To say that Claire Sinclair is generous with her time, is an understatement. She’s been a teacher for decades. And currently she’s teaching kindergarten in the same classroom at the same elementary school she attended.
What’s interesting about how our conversation began is that both Claire and her mother attended Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ and both women married their high school sweethearts, just decades apart.
Claire shares stories of the similarities of she and her mom and how much it means to her that so many people from her community still hold her mother close to their heart. Claire’s mother, ‘Ellie,’ was known as “The Duck Lady” in Maplewood/South Orange NJ. What she started many years ago as a simple race in a brook with plastic ducks has grown to raising tens of thousands of dollars annually for different organizations that help and support kids, ie Kiwanis, Scouts, YMCA, etc.
Ellie’s mom, Claire’s maternal grandmother, passed away when Ellie was in her 20’s. When Ellie’s father remarried, there was no real love between she and her step mother so she moved in with one of her favorite aunts, Aunt Fay, her birth mother’s sister, who ran a preschool out of her home. Ellie had interests in Nursing and/or becoming a teacher but her career was cut short when it was time to start a family.
Claire says “she likes to dabble in a little bit of everything, just like her mom.” Claire is involved in community awareness when it comes to food insecure families. She volunteers regularly at local food pantries distributing food as well as keeping her young students involved by organizing can drives at the elementary school. As a board member for MEND, Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity, located throughout Essex County, NJ, Claire regularly sees families in need of help and like her mom, it’s hard for her to say no to helping others.
Claire is the administrator of a Facebook Group, ‘Habitual Gratitude 365’ where she shares daily prompts of things that her multitude of followers are grateful for. Again, like her mom, and as a mother, she loves to help others in need.
Claire’s mother passed away in 2013 but she’s left an imprint on the community. Claire was lucky enough to have one last phone call from her mom and she’s so happy that she picked up that call.
Claire also has a park bench in Maplewood Memorial Park, which was dedicated to her mother, by the community, nestled nicely right beside the brook where Ellie started her very first Memorial Day ‘Duck Race.’ That’s where Claire goes on a regular basis to feel her mother’s support, love and guidance.
SHLTMM YOUTUBE CHANNEL: You can now listen to my podcasts on YouTube
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Claire Sinclair’s Recent book:
The Mice Wo Came to Story Time
Facebook Page:Habitual Gratitude 365
LinkedIn: Claire Sinclair
“Should Have Listened To My Mother” is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie’s guests are open and honest and answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You’ll be amazed at what the responses are.
Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:
SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024
“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”
Jackie Tantillo’s “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it’s clear why it’s a 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award Nominee. This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.
Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers’ actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.
This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society. Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.
I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.
Gina Kunadian
“Should Have Listened To My Mother” would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2018/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship.
Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.
Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.
A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for “Should Have Listened To My Mother”.
Check out our website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/
Or more demos of what’s to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo
Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/
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