Working together 20 years later
No-one had reason to believe that two people featuring in separate articles on the same page in Peninsula News almost 20 years go would feature again on the one page of Peninsula News.
But here they are.
When Bakers Delight in Umina celebrated its first anniversary in February 2004, we reported franchisees Rosemarie and Joe Mondal's first year in the business.
On the same page, we carried a report of a fund-raiser for toddler James Rugless, who suffered "boy in a bubble" syndrome.
This year, the Mondals are celebrating 20 years of trading in Umina.
And the same James Rugless now works as one of their third-year apprentices.
Ms Mondal attributed their success to the support of the community over the 20 years, together with the support of their franchisor.
"The community has grown," she said.
"The town centre has changed for the better.
"The sidewalks are paved and there are bins for recycled material.
"We have a lot of young families that have moved in from other parts of Sydney wanting to enjoy the lifestyle that Umina Beach offers."
James, who seems to have overcome his health issues, said he was grateful to the Mondals for their supportive attitude and patience, but at the same time not treating him differently from other employees.
He said that, when he was growing up, he was often told that he would "never amount to anything" due to the fact that he had Asperger's syndrome.
He said that had it not been for Joe and Rosemarie he would not have had a career.
The Mondals cite their Catholic faith and belief in social justice as governing factors in the way they run their business.
Joe himself was born in an orphanage in Calcutta, so he knows all about the difficulties of rising above one's circumstances.
As well as giving many youngsters a helping hand into the job market, including at one time two sets of identical twins, they continue to support many local charities and non-profit organisations.
"We continue to be an integral part of the community, taking part in fundraising efforts for sporting associations and surf clubs," said Ms Mondal.
"We are proud supporters of the Disabled Surfers' Association, donating free bread for their barbecues.
"We have been supporters of the Umina Rotary Club for 20 years and continue to assist them in their fundraising efforts.
"We have assisted local schools, and continue to be involved with many charitable associations.
"Our support of the Salvation Army (Umina) over the past 20 years is something we are proud of, as well as helping Mary Mac's Soup Kitchen and St Vincent de Paul in the past.
"We give free bread at the end of the day to the charitable associations to distribute to those in need."
SOURCE:
Interview (Frank Wiffen), 17 Jan 2023
Rosemarie Mondal, Bakers Delight Umina