Dear Verona Neighbors

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF VERONA JUNE 2019 VERONA NEIGHBORS

Nonna Pekarev: A Search for the Beauty in Life

Photograph by Kass Studio EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

JACK BOSTON of Allied Wealth GREEN VALLEY Publication Team Partners is a human experience financial LANDSCAPE DESIGN & advisor. He goes beyond the numbers to pro- MAINTENANCE LLC has actively control the experiences of his clients, been operating in the Verona area making their future more predictable. His mission for the past 12 years. Green Valley is a fully insured, locally owned is to teach Individuals, couples, and families the and operated company which provides a variety of landscape art of managing their money the fun and simple services. Some of the more popular services including lawn way. Jack is a compassionate, non-judgmental maintenance, landscape design and installation, seasonal clean ups, financial expert and a go-to resource for peo- and hardscape installation. Additional services are also available ple who are ready to make their finances work for them and use based on each client’s unique needs. During the winter months, their money to live the lives of their dreams. (973) 265-1228 Green Valley also offers commercial snow plowing services. www.alliedwealthpartners.com/team-member/jack-boston (973) 857-1203 • www.greenvalleylandscapenj.com

FDQ ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP is a STANTON COMPANY REALTORS group of orthopedic surgeons specializing is the oldest existing real estate firm in the in joint replacement, sports medicine and Montclair area. Founded by George H. foot and ankle surgery. Each physician in Stanton in 1922, the company is still family the Femino-Ducey-Queler Orthopaedic run and is committed to upholding their Group is distinctively skilled in his area of reputation for personalized service and expertise. Patients from as far as Europe professionalism. Whether you are a buyer and Asia have sought out Dr. Femino for or a seller, they offer expert guidance on buying and selling in the hip and knee replacement surgery. Local local area. sports teams rely on the expertise of Dr. (973) 746-1313 • www.stantonrealtors.com Ducey to get them back on the playing field after injuries or other conditions sideline them. Dr. Queler’s expertise treating the foot and ankle enables patients to become fully functional once again. (973) 751-0111 • www.femino-duceyorthopaedics.com NJ ADVANCED ACUPUNCTURE Morgan Reade has been providing acupuncture treatment for 12 years. Morgan is Nationally To learn more about becoming Board certified through NCCAOM with a Masters in Oriental medicine. He is dedicated an expert contributor, to the preservation and advancement of the art, science and practice of Oriental Medicine in an contact BVM at ethical manner, enhancing the health and well- being of the general public and his patients. [email protected] His broad clinical experience combined with his phone: (973) 277-7301 personal caring touch provides his patients with the highest quality care. NJ Advanced Acupunctures most commonly treated conditions include pain and injuries, autoimmune and allergies. However, Morgan’s biggest achievement has been helping over 600 women struggling with infertility bring babies into the world. 201-400-2261 • www.njadvancedacupuncture.com

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2 Verona Neighbors Publication Team Publisher: Michael Stefanelli Dear Verona Neighbors, Content Coordinator: Jillian Zarr Designer: Marti Golon une is a very exciting time (and I’m not just saying that because I’m a Contributing Photographer: teacher...although that certainly doesn’t hurt). Later and later sunsets, Randall Kenneth Photography Contributing Writer: Scarlett Morris the start of summer vacation...life slows down starting in June. It’s a prime time for outdoor living! ADVERTISING JCheck our calendar for some awesome Essex County outdoor experi- Contact: Michael Stefanelli ences: fishing derbies, craft shows, outdoor concerts, and even movies. Try Email: [email protected] a meditation session in Verona Park, or go jogging around the lake. Lounge Phone: 973-277-7301 in your backyard hammock with a good read. Why not start with this month’s Verona Neighbors? In this issue we feature Nonna Pekarov, who built her own business from the ground up Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: after immigrating to the United States. We also are featuring part two of Have feedback, ideas or submissions? Robert Williams’ dive into the history of the We are always happy to hear from you! nearby Beattie Mill. What did he find as he Deadlines for submissions are the 25th of each month. Go to explored the depths of this abandoned mill? You can also find out more about the new www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” Women’s Field Hockey team being introduced You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: to the high school this fall and hear from some [email protected]. of the new players. We have a new feature this month, as well. Did you arrive in Verona after Content Submission Deadlines: a long journey? We want to hear from you! Check out the story of the Battersbys, who Content Due: Edition Date: November 25...... January 1 were featured in our April issue, and how they December 23...... February 1 January 25...... March 1 came to Verona from so many miles away. February 25...... April 1 Lastly, I would like to apologize to some of our Verona Neighbors. Last March 25...... May 1 April 25...... June 1 month, we featured a family in which someone was running for a council May 25...... July 1 seat. It is never our intention to get involved in politics (we value all of our June 25...... August 1 July 25...... September 1 neighbors, no matter the party!) I did not know that there was a council August 25...... October 1 election happening at the time I submitted the article, and only became September 25...... November 1 October 25...... December 1 aware after the fact (we work pretty far in advance!). We received some emails admonishing us for highlighting one candidate over others. This was an unintentional highlight. I must say however, I am truly encouraged by the Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily passion of our neighbors and how much they are willing to fight for fairness endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version and for their own neighbors who they felt were slighted. I am so fortunate Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners to live in such a town. Thank you for your emails. associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the Have a lovely June-- reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content Content Coordinator submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole Jillian Zarr discretion of the submitting party. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

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June 2019 3 RESIDENT FEATURE

Nonna Pekarev: A Search for the Beauty in Life

By Jillian Zarr Photograph by Kass Studio

onna Pekarev knows that beauty is more than skin I try to see beauty in everything and I dedicate my life to making deep. A successful salon and spa owner, Nonna people look even more beautiful.” believes that making someone feel beautiful is power- A New Jersey Licensed Esthetician with certifications from ful. “It’s the most satisfying feeling when you witness France, Germany, Russia, and the United States, Nonna has Nsomeone’s transformation between when they enter the salon worked hard to create her salon business. “I am a Russian-Jewish and close the door behind them,” she said. “At the end of the immigrant. I moved to this country 26 years ago with $200 in my day, I always know when we made them look more beautiful, we pocket and not a word of English. But beauty is a language every- changed their lives for the better. The name is my business is La one can understand,” she said. Belle Vie, which is translated from French as ‘the beautiful life.’ On When Nonna came to the United States from Russia in 1993, a daily basis, I try to remember that life is beautiful and precious. she held all sorts of odd jobs in order to get by. “It was hard,

4 Verona Neighbors Nonna’s salon in Bloomfield

not knowing the language and not having a driver’s license, you lit a fire under her to find a new charity for the upcoming year, one know. I taught piano lessons, cleaned homes, worked at a bakery. that gives back to the United States and the women here. “It is Once I learned more English, I started to get interested in the my dream to now help women here in America. I want to be able beauty industry.” The beauty industry attracted Nonna because it to see the results firsthand.” was almost “like the movie industry: exciting, creative, and orig- Nonna wants to help others achieve the American Dream as inal.” So Nonna returned to Russia to learn to be an esthetician. she has. In addition to owning her own business and creating a “I learned from the best in Russia, taking private lessons, before life for herself here, Nonna made one of her final dreams come getting my license in the United States,” she said. true when she moved to her current home. Nonna had a vision for Upon returning to the United States, Nonna began her job how she wanted to live her life in America. “My life-long dream search. “I went to New York, because I always wanted to be at was to one day sit on a terrace, have my morning coffee with a the best place in the industry,” said Nonna. “I went to Neiman view of New York City,” Nonna said. “One sunny day, I was driving Marcus and bought an expensive suit with the last of my money (I up Watching Ave, accidentally looked up and saw a tall apartment didn’t even have a resume, so I wanted to look good!) then went building up high. It was visible from a mile away. My first thought to Madison Avenue. There, a homeless man asked me for a dollar. was--I bet you can see New York from that building.” She was cor- I gave it to him, but told him that I probably needed that dollar rect-the Claridge House in Verona, the building that caught her too...I was in need of a job. He asked what I did. When I told him I was looking for a salon job, he pointed up and said, ‘You’re already here!’ I looked up and saw the Kim LePine Salon, at 63rd and Madison.” Nonna took a chance and went in. She was in luck: just the night before, the Russian esthetician who worked there had abruptly quit to move to Florida. “Timing is everything! The woman at the desk said, “Ok, give a facial to our artistic director and we will see what you can do.’ I gave her a facial and was hired the next day.” After working at that salon for a few years, Nonna decided she needed a change. She took some time off, traveled, then returned to open her own business in Montclair. “I took a small place on Fairfield in October of 2008. Then, the market crashed. People said I was crazy! After a few months of construction, I opened in March 2009, one of the worst years in the American economy. But because of the support of my clients and friends, I made it. I even got to open a second location this year, at the former KEEPING YOUR ROUTINE IS OUR BUSINESS Serenity day spa in Bloomfield.” Working in the beauty industry has opened up Nonna’s life: “In the beauty industry, I’ve met the most exceptional people and made life-long friendships.” It was her experience with both immigrating with very little to her name and the beauty industry that led to Nonna’s work with MADRE, an international human rights organization. Along with the director of MADRE, Yifat Susskind, Nonna launched “Sister Jack Boston Salons for Guatemala,” a project that aimed to give impoverished Financial Advisor victims of domestic violence in Guatemala the capital and know- (973) 265-1228 how to open their own hair salons. The hair salons would also [email protected] function as training spaces for other women and provide domes- 14 Walsh Drive Suite 100 tic violence counseling. Although the salon would not get built Parsippany, NJ 07054 because of a changing political landscape, Nonna does not regret Tracking # 2092498 DOFU: 4/2018 helping to raise so much money for the organization itself. It also

June 2019 5 “Once a year I need to go to Italy and see the David and the bridges of Venice. Strolling through streets of Florence or Sienna or San Gimignano, marveling at the beauty around me allows me to recharge my creative side and bring back new and exciting ideas for my business. I want to capture the beauty and bring it back!”

eye that day, boasts stunning city views. “I immediately called Nonna has a Master’s Degree in Theory and History of Classical the realtor and started searching for the highest floor. It took me Music from Saint-Petersburg University of Humanities and Social about a year to get exactly what I want. From my terrace, you can Sciences. She began playing the piano at 5 years old. “In Russia, see NYC Skyline and I enjoy it every morning and every night.” everyone goes to regular school, and also music classes. After New York is a special place for Nonna, and not just because it school each day, I would have piano lessons, choir lessons, music was the location of her first salon job. “Since I am a professional theory, et cetera. At 8th grade you decide whether to go to high piano player, classical music is my passion and the Metropolitan school or music academy. I went to the music academy. And Opera in New York is my absolute favorite place on Earth,” she after the academy, I wanted to be a music journalist, so I went to said. But piano is not limited to just New York for Nonna. “When college for that.” I have time away from my business, I organize small intimate Although she was exposed to many instruments, it was always dinner parties so I have a chance to play for my friends.” She typi- all about the piano for Nonna. “To me, there’s the piano, then cally plays Chopin, her favorite composer. there’s everything else. It’s the soul of the music; there is nothing it cannot express. It is my therapy and my escape from the stresses of life.” However, although the piano is an escape, Nonna does not see her piano playing and her work at the salon as two Verona Tired of separate endeavors. “The piano and the salon are the same...I Heating & Window Air simply like everything beautiful! There is beauty everywhere and I Conditioners? want to capture it. It’s just another form of art.” Cooling For a Free Estimate From her salon, to the piano, to her charity work, to her on Ductless sought-after high rise apartment in Verona, Nonna is on a quest 862-368-3856 Air Conditioning for the aesthetics in life. “I feel like I am a conductor in an orches- [email protected] Units Call Us tra and I get to bring together all the wonderful and beautiful things to create my life.” ■ CARRIER/BRYANT • WEIL MCLAIN • FUJITSU Today!

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6 Verona Neighbors HEALTH

the winter off and doing nothing really doesn’t offer the damaged tissue much activity or restorative circulation. Anyone for So what to do? If you don’t like taking ibuprofen, or are allergic to it, Tennis… and don’t like the side effects of steroid therapy, you may find immediate Elbow? and long-term relief with acupuncture. The acupuncturist is trained in understanding the under- lying causes of pain and discomfort and knows how to direct the body’s own healing power to your painful areas. In the case of tennis elbow, the Contributed by Morgan Reade of NJ Advanced Acupuncture acupuncturist can direct a variety of non-invasive, drug-free therapies to your problem area: no NSAIDs (ibuprofen, amn, it’s back! The pain is back! I thought laying-off aspirin, etc.), drugs, no steroids…just healing and relief. tennis for the winter would heal my elbow, but two If you are suffering from tennis elbow, why not see an sets in and it’s back...and it hurts!” acupuncturist? ■ If you play tennis, you have probably experienced “tennisD elbow, an unpleasant firey little knot of pain on the inside of your arm near the elbow. The pain ranges from merely annoy- ing to excruciating. Your first reaction is probably to rub it, and when it doesn’t go away, to rub it really hard. And, it goes away. Usually you can finish your game, set or match without too much further discomfort until later when it will probably throb for awhile, then “settle down”...until the next time. WebMD© defines tennis elbow as “...a type of tendini- tis--swelling of the tendons-- that causes pain in the elbow and arm. Despite its name, you can still get tennis elbow even if you’ve never been near a tennis court...Tennis elbow is the most common reason that people see their doctors for elbow pain...it’s What is Acupuncture? most common at about age 40.” Acupuncture is an amazing natural remedy in returning your There are many palliative treatments for tennis elbow that Acupuncture bodyWhatWhat to ais healthy isAcupuncture? Acupuncture? balance. Advanced Acupuncture NJ wants can be found around the house, like an ice pack or ibuprofen. In toPT/OT, return your Chiropractic body to its fullest function & ability. Acupuncture advanced cases, doctors may suggest steroid injections. Steroids worksAcupunctureAcupuncture because is an isthe anamazing placementamazing natural natural of remedy needles remedy in returninginin certainreturning your locations your body to a healthy balance. Advanced Acupuncture NJ wants can be very effective because they treat the cause of the pain What ison bodyyourAcupuncture? bodyto a healthy assists balance. your body Advanced in healing Acupuncture itself. NJ wants Familyto return your Counseling body to its fullest function & ability. Acupuncture and discomfort (though the repetitive stress is the real cause) to return your body to its fullest function & ability. Acupuncture AcupunctureInfertilityworks is because an ●amazing Migraines the placement natural ● ADHD/ADD of remedy needles in ●in Anxietycertain returning locations ● Depression your by reducing the swollen tendons and ligaments (tendons are works because the placement of needles in certain locations body to aon healthy onyour your body balance.body assists assists● yourAdvanced your body body in healing inAcupuncture healing● itself. itself. NJ wants extremely strong collagen connective tissue that attach muscles Frozen Shoulder Carpal Tunnel Tennis Elbow to return your body to its fullest function & ability. Acupuncture to bones; ligaments are similar connective tissue that attach Ask about our Salt Therapy Room! bones to bones and forms joints such as the knee and elbow). works because the placement of needles in certain locations Repetitive stressful activities such as playing tennis over-stress on your bodyAskAsk assistsaboutNew about yourourLocation our Saltbody Salt Therapy in Therapy healingin West Room! itself. Room! Caldwell! the tendons and ligaments which respond the way the body Call NJ Advanced Acupuncture Today! usually responds to stress or injury: by swelling. Continuing to Call NJ Advanced Acupuncture Today! stress a swelling or swollen tendon or ligament triggers the pain Call NJ201-400-2261 Advanced Acupuncture Today! you’re experiencing. Ask about our Salt Therapy201-400-2261201-400-2261 Room! But why is it that--even after a lay-off of several months--the pain/discomfort returns? Why doesn’t the swelling go away? 616 Bloomfield555 Passaic Ave, Ave, Suite West 3B, Caldwell Caldwell, NJ The answer is the same as why a twisted ankle takes so long Call NJ616 Advanced Bloomfield Ave, Acupuncture Suite 3B, Caldwell, Today!NJ to heal: because unlike muscles or skin, tendons and ligaments 6166 Bloomfield 6Green Green Village Village Ave, Suite Rd,Rd, Madison, 3B,Madison, Caldwell, NJ NJ NJ 6 Green Village Rd, Madison, NJ have no direct source of blood to rebuild and restore the tissue. 201-400-2261njadvancedacupuncture.com6 Green Village Rd, Madison, NJ The damaged tendon or ligament relies on being activated or Morgan Reade L.Ac., M.S. njadvancedacupuncture.comnjadvancedacupuncture.com used to create enough circulation to recover and rebuild. Taking June 2019 7 616 Bloomfield Ave, Suite 3B, Caldwell, NJ 6 Green Village Rd, Madison, NJ njadvancedacupuncture.com ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT The Verona Field Hockey Parents Association Contributed by the VFHPA

ho says you can’t teach an old town a new sport? Thanks to a group ofW tireless parents and enthusias- tic teens, Field Hockey will now be The VFHPA hopes to raise $20,000 in less than a year to ensure offered at Verona High School. that the inaugural Verona High School Field Hockey Team kicks off The Verona Field Hockey Parents Association (VFHPA) was its season with everything it needs. The ultimate goal would be created in October 2018 to support the formation of a Verona to raise this amount to defray costs that would be passed onto High School Field Hockey Team. the families of girls who will be participating. Because the Verona The organization conducted a survey, raised funds and lobbied School District cannot contribute any funds towards this endeavor, the Verona Board of Education to get a team off the ground. Just the team will be entirely funded by families of participants. Key a few months later, the VBOE agreed that the High School should fundraising efforts include spirit wear sales, a wine tasting night have a team. Since that time, the VFHPA has been very busy and the First Annual “Verona Idol,” a karaoke singing contest. raising money for equipment (goals, goalie gear, balls and cones), The groundswell of support for the program has been remark- uniforms, coaching salary and busing fees. able, as the VFHPA has already raised close to $10,000 in just a

We Take Pride in Your Care We Take Pride in Your Care Dr. Frank Femino specializes in hip and knee replacement surgeries using minimally Dr. Frank Femino specializes in hip invasive techniques and routinely performs and knee replacement surgeries using mini- partial knee replacements as an outpatient mally invasive techniques and routinely performs partialprocedure. knee replacements as an outpatient procedure.Dr. Stephen Ducey specializes in sports Dr. Stephen medicineDucey specializes and performs arthroscopic in sports medicine andprocedures performs to knees,arthroscopic shoulders and proce- hips dures to knees,as well shoulders as performs shoulderand hips replacement as well as performs surgery,shoulder anterior replacement cruciate ligament surgery, anterior cruciatereconstruction, ligament articular reconstruction, cartilage surgery and articular cartilage surgery and patellofem- patellofemoral realignment. oral realignment. Dr. Seth QuelerDr. Seth specializes Queler specializes in thein the treat- treatment ment of footof and foot andankle ankle disorders disorders including including ankle ankle arthritis,arthritis, flatfoot flatfoot deformity deformity and bunion and bunion deformity,deformity, and and performs performs arthroscopy arthroscopy and and arthroplastyarthroplasty of the of the ankle. ankle.

FeminoFEMINO-DUCEY-QUELER-Ducey-Queler ORTHOPAEDIC Orthopaedic GROUP Group 45 Franklin Avenue • Nutley, New Jersey45 07110Franklin • (973) Avenue 751-0111 • femino-duceyorthopaedics.com PaymentNutley, Plans Available New RegardlessJersey of Insurance07110 Status 973/751-0111 ♦ femino-duceyorthopaedics.com 8 Verona Neighbors few months. However, the organization intends to be unrelent- WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FIELD HOCKEY MEMORY? ing in its effort to raise more funding. According to Trustee Dana JOSIE: My favorite field hockey memory was our last game this DeMars, the organization “is constantly brainstorming new and fall, because everyone on my team worked very hard from the fun ideas to offset costs and hopes that everyone in town finan- beginning, so the improvement from our first game to our last cially gets behind this group of trailblazing young ladies.” was very noticeable. The VFHPA itself is comprised of a group of parents who, SARAH: Making a goal at one of our games! It was so exciting. together with the Verona Recreation Department, organized and SOFIA: There were so many great memories during the field coached field hockey teams and clinics for Verona children in hockey season, but if I had to pick just one it would be the just-for- grades 3 through 8. The number of participants in the recreation fun games that our team played during practices using the skills programs surprised all involved, prompting the heavy push for a that we learned. high school team sooner than later. As Jen Critchley, Secretary of WHY DO YOU THINK FIELD HOCKEY IS AN IMPORTANT the VFHPA, explained, “between the survey we conducted and ADDITION TO THE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROSTER? the number of girls who played on recreation teams and partic- JOSIE: Field hockey is an important addition to the high school ipated in clinics, we discovered that there are almost 100 girls sports roster, because many people love the game and all the in Verona who did not previously have a fall activity. Now, all of towns around Verona have started field hockey teams, so it was these girls will have an opportunity to be part of a team, gain con- time Verona started a team, too! fidence, create friendships and be part of the establishment of SARAH: Because it’s giving kids a new option and a chance to something very exciting.” build a team from the ground up. Field Hockey is like a little bit of The Verona High School Field Hockey Team will be a junior every sport all rolled into one. More kids should get to play it. varsity team in its first year. The team will play approximately ten SOFIA: It’s important because it’s giving girls in high school an oppor- games this fall. Centennial Field in Verona has already been lined tunity to play a fun new sport that wasn’t available to them before. for the sport and many girls are excited to get started. A camp is scheduled for July 22 to July 26 for girls ages 8 to WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT PLAYING FIELD HOCKEY 14. If anyone would like to give the sport a try, the VFHPA encour- YOU WOULD LIKE READERS TO KNOW? ages them to attend the camp. More information about field JOSIE: I would like readers to know that field hockey is a lot of fun! hockey opportunities and VFHPA endeavors can be found on its SARAH: It’s so fun! Because the team is new, everyone is start- Facebook page (@Verona Field Hockey Parents Association). ing at the same level, which is nice too. SOFIA: Field hockey is different than any other sport offered in Verona. It’s a challenging but fun sport which may be frustrating in the beginning but it gets easier as you play once you get the hang Fun, Friendship and the Chance to of it. For these reasons, many people have signed up for fall of be Part of Something New: The Girls 2019 because of all of the recommendations from our team! ■ of the Verona Field Hockey Team

Field Hockey is our town’s hottest new sport! Just ask Josie Shust, Sarah Knoetig and Sofia Greco, three 8th graders who will be leading the charge when Field Hockey is added onto Verona High School’s sports roster this fall.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTERESTED IN FIELD HOCKEY? JOSIE: I first heard about field hockey from my grandmother who played in college. When I heard Verona was holding a clinic, I was very interested in learning how to play. SARAH: I’ve always been interested because I have three cousins who’ve played at the college level. When my parents told me about the Verona team, I knew I wanted to try it. SOFIA: I first discovered field hockey when I learned about a summer clinic that was being offered in Verona. I was playing bas- ketball and I wasn’t really interested in any other sports. I wanted to try something new so I decided to sign up. WHAT PHYSICAL SKILLS ARE NECESSARY TO PLAY FIELD HOCKEY? JOSIE: You need strong legs, because you are bending your legs instead of your back for almost the whole game. You also need speed to get open in the field for a teammate's pass or to carry the ball up the field. SARAH: Good lungs are necessary because you do a lot of running! Also, strong arms to be able to hit the ball just right. Field Hockey is the toughest sport I’ve ever played. SOFIA: You definitely need to be able to run because the fields are very long. Most of the midfield positions require a lot of running back and forth. This is true especially on turf fields because the ball goes really fast.

June 2019 9 Events Calendar JUne 2019 June 4, 11, 18 and 25, Tues. June 7, 14 and 21, Fri. Friday nights just got more June 9, Sun. Weekly Meditation Circle in “Relax in Verona”-A Town exciting! Visit Essex County Kip’s Liver Life Walk Verona Park Sponsored Meditation Class Castle Park for a screening of @Verona Park @Verona Park @Verona Community Center The Wizard of Oz (1939) on Join us as we change the face of Discover the therapeutic benefits Would you like to unwind at the lawn and under the stars. liver disease. Your participation meditation outside under the end if the week? Give Arrive early for some pre-movie will bring awareness to liver the stars at Verona Park. Join yourself the gift of connecting entertainment! Gates open disease and provide financial psychotherapist and Inspirational with your heart, spirit and at 7pm; movie begins at dusk. support for our educational Life Coach, Sue Waldman, body. Join Psychotherapist and Concessions will be available for programs and patient services while she facilitates a relaxed, Inspirational Life Coach, Sue sale. Rain Date: Saturday, June 8th offered to the millions of comforting and peaceful guided Waldman, while she facilitates a Time:7pm Americans battling one of the meditation. No experience relaxed, comforting and peaceful Cost: free 100 known liver diseases. Visit the needed. Wear comfortable and guided visualization. Using essexcountyparks.org website to register to walk! layered clothes. Bring yoga mats, breath work, guided imagery, Time: 9am-1pm blankets and bug spray. Advance Karuna Reiki®, Tibetan chimes, June 8, Sat. https://liverlifewalk.org/newjersey Registration required. Call Sue and aromatherapy, learn the Music Under the June Moon Waldman at (973) 857-9090. techniques of quieting your Concert June 10, Mon. Time: 8-8:45pm mind and enjoy the deep, lasting @Anderson Park, Montclair Shade Tree Commission https://www.meetup.com/Verona- benefits of this ancient practice Bring a picnic and a blanket and Meeting Meditation-and-Wellness on your mind, body and spirit. enjoy the Chamber Music Society @Verona Community Center No experience needed. All are of North Jersey performing Come learn about how to June 4, Tues. welcome. Advanced Registration under the historic Olmsted preserve Verona’s oldest Monthly Meeting of the Verona is Required. Oak in Essex County Anderson residents: the beautiful shade Historical Society Time: 8-8:45pm Park. Sponsored by Friends of trees. @Verona Community Center Veronanj.org (Use recreation Anderson Park and the Essex Time: 7pm The Verona Historical Society registration link-adult well-being) County Department of Parks, Open to the public aims to preserve the rich Recreation and Cultural Affairs. www.veronanj.org heritage of Verona. June 7, Fri. Time: 8pm Time: 7:30pm Free Friday Flicks Cost: Free Open to the public @Kip’s Castle Park FriendsOfAndersonPark.com

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10 Verona Neighbors June 12, Wed. June 15-16, Sat.-Sun. Environmental Commission Spring Fine Art and Crafts Meeting @Brookdale Park @Verona Community Center New exhibitors and old favorites Follow Us on Facebook Learn how to keep Verona will line Brookdale Park. Come green with the environmental purchase a unique piece of art or and Instagram! commission. simply enjoy! Rain or Shine. Time: 7pm Time: 10am-5pm Verona Neighbors - Best Version Media Open to the public Cost: Free @verona_neighbors_magazine www.veronanj.org www.rosesquared.com

June 14, Fri. June 18, Tues. Free Friday Flicks Teen pool party public to maintain Verona park. inclined Women. @Kip’s Castle Park @Verona Community Pool Meet in the Verona Park Boat You’ll enjoy the healing energy of Friday nights just got more Come kick off summer with your House. Karuna Relaxation Reiki®, Tibetan exciting! Visit Essex County Kip’s friends with Verona Pool’s Teen Time: 7:30-9pm healing bowls, shamanic drumming, Castle Park for a screening of Pool Party! Call 973-857-4830 to Open to the public journey work, chimes and bells Mary Poppins Returns (2018) register. www.veronapark.org to help you becoming aware of on the lawn and under the stars. Time: 1-6pm (Grades 5 and 6, emotional and mental blockages. Arrive early for some pre-movie 1-3pm; Grades 7 and 8, 4-6pm) June 23, Sun. Give yourself permission to entertainment! Gates open Email: [email protected] Art in the Garden relax while psychotherapist and at 7pm; movie begins at dusk. @Sue Waldman’s Garden in intuitive counselor, Sue Waldman, Concessions will be available for June 20, Thurs. Verona conducts a guided meditation sale. *Rain Date: Saturday, June Monthly Meeting of the Verona Do you love to create art? using mindfulness, sound 15th Park Conservancy Do you love gardens? Come therapy, intuitive wisdom, Angel Time: 7pm @Verona Park join Inspirational Life Coach & cards and coaching exercises. Cost: Free All are welcome to the monthly Psychotherapist, Sue Waldman Light refreshments are served. www.essexcountyparks.org meeting of the Verona Park for an enchanting evening of Advanced Registration is required. Conservancy, the public non-profit painting in her garden. This will Call Sue Waldman at dedicated to working with the be held outdoors in Sue’s garden (973) 857-9090. (weather permitting). This class is Time: 8-10pm limited so register early. Advanced https://www.suzywaldman.com Registration is required. Call Sue Waldman at (973) 857-9090. July 1, Mon. Time: 7-8:30pm Verona Fireworks www.facebook.com/ @Verona Community Center SuzanneRoseWaldmanLPC Happy Fourth of July from Verona! Fireworks start at dusk. Music June 28, Fri. and entertainment will begin at Mini Soul Retreat for Women 7pm on Liberty Field. Rain date is @Sue Waldman’s Office in Verona Tuesday, 7/2. StantonStanton Company Company StantonStanton Company Company Take time away from your daily Time: 7pm RealtorsRealtorsRealtors busy schedule and allow yourself www.veronanj.org to relax, restore, rejuvenate and Helping People Buy and celebrate life. Give yourself the HelpingHelping People People People Buy Buy Buy and and and SellSellSell HomesHomes Homes inin Verona inVerona Verona precious gift of looking within and Sell Homes in Verona Since 1922 connecting with other spiritually SinceSinceSince 1922 1922 1922

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June 2019 11 VERONA HISTORY Saving the Records of The Beattie Manufacturing Company PART TWO

Contributed by Robert L. Williams, Historian

Old ledgers found in the office of the Beattie Mill below. n Good Friday 1986, I found myself once again at the mill. This return visit came about because a friend, Craig Maier, wanted to explore one ofO the abandoned factories in Newark. Not very filing cabinets. In a very large frame enthused with that idea, I quickly thought of the was a map of company property in Beattie mill and suggested we go there instead. and around Little Falls and includ- Upon entering the building, I found myself in ing part of Cedar Grove dating one particular room where the entrance to one of from 1888. Miraculously it had the vaults was located. Vandals had made a sham- escaped destruction by vandals. In bles of the place—glass was broken and company the far corner we noticed a large records were lying everywhere. We noticed some oak cabinet containing six large old documents among a heap of papers on the floor. At the top of drawers. The first drawer was filled the blue colored paper was written “Little Falls 1882.” Realizing it with blueprints—some dating back nearly a century. At this point was part of a book, we looked around and found the rest. Before we took what we felt was worthy of preservation and thus our long we were both haphazardly rummaging through a pile of hands were full. A funny feeling came over me then as I looked papers, turning up early company proxies, deeds and patents. around at the forgotten factory buildings pervaded by a ghostly Before leaving, we walked up an elegant staircase. We entered silence. The place looked so gloomy; so abandoned and left to one of the offices which was actually the office of Gordon the ravages of time and neglect. I kind of felt it was my respon- Beattie, Vice-President of the company. On the desk was a sibility—my mission to save what little I could before everything mound of papers on top of which was a newspaper with a picture was completely forgotten and the achievements of an American of the mill and an article about its bankruptcy. The paper and chair enterprise and those associated with it lost forever. were positioned in such a way as though Mr. Beattie had read the Around August, vandals set the office building on fire gutting article, placed it down on the desk, got up and walked away. the entire second floor reducing all of the papers there to ashes. When we got home, we both acknowledged that the doc- What remained on the bottom floor and in the basement was umentary information should eventually be turned over to a destroyed by water damage. Thank goodness that Craig and I did historical organization where it would be properly cared for and take an interest in this place because if we hadn’t, all of what we utilized. found would have been lost. We planned another visit—the weather was gloomy as the sky was gray and it was drizzling rain. We left my home in Verona about 5:15pm prepared with our flashlights and a hunger for an “Giving New adventure. Naturally, we made our way over to the first floor vault. Both of Life to us got down on our hands and knees and sorted through papers. That night we discovered more patent papers and I remember a Your Home” stock certificate from the Montclair Railroad dated 1869. When (862) 227-8702 we were done at the vault, we made our way down into the basement. As with everything else on company property, vandals JOE LACHINA had made a mess of things. From what we could see there was Based in Verona nothing old here. But then, just before we left the room, behind [email protected] a large pile of boxes I found a very old panoramic photograph of NJHIC#13VH09774700 the company in an oak frame. Its detail was excellent despite some water damage at the bottom of the picture. On the other side of the basement were boxes and empty www.jlhomeimprovements.net

12 Verona Neighbors In the early days of 1987, I went through the mill one day and noticed fresh lumber in places. I found out that the complex was in the process of being converted into condominiums by a New York outfit—Affirmative Development. I contacted this firm and The told them of my interest in the mill’s history. Since there were EXPERT still documents lying around the place which were worthy of preservation, I requested permission to sort through them and that permission was granted. One day while sorting the important documents, I walked into Contributor the construction company office was greeted by Dave of Sordoni Construction who I had met a few days earlier. He introduced me to John Beattie, last president of the company! Verona Neighbors magazine Several months went by and, one day, Dave of Sordoni is looking for Expert Contributors Construction requested that I remove ledgers from the premises or they would be discarded. Soon after the adjacent bathroom in the following Specialties: toilet overflowed and caused damage to those ledgers directly on the floor. This required some quick work to dry those that were wet—I recall taking a damp 1890s sales ledger to work ACCOUNTING separating the pages and running the fan in my office. With this experience I recognized that permanent housing needed to be located before any irreparable damage occurred. DENTAL The best home I could think of was the New Jersey Historical General, Orthodontist Society located in Newark. I contacted them and their Librarian was sent to pick up what he thought was of value to the Society. MEDICAL John Beattie signed the deed of gift and half of the material was Family Care, Pediatric Care, taken to Newark. There still remained a sizable collection of ledgers and doc- Audiology, Eye Care uments and I wasn’t about to see them lost. I called the Museum of American Textile History located in North Andover, PHYSICAL THERAPY Massachusetts. They seemed to be genuinely interested in what I had. I called John Beattie and we both agreed that the remain- ing materials should go there—besides, this is the best place we HOME SERVICES could ever hope to have house the collection—a textile museum. Electrician, Roofing/Siding, Looking back it is almost impossible to believe. All this…all the Flooring, HVAC aforementioned experiences from a simple and innocent visit to the mill during Hurricane Gloria. But the saga didn’t end there. Craig and I had fallen out of contact over seventeen years but LEGAL on the anniversary of our visit on Good Friday, I gave him a call and we began to rekindle our friendship. We both had retained a small collection of old records so after numerous discussions we HOME IMPROVEMENT/ determined that the time had come to place these in the hands REMODELING of those who could better care for them and share their valuable history. Craig and I met one Tuesday in early July of 2003 at the Museum of American Textile History now located in Lowell, MA, FITNESS/NUTRITION and turned over these documents for posterity. It was surely a special day for me and the end to a project that had become one BEAUTY of the most profound in my life leading me down the path I am on today. ■ To learn more about becoming an EXCLUSIVE Expert Contributor, contact Michael Stefanelli, Publisher at 973-277-7301 or [email protected]

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June 2019 13 VERONA NOTABLES

The Road to Verona: The Battersbys

By Jillian Zarr

any residents in Verona are the “born-and-raised” type, ones whose children go to the same elemen- tary school as they did. However, there are plenty of residents who made their way to Verona from far- Mflung regions. The Battersbys, our featured residents from earlier this year, settled in Verona after living halfway across the globe. Will is originally from London, England. As he was working on his degree in French Literature from the University of Sussex, he moved to Paris to teach English. It was there that he met Monica. “Will was the very first person I met when I moved to Paris,” said Monica. Monica, who was from North Carolina, had just graduated with a Journalism degree from the University of North Carolina. She was in Paris working at the International Herald Tribune. After a few months, Will went back to England to complete his degree and began working at the BBC, as an assistant director on the long-running television show “Eastenders.” Meanwhile, Monica remained in Paris for another three years, eventually joining Will in London to work in Top: Monica and Will’s destination wedding in advertising. Charleston. Above: Will roots for his home team. “Both London and Paris were defi- Left: Monica and her children visit Big Ben nitely culturally eye opening,” said Monica. “I loved the food (and wine) in Paris and really appreciated the These transitions haven’t always been easy. cafe culture. I didn’t love the weather “For me, the biggest culture shock from the South in England, but the English pies were to New Jersey is the driving!” Monica said. “There is definitely delicious. I was raised in North Carolina but my parents are Irish, a slower pace where I am from. Initially, I thought Southerners so I spent summers in Ireland as a kid. So, I was familiar with the were more friendly, but I’ve come to realize that people from New Northern European vibe, but working there and paying rent made Jersey are just as friendly, but in a different way. Another shock it all feel different. Being from the rural mountains, I spent most for me was that there’s no good pimento cheese and biscuits up of my early adulthood just trying to absorb as much city life and here, which is tragic--but I’m trying to change that.” Will was simi- culture as possible.” larly taken aback by the pace of life in America. “Europeans believe The couple’s next move brought them closer to their eventual in their vacations and I was surprised when I got my first job that Verona home. In 1999, Monica and Will decided to move to New I had only one week off that first year,” he said. “I was also a little York City. Will pursued his film career and Monica was given the too obsessed with how easy and cheap it was to buy hot dogs in opportunity to work at Time Inc. in their growing IT department. Manhattan!” Will worked at the film, television and book agency International Still, Will has much admiration for the people of his new home. Creative Management in New York for several years before “I’ve always been fascinated by how in touch Americans are with becoming the head of development for Mark Cuban’s film pro- their cultural heritage while also being fiercely patriotic,” he said. duction company HDNet Films. They continued to travel, even Though they had to travel many miles to end up here, the having a destination wedding in Charleston, South Carolina in couple couldn’t be happier with the endpoint of this journey. 2002. But even with the travel, New York City quickly started to “There are so many great things about living in this small town,” feel cramped. said Monica, “but nothing surpasses the close knit community “When we had a baby we realized that our 800 square foot that we have here. It means everything to us.” ■ apartment was not going to cut it, so we started looking in Hoboken and Jersey City. We had a friend in Montclair who Did you come to Verona from somewhere else? We want to hear invited us out for a barbecue, and we got to know the area and your story! Email [email protected] to be decided we’d prefer to make the move further out,” said Monica. featured.

14 Verona Neighbors VERONA REAL ESTATE Current Real Estate Statistics HOMES FOR SALE $300,000 - $350,000 2 $350,000 - $450,000 4 $450,000 - $550,000 14 $550,000 - $600,000 3 $600,000 - $650,000 3 $650,000 - $750,000 4 $750,000 - $900,000 4 $900,000+ 4 Largest Listing $1,149,000

HOMES SOLD LAST 90 DAYS $300,000 - $350,000 2 $350,000 - $450,000 6 $450,000 - $550,000 8 $550,000 - $600,000 2 $600,000 - $650,000 0 $650,000 - $750,000 2 $750,000 - $900,000 2 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data Largest Sale $885,000 provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

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June 2019 15 VERONA1192 NEIGHBORS A community magazine serving the residents of Verona

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