CM: Rumson • Fair Haven • Little Silver • Red Bank • Locust • Sea Bright - April 2021

On Pointe BIG Dreams Become Reality for Monmouth County Native

Lauren Bonfiglio

A PR I L 202 1 EDITION RUM S ON • FA I R H AV E N • L IT TL E SI LV ER R ED BA N K • SE A BR IGHT • L O C UST • M I DDL ETOW N PHOTO CREDIT: JA MES JIN

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Summer Camp is Creative at the Basie Center!

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF C A R O LY N B U R T N I C K CREATIVE DIRECTOR L O R I D O N N E L LY ART DIRECTOR E R I C A PA R K E R SENIOR DESIGNER OLIVIA M A Z ANEC MARKETING & FEATURE DIRECTORS L I L I A N N PA R A S C AT H Y PA D I L L A GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSISTANT A LY S S A S I R I C O CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SUSAN MURPHY SHANNA POLIGNONE HOPE DANIEL S DONNA BERIONT PHOTOGRAPHY C A R M E L A C A R A C A P PA TOM Z AP CIC SOCIAL MEDIA + DIGITAL CONSULTANT M AT T A N D E R S O N OFFICE MANAGEMENT M ARIA CONNORS S H I R L E Y S T. CL A I R PUBLISHER V I C T O R V. S C U D I E R Y

BE A PART OF CM We accept pet photos, local event listings, fundraiser & important life announcements (engagement, wedding, baby) and more!

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Tell us about them; we would love to spotlight them in future editions of CM! You can do this by emailing: info@communitymagazinenj.com For our media kit & rates, email: advertising@communitymagazinenj.com Community Magazine takes no responsibility for the content of any advertisement nor does it guarantee the accuracy, veracity or truthfulness of any statement made in any advertisement. Any and all liability for any claims resulting from the content of any advertisement published by Community Magazine is solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Community Magazine is owned and operated by Direct Development, LLC.

97 APPLE STREET, SUITE 2 TINTON FALLS, NJ 07724 TEL: 848.456.1071 | FA X: 732.852.2571

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Photo Credit: Tom Zapcic Photography

Ann Pennington

Crowned

United States of America’s

Mrs.

M

rs. New Jersey United States 2018, and Mrs. New York United States for 2020, Ann Pennington was crowned Queen of all the states as United States of America’s Mrs. for 2021. A resident of Rumson, Ann’s company, Eye for Style, has an office in New York, making her eligible in both New York and New Jersey.

“My position is about showing people that we are uniquely brave women with confidence, not only to celebrate and display our beauty and intellect, but bring light to our lives as mothers, wives, and business owners,” shared Ann. “We have the opportunity to share our platforms for helping those in our community locally and on a national level.”

Ann’s platform has always been to bring awareness of homeless youth, knowing first-hand the difficulty.

“I bring light to what I find near and dear to my heart, which is bringing awareness to homeless youth,” said Ann. “I am a product of homelessness and by holding this title it has helped shine a brighter light and open doors to show people that homelessness can end. We can help get these amazing humans off the street and help them achieve their purpose. It’s been truly rewarding teaming up with HABcore and

Covenant House where I am team captain of a project called Sleepout. We literally sleep on a street to raise funds to support the programs at Covenant House.”

Ann’s journey in pageants started after a chance encounter.

“Many moons ago I used to sit glued to the TV set watching Miss Universe and thinking to myself they were like princesses from a Disney movie. And then one day a woman walked up to me and said I’d be perfect to compete at a pageant,” shared Ann. “I remember thinking to myself that was crazy because I didn’t see myself like those women I watched on TV. I competed a few weeks later and won a title, I was in my early 20s. A decade later I am Mrs. New Jersey 2018. So, if you believe, you can achieve.”

The many wonderful relationships, being able to raise awareness for an important cause, and doing something she loves are all important to Ann, but she said having her son be part of her journey is her favorite part of being crowned queen.

“My son comes to almost all of my appearances and sees what I am doing to make his future better,” said Ann. “I hope he’s learning to be aware and why we need to give back.”

“My position is about showing people that we are uniquely brave women with confidence, not only to celebrate and display our beauty and intellect, but bring light to our lives as mothers, wives, and business owners”

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

Beyond the Brand: Grassi

Entrepreneurs Barton Henderson and Joe Baur Create an Artificial Intelligence Driven Landscaping Company

By LiliAnn Paras Barton Henderson is an attorney with a concentration in marketing and business development; Joe Baur is a seasoned landscape business owner with more than 15 years in the industry. When these two Monmouth County friends began a conversation about their very different careers, a local service need was realized and a unique business was formed, transforming the way homeowners will think about lawncare. Their new business, Grassi, derives from blending Barton’s business acumen with Joe’s sound customer service principles. Have you noticed unmanned robotic mowers cutting lawns around Monmouth County? If so, you have witnessed Grassi. CM met with Barton Henderson to learn the story behind the idea.

CM: How and why did the idea for Grassi come about?

Barton: I am a self-proclaimed techie: I have a robot vacuum cleaner; a robot pool cleaner; and I can control my heat and lights from my phone. A robot lawn mower was just the next logical step. I turned to a good friend, Joe Baur, who had known about robotic mowers and considered using them before, but never quite took the plunge. We talked about the reasons customers switch to Joe’s company and listed the most common grievances they expressed. Typical complaints were, ‘My landscaper is never on time; my lawn looks messy on the weekends when I have visitors; they cut at 8 AM on Sunday; their mowers spread lawn diseases in my neighborhood; they never communicate with me; they raise the price every year.’ We realized using robotic mowers together with devotion to customer care could revolutionize the landscaping industry. Together we dove into research and Grassi was created.

CM: Are robotic mowers a new technology?

Barton: Robotic mowers have been out on the market for more than 20 years, and the technology has evolved and advanced, but they do present issues for individual owners. For a single buyer, the robots are expensive, there is considerable maintenance involved, setup is a complex process—and then, after all of that—once the system is set up, there is still the work to weed whack, edge, and blow out the property. Our business model of robotic mowers combined with our GrassiPros (human landscapers) have solved these shortcomings. We buy, install, and maintain the robotic mowers (which stay at the customer’s house), while our GrassiPros visit weekly to attend to the other landscape needs.

CM: What are the basics of the Grassi system?

Barton: Our professional team installs the AutoLawn system.

The mower stays at the house on an outdoor charging pad and mows every day or two. We call it a “set it and forget it” full-service lawn service and landscaping company.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

Joe Baur (L) and Barton Henderson

CM: What are the most common questions you receive from clients?

Barton: What about my kids and dogs - is it safe? I have a fence, can I still use your service? Is it expensive? Other common questions can be found at grassiusa.com/faq/.

CM: And your answers?

Barton: It is safe and fences are not a problem. As to expense, we have innovative financing allowing us to purchase the mowers and keep the pricing low. The customer has no upfront costs to get started. It is just like switching from one landscaper to another. We own and maintain the mowers, which actually helps customers save money. While people assume our services will be expensive, customers usually save money and tell us our service is better when they compare us to traditional landscapers.

CM: What has been unexpected and/or satisfying about Grassi?

Barton: We did not expect so much excitement with our service. The kids and families in the neighborhood love it. At my house, people gather while walking their dogs, and kids stop just to watch it. I love seeing the joy it brings to people as they walk or bike by.

CM: Is there anything else readers should know about Grassi?

Barton: We are so proud to bring an eco-friendly alternative to the landscaping industry. People don’t realize that lawn mowers running for an hour can burn 20-40 times the emissions one car releases in one hour. We believe that by taking our service national, we will be able to make a serious positive impact on the environment.

To see how it works, visit GrassiUSA.com.

The future of lawn service is here Starting at just $99/month A local business now accepting clients in Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Red Bank, Locust, & Sea Bright

Our robots cut daily, our human landscapers visit weekly

Call 732.847.9177 for a free instant quote or email info@grassiusa.com

LESS EXPENSIVE than traditional landscapers Eco Friendly, electric, and SILENT SAFE for kids and pets Reliable and ALWAYS ON TIME PERFECTLY CUT every day Greener and HEALTHIER LAWN

see how it works

Bart Henderson

Joe Baur

GrassiUSA.com

Count Basie Center for the Arts Hosts

Fundraising Gala

Honors Senator Gopal, Commissioner Arnone & Retiring Basie Center VP Scudiery The Count Basie Center for the Arts held its winter fundraising gala, dubbed the Winter Trip, in March. The gala honored New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal (D-11), Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, and Yvonne Scudiery, the retiring Count Basie Center Vice President of Education, who established the nonprofit’s arts education program two decades ago.

1

“The hard work and support of Senator Gopal and Commissioner Arnone has made an immeasurable impact in our region during the pandemic,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Not only has their unwavering support allowed the Basie Center to continue its programs during this crisis, but their visibility and hands-on approach has sustained and inspired our region -- and it’s that work and the work of their colleagues which will afford us the quickest path back to normalcy.”

“Yvonne has devoted 50 years to the fields of arts education – including the last twenty years here at the Basie Center,” Philipson said. “It’s because of her that the Basie’s education and outreach programs, along with our onsite academy and its schools of performing arts and music, have thrived.

Our partnerships with organizations like the Kennedy Center Partners in Education and the support we’ve received from the National Endowment for the Arts has come about because of Yvonne’s hard work and vision.”

2

3

“Through the generosity of our guests, we were able to establish an endowed scholarship in Yvonne’s name,” said Lysa J. Israel, Count Basie Center Senior Director of Development. “In addition, money raised from our ‘Winter Trip’ will go toward our year-round arts education efforts, such as classes and summer camps our Academy of the Arts and the Monmouth Conservatory of Music.”

For information and registration for Basie Academy summer camps and classes, visit thebasie.org/education.

Top - Singer Emily Grove performs with Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love band. Summer of Love and Burtnik’s other band, The Weeklings, provided Beatles and other 60s-era sounds for the Basie’s ‘Winter Trip’ gala.

1 - Joe Wajda (left), Managing Partner of World Subaru in Shrewsbury and a Basie Center supporter with Count Basie Center President and CEO Adam Philipson 2 - Longtime Basie Center Vice President of Education Yvonne Lamb Scudiery was honored on the occasion of her retirement.

3 - Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners Director Tom Arnone

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Rumson Garden Club Members Make a National Impact

TOM ZAPCIC PHOTOGRAPHY HEADSHOTS | EVENTS | COMMERCIAL

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The 110 members of the Rumson Garden Club (RGC) are known for their work in the Two River Community maintaining local gardens, hosting informative public lectures, and tackling issues that impact the Jersey Shore. But did you know that a number of these local women also serve on National Committees whose programs and activities impact the entire country?

Sarah Rossbach Fleming is just one of those women.

She currently serves on the Communications Committee of the Garden Club of America (GCA). Sarah represents the eleven New Jersey clubs of the GCA, which include hundreds of garden club members from all over the state.

Her duties include coordinating the communications of the clubs so that information flows freely from club to club and coming up with programs and opportunities for the NJ clubs to work together to achieve its mission. Sarah also is a local leader of the GCA’s National Partners for Plants program (P4P), a joint habitat restoration program designed to facilitate hands-on projects between local GCA clubs and land managers on state and federal lands. Sarah created a project with the park rangers at Sandy Hook to preserve and enhance a one-acre native plant preserve at the Gateway National Recreation Area. She and her team of volunteers will be planting three different species of native grasses in the dunes this monh.

Creating floral arrangements may not seem like a national priority, but tell that to Barbara Batting and Joan Lynch, who serve on the GCA national committees for Floral Design and Flower Shows. Their committees work to promote interest and provide education in the art of floral design. Flower design combines artistic vision, horticultural knowledge, engineering and sophisticated craftsmanship to create a brief but brilliant display of beauty. This has become particularly valuable in our society as the pandemic keeps us all from one another and we long for calm and beauty among the chaos. Barbara and Joan represent the eleven Zone IV clubs and their members and are responsible for promoting and supporting floral design education, facilitating and organizing floral design workshops and promoting flower shows within the zone.

Other Rumson Garden Club members are making an impact through the GCA’s National Affairs and Legislation program (NAL). Robbyn O’Neill attended the GCA’s annual NAL conference in Washington, D.C. in 2020 just before the lockdown. Little did she know she could become an active force in the promotion of environmental awareness and the preservation of natural resources. She and other representatives met with Congressman Chris Smith to promote the GCA’s priorities for the future and helped to make the case for protection of our local waters.

Kudos to these ladies who are valued members of our community and national leaders for sharing their knowledge and expertise to help make our area environmentally sound and beautiful.

For more information, visit rumsongardenclubnj.org.

April 17-24 Mark your calendars and join in for a week of fitness fun, wellness education, and community outreach. WEforum Fit Crawl 2021: Spring Awakening is the 6th Annual Fit Crawl hosted in partnership with Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, that will be held from Saturday, April 17 through Saturday, April 24.

15 Wallace Road, Middletown Successfully Closed for $960,000

18 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE & OVER $170 MILLION IN CLOSED REAL ESTATE.... AND GROWING

This year, Fit Crawl 2021 will deviate from the traditional event format due to Covid-19, and instead of a one-day event with back-to-back classes, there will be one week of a full schedule of events, staggering studio classes, and lectures. Classes and lectures will either be live streaming on Facebook, live in-person, or pre-recorded.

This week-long event will offer more than 80 fitness classes, nutrition segments, meditation, and self-care activities as well as guest Fit Crawl Speakers: Bailey Fruman, MSW, LCSW, The Mind Rise, life coach, and author of Own Your Power: Your Guide to Feeling Powerful, Fearless & Free. Fruman will speak on Fire Your Fears, Dasha Maximov, CEO WhealthCo, will speak on Understanding Your Symptoms and Becoming Your Own Health Advocate, and Diane Hendriks, RD, Chef, and Nutritionist, will speak about Good Food-Done Right™

60 Ridge Avenue, Neptune Under Contract

This Spring Awakening is meant to reinvigorate the community to reemerge from the challenges of the year and begin to revisit your individual health and wellness!

All proceeds from this event will go towards free educational health and wellness programs and services developed by Monmouth Medical Center. Each donation made expands the program reach.

WEforum is committed to spreading knowledge on how to live a happier, healthier, and more balanced life. If you and/or your organization are interested in collaborating with WEforum and Monmouth Medical Center, to contact them and to purchase tickets, visit weforumgroup.org. Each individual ticket holder must have a Facebook account to participate in this year’s crawl.

CommunityMagazineNJ.com APRIL 2021

17

DI VORCE TA LK

BY PET ER C . PA R A S , ESQ.

NO FOOLIN’ April Fool’s Day marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Paras, Apy & Reiss, P.C. We remain committed to providing quality, professional representation to our family law clients.

Each case is unique and our approach in each case in tailored to the unique characteristics of each family. A cookie cutter approach will never do.

When Bonnie Reiss, Tricia Apy, and I got together twenty-five years ago we had a common purpose. We wanted to give the personal attention that our clients deserved, but was getting increasingly difficult to provide at the large firms where we practiced. Thus, our conclusion was that smaller was better – in effect,

Peter C. Paras

is a shareholder in the Family Law Firm of Paras, Apy & Reiss, P.C.

less is more. Our experienced staff, some of whom have been with us from the very beginning, is also committed to providing personal service and help us do just that every day.

Now, Michael Fleres has been added as a partner. Michael shares the firm philosophy which has always been based on three guiding principles. The first is, and always will be, that each case is unique.

Second, communication between client and the attorney is essential to achieving a successful outcome. And third, there is no substitute for preparation. We are committed to knowing the case better than anyone in the room, whether it’s a conference room or a courtroom.

Selected as "Super Lawyer" by NJ Monthly 2006 - 2021.

Included in Best Lawyers in America 2015 - 2021.

2020 Justice Daniel J. O'Hern Award Recipient

Over the last twenty-five years firm lawyers have received awards and accolades from numerous processional organizations. We have taught courses, written articles, and served on the boards of numerous professional organizations.

But, the singular most rewarding aspect of our practice is doing a good job for our clients. Making the inherently difficult and stressful process of divorce less difficult and stressful, explaining things to our clients to remove the mystery and to soothe their fears of the unknown, and achieving results they can comfortably live with as they move to the next chapter in their lives is, to Paras, Apy & Reiss, P.C., the real measure of success.

For more information please see the firm’s website at www.par-law.com.

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

Selected as “Super Lawyer” by NJ Monthly 2006 - 2021

Peter C. Paras

Selected as “Super Lawyer” by NJ Monthly 2006 - 2021 Included in Best Lawyers in America 2015 - 2021 2020 Justice Daniel J. O'Hern Award Recipient

Patricia E. Apy

2015 ABA Grassroots Advocacy Award recipient Selected as "Super Lawyer" by NJ Monthly 2019 - 2021

Michael J. Fleres NJ Supreme Court Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney

A Professional Corporation For The Practice of Family Law 2 Bridge Avenue • The Galleria • Suite 601 • Red Bank, NJ 07701 • Tel: 732.219.9000 • Fax: 732.219.9020 • par-law.com

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JACQUIE DALTON:

From Jockey to Jet Girl

BY JEANNE WALL | PUBLISHER AND EDITOR, TAPINTO HOLMDEL, COLTS NECK & MIDDLETOWN

Jacquie Dalton is Founder and CEO of Sparrow Executive Jets. One might think working in the jet set world of luxury, looking as polished as she does, that life has been an easy lift for her. Dalton usually looks like she stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine, typical business attire is a silk dress or pencil skirt suit and stiletto heels. Her coiffed hair and million-dollar smile turn heads.

Get in closer and Dalton has the grit that comes with working like a draft horse, and the passion of a laser-focused athlete. Expertise, grit and passion enable Dalton to orchestrate the best possible, safe, luxurious flying experience for her clients. This powerhouse petite businesswoman has a unique story of Jockey to Jet Girl.

Jeanne Wall (JW): Where did you grow up, graduate from?

Jaquie Dalton (JD): I grew up in Oakhurst with two brothers. We were raised by our wonderful, hard-working single mother. I attended Ocean Township High School, and dropped out in 1989, to help take care of my younger brother who survived a horrific accident.

JW: Wow, ok, so you were a caretaker at a very young age. What was next for you?

JD: In the early 90’s I worked at Monmouth Park Racetrack cleaning stalls, while training very hard to become a thoroughbred jockey. I was blessed to work with thoroughbred racehorse trainer John H. Forbes and his assistant Pat McBurney. They really were the “fathers” who

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shaped me early in life. My life was very bluecollar, it was industry, racing, movement. They gave me the chance of a lifetime, and I did not let them down. I worked very hard. It was time for my first race and I surprised everyone, including myself, by coming in first place!

JW: Amazing, what was next?

JD: I had a great jockeying experience. Then left racing, got my GED at Brookdale, and subsequently an associate degree, while working multiple jobs. I again was blessed to meet someone very inspiring at Brookdale: Professor, Dr. Carl Calendar.

JW: You are a Brookdale success story! What happened next?

JD: After graduating Brookdale, I transferred to Northwestern University, where I graduated top of my class in 1997. For me, personally being a jockey was amazing, but my educational experience, and graduating from NWU was my greatest achievement at that time.

JW: What was your first job out of college and what led you to private jet travel?

JD: I worked in PR at Fleishman Hillard in Chicago in 1999. I had met my husband at the Jersey Shore around 1995. He lived in Chicago, and we married in 2000, eventually went back to NJ, and bought a home in Little Silver, where we had two sons. I started to do the social circuit, charity world, and worked in online real-

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

estate transactions. I then had a special event business called BookIt, a celebrity event business, with a second division called CookIt, with celebrity chefs, etc. I am more of an industrygirl, corporate structure is not my cup of tea.

I’m more blue-collar, driving the local economy through industry, maintenance, movement, transportation, adrenaline… Horse racing called me back and I bought racehorses and had a great experience as a breeder. It’s a tough industry and it taught me so much. The hardest working people I know are in aviation or the horse racing industry. I got into aviation through horse racing.

Private flyers own racehorses. I have worked the past 15 years in the private jet business and have built a book of clients.

JW: Who are your clients?

JD: My Sparrow Executive Jet clients are very smart, they trust my judgement, they want the best possible safe, data secure, professional, luxury flight transportation. Moving human lives is a sacred thing. My clients understand the value of safe and seamlessly traveling. My business is by referral only. Most of my clients have been with me for a long time and are family. I’m not about quantity, it’s about quality. It’s the only way to do it.

Jacquie Dalton currently lives in Holmdel with her husband and their two sons.

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New Recording Artist GiGi Abinader Releases First Song, Encourages Others to Share Their Voices Holmdel teen, Georgette, ‘Gigi’ Abinader is a sophmore at Monmouth University, studying Music Industry. She just released her first song; October by Gigi, which is now on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Apple Music. CM interviewed GiGi about her new song release and the path that led her there.

CM: When did your passion for singing begin?

GiGi: I have always loved singing. According to my mom, I sang before I talked, and everyone including strangers would call me the ‘singing baby’ because I sang all the time.

CM: Do you have a favorite style of music?

GiGi: I enjoy everything from R&B, to Broadway, Rock and Pop. I love singing Disney songs as much as I love singing hip hop.

CM: Where did your love for songwriting and performing begin?

GiGi: I began performing at age 8 in local shows. At 10 years old I sang a solo at Count Basie with RockIt in front of a packed theatre. I loved it. From there I was always singing in a band and with choirs at school and church. Singing has always been my passion.

CM: Did you train professionally for singing and do you enjoy performing in front of a live audience?

GiGi: I have trained professionally since I was 8 years old. I have worked with very talented people. One of my voice teachers was Ron Sharpe, a famous member of the Broadway community, he starred in the role of Jean Valjean in Les Mis on Broadway.

He and others truly inspired me on my ongoing music journey.

CM: How did you get to this point of successfully creating your own song?

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GiGi: Taking college level songwriting and singing classes at Monmouth U motivated me to transform my songs scratched out on paper, to digital recording.

CM: Did you produce your song October at college?

GiGi: No. Almost all my Monmouth U. classes are virtual. However, great news is I work in person with an amazing, talented local producer, Kyle Ward from Rumson (thanks to a Community Magazine (CM) article that featured him, I found him). I sang my song for him, and we immediately started working on it together. I can’t say enough great things about him. He’s extremely professional, creative, and fun!

CM: Is there a story behind your song October ?

GiGi: It’s about someone I had a crush on. I will leave it there.

CM: How did October reach Apple platform “star status” so quick?

GiGi: I am thankful to my biggest fans; my friends and family. I have a couple verified music industry professionals who follow me, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see that they started sharing my song. My mom and dad and siblings are my biggest fans… They keep saying, ‘Alexa, play October

by GiGi.’ I’m getting tired of hearing it!

CM: Who or what in your life inspires you?

GiGi: I’m very spiritual. I believe we are all connected, people, nature, animals. I

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

see beauty and inspiration in all of it. My parents really inspire me, because they are two of the most hard-working people that I know, and they always encourage me and my siblings to follow our dreams.

CM: What hobbies do you have?

GiGi: I love hiking, boating, skiing, ice skating. I enjoy sharing time with my parents, my three younger siblings, and our dog Leo. We have a very loving, fun, and supportive family.

CM: Do you have a mantra?

GiGi: I live by a line from one of my favorite musicals Les Mis, “To love another person is to see the face of God.” I feel like it is so important to try and see the good in other people, and to remain positive in life.

CM: Are you producing more music?

GiGi: Yes! My second song is totally different. It’s more R&B and has more Middle Eastern sounding instrumentals. I’m working with Kyle to produce an entire album.

CM: What message would you like to share?

GiGi: For the person who has those scraps of paper with scribbled words and melodies, tucked away in drawers and pockets: Please share your voice! Music and the love for music, will never stop.

There are no limits with music. I can’t wait to see what other new artists, and myself create next!

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Photo Credit: James Jin

Meet Professional Ballet Dancer, Lauren Bonfiglio

By LiliAnn Paras

Do you remember having big dreams for a spectacular career in the arts or in sports?

Do you also remember the sinking realization that it takes extremely rare talent, incredibly hard work, and personal drive to fulfill this nearly impossible dream? Fortunately, Lauren Bonfiglio of Middletown possesses these requisite characteristics. As a child, she set two goals: to become a professional ballet dancer, and after seeing Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House, to be accepted at the pres-

tigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City.

With laser focus and a deep love for dance, she achieved both goals and she now is enjoying her seventh year in the ABT’s corps de ballet. This did not happen overnight. Lauren has been training and dancing for 21 years-and she is only 24! Despite her impressive accomplishments, Lauren maintains a grounded perspective and a well-rounded life.

CM met with Lauren to learn about her journey, the vigor of professional dance, the challenges of the pandemic, and what lies ahead.

CONTINUED >

" I’m totally enveloped in a feeling that I can’t describe, but recall feeling when I was younger. "

CM: Did performances continue?

Photo Credit: James Jin

CM: How did your love of dance begin?

Lauren: I began dancing in Red Bank at The Academy of Dance Arts when I was three years old, under the direction of founder Jennifer Church and Directors Shayne and Nick Mishoe. I trained primarily in classical ballet, but also took character, modern, and tap classes. I started performing on stage when I was six years old and loved every aspect of it, particularly the acting required in the various roles.

I participated in annual performances at Count Basie Theater and Two River Theater. I would also dance in the living room of my house in pointe shoes, before I was even “on pointe”, rotating CDs of the Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty, performing every role and variation for my parents and brothers.

CM: Describe your journey that led to dancing with ABT. Lauren: I attended the ABT Summer Intensives for three consecutive years starting when I was 10. At age 12, I was invited to join ABT’s year-round program, The Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis School, under the direction of Franco DeVita. From there, I worked my way through the levels of JKO, joining ABT’s Studio Company when I was 16, and becoming an apprentice with ABT when I was 17. I received a full corps de ballet contract shortly thereafter and I’m cur-

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in my parents’ basement before I was able to be return to a ballet studio.

Every morning, the dancers would meet on Zoom with an instructor for a daily ballet technique class (modified for a small space) which provided sanity and structure to those long and uncertain days. It is unlike any other profession. We spend so much time together rehearsing, performing, and traveling the world together. So, this abrupt halt to being in each other’s presence was quite tough, but Zoom provided a way to connect.

rently in my seventh year with the company.

CM: Before the pandemic, what did a typical week of training entail?

Lauren: Pre-COVID, a typical week of training would start with a daily ballet class for an hour and a half to warm up and fine tune technique, followed by six hours of rehearsal, usually working on five or six ballets at a time. When we are performing, we have a similar structured day with a twoto-three-hour show tacked on. ABT has two seasons in New York City at Lincoln Center, along with touring engagements internationally and around the US. Throughout the week or on a day off, I work with a personal trainer and a Pilates instructor and also make time to take care of my body with regular massages and acupuncture sessions for recovery.

CM: How has the pandemic affected your training?

Lauren: This past year has certainly taught me that it is possible to dance anywhere!

Working from home-for a profession that spends up to 12 hours a day moving, turning, and jumping around a spacious studio or a stage like the Metropolitan Opera House-certainly brought about its challenges! I spent the first six months of the pandemic “dancing” on a 4x6 dance floor

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Lauren: In place of cancelled performances, ABT has been doing “ballet bubbles”. Dancers are taken in small groups to a location to safely create new choreographic works to be used for digital content or small in-person performances, which has been great. There is nothing like a live performance with an orchestra, but the online content provides entertainment for those who have missed the theater, along with hope for the return to the stage someday soon.

I’m staying positive, dancing as much as I can, and making it work. I look forward to the day we can pack 100 people into a studio at our beloved building 890 Broadway again.

CM: Given your schedule, do you ever get back to Monmouth County?

Lauren: I moved to New York City when I was 17 years old, when I became a member of ABT. With the pandemic, I spent more time in Monmouth County at my parents’ home. It has been so lovely to experience Monmouth County as an adult, making visits to our beautiful parks and beaches.

Driving past Oak Hill Academy brings back memories of my friends and teachers. Being able to use the studios at The Academy of Dance Arts has been a blessing. While visiting Red Bank and walking by Count Basie Theater, heartstrings were tugged.

It was the first stage I stepped foot on in The Sleeping Beauty and where my love for

this art form was sparked. My journey to dance with ABT required a lot of discipline, strict schedules, and missed birthday parties. From a young age, I was so passionate about ballet and gladly made the sacrifices.

I was fortunate to have so much support from my family and friends who always accepted how busy I was dancing and still loved me!

CM: Have your perceptions about dance, and the way you experience it, changed through the years?

Lauren: My perceptions haven’t changed too drastically. I’ve been dancing my whole life and the routine of arriving at ballet class, standing at the barre, hearing the beautiful classical music, learning choreography, and performing, have remained rituals from when I was a student to now as a professional. Today, when I dance, watch ballet videos, or even just listen to the orchestration of music, I’m totally enveloped in a feeling that I can’t describe, but recall feeling when I was younger. There was obviously a transition from student to professional and that happened at a young age for me. Entering into an environment and sharing space with experienced dancers who had been in the company for up to 30 years came with themes of accountability, a learning curve, and unexpected realities. But I think these are all concepts young people face when they start working, although my day-to-day doesn’t feel like work, it’s a real privilege.

CM: The perception is that dance at your level is intense and competitive although your joy shows on your social media posts. Is this perception accurate, and if so, how do you cope with the intensity?

Lauren: There are moments where it can certainly be competitive and intense, but my love for my artform outweighs these challenges. And, ABT is a very close-knit family. We spend so much time together rehearsing, performing, and traveling the world together. There are performances when twenty-four women in the corps de ballet are on stage dancing in complete unison of body and breath, yet we all have unique attributes. These are times that make our sisterhood that much more special and I’m so grateful to dance alongside the strong and gorgeous women of ABT. I truly have the best and most talented colleagues who put a smile on my face every day.

CM: What challenges have you faced?

Lauren: There are difficult realities I’ve faced in my career, but they’ve made me into a better dancer and a more honest artist. I’ve been injured twice and had to honestly assess whether my body would take me through a career, but I only became mentally and physically stronger because of them. I’ve received my fair share of tough love, but this has made me more eager and motivated. I remind myself of the position that I’m in, dancing at one of the most prestigious classical ballet companies in the world, my dream company no less. I post pictures and videos on social media that feel like myself, so I hope to provide a positive and fun look into the life of a professional dancer. There is so much to love and learn, and so much that has yet to be accomplished, that I’m just so inspired.

path! I’m currently working on my business major at Fordham University, so keeping my options open.

CM: Which particular performance(s) of yours is most memorable to you and why?

Lauren: Generally, our performances at our home theater in New York City, the Metropolitan Opera House, are my favorite.

ABT loves performing for audiences everywhere, but our New York spectators have an energy that’s just so palpable. Specifically, my favorite ballets to perform are the classics like Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, La Bayadere, and The Sleeping Beauty, just to name a few! I have such tremendous respect for these timeless works, and feel the stories, characters, themes, and lessons that they embody can in some way be relatable to us today.

CM: Do you see yourself eventually experiencing dance in a different capacity, for example teaching? Or beginning a completely different career?

Lauren: I see myself going down either

Photo Credit: James Jin

CM: If there is even any free time, what do you enjoy doing besides dancing?

Lauren: I like cooking, learning about wine, staying active, and spending time outdoors! I also enjoy traveling, and one of the perks of being at ABT is that I’ve been fortunate enough to visit and perform at the world’s most beautiful opera houses in Rome, Moscow, London, Brisbane, Paris, Oman, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In the US we typically tour to Southern California, Chicago, Washington, DC, and some Midwest locations. We live in a beautiful country and I hope to see more of it, and I’m looking forward to dancing on the world’s stages once again in the near future!

INSTAGRAM Visit Lauren on Instagram, @laurenbonfiglio

RFH Alumni and RFH Education Foundation Partner to Continue Legacy of Long Time Educator, George Giffin Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School alumni have partnered with the RFH Education Foundation to memorialize George Giffin, a Biology teacher, educational leader, advisor, mentor, and friend who inspired Bulldogs for 35 years and made his mark in the community locally throughout his entire adult life.

George, or “Giff”, as his students affectionately called him, taught biology at RFH from 1956-1991 and also served as Chairman of the Science Department. While a teacher at the high school, he was at different times both the girls’ and boys’ basketball coach as well as the school golf coach. Looking for an opportunity for girls to be more involved in school activities, Giff created and developed the Girls’ Rifle Drill team which at one time numbered 100 girls and performed at all football games as well as participating for a number of years in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.

Giff was also involved in student government and activities through the position of class advisor. More informally, Giff enjoyed sharing his love of ballroom dancing with students in the high school as well.

According to students who were inspired by him, “Mention Mr. Giffin’s name during any RFH Reunion and you will be met with an avalanche of heartwarming stories about how Mr. Giffin helped shape their lives in so many positive ways: how he picked them up when they were down, taught them valuable lessons about life, energized them to learn science, dancing, drill team, basketball, golf, respect for others, how he was always there to listen and provide encouragement as they went through those difficult adolescent years and how he consistently and gently motivated everyone to find their passion in life.” The Class of 1991 dedicated their senior yearbook to Giff and 30 years later, his students are still inspired by his impact.

Giff was a long time Fair Haven resident and prior to his time at RFH, he served as a Captain with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine in 1951 and earned a Master’s Degree from Colby, as well as from the University of Vermont.

Outside of the halls, Giff was an active member of various local religious, social, and charitable groups and was a founder of the Fair Haven Fields Committee and the director of the Fair Haven Recreation Commission for several years.

Members of the RFH Class of 1973 spearheaded the effort to create the memorial fund in Giff’s honor.

“We had many outstanding teachers at RFH,” said Bill Davidson, ’73 graduate. “Mr. Giffin was not only an outstanding teacher but an energetic, spirited, and talented individual who was admired and remembered by so many. Giff taught students over four decades which saw so much change but he never lost his ability to connect with students over those years! He was a gift!”

Fellow ‘73 Bulldog Cindy Sherman added, “George Giffin saw something in me that I did not see in myself...for that, I am forever grateful.”

The RFH Education Foundation, a charitable organization whose mission is to fund projects and grants that will enrich the high school curriculum, but fall outside the

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

George Giffin with his wife, Marcia

school system budget, is excited to partner with alumni to keep Giffin’s legacy alive among current RFH students. Along with Bill Davidson and Cindy Sherman, Steve Farely and Ellen Spears form the four-member Steering Committee for the Memorial Fund.

“The Foundation is honored to help RFH alumni recognize Mr. Giffin through the establishment of the George Giffin Memorial Fund,” shared RFH Foundation Board President Mary Pat Moriarty. “During Mr. Giffin’s years of service as an educator, he encouraged and supported countless RFH students. Today, thanks to the generosity of the alumni, family and friends he inspired, he will impact a new generation of RFH students for years to come by creating opportunities for academic enrichment through the grants funded in his memory.”

Donations to the George Giffin Memorial Fund will be used to support programs that he was passionate about and will empower students at RFH to achieve their goals and develop a passion for learning and living - causes that were near and dear to Giff’s heart. To donate to the fund campaign, visit rfhfoundation.org.

Long-time RFH educator, George Giffin, at RFH’s Borden Stadium in 1991.

Lincroft Dentist Brightening Smiles to Help Children in Need

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100% of Proceeds from Teeth Whitening Procedures Donated to Smiles for Life Foundation Dr. Mitchel L. Friedman & Dr. Julia D. Cintron We are so very excited to announce that we are once again able to provide dental 539 Newman Springs Road • Lincroft, NJ • (732) 945-5393 services for you, our valued patients. While things are certainly not “business as usual,” www.LincroftDentist.com we wanted to let you know we are here for you in our clean, comfortable, and safe environment. Our standards are well “above and beyond” what the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control recommend. We love what we do and the people we do it for. We are always here for you.

Here are a few things we have done to ensure safety for everyone who comes

Here few things we have done to ensure safety for everyone who comes intoare ouraoffice:

Local dental patients can have their teeth whitened and help a child in need by visiting local Crown Council dentist Dr. Mitchel Friedman of Newman Springs Dental Care. The 23rd annual Smiles For Life Campaign runs now through June 30, and 100 percent of the proceeds from teeth whitening procedures done at Newman Springs Dental Care are contributed directly to the Smiles for Life Foundation. This foundation uses donations from the community to help fund worthy children’s charities and humanitarian work, both locally and around the world.

Teeth whitening patients receive their smile brightening procedure for $99. They can enhance their own smile while also improving the lives of disadvantaged children.

Since its creation in 1998, the Crown Council’s Smiles For Life Campaign has raised more than $44 million for seriously ill, disabled, and disadvantaged kids thanks to participation from local communities and dental practices.

Smiles For Life hopes to continue this tremendous pace for donations in 2021.

“Smiles For Life allows a person to help children in need by doing something that benefits them as well,” said Greg Anderson, the Crown Council Director. “Drs. Mitchel Friedman and Aparna Menon and their team donate their time and expertise, while Ultradent generously provides all Opalescence whitening products. Patients receive a brighter smile and help children get a brighter future.”

Participants can also refer friends to Newman Springs Dental Care by linking to the Smiles For Life site, making it easier than ever to give the gift of a new smile to friends and loved ones, while also giving hope to children in need.

Half of the donations raised by Crown Council dentists are given to their preferred local children’s charity. The Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank has been the local charity for the donations raised by Newman Springs Dental Care.

Patients who would like to get involved should reach out to Crown Council dentist Dr. Mitchel Friedman at NewmanSpringsDentalCare.com.

· · We have replaced all 3 HVAC ventilation systems & upgraded the filters to MERV 16, the highest filtration available. · · All have UV (ultraviolet) systems to sanitize the air as well as Reme-Halo air purifiers that are constantly functioning.

Patient bathroom been made as “hands as possible: motion sensor lights,room · ·Arrangements havehas been made to replace thefree” carpeting in the hallways & reception fan, soap, hand sanitizer, faucet & paper towel dispenser. · This Patient has been made free”ways as possible: motion sensor lights, highbathroom level of service is just oneasof“hands the many that we are supporting our fan, soap, hand sanitizer, faucet &inpaper towel dispenser. community, and it is included the excellent work that we do, we go through a

This high level of disinfection service is just oneevery of thepatient manyisways that comprehensive after cared for.we are supporting our community, and it is included in the excellent work that we do, we go through a comprehensive disinfection Drs. Friedman & Menon along with all team members here at Newman Springs Dental after every patient is cared for.

Care, will continue to go our patients...it is secondSprings nature. Dental For Drs. Friedman, Menon, andabove Suri, and and beyond all teamfor members here at Newman thiswill andcontinue many other many of ourforpatients have trusted their care withFor us this for and Care, to goreasons, above and beyond our patients...it is second nature. decades.

We very many much oflook seeing you, their your care family, andusyour friendsWe very many other reasons, ourforward patientstohave trusted with for years. very soon. much look forward to seeing you, your family, and your friends very soon.

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Secret Stash Makes Its Grand Re-Opening Kevin Smith spent the weekend of March 13 and 14 at the grand re-opening of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash. The store, owned by Smith, is newly relocated to 65 Broad Street, Red Bank. The ticketed event sold out and allowed patrons a meet & greet with signings and pictures. Soon to celebrate 25 years in Red Bank, the comic book and collectibles store moved a few blocks up the street and boasts a new interior design and front-window displays.

This marks the third move for the shop, which opened in 1997 on Monmouth Street.

Smith holding a can of beer dedicated to him and Jay Mewes from Alternate Ending Beer Co. in Aberdeen.

Smith posed with a poster of CM’s March cover.

Brookdale Ranks in Top 3% of Community Colleges in the Nation

Brookdale Community College ranks in the top 3% of Community Colleges in the United States for 2021 by AcademicInfluence.com. A two-year community college associate degree has never been a better route to a fouryear college bachelor’s degree than it is today.

“In higher education, we have opportunities to learn, research, teach, shape the future of our academic disciplines, and influence the larger world. This honor is a tribute to the faculty and staff of Brookdale Community College for the scholarly work they do with passion every day,” said Dr.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

David Stout, Brookdale Community College President.

Brookdale Community College offers one of the best transfer programs in the nation. They maintain formal agreements with many Universities, as well as close ties and pathway partnerships with institutions throughout New Jersey.

“We look at how influential the school’s faculty is and then factor in the student body size. We call this metric Concentrated Influence,” said Dr. Jed Macosko, academic director of AcademicInfluence.com and professor of physics at Wake Forest University. “Because students often choose to attend a school nearby, this kind of illumination provides a truer view of how influential their neighborhood community college may actually be, regardless of its size.”

Brookdale is cited as being most influential in Communications, Graphic Design; Criminal Justice, Policing; Medical, Dentistry; Social Work, Empowerment; Business, Marketing, Management, Accounting; Computer Science, Information Security, Programming, Networking; Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering; Law; Education and Nursing. With other areas of influence being Psychology; Political Science; History; Anthropology; Chemistry and Earth Science.

Its most influential alumni faculty include professors and professionals in the fields of Psychology, Communications, and Criminal Justice. AcademicInfluence.com also cited Brookdale Community College’s most academically influential people to include Brian Williams, Ajeé Wilson, and Jim Hunter.

Funds Raised by Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Support Mental Health Programming

LET’S GET LEAN & CLEAN TIME TO SPRING CLEAN OUR BODIES!

• Achieve Long-Term Health Results • Improve Your Sleep • Gain Vibrant Energy • Release Toxins and Inflammation • Promote Healthy Aging

*NEW* COLLAGEN ELIXIR ~ PREPARE TO GLOW IN 2021 Funds raised by the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Committee will go toward the Shore House’s new transportation program.

While the streets of Rumson were not filled with bagpipe music as planned, the spirit of the day will live on. Shore House – the Long Branch-based nonprofit with a mission of empowering and restoring hope, independence and self-worth for people living with a mental illness – was named beneficiary by the 2021 Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. The funds are being used to support and expand Shore House programming in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

“We couldn’t hold the parade but the community still needs the services of our local organizations, such as our 2021 beneficiary Shore House. In fact, it’s even more crucial that we help support mental health access during this critical time,” said Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Member Jamie McManus. “The Parade Committee provided funding that has enabled the organization to continue to operate and serve people suffering from severe mental illness during this challenging time.”

“Being able to provide a continuum of programming throughout the pandemic has been essential for our members. This past year, we never shut down and continue to be one of the only programs in Monmouth County to remain open to help the vulnerable population living with a mental illness. Our mission is more critical than ever and we’re proud of the work Shore House is doing to ‘make waves for mental wellness’ in our communities,” added Peder Hagberg, President and Founding Board Member of Shore House. “The generosity of The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee at this time enables us to fund many important components of our day-to-day operations. We thank them for their commitment to us, and to the community.”

“These funds will go toward our new transportation program to get members to Shore House so they won’t isolate,” added Shore House Executive Director Susan Mazzeo, LSW. “We’ll also be able to direct funds to our culinary unit to purchase groceries for our daily nutritious meal, and to our clerical unit where members learn or relearn job skills that they can use to find paid employment. We are grateful for the opportunity to expand these services.”

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CommunityMagazineNJ.com APRIL 2021

35

RBR’s Bridget Thomas Wins Vito Recine Memorial High School Scholarship The Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ) recently recognized Bridget Thomas, a four-year student athletic training aide from Red Bank Regional High School, with the Vito Recine Memorial High School Schlorship at the 35th Annual Conference and Business Meeting.

“Bridget has shown the desire, commitment, and dedication to become a certified athletic trainer,” shared Bridget’s nominator, Christina Emrich. “She is a leader and has found a career that interests her enough to take the next step. Bridget will prove to be a great asset to the athletic training profession because of her motivation, leadership qualities and

true desire to be successful.”

Bridget is certified in first aid and CPR and is an officer in the Peer-toPeer leadership program at RBR. She comes from a large family and has learned “families and teams are very similar; many different personalities coming together for one common goal - always show up! I now realize I have been training for a team-oriented career my entire life and am looking forward to becoming an athletic trainer in the future.”

Bridget has been accepted in a number of CAATE programs, but as of this article, she has not yet made a decision.

Bridget Thomas (right) is pictured with RBR’s Athletic Trainer, Christina Emrich.

RBR’s Brian Navitsky to Continue Football Career Red Bank Regional High School is proud to announce that Brian Navitsky will be continuing his football career at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio. Brian was an exceptional player for the Bucs and named First Team All Division and Third Team All Shore. Navitsky is pictured with his family.

RBR Art & Writing Academies Support Local and Global Communities How two local teachers are using art to foster local and cross-cultural connections

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, school programs have been finding new and innovative ways to engage the school community. Two teachers at Red Bank Regional High School (RBR) are taking engagement a step further showing that even in these ever-changing times, the arts are happening and have the potential to connect local and global communities. Claudia O’Connor (Studio Art Academy) and Meaghan McDavitt (Creative Writing Academy) have joined forces to make big impacts in the RBR community, and with Sysy House of Fame, a non-profit art education organization in Cameroon, Africa.

O’Connor and McDavitt’s art and writing students collaborated to write and illustrate nine children books that were anthologized into, WonderStories: Imaginative Fables

by Fantastical Youth. The stories focus on elements of the human experience relevant across the globe; loss of a loved one, fear of change, individuality, and acceptance are just some of the themes the stories explore. The anthology was

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

published in print and digital formats and are being sold on Amazon. All proceeds will be donated to Sysy House of Fame (sysyhouseoffame.org) to help their mission of empowering the youth in Cameroon through education and artistic outlets.

Connecting the local RBR community, O’Connor and McDavitt reimagined a school tradition of a literary and art magazine. LitArt Mag is a Digital Creative Arts Magazine for students in the regional high school. The magazine combines the vast variety of talents that litter the hallways and puts them in a public forum to help individuals gain notoriety for their abilities in the times of the pandemic where in-person performances are banned. The magazine is working on its third edition and is gaining more traction with the students as a place to be seen and heard.

To read past and upcoming editions of the LitArt Mag, visit https://sites.google.com/rbrhs.org/litartmag/home.

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I N D I E S T R E E T F I L M F E S T I V A L . O R G

Asbury Park’s The Stone Pony and Senator Vin Gopal’s Civic Association have teamed up to support the Jersey Shore music and art industry with a virtual benefit concert, Asbury Band Aid on April 20 at 7:00 pm. Artists, musicians, and the industry leaders that support them will be able to apply to receive a grant through the proceeds from Asbury Band Aid.

“Asbury Park is home to an incredible art community economically impacted by the mandated shutdown. As the artists work to overcome the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, we want to provide shortterm relief to help meet their financial challenges,” noted Senator Vin Gopal, Chair, Vin Gopal Civic Association. “I look forward to watching my favorite bands play once again at the Stone Pony Summer Stage when it is safe.”

Artists and guests featured in the program will include: Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Vin Gopal, Harlan Coben, Anthony Krizan, The B Street Band, Beach Rats, Billy Walton Band, Bob Polding Band, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, Brian Kirk, Chris Buono, Colossal Street Jam, Danny Clinch, Dentist, Des andw the Swagmatics, Eddie Testa, Emily Grove, Jarod Clemons, Jess Alaimo, Joe Boris, Jill Hennessy, Melissa Keeling, The Nerds, Pat Rody, Rachel Dobken, The Smokin’ Jackets, Splintered Sunlight, Shady Street Show Band, Tangiers Blues Band, Waiting on Mongo, The Weeklings, and William’s Honor.

“This has been a project months in the making. Everyone who participated did it with the hope of helping someone else,” said Caroline O’Toole, General Manager, The Stone Pony. “That is a true power of music and the spirit of the Jersey Shore.”

Donations will be accepted at AsburyBandAid.com.

Merchandise available through The Stone Pony will include signed guitars, private concert, tshirts, posters, and more.

All proceeds of sales will benefit the artist grants.

Sponsors of Asbury Band Aid include Tito’s, JCP&L, Pepsi, Truly, Grunin Foundation, Horizon, NJ Resources, Monmouth Park, and CLB Partners.

Asbury Band Aid will stream live on AsburyBandAid.com, Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube. Visit AsburyBandAid.com for more details.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

TRULY GREAT EDUCATION SHOULD

RAISE

EXPECTATIONS

Happiness Plays Crucial Role in Educational Success It’s no surprise that happiness has a direct correlation with student success. Educators have long maintained that a robust Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program helps children to understand and manage emotions, while equipping them to be more confident, responsible decision makers, and effective goal setters.

These significant benefits have taken on even more importance over the past year, as children continue to grapple with major changes—both at home and at school—wrought by the global pandemic.

“Many people are surprised to learn that the most significant predictor of future success is happiness,” said Cara Horner, Social Emotional Learning Specialist and Director of the Advisory Program at The Rumson Country Day School (RCDS). “Teaching students to understand and express their emotions and develop empathy sets the foundation to build the skills that are critical to success in school, and later, in adult life.”

At RCDS, students have attended school in person, with only brief shifts to online learning, during the current school year. While students have adjusted well to following Covid-19 safety precautions such as masking and social distancing, the pandemic has the potential to present anxiety due to changes at school or home.

RCDS’s robust SEL curriculum is embedded in every grade, from Beginners (kindergarten) to grade eight. Class time often starts with an emotional check-in or morning meeting, followed by advisory meetings in Upper School, and many teacher-guided activities throughout the school day that spark exploration and joy in learning, while cultivating skills like planning, organization, time management, task Initiation, self-control, flexibility, and perseverance.

“It’s so important to begin this process when students are young. By the time they reach adolescence, the challenges may be quite different for each individual, but the tools required to navigate successfully are the same. That’s why it’s critical for kids to develop skills of self-reflection, emotional regulation, and empathy before their personalities and habits are cemented,” said Mrs. Horner.

To learn more about Social Emotional Learning, including activities parents can do at home with their children, download The Rumson Country Day School’s free e-book, The Happiness Factor: A Parent’s Guide to Social Emotional Learning at rcds.org.

If a year of pandemic learning has lowered your expectations of school, RCDS can raise them.

With a COVID-19 Plan that prioritized the needs of children and brought our community on campus five days a week. Average class sizes of 12-15 that ensure more personal attention. Stellar faculty who recognize the potential of each RCDS student, and provide the support, encouragement and challenge needed to reach it. The Four Pillars — Kind, Honest, Responsible and Respectful — the core values that guide all we do in ordinary and extraordinary times.

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35 Bellevue Avenue • Rumson, NJ 07760 • 732.842.0527 www.rcds.org

CommunityMagazineNJ.com APRIL 2021

39

Jersey Shore Chefs Dish Out Delicious Inspiration

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Announces Winners of TopCookie Dessert Competition and Benefit

Girls Scouts of the Jersey Shore CEO Eileen Higgins (center), welcomes chefs to the 2021 TopCookie dessert competition and fundraising event.

The cookies have been crumbled, the votes have been tallied, and Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore is pleased to announce the champions of its 2021 TopCookie dessert competition and fundraiser on the Girl Scout YouTube channel and Facebook.

Charlie’s of Bay Head was selected TopCookie winner by a jury of judges, led by celebrity chef David Burke, and Cardinal Provisions located in Asbury Park captured the People’s Choice Award.

Proceeds from the two-part event will fund leadership programs and experiences for local Girl Scouts “designed to keep them connected and engaged during this challenging time,” said Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore CEO Eileen Higgins.

Chefs from four Jersey Shore restaurants took on the challenge of transforming beloved Girl Scout Cookies into delectable desserts that were judged on appearance, flavor, texture, and creativity. Judges sampled each dessert as the presenting chef shared how the Girl Scout Cookie was incorporated into the tasty concoctions.

“Judging this year’s competition was very difficult. The desserts were fantastic and very creative,” said Burke, a

1.

2.

James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and cookbook editor, who was a familiar guest on TV’s Top Chef.

Also competing in the dessert contest were Marina Grille, a Belmar restaurant, and White Chapel Projects, a Long Branch restaurant.

Joining Burke in tasting and evaluating the desserts were: Amelia Caverly, baker and co-owner of Booskerdoo; James Costello, owner of Ohana Grill in Lavallette and the 2020 TopCookie champion; Jacki Sharpe, owner of Purple Glaze Donuts, Asbury Park; and Kacie Duesterdick and Matthew Simonik, SeastheDish, food and restaurant influencers.

The cookie competition was emceed by Emmy Awardwinning journalist Kimberly Kravitz and can be viewed on the Girls Scouts of the Jersey Shore YouTube channel.

Higgins said the event raised more than $30,000 to support Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore and helped promote the hard-working restaurant community. “It’s been a difficult year for everyone. This was a fun way to come together and support each other,” Higgins added.

The top event sponsor was the Citta Foundation, Inc., while the Grunin Foundation sponsored the luncheon and live event.

3.

(1) TopCookie dessert champions are (left to right) Taylor Moyer and Angela Goblesky from Charlie’s of Bay Head for their Lemon-up dessert. (2) CEO Eileen Higgins (third from left) and judges get ready for the showdown. Left to right: James Costello, David Burke, Kacie Duesterdick, Matthew Simonik, Amelia Caverly and Jacki Sharpe (3) The People’s Choice award winner is Cardinal Provisions for a Samoa dessert created by chefs (left to right) Grace Crossman, Laura Brahn and Angie Fulton.

Photo Credit: John Vitollo

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Pet Celebs Katie of Little Silver

Lemmy of Asbury Park Gracie Komjathy of Rumson

Charlie Komjathy of Rumson

Kitty Komjathy of Rumson

Maia of Rumson Bodie of Rumson

Griffin of Holmdel

Noodles of Middletown Bruno of Lincroft Sayta Panchal of Holmdel

Visit

Atticus of Holmdel

olts Neck

Eli Komjathy of Rumson Fay of Holmdel

Izzy Pup of Howell

CommunityMagazineNJ.com

today for our Annual Pet Contest!

Vote for YOUR favorite pet!

Lulu of Fair Haven

Shelby & Jasper Smith of Red Bank

Daisy & Lilly of Rumson Caymus & Max of Lincroft

Hunter of Rumson

Juno & Koda of Holmdel

Colts Neck

Cheyanne of Atlantic Highlands

Buddy & Belle of Holmdel

Lola & Hunter of Fair Haven

Lottie of Rumson

Rocky & Ginger of Red Bank

Brooks of Red Bank

Luna of Rumson

Muttsy of Colts Neck

Max of Lincroft

Earl & Borne of Sea Bright Jack & Cheddar of Little Silver

Continued on Page 44

Jasper & Montie Your Pets can be of Little Silver 64 Hazel COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com of Holmdel 42

Princess of Colts Neck Biscuit & Midnight of Colts Neck

Clancy of Middletown

Mia of Colts Neck

Continued on Page 66 Emma of Middletown

celebrities too.of Rumson Lilly of Rumson Panda Cuje Send in a photo Your to info@CommunityMagazineNJ.com!

Pets can be celebrities too.

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Send in a photo to info@CommunityMagazineNJ.com!

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A Year We Will Never Forget Last April, we at CM dedicated our cover to all the local heroes of the pandemic. One year later, we are still dealing with the daily struggles and grateful still to all the heroes keeping us safe and keeping us going.

Please remember to support LOCAL and frequent small business as often as possible.

Stay safe!

CommunityMagazineNJ.com APRIL 2021

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Pet Celebs Your Pets can be celebrities too.

Send in a photo to info@CommunityMagazineNJ.com!

Katie of Little Silver

Lemmy of Asbury Park Maia of Rumson Bodie of Rumson

Griffin of Holmdel

Noodles of Middletown Bruno of Lincroft Sayta Panchal of Holmdel

Ruby & Max of Rumson Atticus of Holmdel

olts Neck

Fay of Holmdel

Henri of Little Silver

Holly Golightly Izzy Pup of Howell of Little Silver

Daisy & Lilly of Rumson Caymus & Max of Lincroft

Hunter of Rumson

Juno & Koda of Holmdel Melody of Little Silver

Colts Neck

Lottie of Rumson

Toby of Little Silver 64

Cheyanne of Atlantic Highlands

Buddy & Belle of Holmdel

Jack of Rumson

Miss Baillie of Rumson

Princess of Colts Neck Biscuit & Midnight of Colts Neck

Rocky & Ginger of Red Bank

Brooks of Red Bank

Luna of Rumson

Muttsy of Colts Neck

Max of Lincroft

Winston Ward of Rumson

Daisy Petunia of Little Silver

Jasper & Montie Your Pets can be celebrities too.of Rumson Hazel of Little Silver Panda Cuje COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com of Holmdel Visit CommunityMagazineNJ.com today for

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Mia of Colts Neck

Continued on Page 66

Harry of Fair Haven

Lilly of Rumson

Send in a photo to info@CommunityMagazineNJ.com!

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our Annual Pet Contest! Vote for YOUR favorite pet!

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Happy Easter

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CommunityMagazineNJ.com APRIL 2021

47

Locally Owned & Family Operated

Everyday Discount Prices

Red Bank 362 Broad Street

Lincroft 720 Newman Springs Rd

Atlantic Highlands Hwy 36 & First Avenue

Red Bank 56 Newman Springs Road

Port Monmouth 426 Hwy 36 & Wilson Avenue

Middletown 853 Hwy 35

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Sea Girt Hwy 35 & Sea Girt Avenue