Don Syzmanski

HELPING UNION COUNTY NEIGHBORS FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES

BY KIM ANN ZIMMERMANN

To hear Don Syzmanski tell it, he got into the mortgage business “almost by accident.” That accidental career move has lasted more than two decades. He became interested in the lending process and developed a relationship with Rick Giordano, who later became his partner in Mountainside Mortgage. More than 20 years later, the business continues its steady growth. In fact, the company moved to a larger space in Clark several years ago to accommodate the needs of its customers.

The company specializes in diversified residential and private lending. “That is my specialty,” Syzmanski says. The company’s mantra: Less paperwork and more personal attention.

Syzmanski said Union County was a natural fit for a non-traditional mortgage lender because there was a need that was not being addressed. “When we started this business in Union County, we really saw an opportunity for lending to applicants who need mortgages that are structured differently than a typical mortgage they would get through a bank or other traditional lender,” he says.

Syzmanski says he looks for opportunities to improve life for residents and businesses in the county, so he was receptive when Ralph Adinolfe, publisher of Union County Voice, approached him several years ago to support a Special Event Day. This event provides special needs children in the county with an opportunity to gather for a day of fun activities. Syzmanski serves on the committee and Mountainside Mortgage has sponsored the event.

“It is a wonderful way to support these kids and provide them with a fun time out,” he says.

The event started in 2003 as a miniature golf outing at Hyatt Hills Golf Course for the students of West Lake School in Westfield. In 2005, the event was re-named The Glen Tillou Special Events Day, in honor of the late Union County Superintendent of Schools Glen Tillou, who was so instrumental in starting the event.

The most recent event, which was held at the Kean University football field, saw more than 200 special needs children treated to games, amusements, music, dancing, food, and goody bags. The committee works with local merchants and organizations to donate items and services for the event. Another event is being planned for spring of 2007. “It is always a fun time to see these kids enjoying themselves,” Syzmanski says.

Syzmanski has two grown daughters, as well as one grandchild and another grandchild on the way, so he says this project has special meaning for him as a father and grandfather.

He has been married for 27 years and his children attended Mount St. Mary’s Academy, where he was involved in the Father’s Club and served as president. He also
chaired a golf fundraiser.

While this has been a busy few years in the mortgage lending area, with new home buyers taking advantage of a hot real estate market and others refinancing adjustable rate mortgages, Syzmanski has also found the time to get involved in a new endeavor — Senior Spirit. This spring Syzmanski, along with his partners Giordano and Frank Cretella, opened a medical day care facility in Roselle Park. Senior Spirit offers seniors the care they need while allowing them to continue living at home. With individually tailored programs that meet each senior’s medical, social and nutritional needs, Senior Spirit is able to provide the elderly with expert care while nurturing their independence.

“We’re pleased to provide caregivers, who are, in most cases, unpaid family members or friends, with respite and peace of mind,” according to Szymanski. “I joke
around that I got involved in Senior Spirit so that I’d have somewhere to go when I got older. But it has really been a great experience. Again, we saw a need in the community and we wanted to offer services to take the stress off of the family members and caregivers. It really is a big trust factor, and we take that seriously. People are trusting us to care for their loved ones.”

The Roselle Park facility can accommodate 90 seniors per session, and there are two five-hour sessions on weekdays.

According to experts, adult day care programs offer significant savings in long-term care costs, which are often a financial burden on government agencies and individuals.

Members are provided with door-to-door transportation free of charge. Hot, nutritious meals are prepared daily. A qualified dietician works closely with the food service staff and a registered nurse to create menus that meet doctors’ dietary orders.

Engaging social activities are planned around the goal of increasing the physical, mental, social and verbal abilities of the members. Daily trips to parks, museums, restaurants, bowling alleys, specialty stores and grocery stores offer members the opportunity to pursue special interests and remain engaged with their community.

“We believe that the effects of quality medical care can be greatly enhanced by companionship and an active lifestyle,” Szymanski says.