Rekindled Friendship Sparks Cut-A-Thon for Cheshire Home

The executive director of Cheshire Home and the owner of played in a rock band together growing up and, decades later, discovered they were working about a mile away from each other.

They rekindled their friendship and, on Wednesday, Salvatore Minardi donated all the money brought in from his salon's appointments to the home, which serves adults with physical disabilities.

Darlene Petrocelli, assistant director of development for Cheshire Home, said the money would go toward the home's community resource center, which focuses on providing one-on-one computer instruction to people who are learning to use computers for work or academic purposes with any needed adaptable equipment.

Minardi, who opened Salvatore Minardi Salon on Park Avenue in Madison 11 years ago, and George Zeitler, executive director of Cheshire Home on Ridgedale Avenue in Florham Park, were friends growing up. At the time, Minardi lived in Nutley and Zeitler lived in Belleville.

They played in a rock band—Minardi on guitar and Zeitler on bass. They rode bikes.

Then, they learned they working close by, and Minardi learned there were opportunities to help the home.

"You take whatever you have and you help each other," Minardi said.

Madelyn Cerrato, clinical coordinator for Cheshire Home, was getting a haircut on Wednesday morning. She said it was an opportunity to get a great haircut, benefit the home, and raise awareness.

"The residents are in town all the time," she said. "It's nice the community is concerned and willing to help."

Coming up

Other fundraisers in Madison for Cheshire Home are on the horizon.

Cheshire Home's is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16, at .

And prior to the run, is hosting a from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 10 to benefit the run, with proceeds and tips are donated.

For more information visit www.cheshirehome.org.