Kate Hershkowitz of Rumson may only be 12 but her compassion for others goes far beyond her years. Several years ago Kate decided that she wanted to help those in need and she coordinated that idea with the celebration of her birthday. “Three years ago, my mom and I were discussing my birthday. I really didn’t want anything in particular. My mom suggested that maybe we could raise money and make a donation to a specific charity or an organization,” explained Kate. “I decided that I wanted to collect something other than money so I asked my friends for food donations so that I could donate them to Lunch Break.”

In three years, Kate has collected more than 400 pounds of food donations for Lunch Break. “The first year that I donated, my friends thought it was different, interesting and a nice gesture.  However, when I did it the following year, they were all excited and wanted to help me raise more than I had the previous year.  This past year, my friends really went crazy trying to surpass what I raised the second year.  It has now become a ‘thing.’ My brother, Matthew, and sister, Ellie, think I am crazy to give up my birthday gifts, but the rest of my family is extremely proud of me, especially my grandmother.”

Kate’s mother, Marybeth, shared how proud she is of her daughter. “At first I was humbled and truly touched that Kate would want to forego receiving birthday presents and collect donations instead.  However, when I truly thought about it, I was not surprised. Kate is special and unique. She has a zest for life that is unparalleled by anyone I have ever met. She truly finds joy in the simplest things.  She has a special spirit about her that you realize once you get to know her.  I was recently telling someone about this article and they said simply, ‘to know Kate is to love Kate.’  Trust me, her siblings agree that there is just something about her that sets her apart.”

Patricia Micale of Holmdel, Kate’s maternal grandmother, is equally impressed with her. “Kate has always been a very thoughtful, caring, and kind girl. She truly cares about other people’s feelings and acts on it.  Kate always has a sparkle in her eye and a big smile on her face.  She’s a lot of fun to be around! I love her very much and am very proud of her.”

Kate is a seventh grader at Forrestdale School in Rumson. Her favorite subject is science and she enjoys hanging out with her friends, her dog Henry, skiing and playing tennis. Kate has also been a part of the Ocean Township United Soccer Association (OTUSA) for six years, where she plays soccer for the Ocean Outlaws.

The food donations Kate collects each year are taken to Lunch Break in Red Bank. “Although I do not get to personally give the food to the people, I do volunteer there on occasion and I know that the recipients are extremely grateful for what they receive. I feel very fortunate and honored to be able to help people who are in need.  I also think it is very important to raise awareness for the need of donations so close to my home. I want people to know that I will continue with this tradition and in the future encourage other people, besides just my friends and family to donate towards my contributions.  My goal is to donate over 500 pounds of food next year.”

The compassion, understanding and generosity that this preteen has at the age of 12 combined with her determination to continue helping her community is not only commendable but a shining example to follow.

 

CM: Is there a success story that stands out to you?

Christina: (Laughs) I’ve had husbands call and tell me to keep doing whatever I am doing for their wives, because it is helping, and I tell them not to forget they can always purchase gift certificates. Women joke and tell me they “used to be ugly.” But one client who stands out is a young woman who came to me with severe acne. Within 18 days after starting treatment she looked like a completely different person. A man at the gym where she attended for three years didn’t recognize her. She broke my heart when she reflected that she felt the acne was a type of handicap, that she never realized she had gotten used to the way people looked at her differently. Now she is more confident.

CM: What are the advantages of using Scheál products?

Christina: Unlike manufactured products, which are made months in advance with preservatives, I personally make fresh batches of Scheál products each week. They have a distinct vitality, and the beneficial results on all types of skin are noticeable very quickly. I use only organic ingredients based in aloe, cucumber and chamomile, and they are extremely healing. They calm the skin and allow the skin to heal. Skin is alive and wants to be our best friend. But we tend to fight against it, and try to rip it off, or mask it or laser it. When skin is calmer it will look softer. As we age, and from sun damage, we get more dead skin which makes our skin appear thicker and makes us “turn into a raisin”. I help get rid of spots and the thick skin. I love to make the skin glow!

Scheál Organics are available for purchase. Visit scheal.com and Facebook for more information on services and products.

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.

Seeking individuals dedicated to preserving Monmouth County’s past

Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is seeking nominations for the Monmouth County Jane G. Clayton Award and the M. Claire French Award for Leadership in Historic Preservation.  If you know a person or an organization that has gone above and beyond to preserve the history of Monmouth County, nominate that person by July 15.

“The Clayton Award and the French Award will be presented at Archives and History Day on Oct. 13 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan,” said Clerk Hanlon. “These awards will honor and highlight outstanding individuals who have shown a dedication to Monmouth County history.”

Created in 1997, the Jane G. Clayton Award honors individuals who, over a substantial number of years, have made exceptional contributions to the awareness, understanding or preservation of Monmouth County history. The award is named after former Monmouth County Clerk Jane G. Clayton, who was responsible for the creation of the Monmouth County Archives.

Past winners of the Clayton Award include John Belding, Margaret W. Dellinger, Joseph W. Hammond, Angel and Jack Jeandron, Cheryl A. Cook, Wayne T. Bell, Joseph G. Bilby, Edward J. Raser, Garry Wheeler Stone, Lydia Wikoff, Karen L. Schnitzspahn, Gerald Ceres, Flora T. Higgins, Lee Ellen Griffith, Michael S. Adelberg, Gail L. Hunton, Douglas F. Foulks, Wesley Banse, J. Louise Jost, Mary Lou Strong, and George H. Moss.

The M. Claire French Award for Leadership in Historic Preservation was created in 2015 by Clerk Hanlon and recognizes outstanding achievements of an elected official, government employee, public servant or civic organization in supporting historic preservation in Monmouth County through education, development, planning, rehabilitation, advocacy, community leadership or other means.

Freeholder Deputy Director Lillian G. Burry, Fred Carl, and Middletown Mayor (now Freeholder) Gerry P. Scharfenberger, Ph.D. are the previous winners of the French Award.

Archives and History Day will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, located at 125 Symmes Drive in Manalapan. Archives and History Day, an annual event since 1996, is organized by the Monmouth County Archives under the direction of Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon. This year’s exhibit focuses on the buildings of historic interest in Monmouth County. The event is expected to once again host more than 60 exhibitors presenting topics related to New Jersey history and their organizations.

Nomination forms for the Clayton and French Awards can be found online at www.MonmouthCountyClerk.com/Archives.

For more information or to request a nomination form by phone or email, please call 732-308-3771 ext. 3776 or email Shelagh.Reilly@co.monmouth.nj.us.