PHOTO LEFT Colts Neck resident Erin Molinaro holds her three crowns for Miss Teen New Jersey USA 2001, Miss New Jersey USA 2007 and her most recent honor of Mrs. New Jersey America 2015.
the radio in Nashville, which was an incredible accomplishment and feeling.” Unfortunately, Mrs. Molinaro had to take a break from singing to have vocal cord surgery to remove polyps that were affecting her singing voice. She took a break to do this and retrained her voice. Each crown Mrs. Molinaro won came at a different stage in her life; each one giving her unique experiences. “Miss New Jersey Teen allowed me to experience what representing the state would be like and allowed me to help and be a part of so many organizations and great causes.” Named the first Teen D.A.R.E. spokesperson in the state of New Jersey, she was able to spread drug awareness at schools. “Miss New Jersey was a goal I had because my experience as Miss New Jersey Teen was so incredible I wanted to represent the state yet again, but this time as a young adult to empower and inspire other women and young girls.” It also opened many doors to her career which led to success on many different levels. “Mrs. New Jersey America was my final turn in the pageant world and my Triple Crown win! This has marked a chapter in my life that has allowed me to do so many incredible things and experience so much that it is hard to put into words. I am able to reflect back and be proud of all I have done. Mrs. New Jersey America is that much more special to me because not only is it an accomplish-
ment to represent this great state once again, but I get to share it with my best friend and soul mate Anthony. Life has brought me much success, but also much adversity which I have overcome, and I do believe that my experiences and the people I have met over the years has made me the strong woman I am today. As a modern married woman, I feel I have so much to share and give to other women to inspire and empower them to believe in themselves. I hope to touch people’s lives through this final year as Mrs. New Jersey America.” An important part of Mrs. Molinaro’s life has been volunteer work. “Everyone is touched by something in their life that may change their perspective on things. Whether it is knowing a loved one with cancer or autism, or someone battling MS or diabetes, it is important to support a cause that you feel a connection with or have been touched by because you never know if one day you may need a volunteer helping your cause. It’s a type of “pay it forward” mentality I have when it comes to volunteering. When I am asked or have been asked to help at an event, I do so, I support all causes because they are all equally important and all deserve a voice and awareness all around.” Mrs. Molinaro and her husband Anthony also sell pound cakes locally. A portion of the proceeds go to The American Cancer Society. “Local Colts Neck residents may see the
Tony’s Pound Cakes (Cakes for cancer) sign. We sell these famous pound cakes in honor of his father Anthony James Molinaro who passed away of cancer. It is a secret family recipe and custom pans that make people come back for more!” When there is time to relax, Mrs. Molinaro enjoys cooking, golfing, gardening, working out, boating, Stand Up paddle boarding, and singing. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their three dogs. Two Great Pyrenees dogs that are 150 pounds, named Bentley and Georgia; and a Beagle named Gia. One of her
favorite ways to spend a day is with family, friends and her husband at their home cooking and sitting on the back patio. “Family and friends to us is our most precious gift of all and we cherish our time together with them. Without their continuous love and support I would not have been able to accomplish what I have,” she shared. Looking forward to the year ahead as Mrs. New Jersey America 2015, Mrs. Molinaro said, “The next step for me is to win Mrs. America this year and be able to share these experiences with women all over the country!”
WWW.COMMUNITYMAGAZINENJ.COM JUNE 2015
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