CM: You mention public safety as a concern.

KS: Allowing untrained people to maintain big cats in their homes not only harms animals, it threatens public safety. Lions, tigers, and other big cats are powerful animals who can easily kill or severely injure humans. Private ownership of big cats endangers those living in the neighborhood, as well as first responders who are ill-equipped to handle situations where an animal has escaped. Furthermore, it fuels the wild “pet” trade, creating a financial incentive for people to capture big cats in the wild and breed them for the purpose of selling the cubs.

CM: What did we NOT see in Tiger King, regarding the cub-petting business?

KS: The cub-petting industry fuels a troublesome cycle of breeding and discarding big cats. Because cubs can only be “handled” for a few months, cubs are being prematurely weaned and forcibly separated from their mothers, often resulting in long-term psychological repercussions. Even at a young age, cubs’ teeth and claws pose a serious safety risk. Exhibitors may even drug the animals to keep them docile – sometimes on a daily basis and rarely under the supervision of a veterinarian, which can lead to long-term health problems. The cubs are discarded around 12 weeks old to be sold into the “pet” trade, to roadside zoos, killed, or even illegally “harvested” for their body parts. Cub-petting operations need new babies all the time. This drives rampant breeding in roadside zoos and at tiger mills.

CM: What laws currently protect the big cats?

KS: There are few federal laws protecting the millions of wild animals living in captivity in the United States, some of whom are kept in private homes. While some states have restricted or banned the private possession of certain wild animals, other states have virtually no regulations. Right now, the only federal legislation that governs big cats in captivity are the Endangered Species Act—for those big cats on the endangered species list, and the Animal Welfare Act, which requires only minimum care standards for animals held at roadside zoos, including big cats. These laws fail to adequately protect both big cats and public safety. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has documented countless serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act over the years.

CM: What is being done now to remedy this?

KS: The Animal Legal Defense Fund continues to fight to free big cats and other animals from roadside zoos, so that they can be moved to accredited sanctuaries. Legislation has already been proposed. The Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA) is a federal bill that would ban both the private possession of big cats and the direct public contact with their cubs. By taking cub-petting out of the equation, the BCPSA would eliminate the dangerous cycle of breeding and discarding tigers and other big cats. The goal is twofold: one, to prohibit people from keeping big cats in their homes as pets. And two, to curb the proliferation of big cats around the country. Only those who hold a USDA license would be allowed to own a big cat. Big cats belong in the wild or, in situations where captive animals can no longer safely be returned to the wild, in accredited sanctuaries equipped to meet their complex physical and psychological needs.

CM: Does this pending legislation impact the housing of big cats in all zoos?

KS: The BCPSA includes appropriate exemptions for sanctuaries, universities, and professionally run zoos as indicated by the endorsement from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Current private owners are grandfathered-in and are simply required to register their animals with the government to ensure that first responders and animal control officers are aware of the presence of these animals in their communities.

CM: How can citizens help?

KS: People can learn more about the laws and proposed legislation related to big cats in a webinar by the Animal Legal Defense Fund at aldf.org/TigerKing. But for this bill to become law, federal legislators need to hear from their constituents. Contact your legislators and urge them to support the Big Cat Public Safety Act, both for the safety of our communities and the well-being of big cats. People can take action at aldf.org/HelpBigCats.

FEATURED PHOTO: Former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart with members of the Male Mentorship Program. | CREDIT: Lunch Break

Former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart will emcee Lunch Break’s annual Fall Gala on Friday, October 16, 2020 at Stillwell Stables, located at 117 Muhlenbrink Road in Colts Neck. This year’s honorees include such philanthropic community leaders as Carol Stillwell, President and CEO of Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., Norma Todd Service Award; Lunch Break Board President John Klein and his wife, Robin, Heart to Hand Award; and Guttenplan’s Frozen Dough, A Child’s Place School, Lincroft, and Abe and Linda Littenberg, Corporate Platinum Partner Award.

“We are looking forward to this year’s Gala with great excitement,” says Executive Director Gwendolyn Love. “We are thrilled to have Jon Stewart as our host and grateful to Carol Stillwell for providing the gorgeous fall backdrop of Stillwell Stables. I couldn’t be prouder of our honorees, who exemplify Lunch Break’s mission in their lives and work every day.”

The evening, which takes place from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., will feature dinner, dancing, raffles and auctions. Tickets are $350 per person. Proceeds will benefit Lunch Break’s mission of providing food, clothing, fellowship and life skills to those struggling with financial burdens in Monmouth County and beyond. Lunch Break accepts donations online at lunchbreak.org or at its headquarters, 121 Drs. James Parker Blvd. in Red Bank. 

Colts Neck Community Church (CNCC) invites the community to participate in a weekend of “Gathering Gifts to Give,” for residents to drop-off items to benefit those in need and in crisis settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Gathering Gifts to Give” will be a drop-off Community Donation Drive at the CNCC Parking Lot, located at 25 Merchants Way in Colts Neck, on Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and on Sunday, April 19, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CNCC will adhere to the CDC and local government guidelines for PPE and social distancing regulations.

They will be accepting PPE supply donations from the community, including: masks, gloves, antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer, which will be distributed as “Encouragement Gifts” to local doctors, healthcare professionals and first responders who are working on the front lines. They will also be accepting donations such as: gift cards for stores or online services that sell groceries or useful products, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins) and non-perishable food items (no canned goods), which will be distributed as “Support Gifts” to those who have fallen on difficult times due to COVID-19. Alternate ways of giving can be made by check or online here. For more information on ways to give, contact Pastor Chris Durkin, Senior Pastor of CNCC or Glen J. Dalakian, President of CNCC at GatheringToGive@gmail.com.

“CNCC recognizes the incredible needs of our community at large by providing both supplies to people who may be shut-in, as well as those on the front line in our healthcare and first responder systems. We would like to encourage all who are in need and let them know that they are loved and appreciated,” said Glen J. Dalakian. The community invites anyone to contact them if they know of people who would benefit from these types of donations. The American spirit is resilient and generous, and CNCC is hopeful that the community can lend support to those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Donations will be packaged and distributed the week of April 27, 2020.

For more information, visit here.

ARTICLE: Provided by MCF

FEATURED PHOTO: Mrs. and Mr. Ward de Groot are pictured in front of their home on the farm in Colts Neck. | CREDIT: Jena Cosimo

Claire de Groot remembers moving to the farm on Route 34 in Colts Neck in 1936 when she was six years old. At that time there was farmland as far as the eye could see. “I have so many cherished memories from this land,” Claire remembers. “We used to go ice skating in the pond, that was back when ponds still froze,” and “at one time I actually had a pet skunk,” Claire chuckles as she fondly recalls.

Claire de Groot moved to the approximately 60-acre farm with her family 83 years ago when Colts Neck was a sleepy, rural town where practically everyone knew each other. She met her husband while attending Red Bank High School and the couple raised a family with four children, moving every two years due to her husband’s career in the United States Navy. Now married 67 years, the farm has been the backdrop for a lifetime worth of memories. “We always referred to the farm as our homeland,” recalls Claire. “It was always a place where time seemed to stop, and we could spend endless hours together enjoying the outdoors.”

“From all the places we lived, this place always felt like home. It was always like a little slice of heaven to us,” Claire explained. “We knew that we could never allow this beautiful land that holds so many cherished family memories to become covered with houses.” Throughout the past 83 years Colts Neck transformed from a rural farm town to a desired, residential estate community. Although the area still retains much of its rural character, thousands of homes have been built and thousands of acres of natural land have been lost forever. However, Claire can now rest assured that her family farm will never be developed.

“We knew we wanted to see the land preserved,” explained Claire, who made the decision to preserve their family farm, not once, but twice. First, when the family preserved 20 acres in 2005 and now the remaining 40 acres, forever uniting the 60 acres as their family farm, forever. “Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) is so pleased to see this beautiful piece of farmland preserved,” explained William Kastning, Executive Director for Monmouth Conservation Foundation. “MCF partnered with the State Agriculture Development Committee, the County of Monmouth and the Township of Colts Neck for funding to purchase the development rights on the farm and ensure it remains protected from development.”

“We are so happy that the de Groot family chose to preserve their farm,” explained Holly Boylan-Flego, President of the MCF Board of Trustees. “We hope that more farm owning families will follow in the de Groot’s footsteps and choose to preserve rather than develop their land.”

“Our decision to preserve the farm is something that gives me peace when I go to bed at night,” Claire remarked. “No matter what happens, this land will remain a farm and part of the community.

Meet Connie, a lifelong equestrian, professional rider and trainer (and a local realtor). She now adds a new accomplishment – co-founder of Redingote Equestrian, a line of unique, fashionable and functional outerwear for riders.

My Equestrian Background: 

I was raised in the Colts Neck horse community. My father worked with Standardbred race horses for many years. When I was three years old, my mom found out my father was throwing my sister and me on the bare backs of the horses and instantly signed us up for lessons! That’s when we started competing all over New Jersey.

Inspiration for Redingote: 

As an adult I continued to compete, train horses and coach clients, many achieving numerous titles and honors. While teaching in the cold indoors and doing winter barn chores, I would always wear a vintage one-piece coverall (that I picked up at an estate sale). It was an essential piece of gear for me during the winter. Clients and fellow trainers were constantly inquiring about it and where to find one. I then realized there was nothing out there for women and definitely nothing out there for equestrians. That’s when Redingote was born. I teamed up with my friend, Allison Malenfant. I brought the equestrian side and she has a great background in fashion.

How Redingote is Unique: 

We have lots of functional and thoughtful details for riders, like a pocket for a crop, a durable ring to hang your spurs or gloves, a designated pocket for treats with a wipeable liner but the BEST part is that you can step in and out of your Redingote Jumper with your boots on. Riders now have technical outwear that takes away all the bulk. You can wear Redingote over your basic riding attire (jean/breeches and a long sleeve) and it keeps you warm, dry, and clean (its waterproof too). People from all walks of life have bought our jumper, using it for dog-walking on cold, blustery nights, shoveling snow and even après-ski. I love to see how our suit has bettered long winter days at the stable for both professionals and backyard equestrians. I love that women feel confident while wearing Redingote!

What’s Next: 

Horses are not just a passion to me, it’s a lifestyle. I love that my family is involved with the horses and that I can pass down the tradition of the equestrian lifestyle to my daughter, Rose (who has already attended a couple of horse shows at 6 months old!) My husband Mike, Rose, and I love heading to the barn or going to a local horse show on a Sunday. There are so many fun shows right here in Monmouth County! Right now, we’re focusing on our winter collection but do have a spring and summer line in the works. And we will be introducing a line of jumpsuits shortly for warm weather which will consist of even more functional features. We are really excited about that! We also love to support our sponsored riders and teams of all different disciplines throughout the country. Check out our website for our upcoming events.

Where to find Redingote styles: 

Riders can learn more about Redingote and find our apparel by visiting redingoteequestrian.com or by checking us out on Instagram @redingote_equestrian.

Some Highlights of Service: 

As a ten-year breast cancer survivor, in addition to raising funds, I console and counsel women going through the trauma of discovering they have breast cancer. I am a longtime member of the NJ Association of Women Business Owners with the mission to mentor women in business development. Through this organization, I participate in many programs designed for youth outreach and adults. I became state president with the platform to build the organization for all women business owners, to be their voice in Trenton, and to form the Diversity Committee. Through the CNBA,  I enjoyed bringing the July 4th fireworks back to Colts Neck and have run the event for the past three years. It is a beautiful family and community evening.

Activities outside of work: 

I enjoy golf, crossword puzzles, gardening, and  traveling.

What I love about living in Monmouth County: 

Monmouth County reminds me of my home state, Virginia.  I love the open space, seeing the horses in the fields, the goats and sheep in the pastures, picking apples and pumpkins, and especially being close the beach and yet an hour drive to NYC.

Favorite Quote: 

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” ― Henry David Thoreau.

See this article in print here.