Welcome to TishTrek - THE JOB BLOG!
Tip-of-the-Day: Extra curricular activities and making time to honor the work & sacrifices of others can teach you a lot about yourself and others while you wait for that next job opportunity! Volunteer activities also provide unbelievable opportunities for networking with outstanding people.
Identify an activity or volunteer effort that you care about; then run out and do something meaningful to make a difference!
The press release below was published in The Ocean Star in Ocean County, New Jersey on May 13th, 2005. Running the Memorial Day Parade that year turned into a very personal and remarkable experience which enhanced my life because it bolstered my historic perspective and my knowledge about a few of my hometown heroes - including my Uncle Dan Sharkey and my neighbor & friend, former Pt. Pleasant Mayor Pete Marone.
Uncle Dan is my mother's brother and back in 2005, he had been my uncle for 47 years. Like many of the men and women of the Greatest Generation, he rarely talked about the time spent in the Korean War and had never discussed his role in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir with our family. Think about it: a local Memorial Day Parade created a vehicle for him to share and for us to learn about his shocking first hand experiences 55 years years ago.
In 2010, Uncle Dan was elected President of the NJ Chapter of the Chosin Few. Below is his story...
Press Release: Point Boro to honor the Chosin Few
Point Pleasant's Fourth Annual
Parade Committee has announced
that the 2005 Memorial Day Parade
is scheduled for Sunday, May 29 at
1 p.m. on Bridge Avenue.
There will be a program and
wreath-laying ceremony at the
Community Park immediately following
the parade. Music will be
provided by students in grades five
through 12 from all four Point
Pleasant Borough schools.
Five Grand Marshals have been
selected to highlight the diverse
experiences and accomplishments
of America's military personnel and
veterans throughout the world. In a
multi-week effort leading up to
Memorial Day, the committee
wants to share the details of the historic
events and the accomplishments
of this years' honorees.
This week, the committee is proud to
profile Grand Marshal No. 1 - the
survivors of the "Heroic Ordeal" of
the Korean War called the "Chosin
Reservoir Campaign."
The parade committee believes
that etched in the experiences and
faces of the members of the
"Chosin Few" is a truth worth
repeating this Memorial Day — the
riveting reality of how approximately
20,000 allied troops [17,000
of them men of the 1st Marine
Division] were attacked by 120,000
Communist Chinese forces during
sub-zero winter conditions is one of
the great examples of bravery and
teamwork in our time.
Though incredibly outnumbered in the
mountains of North Korea, near the
Chinese boarder in November and
December 1950, they successfully
destroyed and/or effectively disabled
all seven Chinese divisions
that were holding our American-led
U.N. forces at the reservoir. Against
all odds, they escorted 91,000
North Korean refugees to freedom
— a liberating act that successfully
repelled communism in the worst
of conditions.
Mayor Martin Konkus and the
council will salute with reverence
these distinguished survivors and
the sacrifices of their comrades,
especially those who gave their
lives in numbers unparalleled in our
history.
“On Sunday, May 29, we will
pause at the Community Park and
remember the 15,000 allied casualties,
2,500 killed in action, 5,000
wounded in action, and the 7,500
who suffered severe frostbite and
cold injuries while fighting what
historians have called one of the
‘most savage battles in modern
warfare,’” said committee representative
Tish Ferguson.
“The parade committee hopes
the citizens of Point Pleasant and in
the surrounding communities will
join this solemn but beautiful occasion
to honor these brave men
whose life experiences remind us
that ‘Freedom is not free,’” she
added.
While accepting the Grand
Marshal invitation on behalf of the
"Chosin Few," New Jersey Chapter
President Michael Sheehan of
Manasquan explained the meaning
of this survivor group in this way,
"Point Pleasant is really honoring
those we left behind — Those were
the "Chosin" and we, the survivors,
are the "Chosin Few".
Other local residents who are
survivors of this incredible battle
will join Mr. Sheehan at the parade.
Among those who are confirmed to
participate are former mayor and
past grand marshal - Peter Marone
[US Army -3rd Infantry Division's
50th Anti-Aircraft Artillery
Battalion] of Point Pleasant and
Dan Sharkey [USMC - 1st Marine
Division] of Point Pleasant Beach
and Dover Township. All members of the "Chosin
Few" are welcome to participate.
Contact Chosinfewnj@aol.com or
Tish Ferguson, Parade Committee
Member at (732) 714-8483.
What's your neighbor or uncle's story? Take the time to ask them!
Best regards,
TishTrek
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Connie Vuocolo: a giant who left too soon
Welcome to TishTrek - THE JOB BLOG!
Conrad (Connie) Vuocolo was an engineer with the NJ Turnpike Authority and he owned and operated a body shop and gas station on Route 35 South in Pt. Pleasant Beach.
We grew up in the same community. Years later, he and my dad would work together on the Turnpike. Connie Vuocolo was a proud Elk first,(NJ Lodge #1608), a tireless volunteer, a civic leader who cared enough about issues to run for local office; and he was a man who dedicated much of his life to veterans causes.
When he passed away in October - 2007, I sent a letter to the editor @ The Ocean Star newspaper in Ocean County, New Jersey. Below is a copy of what was published on Friday, October 19th, 2007.
You see... In the end, I loved Connie like a brother and revered him as my friend because for thirty years - I never had to let a parade pass me by.
What would people who touch your life write about you? - Tish
----- Original Message -----
From: Tish Ferguson
To: editor@theoceanstar.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 3:39 AM
Subject: Conrad Vuocolo - The Quiet Acts of a Giant.
Dear Editor,
In 1979 - our friend - the late Conrad Vuocolo, who died too soon this week on October 15th, offered to lend me and a group of cousins his flatbed truck when we signed up to compete in our first Lion's Club Inner Tube Race. Because of Conrad's generosity, friends, family and neighbors would participate by building ten more floats over the next decade for this glorious event that the late Gene Bissey and other local icons transformed into a fesitival for all seasons - a result brought on by the energy of gregarious and positive men who honored all of us by simply sharing their love of life and humor with the community.
For those of us in mourning this week, we find comfort in knowing that Conrad Vuocolo was another one of those larger-than-life characters whose high voltage tactics managed to leave the masses laughing in the aisles during good times and bad. His generosity, wicked humor and giant heart livened up community events and always inspired spontaneous fun including weekend festivals that turned backyards and driveways into the kind of gathering posts that were reminicent of nostalgic reunions of times gone by. It's hard to imagine how a group of people could laugh harder than we did at our first few float festivals especially since we could count on Conrad to laugh the loudest at the expense of most of us who were present.
Our last legitimate parade entry in an Inner Tube Race would be September, 1991, but Conrad would later revive the excitement of these experiences by introducing children of all ages to the wonders of the motorized float at the Pt. Pleasant Halloween Parade, Memorial Day Parade, Pt. Beach Homecoming and the Panther Football Spirit Parades. There could be no motorized float without Conrad sitting in the driver's seat of his All-American Towing trucks every single time.
Each year Conrad would shout that caller ID or changing his phone number could save him from the perils of this repeat request. But don't be fooled, he smiled wryly over the years as no less than hundreds of local children leaped onto his flatbeds dressed as cheerleaders, sports figures, 101 Dalmations, Cruella Deville, dog catchers, characters from their favorite books, leprechauns, the ghosts of Y2K, pirates and princesses of the Caribbean, Lucille Ball, and members of the Brady Bunch too. We had so much fun!
Conrad, who is a member of the Pt. Pleasant Elks, would have denied it, but during last year's 2006 Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade, several of us observed the emotion and pride shining in his eyes as he drove and escorted our 25th and final float down Bridge Avenue. This fun-loving small town hero drove 70 costumed kids and a few crazy adults right into the arms of their final first place trophy. The Nick@Nite and TV Land themes created a wonderful ending to an awesome journey that began for a small group of us on the streets of this incredible town thirty years ago. The entire day was an upbeat and unbelieveable experience!
This week, the only thing that's unbelieveable is that one of our down-home good guys is now gone. Conrad Vuocolo made a difference in the lives of kids and in our community by simply showing up and being himself. I know for a fact, that he enjoyed escorting children, football supporters, friends and especially veterans in any local parade. This Halloween, I ask all those kids and adults who ever travelled on one of the All-American Towing Trucks during a parade to take a moment to laugh aloud over something that pleases you.
A smile or a hardy laugh is the perfect way to honor the memory of this humble man with a sense of humor who was a friend to more people than anyone can imagine. We offer our deepest respect and condolences to Conrad's wonderful parents and to the entire Vuocolo Family at this difficult time.
Respectfully submitted,
Tish Ferguson
Pt. Pleasant, NJ
Conrad (Connie) Vuocolo was an engineer with the NJ Turnpike Authority and he owned and operated a body shop and gas station on Route 35 South in Pt. Pleasant Beach.
We grew up in the same community. Years later, he and my dad would work together on the Turnpike. Connie Vuocolo was a proud Elk first,(NJ Lodge #1608), a tireless volunteer, a civic leader who cared enough about issues to run for local office; and he was a man who dedicated much of his life to veterans causes.
When he passed away in October - 2007, I sent a letter to the editor @ The Ocean Star newspaper in Ocean County, New Jersey. Below is a copy of what was published on Friday, October 19th, 2007.
You see... In the end, I loved Connie like a brother and revered him as my friend because for thirty years - I never had to let a parade pass me by.
What would people who touch your life write about you? - Tish
----- Original Message -----
From: Tish Ferguson
To: editor@theoceanstar.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 3:39 AM
Subject: Conrad Vuocolo - The Quiet Acts of a Giant.
Dear Editor,
In 1979 - our friend - the late Conrad Vuocolo, who died too soon this week on October 15th, offered to lend me and a group of cousins his flatbed truck when we signed up to compete in our first Lion's Club Inner Tube Race. Because of Conrad's generosity, friends, family and neighbors would participate by building ten more floats over the next decade for this glorious event that the late Gene Bissey and other local icons transformed into a fesitival for all seasons - a result brought on by the energy of gregarious and positive men who honored all of us by simply sharing their love of life and humor with the community.
For those of us in mourning this week, we find comfort in knowing that Conrad Vuocolo was another one of those larger-than-life characters whose high voltage tactics managed to leave the masses laughing in the aisles during good times and bad. His generosity, wicked humor and giant heart livened up community events and always inspired spontaneous fun including weekend festivals that turned backyards and driveways into the kind of gathering posts that were reminicent of nostalgic reunions of times gone by. It's hard to imagine how a group of people could laugh harder than we did at our first few float festivals especially since we could count on Conrad to laugh the loudest at the expense of most of us who were present.
Our last legitimate parade entry in an Inner Tube Race would be September, 1991, but Conrad would later revive the excitement of these experiences by introducing children of all ages to the wonders of the motorized float at the Pt. Pleasant Halloween Parade, Memorial Day Parade, Pt. Beach Homecoming and the Panther Football Spirit Parades. There could be no motorized float without Conrad sitting in the driver's seat of his All-American Towing trucks every single time.
Each year Conrad would shout that caller ID or changing his phone number could save him from the perils of this repeat request. But don't be fooled, he smiled wryly over the years as no less than hundreds of local children leaped onto his flatbeds dressed as cheerleaders, sports figures, 101 Dalmations, Cruella Deville, dog catchers, characters from their favorite books, leprechauns, the ghosts of Y2K, pirates and princesses of the Caribbean, Lucille Ball, and members of the Brady Bunch too. We had so much fun!
Conrad, who is a member of the Pt. Pleasant Elks, would have denied it, but during last year's 2006 Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade, several of us observed the emotion and pride shining in his eyes as he drove and escorted our 25th and final float down Bridge Avenue. This fun-loving small town hero drove 70 costumed kids and a few crazy adults right into the arms of their final first place trophy. The Nick@Nite and TV Land themes created a wonderful ending to an awesome journey that began for a small group of us on the streets of this incredible town thirty years ago. The entire day was an upbeat and unbelieveable experience!
This week, the only thing that's unbelieveable is that one of our down-home good guys is now gone. Conrad Vuocolo made a difference in the lives of kids and in our community by simply showing up and being himself. I know for a fact, that he enjoyed escorting children, football supporters, friends and especially veterans in any local parade. This Halloween, I ask all those kids and adults who ever travelled on one of the All-American Towing Trucks during a parade to take a moment to laugh aloud over something that pleases you.
A smile or a hardy laugh is the perfect way to honor the memory of this humble man with a sense of humor who was a friend to more people than anyone can imagine. We offer our deepest respect and condolences to Conrad's wonderful parents and to the entire Vuocolo Family at this difficult time.
Respectfully submitted,
Tish Ferguson
Pt. Pleasant, NJ
Friday, August 6, 2010
What inspired you during your interview?
Welcome to TishTrek - THE JOB BLOG!
If that moment in your life arrives when some organization asks you to help them build a private bank from the ground up or to participate in transforming the way a business is executed on the planet, I say to all employment candidates - your moment has most certainly arrived. Run, don't walk and no looking back! www.morganstanley.com / Careers - eoe/m/f/d/v.
Okay. Run or walk, but be sure to side-step the fallen branches across sidewalks!
Best regards,
Tish
If that moment in your life arrives when some organization asks you to help them build a private bank from the ground up or to participate in transforming the way a business is executed on the planet, I say to all employment candidates - your moment has most certainly arrived. Run, don't walk and no looking back! www.morganstanley.com / Careers - eoe/m/f/d/v.
Okay. Run or walk, but be sure to side-step the fallen branches across sidewalks!
Best regards,
Tish
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Hey Mommy, how was your commute today?
If you are in favor of the 13-story mosque @ Ground Zero, you can skip this post. - Tish
February 26th 1993, 9/11 and the bombings in London (while vacationing with my husband) in 2007 changed my life & thinking forever, (i.e. Embrace the wonderment of everyday because it could be your last). Some of my earlier posts captured those experiences, but this is what's on my mind today:
For years, on my way to work @ my job at ADP Brokerage Services Group I literally walked past the make-shift mosque one floor up from the Chinese restaurant in Journal Square, Jersey City as I headed to-and-from the NJ Path Train station. This mosque was used as a camouflaged safe house by Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman to inspire young men - who worshipped HIM daily - to want to murder all of us.
During many morning commutes, the blind Sheik sat a mere arms-length from me on the wall in the open Square surrounded by dozens of these young adoring followers dressed in traditional white garb as they waited for others to arrive by Path Train.
In 1993, they blew a 10-story gaping hole inside the World Trade Center using a bomb placed in a U-Haul truck they had rented from a gas station at the foot of the Bayonne Bridge in New Jersey. Only 6 dead & 1,042 injured, so they vowed to come again. On September 11th, 2001 - others finished the job.
This week, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to put a 13-story mega-mosque-monument at the foot of that place where 9/11 hijackers murdered nearly 3,000 of my fellow commuters. Muslims aren't destroying America. Our blood drips from the hands of the self-absorbed children of the Greatest Generation whose attack on our country from within is fueled by their devotion to insane political correctness run amok.
- Make no mistake, I respect all religions and I have a long past performance history of embracing diversity in all its forms. I could not succeed in my work or life if this was not the case. Having said that, I vote they build a mosque - the same 13-story mosque - build it anywhere, but no - not there. Not here - not in the shadow of Ground Zero.
The 9/11 Families and the eye witnesses of this tragedy and enormity of horror have no chance of ever fully recovering from this day until the day we die, so we can't allow people - who defy transparency from around the globe - to use this sacred ground to mock us with grandeur.
My prayer for the next generation is that they can commute to their jobs in peace and always make it home to their kids.
"Hey Mommy, how was your commute today?"
"It went great, but I hope you know how happy I am to be home with you!"
"Now - Which is it: Chinese food or Pizza Express?"
Respectfully submitted,
Tish
PS - That Terrorist Attack Everyone Forgot: And who was the Mastermind - Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman from that make-shift mosque in Jersey City - (I'll never forget. - Tish)
From Wikipedia
The 1993 World Trade Center bombing occurred on February 26, 1993, when a truck bomb was detonated below the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The 1,500 lb (680 kg) urea nitrate–hydrogen gas enhanced device[1] was intended to knock the North Tower (Tower One) into the South Tower (Tower Two), bringing both towers down and killing thousands of people.[2][3] It failed to do so, but did kill six people and injured 1,042.
The attack was planned by a group of conspirators including Ramzi Yousef, Mahmud Abouhalima, Mohammad Salameh, Nidal A. Ayyad, Abdul Rahman Yasin and Ahmad Ajaj. They received financing from Khaled Shaikh Mohammed, Yousef's uncle. In March 1994, four men were convicted of carrying out the bombing: Abouhalima, Ajaj, Ayyad and Salameh. The charges included conspiracy, explosive destruction of property and interstate transportation of explosives. In November 1997, two more were convicted: Yousef, the mastermind behind the bombings, and Eyad Ismoil, who drove the truck carrying the bomb
February 26th 1993, 9/11 and the bombings in London (while vacationing with my husband) in 2007 changed my life & thinking forever, (i.e. Embrace the wonderment of everyday because it could be your last). Some of my earlier posts captured those experiences, but this is what's on my mind today:
For years, on my way to work @ my job at ADP Brokerage Services Group I literally walked past the make-shift mosque one floor up from the Chinese restaurant in Journal Square, Jersey City as I headed to-and-from the NJ Path Train station. This mosque was used as a camouflaged safe house by Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman to inspire young men - who worshipped HIM daily - to want to murder all of us.
During many morning commutes, the blind Sheik sat a mere arms-length from me on the wall in the open Square surrounded by dozens of these young adoring followers dressed in traditional white garb as they waited for others to arrive by Path Train.
In 1993, they blew a 10-story gaping hole inside the World Trade Center using a bomb placed in a U-Haul truck they had rented from a gas station at the foot of the Bayonne Bridge in New Jersey. Only 6 dead & 1,042 injured, so they vowed to come again. On September 11th, 2001 - others finished the job.
This week, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to put a 13-story mega-mosque-monument at the foot of that place where 9/11 hijackers murdered nearly 3,000 of my fellow commuters. Muslims aren't destroying America. Our blood drips from the hands of the self-absorbed children of the Greatest Generation whose attack on our country from within is fueled by their devotion to insane political correctness run amok.
- Make no mistake, I respect all religions and I have a long past performance history of embracing diversity in all its forms. I could not succeed in my work or life if this was not the case. Having said that, I vote they build a mosque - the same 13-story mosque - build it anywhere, but no - not there. Not here - not in the shadow of Ground Zero.
The 9/11 Families and the eye witnesses of this tragedy and enormity of horror have no chance of ever fully recovering from this day until the day we die, so we can't allow people - who defy transparency from around the globe - to use this sacred ground to mock us with grandeur.
My prayer for the next generation is that they can commute to their jobs in peace and always make it home to their kids.
"Hey Mommy, how was your commute today?"
"It went great, but I hope you know how happy I am to be home with you!"
"Now - Which is it: Chinese food or Pizza Express?"
Respectfully submitted,
Tish
PS - That Terrorist Attack Everyone Forgot: And who was the Mastermind - Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman from that make-shift mosque in Jersey City - (I'll never forget. - Tish)
From Wikipedia
The 1993 World Trade Center bombing occurred on February 26, 1993, when a truck bomb was detonated below the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The 1,500 lb (680 kg) urea nitrate–hydrogen gas enhanced device[1] was intended to knock the North Tower (Tower One) into the South Tower (Tower Two), bringing both towers down and killing thousands of people.[2][3] It failed to do so, but did kill six people and injured 1,042.
The attack was planned by a group of conspirators including Ramzi Yousef, Mahmud Abouhalima, Mohammad Salameh, Nidal A. Ayyad, Abdul Rahman Yasin and Ahmad Ajaj. They received financing from Khaled Shaikh Mohammed, Yousef's uncle. In March 1994, four men were convicted of carrying out the bombing: Abouhalima, Ajaj, Ayyad and Salameh. The charges included conspiracy, explosive destruction of property and interstate transportation of explosives. In November 1997, two more were convicted: Yousef, the mastermind behind the bombings, and Eyad Ismoil, who drove the truck carrying the bomb
Monday, August 2, 2010
Join the Beating Heart inside our Nat'l Sales Organization!
Welcome to TishTrek - THE JOB BLOG!
Help Wanted:
Financial Reporting Analyst needed for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney's Sales & Marketing Strategy Organization in Charlotte, NC. This team is the beating heart inside our National Sales Organization!
Over 18,100 Financial Advisors & 130 Private Banker new hires need your analysis, metrics, assessments, and business intelligence to chart their course to WIN! Send your resume to patricia.ferguson@morganstanley.com - www.morganstanley.com / Careers
eoe/m/f/d/v.
Apply today. Tell friends!
Tell friends about this one too:
WANTED: Commercial Banking & Lending Manager for Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A. to support those repeat HNW clients whose hard work produces revenues between $10MM - $500MM each year. If you're the expert in Lines of Credit, Term Loans, Owner Occupied Real Estate & Standby Letters of Credit that I'm looking for, send resume to: patricia.ferguson@morganstanley.com!! Act Now @ www.morganstanley.com / Careers
eoe/m/f/d/v.
Ask yourself these questions to figure out if you should apply:
1) Have you been responsible for New Business Development or Account Management of Middle Market Business Clients? What was your company's definition of a Middle Market Client?
2) Have you managed the development and delivery of products and/or functionality to enhance revenues or create efficiencies for the benefit of clients in this market?
3) Have you held positions where you were responsible for assessing Target Market Exposure or Risk?
4) Force rank your expertise in the following areas: Relationship Management, Originations, Underwriting, Portfolio Management, Loan Servicing, Funding Disbursements, and Payments.
5) Are you a HUNTER (New Business Development Expert) or a FARMER (Manage Client Relationships closed by others, identify and execute ADD-ON Sales Opportunities & manage on-going Customer Support & Service.
6) Have you managed a Commercial Lending Function in the past? YES / NO - How many years?
If you answered 60% of these questions with confidence, you should apply. We'll call this tonight's 60/40 Approach! If you only fit 40% of this profile, watch for other opportunities.
Good luck! Keep watching our job boards!
Best regards,
Tish
914-225-8832
Help Wanted:
Financial Reporting Analyst needed for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney's Sales & Marketing Strategy Organization in Charlotte, NC. This team is the beating heart inside our National Sales Organization!
Over 18,100 Financial Advisors & 130 Private Banker new hires need your analysis, metrics, assessments, and business intelligence to chart their course to WIN! Send your resume to patricia.ferguson@morganstanley.com - www.morganstanley.com / Careers
eoe/m/f/d/v.
Apply today. Tell friends!
Tell friends about this one too:
WANTED: Commercial Banking & Lending Manager for Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A. to support those repeat HNW clients whose hard work produces revenues between $10MM - $500MM each year. If you're the expert in Lines of Credit, Term Loans, Owner Occupied Real Estate & Standby Letters of Credit that I'm looking for, send resume to: patricia.ferguson@morganstanley.com!! Act Now @ www.morganstanley.com / Careers
eoe/m/f/d/v.
Ask yourself these questions to figure out if you should apply:
1) Have you been responsible for New Business Development or Account Management of Middle Market Business Clients? What was your company's definition of a Middle Market Client?
2) Have you managed the development and delivery of products and/or functionality to enhance revenues or create efficiencies for the benefit of clients in this market?
3) Have you held positions where you were responsible for assessing Target Market Exposure or Risk?
4) Force rank your expertise in the following areas: Relationship Management, Originations, Underwriting, Portfolio Management, Loan Servicing, Funding Disbursements, and Payments.
5) Are you a HUNTER (New Business Development Expert) or a FARMER (Manage Client Relationships closed by others, identify and execute ADD-ON Sales Opportunities & manage on-going Customer Support & Service.
6) Have you managed a Commercial Lending Function in the past? YES / NO - How many years?
If you answered 60% of these questions with confidence, you should apply. We'll call this tonight's 60/40 Approach! If you only fit 40% of this profile, watch for other opportunities.
Good luck! Keep watching our job boards!
Best regards,
Tish
914-225-8832
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