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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RYAN LOUGHLIN
SALES DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER ROSEANNE SOFIA
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PAMELA DOLLAK
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Rumson-Fair Haven Regional’s Tower Singers are ‘Distinguished’ at State Festival
Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s Tower Singers, an extra-curricular singing group made up of students in grades 9-12, had the opportunity to show off their excellence and enthusiasm for singing at this year’s New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival, which was held June 4-6 at Middlesex College.
The Singers were selected in March to attend the State Festival, having been chosen as the best Small Vocal Ensemble in the County at the Monmouth Teen Arts Festival. On June 5, the singers performed for prominent judges from the field of vocal music education, who awarded RFH a “distinguished” rating, the highest possible rating at the Festival. Tower Singers Director Kathryne Singleton received written comments and scores from each judge, who rated the ensemble on their vocal tone, diction, technique, interpretation, and
musicianship. This year’s State Festival featured performing ensembles from over 75 schools across New Jersey. After performing, the students enjoyed compelling and fun workshops led by leading arts practitioners, performers, and educators in dance, music, theater, film, and visual arts.
The RFH Tower Singers are a dynamic and growing student group, who earn accolades from judges and perform in the Two River community. Each holiday season, Tower Singers enjoy their annual caroling day, performing for local non-profits and Red Bank River Center’s “Holiday Harmonies” series. Every March, Tower Singers join the music ensembles at Knollwood School, Forrestdale, and RFH, for the annual TriDistrict Festival, performing a concert for their families and the community.
Editorial and Photo credit: Rumson-Fair Haven High School
Shrewsbury Historical Society Spotlights Borough’s Storied Past
BY RAY SCHWEIBERT
Finding anyone more passionate and knowledgeable than Don Burden about history in general, and his adopted hometown of Shrewsbury in particular, would be a tough task.
The borough is also unquestionably better off not only for his long tenure in various branches of public service and community involvement, but for his dedication toward promoting and cultivating its impressive past – a mission that started when he and his wife Mary Lea settled in the area after first meeting as students at the history-laden Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania.
“I was born in Connecticut, my wife was born in New Jersey, and we settled here in 1976 while I was working in publishing,” says Don, who majored in history and English at Gettysburg – later being appointed to the school’s Board of Trustees – while his wife was a biology major. “I worked for McGraw-Hill (headquartered in New York City) for 47 years.
“We just fell in love with the little town. It reminds me quite a bit of the town where I grew up. There’s a lot of history here, a tremendous amount of history.”
In the nearly five decades that he and Mary Lea have lived and raised their family in Shrewsbury, Don Burden served in various sectors of municipal government, starting with the town’s Shade Tree Commission, earning appointment to its Board of Education, and ending with his retirement after eight years as mayor of Shrewsbury from 2010 to 2018.
He has also maintained the title of president of the Shrewsbury Historical Society for the last 25 years, although he took a bit of a circuitous route to becoming a member of the Society’s board about two decades earlier.
“When we first came to town, our neighbor, who was the mayor at the time, said I should get involved with the community,” says Don. “He told me
there was an opening on the Shade Tree Commission, so I took it.
“Well, the lady who (later) raised the funds to start our museum had taken down a bunch of trees, and we battled like you would not believe. Our feud ended up getting publicity in the newspapers and everything.”
The lady who Burden butted heads with was J. Louise Jost, a longtime Shrewsbury schoolteacher whose early efforts to heighten community awareness of the borough’s history led to the creation of the Shrewsbury Historical Society in 1972. Jost also spearheaded the drive to build the Shrewsbury Historical Society Museum and Research Center at the Municipal Complex in 1984. The Society celebrated its golden anniversary in 2022, and its home base/ museum marked 40 years old this year.
“Ultimately, Louise and I turned out to be the best of friends,” says Don. “I was the executor of her estate (and took over her title as president of the Society when Jost died in 1999). It was just a change of scenery all around. She had a deep interest in history, and was one of those tough old teachers that you couldn’t say no to, so she raised the funds and built the building.
“After our spat with the trees, she conned me into being involved with the
Society around 1978, and we just got more involved as time went on. It’s just so rewarding to have someone come into the museum, see something on display and say ‘Oh my God, that was my grandfather’s, that was my uncle’s, we had something like that on our farmhouse!’ You get some wonderful stories.”
Special displays keep things compelling Shrewsbury will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a borough in 2026, but its history as a developed community goes much further back than that.
It is one of the oldest developed communities in Monmouth County, dating back to the late 17th century. And while its early roots were primarily agricultural, the town would later become home to E.C. Hazard and Company, one of the biggest and most modern canning factories of its time – best known for its ketchup production – in the late 19th century.
“This area was very famous for tomatoes,” says Don. “I think at its peak, in the late 1800s, the Haz -
ard Company employed around 3,000 people. They had a patented formula for canning tomatoes, and also owned the original recipe for Tabasco Sauce before selling it off to the McIlhenny Company near New Orleans. And every so often you’ll see an old bottle that will say ‘original recipes, Hazard, Shrewsbury, NJ.’”
Shrewsbury was home to a member of one of the largest toy-manufacturing families in the nation, the Marx family, whose main plant was in New York City. The town also boasts structures that have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Allen House, built around 1710, and Christ Church, established in 1702 and rebuilt in 1769. For much of its existence the Allen House served as a tavern and town meeting hall, earning infamy for a bloody raid by the British Army of Continental troops four years into the Revolutionary War, in 1779, that became known as the Allen House Massacre. Christ Church once served as a stopover for the Underground Railroad, which in the mid-19th century helped enslaved African Americans escape into free states and Canada.
Artifacts from Shrewsbury’s rich history have made their way into the museum, and there are often special displays and a rotating stock of items to keep things fresh and interesting.
“Currently we have a display of antique sewing machines, the oldest dat-
ing back to 1846,” says Don. “There’s about 50 of them altogether. Three of the sewing machines came out of the Eisner Building in Red Bank (in the 1870s, Bohemian immigrant Sigmund Eisner became one of the largest and most successful clothing manufacturers in the nation). Eisner had the contract to manufacture World War I and II uniforms, and an exclusive contract to make Boy Scout uniforms.
“We’ve also got a huge collection of dolls, chairs, quilts – we’ve got a lovely collection of Victorian toys. One of our special displays was a wedding dress display (two of the dresses belonged to former female Shrewsbury mayors – Dorothy Blair Manson and Emilia M. Siciliano). Before that we had a major antique tool exhibit, and before that a chair exhibit with about 60 chairs.
“We try to refresh the museum room about every year, year-and-a-half. The schoolkids come, people from the retirement communities come over in a bus and visit, and we have our own little meetings – we’re a pretty active group, all things considered.”
There is also a display of notable men and women at the museum who have called Shrewsbury home over the years. One famous son was Elmer “Ace” Godwin, who was awarded by President George W. Bush a Congressional Gold Medal for his role with the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.
“There’s one of a woman (Esther
Wanner Hymer) who lived to be 103 and was very prominent in the League of Nations and United Nations,” says Don. “She took a bus to the Port Authority of New York and transferred on a bus to the United Nations building in New York City three days a week until she was 96.
“As she approached her 100th birthday, some of the women in town wanted to give her some token of appreciation for all she’d done and asked what she needed. Without batting an eyelash, she said ‘I don’t have enough memory on my computer. I need a new laptop.’”
Cultivating a love for history unconventionally
A genuine love for history seems to be passed down from family members far more frequently than it is gleaned from textbooks. That trend certainly applies to Don Burden, although the interest in history his grandfather sparked in him came in a rather unusual way.
“My grandfather was an undertaker in Halifax, Nova Scotia,” says Don. “He embalmed 84 bodies off the Titanic, because a lot of the retrieved bodies from that accident (which killed nearly 1,500 in 1912) were brought into Halifax, and he was the mortician in charge. That type of history was intriguing to me.”
Burden’s grandfather, Neil Alexander Beaton, was also the mortician in charge of embalming the founder of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, and more than 70 victims of an infamous 1917 accident in the Nova Scotia harbor
when a French cargo ship laden with explosives collided with a Norwegian ship, killing 1,782.
Don Burden’s friend and fellow historian, Rick Geffken, co-authored the book “The Story of Shrewsbury, Revisited 1965-2015” that serves as not only an appendage to a publication by the late Richard Kraybill, which chronicled the town history from 1664 to 1964, but one that reexamined and reinterpreted through research some of the original book’s content.
“Because Shrewsbury was still pretty much a farming community up until about 1965, guided by major mansions of people from New York who used it as their summer homes, we thought it would be beneficial to update the information to include the town’s transition through it industrial, commercial and current residential status.
“In the 1960s, the land started getting sold off and developers came in – the usual things that happen, mega-mansions sprouting up on properties that used to be farmland. We only have one little farm left, and that’s an old family that keeps about eight horses on it. That’s it.”
The book might serve as a sort of detailed guide to a series of Shrewsbury milestones, as its Historical Society turned 50 two years ago, the town’s century mark as a borough is two years from now, and its museum/ research center turns 40 this year.
“We’re trying to tie it all together,” says Don. “The town will be 100 years old in two years, so we’ll be planning a big celebration at that time and we’re hoping folks use the Historical Society Museum to see the memorabilia of Shrewsbury.”
Shrewsbury Historical Society Museum 419 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury 732-530-7974 or 732-747-3635
ShrewsburyHistoricalSocietyNJ.org
Museum hours by appointment
Coastal Living Awaits You
Fall Fun Lies Ahead for Fair Haven Garden Club
The Garden Club of Fair Haven is looking forward to another year of fun and informative programs. Their first meeting is on Wednesday, September 11, at which a Horticulture Exhibit titled “Fall Into Autumn” will take place. On display will be annuals, perennials, roses, vegetables and fruits as well as herbs grown by members in their gardens. Ribbons will be awarded for the best examples in the different categories.
The Garden Therapy Committee, co-chaired by Beth Ruda and Jenice McGinley and the committee will begin meeting monthly to create 35 to 40 mini arrangements, which in turn are donated to Meals on Wheels and various nursing homes.
The Town Planters Committee, led by Lydia Brenner, will again be refreshing the Fair Haven flower pots throughout the town in September.
The Juniors Program, headed by Lee Davis and Lata Mahbubani, which works with the local youth on different crafts teaching environmental responsibility, love of gardening as well as conservation and horticulture, will be making an “Easy Flower
Basket” in September and “Cupcake Liner Flowers” in October.
The October 2 meeting will have a Design Program titled “Autumn Artistry” which include examples of an “Intriguing Ikebana” arrangement as well as an arrangement of “Small Fall Delights.” There will be 4 participants for each design. In addition, members will be learning how to make a “European Tied Bouquet” with a simple method that locks the flowers together.
On October 15, The Education/ Outreach Program, headed by Nancy Bosco and Linda Leasor will be presenting a program for the public’s education titled: “Putting Your Garden to Bed II” which will discuss the steps you need to take to prepare your garden for the cold winter months. This program will be held in the Parish Center at the Church of the Nativity. The program is open to the public and sign-up sheets will be available as the date gets closer. If you are interested in the GCFH, you can find out more information at www.gcfhnj.org.
Photo and editorial credit: Fair Haven Garden Club
Pet Guide
Let ’em Run Wild!
5 Fab Dog Parks for Tail-Wagging Fun
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
Walking your dog is an important and enjoyable part of any daily routine for pet owners, but sometimes to really get out all that pent up energy, a well-behaved dog needs to run free, untethered by the leash. Dog parks offer this freedom for well-behaved and well-socialized dogs, and Monmouth County has some of the best around.
1) Wolf Hill Off Leash Dog Park, Oceanport — Many dog parks consist of relatively small, confined spaces that can quickly get overcrowded. But Wolf Hill Dog Park in Oceanport offers canines a massive, sprawling four-acre space to run off-leash with their four-legged friends. The larger, circular space is for dogs 35 pounds and up, but there is also a smaller fenced area should you need a place for your petite breeds to run free. Parking is plentiful and both water and pet waste stations are available. Wolf Hill Off Leash Dog Park is located at 2 Crescent Pl. in Oceanport.
2) 8th Ave. Dog Beach, Asbury Park — While it’s not technically a dog park in the traditional sense (there are no fences keeping the dogs in a specified area), the dog beach in Asbury Park is one of the most unique and enjoyable scenes a dog owner can stumble into. Watching the canines frolic in the sand with the waves crashing just beyond them serves as a clear reminder of just how fabulous life at the Jersey Shore can be. During the summer months doggos are only allowed on the beach before 8:30 a.m. or after 6 p.m., but from Sept. 15-May 15 they are welcome any time of day. Those dates also coincide with when dogs are allowed on the Asbury boardwalk, meaning you and your pup can run around in the sand, dry off and then hit the boards for a stroll and a snack. 8th Ave Dog Beach is located at 8th avenue and the beach in Asbury Park.
3) Liberty Park II, Tinton Falls — This fully enclosed off-leash dog park in Tinton Falls comes stocked with a few features you don’t always see in the dog park universe. Astroturf makes for a unique play surface and various doggy obstacles and play structures give your pooch plenty of new ways to race and chase their way through the day. Benches are there for you to have a front row seat to all the action. Liberty Park II is located at 1420 W. Park Ave in Tinton Falls.
4) Bark Park, Howell — Tucked off the beaten path in a wooded setting within Oak Glen Park, the Bark Park in Howell is seldom overcrowded, which makes it a fun spot for those looking to not completely overwhelm their furry companions. Packed with shade and benches and split into both small and large dog zones, this is a relaxing and comfortable space to spend a little time throwing the stick. Just make sure to check your pup for ticks after playing, as they are plentiful in wooded areas like these. The Bark Park is located at 379 Old Tavern Road in Howell.
5) Thompson Park, Lincroft — Thompson Park in Lincroft is yet another fab spot to hang with your hounds. This 1.5 acre off-leash area is big enough that your canines can run out all of that pent up doggie energy, but not so large that you can’t keep a close eye on them the entire time without tiring yourself out. The site features water for your tired pups and is split into zones — one for large breeds and one for their smaller siblings. Thompson Park is located at 806 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft.
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A Load of Bull(dogs)
MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue’s Mission to Save One Beloved Breed
BY PAMELA DOLLAK
Dog rescue is a tough business. Exceedingly long hours. Miles of travel to parts unknown. Often sorting through filthy conditions. Dealing with sick, injured and, oftentimes, abused dogs. It’s not for everyone as it can easily break your heart and your spirit.
Fortunately, there are some people for whom rescue is their life. Cathy Kittell is one of them.
Kittell is one of the founders, as well as current treasurer and secretary, of MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue in Belmar. MidAtlantic is a breed-specific rescue that cares for unwanted English Bulldogs and finds loving foster or forever homes for them.
Maybe like a lot of people, you’re thinking, “Bulldogs? Why, they have a face only a mother could love.” Well, Kittell IS that mother figure to these dogs, and she thinks they’re “just gorgeous.”
Specialty rescue
So why have a rescue that focuses on just one breed of dog when there are so many dogs of so many breeds in need of good homes?
For Kittell, the answer is puppy love. In 2003, Kittell went gaga over her neighbor’s English Bulldog and yearned to buy her first Bulldog puppy. She thoroughly researched breeders and became friendly with one who was involved in rescue.
“So I jumped onboard,” Kittell says enthusiastically.
She started her breed-specific rescue in 2007, despite having a deep understanding that English Bulldogs are not everyone’s cup of Earl Grey.
“It’s an interesting breed, but they are not for everyone. They are quirky, they can be lazy, they are funny,” says Kittell, continuing, “They need to be brushed frequently, they can overheat quickly, their flat faces need to be wiped often, many have breathing and skin issues, they can’t swim …”
To breed, or not to breed
Naturally, Kittell would prefer for a family to adopt one of her rescue Bulldogs, but she is well aware that many families want a puppy. For those, they will generally need to find a breeder.
She is happy to recommend a good and honest breeder should anyone want a Bulldog puppy, and stresses the importance of researching both the breed and breeders on your own.
However, Kittell’s passion turns to fury when it comes to unsavory breeders who, according to her, breed designer dogs for the money — sometimes charging up to $12,000 per English Bulldog — and care nothing for the health of the dog.
“Sometimes English Bulldogs get a bad rap, but that’s because of where they’re bred. Here’s a little tip: good breeders don’t ship dogs,” says Kittell, adding, “And a Bulldog should look like a Bulldog, and not ‘exotic.’ These dogs often wind up having severe health issues. I want people to stop buying from horrible places.”
Jenna Nistad of West Long Branch has been a volunteer with MidAtlantic since 2017 when she and her own English Bulldog, Winslow, met the group at a fundraiser.
She started out by evaluating the Bulldogs that were getting surrendered to the group. She’d meet the dogs and discern any health or temperament issues to get the full picture and learn if the dog was adoptable or potentially a forever foster.
She, too, gets roused when discussing “bad breeders,” alleging that they are one of the main causes for surrenders.
“We’ve seen much more (surrenders) in the last year or so. Many Bulldogs are bred to be a ‘rare Bulldog,’ one with a special color or shape or size,” she explains. “Their (‘bad breeders’) goal is money. They ignore the dog’s health. The fancier the dog is in the surrender calls we receive, the more health issues it has. (English Bulldogs) are already compact and come with health risks even when properly bred. But when bred for cosmetic purposes, it is worse.”
PET GUIDE
Foster fails vs. forever fosters
Kittell says that numerous rescues are overwhelmed with surrenders right now. With no physical space, MidAtlantic relies heavily on foster homes for the four Bulldogs Kittell presently has ready for adoption and another nine still on medical hold.
She believes the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a lot of people to adopt dogs, and that many of those same people are the ones surrendering them now for various pretexts.
“We get every reason: divorce, health issues, they’re allergic (to the dog), the dog doesn’t like my kid …” says Kittell.
Though it sounds negative, many of Kittell’s foster families wind up being “foster fails,” meaning that they ultimately adopted the English Bulldog they were fostering and made the pup an official part of their family, which Kittell says is more common than you might think.
Nistad eventually began fostering, too, during which she would coordinate new foster
and adoption homes, for which many factors must be taken into consideration that are tailored to each specific dog, such as: Do they have kids in the house? Does the home have stairs? Will the dog need a backyard? Is the dog better in the city or the country?
Throughout the rest of Winslow’s life — he died in October — Nistad fostered seven dogs.
“He was good with fosters,” she reminisces. “He was kind of indifferent. He was neither super attached, nor disappointed when they left. It made it easier for us when they got adopted.”
Her most recent foster, Bruce, is now Nistad’s forever foster due to some chronic health issues. With a forever foster, the rescue pays for food and medical expenses for the life of the dog. Other reasons that MidAtlantic might deem an English Bulldog a forever foster could be special needs or advanced age.
The latter of which holds a special place in Nistad’s heart.
“I always advocate for senior Bulldogs,” she says. “They are so special and you get such fulfillment from taking one and giving one what they need. And you get so much love for one in return.”
Greener Pastures
Take a peek inside the Four Seasons of dog daycare, boarding and training: Green Leaf Pet Resort
BY REBECCA KING
Green Leaf Pet Resort is a luxury dog boarding facility so next level, you might find yourself wanting to book a room there yourself.
Green Leaf, is located in Oakhurst, opened in 2018 and offers daycare, boarding, grooming and training. It was founded by Shelly Leibowitz, a dog trainer with more than 40 years of experience who has prepared dogs to do everything from sniff out a bomb to promenade in high-profile dog shows.
What exactly can you – or rather, your dog – expect from a stay at Green Leaf? Around the clock supervision for one, at least five outdoor walks a day, indoor and outdoor play areas, personal care and play time with staff, even a nighttime tuck-in service. The room is a glass-enclosed suite with plush bedding, housekeeping and room service. Don’t have time to drop off your dog before heading to the airport? Green Leaf will pick them up and drop them off at your home when you’re back from your trip.
A Trainer with a Vision
Leibowitz, who some may remember from Freehold Township’s Shelly’s School for Dogs, which he ran for 30 years, is the mastermind behind this luxury facility for man’s best friend.
Though he now runs the Four Seasons of dog hotels, Leibowitz began, as many kids do, walking neighborhood dogs around his Brooklyn block. By the time he was a teenager, he was learning his craft under dog trainers in the United States and Europe. He began training companion dogs in the New York City area, and shortly thereafter became a whiz at training dogs for security, guardwork, and contraband and bomb detection. In fact, Leibowitz was the first professional dog trainer in New Jersey to assist in narcotic searches in schools
and businesses.
“It’s not a 9-5,” Leibowitz said of his passion for dog training. “It’s not just a job. It’s a way of life. Otherwise, you can never be good at it.”
He’s now a sought-after consultant for law enforcement and helps train and source dogs capable of working for homeland security. Leibowtiz has also worked with private clients, dog clubs and municipal departments.
And if you’ve ever gone to a Trenton Thunder baseball game, perhaps you’ve seen Leibowitz’s protegees, Derby, Rookie or Dash, the bat-retrieving Golden Retrievers for the team, in action. Another of Leibowitz’s dogs, Zion, was selected to represent the United States on the Schutzhund World Team. (Shutzhund is a sport that requires dogs to compete in tracking, obedience and protection). Zion won a 99 out of 100 in the 2000 National Schutzhund USA trail. Leibowitz is also the founder of the Garden State Schutzhund Club.
His current work includes rehabilitating dogs with problematic pasts. He also mentors the next generation of professional dog trainers, and, of course, runs Green Leaf.
PET GUIDE
An ‘All Inclusive’ Resort
Along with boarding, Green Leaf offers several other services for the pooch in your life. Leibowitz’s training philosophy is “earning control and respect through kindness” and aims to build obedience through affection, praise and rewards.
Green Leaf’s daycare service promises constant supervision by highly trained staff members. The staff works to match dogs with programs and activities that suit their personality and devises social groups for dogs’ different play styles and temperaments. The facilities have climate controlled indoor and outdoor play areas.
The daycare and boarding services can be combined with training that is personalized for your dog. Green Leaf’s “agility center” features a 3,500 squarefoot training room. The Doggy Day School aims to root out dangerous and problematic behaviors – from barking at visitors to soiling the carpet – with dogs returned to their owners in the evenings and on weekends.
The Boarding School is a more extensive training program that runs for three to four weeks. During this program, dogs will get individually tailored training programs while they live at the Green Leaf training facility. At the end of the program, families get the opportunity to receive private lessons, where the trainers will pass on their knowledge.
Puppies can also get training at Green Leaf, with behavioral focuses on issues like chewing, house training, and excessive barking.
One of the most unique aspects of Green Leaf’s compound is the 3,000-square-foot aquatic center for dogs. Swimming has all the same health benefits for dogs as it does for humans – it strengthens muscles without strain-
ing joints, helps with weight loss and works the cardiovascular system. So, it’s no surprise that the heated pool is a hit with canine clients. Swimming, according to the staff at Green Leaf, is ideal for dogs with arthritis, chronic ailments, or who have undergone surgery. And for dogs less confident in the water, Green Leaf offers swimming lessons, fitness training, and private or group swimming time.
And, of course, what luxury resort would be complete without its own hair salon? Green Leaf offers hypoallergenic baths, pedicures and haircuts that focus on the style and health of the dog.
“By following the philosophy that no two dogs are alike, no two training methods should be either,” said Leibowitz. “That’s why I find this field so exciting, because every dog is different – an individual. My horizons are wide … thousands and thousands of dogs have taught me.”
Green Leaf Pet Resort is located at 1602 NJ-35, Oakhurst, New Jersey 732-272-0800
PET SUPPLY STORES:
Pet’s General Store
732-345-1200
507 Prospect Ave, Little Silver
The Hungry Puppy
732-938-4470
1288 NJ-33, Farmingdale
All About Pets
732-223-4530
2204 NJ-35, Sea Girt
Paws Barkery & Boutique
732-449-5000
658 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park
Shampoochies Grooming and Pet Supplies
848-303-8665
179 Locust Ave, West Long Branch
Doggie Sweets
609-426-1900
15 Morris Ave Unit 119, Long Branch
Jade Pets
973-826-9113
290 Norwood Ave, Deal
Cosmopawlitan
732-275-1905
1837 NJ-35, Middletown Township
Pet Needs Directory
24-HOUR EMERGENCY VET CLINICS:
Garden State Veterinary Emergency Services
732-481-1040
246 Industrial Way W, Eatontown
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital
732-747-3636
100 Schulz Dr, Red Bank
PET GROOMERS:
Shampoochies Grooming and Pet Supplies
848-303-8665
179 Locust Ave, West Long Branch
Green Leaf Pet Resort (Ocean)
732-272-0800
1602 NJ-35, Oakhurst
The Dog Spaw
732-747-9744
8 Fairview Ave, Little Silver
The Dawg Joint
732-455-3145
513 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park
Golden Paws Boutique and Grooming Salon
732-440-4385
269A E Main St, Oceanport
The Prince & The Pawper
732-695-0095
889 W Park Ave, Ocean Township
BOARDING/DAYCARE FACILITIES:
Green Leaf Pet Resort (Ocean)
732-272-0800
1602 NJ-35, Oakhurst
Happy Tails Kennel
732-938-4740
42 Yellowbrook Road, Howell
Camp Bow Wow
732-728-9663
284 Old Deal Rd, Eatontown
K-9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel
732-655-6372
889 NJ-35, Middletown
All Seasons Pet Resort
732-431-4425
276 Jackson Mills Rd, Freehold Township
Dogtopia of Shrewsbury
732-440-9080
980 Shrewsbury Ave, Shrewsbury
Dogs on the Farm & Cats Too
732-872-7543
790 Kings Hwy E, Atlantic Highlands
Purr ’n Pooch
732-842-4949
86 Gilbert St W, Tinton Falls
ARCHIE OF RUMSON
BEAR OF FAIR HAVEN CALI OF OCEANPORT
GRACEY OF OCEANPORT MOCHA OF OCEANPORT MOTH OF OCEANPORT
Dinner Show
SUNDAY, SEPT. 1
Moroccan Sheepherders • 7-10 p.m.
Blu Grotto Beer Garden, Monmouth Park, Oceanport BluGrottoRestaurant.com
The Best of Joe Cocker, performed by Stan Steele • 7 p.m.
Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park TimMcloonesSupperClub.com
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5 • 7 p.m.
Best of Clapton Band
Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park TimMcloonesSupperClub.com
THURSDAYS, (SEPT. 5,12, 19 AND 26) • 6-9 p.m.
Country Night The Cabin, 984 NJ-33, Freehold TheCabinNJ.com
SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 • 9 p.m.
Todd Robbins Band
St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, RT 71, Spring Lake SSGPub.com
FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 • 8 p.m.
The Edge Band Jacks by the Tracks, 703 10th Ave. Belmar JacksByTracks.com
SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 • 7 p.m.
Springsteen’s 75th Birthday Bash with The E Street Shuffle Asbury Lanes, 209 4th Ave., Asbury Park AsburyLanes.com; TheEstreetshuffle.com
Pet Celebs Wanted!
SkimBash Celebrates 20 Years of Skimboarding Action in Sea Bright
Back in 2004, only a handful of Sea Bright locals were familiar with skimboarding. The budding sport — which combines elements of surfing and skateboarding and is done primarily at the water’s edge — wasn’t much of a draw when the Sea Bright Recreation Committee launched its first skimboarding contest that year on the Sea Bright beach.
In fact, Felecia Stratton, who at the time was a member of the newly formed citizen’s committee, first developed the idea of holding a skimboarding contest to support her son Sean and his friends, who were self-taught skimboarders and spent hours on the beach each day honing their skills.
Stratton expected only about a dozen or so participants to attend that first contest. “I was shocked when about 30 enthusiastic kids showed up,” Stratton recalls.
Fast forward to today. The annual SkimBash, which takes place Sept 7-8, 2024 in Sea Bright, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The event has grown to become one of the premier skimboarding competitions on the East Coast, drawing top athletes from around the county and across the country.
The SkimBash journey has been thrilling for the local skimboarding community and the Borough of Sea Bright. The contest’s popularity quickly grew; it picked up its first official sponsor in 2006 (the now defunct SkimShop), and eventually attracted attention from Skim USA, the national governing body for skimboarding competitions.
In 2011, when a long-standing skim contest in Long Beach Island started to lose its luster, Skim USA officials – including Greg Krolczyk –came to check out SkimBash — and were impressed by what they saw. In 2012, SkimCity signed on as a major sponsor, and Skim USA made Sea Bright an official stop on their tour. SkimBash has been a Skim USA event ever since.
“Skim USA looks for competitions and communities that support the sport of skimboarding and help foster and develop the next generation of skimboarders, and SkimBash has always personified that,” says Melissa Stevenson, a member of the Skim USA Board of Directors and the current SkimBash contest director.
Several SkimBash competitors trace their roots to Sea Bright, and many built their skimboarding skills at Jersey Shore Skim Camp, which was also started by Stratton in 2009. The camp, which runs every summer, offers professional skimboarding instruction and has been the premier sponsor of the SkimBash since its inception.
This synergy has helped to foster a strong enthusiasm for skimboarding in Sea Bright—something Stratton and the other “OG” members of the skim community truly relish. In fact, Stevenson plans for the 20th anniversary contest to “honor the OG community while celebrating the next generation of skimboarders,” she says.
“It’s amazing to reflect on how far this competition has come,” Stratton says. “What started as a small, local contest has evolved into a major event that showcases the best of skimboarding talent from all over the country. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, not just for the skimboarding community, but for Sea Bright as well.”
The 20th anniversary SkimBash takes place Sept. 7-8, 2024 on the Sea Bright Municipal Beach. Spectators and sponsors are welcome. Details are available on Instagram: @sea_bright_skimbash
Paul Hansen’s 2024 September Exhibit “Stations of the Cross” Comes to Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury
Paul Hansen cordially invites all to 2024’s September exhibit “Stations of the Cross”, a depiction of Christ’s Journey to Calvary. The Stations of the Cross runs from Aug 31-Sept 24 and is a 14-step Christian devotion that commemorates Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. The show will also feature classical and sacred musician, Christa Dalmazio, who will be leading a Gregorian Chant Schola of two singers and herself chanting in Latin, accompanied by Miss Dalmazio on the harp.
Paul has been an artist since he first saw “ The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch over 40 years ago. That painting inspired him to draw, and it has never stopped.
His 14 solo shows at the Guild have all been conceptual, with a cohesive narrative that runs through all of them: the Divine Paradox.
For Paul, the only thing that matters is the process of creation.
Way of Sorrows; the Christ’s Journey to Calvary is a series of paintings using a limited palette of black and white. They are a depiction of The Stations of the Cross, a 14-step Christian devotion that commemorates the Christ’s last day on Earth as a man.
“I have experienced the Cross to mean mercy and not cruelty, truth and not deception: that the news of the truth and love of the Christ is indeed the true good news.” — Thomas Merton Admission is free.
SHOW DATES: August 31 – September 24, 2024
Opening Reception: Sunday, September 8, 2:30 – 5pm
Closing Reception: Sunday, September 22, 3 – 5pm
The Guild is located at 620 Broad Street in Shrewsbury. Go to guildofcreativeart.org.
V PLA GERY V PLASTIC SURGERY
“I can not thank Dr Vemula and his staff enough During the darkest time of my life, they have been the shining light The professionalism, caring, and genuine support they have shown me has been amazing From the smiles I am greeted with walking into the office to the gentle touch of concern, the open and honest conversations and thorough education about reconstruction I received is beyond measure He is a true artist and I now feel like a woman again The results from my surgeries are phenomenal!!! “ -verified patient review
6, 2024
25, 2025
SPOTLIGHT ON OCEANPORT
BY ERICA JOSEPH
Girl Power: Oceanport Knights' Five Thousand Points of Light
The Oceanport Basketball Association has operated as the recreation and travel basketball program for the boroughs of Oceanport, Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright since the late 1980s. On the travel side, the OBA has had boys and girls’ teams (the “Oceanport Knights”) playing in the Mid-Monmouth Youth Basketball League since 1997. That year, Mark “Bone” Hampton and Bob D’Agostino coached the Senior Boys (7th & 8th grade), Jimmy Ryerson and Mario LoSapio coached the Junior Boys (6th & 7th grade), and Steve Schmelz and Russ Goyette coached the Senior Girls. Shortly thereafter, the Oceanport Knights expanded, entering teams in all age groups coached by local basketball luminaries like Les Loveland, Tom Galvin, Bill McNish, Dave Kelly, Donna West, Chip Rogers, Diane Schmelz, Jim Mahoney and Joe Pillari.
Through 2021, the Knights travel basketball teams had won three overall Mid-Monmouth County titles: the 2000 U-9 Girls (coached by Diane Schmelz), the 2004 U-13 Boys (coached by Jim Mahoney), and the 2010 U-8 Boys (coached by Jim Reid).
Within the past three years, however, one Knights team has become the standard by which all others will be measured. In 2021-2022, the U-10 Girls, coached by Dennis Coyle and Assistant Coach Jon Dougherty, beat Rumson in the Mid-Monmouth Coun-
ty finals. That squad, comprised of Emily Coyle, Chloe Coyle, Audriana Dougherty, Summer George, Charley Sheridan, Mia Painchaud, Daphne Zilincar, Savannah Giunta, Avery Matranga and Morgan Vecchio, went undefeated.
The 2023-2024 U-12 Girls, with Coach Coyle and Coach Dougherty again at the helm, but this time comprised of Avery Barbara, Emily Coyle, Chloe Coyle, Audriana Dougherty, Anna Laura Fenandez, Summer George, Mia Painchaud, Charley Sheridan, Sidney Tilton and Daphne Zilincar, defeated Manalapan in the Mid-Monmouth finals to become the first team in the history of the program to win two county titles.
Knights teams are made up of children who go to school together, socialize together and play other sports together. They play in the program year after year, getting to know each other both on and off the court. From a personal and basketball development standpoint, this is the single most important thing the Knights program offers to players, coaches and parents.
And the fruits of the program are self-evident. Within the past three years, five different girls who played in the Knights program have scored 1,000 points at the high school level:
2023-2024 U-12 Girls – Mid Monmouth Champions
2021-2022 U-10 Girls – Mid Monmouth Champs
2010 U-8 Champs with Coach Reid
2000 U-10 Champs with Coach Schmelz
The Shore Regional High School Girls team, under Coach Will Wishart, have been the Group 1 Sectional Champions three years running (2022, 2023 and 2024), and three of this year’s starters, Ava Coyle (a sophomore), Conley Smolokoff and Reese Fiore, played for the Knights when they were in middle school.
Six other current Shore varsity basketball players — Peyton Waterman, Lauren Davis, Sofia Merten, Grace Ascolese, Addie Vincell and Kayla Husar — are also Knights alumnae. Smolokoff finished her SRHS career with 780 points.
When asked about Knight’s girls’ impact on Shore Regional over the past few years, Wishart responded, “Girls from the Knights program come in ready to play as freshman. Madison LaRosa was our leading scorer her freshman year. LaRosa, Drahos and Fiore were all accomplished scorers as freshmen. When they get to Shore, the Knights are ready to compete against the best our conference has to offer.”
Other former Knights enjoying successful high school basketball careers are Lola MacRae, a rising senior at The Ranney School, Ella Inacio, a member of Red Bank Catholic’s 2024 Non-Public A championship team, and McKenna Karlson, who starred for Manasquan’s 2024 Group 2 state championship team. Both Inacio (Salisbury) and Karlson (New Hampshire) will be playing college ball this coming fall.
Rylee Drahos is appreciative of program’s impact on her. “As a young member of the Oceanport community, the Knights program was an integral part of my basketball journey,” she said. “The lessons I learned there have resonated with me throughout high school and collegiate athletics.”
Madison LaRosa treasures her time in the Knights program, “Playing for the Knights was my first experience with competitive basketball. It gave me the awareness of what it would take to play high school and collegiate basketball. Knights was a great stepping stone for playing at the upper levels.”
“It’s amazing what has happened with this organization. It has grown by leaps and bounds since my family was part of its inception in the late 1990s,” said Diane Schmelz. “The level of success that our kids have had at the high school and collegiate levels, especially recently, is astounding,”
Given the success of Coach Coyle’s teams, there is every reason to believe that the next generation of girls from the organization is ready to get right to work at the high school level.
Knights 2024 Footnote: There are actually six players from the Knights program who have scored 1000 points within the past three years. Alex George, a Knights alumnus, scored his 1000th point during his senior season for the Blue Devil Boys on February 16, 2024.
Shore Regional players, Kimi Sayson, Antoinette Russo, Reese Fiore, Conley Smolokoff and Ava Coyle
MUSIC & BINGO NIGHT
Join us for a fun-filled evening of music bingo! Enjoy music, exciting prizes, drinks, and fresh pizza. $120 per person - 18 & older
13 SEP 26 SEP
DIY CHARCUTERIE MAKING CLASS
Enjoy signature drinks, delicious light bites, and great music. Supplies and raffling are included. $125 per person - 18 & older
PSYCHIC MEDIUM PANEL
Experience an intriguing evening with three psychic mediums who will answer your questions. Light bites and signature drinks provided. $120 per person - 18 & older
TEACHER FEATURE
NAME: William Clark
TITLE:
Library Media Specialist
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: Shrewsbury Borough School
TOWN OF RESIDENCY: Wanamassa
Q: What do you love about teaching, and what keeps you coming back each day?
A: I love how stoked kids get about books. They all have such varied interests and when they find a book about what they love, they can’t help but get pumped.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about working with kids?
A: Constantly having to Google what new meme and piece of pop culture they are talking about. It’s also tricky to keep your enthusiasm every day. They get excited to learn when you are excited to teach, and when you aren’t feeling great or tired it can be tricky to find that spark.
Q: What was your own school experience like as a kid? Did you enjoy school?
A: I enjoyed school but did not love it until my 12th grade English class with Mrs. Dawn Kerr at Brick Township High School. Her class felt meaningful. She was the one who inspired me to become a teacher.
Q: If you could add one new subject that every kid would have to take in school, what would it be and why?
A: Just give them time to explore what they love. They want to learn so much naturally.
Q: What is the most important thing that your students have taught you?
A: I’ve learned to expect the unexpected in the most positive of ways. The simplest of questions can get you the most creative answers because they see the world differently. I’ve also learned to ignore the doom and gloom that people say about the next generation. These kids are accepting, empathetic and better at critical thinking than we give them credit for.
Are you a teacher? Do you want to be featured in Community Magazine? Email us at info@communitymagazinenj.com for a questionnaire!
Enjoy the Pumpkin Patch Food Trucks
Hay Bale Maze
Corn Maze
Hay Bale Pyramid
Corn Pit with Diggers
Dress the Scarecrow Rope Bubbles
Harvest Photo Ops Prizes and More!
$15 entry per person (3 and under free)
Come celebrate the Fall Harvest Season at Pantano Home & Garden in Holmdel, NJ. Our Harvest Village will be open from 11AM - 4PM every weekend. See the following dates for additional featured activities!
Sunday, September 22nd • Autumnal Equinox Party; Come kickoff the opening of our Harvest Village with live music, Frankie Fed’s food truck, pony rides, Fall patio pots workshop from 1-2pm and special in-store promotions.
Saturday, September 28th • Face Painting Designs by Anita
Sunday, September 29th • Build Your Own Scarecrow
Saturday, October 5th • Happy Trail Pony Rides
Sunday, October 6th • Touch a Truck
Saturday, October 12th • Face Painting Designs by Anita
Sunday, October 13th • Happy Trails Petting Zoo
Saturday, October 19th • Pumpkin Painting
Sunday, October 20th • Happy Trails Pony Rides
Saturday, October 26th • Face Painting Designs by Anita
Sunday, October 27th • Happy Trails Petting Zoo
ADDITIONAL WEEKDAY WORKSHOPS:
Wednesday, September 18th • 7:00PM - 8:00PM Autumn Wreath Making Workshop
Wednesday, October 16th • 7:00PM - 8:00PM Autumn Centerpiece Workshop
Fair Haven Scouts Revive Summer Pilgrimage
Boy Scout Troop 125 of Fair Haven recently revived a summer tradition. The group sent their full troop to Forestburg, NY for summer camp for the first time since the troop reopened in 2021. Ten scouts were joined by seven adult leaders to have some fun at camp, with activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, archery, target shooting all included, as well as time spent doing work on rank requirements.
The troop had sent scouts the previous three summers with other local troops, but this was the first year on their own as a full unit. The scouts and adult leaders had a blast.
Scouting celebrated 100 years in town back in 2022 and has enjoyed a powerful resurgence in recent years. If your child is interested in joining Scouts, please contact crod1972@gmail.com to learn more about the program and to get involved.
FIRST RESPONDERS Q & A
Name: Daniel DeCristofaro
Title:
Detective Sergeant
Place of Employment: Shrewsbury
Police Department
Q: What initially made you want to be a first responder?
A: Honestly, there was nothing that truly guided me toward being a first responder at first. I was going to school for sports management with a focus in marketing when I needed a summer job. My dad convinced me to apply to Long Branch as a Special One Officer, so I did it just because it was different. After I got hired, one of the sergeants there described this job in a way I’ll never forget, and it is a big part of the reason why I pursued this as a career. He said this is one of the only jobs that you get to wear a different hat every day unlike your typical 8-4 desk job (ironically, I currently work 8-4 behind a desk as a detective, but in a very different capacity than a normal desk job). He said one day you’re a crime stopper, another a firefighter, another day you’re a counselor, a role model to kids in the community, EMT, etc. He also said that it is a front row seat to the greatest show on earth. Although there are some moments when the show is not so great, I found both these statements to be very true and I knew I wanted to be a first responder.
Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about this kind of work?
A: When I was working patrol on the road, it was definitely rewarding just being able to talk to people in the community every day. A shift goes by so fast and is enjoyable when you get to have nonstop positive interactions with people. Now that I am in the Detective Bureau, I still get those opportunities, but more of my attention is directed towards investigations. It is so rewarding putting together a case by collecting evidence that results in charging someone which leads to getting justice for the victim. The appreciation that some people show after completing a case for them makes all the hard work even that much more worth it.
Q: What is the hardest aspect of the job?
A: I would say the hardest aspect of the job currently is the public’s perception of us and how we are treated sometimes as a result of it. We do have plenty of supporters, but unfortunately there are many with very different views. It is definitely sad when you’re doing your job and know every action is with good, moral intentions, yet you are talked to or yelled at like you are an awful person simply because you are wearing a police uniform.
Q: Do any aspects of the job ever scare you?
A: This is the one job where if you mess up or if something is just viewed as a mess up, you don’t just get fired, but your name and face are put out in the public to be scrutinized. Although I am very confident that my co-workers and I won’t be on that side of things due to our constant training and just being genuine humans, it is still scary knowing that it does happen to other officers in this job and that we are sometimes put in lose-lose situations.
Q: What was your most memorable experience on the job so far?
A: Typically, most days are good days and for that reason it’s not the good ones you remember. There have been few bad, but without going into any detail, it is any bad incident involving a child that you remember. Those are the ones that make you hug your own kids extra hard every day and cherish your family even more.
Tackling Back-to-School Anxiety in Children
BY MAIA FRANCO
As summer ends, the back-to-school season begins! While some children will dread school because of things like homework, others may find their dread to really be anxiety. Many children struggle with anxiety brought on by the sudden environmental and social changes school brings on. Abrupt changes can lead to thought patterns that may be preventing them from the good night’s sleep they need to take on a day of learning. Consider these ways to calm a child whose anxiety is preventing them from falling asleep on a school night:
1. Establish a routine — Routines decrease anxiety, as they provide a sense of predictability and control. Before school starts, try transitioning kids into a calming bedtime routine. Take the time before school starts to practice an earlier bedtime, making sure there is some time for a calming activity. Reading, choosing an outfit for the next day, and taking a warm bath are a few examples of comforting activities that can decrease anxiety. Once these nightly habits become established routines, a child’s brain will come to expect these activities and prepare to enter a sleep state.
2. Nutrition — Regularly eating foods rich in tryptophan before bed is proven to improve sleep quality and aid in falling asleep. Tryptophan is an amino acid that serves as a building block for the body to create serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter that can regulate mood, while melatonin prepares the brain to sleep. Try serving a dinner or a bedtime snack high in tryptophan, with foods like turkey, milk, nuts, and fruit. As bedtime approaches, avoid stimulants, such as added sugar and caffeine. These have been shown to interfere with melatonin production.
3. Screen time — Blue light from TVs, tablets, and phones is proven to interrupt the production of melatonin, delaying the onset of sleep. The light from these devices can trick the body into thinking it is still daytime. Experts recommend staying off of screens at least 1 hour before bed for optimal sleep.
4. Reassurance — Ask your child what they are anxious about and reassure them. If they fear the dark, help them pick out a comforting nightlight. If it’s the school bus, tell them about how much fun it will be to sit with other kids and play before school. While reassuring them, help them build confidence with affirmations, reminding them that there is nothing to fear at school.
5. Seek professional help, if needed — If your child’s anxiety does not improve after a few methods of intervention, reach out to their pediatrician for additional support.
YOUR HEALTH ISN’T ANY DIFFERENT.
Hey guys, you make time for what’s important to you – your car, your home, your family and more – but what about your health? At Hackensack Meridian Health, we’ve made keeping your health a top priority easy by offering simple and convenient care options. Just schedule your primary or specialty care appointment at HMHDoc.org.
Experience Edgewater Beach and Cabana Club, New Jersey’s Most Luxurious Private Club
Blending luxuries with the timeless elegance of the sea… that is our intention! A genuine family oriented beach club, consisting of families from all over Monmouth County. Edgewater has a long history of providing a safe and peaceful summer getaway in the beautiful tucked away town of Sea Bright, New Jersey. Members of Edgewater Beach and Cabana Club enjoy a wide variety of membership benefits that fit every member of the family. From exquisite dining options to our events and entertainment there is something for everyone!
EDGEWATER BEACH CLUB FEATURES:
Cabanas with Kitchenettes and Full Rest Rooms
Members Only Restaurant, Café and Tiki Bar
Members Only Events and Activities
Welcome to the Jersey Shore's Most Premier Marina
Edgewater Marina is conveniently located on the Shrewsbury River steps away from the center of town in Sea Bright, NJ. Since assuming control of the property, Edgewater Marina has completed a total redevelopment of the Marina, installing new bulkhead and floating docks We are proud to announce we have teamed up with Sandy Hook Yachts at the property. We are now accepting applications for the 2024 season, and slips are available for Fall and Winter fishing.
Edgewater Beach and Cabana Club Twilight Membership
Purchased with the intentions of expanding our Edgewater brand, this Marina additionally offers slip holders a Twilight Beach Club Membership to our adjacent property of our well know Edgewater Beach and Cabana Club, a highly soughtafter private members club. Twilight Membership provides access to our exclusive private beach club.
Healthcare Leader Bill Arnold to be Honored at Tigger Stavola Foundation's Annual Infinity Event
The Tigger Stavola Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Red Bank and dedicated to fighting addiction, spreading awareness and saving lives through drug prevention and education, will mark its 11-year anniversary of supporting families impacted by addiction with a fall fundraising gala in Shrewsbury.
The Tigger Stavola Foundation’s annual Infinity Event will be held Thursday, October 17 at the Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury. The “Best is Yet to Come”- themed event will honor esteemed healthcare leader Bill Arnold who currently serves as Executive Vice President of RWJBarnabas Health, President of RWJBarnabas Health Southern Region, CEO, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
“It has been my privilege to work alongside the Stavola family for nearly a decade and to support their mission to serve Tigger’s memory through advocacy and
support for individuals who are struggling with addiction,” said Arnold. “It is deeply meaningful to be this year’s honoree at the 2024 Infinity Event.”
“The Tigger Stavola Foundation is thrilled to honor Bill not only for his career achievements and impactful work, but also for his commitment to our mission since day one,” said Lisa Stavola, Founding Director and mother of Tigger. “We can’t wait to show our gratitude to Bill for helping us lead this fight against substance use disorder for over a decade.”
Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner and entertainment featuring a performance by Michael Martocci and his 20-piece orchestra playing Sinatra classics. The black-tie optional event will also include a silent and live auction to raise money for the Foundation’s drug prevention education programming for youth across New Jersey. For more info, go to tiggerstavolafoundation.org.
BIZBEAT
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
A quick roundup of what’s new and happening at local businesses in Monmouth County.
Makana’s Opens in Asbury Park
After many months of anticipation, Makana’s has finally opened its doors on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park. The restaurant offers breakfast and lunch options – with a healthy slant and a Hawaiian flavor profile. A full menu includes chai teas, matcha lattes and more, along with an array of breakfast bowls, salads and baked goods. MakanasNJ.com
Freehold Raceway Mall Adds New Tenants
The Freehold Raceway Mall has had an exciting summer as far as major announcements are concerned. Arguably the biggest news is the upcoming addition of a Dave & Busters along with Freehold Athletic Club, which will bring exciting new nightlife to the first-floor space formerly occupied by the now shuttered Sears department store. In addition, the grocery store Lidl will join the ranks, alongside Dick’s House of Sport, the global lifestyle brand Minoso (best known for their plushies, blind box toys, cosmetics, home goods and fragrances), and the Australian-based children’s clothing store Cotton On Kids. FreeholdRacewayMall.com
618 Restaurant in Freehold to Host Five-course Wine Dinner
From 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 618 Restaurant in Freehold will host its Ruffino Wine Dinner. The Dinner consists of five courses, each paired with a different Ruffino wine. The cost is $185 per person. For full menu details, go to 618nj. com/winedinner/ruffino-wine-dinner. For reservations, call 732-577-0001.
Asbury’s Latest Sushi Spot is Hadaka
Yet another opening within the strip of retail shops taking up the ground floor of the newly constructed mixed-use building at 527 Bangs Avenue in Asbury Park, Hadaka is a small sushi bar boasting the town’s first omakase-only dining experience. For the unfamiliar, omakase is a Japanese phrase that translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” and in the case of a sushi bar, this means each dish in your meal will be hand selected by the chef as opposed to being ordered in a more traditional fashion. The space is sleek, the reservations have been nearly impossible to get on a weekend night, and the buzz is big. Come see what all the fuss is about. HadakaNJ.com
This month CM features Triumph Restaurant & Brewery in Red Bank
BY LILIANN PARAS
Since opening in 2018, Triumph has been the go-to place to enjoy original brews; what sets it apart from many other breweries is the attached two-story restaurant, replete with a full bar and live music. When weather permits, the outdoor patio is also a popular spot to gather with friends where dogs are welcome too. Triumph is conveniently located adjacent to the Two River Theater and many theater goers take in a preshow dinner or enjoy an after-show celebration. Other offerings include a daily happy hour, weekend brunch, and a variety of spaces available for private social or corporate events. The extensive on-site brewery is not to be missed and it was definitely reassuring to engage with the knowledgeable staff members. They happily educate patrons on the particulars of their rotating seasonal beers which ensures that aficionados as well as occasional drinkers can find a perfect taste match.
Featured Brew:
FESTBIER — A strong pale lager (ABV 6.0%) brewed once a year for Oktoberfest, described as “tasty with bread notes, gaining a little more heft as the weather starts to cool.” It has a September release date but begins the brewing journey in July.
Crowd Faves:
• Constantly changing taps include the very popular Keller Pilsner, Haze Project IPA, and Bengal Gold IPA
• Live, original music featured on the Triumph stage
• Outdoor patio
Don’t Miss:
• Seasonal food selections designed by Chef Matt Grote; craft cocktails; special brews
• Live music, Thursday-Sunday; Weekend brunch, Saturday and Sunday 12-4 p.m.; Happy Hour, daily 4-6 p.m. with food and drink specials
www.triumphbrewing.com
1 Bridge Avenue Red Bank NJ 07701 / 732-852-7300
Open Wednesdays 4-10 p.m.; Thursdays 4-11 p.m.; Fridays 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturdays 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; and Sundays 12-10 p.m.
Where We Deliver
ZONE 1
Colts Neck • Holmdel
ZONE 2
Fair Haven • Little Silver
Oceanport • Rumson
Shrewsbury • Red Bank
ZONE 3
Allenhurst • Asbury Park
Avon by the Sea • Belmar
Bradley Beach • Deal
Lake Como • Loch Arbour
Long Branch • Monmouth Beach
ZONE 4
Eatontown • Ocean Township
For Zones 1 through 6, we further pre-qualify who we mail to based on a minimum household income of $160K, or minimum home value of $850K.
CM Readers
74% Married
80%+ College Educated
72% Have Children
40% Own A Second Home
Median Age 47
Median Income $185,000
Median Home Value $850,000+
Dine Out 12+ Times Monthly
ZONE 5
Atlantic Highlands • Lincroft
Locust • Navesink • Middletown
ZONE 6
Freehold Township
Freehold Borough • Howell
COMING SOON...
ZONE 7
Red Bank
ZONE 8
Keyport • Matawan • Aberdeen
Keansburg • Union Beach • Hazlet
5 of the GREATEST SANDWICHES
in Monmouth County
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
Finding a sandwich in Monmouth County isn’t very difficult. They’re everywhere - from the most highly revered delis and sub shops to the grimiest of gas stations. But, of course, the sheer volume of options makes the task of finding a truly great sandwich that much more daunting.
Daunting, but not impossible.
So, to save you the time of eating your way through countless underwhelming meals, we have taken on that task ourselves. And after an exhaustive and incredibly filling search, we’ve hand-selected our five picks for the greatest sandwiches in all of Monmouth County. Here they are, in no particular order:
THE TALIERCIO
Taliercio’s Ultimate Gourmet, Middletown
Ok, if you are looking for an Italian deli that puts out sandwiches that are completely over-the-top and visually outrageous, yet still contain ingredients of the highest quality, Taliercio’s in Middletown is the undisputed king of this category. Each sandwich they prepare is comically large and is easily enough food for two or three meals, but attempting (and failing) to take it down in one sitting is half the fun. Their menu is dizzyingly long, and it may take you 10 or 15 minutes just to decide on which sandwich you want, but that’s ok, as the friendly staff behind the counter will likely toss you a few of their signature fried raviolis while you wait in line. It’s hard to go wrong here when it comes to sandwiches, but if we had to pick just one, we like the store’s namesake, “The Taliercio” — an utterly towering Jenga-like stack of ham, fried chicken cutlet, muenster cheese, tomato bruschetta, pesto and creamy Italian dressing all resting between a halved loaf of semolina bread.
Taliercio’s Ultimate Gourmet is located at 500 Route 35 in Middletown. TalierciosDeli.com
THE PHILLY COOPER CHEESESTEAK
The Galley, Asbury Park
The Galley in Asbury Park has been steadily gaining a buzz thanks to its world-class menu of pizzas (they offer just about every style you can think of, from traditional to bar pies to Detroit-style, pan pizzas and more, and they knock EVERY ONE OF THEM out of the park).
And while the pies tend to hog the spotlight, the sandwiches are works of art as well. In a NJ pizzeria landscape crowded with ho-hum cheesesteaks, the Philly Cooper Cheesesteak off the secret menu at The Galley is on par with or better than anything you’ll find in the city of brotherly love. Pat LaFrieda ribeye topped with Cooper Sharp American cheese and grilled onions all on a lightly toasted seeded sub roll. These simple ingredients meld together in perfect harmony in a way that is all but unmatched in the cheesesteak world.
The Galley is located at 1313 Memorial Dr. in Asbury Park. TheGalleyAsbury.com
The Taliercio
The Philly Cooper Cheesesteak
CALIFORNIA CHICKEN CUTLET
Sorrento’s Subs, Freehold
A staple of Freehold for decades, Sorrento’s splits itself physically into two separate spaces, with one side selling breakfast and the other handling lunch and dinner in the form of some seriously tasty subs. All the standard cold cuts are available, but we love the hot subs, with the standout being the California Chicken Cutlet sub. Its less about fancy ingredients or Instagram-able visuals, instead relying on a simple, yet brilliantly executed combination of crispy deep-fried chicken breast, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo on an impossibly crusty, crumb-laden sub roll. The roll is the closest thing we have found to the famous Leidenheimer rolls that grace the best po boys in New Orleans. The chicken sandwich as a concept has been riding high for the last few years, but Sorrento’s was on board long before the bandwagon began rolling.
Sorrento’s Subs is located at 690 Park Ave. in Freehold. SorrentosSubs.com
THE GENERAL
The Speakeatery, Asbury
Park
This small shop on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park has consistently cranked out so many of the best and most delicious sandwiches we have sampled in recent years that narrowing it down to just one was borderline impossible. You could easily make a case for the incredible “Ol’ Good Time Charlie,” a strictly pre-11a.m. treat that seamlessly marries the cheesesteak with a traditional breakfast sandwich (cleverly adding a hashbrown to the pile); and you could also argue that nothing could possibly top their seasonally-produced Thanksgiving sandwich, known as the “Turk Diggler,” a mashup of smoked turkey, bacon gravy, roasted garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and a cranberry aioli all on a “bun” made from homemade stuffing patties. (Yeah, it’s incredible.)
But despite all the competition, our pick ultimately had to go to The General, a sandwich concept so brilliant and so obviously destined to be a hit that it blew our minds nobody had thought to do this years ago. A supremely crispy thigh of General Tso’s chicken rests between two “buns” constructed from steamed rice formed into patties (yeah it seems like it would instantly fall apart, but somehow it doesn’t.) Topping the chicken is a fabulous combo of broccoli cabbage and a scallion ginger slaw which delivers a cool crunch to balance out the sweet heat of the Tso. The internet damn near blew up when this thing first debuted a few years back, and now we understand why.
The Speakeatery is located at 705 Cookman Ave in Asbury Park. TheSpeakeatery.com.
THE KILLER
Colts Neck General Store and Deli, Colts Neck
Even if you are one of those rare folks that can’t stand sandwiches, we would still recommend a trip to Colts Neck General Store and Deli anyway. The building (which opened its doors in 1849 and is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year) is absolutely dripping with folksy charm from the barnlike red exterior to the absurdly cozy interior which is packed to the rafters with just the type of knick-knacks and tchotchkes you would expect to find in a place like this.
But folksy fun can only take you so far, and the main reason we keep returning to this spot is for the utterly fab breakfast sandwiches. They run the gamut from your basic pork
roll, egg and cheese to more extravagant choices such as The Cougar, which boasts a lineup of pork roll, bacon, eggs, cheese and a hashbrown all on a round roll. But those really looking to take the phrase “a hearty breakfast” to new heights would be foolish not to opt for “The Killer,” a mammoth sandwich consisting of eggs, sausage patties, bacon strips, ham, pork roll, breakfast potatoes and American cheese. This behemoth could only fit on a sub roll, which is exactly what they serve it on. Plan to skip lunch.
Colts Neck General Store and Deli is located at 171 County Road 537 in Colts Neck. Facebook.com/ColtsNeckGeneralStoreandDeli
California Chicken Cutlet
The General
The Killer
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Hosts Career Camp for Kids
Last month, a lucky group of campers got to participate in the “Journeys to Veterinary Careers” camp at Brookdale Community College.
Presenters at this camp (run by Red Bank Veterinary Hospital) included veterinarians, veterinary nurses and nurse assistants, K9 police officers, animal blood bank team members, animal rescues, and dog groomers! The week culminated with an exciting visit to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital’s brand new, state-of-the-art facility.
Photos and Editorial Credit: Red Bank Veterinary Hospital
The Arc of Monmouth Celebrates 75 Years of Empowerment and Advocacy
BY MATT DOHERTY
Building a Legacy of Love, Vision, and Innovation
In 1949, a group of visionary parents, driven by a shared need, came together. These parents faced a hard reality: their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were denied the basic right to education and were sometimes subjected to degrading conditions. They placed an ad in a local newspaper inviting others to a meeting at Red Bank Borough Hall. Their aim was to develop the maximum potential in adults with disabilities, challenging and changing the societal norms of their time. This meeting was more than just a gathering; it was the birth of a community and a movement.
“The power of families loving their children and wanting the best lives possible for them is how The Arc was born 75 years ago,” said Bob Angel, Executive Director. “Through hard work, vision, and innovation, The Arc of Monmouth has grown exponentially over time, all because a few individuals refused to accept less for their children.”
From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition
The initial gathering of concerned parents led to the formation of The Arc of Monmouth, which has since grown significantly and now stands as one of the nation’s most recognized and effective agencies advocating for and providing services to people with IDD and their families. Over the decades, The Arc of Monmouth has expanded its reach and impact, developing a wide range of services that cater to the diverse needs of the IDD community.
Among the many events The Arc of Monmouth is known for, none is as significant as The Winter Glow Gala, which celebrates its 58th anniversary this year while commemorating the 75th anniversary of The Arc of Monmouth. This event, originally suggested by Countess Anatole Buxhoeveden during an Arc meeting, has become a cornerstone of philanthropy, touching lives and inspiring change. “I have an idea that may help you financially,” the Countess had said, sparking the inception of what would become a vital source of support for the organization.
Expanding Services and Programs
What began as a simple classroom in the Little Silver Woman’s Club has grown into an agency that offers a comprehen-
sive array of services. The Arc of Monmouth now boasts an employment program at the Work Opportunity Center, residential services, a college program in partnership with Brookdale Community College called KACH, health services, recreational activities, supported employment, and numerous day habilitation Programs across Monmouth County. This includes the newly opened Campus Parkway location, representing a new era in reimagining day habilitation programs. Here, tailored care includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy, complemented by onsite registered behavior technicians and nurses, among other services.
Honoring a Legacy
This year, The Arc of Monmouth is honoring the legacy of the pioneering parents and the entire community that rallied behind them. The organization celebrates the realization of what was once a dream of innovation and is now a reality in New Jersey.
Upcoming Celebratory Events
To mark this momentous occasion, The Arc of Monmouth has organized two significant events in celebration of their diamond anniversary: Founder’s Day: An event to honor the organization’s history by celebrating its participants and their families. The Arc of Monmouth is partnering with Rising Treetops at Oakhurst to host an amazing festival Saturday September 14 from noon-4 p.m. More information is
available on their website.
The Arc of Monmouth’s Diamond Jubilee: Taking place on December 6, at The Addison Park in Aberdeen. As The Winter Glow celebrates its 58th anniversary, it will honor the 75th anniversary of The Arc of Monmouth. This year’s honoree is Frank Brusco, Restaurateur. Tickets will go on sale in early September.
Looking Forward
As The Arc of Monmouth reflects on its 75 years of service, it remains committed to continuing its mission of empowering individuals with IDD and advocating for their rights. The organization’s growth and success are testaments to the enduring power of community, love, and a relentless pursuit of better lives for all.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR
Sunday, Sept. 1 • 12 - 5 p.m.
49th Annual NJ Friends of Clearwater Festival
Celebrate the environment with music and education at the state’s largest eco-festival in Asbury Park.
Sunset Memorial Park, Asbury Park For more information, visit njclearwater.org.
Sunday & Monday, Sept. 1 & 2
BBQ & NJ Craft Beer Festival
The annual BBQ & Craft Beer Festival returns to Monmouth Park for Labor Day weekend. Enjoy over 40 craft beers brewed all in New Jersey, as well as the best BBQ on the shore.
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport Park opens at 9 a.m. For more information, visit monmouthpark.com
Wednesday, Sept. 4 • 7:30 - 9:30 pm Downtown Freehold Fall Concert Series
Head to Downtown Freehold every Wednesday evening for their Fall Concert Series. Featuring both local talent and renowned artists. For more information, visit downtownfreehold. com/things-to-do/fall-concert-series
Saturday, Sept. 7
Yacht Lobsters • 7 p.m.
Listen to the best soft rock of the ‘70s and ‘80s down at the Wonder Bar. 1213 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park. For more information, visit wonderbarasburypark.com
Food Trucktemberfest • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Experience the best food trucks on the Jersey Shore, with free parking and admission. Monmouth Park, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport For more information, visit monmouthpark.com
Sunday, Sept. 8
Red Bank Street Fair & Crafts Show • 11 a.m.
Bring the family down to Red Bank for their Annual Street Fair & Craft Show for a day with arts, crafts, artists, vendors, food, rides, live music and more! Red Bank Gallery, 65 Broad St. Red Bank. For more information, visit www.streetfairs.org
Holiday Express Sunset Benefit Clambake • 5 p.m.
Party at Pier House to support the 32nd season of giving in Long Branch.
McLoone’s Pier House, 1 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
For more information, go to holidayexpress.org
Monday, Sept. 9 • 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Ansell Grimm & Aaron
‘GOLFING FORE HEROES’ Classic
Take the opportunity to golf at one of the Shore’s premier private clubs while supporting your local first responders. A portion of the proceeds of the event will be donated to Stephen Siller Tunnel to
Towers Foundation, The Ocean Township Police Department and the Asbury Park, Oakhurst and Wanamassa Fire Departments.
Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Rd. Ocean.
For more information, visit members.gotcc.org/events
Thursday, Sept. 12 • 6:30 p.m.
Bell Theater Comedy Night ft. Jason Salmon
Featuring NYC comic Jason Salmon, head down to Bell Works for a night of comedy.
Bell Theater at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel
For more information, visit belltheater.org
Saturday - Sunday, Sept. 14 - 15
Sea.Hear.Now Music Festival
Headliners include Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Noah Kahan, The Black Crowes and many more. See dozens of musical acts on the Asbury Park beach in this late summer highlight event. Asbury Park North Beach, 1300 Ocean Ave. Asbury Park.
For more information, visit seahearnowfestival.com
Friday, Sept. 20 • 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
MWC Walk - How to Feel the Summer All Year Long
The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a statewide initiative to improve community health. Keep the summer going into fall at this walk.
5th Ave Gazebo, Belmar
For more information, visit BradleyBeachnj.gov
Sasturday, Sept. 21
Latino Festival of Monmouth County • 12 - 7 p.m.
The Latino Coalition of Monmouth County is back with music, contests, food, entertainment, and more.
Hall of Records Parking Lot, 1 East Main St. Freehold. For more information, visit lfomc.com
Paul’s Whale Jam • 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Join the staff of Gotham Whale for a benefit whale watch and after party in Belmar.
905 Rt 35, Belmar
For more information, head to eventbrite.com
Lake Como 100th Anniversary 5k • 9 a.m.
Celebrate Lake Como’s 100th Anniversary with a 5k that wraps around Lake Como.
1704 Main St, Belmar
For more information, visit letsdothis.com
Red Bank Oktoberfest • 1 - 5 p.m.
The 2nd Annual Red Bank Oktoberfest offers free admission for everyone to enjoy local NJ brewing. For more information, visit redbank.org
Howell Day & Green Fair • 3 - 8 p.m.
Celebrate Howell and the environment with live music, entertainment, rides, food, fireworks and more.
Soldier Memorial Park, Howell
For more information, visit twp.howell.nj.us
Bugs, Birds and Beyond • 12 - 4 p.m. (Rain or shine)
A free festival for children of all ages, hosted by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County. Enjoy make and take home crafts, naturedinspired activities and educational displays, insect exhibits, Remarkable Raptors shows, beehives, 4-H animals and more.
4000 Kozloski Rd. Freehold
For more info, call 732-303-7614
Sunday, Sept. 22
The E Street Shuffle • 6 p.m.
Rock out to all your favorite songs from The Boss at this special one-night only concert in honor of Bruce Springsteen’s 75th birthday.
Asbury Lanes, 209, 4th Ave., Asbury Park
For more info, go to TheEStreetShuffle.com; AsburyLanes.com
Guided Fossil Hunt • 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dig up history and fossils at the Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Guides will supply equipment and help identify treasures.
Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Middletown For more information, visit middletownnj.org
Saturday, Sept. 28
Middletown Day • 1 - 6 p.m.
Celebrate the community of Middletown at their annual Middletown Day. Enjoy food, entertainment, family activities, first responder demonstrations and more.
Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo
For more information, visit middletownnj.org
Long Branch Day • 1 - 4 p.m.
Celebrate the community of Long Branch at their annual Long Branch Day. Featuring a scarecrow contest, pumpkin patches, entertainment and more family fun.
328 Broadway, Long Branch.
For more information, visit longbranch.org
Sunday, Sept. 29 • 9 a.m.
Mayor’s Challenge
Register now for the Mayor’s Challenge 5k Run/ Walk and 1mi Fun Run, with prizes to the top finishers by age range.
