Community Publications
The May eEdition of the Colts Neck • Holmdel • Lincroft Community Magazine is here!
The May eEdition of the Bayshore Community Messenger is here!
In a twist of fate, Michael Conti, owner of Shore Café in Hazlet, reconnected with the prodigy he first discovered five years ago at Raritan High School when Conti awarded him a $600 scholarship.
Six years ago on March 23, John Conti Junior took his own life. He was an artist, passionate about his work but never able to share his gift with the world. In a tribute to his brother’s passing and growing appreciation for art, Michael Conti started a scholarship fund in his brother’s name for students advancing in fine arts. Five years after gifting the first scholarship to then high school student Jim McKenzie, Conti found him again through an artists’ network as he was searching for artists to join his team of talent for an art gallery that will open this year at 42 Broadway in Red Bank, NJ.
“I saw his work, called him up and asked him to come in so we could talk. I told him I loved his work and it just happened to be that he was one of the first students I gave the scholarship to. I’m going to be working with him to get his pieces in the gallery,” Conti says.
One of Conti’s partners, David Banegas is a well known painter who has toured with celebrities promoting his art. Together they are working to help communities develop through charitable work such as programs against teen bullying, suicide prevention and art scholarships in the high schools. Conti is in the process of setting up some non profit organizations under his brother’s name. Banegas’ artwork will also be showcased at the new gallery.
“It’s something that happened after my brother passed away. Now we’re here six years later and it means a lot to me. He had a real passion for it,” Conti explains.
McKenzie, now 22 years old, works in the city as a concept artist, animator and visual effects generalist for Nathan Love, a prestigious visual effects company in New York City. He works on media applications like Oreo commercials and recently designed an entire Hawaiian Punch commercial, which is the company’s first commercial in 20 years.
Although influenced by many artists and often compared to Tim Burton, McKenzie has a whimsical style that is uniquely his own. He was trained at one of the best companies in the business right after college. Framestore in New York City, a sister firm to Framestore in London is responsible for almost all animations done worldwide in productions such as Harry Potter and the Geico Gecko. He worked for this company for one year until he chose to expand his talents with the firm down the street.
His projects now include working with Morgan Spurlock from Super Size Me on two documentaries. He created a short film from scratch that won an award at two festivals and which might quite possibly become a television series on Nickelodeon. He plans to make it a children’s book as well and is shopping a prototype around the creative circles. Always the artist, McKenzie was very interested in creating a few fine art pieces after talking to Conti about the new gallery. Conti saw his talent and versatility and challenged McKenzie to create a few pieces.
Conti says most true artists do not see the potential in their art because it is a gift that comes so naturally to them that they feel everyone possesses it, but it takes some one with a business sense and savvy to guide them in the right direction so they are not exploited. This is where Conti sees his talents stepping in and taking over. As a successful entrepreneur of a restaurant and several other projects, Conti is aware of the predators and obstacles along the way to success.
“It is such a shame if you don’t do something with that. My brother never went in that avenue. I see Jim doing this and he’s active in it and I admire that,” Conti admits.
However, for some one as young and talented as McKenzie, the art world can be both glamorous and shady. Mike says many people could take images of his art and post it online without his permission or will take his ideas, create a similar one, and make millions of dollars off of it. It is important that Jim be protected under copyright laws. That’s where no-nonsense businessman Conti comes in, to assure that his client will never be exploited.
On the other hand, people will pay top dollar for artists like Jim because he is young and will most likely go on to create greater pieces that will be worth a lot of money. Art lovers know that if they purchase a painting from a young artist such as McKenzie, their investment could very likely pay off in the long run. Conti sees this potential for McKenzie and is excited to use his business sense to help him and artists like him.
Already in a position to represent other artists such as Benegas, Conti wants to continue in this line of work both for his brother’s legacy and for charity. He plans to start a small agency to represent artists. Having opened his restaurant 10 years ago with his brother when it was just a bar with no potential, Conti transformed it into a beautiful establishment that looks like a Tuscany villa straight out of an Italian painting.
“That’s what it is all about, starting new things, building them up and making them successful. I’m in a new chapter in my life and that’s why we’re here,” he says.
“I was never really into art until what happened to my brother. I think in life whatever goes around comes around. It’s not all about getting and making. You’ve got to give it to get it back in order to be successful in life,” Conti says.
Confident that McKenzie is the next big thing coming out of Hazlet, New Jersey, Conti has put a lot of love and energy into McKenzie’s talents. McKenzie, for his part, is a sure thing in the art world with the many accomplishments and successes he’s achieved at such a young age. Together, the two believe they are destined to explode onto the fine art world, starting with the gallery at 42 Broadway in Red Bank, NJ, slated to open in April.
Above Photo - Left to right: Michael Conti and Jim McKenzie
By Susan Murphy
Rope4Hope LLC was started in December 2011 by local Port Monmouth residents Kelly Mullins and Marco Fernandes, who met as recruits in the police Training Academy. They have known each other seven years and are now Corrections Officers for the State of New Jersey. Their business consists of making handmade Paracord Bracelets for all types of events.
What is paracord? It is short for “parachute cord” originally used by military paratroopers during World War II. Paracord is still used by the military for multiple reasons. It has a strength rating of 550 lbs. and comes in a variety of colors. Fernandes, a former Marine, recalls braiding the rope needed for training exercises while in the field. “We did this as a way to take several hundred feet of rope into the field, because it was more compact, fit into a small bag, and it was easier to deploy if needed when it was braided into a cobra knot,” he said.
Rope4Hope, LLC became the business name. Fernandes explained, because it represents exactly what they were doing. “We were using rope to make the bracelets but also for helping people, which is our main focus. Helping others is what gave us the drive to keep going with the bracelets.” Mullins and Fernandes custom make by hand Paracord Bracelets for all occasions and different events which include but are not limited to fundraisers, team sports, support for causes, gifts, and to show school spirit. Each bracelet has anywhere from 7-10 feet of rope. There are a variety of sizes and colors and you can mix and match up to 3 colors per bracelet with no minimum or maximum order requirements.
“We usually design a bracelet specifically for a particular organization and then on our website it is highlighted as the “Bracelet of the Month.” There is a separate ordering box for them so the donation goes directly to the organization without question as to the particular donation that is requested by the customer,” noted Mullins. Most bracelets take only minutes to make and it is requested that customers allow up to 5 days for turnaround, but that usual timeframe is much less. The cost for bracelets with up to three colors is $10. “Our bracelets are handmade locally by us, custom designed and custom fitted. On other sites and in magazines these bracelets sell for $12 to $15 or more,” said Fernandes.
The Bracelet of the Month for April and May is the Police Unity Tour Inspired Bracelet – which comes in two styles. Mullins explains “The Monmouth County Police Unity Tour Riders have their bike ride in May, so the bracelets will be available up to then. Each purchase of one of these bracelets sends a donation to the Monmouth County Police Unity Tour Riders, who are police officers, and the bike ride benefits the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. We hope to continue this fundraiser for them every year they are a part of it.”
The idea to make Paracord Bracelets started when Fernandes made a Blue Line bracelet for himself one day. He was asked by several people where he got it. When he mentioned that he had made it, others began to ask for one. “Kelly and I started making the bracelets and it just developed into something bigger.” Requests for the Paracord Bracelets increased and orders for them went beyond just making them for a few friends.
Fernandes explained how the Blue Line bracelets became a fundraiser. “Another Corrections Officer that I worked with, who is also a friend, was seriously injured in the line of duty and because of that he had to take a medical retirement.” This officer became involved with Officer Down NJ, an organization that benefits officers who have been permanently disabled in the line of duty or the families of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, so Fernandes contacted him and asked if he and Mullins could make the Blue Line Bracelets for the organization as a fundraiser for them. “They are the most popular, probably because we are law enforcement officers,” said Fernandes. Blue Line Bracelets are made and purchased all year round and money continues to be donated to Officer Down NJ.
The Paracord Bracelets have been made to support victims of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma; as well as to show team spirit for Kean University students. “We have a fundraiser in April for the Monmouth County Police Unity Tour, in which we will set up a table at their Softball Tournament, as well as one in May called ‘Draw for a Cure’ which will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital,” said Fernandes.
Future plans for these entrepreneurs include discussing the advantages of using Paracord Bracelets as a fundraiser for schools rather than selling cookies or candy, which are gone in no time. Doing fundraisers using the bracelets means buyers have something to show for their purchase price. The bracelets can be made utilizing school colors or sports team colors. They can also be sold at school supply stores year-round as a fundraiser.
Fernandes and Mullins both emphasized that Rope4Hope was started with one purpose — “Helping Others One Bracelet at a Time.”
For more information about the Paracord Bracelets, visit http://www.rope4hope.com. You can also contact Mullins or Fernandes at 732.637.3607 or email them at Rope4hope@gmail.com.
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book,” is a quote from J.K. Rowling, author of the wildly popular Harry Potter series. Meredith Gallagher couldn’t agree more. The Colts Neck High School junior’s passion for quality reading and thoughtful writing has led her to create a website to inspire others to read.
Especially at the middle and high school levels, Gallagher believes good reading and writing skills lead to effective speaking and good communication overall. When pursuing goals of higher education or success in the workplace, these skills are more important than ever.
Meredith knows how lucky she is to be growing up during this technological revolution. “The infiltration of social media for my generation is wonderful but it can also be time-devouring and teens are being distracted by the pull of technology at every turn. The urge to curl up with an electronic device rather than a good book can be overwhelming,” she says. Gallagher focused on a solution to the issue of making reading fun again in order satisfy requirements for her Girl Scout Gold Award.
Chainreactionreviews.com is the website created by Gallagher to inspire her generation to relearn the joys and the benefits of reading. “I have discovered that books are amazing things. The stories make me laugh, make me cry, help me face danger, experience fantasy, appreciate struggle, relive history…etc. They bring an otherwise unattainable magic within my grasp,” she said. This epiphany occurred for Gallagher during a creative writing class at Cedar Drive Middle School. Marc Coe, science teacher and writing monitor, allows the students to free write in his after school workshop. When Gallagher realized that she could write about anything she wanted, her creativity was uninhibited. She has written a collection of over 100 compositions in prose and poetry which she hopes to publish someday. “Because I was an avid reader, my vocabulary expanded and my writing became more introspective,” she noted.
Three years later and the formula is still a winner: “The more I read, the better my writing becomes; the more I write, the better I’m able speak with confidence and communicate effectively… It’s a chain reaction!”
Rather than fight the pull of technology, Gallagher uses it to her advantage. The website is an on-line literary circle for ages 12 and above. Here, she has reviewed some of her favorite books for teens from a teen’s perspective. The best part—she invites all others to review their favorite books as well. “Through your book reviews and mine, I hope we can share our insight and inspiration, consider the ideas of others, and engage in meaningful discussions,” she said.
Gallagher plans to launch a springtime coffee house/literary circle at Countryside Cafe, Colts Neck. See chainreactionreviews.com or her Facebook page for details.
By Lisa A. Minieri
A group of Tiger Cub Scouts from Matawan last month learned first-hand about the print publishing industry during a visit to the Community Publications office in Hazlet. The group of first grade boys are members of Cub Scout Pack 66 in Matawan. They visited the publication office as part of the communications portion of their Tiger Cub badge.
Accompanied by their leader, Erica Matlick, the boys met with members of the Community Publications staff to learn about the different aspects of communications in the print media industry, including reporting, printing, distribution and sales. General Manager Maria Connors explained different types of communications and presented handouts to the boys to help them understand each step in the publishing process.
Marketing Advisors Shirley StClair and Florence Smith told the boys about the marketing and advertising aspect of publishing, while Lead Production and Design Coordinator Lori Donnelly showed them how advertisements, as well as art and design portions of the publications, are created and prepared for the printers.
A surprise guest, Moose Moore, the Community Publications canine mascot, made an appearance. The Cub Scouts were thrilled to meet, pet, and get their photos taken with Moose. Each Scout also received a “Where’s Moose Moore” T-shirt as a memento of their visit.
Kim Crawford, one of the scout parents, thanked the Community Publications staff for taking the time to help the boys. “They will be talking about Moose forever,” she exclaimed.
The Community Publications staff was happy to assist the Cub Scouts in earning their Tiger Badge.
By Susan Murphy
Aberdeen Township’s Recreation Department sponsored its annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 24 at Guisti Park, which was attended by over 100 young children. Most of them brought their own Easter baskets in which to gather the colorful eggs scattered on the field. Those who did not received a bag from Columbia Bank to gather their eggs, which were filled with candy. Three eggs in each age category held tickets for first, second and third prizes. Parks and Recreation Director Jim Colabelli noted the age categories as ages 3 and under, ages 4 to 5, and ages 6 to 8. First prize winners received an Easter basket filled with candy and a stuffed animal. First prize winners also received a $25 gift certificate; second prize winners received a $15 gift certificate; third prize winners received a $10 gift certificate, all were for The Hobby Shop.
Recreation Advisory Board members Joe and Mary Ann Pauciello volunteer to Co-chair this event. Mrs. Pauciello said that once Mr. Colabelli says “go” the children race for their eggs and the event is over quickly. The children have fun gathering the eggs but also like seeing the Easter Bunny, who makes an annual appearance. Parents brought cameras or used their cell phones to capture the special day as their children stood beside the Easter Bunny. Some of the little ones even gave the Bunny a hug. There were some children that were not too eager to get close to the large white rabbit, yet, it appeared that all the children had fun participating in the event. The annual Easter Egg Hunt has been ongoing for at least 14 years.
Some of the winners in the Easter Egg Hunt were Wyatt Benson, first place Special Needs; Megan DeVanny, third place Special Needs; Jessica Queenan, second place ages 3 and under; Abigal McMahon, third place age 3 and under; Ariana Simon, first place ages 4 to 5; Brianna Amador, second place ages 4 to 5; Aidan Mullarkey, first place ages 6 to 8; Stephanie Meek, second place ages 6 to 8; and Ally Babim, third place ages 6 to 8. A few of the children who won left the event before giving their names to the chairperson.
Family Fun Day Event - April 14, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where children can visit with Spiderman Live, Ride on the Fun Bus, have hands on exploration with Science Matters and have a great take home project enjoy a Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Carnival Games, Spin Art, Rides, Computer Games and Demos, and more at Holmdel Preschool at 674 N. Beers Street in Holmdel!
Union Beach Benefit Night at T.G.I. Fridays – April 19
Join the Union Beach EMS and T.G.I. Friday’s (Hazlet location – Route 35) for a meal on Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. 20% of the sales will be given to the Union Beach EMS when you present flyer (flyer must be presented). By joining us for this meal, you help raise money for Union Beach EMS – all right here in your community! Flyers are available at Union Beach Borough Hall – 650 Poole Avenue
42nd Annual Monmouth Festival of the Arts - May 6-9
New Jersey’s Foremost Juried Art Exhibition and Sale, and winner of the 2010 Governor’s Award in Art Exhibition. Daily admission is $8.00 and seniors are $7.00 for all exhibits and demonstrations. For more information, go to www.monmouthfestivalofthearts.com or call 732.747.8278. Located at Monmouth Reform Temple at 332 Hance Avenue in Tinton Falls.
A Taste of Sea Bright Trolley Hop – April 21, 12:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Family-friendly trolley tour with 19 dining and cocktail stops to sample delicious food and cocktails. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. For more information, call 732.241.4055 or visit www.visitseabright.com.
Taste of Asbury Park – April 29, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Food from Asbury Park’s vibrant & eclectic restaurant scene, between Cookman Avenue and Main & Emory Streets. For more information, call 732.775.7676 or visit www.asburyparkchamber.com.
Family Funathon at Thompson Park – May 5, 8:00 a.m.
Competitions in a variety of outdoor challenges at Thompson Park on Route 520 in Lincroft. For more information, call 732.842.4000 ext. 4236 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
Sheep Sheering & Wool Days at Longstreet Farm – April 28 & 29
Visitors can try their hand at carding and spinning wool as well as shearing the sheep at Longstreet Farm in Holmdel from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 732.946.3758 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
4th Annual Self-Guided Historic Tour – May 5 & 6
Visit over 30 historic places throughout the county for free, guided by a tour map and booklet. Sites include historic houses, farms, houses of worship, lighthouses, museums, working mill, former military installations, and an industrial village. For more information, call 1.800.523.2587 or visit www.visitmonmouth.com.
Sea Bright Classic Car Show – April 28, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cars, trophies, prizes, giveaways make this family event a winner. For more information, visit www.visitseabright.com/carshow.
Spring Flea Market at Allaire Village – April 28
Located at Historic Allaire Village in Wall, the flea market will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for more information, call 732.919.3500.
Spring Arts & Crafts Festival – April 28, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A full day of fun and shopping with 80 crafters, lots of fun and food, face painting, Antsy the clown and much more at Squan Plaza in Manasquan.
Paint the Town Pink – April 28to May 5
Stories and restaurants GO PINK to heighten awareness of breast cancer. For more information and times, go to www.pinkbank.org or call 732.842.4244.
Walk4Friends – April 29, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of family fun and community solidarity as we walk hand in hand to benefit an organization that brings joy, cheer and respite to children with special needs and their families on Vonage Campus, located at 23 Main Street in Holmdel. For more information, visit www.walk4friends.com.
15th Annual Brookdale Guitar Show – April 15, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Original & Best Guitar Show on the Jersey Shore at the Donald D. Werner Student Life Center at Brookdale Community College located at 765 Newman Springs Road. For more information, call 732.224.2345 or visit www.brookdaleguitarshow.com.
14th Annual Bayonet Farm Earth Day Festival – April 29. 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Discover Reptiles, Geocaching, and Hear the Swampgrass Jug-Band! Live performances are held inside two classic Pennsylvania Dutch-style barns on the pastoral estate, now a preserved Holmdel Township Public Park. For more information, please call Carol at 732.946.9064.
Caroline & Albert Manzo Sample New Line of Tomato Sauce at Dearborn Market
April 22, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Caroline Manzo, one of the stars of Bravo’s hit TV series, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, will join her husband, Albert Manzo, owner of The Brownstone, in demonstrating their new line of Tomato Sauces. For more information, call Dearborn Market at 732.264.0256.
Harpin’ Help 2012 - April 22, 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Bar Anticipation 703 16th Ave. Lake Como, NJ 07719
Harpin’ Help is an annual charity event organized by local musician Sandy Mack in conjunction with the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation. The purpose is to generate some much needed funding for JSJBF, some much needed food for The Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry and to provide some great live musical entertainment. Each year many of the best local, regional & national musicians donate their incredible talent to this worthy case. All ages are welcome. Food service is available from Bar A and there will be a cash bar, as well as a 50/50 raffle all day! Cost: $15 with food/or non-perishable items $20 without. For more information, contact Sandy Mack at sandmack2000@yahoo.com or check them out on the web at http://jsjbf.org.
The April eEdition for the Colts Neck, Holmdel, Lincroft area have arrived!
April 2012 eEditions are here for the Bayshore area!
