Our top-quality cabinetry services and products are only available at select locations including:
down with 13-year-old
Esposito, who steps up to the baseball field with confidence and calm while managing Type 1 diabetes.
collaboration between Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center and high school educators, The Allied Health Academy is where health dreams are made.
athletes and married runners Kate Shumeyko and Paul Capuzzo let us into their world of laces and races.
nWELCOMING NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER IS THE season of gratitude, and families across our township are preparing to gather around the table for good food, memories, and fun. We may not have our own table to host the community and share our appreciation for this town, but we’re thankful nonetheless to have incredible people month after month to feature in Pequannock magazine.
This issue kicks off with 13-yearold Anthony Esposito, an inspiring baseball player who manages his sport, school, and Type 1 diabetes with the poise of someone much older. We were impressed by his dedication to managing his health and his passion— but the support and love evident from those who surround him is what truly completes the story.
We also check in with the Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center team to get a behind-the-scenes look at their program with Pequannock Township High School: The Allied Health Academy. Here, educators guide students to be the health care professionals of tomorrow. These kids put in a lot of work and hours to do what they do, and, as the team at
Atlantic Health who train them know, their work will pay off tenfold when these students become the next doctors and nurses. We’ll all be thankful for it!
Our last feature of the month follows Kate Shumeyko and Paul Capuzzo, a married couple whose goals lace up right alongside their running shoes. Both competitive runners, Shumeyko and Capuzzo show the impact of dedicated training, relentless passion, and perhaps most importantly, unwavering support for each other.
As you settle into November and get ready to enter the whirlwind of the holiday season, don’t forget to cherish the amazing community that surrounds us in Pequannock.
You and your neighbors are what make us thankful for what we do.
Warmly, Tom
Flannery
And please be sure to send in your ideas for future articles to thomas.flannery@ wainscotmedia.com!
Pequannock & Pompton Plains
Publisher Thomas Flannery
201.571.2252
Sales Director
Pearl Liss 973.723.6200
Writers
Antonietta Henry
Danielle Clements
Jenna Galletti
Mary Shumeyko
Photographer
Antonietta Henry
Maureen Brain
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor Elaine Paoloni Quilici
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.
Here for the Hall of Fame
Five honorees were inducted into the Pequannock Township High School Hall of Fame.
BY MARY SHUMEYKO
THE MARQUEE IN front of Pequannock Township High School flashes their names. The hallway inside displays plaques with their photos and bios.
The five honorees of the PTHS Hall of Fame 2025 were honored at a dinner held at Cypress Tavern in September; they were also introduced to the Homecoming crowd at Friday night’s football game. Ranging in graduation years from 1968 to 1995, they represent a myriad of talent, accomplishments, and dedication. Here are some notable facts about what makes them special.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARY SHUMEYKO
NANCY LYNCH BARAN
Nancy has organized trips to the Dominican Republic through Our Lady of Good Council’s Mission of Hope, helping thousands of children and families with desperately needed medical care and education. Her many visits there invited local volunteers to participate and contributed to her winning the 2018 Social Justice Award.
BRITTANY RYAN-BERZINS
Dr. Ryan-Berzins established a local mental health practice where countless patients are helped in navigating hurdles through life. Through her background in clinical psychology, Dr. Ryan-Berzins provides support and psychotherapy at Birch Tree Psychology, a respected growing venture in our town.
KRISTEN COPPOLA
A celebrated professor of psychiatry at Rutgers University, Dr. Coppola shares her passion for learning with both graduate and undergraduate students. Her commitment to excellence goes beyond the classroom as she advocates for community service and opportunities for young and adult populations with special needs.
Opposite page: The 2025 Honorees of the PTHS Hall of Fame with their awards. Pictured from left to right: Nancy Lynch Baran, Kristen Bucaro Coppola, Denis Nelson Jr., Brittany RyanBerzins, and Janine Jagger. This page, top left: The commemorative tablet honoring all recipients of the PTHS Hall of Fame awards.
Above: The marquee on the lawn in front of PTHS congratulates the honorees of the 2025 Hall of Fame.
Left: Welcome to the 2025 PTHS Hall of Fame dinner.
Below: Plaques for all 35 honorees (past and present)
JANINE JAGGER
Dr. Jagger is a renowned epidemiologist: in her words, a “disease detective.” She is also responsible for countless devices that create greater safety in the medical profession. Her work with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) earned her world-wide recognition, saving patients from the diagnosis of “incurable.”
DENIS NELSON
An educator on and off the playing field, Nelson served for over 20 years as the athletic director of River Dell High School. Active in many areas, he shared his leadership in several sports conferences and recently won the Life-Time Achievement Award from the Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey.
The PTHS Alma Matter emphasizes “Pride, Trust, Honor, and Success.” Congratulations to our honorees who mirror those words.
For more information about these exemplary people, go to www.pequannock.org/hall-of-fame.
Mary Shumeyko is a retired Pequannock teacher who helps at her church and the Pequannock Library. Traveling, running, reading, and spending time with her family fill her free time.
Right: A festive moment shared by Angela Teta Kohle and Brian Silipena, co-chairs of the PTHS Hall of Fame Committee.
are proudly displayed in the special section dedicated to the PTHS Hall of Fame.
Stirring Up DREAMS
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
AS I WALKED into the kitchen of Rose M. Donnelly, owner of Baked Fresh by Rose, I was hit with the amazing smell of bread and cookies baking. A cake, ready to be decorated, was on the counter and fruit was prepped for slicing. A sourdough loaf was in the oven, and little did I know it would be gifted to me at the end of our meeting. Rose M. Donnelly greeted me with a warm smile and a personality as sweet as the treats she creates.
You may recognize Donnelly from her recent Pequannock Street Fair appearance in September, where she had a booth. This has been a long time coming for the baker.
“I started baking for friends and family in 2019, however, I have enjoyed cooking since I was a young girl,” says Donnelly. A resident of Pequannock Township since that same year, the Donnelly family felt welcomed upon arrival and have roots in town.
“My husband’s grandparents lived in this beautiful town for over 40 years, and we were fortunate enough to purchase their
home, where we live now,” she says.
In December of 2024, Donnelly was honored to be a quarter finalist in The Greatest Baker, presented by Buddy Valastro of Cake Boss fame. For the competition, Donnelly baked a Dominican cake with dulce de leche filling and Swiss meringue butter cream. “I discovered that baking teaches patience, persistence, and creativity,” she says.
Donnelly creates every treat imaginable from cakes, cookies, brownies, pastries and tres leches cake to jalapeño cheddar bread loaves and focaccia. She enjoys baking and handcrafting birthday and special occasion cakes most.
“Cakes are my favorite pieces to work on,” she says.
Her most popular items are sourdough and zucchini breads. Banana bread is another big seller. And her chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls are a favorite of her children and clients alike!
Rose M. Donnelly, owner of Baked Fresh by Rose, is baking the world a better place, one cake at a time!
Opposite: Rose Donnelly of Baked Fresh by Rose.
BAKING A BUSINESS
Starting a baking business was a step Donnelly knew she wanted to take, and she did so with care. “I started my business with the help and support of my husband Sean and researched the proper steps to open a legitimate business in an efficient and productive manner,” says Donnelly.
Baked Fresh by Rose is up and running, allowing customers to “[e]xperience the exquisite flavors crafted with care... Our dishes are made with fresh organic ingredients sourced globally, promoting healthier lifestyles. Every bite tells a story of passion and quality,” according to the website.
In her spare time, Donnelly loves spending time with her husband and their three children Roxy, Emma, and Logan. She enjoys volunteering at Holy Spirit School in Pequannock, (where her children attend) and participating in the book club at their community parish, Holy Spirit Church. Curling up on the couch with a movie makes her happy as does hitting the treadmill whenever she can. “I am very much a happy homebody,” she says.
Donnelly is thrilled to do what she loves: “Baked Fresh by Rose is a cozy home bakery where dreams come true. From classic cookies to custom cakes, everything handmade from scratch with real ingredients, passion, and a sprinkle of joy.”
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 best way for clients to contact Baked Fresh by Rose is by phone or text: (862-668-4969. Visit the Baked Fresh by Rose website at www.baked freshbyrose.com.
Clockwise from top left: Packaged goods ready for sale and delivery. A sprinkling of care. Fresh baked sourdough bread. Chocolate Chip cookies fresh from the oven.
Always in the Game
We sat down with 13-year-old Anthony Esposito, who steps up to the baseball field with confidence and calm while managing Type 1 diabetes.
I
BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS
IN THIS MOST recent baseball season, Pequannock’s Anthony Esposito has made his mark across four different baseball teams, proving to be an unstoppable force on the field. With the Pequannock 12U Patriots, he powered through 26 games, delivering a stellar .355 batting average with 22 hits—including 2 doubles and 5 home runs—while driving in 28 runs. Defensively, he shined with a .949 fielding percentage: reliable in every play. Rounding out his versatility, Anthony took the mound to pitch with precision in 9 games, dominating hitters with a razor-sharp 1.80 ERA. Off the field, Esposito manages his Type 1 diabetes with the same strength and heart he brings to every baseball game.
THROWN A CURVE BALL
When Anthony was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 4, his parents, Michael and Aileen Esposito, found themselves managing not just a very young household, but also a new world of nutrition, medication, and all the parental worry that comes along with it. “It was certainly a journey,” Aileen says.
Anthony’s Type 1 diagnosis came after symptoms that, on their own, seemed typical for a toddler—but together raised alarms for his parents. He was thinning out, constantly tired, hard to wake for school, and needing the bathroom frequently despite not drinking excessive amounts of water. Following a trip to the Liberty Science Center, Anthony began vomiting.
“We thought he had a stomach virus, but he was actually going into DKA, or diabetic ketoacidosis,” says Aileen. They were immediately sent from the pediatrician to the emergency room, where Anthony landed in the ICU for five days. Aileen reflects: “If we had known about these symptoms earlier, he would probably still need to be on insulin, but maybe he wouldn’t have gone into DKA.” Type 1 diabetes means that Anthony is insulin reliant, but both he and Aileen are quick to emphasize that it’s manageable and doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
SMART, STEADY AND SELF-DISCIPLINED
Sitting side by side on the bleachers near the baseball field, Aileen and Anthony talk casually about his day.
Opposite page: Anthony Esposito in the dugout at Washington Park, Pequannock Township. This page: Proud parents Michael and Aileen with Anthony.
Clockwise from top: Anthony doing what he loves at the mound at Washington Park. Anthony training with Coach Kevin Inglis. Anthony and coach Kevin Inglis, who has hosted Diabetes Awareness games. Anthony and his parents Michael and Aileen.
“Pizza and pasta are still favorites to monitor—well, he’s Italian,” they joke, laughing together. Anthony explains how things have shifted since his diagnosis: Insulin first thing in the morning, a short wait, then breakfast before heading off to school. Carbs are now carefully measured, often traded for “free” foods like meats and vegetables to keep his levels steady.
Still, Anthony insists, life feels much the same as any other kid’s— except he gets to keep his phone on him during the school day, he adds with a mischievous laugh, since it syncs with his Dexcom glucose monitor that is always attached to his arm. If anything is off, both Anthony and his parents receive a
text message notification.
By the fourth grade, Anthony was managing his monitor on his own, a responsibility his parents trusted to him knowing they couldn’t be with him every moment.
“The more we learned about diabetes, the more we realized he’s still the same Anthony,” Aileen says. “We knew he loved sports, and we didn’t want anything to change. We just wanted Anthony to be Anthony.”
But Anthony did change. He developed a quiet strength most don’t find until later in life, stepping up to the challenge of managing his levels with discipline and focus. That strength fueled his confidence and sharpened his ability to excel under pressure.
To learn more about early adolescent symptoms of diabetes, visit the Type 1 research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D at www.breakthroughT1d.org
Common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes:
• Extreme thirst
• Increased appetite
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Heavy or labored breathing
• Fruity odor on breath
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Dry mouth and itchy skin
• Sudden vision changes
BASEBALL LIFE
Diabetes hasn’t slowed Anthony down. On pitching, he beams. “You’re always in the game when you’re pitching. Every pitch, you’re in the game. When you’re on the mound, the pressure is on you, and I like that,” he says, adding: “I like being in those big moments. Then, when you’re in the small moments, it’s not that hard.”
His baseball coach Kevin Inglis agrees: “Coaching Anthony over the past six years has been a real inspiration to me personally. I remember asking him if he must give himself a shot daily and his answer being a simple, ‘yeah.’ Managing diabetes every day and still giving 110% at every practice and game is nothing short of inspirational,” Inglis says.
The respect between player and
coach is mutual. Anthony described Inglis’s mentorship, saying, “I love Coach, he’s never treated me any differently than the other kids. He checks in with me when I’m pitching, checks to see if I need to come out, but it feels normal.”
Inglis summed it up perfectly: “Anthony is a grinder when it comes to competitive sports, but what is most impressive is his leadership. In tough games, I know I can look down the bench and see Ant with his big smile just enjoying the moment playing baseball with his best friends,” Inglis says. And after all, what’s better than that?
Pequannock resident Danielle Clements is a lucky wife, mom to two awesome boys, dog lover (especially her beloved Bowie), and communications professional.
Left: The Esposito Family with their Team ACE shirts (Anthony’s initials) at a Type 1 Diabetes Research Walk through Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Photograph courtesy of the Esposito family. Above: The Esposito Family on a beach vacation. From left, Anthony, Michael, Mike, Aileen, Donovan, and Charlie. Photograph courtesy Jenn Morris and the Esposito family. Below: Anthony around the time he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Photograph courtesy of the Esposito family.
The Allied Health Academy
A
collaboration between Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center and high school educators,
The
Allied Health Academy is where health dreams are made.
AASK ANY OF the administrators or teachers who are part of the Allied Health Academy program what’s most rewarding about the program, and you’ll find that the students are at the heart of all answers.
The Allied Health Academy has been a true work in collaboration. Beginning in 2018, health professionals and high school educators have been setting students up for successful careers in health care. At a back-to-school night presentation at Pequannock Township High School in the fall, Allied Health Academy teachers described hearing from graduates of the program who are ahead of the game in college thanks to the Allied Health Academy, which is a testament to the program.
Karen Haber, administrative assistant at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center for Nursing Education and
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
coordinator of the Allied Academy Health program for the past six years, is a team player. She works under the direction of Kerry Quinn, manager of nursing education. Quinn has been employed with Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center for over 20 years and is “passionate about nursing education and supporting all nurses to further their professional development,” says Haber.
“The director of Atlantic Health at the time, Rosalie Winning and former President of Chilton, Stephanie Schwartz, came up with the curriculum to collaborate with high school teachers and connect Rutgers with Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center,” Haber explains.
The program would not be where it is today without several important people including Dr. Maureen Schneider,
President of Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center (and senior vice president of Atlantic Health), Ginelle Walker-Way, CNO, and Eric Perez, MD, chief medical officer.
“Everyone gives 120% to the program,” says Haber. “They visit students, observe senior capstone projects and offer support,” she adds.
William Daniels, director of operations has had his own daughter go through the program, graduate, and become employed at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center in a full circle moment.
EARLY ROOTS
Students apply to the program while in eighth grade, sending transcripts, teacher recommendations, and an essay. Students are narrowed down for interviews and wait for a final
notification of acceptance.
However, applicants are not limited to just their eighth grade year. If students don’t apply in eighth grade and do so in high school, they enter into the shared time program. This provides a good option for students who decide to enter the program a little later.
As freshmen, a bioethics class is completed, and by sophomore year, more classes are incorporated into schedules, such as lessons on genetics. By junior and senior year, students are taking more courses, such as anatomy and physiology and rotations at the medical center begin. Students
Catherine Dougherty.
This page: Karen Haber, administrative assistant at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center for Nursing Education and coordinator of the Allied Health Academy program.
the program.
Jill Marotta, supervisor of math at Allied Academy Healt, is proud of the program.
“This is a truly special opportunity in health care pathways that many students don’t have the opportunity to experience until college or after. It’s rewarding to provide students rich, realworld learning experiences that directly connect classroom learning with the hospital job shadowing experience. I love hearing from students about their experiences,” she says.
PTHS academy coordinator Edward Kopp was thrilled to share the Allied Health Academy program with Pequannock magazine and the community: “I am inspired by these young men and women as they dedicate their lives to helping others live happier, healthier lives. These students are proof that the future is in good hands,” says Kopp.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANY
shadow a preceptor (an experienced professional who provides direct, hands-on guidance, instruction, and supervision) to learn as much as possible.
“Juniors have one rotation, seniors have two, and the capstone project is the highlight of senior year,” Haber explains.
Seniors have two departments over the course of the school year where they focus on an area of interest. For the capstone project, students select a topic to research and present about it. They are encouraged to use their resources and ask for help from any contacts they’ve made throughout
You don’t have to be a Pequannock resident to participate in the academy. Full time students in the program come from Pequannock or Lincoln Park. Shared time students apply through Morris County Vo-tech.
Those districts include Boonton, Butler, Dover, Montville, Morristown, Morris Hills Regional, Mt. Olive, Parsippany-Troy Hills Regional, Randolph, Roxbury, and West Morris Regional. “When students are not on rotations, they attend their home school,” says Haber.
The program encourages students to experience as many departments as possible on rotations to get a wellrounded experience. Some students begin with dreams of a career in physical therapy, and then decide they
Opposite: PTHS Allied Health Academy educators: Back row standing, Edward Kopp, Jill Marotta, William Thimmel, D.C., Michael Seebock, and Angel Cabrera. Seated from left are Ariel Delverde and
want to work in a completely different field based on the impact of their rotations. Students have witnessed births, procedures, and testing (with consent of patients, of course), and many are moved by the experience.
“I’ll never forget a student coming to me with tears in his eyes after witnessing a birth,” Haber fondly recalls.
Students are encouraged to take the initiative, be proactive, ask questions, problem solve, and always behave with respect and professionalism. Good attendance is strongly encouraged.
Haber says: “You’re going to see it all; there will be parts you love and parts you don’t like, but that’s how you’re able to narrow down the field you want to pursue.” She stresses that from day one, you are making an impression: “You want those who worked with you to remember you in the future,” says Haber.
COLLEGE PREP
Another benefit of the academy is the college credits. Students who complete all their requirements receive 19 Rutgers credits, which can be directly applied at Rutgers or transferred to many other colleges (depending on how each school applies the credit.)
PTHS teachers visit their students at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center twice a year to see how the students are performing in the hospital setting.
“We work closely with the school; the school is part of our team,” Haber says.
Ariel Valverde has been teaching the program from the start, “One of my favorite developments of the program is the public end of year Capstone Research Symposium. At this event, students present actual research findings on medical topics they are passionate about to medical professionals, families, the community members, and anyone else in the public
who is interested. More information can be found on the instagram account @MorrisAlliedHealth,” says Valverde.
A PASSION FOR STUDENTS
Dr. William Thimmel is passionate about his profession as well.
“I’m honored and proud to be part of the team,” he says. “This program is a fantastic opportunity for young students interested in a health care profession to experience and gain an early knowledge of graduate level material,” he says.
Angel Cabrera finds inspiration in his students. “Seeing the pride in my students when they begin to understand complex medical topics they once found intimidating is rewarding. This program shows them that there is no limit to the things that they can accomplish and empowers them to take ownership of their education,” he says.
This page: Allied Health Academy Science labs. Models used in the Allied Health Academy classroom. Opposite page: Allied Health Academy students enter Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center for rotations.
Catherine Dougherty enjoys seeing her students at PTHS soar.
“From shaking their hands during the admissions interview to proudly reading their names as they walk across the stage at Rutgers’ graduation, being part of my students’ journey is incredibly special. Hearing alumni are prepared for their dream careers shows that the impact we have extends far beyond the classroom,” she says.
Michael Seeback is proud to be part of Allied Health Academy: “Our program affords students the opportunity to take a unique blend of courses that prepare them for any and all careers in the health care profession as well as working with practicing health care professionals in a hospital setting. Our alumni report a higher level of preparation and confidence to engage in coursework and with a discerned career pathway,” says Seeback.
A common misconception is that academy members have to pursue health care in college.
“You’re not locked into a career in health care by joining the academy and can leave the program at any time if you decide this is not the right fit,” says Haber. An exit interview is completed after informing the academy coordinator for students to be released if needed.
In the end, Haber finds the program endlessly rewarding.
“The most rewarding part of this program is the excitement of the students when they return from rotations, when they can’t wait to tell me what they did or witnessed while shadowing,” she says. “I love when I see them out and about, whether it be while they’re in the program or after they graduate, hearing a ‘Hi, Mrs. Haber!’ when at a Yankee game or at the store brings me joy.”
Haber loves to hear how the students’ time in the Allied Health Academy and during their Chilton rotations influenced their life and college class choice. “I enjoy watching them grow and become employed, often at Atlantic Health; so many stay in touch,” she says. “They’ll email me and tell me they remember what they learned here; it’s the best part of the job, the students. I’m proud to be a part of this program and Atlantic Health. This is an excellent program that connects Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center and the community.”
For Pequannock students interested in finding out more, see your guidance counselor for the application process.
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!
Born to Run
Extreme athletes and married runners Kate Shumeyko and Paul Capuzzo let us into their world of laces and races.
SSO…DO YOU run here often?
It was 2016 when Kate Shumeyko and Paul Capuzzo met through a friend at a race, and sparks flew. The pair went for a run on their first date and five years later were married in Kate’s parents’ backyard in Pompton Plains. Both avid runners and athletes, the two have formed a life together centered on family and fitness.
Kate, a lifelong resident of Pompton Plains and a Pequannock Township High School alumnus, ran in middle and high school, running 5K and 10K races. But it wasn’t until college that she pursued more extreme goals thanks to the example of her parents. Kate’s mom Mary would run distances including half marathons (13.1 miles) and her dad Dan would complete triathlons, biathlons, and run full marathons (26.2 miles).
“Watching my dad run the New
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
York City marathon when I was in college was a great inspiration for me to try running farther distances,” she says. Kate completed her first half marathon with her mom at the Jersey Shore: Sandy Hook 2000, then her first marathon with her dad, the Philadelphia Marathon in 2002.
LACING UP
She graduated from Rutgers with a bachleor’s in art history and psychology and then attended William Paterson University for an art education certification in 2001. Kate’s been teaching elementary art since. She currently teaches in Wayne at A.P. Terhune and Randall Carter Schools. Kate also works at the running store, Fleet Feet in Montclair in summers and some weekends since 2006. In addition, she coaches under her small coaching profile (The Pinecone
Project) and currently has seven athletes for road and trail races, which are her specialty.
Kate’s passions are in trail and ultra distance running. She has run six 100 plus mile races, eight races of 50 to 80 miles, at least 20 50k’s (31 miles) and 20 road marathons, including four Boston Marathons. Her proudest athletic achievement was a point-to-point race between New Jersey and New York (approximately 70 miles). In this type of race, runners carry everything with them. Navigating terrain on your own and in the dark as the race starts in the evening is a challenge.
“It’s fully self-supported. You carry everything you need, navigate, filter water from streams, and make checkpoint time cutoffs to be allowed to continue on. It has over 10,000 feet of elevation and is extremely technical trail terrain,” says Kate. She attempted
the race twice before but completed it on her third try and won in September 2024. The race took 25 hours 51 minutes, earning her a coveted Tomahawk medal. She also won the Tomahawks for the 30-mile races in 2019 and 2023.
AT YOUR MARKS
Paul Capuzzo hails from Emerson, New Jersey and ran in high school and college. He started triathlons in 2003 and completed his first full Ironman race in 2022 in Lake Placid (and again in 2024).
A graduate of St. Peters College, Paul earned a degree in mathematics in 1995 and a master’s in mathematics from Montclair State in 2004. He teaches math and computer science in Old Tappan at Northern Valley Regional High School. In addition to teaching, Paul is the owner of the training business Capuzzo Multisport Coaching LLC, coaching mostly local athletes (both virtually and in person). Clients
receive training via software, and meet ups are planned for running or biking with Paul.
Although Paul is used to motivating others, a bike accident in 2020 prompted self-motivation to recover.
“I was injured badly on a training ride,” he says. “I broke my clavicle, bones in my neck and skull, fractured a rib, had plastic surgery to repair my ear and countless sutures in my face and ear as well as road rash all over my body.”
Impressively, Paul recovered and raced in the Ironman in Lake Placid (with a steep 8-mile downhill course, which is done twice). Getting back to competing was a big accomplishment for the athlete. “To reframe that crash as something I could grow from was so important to me,” he says.
This year, Paul qualified for Ironman 70.3 World Championships at the Eagleman 70.3 race and will now compete at Ironman 70.3 Worlds in Marbella, Spain on Nov. 9. To prepare,
he will do plenty of swimming at Spa 23, runs on the Rail Trail in town, bike locally as well as in Montville, Kinnelon, and Harriman State Park for hills.
“This is a great area for training,” he says. Kate will join him in Spain to cheer him on.
LIVING THE DREAM
“We have the love to compete in common with the people we train, we lead by example with our own lifestyle of proper training, eating, sleeping. We walk the walk,” says Paul.
Kate and Paul are pescatarians, stay away from extra sugar when training for a competition, and increase their protein. “We follow a Mediterranean diet,” says Paul.
Kate encourages those starting out to start easy and become consistent. “Go slow in the beginning. Build structure and routine. Hydrate! Trust the process!” she says. Both Kate and Paul are currently preparing for their next challenges.
“Right now, all my eggs are in one basket, my first international competition in Spain,” says Paul. “I feel the experience will make me a better coach.”
Kate is training for a marathon in December in Sacramento, California (CIM California International Marathon) and then the Boston Marathon in April of 2026. She loads in trail races throughout the year and will add in more ultra distances after she finishes Boston in April.
The couple spend their free time training. “When training for an event, it’s for better or worse,” they share. Kate also likes to craft, thrift, and host crafting parties with friends. They both love traveling to Maine, “it’s a great place for training,” and enjoy spending time with friends in town and of course, their family.
Athleticism definitely runs in the family! Kate has a son, Julian (19) who was a successful wrestler and golfer at PTHS, a daughter, Sylvie (16) who
is dedicated to PTHS Color Guard and softball, and Paul has two sons, Joe (20) a competitive D1 runner at Canisius University and Matthew (17) a competitive rock climber. They also have two dogs, Hoppy and Georgia.
The family enjoys plenty of local spots in town such as Ameti’s for family pizza nights, Francesca’s bakery, Defying Gravitea, Tavern 5, and Pompton Nutrition to name a few. The biggest activity for the pair is to cheer for their children and enjoy their two dogs. Supporting the kids in all they do is very important to them.
Much like an ultra-marathon, their love goes on and on. “I think Kate and I thrive individually as endurance athletes because we each know we have the other’s support and understanding,” says Paul. “We share ideas, we talk out things we’re struggling with, we help advise each other’s athletes, and so much more. I think we complement each other perfectly and I’m so grateful to have
such an awesome partner.”
Kate couldn’t agree more: “Paul is my best friend. We genuinely enjoy each other and can be our true selves. Because we’re both endurance athletes, we understand and support each other unconditionally. He’s the person I need to call when I’m having a rough patch in my really long races. He listens, lets me cry when I need to, and then gently pushes me forward to keep going. He’s the perfect partner for me in racing and in life!”
For more information on training with Paul or Kate, visit www.cmctri.com for Capuzzo Multi Sport Training LLC and Kate’s Instagram, Pinecone Trail Running @pineconetrailrunning
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!
This page, top: Kate, Paul and their families gather for a celebration in summer of 2025. Photograph courtesy of Kate Shumeyko.
Early detection is the best protection.
A mammogram is one of the simplest, most powerful steps you can take to protect your health. When breast cancer is found in its earliest stage, the survival rate is 99%.
Source: American Cancer Society
SCAN TO SCHEDULE YOUR MAMMOGRAM TODAY.
The Gift of Greenery
Plants add beauty and health benefits to your space. Green thumb optional.
BY JENNA GALLETTI
THERE’S A REASON plant parents never stop at just one. Even if every single leaf in your home is technically green, the variety is endless. Think about it: a monstera’s glossy, hole-punched leaves look nothing like the trailing strands of a pothos, or the spiky drama of a snake plant. Some grow tall and upright like proud little sentinels, others drape elegantly from shelves or cascade out of hanging baskets. Even the shades of green tell a story—soft sage, deep emerald, chartreuse, nearly black. It’s all proof that green is anything but boring.
CATS
VS. PLANTS (THE SHOWDOWN)
If your cat friends think plants are a salad bar, don’t give up on greenery just yet. Instead, get creative with placement.
Floating shelves are perfect little stages for trailing plants, and ceiling hooks with decorative macramé hangers let you hang plants safely out of paw’s reach. The result?
Your cats stay safe, your plants stay whole, and your home looks like an urban jungle. Win-win-win.
CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE
Not everyone has the time (or patience) to mist exotic orchids twice a day. Luckily, plants come with different care levels, and some are basically foolproof. A few of the most “goof-proof” options:
• Snake plant: practically thrives on neglect
• ZZ plant: glossy, low-maintenance, and nearly indestructible
• Pothos: grows like crazy in almost any light
• Philodendron: forgiving and fastgrowing, perfect for beginners
If you want a little more of a challenge, consider ferns or fiddle leaf figs, but only if you’re ready for the commitment.
DRESS THEM UP
Plants may bring the green, but pot brings the personality. A snake plant in terracotta feels earthy and relaxed, while the same plant in a glossy white ceramic looks modern and polished. A bold glazed planter can add a pop of color, while a woven basket creates an easy, laidback vibe. Switching up planters is a simple way to refresh your space and make your greenery feel even more intentional.
REAP THE BENEFITS
Yes, plants look good in every corner of the house, but they’re also good for you. Studies show that being surrounded by greenery
can reduce stress, boost focus, and even improve air quality. They add humidity to dry winter air and create a sense of calm in busy spaces. Simply put, plants make us feel good, and who doesn’t want a little more of that at home?
Adding plants to your home doesn’t mean becoming a full-time gardener. Whether you’re building a shelf full of lush trailing vines, hanging a statement in green from the ceiling, or sticking to a single low-maintenance snake plant, there’s a plant friend for every personality and lifestyle. With a little creativity (and maybe a floating shelf or two), you can turn your space into a vibrant, living sanctuary, no green thumb required.
Favorite Area Eateries
A roster of great places to eat—with select locations near the Pompton Valley Rail Trail highlighted in red.
Maggies Town Tavern 1082 Hamburg Turnpike (973) 256-7702 www.maggiestowntavern.com
In the Drink 209 Totowa Road (973) 832-7997 www.inthedrinkrestaurant.com
High SocieTea House 20 Old Newark Pompton Turnpike (973) 696-8327 www.highsocieteanj.com
Grasshopper Too 26 Erie Avenue 973 696 9698 www.grasshoppertoo.com
Grasshopper Too
Sunset Pub & Grill
MAUREEN BRAIN snapped this photo at First Reformed Church Cemetery. Acknowledge the contributions of a veteran today, while they are still with us. Their sacrifices, fortitude, and allegiance to our nation are fundamental to our national perseverance.
