CM: Rumson • Fair Haven • Little Silver • Red Bank • Locust • Sea Bright - February 2022

Gwendolyn Love Walking a Path of Love & Service with Lunch Break

F E BRUA RY 202 2 RUMSON • FAIR HAVEN • LITTLE SILVER RED BANK • SEA BRIGHT • LOCUST • MIDDLETOWN PHOTO: CARMELA CAR ACAPPA

Delivering Extraordinary Properties Delivering Extraordinary Properties

HOLMDEL OFFICE OFFICE WILLIAM KILBRIDE31 W. Main Street,HOLMDEL Holmdel, NJ 31 W. Main Street Partner / Broker Associate CRS, SRES O 732.252.2460 Holmdel, NJ NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence

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RUMSON OFFICE RUMSON OFFICE 20 Bingham Road,20Rumson, NJ Bingham Road Rumson, NJ O 732.530.6300 O 732.530.6300

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Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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Rules & Exclusions apply. Compass offers no guarantee or warranty of results. Subject to additional terms and conditions. compass.com/concierge The Kilbride Cagnina Group is a team of real estate salespersons affiliated with Compass RE.. Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. 20 Bingham Ave, Rumson, NJ 07760. O 732.530.6300.

Charlie Volker’s Olympic Dream Comes True Former Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School football and track star, Charlie Volker, is one of 12 athletes representing Team USA in the bobsled events at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China, taking place February 4 through February 20. The U.S. will field two sleds in all four bobsled disciplines.

“We are fortunate to have a deep talent pool,” said Aron McGuire, USA Bobsled/ Skeleton Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud of this team, and we’re looking forward to watching them represent the United States in Beijing.”

The Olympic bobsled events will be held in a four-heat format over two days.

Women’s monobob will be contested first from February 13-14. Two-man bobsled will take place from February 14-15, two-woman from February 18-19, and four-man from February 19-20 to close out the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Charlie is an All State and All Shore running back and sprinter who took on a completely new challenge when his post-college plans to try out for the NFL were paused due to the pandemic. Relatively new to the sport of bobsledding, Volker has found immediate success.

Volker rides in the “brakeman” position, the very back of both two- and fourman sleds, and the position responsible for pulling the brakes at the end of the track to slow the sled on the finish ramp.

“It’s a very fun position because, like being on the back of a rollercoaster, you really feel every one of the 5Gs that we’re pulling on the track,” shared Volker. “It’s also very challenging because it beats you up a bit after a few runs, and the brakeman has to try his best to stay as low and locked in as possible.”

Not the first football player or track star to transition to bobsled, Volker is in good company among Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker and Olympic gold medal hurdler Willie Davenport.

“The actual sledding/sliding itself is a rush just like football is, and I’d call myself an adventure seeker,” said Volker. “But more than that, what I like most about it is being on a team with some great people. A lot of these guys and girls (on the women’s team) are incredibly high achievers and just great people. I was surprised at how nice and welcoming everyone was to me upon introduction.”

Volker capped off his amazing athletic career at Rumson Fair Haven with 3955 career rushing yards (3508 total yards and 42 touchdowns during his junior and senior years), two CJ Group 2 State Football Championships, and a victory in the 100-meter dash at the NJSIAA Track and Field Meet of Champions. He was equally as talented in the classroom as well and a spirited and integrity-filled

Story: Cathy Padilla

Monmouth County local Charlie Volker is one of 12 athletes representing Team USA in the bobsled events at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China.

(Photo Credit: Viesturs Lacis | IBSF)

role model for younger students.

Volker went on to attend Princeton University where he continued to excel academically and athletically as a twosport athlete, graduating in 2019 with a degree in history. Volker’s family attended RFH High School and Fair Haven primary schools, including his parents, his two sisters, Emily and Megan, and his brother John.

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KEEP GETTING BETTER

DI VORCE TA LK

BY PET ER C . PA R A S , E SQ.

VALENTINE’S DAY IS COMING – LOVE YOURSELF! As Valentine’s Day approaches, it is important for people going through divorce to remember to take care of themselves.

A little self-loving in, the spirit of St. Valentine, can help you through a difficult time. You need to remain as healthy as possible and keep your spirits up so you can negotiate this emotional process.

Divorce is stressful even in the more amicable splits. When the acrimony is extreme, stress levels can skyrocket.

People deal differently with stress. Some lose weight. Others gain weight. Difficulty sleeping or concentrating are frequent side effects. Irritability, raw nerves, or depression can occur. The list of symptoms is a long one.

Mental health and medical professionals often advise that taking care of yourself physically can help you cope with the emotional aspects of stress. In turn, taking care of your mental health can help with its physical manifestations.

For instance, doing your best to adhere to a schedule often helps you cope with the uncertainty inherent in divorce.

Resolve to eat three meals a day at about the same time each day. That will help you to avoid binge eating or force you to eat, even a little. If you can discipline yourself to stay on schedule, you will very likely see positive results.

Go to bed the same time every night.

Turn off the television. If you need a sleep aid, do what I do. Pick up a book.

It works every time. Calculate your bedtime so you can get at least seven hours per night.

Regular exercise can help to burn nervous energy. You don’t have to run a marathon or climb a mountain. Start slowly.

Walking is a good place to begin. Increase your exercise as you can. You’ll feel the difference almost immediately. Exercise can create the “good tired” that comes from physical activity and should replace the fatigue that comes with stress. Exer-

cise will help you sleep better and longer.

When you feel better physically, you’ll surely feel better mentally. And when you feel better mentally, you’ll reduce the likelihood that the stress of the divorce will result in bad eating, sleeping, or other habits.

The comfort of friends and relatives who can provide emotional support, but who can also help you get interested in things other than your divorce can be invaluable. It stands to reason that you probably won’t ever be able to get the divorce completely out of your mind, but helpful diversions can provide much needed rest from mental fatigue.

Of course, everyone is different and the same things don’t work for everyone.

There are times you need a reward, an immediate lift to your spirits, when only a very specific remedy will do. It can be an ice cream cone or a cup of tea. Or, maybe, a heart-shaped box of chocolates!

The information in this article is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice you should consult your attorney.

Professionalism Since 1996 Bonnie M.S. Reiss

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Michael J. Fleres NJ Supreme Court Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney

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Financial Legacies Start Close to Home At Peapack Private, proximity matters. It allows our clients personal access to our team, which lets us better understand their situation and goals.

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Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Announce Annual TopCookie Dessert Competition Local Chefs Compete to Create a Dessert Made with Iconic Girl Scout Cookies

Top, left to right: James Costello, James Callano, Kendall Szpakowski, Shannon Phillips, Becca Dolce, Heather Coburn, David Burke Bottom, left to right: Nick Lepore, Amelia Caverly, Heather W, Teri O’Connor (Photo Credit: Stephen Dobbins) creations. Participating chefs and the Girl Scout Cookies they will be using It’s Girl Scout Cookie season, that wonderful time of the year when we in their desserts are: Amelia Caverly, Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Company get to feed our cravings for Thin Mints, Samoas, and all our favorites. Last month, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore kicked off a welcomed tradition at a – Lemon-Ups; Chef Lauren Covas, Chef Covas Catering – Trefoils; Shannon Phillips, E. Holland Sundries – Thin Mints; Chef Kendall Szpakowski, Homepress conference at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park, with seven sick – Tagalongs; Chef Raechel Lebron, Sickles Market – Do-si-dos; James Jersey Shore eateries, and announced a dessert competition designed to cook Callano, Strollo’s Lighthouse Italian Ice – Samoas; Chef Becca Dolce, Talula’s up support for Girl Scouts.

Local chefs in the community and Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore are – Girl Scout S’mores. partnering for the 3rd annual TopCookie dessert competition on March 9 at Chef James Costello, 2022 TopCookie Judge and 2020 TopCookie winAsbury Lanes, featuring iconic Girl Scout Cookies recreated into special des- ner with Samoas cheesecake, explained that chefs from these Jersey Shore serts. eateries will present their dessert creations to a panel of judges, led by Burke, “Most of us grew up with Girl Scout Cookies,” said Girl Scouts Interim who will select the winning dessert for the title of TopCookie. The local comCEO Heather Coburn. “They are truly part of the American experience. They munity can also get involved by voting for their favorite restaurant at $5 a are more than a delicious treat, they are a symbol that represents the largest vote. The eatery with the most votes will claim the People’s Choice Award, girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world.” won last year by Cardinal Provisions.

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore encompasses nearly 9,000 girls in MonAlong with Burke, the judges are: James Costello, Chef & Co-owner of mouth and Ocean counties and approximately 4,000 adult volunteers.

Ohana Grill & 2020 TopCookie Champion; Lori Draz, Food Writer; Nick LepChef David Burke said he is excited to be a part of the third TopCook- ore, known as the “Burger Buff”, host of cheeseburger pop-ups in NJ and ie competition to help promote the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and local beyond, that sell out in minutes, thanks to his incredible social media folrestaurants, which continue to be battered by the pandemic. lowing; and Marilyn Schlossbach, Executive Chef and Owner of The Marilyn Burke introduced the seven competitors participating in TopCookie Schlossbach Group. and led the drawing for the cookie flavor that each will use in their dessert For more information and to buy your tickets, visit GSFun.org/TopCookie today.

History Making Change This month, whenever you find yourself being handed coins, take a quick peek at the quarters before slipping them into your wallet or pocket. For the first time in history, and just in time for Black History Month, an African American woman is featured on a U.S. quarter. Poet Maya Angelou is the first of 25 women chosen for the American Women Quarters program set to run through 2025. The program will release five quarters each year that will feature President George Washington on one side and a famous American woman on the other.

Angelou, best known for her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is depicted on the coin as a young woman with her arms outstretched

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

in front of a bird and a sunrise. Releasing later in 2022 are quarters featuring astronaut Sally Ride, the first American woman in space; Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation; Nina Otero-Warren, a New Mexico superintendent who fought for women’s right to vote; and Anna May Wong, the Chinese American actress who made history as the first internationally successful Asian American movie star.

Angelou enjoyed careers as a dancer, a poet, an educator, an author, and an activist as well as serving as the first African American cable car conductor in San Francisco. She worked tirelessly during the Civil Rights Movement, wrote more than 30 bestselling books, acted on Broadway and in movies, and was even a calypso singer and dancer. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010 by President Barack Obama, and died at the age of 86 in 2014.

Boundless Breath

BY MEGAN CALLUS

We all do it, all day, every day and mostly without thinking: We Breathe.

But did you know you can learn to control your breathing to help with healing conditions like anxiety, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, asthma, and depression? And that how you breathe - whether through your mouth or through your nose, how often you breathe, the depth of the breath, the ratio of inhalations to exhalations- impacts how focused you are, your blood pressure, how easily you get to sleep, how much pain you experience, and how likely you are to get a respiratory illness?

There are more than 400 different types of breathwork practices. I only teach and utilize those practices that have been scientifically studied and verified in terms of benefits to health. I focus on the neurology, biochemistry, biomechanics and psychosocial elements of breathing. My audience includes those suffering from long Covid, anxiety, respiratory dysfunction (such as asthma and sleep apnea), endurance athletes, and those looking to holistic practitioners to improve their overall well-being.

I spent the last decade studying the brain and body, and found the most powerful way of changing and healing the body was simply adjusting the way we breathe. So, I created Boundless Breath - where I specialize in respiratory training (aka breathwork) to teach clients how to use their breath to reduce stress and heal their bodies.

Here is a simple breathing exercise you might want to try that aims to calm your nervous system. A regular breathwork practice can be created to meet your particular needs, and I am available in my studio or by Zoom.

WHAT IS BREATHWORK? Breathwork is a group of exercises that teaches you to manipulate your breathing rate and depth with the goal of controlling physiological and psychological states, to improve performance, and assist with healing.

Physiological Sigh* Researched by Neurobiologist Andrew Huberman, this breathing technique can help with anxiety.

Step 1: Inhale deeply through your nose Step 2: Inhale again (this inhalation will be shorter) Step 3: Exhale deeply - long and extended - through the mouth Repeat 4-6 times

Call me to discover the magic of your very own FREE resource, the breath! *consult a doctor if you have cardiovascular issues or issues af fecting your breathing

Credentials & Certifications Bucknell, BA: Tufts, Masters • Certified Functional Aging Specialist • Certified Integrative Movement Specialist • Applied Neuroanatomy Specialist ZHealth

• Trained in Specialized Breathwork Technique » Buteyko Breathing Method » Patrick Mckeown’s Advanced Functional Breathing

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It’s not too long before Irish Americans, and everyone else, break out the corned beef and cabbage, green beer, and bag pipes! Mark your calendars for area parades to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, by our calculations, there are three consecutive weekends to celebrate!

Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 12:30 PM Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 1:00 PM Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 1:00 PM Freehold St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 12:00 PM Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2:00 PM Keyport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 1:00 PM

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CASA for Children of Monmouth Brings Hope to Children in Foster Care

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Town & Country Design Studio of Red Bank designers crafted handmade gift bags filled with presents for CASA of Monmouth’s foster children.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Monmouth closed out 2021 with gifts for nearly 200 foster children who are in the county child welfare system. The holidays can be a difficult time for children who have been removed from their home, so the annual holiday toy drive is essential to bring happiness to these children.

This was the fifth year in a row that the designers of Town & Country Design Studio of Red Bank played a huge role in decorating gift bags and filling them with presents for the foster children. Their designers went above and beyond to handcraft exquisitely decorated bags that brought happiness to more than 75 of the children.

“While the holiday season can be an emotional time, our volunteers do their very best to bring gifts and smiles to the foster children we serve so they can experience the joy that every child deserves at the holidays,” said Lynn Goelz, Director of Program Services. “We generate a wish list with 3-4 items for each child and share it through our social media. We were overwhelmed by the immediate response!

The magic of the season came to life. Our supporters should know they brought tears of joy to these very special children with their donations.”

Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASAs, are highly trained volunteers from our community who work with children in the child welfare system who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. CASAs are assigned to the foster children by a family court judge to advocate for the needs of the children and to work toward a permanent, safe home. CASAs meet with the children monthly or more to check on their well-being and provide reports to the court. CASA works to ensure these children do not fall through the cracks of the child welfare system. These advocates become heroes for the children they work with.

CASA for Children of Monmouth will begin training a new class of advocates in March to be the “voice” for a child in foster care. If you would like more information about becoming an advocate or donating to foster children, call 732.460.9100 or visit casaofmonmouth.org.

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Gwendolyn Love of Lunch Break

Walking a Path of Love and Service

By Cathy Padilla | Photo Carmela Caracappa Upon meeting Gwendolyn Love the appropriateness of her last name may be the first thing noted. Exuding kindness and warmth, she is referred to by many as an angel. Yet the woman who leads Lunch Break, the non-profit located in Red Bank that provides food, clothing, life skills, and fellowship to those in need in Monmouth County and beyond, has a core of strength and a belief sys-

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tem instilled in her by a mother who raised her children out of poverty.

Gwen is only the second Executive Director in Lunch Break’s 39-year history, following in the footsteps of Norma Todd who founded the charity in 1983 and was at the helm for its first 25 years. Ms. Todd, as Gwen refers to her, was known as the Mother Teresa of Red Bank and left arguably enormous shoes to fill. Gwen shared that

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in her first few years at Lunch Break she was told stories of Ms. Todd’s good deeds on a daily basis. Rather than try to replace Ms. Todd, Gwen has instead embraced her legacy.

She has taken the faith, tenacity, and willingness to work hard she learned from her mother, joined it with Ms. Todd’s dedication to ending hunger and underemployment, and now does the work of both.

“Ms. Todd left a legacy of love,” said Gwen. “Love is what I’m about as well. I’m a partner in the walk she started.”

When looking at all that Gwen has accomplished, gathering together the long list of her awards and honors, what stands out the most is her heartfelt desire to help others reach their potential and her unending gratitude.

“I’m the daughter of a mother who raised seven children,” explained Gwen. “I never met my father. My mother struggled her way out of the system and worked really hard. At the age of 60 she reached her life-long dream and bought a home. She died two years later. My mother had a hard life, but she wanted better for her children. My siblings and I grew up in public housing, yet we all have jobs, we’re healthy, we own our own homes, we have families. Our mother taught us that you have to work hard and that you have to be grateful.”

Gwen has expanded on her mother’s goal of wanting better for her children and is now helping to make the dream of leaving poverty behind a reality for many. One example is the success story of one Lunch Break employee, Wally. Wally was homeless and reluctant to take help from the charity. The Maintenance Supervisor befriended him and Wally started helping with the garden and grounds. When the supervisor retired, Gwen offered Wally his job.

“Everybody in town knows and loves Wally,” said Gwen. “He always talks to the young men who come in who are untrusting or scared. He shares how he thought there was something wrong with all of us when he first met us, we were too happy and nice.

Wally is a great success story. He had a few negative turns early on in life, but he turned things around. He got married, he has a job, and he has a home. We’re blessed to have Wally.”

Gwen considers her own marriage a great success story and a reminder of how blessed she has been personally. She married the love of her life, Milton Love, Sr., when she was 18.

They would have been married 47 years this year, raised four children together, share seven grandchildren, and created a wonderful family life in Howell where she has lived for 30 years. She lost Milton to cancer in 2015.

“We both came from nothing,” said Gwen of her childhood and Milton’s. “We are our own success story. We somehow made it through. We could have easily been another poverty statistic. But I am truly blessed. My mom most definitely has been a great influence in my life. My work is her heart. She had a heart for people and no patience for the words ‘no’ or ‘I can’t.’ She always found a way to help and didn’t make time for those who got in her way. She was a fighter for good. My mom also gave me a strong spiritual foundation which has lasted a lifetime. Also, my late

Gwen Love’s Honors & Awards 2008: Honored by the Midtown Urban Renaissance Corp.

2009: named one of “Monmouth County’s Mothers Who Make a Difference” 2010: Honorary Degree from Brookdale Community College; Community Peace Award from the Macedonia Family Life Community Complex in Lakewood; the President’s Award from the Red Bank NAACP; the Outstanding Humanitarian Award from the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. 2011: Humanitarian Award from Church Women United 2012: “Woman of Distinction” Award from the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore 2013: Hall of Service Award by the Seacoast Ministers’ Wives & Ministers’ Widows; Service Award by the Mary Hightower Council of I.B.P.O.E. of W 2016: Community Service Award by the Monmouth County Workforce Development Board 2021: MLK Human Dignity Award by the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County

Sharon Smith (Lunch Break staff), Jill Austin, Lunch Break Executive Director Gwendolyn Love, Sue O'Brien

CONTINUED >

achievement,” said Gwen. “It was gratifying to know the Life Skills Center would provide the necessary skills and support to elevate people from the dire circumstances and challenges that hold them back. Knowing we could provide life-changing opportunities and Lunch Break would be able to not only give help for today, but hope and the tools for tomorrow, was a very emotional experience for me and the Gwen with Lunch Break employee, Wally. Wally was homeless and grand opening reluctant to take help from the charity. The Maintenance Supervisor was a culminabefriended him and Wally started helping with the garden and tion of all those grounds. When the supervisor retired, Gwen offered Wally his job. feelings and I’ll never forget it. It was also a game changer for Lunch Break because our mission now husband was my cheerleader in my career and in everything I ever wanted to do and strongly focuses on empowerment and he always had my back. He always believed self-sufficiency for those we serve.”

Constantly growing and evolving, in me more than I believed in myself. God has ordered my steps and led me to Lunch Lunch Break expanded again this January by merging Family Promise of Monmouth Break.”

One of the professional accomplish- County into its programs.

“We are now one agency and that’s a ments of which Gwen is most proud is the Lunch Break Life Skills Center in Shrews- huge deal!” shared Gwen. “We’re very exbury. The Life Skills Program provides cited for the possibilities of working as one skills training and resume writing, ESL, for the benefit of families with children in and financial coaching to equip partici- crisis due to lack of housing. The immedipants with the necessary tools to make ate goal for this initiative is to develop a fathem more marketable for employment. cility to house the families while they are “Working with the Board of Trust- working on their life skills, helping them ees and staff and Habitat for Humanity save money, repairing credit, etc., and asvolunteers to develop that project from a sisting them with obtaining permanent vision to reality was, and is, an amazing housing. We are also going to expand our

Red Bank facility to accommodate future growth of programs and relocate the Life Skills Center within the expansion. We’ve recently launched a $12 million Capital Campaign to finance the expansion.”

With a huge goal in front of them, Gwen and her staff continue to focus on the daily needs of those they serve while adapting to the challenges of the times.

“Staying the same is not an option because an agency whose mission is rooted in helping the most vulnerable has to be nimble and bend with the needs of the people,” said Gwen. “Having the weight on your shoulders of knowing so many people are counting on you in the midst of a challenge and also looking out for their needs as well, keeps us on track. Teamwork is the best work. And it really is true that it’s not necessary to be the smartest person in the room, in fact, there’s a lot less pressure when you’re okay with that and know and trust you have smart people around you who will help get the work done. So having board and committee members, volunteers and staff that are both smart and passionate for the mission is a really good thing!”

When asked what she most wants people to know about her, her achievements, or Lunch Break, Gwen takes the spotlight off herself.

“There are many hands at work that make the Lunch Break engine effective and relevant in the lives of those we serve,” she said. “I really want to acknowledge my Board of Trustee members, both current and past, who have worked by my side through the years to bring about much change in the organization and have supported each new idea. The staff, both current and past, each of whom have their hearts into this mission and work tirelessly for the benefit of the families and individuals we serve. Also, the volunteers who are really amazing angels. They ask for nothing but the opportunity to serve and they do so with dedication and passion. If not for our donors who support and encourage our vision, we would still be serving meals in the basement of a church. Like one of my donors says, ‘Go Big or Go Home!’”

For more information, to donate or volunteer, please visit: www.lunchbreak.org

Alvina Sharpe, Lynn Baker, Lunch Break Executive Director Gwendolyn Love, Culinary Service Coordinator David Neal Jones, Laurie Singer, Leslie Strollman, Grace LaFata

Startling Statistics & Service In New Jersey alone, 865,900 people, including 260,340 children, are food insecure, according to a 2021 Feeding America and Hunger Free New Jersey report. That means 1 in 10 individuals (9.6 percent) and 1 in 8 children (13.2 percent) live in homes without consistent access to adequate food.

Across Monmouth County, the rate of hunger among seniors has more than doubled since 2001, according to the National Council on Aging, a rate that is expected to increase as Baby Boomers age. About 10 percent of New Jersey’s older residents, some 190,000 seniors, were at risk of hunger in 2017 and these numbers are rising quickly.

In 2021, Lunch Break continued to see an unprecedented demand for groceries in the wake of the pandemic.

Services January - November 2021: Ӧ Soup Kitchen served more

than 88,000 hot, nutritious, grab-and-go meals Ӧ Client Choice Pantry saw

more than 20,000 grocery pickups Ӧ Continental Breakfast is

served 5 days a week from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Ӧ Homebound delivery of

nutritious meals is provided 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year Ӧ Thanksgiving and Christmas

grab-and-go meals, and inperson Thanksgiving lunch, and delivery for homebound clients

Ӧ Every week, more than 100

Ӧ Children’s Cooking Class

hot meals are delivered to displaced individuals in the Pan American Motel

offered 50 children tuitionfree, virtual, cooking classes Ӧ Life Skills Program - more

Ӧ Clara’s Closet distributed

than 100 people per month attended coaching sessions, with more than 30 participants gaining employment

clothing to more than 2,800 individuals Ӧ Outreach Clothing Program

distributed 745 bags of clothing

Ӧ Womyn’s Worth - Female

Mentorship Program focusing on health, nutrition and wellness through discussions, workshops, and speakers

Ӧ The Suit Up Program

provided 61 individuals with business attire Ӧ The Backpack Program

distributed more than 1,000 backpacks to children in need Ӧ Annual Holiday Program

provided gift cards for 1,295 families

Ӧ COVID-19 Emergency Fund

distributed more than $900,000 in funds to vendors for housing/rent assistance, cable, utility, and car payments

CommunityMagazineNJ.com FEBRUARY 2022

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Pet Celebs Katie of Little Silver

Ozzy of Red Ba

Lemmy of Asbury Park Maia of Rumson Bodie of Rumson

Griffin of Holmdel

Noodles of Middletown Bruno of Lincroft Sayta Panchal of Holmdel Tillie of Rumson

Gus of Colts Neck

Atticus of Holmdel

Fay of Holmdel

RIP Shayla of Eatontown

Henri of Little Silver

Izzy Pup of Howell

Nemo of Hazlet

Daisy & Lilly of Rumson

Rosie of Red Bank of West Long Branch Hunter of Rumson Cheyanne of AtlanticBo Highlands Princess of Colts Neck

Markus ofLincroft Sea Bright Caymus & Max of

Juno & Koda of Holmdel

Biscuit & Midnight of Colts Neck

Buddy & Belle of Holmdel

Ginger of Little S

Myles of Sea Bright

Bibi of Colts Neck

Lottie of Rumson

Rocky & Ginger of Red Bank

Brooks of Red Bank

Luna of Rumson

Muttsy of Colts Neck

Fred of Cliffwood Beach

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Maple of Sea Bright

Jasper & Montie Your Pets can be Hazel of Little Silver COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com of Holmdel

Mia of Colts Neck

Charlie of Rumson Continued on Page 66

celebrities too.of Rumson Panda Cuje

Lilly of Rumson

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Max of Lincroft

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Grace of Red Bank

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Meet Your Neighbor:

Photo Credit: Suzan Globus

Lauren Doral

By LiliAnn Paras Lauren Doral is always one interview away from the next uplifting story. Through her Real Jersey Shore series on Facebook and YouTube, she has interviewed close to 1,000 locals - when and where she finds them. Her interviews have led to an invitation to become a co-host on a NJ-based streaming network’s weekly morning show, Coffee With Joe. And recently, she was approached by the Garden State Film Festival to consider doing interviews of the participating directors.

Lauren lives in Fair Haven with her husband, Dan, their children, Oliver and Lia, their new rescue dog, Juno, and their “forever dogs”, Claude and Margaux. Lauren found herself on the other side of the microphone in her recent interview with CM. CM: When did you begin doing interviews?

Lauren: I started at age 19 for a local cable station. When I set foot onto the sound stage for the first time, I felt at home. The next thing I knew they had me interviewing out on the street. I’d never done it before, had no idea what I was getting into, and just went for it.

Fourteen years later I launched my own series.

CM: How did the Real Jersey Shore concept come about?

Lauren: When my son was an infant, I realized I missed film production. I took in the goings-on in my community from a fresh perspective, that of an NYU Tisch-grad and film producer, and I wanted to share what I saw. I hit the streets with my tripod and son in tow. Now, Oliver will call me from his bike when he spots a story he thinks I’d want to capture.

CM: How do you choose your interviewees?

Lauren: I am captured by a person’s energy. I’ll spot a quick moment, a transaction, the way someone holds something, and I’m enrapt.

This winter I walked briskly by a woman in a mall. I saw her take a sip of a drink, pause, and to herself say, ‘Um...that’s good.’ It struck me as a sweet gesture of self-care. I had promised myself I’d ‘take the day off ’ from asking people for stories but I knew I had to go back.

All sorts of thoughts pop into my head in these moments; Will I get rejected? Am I obtrusive? Will they want to talk to me? Am I about to embarrass myself publicly?

CM: How did that one turn out?

Lauren: I located the woman at a table having a late afternoon rejoinder with her son - a young man in a wheelchair - and his caretaker.

Her son had started a Neptune-based organization for people with disabilities called Voice On Wheels. The three gave me an interview so moving I cried on camera. At the end of the piece, they thanked me for giving them a voice.

CM: Are there other interviews that also resonated with you?

Lauren: They all do in different ways. I profiled a revered local teacher who was reluctant to come on camera for fear his story would tarnish his image. We worked through his fears and he shared with me his history of overcoming alcohol addiction, a DUI, and the loss

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

of employment and athletics opportunities, prior to getting sober.

He ultimately used his journey to help children keep focused and disciplined, none of which I’d known when I approached him. His story changed lives, including his own.

CM: You have an interesting project: 20 Strangers in 30 Days.

Lauren: I asked myself what I could do to push myself out of my comfort zone. This gave rise to my #RJSTalkToStrangersChallenge #20in30 (my mom and daughter helped me come up with the name).

I challenged myself to get twenty people on camera with me in thirty days. It worked! I surpassed my goal, and walked away with 54 inspiring stories.

CM: Final thoughts?

Lauren: I’m deeply grateful to perfect strangers for taking the leap and going on camera with me, especially to those who bare their souls in unexpected ways. Many turn to me after the camera stops rolling to say, ‘I’ve never told anyone what I just told you, and I feel so much better having shared it.’

CM: Favorite quote or philosophy?

Lauren: My Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School yearbook quote still holds true: “The thing is, if you never risk anything, you risk even more.” -Erica Jong. I’ve added one more: “Dream while you’re awake” -Andre Agassi To view the Real Jersey Shore series, visit laurendoral.com or follow it on Facebook - @RealJerseyShorebyLaurenDoral.

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Bowl for Kids’ Sake | March 2022 Various Dates & Locations

2022 SPECIAL EVENTS

Tutu 2.2 Walk/Run | Saturday, April 9 Asbury Park Boardwalk The Gala | Friday, June 3 Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Asbury Park FORE! The Kids Golf Outing | Monday, August 29 Manasquan River Golf Club, Brielle

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Beach Volleyball Tournament | Sunday, September 11 Main Street Beach, Manasquan Big Shots Golf Classic | Monday, October 3 Fairmount Country Club, Chatham For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsorships visit mentornj.org/events or call 732-444-3539

CommunityMagazineNJ.com FEBRUARY 2022

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Ranney Juniors Commit to Play Collegiate Baseball

LEADERSHIP

Four Ranney School juniors have committed to continue their baseball careers in college: Nick Coniglio, a right-handed pitcher, ’23 will play at Northeastern University; AJ Gracia ’23, a left-handed pitcher and outfielder, has verbally committed to play for Duke University; Marcello Mastroianni ’23, a left-handed pitcher, will further his athletic career as a student-athlete at Georgetown; and shortstop Brett Wehringer ’23 will play at Bucknell.

“We are incredibly proud of Nick, AJ, Marcello, and Brett for all of their hard work over many years,” said Athletic Director Natalie Gorman. “These achievements are a testament to their dedication, discipline, love for the game of baseball, and the support of their family, friends, and coaches. We are very proud of these studentathletes and look forward to the time we have left with them in a Ranney jersey. When their time at Ranney is over, we know they will continue to be incredible ambassadors for their universities and baseball programs just as they were during their time as Panthers.”

“I am very grateful to have earned the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic careers at Georgetown University,” said Marcello Mastroianni of Little Silver. “I am extremely excited for those next four years that I will spend in the classroom, on the field, and in the beautiful city of Washington D.C. I couldn’t have done it without the support from all my coaches, teammates, friends, family, and especially the Ranney community and educators. I am really looking forward to my time at Georgetown!”

“Under the direction of Head Baseball Coach Pat Geroni, our student-athletes who dream of being college baseball players have someone with the knowledge and experience of helping to place our student-athletes at some of the most well-respected baseball programs in the nation,” said Gorman. “At Ranney our students are driven to be academically challenged and all four of these students have chosen baseball programs and universities that also will give them the academic experience they have prepared for during their rigorous curriculum at Ranney. For them and their families, this is a dream come true, and we are very happy to have helped in a small way to get them there.”

Ranney students are authentic leaders, driven by mission rather than self-interest. They set ambitious goals, and Ranney fosters that ambition through a rigorous curriculum and a culture that encourages selfadvocacy and service.

Follow CM on Social

@CommunityMagNJ @CommunityMagNJ

CommunityMagazineNJ.com FEBRUARY 2022

Lead / Create / Contribute

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www.ranneyschool.org

Little Silver Fire Company Donates to Students with Disabilities

Tom Ankiewicz, Betsy Shaheen-Barnett, Tim Spencer, Tom Smith, and his daughters Ashley and Brianna, Dan Kelly, and Nancy Kaari

In December, the Little Silver Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 (LSVFC) donated $16,326 to the Brookdale Community College Foundation T. J. Bruno Memorial Scholarship for students with disabilities.

Tony and Claudia Bruno, and family friends Eleanor and Roger Dolan, formed the scholarship in memory of their son, who died in 1999 at age 34.

“We are so grateful for Little Silver Fire Company’s generosity that ensures scholarships for students with disabilities are available while honoring the memory of a remarkable man, Anthony “TJ” Bruno,” said Nancy Kaari, vice president of Advancement at Brookdale Community College.

The Little Silver Volunteer Fire Company Memorial Golf Outing to benefit the T.J. Bruno Scholarship Fund and the Chrissy D. Shaheen Memorial Foundation provides the funds for the scholarship. Committee members Tom Ankiewicz and Betsy Shaheen-Barnett of Builders General Supply Co. and Fire Chief Tom Smith, President Dan Kelly,

and Tim Spencer all from the Little Silver Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, presented the check to Brookdale. The scholarship provides tuition assistance annually for ten students who will attend Brookdale in the fall.

“The students have such a passion for what they are doing, and with all the challenges they may have, they keep pushing forward. They give 110% at the interviews. They give 110% to everything that they do,” said Spencer. “TJ was a special member for us. He was our photographer and he was a fire police officer.”

TJ came to Brookdale through the disability program EXCEL and was a Little Silver Fire Department member. Although he had disability challenges, he was still competitive, could drive himself, take care of himself, and live independently.

The LSVFC has supported students with disabilities planning to attend Brookdale for twenty years.

RFH Student-Athletes Make College Commitments

RFH football players on National Signing Day - (L to R) - Alex Cady, Christian Smith and Charles Pearson

Three Rumson-Fair Haven football players made their college choices official by signing Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at colleges and universities on the East Coast. Surrounded by their families, friends, coaches, teammates, teachers, and administrators, the athletes donned their new colors and celebrated their hard work both in the classroom and on the sports field.

Alex Cady and Christian Smith will both bring their talent, work ethic, and determination to New England; Cady will look to reprise his role as safety at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut while Smith will join the ranks as an offensive lineman at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. Charles Pearson, also an offensive lineman, will look to make his mark on the field with the Blue Jays of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. These athletes will join countless others from RFH, both past and present, who have risen to new heights in the NCAA.

Rumson Garden Club Offers Scholarship Rumson Garden Club, a member of the Garden Club of American, announced that they will offer a new scholarship in memory of Catherine B. Gonska, a committed gardener and environmentalist.

This scholarship will be presented to a Two River area student who plans to attend an accredited college and has a demonstrated interest in any area of horticulture, landscape design, or environmental studies, i.e., conservation, marine science, or earth science.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

The applicant is required to write an essay outlining his or her interests and accomplishments, which should include academic studies and extracurricular activities. Essays should be mailed to Rumson Garden Club, Attn: Scholarship Chairman, P.O. Box 121, Rumson, NJ 07760 or emailed to Susan Olson at rumsongardenclubnj.com. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2022.

For more information, visit rumsongardenclubnj.org.

Rumson Garden Club to Present Community Lecture

Clean Ocean Action Director Cindy Zipf will highlight efforts to improve Two River area water quality

Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action (COA), a non-profit organization based in Highlands, which focuses on improving the degraded water quality of the marine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast, will give a special lecture on February 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Bingham Hall in Rumson. The lecture will be free and open to the public.

Serial dumping of waste into the local rivers and ocean waters in the 1970s and 80s led to the formation of the Ocean Dumping Task Force in 1983, a group that included the Rumson Garden Club, which later became a founding member of Clean Ocean Action.

“We realized that it would take strong leadership to stop the dumping and bring our waters back to health,” said Zipf. “We were so grateful to organizations like Rumson Garden Club who joined us early in our fight to keep our water clean and safe.”

In her presentation, Zipf will highlight exciting news on plastics reduction efforts underway, as well as the progress on improving water quality on the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers. She will also talk about the pending offshore wind proposals and how we can all get involved in the on-going efforts to keep the ocean and all the waters in the NY/NJ watershed healthy for all to enjoy.

“Rumson Garden Club is a founding member of COA’s coalition and is an essential partner in the success of ocean protection over the last 33 years,” said Rumson Garden Club President Kathryne Singleton. “We’re so proud to have a part in their mission of educating the public as to the importance of cleaning up and protecting our ocean.”

For more information, visit rumsongardenclubnj.org or cleanoceanaction.org.

RCDS MAKES THE MOST OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle school is a time of incredible change and growth. RCDS Upper School makes the most of these years, with personalized academic programs tailored to students’ strengths, needs, and potential. It includes honors courses, small group advisories, and opportunities to lead our community in The Four Pillars: Kind, Honest, Responsible, and Respectful.

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Ninth Annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns

After a one-year hiatus due to the worldwide pandemic, the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee will once again gather the community together for its annual Parade to be held March 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Held since 2013, thousands of area residents are expected to line up along River Road in Rumson to witness the area’s signature St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be led by long-time Rumson resident Charles Hill Jones.

The 2022 Parade benefits ShoreHouse NJ, the first of its kind free mental health support community open to all who seek its services.

“Every year, the Committee not only brings this family-friendly parade to Rumson to celebrate the Irish heritage in our community, but also to support local charities,” said Jamie McManus. “The return of the Parade is a sign of our returning to more normal community life.

Choosing Shore House NJ acknowledges the mental health struggles we have all felt during this time and gives us a way to help support their free programs and services.”

To date, the Parade has provided more than $200,000 in support to more than 30 local organizations that also strongly believe in the spirit of giving. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, corporate sponsors including the continued support of title sponsor OceanFirst Bank, individual donors, participants, and volunteers, The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a community event that will continue to give back for decades to come.

For more information, visit rumsonstpatricksdayparade.org.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

Grand Marshal Charles Hill Jones A graduate of the Groton School in Massachusetts, and the University of Virginia with a BA in Economics, Charles Hill Jones was raised in New York City and Northern Virginia. After spending a decade in Manhattan, Charlie and his wife of 60 years, Hope Haskell Jones, returned to Hope’s roots in Monmouth County to raise their three children, daughter Hope (Martha’s Vineyard), and sons Charles Hill III (Rumson), and Henry MT (Atlanta) in Rumson.

Charlie’s career in financial services with a special interest in security analysis spanned multiple business sectors, including senior management positions as Vice President and Director of Research at Wood, Struthers & Winthrop, Inc. in New York; Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Midlantic National Bank in Edison, NJ; Chairman and President of New Jersey Title Insurance; and Partner, President and Treasurer of Edge Partners, Ltd., where he is still active.

Together with Hope, who served as President of the Monmouth County Historical Association for several years, the Jones’ have devoted themselves to multiple civic and educational organizations. Hope’s father Amory Haskell was the Founder and Chairman of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club and originated the annual charity fundraiser, The Monmouth County Hunt Race Meet, known as “The Hunt”, which was held for many years on the Haskell property in Middletown.

Charlie supported the governance of multiple organizations, notably on the Board of Directors of NJT Holdings, Home Port Bank Corp., and Jefferson Savings & Loan Association. He has also served as President of the Board of Trustees of Rumson Country Day School; Trustee and Treasurer of the Child Service Organization in Newark, NJ; Trustee of Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia; and Trustee and Chairman of the Finance Committee for Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ. Charlie is a member of the CFA Institute and received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.

Currently Charlie and Hope split their time between their homes in Little Silver and Palm Beach, Florida.

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Colts Neck’s Tagliaferri Goes Pro

By Cathy Padilla In the movie Creed, Rocky shares a bit of wisdom with Adonis as he asks the younger boxer to face a mirror. “You see this guy here staring back at ya? That’s your toughest opponent…I believe that’s true in the ring, and I do believe that’s true in life.” The scene resonates with Francesca “Frankie” Tagliaferri, a midfielder, who last month signed with the North Carolina Courage Division 1 professional women’s soccer team that plays in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

“I think confidence is the hardest thing for athletes,” shared Tagliaferri. “There is no one that can stop you from achieving what you set your mind to if you believe in yourself. My mom always tells me that because she knows how hard confidence is to deal with. As an athlete herself, who played basketball at Monmouth University, she believes I can do anything I set my mind to if I continue to have an attitude that’s filled with confidence.”

The ability to find her confidence has made Tagliaferri a star athlete and now a professional athlete with a one-year contract with a second-year option.

“Adding Frankie to our roster is a great opportunity,” said Head Coach Sean Nahas. “She is a top-level young talent that has had a great career thus far through club, college, and the youth national team system, and she possesses great technical quality, game understanding, and passion for the game. We look forward to having Frankie in our environment and watching her develop and become a part of our growth here at the club.”

A Rutgers alum, and a highly decorated midfielder, Tagliaferri

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was named to the 2021 All-America First Team, the 2021 All-Region First Team, and the 2021 All-Big Ten First Team during her senior year with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The Colts Neck native was also a 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, the 2021 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, and a finalist for the 2021 Senior CLASS Award. Tagliaferri collected 25 appearances last year, all of which were starts, tallying 13 goals, nine assists, 35 points, and 49 shots on goal, while also collecting nine multi-goal games over the course of her playing career at Rutgers.

“My favorite soccer memory from college is definitely the Final Four against Florida State,” said Tagliaferri. “Regardless of individual accomplishments, my favorite achievement is helping bring Rutgers its first ever team Big 10 Championship. The Final Four was an amazing experience that I was able to enjoy with an incredible group of people at Rutgers, and the way we played and fought until the very last second is something I will forever be proud of.”

Prior to transferring to Rutgers, Tagliaferri spent three seasons at Penn State, graduating earlier in the year. While with the Nittany Lions, the midfielder was a four-time Big Ten All-Conference player, named a 2020/2021 United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American, and also earned a nod for the CoSIDA Academic All-America Third Team. Twice she tied a Big Ten and Penn State record for four assists in a single game, and in 2020 led the Big Ten in points (29) and was second in goals (10) and assists (9).

“At the end of my eighth-grade year I was offered a scholarship from Penn State,” said Tagliaferri. “By my sophomore year, I verbally

“My parents, grandparents, aunts, and cousins were always at all of my games no matter how far they were, and it always meant the world to me.” committed to play soccer at Penn State. I went there my first four flight away,” said Tagliaferri. “They have supported me throughout years of college and graduated with a degree in kinesiology. There I my whole journey as a soccer player. I cannot thank them enough accomplished many individual achievements, but teamwise we won for shaping me into not just the athlete I am today, but the person I four Big Ten Championships. I decided to transfer back home to am as well. So, to my mom and dad, when you read this, know that I Rutgers to play a fifth year, which was granted to all athletes due to love you guys so much and thank you for everything. I am very lucky Covid. I wanted to spend this last year at home with my family, driv- because I have such a great family that always supports me anywhere ing only 30 minutes to go home for dinner, or to go see my younger I go. My parents, grandparents, aunts, and cousins were always at all brother play as he’s an athlete as well. The four years I was at Penn of my games no matter how far they were, and it always meant the I missed seeing my family all the time and I felt like I was missing world to me.” out on so much my brother was doing. I wanted this time with them When asked what advice she has for younger athletes, Tagliaferbefore I started my professional career. My brother is 12 years old ri says she continues to set goals and to believe she can achieve them. and he is a stud football player. I hope I have been a good enough “Whether you’re an athlete or not, for life in general, set goals for role model for him to continue chasing his dreams, because he will yourself and don’t let anything get in the way of them,” said Tagliaccomplish even more than I have!” Now Tagliaferri will make the aferri. “If you find what you love to do, then it will never be a sacrimove to North Carolina, as the Courage play home games at Sahlen’s fice to prioritize it before other things. Always go that extra mile for Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. your dream, and that means to always put in more work than all the “Having this opportunity to play for the NC Courage, as well as other people that want to achieve the same. I can’t even try to count the coaches and players there, is an absolute dream that I am beyond the number of times I went to extra training sessions, stayed after thankful for,” said Tagliaferri. “Playing in the NWSL, in general, is practice to get some extra sprints in, picked soccer over a school a huge honor, and has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. dance or gathering of friends. And it was all worth it.”

Thank you so much to the Courage and all the staff within the club for giving me this opportunity, I can’t wait to get to work.”

Tagliaferri started playing soccer at four-years-old. At first she ran around with all the other kids just chasing the ball, but after a year or so her parents realized she had the talent and work ethic needed for the sport.

“Growing up one of my favorite movies to watch was Dare to Dream. It’s about the players and US Women’s National Team in the 90s that truly changed the game for us women players,” shared Tagliaferri. “It became my dream to play professional soccer. I knew I found the thing that I love to do, especially since it was so easy for me to work hard while doing it. When you love something, it’s never a sacrifice to do it, it’s never a dread, and it’s the most rewarding feeling when you do get to play it and set goals to accomplish. That’s why I knew it was my dream and knew I could accomplish it.”

Tagliaferri credits her parents and family with giving her the opportunities, confidence, and drive to achieve her dreams. Her parents, Tracy and Frank, her brother Trey, and her extended family that includes Grandma Candy, Grandpa Bruce, Aunt Jenny Liggio, Uncle Matt Liggio, and four cousins (Matthew Liggio, a sophomore football and track athlete at Colts Neck High School; Christina Liggio, a freshman basketball star at Red Bank Catholic; and twins Katie and Tessa Liggio, both 8th grade basketball players at Cedar Drive Middle School), went to every game.

“Throughout all of this, my parents took me where I needed Frankie with her brother Trey to go in order to get better whether it was a 10-minute drive or a

CommunityMagazineNJ.com FEBRUARY 2022

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