The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders recently presented a certificate of recognition to representatives of the Colts Neck K-8 School District for winning the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Magna Award.
The NSBA Magna Award is a national award that recognizes innovative district programs that remove barriers to achievement for vulnerable or underserved children.
The Colts Neck K-8 School District was awarded for best practices, specifically for the Motor Opportunities Validating Education Success (MOVES) program and the Speech Articulation Intervention and Development (SAID) program, according to a press release from the freeholders.
Accepting the certificate of recognition on behalf of the school district were Colts Neck Superintendent of Schools MaryJane Garibay and Richard Beck, the school district’s director of special services.
The Four Seasons at Manalapan adult community held its 10th annual breast cancer awareness walk on Oct. 19. The development was transformed into a sea of pink as participants honored all those who have worked to make the awareness walks a success.
The participants recognized the advancements that have been made in breast cancer research and they acknowledged the generosity of their neighbors, friends and family members who donate to Play For Pink, where 100% of the donations received go directly to breast cancer research, according to a press release.
Manalapan Mayor Susan Cohen and the Township Committee have joined the Four Seasons walk every year and this year the mayor presented the event’s organizers with a proclamation in honor of the 10th anniversary walk.
The morning culminated in the ballroom, where a breakfast was prepared by Destino’s Caterers thanks to the generosity of the following local establishments: Tuscany Italian Specialties, Tommy’s Bagels, All-Seasons Diner, Fred And Murry’s Deli, Dunkin’ Donuts Manalapan, Bagel World, Manalapan Diner, Walgreens (Route 33), Wegman’s, Gus’s Diner, Costco, ShopRite, Livoti’s, Eli’s Bagels, Uncle Gino’s, Pastosa Italian Specialties, Battleview Orchards, Wawa and Stop And Shop (Freehold Township).
Door prizes were donated by Eden Nails, Romeo’s Restaurant, Bonefish Grill, Turning Point, Tre Colore, Professional Nails, Lawrence Gerard Salon at Manalapan, Mezza Luna, Curated Home, Rhona’s, Liza at Metro Salon, Swank Salon, Parlux and the Jewelry Design Gallery.
The Freehold Branch of the American Association of University Women recently celebrated its 50th year. Freehold Township Mayor Barbara McMorrow issued a proclamation to honor the organization.
During a meeting of the AAUW, McMorrow spoke about the generous, dedicated and compassionate women who continue to strive for the betterment of others and said that is why Freehold truly honors them.
The proclamation mentioned several of the many accomplishments of the branch, including the annual book sale which provides scholarships to women and awards to the six highest ranking female students from the Freehold Regional High School District schools; Tech Trek support; 180 Turning Lives Around, which assists women and children escaping
abusive situations; Open Door after-school support and the Freehold Kitchen; and the AAUW’s support of human trafficking awareness.
The first Walk for Eric James was held on Oct. 12 at the Antico family home in Freehold Township. There were more than 75 participants and more than $5,000 was raised in donations.
The Eric James Antico Jr. Foundation was formed by Antico’s aunt, Lisa Lasky, in March, shortly after the tragic loss of her 21-year-old nephew Eric to the drug fentanyl, according to a press release.
“The opioid crisis has reached epic proportions in our state and nation,” Lasky said, adding that she “will work tirelessly to keep the memory of Eric alive and serve to help others suffering from this disease.”
Proceeds from the walk will be donated to Make-A-Wish New Jersey, according to the press release.
“The decision to give to Make-A-Wish New Jersey was an easy one,” Lasky said. “Eric James did so much for so many; he is smiling, I’m sure. His foundation will continue Eric’s work in helping others for many years to come.”
For more information about the Eric James Antico Jr. Foundation, visit
www.EricJamesAnticoFoundation.com