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

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Mother’s Day, National Pet Month, and a Few Other Things, Too

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After what always feels like too many months of winter, May is known to come rushing in like a lion with spring warmth and beautiful flowers. Named for the Greek goddess Maia who looked after plants, the month is said to be one that brings love and success. Known for several unofficial holidays, there is only one federal holiday this month – the long-awaited Memorial Day ushering in the unofficial start to the Jersey Shore summer festivities as we honor those who lost their lives protecting our country while in military service.

In addition to the Indianapolis 500, Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and our first days this year at either Monmouth Park or the beach, May is the month we officially celebrate all the moms. The tradition of honoring mothers started during the Middle Ages when those who had moved away from their home parishes and mothers were allowed to travel back on the fourth Sunday during Lent. It became known as Mothering Sunday in Great Britain and is still celebrated to this day. Although celebrated throughout the world, Mother’s Day took root in the United States in May of 1907 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial service at her late mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within a few years most states were observing Mother’s Day and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday.

Interestingly, a Mother’s Day wasn’t Anna’s idea. Mother Jarvis, as her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis was known, was an Appalachian homemaker who taught Sunday school lessons. She was a lifelong activist who worked to combat unsanitary living conditions and to teach young mothers how to properly care for their children. Mother Jarvis also proposed a Mother’s Friendship Day to promote unity and peace between former Union and Confederate families. That same idea was called for by Julia Ward Howe, the famous poet and reformer who authored The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Around 1870 Howe wanted a Mother’s Day for Peace dedicated to the celebration of peace and the eradication of war. Howe’s version of the holiday was held in Boston for nearly 30 years until World War I. Having its roots in a day of peace seems fitting for the celebration of moms, as many mothers would wish for peace over almost all else.

It’s also fitting that May has been named National Pet Month, as anyone who has a fur baby will attest to loving them as their own.

As it is with all months now, May has a full list of days, events, concepts, and things we celebrate including strawberries, asparagus, cheese, drums, motorcycles, correct posture, bikes, BBQ, hamburgers, salad, salsa, photography, and eggs. It’s also national moving month, foster care month, older Americans month, and date your mate month.

Many medical and health conditions are also recognized, with just a couple being blood pressure, ALS, cystic fibrosis, speech and language, and mental health.

So, while you’re celebrating the incredible, edible egg and planning a date with your mate while lounging with your pet, remember to honor the brave men and women who died for our freedoms. And as a special nod to Anna and Mother Jarvis, if you’re able to, please hug your mother extra-long and extra tight. Many of us will be wishing we could.

Meet Your Neighbor Laila Hardy-Johnson Author Shares Her Incredible Journey to Motherhood

By Cathy Padilla Her story is one of hope and determination. After being told pregnancy would be impossible for her, she endured her second bout with an aggressive cancer while pregnant. Despite the advice of specialists to terminate the pregnancy, she postponed needed treatments to keep her unborn child safe despite a possible Down syndrome diagnosis. Six and a half years later she is cancer-free, her son is happy and healthy, and she has a new book coming out later this year titled Don’t Look Up the Mountain. The epitome of what a mother’s love can endure and provide, meet your neighbor Laila Hardy-Johnson.

On a June afternoon in 2006, Laila, a physically fit and seemingly healthy health coach and personal trainer, was given the surprise diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia. She was immediately admitted to the hospital and isolated for her own protection.

“My life completely changed in that one moment,” shared Laila.

“Life as I knew it in Manhattan was history. Treatment was aggressive for the first year and then I had ‘lighter’ chemo for another year and a half. I had to move out of my apartment in NYC and leave my job and dreams behind.”

Laila moved to Monmouth County and found a way to survive the ordeal. By 2011 she was considered cured. Having met her future husband, Erik, during that time, the couple married in 2013.

“I was 39, so we started trying for a baby pretty soon after getting married,” explained Laila. “I did get pregnant, but it was ectopic and not viable. Being that I am so focused on natural remedies, for months after the ectopic I dove into research on the best support to conceive naturally. I followed a different way of eating and added supportive supplements. Eventually the specialist advised me that I wouldn’t be able to carry a pregnancy to term with my aging eggs.

The day after that conversation, we conceived my son naturally on New Year’s Day, 2015.”

Having wanted so badly to give birth to her own child, Laila and Erik’s dream of parenthood was happening despite the odds. But their celebration was short-lived.

“By April 2015, the leukemia had returned and I was admitted to the hospital to start treatment,” said Laila. “It seemed impossible at first to find an oncologist to treat me while pregnant. Some highly respected doctors wanted me to terminate the pregnancy.

I couldn’t. I loved him already and he was my last chance to have my own child. We also got bloodwork results suggesting a high probability that he had Down syndrome. My team really wanted to do an amnio to be sure. I refused. I couldn’t risk the pregnancy. I told them it was self-preservation because I knew I wouldn’t make it if something happened to him. In order to protect him, I got a modified chemotherapy protocol until he was born. He was born healthy, and to the shock of all the doctors, without Down syndrome.

We named him Luke.”

Having been through what some would imagine to be the worst part, Laila would soon meet with more significant physical challenges.

“Two weeks after Luke was born, I had to leave him for five weeks to get a bone marrow transplant,” said Laila. “I still break down crying when I think of saying good-bye to him that morning.

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I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see him again.

My comfort was that he was out of my body and healthy! Nothing could have prepared me for the physical devastation that occurred. I thought that I had seen it all with my rigorous chemo treatments. I was wiped out and completely leveled, but I feel like I clawed my way through to get to the finish line which was home with Luke.

I am happy to report that I am six and a half years cancer free and pray that it stays that way. I feel that I have so much more to do and so much to Laila after her bone marrow transplant with baby Luke experience with my family.”

“During my treatment, when I was in a dark and scary place, stories of survival pulled me forward,” said Laila. “I hope my story will help anyone who needs it. It doesn’t have to be a sickness that someone is experiencing. Life is hard, but if we keep putting one foot in front of the other, and find the support we need, we find that possibilities present themselves. Coming back from being leveled both physically and emotionally, navigating depression, and enduring a lack of joy and hopelessness is a story from which many can benefit.”

On May 19, Laila will speak as part of a panel of authors at Sips ’n Tips to Slay Your Dreams at Nordstrom at Menlo Park Mall (InspiredGirlEnterprises.com). At the event and in her new book, she shares her story of how she conceived her son naturally and survived and overcame impossible odds.

To read more of Laila’s story, visit our website, CommunityMagazineNJ.com.

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KEEP GETTING BETTER

Meet Your Neighbor | Jean Di Paolo-Pedrazzo A personal injury plaintiff attorney with working knowledge of both sides of the argument, her passion is to help those who find themselves in difficult situations. Living in Little Silver for the past five years with her husband Thomas and her two rescue dogs, Juno and Zoey, meet your neighbor, Jean A. Di Paolo-Pedrazzo.

Why I chose personal injury law: I like to help people. Ever since I was a child all I wanted to do in life was to help people feel better and bring happiness to difficult situations. The type of law I practice allows me to make someone whole again, whether it be mentally, financially, or both. Knowing that I have accomplished this for my clients makes my heart feel full.

What sets me apart from others doing what I do: I have a unique and different perspective for this type of law as I worked as a personal injury defense attorney for 17 years. I fully understand both sides. Once you know how to defend a case as a plaintiff ’s personal injury attorney, you know precisely what the defense will look like. I care about my clients and their injuries; my clients are not just files in the office. I treat them all with care and compassion.

The most rewarding part of my career: When a client thanks me from the bottom of his/her heart for not only reaching a satisfactory result but also for actually caring and being compassionate about their particular situation.

My next business goal: My goal in my career is to always be the absolute best attorney for my clients, to treat them with respect and kindness, and to be understanding, compassionate, and aware of their sometimes horrendous circumstances. Many attorneys do not realize how much this helps people and how cared for it makes them feel. This is so important in my practice.

Thomas and Jean Pedrazzo

My best tip to share: Always treat people the way you would want to be treated and just be patient. You can never really know someone’s story, so be patient and be kind. Sometimes all someone needs is for you to sit with them and listen.

Who has most influenced my life and career: My mom. She educated herself and then achieved a PhD in Math. She went on to teach at the high school level for 20 years before having me at the age of 50. She wanted to have her entire career before having a child. My mom was the kindest, most compassionate, caring, and loyal woman I have ever met in my life. She taught me my values and how to treat people. She wanted me to always be happy and worked so hard to make sure that I was, even in the worst of situations. I have always wanted to make people feel better because my mom was that person who always made people feel better.

Zoey and Juno

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What I do when I’m not working: I spend time with my husband and dogs. I kayak and jet ski. I am a diehard spin bike rider. I was a runner for more than 15 years pursuing both half and full marathons and intend to return to that sport. I take hot yoga and Pilates classes. I keep as active and as fit as I can. I love attending plays and concerts. I love traveling and, of course, I love spending time with all of my wonderful friends and co-workers who support me in every aspect of my life.

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Pets & People…Perfect Together

By LiliAnn Paras May is National Pet Month as well as Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to celebrate the ways our animal companions improve our well-being. The unconditional love we get from our petsand give back to them-is one of life’s immeasurable pleasures. This is certainly not a new phenomenon, and in fact, The Smithsonian Institute estimates that pet ownership began tens of thousands of years ago. And it isn’t a small phenomenon either. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that approximately 70% of American households (90.5 million homes) now own at least one pet. Of households polled, 80% considered pets part of the family, 17% considered pets as companions, and only 3% considered them property.

Pet owners and animal lovers know intuitively their interactions with animals bring them happiness. People of all ages, with or without health concerns, reap emotional rewards from caring for a pet. Owning a pet may increase playfulness, require more regular exercise, and be a source of general amusement and satisfaction.

Children learn responsibility and often gain confidence from their nonjudgmental animal friends. Pet-friendly workplaces report increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

There are scientific underpinnings for these positive feelings.

According to Mental Health America, studies support interactions with animals can lower blood pressure and slow heart rates through such simple tasks as grooming or petting an animal, fulfilling the basic human need for touch. The close bond with an animal can also alleviate stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. For those with diagnosed mental health conditions, the results of animal assisted interactions can be even more profound.

Prisons provide a stark example of the healing power of pets. In all

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50 states, penal institutions have seen firsthand the positive effect of matching at-risk animals with inmates. Participating inmates have been variously matched with dogs, cats, wild horses, and in some cases, injured wildlife. It is a transformative experience for both the caretakers and their furry students. Many inmates were moved by their first experience of unconditional love, leading to the development of trust, empathy, patience, and social skills-and an easier transition back to civilian life. Animals that were considered “unadoptable” were socialized and placed in loving homes. (newlifek9s.org) In some cases, the companionship of animals is more formalized, serving as certified Emotional Support Animals (ESA) or as service animals. ESA provide support and companionship without specialized training; service animals assist with specific tasks. Once certified, an ESA is allowed certain access to housing and travel otherwise unavailable to pets. ESA programs received a lot of recognition recently, when an airline refused to recognize a peacock as a legitimate support pet. Other unusual ESA include turkeys, pigs, monkeys, and miniature horses, although not surprisingly, dogs and cats make up the vast majority of support animals.

Animals, and dogs in particular, continue to improve our lives. Most people are familiar with service canines that can guide the sightimpaired, detect seizures, remind owners to take medication, and so much more. A very new way to improve our lives is underway at The University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. There, dogs are undergoing rigorous training to detect by odor whether someone is COVID positive or negative, and even whether a person is vaccinated!

As animals continue to improve our lives, it is right to improve theirs as well. This month is the perfect time to give your special animal companion a little extra, well-deserved attention and affection.

RESILIENCE Mental Health Association of Monmouth County to Host Annual Dinner Event will Honor Amanda’s Easel + 2nd Floor Youth Helpline & Senator Vin Gopal As we all look forward to “Something Beautiful on the Horizon,” the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) will host its Annual Dinner on June 2 at The Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank.

MHA will honor two community partners.

Senator Vin Gopal will receive MHA’s Humanitarian Award for his outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of all those who experience mental health concerns throughout the state.

Senator Gopal has championed the importance of mental wellness throughout his political career, most recently sponsoring the bill which now ensures that telehealth continues to be covered by insurance and Medicaid and introducing legislation proposing to delay statewide high school start times to reduce adolescents’ risk of anxiety and depression.

MHA will present its Child Advocacy Award to Amanda’s Easel + 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline, both programs of 180 Turning Lives Around. MHA’s Family Crisis Intervention Unit and child protective case management programs frequently refer children who have experienced trauma and abuse to Amanda’s Easel, where they participate in creative art, play, drama, and music therapy under the guidance of master’s level clinicians. Echoing MHA’s extensive suicide prevention work, the 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline provides confidential around-the-clock support, advice, and comfort while steering callers to community resources.

“180’s programs are deeply rooted in empowerment and compassion--attributes that are also very important to the Mental Health Association,” said Anna Diaz-White, Executive Director of 180 Turning Lives Around. “180 is honored to be recognized for our work with our Amanda’s Easel Program and our 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline program which both emulate empowerment, compassion, and aim to build emotional resilience in children, teens and young adults throughout Monmouth County and beyond. We sincerely thank the Mental Health Association for recognizing our work in the community and helping us to elevate awareness surrounding our programs, services and mission.”

By purchasing a ticket, your generosity will help support the free social service programs provided by MHA such as outpatient counseling, homeless services, case management, and ongoing training/support of school staff.

For more information, visit MentalHealthMonmouth.org.

Ranney students are not afraid to take risks and are able to thrive even in uncomfortable situations.

Ranney nurtures these qualities through social emotional learning curricula and a community of faculty who make up a strong support system.

CommunityMagazineNJ.com MAY 2022

Lead / Create / Contribute

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www.ranneyschool.org

DI VORCE TA LK

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

PET CUSTODY What happens when pet-loving couples get divorced? Family Court judges are called upon to answer this question with increasing frequency. What are the legal standards? The first one is the most important. Pets are personal property under New Jersey law. Unlike custody of children, which is guided by the best interests of the child, custody of pets is viewed from the perspective of the owners, not the pet (except in cases of abuse or neglect).

Thus, whether possession of a dog, a cat, a lizard, or a fish is at stake, the law looks at it in the same way it looks at a fight over possession of a piece of art, an heirloom, or family treasures that induce a strong sentimental attachment. In most cases, when a divorcing couple cannot agree on the division of an item of personal property, the court will order it sold and the sale proceeds divided. However, there are certain assets which cannot be sold or divided without creating a hardship. Courts have

described these assets as property with “special subjective value”. Like grandma’s handmade quilt or the Picasso hanging in the living room, pets are often considered to have special subjective value.

In those cases, the court must consider the facts and circumstances that give rise to each party’s special affection for or attachment to the pet. Who bought it, who cares for it, who feeds it, and who takes it to the vet? Is one party motivated by greed or spite, rather than a genuine fondness for or attachment to the pet? Is the pet a registered service animal? Does it provide emotional support to one spouse? Are the children attached to the pet and are their best interests served by having the pet in the household where they primarily reside?

In other words, the court will hear the testimony, review the evidence, and then decide which spouse has a genuine attachment to the pet that creates a special subjective value to that party.

The pet will then be awarded to the spouse who convinces the court that he or she has that special attachment. Since pets are property and property is equitably distributed in divorce, the spouse who isn’t awarded the pet may still be entitled to compensation. Like the Picasso, many pets have more than sentimental value.

Well-bred animals, rare animals, and animals with other special qualities may have a fair market value that goes beyond sentiment. In those cases the court must also determine the pet’s value in order to compensate the other party. Pet visitation has sometimes been the appropriate remedy.

Disputes over pet custody are often fought with the vigor of child custody battles. Our law recognizes the unique character of these cases and affords each side a full opportunity to convince the court of the special subjective value the pet has to him or her. Preparation, evidence, and sincerity will often carry the day.

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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CommunityMagazineNJ.com MAY 2022

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Every Day is Mother’s Day A Mother-Daughter Team Helps Children

BY CATHY PADILLA | PHOTO CARMELA CARACAPPA

W

henever we kids would ask my mother what she wanted to do for Mother’s Day she would always say, “Every day is Mother’s Day.” As a child, even a teenager, I had no idea what that meant. Now I think it falls somewhere between how a mother’s work is never done and the idea that any day you spend with one of your children is special.

Two of our Community neighbors, who happen to be a mother and daughter who live across the street from one another in Middletown, spend every day together working a career that is never truly done – helping children. Dr. Bernadette Mullen and Shaylyn Stilwell co-own Speech Start, open six days a week and located in both Rumson and Hazlet, and lead a team of therapists who develop and tailor programs that meet the developmental requirements of children with special needs. As May is both the month we collectively celebrate moms and National Speech and Language Awareness Month, we caught up with the dynamic duo who share a growing business and a love for helping children.

“We all need to communicate with people we love, friends we know, and people we meet,” said Dr. Mullen. “It is challenging for many of us to imagine, but communication is difficult for many children and adults. They have some type of speech and language disorder that disrupts that process. We all need to be cognizant of that in the community, at work, and at social events. The month of May focuses on speech and language by providing us all with information about apraxia, aphasia, dysarthria, autism, Down syndrome, hearing impairment, and many others.”

Having grown up in Lincroft and then Holmdel, Dr. Mullen started Speech Start in Middletown in 1998 and then moved the location to Hazlet in 2002.

SHAYLYN STILWELL AND DR. BERNADETTE MULLEN CIRCLE-CHEVRON-RIGHT CO - OWNERS OF SPEECH START

“I always wanted to be a speech and language pathologist (SLP) for as long as I can remember,” said Dr. Mullen.

“My father encouraged all my sisters and me to be nurses but I knew I wanted to be an SLP. I absolutely loved pediatrics and all the things that SLPs would work on for instance, sign language, hearing evaluations, sound production, social skills groups, and the list goes on. I also visited a speech and language rehab center when I was enrolled at Holmdel High School, which solidified my decision.”

As the practice grew, and Shaylyn graduated from Monmouth University with a Master of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology, her role at her mother’s office transitioned from helper to co-owner.

“I grew up around children with special needs and was very much a part of Speech Start from the beginning,” shared Shaylyn. “I served as a typical peer in individual and group speech/ language therapy sessions from infancy up through my middle and high school years. I always loved being around this population and working with children so I knew I wanted to be in this field or a related service field from a very young age. I have always loved the clinical side of this field but, more importantly, I have always enjoyed becoming part of my clients’ lives.”

Though having admittedly different personalities, both mother and daughter share certain passions. Both love living in Middletown, both love their dogs and have a total of seven between them (Shaylyn - Kaia, Kenzie, Tank, and Myle.

Dr. Mullen - Daisy Dukes, Willie Nelson, and Penny Lane), both are dedicated to treating their clients and client families as a whole, and both women care deeply about family and each other.

“Working together is an adventure!” said Shaylyn. “We are like ying and yang, total opposites, but it is actually a very good thing for our business.

My mother and I have very different strengths and weaknesses and they complement each other. It is really great to have two different perspectives on issues as it opens the other’s eyes to a different way of looking at a situation or issue.”

The team opened a second Speech

Start location in Fair Haven in 2016 and within three years relocated to a larger space in Rumson. As the only speech/ language therapy private practice in the Rumson/Fair Haven area, business has expanded significantly.

“I conduct most of the evaluations,” shared Dr. Mullen. “I had evaluated many children from the shore area and the parents repeatedly said our Hazlet office was too far. After we moved to Rumson, we began to identify all the advantages of being in this community. We have expanded in many areas, but our forward movement began with many of our staff acquiring specialty certificates for example in PROMPT, feeding, and sensory processing. We have also improved our social skills, literacy, and language groups. We do groups more frequently and we have been offering community trips as part of the program. We have specialty activities at the center like the ice cream truck, The Fun Bus, gym instructor Pat, and the Bubble Man.” Always looking to improve and offer the most innovative and effective services, occupational therapy was recently added to the curriculum at Speech Start. The team also focuses on offering parent and staff educational seminars to help the community at large understand autism as well as other disabilities and disorders.

“It is crucial that our community first responders, professionals, families, and other peers - understand speech and language disorders particularly in those with autism,” said Shaylyn. “We are hopeful that this understanding helps us to help those with autism to integrate into our community and opens up doors professionally, personally, and socially for them.”

Having had a father who was an FBI agent, Dr. Mullen learned early the importance of work and dedication to a goal. It’s something she also credits Shaylyn with teaching her.

“Two people have greatly influenced my career,” said Dr. Mullen. “First and foremost, my father. My dad was an

FBI agent and he took it quite seriously. He never complained about work or spoke negatively about it. He always did his best. Second would be my daughter.

She has helped me see so many things I did not see before I worked with her.

I am older and I have been doing this a long time, so a new perspective is appreciated.”

That strong work ethic is reflected in Shaylyn’s thoughts about her mom as well as her favorite saying, “She thought she could so she did.”

“My mother has shown me what a strong, powerful woman looks like,” said Shaylyn. “I come from a line of strong women but my mom is by far the strongest! She never stops learning and has always been my inspiration, especially professionally.”

"We are like ying and yang, total opposites, but it is actually a very good thing for our business."

Married for 33 years to Edward, also raised in Holmdel, Dr. Mullen says their three children have been their greatest blessing: Shaylyn, who is the oldest and is recently married to Dylan; Eddie, a police officer who is engaged and living in Middletown; and Daniel, a recent graduate of Rowan University who works for Boars Head.

Living and working by the mantra “I was not made to give up,” Dr. Mullen has shared her philosophy with her own children as well as putting it to use to help other children.

“The most rewarding part of my career is hearing a child ask for something they want or say ‘Mommy or Daddy’ or ‘I love you’ to people he/she cares about for the first time,” shared Dr. Mullen.

“My best life tip is to put yourself in the shoes of others before you judge anyone. We never know what another person is going through. My best business tip is to be honest in your work, know what you know and be forthright with what you don’t. Do the best work you can!”

CommunityMagazineNJ.com MAY 2022

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Bell Works Fresh Market Wednesdays through November Saturdays through November A weekly farmers market featuring around 50 local artists, makers, farmers and food purveyors. Located at Bell Works in Holmdel, a 2 million square foot metroburb featuring five floors of offices, a full restaurant and retail experience, and a rooftop bar.

More info at BellWorksFresh.com.

4th Annual Brew by the Bay May 14 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Highlands will be hosting a craft beer festival at The Seafarer (1 Atlantic Avenue, Highlands) with live music, fire pits, and Local Smoke cuisine. The tasting takes place on the picturesque waterfront, tickets are $35 which includes seven 4oz. tastings and a pint of craft beer and commemorative pilsner cup. Additional tastings for $3. More info at HighlandsNJ.com.

Ocean Grove Vintage Car Show May 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Proceeds to benefit Saint Paul’s Food Pantry, enjoy live music and more on Main Avenue. More info at OceanGroveNJ.com.

Sips ‘n Tips to Slay Your Dreams May 19 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Panel discussion with five authors: Carla Bushey, Brianna McCabe, Danielle Haines Heuer, Laila Hardy Johnson, and Jennifer Garcia Mawson at Nordstrom, Menlo Park Mall. More info at InspiredGirlEnterprises.com.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival May 28 through May 30 Join in from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for three days of amazing food, great music, live horse racing, and much more! Parking is free. General admission is just $6. More info at MonmouthPark.com.

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21st Annual Highlands Craft Show May 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Highlands Business Partnership will host the Seaport Craft Show, rain or shine. Admission is free and located at Huddy Park.

Experience a delightful collection of various handmade crafts from more than 50 crafters and artisans. More info at HighlandsNJ.com.

The Jersey Shore Partnership’s Summer Celebration June 13 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy elaborate food presentations from the area’s leading restaurants, music by Brian Kirk & The Jirks all in a huge open tent at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook. More info at JerseyShorePartnership.com.

StreetLife June 4 through August 27 – Saturday Nights All summer long the sidewalks come to life with performances from local musicians and artists! Performances take place at various locations throughout the Red Bank business district, weather permitting. More info at RedBank.org.

The Red Bank Classic 5K June 18 The race is ON! Registration includes a finisher medal, race t-shirt, entrance into the after party, and official race sports bag (limited to the first 1,000 runners). Kids Race registration includes a finisher medal and race t-shirt. More info and to register at RedBankClassic.com.

Irish Festival June 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Live racing plus Irish food, vendors, dancing, music, and more. Don’t miss the annual Human Horse Race as we cheer on our friends while raising money for a great cause. FREE Family Fun Day activities – including clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house. More info at MonmouthPark.com.

Red Bank Juneteenth Celebration June 18 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

This community event will feature food trucks, live music, speakers, and so much more. This event is free for all to attend and will be located at Johnny Jazz Park. More info at RedBank.org.

Pride in the Park June 11 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Vendors, giveaways, live music and dance, kids activities, and so much more. This event is free and takes place in Riverside Gardens Park, Red Bank. More info at RedBank.org.

5K Tutu Trot Run/Walk June 12 Hosted by Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer, run or walk for children with cancer, in your tutu at Middletown High School South in Middletown. More info at InfiniteLoveForKidsFightingCancer.org.

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE CommunityMagazineNJ.com

Taste of Highlands June 25 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $45 and include scrumptious samplings at over twenty restaurants, eateries and establishments in a half square mile. More info at HighlandsNJ.com.

Band of Two Rivers Concert July 13 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Free concert at Fair Haven Pier (21 Fair Haven Road, Fair Haven). Outdoor concerts are subject to weather conditions and cancellation. More info at its Facebook page - @ Band2R.

Accepting event listings at info@communitymagazinenj.com.

Please check the website prior to attending to ensure accuracy.

BEWAREhouses!

By Jonathan D. Meer, Director of Development, Monmouth Conservation Foundation

Photo Courtesy of Monmouth Conservation Foundation

One of the common themes that generated hourly frustration in the early months of the pandemic was the scarcity of critical goods needed for everyday life. As a result of disruptions to the nation’s supply chain, New Jerseyans were unable to find some of our favorite consumer products at our supermarkets, pharmacies, and big-box retailers.

Most of those shortages are now thankfully behind us, and explosive growth of a key link in the State’s supply chain—the omnipresent mega warehouse—is designed to help us avoid those kinds of scarcities in the future. But, as many in the environmental community have asked, at what cost? Used for storage, fulfillment, sorting and distribution, warehouses ranging in size from 25,000 to hundreds of thousands of square feet have seemingly sprouted up all over the state in the past several years, prompting the New Jersey Conservation Foundation in 2021 to wonder cynically whether New Jersey indeed is the “Garden State or Warehouse State?”

Proponents of the warehouse development trend cite the economic realities we face in New Jersey. According to Tim Evans in his New Jersey Future Blog, “Warehouse Sprawl: Plan Now or Suffer the Consequences,” the presence of the nearby Port of New York and New Jersey, the second busiest hub in the country, necessitates a transportation and storage system capable of supporting it.

The downside of all the new and proposed warehouse development in Monmouth County, approximated by Colliers International commercial real estate unit in Woodbridge at 6.2 million square feet, can be seen, heard, and felt by County residents who now find these boxy behemoths in their backyards. With all that square footage of new warehouse projects now slated for Monmouth County, productive agricultural lands are clearly prime targets for developers. Why is this a concern? Because at present, agriculture and horticulture are also big businesses in the State and the County.

Despite its diminutive size, New Jersey is a top 10 national producer of key agricultural products, including eggplant (#1), spinach (#2), cranberries (#3), asparagus, bell peppers, and peaches (all #4) and blueberries (#5). In the field of horticulture, according to the 2020 Annual Report by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the

State is the nation’s 7th largest producer, with half a billion dollars in sales (in 2019).

So what happens in Monmouth County when the seemingly unstoppable force of warehouse development meets our centuriesold agricultural tradition? At Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF), we pledge to work even harder—with our state and local partners—to protect farmland, support agricultural viability and provide access to farmland now and for generations to come. To date, Monmouth County boasts 15,630 acres of preserved farmland, which is impressive but not a big surprise given how well the State of New Jersey as a whole has done in preserving farmland in recent years.

According to the American Farmland Trust’s (“AFT”) most recent multi-year study “Farms Under Threat: The State of the States,” New Jersey actually ranks first nationally for “implementing policies and programs to stem the loss of farmland.”

So if the State has, according to the AFT, done such a fine job preserving farmland, why are we seeing runaway warehouse development taking thousands of acres of arable land out of production every year? Sadly, it’s all about the Benjamins. How can the average family farmer resist the temptation of selling out to deep-pocketed developers? The key may be a regional approach to land use planning and an update of New Jersey’s long-dormant statewide plan.

Aside from advocating for updates to the statewide plan, what can Monmouth County residents do, especially on Earth Day, to help preserve farmland here? “If people love the rural character of our County, and care about the viability of our agricultural tradition, we hope they will consider contributing to MCF,” says its executive director William Kastning. Tax-deductible donations help MCF partner with the State, County, and local municipalities to preserve farmland through agricultural easements. Easements that allow local farmers to resist the lure of development dollars and keep their lands in production. And keep our corner of the Garden State green.

For the full article, visit MonmouthConservation.org/ blog/2022/4/13/bewarehouses.

Please note this is an opinion piece by the author.

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RFH Student Runs to Raise Funds Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School’s Scott Venancio not only accomplished a major feat recently but raised much-needed awareness and funds for an extremely worthwhile cause while doing so. Venancio, a Junior at RFH, completed the 3rd Annual Goggins’ 4 x 4 x 48 Challenge in March, and raised thousands for charity. Goggins is a retired Navy Seal who for the past few years has embarked on an ultramarathon aimed at supporting charities across the world. Beginning on March 4 at 8:00 p.m., runners from around the world joined Goggins’ campaign and began their efforts to run four miles every four hours for 48 hours. After attempting the challenge unsuccessfully last year (Venancio completed an impressive 40 of the 48 miles) and raising $5,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in honor of local Rumson resident, Dr. Edwin Gangemi, Venancio was determined to finish this year.

As Venancio amped up his training and the challenge was approaching, Venancio was devastated to learn of the unexpected passing of his family friend and Fair Haven resident, Nicholas Glassman.

Venancio decided to dedicate his challenge to Nick with the blessing of the Glassman family and to raise funds for their cause, Johnny’s Ambassadors, a non-partisan, non-profit, grass-roots alliance of individuals and organizations around the globe who educate parents and teens about the risks of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. Venancio and his family used social media to publicize his efforts and to garner support.

Venancio posted updates to his social media throughout and completed the challenge on the RFH track, under the lights at Borden Stadium on Sunday evening surrounded by more than 100 of his

friends, family, and community members, joined by his best friends, Steve Glassman, Nick’s father, and his own dad, Mario Venancio, for his final two miles. While Venancio is elated at his physical accomplishment and shared that this will go down, “as one of the most important nights of his life”, he is most excited, shocked, and humbled by the outpouring of support he received and the incredible $14,000 he was able to raise for such a worthy cause. Besides large donations from local community members, it was the importance of the message he was able to spread and the small donations made by teenagers that meant the most to him.

RCDS Student Spearheads Colorful Initiative to Benefit Cancer Families RCDS seventh grader Chloe Melconian doesn’t associate gold with just jewelry or glitter, she connects the color to a much deeper meaning. Gold, the international color for childhood cancer, is the color Chloe donned on RCDS’s Cancer Awareness Dress Down Day to support a cause that, unfortunately, hits close to home for her and her family.

In 2020 Chloe’s cousin Haig ’20, a beloved member of the RCDS community, lost his brave battle with cancer. Haig’s impact on the community and her family’s experience inspired Chloe to help other families with a loved one undergoing treatment. She spearheaded the Cancer Awareness Dress Down Day to encourage students to donate $2 in order to wear a color that represents a cancer they felt passionate about supporting.

“When my cousin was in the hospital, I saw the love and help that other people gave to my family,” said Chloe. “Sometimes neighbors would drop off meals to my aunt and uncle to show they cared. I know they really appreciated that.”

The initiative raised over $1,500 and provided enough gift bags to be donated to 17 families at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, whose mission is to not only provide the highest standard of healthcare, but to advocate for the needs of both their patients and their families.

Each gift bag contained a $100 gift card for UBER, Door Dash or Grub Hub, a gator lip balm, and an encouragement note written by an RCDS student.

“I think the gift bags made them happy to know that someone is there for them during a tough time,” said Chloe. “I can kind of relate to a similar time. So in a way it’s like we did something for my family too.”

“It’s also about informing more people about cancer,” she added.

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Left to right: Amy Clark (RCDS Service Learning Coordinator), Dr. Jessica Scerbo (Section Chief, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology), Marianne Semenuk (APN), Chloe Melconian (RCDS Class of ‘23), Lacey Richard (APN), and Dr. Andrew Silverman

By dressing in the particular colors at school Chloe hoped to increase awareness among her classmates and the rest of the RCDS community about the significance of the colors.

Chloe credits the culture of RCDS with the success of the fundraiser. “We’ve been talking about the School’s Four Pillars – Kind, Honest, Responsible, Respectful – since I was a Beginner (Kindergartner),” she explained. “The Pillars are everywhere in the school as a reminder.

My parents even have them posted on a bulletin board at home. So everyone at school was so nice and supportive. And Mrs. Clark (RCDS’s Service Learning Coordinator) is the best! She helped me connect with the student council who pitched in. She made meetings with the hospital. Without everyone’s help it wouldn’t have been so successful.”

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Noodles of Middletown Bruno of Lincroft Sayta Panchal of Holmdel Colt of Colts Neck

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Crash of Holmdel

Daisy & Lilly of Rumson Caymus & Max of Lincroft

Hunter of Rumson

Juno & Koda of Holmdel

Cheyanne of Atlantic Highlands

Buddy & Belle of Holmdel

Lacey of Colts Neck Rocky & Ginger of Red Bank

Bibi of Colts Neck

Lottie of Rumson

Luna of Rumson

Princess of Colts Neck Biscuit & Midnight of Colts Neck

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Continued on Page 66

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Photo Credit: Tom Zapcic Photography

Tigger Stavola Foundation Hosts Polar Plunge to Freeze Addiction In April, supporters gathered for Tigger Stavola Foundation’s 3rd annual Polar Plunge at Edgewater Beach and Cabana Club in memory of Judd Zagata, a kind and gentle soul who lost his life to substance use disorder last year.

“Seeing everyone gather to support TSF’s mission was heartwarming and demonstrates the passion for which the supporters, student alliance members, ambassadors, and the community have to ‘freeze addiction’,” said Mikaela Grande, TSF Ambassador.

With supporters, members of the Student Alliance, Ambassadors, Advisory Board members, and staff in attendance, Carley Deitrick, TSF’s Addiction Navigator & Student Alliance Coordinator kicked off the program. She spoke of the struggles that today’s youth faces and how TSF’s Student Alliance program is helping many in need.

“Youth prevention is especially important to the Foundation.

Our focus is to connect with children when they are young by offering an outlet to gain awareness and education on substance use disorder.

In doing so, we can help direct them towards a more healthy, productive and fulfilling life. We accomplish this through our Student Alliance program, where we empower and provide tools to today’s youth in hopes of encouraging them to be strong leaders,” said Dietrick.

The Zagata family, embraced by Tigger Stavola Foundation Ambassadors Jamie Jablonowski, Thomas Carter and Mikaela Grande

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TSF Student Alliance is a group of like-minded students from New Jersey schools such as Christian Brothers Academy, Trinity Hall, Ranney School, Rumson-Fair Haven High School, and Middletown South High School in grades 7 through 12 who want to serve as positive role models amongst their peers.

“I attended the first Polar Plunge right before the pandemic,” said Jamie Jablonowski, TSF Ambassador. “It was my first TSF event.

I felt grateful to be attending once again in person. I got to see a lot of familiar faces involved in the Tigger Stavola Foundation as well as meet families who were participating in honor of someone they lost.

The younger we are able to reach teens and help give them tools when presented with tough choices around drugs, the more prepared they will be and maybe we can help save lives. I am always so proud to be involved with an organization doing so much to help our community.”

Mia LeLand, a 7th grade Markham Place School student said, “My favorite part of the day was running into the water and I can’t wait to bring all of my friends next year. It was a blast, even in the rain!”

For more information on the Tigger Stavola Foundation and how to get involved, visit TiggerStavolaFoundation.org.

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EMACC Hosts 30th Annual Spinnaker Awards

Photo Credit: Tom Pantaleo

The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce (EMACC) celebrated its 30th Annual Spinnaker Awards acknowledging and honoring businesses and individuals in the Chamber’s service area for “above and beyond” community contributions.

The event was held at the Gramercy at Lakeside Manor with many businesses, county and state representatives attending to honor the 2022 awardees.

EMACC was excited to honor the following award recipients: Arts & Culture – Count Basie Center for the Arts. The award was accepted by Adam Philipson, Lysa Israel, Karen Franklin, Ann Marie Kennan, Izzy Sackowitz and Samantha Giustiniani; Public Service Award – Robert Neff, Mayor of Little Silver; Community Ser-

vice Award – Reardon Anderson; Corporate Good Neighbor– Smolin Lupin; Non-Profit Organization of the Year - Covenant House NJ; 50 or More Years Serving Monmouth County – Irwin Marine; and EMACC’S Next Generation Leader– Kevin Ertel.

The evening concluded with EMACC’s Educational Foundation gift raffle which provides scholarships and grants to non-traditional students. The Foundation Committee is thankful for the amazing donations along with the generosity of the event attendees. The 50/50 sales are ongoing through June 27, contact Peter Pfister of The Curchin Group for more information at 732.747.0500 or ppfister@curchin.com.

For more information about EMACC, visit www.emacc.org.

Photos: Tom Zapcic Photography

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CommunityMagazineNJ.com MAY 2022

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Monmouth Arts to Grant $30,000 to Support Free Arts Events and Performances in 2022

Advertise With Us

In partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Monmouth Arts is offering an infusion of $30,000 in “Renew 2022” funds to support Monmouth County’s cultural community. This opportunity will focus on reviving Monmouth County live performances and events that fuel the reopening and recovery of nonprofit arts organizations. Renew 2022 grants will provide support for free in-person arts events and live performances presented by small nonprofit arts organizations or artists or artist collectives that focus on community engagement. Grants will be provided for work across all artistic disciplines.

Grants will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 – $5,000. Priority will be given to those who are first-time applicants to Monmouth Arts as well as for arts events and activities that benefit under-resourced communities. Special consideration will also be given to all project types that allocate over 50% of the budget to artist fees. All funds must be used before December 31, 2022.

“The pandemic deeply impacted Monmouth County’s artistic community, specifically nonprofit arts organizations and artists,” said Teresa Staub, Executive Director of Monmouth Arts. “Monmouth Arts’ Renew 2022 grants affirm our commitment to area artists and support the return of arts programming in our community.

We encourage first-time applicants to apply as well as organizations with projects that benefit disenfranchised communities and artists,” Visit MonmouthArts.org to apply, deadline is May 23.

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RCDS MAKES THE MOST OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Impact 100 Jersey Coast Announces $435,000 in Grant Funding for 2022 Impact 100 Jersey Coast, a women’s grant-making collective, announced it has rounded out its seventh annual member drive at 435 members strong, with $435,000 in available grant funds for Monmouth County nonprofits. This will take its total funding to date to almost $2.5 million in grants since its inception in 2015.

“We are thrilled with our membership turnout this year,” said Lori Missig, Impact 100 Jersey Coast’s Co-President. “We are so grateful to the 435 women who stood up to make an impact in our community. Despite these tumultuous times, our 2022 class saw a record number of new members!”

The volunteer organization of women from different ages and backgrounds will award four grants of $100,000, and is excited to roll out two new developments to its grants process this year: Increased Opportunity to Be a Finalist: Instead of one finalist each, Impact’s five grant review committees will put forward up to two finalists each for consideration/vote by the wider membership thereby increasing exposure for a larger number of applicants.

The Addition of Mission Awards: To maximize the reach and impact of its giving, excess funds will be divided among the remaining finalists in the form of Mission Awards, up to $10,000 each.

“Impact is evolving and improving its grants process to be as inclusive as possible while also working to diversify its membership” said Rowena Crawford-Phillips, Impact 100 Jersey Coast’s Co-President. “We are looking forward to another busy year of collective, purposeful action to fund high-impact projects, especially as everyone copes with the aftermath of COVID.” The grant application process is now officially open. As a first step, interested nonprofit organizations serving Monmouth County should visit Impact100JerseyCoast.org/grants/apply to review the guidelines and submit an Eligibility Form by May 13.

For more information, visit Impact100JerseyCoast.org.

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.

SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR rcds.org/tour • admissions@rcds.org

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

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