Holding Space

JOANNA PARKER-LENTZ

Breaking Bread (and Barriers)

Every great community initiative might just start with carbs—homemade meals and sourdough focaccia that bring neighbors together. “That, along with sharing my mother’s moonshine or hosting our annual Halloween Duck Dinner,” Joanna shares. An active force in the Millburn and Short Hills community, Joanna is dedicated to bringing neighbors closer through shared stories and meaningful connections, one collective experience at a time.

Growing up, Joanna’s life was shaped by tales spun by her parents and grandmother, who survived war-torn Europe. Their stories—equal parts haunting and hopeful—ranged from bedtime lullabies to ‘Wait, did that really happen?’ moments. These narratives taught her early on, “Stories are everywhere, and life is very interesting if you listen closely,” Joanna says. “Having humility, empathy and honesty is essential to telling a story and also to listening. That brings a storyteller and listener along the same journey.”

The Village Voice

Inspired by The Moth live storytelling series, Joanna recently launched the inaugural Life in Millburn Storytelling event held at Millburn High School. The guest list was filled with members of the Millburn and Short Hills community, bringing tales from their dinner tables to the stage. Each storyteller shared their unique experiences. “I loved every story, but if I had to pick one that resonated most, it would be the WWII and Holocaust survival story of Lizzie Pantirer’s grandparents. It brought me to my knees and simultaneously connected me to the good in humanity that helps us survive and teaches us to be better and kinder to our neighbors,” Joanna says.

From her days as a Glenwood Elementary class mom to Chair of Rocktoberfest and an active participant in all Millburn Education Foundation initiatives, Joanna says, “I would love to inspire people to just do more, in any way they can. Some people don’t realize they are capable of more, but if they push themselves just a bit outside their comfort zone by doing more, sharing more, donating more, simply showing up more, they will thrive, and so will their ‘village.’

Music, storytelling and experiencing shared loss and happiness bring us together, and when people come together, communities thrive,” Joanna says. “Every storyteller made us feel something wonderful, sometimes sad and moving, just like life does. I hope we grew together as an audience into a better, more understanding group of neighbors and global citizens.”

Joanna’s insights set the stage for a deeper exploration of storytelling’s role in shaping how we connect. Meet three remarkable women from the Life in Millburn Storytelling event— presenters who harnessed their unique voices to inspire, spark change and redefine what it means to belong. Small popcorn, big stories—press play.

JESSICA LAYTON CATALON

Balancing Act

Jessica Layton Catalon is thoroughly enjoying the best version of herself, embracing the independence and flexibility she’s cultivated in her career. She was the kid who knew exactly what she wanted—at 10, Jessica had a clear path to become a TV reporter, a vision she turned into a successful career. However, when she recently took the Storytellers stage, her focus wasn’t on breaking news. Instead, she transparently discussed the trade-offs she faced in the industry.

“For 20 years, I sacrificed family time, personal time, even my mental and physical health,” she reveals. “Pivoting to a freelance role at the network news level has given me so much freedom, allowing me to build a side career as a public speaking coach, health writer and communications consultant—freelancing gives me permission to breathe.”

One of Jessica’s creative outlets is her passion for singing and music, and the unifying power it provides. She describes it as both a source of joy and a way to find comfort during difficult times. “Two people who don’t speak the same language may still recognize the same tune,” Jessica says. “Music transcends cultural divisions; there aren’t many things that can do that.” This perspective resonates deeply with her work in news, where she often tells stories that reflect either the best or worst days in someone’s life. “Both need the same care,” she says.

From multicultural events at Deerfield Elementary to the proximity of the Paper Mill Playhouse, Jessica emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity and cultural awareness. “What I love most about living in Short Hills is the abundance of opportunities, the vibrant culture— including the restaurants—and, most of all, the friendships. This town has enabled me to connect with so many interesting, kind and intelligent people both professionally and personally.”

TV credits and bylines aside, Jessica takes the most pride in her role as a mom, whether she’s coaching her son CJ’s rec soccer team or supporting his creative endeavors. “One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Your biggest success may not be in what you do, but in who you raise,’” she shares. “The fact that my son is growing up with friends and role models from all corners of the world is incredible,” Jessica says. “We couldn’t ask for a better place to raise him.”

SYLVIA AKWABOAH

Cultural Connection

Growing up in Ghana, Sylvia’s early life experiences laid the foundation for a remarkable story of cultural exploration and empowerment. “Excellence was ingrained in us from day one,” she recalls, reflecting on her time at an all-girls boarding school known for cultivating women who shatter global ceilings. The decision to move to England for university was shaped by circumstances and aspirations. With universities in Ghana on strike, she found herself looking abroad for opportunities.

“It was also the perfect excuse for my dad to send me away,” she shares. Sylvia’s dreams of a career in African theatre didn’t align with traditional career paths. This transition was transformative, broadening her perspective on culture and identity. “Living in a different cultural environment made me more self-aware,” she notes, highlighting the fluidity of culture and the importance of preserving one’s identity.

As a mother to three grown boys, Sylvia has witnessed firsthand how cultural exposure enriches and broadens perspectives. “Children are like sponges,” she says, observing her sons navigate African, American, English and Singaporean cultures. The phrase “It takes a village” resonates significantly with her, emphasizing the invaluable role of community in raising children.

Sylvia’s global travels have further shaped her understanding of cultures. “Travel has taught me one universal truth—there are good people everywhere,” she affirms. A memorable experience in Singapore, where a fishmonger extended unexpected kindness, reinforced her belief in the goodness of humanity. “We need to see more good in the world—and more importantly, be the good in the world,” she says. Her commitment to cultural respect is evident in both her personal and professional life. “It’s really as simple as extending grace,” she says.

Inspired by her late mother’s generosity, Sylvia established two nonprofit groups, Soccer for Dreamers and Gift Africa. “Access can completely change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” she explains. Soccer For Dreamers helps athletes maximize their potential, while Gift Africa focuses on financial literacy and leadership development. Addressing the challenges facing African youth, Sylvia highlights communication skills as a major hurdle. To combat this, her organizations offer the Ubuntu Mastery Program, focusing on essential soft skills and job readiness. Her in-depth experiences across cultures underscores a simple yet profound truth: “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

LIZZIE PANTIRER HARNEW

A Legacy of Resilience 

Lizzie Pantirer Harnew’s life is a vivid mosaic of survival and the enduring spirit of family, rooted in her grandfather’s remarkable story. “When I was asked to speak [at the Storyteller event], I thought, ‘What an honor; I haven’t accomplished much in my 35 years, but ok!’” Lizzie says. She was invited to share the profound story of her grandfather, Murray Pantirer—a story of survival against all odds.

Born in Poland in 1925, Murray dreamed of becoming the greatest Jewish soccer player, growing up in a loving, close-knit family. However, the Nazi invasion in 1939 shattered their world. By the war’s end, he was the sole survivor, narrowly escaping death thanks to Oscar Schindler’s famous list. By age 35, Murray had immigrated to the U.S., built a family and co-founded BNE Real Estate Group with fellow Schindler survivors.

Lizzie reflects on her upbringing in Millburn, enriched by family—a modern-day village echoing her grandfather’s past. “As a grandchild of survivors, I have felt both a strong obligation and honor to tell Murray’s story,” she shares. Currently, she is training with the Holocaust Education Committee to share her family’s story in middle schools around New Jersey.

Lizzie’s narrative, “Why I Eat Cheese,” offers a poignant look into her childhood with Holocaust survivors. “The Nazis never gave us dairy,” her grandmother would remind her. She fondly recalls Yom Kippur at her grandparents’ house in Hillside, New Jersey, where 17 people squeezed into a four-bedroom ranch. The somber meal, filled with traditional Jewish dishes, became a time of reflection and connection. Though often silent during the fast, her grandmother prepared an exuberant break-fast meal, complete with cheeses and blintzes. This meal symbolized relief, gratitude and family unity, inspiring Lizzie to create custom cheese boards with Lizzie Makes Boards.

Amidst culinary feasts, the evenings were filled with both humor and haunting memories. Lizzie describes the “orchestra” of sounds that distracted her from her grandfather’s night terrors—his cries in Polish, calling out the names of lost family members. These moments underscored the weight of survival and the privilege of sharing a meal. “I always ate something, mindful of my grandmother’s words: ‘In the camps we starved, now you shouldn’t starve’”. Years later, after the passing of her grandparents, Lizzie continues the tradition of enjoying an array of dairy for break-fast. Lightheartedly, she shares, “I still relish the sweet, salty and savory flavors—to me, dairy is more than just indigestion; it’s a privilege and a cherished tradition”.

BY EVE GOLDEN