07728 Freehold | March 2022 by nmg

SPRING 2022

SPRING IS IN

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Garden State Animal Rescue Borough Bites, Giving Gowns …and More! SPO N

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2022 EVENTS please note that all events are subject to change - check our website for the latest.

March St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday 13th 1pm East/West Main St. to the Elks Club Flavor of Freehold CANCELLED Pub Crawl CANCELLED

Bring your lawn chairs! Fall Concert Series Hall of Records Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm September 7th Moroccan Sheepherders 14th Vinnie Pastore’s Gangster Squard 21st Peanut Butter Bridges 28th Motor City Revue October Event Sponsors 15th Phil Engle Band 12th Tequila Rose

April United For Improvement Food/Venor Festival

Joe Baracata Band • Eddie Testa Band • Step Aside Sunday 24th 12-6pm West Main/Court St May Manalapan & Freehold Borough HS Jazz Bands

Latino Festival - Saturday - September 17th - 12-7pm

Friday 27th 7-9pm Hall of Records

October Events

Freehold Borough Memorial Day Parade Monday - May 30th See Website for details : FreeholdMemorialDay.com

Downtown Freehold

County Seat Jazz Blues & More Street Fest Sunday 2nd 12-6pm Vendors, Food Trucks & More. The Ruckus - Jobonanno & The Godsons Chuck Lambert Band - CMJ Jazz Band Spooktacular Halloween Special Movie Night Friday 14th 7-9pm Hall of Records (see website)

Thursday Rock Concert Series Thursdays 7:30 - 9:30 Pm Hall of Records Bring your lawn chairs! Event Sponsors June 2nd James Maddock 9th The Pat Roddy Band 16th Funky Uncle All Stars - featuring Jon Christian Dugue 23rd The Weeklings August 30th The Eddie Testa Bankd 4th Parrot Beach July 11th Colossal Street Jam 7th Mission Dance 18th Pat Guadagno & Friends 14th Joe Baracata Band 25th Turnstyles 21th Matt O Ree Band 28th Chuck Lambert Bankd w/Coo Moe Jhee

Flavor of Freehold Tues/Wed, 11th/12th

SNOWDATE For Jolly Trolley Sunday, 11th 3-8pm

Jolly Trolley 21+ Tour w/live music Downtown Freehold Saturday, 10th 9:30pm -10:30 pm SNOWDATE For Jolly Trolley 21+ Sunday, 11th 9:30-10:30pm Brunch w/Santa American Hotel Sundays 4, 11, 18, 25 10am-3pm

Event Sponsors

Brunch w/Santa Sweet Lew’s Cafe Saturday 10th 9am-12:30pm Carolers Thursday, 15th 6-8pm Menorah Lighting December 9th - Monday

Farme’s Market Every Friday July through October

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Live Music

November/December Happenings Tree Lighting Tuesday, December 6th 5-7pm Jolly Trolley (family) Downtown Freehold Frieday, 9th 5 -8pm -- Saturday, 10th 3-8pm

FBAC 2022 Jazz, Blues & More Summer Concert Series Every Sunday through August June 5th - August 28th Downtown Freehold Gazebo Event Sponsors Bring Your Lawn Chairs and Dru-Anne Palaima Linda Fasico Freehold Art Gallery enjoy the music!

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Garden State Animal Rescue Center helps find ‘true forever’ homes one paw at a time BY KATHY CHANG

arden State Animal Rescue Center was born in 2018 as a foster organization with the simple goal of saving as many lives as possible. “We took in as many animals as we could foster,” said Brian Becker, executive director of Garden State Animal Rescue Center. “At that point, there was a lot more availability for kittens and the cat side of things, not much availability for dogs. The few [dogs] that we did take in, most of them ended up at my house for foster. Luckily my dogs at home are all great when a new animal comes to the house.” The nonprofit rescue received its charitable status in 2018 and officially began operating in April 2019. Three years later, GSARC found a muchneeded foothold at the Freehold Raceway Mall, holding a grand opening on Nov. 19, 2021. “We always knew that being a foster-based organization only allows for so much,” Becker said, adding the physical facility allows them to expand and affords them more opportunities. GSARC, according to its website, aims to improve animal welfare and quality of life by providing rescue, veterinary care, enrichment and shelter and to provide affordable spay/neuter and TNR (trap, neuter and return) programs. Becker said before he founded GSARC, he worked for the Monmouth County SPCA and the Associated Humane Societies as an animal humane welfare officer. While at Monmouth County SPCA, he developed its TNR/feral cat programs and when he went over to the Associated Humane Societies, he began building a TNR program for that organization. And now a TNR program is one of GSARC’s foremost programs. “We have a full contract as animal control provider for the Borough of Spotswood,” Becker said. “Initially when we started, we were just doing TNR [for Spotswood]. Currently, we also have a contract with the City of Union City up north for a full TNR contract. We are also in the process of negotiating with two individual counties to help build their TNR programs.” GSARC is committed to working with volunteers and rescues to save animals as SPRING 2022

well as provide community outreach programs to further educate the public on animal wellness and the prevention of animal cruelty. The goal is to place animals in suitable, loving and permanent adoptive homes. Becker runs the rescue with one other staff member and relies 100% on volunteers.

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EDITORIAL “We have around 92 registered volunteers,” he said. “Sometimes we’ll have one to two volunteers one day and eight volunteers another day. Our volunteer base has been really great and having that additional volunteer base allows us not having to necessarily worry about getting more staff and allows more funding, availability, effort and care dedicated to the animals.” GSARC is not formally affiliated with any organizations; however, it is a network partner organization with the Best Friends Animal Society, a nonprofit organization, which operates the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals; and Garden State Wildlife Center, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation and release organization in Monmouth County. “We pull [our adoption animals] from high-capacity, high-kill shelters,” Becker said, noting many puppies they get are coming from the South. “Right now, the southern please see RESCUE, page 5

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In this Issue: Garden State Animal Rescue Center Master Gardener Borough Bites Giving Gowns Following Freehold

4 6 8 12 14

PHOTO BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

Executive Director Brian Becker of the Garden State Animal Rescue Center holds Boxer mix brother and sister Camilo and Dolores. 4

COVER PHOTO BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

Master Gardener Andy Valdes holds seedlings in the new greenhouse at the Howell Organic Community Gardens. 07728

RESCUE

continued from page 4

U.S. is bombarded, I hate to use that kind of terminology, but they have a significant population down there especially with dogs specifically. We do our best to work with those shelters. As an organization, we are Best Friends Animal Society network partners, which allows us to get a little extra connection with some of these other shelters down south.” Regarding cats, GSARC pulls from the high-capacity shelters in New Jersey. “Because of our license here with the state, we actually have to be a little bit more stringent on what animals can be on site,” Becker said. “[The animals must have] a minimum amount of medical already done prior to being here. Once we have them here, they are with us until they get adopted. It’s one of the things that we’re very proud of what we do here. It doesn’t matter if it’s a week, 8 months or more than a year.” Every animal will receive a full medical workup of vaccinations, deworm, flea, tick and bloodwork. All animals will be fixed and microchipped, he said. “It’s the best thing to do for the animal and it also helps alleviate some of the potential adopters from getting stressed out with having to get to a vet,” Becker said. GSARC works with People for Animals in Robbinsville, Mercer County and Hillside, Union County, for high-capacity TNR, as well Dr. Neil Bloom at Central Monmouth Animal Hospital in Freehold Borough. Adoptions will predominantly be for just cats and dogs. “I know our license technically allows us to do other stuff. We may periodically have rabbits, chinchillas, gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters,” Becker said. “It’s a little less likely for us just because we’re not a huge store. We’re trying to go with the aspect of what needs the most help from us.” An adoption application can be filled out onsite or through GSARC’s website. “As soon as it is submitted to us, it immediately goes into a review process, taking anywhere from two to four days to get the review done,” Becker said. “If people are looking to adopt and already have pets at home, we will ask for their vet information to make sure they properly care for the current animal that they have, from keeping up-to-date on vaccines and getting [their animal] fixed. “If they don’t have previous pets, we will ask for two to four references to give us a better idea of how they are as individuals. Depending on the situation, we may or may not do a home check just to make sure they have the availability to treat and care for the animals. At the end of day, we are looking to make sure all of our animals are going to the best possible home, not just a temporary home. We want them to go to that ‘true forever home.’ ” Once the application gets reviewed and approved, potential adopters can come in 07728

and see whichever puppy, cat or kitten they may be interested in. Becker said if the potential adopter is adopting a puppy and has a dog at home, he suggests bringing the dog to meet the puppy. “It’s really our current pets that are making that decision for us,” Becker said. “Our adoption department is extremely thorough when going through everything. A lot of adopters have said it was a short process, but definitely an involved process. They are usually thankful that we take that additional due course to ensure they really find the right pet.” Since opening at the Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold Township, GSARC has grown exponentially. The space at the mall has always been an animal-related space from an animal rescue, shelter and formerly a pet store. “We get pretty good foot traffic,” Becker said, adding they have a good relationship with mall management, local authorities, local animal control and the local police department. “The space works great because of what our true action is. The main thing is we do regular adoptions and offer some supplies. In addition, our goal around mid- to late March is to start doing seminars on the educational side of it. We’ll probably start off with one a month on broad topics of things, all animal related.” Topics can range from TNR, animal cruelty to general welfare of animals. Becker said not only are they looking to hold seminars on site, but also at schools. “If COVID didn’t happen, we would have already been doing that,” he said. As part of its name structure, GSARC has also become a place for phone calls across the Garden State about animals, whether it’s cats in the backyard or injured animals. “It’s not our true intention, but we have become a statewide kind of informational availability,” Becker said. “We don’t shy away from the calls. We want to be here for the public whether it be for adoption or information.” As a nonprofit organization, GSARC relies heavily on generous donations monetary or non-monetary from dog toys, beds and bowls to cat beds and towels. While the TNR contracts allow the rescue to do bigger things, Becker said, “It’s truly the general donations that continue the general care of the animals.” “Having puppies, we go through linens like it’s nobody’s business,” he said. “I put a policy in if someone wants to donate it, take it, just because you never know if you’re going to need it or if some of our other partners will need it. We actually act as a hub for donations for some other organizations.” Becker said the mall has been great at getting publicity for GSARC. He said they are active on social media, more so on Facebook and Instagram. The organization will soon have a Tik Tok and Snapchat account. For more information, visit gardenstatearc.org. ■ 5

SPRING 2022

The Parallels of Life and Gardening: How a

Master Gardener Found Life in the Field BY TYLER BROWN

orn in the bustling metropolis of Brooklyn, New York, Andy Valdes’ neighborhood was synonymous with concrete. Surrounded by miles of brownstone homes, the urbanized landscape was nearly barren of natural greenery and plant life. At that time, trees were rare and gardens were small fixtures found on windowsills. “When my grandchildren ask me what it was like, I tell them it looked much like Sesame Street. A few trees here and there on the busy streets. There were bushes in front of my house, and pots with geraniums on the stoop. But that was about it for gardening. “Vegetables came in cellophane packages from the supermarket and flowers from the florist. There were pigeons and squirrels, but any other wildlife could only be seen in a zoo,” Valdes said. However, after getting married, Valdes’ unfamiliarity with nature would drastically change. With her husband Richard serving in the United States Air Force, she soon left the brashness of New York for the subtle fields of the McGuire Air Force Base in Burlington County. The literal change in scenery introduced Valdes to another world of open space that featured animals and farmland. “The area was very rural with many farms SPRING 2022

nearby. It was my first experience with farm-fresh produce and U-Pick farms. “At first, while driving the country roads, I would slow the car down when I saw cows and sheep grazing on farms. I was so impressed to see them. It was a kind of a culture shock coming from New York City to farmland, and I loved it. I liked the wide-open spaces, things growing, things living. I discovered how much I liked nature,” Valdes said. Then, in 1994, she and her husband moved to Freehold. Unlike her hometown experience, this new home had the amenities of nature that allowed her and her children to discover the joy of gardening. “We built the house in a development, and each house had sapling trees and bushes. We raised six children here on St. John’s Drive. Lots of their childhood was spent enjoying nature, whether in our own backyard, or when we visited farms and parks. We planted flower seedlings, another bush or two. Sometimes we would grow tomatoes. We were all impressed by eating something from our own backyard,” she said. When asked about her first gardening please see GARDENER, page 7 6

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experiment, Valdes recalled how she and her children first witnessed the “miracle of life” in paper cups. In amazement, they observed how a bundle of small seeds transformed into several bushels of fresh food. “I was as amazed as they were when it started growing. I see seed packets, and I see enormous possibilities … I am still impressed when a seed sprouts and grows roots. It is kind of the miracle of life. “To me, seeds symbolize hope, the belief in the future,” she said. Valdes soon realized that gardening wasn’t just fun, but an extremely peaceful activity. The anticipation of planting a seed and helping it grow created a sense of connection with nature that didn’t exist before. “The most peaceful and relaxed I feel is when I garden. Gardening centers me. I feel connected to nature, the seasons and the weather. Working in the garden just keeps things real, down to earth. Knowing that Mother Nature is in charge keeps you humble,” she said. In 2012, one of Valdes’ children began participating in the Junior Master Gardener Program at Rutgers University. The curriculum featured hands-on activities and 07728

classroom sessions that focused on various gardening topics. For Valdes, the program incorporated everything she found “interesting and exciting” about gardening. Despite being encouraged to join by the course’s Master Gardeners, she contemplated the decision for several months. “I had my doubts. All the gardeners seemed to know so much; learning it all seemed intimidating. I didn’t think I could manage classwork again. I had been out of college for years. “I was so conflicted about applying to the program. I waited until the deadline to send my application. I was surprised to be accepted into the Class of 2013,” she said. In hindsight, Valdes mentioned that she shouldn’t have been nervous to take the

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LEFT: Master Gardener Andy Valdes checks on onion seedling in the new greenhouse at the Howell Organic Community Gardens. BOTTOM: Valdes plants seedlings. RIGHT: Valdes holds seedlings. 7

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Restaurateurs cater their dining experiences to their patrons Owners of Solo Trattoria, Metropolitan Cafe look to satisfy hunger through eclectic menus, personalized pairings

t’s cold in winter here in New Jersey. Not that residents need nor want any reminder of this fact. During wintertime, minds drift to thoughts of warm vacation. Sometimes people may ponder, Why do I live here again? Quickly, you snap back to reality when a friendly server asks for your drink order. Part of what keeps residents in the Garden State all year long is the unique, high-quality eating and drinking establishments, and the local community these places attract. Specifically in Freehold, Solo Trattoria and Metropolitan Cafe are two places where locals and visitors gather to appreciate great food, good company, cold refreshments and tailored customer service.

Solo Trattoria

There are many options for eating Italian cuisine around the greater Freehold area. However, there are not many restaurants with the same credentials as Giorgio Ceciarelli, owner of Solo Trattoria on South Street. Born and raised in Rome, this Italian restaurateur has put 17 years of hard work into Freehold and a lifetime running eateries in places like Florida, California and even Mexico. On the surface, Ceciarelli’s concept is simple: Feed New Jerseyans meals that they’d otherwise only get on “the other side.” Easier said than done. “We’re bringing something that if you’ve tried it over there you might not see it anywhere else,” Ceciarelli explained about the concept behind Solo Trattoria. Ceciarelli and his team work hard to bring ingredients from farm to table in order to prepare fresh, homemade foods. “Here we make all fresh, scratch pasta and bread — everything is homemade. That’s how we do it and it’s not going to change,” stated Ceciarelli. “What differentiates us is that customers can appreciate and notice the difference in a fresh product and our craft. We are going back to the basics, doing the right things, and being sustainable. Health is at the forefront of our daily lives and that starts with eating things that are fresh and aren’t processed.” Ceciarelli went on to explain how his menu reflects this “from scratch” perspective he brings to the table. From monthly specials to customizing an individual’s experience on any given night, the Solo Trattoria team seems committed to Italian hospitality and old-world cooking. “The last Thursday of every month, we have a Tour of Italy where we feature a different menu from a different region,” Ceciarelli said. “Menus are all connected with the seasons. So, during the winter we’ll feature plates from the north of Italy and the Alps — the heavier dishes.” please see BITES, page 9

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BITES

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For example, Solo offers a lasagna. What comes to mind is not often found on Italian restaurant menus - but rather in a mother’s kitchen. But Ceciarelli’s crew isn’t cooking the standard “American” lasagna. “It’s very different. For one, it does not have mozzarella or ricotta – we make it like it’s made in the north of Italy. It’s a different take and still delicious.” His customized approach to customer service is another differentiator for Ceciarelli’s restaurant. It’s not common to hear any chef or restaurant owner advocate for off-menu requests. “Our customers see that we are here to cook for them – nothing is pre-made or frozen. So, if we have the ingredients and know-how, people come here without feeling there is a menu. People feel at home here and ask for what they really want, not just what is on the 8.5 x 11 page,” explained Ceciarelli. “A lot of customers are vegetarian and create their own vegan or vegetarian dish. For example, they come here for potato pizza — a dish from Rome with golden potato, sea salt, rosemary. It’s vegetarian friendly and unbelievable. People that have been to the side streets of Rome have not seen this anywhere else.” Not surprisingly, this reverence for quality food was passed from Giorgio Ceciarelli to his sons, Giorgio and Michael. Both spent

time working in Solo Trattoria from a young age and have both had success in the industry. Now, Giorgio Ceciarelli is proud to announce his sons’ project is coming to fruition in Manalapan. “They just spent a lot of time in Rome and in the ancient trattorias. Now, they plan to open La Lupa Trattoria in early March,” shared Ceciarelli. “We all have been very fortunate throughout the pandemic because we have a great group of customers who are very loyal and close to us even when Solo was only open for takeout and delivery.”

Metropolitan Cafe

About one block away from Solo Trattoria, customers can find another restaurant with veteran leaders who insist on quality cuisine. For 23 years, Rob Kash and Joe Mosco have owned and operated Metropolitan Cafe, an American bistro, sushi bar and cocktail lounge. The establishment serves the staple items that one might find at any Americanstyle eatery, but with a modern, fusion twist

that caters to other, more diverse or adventurous palates. Kash oversaw a particularly hectic past two years of business where his restaurant was closed as well as renovated inside and out. After working through these please see BITES, page 11 PHOTO COURTESY OF GIORGIO CECIARELLI

LEFT: A dish from Solo Trattoria. PHOTO BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

RIGHT: Paella at the Metropolitan Cafe. Chicken, Shrimp and Chorizo.

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SPRING 2022

GARDENER

continued from page 7

opportunity. The program emphasized teamwork, which helped alleviate the pressure often found in academia. “People can be intimidated by gardening and afraid of failing. The Master Gardeners make the process easier. The program is a support system for any horticultural interest. “The enthusiasm of the volunteers spread the joy of gardening. Whatever your gardening interests, Master Gardeners provide information and advice to help you succeed,” she said. The program expanded on a variety of topics that included botany, plant diseases, trees and shrubs. In addition, each intern was paired with a mentor to provide support and direction. “I had been most worried about retaining the information, but they all reassured me that we did not need to remember it all, we just needed to know where to find the information. The goal of all the learning is to make you better able to serve the public,” she said. Soon, Valdes and her fellow interns were serving the public through a community garden. Referred to as “Plant A Row,” the garden provided produce to local food pantries. The satisfaction of putting food on someone’s

table was reminiscent of the first time she saw plants grow inside a plastic cup. It reaffirmed that gardening wasn’t just a hobby, but a way to impact others. “It was such a rewarding experience to see something go from seed to table. Our group had such camaraderie, we didn’t want it to end. I loved the growing, but more importantly, the impact our donations had for the

community. “I could not believe that my dirty hands were putting dinner on the table of someone I didn’t know, someone who might not have access to fresh produce. I was doing something I loved, and it was helping others. It was here in this garden that I found my life’s

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calling,” Valdes said. In the program, Valdes would not only learn about plants, but about people. Through the community garden, she discovered the food-related needs of people that existed all around her. “Hunger in our communities is a hidden problem. I had been naïve about food insecurity. Data from Fulfill (the Monmouth County food bank) says that 1 in 6 people are food insecure in our county. It is hard to believe when most of us take the food in our refrigerator for granted, there are people lined up at the pantries on distribution days. “Nutritious food is not always affordable, and fresh vegetables are a luxury. Our Plant A Row group shares their time and talents to make a difference,” she said. In addition to feeding hungry families, Valdes says the community garden serves as a place for people to congregate and connect with conversations. “A community garden gives its members the feel of a small town. You have neighbors, people chat and visit, they help each other. Members learn together, share ideas. “You have a chance to garden, but also to spend time with fellow gardeners. Connecting with others is sometimes hard in our busy lives. Community gardens grow plants, but it also grows a community,” she said. In 2016, Valdes graduated from the program with over 500 hours of service. Now as a Master Gardener herself, she is planting seeds in the field and in the lives of others. So much so that her granddaughter will be participating in the program this year. “I could not imagine my life without the Master Gardener program. … I have met the most interesting people through gardening, and many of my dearest friends. “I found my life’s calling because of the Master Gardener program. The Master Gardener program led me on a journey I did not expect, and it has become a way of life for me. “It will continue into the future – my granddaughter is signed up for this year’s Junior Master Gardener class,” she said. She encourages those interested in gardening to give it a try and reminds those who are afraid of failing that help is always available. Similarly, in an excerpt from a poem she wrote entitled, “All I Need to Know About Life I Learned in the Garden,” she says the same advice is applicable to life. “Begin early. If it doesn’t work, try something else. A good foundation makes a difference. Dream big but don’t forget the little things. Growth takes time. Be patient,” Valdes said. ■ PHOTO BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

Master Gardener Andy Valdes in the new greenhouse at the Howell Organic Community Gardens. 07728

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complications (as so many restaurateurs did), the result is a more customized approach than ever before, he said. “S om e t h i ng that changed due to COVID was the QR code menu. I didn’t like it because you can’t see what you want in each course. Plus, I’m old school and like having an actual paper,” said Kash. “So, from a sanitization standpoint we changed our menu to a disposable placemat. This gave me the opportunity to change menus as often as I wanted.” Kash realized that with a malleable menu, his team could take items on and off seamlessly based on current availability and price point. This proved to work perfectly amidst the pandemic’s environment where certain supply chains had been under pressure. “If certain prices were through the roof, we’d take them off the menu. We don’t want people to walk away from sticker shock. This was the first time in over 20 years that I didn’t offer filet mignon because the price was so exorbitant. So, the disposable menus enabled me to print 800 menus for three days and make changes.” Since this menu evolution at Metropolitan Cafe, the product’s quality has only increased. Plus, this custom playbook has allowed the owners and chefs to execute menu items that they might have not otherwise been able to try. “Recently we ran a sandwich special that’s been doing incredibly well,” said Kash. “A shaved, roasted NY Strip. We use creamed spinach and homemade steak sauce, served on a baguette.” The cafe’s kitchen has been serving highquality steak sandwiches as well as other interesting items that have since received customer approval like the Apricot-Glazed Roasted Duck entree. Plus, the restaurant changed over to an allday menu where customers can order lunch, dinner and sushi at any time. “We’re also starting to get requests for wine dinners and wine tastings again,” said Kash, who noticed that this was less in demand during the pandemic. “We’re hoping to do some of these after Valentine’s Day where we’ll get a style of wine or winery with a five-course food pairing. It ends up being a special night out doing something different, and someone at the winery will be speaking to the wine and food.” Kash thanked the community for supporting Metro Cafe on East Main Street. “My business’s success tells that story. Thank God we are doing extremely well now and seeing people more often. We’re getting

a lot of support from the local community and friends. When we did the renovation during COVID, customers got a surprise of a whole new look inside and a nice outside patio.” Nothing about a customized approach to the restaurant business is easy. However, both Solo Trattoria and Metropolitan Cafe leaned on their customer support base during the changeover period and ended up coming back better than before. Both Ceciarelli and Kash emphasized that nothing was forced, and rather their approach relied on making due with their creativity and what was easily available. As a

result, these two establishments stand to show why Jersey residents love the Garden State through and through. During the months when it’s hard to even go outside, the local community of Freehold and her visitors find warmth together in the downtown hospitality businesses. ■

PHOTO BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

LEFT: Center Cut Pork Chop at the Metropolitan Cafe. PHOTO COURTESY OF GIORGIO CECIARELLI

RIGHT: A dish from Solo Trattoria.

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SPRING 2022

INSPIRED by cousin with

pediatric cancer,

young girl sews gowns for other patients

BY MATTHEW SOCKOL

young resident of Freehold Township is inspiring children who are battling pediatric cancer by designing and sewing custom-made gowns for them to wear. Giuliana Demma, 11, is the founder of G’s Giving Gowns. Having learned to sew at a local fashion camp in 2020 and receiving a sewing machine for her 10th birthday, Giuliana said she creates the gowns with bright and colorful fabrics. “I love to provide children who are fighting pediatric cancer with a customized hospital gown that is sewn with love,” she said. “I want kids with pediatric cancer to wear SPRING 2022

my special gowns and to remember they are strong, they are brave, they are loved and they are an inspiration. I want them to wear the gowns and to keep fighting and to keep smiling.” Giuliana received inspiration in 2021 from her cousin, who was diagnosed with pediatric cancer at the age of 10 months and spent nine months undergoing treatment after surgery. She said her family ordered Disney-themed hospital gowns for her cousin to wear, which she described as “bright and cheerful.” “I decided that since I learned to sew on my own, I would create gowns for other young, brave children and donate them,” Giuliana said. Since founding G’s Giving Gowns, 12

Giuliana has received volunteer assistance from 11-year-old Julia Calamia, 12-year-old Mahi Shah, 12-year-old Elizabeth, 11-yearold Kate and her 9-year-old sister Audrina. Most of the volunteers were taught how to sew by Giuliana. “I really enjoyed sewing,” Julia said. “I asked for my own sewing machine for Christmas. I am so inspired by G’s Giving Gowns and I am excited to help sew gowns for kids to make them feel happy and loved during the difficult time they are going through.” Elizabeth said her mother is battling a rare form of kidney cancer and wanted to give back to the community and doctors who please see GOWNS, page 13 07728

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These are handmade hospital gowns by an 11-year-old little girl whose inspiration is her cousin who was diagnosed with brain cancer. One positive outcome of cancer is your faith in humanity is restored. You meet some really amazing people through some amazing organizations.” Gowns were also received by 18-year-old Kristin Ryle, the founder of Confections for a Cure, who has battled chronic diseases throughout her life. “As someone who has lived in hospitals for months at a time and has felt undignified because hospital gowns usually don’t cover everything, this was incredible to try on,” Kristin said. “I never had such a comfortable hospital gown and I know I will be so much more comfortable recovering knowing that I am completely covered up, but still have access when I need it. “These gowns are truly a blessing and such a hard thing to find, yet so needed,” she continued. “Thank you (Giuliana) for this, I seriously cannot thank you enough and trust me, these will get lots of use. You are using your talents for good and it is so nice to see someone your age doing it.” As Giuliana receives assistance in creating gowns from her friends, her parents, Vanessa and Joseph Demma, also support their daughter’s project. “We are very proud of Giuliana for dedicating so much time and passion to this project,” Vanessa and Joseph said. “We are grateful for the help our wonderful community of Freehold and beyond has given her by donating fabric and supporting her mission.

Designing Your Dreams

GOWNS

continued from page 12

have helped her mother. Inspired by the youngest patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering where her mother receives treatment, Elizabeth is seeking to help the young patients by creating custom hospital gowns like Giuliana’s. Requests for the gowns are often received through social media and on Giuliana’s website. Giuliana said she looks for fabrics that have prints with superheroes, princesses, flowers, butterflies, unicorns and other similar patterns. “When I get a request for a gown through my website or through social media, I ask for the child’s size and mailing address and look for a cheerful bright pattern fabric I think they would love and would make them smile,” she said. “Sometimes, kids request specific themes, such as Disney characters or a certain color, and then I find that kind of fabric.” In addition to individual requests, Giuliana has received requests for her gowns from Roar Philanthropy and Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital and RWJBarnabas Health. Most recently, Giuliana completed 44 gowns for the Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation, which partnered with Saint Peter’s Hospital, and 50 gowns for A Moment of Magic Foundation. “When I get a request from a foundation, I choose a bunch of different types of fabrics, like superheroes, farm animals, princesses, dinosaurs, trucks, flowers, butterflies and unicorns, and I make all different sizes,” she said. To date, Giuliana has sewn about 220 gowns, which have been sent to children in New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Florida, Mississippi, California and Canada. The fabric is purchased by Giuliana with money donated from her community and from family members and friends. She also received fabric that was donated by a Girl Scout troop in Old Bridge. Since starting G’s Giving Gowns, Giuliana has received a grant from the Hershey Company’s Heart Warming Project and a donation from ImageFirst, Clifton, which specializes in healthcare laundry. She said she uses the donation from ImageFirst to buy fabric and to pay for postage. “When I have the fabric, I cut it with a pattern for size and then I sew the gowns,” Giuliana said. “Once I have a lot of gowns sewn, I contact ImageFirst and drop off the gowns to them. They donate their services to me and clean, package and seal the gowns. Then I either mail the gowns or drop them off.” Giuliana said she always includes a note to the children who are receiving the gowns she has sewn. The individual recipients of the gowns include 5-year-old Kylie Osburn, who is battling brain cancer for a second time. On receiving the gowns, Kylie’s mother Rochelle said, “This one touched my heart.

“We believe the kindness she spreads is contagious and when people hear about her project they want to help in any way they can. “We are overwhelmed with emotion when we hear the stories about the children who are fighting for their lives battling cancer. The passion Giuliana has for helping others is inspiring and we hope she always continues spreading light to those fighting cancer,” Vanessa and Joseph said. Spreading light to people who are fighting cancer is what Giuliana hopes to achieve with G’s Giving Gowns. “I want them to know there is a community of people they never met who are thinking of them and showing them support,” she said. ■

PHOTOS BY ROSE MARIE ZAGAMI

Giuliana Demma, the founder of G’s Giving Gowns, creates dresses for children battling pediatric cancer.

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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.

April through June The Rutgers Master Gardener’s

Junior Master Gardener Program for youth ages 9–11 is scheduled to run on Saturday mornings from April through June. For an application, email Diane Larson at Larson@njaes.

rutgers.edu. For more information, visit https://monmouth.njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/

Sunday, April 24 The United Way of Monmouth and Ocean

counties has scheduled its United for Impact Food Truck Festival on April 24 to benefit the services UWMOC provides to the community. For details closer to the date, visit the UWMOC page on Facebook.

May 6-22 Center Players will present “Crimes of the

Heart” at Center Playhouse, 35 South St., Freehold Borough, May 6-22, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. “Crimes of the Heart” is a Pulitzer Prizewinning tragicomedy that centers on the three Magrath sisters (Lenny, Meg and Babe) who are reunited in Hazelhurst, Mississippi,

circa 1974, as they await the news of their ailing grandfather while also dealing with the attempted murder committed by Babe against her brutish husband. Over the next two days, the family’s skeletons will be revealed, deep-seated resentments return to the surface, and tears will mix with laughter as the sisters work their way through the pains of life and love in the best way they can: with each other. The play was written by Beth Henley and will be directed by Anthony Marinelli. For ticket information, visit centerplayers.org

Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 The Rutgers Master Gardeners will hold

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their Spring Garden Day Plant Sale May 13 and May 14 at the Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, through Rutgers University, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold. Great plants and free garden talks by Rutgers Master Gardeners will be available both days. For more information, visit https://monmouth.njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/

Saturday, July 23 Freehold High School Class of 1972 will

celebrate its 50-year class reunion on July 23 at the American Hotel, Freehold Borough. Tickets are $85 per person and must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. The deadline for ticket purchases is July 13. For more information, contact Sue Shrott by email at Sueshrott@gmail.com or call 732-995-7754.

Send us your calendar listings!

Please include all critical information: who, what, where, when and how to register or get tickets (if applicable), as well as a few lines of a description. Email your listings to jamato@newspapermediagroup.com 07728

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