The Junior Woman’s Club of Verona recently wrapped up a very successful year and received numerous honors at the annual convention of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs – Junior Membership.

Verona Junior President, Kristen Donohue (center), presenting a check to the Verona Fire Department Chief Harvey Goodman (left), along with Ken Gerlach (right).

Sandy Bowman, the Vice President of the Verona Rescue Squad receiving a check from the Verona Juniors President, Kristen Donohue (right)

The Juniors’ 2012-2013 fundraising efforts included “Flags Out Front,” in honor of veterans, as well as the club’s first-ever Holiday Vendor Market and its annual Bunny Brunch and discount-card sales. All of these fundraisers benefited from tremendous community support and enabled the club to donate nearly $10,000 to Verona schools and other Verona organizations, such as our fire department, rescue squad, library and PBA. These donations include three $1,000 scholarships to Verona High School seniors graduating in June, as well as funds for all of the local schools, elementary through high school. The Juniors also provided supermarket gift cards to families in need.

In addition, the Verona Juniors donated nearly $3,000 to other local, national and international charities, such as the Human Needs Food Pantry, the Valerie Fund, the Seeing Eye, Essex County CASA and Restore the Shore. In April, the Juniors were able to raise more than $300 for Prevent Child Abuse NJ when they “planted” a pinwheel garden outside the Verona Community Center to raise awareness about child abuse.

At the state convention in April, the Junior Woman’s Club of Verona was the only group to receive the Unity Award for its work with the local Woman’s Club and Juniorettes. The Verona Juniors brought home nine other awards, including first place for communications, first place for advocating for children and first place for working with Family Promise, a special state project. Additional recognition related to the club’s work with women’s history, performing arts and state projects connected to the Valerie Fund and the Seeing Eye, as well as its fundraising, leadership and membership efforts. In addition, the 2012-13 president, Kristen Donohue, was placed on the Honor Roll, the highest individual honor a club member may receive.

The Junior Woman’s Club of Verona is a versatile organization that has been involved in social and charitable work since its inception in 1926. The Juniors address Verona’s diverse needs by promoting education, preserving natural resources, encouraging healthy lifestyles, working on behalf of the elderly and people with disabilities, supporting participation in the arts and advocating for issues of concern to women, children and families.

Anyone interested in learning more about this very active organization of women should visit www.veronajuniors.org. Prospective members also are welcome at business meetings, which are held the second Wednesday of each month (except April, July, August and December) at 8 p.m. in the Verona Community Center.

Verona Junior President, Kristen Donohue (center), presenting a check to the Verona Fire Department Chief Harvey Goodman (left), along with Ken Gerlach (right).

Sandy Bowman, the Vice President of the Verona Rescue Squad receiving a check from the Verona Juniors President, Kristen Donohue (right)

MONTCLAIR, N.J. – United Way of Northern New Jersey Family Success Center is offering free career coaching for professionals.  Job seekers can meet with a volunteer coach to learn résumé and interviewing tips and gain access to resources for job training.

United Way’s volunteer coaches are available monthly by appointment.  The next coaching sessions will take place on June 27 and July 16 and 30 at United Way’s Montclair office, located at 60 South Fullerton Avenue.  For additional dates, visit the United Way events calendar at UnitedWayNNJ.org/Events.

The program, which began in 2011 and has helped more than 100 local residents, has four professional volunteer coaches with diverse sets of skills.  Job seekers have the option of meeting with the coach of their choice:

§  Matthew Brown, a finance professional with more than 15 years experience in investment banking

§  Heather Eck, a human resources professional with a background in finance and management

§  Matthew Frankel, a communications professional with experience working as a press secretary on Capitol Hill and leading corporate communication departments for large media companies

§  Laurie Kessler, a marketing, media, and entertainment professional  highly adept at assessing how candidates present themselves on paper and in person

“These volunteers are helping provide a valuable service to local residents struggling to find jobs or further advance their careers,” said Durelle McPherson, United Way Family Success Center Director.

To make an appointment with one of the volunteer coaches, call 973.746.4040, x210 or email Durelle.McPherson@UnitedWayNNJ.org.

United Way Family Success Center is a community resource that provides education, training, mentoring programs, and referrals for services that support North Essex families and individuals during tough times. For more information about the Center’s programs, visit UnitedWayNNJ.org/FamilySuccessCenter.

About United Way of Northern New Jersey
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a non-profit organization working to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health.  These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health.  We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform people’s lives.  Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow throughout Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties.  Give.  Advocate.  Volunteer.  LIVE UNITED.  To learn more, call 973.746.4040 or visitwww.UnitedWayNNJ.org.

For more information, call 973 571-9744
Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and picnics.

At the Civic Center Square (front of Town Hall, 600 Bloomfield Ave.)

July 10th – “3 Po’ Tenors”
July 17th – “The Greats of the 88’s Show”
July 24th – “The B Street Band” – A Tribute to the Boss

At Verona Pool For Verona Residents Only

August 21 – “Alotta Colada”

The crowd enjoying the night at the Senior Dinner. Members of the Verona High School girls’ lacrosse team and the Juniorettes also played a role in making the event a success, as they offered their assistance throughout the evening. Their hard work was very much appreciated.

Junior’s Fundraising Chair, Christine McGrath, distributing information about an upcoming Fundraiser. The Junior Woman’s Club of Verona sponsors many such events throughout the year and appreciates the support we receive from the community. Please visit http://www.veronajuniors.org/discount-cards.html to find out more information on our upcoming events, like the Discount Card fundraiser currently in progress.

The Junior Woman’s club is collecting letters of support that will be sent to our troops. It is such a nice gesture and the men and women that serve our country truly enjoying receiving our letters. At the Senior dinner, guests were asked to write a letter to the soldiers during the meal. Mel Conk helped Charlie DePalma write a letter to our troops during the Senior Dinner.

Terry Taylor-Fleming and Donna Wisniewski

Co-Chair, Senior Dinner Committee

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Robert Williams, society president and local historian, will guide you through the history of the mansion built in 1902. On the ridge of First Mountain the 11 acre estate offers breathtaking views of points east and west. The stunning wood paneled rooms and stained glass windows – some that may be attributed to Tiffany – are a perfect setting to learn firsthand about the splendor of a bygone era.

Kip’s Castle is located at 22 Crestmont Road in Verona. For more information you can email the Society at twoJVO@yahoo.com, call 973 857 1968 or visit our website www.veronahistorical.org.

The dinner will consist of a hot buffet, hot and cold beverages, and dessert.

Space is limited. Please call Marisa at 973-857-4831 by May 17 to make your reservation.

IT’S FREE!!!
Registration will be held ONLINE ONLY.
There will be no registration at the door. NO EXCEPTIONS.
To register online, visit www.veronanj.org/recreation, click REGISTER ONLINE.
*MUST be a 5th-8th grade student at H.B. Whitehorne or O.L.L.*
© Township of Verona, NJ 2013, All Rights Reserved Date: May 8, 2013
LIVE
DJ!

Registration will be held ONLINE ONLY.
There will be no registration at the door. NO EXCEPTIONS.
To register online, visit www.veronanj.org/recreation, click REGISTER ONLINE.
*MUST be a 5th-8th grade student at H.B. Whitehorne or O.L.L.*

The project has been a vendor at several environmental fairs and Earth Day events including the recent Maplewood Green Day. Bridge of Faith will make its second appearance at the Garden State GreenFest to held on May 17th from 9 to 2 and 18th from 9 to 5 at the Harwood Arena at Kean College, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ. The event includes keynote speaker Jeff Corwin from Animal Planet, as well as other speakers, workshops and activities for children and adults.

Tickets for adults are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. See www.gardenstategreenfest.com for more information.

For more information on Bridge of Faith, contact Marge Royle at Bridge_of_Faith@optimum.net or 973-628-6945 or the First Congregational Church of Verona at 973-239-3212. For
information on upcoming sales, go to www.faithuccunion.org/Bridge_of_Faith.html and click
on African Craft Sales and How to Help.