FEATURED PHOTO: Representing the Monmouth Park Charity Fund on CM’s cover this month are (left to right) Maria Farhat Tanzola, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF; Maureen Lloyd, President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF; and Carol Stillwell, Proud Supporter of MPCF. | CREDIT: Carmela Caracappa Photography

Having raised nearly $9.9 million for those at risk or in need in the community, the MPCF is a reliable partner for local charities that have come to count on its financial support through Traditional Legacy Grants and several other grant programs. But 2020 is proving to be a year like none other, and the MPCF now finds itself in need of help more than ever before.

“With the cancellation of our Kentucky Derby (event) we are appealing to our supporters to pivot their sponsorships and reservations and make a straight donation to Monmouth Park Charity Fund,” said Debi Heptig, MPCF Director of Operations. “We have $115,000 toward our goal of $265,000. The success of this effort will determine our ability to distribute grants in 2020 so this is a truly important campaign for us, and for the 50+ local charities that count on our grants to run their programs.”

MPCF’s 17th Annual Kentucky Derby Party was postponed from May to align with the new September date for the Kentucky Derby race, but with the current state of the pandemic the event has been cancelled entirely. An elegant affair that draws more than 400 attendees annually, it is one of the most anticipated events each year in Monmouth County. Known for its Derby Hat Parade and Contest, raffles and auction, and specialty cocktails and cuisine, it is a true Derby celebration often attended by the sitting Governor and other notable figures. But more than a fun and exciting party, the day at the races is the main fundraiser for MPCF. Last year a new record was set with more than $417,000 raised, and those funds provided 99% of the 58 grants that were awarded by MPCF to local non-profits.

“In Monmouth County there is a diverse group of populations that use non-profit agencies to get their medical and mental needs met, food to put on their tables for family members, and an array of support services,” shared Maureen Lloyd, President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF. “In recent months, with the pandemic not seeming to leave us alone anytime soon, these agencies have been working around the clock. Our goal at MPCF is to continue our legacy of giving even during this dire time. We ask the community to continue to support MPCF! Although we have had to cancel our biggest event, we still are asking our past donors, attendees, and sponsors to support our goal of raising more than $265,000 by donating to our organization in the next few months so that the non-profit agencies we support through grants will be able to receive their check at MPCF’s Annual Tea in late October and carry on their service to our most vulnerable citizens.”

The Kentucky Derby Party and the fall Breeders Tin Cup Team Challenge for Charity are the two main fundraising events hosted by MPCF each year, while the Winner’s Circle Society Membership Reception and the Roberta O. Fox Annual Distribution Tea are held to honor members and award grants. On average, 80 non-profit agencies apply to MPCF each year for funding. A review committee determines which organizations receive grants, with typically 50 awarded annually. By bringing the leaders of various non-profits together in one room, the Annual Tea fosters a way for greater needs to be met.

“I was Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters for 20 years,” shared Heptig. “Every year all the (non-profit) agency Directors would attend the Annual Tea. It was our day to receive much needed funding, and it was our day to shine and share. So many of our most vulnerable in the county need a myriad of services, at the Tea we talked and figured out ways to do more by working together.”

The Annual Tea is an afternoon of giving and collaboration that sets the work of the Fund apart from what many other charities are doing, but it’s also a day of great emotion.

“One of my favorite parts of working with MPCF is presenting our Legacy Grants at our Tea,” said Maria Farhat Tanzola, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF. “Every recipient shares how the grants help their constituents and often there isn’t a dry eye in the room.”

An all-volunteer leadership, the Fund is run by a Board of 18 trustees and one staff member. With Monmouth Park Racetrack donating office space for the organization, 83% of all monies raised go directly to financial support of human service programs throughout Monmouth County. Strategic partnerships with New Jersey Natural Gas, the Grunin Foundation, CentraState Medical Center, and Hackensack Meridian Health have afforded even more opportunities for giving.

“Since learning of their mission, I have always been proud to support the Monmouth Park Charity Fund. The vision of MPCF to aid Monmouth County charities so they may carry out their diverse objectives in assisting the most vulnerable in our community aligns perfectly with my core beliefs and values,” said Carol Stillwell, President of Stillwell-Hansen and proud supporter of MPCF. “Many of the charities that benefit from MPCF are organizations that I already serve and truly speak to my heart, making MPCF a natural and ideal fit for my philanthropic endeavors.”

Beyond attending or supporting MPCF events through purchases or direct donations, as of 2018 a $500 individual donation offers membership into the Society. The Winner’s Circle Society, chaired by Sandy Mullaney and Anita Roselle, is a new initiative of the organization where members participate in determining how and to whom an annual grant called the Transformational Grant will be distributed. The first grant of the group was awarded this summer to The Arc of Monmouth for $13,750. The Society is currently 51 strong, and MPCF is looking to bring on 50 new members in time to complete its 75th Anniversary in July of 2022 as part of its planned year-long celebration.

For more information, to donate, or secure membership, please visit MPCharityFund.org.

The History of MPCF

In 1946 a group led by the late Amory L. Haskell of Middletown began a restoration of Monmouth Park Racetrack, which had been abandoned for 50 years. Under the new leadership of then-President Haskell, the Monmouth Park Jockey Club was born. In an effort to show their gratitude to the residents of Monmouth County for their assistance in making the dream of a revitalized racetrack a reality, Haskell and his partner, Philip H. Iselin, assembled a committee of 15 area women to plan a charity ball and carnival to be held at Monmouth Park. It was decided the money raised from the first charity ball in 1947 would be given back to the community by way of support for local charitable endeavors, a tradition that is honored by The Monmouth Park Charity Fund to this day.

Betty Iselin, wife of Philip, became the first president of the Charity Ball Committee, an office she held for 50 years. Haskell’s daughters, the late Anne Haskell Ellis of Middletown and Hope Haskell Jones of Rumson, were a vital part of the fundraising committee for more than 30 years. Hope Haskell Jones continues to be an active member of the Monmouth Park Charity Fund.

For many years, the Committee worked with the support and cooperation of the Monmouth Park Racetrack administration and enjoyed the many courtesies available to them. The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority purchased Monmouth Park in 1986 and continued to support the activities of the Fund. Today, Monmouth Park Racetrack is managed by the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NJTHA) and the organization continues the tradition of honoring the work of the MPCF.

FEATURED PHOTO: Stephanie and Mark Cartier | CREDIT: Carmela Caracappa Photography

The building stands out, not only for its color and bright logo, but for the intention behind the business. The new-concept eatery, called No Limits Cafe, is a luncheonette and 501(c)(3) employing and training people with intellectual disabilities. Their motto, Eat Well – Do Good, encapsulates co-founders Stephanie and Mark Cartier’s desire to have the community frequent the restaurant not only for the food, but to support an often-forgotten population.

The reality is only 20% of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are employed, and those who are often are paid below minimum wage. Add in the fact that very few restaurants hire or even consider people with such challenges and you have a perfect storm for limited access to work.

“When young adults age out of the educational system at 21, they have few opportunities at meaningful employment,” shared Mark. “This time in someone’s life is called ‘falling off the cliff’. A few years back, we realized that our daughter, Katie, would likely fall off the proverbial cliff, so we decided to do something. We looked at various businesses, but settled on the restaurant idea.”

No strangers to having an impact in the community, both Mark and Stephanie are involved in their church, St. Catharine’s in Holmdel, and have both advocated for children with ID. Mark has been involved in Rally Cap Sports (RCS) since the early 2000s. RCS is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing recreational sports programs for people with special needs. The sports include baseball, football, tennis, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and golf. While for eight years Stephanie was the co-chair of Middletown Friends of Diverse Learners (MTFODL), the state mandated special education advisory group required in all school districts. She worked as a liaison between parents of special education students and the school administration to better the special education programs and to promote inclusion within the schools.

“Monmouth County is a wonderful place to raise your children; so many parks and beaches,” said Stephanie. “But Monmouth County is also a great place to raise a child with special needs, as there are a lot of outside of school activities that a child with disabilities can be a part of. FRA (Family Resource Associates), Rally Cap Sports, Dance with Jay, Karate with Jay, Dorbrook Park Special Needs Activities and Camp, and that’s just to name a few.”

The local community is also proving to be a great place for adults with special needs, as many local business owners and neighbors are not only in favor of the No Limits Cafe but are pitching in to help wherever they can.

A big fan of the movie The Breakfast Club, Stephanie relates to the inclusive theme of the film where a group of students thrown together in a Saturday detention learn to find common ground. Encouraged by the idea that different types of people can find they are more alike than different, she is hoping to take her movement of inclusivity beyond the doors of their restaurant.

“What we hope to achieve is the ‘multiplier effect’,” said Stephanie. “The unemployment rate is 80% for people with Intellectual Disabilities. By opening No Limits Cafe, we can help to change that by hiring 33 employees with ID. The multiplier effect will be our Phase II in which we will train others with ID that don’t work at our café in an evening program. We have a community liaison that will go to other local restaurants to see if they will hire someone we train. We will then continue to support any employees that are hired in other places.”

“Don’t limit me,” has become more than an inspiring quote to the Cartier family. Katie, now a sophomore in college, pushes the boundaries of what is expected as her parents work tirelessly to give similar opportunity to others with ID.

FEATURED PHOTO: Nancy Zarriello | CREDIT: Carmela Caracappa Photography

During the month of February our country honors presidents, football champions, movie stars, love of every kind, and groundhogs with special events, holidays, and celebrations. But the second month on our calendars is also designated for the battle against heart disease, and since 1963, February has been American Heart Month. Bringing this nationally recognized crusade closer to home is Nancy Zarriello who, on February 4, was honored at the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards for 2020.

You may know Nancy as a long-time teacher in Lincroft, or maybe you’ve bumped into her walking her dog down by the water in her hometown of Sea Bright. But after a cardiac scare last year, she has joined an elite group of women who have made heart health their goal as part of the Live Longer and Stronger challenge, and recently flaunted it on the red carpet at Lincoln Center as part of the 17th annual awards ceremony.

“With my health such a focus at that time, I was drawn to the article and the thought of my very own heart health makeover,” explained Nancy. “I had written a book three years earlier and had done nothing with it, so I honestly wrote in to validate my writing skills. But with all that has happened, this health scare that was once a huge negative has turned into something positive.”

The challenge is designed to help real-life women lower their risk of heart disease, lose weight, and adopt a happy, healthy lifestyle they can sustain. Nancy was one of five women selected from across the country and given a tailored and ongoing nutrition and exercise counseling program from nutrition expert Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN.

“After making it through several rounds, I was thrilled and grateful to be selected for the opportunity to help spread awareness,” said Nancy. “For the past eight months, we were given monthly challenges and biweekly calls with Joy and the LLS team. We also have monthly Google hangout chats with experts from Northwell Health. Because of this challenge, I have totally changed my diet, improved my endurance and stamina, lost 24 pounds, 23 inches, and dropped my cholesterol 87 points!”

The LLS challenges introduced Nancy to many things she had never tried or worked-on before. One centered on motivation, another helped her learn the importance of proper sleep, and the final task was practicing mindful eating and slowing down the process of a meal. But discovering new exercises would lead Nancy back to the hospital. “When I submitted the video of me climbing a mountain in Upstate New York, Joy Bauer and the LLS team were concerned when I expressed how I couldn’t breathe,” said Nancy. “I ended up at NYU where the Director of Women’s Health ordered a cardiac catheterization, angiogram, and microvascular testing to assess my heart health. Subsequently, I became part of a study to test for microvascular disease (MVD) found in women, in a less invasive way. My tests came back negative for MVD but did confirm a blockage. I learned that more women than men die during their first heart attack because women’s bodies are prone to hardening of the microvascular system. NYU is doing cutting-edge research to try and understand everything about how this happens.”

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States and has been for many years, yet only in the past 20 years has the movement toward awareness for women taken shape. In 1999, Woman’s Day then editor-in-chief Jane Chesnutt co-founded the Women with Heart Lunch to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). That same year, the nation’s first organization to address the issue of heart disease in women was founded. But it wasn’t for another three years, in 2002, that The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute launched The Heart TruthSMcampaign and the Red Dress® as the symbol for women and heart disease awareness. Two years later, in 2004, Woman’s Day held its first Red Dress Awards to honor those who make a significant contribution to the fight against heart disease specifically in women.

One of Nancy’s favorite quotes sums up the past year for her, “If you want change in your life, go make it happen. You’re the only one who can.” Married to her best friend, Scott, for more than 30 years, Nancy had many good reasons to make the changes she needed to stay on a healthy course.

“We absolutely love living in Sea Bright,” said Nancy. “In the summer, we only travel by foot or bike. It’s a great walking community offering everything we need. It helps me to make sure to get my 10k steps in every day. I also log my food and find it a fun challenge when eating out to swap menus for healthier options. I look at food differently now and have become more mindful of what I put in my mouth. My passions going forward are to continue my writing and my heart health journey and spreading awareness, because it’s a life-long change for me. I am better and stronger than I was eight months ago and I plan to continue. I’d also like to improve my golf game, but that may be a bigger ask!”

Readers can view Nancy’s journey on Instagram @movingswiftlyoverfifty.

FEATURED PHOTO: Photo, above: Host of Christmas Con 2019 Actor Jonathan Bennett, Actor Rachel Boston, Christina Fligliola of That’s 4 Entertainment, convention headliner Actor Lacey Chabert, and Actor Nikki DeLoach.

 

It began last Thanksgiving when four friends gathered in Holmdel for dinner. Best friends since 2007 when they met through their mutual love for the music group the Spice Girls, Christina Fligliola invited Liliana Kligman, Alexandra Isaza, and Trinh Ho to join her once again for their tradition of binging on favorite foods and decorating the tree while watching Christmas movies. Realizing they couldn’t be the only ones with holiday traditions wrapped around the television, they began kicking around a crazy idea that turned into a dream they backed with hard work and a good deal of elbow grease. That dream turned into Christmas Con 2019, the first convention of its kind, and a company called That’s 4 Entertainment run by the four friends.

Held for three days in November at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison, Christmas Con meshed together a version of Comic Con with a holiday street fair. Nineteen actors from the Hallmark family of Christmas movies met with more than 10,000 fans, many dressed from head to toe in Christmas themed hats, sweaters, antlers, and lights. Friends, families, and die-hard Hallmarkies (as fans refer to themselves) traveled from as far away as Europe and states across the country to get autographs and pictures with their favorite stars, attend panel discussions by the actors, several podcasters, and writers, shop with the vendors, and join in on both an ugly sweater and a gingerbread house contest. There were even two accepted marriage proposals.

“We accomplished exactly what we set to do from the beginning and even more,” shared Fligliola. “Our vision was to create a place that could bring all of us fans together with not only each other, but with the stars we all love, and that is what we achieved.”

The day after That’s 4 Entertainment announced on its Facebook page that The Hallmark Channel had joined the convention as the Official Sponsor, tickets started selling out. Within a few days Fligliola and the others were scrambling to rearrange things in order to add more availability. Tickets ultimately sold out completely, with requests for next year already coming in.

“It was great to have The Hallmark Channel come on board,” said Fligliola. “Their interactive booth was incredible, and we were honored to have them as the centerpiece of our show floor.”

A graduate of Holmdel High School, Fligliola is a singer/ songwriter who attended college in New York and goes by the stage name Majesty. Her last dance single, Living in the Moonlight, charted on Billboard and she’s due to start a radio tour in England she had to postpone for the convention. She also has a power ballad called Invincible coming out in January.

Fligliola’s background in the entertainment industry, along with Kligman who is a producer and runs Café Oscuro Films, helped the fledgling event planners navigate all the moving parts. Having studied the ratings for Christmas movies, they found New Jersey had the third highest consumption of any market.

“It would have been too difficult to plan the very first Christmas Con remotely,” explained Fligliola. “We knew we needed our first one to be in a city close to where one of us lived. So New Jersey was a perfect fit.”

Crown Media Family Networks, to which The Hallmark Channel belongs, have made more than 230 holiday original movies with record numbers of viewers watching each year. The convention took place as the 10th anniversary of The Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas’’ programming is happening. It includes a record 40 new holiday movies this season to celebrate 40 years of Hallmark movies, with most celebrities attending Christmas Con having a movie in the lineup.

Danica McKellar, actor, mathematics writer, and education advocate, was filming her upcoming movie, Christmas at Dollywood, the Saturday of the convention. The star, best known for her portrayal of Winnie Cooper in The Wonder Years, flew in on Sunday to meet with fans and host a panel discussion with close friend Actor Rachel Boston. Exhilarated from having worked so closely with Dolly Parton and having had Dolly star alongside her in the movie, McKellar shared behind the scenes stories with the fans and her new-found love for Dollywood. She also shared tips on engaging children with mathematics when an audience member and mom, Jenifer Santoro, Manasquan, asked for her daughter Ryleigh who was celebrating her eighth birthday at the convention.

For anyone who watches the Hallmark channels, Christmas Con was a present to unwrap. There were limitless stories of how and why people attended. Two sisters met at the event, one who lives in Illinois the other in Florida, to share their love for the movies and the holiday. Four sisters from Brooklyn Ubered in with  their mother as an early Christmas present and spent the day taking group pictures with their favorite stars. There were families everywhere, dads and kids, just as enthusiastic as the moms about the movies that are geared toward female audiences. And for every group of female friends there was a husband and wife older than sixty who gushed while meeting one of the performers.

“It was so much fun to meet so many of the Hallmark stars in person,” shared fan and convention attendee Gislaine Grondin of Middletown. “I couldn’t get over how genuinely kind and sweet they all were.”

Both the fans and the actors expressed a genuine joy at coming together. Actor Nikki DeLoach, whose movie Two Turtle Doves was one of the first of the season on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, shared hugs with many attendees and had a blast surprising several fans by popping into their photos at The Hallmark Channel booth. When one fan told her how much her most recent film meant to her, DeLoach was visibly moved.

“We made the movie for you,” answered DeLoach who has starred in several Hallmark movies and began her career more than 30 years ago as a Mouseketeer on The New Mickey Mouse Club. “It’s about learning to enjoy the holidays again after losing someone you love. It’s my favorite movie I’ve made so far because I knew it would help and touch a lot of hearts.”

Actor Lacey Chabert headlined the convention, with Actor Jonathan Bennett serving as host. The two are well-known for their movie Mean Girls and Bennett initiated a fan-based social media push for the two to be teamed in a Hallmark movie next year. The pair hosted a celebrity panel together and started the convention festivities the first night by lighting the 17-foot Christmas Tree in the center of the “Town Square”. Both said many times how much fun they were having, and how much it meant to them to meet so many fans. Chabert and Bennett said they are on-board for Christmas Con 2020.

“For me, my favorite part was the tree lighting,” said Fligliola. “That energy walking through the crowd behind Lacey (Chabert) as she went out to light the first ever Christmas Con tree was electric. It was thrilling to watch her have that incredible moment with her fans and one I won’t forget.”

Actors in attendance: Alicia Witt, Andrew Walker, Ashley Williams, Cameron Mathison, Chad Michael Murray, Danica McKellar, Daniel Franzese, Erin Krakow, Holly Robinson Peete, Jack Wagner, Jackee Harry, Jesse Metcalfe, Jonathan Bennett, Lacey Chabert, Melissa Joan Hart, Melissa Clair Egan, Nikki DeLoach, Paul Greene, Rachel Boston, and Ryan Paevey.

Click here to see photos from the Inaugural Christmas Con.

By adding state-of-the-art technology and software, sound proofing, and a good deal of insulation to the structure of the 4500-square-foot barn built by Amish builders, Mountain Hill Investment Partners functions just as any other bustling financial office. Only instead of honking cabs and shouting traders, with the windows open, you can hear the sounds of goats and sheep out back mixed with the delighted voices of children playing in the school’s new playground. It offers a relaxed vibe that seems to suit the casually dressed Andy and his partner Mike Meyers and combines the most fast-paced business possible with an air of grounded, country good-sense. A visit leaves one somewhat confused by what your senses take-in but delighted and encouraged to have stepped into one man’s vision of what life can grant and how the art of simplification can extend to helping others simplify their own lives.

A perpetually forward thinker, Andy has found a new passion to build upon that is reaching thousands who would normally never get the opportunity for guidance from an advisor of his stature. A Registered Investment Adviser, he manages investment portfolios for individuals and families, but he has taken that and expanded it from just those who can afford to hire him, to almost anyone who has a full-time job. As the complicated world of retirement changes and investing for a future that may no longer include a pension becomes more a reality than not for most, HR managers are no longer equipped to handle employee needs when it comes to their 401ks.

“I wouldn’t have my lawyer do my taxes, and I wouldn’t have my accountant represent me in court,” said Andy. “It’s important to have the right person advise on the right topic. In the corporate 401k advisory space, we are great at educating and encouraging employees to use their plan to improve their retirement outcomes. We help companies control risk and drive down costs in the 401k plan to keep them ERISA compliant, and we spend considerable time with Corporate CEO/CFO types ensuring they are providing the best plan to their employees. But we also work with each employee, individually, as part of our service.”

By offering his guidance across the spectrum to his corporate clients, whether working with the CFO or the new hire just out of college swimming in student loan debt, Andy is using his approachable and articulate style to simplify complicated and often scary financial decisions for the masses. Exuberant in his excitement for what comes next for his company, and all the people they will be able to help, Andy seizes every moment.

“Carpe Diem,” said Andy of his favorite quote. “When I stopped my crazy commute to NYC, I ended up saving 60 hours per month, that’s a full week of extra time to seize! This allows me many more touchpoints in all the things that are important to me – work, family, reading, investments, real estate, exercise, visiting my son in college, client interactions, etc. My advice is to take advantage of the time you have and to create time in your life to do the things that are important to you. Get up early and seize the day.”

Aware of how quickly time marches on, Andy has found ways to enjoy the moments as they happen. He spends a lot of his free time at their family cottage in Vermont, skiing with his wife and children. He uses his time mowing the grass or feeding the animals to unwind from the cares of the day and finds his ability to help at the school when needed a perk for which he would not have had the time with any other office location. When asked about future plans or where he sees their lives going, he circles back to how education has become so important to him. Not only being able to help his wife with the development of young minds, but his growing love for being an educator himself and the thousands of lives he is touching and changing by offering solid financial guidance. Grounded in the moment, he leaves both the past and the future to fend for themselves.

“Work hard, play hard, repeat,” shared Andy. “I would add something most of your older readers already know – life moves very fast. My wife and I went from having kids in diapers to kids in college in a flash, proving that life happens while you are waiting for life to happen.”

Work hard, play hard, and if you can manage to have it all happen on your own 12-acre farm, with a school and a log cabin, all the better. Having found what many would call a personal paradise, certainly a personal triumph through challenge, Andy loves his work, his commute home is a walk down the hill, and he does it all on his farm, and in his barn, following his own rules.

 

The second annual Sea.Hear.Now Festival rocked the surf and sand with two days of non-stop music, surfing, art, yoga, food, drink, and memories to keep the more than 35,000 attendees dancing through the long, cold winter. Three stages were home to more than 25 bands as they played with a backdrop of ocean waves. Dave Matthews Band and the Lumineers headlined the event, with tickets sold out almost immediately after being placed on sale. Other performers included: Blind Melon, The B-52s, Bad Religion, Steel Pulse, Dispatch, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.

Sea.Hear.Now is a music festival for sure, but it is also an ode to various types of art with a commitment to the health of the environment and the movement of our bodies. Yoga sessions, featuring Eoin Finn, were offered each morning on the beach free and open to the general public. Finn is a yogi, surfer, and blissologist from Vancouver, BC.

There was intense body movement seen on the waves, as some of the best surfers in the country helped celebrate the long-standing surf culture at the Jersey Shore. Surf “Expression Session” heats were held on the water between the Surf Stage and Sand Stage each day with surfers showing off their best moves in the name of creativity and fun.

The art of surfboard making was on full display as well, with some of the best shapers on the East Coast in “Shaper’s Alley”. This year’s featured shapers: Ricky Carroll, John Oppilto, Greg Malega, Josh Peterson, Charles Mencel and Joe Falcone, shared their craftsmanship on boards made of wood as well as today’s cutting-edge technology.

Perhaps the most unique art display available, The Danny Clinch Transparent Gallery Pop-up featured art from many of the musicians who performed at the festival, with many of them stopping in to chat with festival-goers about their creations. Clinch’s Gallery in Asbury Park has become an inclusive community hub as a space that is part gallery, part music venue, and part local living room for all who wish to stop by and feel the magic created by legendary rock photographer Danny Clinch and gallery curator Tina Kerekes. The Pop-up created the same exciting opportunity to hang with favorite musicians and chat about life and art.

For photos, visit here.  Photo Gallery Credit: Lori Donnelly

 

FEATURED PHOTO: Salvatore Cannizzaro at home | CREDIT: Carmela Caracappa Photography

The term was born to popular culture on February 2, 1832 on the floor of the United States Senate when Henry Clay used it to describe individuals whose success came from within, owing little or nothing to birth, relationships, inherited wealth, or access to the best schooling. After meeting Salvatore Cannizzaro, his story may be the one you think of first when the notion of self-made is again heard. But it’s a story of a man who was not entirely without assistance. His help came from the ocean, his love for boats, and a deep desire to achieve.

A first-generation youngest son, born to immigrant parents from Sicily, Sal lost his dad when he was only three-years-old. His mother raised him and his younger brother on her own in New York, and Sal speaks of the challenges his family faced as having been “underprivileged”. Because times were difficult, Sal learned early that money and work were a priority. In middle school he joined a program allowing him to learn the trade of printing. While other kids were out playing ball, Sal was finding ways to make things happen.

One of the ways Sal discovered to make things happen came from an old fishing pole. Having found it while riding his bike, Sal used the encountered treasure to fish for dinner, taking his prizes from the sea home to his mother. But the young boy would take so much more from his afternoons watching the boats glide under the Verrazzano Bridge. A deep desire, a dream, a goal formed that would lead to uncommon success.

“I used to sit there fishing as a kid, watching all the beautiful boats,” shared Sal. “I promised myself one day I would have a luxury boat and sail under the Verrazzano too. The day I achieved my vision was amazing. I took our first boat, the Lady Diana named for my daughter, and I made my dream come true.”

Today, Sal and his wife of 38-years, Debbie, live in a home in Rumson on the banks of the Navesink. His private dock leads to their latest boat, The Blue Moon, and a lifetime of dreams fulfilled.

Sal is the founder of both Immediate Care Medical Walk-In Centers and SFC Enterprises, Inc., a real estate development company. But his path as an entrepreneur started much earlier. At the age of 24, after having worked for several printing companies, Sal started his own print shop. At first printing whatever was needed, be it fliers or invitations, he soon discovered an unmet need in the market. Generic drug makers, known as private labels, were looking for companies to print their packaging. Most other operations didn’t want to take on these smaller jobs, but Sal willingly did and became the go-to label and packaging manufacturer.

His company, Innovative Folding Carton Co., which is still operating today as Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS), sustained much growth and several relocations. When Innovative purchased a building in South Plainfield, Sal managed the complete renovation and subsequent 35,000 square foot expansion of the building, ultimately creating a showcase 100,000 square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The company grew to be a profitable, highly-respected manufacturer that employed 270 people. In 1998, Sal sold the company to a venture capital firm and set off on a new adventure.

Knowing he has a knack for all things design-related, and not wanting to be retired at too young of an age, Sal started SFC Enterprises believing he could continue to develop real estate successfully. Today he runs the business with his son, Frank.

“My next goal is to take my vision, along with my son, Frank, and continue to watch it flourish,” said Sal. “We can bring it to reality together, so I can then spend more time helping others in the community, traveling with my wife, fishing, and boating.”

Sal saw another need in the marketplace and set out to make something new happen yet again. Having the ability to build commercial and medical offices, in 2012 Sal took the urgent care concept and combined it with primary care in the same location. Now he has a group of nine urgent care centers throughout New Jersey.

“We are unique in the fact that we can design and build the medical space for these practices and are able to get to market quicker and more economically,” said Sal. “On a more personal level, I believe what sets me apart from others is the ability to bring an approach filled with innovative ideas, passion, and charisma to work every day not only for myself, but for my employees, helping to create a unique family environment in the workplace.”

Immediate Care Medical Walk-In Centers have been fulfilling another dream of Sal’s for the past five years by giving back to kids in the local community. (See below). When asked what project he’ll tackle next, Sal is quick to reply that he looks forward to more time with Debbie on his boat, since he’s been promising her for years that he’ll retire. However, he’s also quick to mention some ideas he has to help children and the elderly. It will be interesting to see what Sal makes happen next.

Name: Salvatore F. Cannizzaro, is married to Debbie. They have two grown children: Frank and Diana. Frank is the Vice President of Construction for SFC Enterprises, Inc. Diana is a Team Sports Reporter at Philadelphia Soul.

Nicknames: Sal or Mr. C.

Monmouth County Connection: Lived in Holmdel for 17 years, currently lives in Rumson on the Navesink River. Owns Immediate Care Medical Walk-In Centers and SFC Enterprises, Inc.

Best life tip to share: “Be humble, listen, always stay positive, and don’t take no for an answer.”

Favorite Quote: “Make it Happen.”

Three words he feels best describe him: “Charismatic, passionate, visionary.”

Most influential person in his life: “My wife is my anchor and keeps me in perspective.”

TAKING KIDS ALONG FOR THE RIDE

Sal Cannizzaro, CEO of Immediate Care Medical Walk-In of New Jersey, will be hosting the 5th Annual Kids Fishing Trip on Monday, August 19 out of Atlantic Highlands on the Mi-Jo. Sponsored by Immediate Care, in support of community organizations including Father Time, the RAINE Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties and The Frances Foundation, about 60 children and adults will get to enjoy a fun day of fishing on the 75-foot charter boat. Immediate Care also received great support this year from Hope For Children Foundation.

“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Sal, who is passionate about giving back to the community. “I’m grateful for all of our partners and sponsors that make this event possible and help it to grow year after year.”

In addition to enjoying a fun day of fishing on the boat, the kids who catch the biggest fish will receive first, second, and third place prizes donated by Mangia Brick Oven Pizza of Shrewsbury.

Hers is a story that makes one think, “There but for the grace of God, go I.” She was a healthy, middle-aged mom living in Rumson with her two young boys and husband, busy getting her family ready for Thanksgiving. Not feeling well a day or two before the holiday, Caroline Studenko headed to the walk-in health center. With symptoms of an upset stomach, hot and cold sweats, vomiting, she was told she most likely had food poisoning. By Thanksgiving Day her fever was high and her body so weak, she could barely stand. Her right knee had doubled in size from swelling. Her husband, Anthony, rushed her to the hospital on Black Friday while hordes of others rushed to the malls. Within hours Caroline was in the Intensive Care Unit, on life-support, having just undergone surgery to amputate her right leg. She would undergo a total of more than 30 surgeries, the most recent last month to amputate toes on her left foot. Her body is scarred, her hands damaged and weak, the nerves in her body still healing from the infection. Caroline was told she somehow contracted a flesh-eating bacteria called necrotizing fasciitis. Where and how she still does not know. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection that spreads quickly in the body and causes death nearly 70% of the time. The bacteria most commonly enters from a break in the skin, but it can also occur in an area that had a trauma. In Caroline’s case, she is still uncertain how she contracted the disease. For the moment, the ‘how’ it happened is not as urgent or important as the ‘how’ to go on with life’s new challenges. Caroline was finally able to return to her home the first week in May. “I was in Riverview for months. Then acute rehab, and then subacute,” said Caroline. “It was so hard to be away from my sons. I missed them so much. You can’t even imagine how happy I am to be back in my own home. I promised my son I would be home for his birthday, and I made it.” With two young sons, Mack, 11, and Drew, 7, Caroline has needed help keeping things going for her family. She says her husband has been amazing, and the help from both their moms has gotten her through, but the everyday tasks are overwhelming. “I have limited use of my hands because of the nerve damage,” she said. “Simple things like making dinner are nearly impossible. I can’t hold a pot of water to boil spaghetti.” Other practical, everyday things need to be considered as well. The family is selling their home and moving to a ranch-style home that can be better outfitted for her use. Caroline needs to purchase a new car, one that can allow her to drive without her leg. And, perhaps most urgently, she needs a prosthetic leg so she can walk again. With only one limb, and the foot on that leg having nerve-damage and the inability to balance from missing her toes, the type of prosthetic needed is extremely specialized, computerized, and very expensive. Dorothy Whitehouse, a friend of Caroline’s, has set-up a GoFundMe page to help offset the many costs associated with her care. “Her beautiful boys have been her driving force for survival and strength, and her mom, Rita, her rock,” wrote Dorothy on the GoFundMe page. “The boys are so fortunate to have a wonderful father in Anthony as well as their two amazing grandmothers to help while Caroline has been in the hospital. (Caroline’s) will, her strength, and her mental fortitude are all incomprehensible. Please continue to share (the) link (to our fundraising page) and help spread the word!” If you, or someone you know, can help, please visit and share the GoFundMe – gofundme.com/f/amp-hope-for-caroline.