mattersmagazine.com 25 builds during the one hour drive to Renninger’s Flea & Antique Market in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Since 1955, Renninger’s has been a harbor for antique dealers, collectors, local merchants and farmers from the surrounding areas. The fields are full of trucks and tented tables overflowing with wares for the inspired hunter. Many of the group come with lists of needs. Some come just to browse and pounce on anything that catches their eye. All are ready and, at 8 a.m., when the gates are flung open, our group descends into the fields, perusing, picking and bargaining. Bessey and her team are a simple text away, either for help- ful suggestions or extra hands to haul back treasures once the deal is sealed. The bus has am- ple storage in its belly for every- one’s finds. At noon, the group meets under the food tents for a bit of sustenance and to com- pare notes. There is another hour for last purchases and at 1 p.m. we board the bus for our next lo- cation, a short 30-minute drive through the Pennsylvania hills. During the drive, Bessey’s team passes out soft drinks and snacks and describes where we are headed. This spot offers a different spin on the buying process; it’s an enclosed warehouse-sized building with hundreds of dealers with small cu- bicles. There is more furniture and antique clothing and our shoppers snatch up good deals immediately. The bus belly is filling up and it is fun to see what oth- ers purchase and to learn how the shoppers intend to use or repurpose their finds. After an hour, we reboard the bus and, while enjoying more snacks, travel anoth- er 30 minutes to our third and final stop. This antique barn is tucked into a hillside with three floors of interesting finds. The bus is burst- ing by the time we finish at this last, charming location. Andrea Rosen, Ana Ma- ria Allessi and Jennifer Hart have been friends a long time, all working at HarperCollins Publishers in New York. Allessi and Hart are neigh- bors in Maplewood and found the excursion. It’s “a day you take for yourself, where someone else is in charge,” Hart explains, adding that it also has been wonderful, exciting and successful: Each came home with treasures. “It’s such a great day with friends,” she adds. “I had a list,” says Allessi, “and found everything I want- ed… 1950s glassware, a water de- canter, antique silver hoop earrings for my daughter and vintage books, which I collect.” These friends feel like they’ve had a mini vacation. And their haul of goodies is a bonus to a perfectly enjoyable adventure. After the weary but ex- hilarated shoppers climb aboard the bus for the final time, the Perch team passes out little treats of nuts and small splits of champagne to toast a remarkable day. When the bus pulls into Maplewood village late in the afternoon, the Perch staff begins peeling away the layers of vintage finds carefully packed un- derneath the bus; the sidewalk is flooded with treasures. Families ar- rive to help tired shoppers load their cars and hear the tales of their astonishing day. As Ana Maria Allesi de- scribes it, “A middle-aged wom- an’s dream day.” Amen to that. Karen Duncan has enjoyed the Find & Go Seek Adventure three times and each visit nets wonderful discoveries. This trip she learned that one should not use a straw in a bottle of champagne. 165 Maplewood Avenue Maplewood, NJ 07040 973-275-1658 Beach Life at Ahairdressing boutique. Alma Victor | 2 Depot Plaza, Maplewood Village | 973-313-3100 Welcome Philip Alexander to Staynd Color Versatile techniques and fashionable looks with a classic touch, Philip has an intuitive approach to hair design. His passion began, as a child, in his grandfather’s barbershop. After beauty school he studied under esteemed New York artists in the industry. He’s worked editorial and bridal designs. Highly trained, his exceptional knowledge and drive to always know more helps him bring the best work to his clients. He loves to cook, visit museums and paint. As a beauty educator, he hopes to inspire, motivate and to continue to learn. Staynd Color is thrilled to welcome him to the team. DANIELLE HARTWIG DIRECTOR A child-centered curriculum for 2-5 yeAr olds with extended hours: 7:30 am–6:00 pm Be part of our vibrant young family community! RegisteR now for Camp & presChool 2016-17 •973-763-0113 •dhartwig@bethelnj.org •bethelnj.org •222 irvington Avenue •south orange we’Re delighted to welcome ouR new pReschool diRectoR, danielle haRtwig