Pequannock September 2025

Take the First Step Toward Recovery from Substance Use

Valley Health System now offers inpatient withdrawal management (also known as detox) services through our Recovery and Wellness Unit as part of our comprehensive substance use treatment.

Valley’s medically supervised program provides a comfortable, structured, and compassionate environment to begin recovery. Around-theclock medical care, a multidisciplinary team, and a holistic, evidence-based approach ensures personalized support for each patient.

Valley’s program offers:

n Medically supervised and comfortable withdrawal

n An expert, multidisciplinary team

n Holistic, evidence-based treatment

n Seamless transition to recovery

n Confidential and compassionate support

12 Keep Smiling Inside the life of Ed Leonard, Pequannock resident photographer, veteran, and beloved member of the community.

16 A Historic Gem

Shines Again

Take a peek inside the refurbished Martin Berry House. The historic home offers a glimpse at what pre-modern life was like in our township.

20 It Takes a Village

Join Nancy Baran as she ventures to the Dominican Republic with the Mission of Hope nonprofit to make an impact on those who live there.

24 The Quiet Heroes of Pequannock

The Department of Public Works might be an inconspicuous presence in our township, but its impact is anything but.

by Antonietta Henry

pPEQUANNOCK & POMPTON PLAINS

Magazine was launched a little bit by accident. When Donna Fillweber joined Wainscot Media in the Spring of 2023, the intent was to have her start a magazine for us in a nearby community. But she convinced us that her town, Pequannock, was ripe for a magazine. And she was right!

For the past two-plus years, Donna has helped produce a wonderful monthly publication for our town— one that has generated hundreds of positive reviews. Interesting people have been discovered, “celebrity” residents have been interviewed, and dozens of businesses have been profiled. Thanks, Donna, for making Pequannock & Pompton Plains a highly anticipated magazine month after month.

Our September issue is full of stories of incredible members within the community. We pay tribute to legendary local photographer and all-around-great guy Ed Leonard, who has been taking pictures at Pequannock Township High School games for decades.

Writer Dan Piccoli takes us behind the scenes of the Department of Public Works, where we get to learn more about the dedicated team that keeps our township up and running.

In the continued vein of public service, we also spend time with Nancy Baran, a community member volunteering with nonprofit organization Mission of Hope. Volunteers with MOH travel to the

Many thanks to Donna Fillweber for all her dedication to the magazine and Township.

Dominican Republic each year to provide supplies, health care, and support to community members. Baran shares how valuable this work is and why she keeps returning year after year. Our last feature this month highlights not a person but a place. The newly refurbished Martin Berry House offers a wonderful glimpse into Pequannock’s past before we all got used to the luxuries of modern life. Stop by for the first opening tour this month and be inspired by our township’s early history. Businesses around town—we need your support! It’s not inexpensive to produce a monthly magazine, and without paid advertising we can’t continue to publish. And we don’t want to see that happen! We have print and digital packages available to fit any budget, and you’ll reach residents with your messages in an environment that’s ideal for standing out and delivering results. Please give us a try next month! If you have a story idea or wish to receive an advertising media kit, please contact Tom Flannery today at 201.571-2252 or thomas.flannery@ wainscotmedia.com.

Pequannock & Pompton Plains

Writers

Antonietta Henry

Dan Piccoli

Dana Regan

Photographers

Antonietta Henry Dan Piccoli

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Art Director

Rosemary O’Connell

Executive Editor Elaine 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.

Mayor-John Driesse

BY DANA REGAN

SPANNING JUST OVER seven square miles, the township of Pequannock is steeped in history and home to a community of people making a meaningful impact every day. About 15,000 people call this town home, and some of them have chosen to live here over multiple generations. Needless to say, great towns require great leaders. Currently, Pequannock Township is

fortunate to have a humble servant as its mayor, leading the people in a way that is both inclusive and uncompromising. John Driesse sits in the mayor’s seat today, yet he is not looking for power or accolades. He hopes to serve his community and the residents of Pequannock to the best of his ability while holding tightly to his faith as a motivation for all that he says and does.

MOTIVATIONS

Driesse lives in town on a quiet street near the high school. He moved to town in 1981 and graduated from Pequannock Township High School in 1986. Today, he is happily married to his wife, Claudia, and is thankful to have raised his two sons, Kevin and Shaun, in a town that he so deeply loves. Elected to town council, Driesse embraced

the opportunity to serve as mayor for a selected term. He states confidently that the council is a cohesive group that works very well together. Driesse is proud to be part of the team shaping our town’s future and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of its residents.

What is fascinating about John Driesse is that this community is not the only one he serves. Driesse’s commitment is deeply rooted in a heartfelt dedication to serving individuals across the United States, particularly those in need of compassion, support, and meaningful assistance. In addition to his mayoral duties, Driesse volunteers fifteen to twenty hours a week at Servent’s Heart Ministry in Paterson. This amazing instrument of God is a workmanship program that, according to its website, “provides students with a free introductory trades education taught by industry professionals.”

With the help of Driesse and many others, young men and women become valued, employable members of New Jersey’s workforce in key trades such as masonry and welding. In addition to his time in Paterson, Driesse travels the country helping people in need. He was a valuable volunteer in both Asheville, North Carolina and Kerr County, Texas, recently, when horrific weather left many Americans desperate for help.

As part of “God’s Pit Crew,” our mayor provides hands-on disaster relief wherever he is needed.

Here in town, our mayor is also trying his best to improve Pequannock Township one step at a time. Driesse is very proud of the council’s most recent accomplishments, including revamping Greenview Park by installing pickleball courts and a muchneeded basketball court. Soon, new basketball courts will also be added behind the town hall. Although much is

getting done in town, including a plan to improve and update our downtown area, Driesse says he always strives for small government, and a main priority is always keeping costs down for residents. Driesse prides himself as a good listener yet he understands that people may disagree with him at times. He believes wholeheartedly that, in the end, there is always room for a conversation. Driesse also values gratitude. He makes it a point to thank the people in this town who work hard behind the scenes, such as school crossing guards, lake lifeguards, police officers, EMTs, and firefighters.

Our mayor describes Pequannock Township as a “hidden gem” that has a small-town feel while having easy access to everything important and exciting. He understands why residents stay here to raise their families.

Inspired by his deep faith in God, Driesse vows to serve the people of Pequannock with dedication and to lead with ongoing persistence.

Dana Regan is a long-time educator who enjoys reading, writing, walking, and yoga. Her newest hobby will be spending time with her very first grandchild.

Mocktails

Refreshing sips for all ages

BY JENNA GALLETTI

1 Signature The Citrus Spritz: A

GONE ARE THE DAYS when your only alcohol-free option at a party was sparkling water with a lemon wedge. With health, wellness and mindful living on the rise, more people are skipping the booze, and mocktails are having their moment. They’re stylish, flavorful and hangover-free. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque or a game night with friends or just want something that feels festive without the alcohol, mocktails are here to raise the bar (pun intended).

Today’s mocktails are more than just sugar-loaded drinks. Think fresh herbs, coldpressed juices, fancy garnishes and even gutfriendly ingredients like kombucha or apple cider vinegar. These drinks don’t just look good in your hand; they can actually make you feel good too.

Here are three signature mocktails you can easily make at home for everyone to enjoy.

sunny, sparkling refresher

INGREDIENTS

• Juice of 1 orange

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ½ tsp honey (optional)

• Sparkling water

• Orange slice and rosemary sprig (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Shake the juices and honey with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish like you mean it.

2Berry Bramble Fizz:

Perfect for porch sitting and gossiping with friends

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (raspberries or blackberries work best)

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• Juice of ½ lime

• ½ cup club soda

• Mint leaves (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Muddle the berries and maple syrup in a shaker. Add lime juice and shake with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, top with club soda and toss in some mint for flair.

Cucumber Cooler:

Like a spa day in a glass

INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices cucumber

• Juice of ½ lime

• 4 oz coconut water

• Splash of tonic or soda water

• Cucumber ribbon and lime wheel (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Muddle cucumber and lime juice in a shaker. Add coconut water and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and top with tonic. Garnish like you own a wellness brand.

The best part? You don’t need to be a bartender or own a cocktail shaker to enjoy these. A mason jar and a wooden spoon will do just fine. These easy, feel-good sips prove that skipping the booze doesn’t mean skipping the fun. So, pour something pretty, take a sip, savor the moment and drink to your health—no hangover in sight. Cheers!

Jenna Galletti is a photographer, marketer and creative producer who splits her time between New York and Boston. She finds endless inspiration through the energy of urban life. Visit her online at www.jennagalletti.com and follow her on Instagram @jennagalletti.

WWHEN THERE ISN’T a camera in front of his face, you’ll recognize the warm smile of Pequannock resident Ed Leonard. A Pequannock Township High School alumni, Vietnam Veteran, retired member of the Pequannock Police Force and photographer (to name a few of his hats), there’s no doubt that everywhere Leonard goes, smiles follow.

Born in Jersey City, Leonard’s family moved to Pequannock Township when he was a toddler. “I lived on Washburn Road, near the peach trees [where Pequannock High School now stands],” says Leonard. “When I was a boy, we loved those peach trees, I’d watch the

Keep Smiling

Peeking through the lens with lifelong resident and beloved part of the community, Ed Leonard.

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

“Keep smiling” is the mantra of Ed Leonard.

deer walk through the orchards, 30 or 40 of them; I have so many awesome memories,” Leonard reflects. He recalls his devastation when surveyors came around planning to clear the trees and build Pequannock High School. “I was maybe 10 years old or so. My buddies and I would go around and remove the surveying stakes in the ground,” he says with a chuckle. Alas, their antics only delayed the plans and Pequannock Township High School eventually replaced the orchards.

At the same time, Leonard was working his very first job as a newspaper delivery boy. “I delivered

the Trends to 80 plus homes in town,” he says. Later, Leonard attended Pequannock Township High School and, while a student, started working at Sportsmen’s Den Sporting Goods Store (selling hunting and fishing equipment) in Pequannock. “I learned all aspects of running a business, from sales to payrolls to inventory purchases and record keeping” says Leonard. He graduated from PTHS in 1966 and continued working at the store while attending William Paterson University (Paterson State College at the time). He took a leave from the store and college when faced with a big decision.

A BIG LEAP

The Vietnam War was raging overseas, and Leonard decided to enlist.

“I wanted to go on my own terms; I didn’t want to be drafted” he says. He quit school and enlisted in the army. “My mother wasn’t happy about my decision at first, but my dad had enlisted in the army in WWII and understood,” Leonard reflects.

Leonard’s father (Edward J. Leonard) fought in North Africa through Italy and into Southern France when his entire unit was taken prisoner. His father spent nine months as a POW before escaping the camp. “My dad

knew what it meant to serve, enlist and sacrifice,” says Leonard. He credits the love and dedication of both of his parents for all his successes.

Basic training was held in Fort Dix. Leonard learned weapon repair, servicing and small arms training. He went to the United States Army Ordinance Center and School in Maryland to study and scored one of the highest scores, becoming an instructor at the Aberdeen Proving Ground.

“I was stationed near Marble Mountain in DaNang, Vietnam from May 1969 to June 1970,” he says. He served as part of their 1st Logistical

Command and received an Army Commendation Medal. He was made the Administrative NCO for the Conventional Weapons Division at Aberdeen Proving Ground upon his return from Vietnam.

While in Vietnam, Leonard bought his first 35 mm camera for a rest and recovery trip to Tokyo. That’s where his love of the art began, and it followed him ever since. The details of his time in Vietnam are largely kept private, but Leonard shares: “Today, the sound of any helicopter gives me flashbacks to Vietnam.”

BACK HOME

In 1970, Leonard married the love of his life. Although they did not date in high school, they were in the same class at PTHS. They dated later, in college, and tied the knot after his tour in Vietnam.

He returned to his job at Sportsmen’s Den Sporting Goods store after his service for 10 years while continuing to explore his new love of photography. One day, he was asked to shoot a wedding for a friend. Pleased with the results, he continued taking jobs word of mouth.

“Back then, I was shooting on film” says Leonard. “Each job helped fund the upgrade in equipment and soon I had the latest in Nikon gear.” During those years, Leonard shot 35 weddings. However, he was going to be adding another career to his list!

SECOND SERVICE

“I always wanted to be a police officer,” says Leonard. A client from Sportsmen’s

Den mentioned an opening at the Pequannock Police Department that Leonard couldn’t pass up.

“I took the police test in Parsippany with 400 others going for the same job and went to the Police Academy in Morris Plains,” he says. Leonard went on to work with the Pequannock Police Department for 30 years, moving his way through the ranks from patrolman to sergeant, lieutenant and then captain. Photography followed him.

When attending games for Pequannock schools as part of Cops and Jocks (ways for police to cheer on local athletes), Leonard would take photos of kids playing and give out the photos. To show solidarity with the female athletes, he started Cops and Jockettes. Kids loved the enthusiasm, as did parents. When he retired from the police department, Leonard knew he had to keep the photos going.

For the past 25 years, Leonard has

given his time to all the sporting events for our town. And not just local games—you’ll see him at travel games as well. He takes thousands of photos each year for athletes and their families. In addition, Leonard runs the Photography Club at PTHS and works with the school yearbook. You may also notice him at graduation ceremonies, where he captures students receiving their diplomas. He’s taken hundreds of thousands of photos throughout the years at PTHS, as well as other schools and universities.

The town definitely values his amazing service. He was named Citizen of the Year for Pequannock Township in 2004, and in 2016, he was inducted into the PTHS Hall of Fame! In the fall of 2024, Leonard was honored to have his name and photo included on the panels at the PTHS Alumni Veterans Wall. Of course, he was seen with a camera in hand at the dedication.

He is an active member of the Vietnam Veterans Association, the American Legion Post 242 of Pompton Plains and was named Officer of the Year by American Legion Post 450. Another recent big honor for Leonard was being a Grand Marshall in the Pequannock Memorial Day Parade in May of this year.

GIVING BACK

However, that’s not all when it comes to giving back. Leonard also works with Bessie Green, a soup kitchen and clothing supplier for the homeless and in need in Newark, New Jersey. He is also a member of The New York—New Jersey Trail Conference. As an overseer of Northern New Jersey into New York, he helps to maintain trails to prevent overgrowth and move fallen trees from storms. Leonard’s trail work at Mountainside Park in Pompton Plains

covers a couple of miles of trails. He works with The U.S. Forest Wilderness Volunteers, which provides volunteer service opportunities that conserve and protect America’s wild lands with the U.S. Forest and National Park Service. He has been on more than a dozen trips with the organization from West Virginia, to Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, to name a few. “I love the solitude of a walk in the woods, surrounded by nature” says Leonard.

In his spare time, Leonard loves to drive his 2019 red Corvette with his wife. The pair have been married for 55 years, and cars have been something they enjoy acquiring and hitting the road in together. They have an Entlebucher Mountain Dog name “Oz,” who, after winning a large dog show in Utah, was classified as “Champion” status by the American Kennel Club. Their biggest pride and joy are their

children and grandchildren. The Leonards have two sons: Tim, father of two (living in New Jersey) and Steve, father of five (living in Florida). Spending time with the grandchildren is priceless to the photographer.

If you’ve ever shared an email or text with Leonard, you know he always ends with the phrase “Keep Smiling”— something his priceless photos inspire.

“My passion for photography is all about collecting memories for so many people to be able to look back upon and relive a frozen moment in time. There can never be too many photos,” he says.

Thank you for capturing so many special memories for all of us!

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 Historic Gem Shines Again

The Martin Berry House has gotten a refresh, bringing the historic destination back and better than ever.

BY DONNA DEL MORO

IIF FICTIONAL TIME travel entices you, you can get a reality-based dose of it by traveling on Cedar Road in Pompton Plains onto the driveway of the Martin Berry House.

“When you come off of Cedar Road, it’s 2025, but when you drive onto the property, it’s 1835,” says Martin Williams, curator of the Pequannock Historical Society, which has been working on rehabilitating one of the oldest homes in New Jersey.

Restoration of Martin Berry House, known as the quintessential representation of a Northern New Jersey Dutch farmstead, is almost finished, and historical society

members are looking toward a September official opening date when the building will initially be open one Sunday per month to visitors. It will serve as home to the historical society (a surprisingly young, 10-year-old organization), a local history research center, and as a meeting place, event site and museum, says Catherine Winterfield, historical society secretary.

Earlier this year, the changes to the inside of the house, which was built around 1720, were unveiled at a Pathways To History Tour sponsored by the Morris County Historical Society. Another such tour is slated for Oct. 5, 2025.

Improvements and rehab continue and to date have included updating the electrical and HVAC systems, refinishing floors, installing a new roof, repairing chimneys and ensuring that the first level and cellar of the building are ADA compliant.

The committee members are also working with the township to create a historic landscape plan for the property.

As property owner, Pequannock Township and the township’s manager Adam Brewer worked closely with HMR Architects of Princeton, New Jersey after the property’s purchase in 2018. They made all final decisions regarding the project but provided historical society members the

opportunity to provide input as to the decisions made.

Of course, those efforts were interrupted by the pandemic, but Winterfield says the interruption and slow-down of the project was both a blessing and a curse.

“If it weren’t for COVID, we might have rushed through things and not learned as much as we did about the structure of the house,” Winterfield says.

“While it was frustrating that it was taking us longer than we wanted it to, we really got a good look at how the house was built,” adds Williams. “If it had been rushed, we would not have had that option.” An example of this was the discovery of the precise location of one of the additions to the house.

Williams says he is pleased that each of the families’ additions and improvements to the house are preserved in the final rehab. “We were able to preserve a lot of the features of the house and the families’ contributions to it.”

PRESERVING HISTORY

One of the key goals, society members say, is to preserve what these original and subsequent owners had in mind for the house. 12 families have owned the property, and according to Paul Havemann, who chairs the historical society, each family was “mindful of the historical nature of the home.”

Original builders of the home were Martin and Maria (Roome) Berry who were married in 1720 and raised their

nine children in the home. That year, they built the first two sections of the building and supported a 400-acre farm. The Berry family and Martin’s stepfather were instrumental in founding the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains as well.

As various new owners purchased the home, they made changes to it. In the early 1920s, the Meeks family sold a portion of the property to the State of New Jersey which is now Route 23; in the 1930s during the Depression, those same owners opened The Stone House Inn, a restaurant that they hoped would forestall foreclosure of the property. Those efforts failed, however, and a bank assumed ownership of the property in 1938.

Subsequent owners moved the

kitchen from the basement to the first floor and opened a gift and antiques shop. They also sold off all but 2.75 acres to the state once again, land which now houses stores along Route 23.

It was the Bogert family—Charles and Eleanor—who dedicated themselves to preserving the home, saving it from demolition and ensuring the house was listed as a historic building. Eleanor Bogert sold the property to Pequannock Township in 2017, and the rest is, as they say, history.

In addition to the upcoming Pathways tour, other events planned by the Pequannock Historical Society at Martin Berry House are a Holiday Open House and the Dedication of the Local and Family History and Reference Center.

The local historic committee

members are pleased with the results of the project.

“To me it is beyond expectations,” says Winterfield. “I think knowing what the home looked like before—it looks very much the same—but it looks polished. It still feels like a beautiful historic home.”

“A lot of care and attention was paid to the details,” Havemann says. “We were consulted at every step.” Still, future fundraising efforts should target updating the minimalist kitchen in the house, he says, thereby adding an attractive selling point for future local events.

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

It Takes a Village

Nancy Baran talks Mission of Hope, the impact made on Batey Lecheria in the Dominican Republic, and the need for community volunteers.

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

NNANCY BARAN, LIFELONG resident of Pequannock Township and Pequannock Township High School alumni, repeated many times over the course of her interview: “I could not do this alone.”

Baran volunteers with Mission of Hope, a nonprofit organization established through Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Pompton Plains to prepare for an annual trip to Batey Lecheria. Volunteers travel to the migrant worker camp in the Dominican Republic each year.

MAKING AN IMPACT

The Haitian refugees in the camp live in unbelievable poverty. “The residents suffer from malnutrition, preventable disease, and no access to education and healthcare” says Baran. In 2002, Msgr. Patrick J. Scott Sr. and Sister Rosemary McSorely of OLGC knew something had to be done after their visit to the camp. Medical needs must be met first, then education.

“Education in Batey Lecheria began under the shade of trees and dirt floors. A donated shipping container became

the first classroom, and then a small schoolhouse was constructed,” says Baran. The school now has nearly 500 students from ages 3 to 10.

“The community’s dream is to build a two-story structure that would accommodate older students and fulfill several unmet needs: a kitchen area, proper storage, additional bathrooms and even a computer lab outfitted with donated laptops,” says Baran.

Students not only learn, but they are fed and feel safe. “In a community where families live in fragile shelters

without electricity, running water or basic protection from the elements, the school has become a refuge,” she says. Donations and fundraising are crucial. People can drop donations at the church from the time a trip ends until the next one happens. “It takes a long time to collect over 40,000 pounds of donations,” says Baran. Donated items can change from year to year, but for 2025, “the mission still needs children’s underwear, umbrellas and any supplies that can be used to sustain a school for children ages 3 to 12 or a medical clinic, like over the counter medications and bandages.”

OLGC holds a packing event in the early fall; this year it takes place Oct. 3 and 4. “It’s a huge event; we’ve had upwards of 150 adults and teens from the community volunteering,” says Baran. Some of that packing results in the approximately 1,000 flip flops, crocs, sneakers, and water shoes brought every year. Some volunteers on the trip will

leave a pair of their own shoes or work boots as good shoes often don’t last long in the muddy, tropical climate. One of the resident construction workers, Bartolo, was left with Baran’s brother-in-law Dave’s work boots, and, years later, Baran noticed Bartolo still wearing them with rubber bands holding them together.

“I knew I wanted to give him something special” she says. She gifted him her late father’s work boots. “My dad, who used to help us on packing days, would be so happy to see this” says Baran.

LASTING LEGACIES

Living conditions are difficult for residents. “The roofs are nonexistent” says Baran, “they are full of holes, and it rains so much that everything people own gets wet.” This problem inspired Raise the Roof: Shelter With Dignity. According to Baran, this project “raises funds for weatherproof housing for families. Each roof costs just $300 to

sponsor and directly improves the health, dignity and safety of one family.

Another project the mission hopes to complete is a proper playground for children. For many years, the children have played on a run down playground that has needed much repair. “The dream for Mission of Hope is to install a safe commercial-grade playground and find a sponsor or corporate partner willing to help us—a gift that would create lasting joy for the hundreds of children growing up in the Batey” says Baran.

Uniforms are donated for children to have proper clothing for school along with a backpack and plastic lunch container—not used as one in the U.S. would think. The backpacks will hold everything the child owns and many save half of their hot lunch, carried home in the plastic container, to share with their family.

Medical donations are crucial. Baran brought antibiotic creams on a trip which treated a baby suffering with burns from the contents of a boiling pot. Another child, Benji, was discovered

to be very ill as a diabetic without treatment. The mission was able to tell his story and get a sponsor to cover his treatments and medicine. Many elderly people are suffering in the region, and the mission’s healthcare workers check on them at home. Stories of tragedy have inspired so much help.

“There was a family who had nine or more family members in one tiny shed. One mattress, albeit in terrible conditions, is common on the dirt floors. The rains leak through the roof and cover the floors. With infant twins, the family put up plywood for the babies to sleep on and stay dry. Sadly, a piece of plywood broke and one of the twins fell and died” says Baran. After reading about the baby and Misson of Hope’s goal of collecting portable pack and plays in the infant’s memory, community member Carol Gabel was inspired and has been supporting the mission ever since.

Michael was a boy Baran met when he was just nine and had escaped Haiti. He’s now a 27-year-old thriving

man working in the city. Michael is like another son to Nancy, and the Barans consider him part of their family.

With donated equipment, children in the region have access to soccer leagues and training for all ages through 18. “This keeps the kids off the streets with the help of a partner organization called Café con Leche,” says Baran.

Baran is thankful for local partner organizations such as Quilting for a Cause (handmade quilts) and Brandon’s Heart and Sole (new socks) for their donations. “Residents are so appreciative of these gifts, thank us and smile, it’s wonderful” says Baran.

The donations are a great way for everyone to help. Volunteers are also needed to make the trip each year.

“While the community is so appreciative of all the presents we bring to help sustain the school and clinic, by far it is our physical ‘presence’ that makes the most impact, particularly on the children and the elderly,” says Baran. Those who go on the trip often repeat

HOW TO HELP

To find out ways to help the mission, see below.

Packing day (Oct. 3 and 4, 2025) Sign up: http://bit.ly/4oqPKA8

Next trip is Nov. 2 through 9, 2025. If you’re interested in joining, please email NJBaran06@gmail.com or text only 908.425.1380.

Video on the mission by Christopher Cassel: https://vimeo.com/808487950/742d92160c

Mission of Hope website: https://goodcounsel.org/mission-of-hope

the visit. “Travelers call it a life-changing experience,” says Baran, who enjoys seeing the trip through new sets of travelers’ eyes each year.

Something that touches most who travel to Batey is how amazed and happy the children are despite having so little. “One person helping us makes all the difference, your small actions matter,” says Baran. Volunteers describe the experience as rewarding and walk away realizing you don’t need a lot to be happy.

Baran credits her sister and brotherin-law, Sue and Dave Laumbach who led the mission at OLGC church for many years until relocating to Colorado.

“They inspired me to take my first trip and I’ve gone every year since,” she says. “I never imagined that one trip would have me hooked. When you see the difference we are able to make bringing hope to this community, it’s hard to imagine how we could ever stop.”

Baran led the group once the Laumbachs moved to Colorado to ensure their legacy and hard work continued.

“You don’t have to be a part of OLG Church or even from Pompton Plains to help. Anyone can take part in the mission,” says Baran. All the efforts combine in order for 24 to 30 volunteers to take the trip to Batey Lecheria every 12 to 18 months. The group is made up of adults and youth.

Baran says the charity is like a second full time job but so rewarding. “I could not do this alone; it takes a village, and I am so grateful for all the members of Mission of Hope, our generous community and businesses. The challenge is that we’ve grown so big it’s a lot to keep up with. Anne Moore of Pompton Plains has helped a great deal, co-leading many of our communications, packing day and fundraising events. There are so many others, too many to list! Chris Cassel and his wife Rosa from town have traveled as a family with their two children on two occasions. He is responsible for the wonderful documentary video (see link in sidebar).

When Baran is not working her fulltime job or helping with the mission,

she enjoys spending time with her husband Ron, children Kellie, Amanda, Courtney and Kevin and of course, the family dogs, labrador retrievers, Bailey and Brody. She enjoys gardening, camping, floral design, and travel.

She feels her desire to volunteer stems from her parents, Roger and Dorothy Lynch who taught by example with their involvement in OLGC church and fostering many babies for Catholic charities while raising their seven children and running a family business. Clearly, multi-tasking and helping others runs in the family.

“This mission would not be possible without the support of the OLGC parish, our local communities and businesses, and of course, the volunteers who are so giving of their time and talent,” says Baran.

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 Quiet Heroes of Pequannock

The Department of Public Works might be an inconspicuous presence in our township, but its impact is anything but.

BY DAN PICCOLI

WWHEN MOST PEOPLE think of the Department of Public Works (DPW), they might picture plow trucks clearing snow, crews fixing sidewalks, or maintenance workers tending to sports fields. But in Pequannock Township, Public Works manages all that—and much more.

Located at 99 Alexander Ave., the DPW team consists of 21 dedicated staff members, over half of whom live right here in Pequannock. Their wide-ranging responsibilities touch every aspect of community life. Here is just a glimpse of what they do: Maintain approximately 400 acres of public land; service and repair all township-owned vehicles;

manage road maintenance; provide tree and stormwater maintenance; manage street signage and street sweeping; oversee the township’s water distribution system, wells, and booster stations; manage the township’s garbage and recycling programs; and more!

A WELL-EQUIPPED OPERATION

To keep the township running smoothly, the DPW relies on over 90 specialized vehicles and machines— ranging from excavators and backhoes to salt spreaders, stump grinders, and even beach combers.

At the helm is Director of Public Works, Dave Seugling, who recently

celebrated 20 years of service. When asked about the most challenging yet rewarding project he has overseen, he immediately pointed to the Greenview Park Pond Restoration.

Initially planned as a contracted job, cost estimates came in too high. Dave and his team decided to take on the massive task themselves— draining the pond, excavating silt and mud, recycling the material, installing a new liner, and constructing a berm wall to minimize leaf debris. They added two fountains and a removable floating dock for seasonal flexibility.

The result? A beautiful, serene setting now enjoyed by visitors to Greenview Park.

Seugling describes Public Works as vital to the “health, safety, and welfare of the community.” In addition to in-house operations, his department oversees outsourced services like waste management, ensuring contracts are executed efficiently.

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND TRAINING

Despite some individual challenges, safety is a top priority. Seugling chairs the Township Safety Committee, which includes representatives from the police, recreation, and public works departments, as well as the township manager and secretary. The committee meets quarterly to assess priorities and reinforce safety protocols.

The skills required of the DPW team are wide-ranging—encompassing maintenance, construction, environmental management, budgeting, planning, and engineering. Customer service is just as important, as the department frequently interacts with residents and vendors alike.

Many team members carry specialized certifications. Four employees are Certified Public Works Managers. All must hold at least a CDL B license (for operating vehicles up to 10,000 pounds), while some also hold CDL A licenses for heavy-duty equipment like the leaf vacuum.

Seugling says, “we take training and employee development very seriously, and we are always adding more and more certifications to the team to ensure we have the necessary skills to support the safety and well-being of the community.”

REPORTING AND FUNDING

The Department of Public Works reports to Township Manager Adam Brewer, who in turn reports to the Township Council. Brewer highlights Pequannock’s strong track record of securing grants. Over the past seven years, the township has received more than $15 million in state and federal grant funding for 97 successfully

Opposite page: Pictured here from left to right are 13 of the 21 members of the Pequannock Township Public Works Department (Robert Mendell, Michael Naser, Gilbert Rodriguez, Brandon Brath, William Breur, Zachary Van Deursen, Kyle Gilland, Thomas Hughes, David Seugling, Edwin Mackin, Jeffery Smith, Rick Merz, and Daniel Harper).

This page: Pictured above is Daniel Harper, Pequannock Township Public Works most tenured employee at 36 years and counting. Daniel has spent all his time with the DPW and has been a resident of Pequannock Township his whole life–congratulations Daniel! David Seugling (left), Director Public Works and Richard “Rick” Merz (right), Superintendent Public Works, are part of the management team that keeps it all together.

of the

One of the recent noteworthy and incredibly involved projects was the Greenview Park Pond Project. Here are pictures of the pond’s excavation in several stages and the final product (top left). If you have not visited the pond, check it out. Significant effort and great results by the Pequannock Township Public Works Department!

completed projects. Funding sources have included: NJDOT Transportation Trust Fund; NJ Senior Citizen & Disabled Transportation Assistance; FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA); and Morris County Historic Preservation Program.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT

The Public Works Department is continually working to improve township infrastructure. Here are a few upcoming projects:

• Complete renovation of the basketball courts behind Town Hall, including widening and lengthening

• Annual road resurfacing and sidewalk repairs

• Redesign of the Sunset and South Sunset to West Parkway area—an NJDOT-funded project

involving milling, paving, ADAcompliant sidewalks, and curbing

• Replacement of sidewalks along Manor Avenue

When asked what keeps him motivated, Seugling shares, “We focus on projects that benefit the community. From identifying a need, to budgeting, planning, and finally seeing a project come to life, it is incredibly satisfying. Watching our team take pride in their work and seeing residents enjoy the results is the best reward. Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Dan Piccoli is a regular contributor to the Pequannock/ Pompton Plains magazine and is the owner of 4 Shore Photography,  LLC.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

6:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. Edgewood Country Club River Vale, NJ

Great Spots for Local Dining

A roster of excellent places to eat al fresco—with select locations near the Pompton Valley Rail Trail highlighted in.

MONTVILLE

Columbia Inn 29 Route 202 (973) 263-1300 thecolumbiainn.com

MORRISTOWN

1776 By David Burke 67 East Park Place (973) 829-1776 1776bydb.com

MOUNTAIN LAKES

The Station 99 Midvale Road (973) 335-5330 thestationatmountainlakes.com

PEQUANNOCK/ POMPTON PLAINS

Bardi’s Bar & Grill 149 Newark-Pompton Turnpike (973) 694-1058 bardisgrill.com

Stefano’s Restaurant 565 Route 23 South (973) 616-6624 stefanosrestaurant.net

Pizza Man Trattoria Italiano Clock Tower Shopping Center 574 Newark-Pompton Turnpike (973) 835-3383 pizzamantrattoria.com

KINNELON

Cypress Tavern 174 Kinnelon Road (973) 492-2700

cypresstavernnj.com

San Giorgio’s Italian Bistro 86 Boonton Ave. (973) 492-5305 sangiorgiosbistro.com

Smoke Rise Village Inn 9 Perimeter Road (973) 838-7770 smokerisevillageinn.com

LINCOLN PARK

Arca Restaurant & Lounge 211 Main St. (973) 709-0093 arcarestaurantnj.com

Sunset Pub & Grill 425 Beaverbrook Road (973) 694-8700 sunsetpubandgrill.com

Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant 261 Comly Road (973) 686-9005 frankspizzalp.com

Tavern 5

710 Newark-Pompton Turnpike (973) 835-1426 tavern5.com

POMPTON LAKES

Thatcher McGhee’s Irish Pub

6 Wanaque Ave. (973) 839-3377 thatchermcghees.com/pompton

RIVERDALE

Black Bull

88 Newark-Pompton Turnpike (973) 831-2825 blackbullsteakhouse.com

Boniellos

72 Hamburg Turnpike (973) 831-0222 boniellos.com

TOWACO

Rails Steakhouse 10 Whitehall Road (973) 335-0006 railssteakhouse.com

900 Degrees Wood-Fired Pizza

Eatery 626 Main Road (973) 335-2555 900degreespizza.com

WAYNE

Positano Restaurant and Pizzeria Pointview Shopping Center 245 Berdan Ave. (973) 628-6863 positanorestaurant.com

Double Ai Asian Bistro 107 Terhune Drive (973) 616-5757 double-ai.com

Novelli 2410 Hamburg Turnpike (973) 835-3585 novelli-restaurant.com

Maggies Town Tavern 1082 Hamburg Turnpike (973) 256-7702 maggiestowntavern.com

In the Drink 209 Totowa Road (973) 832-7997 inthedrinkrestaurant.com

High SocieTea House

20 Old Newark Pompton Turnpike (973) 696-8327 highsocieteanj.com

Grasshopper Too 26 Erie Avenue 973 696 9698 grasshoppertoo.com

Our top-quality cabinetry services and products are only available at select locations including: