CM: Colts Neck • Holmdel • Lincroft - October 2022

PHOTO: MELISSA AMORELLI

Bonnie Featherstone-Johnson and Dr. Tom Johnson

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.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?

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 ®

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.

A MORE COMFORTABLE MAMMOGRAM SHAPED LIKE A WOMAN

Getting the best quality mammogram is now more comfortable. At Bayshore Medical Center, our mammography technology combines the next generation of 3D imaging with the SmartCurve Breast Stabilization System’s curved paddle design to promote a more pleasant mammography experience and enhanced imaging accuracy, regardless of breast density or size. To make an appointment, call 732-962-7230.

Colts Neck Artist Selected for Half Mile Horse Art Walk

C olts Neck artist Eileen Petruch is one of 12 artists selected to create a decorative horse sculpture to be on display now through October for Freehold Borough’s Half Mile Horse Art Walk 2022, presented by the Free hold Borough Historic Preservation Committee.

E ileen’s horse design, Born in Freehold, USA, is an homage to a local favorite – Bruce Springsteen. He has spent plenty of time in Freehold and now calls Colts Neck home. Eileen chose to embellish the painted horse with a miniature replica Fender guitar and sax ophone in addition to sunglasses. These statues will b e on display until October, at which time they will be auctioned off with all donations going to FBHPC.

P etruch has been a Colts Neck resident for 22 years and has been an active artist and volunteer with the Colts Neck School district, painting backgrounds for school productions for her three daughters Natalie, Ju lia and Alexandra, co-chairing the Colts Neck Library A rt Show and Sale, and participating and serving on the board of the Colts Neck Trail Riders Club. Eileen’s ar tistic talents include painted ceramic dinnerware and a ward plates to custom oil paintings, associate mem ber of the Catherine Lorillard Wolf Art Club, exhibiting m ember of Belmar Arts Council, Monmouth Arts Coun cil and the Art Alliance of Monmouth County. In addi tion to her artist endeavors, Eileen also has two horses t hat she rides and competes.

C itizens for Informed Land Use (CILU) will host a Fall Candidate Forum via Zoom on October 13 at 7:30 p.m. CILU has invited the eight Holmdel Board of Education candidates and all Holmdel Township Committee Candidates including Brian Foster, Kim LaMountain, Rajesh Mohan and Julie Roth. The forum will allow each candidate to present themselves to voters and promises to be an informative evening in prepara tion for the general election on November 8. To sign up to at tend the forum, please email Karen Strickland at ksyvruds@ c omcast.com. A zoom link will be emailed to you closer to the forum date. This forum will be recorded and posted on CILU’s YouTube channel (search CILU Holmdel).

C ILU is a nonpartisan, Holmdel-based community group that has been working since 1998 to protect our open space and natural resources CILU believes in government transparency, which requires an informed citizenry. For more information, visit holmdel-cilu.org today.

Newcomers and Neighbors Club to Host Upcoming Events

Join the Newcomers and Neighbors Club on October 13 at 9:30 a.m. for its annual Autumn Brunch at Trump Nation al Golf Club in Colts Neck. Members and guests will enjoy a b reakfast buffet and musical entertainment. Reservations can be made by sending a $33 check to Newcomers and Neighbors, 19 Beaver Dam Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.

S ave the Date for its annual Holiday Luncheon to be held at Eagle Oaks Country Club!

For more information on the club, call 908.309.1602 or 908.510.3255. Any new or long-time resident of Colts Neck, Holmdel or surrounding areas may join the club!

Saint John

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.

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

Holmdel Regional Office

CALL FOR ENTRIES 43rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition

Founded by the Monmouth County Arts Council in 1979, the Annual Juried Art Exhibition has been present ed at the Monmouth Museum since its inception. I n 2011 the Museum assumed complete sponsorship of this annual exhibition. That year, the Museum opened up the Call for Entries to an international audience. As a result, the Annual Juried Art Exhibition has become a brilliant representation of the creative talent and contemporary art trends across our county, state, and country, as well as internationally.

D eadline to submit is November 21, 2022. For more information, guidelines and how to submit, visit MonmouthMuseum.com today.

Give Back to Our Community Local Brokerage Collecting Items for Lunch Break

L et’s give back to our community by helping oth ers! EXIT Realty East Coast w ill be collecting nonper ishable food and other items n ow through October 31 for Lunch Break. Lunch Break provides life necessities for our community members in need. Its mission is to alle viate hunger and lead those t hey serve to self-sufficiency and healthier lifestyles, while serving everyone with compassion and dignity.

S ome food item suggestions are natural peanut but ter, fruit spread, healthy cereals, instant oatmeal, dried & c anned beans, and lentils. In addition to food, diapers in sizes 4,5, & 6, baby wipes, toothpaste, toiletries, and small size household cleaning products are needed.

No donation is too small, it’s the act of giving that counts! You can help out by dropping off all items at the EXIT Realty East Coast office located at 57 E. Main Street in Holmdel. If you have any questions, please contact Janice Troiano, EXIT Realty East Coast’s Holmdel Office Manager at 732.306.6367 or by emailing JaniceT@EXITRealtyEC.com.

Message from the Holmdel Mayor

O ver the summer, I was privileged to be able to host Holmdel’s first Veterans Roundtable discussion. This was the first of what we hope will be a quarterly gathering and is part of the Holmdel Veterans Initiative that I announced at the end of last year.

For the inaugural meeting, I was happy to be joined by about 20 Holmdel veterans who had time for casual con versation over breakfast and then transitioned to a formal d iscussion. Topics discussed by our veterans included vet eran benefits, the state of the military, difficulties dealing w ith a bureaucratic system, and existing programs avail able for veterans including education coverage and health c are. Because the roundtable coincided with our special ceremony honoring General Tilelli, our veterans were fortunate enough to be joined by special guests General Lisa Hou, Adjutant General of the NJ National Guard and Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs; Captain Edward Callahan, commander of Naval Weapons Station Earle; and General John Tilelli himself.

It is certainly an honor to work with and on behalf of our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our country. The men and women in that room reminded me of what it truly means to serve others.

I am hopeful that we will be able to host future round tables at regular intervals. Holmdel is already in the plan ning stages for our next event, which will hosted at NWS E arle at the invitation of Captain Callahan.

To all of our veterans, active military personnel, and Gold Star families – thank you for all that you sacrifice to make our country great. To my fellow residents, thank you for all you continue to do to move Holmdel Forward!

Greg Buontempo

Jeffrey Brown

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.

PRIVATE LOT IN HOLMDEL! Surrounded by million dollar estates, this 3 acres trophy property is located in a park-like setting in the center of Holmdel.The topography of this lot is perfect for a daylight walkout lower level to add to the enjoyment of this scenic rear yard. Over 2,000 acres of open space and parks in south Holmdel is nearby, including Holmdel Park, Bayonet Park, walk to Bell Works, The Regency and Reserve at Holmdel.

Joseph A. Pacelli

Asix-decade resident of Middletown Township, he has made a career of educating young minds. Having founded Oak Hill Academy in Lincroft in 1981, he serves as Head of School.

Married to Jo Ann for 59 years, they have raised four children and enjoy eight grandchildren together. Meet your neighbor, Joseph A. Pacelli.

CM: Why did you choose a career in education?

Mr. Pacelli: In 1963, I was on a military deferment and going to graduate school at Stevens Institute and was looking for something to keep me busy, so by chance I interviewed for a teaching position at St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City. At Washington & Jefferson College I majored in math with a minor in physics. My first year I taught Algebra I, Algebra 2–Trig and AP Calculus. I also coached the freshman football team since I played football in college.

CM: What sets you apart from others doing what you do?

Mr. Pacelli: I have a never-ending passion for learning. Besides my devotion to my family, education is my life. Over the last 42 years I have continually sought what are the best ways for children to learn. I believe that every child is different, but each carries a desire to learn. Our job as educators is to help them find their way.

CM: What is the most rewarding part of your career?

Mr. Pacelli: The most rewarding part of my career is to see our grad uates become the persons they were meant to be. With the help of my family (seven members work with me at Oak Hill), we have educated students who have ended up all over the world in almost every profes sion imaginable.

CM: What is your next goal, or future goal?

Mr. Pacelli: My goal in life remains to be a kind and understanding spouse, parent, grandparent, friend, and educator. I continue to seek the best ways for children to learn. We are living in a complex, fast moving world and we must continue to provide our children with the capacity to communicate, be creative, think critically, and become productive citizens working together for the good of all people.

By Cathy Padilla

CM: What is the most challenging part of what you do?

Mr. Pacelli: I am blessed to have few challenges except for those that affect us all (world tensions, health, and social issues). At Oak Hill we have a staff that is experienced, compassionate, creative, passionate, and caring. Our teachers are remarkable. I would like to start my education all over and be in their classrooms from PreK all the way to 8th grade.

CM: Best life or business tips to share?

Mr. Pacelli: The best is yet to come. Learn from the past. Look for the good in others and plan for tomorrow. Our problems are temporary, and our future is bright. Our children are going to lead us to a better world.

CM: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

Mr. Pacelli: “Time and Patience” is what a Jesuit priest once told me during the first year of my teaching. Take problems, analyze, look for solutions, research, ask for help, and move forward with a well-con structed plan.

CM: Who has most influenced your career or life?

Mr. Pacelli: In my youth I was influenced by my parents and two older sisters. My friends, teachers, and coaches always gave me support to achieve. Since I was the first to go to college in my family, I felt that I had to work hard every day to do the best I could. Marrying Jo Ann has been a love affair for almost 60 years. She has supported my ideas and after talking about starting a school for years, she finally said, “Why don’t you stop talking about it and just do it!” No more excuses and Oak Hill was born after my 13 years at CBA.

CM: What do you do when you’re not working?

Mr. Pacelli: My hobby is reading, studying, and learning about education. However, I do like to fix things and build structures. Recently, I built an augmented reality sandbox for the school’s science department. Also, Jo Ann and I get away often to our lake house in Pennsylvania. It is my happy place to relax, and you will often find me with a good educational book in my hands.

Catherine “Catrina” Erkal Sales Associate 732.946.3200 ext 732.778.7000 mobile

Catherine “Catrina” Erkal Sales Associate 732.946.3200 ext 732.778.7000 mobile Catherine.Erkal@foxroach.com

Catherine “Catrina” Erkal 160 .com

Visit me at catrinaerkal.foxroach.com

Visit me at catrinaerkal.foxroach.com

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Distinguished Sales Club –“Lifetime Member”

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CATHERINE “CATRINA” ERKAL, REALTOR

SALES ASSOCIATE, GRI, SRS

963 Holmdel Road Unit 1 • Holmdel, NJ 07733 732.778.7000 Cell • 732.946.3200

Financial Legacies Start Close to Home

The Value of Tradition

It’s been a crazy couple of months. The constant chatter of inflation, more vaccines, omni-present politics, and senseless local and worldwide atrocities fill the airwaves and our minds. We recently passed the 21st anniversary of 9/11, and that same week we lost the longest running monarch in history and a re al-world example of tradition, Queen Elizabeth II at the ped estaled age of 96. One night, I was basking in the glow of my oldest daughter recently engaged with discussions of “wedding planning” and family traditions flying about. Sitting on my deck with a little something brown and a few ice cubes, my mind weaved these three tangential synapses together. The value of tradition in our lives, and the how the world seemingly (and purposefully) lets them go and slide off the table of soci ety. Borrowing a famed quote by Warren Buffett, “Only when t he tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming na ked”. The old traditions of our generation seem to be sweeping away like an outing tide.

W ith a front row seat to 9/11, (I owned a successful busi ness on the 77th floor of North Tower who just a year before w as voted one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the country), like a bolt of lightning, something as unnat ural as planes flying into our buildings and right through our l ives changed everything in a split second. The months that followed were filled with lawyers, foreclosures, blind faith, and perseverance. Someone really smart pulled me aside just days following the event and whispered something very profound in my ear that I will NEVER forget and will hear ringing in my head the rest of my days. “It’s not what happens to you in life, but how you handle what happens”. Adversity is life’s way of testing you, and GRIEF is the price you pay for love (I borrow that line from Queen Elizabeth from a speech the day follow ing 9/11). We all have a story. We all hit curves in our lives. B ut without a foundation of history and tradition, what “life preservers” do we have to hold onto when the tide sometimes sweep our lives?

Have you ever seen the beautiful, majestic redwood trees

in California? They grow to be over 350 feet tall! You would think these trees would have deep root systems to support their height, but their roots only go down about five feet un derground. Their roots don’t grow deep, but the root system g rows wide and intermingles with the roots from the sur rounding trees. The trees find nutrition from one another, a nd the root systems of the other trees hold each other up. No matter what the season, when the wind blows, when the rains come, these trees are supported. In fact, one of the trees in the middle can die, and the strength from the sur rounding trees will keep it standing in place almost forever, t his known as the “Petrified Forest” – quite a site to see.

L ike the formation of the Sequoia root system, it is tradi tions that keep us grounded. Human beings need to balance t he individuality of being a tree, sometimes alone in the for est of life, and the fact that we are all a part of something far larger than each one of us alone and – our tradition and our families are that root system.

R emember how united we felt after the tragedy of 9/11. We held each other tight, held each other up, and strength ened and nourished one another spiritually and emotionally. We are united together through our rooted system of tradi tions, family and faith communities in our towns and our country. It’s our job to teach our children, and grandchildren tradition and protect and nourish the rock-solid cornerstone of our lives. We have all have had certain people in our lives that strengthen us, teach and represent those traditions and encourage us and push us forward towards our purpose. Life is not a solo act. We come together in unity rooted together by tradition, our families, and our community. The tradition of our roots - holidays, weddings, funerals, and tragedies, will keep us standing and able to withstand more adversity than the strongest tree ever could.

- Greg Calderaro

Throughout history, “The Table” symbolically represents a center of ideas, spirituality, family, discussion and education. Our “Table” setting follows this theme for friends and readers. Remember the Golden Rule: Keep it Safe & Keep it Simple. Gregory Calderaro is the Managing Director and Founder of Colts Neck Financial wealth management servicing clients locally and nationally.

Please note this is an opinion piece by the author.

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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.

Learn more at redbankvet.com

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• Hospice Care

• House Calls

• I-131 Therapy

• Internal Medicine

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197 Hance Avenue, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 (732) 747-3636 | RedBankVet.com

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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