Denville Life Oct 2018

FREE, Please Take One

Vol. 1, No. 2 Oct. 2018

Left to right, Helen Cedzidlo, Kokila Sharda, Kimaya Sharda, and Kelly Longo.

Photo courtesy of Brandy Johnson, Saint Clares

Pink Witches Prepare To Fly For A Night Of Breast Cancer Awareness

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DENVILLE EDITORIAL

RE-ELECT

Denville Life Thank you for reading “Denville Life.”

Denville is such a great place to work, live and play. There is so much here for the residents to enjoy that we have decided to dedicate a magazine to Denville. The people that make up this community are caring people who never hesitate to help others in need.

Our goal is to provide you with articles about people, places and things all Denville.

Each month you can pick up a copy of the magazine at local businesses or visit www.iwantmypaper. com and sign up for a free emailed copy that will be sent directly to your email.

In this first issue you will find articles on BID event Pink Witches,Vision Loss Alliance 75 years, Denville Community Church as well other articles.

We are also asking our readers to send us in photos and information on your life events, parties, birthdays, weddings, engage-

ments or any other milestones.

You can send them to editor@ mylifepublications.com.

We welcome your feedback as well to the same email.

You can also visit our website www.denvillelife.com or on Facebook under “Denville Life.”

Please support our advertisers in our publications as they make this magazine available free to all with their advertising support. We want to help the local businesses and your support of them is appreciated.

We are happy to have Paula Battle as our sales representative for “Denville Life.” Paula, formerly of “Neighbor News,” has been very active in the Den-

ville business community.

Thank you for choosing “Denville Life” to read and enjoy.

Joe Nicastro & Mary Lalama Publishers

Next Issue Nov. 2018, Deadline Oct. 31 To receive your free copy of Denville Life direct to your email visit www.iwantmypaper.com and sign up!

Subscribe $35 / year / $60 for 2 Call 800-691-7549

5 Vista Drive, Flanders, NJ 07836 800-691-7549 •joe@mylifepublications.com turn our pages at www.denvillelife.com © 2018 MalJon, LLC.

Editorial editor@ mylifepublications. com Sales Paula Battle 973-879-4186 paula@ newviewmg.com

Publishers Joe Nicastro Mary Lalama Editor Cheryl Conway Graphic Designers Terri Armswood Mary Lalama

ANN GROSSI

The People’s Clerk

MORRIS COUNTY CLERK

As Morris County Clerk, ANN GROSSI has kept her promise to make the administrative functions of the County Clerk’s Office the BEST in New Jersey and SAVE taxpayers money!

Promises Made...

PROMISES KEPT!

LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS:

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Enables Public easy access to records, programs and services.

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VOTE NOV. 6 TUESDAY

✔ “OPERATION GIVE BACK”

Program provides discounts to honorably discharged veterans who record their discharge papers. Over 300 merchants have signed up to provide discounts to our military heroes.

Introduced program to redact protected information from recorded documents.

✔ HISTORIC RECORD SCANNING

Saves time and money. No need to come to Morristown office in order to file documents.

✔ FULL SERVICE PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE DIVISION

✔ EXPANDED ELECTRONIC FILING OF DOCUMENTS NEW PROGRAMS:

(Visit our website www.anngrossi.com for more details on the following programs and more) ✔ ELECTION NIGHT REPORTING WEBSITE

Website allows the public to view election results as results are recorded in real tie. Site breaks down results for individual voting districts as well.

✔ PROPERTY FRAUD ALERT SYSTEM

This program is designed to alert you should any fraudulent activity take place with your property records, free of charge.

Program was begun to electronically record old property records in an effort to give greater access to the public.

Introduced “ONE STOP PASSPORT” full-service department including passport photo service.

✔ VETERAN RECOGNITION CEREMONIES

This program recognizes the contribution of our Law Enforcement and Fire department Officers with special emphasis on honoring members who have served in our Armed Forces.

✔ “CISSY LAUREYS AWARD”

Established in honor of former Morris County Freeholder Cecilia “Cissy” G. Laureys to recognize the service of others in promoting and establishing human and senior services. Award is presented to a deserving person during Senior Recognition Month.

“I will continue the Morris County Clerk’s Office Tradition of Excellence that Morris County citizens have come to expect….since 1739!” Ann Grossi

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Sales Manager Joe Nicastro PAID FOR BY ANN GROSSI FOR CLERK, ANITA PESCEVICH, TREASURER, 131 NORTHFIELD ROAD, PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY 07054

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Pink Witches Prepare To Fly For A Night Of Breast Cancer Awareness

By Megan Roche ith October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, one of Denville’s original events comes back with more fun to be had every year, all while helping to raise money for worthy causes.

Pink Witches Night Out was started by Meg and Cait Olenowski, owners of Surprises in Store and Sisters, after they lost their beloved mother, Kathy, to thyroid cancer. The Olenowski sisters were looking to host an event where they could celebrate survivors and remember those lost.

“People were so supportive of us and shared their own stories of how cancer affected them or their families,” Meg Olenowski said. “We knew we wanted to do an event where we could raise funds, awareness and honor those we lost but in a celebratory way.”

The first Pink Witches Night Out was well attended and gave the Olenowski sisters the inspiration to keep bringing the event back each year. After partnering up with the Den-

ville’s Events Committee, the evening has continued year after year.

Brandy Johnson, a senior oncology social worker at St. Clare’s Health, has been involved with Pink Witches since the Olenowski sisters began the event. Johnson, a 30 year veteran social worker, is hoping people come out to support the cause.

“What I hear the most is how can we help our loved one?” said Johnson. “Raise awareness and enjoy this night out. I think it’s really important to remember that cancer isn’t all encompassing, although it feels like it. We really do need to be aware and help support and help celebrate those who survived it.”

Each year, the committee of Pink Witches Night Out chose a charity to donate the proceeds to. This year the team has selected the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation. The Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation is a tristate area cancer foundation that works to help

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bring direct financial assistance for non-medical expenses.

Through the work of the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation, hundreds of breast cancer patients have been given financial assistance with transportation, food, heat, rent, mortgage payments, special clothing, and much more.

Michele Rechler, the vice president of the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation, is passionate about her work with the foundation. Rechler’s team at the foundation is all volunteer.

“These patients that we are helping are in dire straits,” said Rechler. “We’re going to pay for the items that these people need to survive. Every little bit helps our mission to help make a difference in the lives of these women who are going through breast cancer.”

Patients apply for the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation through their hospital social worker. The Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation never meets the patient, they just simply take care of whatever the need is at that time.

“We don’t need a pat on the back in the form of awards,” Rechler said. “We get these beautiful letters from the women we help. It is so glorifying to read these letters. That’s what makes us most proud is that we are doing what we set out to do. Something good is coming out of cancer.”

The money raised from Pink Witches Night Out will be donated to the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation.

As a social worker, Johnson deals with families and patients who are battling all types of cancer. According to Johnson, cancer is one disease that doesn’t discriminate.

“One in eight women will experience breast cancer in their life,” said Johnson. “Men

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 9

can get breast cancer too. I would love to see this disease go away. Until it does, I will continue to help my patients make their day a little bit better.”

Johnson highly encourages the awareness factor, especially because nobody knows their own body better. She is also an advocate for always going for the once a year checkup.

“Be aware of your body and make sure if you are of the right age that you get mammograms,” said Johnson. “Information is power so the earlier we detect, the earlier we can fight it. People above the age of 80 and under the age of 50 get breast cancer. We can’t ever stop getting exams.”

Johnson is a huge advocate for social and peer support when it comes to fighting any illness, especially cancer. An event like Pink Witches Night Out encourages the fight against breast cancer but gives those survivors an outlet to celebrate their remission.

“Every year is special with Pink Witches,” said Johnson. “I love how this town comes out for different events and comes together. People in this town know who to call to get things done. We want to educate and help support those in our town who go through this battle.”

Pink Witches Night Out, sponsored by St. Clare’s Health, is scheduled to take place on Oct. 18 in downtown Denville.

The night will have dining and shopping deals, games, and fun to be had downtown. For $12, registration for the first 500 people will include a gift bag with tons of coupons and free items. Registration links can be found by visiting www.DowntownDenville.com.

“Denville is such a supportive community,” said Olenowski. “We are a town that rallies together and cares for

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our neighbors. Through Pink Witches, we hope to raise money for a very worthy cause, show support for people battling cancer and their caregivers, and remember and honor those we have lost. We hope people come out, have fun, share their stories and shop for this wonderful cause.”

During the evening, visitors to downtown will be able to enjoy the music and shop at many of the stores. Certain restaurants will be offering pink drinks and serving up discounts on food. There will also be music and little games and contests that will encour-

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 11

age women to remember to get screened.

As October is the month for Halloween, the witch theme encourages those in attendance to get dressed up and tie pink ribbons around their witch hats. The more dressed up, the better.

While Pink Witches is set for just one evening out, there will be breast cancer awareness happening downtown all month long.

A new addition this year includes pink banners that will be hung from the streetlights downtown to remind those who shop, dine, and visit downtown Denville to be aware all month long.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

“Denville Mayor Thomas Andes, Police Chief Chris Ward, Members of the Downtown Denville Business Improvement District, and Representatives from Saint Clare’s Health gathered on Broadway on October 4 to cut a pink ribbon signaling the installation of new downtown décor installed to bring awareness and attention

during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pink flags now adorn all the street lights downtown, and pink ribbons are tied to all trees. The decorations will remain downtown for the month, culminating in the Annual Pink Witches Night Out event scheduled for Thursday, October 18 from 6 p.m.-9.p.m.

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Denville Community Church: “The Church Of The Open Door” “Hopefully, you come in through the open door and we can share what we believe in. But, it’s not a door that only opens one way. It is open both ways, as we also go into the community to help people.”

By Elsie Walker The Denville Community Church has a nickname, “The Church of the Open Door.” It got that nickname from a mistake made when a new church sign was created which had the tagline larger than the church’s official name.

Heather Valosin, the church’s senior pastor, said that signage mistake has been seen as a sign from God. “This description of the church has become meaningful for people of all ages who look for an inclusive space to meet God and build relationships,” she said.

Denville resident, Bob Anderson, who has been a member of the church for 12 years, says that nickname has become what he feels the church is best known for, but it isn’t all about coming through the door.

“We accept you no matter who you are, where you’re from or what you believe in,” says Anderson. “Hopefully, you come in through the open door and we can share what we believe

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in. But, it’s not a door that only opens one way. It is open both ways, as we also go into the community to help people.”

The community the church reaches out to includes not only the local area, but also places such as Appalachia.

The Denville Community Church dates back to the 1700s.

“In 1785, the first Methodist service was held in this area at Mr. Jacob Demouth’s house in Powerville, probably led by a circuit rider, a preacher who rode on horseback to travel between communities to plant new churches,” explained Valosin. She went on to share a brief church history of how, from that first service, that current church came to be. “Within fourteen years [of that first service], the faith community outgrew its ability to meet in homes for worship and small groups, so they built the Methodist Episcopal Church in Rockaway Valley. In 1814, a new church was built called ‘Cook’s Church’ on the back road to Boonton. This church building was moved to the corner of Diamond Spring Road and Church Street after a generous donation of land by William Hiler in April of 1841.

The following year, with an ox team and the brute strength of many members, the building was moved and rebuilt in just

over a month.

The sanctuary was built in 1894 to replace the small frame building, and in 1920, the faith community changed its name to Denville Community Church- Methodist. In 1955, the Board of Trustees recommended that property located at 190 Diamond Spring Road be purchased for a new sanctuary which was consecrated on September 23, 1962.

“An addition to this building was completed in 1985 with the celebration of our 200th anniversary,” said the pastor.

Valosin is a new addition to the church’s history. On July 1, she became the new senior pastor of the church, following the retirement of Rev. Ed Carll, who served for seven years. Valosin has a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School. Before becoming senior pastor at Denville Community Church, Valosin was the pastor of Montville United Methodist Church and of Mt. Fern United Methodist Church, as well as the Director of Pastoral Care at Trinity United Church.

When asked what she loves most about being a pastor, Valosin said, “I love bringing people together to be supportive during life’s struggles and celebrations, as we find meaning and purpose following Christ together. My hope is that we experience

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God’s mercy and love throughout our lives and that we find fulfillment as we love God and our neighbors as ourselves.”

Worship at the church is 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. Valosin characterizes it as traditional, with music led by Youngkwang Jun. who the pastor describes as “an incredible musician from South Korea, who often uses contemporary styling for

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 17

traditional hymns.” Song lyrics are projected on screens, which are run by high school senior, Robert Plumb, in the sound booth. Worship aids include a choir, handbell choir, and children’s choir. “[Also,] parishioners often share their musical gifts in worship, including Wendy Perrault who recently played harp and invited the children to strum the strings during the Children’s Message,” said Valosin.

Leading that Children’s Message is Janice McCrostie, who Valosin describes as, “our passionate youth director.”

Prior to the message, the congregation sings a song affirming the presence of children in the faith community and after the message, the children in grades three through eight go to Sunday School. For older youth, there is a confirmation class; and a nursery care

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A hospitality time for fellowship is held after the service; however, the fellowship and spiritual support go beyond the after-church Sunday refreshments.

The church has small groups which meet around a shared interest, such as knitting, quilting and gardening. The church’s United Methodist Women organization is divided into three small groups and a men’s ministry is developing.

Initially, Dr. Ted Dengler, a Denville resident, and his family came from another denomination to this church for their children. What he found was something for everyone. “Over time, we found ourselves making lifelong friends who we look forward to seeing every Sunday and in the various small groups and outreach missions of which we are involved,” he said.

“It has brought so much positivity to our lives and family.”

Learning is also part of this church.

Throughout the year, it offers short-term Bible studies and book studies. The church also runs the oldest chartered preschool in New Jersey. It offers a nurturing

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Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 19

and caring environment for the early education of children of all faiths ages two -four. “Although a mission of our church, we don’t use a faith-based curriculum,” said Valosin.

“Our Preschool is designed to support a student’s individual growth in social-emotional and intellectual areas. We provide opportunities for students to develop positive self-image and self-confidence.

Our program is specifically structured to promote the fundamentals needed for life-long learning.”

Caring is another key part of this church, as its door opens out into the community to help others.

For long-time church member and Denville resident, Mary Yobs, that was her answer when asked when

ing Home to help them celebrate their birthdays, holds a Vacation Bible School and helps Denville Social Services through food drives, special holiday drives and collecting school supplies. Other outreaches include Family Promise (homeless families in transition); Bridges Outreach (serving the homeless on the streets of New York City and New Jersey); The Community Food Bank, Heart

the church is best known for. “First thing that comes to my mind is the care, the concern, we have for non-church members. For example, [it’s] the support we gave during the flood [of 2012]. [Another example] would be Bridges, the homeless shelter. [It’s]not just the people who belong to the church [we care for], but our outreach,” said

for People (which supports orphans and school children in Uganda); CUMAC (Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community) which is a food bank in Paterson; and the Appalachia Service Project (ASP).

The church has been participating in the ASP for 27 consecutive years. Through the project, volunteers travel to one of the

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Yobs who became a member of the church in 1967.

The caring the church shares touches those locally and ripples out globally. Among those things it does in the community is that it provides prayer shawls and quilts to community members during critical life events, provides cupcakes once a month to Morris View Nurs-

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poorest areas of the United States and help to make homes there drier, safer and warmer. Being an ASP volunteer is said to be a life-transforming experience. McCrostie, a resident of Mt. Tabor, shared her feelings about that outreach. She said, “Serving on the Appalachia Service Project is an experience that will forever change your life. Traveling hundreds of miles in order to help people living in poverty, making their homes warmer, safer and drier, and building bonds of friendship with folks you otherwise would never meet, becomes a part of who you are as a person. As an adult, watching our younger volunteers engage with the different culture of Appalachia and seeing them understand how they can have a positive impact on the world, simply by giving of themselves, is a pure delight. You may never again be as dirty or exhausted as you are working on ASP, but if you ask any volunteer in the weeks following, they cannot wait to

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 21

go back [the] next year.”

When asked about upcoming church events and fundraisers, Valosin noted there are on-going fundraisers for the yearly ASP trips, plus a variety of other things coming up. Car washes and soup and sub sales enable volunteers to spend a week repairing homes in Appalachia. An annual rummage sale is held each June. However, the biggest fundraiser of the year is yet to come: the Annual Auction, which is a popular event. It will be Nov. 4, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Reflecting on his own experience, member Doug Milby of Parsippany shares some final thoughts on the love that is found through the church’s open door.

“I was looking for a traditional sanctuary and a warm, friendly and inviting congregation,” says Milby. “I found it here 20 years ago, and I’m still here.” Call 973-627-1041; visit http://www.denvillecommunitychurch.org/.

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Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 23

Beautifying Parsippany Troy Hills The Remodeling Of European Wax Center Takes Shape

by Kathleen Artiglier People lucky enough to live in the Parsippany area are probably already oohing and ahhing over the buzz around the remodeling going on in the Troy Hills area. The shopping center that is under major renovation including the anchor stores of Target, Petco, LA Fitness, and Michael’s includes a stunning new European Wax Center. The mall itself is already being thought of as one of the finest in the area when done.

According to Judy Cook, the franchise owner of EWC, they are “bringing gorgeous to Parsippany!” It’s that type of enthusiasm that is going to make this a must see location. Cook loves her customer base and is looking forward to drawing in people new to the waxing experience. After seeing the artist’s renderings of the new suites, it’s apparent that the stunning new look will be a draw for the mall.

There’s no need to worry about what day or time to visit the center. It is open seven days a week and there will be plenty of opportunity before leaving on a next vacation, event, or holiday. So, if a get-away weekend sneaks up, they are ready. clients. For men, there is a promotion for first timers recommended that includes nose, ear, or eyebrows. Cook knows the gentle experience and the atmosphere inside the center is a great way for customers to fall in love with European Wax Center.

Her staff will welcome their new clients in their beautiful new setting seven days a week with seven wax suites. They can accommodate more than 200 guests a day with minimal, if any, wait time They know with the beautiful environment and friendly personnel, one will want to set up appointments and keep up his or her beauty regime. From the minute customers walk into their remodeled

For first time visits to the wax center, to get customers acquainted with the process, it does not offer first time packages. Promotions for those first time waxers include a woman’s promotion that includes free eyebrow, underarm, or bikini line - which can be upgraded to a full wax or Brazilian. This gives customers a chance to try the services and see the facility and get to know

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reception area, they will notice an upbeat feeling that will carry through the entire process. The professional and vibrant feel of the facility is only part of the reason that the experience will keep them coming back. The Parsippany location is looking forward to the grand reopening and introducing the area to first time experiences as positive ones.

Waxing is part of lifestyles now for beauty and for skin care. It is no longer considered a luxury item. It looks luxurious and feels like a pampering time at the facility, but with affordable packages, it’s become a growing industry. “Everybody can incorporate

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Page 24 • October 2018 • Denville Life

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Gift cards are always welcome. EWC has a new Ax the Pink Tax Lip Balm where all proceeds are donated to charity. It’s not only a wonderful product, but the idea of giving while also giving is a double win. It’s perfect for stocking stuffers, grab bags, and simply saying ‘thanks’ or an appreciative gift to pass out this holiday season. Other limited items include the Pencil Trio and Sharpener in Rose Gold Midnight and Silver. These can be used as a liner, shadow pencil, or a highlighter for that shine during the holidays, per Cook. Their Glitter Clutch is also a ‘party ready’ bag for all special events in the upcoming months.

European Wax Center is the ‘eyebrow expert’ and Cook wants her clients to look fab for the holidays and any day, to look and feel their best every single day and not just for events. She is all about positivity. Her staff is all about welcoming customers to their facility and having them leave feeling great. They’re in the business to make everyone look and feel confident, whether a man or a woman. When clients strut out with a new look and feel, they’ll radiate a whole new vibe. Whether it’s for a date, meeting, vacation, wedding, or holiday, they are ready to make customers feel and look their best. There’s no need for just a special occasion to enjoy great skin care and glowing skin. Their success as a business has been making waxing an enjoyable and pleasing experience, as well as making customers happy with their appearance.

There’s no need to worry about what day or time to visit the center. It is open seven days a week and there will be plenty of opportunity before leaving on a next vacation, event, or holiday. So, if a get-away weekend sneaks up, they are ready. In the summer months, they see an uptick in both legs and bikini waxing. Being ready at a moment’s notice will be no problem. If vacation time is on the schedule, it’s a good idea to ideally go about three days beforehand for that bikini wax. Their specialists can walk clients through all their needs to have glowing skin for a beach ready body or for any day of the week. Some of the products at EWC have a natural hair growth inhibitor that slows the growth of new hair, depending on individuals and their personal hair growth pattern.

Parsippany Troy Hills is going to be buzzing with the newly remodeled mall. EWC wants to be part of what makes the area beautiful inside and out. The meticulous and aesthetically pleasing look is only part of the decorum. Friendly staff and soothing treatments will lull others into an experience that will keep them coming back.

From a first time visit to a lasting impression, they are out to keep others at their best at European Wax Center. Whether one wants a peaches and cream look, Hollywood ready look, or a boost in confidence, he or she will have it all. A soothing treatment and rejuvenating feeling will leave clients feeling relaxed and confident the way Cook wants them to feel each time they visit EWC. Their staff is trained in the latest techniques and will walk anyone through any process. Skin will feel replenished and ready for anything. A skin care routine begins with the first visit. They have a treasure trove of products available to keep a skin silky and glowing on a daily basis. It’s no longer a guilty pleasure to enjoy the benefits of waxing and skin care.

McDonald’s Walgreens Columbia

Turnpike

Panera Bread

Ridg

It’s this upbeat and customer centered philosophy that makes this franchise owner strive to make each client happy with their experience at the center.

Consumer demand is turning waxing and the skin care benefits into a growing industry. Trends are elevating at a face paced level and so are the services that are provided. People who once thought of it as a luxury are now using it in their daily or monthly care. Both men and women are realizing the benefit of waxing.

First and foremost, razor burn is a thing of the past. Waxing is a time saver, lasts longer, thins the hair, and enables the hair to grow back softer. There is also an extensive menu on its website for customers to pick from. Once checked, clients will wonder why they waited so long to give it a try.

With the holidays approaching fast, European Wax Center has an array of products and packages to choose from. Gift cards

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 25

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Page 26 • October 2018 • Denville Life

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 27

added two big tanks to craft even that much more beer.

So now having 10 fermentation tanks, six can hold 15,000 pints of beer while the other four can hold 7,500 pints, he says.

According to Aaron, Jersey Girl beer is the “no. one selling beer at the Prudential Stadium,” and “We are at Yogi Bear Stadium.”

Working with distributors has helped grow the business.

“If we were self-distributing, we wouldn’t have grown as much,” says Aaron.

They work with three distributors, or partners, who take the beer to the accounts they manage in their territories, says Aaron. To grow their business even more, they recently added canning.

Says Aaron, “Canning increased our growth. Keg beer means you are on tap; there are only so many taps available. At retailers there is all those shelves’ space.”

A canning company visits Jersey Girl Brewing Co. twice a month.

“We are renting a canning company,” says Aaron. It connects its machine to the large fermentation tank so the craft beer can be canned, labeled and capped.

Some volunteers, friends of the brewery, even come down “every time we can twice a month” for a canning run, Aaron calls it. This one retired woman, Margaret, “she flips cans, stands on the line and flips cans.”

Harry Browne, president of the Mt. Olive Area Chamber of Commerce, “came down last time,” says Aaron, who is

Fresh Craft Beer, Free Tours And Relaxed Atmosphere On Tap At Mt. Olive Brewery “People two miles away don’t understand we’re open for production and for tasting,” says Charles “Chuck” Aaron of Flanders, president and CEO of Jersey Girl Brewing Co. He and his business partner, Mike Bigger of Budd Lake, established the company in 2014.

By Cheryl Conway Tucked away on the back streets between Budd Lake and Hackettstown exists the freshest, coldest, pallet-watering, tastiest craft beer around.

Noted as the fifth largest craft brewery in the state, Jersey Girl Brewing Co. is located at 426 Sand Shore Rd, in the Hackettstown section of Mt. Olive. It is easy for some to just pass by and not realize that they can stop in during business hours to sample from the freshest barrels.

For those who enjoy drinking beer, this is not a bar, but a manufacturing brewing company open to the public to try a variety of styles of beer created from original recipes and poured straight from the tap. Guests are also invited inside to tour its facility to learn about the brewing process with its vessels, fermentation tanks and barrels creating lagers and ales.

“People two miles away don’t understand we’re open for production and for tasting,” says Charles “Chuck” Aaron of Flanders, president and CEO of Jersey Girl Brewing Co. He and his business partner, Mike Bigger of Budd Lake, established the company in 2014.

Since opening their doors two and half years ago, in April 2016, Jersey Girl Brewing Co. has grown and can now be found in every county in the state.

“We’ve expanded a lot,” says Aaron, adding that their craft beer is now distributed in all 21 counties, from Sussex County “all the way down to Cape May

County,” wherever beer is sold so that includes restaurants, bars with beer on tap and even at retailers on a shelf or in a can.

Aaron says “Our goal is to be a Jersey brand- a craft brand when they’re out drinking. Jersey Girl, we are connected to our state.” Just like “no two Jersey girls are alike, no two craft beers are alike,” hence where they came up with the name for their brewing company.

“All of our beers are different,” says Aaron. “We like it that way.”

With 10,000 sq. ft. of space in a 30,000 sq. ft. facility, Jersey Girl Brewing has plenty of space for its craft brewing, 30 barrel, four vessel system, on its premises.

Aaron says they recently

1

a member of the chamber. “Beer is always connected to friendships. We bring friends; it’s a friendly environment.

Many people come out and help can. It’s a fun day, it’s a long day.”

Aaron says in one month, 20,000 cans can be filled for distribution at Jersey Girl Brewing.

Currently, five different craft beers are available in cans, says Aaron, “which is a big leap from when we started.”

So now Jersey Girl brews are available in keg and can, in both ales and lagers.

They work with three distributors, Available in can are or partners, who take the beer to the four flagship beers and accounts they manage in their territories, one seasonal. These insays Aaron.

To grow their business even clude: more, they recently added canning.

Rake Breaker which is a hazy New England style IPA with a tropical hops and grapefruit flavor.

Sun-Kissed Citra, also a New England style IPA, orange nosed with citra and tropical fruit flavor.

MO Pils- or Mt. Olive Pilsner is a traditional, German light lager, golden light body with little sweeteners, also known as the lawn-mower beer. “Perfect beer to drink while you are working hard,” describes Aaron.

King Gambrinis is a two-time award winning Belgian Tripel, strong and bold made from Belgian yeast, herbal, fruity with a smooth dry finish.

The seasonal is currently Oktoberfest, a Copper Hued Marzen, amber lager brewed medium bodied with

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Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 29

Private party area.

From left is, Brendan Flanagan of Mt. Arlington, tour guide; and Keith Dorflinger of Bridgewater, Sample Room manager.

touches of a sweet bread malt and dry finish, available until the end of October.

“We’re always drinking here,” says Aaron, but “we don’t chug here; need to taste them. It’s the nature of the business.”

Always on tap at its bar is 14 different varieties, says Aaron.

During the span of a year, though, Aaron says he and his staff create 50 to 60 different styles on average.

“We kind of get creative,” he says. “We think about the beers we like to drink. If I went out to drink, what would I like to have?”

The intention is to “create recipes from that and hope everyone enjoys them as much as I do.”

In addition to being open to the public to sample the beers

and tour the facility, Jersey Girl Brewing Co. also participates in non-profit charity events, like one for first responders and Budd Lake Rescue; and hosts functions such as book clubs, bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversaries, yoga, bingo, trivia night, live bands.

There is a separate space in the back of the brewery that is used for private events.

It’s “more about helping the community,” he says.

But with new regulations for microbreweries in N.J. recently considered by the state Division of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), there may be “limitations on what we can do,” says Aaron.

Before, it was allowed to host as many events as possible

1

but with the regulations will be limited to 25 public events and 52 private events per year, says Aaron.

They are going to have to “pick and choose what we can do,” with this change, he says.

“We do far more than that a year,” says Aaron. “We do three or four events on a weekend.”

The regulations were brought on from concerns from restaurants and bar associations. With breweries open as sampling rooms, they compete with bar businesses.

“We can sell our own beer,” which can take away business from bars and restaurants, he explains.

“All we can do is sell beer,” says Aaron. “We sample beer,” unlike restaurants which also sell food. At Jersey Girl Brewing Co., visitors are allowed to order from area restaurants to have food delivered or even bring in their own food while sampling the beer.

With the new regulations, if they go through, Jersey Girl Brewing will be allowed to sell snacks, says Aaron, but will be enforced to put away menus for people to order from area restaurants. Not providing these menus, however, “limits our partnerships” with these area restaurants, Aaron says.

“Not being able to promote local businesses breaks down what we can do,” he says. “We want to be partners with everybody.”

Customers can bring their own menus, though, and still bring in food, he explains.

Off Site Events

Jersey Girl Brewing Co. participates in a lot of off-site events too such as the Central Jersey Beer Fest on Saturday, Oct. 13.

On Friday, Oct. 26, it plans to have beer samplings at the Sussex County Brew Fest at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

On October 30, it will be at the American Cancer Society Taste of Hope at the Essex County Country Club.

Jersey Girl Brewing Co. will be among other craft brewers in the state on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Westfield Hops beer festival at the Westfield Jersey Girl Brewing Co. also Armory in Westfield. participates in non-profit charity It also brings its kegs events, like one for first responders and and cans to the MorrisBudd Lake Rescue; and hosts functions town Wine Festival set for such as book clubs, bridal showers, Saturday, Nov. 10. birthday parties, anniversaries, yoga, “It’s all sampling,” says bingo, trivia night, live bands.

Aaron, “hot pouring full pints. You get a two ounce or four ounce sample of beer.” They typically bring at least two varieties of their craft beer selections to their events.

“It’s beer festival season now through November,” says Aaron, adding that every Saturday he is scheduled to talk about craft beer.

“It’s a lot of fun,” says Aaron. “I love customer interaction; very rewarding, it’s a lot of fun.”

Growth of Breweries Since the laws on breweries changed in 2012 in N.J., allowing breweries to sell beer, 88 brewery compa-

1

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Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 31

Tour guide, Brendan Flanagan

nies have opened up throughout the state, says Aaron, with the establishment of 24 new ones “up and coming,” says Aaron. “It’s an emerging market.”

When the laws changed “It made it more realistic to open up a brewery in N.J.,” he says. “It’s a great business” with a lot of opportunity in the beer business right now. There’s some stability there when you have that revenue stream.

“We want to be part of that growth,” he says. “I’m going to make it available so they can go out and try it. We are a manufacturer; we are not a bar. Goal is to get it in the market so people can enjoy it.

“Taste what we have to offer and have fun with us,” says Aaron. “I’m trying to build a brand, have a good time, taste our beer.

Then when they’re out try a Jersey Girl so they can share with their friends.”

The brewery is open to the public Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Anyone over the age of 21 is invited to taste the beer on tap in its Sampling Room, with a sampling menu of ten different brews at one time. Try a sample paddle with four small glasses; order a pint; packages to go; refill bottles of beer; or purchase cans and bottles on the premises.

Free Tours Every hour while the brewery is open tours are given to those interested in learning how the craft beer is brewed. Families are even invited to join in the fun. Tours can last anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes depending on the crowd and questions that come up.

“We like people to come out to get to know how we make the beer,” he says.

Brendan Flanagan of Mt. Arlington, who has worked in the Jersey Girl Brewing Co. Tasting Room and as staff tour guide of the brewery for the past two years, has become quite an expert in the brewing process.

He starts off providing some history on the origin of the brewery.

“Not founded by a Jersey girl,” the owners, Aaron and Bigger are not even natives with one from Georgia and the other from Louisiana, but they both married Jersey girls, shares Flanagan, and have lived in Mt. Olive raising their families here.

“Chuck called Mike 11 o’clock at night and said I have a name,” says Flanagan. Jersey girls, they are all different. “Some say they are sweet, some say they are strong, some say they are bitter,” explains Flanagan about the meaning behind the brewing company’s name.

The brewery was founded in the fall of 2014 but didn’t open until 18 months later, April 15, 2016, in order to prepare the facility, come up recipes and develop its team, he says.

“Chuck built the bar himself,” he says.

Flanagan then walks the tourists through the beer making process explaining how all beer uses four main ingredients: Water, barley, hops and yeast.

“Beer is 90 percent water,” says Flanagan. “This does count as hydration,” he laughs. “Water is the main reason why we opened in Mt. Olive,” he says, as it “sits on one of the biggest aquifers in the state of N.J.” Flanagan talked about the four vessel system, process of fermentation and the six different stages involved in creating the craft beer. Part of the process involves milling their own grains in the gristmill and harvesting the sugars. Other steps include the mash tunnel which creates a secret liquid called the Wort; the lauder which separates the mash; the brew kettle which involves the hops; and the last element which involves yeast and fermentation tanks to create stout ales and lagers.

The creators need to decide what kind of beer they are making before putting the type of grain in, he says, as one may use oats, another may use wheat or more water.

The fermentation system involves 30 barrels, with one barrel equaling 31 gallons.

The cool hoppy wort goes to fermentation tanks that make the carbohydrate drinks called beer, he explains. These air-tight tanks, called Brite tanks, release the Co2, that involved bubbling away

“like blowing bubbles in milk,” he says.

The process in making ale can take three to four weeks, and a minimum of six weeks to make a lager. Brewing continues Monday through Friday.

“We tend to see more ales than lagers,” he says, since they require less time to make.

Distributors then come in to deliver the Jersey Girl beer to 700 accounts in every county in N.J, says Flanagan’ and a contracted mobile canning unit comes in to hook up to the Brite tank to get beer in cans.

During the tour, eight different beers were brewing at one time, he says, with the new Schwarz Bier just being created that night for the fall and winter season.

For each new brew, a tipsy system is used for creating and sampling to “decide how we might want to tweak the recipe.” Every brew is born using this system he says, that way “if we mess it up” 21 gallons can be discarded verses 300 gallons.

Kevin and Melony Bishop of Long Valley.

Flanagan, who works full time as an English teacher at a private school in Northern N.J., even gets to help create some of the beer, the other area breweries. As the chamber of commerce president such as the St. Patrick’s Day beer called Everybody’s Irish, “an Irish he likes to make his rounds at Man Skirt Brewing and Czig Meister Brewing, both in Hackettstown, and Jersey Girl. ale which was delicious,” he says. “It was a very big hit.”

“I help them out,” says Browne, especially when they have the Other teachers work at the brewery as well, and with that, canning events, with 20,000 coming off the line and placed in casthey came up with their own beer called Ultimate Side Gig. Also on the tour he pointed out the barrel age beer and ex- es, as well as with trade shows and pouring beer.

Besides being a friend and a consultant to the brewery, Browne plains how the wood picks up liquor as its porous and absorbs. says he likes Jersey Girl Brewing.

Beer in those barrels sit inside for seven to 10 months, he says.

“I like the tasting room,” says Browne. It “has a traditional bar,” Cleaning the tanks after each new beer is made is also an imand is part of the neighborhood. “It’s a production brewery, they portant part of the process, he explains.

“Brewing is 80 percent cleaning or you will really throw off make more beer than the other two combined. They went the distributor route,” he says, while the brewing,” he says. The tanks are other two area breweries “are more Inside the tasting room, 75 guests can sit cleaned “with water and scrubbing.” direct sales.” comfortably at the bar and four pub style tables Regulars And First-Timers Enjoy As far as a favorite, Browne says made out of barrels, and three leather couches.

Friday Night “They’re all very good.” His top picks Inside the tasting room, 75 are the MO Pils and the Schwartz guests can sit comfortably at the bar and four pub style tables made out of barrels, and three leather beer.

“For people who enjoy well-made craft beer, with three brewcouches.

Kevin and Melony Bishop of Long Valley have been regulars for eries, you can make a beautiful afternoon out of it,” says Browne. the past three weeks. While on a pub crawl charity event to sup- “You can go anywhere for a Miller Lite, here you can try craft beer, port the Highlands earlier this year, at another nearby brewery, see where it’s made, meet the brew master. This is Mt. Olive’s brewery, no one else in town quite like it.” they learned about Jersey Girl Brewing Co. In their first visit to the brewery, two sisters who are alumni of They usually order in some food and relax while sampling the Mt. Olive High School sat around one of the pub tables talking and beer.

“It’s so clean and fresh,” says Melony Bishop. “Their décor is trying the beer with one of their friends.

“We just wanted a low key night, local place to hang out,” exclean and well done.”

Living in the next town over, Kevin Bishop says “it’s very close plains Maria Schreiber, while enjoying the Oktoberfest sample.

Her sister, Aliza Schreiber, was enjoying the Gold Rush. “It’s a for us. We bring take out here, pick it up, bring it here.” That night they had their son drop them off and then return to bring them great transition to summer to fall,” she says.

Their friend, Maread Schneider of Budd Lake, visited one time home so they could linger a bit longer and enjoy the beer.

The new Schwartz beer and Wake Up And Smell The Coffee before and says she wanted to come “to socialize with the locals.

This has character” and it’s a good place for “fun and to have good were their favorites that night. conversation.”

“They have good beer,” says Melony Bishop.

There’s “so much in craft beer to offer in flavor and style,” con“The beer is better here,” says Kevin Bishop. “Sometimes I don’t want to be served; it’s not about the food,” he says, but cludes Aaron. More need to know “how much fun craft beer can more about “just to get out. Can bring my own stuff in” for an be.”

For more information, call 908-591-4186 or visit www.jersey“hour or two get-aways.”

Harry Browne, another regular, stopped in as he often visits girlbrewing.com.

Page 32 • October 2018 • Denville Life

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 33

Area Farms Sparkle Like The LeavesStop In For Some Fall Fun

By Steve Sears There’s something to be said for the beauty of visiting a farm during Autumn. And although it appears as things are slowing down with the leaves dropping, activity is picking up in a new way as local farms satisfy family fun needs with hayrides, pumpkin picking, Halloween displays, and more.

So before the chill and frost of this year’s last quarter comes to fruition, embrace the milder weather and head to one of these local area farms. Always visit respective websites for additional information, pricing and schedules prior to visiting.

Alstede Farms (Chester) Alstede Farms grows more than 250 varieties of fruit and vegetables in more than 600 acres of Preserved Farmland, utilizing sustainable and USDA certified organic growing methods.

Open year round, family fun is never at a minimum here.

Consider this cornucopia of fall highlights for families.

October is pick-your-own time, with lots of pumpkins and many varieties of apples to be had. Plan on spending the entire day with a scenic tractor drawn wagon ride, visiting the farm animals, and enjoying weekend live entertainment. On Fridays, Oct. 19 & 26, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., visitors can view production of homemade cider at Alstede Farms’ cider mill.

And what would a fall visit to Alstede Farms be without attempting its Corn Maze, this one surrounded by 10 acres of corn fields. For tinier kids, there is a smaller, kiddie-sized corn maze. This year’s theme is Alstede Fresh, inspiring guests to live and eat healthy with local produce and farm fresh products. The

maze is open every day from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is included in pick-your-own admission.

Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 19 & 20, 26 & 27, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., is all about moonlight, gazing at it while at Alstede Farm evening enjoying a Harvest Moon Hayride, traversing acres of scenic farmland in a tractor-drawn wagon ride, stopping at a pumpkin patch, navigating the corn maze via flashlight and warm up by a bonfire while, live music filling the air. Add to this a choice of hot or cold apple cider, the evening’s perfect conclusion.

Also, a very special Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast will take place on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m.

– 1 p.m. It’s all about pumpkins as stacks of pancakes are smothered with a homemade pumpkin topping in an all-you-can-eat breakfast which also features sausage, eggs, bacon, country potatoes and beverages. Breakfast includes admission to pick-your-own fields and orchards, access to the giant corn maze and tractor drawn wagon rides.

For more information, visit www.alstedefarms.com or call (908) 879-7189.

Donaldson Farms (Hackettstown) Donaldson Farm has 500 acres of farmland spread out over Warren County for all to explore. Katie Donaldson calls it low key, farm charm.

“It’s our home,” she says. Donaldson also says the beauty starts prior to arriving at the location. “A lot of people don’t realize that just an hour away, from most points in northern New Jersey, because we’re right before Exit 19 on Route 80, and a beautiful 15-minute ride off of Route 78 from Whitehouse Station, winding beautiful roads with the fall foliage to our farm, and it’s gorgeous.”

October begins peak harvest season, and Donaldson has three divisions.

“There is the farm market, which my husband Greg and myself take care of; and then we have our nursing greenhouse, which is so beautiful this time of year, at the either end of our farm, that’s run by my brother-in-law David; and our wholesale operations which is the hub, the busiest part of our farm right now, which is run by my brother-in-law Gary, his son Justin and our cousin Jeff,” she explains.

On Saturday, Sept. 29, following a gorgeous sunflower season, Donaldson’s kicked off its popular fall family fun.

“We had a little breather between sunflowers and the pumpkins, but now its pick your own pumpkins, Indian corn, apples – we have over 5,000 apple trees in our orchard,” says Donaldson. “Picking your own Indian corn is kind of a neat thing, too; you have all those jewel tones, you don’t know what you’re going to get until you peel it. Then there’s our 9-acree corn maze, which has an incredible story behind how we designed it this year, pony rides, hay rides, apple cider donuts, and we have a photo contest that gets very competitive – the scenery is just stunning. It’s just beautiful fresh air family fun.”

The nine-acre corn maze was designed by a very special 11-year-old Chester girl, Anya LaFrancis.

“The corn maze is my nephew’s specialty area on the farm, in addition to everything else that he does, so the past few years we have chosen a non-profit organization to spotlight,

a local one; we try to keep it relative to New Jersey,” says Donaldson. “This season in particular I thought it was important to spotlight Tomorrows Children’s Fund; they are out of Hackensack University Medical Center. The farm held a winter contest with a call out to local kids 17 and under to come up with a design via original artwork to “Brighten Someone’s Day.” LaFrancis, who was diagnosed with leukemia in kindergarten, relapsed in third grade, and was a bone marrow recipient last year, submitted the winning drawing.

“Her actual drawing has been blown up into nine acres, and it’s her actual drawing that is the interactive nine-acre corn maze, which is so cool and very exciting,” she says.

For every person who goes thru the corn maze, $1 is donated to Tomorrows Children’s Fund.

“The most interesting part,” says Donaldson, “is Tanya is actually a TCF kid; her family benefitted from Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund while she was going through all this.”

The corn maze is open seven days a week.

Go to www.donaldsonfarms.net for more information.

Page 34 • October 2018 • Denville Life

Ort Farms (Long Valley) The Bartleyville Road-located Ort Farms calls itself “A Place for All Seasons,” and there is no season quite like the fall to visit the 175 acre location to enjoy its corn maze and Fall Festival.

Open Monday – Friday, noon - 6:30 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. 6:30 p.m., the 2018 corn maze salutes all active and veteran military folks. Also supported this year are two veteran resources, Operation Chillout and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

Take a hayride to the famed Ort Farms pumpkin patch, itself a tradition for more than 30 years. Search for a favorite; there are

many to choose from. Also available are friendly farm animals for young and old to greet, pony rides, a Haybale Pyramid and, especially for the kids, a Mini Haybale Maze.

To complete a memorable trip, take home some fresh fruit or vegetables, and maybe even some of Ort Farms superb apple cider donuts.

Yes, that’s a lot of activity, but there’s also the view. Ort Farms with Schooley’s Mountain as a backdrop is beautiful in Autumn.

Bring a camera. Photo ops abound!

Visit ortfarms.com for more information or call 908-876-3351.

Wightman Farms (Morristown) When most think of Morristown, they think of the busy Green area. Obviously, Wightman’s Farm is a quieter piece of the township, perhaps a trip back to simpler times.

“Yes, we are only four miles south of downtown Morristown, but it’s like driving to the country,” says Nadine McEvoy, manager of Wightman Farms.

“We sit in a valley, but our hayride road goes along a higher elevation and the views from the top are just spectacular!

It’s as if we have our own sightseeing stop along 202. The most scenic and beautiful hayride I have ever been on.”

Wightman Farms, in business since 1922, currently farms approximately 200 acres around Morris County, 70 of which are what may be considered their ‘mainland.’

“Our Farm Market is located at 1111 Mt. Kemble Ave in Morristown which is our main address and where we conduct our retail business and entertainment activities,” she says. “We are constantly evolving to broaden our event offerings so that we become a ‘go to’ place for members of our community.”

Wightman Farms offers a PYO (Pick Your Own) as a Membership Program.

“We grow some of the best and widest variety of fruit in New Jersey,” she says.

“By inviting our members back for an entire season, they are able to take advantage of that.”

Fall season important at Wightman, and why: Tradition.

“Many of the families that come here have been doing so for generations,” says McEvoy. “I have grandparents that come along with their adult children because these adult children are now bringing their own children. Generations of families have been coming to Wightman Farms as a part of their family tradition. We take that seriously as these are memories that are passed down. We are a part of these family’s lives. It’s a big responsibility and one we are proud to own.”

There are activities for kids of all ages, big kids included. Wightman gets a lot of

group hayride bookings for school trips, Corporate Team Building bookings for the hayride and corn maze, a Giant Corn Maze, Mini Mazeland, and it’s very popular and addictive Pumpkin Slingshot. The winner can pick any size pumpkin they want if they hit the bell in the target field.

“We care about what we do,” she says.

“We know this is a business and generating enough money to keep us sustainable throughout the year is what keeps us going. The Fall helps us do that. However, the fact that people are taking time out of their lives to come here is also hugely important. They choose to spend their time with us and it is something that we are grateful for. We appreciate our customers.”

Spend time at Wightman Farms this fall.

Visit www.wightmanfarms.com for more details.

B

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 35

Denville Native And Family Man Lights Up The Town

By Erica McCrystal etween coaching baseball, running town committees, organizing parades, and owning a small business, Robert Ranft, 80, has done it all.

Robert “Bob” Ranft is a decorated member of the Denville community who has been active in the town his entire life. He was born in 1938 at Dover General to Robert Ranft— who also grew up in Denville—and Kathryn Ranft. He grew up with two brothers and a sister. He has lived in Denville his entire life and finds the town has so much to offer.

“It’s a nice, small town to grow up in and to raise kids in,” says Ranft. “There’s a lot of people who do volunteer work for the town in various capacities. And it’s in a good physical location. You can get to the city if you wanna go in there easily. Or you can go west towards Sussex County and Pennsylvania where it’s more rural.”

He also praises the town’s “excellent education system.”

And he should know. Aside from attending Denville Main Street School and Morris Hills High School himself, he and his wife, Patricia, 76, raised five children in town—Mindy, Rick, Debbie, Bob and Theresa. The Ranfts also have eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ranft and Patricia celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary next month.

Everybody in the family lives in Morris County except one. One granddaughter lives in San Diego, but between visits and phone calls, “while she’s not here, she is in a way,” remarks Ranft. For his 80th birthday, his kids took him to France to visit the gravesite of his great-uncle who was killed in World War I at age 21.

“That was something I wanted to do for years and years,” he says.

Over the years, Ranft has noticed a lot of changes in town.

“It used to be, when I was growing up, more of a blue collar town,” says Ranft. “And now there’s a lot of people that commute into the city, work for Wall Street, insurance companies, and things of that sort.” He also remembers the social scene being different too. The “working man’s bars” are gone and have been “replaced by more upscale restaurants.”

In his early 30s, Ranft went on to higher education, earning his assocate’s in humanities and social science from the County College of Morris, his bachelor’s in history and sociology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and his master’s in social science with a concentration in sociology and history from Montclair State University.

Currently, he owns Denville Vacuum & Appliance, locat-

ed on Broadway.

“Originally the business was a family business that my father had started in 1948,” says Ranft. “And then in 1980, my father retired, and my brother and I took over the business, and then we split it in 1980 into two different businesses.”

His brother Donald took the major appliances part of the business and ran a store in Rockaway. Ranft took the vacuum part since he had put them into the vacuum business in the 1970s. Donald is now retired, but Ranft is still in business. His wife and his daughter Debbie work with him at the store.

The Ranft family has also sold music in Denville since 1953.

“Originally, when my father started the business, he repaired radios, phonographs, car radios, things like that, and then when he decided to go into the retail end of it, he started with radios, phonographs, and when televisions became popular, televisions, and also, we sold music,” Ranft remembers. When he and his brother split the business, the music department stayed with him.

“We call that Broadway Record Shop,” he says. “We sell records and CDs in the middle of the vacuum store.”

What’s sure to be a unique experience, custom-

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Page 36 • October 2018 • Denville Life

ers can shop for new vinyl LPs and CDs while dropping off an appliance for repair. They sell a variety of music, including Irish music and Americana.

Ranft finds rewards in running a small business. “You have your independence,” he says. “You don’t have a boss telling you what to do.”

But there are also challenges. “Your income is dependent on that business, and today, it’s getting harder and harder with Amazon, high taxes, and everything,” he says.

Even with the demands of running a small business, Ranft has put in countless hours of volunteer work in town. This all began with baseball.

“I’ve been involved with the Denville Youth Baseball program from 1966 to the present,” Ranft says. Ranft coached his sons and a grandson through local programs.

“I’ve coached baseball for over 50 years,” he says. “I was past president of Denville Little League. I coached at Morris Catholic for about 14 years.” He was the varsity baseball coach there for 12 years. Coaching kids from ages 9 to 18, Ranft coached American Legion, USADL, fall ball, tournament teams, little league and senior league. In 1988, he coached his son Rick on the Denville Baseball Tournament team. He brought the team to a state championship, the first one a Denville team had won since Denville baseball began back in 1951.

“That was really a neat accomplishment,” says Ranft.

At the opening day ceremonies each year, Denville Baseball gives a special recognition to an individual. “I have been honored with throwing out the first pitch three times,” says Ranft.

“The second one was very special” because “the catcher was my then 9-year-old grandson, Will.”

Two years ago, he decided to stop coaching. He says that he’s using his free Sundays as an opportunity to spend more time with his wife. When he was coaching, Patricia would have to run the

Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 37

business during the time that he was gone. Leaving coaching has also allowed him to spend more time running his business. But he is still involved with Denville Baseball. The organization has made Ranft a trustee for life.

Ranft’s involvement in town baseball and recreation also brought Ranft into the Denville P.R.I.D.E. Council. This organization started in the 1960s “to bring representatives from all of the various groups in town together to discuss what projects they were working on and how they could help each other accomplish their goals,” says Ranft. Some organizations involved include the Rotary, the Kiwanis, the Recreation Committee, the Women’s Club, the Beautification Committee, and teachers.

“It’s not individual,” he says. “The actual members are the various groups. And sometimes a group will send different reps to the meetings. And of course, the meetings are open. Anybody in town who wants to come is invited. There’s no restriction, even if a private citizen wants to come see what it’s about.” Denville’s P.R.I.D.E. Council meets five times a year.

The organization runs Rid Litter Day, the National Day of Prayer Observance, community blood drives, an annual award dinner and other events.

Originally, Ranft got involved as a representative of Denville Baseball and the Recreation Committee. Ranft also recollects, “somehow I got elected president. So I was president of the P.R.I.D.E. Council for eight years.” He is still involved today, continuing to represent baseball and the Recreation Committee and is active on on the Open Space Committee. Ranft also worked on the Laudati Playground Committee with local teachers and members of P.R.I.D.E. to build the playground at Muriel Hepner Park.

“That was a project that I really felt was important and enjoyed working on,” says Ranft. Ranft was president of the Kiwanis Club in 1970 and was also in the Jaycees. He has served on the board of the Denville Historical Society and, for over 30 years now, has continued to serve on the Rec-

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reation Committee where he also once comes with its challenges. served as a chair.

“You have to raise money to pay the Ranft says, “I was one of the membands and the special acts, and you have bers of the Denville Sports Lighting to contact everybody who is participatCommittee that lit Gardner Field.” Ranft ing,” says Ranft. “You have to organize recollects the night in February several volunteers. You need starters. You need years ago when they turned the lights section leaders. You need judges.” Ranft on for the first time: “members of the used to take on all these responsibilities committee, we were taking batting prachimself. But these days, Ranft says, “I tice in a snowstorm. We were so excited have a very good committee that makes to see the field lit because it was a big it a lot easier.” dream of people of lighting that field for He was also on Denville’s Centennial quite a few years.”

Committee and he co-chaired the steerRanft has also been involved with ing committee of the Centennial parade. developing Veteran’s Memorial Park. “I “They asked me to do that because I was was on the original committee where we doing the holiday parade, so they figured purchased the park—what is now the I knew something about parades.” Hunpark,” he says. “It was just open space, dreds of volunteers and participants were woods with green acre funds from the state. And then we devel- involved in the parade, which ran for four hours. oped it.”

Over the years, Ranft has been honored with several awards for Ranft has been involved in many projects with Veteran’s Me- his continued volunteer work and active involvement in town. The morial Park and Gardner Field over the years, including building Chamber of Commerce awarded him Business Person of the year an all-purpose turf field at Veteran’s Memorial Park that opened a in 1990 and volunteer of the year in 2014. He was awarded the couple of years ago. This field has been used for football, soccer, YMCA’s Citizen of the Year in 2000 and the Muriel Hepner Service lacrosse and rugby.

Award from the P.R.I.D.E. Council About 15–20 years ago, in 2010. In 2015, he was presented “Without her support, it would’ve been very difficult Ranft “was also on the commitwith the first ever Key to the City for because even coaching at Morris Catholic, it put a lot of tee that worked to purchase his 50 years of service as a volunteer burden on her with the store. She’s been excellent.”

[Cook’s Pond] for the town so in Denville. On October 11, he was that everybody had a place to set to receive a volunteer award swim.” Before that, “the only water that went through Denville from the Morris County Parks Commission. that wasn’t private was the Rockaway River. Cook’s Pond was a For those who want to volunteer and get involved in town private enterprise, and we purchased it and turned it into a public events, Ranft recommends joining a service club or getting involved facility,” says Ranft. The park was named for James F. Dyer, a for- through youth sports. There are a lot of school activities that parmer mayor of Denville. “It’s a nice facility for the town to own.” ents can help with. “Denville’s got all kinds of ways for people to Ranft has also been in the Chamber of Commerce since the volunteer,” says Ranft. “That’s one of the things that makes the 1960s and on the Board of town stand out—from the Directors of the Chamber number and talent of all of Commerce for a numthese people who volunber of years. About 12 teer in town and all these years ago, the Chamber of different activities and proCommerce asked Ranft to grams.” help run the town’s holiRanft has been honored day parade. He has been many times for his great working on that ever since. contributions to the town, The parade falls on the but he says that he couldn’t Sunday after Thanksgiving have done it alone. every year.

“Through all of this “We bring Santa at the stuff, my wife’s been very rear of the parade over to supportive,” he says.

Santa Land,” he says. The “Without her support, it kids are “probably the best would’ve been very diffipart of the parade. The Girl cult because even coaching Scouts, especially, are the at Morris Catholic, it put a biggest contributors to the lot of burden on her with parade.” the store. She’s been excelOrganizing a parade lent.”

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think I felt?’ And when he said that, I said, ‘You know what, I’m acting like a baby. I’m acting like this is such a bad thing.’ He gave me something and he had to work hard for this. He trusted me and I’m calling him up crying, saying ‘Oh my God, I can’t do this!’”

But, she has. In fact, Koliq and her team do a lot right, although she occasionally still picks up the phone.

“It’s a business, it doesn’t matter how old I am, that I don’t have college a bit,” she says. “It’s a business that was given to me and I’m learning it from my father. So, if anything happens, I call and ask, ‘How would you take it? How would you do it?’ And he teaches me along the way.”

The Tuscan Table, cuisine-wise, is not just a “chicken parmigiana, veal parmigiana, and ravioli” Italian eatery. However, some have that notion.

“A lot of people say that about us,” she says. “I read a review

The Tuscan Table: The Story Of A Proud General Manager And Her Unique Restaurant “I was very nervous,” she says. “I knew that this business was 24/7, all day, all night and no life, you know. At first, I didn’t really see that because I really didn’t want it. But then I was like, ‘Okay, now I really have to be serious.’”

By Steve Sears Luljeta Koliq, 28, better known as “Lilly” to The Tuscan Table of Denville patrons, remembers the day well when she started as a General Manager for her family’s new restaurant.

She, a hairdresser at age 24 searching for direction in life, knew her father George Koliq needed help at the family owned Delizia Pizza Kitchen in Dover.

“I got involved,” she recalls, “and when I do something, I do it with my all. I’m 100 percent into it. I organized it, I cleaned it. I made sure all the workers were dressed on point. I didn’t care if it was just a little pizzeria, I took it very serious.”

Her dad, proprietor of the family’s then four restaurants, saw her work ethic and said, as his daughter remembers, ‘You know what? I’m opening up a restaurant in Denville. I want that to be your restaurant. And down the road, it’s going to be yours forever. So, take it very seriously and show me what you’ve got.’

The Tuscan Table has, since March 2015, been a go-to restaurant for many.

In addition to their Denville BYOB venture, the Koliq restaurant family also owns and operates Il Villaggio Restaurant in Morris Plains, and three Delizia Pizza Kitchen locations in Dover, Flemington and Ledgewood.

Her reaction to her dad’s declaration? “I rolled my eyes,” she says, laughing.

When asked if she was scared, she responds immediately, “Yeah. I was so scared.” She was just a week past her 25th birthday when The Tuscan Table opened its doors.

“I was very nervous,” she says. “I knew that this business was 24/7, all day, all night and no life, you know.

At first, I didn’t really see that because I really didn’t want it. But then I was like, ‘Okay, now I really have to be serious.’”

The early days were rough; they tested her, she learned, and she came out stronger. But she also had help, often in tears calling her father.

She recalls conversations with her father, saying, “When I talked to him, I just asked him, ‘How did you do it?’

And he told me, ‘Listen, I came to this country (he was born in Montenegro, the former Yugoslavia) when I was 19. I knew no English, I didn’t have a penny in my pocket. I had no family or friends here. I was all alone, by myself. How do you

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where it said that for the price you pay at this place (The Tuscan Table) you can just go to your local pizza joint, get it to go, bring it home, crack a 6-pack, and that’s it. I wanted to prove them wrong, so I gave them a call, and I told them ‘I want you to come back here, I’m not telling you to delete what you wrote, I’m not telling you to write another review, but I want you to come back here and try my food. And I want you to tell me, after you have your experience here again, what you really meant.’ And the guy did come back, and he did tell me he was wrong, and that he was happy with everything,” remembers Koliq.

“I just feel like I am not a pizzeria; I’m more than that,” she attests definitively.

“Out of all these restaurants in Denville, I give the biggest portions here; I think I have the best prices for my portions; we give a lot of food; I do a lot to make the customers happy; I’m

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“When we first opened this (The Tuscan Table), when we were just building it, we were standing outside, and he said, ‘Down the road, I’d like you to own this whole block.

That’s what I want from you.’ I said to myself, ‘That’s just a great idea; I’d love to do that,’” recalls Koliq.

very accommodating,” says Koliq.

Koliq, overseer of the operation, often stations herself near the line and directs meals prepared by Chef Luis Santiago and his crew to their proper spot via the serving team. No meal is served prior to her inspection, and she never wears high heels, but instead comes dressed in The Tuscan Table attire. She rolls up her sleeves and works with her workers.

On Monday, The Tuscan Table offers an all-day, 5-course Men & Ladies’ Night meal for $25. This specialty of the week at The Tuscan Table, devised by Koliq herself, consists of salad, soup, appetizer, entrée, and dessert with coffee or tea. The Tuscan Table is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and the entire menu can be found on their Facebook page, or at www.thetuscantabledenville.com.

The menu is staying the same but will soon have some delicious additions.

“We are going to have more seafood items, like the sesame ginger fried calamari, as well as rice balls with mozzarella cheese in marinara sauce. I just like to add nice things to the menu,” explains Koliq. In addition, prepare for a shrimp sesame with broccoli, asparagus and peppers in a ginger glaze, grilled salmon with mango and onions atop risotto, and pasta primavera in garlic and oil.

Asked to name current popular items, Koliq says “The Giant Meatball appetizer and Broccoli Rabe and Sausage appetizers.”

For $10, the first is a filled sphere of ground beef topped with tomato sauce, and ricotta and parmigiano cheese. The Broccoli Rabe and Sausage appetizer ($11) is prepared greenery and slices of Italian sausage sautéed in garlic and extra virgin olive oil, topped with shavings of aged cheese.

As for popular entrees, “Chili Pepper Chicken Rigatoni ($18), Chicken Marsala ($18), Veal Riviera ($21)…” Koliq then halts and laughs. “Would you like me to keep going?”

Her own favorite changes week after week; this week it’s the Penna Puttanesca ($14). “That’s what I’ve been eating every day so far this week,” states Koliq.

She then takes a breath, thinks for a moment, and then continues, “We bring a uniqueness. We’re different. Were Italian food but we’ll do steak. On our specials there’ll be something that’s not Italian. Or I’ll tell him [Santiago] that one night I want grilled octopus or do a nice pork chop.”

Then there’s the oatmeal cookies, available to patrons before and after their meal. “That’s another thing that makes us unique, we give oatmeal cookies for free,” says Koliq.

Koliq now aspires to open her own eatery, and her dad supports her.

“When we first opened this (The Tuscan Table), when we were just building it, we were standing outside, and he said, ‘Down the road, I’d like you to own this whole block. That’s what I want from you.’ I said to myself, ‘That’s just a great idea; I’d love to do that,’” recalls Koliq.

Often late at night, when the doors of The Tuscan Table are closed and locked, she sits and ponders, “I look around and say, ‘Wow, he [her father]) literally did all of this. This was from scratch. He created this. He gave this to me.’ He didn’t have to give this to me. He could’ve given it to my brother [Azem, her current business partner]; my brother was the one doing everything at first and thank God I have him. So, he actually trusted me, had faith in me, saw that I was able to do something, actually make a business go, and that showed me, ‘Wow, I actually have potential, I actually can do something.’”

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Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 41

Vision Loss Alliance Rings In 75 Years

By Jane Primerano he Vision Loss Alliance, located at the Episcopal Church of the Savior in Denville, provides a variety of skills to the blind and visually impaired and it’s been doing it for 75 years.

Founded in 1943 as the New Jersey Foundation for the Blind, the alliance changed its name in 2016 to better reflect the services it provides, Executive Director Kris Marino said. One of the ways the center is celebrating is Dining the Dark, a fundraiser at Meadowood Manor in Randolph Township.

The evening starts with the lights on, so guests can linger over cocktails and fill out bid forms in the silent auction and purchase works of art in the art sale as well as visit program tables around the room. Then they are handed sleep masks and brought into the dining room.

A client of the alliance serves as a table ambassador, helping the guests navigate eating without seeing their food, Marino said.

“They are good hosts,” she said.

Before the dinner, VLA staff need to meet with the wait staff at the restaurant to make sure they understand how to position plates, silverware and glasses properly for the blindfolded guests, Marino explained. The diners will choose their entrees tableside to help them navigate the unfamiliar eating method. No guest is required to keep the mask on all evening, Marino noted.

Another fundraiser specifically for the 75th anniversary year is a cookbook full of recipes submitted by board members, staff, volunteers and students. Cooking has been part of the education at the center for many years and the photo on the cookbook cover is from the 1950s, taken in the kitchen of its former home nearby on Diamond Spring Road. Below the old photo is the center’s motto, “Transforming Lives One Individual at a Time.”

The book is available in a number of electronic formats, including for Apple, Kindle, Nook and various other readers.

The cookbook is $25 and can be purchased by calling 973627-0055 or by emailing Marino at kmarino@vlanj.org.

More services added to program The Vision Loss Alliance serves the blind and visually impaired in seven north Jersey counties from three locations, the main office at Church of the Savior and two satellites in Ridgewood and Montclair. “There’s a big need in South Jersey,” Marino said.

Clients can access the center through several public transportation options, the most common is AccessLink.

Some municipalities and counties have Dial-a-Ride services, such as Morris County’s MAPS that also make it convenient to get to Denville.

The current location is an annex to the Episcopal Church

which once housed a day care center. It features training rooms and offices as well as a large multi-purpose room which can be partitioned off.

On a recent Tuesday, a fluffy tail protrudes from under one of the partitions. Marino explained clients of the Seeing Eye can come to the VLA to develop independence skills before they learn to partner with a guide dog.

Besides independence, clients learn specific skills, including many that didn’t exist in 1943.

“Apple has wonderful accessibility features,” Marino explained, “Facial i.d., no code entry, many things for low or no vision.”

Client Paul Caruso couldn’t agree more. He was a JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reader user on his laptop but said there were a lot of keystrokes involved. The Apple system uses toggles, making it easier to use text message, email, YouTube and Safari search.

“You double tap to get in and out of programs,” he said, adding, “it’s more portable.”

Caruso carries the iPad mini and is thinking about getting an iPhone.

“If you turn off the voice over, it looks like any

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Denville Life • October 2018 • Page 43

DENVILLE SEAFOOD Celebrating Our 67th Year!

“It took a lot of convincing that the iPhone would work for those who are blind,” Anderson said, admitting she was not at all tech savvy, although she used a computer when she worked at the hospital.

Fresh Seafood Market • Fresh Fish Daily From The Fulton Fish Market In NY Stop By For Some Fresh Shrimp, & Then Create A Delish Meal With This Easy Recipe!

Shrimp Scampi Ingredients:

iPad,” he noted.

He has been coming to the tech program for three years. He also attends the Thursday Health and Wellness classes at VLA, even though he has to travel from Lodi.

“It’s worth it,” he said. “A lot of people come from Bergen County.”

The health and wellness program includes a fitness and balance class; “Inquiring Minds,” which features speakers or discussion on various topics; music appreciation and an African drumming program.

“I play the Ashiko drum,” Caruso said. He said he tries to keep up with the fitness and balance exercises at home.

Caruso is also looking for a job. For 22 years he held vendor licenses under the Business Enterprise New Jersey program which is the state’s method of implementing the federal law that mandates a priority to blind persons to operate vending facilities on Federal property. These facilities include vending machine locations, newspaper stands, snack bars and full service cafeterias, according to the state Department of Human Services website.

After operating two snack bars, Caruso had a news stand in the justice complex in Trenton, where he lived for 22 years. Now he’s looking for any sort of phone work. He notes being interviewed for a job is different than bidding for a stand location.

“I just keep plugging,” he said.

Different Experiences, Different Needs Each client’s needs are different. Program Director Elsa Zavoda is uniquely able to provide for many of those needs. An occupational therapist, she is one of only 16 in the country and two in New Jersey who is certified in vision loss services.

The state doesn’t yet require that certification, she said, but since that may change, she was anxious to become certified.

Many of the techniques she uses are geared to maximize the vision clients have left. “Once I evaluate a client, I develop a plan of care,” she explained.

Each client needs to be referred by a physician in order for the

services to be covered by insurance. Zavoda prefers the referral to come from an ophthalmologist because a general physician can’t give the same kind of specifics about the client’s vision loss.

Both the client and the client’s caregivers and loved ones need to learn the best methods for coping with vision loss, Marino emphasized. Simple tips like having the client take your elbow or using the example of a clock face to tell him or her where food is placed on a plate can be helpful.

Techniques to assist in daily activities, use of lighting and contrasting colors to enhance functional vision and training in adaptive devices are important parts of Zavoda’s work with clients.

Some clients have other disabilities they must navigate. Linda Anderson was a pharmacy technician working with IV pharmaceuticals and hemodialysis when she developed her vision and physical problems.

A JAWS user, Anderson has also worked as a patient advocate at East Orange General Hospital. She is also a minister and teacher at Smith Memorial church of God in Christ in Newark.

“It took a lot of convincing that the iPhone would work for those who are blind,” she said, admitting she was not at all tech savvy, although she used a computer when she worked at the hospital.

Anderson is a cheerleader for VLA. “Imagine a bunch of blind people getting along with technology was pretty mind-boggling,” she said.

“Agencies like this help you move forward,” she said, noting that medical professionals aren’t always the best people to encourage their patients. Peer support is vital, she said.

“One thing about blindness, it’s easy to say ‘I can’t do’,” she said. But a support group helps. It also enables blind people to laugh at themselves in a way they can’t when they are with sighted people.

Zavoda takes VLA’s mission on the road, she explained. She gives presentations at senior centers and independent living centers focusing on home safety, tips and basic strategy for coping

• 1 pound large shrimp (16 to 20) cleaned and deveined • 1/4 stick of butter • 3 tablespoons minced garlic • 2 tablespoons white wine • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley • Pinch of oregano • Pinch crushed red pepper • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Rinse shrimp and set aside. Heat butter in a large skillet over low heat. When the butter is melted add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic is soft but not browned. Increased the heat to medium, add the shrimp, wine, lemon juice, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper, stir and cover for about 2 minutes. Stir and cover again for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and firm. Do not over cook. Remove lid add the parsley stir and serve. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Serve over rice or pasta.

Serves 2 to 4

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