07728 Freehold | Fall 2023

FALL 2023

Saving Lives 5K COLOR RUN

Making a Difference

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION TO HEALTH

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR A COMMUNITY AFFAIR

Reaching New Heights D IN PA RE O S

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In this Issue: A community affair............................... 7 Saving lives .................................................10 Making a difference ............................12 Reaching new heights ....................17 Following Freehold............................. 18

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Letter from the Editor:

H

ello 07728! Can you believe it’s that time of year again – school in session and ALL things Fall? I definitely can’t, but here we are! I am excited for you to check out our Fall edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Freehold.

Did you happen to check out the Half Mile of Kathy Chang EDITOR Horse Art Walk and the Freehold Halloween Spooktacular? All we can say is “Wow.” These two free events unify the local community with help from volunteers, business owners, government officials and borough employees alike. The Half Mile of Horse Art Walk showcased 18 artists this year and the chain of spooktacular shindigs had something for everyone. Find out all about the “local community affair” on page 7.

Stephanie Nicole Parze’s story is all too familiar. During the summer of 2019, she became involved with a young man. During this time she had been extremely sick and he was very attentive; however, what started out as an apparently caring relationship turned into violent physical, sexual and emotional abuse during their on-again off-again relationship. Stephanie disappeared on Oct. 30, 2019. Her body was found Jan. 26, 2020. Stephanie was just shy of her

26th birthday when she was murdered in an act of domestic violence. Since her tragic death, the Parze family established the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation to establish safety laws to protect victims of domestic violence and much more.

Learn about the foundation on page 10.

From domestic violence to making a difference. Freehold has a number of organizations that seek out to help people. The Neighborhood Connection to Health is one of them. It is an organization that looks to break down barriers to make a difference in the health of the community. Neighborhood Connections focuses on a number of pillars from healthy food to biking/walking to lead poisoning prevention. In recent years, they’ve added pillars, such as healthcare access, vaccine access, and disability including in health care. Neighborhood connect on page 12.

We round this issue with a feature on the annual Latino Festival of Monmouth County. Every year since its inception in 2005, the Latino Festival has aimed to showcase and spotlight the rich traditions, art, music and cuisine of the Latino community in Monmouth County.

And boy does it! Even Gov. Phil Murphy has stopped by to enjoy. Learn how it all started and who is involved on page 17.

Also check out Following Freehold for future community events on page 18.

All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead! Enjoy!

Kathy Chang Editor

Fall 2023 Contributors 07728 is a publication of Newspaper Media Group, 130 Twinbridge Drive, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (856)779-3800 x6920 brought@newspapermediagroup.com

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HALF MILE OF HORSES ART WALK AND FREEHOLD HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR DID NOT DISAPPOINT

A community affair Story By Ryan Gallagher Photos By Carl Beams

T

he fun doesn’t stop in New Jersey when the summer ends. Rather than constant travel and long, sweaty days, the fall prompts New Jersey residents to enjoy their hometown without the interruptions for which summer is known and loved.

Coasting off the energy that a New Jersey summer breeds, residents gather for fall time events bearing bright smiles and comfortable clothing for community building events, great food, and lip-smacking refreshments.

In Freehold, fall calendars are blocked off for two big campaigns and the many events that characterize them. The Half Mile of Horses Art Walk, and the Halloween Spooktacular are two free events that unify the local community with help from volunteers, business owners, government officials, and borough employees alike.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION PROGRAM Specifically for the Half Mile of Horses Art Walk, the proceedings would not be possible without the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP). The Borough of Freehold is one of 40 communities to receive the $125,000 NPP grant which was awarded in late September 2021. The grant allows community leaders in places like Freehold to host free events, improve town infrastructure, and more.

Dominica Napolitano is on the Freehold Borough’s Planning Board. She is the Technical Assistant Land Use Management and the NPP Coordinator.

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“The grant is supposed to bring back social and economic placemaking, and is for doing good things within the community.

So, the Half Mile is just one thing we've done that gives people something to talk about,” shared Napolitano, adding with the grant funds they have also planted trees and updated lights and benches throughout the borough. “… Stuff you don’t see or notice as much.

The grant also covers the facade grant program for commercial and mixed-use businesses.”

Napolitano was one of the main components that brought Half Mile of Horses Art Walk and its many facets together last year.

This year she was one of 18 artists who participated in the art walk, which came to a culmination with the crowning of the most voted favorite horse – “Greetings from the Jersey Shore” by Artist Mary K. Nesnay – during a ceremony on Oct. 5.

“Greetings from the Jersey Shore” is inspired by the beautiful beaches of New Jersey, according to its description. Sand is used as the background. Beach badges from different shore towns are then painted on top in different colors and styles, creating a layered effect.

“In the Spring, we sent out an RFP (request for proposal) looking for artists, sent email blasts, and received 40 submissions,” Napolitano explained. “Some artists sent in one sketch, and some sent three. Leaving myself out, the NPP team did a blind vote, and this year came up with 18 artists.

Every artist picked up the horses from a local company called Stone Dog Studios that fabricated the horse sculptures. They came out super light and you could carry one on your arm.” see COMMUNITY AFFAIR page 8

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FALL 2023

COMMUNITY AFFAIR 07728 from page 7 In 2022, there were 12 artists selected who had eight weeks to complete the project. This year, artists had to pick up their horses, and in four weeks’ time paint them before being put on display around Main Street and South Street during early July.

Stone Dog Studio is involved from start to finish–their team makes podiums for the horses and adds a varnish to each horse to get every piece ready for the outdoors.”

Last year, the winner was Paige Reed– who is (go-figure) an art teacher for children in pre-K to the fifth grade at West Freehold Elementary. She painted a horse called “Let it Grow” which is still displayed at the Freehold Art Gallery–the sponsor of Reed’s painted horse sculpture last year.

This year, Reed participated once again with her painted horse sculpture “Stitch in Time.”

“The horse took close to 100 hours to complete,” Reed said. “I decided to get involved because I thought it was cool to use art to bring the community together. Artists see beauty where other people don't, and everyone finds beauty in different things.

And Freehold is my favorite place in the world.”

Reed said the six-week time frame to work on the horse sculptures was just right. “… You have to plan out what you're gonna paint first,” she said. “The embroidered pieces were drawn out before, then I molded plaster, used the Dremel to sand it down, and then painting began–with acrylic paints and paint pens on all the patches.

“I tried to create a piece that looked like it was sewn and embroidered to give that warm feeling like when my grandmother taught me how to crochet.

“I wanted it to feel personalized like a quilt–a collection of my favorite places in Freehold. Each patch represents favorite people from here like Bruce Springsteen and Molly Pitcher, and places like the courthouse, the old schoolhouse, Jersey Freeze ice cream… Lots of neat things here because it’s one of the oldest cities in New Jersey. The house where I live in is over 100 years old and used to be a potato farm. I love it because you can walk into town. The downtown area is really fun, and the energy is good there.”

Reed’s “Stitch in Time” came in second this year.

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“I loved the community response last year,” Reed said. “It’s incredible how many people reached out with congratulations. I am so happy to bring the community together through art. Our downtown has that artsy feel, and seeing people flock to see it was truly inspiring and humbling.”

FROM ART TO SPOOKTACULAR

As the Half Mile of Horses Art Walk winded down in early October, the Freehold Halloween Spooktacular came roaring to life.

The Freehold Halloween Spooktacular Committee is made up of volunteers and puts in a month’s worth of free events for the community, according to Toni Field, the event chair for Spooktacular, who also happened to be one of the horse-painting artists from last year’s Art Walk.

“Spooktacular started in 1994 as a parade and evolved since then,” she said. “I joined three years ago with Roger Kane as event chair. Now this is my second year as chair.”

Field moved with her family from Last Vegas to Freehold in 2016.

The chain of spooky shindigs had something for everyone with offerings like Heavy Halloween and the Annual Placing of Cornstalks, to Window Painting and Costume contests, among other events.

Movie Night was a double feature with a family movie and second geared more for adults right outside at the Hall of Records.

During last year’s movie night, “we all ran into the Court Jester to get people out of the bar, and out of their comfort zones to hang out with us,” laughed Field.

Freehold Spooktacular gathers the entire community together.

High School students and teachers came together to paint local business windows “spooktacular” along Main and South streets and in the Borough Plaza.

“The students come out to paint, businesses donate food and water, and kids have opportunities to win awards,” explained Field.

THE HAUNTED HAYRIDE In 2002, Freehold’s Haunted Hayride took a backseat for years. Two decades later, it is back. “… My neighbor told us [at one point] 07728

how they had the haunted hayride,” Field said.

Since then, she has contemplated on “how do we bring this back?”

“In 2021, we got people involved and it started at the Wells Fargo.”

Along the haunted hayride route, volunteers are in costumes and perform live spooktacular scenes.

Not only is the hayride fun, it is a great opportunity for kids to earn community service hours. They also get to come up and dress in costumes and get to perform for those on the hayride.

The Haunted Hayride revival brought with it a house decorating contest, and overall a feeling of connectivity throughout the community.

“Jim Hurley is one of the tractor drivers, and he's my neighbor, the one who told me about the hayride. He loves it,” Field said.

“He is the epitome of Freehold Borough, has lived here his whole life, and loves this town so much. He's so happy to get his tractor out and pull people around.”

Field was the main integral element which brought Freehold’s Haunted Hayride back from the dead. Her very own “Frankenstein” creation of sorts has added yet another community building event for Freehold residents as well as visiting families.

From the Haunted Hayride comes the Monster Mash and a pumpkin carving Jack-o-Lantern contest filled with dancing, family fun, games, awards and fall goodies – donuts, cider and popcorn. Yum! The Spooktacular series crescendos with the Freehold Costume Parade.

“We get high school bands and bring antique fire trucks to the Costume Contest in the Freehold Raceway lot,” Field said.

“People come from all over for the parade.”

It’s a whole community affair with Downtown Freehold, Freehold Department of Public Works, the Freehold Borough police and fire departments, and the administrators who work for the borough.

“You get that warm and fuzzy feeling from the committee, volunteers, and people who come,” Field said.

“It's all free and it builds our diverse community. It shows people's heart and what they're willing to do for the community.” — 07728 07728

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FALL 2023

Saving lives STEPHANIE NICOLE PARZE FOUNDATION WORKS TO ESTABLISH SAFETY LAWS TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

By Jennifer Amato

S

tephanie Nicole Parze was a student-athlete and a talented artist. From Freehold Township. She loved doing makeup. And she loved children. She would spend a lot of time at the beach, on the river or fishing, and enjoyed chilling on the sand, rafting or crabbing.

During the summer of 2019, Stephanie became involved with a young man. During this time she had been extremely sick and he was very attentive; however, what started out as an apparently caring relationship turned into violent physical, sexual and emotional abuse during their on-again off-again relationship.

Stephanie disappeared on Oct. 30, 2019. For 87 days the Parze family formed groups consisting of thousands of people at different times to search for her. The accused perpetrator took his own life a short time after these searches started after being released from jail on unrelated charges.

Friends and family later learned that Stephanie had been murdered in an act of domestic violence. Their worst nightmare was confirmed. Her body was found on Jan. 26, 2020.

Her family learned of the epidemic that is domestic violence firsthand. Stephanie’s life was cut short just shy of 26 years.

All of this information is chronicled on the website for The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation for Domestic Violence and Missing Persons Support, whose mission is to provide education, intervention and support to families and individuals dealing with domestic violence, sexual abuse and missing loved ones.

The group came together shortly after Halloween 2019 when Stephanie went missing. “We had no idea where she was or if she was alive. The bond that grew between us was strong” a message on the website states.

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER AMATO

The 5K Color Run is one of the many events that the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation runs in their continued efforts to protect victims of domestic violence.

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Their motto is “We are a family – whether by blood, by marriage or by common cause.”

Over 10 million adults experience domestic violence per year in the U.S. More than 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the U.S. will experience rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.

Stephanie’s father Ed, who has been very vocal in her absence, said, “We all know that sharing Stephanie’s story saves lives.

Although tragic we continue to do so in that effort to do just that. Also, by shedding awareness on domestic violence and sexual abuse we hope to end the violence once and for all.”

As president of the Stephanie Parze Foundation (SNP), Ed Parze has been working to pass several bills into law.

Bill S3712, titled “Stephanie’s Law,” requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to establish a publicly-accessible domestic violence registry, and requires law enforcement officers to search the state’s domestic violence registries when conducting an arrest. It is spearheaded by State Sen. Vin Gopal, whose district 11 oversees Freehold Township.

Bill S3713 would require law enforcement officers to conduct a danger assessment of domestic violence victims and provide assistance to high-risk victims.

“These bills, if put into law, will save countless lives. I know that if this information was available to my daughter it may have saved her life,” Parze said.

hold on Oct. 22. A dinner buffet and comedy show is planned at Stress Factory in New Brunswick on Nov. 19, and Stephanie’s Bling Bingo and Stephanie’s 30th Birthday Bash at Howell Lanes will be planned for February of next year.

Their motto is “We are a family – whether by blood, by marriage or by common cause.”

As an effort of their fundraising, the organization will be able to donate a forensic dental x-ray machine and a search and cadaver dog to the State Police Missing Persons Unit and Forensic Anthropology Unit.

“We will be naming this State Police K9 officer and our Missing Persons Family Assistance Unit patch will be displayed on its K9 vest,” Parze said.

Parze and his team present the "Wide Awake" presentation to high schools, colleges, businesses and any other group that request it, and hold T.A.P. (training, awareness and protection) classes on the third Wednesday of every month.

The Circle of Angels Program (C.O.A.P.) sessions help survivors deal with their situation. Other outreach efforts are with Nick Luciano’s Safe Way Out program, which provides protection, security equipment and self-protection training to empower those living in fear; and the Angel Alert Program – POM (Peace of Mind) which provides an emergency assistance device that when activated notifies the authorities to a GPStracked location.

To further its mission, the SNP Foundation will officially roll out its Breaking Free Program in January 2024. This program's sole purpose is to assist current victims break free from their abuser by providing temporary emergency shelter, transportation, immediate essentials, life critical medications, protection equipment and more. see SAVING LIVES page 13

SAVING LIVES Ways in which the foundation raises funds is through its annual charity golf outing, held the past four years; a vendor fair held outside of the Freehold Raceway Mall; and SNP tents at local fairs such as Olde Freehold Day, the Monmouth County Fair, the Red Bank Street Fair, Point Pleasant Beach Festival of the Sea, AsburyFest and Allentown Fall Festival. 94.3 The Point helped the Parzes spread their message every Tuesday night in July and August at their tent at the Freehold Raceway Mall’s Summer of Fun concert series. And they’ve held a color run at Lake Topanemus Park.

Booths were at the Foodstock in Freehold Township on Oct. 14 and the United Way Food Truck Festival in Downtown Free07728

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NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION TO HEALTH’S MISSION IS TO ‘BUILD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO CONNECT ALL FREEHOLD RESIDENTS TO HEALTHY LIVING.’

By Kathy Chang

I

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

n 2015, a “bunch of Freehold leaders” sat around a table looking to make a difference in the health of the community.

Looking at county health rankings and local hospital data, the group recognized that borough residents were experiencing poor health outcomes at much higher rates than surrounding communities due to social factors such as income, race, and immigration - all played a role in this inequity.

Additionally, barriers such as transportation and language further prevented people from accessing what they needed when it came to their health. The group noted Free-

hold Borough often is overlooked when it comes to public school funding and the allocation of community resources.

The culmination of these things led to the formation of the Neighborhood Connections to Health (NCTH) steering committee, which became a board of directors in 2019. They obtained nonprofit status in 2020 and have been steadfast in their mission to “make a difference for the Freehold Borough community, particularly those who are impacted by the social determinants of health.”

Currently Jenna Sistad leads the organization as executive director, Karen Ubeda connects families to resources as the bilingual community health worker, Carly Trill

serves as manager of program development, and Wagner Menendez maintains the organization’s social media sites.

Those “bunch of Freehold leaders” – now the organization’s board of trustees - support the four leaders as they continue the organization’s mission to “build community partnerships to connect all Freehold residents to healthy living.”

“I was introduced to the coalition before NCTH was an actual nonprofit,” Sistad recalled, noting the coalition created a blueprint for action, surveyed the community on priority areas and created four subgroups lead poisoning prevention, walk/bike safety, intergenerational programming and access to healthy food. see CONNECTION page 15

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION TO HEALTH

Neighborhood Connection to Health’s mission is to ‘build community partnerships to connect all Freehold residents to healthy living.’

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SAVING LIVES 07728 from page 11 Another major initiative that will be developed in the near future is Missing Persons Family Assistance Units. Once completed, each of the 21 counties in New Jersey will have a five-person unit assigned.

These units will consist of a family liaison (unit leader), logistics officer, Search and Rescue or Recovery (SAR) liaison, media officer and a law enforcement liaison. These team members will assist and support the families of the missing in any way they can.

“We believe that this foundation and Stephanie's story save lives and hopefully prevent things like what happened to Steph from reoccurring,” Parze said. “Our presence throughout the communities, if not for anything else, brings much-needed awareness about these three epidemics and what they can do to families and individuals having to deal with them. By shedding light on domestic violence, sexual abuse and missing persons, our communities become stronger and wiser to these threats. They stand up and fight to prevent them. They become more mindful about becoming complacent and they fight back when necessary. They become more observant and when they see something, they say something.

“We believe that together we can all make a difference and we stand by our mission to do just that.”

If you are interested in joining SNP Foundation as a regular member, you must be at least 18 years old, complete and pass a criminal background check, and commit to attending or participating in at least two regular business meetings, special meetings, committee meetings, events or any combination thereof per year.

You also have the option of being an approved volunteer if you are at least 13 and complete a background check. You would be placed on a call roster and be called whenever the foundation is in need of volunteer assistance, and participate in at least one function per year.

For more information on the foundation, visit www.snpfoundation.org. — 07728 The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

The National Sexual Abuse Hotline is 1-800-656-4673.

The NJ State Police Missing Persons Unit is 609-882-2000, ext. 2554.

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CONNECTION 07728 from page 12 “I’m proud to have been part of the whole journey which allowed me to meet many wonderful people along the way.”

Sistad formally joined the staff as executive director in January 2022 reporting to the “very active” board of trustees. “… I manage the finances and oversee the business operations of the nonprofit,” she said, adding it has been an honor to work with her team and the board.

“It’s been a wonderful experience. I truly believe in the mission and work of Neighborhood Connections.”

Ubeda connects families in Freehold to resources that they need as the bilingual community health worker for Neighborhood Connections to Health.

“The services people often need from me include health appointments, lead tests, vaccines, healthy food, baby items and much, much more,” she said. “I’m able to work with different partners to gain different resources. I am our sole Spanish speaker for the organization, meaning much of my work includes translating verbally for meetings and documents.”

Ubeda began her journey to Neighborhood Connections to Health as a parent leader in Freehold advocating for her children and community about health, safety and education. There she learned about NCTH. “I’ve been with NCTH for over five years and have made many friendships within Freehold, and I am fortunate enough to call this community home.”

Trill came to Neighborhood Connections to Health just under five years ago after learning about an open position that they had. “… I felt compelled to apply as the organization’s mission and values really spoke to me,” she said. “I’m passionate about social justice and human rights, and health equity falls right in line with that.

“In my position as manager of program development, I work on sustaining our coalition which is comprised of all of our partners and volunteers in the Freehold area, building new relationships and partnerships to advance our community’s health, engaging the community in projects, coordinating events, communications, and more.

“Most of all, I am passionate about building community, which is really the 07728

core of NCTH. I’m thankful to be part of such an amazing team, and surrounded by so many awesome partners,” Trill said.

Menendez, who has been an active resident, learned about NCTH at the beginning of the pandemic.

“I wanted to find a way to do more and give back to my community,” she said.

“I volunteered during one of their mobile food pantries, and after expressing interest in doing more with the organization, I was brought on as a social media consultant.

“I maintain very active Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter profiles for NCTH, keeping the community updated with all of our events/programs. I also share content from our partners, so that we can serve as a platform for relevant health information. I attend events to do Facebook live, take photos, do staff/volunteer interviews, and more so that we can share on our platforms.

“In addition, I volunteer as a leader of the bike/walk group, and hosted monthly bike rides this past spring, summer, and now fall,” Menendez said.

PILLARS Neighborhood Connections focuses on a number of pillars. In recent years, they’ve added pillars, such as healthcare access, vaccine access, and disability inclusion in healthcare.

• Healthy food - What began as an effort to reduce food insecurity and increase healthy eating habits has given birth to a variety of initiatives. Over the years, NCTH has played a role in increasing food resources here in Freehold Borough, through things like partnership with Fulfill’s Mobile Food Pantry (hosted twice monthly in Freehold Borough by NCTH), participation in the Freehold Food Safety Net – a partnership 15

between all food providing/social service agencies in the area, pop-up produce distributions, and Downtown Freehold Farmer’s Market vouchers (thanks to grant funding and sponsorships).

More recently, the ultimate crossover has taken place. The organization’s Healthy Food pillar has merged with its Intergenerational Connections pillar to form the Freehold Intergenerational Community Kitchen. A dedicated group of volunteers from both groups came up with the idea, wrote for grant money, and ultimately won grant funds to launch the program.

This program, which is an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together twice a month to learn new recipes and cook together, piloted in August 2022 and has continued through the present. Countless healthy/cultural recipes have been cooked by participants in this program, but the most emphasized highlight from participants was the social connections that they gained from the program.

Participants enjoyed meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and forming friendships with others in the kitchen.

This among many other food access efforts continue through NCTH. • Bike/Walk - The bikability/walkability committee of NCTH formed after recognizing that many residents of Freehold Borough do not have a car, and therefore use walking/biking as mode of transport. A group of dedicated volunteers met one to two times per month to discuss and assess the most important biker/pedestrian safety concerns in the borough. Eventually, the group moved to perform a walk audit at the public elementary school that would be turned into an application for the New Jersee CONNECTION page 16 FALL 2023

CONNECTION 07728 powered so many borough residents.

• Intergenerational/FICC – NCTH formed Freehold Intergenerational Comsey Safe Routes to School Funding.

Through a partnership with the Borough munity Council (FICC) to meet the comof Freehold, NCTH continues in efforts to munity needs identified in focus groups to make infrastructural improvements to ben- reduce isolation through increased civic efit bikers/walkers. Today, through the ded- engagement. When the coalition first beication of volunteer leaders, NCTH holds gan, the Intergenerational pillar would host monthly group bike rides/walks throughout events and activities in the community that town. The group has also campaigned for promoted connection between generations. bike safety, installed more bike racks, and The intergenerational approach is supportdistributed free helmets, through the sup- ed by evidence-based research and suggested by the youth and seniors participating in port of funders/sponsors.

• Lead poisoning/tenants association - In those groups.

To prepare FICC members to address recognition of the majority pre-1978 housing stock of Freehold Borough, NCTH de- these challenges, NCTH employed the cided that lead poisoning prevention was training curriculum “Leadership for All going to be an integral part of the organi- Ages: Generations Working Together to zation. In collaboration with the Freehold Strengthen Communities.” Saturday mornArea Health Departings, starting in December 2021, a group ment, NCTH providTheir mission is to of strangers began ed lead education at training to find meandifferent venues in the “make a difference community, targeting ingful connections for the Freehold parents of young chiland new skills to best dren. The education Borough community, serve the community.

COVID and social helped parents to unparticularly those who distancing were no derstand the potential hindrance, as NCTH hazard of lead in their are impacted by the leadership used Zoom home, how to know if social determinants meetings to guide all their family is at risk through innovative of exposure, and ways of health.” experiences and lesto mitigate the risk of lead exposure. sons. FICC members Through grant funding, this evolved realized that their life journey, no matter into a home visit program where NCTH the length, gave a unique perspective on screened homes for lead paint. Through both community challenges and solutions. additional partnerships, NCTH was able Armed with connections and vision, FICC to refer residents to organizations such as examined all that comprises the Freehold CARC (Communities Affairs and Resource community.

Center), whom were able to take a lead It is a culmination of this journey that set hazardous home and turn it into a lead-safe FICC in motion, allowing members to rehome through remediation. duce the social isolation in their community Additionally, the active board of trustees by fostering civic engagement. FICC is curwere able to advocate for the passage of a rently recruiting new members. lead-safe housing ordinance in Freehold • FFHC/Vaccines (COVID) - NCTH Borough, which required lead inspections at also plays a role in direct healthcare servictenant turnover or otherwise, periodically, es. Through NCTH’s original set of focus to protect tenants. As this pillar has evolved, groups, it became apparent to us that the its main vehicle is now the Freehold Tenant community would benefit greatly from a Association. This active group of borough Federally Qualified Health Center. NCTH, residents meets monthly to discuss housing as well as many other community leaders concerns within the community, and come and partners, advocated for an FQHC to be up with solutions for these issues together. brought to Freehold Borough.

The group has secured countless resources/ In 2019, this vision came to fruition. A speakers to educate on pertinent topics, has collaboration between VNA of Central Jercampaigned for tenants’ rights, and has em- sey, CentraState Healthcare System, and from page 15

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Rutgers University, birthed the Freehold Family Health Center. This center can serve all, regardless of insurance, and can even support those without health insurance. It is not only a center for primary care, but over 15 different medical services, including, podiatry, gynecology, and other specialties.

In 2021, NCTH formed a strong partnership with the center, with the goals of making the Freehold Borough community aware of its existence, and connecting people to the center that need care. Through the collaboration, hundreds of individuals have been referred to the center for care, and thousands have been educated about the center. NCTH also partners with the Freehold Area Health Department and Casa Freehold to provide COVID-19 and Flu vaccines on a monthly basis at no cost to community members in need. This effort was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disability Inclusion - NCTH is weaving disability inclusion into the fabric of its organization thanks to funders, sponsors, and partners for their ongoing support and collaboration.

Funded by an Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant from the Division of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services, and in partnership with the Borough of Freehold and Freehold Family Health Center, they are asking questions such as: What are the barriers to healthcare for individuals with disabilities? How can we enhance our existing healthcare systems to better serve individuals with disabilities?

The organization’s approach is to include individuals with disabilities in this project, and create space for their voices to drive change. The organization has spent the past years building relationships and trust within the disability community, as well as facilitating focus group discussions.

Over the next two years, they will be factoring these discussions into their own five-year strategic plan, fostering a disability-centered Patient Advisory Council, and making structural/systemic improvements to the Freehold Family Health Center that support disability access. — 07728 Neighborhood Connections to Health is located at 597 Park Ave., Suite C in Freehold. For more information call (908) 692-7338 or visit www.ncthnj.org.

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Reaching new heights THE LATINO FESTIVAL OF MONMOUTH COUNTY SHOWCASES THE RICH TRADITIONS, ART, MUSIC AND CUISINE OF THE LATINO COMMUNITY

By Kathy Chang

E

very year since its inception in 2005, the Latino Festival has aimed to showcase and spotlight the rich traditions, art, music and cuisine of the Latino community in Monmouth County.

And boy does it! Even Gov. Phil Murphy has stopped by to enjoy.

Lively performances of traditional music and dance, art exhibitions, craft vendors, and a wide array of delicious Latino cuisine once again filled East Main Street in September offering something for everyone.

“Over the years, the festival has played a pivotal role in dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions about the Latino community,” said Lazaro Cardenas, a founding member of the festival, adding it has provided an opportunity “to bridge cultural gaps, educate the wider community, and promote

cross-cultural dialogue.”

The festival’s inception can be credited to the visionary leadership of Cardenas and Frank Argote-Freyre, who served as the director and deputy director, respectively, of the Latino Coalition of New Jersey at the time of its creation.

Their passion and commitment to promoting Latino culture led to the festival’s formation.

“We wanted to promote cultural awareness, foster inclusivity, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of the local Latino community,” Cardenas said, adding they were “inspired by the need to shed light on the positive contributions of Latinos in the region.”

The festival is the platform where the

community can come together, share their heritage, and be recognized for their valuable impact on Monmouth County.

The initial committee - comprised of dedicated individuals - contributed significantly to the festival’s growth.

Diana Tennant, who passed away in 2020, and served as co-chair from 2012 to 2014, was a driving force behind the event, Cardenas said.

Other founding committee members included Angel Matos (co-chair from 2008 to 2012), Albert DeGracia, Ann Bagchi, Stan and Debbie Organek, Steve and Debbie Rickter, Caridad Diaz, Yeni M. Cardenas, and Mahonry Hidalgo. see NEW HEIGHTS page 18

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LATINO FESTIVAL OF MONMOUTH COUNTY

The Latino Festival of Monmouth County has been showcasing the rich traditions, art, music and cuisine of the Latino community since 2005.

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FALL 2023

Following Freehold

It’s all in the details.

When it comes to your social calendar change is ... not always good. But sometimes it’s inevitable. Check each organization’s website for updated event information.

THE EDDIE TESTA BAND

Dec. 1 - 7-11 p.m. - The American Hotel, 18 E. Main St.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Dec. 1 - 7-11 p.m. - The American Hotel, 18 E. Main St.

BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Dec. 3, 10, 17 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

- The American Hotel, 18 E. Main St. Dec. 9 – 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Sweet Lew’s Café, 6 E. Main St.

TREE LIGHTING

Dec. 5 - 5-7 p.m. – Hall of Records, 1 East Main St. FALL 2023

NEW HEIGHTS 07728 from page 17

JOLLEY TROLLEY

DowntownFreehold.com‘s Jolly Trolley produced in association with Shore Luxury Limo and the Howell High School Drama Club is an approximately 45 minute tour of Freehold Borough at the most wonderful time of the year.

Dec. 8 – 5-9 p.m. – Downtown Freehold,10 East Main St. Dec. 9 – 3-9 p.m. – Downtown Freehold, 10 East Main St. Menorah Lighting Dec. 11 - 5-6 p.m. – Hall of Records, 1 East Main St.

YOGA

The Mayor’s Wellness Free Yoga Class at Court Street School, 140 Court St, runs through Dec. 13, taking the week of Thanksgiving off.

CAROLERS DOWNTOWN

Dec. 14 - 6-8 p.m. – 10 East Main St. 18

With their collective efforts, the festival began to take shape, drawing the local community closer to the vibrant world of Latino culture.

Under Cardenas’ leadership, the event made its first strides toward becoming a cherished tradition. His dedication to the cause and commitment to fostering a sense of unity and pride among the Latino community laid the foundation for what was to come.

From 2008 to 2012, the festival was cochaired by Cardenas and Angel Matos.

From 2012 to 2014, the festival was cochaired by Cardenas and Diana Tennant.

In 2014, the festival took a new direction as Don Cruz and Julia Lopez stepped in as chairs. Their vision and leadership have guided the festival to new heights. It continues to thrive spotlighting local Latino artists, musicians and guest speakers.

Many of the original members like Cardenas are still involved with the festival, as are many of their offspring who volunteer with the festival year after year.

The current members of the Latin Festival of Monmouth County Committee include Don Cruz, Julia Lopez, Lazaro Cardenas, Frank Argote Freyre, Angel Matos, Ann Bagchi, Caridad Diaz, Beatriz Oesterheld, and Yeimi A. Hernandez Beyond its cultural significance, the festival has served as a catalyst for community empowerment, Cardenas added.

“It has facilitated economic growth and job opportunities within the community by offering a platform for local Latino businesses and entrepreneurs,” he said.

The festival also has an educational component.

“It promotes programs that encourage educational achievement and scholarship opportunities for young Latinos,” Cardenas said. “By investing in the education of future generations, the festival reinforces the message that knowledge and education are essential tools for success and progress.”

Today, the Latino Festival of Monmouth County continues to stand as a symbol of cultural diversity, community strength, and the joy of celebrating traditions.

“It’s not just a celebration of Latino culture; it’s a celebration of community,” Cardenas said. — 07728 07728

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