Navigating the jungle of chain stores and big box retailers in Ocean Township and Eatontown in search of unique, independently owned local businesses
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
RYAN LOUGHLIN
SALES DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER ROSEANNE SOFIA
ADVERTISING MANAGER DINA LAPETINA
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGER PAM ROGERS
REPORTERS
GENA ANSELL-LANDE BILL CLARK
MATT DOHERTY
PAMELA DOLLAK
REBECCA KING
LILIANN PARAS
RAY SCHWEIBERT
DESIGN DIRECTOR
DEBBIE MCKENNA
PUBLISHER AND OPERATOR DIRECT COMMUNICATIONS & CONSULTING, LLC
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A Drive Down Route 35
Navigating the jungle of chain stores and big box retailers in Ocean Township and Eatontown in search of unique, independently owned local businesses
BY PAMELA DOLLAK
No one would mistake Eatontown and Ocean Township’s Route 35 for Route 66. People aren’t driving down this highway to stop for selfies at quirky tourist traps or national monuments, nor are they grabbing some hearty grub at vintage diners festooned with neon signs and being served by lifelong waitresses named Sal or Flo. In fact, most assuredly, pretty much no one in Central Jersey is getting their kicks on Route 35.
Littered up and down with big box stores, mini malls and large national chains, Route 35 can easily be mistaken for a road in … well, any other byway in suburbia U.S.A.
But look closely and you’ll find a handful of outstanding local, independently owned businesses that are unique among the relentless army of chains. Here are a few that deserve mentioning.
BROAD STREET DOUGH CO.
With locations in Freehold Township, Oakhurst, and the newest in Wall Township — the latter two are BOTH located on NJ-35 -- the “broad” of Broad Street Dough Co. is Desdemona Dalia, who opened her business in 2014 after finding that corporate life was not for her. Dalia grew up in a donut-loving family, but to her they are more than just a treat or dessert or something for dunking in your morning joe. She looks at a donut and sees possibility—or, as it says on her website, “a canvas for culinary creativity, a way to infuse her cherished family values into every bite, and a means to share her love for quality ingredients with the world.”
The key word here is “creativity.” Sure, Dalia creates your more common (yet still delicious) donuts like jelly, glazed and chocolate, but you should not miss out on any of her more colorful creations (and we mean that literally) such as the Orange
Creamsicle, the Fruity Pebbles (covered in Fred’s favorite cereal) and – for the purpose of this article – the Route 35, which is chocolate with M&Ms.
All items are 100% Kosher and everything can be made vegan-friendly or gluten-free. Look for insanely outrageous donuts made just for weekend specials.
By the way, the new Wall Township store is located in the same spot as the once-famous, now-defunct Circus Drive-in which, ironically, would have fit in perfectly on Route 66.
WHERE: 2005 NJ-35, Oakhurst and 1861 NJ-35, Unit 103, Wall Township
MORE INFO: BroadStreetDoughCo.com
THE GREEK SPOT
Skewers galore and other Mediterranean delicacies can be found at The Greek Spot on Route 35 in Ocean Township, which has other locations in Manalapan and Red Bank.
The menu also consists of gyros, moussaka, souvlaki, light and flaky spanakopita, and platters of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and falafel. But if you’re looking for a real treat, check out the pastitsio, which is baked pasta and ground meat covered in béchamel sauce. Think of it as lasagna, but with a feisty Greek flair.
The Greek Spot also boasts a grocery store, so you can take home a delicious variety of spices, pastas, grape leaves, jams, oils, sweet treats and more.
WHERE: 1013 NJ-35
MORE INFO: TheGreekSpotNJ.com
EATONTOWN TV & APPLIANCE
Everyone needs to purchase a major appliance someday. Maybe you’ve moved into a new home or you’re renovating an old one or maybe yours just plain stopped working. These days, practically any retailer from home improvement to construction supply stores to those outlets that require memberships will sell you a new refrigerator or hi-res TV. But how well do you know that salesperson? Have you met his or her spouse? Have you purchased Thin Mints from their kids? Would they even consider sponsoring your neighborhood pee-wee baseball team?
Eatontown TV & Appliance has been here since 1943 when they were Eatontown Radio. Today they provide clients with the same quality customer service that they’ve been known for since the beginning, as well as the best and fullest array of all electronics, household appliances, TV and home theater components. They can also help with any custom appliance or home theater installations.
Best of all, they know your name. Personally. Because they’ve become your go-to retailer on Route 35 for your grill, dishwasher and fridge for years.
WHERE: 50 Highway 35, Eatontown
MORE INFO: EatontownTvAndAppliance.com
PORTSIDE LUXURY
Now that you have the majority of what you need for inside your home, it’s time to design the outside. That’s where Portside Luxury comes in. Their Oakhurst showroom is packed with luxury designer outdoor furniture from worldwide brands. Homeowners, interior designers and architects have found what they need to create the most enjoyable, luxurious and unique spaces for residences around the world. Ralph Hanan, owner of Portside Luxury, has come a long way since opening the business in 2017 inside his garage. The current showroom on Route 35 opened in 2022. Hanan is skilled in creating personal spaces as well as personal relationships.
BROAD STREET DOUGH CO.
THE GREEK SPOT
EATONTOWN TV & APPLIANCE
“Running a boutique operation amid a sea of larger chain stores is truly special,” Hanan said. “It allows us to cultivate deeper relationships with our customers, personalize each shopping experience, and bring a unique touch to our community that can’t be replicated by big-box retailers.”
WHERE: 1604 NJ-35, Oakhurst MORE INFO: PortsideLuxury.com
THE CARAMEL SHOP
Got a sweet tooth? Satisfy it at The Caramel Shop in Ocean Township. A Jersey Shore “icon,” The Caramel Shop is so much more than just caramels. Sure, they’re known for their homemade chocolate-covered caramels, but they also create creams and jellies, salt water taffy and nonpareils, chocolate-covered pretzels and chocolate-dipped marshmallows, buttercrunch, fruits, nuts, fudge, peanut brittle, macaroons, and more.
The Sakelaris family has been at the helm of this tasty business for three generations, filling bellies and expanding waistlines all over North Jersey with confectionery delights since 1939. And yet, customers can’t seem to decide which they enjoy more — the delectable candies or the kind and caring staff.
WHERE: 1215 Highway 35, Ocean MORE INFO: CaramelShop.Square.Site
INTERNATIONAL BITES
International Bites encourages you to “Taste the World.” Because International Bites houses multiple, independently owned restaurants, each with its own kitchen station, under one roof.
Feel like poké for lunch on Monday? Head to International Bites. Want a taco
on Tuesday? Go to International Bites. Craving curry on Friday? International Bites.
Eight eateries comprise this unique restaurant concept: House of Poké (a “Hawaiian twist on sushi”); Mi Casa Tu Casa (Mexican); Dim Sum World (Chinese); Fruta Loca (fresh fruit, ice cream and more); Indiyas (curry); Halal Kitch (Middle Eastern); Vegan 15 (all vegan options); and 92 Korean-Style Chicken (fried chicken offerings).
International Bites is open for lunch and dinner daily.
WHERE: 1013 NJ-35, Ocean Township MORE INFO: InternationalBitesOcean. com
BACK ON THE RACKS
In 2009, Christine McAlary opened Back on the Racks, a modestly sized women’s consignment shop in a shopping plaza in tiny neighborhood in West End. Her business grew so quickly, that she expanded to men’s and home décor. However, this rapid growth pushed her to have more space, so she opened two additional stores within the same plaza to accommodate the extra business.
“They weren’t connected, so it was a bit of a challenge—it was like having three separate businesses,” McAlary said.
She longed to find one space large enough to hold all three sectors of her ever-growing consignment business, but that had its chal-
lenges, too. Finding a building large enough in a good location at the right price was … well, a dream.
Or so she thought. McAlary found her current 10,000 square foot location on Route 35 in Ocean Township in 2020. It’s more than large enough to house consignment items for women, men, home décor and now furniture. She says that being on Route 35 has been convenient, too.
“What’s appealing to my customers is that they can find us easily as they’re running errands or food shopping. They can just pop in,” said McAlary. “And we get really great exposure. People say, ‘I was just driving by and I saw your sign’.”
McAlary’s customers love shopping at Back on the Racks because she brings in new items every day at prices 75% less than the major department stores. What McAlary loves is educating new consignors on how they can make money off of their older items.
Back on the Racks is open daily except Sundays.
WHERE: 1121 Route 35, Ocean Township MORE INFO: BackOnTheRacksNJ.com
THE CARAMEL SHOP
INTERNATIONAL BITES PORTSIDE LUXURY
BACK ON THE RACKS
AUGUST EVENTS CALENDAR
August 1, 2 & 3 (Multiple times)
Highlands Business Partnership 29th Annual Clamfest
Enjoy plenty of food and music at this annual event.
Huddy Park, Highlands 140 Bay Ave. Highlands
For more information, visit www.highlandsnj.com
Saturday, August 3
Founders Day in Ocean Grove
Come out and experience a Victorian Day. 4 -10:30 p.m.
Ocean Grove, Neptune Township (Auditorium Square)
For more information, visit www.oceangrove.org
Sunday, August 4
The Cliffs
Spend the evening listening to this amazing local band.
7 p.m.
West End Beach 1, West End Ave. Long Branch
For more information, visit www.thecliffsband.com
Sunday, August 4
Latin Festival – Tacos & Tequila
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
It’s like a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the middle of the summer.
Enjoy live music and plenty of delicious food.
175 Oceanport Ave. Oceanport
For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com
August 7-11
The 48th Anniversary Italian Festival
This annual festival is the largest fundraiser for the year and one of the area’s best summer events. Food, rides, games and fun! 5 -11 p.m.
Joe Palaia Park
200 Whalepond Road, Oakhurst
For more information, visit www.iaato.com
Saturday, August 10
Bags, Bands & Beer
Play (or watch) the new Cornhole
Tournament at the Track, with two separate divisions
(Gates open at 9 a.m.)
12-6 p.m.
Oceanport Ave. Oceanport
For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com
August 9-11 (Multiple Times)
70th Annual Sidewalk Sale
Visitors will enjoy eclectic outdoor shopping and savings from a variety of downtown retailers.
For more information, visit www.redbank.org
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 10 & 11
Watermelon & Wine Weekend at 4JGs Snack on this quintessential summer fruit and enjoy some award winning wines.
12 p.m.
4 JG’s Orchard & Vineyard
127 Hillsdale Road, Colts Neck
For more information, visit www.4jgswinery.com
August 17
Surf & Turf Seafood Festival
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Come out and experience the Shore’s largest seafood festival. Enjoy family fun activities and plenty of food. For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com
Monday, August 19
Movie Night & BBQ
205 Union Ave. Long Branch, Broadway Bandshell
6 p.m.
Bring the whole family to see the Super Mario Bros. Movie
For more information, visit www.longbranch.org
Thursday, August 22
’80s Boom Box Party in the Park
70 West Front Street Keyport
6 -9 p.m.
Travel back in time enjoying the music of the 1980s.
For more information, visit www.visitkeyport.com
Saturday, August 24
Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival 1-9 p.m.
Long Branch Great Lawn & Promenade Enjoy cool jazz and food trucks at this free event.
For more information, visit www.longbranch.org
Saturday, August 24
Summer Festival Craft Show Squan Plaza 10- 4 p.m.
Spend the day perusing tons of vendors, food, and music.
For more information, visit www.manasquan-nj.gov
Saturday, August 31
49th Annual NJ Friends of Clearwater Festival 1- 8 p.m.
This two day open-air festival celebrates the spirit of people working together to protect our environment.
For more information, visit www.njclearwater.org
Saturday, August 31
BBQ & NJ Craft Beer Festival 11- 5 p.m.
Enjoy over 40 New Jersey craft beers, live music, and some authentic BBQ.
For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com
Carrying the Ball
Shawn Heeter fills a void with youth basketball programs
BY GENA ANSELL-LANDE
Shawn Heeter has had a passion for the sport of basketball for as long as he can remember. After spearheading a new team for young girls in Ocean Township, he continues to grow a legacy where it’s all about player development and most importantly, having fun.
Community Magazine: Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to the area.
Shawn Heeter: I moved to Monmouth County in 2005 and spent a couple of years at the Hoop Group in Neptune. I founded and ran their AAU program and was involved with the basketball program in different capacities. I later moved on to a coaching role at Academy Charter School in Belmar where I coached high school basketball for 17 seasons. During that time, I was the Health and Physical Education teacher and am currently Dean of Students.
What led you to develop the Spartan Hardwood Basketball Academy?
My friend and co-founder Harry Vega and I noticed there was a lack of opportunities for kids to continue playing basketball after the recreational season ends. So, with that in mind, and after many hours spent brainstorming, we created a new organization called the Spartan Hardwood Basketball Academy. Its primary purpose is to give kids in K- 8 a chance to continue to play the sport they love. We started this last summer and it has now been centered around kids in grade K-4 simply because we know that age group best. My kids are in that age group and because we knew many of the local families, it was easy to put a team together. Each year we are hoping it will
grow now that the foundation has been set. Another program we are super proud of is the inception of a 3rd grade girls division for Mid Monmouth Basketball Association.
What was the genesis for that?
That began as a strong desire from those girls wanting to play. The organization (Mid Monmouth) was lacking a 3rd grade girls division prior to this year. So we worked hard and the girls kept the pressure on me to make this happen. We finally spearheaded a team and played for the first time last year.
Tell us about your family and their involvement in the sport.
I have two daughters – one in 3rd grade and one in 4th grade. They love to play with their friends and it has definitely intensified their love for the game. With my older daughter, I see this extra passion she now has for the sport and it is being passed down to her younger sister as well. Of course, it will get competitive eventually, but, for now, having fun is the most important aspect.
How do you like living in Monmouth County?
We love living here and being so close to the beach is a huge plus. We live in West Allenhurst and it is very different from where I grew up in the Poconos where we had the mountains, which is also a beautiful environment. However, nothing beats having the beach at your fingertips.
Do you have any local favorite spots?
We enjoy a lot of post-game meals at the Deal Lake Bar & Co. as well as the Nip & Tuck.
How do you feel about kids specializing in just one sport?
Growing up in the Poconos, I saw a lot of kids burnout fast. I found this to be true specifically in baseball and football. When kids are starting out, it’s important for them to be well-rounded and try a variety of sports. Both of my girls play basketball, but they are also playing softball and one of them is involved in dance. It’s about having variety to avoid the burnout. I would not recommend doing just one sport until they are much older. The burnout factor is real and I saw quite a bit of it at the high school level and when coaching AAU teams.
What advice would you give parents for raising young athletes?
I believe the key is to make sure that your kids are having fun, especially when starting out. It doesn’t matter what the sport is. I like to say it’s all about fun, fundamentals, and friends.
Wanamassa First Aid Squad Tees Off
Wanamassa First Aid Squad supported the Asbury Park Fire Department at their annual golf outing at Cruz Farm. Trustee Chairman Earl Gifford, Board of Fire Commissioners President Kevin O’Connor, and WFAS President Mike Evans enjoyed the great weather with several triple bogeys and no mulligans. Wanamassa First Aid Squad is proud to help their neighbors and serve as Ocean Township’s hometown EMS provider.
Photo and editorial credit:
Wannamassa First Aid Squad Facebook page
BIZBEAT
A quick roundup of what’s new and happening at local businesses in Monmouth County.
AP Rooftop gives a view from the top
The newest space to open in the McLoone’s army of bars and restaurants, AP Rooftop sits high above the boardwalk atop the 5th Ave pavilion in Asbury Park and offers panoramic views of the seascape and city via floor to ceiling windows. The menu features an intersecting lineup of sophisticated cocktails as well as a fabulous selection of Italian and Mediterranean dishes from executive chef Rob DiBlasi, and the vibe is perfect for date night or a pleasantly upscale night out with friends. For more info, go to APRooftop.com.
Amazon Fresh opens in Eatontown
Eatontown has the distinction of being only the second town in all of New Jersey to get an Amazon Fresh grocery store. The 35,500 square-foot store, owned and operated by the internet shopping giant, opened its doors in late June and offers guests a wide variety of goods from fresh produce to meats, prepared foods and local brands. In addition, customers can enjoy grocery delivery, curbside pick-up, Amazon Dash Cart, Amazon One and Alexa kiosks. Savings will be big at the store, as it will offer a rotating lineup of more than 4,000 discounted items weekly, and Amazon Prime members get exclusive access to Prime Savings, which offers discounts of 10% on hundreds of additional grocery items. “This new, affordable grocery store in the community offers a wide selection of quality groceries and a convenient shopping experience,” said Amazon in a statement. For more info, go to Amazon.com.
Asbury’s newest retail outfit, New Hour opens downtown
Asbury’s bustling downtown area just added another reason to stop by. The newest opening is New Hour, a men’s clothing store. Located on Bangs Avenue, the shop aims to provide the modern man with an exceptional shopping experience. The store’s mission is to curate a collection of high-quality clothing and accessories that exude style, confidence and personal expression. New Hour offers an exclusive range of men’s clothing and accessories that cater to various occasions and style preferences.
Store owner Connor Closs has over 10 years of experience working in the retail and fashion industry. Bringing influences from his skate, surf and artistic background, he has carefully curated a collection of goods that will keep customers coming back.
Tatum’s Table prepares to launch
Tatum Menake is excited to announce the opening of a new brunch restaurant in the Lincroft Shopping Center in Lincroft. This latest venture promises a delightful dining experience, featuring a carefully curated menu of brunch favorites and innovative dishes. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant aims to become a beloved spot for locals, offering a true culinary experience.
Signature Realty opens in Red Bank
Signature Realty, an award-winning boutique brokerage specializing in luxury real estate in New Jersey has recently launched the Grand Opening of their office in Red Bank. Their team of highly skilled professionals have the knowledge and know-how to represent a broad spectrum of classes, including residential real estate, new development, and investment properties. Owner Michelle Pais has been featured on the cover of Central Jersey Real Producers and Connect Magazine along with many other publications.
10th Ave Burrito Co. offers a barrage of discounts
For those starting to feel the pinch from the inflated costs of dining out in recent years, one of Belmar’s most beloved restaurants, 10th Ave. Burrito Co. offers a variety of deals throughout each week to lessen the hit to your wallet. Monday features ½ priced burritos as well as $7 La Casa, Pineapple and Strawberry margaritas and $5 Modelo drafts; Tuesday is “Taco Tuesday” with $15 all-you-can-eat tacos (available in pork mole, shredded chicken, ground beef, chorizo or portobello mushroom varieties) as well as $5 Stateside vodka and sodas; on Wednesdays, you can get $7 quesadillas as well as enjoy their all day happy hour; and on Thursdays, fans of their legendary wings can enjoy any variety of them for just 75 cents a piece (along with $5 seasonal drafts.) For more info, go to TenthAveBurrito.com.
Cuttin’ and Struttin’ Rocker Alex Levine of The Gaslight Anthem Steals the Show at Idle Hand Barber Shop
BY RAY SCHWEIBERT
There are copious cases of show-business sorts launching side pursuits –often to stoke a passion or fill some recognized void – and winding up parlaying those ideas into extremely rewarding ventures. Sammy Hagar’s side hustle was tequila, Sting became a successful wine czar, and the late Jimmy Buffett turned the laid-back, island-inspirited lifestyle into a multi-faceted conglomerate.
Alex Levine of the veteran New Jersey rock band The Gaslight Anthem also fits that mold. Levine, the bass player and backing vocalist for the New Brunswick-based foursome, honed his skills as a hair stylist in part to have something to fall back on in case playing music professionally petered out. The Gaslight Anthem has been around since 2006, recently returned from a second tour of Europe this year alone, and – with Asbury Park gigs on Aug. 15 and Sept. 15 already sold out well in advance – has a rabid and expansive fan base locally, nationally and internationally.
His band’s success did not leave Levine’s skills for sprucing up heads and faces high and dry, however. In the course of scores of concert performances over the years, Levine noticed that most backstage courtesy areas for artists were the same old song and dance – largely snack or libation zones – but nothing to help make musicians in the middle of an often grueling tour look and feel more refreshed.
“In my head, cutting hair was always a backup plan because playing music isn’t always a great way to count on making a living,” says Levine, “so I wanted to have something in my back pocket just in case.
“As the band got successful, I started utilizing cutting and styling hair, and the entire vibe of being a barber, as more of a hobby. As it progressed, I just got deeper and deeper into it and that’s around the time I realized there should be barbershops backstage.
“There just never seemed to be many things that were useful backstage – there’s only so many Red Bull and vodka tents that an artist needs – so that was kind of my foot in the door, and throughout the years I gradually got into it more as a barber/hairstylist and kept building on it.”
Levine started by setting up pop-up barbershops at music festivals around the country where The Gaslight Anthem was among the performing acts. He named the business Idle Hand Collective, and eventually grew the operation to include permanent structures on both the East and West Coasts – in Bradley Beach and San Diego.
“As I was touring, I just realized that there just aren’t that many opportunities to get a haircut on the road,” says Levine. “We launched the Idle Hand Collective traveling barbershop about seven years ago, and then, after Covid, decided it was a good opportunity to open brick-and-mortar. So we have one in Bradley Beach and we have one out in San Diego as well. The one
in San Diego also has a bar and an event space, and at the one in Bradley Beach we’re building out an event space with retail. So it’s a barbershop and we also market vintage clothes. We now have two barbershops and are looking to open up more as we progress. It’s been a pretty crazy ride.”
The event spaces at Bradley Beach and San Diego will primarily be used as performing areas for local musicians seeking to get newly released material out among the masses.
“The event space is sort of a play on how the old record stores would have bands come in and do signings, Q-and-As, and usually acoustic live performances to promote new records,” Levine says. “It used to be a big concept at local record stores, but not too many places to do that kind of thing any more, especially since many record stores are struggling just to survive.
“(Hair styling) will be the shop’s bread and butter, but we’re going to sort of incorporate live performances into it too. Local artists are always looking for ways to get their music out there, and we feel that it
really works well with the aesthetic of what we do.”
So, to answer the question you are all likely asking yourselves: Yes! You can get your hair cut by an actual rock star simply by booking an appointment with Alex at Idle Hand Barber Shop in Bradley Beach (provided he is not on tour at the time).
LOUD, LIVE AND LOCAL
The Gaslight Anthem has two major Asbury Park gigs slated for mid-August and mid-September, sandwiched inside of an aggressive tour schedule. The first N.J. performance is 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, as part of The Stone Pony Summer Stage series at 913 Ocean Avenue, where they will be joined by indie rock bands Pinkshift and Joyce Manor.
The second show is part of the twoday Sea.Hear.Now Festival at 1300 Ocean Ave., on Asbury Park’s North Beach. Performances run from noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 14. Levine and his bandmates – who also include lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Brian Fallon, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Rosamilia, and drummer Benny Horowitz – are scheduled for Sunday’s slate, which is headlined by a group they have interacted with often throughout each of their respective careers –Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band.
When The Gaslight Anthem released the third of its six albums in 2010, “American Slang,” Springsteen joined the Anthem on stage during its promotional tour at the Asbury Park Convention Center. On the Anthem’s most recent album, 2023’s “History Books,” Springsteen sang on the album’s title track.
“Bruce has joined us a few times over the years,” Levine says. “We played the
Glastonbury Festival in England in ’08 and he joined us there. It’ll be nice to play the same night and at the same fest as the E Street Band. We can’t wait. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime situation.
“It’ll be a great time but also a little crazy since we’re on tour. We’ll be in Virginia the night before, then Jersey, then the night after in Rhode Island. So we’re just sort of stopping through at home. But we’re really looking forward to it.”
Levine says that the Anthem enjoys a solid and expansive fanbase almost everywhere it plays, routinely selling out venues, but notes that the landscape in general for touring musicians is vastly different now from how it was as recently as two decades ago.
“Being in a band today I think is a lot different, perspective-wise, than maybe 15, 20, 30 years ago – basically any time before music videos and MTV disappeared, and streaming and social media became the main means that bands get their new material out today,” he says. “And social media never really was our thing. Regardless of that, we’re still able to sell out many of the same venues as some of the bands that have been around a lot longer than us, so it’s been pretty nice.
“We’ve always been that band that’s been a bit under the radar, but our fanbase is honestly one of the most amazing, most loyal fanbase you could ever have. And that’s how it should be. All the great bands like the Grateful Dead and, along that genre, Phish, have relied pri-
The Gaslight Anthem
Friday, Aug. 16 • 5:30 p.m.
The Stone Pony Summer Stage 913 Ocean Ave. in Asbury Park
The Anthem is joined by indie rock bands Pinkshift and Joyce Manor
StonePonyOnline.com/Summer-Stage
TheGaslightAnthem.com
The
Sea.Hear.Now Festival
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15
Noon to 10:30 p.m.
1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park North Beach
Saturday’s lineup features Noah Kahan, The Black Crowes, 311, The Revivalists, and several other acts. Sunday’s lineup features Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, The Gaslight Anthem, Trey Anastasio Band, Norah Jones, Kool & The Gang, and several other acts.
SeaHearNowFestival.com
IdleHandBarbershop.com
marily on their amazing fan bases. And then you’ve got other big indie bands that have never really broken through to the, quote, mainstream, like Wilco or My Morning Jacket – these are bands that have huge cult-like followings that are with them no matter what they’re doing, where they are, what they’re putting out.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have a fanbase like that, where they’re really invested in everything we do and all of our ventures, side projects, whatever it may be.
They’re in it for the ride.”
4 SEASONAL SPOTS TO HIT Before Summer Says ‘Sayonara’
Each year, when Memorial Day Weekend hits, it always feels like we are at the start of an endless road of summer fun. But before you know it, the days start disappearing and the nights start to spark a subtle but undeniable chill. Alas, summer cannot last forever, and that means we all must remember to pack in as much of the fun as we can while it’s still around. Don’t miss these warm weather faves…
Asbury Splash Park (Asbury Park)
Looking to enjoy ocean views without worrying about the dangers of the ocean itself? Even your youngest kids can have a blast at Asbury Splash Park, the boardwalk’s wettest summer fun spot for kids aged 18 months to 12 years. Whimsical and colorful design elements such as the tipping teacup and giant watering can and hose nozzle make this splash park a visual standout among the more grown-up shops and restaurants that dot the boardwalk, but it’s a strictly summer business, so get your trips in before the first school bell rings.
Boondocks Fishery (Red Bank)
Located right on the Navesink River, Boondocks Fishery looks like the kind of roadside lobster shack you would find in coastal Maine. But it’s not in Maine, it’s in Red Bank, and it serves up some seriously tasty seafood – with a heavy lean toward lobster – in a fun and quirky atmosphere that manages to mix in a pinch of a carefree Key West vibe. It’s cash only and they are only open from mid-May to mid-September, so your days of enjoyment are numbered, but there is good reason to find the time to work in a visit this summer, as Boondocks also offers one of the best deals around on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays when a pair of lobsters along with corn and potatoes can be had for the utterly unheard-of price of $36.95. Dinner for two at a seafood restaurant on the water for under $40? Sign us up.
Shipwreck Island Mini Golf (Bradley Beach)
Does anything scream summer memories like piling the whole family onto the course for a round of mini golf? Probably not, and that’s because the chance to putt your way through a whimsically challenging series of holes is simply not there in the winter. Such is the case for Bradley Beach’s much-loved mini golf mecca, Shipwreck Island Mini Golf. Mock lighthouses, fun water features and, of course, a replica of a shipwrecked boat make this a standout spot along the Bradley Beach Boardwalk. Though the official opening and closing days vary year by year, in order to make sure you secure your chance for a hole in one, you’ll want to stop by while the weather is still warm enough for shorts.
Freehold’s Thursdays Rock! Summer Concert series (Downtown Freehold)
From 7:30-9:30 p.m. each Thursday throughout the summer, this live concert event attracts between 1500 and 2200 attendees outside the Hall of Records in downtown Freehold. The entertainment changes each week, but consistently includes some of the best local acts and cover bands in the area. Much of the good times for the summer of 2024 have already rocked and rolled, but there are a few weeks left to enjoy the fun. The remaining schedule features The Gab Clique Band on Aug. 1, The Ruckus on Aug. 8, a Van Halen tribute band on Aug. 15 and Turnstyles (a Billy Joel tribute band) on Aug. 22. Each event is free and open to the public.
Back to School GUIDE Getting Excited for a New School Year Tips from the NJEA on how to prepare for success at school
As summer winds to a sticky close, it’s time to start thinking about the crisp days of fall and getting your child ready to go back to school. New Jersey’s public schools have been named the best in the nation by Education Week and U.S. News & World Report. The goal of your child’s teachers and school employees is to help every child reach their full potential. We are proud to be parents’ partners in ensuring besides shopping for backpacks and new shoes, what should you be doing to get your child ready for a successful school year?
Plan a route — If your child walks or bikes to school, walk the route with them and emphasize safety. Instruct your child what to do if a stranger approaches. If your child rides the bus, go over bus safety. Remind children to stay away from the sides and rear of the bus. It’s not easy for the bus driver to see near the back tires, close to the sides, or right in front of or behind the bus. For parents, it’s comforting to know that the safety record for school buses is remarkable. In fact, traveling on a school bus is six times safer than the family car. Talk to your child about being aware of their surroundings getting on and off the bus and remind them about their responsibility to behave properly and to listen to the bus driver and bus aides.
Visit the school — Take a summer stroll to your child’s school to help familiarize him or her with the layout of the building and find the classroom. It will also help your child get excited about the coming school year. Introducing yourself to the main office staff can help your child feel more comfortable on the first day of school and know who to approach if they have a problem. If they are available, it’s also a good time to meet your child’s teacher. It’s a great opportunity to introduce yourself and your child before the hustle of the school year begins.
Set goals with your child — Discuss with your child what you would both like to see happen this school year. Make your expectations about his or her academics and behavior very clear. Create frequent rewards for success so your child will have small, attainable victories to celebrate. Goal-setting helps to boost self-esteem and serves as a great motivator.
Make a schedule — Set aside time each day for studying, reading, and playing. With your child’s input, create bedtime and morning routines to help them build independence and take pride in themselves. Some children like to pick out their outfits for school the night before to help make the mornings
easier. Giving some thought to your routine now will help make the start of the school year that much easier.
Limit screen time — Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to screens, including television, tablets, computer games, and phones can have a negative impact on children in a variety of ways. Setting reasonable limits on their screen time can help them be happier and more active. Starting in the summer can help make the transition back to school easier for everyone.
Read, read, read — The greatest thing parents can do is read with their children and make books available to them when they are able to read on their own. Reading helps build children’s self-esteem, improves concentration, helps them be more empathetic, expands their vocabulary, and so much more. Provide age and reading-level appropriate books, magazines, and even newspapers for your child. Discuss what your child has read. Make reading a priority in your home, year-round, and watch your child explore new worlds!
Get some rest — Sleep patterns change slowly. Start getting your child back to a regular sleep schedule now so you won’t have to resort to extremes to get them out of bed on the first day of school.
Get some activity — Physical activity is a great stress reliever, and can help children blow off steam after school. Help your child identify physical activities they enjoy doing and help them develop a lifelong love of moving.
Create excitement — Shop together for clothes and school supplies to get in the school spirit. Shake off the mental cobwebs by reading a book together or reviewing last year’s math skills. Have your child practice neat handwriting by helping you write out your grocery or to do lists.
Remind your child that their teacher is also getting excited about the new school year and preparing fun and interesting lessons. Over the summer, school staff, including custodians, are working to clean and upgrade schools. Across New Jersey, nearly 200,000 NJEA members are already working to create safe, excellent public schools. Working together, families and school employees can energize students so that everyone has a wonderful school year.
NJEA is proud to represent nearly 200,000 public school employees who have made New Jersey’s public schools the best in the nation.
Simple & Healthy
Back-to School Food Tips
BY ALLISON SABIO Registered Dietetic Technician Saker ShopRite, Inc.
Back-to-School is always an exciting and busy time of year. Shopping for school supplies, wearing new clothes, making new friends, and starting those after school activities. But, what about your child’s lunch and snacks for the week? Here are some quick, healthy ideas to get you and your child through the upcoming school year.
Back to School Healthy Lunch Ideas
• Chicken Tenders & Veggie Hummus Wrap – Kids love chicken tenders, and when you pair them with lettuce, tomato, and hummus it becomes a more balanced lunch. Hummus is a great substitute for mayonnaise as a chickpea-based spread contains fiber, protein, and b vitamins.
• Italian Pasta Salad – There are many variations of pasta salad, that include veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and artichoke hearts to make this a super nutritious meal. However, adding cheese like mozzarella or parmesan and switching to a pasta made with beans or lentils boosts the protein.
• Mini Charcuterie Box – If your child is more of a snacker, than this might be a fun way to get them to eat different foods. Pack a bento box with options such as sliced cheese, grapes, whole wheat crackers, uncured pepperoni, baby carrots, cucumbers, hummus, pita chips, or crunchy dried chickpeas.
Snack Ideas For Those After School Activities
• Pre-portioned Nuts and/or Seeds – These are a convenient on-the-go snack, as they are filled with fiber and protein. Snack packs also help with portion control and convenience. If your child has a nut allergy or their school is a nut-free zone, edamame is a great alternative to nuts.
• Individually Wrapped Cheese and an Apple – Pair these two together for a great snack. This little snack provides fiber, protein, and natural sugars to keep kids going until dinner time.
• Protein Bars – Satisfy their hunger with a quick and convenient protein bar. They are available in a wide range of flavors and textures that kids love. Look for bars with real ingredients such as dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. Also, stick to ones with 5% or less of Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts.
The Saker family has been operating grocery stores since 1916 when Richard Saker’s great-grandfather opened a “mom and pop” store in Freehold, New Jersey. Today, Richard and family, including brothers Tom and Joe and Richard’s son Rick, own and operate 39 ShopRites throughout central New Jersey. Allison Sabio has been with Saker ShopRite’s Inc. for over 8 years. She is a Registered Dietetic Technician who oversees the Nutrition Centers in all of the stores, and has a passion for health & wellness.
Back to School GUIDE
The Importance and Long-lasting Impact of a Preschool Education
The Vanderbilt study done years ago clearly concluded the benefits of preschool education as an effective method to ensure success in every area of adult life. The authors of this study were able to demonstrate a high correlation between the acquisition of skill sets attained in preschool that were retained and then utilized later in life. At preschool, children build a strong foundation of social, pre-academic and general life skills that will give them a leg up in school and beyond. In a more immediate range, when children attend preschool, they get a really large boost in early skills that set them up for success in elementary school.
Preschool is essential in teaching self-regulation skills, social skills, nurturing creativity and curiosity, developing independence, empathy and self-help skills in addition to problem-solving skills.
Preschool education teaches children to learn by playing and provides opportunities for children to learn in ways that interest them, building a positive association with learning. High quality preschools help children develop a drive to learn that they will take with them for life.
At preschool, children spend extended amounts of time with other children and adults, providing opportunities to learn how to make friends, cooperate, listen and build conversational and social skills.
When children play and engage in activities with peers, there will almost inevitably be minor conflicts where frustration and emotional challenges arise. These situations provide “teachable moments.” Teachers can encourage children to notice how their behavior impacts others and practice interpersonal problem-solving skills, again providing social emotional skills and problem resolution skills carried for a lifetime.
At preschool, teachers offer a variety of games and activities that help children develop pre-literacy skills. Children sing alphabet songs, learn rhymes that help them develop sound symbol correspondence skills, listen to read aloud stories and increase focusing skills. They develop a sense of excitement and motivation to expand learning and develop a positive association for reading.
Preschool builds the foundations for future success through fun activities and guided play offering matching, sorting and counting games as well as board games that help students develop an understanding of numbers, categories, patterning, size, shape and more.
Young children have active imaginations which can be nurtured to fuel learning and creativity. Preschool environments are set up to promote exploration and experimentation. Teachers encourage curiosity and nurture inquisitive behavior.
Preschool children make several choices throughout their day while at school, helping to promote decision making skills and responsibility as they are encouraged to choose which centers to work in or which group to join.
At preschool, children are often given choices to be responsible as teachers expect them to follow directions and internalize routines such as hand washing, caring for personal belongings and returning classroom materials to their designated places.
In addition to taking care of themselves, preschoolers learn to take care of peers, and thus have a sense of responsibility as well as pride.
Children build cognitive skills through activities that challenge them to try new things, solve problems, ask questions and make observations. Preschool emphasizes these types of activities and children learn more as a result of this guided experience.
Teachers help children develop language capabilities by introducing new vocabulary during all lessons and asking thought-provoking questions. With simple opportunities to try new things, listen to read-aloud books, act out stories and sing, preschool children have a clear advantage in learning to communicate effectively.
While literacy, math and cognitive skills are important, several preschool activities are designed to help children develop physical coordination and motor skills. Children are challenged to develop fine motor skills while doing a variety of activities involving crafts, scissor work, Montessori activities and more. In addition to gross motor skills which provide opportunities for children to develop the ability to jump, hop, skip, climb, dance and enjoy the outdoors.
Sharing is a fundamental skill in life and one that most children need to learn. Many children are reluctant to let go of a favorite toy or let others join in building the block area or play kitchen. Preschool will provide opportunities for sharing to be developed. This highly important skill will help them succeed in life and school.
Preschool is a great opportunity for children to develop emotional skills, as they learn to express feelings in a healthy way and learn how to deal with emotional impulses.
Preschool offers children the ability to start developing their independence while making choices based on their own interests. It provides an environment that fosters their creativity and allows for their own interests to be sparked. More than anything, it truly gives them the skills they will need to grow throughout their lives. With improved social and communications skills, they will be better able to ask for help when needed, cooperate and always exceed expectations. With strong pre-literacy skills and a good foundation in math, it is less likely they will struggle or have negative experiences in school.
Their emotional skills and understanding of themselves and the world around them will help them become constructive members of society as they grow.
This commentary is written by Holmdel Preschool. Holmdel Preschool is located at 674 N. Beers St., Holmdel, NJ and on the web at www.holmdelpreschool.com.
Back to School Directory
A list of spots to help you and your child prepare for learning in the upcoming school year.
OPEN HOUSES: Saturday, October 5, 2024 Wednesday, November 6, 2024
ENTRANCE EXAMS: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Saturday, November 16, 2024 Saturday, January 25, 2025
Tackling Anxiety and Self-esteem at Barbizon in Red Bank
For all kids, facing a variety of challenges during their formative years can cause stress and anxiety, and confidence plays a key part in overcoming many of these obstacles. Below is a testimonial from a parent who enrolled her child in a modeling and mentoring program at Barbizon of Red Bank, an opportunity that did wonders for her confidence and self-esteem.
My daughter, Sara Tedesco, has excelled under the Barbizon experts’ mentoring. We did research on Barbizon and saw that it covered everything Sara was interested in, so we signed her up! She learned about health and fitness, set a face care regimen, makeup and hair tips, how to appropriately get in and out of the car, runway etiquette and even how to set a table properly. Every time I picked her up, she would get in the car and say, “Oh my gosh, you’ll never guess what we did today! It was fun!”
Through Barbizon, Sara was given the opportunity to model in several fashion shows in Atlantic City, New York and New Jersey. She competed in the Miss NJ Teen USA pageant at 15 years old. She also has collaborated with photographers and fashion designers in photo shoots. Most recently, she was featured on a billboard for a swimwear company in Times Square in New York City!
Sara has gotten real experience, has learned so much about herself and her confidence has exceedingly grown. We are beyond proud of what she has accomplished and are so excited to see how Barbizon will continue to help her succeed in the future.
— Jennifer Tedesco
Preparing Your Child Emotionally for Back-to-School Success
BY DR. DANA SPADA
As summer wanes and the air grows crisp with the promise of a new school year, many parents may find their child facing a whirlwind of emotions for the return to school. By taking proactive steps to emotionally prepare your child for the return to school, they can approach the new academic year with confidence, resilience, and enthusiasm. Together, you can navigate the transition successfully and set the stage for a rewarding school experience.
Here are some helpful tips:
Open Communication: Start by having open and supportive conversations with your child about their feelings and concerns regarding the upcoming school year. Listen actively, validate their emotions, and offer reassurance. Understanding their anxieties allows you to address them effectively.
Establish Routines: Gradually reintroduce school-like routines a week or two before classes begin. Set regular bedtimes and wake-up times to help adjust their sleep schedule. Encourage them to start reading or engaging in educational activities to ease into the academic mindset.
Celebrate the Positive: Focus on the exciting aspects of the new school year, such as seeing friends, participating in extracurricular activities, or learning new subjects. Encourage optimism and enthusiasm about the opportunities ahead.
Prepare Together: Involve your child in back-to-school preparations, such as shopping for school supplies or choosing a backpack. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and excitement about the upcoming school year.
Manage Your Own Emotions: Children often mirror their parents’ emotions. Stay positive and calm when discussing school-related topics, even if you have concerns. Your confidence and support will reassure your child and build their own resilience.
Stay Connected: Maintain open lines of communication with teachers and school staff throughout the year. Building a collaborative relationship ensures that any challenges your child faces can be addressed promptly and effectively.
If you or your child are experiencing challenges or want more information and support, you can find us at LEAF by Dr. Dana Spada Psychotherapy.
Check out these fab spots to spend the day with your best friend!
ASBURY PARK DISTILLING CO —
It’s a dog-friendly Sunday Funday! Bring your pup and join Asbury Park Distilling Co on their patio every Sunday starting at 10 a.m. for Cocktails & Canines. They’ll have water and treats available for your dogs, and cocktails for you. Asbury Park Distilling Co., 527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park RED ROCK TAP + GRILL — Like hanging out at a super chill backyard party with great food and drinks and a killer live band, Reed Rock Tap + Grill in Red Bank offers a lot to its patrons, and that includes the dogs! Well-behaved canines are welcome in the outdoor space (which is where you want to be anyway) and can feel free to chill beside the picnic tables with their owners while enjoying the atmosphere and a few fresh bowls of water. Red Rock Tap + Grill, 14 Wharf Ave., Red Bank
ESCONDIDO — Tasty Mexican fare is the name of the game at this long-standing Freehold hotspot, and while you are chowing down on fajitas and sipping margaritas, you can be joined by your furriest companion. Just opt to sit outside in the breezeway, a fun somewhat secluded area where your pup can bask in the glory of his own private fiesta. Escondido Mexican
Cuisine & Tequila Bar, 402 W. Main St., Freehold
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
YAPPY HOUR AT WONDER BAR — Wonder Bar’s much-loved dog-parkmeets-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
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
JACKSON OF OAKHURST
MILO OF NEPTUNE PJ OF OCEAN TOWNSHIP
TESSA OF WEST ALLENHURST YODA OF OCEAN TOWNSHIP
iPlay America of Freehold – A Great Place for Family Fun
Especially on a rainy day, iPlay is a must-go-to with your kids
Parent’sCorner
All it takes is one step into iPlay America to discover the WOW factor. Imagine the boardwalk on the Jersey Shore brought inland and blended with a New York City street, complete with brownstones and quaint shops. The entire atmosphere is energized by NJ’s highest concentration of fun things to do indoors, like rides and various attractions, all sized to fit within nearly 4 acres of indoor family fun. It’s not every day you can ride speedy go karts, the Kite Flyer, Skyscraper, Reverse Time, and play 2-level laser tag – all indoors so weather is never an issue. Plus, the young and young at heart can enjoy all of the new rides, games and attractions that were added to iPlay America this past year. Ballocity is a four-level structure of play featuring slides, blasters that shoot foam balls and more; XD Dark Ride - an interactive attraction which offers the latest advancements in multi-sensory technology, or battle your friends in one of multiple interactive movies. The High Flyer is a high-energy ride that will have you on the edge of your seat. The Mini Ferris Wheel packs in all the fun of the classic ride, scaled down for an indoor adventure.
What’s more, at iPlay America, you can sit down to great service and a sensational dining experience at The Loaded Spoon where the food and drinks don’t stop. Keep the party going at Topgolf Swing Suite, which features a high-energy, interactive virtual sports and social atmosphere.
If quick and easy food is more your style, choose Sonny’s Boardwalk Grill for Jersey Shore-style snacks, hot dogs, burgers, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, and more. Another favorite shop is Broadway Sweets which offers Monmouth County’s largest array of current and old-fashioned candy in gift packages and bins.
For more information, call iPlay at 732-577-8200 or visit iplayamerica.com
Ocean Township Independence Day Celebration – A Booming Good Time
Ocean Township’s Independence Day celebration was held on Tuesday, July 2 at Joe Palia Park. The event was a fun-filled extravaganza for all, with food trucks, live music from Jillian Rhys McCoy and Skinny Amigo and, of course, a grand fireworks show to cap off the evening.
Photo credit: Ocean Township Facebook page
FIRST RESPONDERS
Name: Sydney Woolley
Years as a First Responder: 2.5 years
Type of First Responder: Emergency Medical Technician, EMT
Place of Employment or Volunteering: Wanamassa First Aid
Town of Residency: Howell, NJ
What initially made you want to be a first responder? I’ve always had a deep passion for the medical field. I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others from my early days as a Veterinary Technician and Nurses Aid. However, it was after a few years that I realized I wanted to make an even greater impact on my community, so I decided to attend EMT school. I developed a profound love for the residents of Ocean Township while growing up here and I was eager to give back to them through my work.
What do you find to be most rewarding about this kind of work? I am reminded every day how fulfilling and rewarding this position is. I have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by providing top-quality care and basic life support. It’s an honor to be able to help those in need, and I take pride in knowing that I’m making a positive impact on the world. The entire staff at Wanamassa First Aid is dedicated to providing the best possible care, and I’m grateful to be a part of such a caring and dedicated team. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life.
What is the hardest aspect of the job? Although my job is extremely rewarding, it is equally as mentally and physically demanding, which many may not notice. In some cases, a call we respond to can stick with us for the rest of our lives, and to remain in good spirits, we often need to remind ourselves that we performed to the best of our abilities to help resolve the situation, regardless of the outcome. Saving lives requires a great deal of physical and emotional strength, and it can take a toll on even the most resilient individuals.
Do any aspects of the job ever scare you? As an EMT, every day is an adventure. I never know what kind of situation I may be sent to, and that’s both scary and thrilling at the same time. While it can be stressful to think that someone’s life may be at risk, it’s that sense of urgency that drew me to this career in the first place. Being able to help people in their most dire moments is a privilege and an honor. I may not always know what I’m walking into, but I do know that I have the training, skills, and dedication to do everything in my power to make a positive difference in somebody’s life.
What was your most memorable experience on the job so far? One call I received was for a toddler who was bitten by a dog. My partner and I quickly arrived on the scene and immediately tended to the multiple injuries the child had. Our priority was to make sure that the toddler was calm and comfortable, and we did everything we could to make that happen. We cleaned the wounds and made sure the parents knew their child was in good hands. A few weeks later, we received a heartfelt letter from the family thanking us for our care, which was truly touching. It’s little moments like those that remind me why I’m in this profession, and why I take so much pride in serving the community.
Are you a first responder? Do you want to be featured in Community Magazine? Email us at info@communitymagazinenj.com for a questionnaire!
TEACHER FEATURE
NAME Steven Koumoulis
YEARS TEACHING 23
SUBJECT TEACHING
History/Social Studies
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT
Middletown Township Public School
TOWN OF RESIDENCY Red Bank
What do you love about teaching, and what keeps you coming back each day? One of the best parts of being a teacher is building real connections with my students. As a history teacher, our conversations about relevant and complex subjects create opportunities for me to know them in a way that is different from any other content area. Through these exchanges, I not only gain insight into their present selves but also glimpse their promising futures. If I am lucky enough to meet them again as adults and hear of their success, it fills me with pride. Being able to say, “I always knew you were destined for big things,” is what keeps me coming back every day. What is the most challenging thing about working with kids? The most challenging thing about working with kids is getting them prioritize the experience of learning over the grade. The over-emphasis on achieving an A often eclipses the true essence of learning. Consequently, instances where students fall short of obtaining an ‘A’ can evoke feelings of inadequacy and heightened emotional distress. Cultivating a culture that prioritizes the intrinsic value of learning itself is essential for promoting holistic academic growth and emotional well-being among students. What was your own school experience like as a kid? Did you enjoy school? I have always loved school. However, for me, school was not without challenges. What kept me going was my love of learning. And, I was fortunate to encounter teachers who believed in my abilities and fostered my growth. I am privileged to share my triumphs with those I am still in contact with, but the lessons of those who I am not remain. I hope that I can be a positive force in the lives of my students like the ones who were there for me.
If you could add one new subject that every kid would have to take in school, what would it be and why? Practical Life Lessons. This course would examine the things that we all seem to learn at some point but would have helped to know earlier. This would include discussions about how to navigate an ever-changing world. Most importantly, it would include lessons on how to appropriately use technology. AI and social media are two things that impact the promise that these students have. Providing comprehensive education on appropriate technology usage to young people has the potential to significantly transform their interpersonal relationships, and educational and societal engagement. By imparting the principles of responsible technology use, we can empower them to navigate digital spaces with integrity and contribute positively to their communities.
What is the most important thing that your students have taught you? My students have enriched my appreciation for life. While the demands of teaching can sometimes present challenges, the daily interactions with my students consistently uplift my spirits. Each year, I am fortunate to encounter students whose presence brightens my days and reinforces my passion for education. Their enthusiasm and unique perspectives serve as a constant reminder of the joy that teaching brings, making every day a rewarding experience in the classroom.
Luckily for everyone, Monmouth County is ripe with fabulous spots to grab a cone, sundae, shake or float, but if you are having trouble figuring out where to go, here are some places that are regularly in our rotation:
5
FAB SPOTS
for a Frosty Summer Treat
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
The warm summer weather that we were all wishing for all winter is now firmly in place, and, as usual, it’s somehow much hotter than we remembered it. While the summer sun is hardly worth complaining about, it does make one pine for a frosty bite now and again, and though a half-tray of ice cubes or a still-frozen Ellio’s pizza may each technically fall into that category, you’ll be far more popular among friends if you are the guy or gal taking everyone out for some ice cream on a hot summer night.
Hoffman’s Ice Cream (Spring Lake, Point Pleasant Beach)
Launched in Point Pleasant Beach in 1976 after their original lease as a Carvel location expired, Hoffman’s has been a staple of the Jersey Shore for nearly a half-century. Their ice cream is some of the best you’ll find anywhere, and it’s all made onsite at their original location. Decadent flavors like Fudge Mint Cookie, Salty Shipwreck (vanilla ice cream with a cookie fudge swirl, chocolate-covered waffle cone pieces and caramel truffle bites mixed in) masterfully delight their loyal fans on a nightly basis all summer. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can attempt to conquer the Octopus – an eight-scoop, eight topping behemoth of a sundae that was featured on the Travel Channel’s hit show “Man vs. Food” –but for our money, a simple waffle cone cradling a generous scoop of their fabulously delicious Cookie Monster flavor (blue vanilla ice cream with crushed Oreos and cookie dough) is just about perfect without any bells or whistles needed.
Jersey Freeze (Freehold, Holmdel)
While you’ll find chains like Dairy Queen peddling soft-serve all over the region, there is something delightful about a mom-andpop shop showing up the big boys at their own game. And that’s
exactly what you get at Jersey Freeze, Freehold’s favorite stop for velvety, pillowy soft-serve since 1952. One bite and you can taste the difference that quality ingredients make, as you could easily confuse this ice cream for frozen custard, that’s how rich and flavorful it is. Options run the gamut from your standard cones and shakes to more whimsical creations such as their ice cream cupcakes, but perhaps the best of the bunch are the “boats,” fun sundae creations in boat-like containers. You can go old-school with archetypal standards like the banana split, or delve into a crimson colored bliss with their Strawberry Pound Cake Boat, a simple, yet perfect combo of your choice of two types of ice cream topped with pound cake pieces swimming in a deliciously gooey strawberry compote.
Nicholas Creamery (Fair Haven, Atlantic Highlands, Tinton Falls, Long Branch, Middletown)
When some of the most celebrated restaurateurs in the state open up an ice cream shop, its worth checking out. Such is the case at Nicholas Creamery, the sweet brainchild of Nicolas and Melissa Harary, whose popular restaurant Nicholas Barrel & Roost is one of the best in Monmouth County. Its offshoot, Nicolas Creamery started with one shop and quickly expanded to five. The creamery specializes in small-batch ice cream, with exotic and enticing flavor options such as LeGrand Peanut Butter Bourbon, Tahitian Vanilla, Brown Sugar Cookie Dough, and NJ Blueberry, each of which manages to sound more delicious than the last, all but forcing you to indulge. If the flavors alone aren’t enough to get you, the heavenly scent of fresh waffles wafting through the air as you enter should do the trick. Available in either cone or bowl form, they make for the perfect vessel to enjoy any scoop that catches your eye.
Coney Waffle (Red Bank, Long Branch, Belmar, Asbury Park, Toms River)
Despite the New York-inspired name, Coney Waffle is a Jersey original, with all six of its locations located at the Shore. The namesake waffles (cleverly shaped to hold ice cream in a hot dog bun-style vessel) are worth the trip alone, but the fun only starts there. We love their Instagram-worthy over-the-top milkshakes, cereal-based sundaes (Cocoa Pebbles make for a perfect ice cream topping), impossibly creative ice cream cakes and our fave, the monster-sized floats, which feature your choice of two flavors of ice cream and any of their selection of Stewart’s sodas (root beer is the classic, but the Cherries ’n Cream is all but perfect pairing with vanilla soft serve).
Betty’s Ice Box (Asbury Park)
Arguably the most unique spot on this list, Betty’s Ice Box has become a summer must-do for those who frequent the Asbury boardwalk, and for good reason. They specialize in frosty treats, including towering mountains of shave ice that are reminiscent of the kind you’ll find on the North Shore of Oahu. Available in a dizzying variety of flavors, they are mildly sweet, made with all-natural syrups and are the perfect treat to tame the raging rays of the sun. They only thing that may beat them are the house-made popsicles, which are so stunningly delicious and popping with intense flavor they will make you re-evaluate your entire viewpoint on what can be achieved with frozen water and a little creativity.
Dinner Show
A quick roundup of must-do events happening at local restaurants this month
FRIDAY, AUG. 2
Restaurant: St. Stephen’s Green
Location: Spring Lake Todd Robbins Duo- 9 p.m. SSGPub.com
MONDAY AND TUESDAY, AUG. 5 & 6
Restaurant: Tim McLoone’s Supper Club
Location: Asbury Park
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra – 7:30 p.m. TimMcLoonesSupperClub.com
SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Restaurant: Reef & Barrel
Location: Manasquan
Taylor Made – A Taylor Swift Cover Band – 4 p.m. ReefAndBarrel.com
THURSDAYS, (AUG. 1, 8, 15, 22 AND 29)
Restaurant: The Cabin Location: Freehold Country Night 6 p.m.-9 p.m. TheCabinNJ.com
THURSDAYS, (AUG. 1, 8, 15, 22 AND 29)
Restaurant: The Columns
Location: Avon Lobsterpalooza – 5 p.m. Live music and chances to win lobster dinners. TheColumnsNJ.com
FRIDAYS (AUG. 2, 9, 16, 23 AND 30)
Restaurant: MJ’s
Location: Tinton Falls
Live music from 7-10 p.m. every Friday mjsrestaurant.com/Tinton-Falls/
Brewin’? What’s
This month CM features Source Farmhouse Brewery in Colts Neck
BY LILIANN PARAS
Located on a picturesque historic farmhouse built in the late 1800s, the rustic setting enhances the overall experience. Source offers more than 30 rotating taps, from traditional farmhouse ales to innovative IPA, lagers, and sour ales. The vast two-story brewery with a rooftop terrace and acres of grounds welcomes families and dogs, and also features multiple adult-only areas.
Featured Brews:
LIBERTY PILS 4.5% ABV | Dry Hopped American Pilsner, featuring the hops Sterling, Idaho 7, and Citra. — Only American hops are used in this fine lager which pours a brilliant, straw-light golden hue. Expect a super light-bodied brew, an ultra-crispy and refreshing drinking experience.
ROCKET POP 7% ABV | Fruited Sour Ale with Cherry, Lemon, & Raspberry — A heavily fruited sour ale, it is conditioned on an abundance of juicy, red, Morello cherries, Siracusa lemons, and sweet, tart raspberries. It pours a vibrant red hue and opens with intense aromas of the classic red, white, and blue popsicle. This drinks with a luscious medium body and closes with a refreshingly tart, fruity finish, leaving rings of fruity foam behind in your glass.
Crowd Faves: The Biergarten & Rooftop Terrace
The expansive grounds include plenty of space for fun outdoor activities. For those looking to relax, enjoy the Adirondack chairs, have a picnic on a blanket on the grass, or grab a picnic table in one of three patio areas. Meet with friends on the rooftop terrace anytime, and especially to watch the sun set.
Don’t Miss:
The Tasting Room experience and local community events. Having a private event? The versatile array of spaces makes it the perfect venue for weddings, corporate events, and other celebratory adult occasions.
Got a pup who is a rockstar? A cat who’s all that? Are your birds the coolest things on wings? We want to see them all. Send us pictures of your beloved pets so they can be featured in the pages of Community Magazine! Dogs, cats, rabbits, parrots – whatever animal you call your best bud is what we’re looking for.
Just send us a picture, along with the pet’s name and the Monmouth County town in which you reside and we’ll take care of the rest! Send all photo submissions to ryan@communitymagazinenj.com
State Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul Announce
$100,000 Legislative Grant in Support of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce that through the efforts of State Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul, a $100,000 grant supporting Axelrod PAC cultural arts programming was included in Governor Murphy›s proposed budget last week. This funding will help support Axelrod PAC cultural and education programs impacting residents throughout the Monmouth County region. In a period of inflation impacting non-profit regional arts organizations, the grant helps make it possible for young and old alike to participate in the many affordable cultural and education programs provided by the Axelrod PAC. One hundred percent of the grant helps employ hundreds of dedicated arts professionals residing in NJ providing these services.
and diaper benefits, streamline affordable housing statements, and support school funding. Their legislative work in education and health services will benefit Monmouth County and NJ residents for years to come.
Senator Gopal has championed legislation to support the arts and provide aid for education and local businesses; he has provided property tax rebates for taxpayers, seniors and veterans; made life more affordable for seniors; made mental health services more accessible, improved public safety and has torn down barriers to employment and services for individuals with disabilities. His work as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Vice-Chair of the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee, and as a member of the Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee has significantly benefited the citizenry of New Jersey. Senator Gopal also volunteers and supports many nonprofit organizations to assist people in need as the Founder and President of the Vin Gopal Civic Association, a 501c(3) organization dedicated to helping Monmouth County charities and individuals.
Assemblywomen Dr. Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul, Esq. have both been advocates for affordable education programs and improving the quality of life in our community. In their first six months, they have championed legislation to ease teacher certification, create pilot programs for menstrual
James Aaron, Vice-President of Axelrod, introduced Senator Gopal to the Axelrod’s outstanding work in arts education and community impact a number of years ago. He states that “This funding is a sterling example of the work that Senator Gopal does for the arts in Monmouth County. He has always been a supporter of nonprofits that provide opportunities for the entire community he serves regardless of race, creed, or religion. The Axelrod PAC is proud to be included as it provides the opportunity for people of all backgrounds to perform and be entertained by students and theatergoers throughout New Jersey.”
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is a non-profit multidisciplinary arts organization located in Ocean Township, NJ with a new second venue, Bell Theater, located in Holmdel, NJ. Incorporated in 2010, the mission is to produce diverse cultural programming to broaden the minds and imaginations of our community, to educate community members in various artistic disciplines by exposing them to the highest caliber of instructors and artists, and to improve the quality of life of our community through the exploration and love of the arts — music, dance, theater, fine arts and more. Professional theater, dance, concerts, films, and an Arts Academy are among the many cultural programs provided by the Axelrod PAC for the benefit of the community. The Axelrod PAC is a member of the NJ Theatre Alliance and is funded by the NJ State Council on the Arts.
For more information about the Axelrod PAC, contact Jess Levy at jlevy@axelrodartscenter.com. The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park, NJ 07723. Bell Theater and the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy Studio is located at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, NJ 07733.
Nonprofit names Faust ‘Sustainability Hero’
The nonprofit organization
Sustainable Jersey has named Eatontown Councilperson Candace Faust as the recipient of its Sustainability Hero award. Candace Faust is a member of the Eatontown Borough Council and a lifelong resident of the Borough. She has served on the Traffic Advisory Committee, the Community Garden Committee, the Recreation Advisory Committee, the Shade Tree Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
After years of dedicated volunteer work and relationship building within the Borough, Candace is using her experience to implement important policies and sustainability initiatives to improve the quality of life for the community she loves. Candace has made it her mission to develop a walkable and bikeable community that is safe, equitable and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. She is the co-founder of the Eatontown Complete Streets Advisory Committee that has enabled the Borough to receive six grants totaling nearly $900,000 related to Complete Streets initiatives.
Eatontown was awarded the Gold Safe Routes to School Award for 2023-2025 and, thanks to Candace’s leadership, Eatontown is the first town in New Jersey to adopt by ordinance the New Jersey Department of Transportation Complete and Green Streets for All Model Policy. In 2023, Smart Growth America ranked Eatontown’s ordinance first in the state of New Jersey and thirteenth in the nation. Candace serves as a mentor to other towns and shares steps for success at events including the New Jersey Planning Conference, the New Jersey Bike and Walk Summit and the League of Municipalities with the New Jersey Safe Routes Academy.
Candace is an active volunteer. A typical week for Candace might include a meeting with the girl scouts to discuss the importance of volunteering; helping students at a bike safety rodeo; educating the community about Department of Public Works initiatives; attending a movie night hosted by the boy scouts; supporting an event to help local veterans and,
of course, going to meetings where she is the council liaison, such as the Eatontown Traffic Advisory Committee, Complete Streets Advisory Committee, Green Team and Shade Tree Commission. Candace’s service is guided by a true commitment to help others. She has experienced her own health and personal challenges from which she has gained strength while focusing on the positive. She explained, “My approach to sustainability is that we’re all responsible to be stewards of the Earth. I do this by showing respect and helping my neighbors, constituents and co-workers, and ultimately by taking action to preserve our planet.” She added, “This work takes patience. I’m playing the long game. I understand that I may not benefit from all the results, but it is my hope that others will.”
