Local women attest to the joys (and challenges) of devoting time to their precious grandchildren.
18 A Mother’s Love
Gayle and Colby Douglas have journeyed together through a COVID-19 crisis—and through life.
22 Spirit of Service
Sister Marie Antonelli of Holy Spirit School has led a life dedicated to faith and education.
26 Learning the Art of Eloquence
Photograph by Antonietta Henry 6 22 10 26
Members of Master the Craft Toastmasters of Pompton Plains help each other share ideas and a bit of themselves.
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE
6 AROUND TOWN
A business-minded flair for flowers
10 Q&A
Organizers’ reflections on the history and significance of Pride Fest
32 PHOTO OP
A service reminder for Ed Leonard COVER
Gayle and Colby Douglas have built a special mother-son relationship that has thrived through both joys and challenges.
wWOO HOO! A WARM welcome to May, when everything is fresh, green and new.
We start this month’s edition featuring an amazing young entrepreneur, Nicole Van Wingerden of The Flower Barn. It couldn’t be a more perfect time to share this inspirational story, with Mother’s Day and Spring flowers in full bloom. Be sure to stop in for all your floral needs and see this fabulous greenhouse. In this month’s Q&A, learn more about what our local Pride Fest and PROPEL are all about. This June marks the fourth anniversary of the festival, featuring food trucks, local sponsors, vendors and speakers along with live music provided by ShamRock.
We celebrate Mother’s Day and local
nanas who nanny—grandmothers who share a special bond and friendship with other grandmothers right here in town. These ladies are blessed to be able to help raise the next generation and spend time with their grandchildren without the stressors of parenthood.
Next we feature Gayle and Colby Douglas, a very special mother and son. Our feature’s cover photo captures their special bond and the essence of their relationship. Colby is a true champion, having survived a serious bout with COVID-19. Be sure to read this heartfelt story of two people who are both so very loved in our community.
Read on about Sister Marie Antonelli. What an amazing, inspirational story. She is the backbone of Holy Spirit School, and then some. She perfectly states, “Everyone you meet enriches your life,” and exemplifies this statement.
Love public speaking? It is one of the last things most people ever want to do! Perhaps you’d like to explore our local Toastmasters chapter to learn more and overcome your fear, share your story and more.
We close with a snapshot of Ed Leonard, who is normally behind the lens. It’s a photo of a photographer by our photographer, Antonietta Henry, and a special opportunity to capture and honor this decorated veteran.
Next month, we celebrate two years in publication. I can hardly believe it, and am thrilled by the excitement and contributions, and by all that we have done. Be sure to reach out with your ideas, photos and inspirational stories @pequannockmagazine.com. We love hearing from you!
Donna Fillweber Publisher
Pequannock & Pompton Plains
Editor & Publisher
Donna Fillweber
Writers
Donna Del Moro
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 BY DAN PICCOLI
Photo Courtesy
A Flair for Flowers
High school student Nicole Van Wingerden has drawn on family and job experiences to launch a new business.
BY DANA REGAN
A VIBRANT AND DELICATE bouquet can grace the center of a celebratory table and anchor the guests who sit around it. Stems and buds can carry a message of hope or condolence while brightening a room full of doubt. Flowers symbolize love, romance, growth and new beginnings, and they play a huge role in the relationships people have with each other.
Yet these perfectly unique and beautiful living things often need watering, pruning and arranging in order to become obedient in their assignment, whatever that may be.
This is where 17-year-old Nicole (Nikki) Van Wingerden shines like the sun that feeds sweet-smelling orchids. At a young age, Van Wingerden has mastered the art of using nature to bring others together and put smiles on people’s faces. Her new business, The Flower Barn, is a special place to buy or create fragrant, personalized floral compositions.
GARDEN FRESH
Still attending Netherlands Reformed Christian School as a junior in high school, Van Wingerden started her very own business right out of her family’s garage. Learning much of what she knows from her family and community, she also gained experience while working for a local florist. When the ownership of that florist turned over, Van Wingerden decided to give the business a try on her own.
Juggling schoolwork and a new business takes commitment and focus, which are two things this young woman possesses. Van Wingerden credits growing up amid her family’s greenhouses on Jacksonville Road as the reason why she feels so comfortable around flowers.
In spring and summer, many of
the fresh-cut flowers she sells and uses are grown in her family’s gardens, while she heavily relies on wholesalers during the colder months. Yet this shop is not seasonal. Van Wingerden sells all year round, and she hosts fun, make-your-own events at her shop, where small and large groups can gather and make things such as centerpieces and wreaths.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Van Wingerden loves to help customers with their special days, designing flower arrangements for events such as weddings, bridal showers, baby showers and life celebrations. Bouquets, centerpieces and general decorative flower arrangements are all part of what The Flower Barn offers.
Working alongside her customers and meeting new people are the two things that Van Wingerden loves most about her new job.
After high school, Van Wingerden plans on growing her business, combining a garden center and florist to create a haven for lovers of all things flowers.
Her location at 279 Farm Road in Pompton Plains is exuding the smells of spring, so visit The Flower Barn and chat with Van Wingerden, the student entrepreneur who is sprouting right where she was planted.
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.
Planning Pride
Organizers offer a behind-the-scenes look at Pride Fest— and a sneak peek at this year’s colorful event.
BY MARY SHUMEYKO
PLANS ARE UNDERWAY for Pequannock’s fourth annual Pride Fest, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, in Greenview Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizer Paul Mahler, with organizer Randy Shamber, chatted with us about the event.
Why is Pride Fest so important?
It’s an outdoor celebration of kindness. When planning our first event, we asked several people what they needed. They answered, “Just give us a safe place to be!” That’s what we do..
Tell us about the history of Pequannock’s Pride Fest.
Our story goes back to PROPEL, which began in 2020. PROPEL stands for
Pequannock Residents of Pride, Equity and Leadership. It strives to promote awareness of social justice and inclusion. In 2021, Pequannock issued its first Pride Proclamation in support of PROPEL, continuing each year. With PROPEL behind us and Randy’s organizing skills, we began dreaming about a community festival. We invited local organizations, vendors, crafters and student groups to participate. ShamRock School of Music provided entertainment, and our first Pride Fest was off to a rousing success.
TOP, FROM LEFT: Randy Shamber, ShamRock owner and PROPEL’s director of social equity, with councilpersons Melissa Florence-Lynch and Dave Khole on the Pride Fest stage to read the Pequannock Pride Month Proclamation issued by town council each year since 2021.
BOTTOM, FROM LEFT: Sharon Ramella, vice president of PROPEL, and Emmy Chase, 2023 recipient of PROPEL’s DEI scholarship, welcome all to Pride Fest at the PROPEL booth.
INTERVIEW WITH PAUL MAHLER, WITH RANDY SHAMBER
You’re now planning the fourth event. What goes into preparation?
We begin working in earnest just after the first of the year. We use Valentine’s Day to announce the date of the festival. Every township department is contacted: Police, First Aid, DPW, Fire and Health departments, Parks and Rec—all of whom are extremely helpful. We use social media and other methods to invite participants to join. In 2024, over 60 vendors experienced success because we’ve grown each year.
Who sponsors Pequannock’s Pride Fest?
We have a lot of support from our town and many of its businesses. Besides PROPEL and ShamRock, some of our major sponsors include Scanlan’s: Where Life Is Celebrated; TD Bank; Atlantic Health; Christina by Design; Rita’s; and the Pequannock Chamber
of Commerce. You’ll also see booths run by the PTEA, Pequannock Library, Garden State Equality, the Little Free Library, PTHS Gay/Straight Alliance and more.
What can visitors expect to experience at Pride Fest?
Admission is free, and it’s a fun-filled day! There are food trucks; you can grab some treats, sit and enjoy ShamRock’s music. Speakers share stories and information, and a Town Council representative reads the Pride Proclamation. Kids will enjoy creative crafts, face painting and Rizzo’s Wildlife. Visitors browse through an array of beautiful products for sale. Everyone can appreciate the education and information offered throughout. Visit PROPEL’s booth and meet the officers responsible for this amazing day: Paul Mahler, Sharon Ramella, Alison Sanna, Sally Basile, Randy Shamber and Emily Case.
ShamRock School of Music students, staff and mascot, Shammy, enjoy Pride Fest each year with their booth and performances all day on the stage.
The atmosphere of kindness and joy throughout the entire day is contagious.
What advice do you have for someone planning a similar project?
Start way in advance! Randy lit the fire; I carry the torch! Communication and networking are important. Don’t leave any stone unturned and, above all, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll be amazed at what can be done!
What challenges and rewards have you experienced?
Mental health challenges are also addressed by PROPEL. We want to provide information that eliminates stigma and makes seeking treatment as common as going to the doctor for the flu. The rewards of the project are as simple as someone coming up to us at the end of the day and saying, “Thank you!”
What else do you want our readers to know?
There’s still time to participate in this year’s event! For more information, go to www.propelpeq.org or call Paul directly at 201-741-0401. Be a proud member of Pequannock Township. Come and enjoy Pride Fest 2025.
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.
Nanas Who Nanny
A group of local women attest to the joys (and challenges) of devoting time to their precious grandchildren.
BY DONNA DEL MORO
YYOU SEE THEM AT Greenview Park, at Shop Rite, at the Pequannock Library story time, at preschool drop-off or perhaps pushing a stroller along West Parkway.
You recognize their faces from the past. Sometimes you can’t place them. Sometimes you can reach back into the files of your mind and come up with a name.
You know they are not new moms or mothers of the young toddlers they push on swings or chase around the playground.
They are the nanas who nanny—stalwart women who now provide part- or full-time childcare for their grandchildren.
Lifelong town resident Tara Morstatt babysits her daughters’ children full-time and has been
watching her grandson William for the past two-plus years.
“It has been far more amazing than I ever imagined it could be,” Morstatt says. “We consider it truly a privilege to spend so much time with our grandson, watching him grow and playing an important role in his development.” She recently added two more babies to her roster: grandsons Jack and Connor.
All things babies and toddlers have advanced since 30 years ago, when most grannies were young parents, Morstatt says. “Certainly the technology has changed with sound machines and video monitors, plus sleep sacks and no jackets in the car,” she says. “But the biggest difference is that we get to truly enjoy them without all the other stressors of parenthood.”
FROM LEFT: Maryann Callaghan, Tara Morstatt, Rosalie Burns and Peggy Bionde.
grandchildren
Rosalie Burns with her granddaughter on the slide; Peggy Bionde with grandsons Jack LaPorta (standing) and Bo LaPorta (on bike); article author Donna Del Moro with granddaughters Layla Martel (standing) and Stevie Martel (in arms); and Maryann Callaghan with grandsons (seated above her, from top) Johnny Anello and Tommy Riley, granddaughters (in lap, from left) Molly
Nanas who nanny and their
include, from left, Tara Morstatt holding grandsons William Powers (left) and Jack Kuczarski (right);
Callaghan and Rory Riley, Nora Callaghan (standing left) and Erin Anello (standing right), and Christopher Anello (front).
THE GRANDPA FACTOR
Tara Morstatt says her husband, Chris, spends lots of time with their grandsons, too. And her husband certainly isn’t the only grandfather who helps out with childcare.
Jim Diver watches his two granddaughters, Nora and Molly, every Monday. Mondays with Diver sound like a toddler’s dream: He takes the kids to the park, builds forts out of blankets and reads to them with flashlights.
“Babysitting can seem relentless,” Diver says. “From the time they run to greet me, it’s ‘Pops, do you want to…;’ ‘Pops, come on;’ ‘Pops, catch me’—‘Pops, Pops, Pops.’” He acknowledges the challenges but—as with many grandparents regardless of gender—says simply, “I love it.”
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Maryann Callaghan gives grandson Tommy Riley a hand on the slide after granddaughters Nora Callaghan (left) and Erin Anello (right) have a successful trip down. Tara Morstatt gets in the swing of things with grandsons William Powers (left) and Jack Kuczarski (right). Rosalie Burns helps her granddaughter down the slide. OPPOSITE PAGE: Peggy Bionde playing in the park with grandsons Bo LaPorta (left) and Jack LaPorta (right).
MULTIPLE BLESSINGS
Rosalie Burns likens herself to more than just a nanny to her four grandchildren, with whom she resides. She’s their self-proclaimed Uber driver too, transporting her three grandsons to and from whatever event they are participating in as needed.
“I’m more than just a nana,” Burns says. “Because I live with them, I’m pretty much on call 24/7, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Burns was a nanny to her daughter’s four children on a part-time basis while she was still in the workforce, but today, her most recent assignment focuses on her 3-year-old granddaughter, whom she watches full-time.
“For me, the bond I have with my grandkids is worth every minute,” Burns says. “Sometimes I’m exhausted and can’t wait for a break, but mostly I feel so blessed to be a big part of their lives.”
Peggy Bionde, also a lifelong resident, retired in 2021 just in time to watch her grandson, Jack, full-time.
“It was like winning the lottery twice—first when you find out you are
going to have a grandchild, and second when you get a chance to spend five days a week with him,” Bionde says.
But minding a baby under age 1 and tending to a toddler’s fast-paced needs are two different stories, she says. “Of course, as he got older and faster, and grandma got older and slower, the job became more demanding.”
Bionde says the benefits outweigh the challenges. “Being able to watch our grandchildren brings us a lot of joy so it’s a win-win for our family,” she says.
“Among the many benefits is that you get to see friends who also take care of their grandchildren all over town.”
HELPING YOUNG PARENTS
For Maryann Callaghan, grandmother to 14, a typical Wednesday or Thursday may include watching up to five children, most under 5. She describes lunchtime and nap time as assembly lines—serving up everyone’s favorite sandwich and then rotating toddlers and infants in and out of cribs.
“Being a grandmother has been the best job of my life,” says Callaghan. “It gives
me great joy to assist my three children with tending to their children while they work.” Watching the cousins interact is also a perk, says Callaghan. “I see these cousins becoming more like brothers and sisters, and that’s special to me.”
Although the rising cost of daycare can reach as high as $16,000 annually in New Jersey, the personalized benefits of granny daycare often outweigh that financial factor.
“I am always reminded how lucky I am to have my mom caring for my children full-time and not having to worry about arranging alternate plans when my son is sick or daycare is closed,” says Bridget Powers, Morstatt’s daughter. “It’s the only way I feel like I’ve been able to work full-time successfully. She feeds them, clothes them, takes them to story time, does endless crafts and games throughout the day and even offers to take them on vacation when she goes on ‘unpaid’ leave.”
Donna Del Moro is a freelance writer who has lived in Pequannock for 34 years.
A Mother’s Unending Love
Gayle and Colby Douglas have journeyed together through a COVID-19 crisis—and through life.
BY MARY SHUMEYKO
HHE RODE HOME in a white stretch limo, led by an escort of flashing lights and sirens. They entered a street filled with cheering fans, balloons and music. He gave a grateful wave as the entourage pulled up at his house.
No, this wasn’t a pro athlete, politician or movie star. This was Pequannock’s own Colby Jay Douglas, arriving home and smiling after being hospitalized for 136 days. “It’s a miracle,” stated NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie on live TV as she covered the amazing story of a mother’s love and Colby’s journey to recovery.
Colby’s story began on September 24, 1998. At a regular obstetrician appointment for his mother, Gayle Douglas, five weeks before her due date, there was an indication of fetal stress. Gayle and her husband, George, agreed to an emergency caesarean section, revealing that the preemie had swallowed amniotic fluid.
Colby was immediately rushed into the neonatal intensive care unit. It was there that the diagnosis of Down syndrome was made, and the Douglas family entered a new chapter.
PHOTOGRAPHS
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
Gayle Douglas, the inspiring mother who helped her son Colby get through a near-death experience during the pandemic.
is
Time together
important to mother and son Gayle and Colby Douglas. They enjoy an always-fun lunch at a favorite local spot, Sunset Pub & Grill in Lincoln Park.
A HAPPY PRESENCE
At home, the other Douglas children couldn’t wait to meet their baby brother. Brett, then 18; Courtney, 16; Derrick, 10; and Tyler, 6, all greeted Colby with the love they would share for the next several decades.
Colby’s early years were much like those of his older siblings as Gayle continued with her many activities, bringing him everywhere with her. Colby accompanied his mom to her jobs at Boys and Girls Club, Spa 23 and Pequannock Parks and Recreation.
A super friendly toddler, Colby made instant friends wherever he went. Gayle says with a chuckle, “If you’re depressed or down about something, stop by at our house and talk to Colby. You’ll leave happier!”
Education proved challenging at times, but Gayle and George weathered
those days. Colby began in the Pequannock Township High School preschool program, transitioned to the Hillview handicapped class, attended a few other places and finally found a home at the Phoenix Center in Nutley, finishing there in 2020.
But despite being healthy for most of his life, in early March 2020, Colby told his parents he wasn’t feeling well. A visit to Morristown Hospital revealed that he not only had COVID-19, but also fungal pneumonia, which worsened by the day.
He was intubated and placed on a ventilator, and what amounted to Gayle’s new career began.
LOCKED DOWN
She knew Colby’s best chance for survival and recovery would come with his mom by his side. She negotiated her
own stay, with the caveat that once in Colby’s room, she couldn’t leave due to the pandemic.
For five months, Gayle mothered her son in a tiny hospital room. She counted the number of steps she could take (only 13 between the walls) as she paced and prayed. “I lost over 20 pounds, but not the way you’d want to,” she says.
She began structuring each day with a classroom-like schedule, drawing from her many experiences as a substitute teacher in Pequannock schools.
“Mornings were music, afternoons were chapter books and evenings were recorded segments from familiar TV shows or movies,” she says.
Gayle was always sure that Colby was listening, and indeed, after nearly 20 weeks, he woke up. Soon he was transferred to Children’s Specialized
Colby Douglas presents his mother, Gayle, with flowers before a celebratory lunch date.
Hospital in New Brunswick, where he continued his recovery, followed by more therapy in Newton.
Colby finally came home on August 13, 2020, in a swirl of happiness. Besides the neighborhood celebration and the appearance on the Today Show, there were parades, outdoor parties and a postponed graduation ceremony at PTHS the following year.
BACK TO A FULL LIFE
Five years later, Colby is back to being Colby, and Gayle is back to her varied activities. A cheerful, funny, loving young man, Colby attends a weekly friends group (of course, initiated and run by Gayle!). They enjoy myriad activities, including yoga, crafts, games and field trips.
Colby relishes being Uncle Colby to his five nieces and nephews. He
recommends watching “Take the Lead,” a dance movie that is one of his favorite films, soon to be presented live at the Papermill Playhouse. Gayle bought front-row tickets for the show!
Colby is also a sports lover, especially of basketball, bowling and swimming. He swam in the Special Olympics for 13 years and proudly displays a box of medals he’s won in those events. He rides his three-wheeler and has recently taken up cardio boxing with his friend Brendan Monaghan. Colby and Monaghan have built a wonderful friendship, resulting in Colby being invited to be a groomsman in Monaghan’s upcoming wedding.
Colby’s outgoing personality also helps with his job at Sunset Pub & Grill, where he’s been celebrated as Employee of the Year several times and is delighted with his work.
He loves life, his pets, friends and family, especially his mom.
When Gayle is asked what advice she might have for other families facing similar challenges, she says without hesitation, “Just love them like any other kid. You don’t know how lucky you are. And they’re smarter than you think.”
A proverb attributed to author Rudyard Kipling says, “God could not be everywhere; therefore he invented mothers.” Gayle Douglas is a mother who has been everywhere for her son. Happy Mothers’ Day, Gayle.
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.
Colby Douglas is a familiar face and well-loved employee at Sunset Pub & Grill.
A Spirit of Service
Sister Marie Antonelli of Holy Spirit School has led a life dedicated to faith and education.
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
E“EVERYONE YOU MEET enriches your life,” says Sister Marie Antonelli, MPF, principal of Holy Spirit School in Pequannock for the past 41 years. “Pequannock is a great place to live and bring up children,” she says with pride.
The Catholic school is open to all Christian denominations and has educated countless students from Pre-K 3 through eighth grade, preparing them for bright futures. Antonelli is grateful to be part of their journey. Well known throughout the community, Antonelli and her ability to inspire leave a lasting impression.
Born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, Antonelli is proud of her Italian heritage and the strong Catholic faith her family instilled.
“I remember walking to church with my grandmother at just 3 or 4 years old and participating in Mass and parish activities,” she says. “Acts of service were so important; church felt like home.”
By the time she was 14, Antonelli knew her calling and entered the convent. “My parents weren’t ready
for me to take that step, but I knew it’s what I wanted to do,” she says.
LEADING IN LEARNING
She studied at the Religious Teachers Filippini in Morristown. At age 16, she received her habit and, at 19, her final oblation. She attended Seton Hall University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education and achieved a Master of Arts in administration and supervision from Fordham University. While getting her degrees, Antonelli was actively teaching, already making her mark on students.
“I taught fourth grade at Sacred Heart in Clifton,” says Antonelli. “I had many different experiences.”
Over her career, Antonelli taught fifth through eighth grades at Holy Spirit School in Pequannock, seventh and eighth grades at Queen of Peace in Maywood, and was principal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newark for 14 years. “That was a very exciting time to be a principal; I’ve loved all my experiences,” she says.
It was just after the flood of 1984 in Pequannock that Antonelli came
to Holy Spirit as principal. “It was amazing to be principal of Holy Spirit School,” she says. “Everyone in the town came together after the floods, and I had just become principal afterwards. You could see how strong the town was after overcoming so much loss; it was inspiring.”
Ever since then, Antonelli has remained the proud principal of Holy Spirit School and stands by the School mission statement: “Holy Spirit School accepts the challenge of fulfilling our mission. Our mission is to educate the child’s mind, strengthen his God-given intellectual powers, satisfy his/ her soul with knowledge of his/ her faith, strengthen his/her body with organized physical activity and provide the setting where children are taught to interact with love and consideration for each other. We hear the words of Jesus enjoining us to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ Luke 10:27.”
Sister Marie Antonelli always welcomes students with a smile at the doors of Holy Spirit School.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
“Our school welcomes children from all different towns and Christian faiths,” says Antonelli. Although there are students from Pequannock Township, there are also students from Wayne, Lincoln Park, Kinnelon, Oakland, West Milford, Pompton Lakes and Towaco, to name just a handful.
The school has over 300 students between Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 and kindergarten through eighth grade, with a strong academic focus as well as opportunities for team sports and performing arts.
Holy Spirit School relies on fundraising to help keep things going. “Our parents are wonderful, and
fundraising enables our school to continue,” says Antonelli. “We work together toward a common goal; the children come first.”
Antonelli is proud of Holy Spirit School graduates who go on to do great things. Many have been admitted to wonderful schools, several with full scholarships. “We’re so proud of them; we have a fantastic program,” says Antonelli.
The school starts off with a golf tournament fundraiser at Black Bear in Franklin. Save the date for October 16, 2025! “It’s a wonderful day of golf, lunch, supper—we always honor someone each year, and attendance is over 100 people,” says Antonelli.
A gala fundraiser for scholarships takes place in November—a beautiful night with cocktail hour and dinner. There’s a tricky tray each year and beautiful musical productions from the well-known performing arts department at Holy Spirit. For 20 years the school has offered a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents. The entrance to The Parish Center is adorned with a mural of all past shows. “Everything goes to the school,” says Antonelli.
The most popular fundraiser—with beckoning, colorful lights and aromas of sausage-and-peppers sandwiches and zeppole—is the Holy Spirit Carnival in June. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for the school, “as long as the weather cooperates” says Antonelli. Parents at Holy Spirit run games or food, and it’s a family affair. “We rely on our parents to help with all of our fundraisers, and many memories are made,” says Antonelli.
JOYS AND ADVERSITIES
Holy Spirit School also partakes in activities in town, The school helps with the local Pequannock Food Pantry, participates in the Pequannock Memorial Day parade and welcomes Pequannock district music departments to visit and perform. “We welcome everyone to come see us,” says Antonelli.
The staff at Holy Spirit School feel the love. When Antonelli celebrated a milestone birthday, a surprise party was organized “they really got me,” says Antonelli with a laugh.
“Sister touches the minds and hearts of all who she is with,” says staff member Zaida O’Rourke. “She is so inspiring.”
Although Antonelli’s time at Holy Spirit has been joyous, it has not been without adversity. When the COVID-19 pandemic caused everything to stop, they did what they needed to do.
“I remember getting the call and closing school at 2 o’ clock; everyone
The Rev. Stephen Prisk and Antonelli work the game booths at the popular annual Holy Spirit Carnival (photos this page and opposite courtesy the Holy Spirit School Facebook page).
went home with a Chromebook,” says Antonelli. “The teachers rallied, we followed the guidelines and everyone worked so hard. We were able to have an outdoor graduation for our eighth graders that June.”
Sadly, there was no carnival that year, resulting in fewer funds for the school, but Antonelli is grateful for government grants the school received in order to stay open. “We survived,” she says.
Antonelli is also very grateful for the pastor of Holy Spirit School, the Rev. Stephen Prisk, a big supporter of her efforts. “Father [Prisk] loved his own education in Catholic school and wants our children to have the same experience that he had,” says Antonelli.
He shares her feelings that school is a place of welcome. Prisk is also a very good sport, especially at the carnival. You may have even spotted him in the dunk tank!
Students walk over to Holy Spirit Church for Mass as a school once a month, and two classes are taken to Mass each week. “By the end of the month, children are getting many opportunities to visit Mass, it’s very special,” says Antonelli.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Antonelli has been honored with the NCEA Principal of the Year Award, the Papal Award of the Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice, the Vivere Christus Diocesan Award and the Caritas Award for Advocacy Catholic education from the Catholic Charities.
In addition to these distinguished honors, Antonelli held the position of provincial counselor and director of ministries as part of the administration for the Religious Teachers Filippini from 2001 to 2007. She was happy to be recently asked to serve as counselor again and was appointed director of ministries from 2019 until 2025, while continuing to lead Holy Spirit School as principal.
Antonelli is excited for the summer. Again, early June will kick off with the annual Holy Spirit Carnival, and at the end of June, Antonelli will travel with the General Chapter to Rome for a month. This is her fifth time taking the trip as part of the group (with members elected from the community.)
She looks forward to her time in Italy, where the chapter will ensure traditions and values are upheld, make
decisions and seek guidance for the future, and are expected to have an audience with Pope Francis.
Antonelli looks forward to this special time as well as enjoying the Italian food of her heritage! Upon her return, she’ll be back to prepping for the 2025-2026 school year at Holy Spirit School.
“At the center of everything I do is serving God through my ministry in Catholic education,” she says. “We want the child’s experience to be one of joy— to learn to the best of their ability, to not only be functioning members of the world, but to know God and to share that love and have hope. We need hope now more than ever.”
Visit www.holyspiritschoolpequanock.com or call 973-835-5680 to learn more about Holy Spirit School and its mission. Follow the Holy Spirit School page on Facebook for updates on Holy Spirit Carnival, coming June 3 to 7.
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!
A scene of promise at the Holy Spirit Carnival
Learning the Art of Eloquence
Gina Mongiello, vice
president of public relations for Master the Craft Toastmasters of Pompton Plains, in action.
Members of Master the Craft Toastmasters of Pompton Plains help each other share ideas—and
a bit of themselves.
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
TTHE IDEA OF SPEAKING in front of a large crowd may bring on a case of nerves for many. Toastmasters could help put those tensions to rest while teaching invaluable life lessons and skills you may have never expected. We sat down with Gina Mongiello, Pequannock Township native and vice president of public relations for Master the Craft Toastmasters of Pompton Plains to learn more about this wonderful organization.
The Toastmasters Club was founded in 1905 by Ralph C. Smedley in Illinois to help teach public speaking (taking its name from the term for a person who gives toasts at occasions) and is over 100 years old. The Pompton Plains chapter began in 2009 when a pastor from First Reformed Church, Roland Petit, wanted to help people during the job crisis of the time.
The group still has an original member from 2009, Andrew Paleologos. “There are many positive ways members of Master the Craft have supported me over the years, and if I could pick one thing right now, it’s companionship—how people cared not only to help me be a better communicator but, more importantly,
a better person at work, home and the community,” Paleologos says.
Mongiello joined Toastmasters in 2020, when meetings were fully in person until the pandemic caused a shift. Zoom meetings helped fill the void until hybrid gatherings helped close the gap starting in July 2022.
SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Club meetings give members structure, feedback and community support to pursue passions, choose topics and get feedback on their public speaking.
The meeting structure is important, and members have rotating roles such as an “ah” counter, grammarian, the listener and table topics master. Club roles help with leadership skills, and there is always a toastmaster (MC) who leads the group through the first half of the meeting. A general evaluator leads the second half, and members combine this structured format with a relaxed and welcoming feel to explore ways to communicate ideas effectively.
Members include executives, engineers, life coaches, lawyers, small
business owners and more. “All walks of life come to give presentations to get their ideas across,” says Mongiello. “We not only help with public speaking and leadership, but Toastmasters is also a place to make friends, receive valuable feedback and develop your passions and pursuits.”
Members find the club invaluable. “I attended my first Master the Craft meeting in April 2023 and immediately felt a connection with the people and the concept of Toastmasters,” says member Bob Smith. “I saw new horizons of communication open up as I was encouraged to step out and give a short talk or just interact with some of the forms of communication used in the meetings.”
Smith appreciates that meetings are based around members supporting one another to become a master at better communication, “which translates into a more confident lifestyle with family, friends and business associates,” he says. “I feel supported by the club when I give speeches and find members listening to me attentively as well as taking the effort to provide
Master the Craft Toastmasters of Pompton Plains gather in front of their meeting place at Friendship Hall in Pompton Plains. The club’s members include (from left) Deepa Mathew, Ron Kavanagh, Bob Smith and Gina Mongiello.
thoughtful and insightful feedback if they are evaluating me,” says member Deepa Mathew.
“Master the Craft offers an encouraging environment where I feel free to express myself,” says Ron Kavanagh. “The positive reinforcement, constructive feedback and nonjudgmental atmosphere motivates me to take risks to improve.”
OPTIONS FOR EDUCATION
The Pathways learning experience is Toastmasters’ education program. “This includes impromptu speaking opportunities to aid members in interview prep, online meeting management, leadership development, project management and conflict resolution,” says Mongiello. “Teaching others to communicate in an effective and authentic way is priceless”—a way to invite people into your story. She adds that it’s important for business owners to communicate the value of their enterprise and services to prospective clients.
Learning how to organize thoughts and deliver a speech is also a valuable tool in many other aspects of life, such as speaking at an HSA meeting or writing a eulogy for a loved one. Mongiello says the skills you learn from Toastmasters can teach the confidence to get those messages across, communicate ideas, help with storytelling and bring topics to life. The beauty of Toastmasters is you select the topics, and meetings are a safe space to share.
If you like to challenge yourself, there are other opportunities through Toastmasters as well. Mongiello won the Area Contest 31 this year, speaking about her father, who passed away in the fall of 2024.
She also won Toastmaster of the Year Award in 2024 for outstanding service to her district and the Distinguished Toastmaster Award in 2024, which represents the highest level of
achievement for members displaying outstanding enthusiasm, participation and leadership in Toastmasters.
In addition, she facilitated a Youth Leadership Program for a group of 15 teens in the New Jersey Homeschool Association for eight weeks, during which she helped youth develop their speaking and leadership skills.
“Students worked hard to overcome their fears of public speaking and fine-tuned their message, engaging the audience from their own personal style of speaking,” she says. “Family and friends were invited to a final celebration, where four of the students gave a speech to about 50 people— what an achievement!” says Mongiello.
Working to best develop and articulate your message is the most meaningful gift you can give to the person who most needs to hear it.”
- Gina Mongiello
Another personal goal was Mongiello’s 77-day live challenge in September 2022, in which she went live on social media for 77 days in a row, finding creative ways to approach a variety of topics.
She is currently working on a pathway called strategic relationships to explore a dream to open a cafe where all are welcome. Menu items such as Forgiveness Soup promote a place where patrons can heal their souls while dining on fresh and healthy foods, which Mongiello loves to prepare. The pathway is a method to try out an idea without taking the plunge and assessing upon completion if it’s a good business plan to embark on.
TELLING YOUR STORY
In her spare time, Mongiello loves wildlife photography and using her
images to inspire others with online posts that connect to important issues or thoughts of the day. The great outdoors inspires her.
In April 2023, she began walking the 130 miles of the Jersey Shore, finishing in November 2024, and is writing a book about the experience. The book will contain 40 chapters of 40 different walks, with journal prompts after each. She met up with different people on her beach walks and will reflect on those encounters.
Mongiello is strong in her faith in God. She is passionate about raising awareness about depression and suicide in the elderly population, wanting to help older adults find new purpose and have more natural means for well-being and to feel more valued in society.
It’s clear that Toastmasters is for all— and your story is one that someone may need to hear. As Mongiello says so eloquently “You, at every age, have a unique message for the world. Working to best develop and articulate your message is the most meaningful gift you can give to the person who most needs to hear it.”
To become a member of Toastmasters, call Ron Pizza, vice president of membership at Master the Craft Toastmasters of Pompton Plains, 973-809-7213; visit the chapter’s Facebook page; or find a local chapter via www.toastmasters.org.
The group meets the first and third Monday of every month. Meetings are on Zoom on the first Monday and hybrid on the third Monday in Keator Parlor in First Reformed Church’s Friendship Hall, Pompton Plains.
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!
SERVICE REMINDER
LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER ED LEONARD was asked to step in front of the lens for a change! Leonard, a graduate of Pequannock Township High School class of 1966 and a Vietnam veteran, proudly points to his Army service photo on the PTHS Alumni Veterans Wall in Pompton Plains. This image of Leonard at the wall was taken by Antonietta Henry, a fellow photographer and an adoring fan of Leonard’s. Be sure to stop by and see the completed wall.
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