Pequannock & POMPTON PLAINS
BARN WITH A BEAT PORTRAIT
RECORDING STUDIOS
MAKING
MATH EASIER
NANCY SCHULTZ
RECENT HOME SALES
12 The Beat Goes On
Chris Badami, who runs Portrait Recording Studios in a historic Pompton Plains barn, celebrates 30 years in the music business.
The Rail Trail Makes Its Mark
How a dedicated, coordinated effort made a decades-long dream a reality for thousands to enjoy.
Conquering Mathematics
A learning center maximizes students’ potential (and minimizes their anxiety) when studying math concepts and applications.
Kiera Scanlan-Wespestad: Before the Final Curtain Call
LOCAL TASTES Caffé Classico: Brewed Awakening
Enjoying the newly dedicated Pompton Valley Rail Trail are the Ataide family (from left): Juliana, Joel, Luca, Janine and Olivia.
by Antonietta Henry
Photograph
II’M SO EXCITED to begin our third year in publication. What a dream come true! When I applied for this position in another town and was so excited about Pequannock & Pompton Plains, our owner decided to let me publish in my own backyard.
Summer is well upon us and it’s the perfect time to stop by and get some home-grown fruits and vegetables from Yard Farms. Also be sure to watch Rocco the Rock Snake grow along the Pompton Valley Rail trail right behind the Clock Tower shopping center. Why not be a part and have your family, group (e.g., Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Bible study and more) contribute with your personal inspirational rock or artwork? Let’s keep him growing all summer long!
Chris Badami, owner of Portrait
Recording Studios, was dreaming big and has become a success, celebrating 30 years in business. Read his story and fun facts about his historic barn and recording studio here in town.
Pequannock & Pompton Plains
Editor & Publisher
Donna Fillweber
BY DAN PICCOLI
The long-awaited Pompton Valley Rail Trail is officially open and being enjoyed by everyone. It’s perfectly captured on our cover with the beautiful Ataide family taking a stroll. This project is especially close to my heart, as I have walked it long before, with caution signs in tow, anxiously awaiting its completion. It was also part of my pitch for the magazine as an anticipated storyline when I started the publication. Special thanks to the team who worked tirelessly to make this project happen.
We celebrate and learn more about Nancy Schultz of Conquer Mathematics. She is passionate about teaching teachers the skillset to help our youth understand and do exactly that—“conquer” math in an easy, practical manner.
Keira Scanlan-Wespestad offers special comments sharing helpful tips and suggestions for end-of-life plans. What a gift to have Scanlan’s and such a trusted friend for our time in need right within our community. We welcome Caffé Classico. Read on to learn about the three owners and their delicious treats. I hope you will stop in to enjoy them as well.
Lastly, this month’s Photo Op is perfect to celebrate the Fourth of July. May God continue to bless America, as suggested with this beautiful rainbow and flag captured by Laura Shamber.
Wishing you a sunny and safe summer. As always, be sure to share your businesses and stories with us @pequannockmagazine.com. We are a magazine for and about you!
Donna Fillweber Publisher
Writers Danielle Clements
Antonietta Henry
Dana Regan
Mary Shumeyko
Photographer
Antonietta Henry Dan Piccoli
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor Richard Laliberte
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director Catherine Rosario
Production Designer Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
Pequannock & Pompton Plains magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Pequannock Township, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH
A ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opens and celebrates a long-anticipated community resource.
Dedicating the Rail Trail
THE POMPTON VALLEY Rail Trail was officially dedicated and opened with a community ceremony that drew an appreciative crowd. Though the trail has already been eagerly embraced and used, speeches and a ribbon-cutting formally culminated a yearslong effort— and invited attendees to set off on a beautiful new path. For a detailed account of how the long-awaited trail became a reality, see the feature article later in this issue. To learn more about the trail, visit the Morris County Park Commission at www.morrisparks.net.
Top: County and local dignitaries cut the ribbon to officially open the Pompton Valley Rail Trail. Above and opposite page: Attendees eagerly set off by foot and wheels along the multiuse trail after a program in which speakers highlighted how the rail trail benefits the region and exhibits displayed many of the trail’s beautiful features.
The Place for Plants
Yard Farms provides homegrown fruits and vegetables—and its proprietors started the rail trail’s popular Rocco the Rock Snake.
A WELL-KNOWN gardening quote states, “We might think that we are nurturing our garden, but in fact it is our garden that is nurturing us.”
Vitamin D from sunlight, stress relief, improved mood and exercise are just a few benefits that gardening offers. Despite a 50-year trend of convenient, highly processed foods, more recently the pendulum has swung in a different direction toward whole, natural foods. People of all socioeconomic backgrounds and yard sizes are exploring the idea of sustainability by growing fruits and vegetables in their own backyards! Robyn of Yard
BY DANA REGAN
Farms is one of those people.
A New Jersey native, Robyn grew up in Lincoln Park and eventually settled in Pompton Plains around 2016. Her interest in gardening began about 13 years ago in, believe it or not, her basement. Robyn remembers being bored often and recalls how she began looking for something both interesting and challenging to do.
THE GARDENING PATH
She decided to invest in indoor grow lights sufficient for raising plants. Then, in her basement, she began to grow seedlings. Enamored
with the new life growing right before her eyes, Robyn fell in love with gardening.
Soon, after the last frost, she moved her hobby outdoors. Robyn persisted with focus and discipline. She began educating herself by watching YouTube videos created by a Maryland gardener. From these, she learned a lot. Also, from experience, trial and error, Robyn learned how to grow bigger and better plants. As she measured sunlight and water, her plants started off small but then progressively flourished.
Now she can grow enough to
share with others. This inspired the creation of Yard Farms. Robyn sets up a golden garden cart in front of her house and sells live plants to her community.
From this cart on her lawn, she sells fruit plants, vegetable plants, herbs and possibly even flowers. She makes it easy and convenient. Customers can pull up, buy ready-to-root plants and pay using cash or Venmo.
Currently, Robyn lives and grows on a main street in town with her husband and their two daughters. They refer to their property as a microfarm, where specific methods allow them to grow as much as they can in a small space.
CREATING ROCCO
Gardening takes a lot of time and patience, but it is a way, Robyn says, to be more self-sufficient, which is its own form of accomplishment.
Another accomplishment that this family can claim bragging
rights to is the one-and-only Rocco the Rock Snake!
Rocco was started by Robyn and her family and is located on the Pompton Valley Rail Trail near Jackson Avenue. This small, creative idea has grown exponentially, just like the plants in the family’s yard.
Many passersby have added rocks and shells to Rocco over the last few years. It is mesmerizing to walk by Rocco the Rock Snake and see the ways in which adults and children alike have made him longer. Rocco brings grins and giggles to our community, thanks to Robyn and her desire to share life and joy with Pequannock Township.
Dana Regan is a longtime educator who enjoys reading, writing, walking and yoga. Her newest hobby will be loving, hugging and kissing her very first grandchild.
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The Beat Goes On
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
TTHE SLEEPY TOWN of Pompton Plains may not seem like the place you’d find a successful recording studio, but peeking through the trees and green hills of town is the quaint red barn that houses Portrait Recording Studios, owned by Chris Badami. As chief producer, engineer and mixer for the studio, Badami’s talents and expertise have brought him from humble beginnings in his parent’s garage studio to working in his own profession space with artists that span the globe.
A PTHS graduate (class of 1995), Chris always played music. Whether it be in school bands or in his own rock bands as a drummer, Badami has natural talent. “When I was in eighth grade, I got my first taste of studio recording in Parsippany and knew I wanted to get into recording music,” he says. He received a four-track recorder for eighth grade graduation as a gift from his parents and knew he’d been bitten by the recording bug.
After high school, Badami studied at New York University earning a Bachelor of Music in music technology and percussion (with a minor in piano) and
Master of Music and Music Technology from Southern Utah University. While a commuting undergraduate college student, he started a music studio in his parent’s garage in town.
“My dad and uncles helped me build it, and friends started to come play music,” he recalls. Badami recorded his own music, which he performed with bands as a drummer, too, and word of mouth traveled fast.
AN IDEAL SPACE
At the same time, Chris was offered an internship at Showplace Studios in Dover through the recommendation of a professor. “I’m thankful for the mentors in that studio like Andy Wallace, who’s done records for a variety of artists [including] Nirvana, Rollins Band, Slayer, Jeff Buckley and Kelly Clarkson,” says Badami. After a 10-month internship, he was hired by Showplace Studios as an assistant through college.
All the while, Badami was recording bands in his garage studio, offering a cost-effective option for friends. All the money he made went back into the business to improve equipment. As
his business grew, his personal life was changing as well. On a trip into New York City in 1998, he ran into a high school friend, Carolyn (nee Tilli) who would in time, become his bride.
Badami graduated NYU in 1999 while running the studio full-time. “The studio was outgrowing the garage; I needed to rent commercial space,” he says, which he did in 2000 in neighboring town Lincoln Park. Once again, Badami’s dad and uncles helped with constructing the inside of the studio.
In 2004, Chris and Carolyn married and, while looking to find a home in the Pequannock and Pompton Plains area, Badami found an option where he could house Portrait Recording Studios in 2007. The rustic red barn that would serve as the studio was on the same piece of land as their new home. The commute was ideal!
The red barn is unique. Previously an art studio, the building dates back to the late 1800s and was once part of the old DeBow estate. The barn has special zoning for businesses in the arts, making it extra special. Clients love the space and quiet location.
Chris Badami, owner of Portrait Recording Studios in Pompton Plains, marks 30 years in the music business.
Opposite page: Chris Badami in front of the barn in Pompton Plains that houses his Portrait Recording Studios. Above: The historic red structure was built in the late 1800s.
RENOWNED ARTISTS
Badami’s work has featured many genres of music, including pop punk, rock, emo, metal, alternative, jazz, country and singer-songwriters. He takes great pride in producing records and developing local New Jersey bands and watching them succeed, signing with both independent and major record labels.
A pivotal moment for Badami arose when labels started asking him to produce their artists. The owner of Pinball Records, Jay Turon, sent all his records to Badami, which garnered great success and led to work with major label Drive-Thru/ Universal Records.
“This was my big break,” says Badami. His first Gold Record was awarded in 2003 for bands he produced on the Vans Warped Tour, leading to
subsequent Gold Records in 2004, 2005 and 2006, as well as multiple Billboard No. 1 awards and numerous Grammy considerations.
Badami’s work on producing, engineering, mixing, mastering and performing has earned him over 290,000 streams across all major platforms. He has worked with international artists from Europe, Japan, China and Australia as well as an impressive list of well-known artists. These include Madonna; The Early November; Adam Melchor; Jennifer Rostock; Janina Gavankar; The Starting Line; Mark Hoppus from Blink 182; The Dillinger Escape Plan; Mike Patton from Faith No More; Wakey! Wakey!; Lenny White (Miles Davis, Stanley Clark, Chick Corea); and Mary Wilson (The Supremes). Quite a list!
Today, Badami focuses more on
mixing records in person and remotely. He stresses the value of a studio that has the knowledge to make a great recording. “Knowing the best room to record drums, guitar or vocals and how to mix it correctly is invaluable,” he says.
MUSIC MAN
In addition to recording other artists, Badami loves to perform. He plays drums on records for friends and clients as well as piano. He enjoys freelancing with various artists and playing gigs whenever he can.
He’s also an assistant professor of music at Lafayette College and directs the music technology program. He started teaching in higher education at CCM from 1999-2007 and, after a break, has been at Lafayette for the last eight years. “I love the hands-on teaching
Above: Chris Badami at work in Portrait Recording Studios. At right: Details behind the music inside the busy space.
experience and showing students how to use the equipment in real-life applications,” he says.
In addition to all his work, he records for the Northern Jersey School of Music Association honor bands, orchestras and choirs, including AllNorth Jersey Region Band, Choir and Orchestra on location. His daughter Claire has been a performer in such honor ensembles—an added source of pride for Badami. Portrait Recording Studios has also hosted local school singing groups like the PTHS Nocktaves (a group his daughter also belongs to) for recording sessions.
LOOKING BACK—AND AHEAD
In his free time, Badami enjoys spending time with his beautiful family. His wife Carolyn, daughter Claire (14), son Cole (10) and pup Chewy enjoy
taking many adventures in their RV.
The family loves exploring amusement parks and notes favorite trips to Disney, Pigeon Forge, Lake George and visits to Badami’s parents, who live on an 80-acre farm in Ohio.
A ride on his Harley Davidson softail is another favorite pastime for Badami and, of course, he plays the drums whenever he can. Whether he’s practicing or a spectator for his children, music is always present. Claire is often seen on stage for musicals and concert band/choir and on the field for marching band. Cole is drummer in a Bach to Rock band, just like dad.
Now that Portrait Recording Studios is celebrating 30 years in business, Badami can’t help but reflect. “I never planned to own my own business,” he says. “I imagined working at a studio
in the city, but word of mouth spread and my client list grew. To think it’s 30 years since I started in my parent’s garage is unreal.”
He now services artists all over the world who come to small-town Pompton Plains to make records.
“You don’t have to be in NYC, Nashville or LA,” he says; “you just need to do great work, and if great artists like your work, they will come to you.” And the beat goes on.
To learn more or schedule a session, visit portraitrecordingstudios.com or call 973-835-0663.
Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys living and working in our beautiful township!
The Rail Trail Makes Its Mark
How a dedicated and coordinated effort made a decades-long dream a reality for thousands to enjoy
BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS
SSPANNING MORE THAN five miles through Pequannock and into Wayne, the Pompton Valley Rail Trail has become a popular spot for both bikers and walkers. Surrounded by lush shrubs and natural beauty, this modern trail is the result of two decades of planning and effort. We had the chance to speak with several key individuals leading efforts to bring this already-beloved trail to life.
The project has been one of the biggest undertaken by Morris County in recent history, costing $32 million, which was funded through a federal grant administered by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the State of New Jersey and private donors. Design and right-of-way purchases accounted for nearly $11 million, while construction cost about $21 million, according to a recent press release from the County of
Morris Office of Communications and Digital Media.
Christopher Vitz, director of public works and county engineer, details how this funding was a transportation alternatives grant aimed at encouraging people to leave their cars behind and opt for walking or biking to transit centers. The NJTPA seeks out projects that align with these goals, and this trail fits those criteria, creating opportunities for Pequannock and Wayne residents to walk or bike to the Mountainview train station and take the train to work.
Gerald Rohsler, retired director of the county’s Transportation Division, worked with the NJTPA to secure the funding. Once secured, the project became an all-handson-deck effort. Project manager Danielle Malavarca, Morris County senior engineer, took charge of the project, specifically overseeing construction aspects.
Children from the local Ataide family (from left, Juliana, Olivia and Luca) share a laugh on the rail trail. Right: Views of the Pompton River from the bridge in Wayne.
Our trails are part of what makes Morris County a great place to live, work and play.”
- Stephen Shaw
COMPLEX EFFORT
Securing the funding for designing and constructing the trail—and even naming it— was no easy feat. The original moniker was The New York, Susquehanna & Western Bicycle & Pedestrian Shared Use Path because it was built on a retired railway link.
Every phase of the project required the efforts of a dedicated team committed to creating something sustainable, functional and beautiful. “It sounds easy when you say ‘trail;’ people think of a little foot path…but this is a wide, paved trail… it’s complex, with street crossings and, of course, the bridge with the guardrails,” says Stephen Shaw, reflecting on the project’s complexity.
Shaw is the Morris County commissioner deputy director and the Morris County representative to the NJTPA. Dave Helmer, executive director of the Morris County Park Commission, went on to describe some details. Challenges were abundant, from meeting sustainability requirements for the grant to careful coordination with the North Jersey District Water Supply Company, the township of Wayne and many parties—not to mention securing approvals at both the state and federal levels. It truly was a monumental effort. “This was a significant regional project for the county,” Helmer remarks.
Opposite page: The Ataide family enjoys the rail trail in Pequannock Township. From left are Juliana, dad Joel, Luca, mom Janine and Olivia.
This page, from top: Beautiful dogwood trees line part of the rail trail in Pompton Plains.
Benches for resting tired feet dot the rail trail in Pequannock Township and Wayne.
BEAUTIFUL—AND BEING USED
Pequannock residents have truly embraced the rail trail, integrating it into their daily lives. As Vincent Vitale, director of communications for Morris County, put it, “that’s the most important thing” to have come of this long-term project.
A perfect example of this personal connection is the creation of the “Rock Snake.” Trail-goers have started leaving hand-painted rocks along one stretch of the trail near the Jackson Avenue entrance, gradually forming an extensive and colorful display. In recent months, the Rock Snake has grown longer, with new stones being
added almost daily.
One standout feature of the Pompton Valley Rail trail is its thoughtful design. Unlike most linear trails, which typically have access points at the beginning and end, this trail offers multiple entry points from neighborhoods, allowing trail-adjacent residents to easily walk onto the path from their own yards.
Shaw observes that residents who once had a train running through their backyard now enjoy a beautiful walking trail. “It’s a win-win all the way around,” he says.
The rail trail has garnered widespread praise and positive
feedback from the community. True to the generous spirit of Pequannock residents, many have stepped forward to contribute their time, make donations and organize fundraisers to support the trail’s development.
The Pequannock Polar Plunge group, for example, raised substantial funds that have helped further improve the path. “Residents are not only using it, but improving it,” Shaw says. Interpretive signs will soon be strategically placed along the trail, highlighting key aspects of local history, landmarks and the surrounding nature.
EXPANDING SUCCESS
For some perspective among relative trails in the park system, the Columbia Trail has about eight miles in Morris County, and last year saw about 200,000 users. The Pompton Valley Rail Trail is projected to see even more in 2025, according to Helmer.
“Once the Pompton River bridge is completed, we’ll see a lot more people visit as a destination; it’s a beautiful site along the trail line,” he says. “We think we’ll see close to a quarter million users.”
(The Pompton River bridge was not yet completed at the time of this interview.)
These numbers are impressive and their significance is summed up by Shaw: “Our trails are part of what makes Morris County a great place to live, work and play.”
The Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program was started about seven years ago based on feedback received from the 39 municipalities in Morris County. The program has been quite popular, according to Shaw.
“We definitely see the benefit to our residents to have an extensive trail network, and it really came to light during the pandemic,” he says. Based on statistics from the Park Commission, trail use increased four-fold during the pandemic and these numbers have remained steady ever since.
Pequannock resident Danielle Clements is a lucky wife, mom to two awesome boys, a dog lover (especially her beloved Bowie) and a communications professional.
Left to right, from top: Trail crossings with flashing lights help keep trail users safe. The bridge on the rail trail in Wayne. The Pompton River, viewed from the bridge, adds to scenes of natural beauty found along the trail.
IT TAKES A TEAM
Planning and construction of the Pompton Valley Rail Trail took coordinated efforts from many, including key team members such as these.
• Douglas Cabana, Morris County commissioner
• David Helmer, executive director of the Morris County Park Commission
• Danielle Malavarca, Morris County senior engineer, bridges/ county project manager
• Gerald Rohsler, retired director of the Morris County Transportation Division
• Stephen Shaw, Morris County commissioner deputy director
• Vincent Vitale, director of communications
• Christopher Vitz, director of public works and county engineer
Conquering Mathematics
A learning center maximizes students’ potential (and minimizes their anxiety) when studying math concepts and applications.
BY MARY SHUMEYKO
CCONQUER: to gain mastery over or win by overcoming obstacles, or to overcome by power.
Mathematics: the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations or abstractions.
For many people, those two words present an unwelcome challenge, if not downright fear. But Nancy Schultz has created a positive change to those feelings. Her Pompton Plains center, aptly named Conquer Mathematics, is a
learning center for everyone’s journey to maximum success in the study of math. Here’s the story of how it came about.
Schultz’s second grade teacher understood how math phobia could be overcome, fueling the young student’s love of mathematics. The passion grew during Schultz’s years at Wayne Hills High School, when another dedicated teacher recognized her unique abilities. With special permission from the Board of Education, she went on a solo field trip and was introduced
to the NCTM: The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a connection she maintained for decades to come.
Montclair State University offered the courses Schultz needed to become a high school math teacher, so she “ate up every math class available,” she says. By her junior year, she was studying advanced calculus as an independent study with the prestigious Max Sobel, then president of NCTM. Graduating early, Schultz was hired at Morris Knolls High School to teach a variety of courses.
Opposite page: Nancy Schultz, owner of Conquer Mathematics in Pompton Plains, at the program’s entrance with its signature red doors.
Above: A framed document at the entrance of Conquer Mathematics explains the learning center’s mission. Right: Schultz with her Max Sobel award, a meaningful award in math education.
FINDING WHAT WORKS
Her career took a different turn when she married Bob Schultz and traveled with him for two years throughout the U.S. and Europe. Adding math tutoring to her resume, she returned to Morris Knolls until the birth of her first child.
While an at-home-mom, Schultz answered Max Sobel’s invitation to teach evening undergraduate classes at Montclair, leading to her master’s degree and connections with school districts.
Along the way, Schultz began to realze that skills developed at young ages have a greater impact on later learning. Building on the CPA approach (concrete, pictorial, abstract), she noticed that not enough time was being spent on the pictorial aspect of this theory. She found that
increased experience in hands-on practices benefited learners more than memorizing math facts.
She began sharing her expertise with other teachers and her reputation grew. When more certifications were developed, Schultz was in constant demand.
PRISM (Professional Resources in Science and Math) was formed in 1990 at a variety of regional centers, and Schultz became the math connection at Montclair. Still teaching at night, visiting districts during the day and representing PRISM, she had a heavy load.
Eventually she realized that perhaps she could combine her efforts and venture out on her own. With her family’s help, she began to look for property to open a new center, and the idea grew.
NEW LOCATIONS
Despite some individual challenges, Schultz found office space in Fairfield and opened Conquer Mathematics in April 2010. She advertised to districts and their teachers through word of mouth, emails and her respected reputation.
The facility became a labor of love, as her husband Bob designed and built every table used in her classrooms. Each tabletop is a pentagon so that participants never have their backs to the presenter. Proudly displayed is her coveted Max Sobel award for Outstanding Service and Leadership in Mathematics Education.
Within a few years, Conquer Mathematics outgrew its initial property and the Schultzes bought the building at the current Pompton Plains site. More construction was
necessary to accommodate sessions, and in September 2018 the existing location welcomed its first classes.
The goals of every session are simple: “We want to work out ways to teach so kids will love math and will understand math,” comments Schultz.
Teachers take four to eight sessions; each meeting is about one month apart so students are not missing their teachers for weeks at a time. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:15 p.m. Everyone attending is treated like an honored guest: There are snacks, customized lunch orders from a local restaurant, many short breaks and professional encouragement throughout. Even the bathrooms are upscale, with different geometric designs in each.
Participants are given binders to collect theories, ideas and skills shared during the day. A separate copy room provides all the written materials, and attendees are welcome to create their own visuals to take back to their schools.
Walls of the main classroom are lined with boxes and bins of manipulatives, emphasizing the pictorial or hands-on method that’s been so successful. Candy is used for both manipulatives and incentives!
Clockwise from far left: The beautiful Conquer Mathematics building in Pompton Plains. Hands-on learning is an important element of the Conquer Mathematics curriculum.
Nancy Schultz gets lessons ready at Conquer Mathematics. Staff at Conquer Mathematics often refer to the space as The Math Spa.
FUN AND SUCCESSFUL
With an engaging, inviting and bright environment, it’s easy to see why this place is so effective. Sessions are designed for specific grade levels from kindergarten through high school.
Conquer Mathematics offered over 100 workshops throughout this past school year, using the two inspiring classrooms in the beautifully designed building. Over 141 districts (including Pequannock) have availed themselves of the center, and nearly 1,500 teachers have returned to their classrooms with renewed mathematical energy.
Summertime is reserved for curriculum work, using a staff that assists districts with math lesson plans for an entire school year. Activities and materials are provided to support the scope and sequence of each program: Levels range from early childhood through algebra and geometry. No one ever leaves the center uninspired.
Comments from participants range from “amazing,” to “magical,” and “This place is a math spa!” Indeed, Schultz insists, “Math shouldn’t be a challenge. Everyone can do it.” With fun, motivating and successful techniques, Conquering Mathematics proves this in every session.
Mary Shumeyko is a retired Pequannock teacher who helps at her church and the Pequannock Library. Traveling, running, reading and spending time with family fill her free time.
INTERVIEW WITH KIERA SCANLAN-WESPESTAD
Before the Final Curtain Call
A professional at the family-run Scanlan’s makes a thoughtful case for end-of-life planning.
AS A FOURTH-GENERATION member of the family that has run Scanlan’s for many decades, Kiera ScanlanWespestad can be forthright about a difficult subject for many. “Let’s be honest,” she says: “You’re going to die. Me too. So is everyone reading this magazine unless you’ve figured out how to upload your consciousness into a robot, in which case, good luck avoiding rust.”
Assuming you’re still operating the old-fashioned way with a heart, lungs and perhaps a soft spot for Sinatra, she says, there’s one thing you might want to consider doing before you kick the proverbial bucket: Make a plan.
We asked Scanlan-Wespestad for her honest thoughts about preparing for the inevitable.
When you advise making a plan, what do you have in mind?
Not a plan like “sail around the world” or “run a marathon.” Sure, you can make those plans, too. But I mean make a real plan—a plan for what happens when the old ticker stops ticking and your family is standing around saying, “Did she want a priest or a playlist?”
At Scanlan’s, we’ve seen it all. We’ve had families who knew exactly what their mom wanted down to the cookies served at the repast. But we’ve also experienced lots of families
pulling their hair out over impossible decisions like which casket to choose or which poem to put on the back of the prayer card or, heaven forsake, whether to have a wake or nothing at all.
Why should you plan your own funeral?
Because someday, someone who loves you is going to be tasked with figuring it all out. And when that day comes, they’ll be a mess—yes, even your sister who always has a spreadsheet.
Planning ahead isn’t morbid. It’s generous. It’s saying: “Here. I did the hard part for you. Now go tell stories and laugh and cry, take care of yourselves…and maybe play my favorite Sinatra song.”
Also, you get to make your own decisions. Viking funeral? Green burial? Bagpiper playing “Freebird?” It’s your final curtain call [so feel free to] make it weird or beautiful or both.
What goes into a plan?
It doesn’t have to be a 300-page manifesto, though if you’re into
that, knock yourself out. Most preplans include considerations like these:
• Burial or cremation preferences. (Yes, you have to pick; no, your kids don’t want to argue about it.)
• Service style (church, backyard, beach, dive bar?).
• Music, readings, photos—or perhaps an explicit request that no one use that one picture of you from 1987.
• Where your remains will rest. “In a shoebox in the closet” is not a longterm plan.
• Optional: a note to your loved ones, because words outlive us.
When should you do this?
Now is good. Or next Tuesday. Before your next dental cleaning. But definitely before you get hit by a meteor or forget where you put your car keys.
And don’t worry—Scanlan’s doesn’t charge you to talk. We’ve been doing this for 70 years and will happily sit down with you over coffee and cookies and help you make a plan that feels like you.
(Unless you hate cookies. In which case: Who hurt you?)
What would you say is the bottom line?
We’re all going to die. Might as well make it a little easier on the people we leave behind. They’ll already be sad. Let’s not make them guess what you would’ve wanted.
Brewed Awakening
BY MARY SHUMEYKO
Caffé Classico—Pequannock’s newest coffee shop— offers beverages, treats and other specialties with an Italian flair.
Opposite: Caffé Classico co-owners (from left) Giovanni Macchiavello, Belal Ahmad and Claudio Schiavo toast their new venture. This page, clockwise from above: Barista Rosanna DiTaranto is ready to create delicious treats. The Classico—namesake of the café—is a mouthwatering icy hazelnut concoction. Barista Stefania Ghoting displays Italian cookies. Locally harvested honey is among the many sweet treats at Caffé Classico.
IF YOU LOVE coffee and special treats, stop in at Caffé Classico, Pequannock’s newest coffee shop. Choose from its unique beverage menu, sample an authentic Italian pastry and relax in the beautiful Neapolitan-inspired environment.
This place started with an idea and, through hard work, recently celebrated its grand opening as three friends followed a dream. Co-owners Claudio Schiavo, Belal Ahmad and Giovanni Macchiavello have known each other for years. With diverse backgrounds in construction and law enforcement, and sharing a variety of interests, they chose coffee as a theme for a team project. Putting creative ideas, Italian flavors and dedication together, they’ve created this inviting space.
Located on Route 23 South, Caffé Classico has unlimited parking and ample inside space for patrons to enjoy appetizing specialties. Offering dine-in and takeout options, the shop opens daily at 6 a.m. with coffees, teas and assorted mouthwatering treats.
BEYOND COFFEE
Bomboloni (doughnuts,) cornetto (croissant,) and tiramisu are just a few of the delicious possibilities available, along with crepes, muffins and cookies. The proprietors also serve pastas and several flavors of gelato, and have a freezer filled with premade Italian desserts.
Hot drinks include espresso, cappuccino, latte and chai tea. Fresh coffee beans and ground coffees are also available for sale.
Refresh on a hot summer day with the Classico, the shop’s signature drink featuring an original recipe with iced coffee, chocolate, hazelnut and fresh whipped cream topped with Ferrero Rocher. Or cool off with a mint lemonade, blueberry bliss or frappe while tasting some gelato.
A few bonus attractions include locally harvested honey for sale,
free Wi-Fi for guests and a quiet, comfortable atmosphere. It’s great for a break from the office or an after-school spot for doing homework.
Parties are welcome, as groups of up to 50 can be accommodated. As Caffé Classico grows, follow developments and get further information by visiting caffeclasico.myshopify.com. Watch for new menu items and gift certificates, ideal for hostess gifts!
Whether you need a quiet pause from your routine or want to bring a group to celebrate something special, this place is perfect. Caffé Classico, created with friendship and love, is a delightful choice.
Mary Shumeyko is a retired Pequannock teacher who helps at her church and the Pequannock Library. Traveling, running, reading and spending time with family fill her free time.
Have a SAFE SUMMER
Simple steps can prevent these common causes of seasonal injury and illness.
SWIMMING AT THE beach, hiking in the woods: There’s no shortage of appealing summertime adventures. But spending more time outdoors also raises the risks for injuries. A little caution and use of sound judgment can help you make the most of the sunshine while avoiding any unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
Here are seven common warmweather emergencies— and tips on avoiding them.
1. SEVERE SUNBURN
While minor-to-moderate sunburns can be treated at home with overthe-counter remedies like aloe vera, severe sunburn can require
emergency treatment. Warning signs include blistering skin and uncontrollable pain. The true extent of a sunburn may take 12 to 24 hours to develop. Steps to prevent sunburn include using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Reapply it every two hours and every time you come out of the water. Also consider wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the face and eyes.
2. HEAT ILLNESSES
Heat cramps and heat stroke represent a spectrum of illnesses that occur when the body begins to lose the ability to regulate its temperature.
Heat exhaustion is marked by heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and thirst. When heat exhaustion becomes heat stroke, it can cause confusion and even unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911. Children and the elderly are typically more likely to suffer from heat stroke. To limit your risk of heat-related illness, stay properly hydrated, especially with water and/or fluids with electrolytes. Limit soda and alcohol. Carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go. Thirst is a sign of dehydration: If you feel thirsty, it’s time to catch up on fluid intake. Avoid outdoor exercise or other physical activity during the hottest times of day.
3. FIREWORKS-RELATED INCIDENTS
Fireworks are a time-honored summer tradition, but when used improperly, they can lead to serious burns, deep cuts and eye injuries. Reduce your risks by using legal fireworks and following all safety guidelines on the package. Never light fireworks in your hand. Leave duds alone—don’t walk up to them to see why they didn’t ignite. Douse all used fireworks in a bucket of water. If you have any doubts about handling fireworks safely, attend a community event and leave the seasonal show to professionals.
4. SPORTS INJURIES
A little planning can help you stay on the field or court longer and avoid injuries like muscle sprains, muscle strains and twisted ankles. Always stretch and perform warmup exercises prior to starting any kind of physical activity. Give yourself time to cool down after you play. Stay properly hydrated. If you’re cycling, skateboarding or riding scooters, wear a helmet. Avoid aggressive speed and maneuvers when bicycling, riding a personal watercraft or operating any type of vehicle.
5. PLAYGROUND MISHAPS
Trips and falls on the playground can lead to scrapes, bruises and lacerations. Keep children safe by always supervising them and limiting running and horseplay as much as possible. Look for playgrounds with softer ground cover such as rubber or mulch instead of asphalt or concrete. Discourage high-risk activities such as pushing a child higher on a swing than they find comfortable. Check the temperature of playground surfaces such as slides before children begin playing on them.
6. TICK BITES
A tick bite can lead to a condition called babesiosis, a bloodstream infection that brings flulike symptoms such as body aches. Tick bites can also cause Lyme disease. The hallmark of Lyme disease is a rash that classically looks like a bullseye. It occurs on average in about seven days at the site of the tick bite and can cause fever, chills, headache, fatigue and muscle and joint soreness.
Ticks can bite not only in the woods but even in your backyard. Prevention includes wearing moisture-wicking,
long-sleeve shirts; long pants; and tall socks to cover your skin. Check yourself for ticks or signs of a bite when you step back indoors.
7. BARBECUE HAZARDS
Never light a gas grill with the lid closed. If the grill doesn’t light immediately, let gas dissipate before attempting to light again. Use only the amount of lighter fluid you need to start a charcoal grill. Cook any meat, seafood or poultry thoroughly and to temperatures recommended by the USDA. Keep food—and guests—safe by refrigerating leftovers so they don’t spoil in the sun.
GUARD AGAINST DROWNING
Drownings are the leading cause of death among young children. Ways to reduce risks include:
• Be aware that small children can drown in shallow water.
• Make sure at least one adult swimmer provides constant supervision of any children near or in the water.
• Install fences and gates around home pools. Consider adding an alarm that alerts you anytime someone goes into the water.
• Prohibit children from running around the outside of pools to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
• Enroll children in swim lessons. Have them wear life jackets, vests and floaties in the water if they can’t swim.
• Never dive head-first into water unless you know how deep it is. Instead, wade in or jump in feet-first.
• Always swim near a lifeguard. Heed red-flag warnings for high rip currents at the shore. If you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.
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