Pequannock December 2025

’TIS THE SEASON HOW LOCAL CHURCHES CELEBRATE

A NEW CHAPTER FOR ANTIQUES EXPERT BEVERLEY TINDALL

Born to be a Star SAMI MURPHY

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camera, action! We sat down with the talented Sami Murphy, lifelong resident of Pequannock, as she follows her performing arts dreams.

Church Bells are Ringing

For many, Christmas is the most anticipated time of the year. That’s certainly the case with these pastors of three nearby houses of worship.

A New Chapter

Beverly Tindall carried on a long artistic legacy when she opened her antiques business. Now, the store has found a life of its own.

aHAPPY HOLIDAYS, PEQUANNOCK!

AS WE MOVE into the most joyous season of the year, let’s take a step back to be thankful for our wonderful community. That gratitude is evident in our local churches, where in our feature on page 14, you can take a peek into the wonderful and welcoming services available to the township this season, alongside some beautiful photography by Antonietta Henry and courtesy of the worship leaders.

The theme of gratitude continues in our feature on local superstar Sami Murphy. A talented actress, singer, and dancer, Murphy travels the country performing in theatre shows big and small (and a few on the high seas, too!). Murphy doesn’t always get to return home for the holidays, but when she’s in Pequannock, she sings its praises— figuratively and literally.

Our final feature highlights a family legacy in town. Tyndale II is an antiques shop revamped by Beverly Tindall. She

is the daughter-in-law of the shop’s original owner, Hal, who had a great eye for art and antiques that Tindall continues in her newest version of the store. In the spirit of giving and helping out, Tindall’s whole family assists her with running the store, making every day a fun family affair.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Pequannock magazine surrounded by family and friends this holiday season. As we close out the year, we’re thankful for the incredible township and all of the lovely people in it whose stories make this publication come alive.

Sincerely,

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

Donna Del Moro

Hannah Zimmerman

Peter Emma

Photographers

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.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Learn more about the wonderful tradition of Santa visits by Pequannock Township Fire Department Engine Co. 1 and Engine Co. 2 as Santa comes to town!

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

IN PEQUANNOCK Township, December is full of traditions. Tree lightings, holiday concerts, and Santa visits are wonderful events that we look forward to. The lovely tradition of Santa stopping throughout town to visit children is a noted favorite of many.

We talked to Capt. Ryan English of Engine Co. 1 and Capt. Hunter Csigi of Engine Co. 2 to learn more about this heartwarming custom.

GEARING UP FOR THE SEASON

Each year, around mid-December, the firehouses in town separately organize volunteers for Santa visits to neighborhood children. Each company visits their coverage areas to ensure both Pequannock and Pompton Plains neighborhoods catch a glimpse of jolly old St Nick! The tradition is dependent on volunteerism.

“The success of Engine Co. 1’s event is solely based on help from volunteers and their families,” says Co. 1 Capt. Ryan English. “It starts with building and maintaining the trailer, to members showing up the

day of to ride and handing out candy canes. It also takes hours upon hours of prep work to make sure the trailer is up to our standards,” he adds. “We try and change little things to keep it new and fresh. If someone is looking to help out, they can join the department, we are always looking for new people.”

“This is an extensive project,” says Engine Co. 2 Capt. Hunter Csigi. “There are about 5 members on the Santa committee to plan, prep, and hold the event. The entire Company helps as well. In total man hours, it is well over 200 with all the people who help. This event is 100%

volunteer. We are always in need of members, if you would like to join, please call the firehouse or stop by when there are members there,” says Capt. Csigi.

Over the years, there have been changes in the program. Capt. English described Santa visits that would take three nights in its early days as Santa would come into homes, but this became too time consuming to manage.

“Mr. Jones would spend countless time mapping out and coordinating the route to make the easiest trip possible,” says Capt. English. “This transitioned into us pulling

a landscape trailer with a fire pit and rocking chair for Santa with designated stopping points. We have upgraded our trailer and try to make Santa as comfortable as possible and out of the elements with heaters,” says Capt. English.

Capt. Csigi describes similar changes. “Back in the day, we used to visit individual houses on a schedule. Unfortunately, it became too much. At one point, it took eight nights, and we couldn’t see all the children. Now the way we do it, (with set stopping points) we ensure everyone is able to see Santa,” says Capt. Csigi

A JOYOUS TRADITION

At the heart of the magic is the love of the community. The joy this tradition brings to the children of town warms the hearts of volunteers.

“Rob Cook, I, and many others, as lifelong residents, look forward to this time of year,” says Capt. English. “It’s fun to see our kids experience the same joy and excitement that we did many years ago, a testament to the town and the fire department. It’s a privilege and reminds us that serving Pequannock Township extends far beyond answering alarms. Seeing the kids’ faces as Santa and the truck come down the street makes all the hard work and time worth it,” he says.

“We take pride in doing this event for the township,” says

WHAT’S NEW AROUND TOWN

Capt. Csigi. “At the end of the day, it’s to support our town and give back by spreading holiday cheer. There’s nothing better than seeing the joy on a child’s face when Santa pulls up! Thank you to the town for their continued support of us. We look forward to doing this every year. Merry Christmas,” says Capt. Csigi.

A big thank you to our volunteers of Engine Co. 1 and Engine Co. 2, not only for this beautiful tradition, but for all their hard work to keep our community safe.

In this season of giving, please consider donating to those who give up their time to help each and every one of us all year long. May all our volunteers stay safe. We thank you for serving our community!

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!

KEEP IN TOUCH!

If you live in Pequannock or Pompton Plains and would like more information to track Santa’s destination points, visit the Facebook pages of each fire department.

This year, Santa visits are planned for Engine Co. 1 on Dec. 13 and Engine Co. 2 on Dec. 14. Please check Facebook pages (listed below) for any updates or changes to dates, stopping points, and rain dates if needed.

Co. 1 Facebook: https://bit.ly/48lMqAh Co. 2 Facebook: https://bit.ly/4a3va45

Give my Regards to Broadway

Lights, camera, action! We sat down with the talented Sami Murphy, lifelong resident of Pequannock, as she follows her performing arts dreams.

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

BBORN AND RAISED in Pequannock Township, Sami Murphy loves the town she calls home.

“Pequannock is my home base between tours. It’s where I love spending time with family and friends as I recharge for my next job,” she says. “Most of my family lives in Pequannock Township. My grandparents, Sal and Ann Marie Carrubba, were previous owners of the Plains Pantry Deli and Luncheonette right here in Pompton Plains for 30 years,” Murphy fondly adds. Her roots in town run deep, and her joy is infectious.

FINDING THE SPOTLIGHT

A Pequannock Township High School class of 2017 graduate, you might be surprised to learn that Murphy never took part in the high school theater department, given her current star-studded theater career.

“I was in choir since grade school at both school and church, but pursued dance outside of school,” she says. Murphy was a PTHS cheerleader all four years and captain of the squad her senior year. She was a member of the National Honor Society and worked hard in school. But it was dancing that stole her heart and kept her on stage.

“Dancing is my first love,” says Murphy. She started dancing at just three years old at Performing Arts Academy (located in Pompton Plains at that time, now in Pompton Lakes) and then danced competitively from

kindergarten through senior year of high school. By the age of 14, Murphy was teaching dance classes.

“I took every type of dance class and still perform all,” she says. Murphy credits dance instructor Dawn Laviola-Schaub (who owned the studio) as having a huge impact on her life.

Murphy is also passionate about singing. “I sang in Our Lady of Good Counsel church in kids’ choir, then teen, now adult choir, and I’m the cantor at OLGC when home from tours,” she says. Although she briefly took voice lessons when in elementary school at Linda Benanti’s Voice Studio, she learned the most from choir and church.

In 2007, she joined her older brother Steven for her first time in a town summer production under the direction of Tonianne Piccirillo and Julie and Adam Melchor.

Opposite page: Sami Murphy is ready for her close up!

This page, right: Murphy on the red carpet for “Funny Girl.”

Next up was community theater at the then Rhino Theatre in Pompton Lakes.

“I did a bunch of teen shows at Rhino,” says Murphy. Upon graduating PTHS in 2017, Murphy was prepared to attend Montclair State University to get a BFA degree in dance, but life had other plans in store.

“I got the call in July 2017 while in my final dance nationals for a contract offer as a dancer/vocalist on Ovation of the Seas with Royal Caribbean,” says Murphy. She couldn’t pass up the opportunity and put her college plans on hold to take an adventure of a lifetime.

“I performed while traveling to over 20 countries,” Murphy says. “Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand,

Hong Kong, and Australia are a few of my favorite memories,” says Murphy. “The first cruise was 11 months, the second was a two-month replacement contract, and my third and last cruise lasted 9 months.”

Upon her return home to the States, Murphy began auditioning for shows in New York City.

“I performed in an off Broadway show at The Players Theatre, which is one of the oldest historic off Broadway theatres still running,” says Murphy.

She also acted in some off Broadway shows, such as “Little Mermaid” (not the Disney version) and realized this— the glitz and glam of theater—was the path she wanted to take. The trifecta of singing, acting, and dancing was a perfect fit.

NEXT STEPS

When COVID-19 hit, Murphy only performed 7 of 50 shows in “Little Mermaid” at The Players Theatre. Instead of looking at the glass half empty, she used lockdown time to improve her skills. When churches could open, she continued to sing at OLGC and played piano.

“Susan DePalma taught me music theory and basic piano lessons, and I learned how to read music. It was a such a blessing,” says Murphy. “Sue really helped me change the trajectory of my career and those skills I learned continuously help me in my work,” she says.

Murphy began sending out self-tapes (self-made video auditions) anywhere she could. She landed a job at The Rev

Opposite page: Sami Murphy in “42nd Street.” Sami Murphy as Bombalurina in “CATS.”

Theatre in Finger Lakes for two months performing “42nd Street.”

“It was the first opening show after COVID,” says Murphy. While there, she was offered a job in Rhode Island at Theatre By The Sea for “Mamma Mia!” and soon after, worked in the sister theater (North Shore Music Theatre) for “Mamma Mia!” as well. “I love ‘Mamma Mia!’,” says Murphy.

The offers were continuing to come in. Murphy booked and originated the role of Mom in the “CoComelon” Live Tour, which opened at Madison Square Garden for a two-month gig. She has done extra work on the TV show “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for half a year in Brooklyn while the program gained notoriety.

After, Murphy headed back to Theatre by The Sea for “Footloose” and “Cinderella” before embarking on “My Fair Lady,” a traveling national Broadway tour to 30 cities. “It was so exciting to book my first Broadway National tour,” says Murphy.

It was then Murphy started working with an agency (PMA in New York City), and while on tour for “My Fair Lady,” she booked “Funny Girl,” the Broadway National Tour and joined the union, (Actor’s Equity Association). This is a large feather in the cap of an actor. Murphy enjoyed the “Funny Girl” tour, as it was such a different experience from “My Fair Lady.”

“For ‘Funny Girl,’ we were in each city for one to four weeks,” she says. “I had my own hotel room and was able to truly visit each destination.”

RETURNING TO HER ROOTS

In November of 2024, Murphy left “Funny Girl” to spend time with family.

“Being away can be tough; I missed everyone so much,” she says. She started auditioning again in New York City. She was delighted to book “CATS” in Fort Worth, Texas at Casa Mañana Theatre: “I loved the role Bombalurina. It was such a full circle moment as I played this role before in 2015 at Rhino Theatre,” Murphy says.

When home from tours, Murphy feels blessed that she can work and live in Pompton Plains. “Home means I get to sing at church and sing in the band Double Standard in many local venues in New Jersey,” she says. She teaches dance when home at the Performing Arts Academy and runs the Children’s Choir at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

This past January, Murphy auditioned for “A Beautiful Noise” (the musical about the life of singer-songwriter Neil

Diamond) with a self-tape.

“Next, I auditioned in person three times between February and March and then auditioned at the end of August,” she says. “I got the call; I would be an immediate replacement understudy for four female leads and swinging the ensemble! Lots to learn, but I’m so excited,” says Murphy.

Murphy left on Labor Day for Virginia to travel for five months to over 15 cities all over the U.S. with “A Beautiful Noise.”

Murphy is thankful for all her opportunities, loves this town, her family, and what she does for a living. She is especially grateful for the love and support of her parents, Patrick and Susan Murphy, who travel to see her shows and always keep the home base door open.

Murphy is also thrilled she chose to follow her dreams: “I am so blessed to do what I love for a living, not everyone

is able to say the same. It is a very hard and demanding profession, with lots of ups and downs, and you really need to have a thick skin…but I never had a plan B! I always knew I wanted to perform on stage for a living,” she says.

“So, to any little boy or girl who may be reading this, keep dreaming and keep working hard, because it is possible to do musical theatre and dance for a living! I am truly so lucky and blessed to have been so successful so far and I couldn’t do any of it without the love and support of my family and village at home! I am so thankful for all my blessings and so grateful everyday!”

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!

Church Bells Are Ringing

For many, Christmas is the most anticipated time of the year. That’s certainly the case with these pastors of three nearby houses of worship.

BY PETER EMMA

WWINTER IS A time of solace. But Christmas is a time of celebration, when we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. For many, the season wouldn’t be the same without attending services and special events at their local churches.

We asked three area pastors what they are looking forward to the most this Christmastime at their churches, whether it be a brandnew experience or an every-year, highly anticipated tradition. Here’s what they shared.

PASTOR DAVE GUSTAVSEN (PEQUANNOCK RESIDENT), THE CHAPEL, LINCOLN PARK

At The Chapel we are passionate about offering meaningful ways for our church family and community to celebrate the birth of Christ. Leading up to Christmas we participate in “Operation Christmas Child,” where we fill hundreds of shoeboxes with gifts and personal care products for children around the world. Closer to home, we are part of “Christmas in Paterson,” supplying gifts and winter clothing to children in Paterson. My favorite is what happens on Christmas Eve: We gather thousands of people for a service that culminates in lighting candles and singing “O Holy Night.” There are very few dry eyes in the room, and many people have come to regard that service as the highlight of their Christmas season.

This year’s Christmas Eve services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 5:30 and 7 p.m, and Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 1, 2:30, and 4 p.m.

FATHER DARWIN LASTRA

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL, POMPTON PLAINS

For many years, the Christmas concert at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church has been a cherished tradition, bringing the parish community together in joyful celebration through music. Presented annually by the parish’s vibrant music ministry, this event has become a highlight of the Advent and Christmas season.

This year, the tradition continues with fresh energy and vision under the leadership of the parish’s new music director, appointed earlier this year. He brings a wealth of experience and a passion for liturgical music, aiming to honor the concert’s legacy while infusing it with new inspiration.

Titled “Come, Lord Jesus: The Musical Styles and Sounds of Advent,” this year’s concert will shift its focus from the Nativity itself to the season of Advent—a time of anticipation and hope. The program will explore the spiritual longing and joyful expectation of Christ’s coming, through a rich variety of musical styles that reflects both tradition and contemporary expression.

The concert will feature performances by the Adult Celebration Choir, the Children’s Choir and the Contemporary Group, showcasing the diversity and unity of the parish’s music ministry.

PASTOR

STACEY DUENSING PEARCE FIRST REFORMED CHURCH OF POMPTON PLAINS

Christmas at the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains is a joyous and holy season. We celebrate the arrival of Jesus as the light of the world. Christ’s light “shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it” (John 1: 5). Our traditions at Christmastime reflect our church’s mission to be a place of “Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Hands.”

We “open our hearts” at Christmas to God in worship. Each of our three evening worship Christmas Eve services ends with lighting candles and singing “Silent Night.” The practice reminds us of Christ’s light burning with our hearts and the call to go out to the world and share God’s light.

Leading up to Christmas Eve, our children’s ministry invites us to “open our hearts” to the story of Jesus’ birth in their annual Christmas pageant.

We “open our doors” at Christmas to share the message of God’s light in our community. As a founding member of “Community Partners of Hope” we participate in the community tree lighting program joining with other churches and community members to celebrate the Christmas season.

Finally, our church “opens our hands” at Christmas to giving to others in need. We host an annual coat drive to support the ministries of Market Street Mission and Bessie Green. Our Spark Kidz (Sunday School) collects an offering for children supported through World Vision.

Nothing brings our community closer together than the holidays. It’s a miraculous time of peace, joy and giving. And the local church is such a huge part of everything that is good during the season.

A New Chapter

Beverly Tindall carried on a long artistic legacy when she opened her antiquing business. Now, the store has found a life of its own.

BY DONNA DEL MORO

TTHE TAGLINE on the Tyndale II Art Store sign on (920A) Main Street in Boonton reads “old keys can open new doors,” and that adage is exactly what lifelong Pequannock resident Beverly Tindall had in mind when she decided to open the doors to a new iteration of her father-in-law’s art and antique business, Tyndale Collection, in 2024.

A retired West Orange teacher and media specialist, Tindall’s life

has quietly paralleled that of her husband’s father, Hal Tindall. In 1985, when she began teaching, he left the corporate world to pursue his love of art by opening the store using the English spelling of this surname (named after the region near the River Tyne). He operated it, along with his wife Marjorie, for more than 35 years before COVID-19 hit in 2020.

“Art was the second career for both of us,” says Tindall, who holds

a minor in art history and always had an affinity for it although she taught English for much of her career.

Shortly after her retirement in 2021, in an effort to keep the family legacy alive, she began working on re-opening Tyndale Collection, what she refers to as a gallery, where her focus is on selling the many pieces Hal, turning 97 this month, had acquired during his tenure as shop owner.

LOVINGLY CREATED

This process took three years to complete with Tyndale II Art Shoppe’s doors officially opening in November of 2024. At that grand opening, Tindall was heartened by the outpouring of friends from both communities— Boonton and Pequannock—some of them longtime customers of the original storefront, who came out to support her new business venture.

“My father-in-law possessed a true love of art, had a great eye for acquiring skilled paintings and prints, and took great pleasure in matching the buyer with the right piece,” she says. “He spent countless hours researching the time period, the artist and the technique of each piece he had purchased, which at that time,

was found in volume after volume of art history books.”

Hal dabbled in creating art of his own in the form of woodcarvings, now kept mostly as family treasures.

Tindall’s experience as a media specialist during the latter part of her career coupled with the internet, make her research much easier though still somewhat challenging.

“My attention to detail and my background in research has certainly helped me in this journey,” Tindall adds.

The former teacher also offers painting activities on Boonton Main Street First Fridays when weather permits. Attendees create their art on tiny canvases with supplies provided by Tindall.

“It’s inspiring,” she says of this bonus aspect of running the shop. “I encourage participants to go inside the shop to get some inspiration from the pieces we sell.”

Tindall describes the transition from classroom to running her own business as a “natural evolution,” but one that has not been without its minor challenges. Many of the classroom skills—creativity, time management, research, and organization have transferred seamlessly.

“One of the biggest challenges for me has been navigating a social media presence. It is such a powerful tool for visibility, but learning how to communicate the warmth of this small shop takes creativity (and the help of my social media savvy kids),” says Tindall.

And those kids, along with her husband (also named Hal, who helmed the renovation of the gallery, prepping walls and painting), have

certainly pitched in. Casey, Tindall’s oldest daughter and a graphic artist, designed the logo, business cards, and price tags which emphasize the skeleton key, an object her grandfather always had many of in his shop. Casey also helped create a website and social media accounts. Tindall’s two younger daughters, Brooke and Jill, assisted with the decor and inventory, while her son, Jay, a finance major, helps with the accounting for the business. Everyone helped clear out the inventory and moved it to storage for easy access as needed.

THE VALUE OF ART

Reaching into that inventory seasonally to find appropriate pieces keeps the store looking fresh. Tindall will offer a 25% off holiday sale as she displays winter landscapes and Christmas specific pieces (nativity, Rockwell, Santa...). Art, she says, is the perfect gift as both a lasting treasure and a valued investment.

“My seasonal displays and everchanging artist’s quotes invite the curiosity of visitors. I’ve also embraced the teacher/learner and storyteller in me by creating QR codes and postcards that let visitors learn about the artists and their work, and in turn, I am

teaching myself something new each day,” she says.

Among her many goals is to match a customer’s style with the appropriate work of art. Tindall is rising to that challenge. “I’m always amazed when the right piece of art lands in the hands of a new owner,” she asserts.

“My father-in-law knew the value of art,” she says. “He wrote price tags on every piece he acquired after carefully researching the style and time period. He truly loved and appreciated art, and was always fair in pricing what he’d acquired,” Tindall adds.

Though clearly enjoying her retirement, Tindall works tirelessly on this new venture. Plans include possible expansion, extending an invitation to display their work to local artists and high school students, and the creation of an online presence to connect to a wider audience.

“I also might be inspired to travel and explore the art and artifacts of different cultures, and then share the different perspectives with my community,” she concludes.

Donna Del Moro is a freelance writer who has lived in Pequannock for 34 years.

Back to Basics: The Season of Giving

Meet Heather Mauriello, founder of Back to Basics, a charity centered on respecting the dignity of those in need.

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

HELPING OTHERS is at the heart of charity work, and town resident Heather Mauriello wants to make a difference, specifically for the homeless.

“I was so moved by all the different charities out there to help people get food, clothing, and shelter. I realized I wanted to impact people’s ability to feel dignity even when they couldn’t afford it,” says Mauriello. Her charity, Back to Basics, gathers donations of toiletries and self-care items to bag and hand them out to the homeless.

“The idea that everyone deserves to have a clean face and their teeth brushed and their fingernails cut is a form of dignity in times of trouble,” she says. The name came from the idea that a fundamental basic right is personal hygiene.”

Inspired by another local charity, Quilting For A Cause, Mauriello met with its founder, Rosemary Deming-Phalon. “I picked her brain on how she got started,” says Mauriello. Back to Basics has teamed up with the quilting charity. Deming-Phalon’s organization has distributed Back to Basics bags to the homeless when giving out quilts.

THE PROCESS

“My goal was to create a very organic grassroots charity, nothing formal, no pressure, just something that was manageable,” says Mauriello. “Whenever anybody wants to make a donation, even if it’s one toothbrush or more, they can drop it off at my house. I have a deck box in the front of my house for donations. When we collect enough, we start to make bags,” adds Mauriello.

The size of donations need not matter. “Big and small, all donations are welcome.” Mauriello is grateful for donations from friends, family, and

This page: Packing bags labeled “You

community members she’s never met.

Once Back to Basics has enough donations, they can start making individual bags. Local groups have also pitched in, such as Girl Scout troops who collected as part of leadership badge requirements. “Anyone who wants to volunteer can help,” says Mauriello. The charity is always ongoing, as this type of donation needs constant replenishment. “The more bags we make, the better,” she says. The charity has currently distributed 933 bags and will hit 1,000 soon with the help of the community.

Back to Basics accepts both monetary and physical item donations. Cash donations are used to purchase supplies and Mauriello prides herself on bargain hunting to get the most from donations.

“The beauty of the charity is that it can become a part of your day-to-day life,” Mauriello says. Small donations make a big impact for Back to Basics, grabbing a toothbrush or travel size toiletries found on sale when out shopping helps tremendously. “The idea that something you picked out is going directly to people in need is so special,” says Mauriello.

Back to Basics has also worked with Project KIND. “Jenny DePaul (founder of Project KIND) has been amazing, and I have a few other collaborations in the works. These folks are so important as they are directly handing the bags to those in need. It is these individuals who make sure donations are in the hands of the right people,” says Mauriello.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Mauriello’s day job is marketing. “I’ve been a marketer for 30 years,” she says. She enjoys spending time with her husband of 25 years, Jeff, 20-yearold son Nate, 17-year-old daughter Maddie, and pup Mini.

“I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, experiencing new adventures, and I’m often found at home baking yummy treats,” says Mauriello.

Mauriello is grateful to have found her niche. “Everyone deserves the basic right of personal hygiene, and often this is sacrificed in the lives of the homeless. Back To Basics’ goal is to bring a little dignity to those in need. I feel truly grateful for my friends, family, and community,” she says. “Sharing the opportunity to give and make a difference fills me with joy. We are making a difference together.”

If you’re interested in donating to Back to Basics and helping them reach 1,000 bags, wish list items include: toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, nail file, nail clipper, comb, small brush, deodorant, soap, dry shampoo, socks, feminine products, chap stick, tissues, bandages, lotion, and Q-tips. To arrange a donation drop off, visit the social media page of Back to Basics and send a message.

Visit www.bit.ly/4niKGfr for more information.

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!

Restaurant Guide

The best of Pequannock and Pompton Plains, as well as some very nearby favorites.

IN TOWN

Ameti’s Pizza Restaurant

166 Newark Pompton Tpke. 973-696-4900

Bardi’s Bar & Grill 149 Newark Pompton Tpke. 973-694-1058

Chanos Latin Kitchen 574 Newark Pompton Tpke. 862-330-3111

Cherries Sports Bar and Grill 23 Route 23 South 973-406-7414

Defying Gravitea 211 Newark Pompton Tpke. 862-226-9692

Hoboken’s Pizzeria

615 Route 23 South 973-907-2885

Just Salad

500 Route 23 North 862-276-7420

Kenny’s Pit Stop 153 Newark Pompton Tpke. 973-646-8995

Pizza Man 574 Newark Pompton Tpke., #5 973-835-3383

Pompton Queen Diner 710 Route 23 North 973-835-2086

Stefano’s 569 Route 23 South 973-616-6620

Tavern 5

710 Newark Pompton Tpke. 973-835-1426

The Crepe Escape 141 Newark Pompton Tpke. 973-646-8407

V&J Pizza 500 Route 23 North 973-839-9757

SOME NEARBY FAVORITES

Bloomingdale Cinco De Mayo 125 Hamburg Tpke. 973-850-6777

River of Beer 133 Main St. 973-750-1820

Butler

100 Proof Bar & Bites 227 Main St. 973-291-4418

Buonasera Restaurant 1574 Route 23 North 973-850-6646

Oasis Diner 1277 Route 23 South 973-291-8801

Yuki Hana 1370 Route 23 North 973-838-4949

Kinnelon

Comfort Kitchen Café 104 Boonton Ave. 973-838-3333

Cypress Tavern 174 Kinnelon Rd. 973-492-2700

House of Thai

1483 Route 23 South, Unit 6 973-750-1600

Sangiorgio’s Italian Bistro 86 Boonton Ave. 973-492-5305

Smoke Rise Village Inn 9 Perimeter Rd. 973-838-7770

Lincoln Park

Anthony Francos 60 Beaverbrook Rd. 973-696-0708

Arca 211 Main St. 973-709-0093

Frank’s Pizza 261 Comly Rd. 973-686-9005

Kenko Sushi

261 Comly Rd. 973-633-5498

Kervan Mediterranean Grill 177 Main St. 973-646-8461

Noches de Colombia 466 Route 202 973-434-5120

Sunset Pub & Grill 425 Beaverbrook Rd. 973-694-8700

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Black Bull Steakhouse & Seafood 88 Newark Pompton Tpke. 973-831-2825

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Alps Diner 1420 Route 23 North 973-305-0033

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings 1600 Route 23 North 973-872-2625

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Lee’s Sushi 1475 Route 23 South 973-694-2425

Nama Noodle Bar 186 Mountainview Blvd. 973-628-8638

Sugar and Spice

If you love winter spices and rich, creamy frosting (or know someone who does), these cupcakes are for you.

BY HANNAH ZIMMERMAN

THIS RECIPE TAKES all the warm, cozy flavors of your favorite chai latte and packs them into a fluffy cupcake topped with creamy, buttery frosting.

What sets them apart is the homemade chai spice blend. It adds a layer of richness and delivers just the right amount of spice to balance the sweetness. The spices are incorporated in both the batter and the frosting, so every bite is full of warmth.

Whether you’re an avid chai drinker or just love classic cold-weather spices, these cupcakes are a delicious twist on a beloved classic. Bake them for a weekend get-together, a birthday, or simply because you want your kitchen to smell amazing. These chai spice cupcakes are winter baking at its best.

Chai Cupcakes

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes Makes 16 cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:

For the chai spice blend:

• 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground anise (optional)

• Pinch of black pepper

For the cupcakes:

• 1²/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• 2 teaspoons chai spice blend

INSTRUCTIONS:

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ³/4 cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt, room temperature

• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

For the frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1½ teaspoons chai spice mix

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 - 2 tablespoons milk or cream

• Optional garnishes: cinnamon stick, star anise

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Make the chai spice mix. In a small bowl, stir together the chai spices. Set aside.

3. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of the chai spice mix.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, Greek yogurt, milk and vanilla.

5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fill the prepared muffin liners halfway with batter. You should end up with 15-16 cupcakes. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

6. Make the Frosting. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating after each addition, until all is incorporated. Mix in the chai spice mix, vanilla, and milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.

7. Once the cupcakes are cooled completely, frost them with buttercream. Garnish as desired.

Hannah Zimmerman is a food photographer, recipe developer and founder of Bite Sized Studio. She creates vibrant, craveworthy imagery for CPG brands, restaurants and publications. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes and Eater. Find more information on her Instagram @bitesizedstudio.