CM: Rumson • Fair Haven • Little Silver • Red Bank • Sea Bright • Locust - May 2023

ALWAYS READY, ALWAYS THERE Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou & the New Jersey National Guard

M AY 202 3 RUMSON • FAIR HAVEN • LITTLE SILVER RED BANK • SEA BRIGHT • LOCUST

5K Run/Walk in Tutus Fights Pediatric Brain Tumors

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unners across the country can turn their footsteps into dollars for pediatric brain tumor research and they can wear a tutu while they do it on June 11.

The 8th annual Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer "Tutu Trot" 5K Run/Walk has a goal of raising $100,000 for the Children's Brain Tumor Network, a global research effort based at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. They are looking to repeat the amount they raised in 2022, thanks to the efforts and generosity of hundreds of participants, donors, and sponsoring companies.

This year’s 5K race is being held in-person at two locations in two different states: Trumbull High School in Trumbull, CT and Middletown High School South in Middletown, NJ. People wanting to help from outside those areas can still participate by signing up and participating virtually from wherever they are that day.

In addition to the 5K Run/Walk that is open to all ages, the event also includes a series of short Kids’ Fun Runs to be held on the track after the 5K is complete. Interested participants can sign up online, anytime up until Race Day on June 11; free t-shirts will be guaranteed for everybody who registers by May 12.

The story of the Tutu Trot is one of people coming together. Two parents of cancer fighters, strangers to each other, started separate 5K races in their hometowns to raise awareness and money for the childhood cancer cause. Jim McCaffrey held the first Tutu Trot in Trumbull CT while his daughter Mia, a kindergartener, was battling rhabdomyosarcoma.

Sue Funck began the Hustle4Hannah 5K in Tinton Falls, NJ to honor the memory of her 14-year-old daughter Hannah after her fight with brain cancer.

Since 2019, the generous participants, donors, and sponsors of the annual Infinite Love Tutu Trot have raised an impressive $240,000 for the Children's Brain Tumor

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Network. The CBTN was created to enable rapid and detailed information-sharing between researchers worldwide and has drastically accelerated the rate of life-saving research for children with brain tumors.

Contributions from nonprofit organizations like Infinite Love allow the CBTN to grow bigger and faster, accelerating the pace of progress in the fight against pediatric brain tumors. “We know first-hand

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what cancer can do to a child. We lived it, and still live every day with what it took from us,” says Sue Funck. “I can think of no better way to honor Hannah than to give other kids like her a better chance of surviving.”

To sign up for the Tutu Trot, or to donate toward the $100,000 fundraising goal, please visit runsignup.com/ ILTutuTrot.

St. George’s-by-the-River Canterbury Fair 2023

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he well-loved community tradition, St. George’s-bythe-River Canterbury Fair, is back and celebrating its 75th Anniversary on June 9 and 10 at the church’s property on Lincoln Avenue in Rumson. Steeped in tradition with new twists, the Canterbury Fair marks the unofficial start of summer for many in the area. In addition to all the fun, the Fair raises funds to help support many of the outreach programs supported by the church. Generations of parishioners have devoted their time and treasure to bringing the event to life each year. Funfilled and festive, the fair offers something for everyone!

Father Jeff Roy agrees, adding, “From its very beginning, the Canterbury Fair has been an important part of St. George’s ministry both inside and outside of the parish. New connections and friendships are formed as our parishioners work together to tackle such a large and important event. The Fair is

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vital to supporting our mission and ministries, particularly our Outreach Committee, and the many local organizations that we support. This year, celebrating our 75th Fair is especially exciting as we seek to return to ‘normal.’ Oh, and did I mention how much fun we have?!”

A huge draw for the crowds is the shopping opportunities. The (in)famous White Elephant sale draws crowds from near and far. There is also jewelry, electronics, plants and flowers, books and much more. Families looking for entertainment for the younger set will find an entire space dedicated to Canterbury Kidz. Old-fashioned fun like the dunk tank and cotton candy machine combined with fresh new events like a surf machine and a DJ make the Canterbury Fair a destination!

With all the fun and the shopping, there are many options to refresh and reboot your energy. Whether it’s relaxing with baked goods and coffee in the beautiful Tea Garden or heading over with

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your appetite to The Grill for hamburgers and hotdogs and more, no one leaves the Canterbury Fair hungry.

The entire community of St. George’s-by-the-River hopes that you will join in the fun, rain or shine. June 9 is the Preview Sale from 12pm to 4pm, $5 at the door. June 10 is free admission and the Carillon Bells will sound the start of the Fair at 9:30am with the fun continuing until 3:00pm.

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Monmouth Park System to Host Creative Arts Festival The Monmouth County Park System is hosting its annual Creative Arts Festival from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday, May 13 at Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft.

This juried arts festival features specially selected artists’ works of pottery, photography, jewelry, paintings and other mediums.

With more than 45 artists displaying their works, booths will be located both inside the barns and outdoors under tents.

This family-friendly festival also includes live music, art demonstrations and children’s activities.

Musical performances include The Band of the Two Rivers, Zydeco Revelators, Chuck Lambert, Musicians on a Mission and more. See sculptor

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Konstantin Zingerman work on his latest piece and artist Karin Trunz demonstrate silk painting.

Other demonstrations include pottery and bonsai. Children are invited to contribute to the community mural and make crafts. The event will also feature two food trucks. Admission and parking for the festival are free.

For more information about the Creative Arts Festival or the Park System, please visit www.

MonmouthCountyParks.com or call (732)842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System’s TTY/TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.

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Make the most of these important middle school years at RCDS. Our Upper School (Grades 5-8) offers class sizes of 12-15 students, an enriched curriculum, Honors courses, small group advisories that build connection and camaraderie, plus robust arts, extracurriculars and sports. Most distinctive are the RCDS Four Pillars — Kind, Honest, Responsible and Respectful — the core principles that set high standards for our community while helping students grow in confidence and as leaders.

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BE A PART OF CM We accept pet photos, local event listings, fundraisers & more!

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Monmouth Civic Chorus Presents Message in a Bottle Acclaimed Chorus to Feature Iconic Shorter Works of Lauridsen and More The award-winning Monmouth Civic Chorus presents Message in a Bottle: Songs Sent Across the Seas on Sunday, May 21 at 4:00pm This crowd-pleasing concert comprises a collection of iconic shorter works originating in the United States and Europe, featuring favorites by Morten Lauridsen to celebrate his 80th year. The chorus will tour to Austria and Italy with similar repertoire in July.

“The choral works Morten Lauridsen created in the 1990s reignited the choral repertoire, earning quickly and truthfully the oft-meaningless designation ‘instant classics.’ I’ll never forget hearing them for the first time, feeling them mesmerize my young musical mind, said Dr. Brandau. “This was music that somehow glimmered, shone, and pulsed in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Lauridsen alit on a combination of harmony and voicing that

beguilingly and powerfully conveyed the images of light and spirit and mystery in his texts.”

Message in a Bottle: Songs Sent Across the Seas will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Freehold, 118 West Main Street, Freehold. Ticket prices are $35 adult, $32 senior, $30 group, $15 student.

All chorus members are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and engage in serial testing per CDC guidelines before the performance. Audience members are no longer required to show proof of vaccination. Masking is respected, but not required. MCC will follow all forthcoming state mandates and reserves the right to amend these policies if it becomes advisable. Tickets and information are available at monmouthcivicchorus.org or (732) 9339333.

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Live Racing Returns!

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FREE Parking, General Admission $6 For a complete list of events, visit monmouthpark.com

Brookdale Community College Students to Benefit from New Paths to TCNJ The College of New Jersey President Kathryn A. Foster, and Brookdale Community College President David M. Stout recently formalized an articulation agreement that enables Brookdale graduates to seamlessly transfer to TCNJ’s fouryear bachelor’s degree programs.

Beginning in the Fall of 2023, Brookdale Associate degree graduates in good academic standing who have maintained the required GPA and satisfactorily completed the application for admission will automatically be granted admission to TCNJ. “United by shared visions, missions, and values, and driven by a deep commitment to empowering students in their educational journeys, TCNJ is a perfect match for our students to complete their pathways,” Stout said. “Through cooperative and efficient program offerings, we strive to provide equal opportunities for all students to achieve their fullest potential.”

This opportunity includes 51 different academic pathways into TCNJ’s School of the Arts & Communication, School of Business, School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and School of Science. These articulation pathways are meant for students who choose to begin their college coursework at Brookdale and later transfer to TCNJ once they have earned either their Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or, if entering the School of Arts & Communication, their Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Fine Arts.

In addition, this agreement also includes a provision for

Dual Enrollment. All freshman applicants who apply to TCNJ but are denied direct admission will receive notification of conditional Dual Enrollment to TCNJ in partnership with Brookdale. The Dual Enrollment program provides certain benefits to these students, such as attending select activities on the TCNJ campus, waiving their application and deposit fees, receiving advising from both institutions and being eligible for designated scholarships.

Over the past three years, TCNJ has received over 250 Brookdale applications, with over 68 percent of those admitted to the college. Over 100 Brookdale graduates are currently TCNJ Lions.

“It is clear that our two schools share common DNA: ensuring student success, cultivating a love of learning; and empowering students to enhance their communities locally and beyond,” Foster said. “We cannot wait to welcome many more Brookdale transfers in the coming years and to deepen this inspiring opportunity and partnership.”

As part of this agreement, TCNJ will have a consistent and visible presence on the Brookdale campus in Lincroft, New Jersey, including meeting with students to answer questions and providing any information or assistance they may need.

Visit https://heoa.tcnj.edu/categories/institutionalinformation/transfer-credits/ for a full list of TCNJ transfer of credit policies and articulation agreements. View Brookdale’s Transfer Resources at https://www.brookdalecc.edu/transferresources/.

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Red Bank Business Community Presents 5K Charity Run/Walk Local YMCA to Benefit from Annual Red Bank Classic on June 17 The Red Bank business community is rallying local merchants, community residents and area runners and walkers to come together on Saturday, June 17 for the fourth edition of the Red Bank Classic 5K to benefit the Red Bank Family YMCA. The annual charity event will take place in the heart of downtown Red Bank, featuring a 3.1-mile trek that will begin and end on iconic Broad Street. The 5K will be followed by a Fitness Fest with music and activities open to all in the borough’s popular Boardwalk area and the celebration will continue at the event post-party at The Robinson Ale House.

“We are excited to welcome the greater community to this fantastic family-friendly event in beautiful Red Bank,” said Bob Zuckerman, Executive Director of the Red Bank RiverCenter, which is organizing the event with a committee of volunteers. “It will be a day to celebrate good health that will also have a lasting impact on borough youth,” he said.

Since the race’s debut in 2018, the charity run/walk has raised over $50,000 to support youth development programs that empower children and teens in Red Bank to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Red Bank Y’s Third Grade Swim Program, which provides free swim lessons and water safety education for Red Bank public school children.

The following sponsorships, which come with branding opportunities, are still available: Championship - $10,000 , Gold Level - $2,500 , Silver Level $1,000 , Mile Marker - $500 , Fitness Fest Vendor Table $150 Approximately 1,500 runners and walkers are expected

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at this year’s event, which will step off at 8:30am near the corner of Broad and Wallace Streets, following a group warm-up.

The challenging 5K course with two climbs on Tower Hill is certified by USA Track & Field (USATF). The 5K is also a USATF Grand Prix event.

The fee is $40 ($45 after June 1) and includes a T-shirt, medal, chip-timed results, refreshments, and access to the post-race activities. The first 1,000 runners and walkers to register and pick up their bib will receive a swag bag.

Cash prizes of $300, $200, and $100 will be awarded respectively to the top three female and top three male finishers. The top female and male masters’ finishers will also receive cash prizes of $150. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers, 14 and under, and in 5-year age groups up to 80 and older. Additionally, the top three teams will be presented awards.

Following the 5K will be the Kids Broad Street Dash, open to children up to 12 years old. The fee is $20 ($25 after June 1) and includes a T-shirt and medal.

Event registration is available online at https://w w w. raceforum.com/rbc.

“The Red Bank Classic has something for everyone,” Zuckerman said. “We couldn’t be happier to bring our community together to engage in a healthy activity that will showcase our town and help make our kids stronger and healthier.”

For more information on the 5K, sponsorships and volunteering, head to the race website or email info@ redbankclassic.com. Keep up to date on event happenings by following @RedBankClassic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Dr. Dana Spada Bringing an individualized approach to psychotherapy, with a passion for creative and deep-reaching individual, family and couples’ therapy Since the age of 13, Dr. Dana Spada knew she wanted to be a psychotherapist. This drove her to earn her Master's degree in social work from the State University of New York, Stony Brook as well as a Ph.D. in psychology from Adelphi University.

Dr. Spada calls therapy “her calling”, and says it’s what she absolutely loves to do. Dr. Spada started out as a solo practitioner, running her own practice in Colts Neck. She has since expanded into Little Silver, where she leads a team of therapists at LEAF by Dr. Dana Spada.

Clients can choose from in-person or virtual sessions.

CM: Tell us about LEAF by Dr. Dana Spada Psychotherapy Dr. Spada: We are a private psychother-

apy practice that serves adults, children and teens. We offer services that include individual, marriage, couples, and family therapy and counseling. The practice is rooted in Colts Neck, with a recent expansion to Little Silver. We are very excited about our expansion to Little Silver and becoming part of the community!

CM: What brings people to therapy?

Dr. Spada: All kinds of things. My clients are just like you and I. Some clients have a specific issue they are going through and want to resolve, so they come to therapy, do their thing and go. Other patients fold therapy into their lives. Whether it’s finding personal growth or learning how to get the absolute most out of life, there are many reasons which might bring a person into therapy.

CM: How do you approach your work with couples?

Dr. Spada: I absolutely love working with

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couples! My approach is pretty specific, as I have found great success with it. When doing couples (or marriage) therapy, I always make sure to do individual sessions with each partner as well. I do this to establish relationships with each client and build trust with them. This makes the process significantly more effective when we work together as a group.

CM: What does working with children look like for you?

Dr. Spada: Very different from working with adults. With children, we do a lot of play therapy. I approach and tend to children where they are comfortable. I usually work with the parents as well, in a separate session than the child, since the work is an “all hands on deck approach.”

CM: What would you want people to know about therapy if they have never been and might be thinking about coming in?

Dr. Spada: Therapy is a magical process.

It’s a journey. It’s one of those things you have to experience to understand. Some-

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times I catch my clients actually running in! They jump onto the couch, get in their favorite spot, and are just ready to do what they do. The reward of what you can get out of therapy outweighs the fear tenfold.

CM: Why come to LEAF by Dr. Dana Spada Psychotherapy?

Dr. Spada: LEAF is a very special place to

come to therapy. This is truly because of the therapists that work at LEAF. I would go to any of my therapists for my own therapy. We are a group of people who are deeply passionate about the work we do.

CM: Does a person need to have anything prepared before they come in?

Dr. Spada: There is absolutely nothing to prepare for when coming to therapy.

Just book a session and show up! Booking a session at LEAF couldn’t be easier. We are very holistic. We don't do evaluations, make clients complete paperwork, or focus on diagnoses. We focus on the person their heart and soul and helping them to grow in ways that feel good to them.

United Way Golf Outing to Raise Funds for Critical Programs in Monmouth and Ocean Counties United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties’ (UWMOC) 2023 Annual Tee-Off presented by Hackensack Meridian Health will be held on Monday, May 8 at Holly wood Golf Club in Deal, NJ. Registration opens at 10:30am with a shotgun start at 12:30pm.

The fundraiser will benefit UWMOC’s mission to bridge the gaps to education, financial stability and health for every person in our community.

“I am proud to be a part of this event to benefit an organization that does such important work,” said Luke Bollerman of Bollerman Companies, Chair of the Annual Tee-Off Committee. “United Way has important initiatives throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties, and this event furthers those efforts, expands vital projects and delivers the resources our community needs.”

United Way invites local companies to showcase their business with a sponsorship for the historically sold-out golf outing. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and start at $350. Sponsors and golfers are encouraged to register early in order to guarantee their spot in one of the premier golf outings in our region.

In addition to becoming a sponsor, companies and

individuals can support the 2023 Annual Tee-Off by donating silent auction items or purchasing raff le tickets for the chance to win 13 gift cards to exclusive restaurants in Monmouth and Ocean counties with a total value of $2,200. Raff le tickets are $100 each and only 100 will be sold.

For more information about supporting the 2023 Annual Tee-Off, please visit uwmoc.org/annual-tee-off.

STEAMpark STEMgirls Award Ceremony NJ Senate Education Committee and NJ State Legislature Honor Young Girls for Excellence In an afternoon ceremony on Wednesday, March 9, seven young girls who participate in STEAMpark’s STEMgirls program were honored with awards from the nonprofit along with special certificates from the NJ State Legislature. The certificates were given by State Senator Vin Gopal, Chair of the State Senate Education Committee, at his office in Ocean Township.

“We’re honoring a few of our amazing rock star little girls, most of whom have been with us since 2019, before the pandemic,” said Jennifer Leigh Dym, Executive Director of STEAMpark, Inc. “These girls have worked incredibly hard and deserve to

know their efforts are impressive and inspiring to their community.” The girls are: Imani Brown, 10th grade; Destiny Nunn, 8th grade; Ahyan Reid, 8th grade; Ivicka Josaphat, 4th grade; Ja’Nyi Harris, 5th grade; Tiffany Holland, 8th grade; Ximena Contreras Rodriguez, 7th grade.

In addition to the award ceremony, a check for $2,000 was presented to STEAMpark from American Water Works Association New Jersey (AWWA), a member agency of the Association of Environmental Authorities (AEANJ), to help offset the cost of the spring 2023 semester of the STEMgirls Online education program.

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Lincroft Students Surpass Thousands to Advance to Finals in Prestigious International Math Competition Team from High Technology High School will win a portion of $100,000 in scholarships in MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge For 14 straight hours in early March, a small group of High Technolog y High School students came together to participate in an international online math modeling competition. A combination of math smarts and creative thinking has added up to a spot in the finals for the team, whose submission was selected as one of the best solutions to questions around the predicted growth of e-bike use and its impact on society.

The students – Michael Gao, Amanda Guan, Kevin Guan, Amanda Lin, and Kevin Liu of Lincroft-based High Technolog y High School – make up one of the eight finalist teams in MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge), a unique competition that drew nearly 3,000 11th and 12th graders in the U.S. and sixth form students in the U.K. this year.

“News feeds, magazines, and everyday discussions seem to be filled with talk of ‘the future of the automobile,’” says M3 Challenge judge and lead problem developer Neil Nicholson of the University of Notre Dame. “In the past couple years, though, the rise in popularity of smaller electric personal transportation devices has somewhat changed the conversation. While these changes can be meaningful at the individual level, they also are shaping larger scale policy-related questions. It is really interesting to see how the modelers attacked these questions, because understanding how the past inf luences the future will

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surely provide insight into these big real-world issues.”

Now in its 18th year, M3 Challenge is a program of Philadelphia-based Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIA M) and is sponsored by MathWorks. It spotlights applied mathematics as a powerful problemsolving tool and motivates students to consider further education and careers in applied math, computational and data sciences, and technical computing. Winning teams will be awarded a share of $100,000 in scholarships, with the champion team receiving $20,000 in 2023.

“M3 Challenge is a special opportunity for students to study and analyze current real-world phenomena that have wide ranging impacts on society,” says High Technolog y teacher-coach Raymond Eng. Team member Kevin Guan found M3 Challenge to be a contemporary math experience that encourages ingenuity in students. “Pure math is interesting, but it’s even more beautiful to see how the patterns in math find their way into real-life phenomena.

I think the most fascinating thing is how we build on the work of teams in the past. We modify previous strategies to fit new problems in innovative ways, and we improve on them, making each year more exciting than the year before.”

For more information about M3 Challenge, visit m3challenge.siam.org.

Matthew Leddin Named Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s Educator of the Year Social Studies teacher and advisor Matthew Leddin has been announced as Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s “Educator of the Year.” He was notified while teaching in front of his students by Principal Stephen Sarles, Assistant Principal Meredith Brow, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Sarah Fitzgerald, Supervisor of Social Studies and English Melissa Bryan, and other school administrators. The “Educator of the Year” is selected annually by a small group of anonymous administrators, teachers, students, a Board of Education member and parents who consider nominations from any members of the RFH school community. Mr. Leddin is most deserving of this honor, having distinguished himself as an exemplary educator both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Leddin is an important member of the RFH School Community.

Mr. Leddin currently teaches AP World History, World History and the Current Issues classes. Mr. Leddin’s excellence in teaching is validated by the scores the students earn on the AP exam and the relationships that he establishes with his students. Through the preparation that Mr. Leddin provides, RFH students routinely score higher than the State and National average on the AP World exams. As one RFH parent, who nominated Mr. Leddin, wrote, “I have never seen my son more excited about learning as he was during Mr. Leddin’s classes.” Without a doubt, Mr. Leddin’s enthusiasm in the classroom resonates with students and staff alike and he ignites curiosity and passion in a way that can’t help but promote engagement, collaboration and student learning. Mr. Leddin’s tireless devotion to his students shines through on a daily basis throughout the whole year.

Mr. Leddin’s contributions to the school community extend beyond his classroom, beyond any academic year, and reach deeply into the lives and memories of his students and the RFH community. He is an indispensable member of our extra-curricular team as he is the Tech

Crew advisor for the school plays. Without the countless hours that Mr. Leddin provides our school plays, the plays would not be as richly decorated nor visually appealing as they are currently. Mr. Leddin has done this so well that he was nominated for the Monmouth County Basie Award for Outstanding Set Design for the production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Amongst other activities, Mr. Leddin also provides technolog y support to many evening events for students and parents in the RFH building as well. Mr. Leddin is truly a team player who knows that the interests of the school and students come first.

Mr. Leddin creates strong connections with a variety of different students in our building. Every student needs a teacher whom they can rely on as a supportive adult, and Mr. Leddin is that for many students. Mr. Leddin is always supportive of our students’ social and emotional health. Numerous students have stated that Mr. Leddin is their trusted adult in the building. Mr. Leddin truly approaches his relationships with students with equal care and compassion. Mr. Leddin is a true asset to the Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School community in so many ways and the school is extremely proud to honor his hard work, along with his contributions and accomplishments!

CommunityMagazineNJ.com MAY 2023

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SERVING OUR NATION, OUR COMMUNITY, AND OUR VETERANS

Monmouth County Resident and New Jersey National Guard’s Adjutant General Lisa J. Hou Reflects on Service and Valuing Our Veterans Story by Brian O’Malley Photos Courtesy of Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou Brigadier General Lisa Hou’s affinity for Monmouth County began as a child, not long after her parents moved their family here from Washington, DC. Raised in Middletown and Rumson, and currently a resident of Belmar, Hou proudly describes her home county, saying, “you have everything you could want here – great communities, great people, and a great location… what else could you want?”

The General shares that her parents raised her and her siblings with a strong desire to serve their communi-

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ty. Her father was an anesthesiologist at Riverview Medical Center for almost forty years while her mother was an active volunteer, doing a tremendous amount of work to plan and host local community events. Hou recalls many fond memories of growing up in Monmouth County, from spending time roaming the fairgrounds with her younger sisters at the Monmouth County Fair, to enjoying summer days on the greatest beaches in New Jersey, to assisting at the fundraising events that her mother organized.

G

Serve With Honor, Live With Purpose

program, the New Jersey National Guard eneral Hou did not initially has been the official partner of the Republic plan on joining the military. of Albania’s military for the past 22 years.

As a child, she remembers New Jersey’s soldiers and airmen train Alher grandfather regularly taking her to New York City for bania’s military and deploy alongside them. brunches in Chinatown. A reThe purpose of this program is to enhance tired two-star General in the The National Guard is unique in that it is a security cooperation between the United Chinese Nationalist Army, he dual role operational force: partially federal States and the partner nation and to build would regale her with stories and partially state. While many people as- long-lasting, fruitful relationships. Not long from his time in service. As Hou tells it, it sociate the service with active deployment, ago, the Guard was on hand to assist the Alwas the influence of her grandfather and that is only a limited part of the state mili- banian military with shoring up their cyber parents that left an indelible mark on her tia’s mission. security network in order to repel a major The New Jersey National Guard re- hacking attempt by the government of Iran. and stoked a fire of selfless service that sponds to federal missions as ordered by General Hou was proud that her airmen helped guide her future career path.

After graduating from college, Hou the President of the United States. A large were able to guide their Albanian partners went on to medical school. It was there portion of the Guard’s federal role involves through this challenge. More recently, the that one of her fellow students introduced international military-to-military engage- New Jersey National Guard signed a simiher to the idea of serving in the Nation- ments. General Hou stresses that the Guard lar state partnership agreement with the al Guard. Her classmate invited her to be only works on defensive operations and is Republic of Cyprus – a relationship that the part of a research project about medical not involved in other countries’ offensive General is very excited about.

On the state side, the Guard’s local pilots serving in the Guard. After spend- operations. An example of this engagement ing a few months flying around in Huey he- is the State Partnership Program. Under this mission is what differentiates them from licopters as part of the study, Hou knew she had found her calling. “I loved it,” the General relates, “I was hooked. Not long after that, I went to see a recruiter and I signed up for the National Guard.”

Initially, her parents did not understand her decision and, like many parents, didn’t comprehend the differences between active-duty military and the National Guard. “I was their eldest daughter and they were worried that I would be going off to war,” Hou says, “but over the years, they came to understand how much serving in the Guard meant to me and I can now say that they are proud of me and my career.” Twenty-eight years later, that career has included tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as a field surgeon, a medical practice in Hazlet Township, and eventually Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou, Governor Philip D. Murphy, and Brigadier General Robert W. being appointed as the 33rd Hughes Jr. review the Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard in 2022 Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard.

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with and the teams that we create... they’re like having another family.”

We Value Our Veterans

active-duty forces. “One of our biggest assets is that we serve in our own communities,” the General states. The Guard was actively involved in the state’s response to Superstorm Sandy in 2012, especially in Monmouth County. The General relates that her guardsmen served throughout the county and the state, doing whatever needed to be done to help New Jerseyans recover. Those tasks included traffic control, delivering necessary supplies, evacuating residents, and assisting with transportation. In 2020, the Guard was also deployed to assist with coordinating New Jersey’s COVID-19 response, in what Hou describes as the largest domestic operation the National Guard has had in years, if not decades. Guardsmen staffed vaccine mega-sites, oversaw mortuary affairs, and even administered vaccine doses to New Jersey residents. “Our motto is ‘Always Ready, Always There’” Hou says, “and I really do believe we provide that to our neighbors.”

As Adjutant General, Hou commands

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a force of nearly 8,400 soldiers and airmen who make up the New Jersey National Guard. The majority of those service members are part-time, with the traditional commitment being one weekend per month and 15 days of training per year.

While, across the nation, many states are struggling with recruitment to their state militias, General Hou is proud to share that the New Jersey National Guard is in very good shape, at about 99-100% of their required strength. But that doesn’t mean that she’s not actively recruiting new service members. “We have some of the best benefits in the nation,” states the General, “including free college and graduate school tuition, leadership and career training, and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team.” Hou points out that she has utilized the benefits herself, graduating with an MBA from Rutgers University School of Business-Camden in 2020. Commenting on the camaraderie that develops among guardsmen who serve together, the General adds, “the people who we work

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In addition to her role as Adjutant General of the National Guard, Hou also serves on the governor’s cabinet as Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). In this part of her job, Hou oversees a team that provides benefits and services to an estimated 320,000 veterans across the state.

Along with managing the state’s three veterans nursing homes, Hou is very proud of the department’s two transitional facilities, Veterans Haven North (Glen Gardner) and Veterans Haven South (Winslow Township). These centers serve displaced veterans (DMAVA’s term for veterans experiencing homelessness) by providing immediate food and shelter and, in the long-term, getting veterans back on their feet and into stable jobs and permanent housing. During their stays at the transition center, displaced veterans have access to counseling services, transportation to VA medical appointments, and job assistance. Hou says that the two facilities have a strong track record of getting displaced veterans into permanent living situations.

The DMAVA also offers the NJ Service Medal Program, awarding seven different medals to New Jersey’s veterans in recognition of their military service. General Hou emphasizes her desire for this program to grow and expand and points out that any veteran, family member, or friend can nominate an eligible veteran to receive a service medal. Medals are awarded at ceremonies arranged by the DMAVA at locations that are convenient to the veteran.

Hou also encourages local institutions

and organizations to get involved in supporting New Jersey’s veterans. The We Value Our Veterans initiative was established as a way for municipalities, educational institutions, and businesses to take part in honoring and providing benefits to local veterans. By reaching a specified number of veterans-related goals, a participating organization is designated as a “We Value Our Veterans” institution, signaling to the greater community their commitment to honoring the patriotism of New Jersey’s veterans.

Perhaps most critically, the DMAVA provides Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) to serve as liaisons between the veteran population and the state government.

New Jersey currently has fourteen VSOs, and General Hou has a goal of expanding the program to have a dedicated VSO for each of New Jersey’s 21 counties. “Veterans have earned the rights to these benefits, and I want every one of them to receive all of the benefits that they deserve,” she states. VSOs can assist veterans with their New Jersey state tax exemption (a $6,000 annual benefit), property tax benefits, and counseling resources, among others. However, according to Hou, the service that veterans seem to need the most assistance with is filing for their VA disability claims.

She notes, “last year our VSOs helped veterans bring in over $70 million in claims awards – that’s a lot of money that many veterans are missing out on.”

Memorial Day: A Time to Pay Homage At the end of this month, communities across the nation will gather to commemorate Memorial Day. For General Hou, and many veterans like her, this day of remembrance is a time to ensure that we pay appropriate homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. There are three war memorials managed by the DMAVA: the World War II Memorial in Trenton, the Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel. According to

the New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, which operates the memorial, Monmouth County was chosen as the location for the memorial because the “rolling hills in this area provided serenity and tranquility appropriate to a memorial to those who gave their life for this country.” General Hou recommends that residents take the opportunity to visit all three of New Jersey’s memorials, but points out that the Holmdel location has easy access right off the Garden State Parkway, affording the opportunity to stop in for a moment of reflection and to pay respect.

The DMAVA also oversees the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ, one of the busiest state-run veterans cemeteries in the nation. It is here that the department will host its annual Memorial Day commemoration, with Governor Murphy and General Hou in attendance. For Hou, one of the most meaningful parts of the weekend is getting to see the hundreds of scouts arrive at the cemetery on the day before the ceremony to place American flags on every single gravesite. In spending time with these young volunteers, General Hou says that most of the scouts have genuine appreciation for the sacrifices of these service members. “These are peoples’ parents, their children, their brothers and sisters, and they should never be forgotten,” says Hou, adding that, “seeing that these young kids understand what Memorial Day means… that is really heartwarming.”

Hou encourages all New Jersey residents to take part in a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the state or their local municipality. She also invites New Jerseyans to pause on that day to remember and prioritize what the day is truly about.

“For me,” says the General, “every day should be Memorial Day.”

We Are Here to Serve Our Own Communities General Hou concluded her thoughts with a message to her fellow Monmouth County residents, saying, “I love living in Mon-

mouth County. I want to thank my neighbors for making this a great community and for their support of our military. Monmouth County is a very patriotic community, and we appreciate your support!” She also encouraged her neighbors to answer the call to serve, noting “we do have a lot of guardsmen from Monmouth, and I would love to see even more.”

Hou’s final words reflected her appreciation for the opportunity to serve her state and her country these past 28 years.

“I never imagined that investing this much into the military would ever be in my career path, but it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

For more information about the benefits and services offered by the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMAVA), please visit nj.gov/military/ or call the NJ Veterans Benefits Hotline at (888) 8NJ-VETS / (888) 865-8387.

For information on serving in the New Jersey National Guard, please visit nj.gov/ military/guard/.

The Veterans Services Officer assigned to Monmouth County is: Peter Midgley Phone: (732) 775-7009 / 7005 Fax: (732) 775-3612 Peter.Midgley@dmava.nj.gov Are you or a veteran you know struggling and in need of assistance?

Contact the 24 hour a day Vet2Vet Hotline at (866) 8387654.

CommunityMagazineNJ.com MAY 2023

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Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Recognized as a Common Sense School

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Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of media and technolog y, has recognized Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School once again as a Common Sense School.

Since 2019, RFH has demonstrated its commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to think critically and use technolog y responsibly to learn, create, and participate while preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. With the right support, kids can take ownership of their digital lives, engage with real issues, and change their communities for the better.

This continued recognition acknowledges our school’s commitment to creating a culture of digital citizenship.

“We applaud the faculty and staff of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School for embracing digital citizenship as an important part of their students’ education,” said Kelly Mendoza, Vice President of Education Programs at Common Sense Education. “Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School deserves high praise for giving its students the foundational skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21st-century workplace and participate ethically in society at large.”

For the past four years, RFH has been using Common Sense Education’s innovative and research-based digital citizenship resources, which were created in collaboration with researchers from Project Zero, led by Howard Gardner at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and are grounded in the real issues students and teachers face. The resources teach students, educators, and parents tangible skills related to internet safety, protecting online reputations and personal privacy, media balance, managing online relationships, and media literacy. The free K–12 curriculum is used in classrooms across all 50 states, in more than 80,000 schools by more than 1,000,000 educators.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a Common Sense School,” said Mr. Darren Groh, Superintendent.

“By preparing our students to use technolog y safely and responsibly, we are providing them an opportunity to build lifelong habits to help them succeed in a tech-driven world.”

To learn more about the criteria RFH met to become recognized as a Common Sense School, visit w w w. commonsense.org/education/recognition-schools.

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Monmouth County Fair Offers Sponsorship Opportunities Looking for an exciting way to promote your business and connect with customers? Become a sponsor of the 48th Annual Monmouth County Fair! As the largest, family-oriented, multi-day event in Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore area, the Fair drew over 95,000 visitors each of the past two years. With its thrilling rides, live entertainment, Home and Garden Competitions, 4-H shows and exhibits, the event has agricultural fair status.

Even better, the Fair offers many sponsorship levels that provide a winning combination of a highprofile advertising package and great publicity that sends a positive message of goodwill to all potential clientele. From Banner to Corporate Sponsorships, ranging from $500 to $20,000, you’re sure to find a level that fits your business. Visit www.

MonmouthCountyFair.com to learn more about becoming a sponsor and the different levels available.

Presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, in cooperation with the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County 4-H Association, the Fair runs Wednesday-Sunday, July 26-30, at East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold.

For more information about the Monmouth County Fair, visit www.

MonmouthCountyFair.com or call (732) 842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.

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Pier Village High Tide Maker and Artisan Market

Swingin' Sinatra & Dessert Event!

May 5 through September 8, 11:00am - 6:00pm

May 7 Avon Marina Building, 2 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea

Join us starting Friday, May 5 and every Friday through September 8 at Pier Village, Long Branch. As the most exciting beachfront destination at the Jersey Shore. High Tide’s open-air market offers unique items from makers and artisans alongside yoga and reiki workshops.

Windows on the Water May 5, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Surfrider Beach Club, Sea Bright Join Clean Ocean Action for fun and festivities at the fundraising event of the year! Hosted by The Lobiondo Family at Windows on the Water at Surfrider Beach Club, COA's Shore Shindig features live music

by Thom White & The Flatliners, open bar, raw bar courtesy of Lusty Lobster, "shorely" sumptuous appetizers & big beachy buffet by Chef Pete (surf & turf, gluten-free, and vegetarian options available), exciting silent auction, and 50/50 raffle with excellent company and stunning ocean views included! Go to CleanOceanAction.org to reserve your tickets or to see sponsorship and underwriting opportunities.

Tickets are $125 each or 10 for $1,000.

A mix of live entertainment, music, chat by Sinatra Guest Speakers, and some light dessert snacks round out the afternoon celebrating the music and career of Frank Sinatra.

The Spongebob Musical May 8, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Auditions will take place at the Middletown Arts Center. Participants must prepare 32 bars of a musical theater song in the style of the show.

An accompanist will be provided or please bring tracks for your selection.

To schedule an audition time, please email auditionmac@gmail.com.

Newcomers and Neighbors Spring Luncheon May 11, 12:00pm Oyster Point Restaurant, Red Bank The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Colts Neck, Holmdel and surrounding areas will hold its annual spring luncheon. Friends and guests will enjoy a day together, with a delicious meal and great comedy entertainment! For information call (908) 309-1602.

Creative Arts Festival Ocean Grove's Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show May 6, 10:00am - 4:00pm Ocean Grove's Spring Fling Arts & Crafts Show featuring Jo Wymer and Band and Chuck Lambert Blues! Rain or Shine, Free Admission, Crafts, Art, Music & Food!

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May 13, 10:00am - 4:00pm Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft This arts festival features specially selected artists’ works of pottery, photography, jewelry, paintings and other mediums. With more than 45 artists displaying their works, booths will be located both inside the barns and outdoors under tents. This family-friendly festival also includes live music, art demonstrations and children’s activities.

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Citizens for Informed Land Use (CILU) Zoom Presentation by Michael Pisauro from the Watershed Institute May 15, 7:30pm Pisauro will share his expertise on watersheds, inland flooding, stormwater management, and how to protect the Swimming River Reservoir watershed in which much of Holmdel is located. This Zoom presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Karen at karsyv356@gmail.com. To register online, visit bit.ly/3LuAMrs.

Interfaith Neighbors Gala Celebrating 35 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors May 18 Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club, Farmingdale Interfaith Neighbors, a 501(c)3 based in Asbury Park, will be celebrating 35 years of operation this May at their Gala. The celebration and fundraiser will be held at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club in Farmingdale and will include a cocktail hour, auctions, dinner, and dancing. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit Interfaith Neighbors’ programs.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival May 27-29 Monmouth Park, Oceanport Food trucks are finally back with the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival during Memorial Day weekend. Come enjoy this most delicious event!

Accepting event listings at info@communitymagazinenj.com.

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Megan’s Mindful Minute . . .

Caregiver Blues

Memorial Day Events RUMSON Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Following May 29 Parade begins at 10:00am at Black Point Road and is followed by ceremony at Victory Park at approximately 10:30am.

When our loved ones require ongoing care due to chronic issues, it can be really challenging. Being a caregiver to a child, parent or loved one over time can have a profound impact on your mental health. Burnout, resentment, anger, loneliness and decline in your own physical health are commonplace. It can be hard to keep a positive attitude and to keep things in perspective when we are stretched thin and overwhelmed with the responsibility of another's quality of life. Here is what you can do.

1.

Ask for help and receive it. Farm out any chores or tasks that you can. If someone offers to stop by for an hour, make a meal or anything, ACCEPT IT!

2. Talk it through. Unexpressed thoughts and feelings can multiply their power. Simply by externalizing them, their control and impact are greatly reduced.

3. Self-care, self-care, self-care! I can't say it enough. It doesn't have to be a big day at the spa.

It can be as simple as buying yourself a bouquet of flowers or a scented candle, or dancing to your favorite song from when you were a teen.

Stay safe, have fun and love each other.

And remember, in the wise words of my father, "People want to help more than you think, you just have to ask."

Megan Baker, LPC holds a Masters degree in Mental Health and Marriage & Family Counseling. She is a therapist with AbleTo. Have a situation or issue you need help with? Direct message Megan on Instagram INSTAGRAM @megansmindfulminute.

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FAIR HAVEN Annual Memorial Day Parade May 29 Parade begins at 9:00 am at Sportsmans Field, across from Knollwood School. Ceremony follows at Memorial Park, 748 River Road, at approximately 9:30am.

LITTLE SILVER Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade May 29 Parade begins at 8:30am on Willow Drive.

Ceremony follows at Memorial Park, Prospect Avenue, at approximately 9:00am.

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May 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm Every year, the community of Red Bank comes together to commemorate our fallen heroes. The community is welcome to participate and/or place a wreath at the Veterans’ Monument, located at 51 Monmouth Street. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the Red Bank Elks Lodge #233, 40 West Front Street.

SEA BRIGHT Memorial Day Program May 29, 11:00am Memorial Day program will take place at the Sea Bright Firehouse, 1099 East Ocean Avenue.

Shore Shindig to Benefit Clean Ocean Action on May 5

FUNDRAISING EVENT SUPPORTING COA’S MISSION TO DEFEND AND IMPROVE MARINE WATER QUALITY IN THE NEW JERSEY/NEW YORK REGION

H

op up on the wave now to purchase your tickets to celebrate making waves of change with the COA Crew! All true-blue ocean advocates (recommended 21+) are invited to Clean Ocean Action’s Shore Shindig on May 5, at Windows on the Water at Surfrider Beach Club in Sea Bright, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Visit CleanOceanAction.org for tickets.

Shimmy into the Shindig to enjoy SEA-rific views while sipping cocktails featuring a specialty drink of Tito’s Handmade Vodka or choose your own from the open bar. Delight in passed hors d‘oeuvres including Lusty Lobster’s raw bar, and live music performed by Thom White & The Flatliners. The party will continue with deliciously delectable dishes by Chef Pete,

with gluten-free and vegetarian options, open bar, and prize opportunities through the silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Seating and dress are casual, dancing and dining are on the beach.

Gift opportunities include creative goods and generous certificates from local shops, restaurants, studios, and artists, including a photograph portrait of Bruce Springsteen signed by renowned photographer Danny Clinch. Evoking emotions with her brushstrokes, Luba Caruso has donated an original oil painting of the ocean that is sure to be a popular item! Handmade wood whales’ tails coat-hanging plaques from Cottage by the Sea Woodwork are exquisitely made from Indonesian reclaimed boat wood and a Spring Lake walnut tree; they are the perfect beachy look. Experience opportunities include a Cape May

kayak tour, dance lessons, Orange Theory sessions, guided bird walk, legacy photographic portrait and hotel package, and tickets to Seastreak, St. Luke’s concert series at Carnegie Hall and the Frick Museum!

Shore Shindig raises funds to continue Clean Ocean Action’s year-round work to protect the ocean through educational programs, service projects, water quality research and monitoring programs, and much more! Support a clean and healthy ocean with a night out, an ocean view and fellow true-blue ocean advocates like you!

For more information, please contact Suzanne Power, Administrative Assistant, at Projects@CleanOceanAction.org or call (732) 872-0111. Ticket cost is $125 each or $1000 for 10 tickets. Visit CleanOceanAction.org for tickets.

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