forte wanted to help the kids who had lost their way. He remembers a young 19 year old girl who was only a sophomore whom he helped plan the rest of her high school career. After he headed to Verona, he heard from her that she had graduated from Bergen

County College.

“I remember hearing from her and remember my own struggles,” he said. “I was immature and was in college at the age of 17 and I had no guidance. I felt it was important to offer my story to those kids who were struggling.”

While being a high school principal was fun, eventually Forte wanted to make the leap from principal to superintendent. In 2011, Forte took over the Verona School District, ready to tackle the job of superintendent.

While in Verona, Forte was instrumental in passing a $16 million dollar referendum to update and upgrade the schools in the area.

“I had to condemn the football field because of sinkholes that students were falling into,” he said. “We didn’t even have Wi-Fi so that was also included. We also updated our safety and security to the schools as well.”

When Forte took over the Denville Township K-8 Schools in 2014, the buildings were in disarray and in desperate need of repair. With proper budgeting, the schools have also been able to increase their bond rating to a AA-. Forte loves the fact that he gets to help the kids in his own community with their schooling.

“The positive thing is that I get to have an impact on my own kids,” he said. “I get to have a say in the town that I call home.

It’s also the importance of being responsible to the taxpayers and when it’s the town you live in, you are also a taxpayer. It’s very odd but the rewards outweigh the negative.”

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When Forte inherited the position of superintendent, he came into an abandoned board of education office that was condemned because of health reasons. He also came to substandard space, high teacher turnover rates, and worn buildings. The worst of it came when he realized that nobody seemed to notice the problems.

“People expected very little out of us because we were delivering very little,” he said. “Not when it came to academics, but when it came to facilities, we had no pride.

We put together a plan to fix all these things and we’re very happy that it’s been done.”

Forte has had many proud accomplishments in his tenure with the township schools. One of the biggest investments he has put his time into has been the advancement of security and safety of Lakeview Elementary, Riverview Elementary, and Valleyview Middle School. He and Denville Twp. Police Chief Chris Wagner have been featured in many magazines on the steps that Denville Twp. is taking when it comes to protecting the children in the schools.

“It’s a horrible thing to have to deal with, but we are chipping away every year at making our schools as safe as they can be,” said Forte. “To me and our staff here, the number one concern is always and will always be the safety and security of our students.

You can’t expect them to learn or to teach if they don’t feel safe.”

Forte and Wagner are so in demand that beginning in September, the two launched their own speaking tour and are traveling the state speaking to law enforcement officials, educational seminars, and have plans to speak to government officials about the importance of working together and doing the best thing for the kids. The two have also written articles on safety and security issues that have been featured in the NJ School Boards Magazine and Popular Mechanics.

“I felt that I had to do something to get the message out there,” said Forte. “It’s very hard to quantify that all the things we’ve done have stopped anything. I can only tell you that every day, all day this is what I think about. Whatever we do to protect our kids, we always look at it again and see if we can do anything better.”

When it comes to school safety and security, Forte attributes the success of the schools in Denville to the relationship that the town, police department, and the schools have together. He noted that the positivity and trust that runs throughout town hall are what make his job that much easier.

“We have an amazing partnership with the township,” he said. “All the people in town

hall work together, we’re not acting like the town and the schools are separate. We run our own boards, but we work extremely well together.”

In addition to his school safety work, Forte was excited to kick off a new mental health initiative this school year. Denville is home to St. Clare’s Health and why not partner with the hospital to offer counseling services to students who may need it?

The new program is just another layer to the onion of school security that Forte and Wagner have worked so hard to organize.

“You have to remember to get past the politics and remember to do the best thing to protect the children,” said Forte.

“I’m very fortunate that Chief Wagner and I work well together, but if we didn’t, we would put someone in place who could work with anyone on the department to better our safety and security.”

During a recent board of education meeting, the board unanimously approved an extension to Forte’s contract. He will be the Denville Superintendent of Schools until June of 2022. The board was quick to praise many of the projects that Forte has plans to accomplish as well as all the work that he has gotten done over the last five years since entering his role as superintendent.

With the help of the public and community stakeholders, Forte and his board of education team are in year two of their five-year strategic plan. According to Forte, the plans are moving and are right on schedule.

“We have four major goals that deal with all of our operations,” he said. “We’re very happy with our fiscal health and our educational programs are moving along. These are all programs that we have that may not be for every kid but we’re sticking to the plan and seeing it through until the end.”

In his free time, Forte enjoys doing the things that all dads do. His two children, Marissa and Anthony, are extremely active in all things music and sports respectively. He was a member of the Denville Baseball board, coaches Morris Knolls Junior Eagle Wrestling, Denville Blue Angels Football and passionately volunteers in the township when he can.

In addition to all his volunteer efforts, Forte is currently continuing his education, hoping to graduate in December of 2019 from Saint Peter’s University with his doctorate in educational leadership.

Forte concludes, “We’re ranked the ninth best place to live in New Jersey. We expect to be good at everything we do. This town is a great place to live and work and at the end of the day I love being superintendent and a resident.”

Denville Life • November 2018 • Page 43

DENVILLE SEAFOOD

Established Nov. 29, 1951! Celebrating Our 67th Year!

Fresh Seafood Market • Fresh Fish Daily From The Fulton Fish Market In NY

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!

We will have a full selection of fish, shellfish, and seasonal specailties.

PLACE YOUR ORDER SOON! Stop By For Some Fresh Lobster, & Then Create A Delish Meal With This Easy Recipe!

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

1/2 pound cooked lobster meat 1/4 stick of butter 2/3 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese 1 1/2 cups precooked mini shells 1/2 cup baby spinach (optional) 1 sprig fresh parsley Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Cut lobster into bite size pieces. Heat butter in a large skillet over low heat. When butter is melted add the lobster, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Romano cheese. Increase the heat to medium and stir until it starts to thicken.

Once it starts to thicken, reduce heat to low, add the spinach and salt and pepper, stir and cover for about 1 minute. Add the cooked mini shells, mix well, garnish with parsley and serve.

Serve with garlic bread.

Serve 2.

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