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

PHOTO: MELISSA AMORELLI

RUMSON

SILVER

READY TO RETIRE: You’ve worked hard, saved and invested, but is it enough to sustain a desired lifestyle for the rest of your life? Are you confident in your retirement strategy to live the lifestyle you desire without the risk of running out of money?

JUST STARTING OUT: You are a young professional, single or married, perhaps just had a baby and don’t have a roadmap to making smart financial decisions. But you need guidance as much as anyone.

TAX PREPARATION/TAX PLANNING: Besides tax time, does your CPA/tax preparer proactively communicate during the year to make sure you are taking advantage of every tax strategy allowed and afforded to your specific situation? No? We would ask; “why not”?

DEATH OF A SPOUSE OR PARTNER: Amid the pain of losing your spouse, you must find a way to carry on even though your world has been turned upside down. We empower widows in navigating their financial details!

RECEIVED AN INHERITANCE: Whether it was a unexpected or not, new wealth may create new challenges in which you don’t want to make mistakes.

COLLEGE: Wait, what? Wasn’t yesterday the first day of kindergarten? Time flies and SAT no longer means soccer game on SAT---URDAY! College planning is daunting! Working with a CCFC (Certified College Financial Consultant can sure lessen the stress!

GETTING DIVORCED: Divorce can be a lengthy process that could strain your finances and leave you feeling out of control. With the right preparation associated with the right team, you can protect your interest, take charge of your future and save yourself time and money.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Managing stocks, whether they are options, RSU’s or granted stock, is an important part of any person’s investment strategy and should be handled with care.

SELF-DIRECTED INVESTOR/FINANCIALLY

DISORGANIZED: On a consultative basis, we can help you organize and track your financial information in a way that can help you and us create a sound financial plan.

CPA’S OR WEALTH ADVISORS: Are you ready to retire or at least slow down? Do you lack a succession plan? Are you ready to sell your business? Let’s talk!

Bridging the Gap Between your CPA & Wealth Manager

How We Can Help

As a FIDUCIARY, we are held by the law to the highest standard of responsibility to our clients, upholding to always act in our client’s best interest. A fee-only Tax and Wealth advisory firm, H&S can Bridge the Gap between taxes and all your financial concerns. We specialize in wealth planning, investment management, and tax and accounting services.

Charles Harris - cpa & Gregg Shaw - cfp ®

Trust professionals you know. Joseph and Donna Vitale have been residents of Marlboro and now Colts Neck for over 20 years. Chances are your children know our children and your neighbors know our business reputation for quick and immaculate home renovations. When you hire World Class Kitchen and Bath Design Center, you will be working with Joseph and Donna

direct throughout the entire course of your renovation.

Our extended team includes organized office staff and seasoned craftsmen who are also residents from local towns. We are one stop shopping including architects, plumbers and electricians. Stop by today to visit our three level showroom.

LADACIN Network’s Inaugural Cornhole Tournament Raises Over $9,500

Recently, LADACIN Network held its inaugural Cornhole Tournament at the Highline Arena in Aberdeen. The event was a tre mendous success raising over $9,500 to benefit the more than 3,500 individuals with complex physical and developmental disabilities or delays in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Rumson residents and Co-Chairs Denise Walker and Nancy Petrucelli coordinated the event that included cash prizes, a gift auc tion and 50/50 raffle. Walker’s son Conor attends the Schroth Center of LADACIN Network for education and therapy services.

Several spectators cheered on the 25 teams that participated in the tournament. Cash prizes were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners. It was a fun afternoon filled with friendly competition, food, drinks, laughs, and camaraderie.

L ADACIN Network will hold its annual Casino Night and Gift Auction at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club on October 20

from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. The event will support LADACIN’s mis sion of providing a continuum of care including educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services to infants, children and adults with complex physical and developmen tal disabilities and delays in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

For more information and tickets, visit LADACIN.org.

New Jersey Natural Gas Wins Lunch Break’s Community Picnic & Softball Tournament

More than 500 people attended Lunch Break’s annual Community Picnic Softball Classic Tournament & Backpack Giveaway at Count Basie Field. Joining Lunch Break for the softball classic was producer, screenwriter, and supporter Jon Stewart. Stewart ushered in the begin ning of the tournament series by throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

Once again, past champion New Jersey Natural Gas returned home with the coveted Lunch Break tournament trophy and was the overall victor in the 2022 Community Picnic Softball Classic lineup including teams from HABcore, Morgan Stanley, Manasquan Bank, Monmouth Cardiology Associates, HBK CPAs & Consultants, and Lunch Break. Mike Ayers and James Plummer were umpires for the series. A special thank-you goes to Sheldon Edmond who sang a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

“Everyone is always a winner at the Lunch Break annual Community Picnic, especially our community members in need,” said Director of Administration and Special Events Millie Jeter, who

organized the return of the much-anticipated community event, on hiatus since 2019 because of COVID-19 safety restrictions. “We couldn’t have done it without the tremendous help from volunteers, Team Healthy Together for Lunch Break, the staff and the support of our donors, local businesses and corporations, who helped to bring smiles to the faces of our families.”

The highlight of the afternoon was the Back-to-School Drive & Backpack Giveaway, where nearly 400 children received school supplies and backpacks donated by generous community members.

“We are grateful for the continued commitment from our incred ible Board, volunteers, staff and supporters who, year after year, make this event a wonderful opportunity to be in community with the com munity,” said Jeter.

For more information, visit LunchBreak.org.

Left to right: Chief Business Officer Phil Antoon; Jon Stewart; Director of Operations Kevin McGee

2022 Lunch Break Softball Classic Tournament Champions with Jon Stewart

Event coordinater Denise Walker (in orange) with her family.

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Bell Works Fresh Market

Every Wednesday and Saturday through November

A weekly farmers market featuring 50 local artists, makers, farmers, and food purvey ors. 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.

Asbury Park Fall Bazaar

October 8 & October 9

Celebrate makers, music, & art at historic Convention Hall from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. This event is free with live music, kids face paint ing and more. More info at AsburyParkBazaar. com.

Lunch Break Fall Gala

October 14

Join in for this annual gala at the Park Loft in Oceanport from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. featuring fine cuisine, dancing, entertainment, raffles and a premium auction. Event is honoring Jeremy Grunin, Jamie Giovinazzo, Paul Sansone Jr., and Dr. Thomas and Bonnie Johnson with Siobhan Fallon Hogan as the guest host. More info, visit LunchBreak.org.

Haunted Theater

October 14 through October 16

October 21 through October 23

October 28 through October 30

Are you brave enough to take on the demented imaginations of Brookdale’s students?

Designed, built and run by past and present students. This tormented trip through body parts, evil creatures and more will redefine “stage fright”…forever! For tickets, visit BrookdaleECC.edu today

MCHA Presents TavernFest

October 15

Presented by Monmouth County Historical Association, guests will enjoy open bar, bbq dinner, games and live music at Allen House in Shrewsbury from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. For questions and tickets, visit MonmouthHistory.org.

Frances Foundation’s 18th Annual Gala

October 15

Join the Frances Foundation at Ocean Place Resort to benefit pediatric cancer warriors. The gala includes cocktail hour, gift baskets, silent auction, entertainment, and so much more from 6:30 to 12:00 midnight. More info at FrancesFoundation.net.

Thompson Park Day

October 16

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., enjoy this family fun event that includes pumpkin painting, wagon rides, kids races, enter tainment and so more at Thompson Park in Lincroft. Some activities have a fee. Admission and parking are free. More info, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com.

Piano Ballads from the Turn of the Century

October 22

From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., tap your feet, dance a one-step, or sing-along to popular turn-of-the19th-century ballads as they are played inside the farmhouse located at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. This event is free. More info, visit MonmouthCuntyParks.com.

Ghost Tours at the Allen House

October 28 through October 30

Guests will hear the detailed history from cos tumed guides portraying former owners and visitors, who will tell stories ranging from The Allen House Massacre in 1779 to the ghostly rocking chair figure many have seen while driving by the house along Route 35. More info at MonmouthHistory.org.

Holiday Bazaar

Long Branch Bazaar at Whitechapel

Projects

Every Saturday & Sunday

November 26 through December 18

Asbury Park Bazaar at Asbury Hotel

Every Sunday

November 27th through December 18

Featuring a curated roster of the best local and regional artists, vendors, and shops sell ing the cutest and coolest vintage, handmade, art, jewelry, home goods, foodstuffs, and more. The event is free. More information, visit asburyparkbazaar.com.

Holiday Style Luncheon and Shopping Spree

November 30

Monmouth Conservation Foundation is hosting its annual event at The Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. featuring keynote speaker Lee Woodruff. For tickets and more info, visit MonmouthConservation.org.

Holiday Express Benefit Concert at Count Basie

December 19 & December 20

This concert has been a festive, fun holiday tradition for friends and family in our com munity for years. A Jersey Shore tradition, the acclaimed philanthropic group brings its “Ultimate Holiday Show” with its unique mixture of traditional, gospel and rock ‘n soul holiday music that will touch you with the spirit of the season. More information, visit thebasie.org.

Accepting event listings at info@communitymagazinenj.com. Please check the website prior to attending to ensure accuracy.

Hearts & Hands for Service

Meet Your Neighbors and Community Connectors, Bonnie Featherstone-Johnson and Dr. Tom Johnson

BY LILIANN PARAS | PHOTO MELISSA AMORELLI

Sometimes it is the small, unsung gestures that make you realize you are in the company of kind- hearted people. Such an encounter with Bonnie Featherstone-Johnson and Dr. Tom Johnson of Red Bank added context to their larger, more recognized contributions. CM reached out to them after learning they are this year’s recipients of Lunch Break’s Heart to Hand Award, given in recognition for their

tireless service to the organization. The CM crew was warmly invited into their home where we were prompt ly greeted by their pet cat. We later learned that Tom h ad adopted King Louis—a then 14-year-old cat with kidney problems—because nobody else would, and he and Bonnie embraced his weekly treatment require ments. This spirit of compassion, however, extends far b eyond helping a homeless cat. Bonnie and Tom have

contributed funds, time, and tal ent to 180 Turning Lives Around, C ommunity YMCA, Lunch Break, Holiday Express, SOURCE, Meals on Wheels, InterFaith Neighbors in Asbury Park, community gar dens, VNA Health Group, and m ore. Their contributions span the gamut: leading multiple cap ital campaigns; making phone c alls to thank donors; tutoring; sorting; washing dishes; deliver ing goods; and even to Tom’s stint a s a party elf for Holiday Express!

T he business acumen of Bon nie and Tom has been invaluable i n enhancing their contributions to local nonprofits; Bonnie has experience in clinical research staffing, and Tom’s careers in clude IT and teaching. And, both a re entrepreneurs, having created their own businesses along the way. They met on an airplane in 1984, married in 1986, and be tween them have six children, f ifteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren “all living too far away”. While family is most important to them and their careers were rigorous, through the years and presently, they are steady community collaborators.  They help local nonprofits reach their longterm goals as well as volunteer “in the trenches”, weekly, on-site, at a variety of organizations.

CM i s pleased to share the insights of Bonnie and Tom, good reminders that we all can find a way to ease the path of others.

CM: What influenced each of you to become involved with community service?

Bonnie: I like to define my current role in the nonprofit world as that of a ‘Community Connector’. I was a single mother raising three children for ten years and that was the impetus for my work. I see those that are hungry and in need, and that was me 40 years ago. How

could I not offer help? In the early 90s I started to meet with four neat women at a local realtor office and we collect ed auction items for a 180 Turning Lives A round gala. In those days, we thought we were hot stuff because we raised $33K for the auction! I eventually went on their board, followed by board service at the Community YMCA, The Center in Asbury Park, Lunch Break, and recently, the VNA where I will be joining its capi tal campaign. I also volunteer weekly at  I nterFaith Neighbors in Asbury Park and joined its capital campaign too. I espe cially love connecting with donors and e njoy making thank you calls—and what a difference a voice makes!

Tom: It’s all Bonnie’s fault ( he said with a smile). I was inspired by Bonnie’s en thusiasm for volunteer work even though

s he was often just as busy as I was. Ini tially, I would occasionally be roped in t o do some volunteer tasks, but I was too busy at that time to make a major com mitment.  It wasn’t until we decided to close our business, BonaFide Staffing, that I felt I had time for this. The death of my friend and golfing partner also created a big hole in my schedule. So, when Bonnie went on the board at Lunch Break and took on the capital campaign to expand the small Red Bank site, she persuaded me to monitor the finances. This led to working with Holiday Ex press as a truck driver and party elf(!), a nd meal delivery for Meals on Wheels.  I use my teaching background to work for SOURCE out of Red Bank Regional HS, coaching and tutoring DACA students in math and English.  I am now studying Spanish at Brookdale College to improve

CIRCLE-CHEVRON-UP Dr. Tom Johnson packs a hygiene bag at The Center in Asbury Park

our communication. I also volunteer to check in and get lunches or groceries for cli ents at The Center in Asbury o n Fridays.  This continues and I now go in on Tuesdays to restock and pack hygiene bags.

CM: A large portion of your time and energy serves Lunch Break. Congrats on your Heart to Hand Award!  How did you first get involved with this group?

Bonnie: I chaired an Out reach Committee at our local c hurch for many years and it was in that capacity that I met Gwendolyn Love (Executive Director of Lunch Break) in her tiny little office. I fell in love immediately and asked if I could join her board. I joined and eventually Gwen asked if I would chair their first capital campaign. I had no idea what that entailed, and “invited” Tom to act in a financial capacity with me. We had a fabulous commit tee that met at our dining ro om table every Tuesday night. We raised $5M. When a second capital campaign for Lunch Break was envisioned, Tom and I again joined a

most sophisticated and com mitted group of professionals a nd at this time, we are near our goal of $12M!

Tom: I was inspired by the gentle strength, commit ment, and wisdom of Gwen L ove. After I got involved, I was encouraged by the reac tions of those I helped. Very o ften these are good people that simply didn’t get the breaks that I had. I enjoyed that work so much that I started working physically for Lunch Break, washing dishes, loading, and unload ing trucks, and of course, w orking on the Finance Committee to monitor finan cial operations.

C M: What has been most satisfying about your community connections?

Bonnie: The staff and vol unteers. Those who work i n nonprofits are the most genuine, hardworking and wonderful citizens. They en ter the field because of their d esire to improve the lives of those in the community.

Tom: It’s really a great op portunity for the engineer, p roblem solver in me.

"Volunteering begins with the interest in helping others and the willingness to ask."

DR. TOM JOHNSON

"Make time in your busy lives to do productive and meaningful work."

BONNIE FEATHERSTONE-JOHNSON

CM: Have you been frustrated or discouraged along the way with things you have witnessed? Were you able to remedy those situations?

Bonnie:  I cannot remember ever be ing discouraged in my association with a c harity. My attitude is that we must help them, short and long-term through the many resources here in Monmouth County. And, through the years, I have observed that clients are very grateful and appreciative.

Tom:  Occasionally, some aspects of the work get frustrating.  For example, when Lunch Break had trouble getting volun teers to sort donated pantry goods in o ur dimly lit basement in very crowded conditions, on low, rickety tables, I re cruited a small group to fund and install l ighting and sturdy tables as well as to reorganize the space for reasonable traf fic.

CM: Any tips for those who want to get involved in community service?

Bonnie:  Make time in your busy lives to do productive and meaningful work. From the days of the first capital cam paign, I have used the expression, ‘You must be specific to be terrific,’ and that seems to have stuck, universally. Also, colleagues know that I like to start and stop meetings on time

Tom:  Volunteering begins with the in terest in helping others and the will ingness to ask.  Initially, it may not be t he most rewarding work – like loading trucks or washing dishes.  But, like any thing else, after your work ethic and re liability get noticed, interesting things c an come your way.

CM: What do you enjoy doing in your “spare” time?

Bonnie: As a Master Gardener, I volun teer at three local gardens, helping to p lant and harvest beautiful produce that feeds Lunch Break clients!

Tom:  Spare time used to include golf

and biking.  For about 25 years Bonnie and I sang with the Monmouth Civic Chorus; but that ended with COVID.  Now I spend time with puzzles every day and novels – reading two or three per week.  Then there is the phone and FaceTime with grandchildren.

CM: Favorite quote or philosophy?

Bonnie: When I first started in sales in the early 90s, I listened to motivation al tapes as I drove all over the Garden S tate. From an early pioneer in training materials, Earl Nightingale, I have ad opted the phrase, ‘We are all put on this e arth to serve.’

Tom: As Helen Keller said, ‘Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.’ It is the coming together of so many diverse people with different skills and interests, to do work that demon strably helps those who would otherwise b e left behind, that makes this work so satisfying.

CIRCLE-CHEVRON-UP Bonnie Featherstone-Johnson delivers freshly harvested produce to Lunch Break.

Annual Halpern Invitational Men’s Ping Pong Tournament is Huge Success

The fifth annual Halpern Invitational Ping Pong Tournament for Fair Haven residents raised money for charity and took place recently at the home of Fair Haven Mayor Josh Halpern. Now known as The Mayor’s Invitational, it was originally created by the Mayor in 2017 as an excuse to keep his wife Nicole busy while he planned her surprise birthday party for that evening. “The participants loved the charitable impact of the day so much, and the camaraderie that came along with it, that they persuaded me to make it an annual event,” said Mayor Halpern. The event started with 16 players and has grown to 40 players. Every year, there is a waiting list of players anxious to participate in the tournament. “We have discussed going even bigger with the tournament, but a change of venue may be necessary to do so,” he noted.

This year there were 112 games played, beginning at 11:00 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m. The youngest player was 15 years old; the oldest, 62. Donations were offered even by those who did not attend or play. The event raised $2,670 and with the Mayor paying for all overhead, 100% goes directly to the chosen beneficiary. The winner of the tournament chooses the charity to receive the donation and this year, Fair Haven Community Appeal was the recipient. The Mayor explained the Appeal is sent annually to all Fair Haven residents and helps to support nine separate entities: Fair Haven Recreation Commission; Fair Haven Library; Interfaith Neighbors; The ARC; 180 Turning Lives Around; Mental Health Association; Fair Haven Shade Tree Commission; Fair Haven Fields Natural Area; and the Garden Club of Fair Haven.

“This year’s tournament was the most successful day we have had,” said Mayor Halpern. “I am very proud to bring together so

Woman’s Club of Red Bank Presents Women RISE & Shine Breakfast

As autumn marks the transition from warm to cool weather, it’s the perfect time of the year to think about transformation. Inspired by this time of year, the Woman’s Club of Red Bank is hosting a fall transformation breakfast featuring a panel of women who will share their experiences and advice for a better self-care and healthier life, balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Moderated by Joanne Farina, and honoring DonnaLyn Giegerich, this event will be held on October 22 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Woman’s Club of Red Bank.

Transformation is the theme for the current leadership team at the Club, as the ladies are “Women in Motion” with an enthusiastic momentum to revitalize the Club to bring it to the 21st Century. This motivating revitalization is being achieved by adding many events monthly to engage and bring awareness to the Club’s impactful presence as a community partner, offering so much to its members and the community. The Woman’s Club of Red Bank clubhouse, The Anthony Reckless Estate, was constructed ca. 1870 for one of Red Bank’s leading citizens, New Jersey Senator Anthony Reckless. The Club purchased the property in 1921 for its headquarters, community meetings, and events.

By Susan Murphy

many responsible Fair Haven residents for such a good cause. My favorite part of the day is walking players up to each other who have not met yet, to introduce them before they play. This year’s recipient was the choice as the tournament was so Fair Haven-centric. The winner thought it was a great idea to invest the money back to the Fair Haven community from which it was donated. Giving back feels good, giving back to Fair Haven feels great.”

The President of the Fair Haven Community Appeal, former Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre, was presented with a check. He noted the donation was “the single largest donation to the Appeal that he can remember.”

Today, the Woman’s Club of Red Bank continues to support literacy through community service engagement, preserving the historic club house for future generations to enjoy and providing a strong network for personal and professional development. This is done through events, community service, membership, fundraising, and preservation.

For more information and tickets, visit WomansClubofRedBank.org.

Fair Haven Mayor Josh Halpern (left) presents a check for $2,670 to Fair Haven Community Appeal President Mike Halfacre. Photo Credit: Christine Braceland Photography

Boris of Little Silver

pearl of fair haven miles of fair haven

molly of red bank

winnie of rumson

chip of sea bright

Ollie & Juno of Rumson

kira of red bank

bodhi bear of sea bright

Nala of Little Silver bestie of red bank

sia and bailey of red bank

Pierre of red bank

Fall

Ready or not, fall is here. The beach trips come to a halt, the kids are back in school and the cinnamon spice candles and fall decorations cov er the house! While unexpected illnesses and injuries can happen at any time during the year, fall is also a time of lurking dangers for pets. Be low are some tips to keep your pet happy and healthy during the autumn months.

Football Parties & Food

It’s officially football season, and everyone loves hosting a game. Unfor tunately, pets are exposed to table scraps and dangerous foods that may give them upset stomachs, vomiting or diarrhea. Remind your guests to keep these foods away from pets so everyone can have a good time.

In addition to foreign foods, foods in large quantities are toxic to pets, such as grapes, onions, garlic and raisins. Some foods can present a risk for choking, such as:

• Corn on the cob

• Fruits with pits

• Foods with bones (such as chicken wings)

• Toothpicks or skewers

Back to School Supplies

Fall means back-to-school time, and those with young children know that means stocking up on items like glue sticks, pencils, and markers. Although these items are low toxicity to pets, gastrointestinal upset and blockages can occur if ingested. Remind the little ones to store these items away in backpacks and out of reach of your four-legged friends.

Mushrooms

Fall and spring are mushroom season. While most mushrooms are non-toxic, the 1% that are can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Take extra care of the yard by inspecting it regularly and remove any site or growth and keep pets away from wet, wooded areas while on walks where mushrooms like to grow. While most mushrooms are hard to iden tify if toxic vs. not, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Mothballs

Mothballs are classified as a pesticide and used to control moths, silver fish and other fiber pests in wool and other natural fiber clothing and materials. Mothballs are commonly made of naphthalene or paradichlo robenzene, both of which are toxic to pets. To prevent mothball toxicity, store mothballs out of a pet’s reach, in airtight containers and always fol low the product’s labels and guidelines.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze has a sweet smell and taste that attract pets. Antifreeze is ex tremely dangerous if ingested and is one of the most common forms of poisoning in pets and can be fatal. Signs of early poisoning include act ing drunk or uncoordinated, excessive thirst, and lethargy.

Rodenticides

The use of rat and mouse poisons increases in the fall as these animals seek shelter from the cooler temperatures outdoors. Rodenticides are extremely toxic to pets and, if ingested, the results could be fatal. If you must use these products, do so with caution and store them in high plac es out of your pet’s reach.

As always, if your pet experiences an emergency to any of the above mentions, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital is here for you and them 24/7/365.

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BY PETER C. PARAS,

DID THEY REALLY DO THAT?

Criminal lawyers deal with some of the worst people on their best behavior. Family lawyers deal with some of the best people on their worst behavior. The stresses and strains of divorce often con tribute to some very bizarre, but unpro ductive, behavior.

In the mid-1970s, shortly after New Jersey enacted its equitable distribution law, a man in Middlesex County decid ed that if the judge was going to divide the marital assets, he’d help him. He got his extension ladder and his chain saw, climbed onto the roof, and literally cut the house in half – through the entire roof and down both sides of the house. The judge ordered him to pay to repair the $60,000.00 in structural damage he caused. He did, however, receive fifteen minutes of fame – Esquire Magazine con ferred one of its Dubious Achievement Awards on him and his “achievement” was prominently noted in the magazine’s

year-end issue.

A South Jersey couple, who lived on a lagoon, got divorced after having two children together. A few years later, in an unfortunate miscalculation, they re married each other and had two more children. Then things got really bad. After an argument, the wife unplugged the bilge pump that was keeping the hus band’s boat afloat. Two days later, the boat was at the bottom of the lagoon. Not to be outdone for sheer lunacy, the husband stole the ten-year-old daugh ter’s eyeglasses during his next visit and wouldn’t give them back. Why he thought hurting his daughter constitut ed revenge on his wife is open to specula tion. The wife got the last pungent word in this dispute, however. She unplugged the freezer that contained the husband’s fishing chum (bait, not his fishing bud dy). We can only imagine what hap pened next.

A North Jersey man returned home several hours after an argument with his wife over the telephone about in fidelity. When he opened his closet he found the left sleeve of every garment he owned laying on the floor. Nearby was his wife’s scissor.

A prodigious party guy returned home in a stupor from a night of carous ing at about 3:00 a.m. Since he had lost his keys, he rang the doorbell, waking his very perturbed wife. When she opened the door, there he was standing on the front porch, wearing only his belt, his shoes and a dopey grin.

These are extreme examples of bad behavior. Maintain your dignity. No one can take it away from you, but you can give it away. It is impossible to take emo tion completely out of divorce, but it’s worth the effort to keep your behavior from reaching these depths. It’s import ant to you, your children and your sanity.

Peter C. Paras

E. Apy

CBA Celebrates Installation Mass for New President R. Ross Fales

Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) held an Installation Mass for R. Ross Fales, the fourth president in the school history. The Mass, celebrated by Father John Folchetti at St. Leo the Great in Lincroft, was attended by Brothers, trustees, faculty, students, family, and friends.

“It is with profound humility, yet great enthusiasm that I accept this special call to stewardship of Christian Brothers Academy,” Fales said in his address to the audience. “I stand before you today in a spirit of deep gratitude.”

Brother Robert Shaefer, Provincial of the Brothers’ District of Eastern North America, guided Fales in reciting the presidential oath of office and presented him with a medallion engraved with the school seal.

Fales follows in the footsteps of three Brothers of the Christian Schools who have served as CBA president: Brother Andrew O’Gara, Brother Frank Byrne ’75, and Brother Thomas Gerrow.

CBA’s new president is no stranger to the Academy, as Fales has been an administrator since 2006 and most recently served as the school’s ninth principal for seven years. During his time at CBA, he has also been the Associate Principal for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, as well as a member of the science faculty.

As principal, Fales guided CBA to several accomplishments, most notably earning the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2017. It was the second time in school history that CBA earned the award and was one of just 50 high schools nationally to receive the accommodation that year.

In his role as president, Fales is the Academy’s “institution builder,” serving as the chief administrator during an important time in the school’s history. The 157-acre campus is undergoing an exciting transformation, with multiple new facilities being constructed and additional projects scheduled to be completed in the coming years. Fales has a deep understanding of the importance of fundraising, enrollment management, and strategic growth for private, Catholic schools.

“As president of CBA, I will strive to uphold the great legacy built by the Brothers and lay faculty and staff before me, while also guiding CBA in the progress necessary to continue delivering a mission-driven, high quality, character focused, holistic and Catholic education in this 21st century,” Fales concluded.

Trinity Hall Announces New Athletic Director, New Faces for 20222023 School Year

Trinity Hall has added new faculty and staff members for the 2022-2023 school year, including a new athletic director. Robert Bagley, an experienced athletics administrator in all-girls schools, has been named Trinity Hall’s new athletic director. Bagley will operate and manage Trinity Hall’s award-winning athletic pro gram, joining Miranda DeRobertis, returning athletic trainer and assistant athletic director, and Emily Gallagher, athletic admin istrative coordinator.

Bagley joins Trinity Hall from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, an all-girls school in Houston, Texas, where he served as the head of athletics since 2014. Prior to Duchesne Academy, Bagley enjoyed a long tenure at The Chapin School, an all-girls school in Manhattan, serving in many capacities such as the director of student life, physical education teacher, volleyball coach and gymnastics coach. Bagley earned a B.A. in elementary education from Long Island University and holds a Master’s degree in curriculum and design in physical education from Columbia Teachers College.

“I am thrilled to be part of the Trinity Hall community,” expressed Bagley. “I am looking forward to building on the athletic success of the past ten years while helping our student-athletes reach their fullest potential.”

In addition, several new teachers and staff members join a team of nearly 60 educators for the 2022-2023 school year.

New teachers and staff members include: Lauren Brancato - arts teacher; Victoria Cattelona - humanities teacher; Kayla Devosa - STEM teacher; Emily Gallagher - athletics administra tive coordinator; Megan McAllister - administrative assistant; Casey McChesney – registrar; Charles Russell - STEM teacher; and Alexis Salerno ‘18 - professional intern: admissions team.

Mr. R. Ross Fales addressing the audience after being officially installed as president.

Photo credit: Larry Levanti/CBA

Trinity Hall Athletics Team - Athletic Trainer and Assistant Athletic Director Miranda DeRobertis, Athletic Director Robert Bagley and Athletic Administrative Coordinator Emily Gallagher

Two River Theater’s 2022/2023 Lineup Celebrates the Power of Art from Harlem and Havana to Fair Verona

T wo River Theater is proud to announce an exciting theatrical season, featuring world premiere work as well as plays with some of American theater’s most lauded talents. Artistic Director John Dias says, “Each of these plays cen ters on artwork: painting, sculpture, poetry, or music and c elebrates the transformative power of art to provoke and stimulate, to make us laugh and rejoice, to help us grieve and heal, but mostly to bring us together to affirm our com mon humanity.”

O pening the season will be Wine in the Wilderness , written by the trailblazing playwright Alice Childress, and directed by Obie Award-winner Brandon J. Dirden. Kick ing off the new year will be the complex and darkly funny w orld premiere of Living and Breathing by Mando Alvara do, which was part of the 2019 Two River Theater Crossing B orders Festival. In spring of 2023 Two River will present Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet in a modern verse translation by Hansol Jung, produced as part of the NAAT CO (National Asian American Theatre Company) National P artnership Project. Finally, the passionate tale of revolu tion, art, and forbidden love, Two Sisters and a Piano, writ ten by Pulitzer Prize-winner Nilo Cruz will end the season, g iving audiences a glimpse into the shifting global politics surrounding 1990s Havana.

T he season will also celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the wildly successful youth education program, A Little Shakespeare, in which local students work with profession al artists to stage a 75-minute adaptation of Romeo and Ju liet

F ull details on the subscription series can be found at TwoRiverTheater.org. Plays, artists, dates, and ticket prices are subject to change. Two River Theater’s 2022/23 Season Sponsor is Hackensack Meridian Health/Riverview Medical Center.

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