IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Andy Antanaitis

He helped start school support foundation; Banker and family man: Andy Ananaitis was one of a group that created LEAF, By Laurie Gordon Lafayette — When lifelong New Jersey resident Andy Antanaitis settled in Lafayette with his wife and children, he soon got involved in the local elementary school. His two eldest children have gone through the school and his youngest is an eighth-grader there now. Several years ago Antanaitis became part of a group of six Lafayette residents who created the Lafayette Education and Advancement Foundation, which is now three years old. LEAF, as it is known, is a non-profit organization with a mission to further and enhance the comprehensive educational experience of students at the Lafayette school. They do this by raising money dedicated to funding educational and cultural programs in the school. LEAF is an independent, community-based organization, organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. LEAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. “We felt the need to start an organization in Lafayette to support the elementary school,“ Antanaitis said. With approximately 350 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade, the school works with limited resources. “As a small rural school with such a great grade range, the funds are limited, yet the needs are very diverse. LEAF strives to provide our children with the programs, technology and resources that larger schools provide. LEAF has been able to approve a number of grants, providing smart boards and a virtual museum program. Recently, LEAF supported a TREP$ program [a program that encourages business education and entrepreneurship] wich was an overwhelming success.” To fund its ambitious program, LEAF has held several fundraising events. Its Second Annual Cinco De Mayo road/trail run will be held this year on May 8. “Last year we had over 200 runners with all the money going towards LEAF,“ said Antanaitis. The race begins and ends at Olde Lafayette Village. “What makes our race different from others is you will start the run on the road and then enter the Sussex County rail trail for over a mile heading back to Olde Lafayette Village.” Speaking from experience Antanaitis, who has been vice president at First Hope Bank for the past 17 years, offered this thought on how the current economic stresses have affected area residents and the prospects of fundraising. “LEAF would like to have at least two fundraisers a year but all the time realizing that families and companies may not be in the position to attend or donate. The 5K run/walk is an inexpensive way to donate towards a worthy cause, while spending time with family and friends.” As for Andy Antanaitis, he said something people may not know about him is, “I am a roller coaster enthusiast and enjoy visiting different amusement parks with my family.”

Warm crab and spinach dip
1 lb. of Crab Meat
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 pkg (10 oz.) frozen
hopped spinach - thaw and drain well
1 pkg (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup of sweet onion - finely chopped
2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
2 tbs lemon juice or dry white wine
2 tbs horseradish
Unseasoned bread crumbs
Freshly ground pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix cream cheese, mayo, parmesan, onion, Worcestershire, lemon juice (or wine) horseradish and pepper to taste. Fold in spinach and crab meat. Spoon mixture into baking dish and sprinkle bread crumbs over top. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn oven to 400 degrees and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve warm with crusty bread.