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Vol. 2 • No. 6 • June 2019

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It’s Father’s Day in Denville: Local Dads Share Stories of Fatherhood

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 3

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It’s Father’s Day in Denville: Local Dads Share Stories of Fatherhood By Steve Sears It’s that time of the year where Denville Life tips our caps to the Dads of Denville…just a few of them.

Dino Cappello ino Cappello, a Denville Board of Education member, has two children, Julia age 13, Henry 9. “It (being a Dad) has given me a greater appreciation for my mother and father as parents and really I appreciate everyone who takes on the awesome responsibility of raising children. It really is a leap of faith as no one is truly prepared for it until you are in it and you aren’t really sure how you will react to have these young lives totally dependent on you until it happens.” Cappello was not as prepared for fatherhood as he thought. “I think I had this vision in my head of parenthood being my life with kids added in. What I was not prepared for was how completely in ways large and small, kids change your life and your relationships with your spouse.” His own dad and uncles educated him through their actions. “My father was a great educator and took a lot of time to teach me about things he knew and help me with my schoolwork. My uncles all had different strengths, and I could rely on them for help with sports, or just when I was

John Murphy enville Councilman John Murphy is a dad to an adopted daughter from China, Christina (23). “Yes, mostly it is in the reaction of others, many are not prepared for the differences and for the most part try to say something nice,” says Murphy, when asked if being an adoptee Dad is different than being a birth father. “Many have said ‘How lucky she is’ only for me to correct them and say, ‘It’s us who are the lucky ones.’ When you are the parent of an adopted child, many other parents want to offer you well-intentioned advice, and try to point out the special potential issues

having a bad day or problem.” Cappello owns a small business, an on-line attractions ticket company. Even in self-employment, his time is taxed, perhaps more so then being employed by someone else. “Being involved in my own business and it being on-line means I often end up working at all hours and over weekends and holidays. Finding the balance between work and home is always difficult especially on the weekends when everyone is home looking for something to do and I will often have to work at least part of the time.” There were and are challenges to being a Dad. “For me it was managing the controlled chaos of having young children. Not trying to protect them from everything but being able to let go and let them experience things on their own and sometimes fall down, fail and get back up with the lesson learned.” His pride in his kids shows. “When I see them going out of their way to care for someone who is hurt or struggling without being asked or prodded, I hope I am seeing the outlines of a caring empathetic adult they are on their way to being.”

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 7

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and needs of adopted children, which fortunately we have never experienced. I have always tried to be gracious, and accepting of the advice, but have tried to treat Christina as just as special as any other parents would treat their child. She was as normal as any other child and never exhibited any of the other issues that some parents tried to make us aware of, she was just a great kid.” Christina has taught him many things. “Mostly to put others before myself, and to care for people. We have done many things together, I have participated in her Indian Guides, coached her as a soccer, softball and lacrosse player. Through that involvement I went on to get and receive the highest-level national credential for lacrosse coaching and still do it today, thanks Christina.” Murphy was not prepared for fatherhood, especially being the dad of an adoptee. “Although the paperwork for adoption was a bit tedious and the review process long, after filing for review it kind of goes out of your thoughts given the length. Then one day you get word that you are traveling to China in ten days, and you have to get prepared for that journey and all the logistics. Finally, after three days of traveling, you settle into your hotel in a strange city in a foreign country and there comes a knock on the door and there are people there from the orphanage that hand you this wonderful bundle of joy”. Murphy, a retired corporate accountant, found the juggling demanding when Christina first came home. “When we first welcomed Christina into our family, my job was very demanding as

it was all about monthly closing and budget preparation. As a matter of fact, upon returning from China with Christina, I have to return immediately to work to consolidate a budget for board presentation. It was down to my wife Stacey to settle in with Christina.” His Uncle Charlie was a great example of a good dad. “A dedicated family man who lived for the happiness of his family. He would plan family outings, days out, take any occasion and make it special. He would spoil his children while trying to guide them at the same time, a difficult balancing act. He was genuinely a warm man that cared for his children, family and community.” The most challenging aspect of fatherhood? Ensuring Christina knows she has his support. “As I mentioned, my job was most demanding, having to miss out on some of Christina’s moments was some of the most challenging aspect, the most important aspect for me was driving home the point that she has unlimited potential and that she can achieve whatever she wants. It’s important for me that she know that she has my support in whatever she does.” “Christina has grown into a fine young woman; she is an absolute pleasure to be around. My wife and I receive many compliments on our daughter Christina and how much fun she is, and how caring and gentle she is. Christina has recently graduated college, she is self-reliant, she has a bright future and the world is her oyster.”

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Bill Scielso or Bill Scielso, father of William, age 13 and Hayden Scielso, age 9, fatherhood has been quite an adventure. “Almost 19 years ago, when my wife Mindi and I were married, I never could have imagined being a dad. It is safe to say that I was not prepared, nor did I have any idea what to expect. But looking back now, I can’t imagine life without my family.” For Scielso, becoming a dad was a life changing experience. “I quickly learned that there is no more “me” time and sleep is something that just doesn’t happen. My views on life changed very quickly, what used to be important wasn’t so important anymore, my life became their life. Being a dad has made me a softer, more compassionate and nurturing person. My little girl melts my heart and my teenage son, well you know how fun teenage boys can be. Being a dad really made me grow into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful.” Scielso credits his dad, 90-years-young Bill Scielso Sr., for being a great role model throughout my life. “Growing up I didn’t realize it as much, but now he truly shines, and I am so thankful for him. Dad was always there for me and my sister growing up, even though he ran a business and worked many hours. He has been my biggest fan in life and has supported every step along the way. You see, my father was much older when I was born and as I have gone through milestones in my adult life, I have realized how important family is. I wasn’t sure if he would see

me get married or become a dad. But as these milestones took place, I embraced and greatly appreciated that he was there for me every step.” Scielso, like his dad, calls being a jeweler his occupation. He owns Bilori Jewelers in Denville. “I’m very thankful to be self-employed as it gives me flexibility to be more hands on as a dad. I’m fortunate that I can arrange my schedule to attend important events, coach sports and even able to help when the kids are not feeling well. I believe if one can, it is important to volunteer and be there for my children as much as I can. While scheduling isn’t always ideal, my wife and I work very well to ensure that one of us is always at a sporting event or special event.” One of his biggest challenges is always being on the go. “I don’t think downtime even exists these days, often my

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wife and I high five each other as we cross paths running to events. Another challenge and scare are social media and all the phone technology. It’s a completely new world and our children are exposed to so much these days. Much of which is not even visible to us parents. Having control or feeling we have control is very challenging.” “But with all this being said,” concludes Scielso, “I truly love

being a dad and would not change it for anything in this world. I enjoy watching my children as they grow into loving, caring individuals. And I feel very proud that they know they are loved and are very happy. I feel confident that my wife and I are giving them a good foundation for success in life, I just hope they use this foundation to strive to make the right choices and continue to grow and contribute to society.”

Hank Jones ank Jones, owner of Denville Automotive, met his wife, Pamela, when she was just 14. Out of that meeting has blossomed a beautiful marriage and three great kids: Heather (39), Christopher (28), and Holly (29). “I was 25 years old I think,” says Jones regarding his age when Heather was born. “It made me have more responsibility and appreciate life more as being a father. I was fortunate; I wanted girl-boy-girl and that’s exactly what I got,” he says with a chuckle. Jones’s birth dad passed away when he was 8 years old, so his stepdad became a huge influence in his life. “I never knew him,” he says of his birth dad, “so my mom remarried and he’s my idol. I learned everything from him. He taught me everything: respect, how to treat people. He was a good man and great father.” When growing up, Jones says the most challenging aspect

of fatherhood was ensuring he was there for his three children. “That they have a better life that sometimes we didn’t have growing up. Bring them up the right way, to like people, faith and religion, and bring them up the best way we could, my wife and I.” Jones often worked from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at his automotive shops, which made it difficult to have time for his children. “My wife had to do a lot of the duties I couldn’t do like take them to games. It was tough, but we made it. Sometimes you have to sacrifice. You lose your identity when you have children. They say, ‘Your Heather’s dad,’ and I say, ‘No, I’m Hank Jones.’ But that’s part of our parenthood.” Jones is most proud of how his children have grown up to be hard working individuals and how caring they are for other human beings. “They (his kids) would give them their last shirt on their back, and that makes you proud. My wife and I can honestly say we’re very proud of our children. We have grandchildren – it’s fantastic.”

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 13

Boy Scout Troop 17:

90 Years of Scouting Honor

By Michele DiPasquale n 2019, it’s fair to speculate that many time-honored American customs have gone by the wayside. Fortunately, The Boy Scouts of America is a resilient tradition that still resonates even today. And since 1929, BSA Troop 17 of Denville has been going strong, and - commencing with a formal evening dinner - celebrates its 90th anniversary on June 8th. Denville’s Troop 17, like all Scout troops, strives for and practices service toward others, respect for the community, country, animals and the environment, and the world in general. By practicing the Scout method and utilizing fun and engaging outdoor games, Scouts are challenged to solve problems by themselves in a group-based, familial setting. Hands-on orientation provides a practical method of learning and helps build confidence. Ac-

Troop 17

tivities and games, the pursuit of merit badges, camping trips, contests, aquatic sports, hiking, and other outdoor events offer an appealing way to develop skills with nature and the environment while bonding Scouts to their Troop. Developing the characteristics of responsibility, self-confidence, and readiness, the Scouts eventually learn collaboration and leadership skills, as they work to overcome challenges and obstacles through planning, practice, and following through.

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A moral code of positivity Sponsored by the Denville to express kindness, courtesy, Community Church to piotrustworthiness, thoughtfulneer a new, local Boy Scout ness, good citizenship, sportstroop, parents and adults met manship, and care toward formally with the Denville others is pursued by every PTA, and on Halloween 1929, Scout. Being close to nature Troop 17 was officially born. helps Scouts gain an appreciaDuring those early days, tion for the natural world and meetings were held on Friday our responsibility to conserve evenings at the old schoolnatural resources. house in Denville, in a room The patrol method is the heated by a pot-bellied stove. most fundamental concept Every Scout was responsithat defines the Scout proble for bringing firewood to gram. Developed when the each and every meeting. The Scout way of life began in the Troop 17 - Denville, NJ Boy Scouts spend the morning picking up bags of Troop’s only other equipment late 19th century by founder trash and debris. consisted of blackboards, a Robert Baden-Powell, the Paphonograph, benches, and trol method and Scout method are the educational system used bulletin boards. in order to train Scouts to have good character and a goal of Denville’s PTA vigilantly watched over Troop 17, with the obhelping others. The Scout way helps boys to work together and ligation from the Troop leaders that they would report regularly succeed at accomplishing minor and major tasks, earning merit on activities and progress (in addition to those already required badges, cooking skills, outdoor activities, sports, contests, and by the Boy Scouts of America). In 1933, the razing of the old community service opportunities. schoolhouse made it necessary to find a new home for Troop 17, To date,121 Scouts have achieved Eagle Scout status at Troop so the meeting place moved to the Denville Community Church 17 since it’s formation, way back in 1929. in 1934.

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The BSA charters local organizations like churches, clubs, civic associations, or educational organizations to implement the Scouting program for young people within their communities. Volunteers are appointed by the chartering organization, who are supported by local councils using both paid professional Scouts and volunteers. Having fun is one of the best reasons to be a Boy Scout, and Troop 17’s calendar is packed with activity. In addition to regular Wednesday evening meetings, the Troop is planning a camping trip to Kittatinny Valley State Park for mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and camping; a spring band concert; an anniversary dinner; a canoe trip; a trip to High Point State Park in Sussex; a camping trip to McMillan Woods in Gettysburg, PA; a Jockey Hollow camping trip; a Mount Hope cabin trip; the Klondike Derby at Settlers Camp, Trexler Scout Reservation in Kunkletown, PA; an indoor wall climb at North Summit Climbing Gym in Wind Gap, PA; the survivor camporee at Round Valley Youth Center in Lebanon, a camping trip to Carlisle, PA; Troop 17 Summer Camp at Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation in Stanhope, and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Troop 17 is legendary. “It helped my sons learn leadership skills, assistance with merit badges, ability to have conversations with adults at an early age.” said parent Michael Baresh. Mr. Albert Green, the current Scoutmaster, joined Troop 17 in 1947 and rose through the ranks until he reached Eagle Scout status in 1952. Mr. Green graduated from Dover High School in

Scouts of Troop 17 handing out tickets for a Nature Program at Riverview School.

1953, proudly served in the U.S. Army, and in Fall of 1956 returned to Troop 17 as an advisor and assistant Scoutmaster to an Explorer crew. In Autumn of 1959, Mr. Green took the reigns as official Scoutmaster and continues to do so to this day. In addition to Eagle Scout status, Scoutmaster Green has earned the Scouter’s Key, Wood Badge, District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver, Scouting’s highest Council level award. Moreover, Scoutmaster Green has worked for 16 years with the Red Cross as a water safety instructor, followed by 12 years on the Denville

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Board of Education. He is a rifle and pistol instructor for the National Rifle Association, an Elder at the First Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover, and serves on the Board of Directors for St. Peter’s Group home in Denville. Upon his return from the army in 1956, Mr. Green became a partner at A.F. Green & Son Builders of Denville. Since his retirement in 2000, Mr. Green is a licensed NJ Construction official and building inspector. Scoutmaster Green and his wife, Marilyn, married in 1957, and their children, Beth and Ron, continued their dad’s scouting legacy: both Marilyn and Beth were very active in the Girl Scouts, and Ron achieved Eagle Scout status in 1977. “He truly has trained young boys to become young men,” said John Tucker, parent at Troop 17. Troop 17 boasts 121 Eagle Scouts to date, the very pinnacle of success as a Scout. Some examples of projects that Scouts may

take on to reach Eagle Scout status are the creation of a beautiful memorial butterfly garden, trugs for seniors to do stand up gardening, refurbishing of war hero memorials, town beautification, bat and owl nesting boxes, and historic cemetery restoration. Troop 17 set up hundreds of tents in New York City for the Annual Avon Breast Cancer Walk for walkers to spend the night. “It’s important for people to volunteer on some level in the towns in which they live, simply because we are a society, not individuals operating in personal vacuums. Just as we take pride in raising our children to be responsible citizens, so should we set the example that where we live is important, the environment is important, and assisting in projects with like-minded citizens is important,” said Mark Harrison, a member of Troop 17’s parents.

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Page 18 • June 2019 • Denville Life

Denville Library: A True Township Gem

By Dawn M Chiossi erhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.” Former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson uttered those words many years ago regarding libraries, and they are just as relevant today as ever. The meaning and the sentiment behind them is so timeless that they transcend any age, any era. Everyone can relate to the utter excitement of going to the library, a feeling that begins when patrons are young, just starting to discover what they are all about. They may respond to the warm smile and a cheery greeting from a welcoming librarian, they may feel the awe and anticipation upon seeing the sheer amount of offerings that a library has, they may feel the bouncing anticipation, holding onto a parent’s hand, when choosing a book or signing up for a library program for the very first time. And for library lovers everywhere, that feeling never goes away. Much more than an outing or an errand, going to the library is a journey into

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other worlds and adventures. For the curious, for the inquisitive, for the people who seek to know not only how things, situations and people work, but why they do so, a library is an excellent place to discover it all. Upon walking in any library’s doors, it is quickly discovered that they are a virtual banquet of items for everyone to enjoy. From books to so much more, it is the ultimate shopping trip--being able to take out items with just a swipe of a library card, return them at a designated time, and do it all over again. So far, no trip to the store has ever been able to accomplish that. Nearly every community has one. Through giving, and sharing and learning, libraries not only transform lives, they transform and enhance the communities in which people live. With a mission to stimulate curiosity, intelligence, and a hunger to learn, there’s a whole universe out there to grab onto. Take the Denville Public Library for example. Located at 121 Diamond Spring Road in Denville, the Denville Public Library has a rich history, guaranteed to intrigue local history buffs. “The first library in Denville actually was founded all the way back in 1877 as the Union Sabbath School Library when Denville was just a sleepy little town,” shares Denville Public Library Director, Siobhan Koch. “Then in 1923, a library was set up by the Parent-Teacher Association (the location was the cloakroom of the four roomed school on Main Street), and they became affiliated with the Morris County Free Library. Together they formed an association library named the Denville Memorial Library. When the Main Street School was completed in 1924, the library made good use of a classroom there for its location. At the time, the first librarian who served was Adeline Keefe until 1929. It changed locations again in 1935 when they rented a storefront on Broadway. In 1952, the library moved again to Diamond Spring Road, becoming the Denville Public Library when it was municipalized in 1967. In 1985, it was built at its present location.” Even then in its early roots, the Denville Library was all

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about growing and expanding, to be a touchstone for the members of the community--A philosophy that still resonates today. With 23 devoted and passionate staff members, the Denville Library is always ready to be there for the patrons; helping out, handling the programming, organizing, making sure materials are in the system, and being that friendly face that greets them on their library adventure. Something Koch wouldn’t have it any other way. For three years, she has been giving her time, enthusiasm and talents to the Denville Public Library, eager for every day. “The Denville Public Library is the ideal place to work,” she asserts. “It has wonderful patrons, a dedicated staff, a great Board of Trustees, and a supportive Mayor, Council and Town Hall.” She even mentions the fact that the library is also part of the MAIN Library consortium which means that it connects all of the libraries in Morris County as well as Bernards Township and Hackettstown which are outside of the county. Something that is not just smart, but wonderfully inclusive for all. A devotee of books and strong advocate of libraries herself, Koch has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Iona College

and a Master’s in Library Science from St. John’s. “I’ve been working in libraries since I was a senior in high school, so over 20 years now,” she enthuses. “Before working at the Denville Library, I worked in libraries in Bergen County,” she shares. For Koch, working at the library is all about the people. It is an opportunity to touch lives, to make a difference, to enjoy camaraderie, and share her love of library delights with them. “I began working at a library in high school and continued through my college years,” she shares. “I enjoyed helping people find the information that they were looking for and liked interacting with the patrons and getting to know the regulars.” Warm and vibrant, she shares that she loves the variety that working in the library brings. “No two days are ever the same,” she enthuses. “The staff here is so inspiring, the interactions that they have with patrons and the connections that they make really have an impact on people’s lives. I am always so in awe of their creativity levels.” With a virtual treasure chest of choices, this suburban library offers something to tempt every taste out there from books, to audiobooks, to movies, music, video games, magazines,

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 21

hotspots, museum passes, backpack kits and health totes. There are computers for public use, free Wi-Fi, scanning, copiers, research and wonderful programs. Recognizing that learning and knowledge transcend any time at all, the Denville Public Library has much for the 21st Century world. They are open digitally 24/7 for free downloads of e-books and e-audio through Cloud Library, e-magazines and e-comic books through RB Digital (the world’s largest newsstand), children’s e-books through Tumblebooks, language learning with Rosetta Stone, genealogy research with My Heritage, and small business building with Gale Small Business Builder. Offering the warm feeling of community, and quaint feel of the small town, the Denville Library offers many programs and activities for people of all ages. From little ones, to teens, seniors and everyone in between. In fact, the Denville Library was even named one of the best libraries out there by The Daily Record in 2018. The contest was in its 21st year, special because the readers choose their favorites that they consider the best of the best in Morris County. An honor which the Denville Public Library is extremely humbled by. “We strive to meet the needs of our patrons. It’s nice when we are included in these types of lists to see that people feel good about the Denville Public Library,” Koch says. And with approximately over 100,000 people coming through their doors (as per last year), it is easy to see that they agree. When asked what makes the Denville Library so special to its patrons, Koch points to the vast amount of diverse programing that the library offers, everything from story times and book

groups, to movies, to engaging the community with maker events and STEM Events for students. “We have a steady stream of people coming in and out of the library and our programs continuously fill up,” Koch enthuses. Mentioning the Museum Pass Program, she tells that this is ideal for those who love and enjoy art and culture. The Museum Pass Program is special because a library card can be exchanged for museum passes, getting in various museums for free! Some of the selections are The Morris Museum that admits four, Imagine That! that admits four, The Intrepid that admits six, Grounds for Sculpture that admits four and the USS Constitution in Boston that admits nine. “The pass is picked up the day before your visit, then have your day at the museum, and return the pass the next day. The Boston pass can be borrowed for two weeks. It’s just perfect to take the family or friends on an outing or day trip. It’s great!” Koch prides. Passes for the program may be reserved ahead of time or by stopping in. Additionally, they are very proud of their Read to A Dog program. Improving children’s reading and communication skills, through reading to licensed therapy animals. The atmosphere is relaxed and calm, and the children develop self confidence and positive associations regarding books and it’s a definite win-win of a program. “Our Read to A Dog Program has been a popular ongoing program, held on the first Saturday of every month for years now. These dogs are super friendly and happy to receive the love and attention from the children. They are eager to read aloud

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to them, which improves the children’s reading aloud skills while having a very non-judgemental listener,” Koch asserts. “It also has the added benefit of having a few of the children who initially were very afraid and apprehensive of dogs, to not be any more.” Perhaps the best thing about the Denville Public Library for Koch is their investment in community outreach. “We are always looking for new ways to get out into the community,” Koch tells. These include so much to engage the community such as crafts/ storytime at each of the lakes in the summertime and other preschools, to the Kindness Club, to pop-up libraries at the three senior facilities in town. “I have a special place in my heart for the Kindness Club. It gives children and opportunity to contribute and give back to society in various ways,” Koch discloses. Describing how the program was the brainchild of Youth Services Supervisor, Mary Ellen Liddy, she excitedly explains how the children put their hearts and talents into the projects that they are doing. “The children do crafts with the seniors at St. Francis, make posters for animals that need to be adopted, send cards to active military and veterans, and send cards to children that are sick. It’s wonderful to see how excited the children are to be helping out. Hopefully, it helps instill a desire to volunteer in the community in the future.” Another outreach program that is inspiring to Koch is the PopUp Library. This is a wonderful way to borrow materials and bring the library experience to people who cannot get to the physical building. “The first time that Susan Jansen and I went over to St. Francis

in 2017, we bring about three boxes of books, audio books and DVD’s across the street and let the residents borrow the items. If they do not have library cards, we sign them up on the spot. The reason it stands out for me is that the residents were so grateful and happy to see us. There were a number of avid readers who had a limited ability to get around and were unable to come to the library. As some have told me, they could see it through the window, and it was torture not to be able to get there. It was, and still is to this day, very heartwarming to visit St. Francis (and now The Oaks and Cook’s Pond) to give them access to some of the library materials we offer.” For Koch and the rest of the Denville Public Library, it’s all about sharing. “The benefits of the library can be seen every day. Whether it’s a child developing a love of reading, or an adult learning a new skill, a person finding something to entertain themselves, there are many ways that the library benefits individuals and communities both in large and small ways.” She adds, “The library makes a difference in so many ways, sometimes it’s helping with a resume or helping to upload it, so they can get a job, sometimes it’s providing information that’s vitally important, sometimes it’s sparking a passion for something new. But a lot of times it’s just being that human contact that someone needs,” Koch shares. “Actually, having someone know your name and giving you that friendly smile when you walk in.” The library will be open from Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, from 9:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Dash of Thyme: A Perfect One Stop Shop

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 23

Y By Steve Sears

ou can tell Jenn Fox cares, and that care extends beyond the doors of Dash of Thyme, the lovely Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar (and more) shop she owns in Denville. Consider that for the last 5 ½ years, Fox had visited Sunrise of Morris Plains, a New Jersey Assisted Living Center, to visit an older family friend. “I would go visit her every day before I came here,” she says of 92-year-old Marie. “There were two sisters; Doris passed away in December of 2013, and Marie died in April. I visited Marie almost every morning. My son would get on the bus at 7:00 a.m. and I would leave my house at 7:30 a.m., and I would sit and chat with her while she had her breakfast.” She pauses before continuing. “It’s emotional for me,” she says, tearing up, “because they were such a huge part of my life. They raised me, but they were two women who had two careers that were impossible to have in the era that they were going through it. A huge part of me is gone now. They taught me a lot, especially about women in the workforce and workforce ethic. Both worked really, really hard, and were huge, huge role models.” To fill the emptiness, she now instead takes 4-mile morning walks, emptying her mind and being at peace. It is her therapeutic outlet. “I really do enjoy the walking and it gives me a clearer mind for work.” Fox, therefore, also knows how to bounce back, something she learned with Hurricane Irene, which in 2011 devastated many, the Township of Denville downtown area included. “We didn’t start out carrying the olive oil and balsamic,” she says regarding the Dash of Thyme infancy days. “We opened up primarily to be a prepackaged gourmet food and gift store, where we would concentrate on making baskets, which I’ve done from the start. I was open just seven weeks before Irene hit, so I lost the entire store.” But she recovered, relying on the community, friends, and family mostly to lend, borrow, give money to keep the store and reopen it again. Those first seven weeks were a challenge, facing the perils while also enjoying small successes that any new business owns. “I think people supported the new business; the community definitely did – more so when the flood hit, because there was 3 ½ feet (of water) in my store. So that’s just about everything, and when you’re dealing with food, it all goes.” It’s still a vivid memory, obviously, but so is the fact that she and Dash of Thyme got back in the game, saw light in the darkness. Hurricane Irene didn’t stop her. Speaking to her now, you know nothing will. Dash of Thyme celebrates their eighth anniversary this month. It is open seven days a week April through December but closes Mondays during the months of January through March. Fox opts to be open seven days a week because, “you want that reputation that we’re open anytime.”

“Its very hard being a small business nowadays,” she exclaims. “It’s definitely a challenge with Amazon. Not so much in competition with other stores,” she says, peering down towards the Route 53 end of Broadway, “because everyone respectfully has their own unique stuff. Denville is awesome. I think that’s important.” Fox has lived in Denville for 28 years, and she and the town have mutual admiration for each other. “This is a great place to raise children, it’s a safe community.” She and her husband, Peter, have two children: Amy, 24, and P.J. (Peter Joseph), who is 14. She speaks of them as a “very supportive family.” She also adds, “If it wasn’t for my husband and his continuous support, I would not be able to continue with the store. It’s really not easy running your own business and being home for your family. My family is extremely supportive and helpful!” Fox graduated from college with a degree in Fine Arts and Interior Design, and those skills are effectively combined with eye-catching Dash of Thyme displays. She has always enjoyed creating, so she initially was a stay-at-home mom who ran her design business out of her home for a few years. Then after P.J. was born, she worked as a server and bartender at local eateries, so she met and was familiar with a lot of people in town. So, in 2011, when she was approached by locals suggesting she open a business, she took the plunge. “The timing was great for me. My son was getting set to go into the first grade and it was an

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all-day school, so I was like, ‘I can get here at 7 in the morning and work until 3 and get him when he got off at the bus.’ Either I got someone to finish the last three hours of the day, or you have a manager manage the store for the rest of the day, so I felt like I could do it.” Summer is a very busy time for Dash of Thyme, as is October through December. When you initially enter the shop, the scent of a candle, olive oil, or another fragrance invigorates the air, and the store which is filled with a variety of household items, gift ideas, is extremely inviting. Fox knows that there’s a lot to look at in a small space. “There’s not too much wall space on my walls. People will say, ‘Wow, you really utilize your space,’ and I say, ‘Well, when you go to art school, you kind of figure that out, especially with interior design.” The aesthetics are enrapturing. “You’re renting for every square foot that you’re using, so you better utilize it. The store is small, so you make do with what you have. I sometimes think that bigger isn’t always

better.” Customer service is huge as well for Fox, who hires a lot of young people. “I tell the kids all the time, ‘Tell them (customers) you’re there. Most customers that come in are looking for help, need ideas, and something jumps out at them. Just tell them if they have any questions you’re here.’ That’s what I like them to feel, not rushed but relaxed. I even tell the staff that you can ask me anything. Every question that you ask shows me that you want to learn and that you’re curious. If you don’t ask, how are you going to learn anything? So, the overall shopping experience is inviting to them (customers). I make sure the kids are knowledgeable in what we’re selling, and I’m always in the back making a basket or right in the middle, so I hear the interactions. If my staff can’t answer the questions, I can come out. I’m educating the customers and my staff.” “Customer service is huge. That’s what I don’t think you can get that online.”

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Dash of Thyme is not just for women. There is no one ideal customer. In fact, there are a few ideal customers. “Gosh,” says Fox with a smile, “everybody thinks it’s female, but we get a lot of females who bring their husbands in here, and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, this is great for barbeque.’ Men love to cook, so this is where they come, and they get started with the olive oils and balsamic. Especially now: it’s grilling season, it’s Father’s Day. It’s outside, and they love to experiment. We do have the tasting bar for that reason,” Fox says, where customers can taste test the olive oils and balsamic vinegars together or separately, prior to purchase. “We do have a lot of grill rubs, we have a lot of marinades, or they make their own with the balsamic and oil. We have recipes that are online, and if customers are giving oil and vinegar as a gift, though, we have printed out recipe cards that they give with the gift. If you give them a recipe, they can experiment.” Also, many Dash of Thyme customers enter while in town with their children. “They’ll go to Denville Dairy and come in, and we want to engage in that family atmosphere, we want to be inviting.” Age and genre brackets are nil. “We get men, females, kids, teenagers, people looking for a gift for their mom or their dad for whatever it may be. We also do a lot with realtors for closing gifts, and we also do custom engraving. I do wedding favors, party favors, and I’m even doing a couple of weddings now.” She also mentions the custom gift baskets that she creates, most which she delivers personally to satisfied customers. Consider a recent delivery trip – to Toms River! That’s superb service. “I don’t have premade gift baskets here. You just can’t walk in FREE, Please

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and buy a gift basket. I love it (the creating). We customize each basket for you. We try to make it unique; we try to make it personalized.” Only gift baskets can be ordered online, and there’s a reason for this. Fox wants folks to visit and see what Dash of Thyme offers. “Anybody can go only and sell stuff online. But I really think people have to go to the brick and mortar and supporting of locals and local businesses, shopping small. We’ve hit a rough patch with online marketing and purchasing, and you have to show people that your social skills are meant to get out into the world and you really need to interact.” She then pauses and says, “You really want people to have the experience of coming down to a small town and shopping the shops whether it’s mine or not. We need to get people back in the stores.” She continues. “Shop local is huge. You have to support small businesses. Especially this town, because you develop a relationship with all the other stores owners and it’s a good mix, it’s a family, people support each other. You also have mentors you can go to.” She then points across Broadway. “If I have questions, I go to Faith & Begorra (a Fine Irish and Catholic gifts shop). She’s been around forever. I talk to people who have been here forever, and I ask advice from them.” It’s an open door, and it’s reciprocal. “Everyone’s really helpful.” Fox is in her second year on the Board for the Downtown Denville Business Improvement District. “I’m enjoying it very much so. It’s a lot of interaction with the downtown business owners, landlords, volunteerism is Important, events – anything that’s going to be happening and helping out the town. We need

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Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 27

the support of the young community to come out, even the young kids who need to know what volunteerism is. That’s why you have to get involved in your town, you have to start to give back. It’s based on people giving back to the community, and you’re able to run those events with the help of the community.” In addition to being in the Downtown Denville Board, Fox and Dash of Thyme also give back to the local community. “Crackers, popcorn - I always think of the Saint Peters Orphanage (in Denville). Rather than throw it out, if I can’t keep it, the boys can enjoy it for two weeks. I am always thinking of them if there’s leftover food at an event, you know what I mean? ‘Give it to the boys. They’ll appreciate it.’ You have to give back to the community.” And the name? “There’s a huge story to that,” says Fox, grinning. “I thought of the name because I always try to make it more than what it sounds like. Thyme is a spice, T-H-Y-M-E, but it’s also ‘time’ of the day. Dash of Thyme. So, if you have a split second or a small amount of time, I’m pretty sure that coming to downtown Denville and shopping you’ll find that last minute gift that you really need rather than trucking up to (Route) 80 and the mall. We do gift wrapping, too, and small gift cards that are personal-

ized. It’s a one-stop shop. ‘Dash’ in, when you’re out of ‘thyme (time)’ or in ‘thyme (time),’ and you’ll find the perfect gift.” Jenn Fox sums up the business owning aspect. It can be a number of fine things, but for her it is summed up in two words. “I love making baskets, I love the people who come into my store, I love teaching and being a mentor to the kids to learn.” Fox is remined that she used the words “love” – the first word - numerous times. “Of course, because I love it. You have to have a passion (the second word) when you open a business. If you don’t have a passion or the drive, or if you think you’re opening up a business to make a million dollars, well someone has to bring you back down to reality and say, ‘If you do it, you have to do it for the right reasons.’ You want to give back to the community, you want to love what you’re doing. If you don’t love what you’re doing, you better pack it up. That feeling, that love, is filtered to your customers, and your employees. They feel that.” “You need a happy environment to achieve your goals,” she says, “and I want to try making what I do every day better.” Dash of Thyme is located at 49 Broadway in Denville. For more information, visit www.dashofthyme.com or call 973-453-6200.

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Page 28 • June 2019 • Denville Life

Off the Beaten Paths and Trails…

Get Ready to Explore Scenic Landscape in Denville

By Jillian Risberg mmerse yourself in nature, a long and winding peaceful world awaits through Denville’s Paths and Trails Systems. It was the brainchild of Councilwoman Stephanie Lyden, who hatched this committee idea with a few friends seven years ago. She explained her vision to environmental consultants, Greener by Design in Randolph that handles trails throughout the state. “We came up with a master trails plan and it’s finally

off to a running start,” Lyden says. The goal is to implement a trail system that runs from the North side of town to the South side of town so people can bike and hike and walk the trails. “Randolph has an extensive trail system as does Mendham and Roxbury; we’re just trying to connect over there,” the councilwoman says. Starting on the side of town near Randolph and

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 29

then connecting to Jonathan’s Woods, which is on the South side of Denville. “ T h a t ’s our ultimate goal,” Lyden says. “We’re starting at Openaki Road —- and that’s the first trail people can enjoy. There’s a bridge and a trail that goes through there; it’s about two miles long and connects over to a playground. We’re having a dedication in early summer.” According to Lyden, the first trail was at Muriel Hepner, the path around the park there. “We’ve had to get council approval so we did a presentation — actually we’ve done about three presentations to the council to get open space funds from the county each year that we’ll dedicate towards making this happen,” the councilwoman says. “We do have $20,000 in open space money and hopefully next year we’ll have some more.” They also apply for grants every year but have not yet received any. “From what we understand, when Randolph did this there was so much grant money out there and now there’s not unfortunately,” the councilwoman says. “The county doesn’t give as much as they used to. We did apply again this year, so we’re hopeful.” There are lots of folks who love to hike the trails, especially Patriot’s Path in Randolph and if they could connect to that, Lyden says it will be everything. “People in the community have come forward to say they want to help but it’s very hard to get volunteers to do this,” she says. “It takes professional people because it’s a huge undertaking, heavy work and we need a lot of equipment.” So this is going to be done by the DPW because it has to be. “You can’t just go and make a trail,” the councilwoman says. “We actually tried a little bit on our own; myself and my committee and it was ridiculously hard.” She spoke to the town of Randolph; that’s how she first got involved with Greener by Design and their expertise has been priceless.

Community reaction to this upcoming venture has been nothing but positive, according to Lyden. “People can’t wait for it to happen; unfortunately these things take time,” she says. “From year to year we’ll have more and more trails done, but you’re talking overall to connect north to south that’s a 10 to 20-year project,” the councilwoman says. “It’s a huge undertaking.” Ben Spinelli and Frank Pinto of Greener By Design were hired as private consultants to create the Trails Master Plan for Denville and they finished it in summer 2018. After a yearlong process of doing public outreach and evaluating the conditions in the township they came up with a proposal to create a township-wide trail system for Denville’s residents. “Denville is a geographically dispersed community. It’s a long way from the South end of town which is south of Route 10 all the way up to the North end of town, which is north of Route 80,” says Spinelli, an expert in land use issues who spent 20 years as a trial attorney handling litigation matters as well as representing clients in the areas of municipal law, land use, real estate and planning. He also was also a three-term mayor of Chester Township, where his accomplishments included the permanent preservation of more than 3,000 acres of environmentally important open space and farmland. Being able to provide a unified system where one could travel by foot or bike throughout the township would be a major benefit by providing healthy recreational opportunities. “Get people outside, let them experience the natural assets that Denville has to offer by connecting the community to area facilities and provide those accessible opportunities,” Spinelli says. “Those are all longterm goals of the trail plan.” The project is still in its infancy and they don’t currently have a lot of existing trails but that could always change. “They certainly would take advantage of the existing trail network, as limited as it is now,” Spinelli says. “To build upon that as the seed of being able to expand it into a much more

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ambitious and compressive trail network.” “Probably looking at a segment that’s already partially built that connects Casterline Road to Mount Pleasant Turnpike through to Den Brook Park. There’s a trail there and a right of way that they can take advantage of,” he says. “If they reach the Randolph border they’d be able to connect the two towns trail networks down in that part of Denville. That would give added benefit to residents in both communities.” When it comes to the price tag of such an enormous endeavor like the Paths and Trails Systems, Greener laid out a cost estimate in the plan and it is charged by linear foot. Denville’s plan proposes creating 23 trail segments throughout the municipality totaling more than 18 linear miles of trails. It would link to such key destinations as the NJ Transit Denville Station, St. Clare’s Hospital, town and county parks, schools, lakes, rivers and ridgelines, neighborhoods, surrounding town trail systems and the vibrant downtown business district. “What it would be for me to construct a trail and those costs differ based upon the type of trail that you’re building,” Spinelli says. “Obviously if you’re building a natural foot path it’s far less expensive than if you’re building a paved multi-use trail.” According to the consultant, what they envision is that the Denville trail would be a combination of unimproved trail, of lightly improved trail or very improved trail depending on where it’s at and what type of terrain it’s crossing. “What the usage is anticipated to be,” Spinelli says. “And those costs vary depending upon the type of trail that you’re constructing.” He says they tried to take advantage of land that was already publicly held so that future land acquisitions would be at a minimum. “Because that certainly factors into the cost as well,” he says. “You might have to buy a small parcel to make a connection and that factors into the cost. What we did was provide the base information necessary for the governing body of the township to make responsible fiscal decisions for the longterm.” If they take a look and say this is a priority connection and it’s going to cost them $100,000 to do, Greener can then make the decision as to whether or not they want to invest that money this year. “And whether or not we have the financial wherewithal in our budget to be able to do that because it’s important,” Spinelli says. “That’s kind of the framework that we provide with our report so they can make an informed policy decision on when and where to make those investments.” For Lyden, this is personal. “When I started with the council I wanted to make a difference,” she says. “I wanted to find something to dig my heels into while I’m here and this is what I came up with.” For Pinto, a land use expert with 25 years of experience in the public sector working for the County of Morris assisting local and county governments with issues related to farm management, policy and open space planning — it’s really gratifying that not only were they able to get these lands acquired, now they can

get people out and enjoying them. It’s about what you want your town to be like when your kids live here. Pinto says they just keep instilling that notion into public officials so they realize that what they’re doing today can have a long-term impact. According to the consultant, Morris County towns were under siege in the 80s and 90s with development so the real push then was to acquire the lands before they became developed so they could retain the character of their town. “They‘ve basically completed that work, there are parcels here and there that everybody still wants to acquire but the vast majority are acquired,” he says. “Now let’s see what we can turn them into as green assets for the town.” Being involved in land acquisition work for years, the consultants say now this is the next evolution of the open space process. “The investment that’s been made with all this public funding is paying off,” Pinto says. “And in this day and age of political turmoil it’s nice to focus on what is best for a town, for their park system, for the next two or three generations of residents. We’re not looking at things from the next election.”

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 31

Denville Police’s Ambrose, Welsch, Tucker, Wagner, McCarter, Frawley, Yeager recognized.

The 200 Club of Morris County Recognized Heroic Actions of First Responders at Recent Annual Valor and Meritorious Awards Ceremony

by Janet Rapisardi resident Bill Lockwood of The 200 Club of Morris County recognized first responders from Morris County EMS, Fire, Police and State Police having gone above and beyond the call of duty to save and protect Morris county citizens at the club’s recent Annual Celebratory Awards evening at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. President Lockwood drew an analogy of the above responders to a tight-knit family that come together when it matters most. “Morris County is one of the safest, because of all the first responders sitting here today”. President Lockwood stated he had the highest regard for Morris County first responders and the heroic risks they take every day for the protection of all the citizens of Morris County; “There’s much work to be done to get our message out”, he said, in support of Morris County’s first responders through The 200 Club of Morris County. Master of Ceremonies, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon began the awardee recognition by addressing the attending 400 members of the public. He described the heroic and ‘selfless’ efforts of public safety responders, detailing five separate life-saving incidents which included two dangerous ice rescues

(Denville, Kinnelon), one fiery motor vehicle collision (Rockaway Township), a split-second command decision that has saved and changed a life forever(Chatham/Madison P.D.), and an ”MCI”, Major Casualty Incident (Mt. Olive), involving hundreds of coordinated first responders from multiple agencies, including hospital medical personnel and multiple town agencies. It is an,” Honorable and difficult job faced by all first responders” Gannon shared, “..who daily experience the added stress of an ever-changing world in terrorism.” “We salute you, the American Hero...acting with courage, honor and self-sacrifice. God Bless you all.” Almost drowning in ice water and 100 yards from shore. At Denville P.D. on February 15, 2018, two frantic 911 calls were received back-to-back. The first report; a female person and a dog had fallen through the ice in Cedar Lake. The second: a male person attempted rescue and became the second victim trapped in the frigid water. All were in distress, far from shore, and in danger of succumbing to hypothermia. Denville Fire and Rescue Squads were dispatched. The man was approximately 40 yards off-shore in the water and the female victim and the dog were 100 yards off

Page 32 • June 2019 • Denville Life

shore, almost fully submerged. Sergeant Bruce McCarter and Officers Shawn Frawley and Michael Ambrose began rescue immediately, wearing their Ice Rescue Suits. Sergeant McCarter and Officer Ambrose rescued the man first. Officer Frawley began rescue to the female and dog, while Sergeant McCarter and Officer Ambrose returned to assist him. Officer Shawn Yeager remained on shore to secure rescue ropes and was joined by Sergeant Scott Welsch and Captain Jeffrey Tucker on land, with Chief Christopher Wagner (Ret. 012019) who entered the water rescue in his Ice Rescue Suit. The officers were in a race against time; they had been in the icy water for over 12 minutes. Both victims and dog were rescued, treated and released in good health. Note: at less than 15 minutes in icy water, a person suffers hypothermia, exhaustion and/ or unconsciousness. Captain Jeffrey Tucker, representing the group on behalf of Chief Frank Perna, thanked The 200 Club of Morris County for recognizing the immediate and life-threatening actions of the team, and spoke about being a public servant. He addressed and thanked those in the audience, adding, “To the public servants and first responders – Thank You!” President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, Butler Police Department Chief Ciro Chimento quoted Nelson Mandela by saying, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the triumph over fear.” “Given the actions of the Denville officers on that day, certainly their actions are the definition of what bravery and courage truly are; a testament of teamwork without

hesitation which undoubtedly saved these lives”. *Note: Sergeant Scott Welsh now holds the rank of Lieutenant; Lieutenant Jeffrey Tucker now holds the rank of Captain, and Chief Chris Wagner has since retired. Father Lance Reis of St. Virgil’s Church gave the Benediction: “(God) Give these first responders the strength so that you will be honored. Watch over all the men and women who so generously devote themselves to helping others. Grant them courage, wisdom, strength and compassion.” Since 1971, the non-profit mission of The 200 Club of Morris County is to support Morris County’s first responders through scholarship funding and financial support for grieving family members of public safety heroes who lose their lives while in the line of duty. President Bill Lockwood quoted Martin Luther King, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” Awards Co-Chairs Janet Rapisardi and Ron Barnett thank the public safety Heroes of our communities, who courageously put their lives at risk to guarantee the safety of those residing or traveling in Morris County. Through memberships and generous personal and corporate donations and sponsorships, the 200 Club of Morris County has collected more than $5 million to date for this worthy cause. Membership Co-Chair Jim Rizzo invites you to our next “New Member event” with an anticipated date of August. For annual membership, ad journal advertising or donations, Call Club Administrator Lori Richmond today at 973-630-7933 or info@200clubofmorriscounty.com and use code 08JJR19 for a special membership advantage.

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Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 33

Morris Knolls High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian Ready to Take World by Storm

By Jillian Risberg wo graduating seniors from Morris Knolls High School have left an indelible mark on the school, and as the valedictorian and salutatorian get set to graduate — they are prepared to forge a path that’s all their own. “They really will have a lasting legacy,” says Principal Ryan MacNaughton of their time at the Rockaway school. “It will be tough for other students to fill their shoes.” To get to this level of achievement Hannah Fortune had to put in a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. “In middle school I started thinking about it but didn’t really seem like an achievable goal until the end of freshman year in high school,” the valedictorian says. Just keep doing what you’re doing she told herself. “Obviously it’s competitive to have to compete against other people,” Fortune says. “But it’s more of — work myself to my highest potential and do what I know I’m able to do.” She is a varsity cheerleader and on the varsity lacrosse team. The valedictorian is also secretary of the HOPE Club, member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and World Language Honor Society, fall cheerleading coach and math tutor at Mathnasium. “You have to have a certain GPA and grades and classes pertaining to whatever the society is,” Fortune says. “And sometimes the application contains an essay and/or you have to write a little thing about why you’re applying.” Often her teachers would suggest the honor societies and in 2018 one of her teachers ran the HOPE club. He was the one who talked to her about joining and that’s how she first got involved. “But a lot of the stuff outside of school (coaching and my job) I had to do on my own,” Fortune says. Since she has her hand in just about everything — it’s rare that the valedictorian gets to just sit back and soak up all her accomplishments and relish in the moment

Hannah Fortune, valedictorian

Nicholas Baranello, Salutatorian

that she’s made it. “Especially because I found out the week before AP exams that I’m taking five so I’m hoping once exams are over it’ll feel a little bit more gratifying.” With her exemplary academic record, test scores and GPA, Fortune had her eye on Cornell University. “It was my dream school,” the valedictorian says. “They have an incredible veterinary program and that’s what I want to do, so I was really motivated to work toward that. Unfortunately, I didn’t get in.” Instead she is going to the University of Connecticut and Fortune says she is excited about their excellent animal science program. “I’ve loved animals since I was really little and always been involved with them… it’s just something that I’ve had a passion for.” And Fortune only has the highest praise for the school that’s shaped her into the young woman she is today. “I love Knolls (Morris Knolls High School). It’s gonna be hard leaving it,” the valedictorian says. “Everyone that I’ve met, every teacher that I’ve had has been great — so committed to helping the students in so many ways.” “Obviously the teachers care about your academics but they care about students as people too,” Fortune says. “They’ll check up on you to make sure you’re doing all right and Mr. MacNaughton has been so nice to me — especially in the last few weeks, he’s been accommodating everything.” According to the principal, the valedictorian had to dedicate a tremendous amount of time per week and per year to her academics. But the fact that she can balance her academics and extracurricular activities is really what’s amazing. She’s also made many friends through lacrosse and beyond, with Fortune acknowledging that Knolls has given her the ability to advocate for herself. “I think that’s going to be very valuable in college because then I’ll be able to handle myself and get what I need done with the resources that I have available,” she says. As such a high achiever, the valedictorian has some advice for the next round

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of Morris Knolls students in achieving their best selves. “Learn how to balance yourself and know your limits,” she says. “You can work your hardest but you also need to take time to have fun and experience what high school has to offer.” According to Fortune, that means you might have a test the next day but sometimes you need to go to a football game. “I think they define what it means to be a Morris Knolls student,” MacNaughton says of Hannah and Nicholas. “They’ve excelled academically, they’ve excelled athletically — and are very involved in their community. They represent the best of the best of Morris Knolls.” According to the principal, the valedictorian is also in the SDCLA, the Bible Club and the Women’s Choir. He says to get to her standing, a student must take high level courses and develop a really strong work ethic. “You’re talking about someone who across the board is a tremendous athlete and heavily involved in clubs and activities. I think the fact that she’s so well rounded makes it extra special for her,” MacNaughton says. “Hannah took 14 honors level courses and 11 AP (advanced placement) courses. She was a National Merit commended scholar and her seven semester average was 103.6, so you’re talking about a stellar student,” he says. Salutatorian Nicholas Baranello is another student that excelled academically and he’s in six different honor societies. “When it comes to Nick he’s a really good and effective student leader in our building,” MacNaughton says. “He’s the president of the National Honor Society, senior class president and he had a 103.18 semester average for all his years here. Just all around a really good kid and students look up to him and he’s heavily involved in the school.” The principal says they’re extremely proud and honored to have such outstanding students like Hannah and Nicholas. Baranello’s drive and determination started way back. “I was always a good student in elementary school and then in middle school I still wanted to strive and do well,” the salutatorian says. “So it led me to get into the honor society there and then when I got to high school I kept having that drive to be the best.” “I really didn’t care what it took me as long as I put in the work; because I just wanted the satisfaction of knowing that I gave my all,” he says. Of his time at Knolls, Baranello calls it one of the best experiences. “The teachers have had a huge impact on my life,” he

says. “They’ve helped me see the world in a completely different light. They’ve been a constant source of support and allowed me to succeed not only academically but socially and athletically.” If people were going out and partying and doing things he didn’t believe in, the salutatorian didn’t feel obligated to take part. “My experiences at Knolls helped me see that I could be my own person and I didn’t have to conform with what all the other students were doing,” he says. From class officer to football player to track star to various other clubs and community service — the salutatorian has been able to give back to the school since they helped him so much. “I like helping others succeed and make the most out of their high school experience,” he says. According to Baranello, having those leadership qualities will help steer him greatly in college. “The fact that I’ve been able to have an impact on other people’s lives is humbling,” he says. “I don’t want to just go through the motions (in college), I want to make an impact so I know I made the most out of it like I made the most out of my high school.” He has always had a strong-willed personality and never wanted to go with the flow. “I want to be the one calling the shots instead of going with whatever shots other people call,” the salutatorian says. When it came to choosing a college, the 17-year-old says the University of Notre Dame was big for him, but unfortunately he was weight-listed there. Next stop: the University of Maryland, where Baranello plans on majoring in physics. “Not actually because I want to be a physicist, I want to go into it because physics is like a jack of all trades degree which you can take into a wide variety of fields,” he says. “You could take it into economics, into patent law, you could take it really anywhere because employers like to see that critical thinking ability and the hard math skills that you gained, so I want to use it to give myself a lot of options.” And he eventually wants to join the FBI. Morris Knolls High School has been a fantastic training ground. “The environment really was ‘you can make what you want of your life and we’ll give you all the tools you need to get there,’” Baranello says.

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 35

Denville’s Official Summer Kickoff the Denville Township Fire Department Carnival

By Kimberly Redmond he Ferris Wheel. Zeppoli. Neighbors. Seafood. Music. Cotton Candy. Games. Fireworks. It’s not officially summer in Denville until the carnival rolls into town. This year, the Denville Volunteer Fire Department will once again continue its annual tradition of welcoming the start of the season with a bang. This year’s carnival will run Tuesday, June 25 through Saturday, June 29, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the field, which is located at 2 Indian Road – right across from the ACME Supermarket on East Main Street. Carnival-goers can purchase wristbands to get unlimited access to rides at a cost of $25 on Tuesday evening and for $30 on Thursday and Saturday. Individual ride tickets can also be purchased. A Fourth of July fireworks display is scheduled for Wednesday, with a rain date planned for Friday evening. For more than 70 years, the volunteer fire department has sponsored a carnival in late June at Firemen’s Field, giving local families an opportunity to enjoy rides, games, raffles, and of course, all kinds of sweets and treats. Barb Steele, who serves as the carnival’s chairwoman and recording secretary of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department Association, said, “It’s definitely a good time and a chance to get out and be social in the community. We try to change things up and do what we can to make sure it’s a great night for people.” Over the years, Steele said the summer celebration has ex-

panded to offer carnival-goers different rides, games and snacks. “We’ve definitely added things to it, like the pretzel tent, and some other new tents, like pickles on a stick and fried Oreos. We try to max out as much space as possible and keep it updated,” Steele said. For many firefighters on the volunteer fire company, attending the carnival has been a summertime staple since childhood. And now, many of those firefighters still return each year with their own families in tow to experience the fun. “It’s definitely a tradition,” said Denville Fire Chief Richard Yobs. “There’s a ton of food, rides for all age groups and games of chance. We also experiment with having some live music and of course the fireworks display.” “What’s my favorite part?” Yobs laughed. “The food!” Preparing for the carnival is “a lot of work,” Yobs admitted, but views it as an important part of the volunteer fire department’s community outreach efforts. “It’s almost a full time job,” the fire chief said. “On Sunday and Monday you set up for it, then work at it when it’s open and then on Sunday, there’s clean up. And that’s on top of what members have going on at work, at home or in life. It’s hard work, but it’s money we rely on.” The fire chief also enjoys the camaraderie of being with his fellow firefighters, especially the newer members. “You spend so much time together. It’s what we call ‘the good times.’ So many times, you’re together on calls that could go very bad. With the carnival, it’s a lot of work, but it’s a good time,” Yobs said.

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The carnival at Firemen’s Field is one of two major fundraisers taken on by the Denville Fire Department Association to help aid members of the three firehouses. The other effort is the annual fund drive, which consists of members going door-to-door in uniform seeking donations. “The proceeds help support our training, equipment, gear, supplies and other things needed on an every day basis,” Steele said. But just as trying to ensure fire crews have the gear and training they need, the association also strives to make sure Denville stays a great place to live by hosting social activities and giving back to other community groups. Besides the carnival each summer, Denville firefighters are also involved with coordinating a Halloween Parade each fall for local children and arranging a visit by Santa Claus in December. In addition to providing support to the Denville Volunteer Fire Department, the association also sponsors the William Green Memorial Scholarship each year, which is open to college-bound students who have served on the fire department’s junior auxiliary, fire department association or fire department’s ladies auxiliary. Winners are announced each year following the Memorial Day Parade. The Denville Fire Association also donates money to other organizations in Denville, such as the Girl Scouts, Denville Little League, Denville Blue Angels, Denville Hub Soccer, Denville PBA Junior Police, the Denville American Legion, Denville PAL Hockey and the Burn Center at St. Barnabas Medical Center. Over the last few years, the Denville Volunteer Fire Department Carnival has lost a few days due to rainy weather, but that hasn’t dampened the buzz around the event, according to the fire chief. Even with having to shut the carnival down two days in 2018, the fundraiser still pulled in the same amount of money that it did the previous year, which, Yobs said, the fire company is very grateful for. The annual carnival, Yobs said, is a great way to reach out to the community for fundraising, as well as for recruiting new members. “It puts our name out there and helps raise money that is vital to our budget every year to offset what the town budget is,” Yobs said. In mid-May, the fire department received a new rescue boat

and accompanying equipment, a purchase it was able to make thanks to proceeds from fundraisers such as the carnival, Yobs said. “It’s an upgrade after 20 years and long overdue,” the fire chief said, adding, “It’s very exciting – it was just delivered.” Starting over seven decades ago, Denville Fire Department’s carnival is now one of the last fire department carnivals in Morris County. While Boonton Volunteer Fire Department and Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department still hold carnivals, fire companies in Wharton and Dover have not sponsored them in a few years, according to Steele. “A lot of the carnivals have gone by the wayside because departments are running out of manpower or space to do it,” said Steele, who has been involved with the volunteer fire department for more than two decades. Membership shortages are an issue for the majority of volunteer fire departments in New Jersey and across the country, as training requirements have grown making it harder for firefighters to balance firehouse obligations with those at work and at home. “It’s getting demanding. Every certification requires more time to maintain, and that’s hard for some people,” Yobs said. “Some people don’t realize when they come in here and are interested in joining just how much goes into it.” “We make do with what we have and we do a phenomenal job, but we could always use more members,” said Yobs, who has been chief since 2018. The all-volunteer fire department was formed in 1926 to better provide the growing community’s need for fire protection. Up until that point, Denville relied upon neighboring towns, such as Mount Tabor and Rockaway Township, when a fire broke out. That year, on June 26, the department’s first division – the Main Street Company – was born. Since then, it has grown to include two other divisions – the Union Hill Company and Valley View Company. Altogether the fire department has 90 members to cover the 16,735 residents who live within the 12-square mile town. Of the 90 firefighters, about 25% are active members who respond to about 1,500 fire calls a year, according to Yobs.

Denville Life • June 2019 • Page 37

Spruce Up for Summer

ake your backyard the perfect outdoor space To make the transition to summer season effortless, there may be some backyard upgrades and prep to be done to ensure your outdoor space is in tip-top shape. From your pool and patio to the grill, these tips can help get your backyard summer-ready. Overhaul the Patio Patios and decks are often considered the hub of the backyard, so consider sprucing yours up by power-washing the stone to remove any winter buildup or use stain for a complete refresh. Adding a pergola or umbrellas can help protect you from the elements and, for added comfort, consider installing an outdoor ceiling fan for humid days and a fire pit or patio heater for cooler nights. Upgrade Outdoor Furniture To ensure your backyard furniture lasts, invest in materials such as teak wood, redwood, cedar or stainless steel, which are typically durable and low-maintenance. If you want to add a personal touch, consider colorful cushions, throw pillows or an area rug made of weatherproof fabric. Smarten Up Your Pool and Backyard With smart homes on the rise, today’s tech-savvy homeowners are not only looking to automate appliances and gadgets inside the home, but now want smart controls in their outdoor spaces, as well. For example, Hayward’s OmniHub smart pool control offers pool owners the convenience and customization of complete pool, spa and backyard lighting automation from

smart devices. Prep Your Grill Get ahead of barbecue season by building in ample time to prep your grill. Scrub or season your grill grates to avoid rust, stock up on charcoal and wood chips, check gas grills for leaks and fill up your propane tank. For safety, make sure your grill is at least 10 feet away from your home, outdoor structures and any trees or bushes. Convert Your Pool to Salt Water For the ultimate in pool luxury, consider switching your traditional chlorine pool to salt water. It’s a surprisingly simple project that can transform your pool experience. Salt pools offer owners soft, clean and clear water that won’t irritate eyes, dry out skin and hair, give off harsh odors or cause bathing suits to fade. Designed to be a convenient alternative to conventional chlorine, Hayward’s AquaRite system gently dissolves salt into the perfect amount of chlorine to sanitize your pool without harsh chemicals while creating velvety-smooth water. Keep the Bugs at Bay Mosquitos and other bugs can put a damper on outdoor entertaining, so be sure to stock up on repellents to ensure a bugfree backyard. Keep citronella or eucalyptus candles and torches on hand to maintain a pest-free space. Whether you’re planning a family barbecue or pool party, or just want a space that offers the ultimate in tranquility, visit hayward.com for more tips to help jumpstart your home improvement project. (Family Features)

Page 38 • June 2019 • Denville Life

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