The Ocean Township Italian Festival returns this August
PLUS: Memorial Day Recaps in Ocean Twp. & Eatontown
Best Pickleball Courts in Monmouth
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Celebrating Community and Heritage: The Ocean Township Italian Festival Returns this August
BY MATT DOHERTY
It’s that time of year again. For the 48th year the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean (IAATO) proudly hosts its annual Italian Festival, a celebration steeped in tradition and community spirit. Held from August 7 through 11 at Joe Palaia Park Fairgrounds, the festival is a vibrant, family-friendly event that offers something for everyone and attracts people from Monmouth County and beyond.
Each day, starting at 4:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy a multitude of activities until the park closes. Admission and parking are free, inviting the whole family to partake in the excitement that includes thrilling rides, games, and a plethora of food options. Nick Romagnoli, the Festival Chairman, shares, “This year’s festival promises to be the best ever,” reflecting the dedication and enthusiasm that fuels this long-standing event.
The festival is not just about fun; it also supports a noble cause. The IAATO uses proceeds from the
event to fund the Continuing Education Scholarship Program. Last June, the association awarded 20 scholarships totaling $60,000 and has made substantial donations to local youth organizations and Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center.
Ocean Township Mayor John Napolitani remarked, “The IAATO has been an integral part of the Ocean Township community for almost 50 years. The festival is a key fundraising mechanism so that the club can be able to get out a substantial amount of money to various organizations and students. Serving as the chairman of the scholarship committee, we have given out over $500,000 in the past 10 years. This year is no different, as we are giving out $40,000. I am glad to be part of such an incredible organization that continues to get back to the community in many various ways.”
A highlight of the festival is its extensive array of food vendors. Traditional Italian specialties are abun-
Photo credit
Robert Bortolameotti
dant, from sausage and peppers to delectable pastries. For those with a diverse palate, there are also American, Greek, Kosher, and Latino foods. “There’s good Italian food, which lets everybody kind of be used to the Italian customs,” says Romagnoli, emphasizing the cultural exchange that food facilitates at the festival.
Adding to the culinary experience, Galbani Cheese Co., one of the event’s sponsors, hosts nightly cooking demos featuring celebrity chef Marco Sciortino and local talents. The younger attendees are not left out, with special events like the Galbani’s Children’s Cheese Stacking Contest ensuring fun for all ages.
Every evening, the festival lights up with live music and performances in the park’s band shell. The event lineup includes youth gymnastics, dance groups, and a spectacular fireworks show on Friday night at 9:15 p.m. Romagnoli notes, “We have food eating contests, carnival rides to thrill visitors of all ages, and games of chance and skill.”
The festival is a completely volunteer-run operation, emphasizing the community’s dedication to its success. Romagnoli highlights, “There are probably somewhere over five nights, 90 to 100 volunteers that are involved. It’s a lot of organization.” The festival originated in 1976 when the township asked the IAATO to run it, marking it as a township function benefiting local and surrounding communities.
Romagnoli’s commitment to the festival is deeply personal. He sees it as a vital way to promote Italian-American culture and to contribute positively to the community’s welfare. The fundraising aspects of the festival are crucial, with significant donations made to various organizations, showcasing the festival’s role in supporting community health and education.
The 48th Ocean Township Italian Festival is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the power of community, volunteerism, and cultural heritage. It offers a chance to enjoy phenomenal food, exciting entertainment, and the joy of a community coming together for a common cause. As the festival gears up for its grand opening, it promises to be an unforgettable experience, underpinned by a commitment to education and community service. For more information, visit www.IAATO.com/festival and join in celebrating a vibrant tradition that enriches the township and its neighbors.
EVENTS CALENDAR July
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
The E Street Shuffle presents: the 40th Anniversary of ‘Born in the U.S.A.’
Asbury Park’s own Springsteen tribute The E Street Shuffle performs The Boss’ legendary 1984 album “Born in the U.S.A.” in its entirety, plus classics, hits and deep cuts. 8 p.m
1213 Ocean Ave. Asbury Park www.WonderBarAsburyPark.com
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Independence Day Celebration at Historic Longstreet Farm
Celebrate America’s birthday with an old school flair. Bring the family and enjoy games, music and more!
12-3 p.m.
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel
For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair
Join Thunder 106 at the Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair at Municipal Harbor in Atlantic Highlands. Check out the sights on the Ferris Wheel, enjoy delicious
cotton candy, groove to some live music and have your chance to win awesome Thunder 106 swag/prizes!
6-10 p.m.
2 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Thompson Park Canoe Rentals Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake in Thompson Park, Lincroft
10 a.m.
For more information, visit www. monmouthcountyparks.com
Red, Whites and Blueberries at 4 JG’s Vineyard
Enjoy plenty of blueberry surprises and award winning wines to celebrate New Jersey’s blueberry season.
12-5 p.m.
127 Hillsdale Road Colts Neck
For more information, visit www.4jgswinery.com.
Independence Day Light Show Light Show and Fireworks at the Taylor Pavilion
8:30-9:45 p.m.
512 Ocean Ave. Belmar
For more information, visit https://tourism.visitmonmouth.com/ events.
SUNDAY, JULY 7
The Classic Car Show & Oldies Day at Monmouth Park
Bring the whole family as you travel back in time and see over 150 antique cars and enjoy entertainment for the whole family. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport
For more information visit, www.tourism.visitmonmouth.com.
TUESDAY, JULY 9
Under the Summer Stars
Bring a camp chair and flashlight as you search for constellations in the night sky.
10 p.m.
Dorbrook Recreation Area
353 County Road 537, Colts Neck
For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 11
Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady 7:30 pm
Spring Lake Theatre 300 Madison Ave. Spring Lake. For more information, visit www.springlaketheatre.com.
Swiftie Dance Party on the Bay Dance to your favorite Taylor Swift songs. 5-8 p.m.
Keyport Waterfront, American Legion Dr. Keyport
Summer Jazz in the Park – Mike Kaplan’s Nth Degree
Bring a picnic and enjoy some world-class music in a beautiful park setting with the picturesque Navesink River backdrop.
7-8:30 p.m.
Riverside Garden Park, 40 W. Front St. Red Bank
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Saturdays in the Park - Pat Roddy Band
Enjoy classic rock faves from Pat Roddy 5 p.m.
Riley Park – 615 Main Street Bradley Beach. For more information, visit www.allevents.in.
Big Bang Mile & Science Festival
The Shore Athletic Club (New Jersey’s oldest running club) dedicates the Big Bang Mile Race to the scientists of Bell labs and everywhere.
7 a.m. – 12 p.m
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel. For more information, visit www.bellworks.com
Long Branch Run/Swim/Run
The 2nd Annual Long Branch Run/Swim/Run will feature an 800-meter beach run followed by a 400-meter ocean swim and a second 800-meter beach run. Participants must register in advance, by July 12. Cost is $30.
6 a.m.
Pier Village, 66 Centennial Dr. Long Branch. To register, go to www.trisignup.com
THURSDAY, JULY 18
Summer Jazz in the Park – Wallace Rooney Jr. Quartet
Bring a picnic and enjoy some world-class music in a beautiful park setting with the picturesque
Navesink River backdrop.
7-8:30 p.m.
Riverside Garden Park, 40 W. Front St. Red Bank
SATURDAY, JULY 20
Christmas in July
Enjoy Christmas in July with live music and holiday vendors.
12-5 p.m.
127 Hillsdale Road, Colts Neck
For more information, www.4jgswinery.com.
Haskell Day!
Come support the premier event of the summer at the shore’s biggest party. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Monmouth Park – 175 Oceanport Ave. Oceanport
For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com.
FilmOne Fest
Come see the best short films from around the world against the backdrop of the Atlantic Highlands Marina. Enjoy this free, family-friendly event.
5-11 p.m.
Atlantic Highlands Marina
54 First Ave. Atlantic Highlands
For more information, visit www.aharts.org.
THURSDAY, JULY 25
Summer Jazz in the Park – Vince Ector Organatomy
Bring a picnic and enjoy some world-class music in a beautiful park setting with the picturesque Navesink River backdrop. 7-8:30 p.m.
Riverside Garden Park, 40 W. Front St. Red Bank
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 24-28
49th Annual Monmouth County Fair East Freehold Showgrounds 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold
Bring the family to this annual event and enjoy rides and games for all!
For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
Meet Kim and Vicky Smith, the Monmouth Mavens of Pickleball
BY LILIANN PARAS
Pickleball is everywhere. The phenomenon has captured casual players and fierce competitors alike, young and old and all ages in between. Courts pop up in public parks, private clubs, and in more than a few driveways. Celebrities are hooked, tennis pros are converting, pickleball influencers are a thing, and ambassadors promote the sport. Pickleball is played in schools, at charity events, and is featured in advertisements. Despite what might seem like a new fad, pickleball was started nearly 60 years ago in 1965 by three fathers in search of a new game to occupy their children. And despite a somewhat slow start, in recent years the sport has swept the country, media, and of course, Monmouth County. What accounts for this popularity? The rules are simple, the equipment is minimal, and most importantly, it is a lot of fun!
If you are a player in Monmouth, chances are good that you had the pleasure of meeting Kim and Vicky Smith, the well-known and well-liked mother-daughter pickleball duo. They each have deep roots in the area. Kim lives in Fair Haven with her husband, Dave, in the same house where they raised their three children. Vicky, her daughter, resides in Atlantic Highlands with husband Joe, their two young boys, Joey and Cooper, and their two energetic dogs.
Kim and Vicky work together at The Fort Athletic Club in Oceanport. They also host recreational clinics in various towns, organize tournaments and charity events, and can be found playing for fun at area venues.
They travel to play, too, and recently returned from the US Open tournament in Naples, Florida, where Vicky competed and won gold in her age group and division.
It is no wonder one of their favorite sayings is, “I don’t always play pickleball… Oh wait yes I do.”
Community Magazine had the pleasure to hear how it all began for the Smiths and to learn their views on this very popular sport.
Community Magazine: How did you get involved in playing pickleball?
Vicky: My mother discovered pickleball through an article in an airplane magazine. She looked for local opportunities, eventually becoming an instructor and ambassador for the sport. She was the first to get hooked, and soon got our family involved. Initially, I played just to humor her on Mother’s Day and her birthday, but soon realized if I wanted to spend time together, I needed to start playing more. It took a few tries before I got hooked myself. Now we get to work and play together and get to see each other all the time.
What started as a seemingly silly game soon became a passion and a career!
CM: We learned you even were a pickleball ambassador in Antigua.
Kim: Ambassadors promote the sport, do a lot of volunteering, and help to grow the pickleball community wherever we can. I went on vacation in Antigua and ended up doing a free clinic to teach the resort activity coordinators ‘How to Teach Pickleball.’
CM: What has changed since you began?
Kim: In 2016, as an ambassador, I introduced the sport at New Shrewsbury and Colts Neck Racquet Club by offering free clinics. Back then, all the tennis courts had to be taped every time we went to play, and all the nets had to be put together and broken down each time. It was a lot of work, and too much for one person, so I, along with some of my pickleball buddies, formed Monmouth Pickleball Club to help in order to have open plays and play as a larger group. It is rewarding to go back to those clubs now and to see so many pickleball players, along with so many new faces.
CM: What are some of the advantages of playing pickleball?
Vicky: Great aspects of pickleball are its portability and health benefits. Whenever we travel, we bring our sneakers and paddles and use an app called “Pickleheads” to find local places to play, which is a fun way to meet new people and get some exercise. We’ve played in California, South Carolina, Vermont, New York, Florida, Antigua, and the Cayman Islands.
Kim: It’s also gratifying to witness the health benefits. We have seen people lose weight, lower their cholesterol and get off insulin. It’s also helped people with depression. This past year, the US Surgeon General recommended pickleball to combat the public health crises of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country.
CM: Has anything surprised you about the sport and the players?
Vicky: An interesting phenomenon is the formation of friendships and relationships. We’ve even seen couples who met on the courts end up having pickleball-themed weddings.
Kim: What’s also surprising is how
inclusive pickleball is. Anyone can play, regardless of athletic ability, age, or background. One of the best female players in the world is just 17 years old and started playing professionally at age 12. This diversity and accessibility make pickleball such a unique and enjoyable sport.
CM: What changes in the sport/players have you noticed?
Vicky: The style of the game is constantly evolving, and it’s fascinating to watch as professional athletes continue to improve. The game used to focus more on slowing down the pace and soft shots, but now it involves more speed and power. Many tennis professionals are transitioning to pickleball, bringing their advanced skill sets. Watching pro pickleball today, you’ll see long, strategic points that resemble a game of chess with a cardio workout.
CM: What do you think are the biggest misperceptions about pickleball?
Kim: A major misperception is that pickleball is a brandnew sport, but it has actually been around since 1965. Another common misconception is that it’s a sport for older people. While many retired individuals do play, pickleball is gaining popularity across all age groups. More people in their 30s and younger are getting involved, and many colleges now have teams. Children are also playing it in gym class.
CM: What have you found most rewarding about your involvement?
Vicky: The friendships we’ve seen develop — and those we’ve developed ourselves — have been overwhelming. Our pickleball friends are like family. We love seeing groups of players, who started as strangers a few years ago, still getting together to play and even spending time together outside of pickleball. We know a group of about 20 women who met playing at The Fort Athletic Club and recently took a pickleball “girls trip” to Mexico to play and take a clinic together.
Kim: It’s also incredibly rewarding to see how the sport positively changes lives. We’ve taught people who moved here from across the country and struggled to meet others. Now, through pickleball, they’ve found a new group of friends. The fantastic team of instructors and coaches, and players that we get to work with every day are also some of the best parts for us.
CM: And the most frustrating?
Vicky: The shortage of courts, although more are being added all the time. On many weekends at some of the local pickleball courts we will have 40 to 50 people waiting to play.
Kim: It is also frustrating when there are courts, but towns do not supply enough open play time to meet the demands of all the players out there. The spirit of the sport is that everyone plays with each other in large groups. Some towns are doing a great job, but others need to step up and supply the court time needed for the growth of the sport.
CM: How do you balance playing for fun and playing competitively?
Vicky: We both love a good competitive match, but maintaining a positive attitude and mindset ensures that every game is enjoyable. The primary goal is to have fun and get some exercise. We also love introducing new players to the sport, so it’s important to play games with people of all skill levels.
CM: What advice do you have for someone who wants to get involved in pickleball?
Kim: Just do it! Find an intro clinic and get started. It’s so much fun, and you’ll be glad you did!
CM: What do you enjoy doing other than pickleball?
Vicky: We love spending time with our families. We enjoy going to the beach, taking boat rides, reading, and traveling.
CM: Is there anything else you want readers to know?
Vicky: Pickleball can be a great way to network and host team-building events. One of our favorite things to do at The Fort is to run pickleball networking or company team-building events. Instead of another boring work happy hour outing, why not host a work pickleball event (and then happy hour)?
TLooking for a Local Pickleball Court?
BY LILIANN PARAS
owns are scrambling to keep pace with their enthusiastic pickleball playing residents. A selection of popular local places to play are highlighted here. This list is not exhaustive and new courts continue to crop up. You may find additional courts in lesser-known parks, or, if you are lucky, in your neighbor’s yard! Many courts have all-day open play, others offer limited open play times with reservations required for the remaining time periods. The Monmouth County Park System (MCPS) courts do not take reservations for its outdoor courts and so play is available on a first-come, first-
served basis. Town facilities vary on this access issue. Courts are generally available from 8 AM to dusk unless otherwise indicated. The courts with designated open play times are noted below but are subject to change, so be sure to check each town website for play times, ways to reserve a court, and in some cases, for lessons. If you prefer to play indoors, many of the private clubs offer a daily usage fee for non-members. A great tool for finding courts nearby and throughout the country is Pickleheads, the official USA game finder app. Grab your gear and start playing!
PUBLIC COURTS
Atlantic Highlands: Harbor Park- 2-hour time limit
Belmar: Maclearie Park- open play Mon. for adult non-beginners, 4:30 PM-dusk
Bradley Beach: Recreation Center- open play Tues. & Th. 5 PM; Sat. 10 AM
Colts Neck: Dorbrook Park (MCPS)
Eatontown: Wolcott Park
Fair Haven: Fair Haven Fields-open play Wed. 9 AM-11 AM
Freehold Township: Michael J. Tighe Park
Hazlet: Veterans Park, Freedom Park
Holmdel: Holmdel Park (MCPS)
Lincroft: Thompson Park (MCPS)
Long Branch: Manahasset Creek Park- open play daily 8 AM-12 PM beginner open play, Sun. 12 PM-2 PM
Middletown: Normandy Park
Ocean Township: Dave Dahrouge Park, Wayside Park, & Oakhurst Fireman’s Field-8AM-dusk; Community Pool and Tennis Facility-8 AM-10 PM
Oceanport: Fort Monmouth Recreation Area (MCPS- indoor & outdoor)
Blackberry Bay (Pass purchased from town required)open play Fri. 6 PM-8 PM, Sat. and Sun. 9 AM-12 PM.
Red Bank: East Side Park- open play Tues. 9 AM-12 PM
Rumson: Victory Park- open play: all ages Wed. 6 PM-8 PM; 20 and 30 year-olds Wed. 8 PM-10 PM.
Sea Bright: Community Center Gym- indoor, reserve for 50 min.
Tinton Falls: Wardell Park- opens at 8:30 AM
PRIVATE INDOOR PLAY, ALLOWS NON-MEMBERS
Colts Neck Raquet Club - open play, court rentals
The Fort Athletic Club, Oceanport - open play, court rentals
New Shrewsbury Raquet Club - court rentals
Park Ave. Tennis Club, Ocean Township - court rentals, open play.
Memorial Day in Ocean Township
The below images were taken at Ocean Township’s annual Memorial Day services, which took place Monday, May 27, 2024. (Photo and Caption Credit: Ocean Township)
BIZBEAT
The Ross Maghan Agency
A guide to what’s new in Monmouth County’s small businesses
The Ross Maghan Agency is proud to celebrate their 88th year serving Monmouth County. They continue to help residents with all of their home, auto and business insurance needs from their new office in Lincroft. www.MaghanInsurance.com
Full House Kitchen and Bath
Full House Kitchen and Bath recently opened their doors for business. The shop provides one-on-one attention from the initial design brainstorming and mood boarding until your renovation is complete. Stop by the showroom at 315 Route 35 in Eatontown (next to Pastosa’s) to see the latest cabinets, tiles, countertops, faucets, vanities, sinks, handles, and more. Appointments are not necessary but recommended. Turkish tea provided always. For more information, go to www.FullHouseKitchenDesign.com.
Icarus Brewing Co. 2.0
The grand opening of the new location for Icarus Brewing Co. will be taking place Saturday, July 20 at 12 p.m. The popular brewing company from Lakewood will now be located at 2045 Route 88 in Brick. With a rotating list of 25 beers on tap at any given time in their taproom, Icarus offers a fabulous experience to the craft beer connoisseur. www.IcarusBrewing.com
TEACHER FEATURE
NAME Bryan Hackett
YEARS TEACHING 17
SUBJECT TEACHING Guidance Counselor
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
Asbury Park School District
What do you love about teaching, and what keeps you coming back each day? I absolutely love being able to help a student and their family in academics and life demands. It’s so exciting to guide them in education, after graduation plans and future opportunities.
What is the most challenging thing about working with kids? Limited resources, lack of staff, changes of post-Covid
What was your own school experience like as a kid? Did you enjoy school? My own experience as a kid was challenging and I did not have much (if any) support available. Due to this experience, I did not like school growing up.
If you could add one new subject that every kid would
Monmouth Park
Join 107.1 The Boss at Monmouth Park in Oceanport from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. July 27 for their Italian Festival & Wine Tasting. Enjoy mouth-watering Italian food from over a dozen of the area’s top restaurants and food trucks and sample from a variety of Italian wines while enjoying live music and much more. www.MonmouthPark.com
Chocolate Carousel
On the third Saturday of every month, head to Chocolate Carousel in Wall for “Cake Slice Saturday.” There will be five different cakes to choose from in this open house style event. Flavors will be announced in the week leading up. Stop by any time between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. that day to enjoy.
$6 = a slice of cake and a cup of coffee/tea
$7 = two slices of cake and a cup of coffee/tea
$15 = a cake flight (a slice of each flavor) and two cups of coffee/tea
No reservations are necessary. Not available for carry out. This is an eat in only event. 21+ guests can feel free to BYO. www.ChocolateCarousel.com
To be featured in BizBeat, e-mail us at info@communitymagazinenj.com
have to take in school, what would it be and why? Entrepreneurship. It would be a great asset for every student to take in school. This will provide a foundation and understanding of commerce, the fluidity of the modern economy, and importance of multiple streams of income and knowledge base. What is the most important thing that your students have taught you? Resiliency, persistence and the need to utilize available resources.
Are you a teacher? Do you want to be featured in Community Magazine? Email us at info@communitymagazinenj.com for a questionnaire!
Adventures in Luxury Portside Luxury owners travel worldwide in search of high-end style
BY BILL CLARK
Ralph Hanan answered the phone. He clearly was not sitting at a desk based on all the noise in the background.
There was no time to talk. It was the Friday before Memorial Day, and his business, Portside Luxury, was busy with deliveries to clients making sure that they had the luxury goods necessary to make holiday gatherings memorable. He would have to talk at a later time.
Completely understandable.
Hanan is now an entrepreneur, operating his business with his wife Danielle on Route 35 in Ocean Township. Before making the jump to owning his own business, Hanan said that he had a clear and specific role in his company as he spent 25 years in the manufacturing industry selling products to national retailers. Now, he is responsible for every aspect of a business that he saw a clear need for in the area.
“The biggest change was more roles that you need to play without a large organization behind you,” Hanan said. “So as an independent entrepreneur, securing financing, handling all of the shipping and logistics as well as creating relationships both in sales and buying was a lot more responsibility than I was used to.”
The scope of what Hanan had to oversee was worth the main objective of the role: providing the best products that his clients sought.
With years of experience in the industry, Hanan gets to research what is available and what makes perfect sense for both residential and commercial properties. Clients come in with a vision for their yards or outdoor space. It is up to Hanan to put a tangible result to that goal. It takes time, patience and honest dialogue, but the effort is worth it when the client is happy.
“We discuss with them some of the parameters of
the project, whether it be budget, timeline, design, or direction,” he said.
Starting from the basics allows Hanan’s expertise to help the project take shape and it is always from the client’s needs. Materials, form, function all help Hanan dive into what he can order, some of which is available exclusively to him in New Jersey or even the nation.
This relationship that Hanan builds truly individualizes the buying process for clients and makes each situation a unique task for Hanan as he calibrates how much time he has, product availability and spacing needs. A quick turnaround narrows what Hanan can provide. New construction that won’t be completed for several months gives more options.
“We have brands that have product vignettes on the showroom floor,” Hanan said. “We have a comprehensive library filled with catalogs, fabric samples, swatches, material samples. So that will enable us to go in and get into the nitty gritty of determining what it is we’re looking for to shape their dream backyard.”
With so many options, Hanan is able to provide an experience that creates a unique end product for his many clients. Part pragmatist, part artist, Hanan is able to provide just the right ends for his customers.
“It’s really fulfilling creatively,” he said.
Portside Luxury’s social media is filled with examples of the work that Hanan and his wife have done to provide products that fit their clients’ backyards. High-end lounge chairs and canopies sit alongside idyllic pools and well-manicured lawns and landscapes. Stools of all varieties are pulled up alongside bars and high-top tables. Couches and chairs of all makes and materials are set up in the perfect alignment for conversation and gatherings. No two expressions of Hanan’s craft are similar.
Although he creates a smooth process for clients, he must also be an adept problem solver. The luxury market itself is not without obstacles.
“Obviously, we do everything in our power to control certain situations,” he said.
Hanan is able to stay up to date on what companies worldwide are offering by traveling extensively, which he admits is a perk of the position.
He and his wife attend the world’s largest trade show in Milan, Italy every year. Many of Hanan’s vendors are based in Spain. The couple have found themselves in Tokyo and Hong Kong to make sure that they can offer the best from around the globe to their clients.
“The main function is to see and feel new products, as well as continue to strengthen our relationships with all of our brand partners,” he said.
Hanan has posted videos to the business’s social media pages of the trips, and more importantly, the products that he and his wife experience.
To be in Europe and judge how a piece looks against the backdrop of historic buildings highlights the uniqueness of the piece once it is shipped and set up in the backyards of Monmouth County and beyond.
Though a perk, the trips are also crucial to Hanan to keep up with what his clients are experiencing on their travels. Clients will come into Portside Luxury and mention the aesthetic or pieces that impressed them at hotels in Europe or Asia and want to emulate that look in their Monmouth County backyard. When he steps foot into a hotel abroad, Hanan is considering what he is seeing and considering a future client that would want that look for home.
“It always helps if we’re familiar with what they’re looking at,” he said.
For his own backyard, Hanan chose to outfit it with a coastal look of Teak wood. His choice is appropriate as he was born and raised in Ocean Township. Though he now resides in West Long Branch, Hanan is part of the community of Ocean Township as a business owner and supporter of local organizations.
Hanan is involved with the Hillel Yeshiva and is the president of the Community Federation of New Jersey. Together they knock on doors, send out social media blasts, visit schools to educate students on civic engagement and work with parent organizations. Hanan said they are very grassroots about their
efforts and practices.
“We work to get the community registered and voting in all of our local and state elections,” Hanan said.
Hanan specializing in outdoor furniture and accessories is fitting for his own lifestyle. An avid boater, he and his partner named the business in a nautical-themed allusion to a yachting lifestyle. Hanan and his family are “beach bums in the summer.” They take advantage of campgrounds along the Delaware River or Upstate New York or simply hike along the many trails in New Jersey. All four of Hanan’s children are between ages of 9 and 17 and are active
in sports and recreation, with his sons playing basketball and his daughters taking on their mother’s love of dance. That love of the outdoors influences his business. Seven years into the next phase of his career, Hanan’s goals are focused on the people that turn to him to beautify their living space with his global reach.
“For us, it’s all about delivering satisfaction at the end,” he said. “So as long as at the end of the project our client is sitting pretty then it’s been a success, and, so far, we have a 100 percent success rate in that department.”
Parent’sCorner
This month, we want to tell you about The Monmouth Museum. The Monmouth Museum is a great place to bring the kids for a day of fun activities with an engagement in history and science. The museum is open to all ages!
ABOUT THE MONMOUTH MUSEUM — The Monmouth Museum serves as a center for education and culture and is one of the largest private Museums in New Jersey. They serve as a cultural center of the arts, history, and science to all ages and abilities. The museum is located at Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, in Lincroft.
WHAT TO DO — On June 4, 2023, the Monmouth Museum officially opened the Garrett Reisman Center for Air & Space! Garrett Reisman is a New Jersey native who is a NASA Astronaut, Senior Advisor at SpaceX and Technical Consultant for Apple TV+’s For All Mankind. The exhibit, which has been carefully designed for all ages, features Reisman’s NASA flightsuit as well as his Russian flightsuit, which was from STS-124 as part of Expedition 17 on the International Space Station. In addition to NASA artifacts, the exhibit has an impressive collection of Lego models. Children can also create at the constellation tables, go inside a replica Friendship 7 capsule and learn about John Glenn’s orbit around the Earth in 1962, try an astronaut simulator in a newly constructed “spaceship,” take an astronomy quiz at the iPad table, learn about gravity with an interactive apples display, and more.
The Wonder Wing is a children’s play and educational area designed for children ages 6 and under. The Wing, which has an “under the sea” theme, features a puzzle corner, treehouse to climb, a stage area for imaginative play, a lighthouse to explore, a ship to steer, rope bridge, whale slide, arts and crafts room, and reading nook.
The Meyer Art & Nature Area is a multifaceted outdoor art area that serves as a classroom for the appreciation of art and nature. This area has encouraged the educational programs at the Museum to spill out into a “nature learning center” where the sky is literally the limit! The Meyer Art & Nature Area features an Art Area, Gathering Area, Butterfly Garden, Wildlife Area, Bird Watching Area, Picnic Area, Photo-Op and the famous “Stella”, a large magenta dinosaur created by the late Monmouth County sculptor Jim Gary, made from a collection of auto parts. ADMISSION AND DETAILS — The cost is $14 for General Daily Admission (for all guests ages 2 - 64) and $10 for Senior Admission (for guests ages 65+ with valid ID) and Military Veterans (requires valid Military ID). The Museum is free for children under the age of 2, Brookdale employees, Brookdale current students, and Active Military. Families with SNAP/Family First also receive free admission.
Boardwalk & Summer Events guide
Frankly Speaking
We
check out the
top spots for hot dogs in Monmouth County
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
Without question, one of the most beloved summer traditions in America is gathering together with friends and family and firing up a backyard grill loaded with hot dogs. This ritual has found itself to be the star of many a 4th of July celebration, graduation party or summer barbecue and we look forward to it each year.
But sometimes you find yourself craving a hot dog when a full-fledged summertime cookout just isn’t an option. Luckily Monmouth County has quite a few solid options.
Windmill (Long Branch, Red Bank, Asbury Park, Belmar)
Arguably the only true Jersey Shore hot dog dynasty, Windmill specializes in giant-size, natural-cased Sabrett franks expertly prepared on a flattop grill. Aficionados know to ask the grill sergeant to throw these famous pork/beef blend dogs on the open flame char grill for a little extra flavor. The free stable of self-serve toppings includes standards like ketchup, mustard and onions in addition to a sweet and spicy red pepper relish that’s worth a taste. Chili and cheese options will cost you a bit more, and while they can be great atop the dog, they pair even better spilled over an order of their excellent crinkle-cut French fries. Locations are plentiful throughout Monmouth County, but for the most fun experience (complete with giant windmill-shaped exterior and outdoor deck) be sure to visit the original location at 586 Ocean Boulevard in Long Branch. WindmillHotDogs.com
Local Smoke (Neptune City, Sea Girt, Red Bank, Monmouth Park Racetrack)
Sure, when most people think of Local Smoke, they pic-
ture pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken and some of the tastiest cornbread north of the Carolinas, but what many might not realize is that the hot dogs here are top notch too. They use a flavorful, all-beef skinless dog served on a brioche bun, which adds a subtle touch of sweet to balance the smokiness of the dog itself. I recommend ordering the Porkin’ Doggy, which introduces bacon into the mix. Top it with one of their famous BBQ sauces for a unique combo you won’t find at every hot dog stand. And if you want to expand your hot dog horizons even further, try the Wagyu beef sausage which comes stuffed with jalapenos and cheddar cheese. Is it a hot dog? Eh, not exactly, but who cares? LocalSmokeBBQ.com
G & G (Red Bank)
Those in search of the ultimate old-school lunchtime experience need look no further than G&G, a humble hot dog truck parked in a small lot just off of Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank. The business has been in operation since 1972 and owner George Leboussis serves up tasty pushcart-style natural-casing Sabrett hot dogs to hordes of hungry customers each week. This is about as close as you can get to a classic New York City hot dog in New Jersey – but with better prices. Two dogs (one with mustard and one with chili and cheese) came in at just $7, and more than filled me up. Where else are you going to find a lunch for under $10 these days?
Max’s Bar & Grill (Long Branch)
Neighbor and semi-friendly rival to Windmill, Max’s opened up shop nearly a century ago, all the way back in 1928. Originally known as Max’s Famous Hot Dogs, this beloved space is an excellent spot for those looking to pair a beer with their dog, Max’s serves footlong natural-casing Wenning’s brand hot dogs, which come straight off the grill. They did a large-scale refurbishment a few years back and were also featured on an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares last year, adding to the local lore. The menu was greatly expanded during the refurb and even features a long list of excellent bar food faves to satisfy any wiener-haters in your group.
MaxsBarAndGrillNJ.com
Olde Heidelburg Inn (Keansburg)
A long day spent riding rides and beating high scores at Keansburg Amusement Park is a surefire way to work up an appetite, and there may not be a finer way to satisfy that hunger than with a hearty dog from Olde Heidelburg Inn. A summertime tradition for generations (they opened in 1934), Old Heidelburg still produces one of the tastiest grilled hot dogs around (do yourself a favor and have it topped with their fabulous spicy onions). The fact that they are only open seasonally makes the entire experience all the more crave-worthy. A summer night at one of their outdoor picnic tables with a few dogs, some crinkle-cut fries and round of beers – now THAT is what summer is all about.
Old Heidelburg Inn
Local Smoke
Max’s Bar & Grill
G & G
Boardwalk & Summer Events guide
Silverball Retro Arcade (Asbury Park)
To Get Your Game On This Summer
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
By its very nature, the summer is all about playtime, (and that goes for adults as well as kids). Everything from the games of chance on the boardwalk to the video-game classics and pinball machines at the arcades offer up a fabulous opportunity to release some stress and feel like a kid again. And with that in mind, we present to you the best places to get your game on this summer!
There is a reason Asbury Park is known as the cool kid on the block, and spots like the Silverball Retro Arcade illustrate that point perfectly. Located right on the boardwalk, this effortlessly hip spot features the largest and most impressive selection of vintage pinball machines you will find anywhere at the Jersey Shore, each labeled with their date of production. Throw in a few skeeball lanes, a duo of air hockey tables and a rotating gaggle of classic old school video games (think Frogger, Galaga, Tapper, Space Invaders and more) and it all adds up to one of the most enjoyable summer afternoons imaginable. SilverballMuseum.com
iPlay America (Freehold)
Who says you need to travel to the beach towns to have a little fun? iPlay America offers up all of the boardwalk-style good times you know and love in the decidedly suburban location of Route 9 in Freehold. The latest video games are all in house, but that really only scratches the surface, as iPlay offers everything from indoor go karts and the incredible XD Dark Ride to a mini ferris wheel, laser tag, balloon darts and more. Onsite food choices include boardwalk-style snacks at Sonny’s, slices from Rob’s Pizza as well as robust menus at The Loaded Spoon and Topgolf Swing Suite. iPlayAmerica.com
Amusement Park
Keansburg Amusement Park (Keansburg)
From a visual perspective, arcades and games of chance seem most at home when the aesthetic of the environment that surrounds them is a bit rough around the edges. The arcades in the ’80s always had a bit of an edge to them as did the traveling circuses where this type of entertainment’s roots lie. Keansburg Amusement Park, has a few bumps and bruises, but that ultimately adds to its charm. A sort of boardwalk-without-boards, the park offers a full lineup of rides as well as games for all ages. Spinning wheels, frog bogs, basketball shooting challenges and traditional arcade classics are all in the mix. KeansburgAmusementPark.com
JENKINSONS BOARDWALK (POINT PLEASANT)
If there is a more quintessential “summer-at-the-JerseyShore” experience than strolling the boards in Point Pleasant, we have yet to find it. Your options for fun and games are all but endless, with all the boxes being checked off at nearly every turn. Kiddie rides like fire engines and jumping motorcycles, big kid rides like the Super Himalaya and Pirate’s Plunge as well as nostalgic faves like bumper cars and the Tilt-a-Whirl all live side-by-side with some of the best arcades and boardwalk games of chance you’ll find anywhere at the shore. The crashing waves and whiffs of cotton candy and funnel cakes just add to the intoxicating nostalgia of the entire experience. Jenkinsons.com — Photos provided —
Bored? Hit the Boards!
So it’s the heart of the summer, and you are looking to indulge in the kind of seaside fun that can only be had right here at the Jersey Shore? Whether it’s the rides, the slides, the games, the funnel cakes or a simple peaceful trek down the boards to take in the sights, sounds and smells, here’s a list of some of our favorite boardwalks to spend a few hours at (and what you’ll find at each).
Long Branch: Long Branch’s boardwalk and pavilion is built around its centerpiece, Pier Village, a modern, multi-use space housing everything from oceanfront apartments and The Wave hotel to surf shops, pizzerias, bookstores, both casual and high-end dining options and so much more. The recent addition of a mini golf course in Festival Plaza adds a new fun element for 2024.
Asbury Park: Years ago, Asbury Park’s boardwalk was a fairly traditional mix of bumper cars and tilt-a-whirls, all accented by a not-so-typical backdrop which featured the jaw dropping architecture of the Carousel House, Convention Hall and the Casino. While the rides may have been torn down long ago, the rebirth of Asbury Park has brought with it a more grown-up boardwalk, which now features a collection of trendy restaurants and shops alongside classic options like giant pizza slices at Maruca’s and foot-long hot dogs at Mayfair. The Silverball Pinball Museum tips its cap heavily to your favorite arcades of the ’70s and ’80s, while the splash park gives the kiddos a place to run wet and wild on a hot summer day.
Ocean Grove: The boards are not made of actual wood on Ocean Grove’s boardwalk, which makes them both more durable and easier to walk on. Note: the town’s recently constructed pier sustained damage during a recent storm, which has limited access to it temporarily.
Bradley Beach: Mostly boards, save for the occasional food truck or mini golf course, Bradley Beach is very much a local’s town – with a local’s boardwalk. What does that mean? Well, let’s just say you have virtually no chance of bumping into any member of the cast of “Jersey Shore” here, and that is one of the best things about it.
Avon- By-The-Sea: Nothing but gorgeous sand and sea to look at on this short stretch that runs through the length of this short (but beautiful) beach town. A great place to go for a quick and picturesque jog without a ton of crowds in your way.
Belmar: Gorgeous direct views of the ocean that are visible both from the boardwalk and Ocean Avenue thanks to the lack of any dunes on Belmar’s beach. Unlike many boardwalks, the shops, bars and restaurants are mostly located across the street, giving Belmar’s boardwalk a clean and unobstructed vibe, perfect for exercising or just casually moseying down.
Point Pleasant: A magnet for almost anyone who visits the Jersey Shore on vacation, Point Pleasant’s boardwalk checks just about every box there is, with everything from classic midway and kiddie rides to arcades, mini golf courses, iconic bars like Jenk’s and Martell’s Tiki Bar as well as plenty of spots to grab a Kohr’s custard. This is the fabric of childhood memories and even if you have been a thousand times or roll your eyes at the tourists, it’s worth the trip every single time.
iPlay America
Keansburg
Jenkinsons Boardwalk
Joe Nappi’s journey as an educator at Monmouth Regional High School has been marked by a passionate commitment to history and humanity. This year, his efforts culminated in the prestigious honor of being named New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, an accolade that took him all the way to the White House — an experience that not only celebrated his professional achievements, but also highlighted his profound impact on education.
Joe’s educational philosophy centers on the power of historical understanding to foster empathy and inspire change. He has dedicated eighteen years to teaching subjects such as The Holocaust, Genocide and Modern Humanity, and United States History. His approach has always been to connect past events with present realities, encouraging his students to “Be the Change” they wish to see in the world.
This philosophy and his commitment to education were recognized on a national scale when Joe was invited to a state dinner at the White House. Reflecting on this honor, Joe shared, “It’s really been a whirlwind. I certainly never expected to end up in this position. It’s been a tremendous honor to get to be in this position.”
The event was particularly memorable for Joe, not only for the honor itself, but for the setting.
“Of all the experiences, the state dinner at the White House really stands out to me, just because of the tremendous amount of respect that the Biden administration showed not just to me, but to all of the state teachers,” he remarked.
The historical significance of the venue resonated deeply with Joe, especially when seated next to the fireplace where FDR conducted his fireside chats — an iconic spot that connected Joe’s passion for history with a personal experience of a lifetime.
Joe’s visit to the White House was more than just a personal achievement; it was a symbol of validation for teachers
An Inspiration for the Next Generation NJ Teacher of the Year Joe Nappi honored at the White House
BY MATT DOHERTY
everywhere, especially in a time when the teaching profession faces numerous challenges.
“Especially now where we hear so many negative things about teachers and people not wanting to go into the profession, I think it’s really important to celebrate the work that teachers do every day,” Joe stated. This celebration at the national level underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting educators who dedicate their lives to shaping future generations. Despite his statewide recognition, Joe remains humble and reflective. He views the award not as a personal trophy but as a tribute to all educators. “I may have been lucky enough to have been selected for New Jersey, but I’m not the best teacher in the state. I may not be the best teacher in my own house,” he joked, referencing his wife, who is also a dedicated English teacher.
Joe’s work extends beyond the classroom through his roles as the Key Club Advisor, a member of the Equity Council, and the chair of the Monmouth Helping Its Own Charitable committee. These positions allow him to influence various aspects of student life and welfare, further demonstrating his holistic approach to education.
The Teacher of the Year honor has also served as a catalyst for Joe to promote important educational initiatives and programs. He has led numerous trips to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, enhancing his students’ understanding of history and its implications. His involvement in designing lessons for PBS’s “The US and the Holocaust” and his active participation in professional development on teaching best practices highlight his ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
Nappi’s recognition as Teacher of the Year and his memorable visit to the White House reflect a career built on dedication, innovation, and compassion. His story is not just about personal accolades, but about the broader significance of recognizing and celebrating educators like him who shape our society by empowering the next generation.
Memorial Day in Eatontown
The below images were taken at Eatontown’s annual Memorial Day services, which were held Monday, May 27. Members of the VFW Post 2226 also honored the fallen heroes by putting flags on the gravesites of servicemembers at White Ridge Cemetery.
(Photo and Caption Credit: Eatontown Councilwoman Candace Faust)
Sunshine and Good Times in Dark City
Asbury Park springs to life this summer with exciting concerts, new business openings, re-openings and more
BY REBECCA KING
Asbury Park is one of those rare shore towns that somehow manages to stay buzzing all year round. But we’d be lying if we didn’t admit there’s something extra special about Asbury Park during the summertime. Whether you’re a beach bum, shop-a-saurus, music enthusiast or foodie, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. So pack your sunscreen, grab your shades, slurp down a rum bucket and get ready to dive into the best that Asbury Park has to offer this summer.
WHERE TO ROCK OUT
Stone Pony Summer Stage
Did you even really do summer in Jersey without a trip to the Stone Pony? The iconic venue is celebrating 50 years, so if you’ve never seen a concert at the Stone Pony’s open-air Summer Stage before, this is the perfect time. Catch the following artists on the Summer Stage:
• Moe.: 4 p.m. on July 4
• Railroad Earth: 6 p.m. on July 5
• Streetlight Manifesto: 7:30 p.m. on July 6
• Jamey Johnson: 5:30 p.m. on July 10
• The Used: 6 p.m. on July 12
• O.A.R. Summer Tour 24: 6:30 p.m. on July 19
• The Bouncing Souls: 4 p.m. on July 20
• Dark Star Orchestra: 6 p.m. on July 21
• Two Door Cinema Club: 6:30 p.m. on July 26
• Iration and Pepper: 6 p.m. on Aug. 2
• The Struts: 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 3
• Sad Summer Festival 2024 (Featuring Mayday Parade, The Maine, The Wonder Years, We the Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, Daisy Grenade, and Diva Bleach): 2 p.m. on Aug. 4
• Gaslight Anthem: 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 16
• Whiskey Myers: 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 21
• Something Corporate: 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 23
• New Found Glory: 6:30 .m. on Aug. 24
• Sublime with Rome: 6 p.m. on Aug. 25
• Umphrey’s McGee: 5 p.m. on Aug. 28
• Almost Queen: 7 p.m. on Aug. 30
• Waxahatchee: 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 1
• Dashboard Confessional: 5 p.m. on Sept. 10
• Justin Moore & Randy Houser: 5 p.m. on Sept. 27
Stone Pony is located at 913 Ocean Ave. N., Asbury Park; 732-502-0600, stoneponyonline.com.
House of Independents
House of Independents has reopened just in time for the summer. The venue has been a local favorite since 2016 but was forced to close in September of 2023 due to damage caused by the flooding of Wesley Lake. House of Independents celebrated its reopening in June with a concert by Brian Fallon, the frontman of Gaslight Anthem and a Red Bank native. The highlight of the summer season will be three shows by The Starting Line from July 25 to 27. While those shows are already sold out, you can still get tickets to the following:
• Puppeteers for Fears presents: Cthulhu: The Musical: 8 p.m. on July 2; $20.
• The Wailers: 8 p.m. on July 6; $35.
• Prince Daddy and the Hyena: 7 p.m. on July 9; $25.
• Jake Hill: 7:30 p.m. on July 18; $30.
• The Dangerous Summer: 5:30 p.m. on July 20; $20.
• In Our Glory: 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 10; $15.
• Beachside Boogie: 7 p.m. on Aug. 17, $20.
• LOUYAH “Dying to Know You” Tour: 7 p.m. on Aug. 23, $20
• Louie DeVito: 9 p.m. on Aug. 31, $35-$300.
• Koo Koo: 1 p.m. on Sept. 15, $25-$50.
• Soen: 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, $25.
House of Independents is located at 572 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park; houseofindependents.com.
The Saint
A beloved music venue may be reopening this summer after closing in 2022. The Saint, which originally opened in 1994 and has hosted such stellar acts as Jewel, Joey Ramone, Crimson Voodoo, Leeds Point and Cake, as well as hundreds of others, announced that its grand reopening is in the works.
On May 1, the venue posted on its Facebook saying that management is focusing on reinstating the venue’s liquor license. The post continued, “Once that is cleared we begin plans to find the right location and are working through a couple options now in the downtown area. Once we have solidified plans we will announce it to the public.”
Though there are no shows to report on now, there may be a few announced in the near future.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival
The Sea.Hear.Now Festival is the Jersey Shore’s perfect summer send-off, and this year is easily the most anticipated of any in the fest’s history.
A celebration of music and surf culture that has been running annually since 2018, Sea.Hear.Now returns to the sands of Asbury Park from Sept. 14 to 15.
Saturday’s show will be headlined by “Stick Season” singer Noah Kahan, with performances by the Black Crowes, 311, The Revivalists, The Hives, Grace Potter, Sierra Ferrell, Peaches, Guster, Ziggy Alberts, Robert Randolph Band, Joe P, Passafire and Sonic Blue.
But the big news is that for the first time ever, Asbury royalty Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will headline Sunday’s show. Ticket-holders that day can also catch performances by The Gaslight Anthem, Trey Anastasio Band, Norah Jones, Kool & The Gang, Action Bronson, Gogol Bordello, Larkin Poe, Joy Oladokun, The Aces and more.
While the music festival rages on, a surf competition will take place out on the waves, attended by East Coast surf legends like Balaram Stack, Cam Richards, Sam Hammer and Cassidy McClain. Attendees will also get to enjoy art installations from artists Pork Chop, Jasen Mack, Tim Sramowicz and more.
Tickets are sold out. Go to seahearnowfestival.com for more information.
Other Places to Catch Live Music
• The Wonder Bar: 1213 Ocean Ave. N., Asbury Park; 732455-3767, wonderbarasburypark.com.
The long-anticipated reopening of the 4th Avenue Pavilion has arrived, bringing with it eclectic shops and restaurants.
“We look forward to launching summer with new offerings for the season,” said Jaime Kelley, senior general manager of the 4th Avenue Pavilion. Reopening 4th Avenue Pavilion will give opportunity to some new and local small businesses as well as provide our visitors with more options.”
The pavilion will also soon be covered with wall-to-wall murals, as the Boardwalk has partnered with the local public arts non-profit Wooden Walls Project to enliven the space. Shops opening in the boardwalk pavilion include:
• The Art Spot is a studio space, art shop, gallery and workshop; @artspotap on Instagram.
• Buttermee Pancakes specializes in tiny yet fluffy buttermilk pancakes that can be sweetened with your favorite toppings; buttermeepancakes.com.
• Chocolate Moonshine Co. is a gourmet fudge shop with more than 30 flavors available, as well as Caribbean rum cakes and cold chocolate drinks; chocolatemoonshine.com.
• Sugar Pop Candy Bar is a candy shop bursting with over 100 kinds of candy – from nostalgic classics to new favorites, including a PinkBerery Frozen Yogurt shop; sugarpopusa.com. Sugar Pop Popcorn offers dozens of flavors of popcorn, saltwater taffy and cotton candy.
• Promised Land Apparel sells customizable clothing and merchandise featuring more than 100 unique Asbury Park-themed designs; facebook.com/promisedlandap.
• The Shop offers swimwear and women’s beachwear.
• Asbury Nation sells women’s and men’s swimwear, beach apparel and accessories.
Baked Bear
Baked Bear, a national ice cream sandwich chain, opened a new location in Asbury Park
in April. Beaked Bear was founded by childhood friends Rob Robbins and Shane Stanger, with its first location opening in Pacific Beach, California in 2013. It’s known for its baked-from-scratch cookies and brownies that sandwich the ice cream flavor of your choice. Baked Bear also offers ice cream cups, cones and sundaes, as well as two new cookie flavors of the month and seasonal rotating ice cream flavors. And look out for the Baked Bear food truck at local festivals and parties, as well. “We chose Asbury Park because of the great downtown food and beverage scene,” said owner Tyler Hess. “There are lots of great restaurants and bars where people like to go. It is less seasonal in nature than our boardwalk location in Pier Village, making it a great complement to our growing business.” Baked Bear is located at 614 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park; thebakedbear.com.
Asbury Park Brewery
A much loved staple, Asbury Park Brewery has moved to a brand-new location on Cookman Avenue in the heart of downtown. The new digs features a tap room with 12 taps as well as an art installation from famed local artist Porkchop and offers 3180 square feet of space for beer enthusiasts to enjoy. The brewery, which opened in 2016, was former-
ly located at 810 Sewell Avenue. The new location will provide much more foot traffic for the business as well as yet another spot for the bar-hopping crowd to pop in at. Asbury Park Brewery is located at 614 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park; AsburyParkBrewery.com
CatBird
Want to mix up the ocean view?
CatBird Wood Fired Kitchen just opened along Deal Lake. This cozy artisanal pizza joint looks like a quaint cabin with a spacious deck. Inside, you’ll find its chefs cooking up a variety of pizzas, salads, and sides. CatBird’s 12-inch pizzas are hand-stretched, wood-fired at 850 degrees using locally sourced kiln-dried hardwoods, and finished with Maldon sea salt, fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil. CatBird is a BYO but takes its drink menu to the next level with the cleverly-named Mocking Bar — a selection of tonics and botanicals mixed into mocktails that pair perfectly with your BYO bottle.
CatBird is located at 1215 Sunset Ave., Asbury Park; catbirdap.com.
Where to Relax
Bonfires on the Beach
Asbury Park will once again light up the night with bonfires on the
beach, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in July and August and Fridays at 7 p.m. in September. The location of the bonfire will be at a different beach each week. You can find the schedule at apboardwalk.com/news/events/bonfire-onthe-beach.
Yappy Hour
The Wonder Bar’s much-loved dogpark-meets-happy-hour event returns
this year with a stay of execution of sorts. The upcoming construction of a new condo development set to be located on a portion of its property means this beloved tradition will likely disappear in the near future, but for summer 2024, it’s still here! So grab your doggo and head down for one of the most fun activities in town. Wonder Bar is located at 1213 Ocean Ave in Asbury Park. WonderBarAsburyPark.com
Food Circus Super Markets Honored with Jersey Shore Partnership’s Business & Industry Award After Years of Commitment to Preserving New Jersey’s Coast
BY REBECCA KING
It’s not uncommon for people to think Food Circus Super Markets are run by a massive company, said the company’s President and CEO Lou Scaduto, Jr.
But, in reality, those Circus Foodtowns dotted up and down New Jersey are run by one big family – the Scadutos and Azzolinas. And those local ties are what make Food Circus so focused on New Jersey when it comes to giving back. Where other national chains may opt for major charities to donate to – all worthy in their own right – the Azzolinas and Scadutos have focused a portion of their philanthropy on preserving something nearly every New Jerseyan holds dear – the shore.
For years, Food Circus has donated to and collaborated with the The Jersey Shore Partnership, New Jersey’s leading advocate of beach replenishment and restoration to protect the state’s coastline. At this year’s Summer Celebration, an annual fundraiser thrown by The Jersey Shore Partnership that this year took place on June 10 in Sandy Hook, the Food Circus team was honored with the
Business & Industry Award.
The Scaduto and Azzolina families were chosen to receive the award “due to their long-standing and unwavering support of the Jersey Shore Partnership since its inception over 30 years ago,” said John Gagliano, chairman of Jersey Shore Partnership, and Grace Hanlon, executive director of Jersey Shore Partnership.
Circus Foodtowns regularly run a program at their registers where customers can round up their change to donate to the Jersey Shore Partnership.
Senators Tom Gagliano and Joe Kyrillos, who founded the Partnership, worked closely with Joe Azzolina, Sr. when the organization was first starting out.
“Circus Foodtown and the Scaduto and Azzolina families have remained tremendous supporters of the Partnership since those early days,” Gagliano and Hanlon said.
“We are very humbled by receiving this award,” said Scaduto. “We take pride in being philanthropic. We believe in giving back to the local communities.”
They also take pride in being a fam-
ily-run operation.
“Not every customer is going to be able to call the president and CEO of a company, but here, they can. We work very hard to deliver the best possible product,” he added.
A Family Affair
Circus Foodtowns’ roots can be traced back to John and Angelina Azzolina, Scaduto’s grandparents who moved to New Jersey from Italy in the 1920s. They opened a candy store in Highlands and worked there for many years with their children, Scaduto’s mother and uncle. Food Circus was incorporated in 1956, and the family opened their first larger supermarket in Middletown. The company now operates four Circus Foodtowns and six Circus Wines, Beer & Spirits.
“My grandfather and grandmother were certainly pioneers and proved that America was the spot to come to make a better life. I’m proud to be a third-generation grocer,” said Scaduto, who runs the company with executive vice presidents Phil Scaduto and Joe Azzolina, Jr., Sca-
duto’s brother and cousin, respectively.
And now the fourth generation –Scaduto’s own kids and nieces and nephews – are in on the family business. His daughter Nicole Scaduto Calabrese is, in fact, a major player in the company’s involvement with The Jersey Shore Partnership as a member of the organization’s Young Professionals Committee.
Scaduto Calabrese, who studied marketing in college and initially managed the company’s social media account, now runs Food Circus’ floral department, Grace’s Garden, named after her grandmother.She made the transition to coordinating floral arrangements for events after her own wedding had to be adjusted due to COVID.
“I realized we had the buying power to get flowers at more affordable prices,” she said, adding that joining the family business was always a no-brainer for her.
“I have always gravitated toward my family and felt very comfortable with them. That just excited me to go into the business. We provide so many jobs for people, and it’s really rewarding work.”
Preserving the Best of New Jersey
Scaduto Calabrese, as part of the Young Professionals Committee, has
made it a mission of Food Circus to preserve the state’s shoreline by giving back to The Jersey Shore Partnership.
“We were born and raised on the beach,” she said. “That’s where I grew up and where I now want to raise my kids. It’s important to be able to come back to the shore year after year.”
The Partnership’s Summer Celebration has run annually for more than 25 years and is intended to raise money for the organization and engage supporters on the very land the Partnership is protecting. It typically attracts over 500 attendees, including business leaders, elected officials, and tourism stakeholders, according to the Partnership.
This year’s celebration continued the tradition of having an array of Jersey-fresh foods, including a raw bar, donted by local fisheries and restaurants. And, as always, the band Brian Kirk & The Jirks performed.
“The Jersey Shore Partnership’s Summer Celebration is not only a significant fundraising event, but also
a vibrant and enjoyable gathering that underscores the importance of beach replenishment and restoration, while fostering valuable connections among New Jersey’s business and political communities,” said Gagliano and Hanlon.
For Scaduto, the event is a chance to, “see all the local officials and get to see our community. It’s one of my favorite events of the year.”
Of course, the real reason hundreds of people flock to the celebration each year is a dedication to protecting New Jersey’s beaches and shoreline.
“I don’t think people realize we have 130 miles of coastline,” said Scaduto. “It’s fundamental that we preserve it. It gives the community a great sense of pride and commerce.”
Gagliano and Hanlon chose to recognize Food Circus with its Business & Industry Award for this very commitment, stating, “The Scaduto and Azzolina families have consistently demonstrated exceptional generosity and commitment. Their contributions, both in terms of time and donations, have been pivotal in ensuring the success of our annual Summer Celebration year after year. The Scaduto and Azzolina families embody the spirit of community and philanthropy that the Jersey Shore Partnership stands for, making them truly deserving of this recognition.”
Restaurant: St. Stephen’s Green Location: Spring Lake Billy Hector - 9 p.m. SSGPub.com
THURSDAYS, (JULY 11, 18, AND 25)
Restaurant: The Cabin Location: Freehold Country Night 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (Live music begins at 7 p.m.) TheCabinNJ.com
THURSDAYS, (JULY 11, 18, AND 25)
Restaurant: The Columns Location: Avon Lobsterpalooza – 5 p.m. Live music and chances to win lobster dinners. TheColumnsNJ.com
FRIDAY, JULY 12
Restaurant: Tim McLoone’s Supper Club
Location: Asbury Park
Paradi$e – The Eddie Money Tribute – 8 p.m. TimMcLoonesSupperClub.com
MONDAY, JULY 22
Restaurant: Tim McLoone’s Supper Club
Location: Asbury Park
Catch a Wave- Beach Boys Tribute – 8 p.m. TimMcLoonesSupperClub.com
Monmouth Reform Temple Contributes to Healing a Fractured World on Mitzvah Day
nce a giant glass vessel that was our world exploded. It falls upon us as Jews to pick up the shards and put back the pieces to try to reverse the damage… It is why we do Tikku Olam. We do acts of loving kindness. This is part of our story. It is who we are and how we walk in the world,” Rabbi Renee Edelman told her congregation at Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT) in Tinton Falls before sending them out to the community on May 5, at the temple-wide event known as Mitzvah Day.
All members of the temple then disbursed to their pre-assigned tasks, which included joining Cantor Gabrielle Clissold in singing to the local assisted living residents and cleaning up local trails and beaches. Another group contingent ventured to the Asbury Park Center where they cooked meals to stock the center’s fridges. A large number of hearty souls tilled and read-
ied the garden that annually produces bushels of fresh vegetables for local food pantries.
The youngest members worked with their elders to crochet special soap sacs to stuff with donated toiletries for the poor, while another group collected hygienic products for young women placed in donated fashion bags for the Behavior Addictive Services in Monmouth County. An annual diaper and food drive was conducted by temple youth Lyra Seligman , a legacy of her Bat Mitzvah project now four years going strong. A contingent wrote and decorated notes for IDF soldiers.
All these good deeds were set in a backdrop of a world with so many needs, but as Rabbi Edelman reminded her congregation, “Our job is to help bring the world back together. We do not have to finish the job, but we need to start it.”
‘Love
What
You Do’ Third-generation gardener brings dedication and local expertise to Dearborn Market in Holmdel
BY REBECCA KING
Tom Addalia, the manager of the garden center at Dearborn Market in Holmdel, ends every summer season with a farmer’s tan. His browned neck and forearms are hard-earned – the result of daily tending to the flowers, shrubs, trees, and vegetables grown at Dearborn.
But Addalia, a born-and-bred Jersey boy, wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I can’t sit at a desk,” he said. “I’m an outside guy. I have to be out there helping customers, designing flower beds for them, coming up with different combinations of plants for people’s flower pots.”
Addalia, who has been working at Dearborn since February of 2022, describes himself as the “conductor of the orchestra.” He does a bit of everything –purchasing merchandise, overseeing the growth of the greenhouse and farm plants, advising customers, and sharing with staff members the expertise he, as a third-generation florist, gained over the years.
“I’m outside all day because I have to see what’s going on in my store,” he said. “People are always going to have questions, and I enjoy answering them.”
Addalia shares his knowledge with the long-time customers who have been coming to Dearborn for years to grocery shop (Dearborn also has a market that offers prepared foods, groceries, and even beauty and health items) and purchase lush, locally grown plants for their homes and yards from the garden center.
A HISTORIC MARKET
Dearborn Gardens is one of New Jersey’s oldest family-run businesses. Frank Luccarelli bought the 100-acre plot of land Dearborn sits on in 1925. Back then, it grew peaches, apples, strawberries, peppers, and other fruits and vegetables that were sold in New York City. Dearborn Farms eventually opened its own roadside stand in the 1950s and grew to include a delicatessen, gourmet kitchen, bakery, and greenhouse. The Saker family took over operations in 2015, preserving the classic red barn look and making upgrades to the property.
“When people come to Dearborn,
they know they’re going to find something different than what the big box stores sell,” said Addalia.
Dearborn is particularly well known for its Boston ferns. The ferns are so big they pour over the sides of the 10-inch hanging baskets they’re sold in. Addalia receives calls all the time from folks asking, “Are your ferns out yet?”
Dearborn grows the ferns for nine months and only brings them out when they’re full-sized. “People drive far and near to get them,” assured Addalia.
Addalia came out of a retirement of sorts to work at Dearborn. For 40 years, he owned three flower retail shops called Flowers by Addalia.
Addalia’s family has been in the farming business for more than 100 years. His grandfather Joseph came to the United States from Italy in 1905, where he lived in a farming village and made his living by tending the earth. When he moved to New Jersey, “the first thing he did was find land and farm it,” said Addalia. He sold fruits, vegetables, and flowers from a pushcart. Eventually, he was able to open a retail store in Linden called Addalia’s Flower Shop, where Addalia’s father Tony also worked.
Addalia’s mother’s family was also in the farming business and owned DiMuzio Brothers, a massive vegetable
farm in Edison. Addalia wound up going to college for Ornamental Horticulture at SUNY. He used what he learned to open Flowers by Addalia, which offered floral arrangements and gift baskets for anniversaries, weddings, funerals, and more.
“Back when I was growing up, the only place you could buy flowers was a flower shop,” he said. “They weren’t selling them in grocery stores or the Home Depot.”
Working at Dearborn – with its greenhouses and farmland – is much different from the floral arrangements Addalia used to specialize in. But, Addalia said his father’s and grandfather’s lessons on how to not only grow plants and vegetables, but how to effectively run a garden center, quickly came back to him, down to the tiny details.
“Everything I know, I learned from my dad and my grandfather,” he said. “My grandfather used to walk me down the aisle of his store and tell me to straighten up the merchandise. You’ll catch me and the staff doing that all the time at Dearborn, so we don’t have any sideways pots or bottles. No one ever died from hard work.”
In fact, the hands-on nature of the job is actually what brought him back into the gardening industry after selling his own stores.
“There’s no mass production,
there’s no robots to do your job for you,” he said of working at the garden center. “I just love it. The one thing I told my kids growing up, as they went through college and into the workforce is that you have to love what you do.”
And though Addalia brings years of experience to his work, he said he’s still learning every day. In fact, discovering new plants and sourcing interesting flowers for customers’ gardens is one of his favorite parts of the job.
A sales representative he works with recently introduced him to Baptista plants – a lovely deep purple perennial. And a customer asked if Dearborn carried Lithodora, a low-growing, evergreen shrub with vibrant blue flowers, that was new to Addalia. Of course, he worked to find a few Lithodora plants to fulfill the customer’s vision of her dream garden – a commitment he makes to all of his customers – or, as his wife calls them, his friends.
“When I get home at night,” Addalia joked, “My wife always asks, ‘Did any of your friends come in today?’”
Dearborn Market is located at 2170 NJ-35, in Holmdel. Go to DearbornMarket.com for more information.
— PHOTOS PROVIDED —
Where We Deliver
ZONE 1
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ZONE 2
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ZONE 3
Allenhurst • Asbury Park
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Bradley Beach • Deal
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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
GRACIE OF MONMOUTH BEACH
MABEL OF ASBURY PARK PETEY AND DARLA OF LONG BRANCH
SUNSHINE OF LONG BRANCH
PENNY OF OCEAN TOWNSHIP
PJ OF OCEAN TOWNSHIP
Four-legged Fun!
A roundup of pet-friendly events happening in Monmouth County this month
FRIDAY NIGHT BITES
A free event for dog owners and their furry friends. Bring your pup and your friends to this double-gated dog park, where you can relax and listen to music while mingling with other pet parents. Enjoy complimentary snacks, soft drinks, and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer. This event is BYOB.
4-7 p.m. Fridays through October
The Hungry Puppy, 1288 Rt 33, Farmingdale
PATRIOTIC POOCH POOL PARTY
Bring your pup for a fun celebration of our nation! Saturday, July 6, 11a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Hungry Puppy, 1288 Rt 33, Farmingdale
YAPPY HOUR AT THE WAVE
Bring your pooch and enjoy special dog-themed cocktails and food and drinks for humans and pups alike. A portion of the proceeds from cocktail purchases go towards the Monmouth County SPCA. Fridays, 5:30-7 p.m.
Carousel Bar at The Wave, 160 Ocean Ave. N. Long Branch
YAPPY HOUR AT WONDER BAR
Wonder Bar’s much-loved dog-park-meets-happy-hour event returns this year. Grab your pup and head down for one of the most fun activities in town. Schedule varies by week.
Check www.facebook.com/WonderBarYappyHour/ for updates. 1213 Ocean Ave in Asbury Park. WonderBarAsburyPark.com
NAME: Bruce Horn
YEARS AS A FIRST RESPONDER: 56 years, Active Firefighter
FIRST RESPONDERS
TYPE OF FIRST RESPONDER: Firefighter
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT OR VOLUNTEERING: Wanamassa Fire Company TOWN OF RESIDENCY: Ocean
What initially made you want to be a first responder? My father was a member and the people I worked with were also members. What do you find to be most rewarding about this kind of work? The public thanking us for what we do. What is the hardest aspect of the job? Seeing people who just lost everything after the fire is out
Do any aspects of the job ever scare you? Losing hose water while fighting an interior fire.
What was your most memorable experience on the job so far? Seeing my son become Fire Chief.
Are you a first responder? Do you want to be featured in Community Magazine? Email us at info@communitymagazinenj.com for a questionnaire!
Indulge in a season of elevated experiences as Wave Resort unveils a stunning metamorphosis. The Bar, our newly imagined lobby lounge, beckons with a tide of seaside sophistication. Prepare to be swept away by both the shimmering oceanfront and a sensory adventure that redefines relaxation and social connection.
Our chef's playful and delectable light bites artfully complement expertly crafted cocktails - each a symphony of flavors designed to tantalize your taste buds. Unwind and reconnect with loved ones in this haven of comfort and elegance - where every detail invites you to linger a little bit longer.
