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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RYAN LOUGHLIN
SALES DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER ROSEANNE SOFIA
ASSOCIATE EDITOR EMMA SYLVIA
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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BE A PART OF CM
We accept pet photos, local event listings, fundraisers & more! We are always looking for contributing writers. If interested, email ryan@communitymagazinenj.com
From Sausage and Peppers to Zeppoles, Ocean Township Italian Fest Delivers Big
T
he Ocean Township Italian American Association Festival took place last month and was a huge success.
The festival, which was originally planned to run from August 7-11, was faced with an initial lack of cooperation on the part of Mother Nature, but still managed to go according to plan, providing wholesome family fun on four out of five nights (on Thursday Aug. 8 the event was cancelled on account of torrential rain).
Guests who attended had a ball, enjoying everything from rides and games to live music and classic fair food such as funnel cakes and zeppoles.
Rising Treetops: Comprehensive Services and Future Vision for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
BY MATT DOHERTY
Rising Treetops in Oakhurst, a sanctuary for individuals with developmental disabilities, has been making a significant impact for over a century. Under the leadership of Executive Director Robert Pacenza, who has been with the organization for 14 and a half years, Rising Treetops continues to provide essential services, including overnight respite and summer camp programs.
Founded in 1906 as the Crippled Children’s Eastside Free School, Rising Treetops has evolved significantly over the years. Originally established in the Lower East Side of Manhattan to provide educational opportunities for children with disabilities, the organization quickly expanded to include a summer retreat in Oakhurst, New Jersey. This location offered a respite from the polluted city environment, initially serving children affected by tuberculosis and polio.
By the mid-1940s, the organization shifted its focus entirely to its Oakhurst location, transforming it into a sleepover summer camp. This decision coincided with the public school system beginning to offer education to students with disabilities. From 1946 onward, Rising Treetops operated as a traditional summer camp, welcoming individuals of all ages, including adults, for extended stays.
The organization expanded its services year-round in the mid-1980s, thanks to state funding for out-of-home respite
care. This allowed Rising Treetops to winterize its facilities, build an indoor-outdoor enclosed pool, and expand its activities building to include more classrooms for therapeutic recreation.
Today, Rising Treetops offers a wide range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization provides overnight respite care, a summer camp, an after-school program, and a day camp during the summer months. These programs cater to individuals with various disabilities, including autism and intellectual disabilities.
Pacenza explained, “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with special needs. We aim to provide respite for their families through a year-round camp experience.” Rising Treetops also accommodates emergency placements, allowing individuals to stay beyond the planned session schedule if needed, provided the organization has sufficient staffing.
The organization serves clients as young as eight, though they occasionally accept seven-year-olds for short stays or day programs. There is no upper age limit, and they have served individuals well into their 70s and 80s. Many older clients continue to return because they have been coming to Rising Treetops since they were young, and they enjoy the natural environment as a break from city life.
Rising Treetops relies on community support to continue its mission. Recently, they held a successful fundraiser in Rumson, raising approximately $75,000 to support the purchase of a new 14-passenger wheelchair-accessible bus. This event, a tradition for the past 18 years, is crucial for funding the organization’s operations and specific projects.
Pacenza highlighted the importance of community involvement: “We’ve become sort of the go-to place for high school students to satisfy community service hours.” The organization’s volunteer program welcomes individuals and groups from local schools, universities, and businesses. Volunteers participate in various projects, from clearing nature paths to assisting clients with their personal goals.
Rising Treetops Board Member Caitlin Bovo emphasized the inclusive nature of the volunteer program, stating, “Our volunteer program is designed so any age can be involved just as we serve all ages of clients. My goal as an engaged board member is to raise awareness in Monmouth County and surrounding areas so we can serve more clients and families. Any amount of help is always welcome and impactful to us.”
Looking to the future, Rising Treetops is exploring new ways to serve its community. The organization recently launched the LEAPS program (Learning Experiences and Practical Skills), aimed at helping individuals with the potential for semi or full independence. This program focuses on skill-building and adaptive functioning for individuals with moderate to high functioning levels. Participants in the LEAPS program engage in activities like planning their days, doing chores, and learning essential life skills in a supportive environment.
Rising Treetops is also considering expanding its services to include permanent residential facilities, such as group homes. Pacenza explained, “An organization like ours, which has people who have been coming to us for decades, could provide important continuity of care for families.” This expansion would offer clients a familiar environment where they can continue to thrive.
What sets Rising Treetops apart is its 15-acre campus, which offers a unique respite experience in a natural setting. Unlike typical respite facilities, which often operate in hotels or group homes, Rising Treetops provides a peaceful retreat where individuals can enjoy nature and engage in therapeutic activities.
The organization’s commitment to serving a wide range of ages and diagnoses, along with its comprehensive programs, makes it a valuable resource for families in Monmouth County and beyond. As Pacenza noted, “When people learn about us, they tend to stay involved or have their loved ones come to us for some level of services.”
Rising Treetops at Oakhurst continues to fulfill its mission of enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and providing respite for their families. Through its comprehensive programs, community involvement, and future vision, the organization remains a beacon of hope and support for those it serves. As they look to the future, Rising Treetops is poised to expand its impact and continue its legacy of compassion and innovation.
TEACHER FEATURE
NAME: Mary Kubaska
TITLE:
Wayside Elementary School Teacher
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: Ocean Township Elementary School
TOWN OF RESIDENCY: Ocean Township
Q: What do you love about teaching, and what keeps you coming back each day?
A: Being a very inquisitive person, what attracted me to teaching was the opportunity to impart knowledge to others. I truly love to learn, so I have always enjoyed inspiring others to be curious and to want to understand the world around them. My kids keep me coming back every day. A class is like a family, and I love my kids. Some days are very challenging, but every morning feels like a fresh start, an opportunity to work together and have a great day. I truly love going to work!
Q: What is the most challenging thing about working with kids?
A: The most challenging thing about working with kids is trying to teach and relate to humans with so many different personalities and on varied developmental levels. Young children (I teach 3rd grade) are just learning how to be independent and have some self-awareness so I have to adjust my approach to each of them as opposed to having the same expectations for all of them. Keeping a large group of young students engaged and inspired is a daily challenge.
Q: What was your own school experience like as a kid? Did you enjoy school?
A: I did not love school, although I did extremely well academically and formed friendships that have lasted since kindergarten. As a bright, but shy student, I often felt overlooked by my teachers because I was not comfortable speaking up during class. There were definitely teachers that I loved, probably because I felt that they spoke and taught to everyone, not just the extroverted students. I often think about my own beloved 3rd grade teacher and consider why she was so successful. She is still influencing me, 50 years later.
Q: If you could add one new subject that every kid would have to take in school, what would it be and why?
A: As a person that loves to learn, choosing one new subject is so tough! My immediate thought is that every student should have to learn another language beginning in elementary school. Although it is touched on in some Social Studies curricula, I would love to see geography and cultural awareness as a larger part of the core curriculum. I often use maps with my students and being a very multicultural school, we frequently discuss other cultures. They truly are very interested in this and will even use my maps during free time. If students could graduate with an extensive knowledge and appreciation of the rest of the world, it would be so beneficial to our society. Other ideas include media literacy, financial literacy, life skills, computer coding and technology.
Q: What is the most important thing that your students have taught you?
A: In addition to helping me learn about different cultures and traditions, my students have really taught me how to be more compassionate and empathetic. Children come from so many different home situations and places, but they all need to feel accepted and acknowledged. I have learned that in order to effectively teach, I have to have a class environment where children and their families feel safe, welcomed and loved.
Are you a teacher? Do you want to be featured in Community Magazine? Email us at info@communitymagazinenj.com for a questionnaire!
5 of the GREATEST SANDWICHES
in Monmouth County
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
Finding a sandwich in Monmouth County isn’t very difficult. They’re everywhere - from the most highly revered delis and sub shops to the grimiest of gas stations. But, of course, the sheer volume of options makes the task of finding a truly great sandwich that much more daunting.
Daunting, but not impossible.
So, to save you the time of eating your way through countless underwhelming meals, we have taken on that task ourselves. And after an exhaustive and incredibly filling search, we’ve hand-selected our five picks for the greatest sandwiches in all of Monmouth County. Here they are, in no particular order:
THE TALIERCIO
Taliercio’s Ultimate Gourmet, Middletown
Ok, if you are looking for an Italian deli that puts out sandwiches that are completely over-the-top and visually outrageous, yet still contain ingredients of the highest quality, Taliercio’s in Middletown is the undisputed king of this category. Each sandwich they prepare is comically large and is easily enough food for two or three meals, but attempting (and failing) to take it down in one sitting is half the fun. Their menu is dizzyingly long, and it may take you 10 or 15 minutes just to decide on which sandwich you want, but that’s ok, as the friendly staff behind the counter will likely toss you a few of their signature fried raviolis while you wait in line. It’s hard to go wrong here when it comes to sandwiches, but if we had to pick just one, we like the store’s namesake, “The Taliercio” — an utterly towering Jenga-like stack of ham, fried chicken cutlet, muenster cheese, tomato bruschetta, pesto and creamy Italian dressing all resting between a halved loaf of semolina bread.
Taliercio’s Ultimate Gourmet is located at 500 Route 35 in Middletown. TalierciosDeli.com
THE PHILLY COOPER CHEESESTEAK
The Galley, Asbury Park
The Galley in Asbury Park has been steadily gaining a buzz thanks to its world-class menu of pizzas (they offer just about every style you can think of, from traditional to bar pies to Detroit-style, pan pizzas and more, and they knock EVERY ONE OF THEM out of the park).
And while the pies tend to hog the spotlight, the sandwiches are works of art as well. In a NJ pizzeria landscape crowded with ho-hum cheesesteaks, the Philly Cooper Cheesesteak off the secret menu at The Galley is on par with or better than anything you’ll find in the city of brotherly love. Pat LaFrieda ribeye topped with Cooper Sharp American cheese and grilled onions all on a lightly toasted seeded sub roll. These simple ingredients meld together in perfect harmony in a way that is all but unmatched in the cheesesteak world.
The Galley is located at 1313 Memorial Dr. in Asbury Park. TheGalleyAsbury.com
The Taliercio
The Philly Cooper Cheesesteak
CALIFORNIA CHICKEN CUTLET
Sorrento’s Subs, Freehold
A staple of Freehold for decades, Sorrento’s splits itself physically into two separate spaces, with one side selling breakfast and the other handling lunch and dinner in the form of some seriously tasty subs. All the standard cold cuts are available, but we love the hot subs, with the standout being the California Chicken Cutlet sub. Its less about fancy ingredients or Instagram-able visuals, instead relying on a simple, yet brilliantly executed combination of crispy deep-fried chicken breast, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo on an impossibly crusty, crumb-laden sub roll. The roll is the closest thing we have found to the famous Leidenheimer rolls that grace the best po boys in New Orleans. The chicken sandwich as a concept has been riding high for the last few years, but Sorrento’s was on board long before the bandwagon began rolling.
Sorrento’s Subs is located at 690 Park Ave. in Freehold. SorrentosSubs.com
THE GENERAL
The Speakeatery, Asbury
Park
This small shop on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park has consistently cranked out so many of the best and most delicious sandwiches we have sampled in recent years that narrowing it down to just one was borderline impossible. You could easily make a case for the incredible “Ol’ Good Time Charlie,” a strictly pre-11a.m. treat that seamlessly marries the cheesesteak with a traditional breakfast sandwich (cleverly adding a hashbrown to the pile); and you could also argue that nothing could possibly top their seasonally-produced Thanksgiving sandwich, known as the “Turk Diggler,” a mashup of smoked turkey, bacon gravy, roasted garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and a cranberry aioli all on a “bun” made from homemade stuffing patties. (Yeah, it’s incredible.)
But despite all the competition, our pick ultimately had to go to The General, a sandwich concept so brilliant and so obviously destined to be a hit that it blew our minds nobody had thought to do this years ago. A supremely crispy thigh of General Tso’s chicken rests between two “buns” constructed from steamed rice formed into patties (yeah it seems like it would instantly fall apart, but somehow it doesn’t.) Topping the chicken is a fabulous combo of broccoli cabbage and a scallion ginger slaw which delivers a cool crunch to balance out the sweet heat of the Tso. The internet damn near blew up when this thing first debuted a few years back, and now we understand why.
The Speakeatery is located at 705 Cookman Ave in Asbury Park. TheSpeakeatery.com.
THE KILLER
Colts Neck General Store and Deli, Colts Neck
Even if you are one of those rare folks that can’t stand sandwiches, we would still recommend a trip to Colts Neck General Store and Deli anyway. The building (which opened its doors in 1849 and is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year) is absolutely dripping with folksy charm from the barnlike red exterior to the absurdly cozy interior which is packed to the rafters with just the type of knick-knacks and tchotchkes you would expect to find in a place like this.
But folksy fun can only take you so far, and the main reason we keep returning to this spot is for the utterly fab breakfast sandwiches. They run the gamut from your basic pork
roll, egg and cheese to more extravagant choices such as The Cougar, which boasts a lineup of pork roll, bacon, eggs, cheese and a hashbrown all on a round roll. But those really looking to take the phrase “a hearty breakfast” to new heights would be foolish not to opt for “The Killer,” a mammoth sandwich consisting of eggs, sausage patties, bacon strips, ham, pork roll, breakfast potatoes and American cheese. This behemoth could only fit on a sub roll, which is exactly what they serve it on. Plan to skip lunch.
Colts Neck General Store and Deli is located at 171 County Road 537 in Colts Neck. Facebook.com/ColtsNeckGeneralStoreandDeli
California Chicken Cutlet
The General
The Killer
SEPTEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR
Sunday, Sept. 1 • 12 - 5 p.m.
49th Annual NJ Friends of Clearwater Festival
Celebrate the environment with music and education at the state’s largest eco-festival in Asbury Park.
Sunset Memorial Park, Asbury Park For more information, visit njclearwater.org.
Sunday & Monday, Sept. 1 & 2
BBQ & NJ Craft Beer Festival
The annual BBQ & Craft Beer Festival returns to Monmouth Park for Labor Day weekend. Enjoy over 40 craft beers brewed all in New Jersey, as well as the best BBQ on the shore.
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport Park opens at 9 a.m. For more information, visit monmouthpark.com
Wednesday, Sept. 4 • 7:30 - 9:30 pm Downtown Freehold Fall Concert Series
Head to Downtown Freehold every Wednesday evening for their Fall Concert Series. Featuring both local talent and renowned artists. For more information, visit downtownfreehold. com/things-to-do/fall-concert-series
Saturday, Sept. 7
Yacht Lobsters • 7 p.m.
Listen to the best soft rock of the ‘70s and ‘80s down at the Wonder Bar. 1213 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park. For more information, visit wonderbarasburypark.com
Food Trucktemberfest • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Experience the best food trucks on the Jersey Shore, with free parking and admission. Monmouth Park, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport For more information, visit monmouthpark.com
Sunday, Sept. 8
Red Bank Street Fair & Crafts Show • 11 a.m.
Bring the family down to Red Bank for their Annual Street Fair & Craft Show for a day with arts, crafts, artists, vendors, food, rides, live music and more! Red Bank Gallery, 65 Broad St. Red Bank. For more information, visit www.streetfairs.org
Holiday Express Sunset Benefit Clambake • 5 p.m.
Party at Pier House to support the 32nd season of giving in Long Branch.
McLoone’s Pier House, 1 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
For more information, go to holidayexpress.org
Monday, Sept. 9 • 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Ansell Grimm & Aaron
‘GOLFING FORE HEROES’ Classic
Take the opportunity to golf at one of the Shore’s premier private clubs while supporting your local first responders. A portion of the proceeds of the event will be donated to Stephen Siller Tunnel to
Towers Foundation, The Ocean Township Police Department and the Asbury Park, Oakhurst and Wanamassa Fire Departments.
Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Rd. Ocean.
For more information, visit members.gotcc.org/events
Thursday, Sept. 12 • 6:30 p.m.
Bell Theater Comedy Night ft. Jason Salmon
Featuring NYC comic Jason Salmon, head down to Bell Works for a night of comedy.
Bell Theater at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel
For more information, visit belltheater.org
Saturday - Sunday, Sept. 14 - 15
Sea.Hear.Now Music Festival
Headliners include Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Noah Kahan, The Black Crowes and many more. See dozens of musical acts on the Asbury Park beach in this late summer highlight event. Asbury Park North Beach, 1300 Ocean Ave. Asbury Park.
For more information, visit seahearnowfestival.com
Friday, Sept. 20 • 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
MWC Walk - How to Feel the Summer All Year Long
The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a statewide initiative to improve community health. Keep the summer going into fall at this walk.
5th Ave Gazebo, Belmar
For more information, visit BradleyBeachnj.gov
Sasturday, Sept. 21
Latino Festival of Monmouth County • 12 - 7 p.m.
The Latino Coalition of Monmouth County is back with music, contests, food, entertainment, and more.
Hall of Records Parking Lot, 1 East Main St. Freehold. For more information, visit lfomc.com
Paul’s Whale Jam • 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Join the staff of Gotham Whale for a benefit whale watch and after party in Belmar.
905 Rt 35, Belmar
For more information, head to eventbrite.com
Lake Como 100th Anniversary 5k • 9 a.m.
Celebrate Lake Como’s 100th Anniversary with a 5k that wraps around Lake Como.
1704 Main St, Belmar
For more information, visit letsdothis.com
Red Bank Oktoberfest • 1 - 5 p.m.
The 2nd Annual Red Bank Oktoberfest offers free admission for everyone to enjoy local NJ brewing. For more information, visit redbank.org
Howell Day & Green Fair • 3 - 8 p.m.
Celebrate Howell and the environment with live music, entertainment, rides, food, fireworks and more.
Soldier Memorial Park, Howell
For more information, visit twp.howell.nj.us
Bugs, Birds and Beyond • 12 - 4 p.m. (Rain or shine)
A free festival for children of all ages, hosted by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County. Enjoy make and take home crafts, naturedinspired activities and educational displays, insect exhibits, Remarkable Raptors shows, beehives, 4-H animals and more.
4000 Kozloski Rd. Freehold
For more info, call 732-303-7614
Sunday, Sept. 22
The E Street Shuffle • 6 p.m.
Rock out to all your favorite songs from The Boss at this special one-night only concert in honor of Bruce Springsteen’s 75th birthday.
Asbury Lanes, 209, 4th Ave., Asbury Park
For more info, go to TheEStreetShuffle.com; AsburyLanes.com
Guided Fossil Hunt • 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dig up history and fossils at the Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Guides will supply equipment and help identify treasures.
Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Middletown For more information, visit middletownnj.org
Saturday, Sept. 28
Middletown Day • 1 - 6 p.m.
Celebrate the community of Middletown at their annual Middletown Day. Enjoy food, entertainment, family activities, first responder demonstrations and more.
Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo
For more information, visit middletownnj.org
Long Branch Day • 1 - 4 p.m.
Celebrate the community of Long Branch at their annual Long Branch Day. Featuring a scarecrow contest, pumpkin patches, entertainment and more family fun.
328 Broadway, Long Branch.
For more information, visit longbranch.org
Sunday, Sept. 29 • 9 a.m.
Mayor’s Challenge
Register now for the Mayor’s Challenge 5k Run/ Walk and 1mi Fun Run, with prizes to the top finishers by age range.
Poricy Park Trails, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
For more information, visit middletownnj.org
Pet Guide
Let ’em Run Wild!
5 Fab Dog Parks for Tail-Wagging Fun
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
Walking your dog is an important and enjoyable part of any daily routine for pet owners, but sometimes to really get out all that pent up energy, a well-behaved dog needs to run free, untethered by the leash. Dog parks offer this freedom for well-behaved and well-socialized dogs, and Monmouth County has some of the best around.
1) Wolf Hill Off Leash Dog Park, Oceanport — Many dog parks consist of relatively small, confined spaces that can quickly get overcrowded. But Wolf Hill Dog Park in Oceanport offers canines a massive, sprawling four-acre space to run off-leash with their four-legged friends. The larger, circular space is for dogs 35 pounds and up, but there is also a smaller fenced area should you need a place for your petite breeds to run free. Parking is plentiful and both water and pet waste stations are available. Wolf Hill Off Leash Dog Park is located at 2 Crescent Pl. in Oceanport.
2) 8th Ave. Dog Beach, Asbury Park — While it’s not technically a dog park in the traditional sense (there are no fences keeping the dogs in a specified area), the dog beach in Asbury Park is one of the most unique and enjoyable scenes a dog owner can stumble into. Watching the canines frolic in the sand with the waves crashing just beyond them serves as a clear reminder of just how fabulous life at the Jersey Shore can be. During the summer months doggos are only allowed on the beach before 8:30 a.m. or after 6 p.m., but from Sept. 15-May 15 they are welcome any time of day. Those dates also coincide with when dogs are allowed on the Asbury boardwalk, meaning you and your pup can run around in the sand, dry off and then hit the boards for a stroll and a snack. 8th Ave Dog Beach is located at 8th avenue and the beach in Asbury Park.
3) Liberty Park II, Tinton Falls — This fully enclosed off-leash dog park in Tinton Falls comes stocked with a few features you don’t always see in the dog park universe. Astroturf makes for a unique play surface and various doggy obstacles and play structures give your pooch plenty of new ways to race and chase their way through the day. Benches are there for you to have a front row seat to all the action. Liberty Park II is located at 1420 W. Park Ave in Tinton Falls.
4) Bark Park, Howell — Tucked off the beaten path in a wooded setting within Oak Glen Park, the Bark Park in Howell is seldom overcrowded, which makes it a fun spot for those looking to not completely overwhelm their furry companions. Packed with shade and benches and split into both small and large dog zones, this is a relaxing and comfortable space to spend a little time throwing the stick. Just make sure to check your pup for ticks after playing, as they are plentiful in wooded areas like these. The Bark Park is located at 379 Old Tavern Road in Howell.
5) Thompson Park, Lincroft — Thompson Park in Lincroft is yet another fab spot to hang with your hounds. This 1.5 acre off-leash area is big enough that your canines can run out all of that pent up doggie energy, but not so large that you can’t keep a close eye on them the entire time without tiring yourself out. The site features water for your tired pups and is split into zones — one for large breeds and one for their smaller siblings. Thompson Park is located at 806 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft.
1 2 3 5 4
A Load of Bull(dogs)
MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue’s Mission to Save One Beloved Breed
BY PAMELA DOLLAK
Dog rescue is a tough business. Exceedingly long hours. Miles of travel to parts unknown. Often sorting through filthy conditions. Dealing with sick, injured and, oftentimes, abused dogs. It’s not for everyone as it can easily break your heart and your spirit.
Fortunately, there are some people for whom rescue is their life. Cathy Kittell is one of them.
Kittell is one of the founders, as well as current treasurer and secretary, of MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue in Belmar. MidAtlantic is a breed-specific rescue that cares for unwanted English Bulldogs and finds loving foster or forever homes for them.
Maybe like a lot of people, you’re thinking, “Bulldogs? Why, they have a face only a mother could love.” Well, Kittell IS that mother figure to these dogs, and she thinks they’re “just gorgeous.”
Specialty rescue
So why have a rescue that focuses on just one breed of dog when there are so many dogs of so many breeds in need of good homes?
For Kittell, the answer is puppy love. In 2003, Kittell went gaga over her neighbor’s English Bulldog and yearned to buy her first Bulldog puppy. She thoroughly researched breeders and became friendly with one who was involved in rescue.
“So I jumped onboard,” Kittell says enthusiastically.
She started her breed-specific rescue in 2007, despite having a deep understanding that English Bulldogs are not everyone’s cup of Earl Grey.
“It’s an interesting breed, but they are not for everyone. They are quirky, they can be lazy, they are funny,” says Kittell, continuing, “They need to be brushed frequently, they can overheat quickly, their flat faces need to be wiped often, many have breathing and skin issues, they can’t swim …”
To breed, or not to breed
Naturally, Kittell would prefer for a family to adopt one of her rescue Bulldogs, but she is well aware that many families want a puppy. For those, they will generally need to find a breeder.
She is happy to recommend a good and honest breeder should anyone want a Bulldog puppy, and stresses the importance of researching both the breed and breeders on your own.
However, Kittell’s passion turns to fury when it comes to unsavory breeders who, according to her, breed designer dogs for the money — sometimes charging up to $12,000 per English Bulldog — and care nothing for the health of the dog.
“Sometimes English Bulldogs get a bad rap, but that’s because of where they’re bred. Here’s a little tip: good breeders don’t ship dogs,” says Kittell, adding, “And a Bulldog should look like a Bulldog, and not ‘exotic.’ These dogs often wind up having severe health issues. I want people to stop buying from horrible places.”
Jenna Nistad of West Long Branch has been a volunteer with MidAtlantic since 2017 when she and her own English Bulldog, Winslow, met the group at a fundraiser.
She started out by evaluating the Bulldogs that were getting surrendered to the group. She’d meet the dogs and discern any health or temperament issues to get the full picture and learn if the dog was adoptable or potentially a forever foster.
She, too, gets roused when discussing “bad breeders,” alleging that they are one of the main causes for surrenders.
“We’ve seen much more (surrenders) in the last year or so. Many Bulldogs are bred to be a ‘rare Bulldog,’ one with a special color or shape or size,” she explains. “Their (‘bad breeders’) goal is money. They ignore the dog’s health. The fancier the dog is in the surrender calls we receive, the more health issues it has. (English Bulldogs) are already compact and come with health risks even when properly bred. But when bred for cosmetic purposes, it is worse.”
PET GUIDE
Foster fails vs. forever fosters
Kittell says that numerous rescues are overwhelmed with surrenders right now. With no physical space, MidAtlantic relies heavily on foster homes for the four Bulldogs Kittell presently has ready for adoption and another nine still on medical hold.
She believes the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a lot of people to adopt dogs, and that many of those same people are the ones surrendering them now for various pretexts.
“We get every reason: divorce, health issues, they’re allergic (to the dog), the dog doesn’t like my kid …” says Kittell.
Though it sounds negative, many of Kittell’s foster families wind up being “foster fails,” meaning that they ultimately adopted the English Bulldog they were fostering and made the pup an official part of their family, which Kittell says is more common than you might think.
Nistad eventually began fostering, too, during which she would coordinate new foster
and adoption homes, for which many factors must be taken into consideration that are tailored to each specific dog, such as: Do they have kids in the house? Does the home have stairs? Will the dog need a backyard? Is the dog better in the city or the country?
Throughout the rest of Winslow’s life — he died in October — Nistad fostered seven dogs.
“He was good with fosters,” she reminisces. “He was kind of indifferent. He was neither super attached, nor disappointed when they left. It made it easier for us when they got adopted.”
Her most recent foster, Bruce, is now Nistad’s forever foster due to some chronic health issues. With a forever foster, the rescue pays for food and medical expenses for the life of the dog. Other reasons that MidAtlantic might deem an English Bulldog a forever foster could be special needs or advanced age.
The latter of which holds a special place in Nistad’s heart.
“I always advocate for senior Bulldogs,” she says. “They are so special and you get such fulfillment from taking one and giving one what they need. And you get so much love for one in return.”
Greener Pastures
Take a peek inside the Four Seasons of dog daycare, boarding and training: Green Leaf Pet Resort
BY REBECCA KING
Green Leaf Pet Resort is a luxury dog boarding facility so next level, you might find yourself wanting to book a room there yourself.
Green Leaf, is located in Oakhurst, opened in 2018 and offers daycare, boarding, grooming and training. It was founded by Shelly Leibowitz, a dog trainer with more than 40 years of experience who has prepared dogs to do everything from sniff out a bomb to promenade in high-profile dog shows.
What exactly can you – or rather, your dog – expect from a stay at Green Leaf? Around the clock supervision for one, at least five outdoor walks a day, indoor and outdoor play areas, personal care and play time with staff, even a nighttime tuck-in service. The room is a glass-enclosed suite with plush bedding, housekeeping and room service. Don’t have time to drop off your dog before heading to the airport? Green Leaf will pick them up and drop them off at your home when you’re back from your trip.
A Trainer with a Vision
Leibowitz, who some may remember from Freehold Township’s Shelly’s School for Dogs, which he ran for 30 years, is the mastermind behind this luxury facility for man’s best friend.
Though he now runs the Four Seasons of dog hotels, Leibowitz began, as many kids do, walking neighborhood dogs around his Brooklyn block. By the time he was a teenager, he was learning his craft under dog trainers in the United States and Europe. He began training companion dogs in the New York City area, and shortly thereafter became a whiz at training dogs for security, guardwork, and contraband and bomb detection. In fact, Leibowitz was the first professional dog trainer in New Jersey to assist in narcotic searches in schools
and businesses.
“It’s not a 9-5,” Leibowitz said of his passion for dog training. “It’s not just a job. It’s a way of life. Otherwise, you can never be good at it.”
He’s now a sought-after consultant for law enforcement and helps train and source dogs capable of working for homeland security. Leibowtiz has also worked with private clients, dog clubs and municipal departments.
And if you’ve ever gone to a Trenton Thunder baseball game, perhaps you’ve seen Leibowitz’s protegees, Derby, Rookie or Dash, the bat-retrieving Golden Retrievers for the team, in action. Another of Leibowitz’s dogs, Zion, was selected to represent the United States on the Schutzhund World Team. (Shutzhund is a sport that requires dogs to compete in tracking, obedience and protection). Zion won a 99 out of 100 in the 2000 National Schutzhund USA trail. Leibowitz is also the founder of the Garden State Schutzhund Club.
His current work includes rehabilitating dogs with problematic pasts. He also mentors the next generation of professional dog trainers, and, of course, runs Green Leaf.
PET GUIDE
An ‘All Inclusive’ Resort
Along with boarding, Green Leaf offers several other services for the pooch in your life. Leibowitz’s training philosophy is “earning control and respect through kindness” and aims to build obedience through affection, praise and rewards.
Green Leaf’s daycare service promises constant supervision by highly trained staff members. The staff works to match dogs with programs and activities that suit their personality and devises social groups for dogs’ different play styles and temperaments. The facilities have climate controlled indoor and outdoor play areas.
The daycare and boarding services can be combined with training that is personalized for your dog. Green Leaf’s “agility center” features a 3,500 squarefoot training room. The Doggy Day School aims to root out dangerous and problematic behaviors – from barking at visitors to soiling the carpet – with dogs returned to their owners in the evenings and on weekends.
The Boarding School is a more extensive training program that runs for three to four weeks. During this program, dogs will get individually tailored training programs while they live at the Green Leaf training facility. At the end of the program, families get the opportunity to receive private lessons, where the trainers will pass on their knowledge.
Puppies can also get training at Green Leaf, with behavioral focuses on issues like chewing, house training, and excessive barking.
One of the most unique aspects of Green Leaf’s compound is the 3,000-square-foot aquatic center for dogs. Swimming has all the same health benefits for dogs as it does for humans – it strengthens muscles without strain-
ing joints, helps with weight loss and works the cardiovascular system. So, it’s no surprise that the heated pool is a hit with canine clients. Swimming, according to the staff at Green Leaf, is ideal for dogs with arthritis, chronic ailments, or who have undergone surgery. And for dogs less confident in the water, Green Leaf offers swimming lessons, fitness training, and private or group swimming time.
And, of course, what luxury resort would be complete without its own hair salon? Green Leaf offers hypoallergenic baths, pedicures and haircuts that focus on the style and health of the dog.
“By following the philosophy that no two dogs are alike, no two training methods should be either,” said Leibowitz. “That’s why I find this field so exciting, because every dog is different – an individual. My horizons are wide … thousands and thousands of dogs have taught me.”
Green Leaf Pet Resort is located at 1602 NJ-35, Oakhurst, New Jersey 732-272-0800
PET SUPPLY STORES:
Pet’s General Store
732-345-1200
507 Prospect Ave, Little Silver
The Hungry Puppy
732-938-4470
1288 NJ-33, Farmingdale
All About Pets
732-223-4530
2204 NJ-35, Sea Girt
Paws Barkery & Boutique
732-449-5000
658 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park
Shampoochies Grooming and Pet Supplies
848-303-8665
179 Locust Ave, West Long Branch
Doggie Sweets
609-426-1900
15 Morris Ave Unit 119, Long Branch
Jade Pets
973-826-9113
290 Norwood Ave, Deal
Cosmopawlitan
732-275-1905
1837 NJ-35, Middletown Township
Pet Needs Directory
24-HOUR EMERGENCY VET CLINICS:
Garden State Veterinary Emergency Services
732-481-1040
246 Industrial Way W, Eatontown
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital
732-747-3636
100 Schulz Dr, Red Bank
PET GROOMERS:
Shampoochies Grooming and Pet Supplies
848-303-8665
179 Locust Ave, West Long Branch
Green Leaf Pet Resort (Ocean)
732-272-0800
1602 NJ-35, Oakhurst
The Dog Spaw
732-747-9744
8 Fairview Ave, Little Silver
The Dawg Joint
732-455-3145
513 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park
Golden Paws Boutique and Grooming Salon
732-440-4385
269A E Main St, Oceanport
The Prince & The Pawper
732-695-0095
889 W Park Ave, Ocean Township
BOARDING/DAYCARE FACILITIES:
Green Leaf Pet Resort (Ocean)
732-272-0800
1602 NJ-35, Oakhurst
Happy Tails Kennel
732-938-4740
42 Yellowbrook Road, Howell
Camp Bow Wow
732-728-9663
284 Old Deal Rd, Eatontown
K-9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel
732-655-6372
889 NJ-35, Middletown
All Seasons Pet Resort
732-431-4425
276 Jackson Mills Rd, Freehold Township
Dogtopia of Shrewsbury
732-440-9080
980 Shrewsbury Ave, Shrewsbury
Dogs on the Farm & Cats Too
732-872-7543
790 Kings Hwy E, Atlantic Highlands
Purr ’n Pooch
732-842-4949
86 Gilbert St W, Tinton Falls
SUNDAY, SEPT. 1
Dinner Show
Moroccan Sheepherders
Blu Grotto Beer Garden, Monmouth Park, Oceanport 7-10 p.m.
BluGrottoRestaurant.com
The Best of Joe Cocker, performed by Stan Steele
Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park 7 p.m.
TimMcLoonesSupperClub.com
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5 • 7 p.m.
Best of Clapton Band
Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park TimMcloonesSupperClub.com
THURSDAYS, (SEPT. 5,12, 19 AND 26) • 6-9 p.m. Country Night
The Cabin, 984 NJ-33, Freehold TheCabinNJ.com
SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 • 9 p.m.
Todd Robbins Band
St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, RT 71, Spring Lake SSGPub.com
FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 • 8 p.m.
The Edge Band
Jacks by the Tracks, 703 10th Ave. Belmar JacksByTracks.com
SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 • 7 p.m.
Springsteen’s 75th Birthday Bash with The E Street Shuffle
Asbury Lanes, 209 4th Ave., Asbury Park AsburyLanes.com; TheEstreetshuffle.com
CHAMP OF OCEAN TOWNSHIP
COLBY JACK AND RAY OF EATONTOWN
GINGER BAER OF OAKHURST GOLDIE OF OCEAN TOWNSHIP
JESSE OF OCEAN TOWNSHIP
KOA OF TINTON FALLS
OLLIE OF TINTON FALLS
ROXY OF EATONTOWN
Tackling Back-to-School Anxiety in Children
BY MAIA FRANCO
As summer ends, the back-to-school season begins! While some children will dread school because of things like homework, others may find their dread to really be anxiety. Many children struggle with anxiety brought on by the sudden environmental and social changes school brings on. Abrupt changes can lead to thought patterns that may be preventing them from the good night’s sleep they need to take on a day of learning. Consider these ways to calm a child whose anxiety is preventing them from falling asleep on a school night:
1. Establish a routine — Routines decrease anxiety, as they provide a sense of predictability and control. Before school starts, try transitioning kids into a calming bedtime routine. Take the time before school starts to practice an earlier bedtime, making sure there is some time for a calming activity. Reading, choosing an outfit for the next day, and taking a warm bath are a few examples of comforting activities that can decrease anxiety. Once these nightly habits become established routines, a child’s brain will come to expect these activities and prepare to enter a sleep state.
2. Nutrition — Regularly eating foods rich in tryptophan before bed is proven to improve sleep quality and aid in falling asleep. Tryptophan is an amino acid that serves as a building block for the body to create serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter that can regulate mood, while melatonin prepares the brain to sleep. Try serving a dinner or a bedtime snack high in tryptophan, with foods like turkey, milk, nuts, and fruit. As bedtime approaches, avoid stimulants, such as added sugar and caffeine. These have been shown to interfere with melatonin production.
3. Screen time — Blue light from TVs, tablets, and phones is proven to interrupt the production of melatonin, delaying the onset of sleep. The light from these devices can trick the body into thinking it is still daytime. Experts recommend staying off of screens at least 1 hour before bed for optimal sleep.
4. Reassurance — Ask your child what they are anxious about and reassure them. If they fear the dark, help them pick out a comforting nightlight. If it’s the school bus, tell them about how much fun it will be to sit with other kids and play before school. While reassuring them, help them build confidence with affirmations, reminding them that there is nothing to fear at school.
5. Seek professional help, if needed — If your child’s anxiety does not improve after a few methods of intervention, reach out to their pediatrician for additional support.
A local agency, backed by a national company with satisfied customers across all 50 states
500 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Tel: 973-830-0176 | Fax: 973-243-5550
Email: rcparisi@rdparisiassociates.com rdparisiassociates.com
Name: Michael Evans
Title: Fire Commissioner
Place of Employment: Ocean Township Town of Residency: Ocean Township
Q: What initially made you want to be a first responder?
FIRST RESPONDERS
A: My father was a firefighter/ex-chief with Wanamassa. Growing up around the firehouse, I knew as soon as I turned 18, I was going to join the company.
Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about this kind of work?
A: There are so many rewards to this job, with the most important being able to help my neighbors in a time of need.
Q: What is the hardest aspect of the job?
A: Seeing people at the scene of a structure fire that lost everything. It’s heartbreaking. We do our best to help and console the victims during this tragic time.
Q: Do any aspects of the job ever scare you?
A: As a former fire chief, the most concerning or scary part at a fire scene was to make sure all my firefighters were safe and everyone went home.
Q: What was your most memorable experience on the job so far?
A: The most rewarding experience was the time I was partnered up with a Monmouth County Sheriff’s K9 unit searching for a missing person with Alzheimer’s. Thankfully, we located the person in a heavily wooded area and were able to extricate him from the area and reunite him with his family.
‘Boss Time’ It’s on the Beach
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band stand atop the most highly-anticipated Sea.Hear.Now lineup ever
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
Since its inception in 2018, Asbury Park’s annual Sea.Hear. Now festival has become THE do-not-miss event of September in Monmouth County. Serving as a final kiss goodbye to the summer season, the event — which runs from noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15 — takes place on the sands of Asbury Park’s beach and boardwalk areas just north of Convention Hall and has grown exponentially over the years, with the current lineup being the most highly anticipated ever, thanks mostly to Sunday night mega-headliner, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. So, if you were one of the lucky ones who scored passes to the festival (it sold out almost immediately), here’s a preview of what to expect and what not to miss:
The Bands
Two days of nonstop music set against the backdrop of Asbury’s gorgeous seascape makes for a fab ulous time no matter what, but with this many acts split between three stages (two on the beach and one across the street in Bradley Park), you will need to pick and choose who is on your list of must-sees. Here are a few that definitely make our list:
The Black Crowes – Honestly, it surprises us a bit that The Black Crowes are not the headliner for Saturday night, but that honor has gone to singer-songwriter and relative newcomer Noah Kahan. For us, the Crowes are still the must-see act of the night though, as their signature brand of soulful American rock ’n’ roll is timeless, and their high-energy stage show is currently at the top of its game. The band itself feels reinvigorated too as of late, thanks to a killer new record of bangers (2024’s “Happiness Bastards”). We’re hoping to hear some tracks from that one in the set, in addition to all the classics.
this year it’s Kool & The Gang. While these throwback acts might seem unusual, each year without fail they end up being a highlight of the festival, and Kool & The Gang will certainly continue this tradition, with their brand of Jersey-born R&B, funk and soul. Expect to hear all their hits, including “Fresh”, “Joanna”, “Ladies Night”, “Cherish”, “Jungle Boogie” and, of course, “Celebration.”
Kool & The Gang – Every year at
Sea.Hear.Now they seem to throw in a band (usually an group that was big in the ’80s) that seems a touch out of place with the other acts on the bill. In 2021 it was Billy Idol, in 2022 it was Culture Club, last year it was Living Colour, and
Illiterate Light – This two-piece rock act (when did two-piece rock bands become a common thing anyway? We blame Jack White.) hails from Virginia and has managed to make a name for themselves since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2019, despite it being near impossible for a rock act to get any serious traction on the radio or pop charts in recent years. Their live show is packed with passion, with drummer Jake Cochran playing a stand-up drum kit and managing to crowd surf his way through at least a portion of the performance. The sound is impressively big for a band with such a small roster, and much of that big sound can be attributed
to frontman Jeff Gorman, who sings and plays guitar while also operating a Moog synthesizer with his feet.
The Hives – If you have never seen this Swedish punk rock act live, you have spent the last 20+ years missing out on possibly the best and most thrilling live band experience there is. Yes, there are bigger bands out there with more lights and more advanced production. But there are NOT bands with more visceral energy and showmanship than The Hives. Dressed sharply in matching black and white suits, the band’s songs are quick punk blasts, but as much fun as they can be, the music plays second fiddle to the stage presence of the band, particularly frontman Howlin’ Pele Almqvist, whose live persona lands somewhere between James Brown and Iggy Pop, with a bit of an old-school game show host vibe thrown in for good measure.
The Gaslight Anthem – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are obviously the most recognizable Jersey boys on the lineup at Sea.Hear.Now, but if there is a runner up, it’s definitely The Gaslight Anthem. Born from the punk scene in New Brunswick, Gaslight has managed to endear itself to a broad rock audience, as the band’s influences span well outside of the punk genre, taking bits and pieces from everything from The Cure to Springsteen himself, a friend and musical
brethren of theirs who lent guest vocals to the title track from their most recent album, 2023’s “History Books.” Will The Boss be making an appearance on the Park Stage during their set Sunday night? Who knows. But we wouldn’t rule it out.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band are such a massively famous act and so specifically relevant to both New Jersey and the town of Asbury Park that frankly, it seems a bit ridiculous to even bother listing their show as some sort of insider recommendation for what to see at the festival.
But it seems even MORE ridiculous to leave them off this list, because its BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND for God’s sake!
What can we say? The man turns 75 years-old this month and still brings enough fire onstage every night to make acts a third of his age hang their heads in shame. The legendary marathon-length shows that the E Streeters have become famous for are still very much a thing, and we can expect as much at Sea.Hear.Now, as their set time is scheduled to run from 7:30-10:30. And though he is a local boy, this marks the first time Bruce and the band have ever performed an outdoor show live on the beach in Asbury Park. It has the makings of not only a fabulous night, but a potentially historic one, that will likely go down in the annals of rock history.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 14:
Noah Kahan
The Black Crowes
311
The Revivalists
The Hives
Grace Potter
Sierra Ferrell
Peaches
Guster
Ziggy Alberts
Robert Randolph Band
Joe P Passafire
Sonic Blume
SUNDAY, SEPT. 15:
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
The Gaslight Anthem
Trey Anastasio Band
Norah Jones
Kool & The Gang
Action Bronson
Gogol Bordello
Larkin Poe
Joy Oladokun
The Aces
Eggy
Illiterate Light
Bertha
Sunshine Spazz
Rachel Ana Dobken
The Other Stuff
The Clinch Gallery — Festival mastermind and rock photographer Danny Clinch has a pop up version of his gallery onsite, complete with photographs and art pieces (some of which are submitted by the acts themselves). The gallery also plays host to various surprise pop up acoustic performances throughout the fest, giving fans a chance to have a front row seat they never expected.
The Surfing — The Atlantic Ocean makes for a lovely and picturesque backdrop for the event, but it also serves as ground zero for the surf contests which take place both days, with pros such as Balaram Stack, Cam Richards, Sam Hammer, Cassidy McClain and many more all catching waves throughout. Last year’s swells were particularly epic, thanks to some stormy seas, hopefully this year will bring some great ones as well.
Food and drink — While concerts are not generally known for providing their attendees with culinary masterpieces, Sea.Hear.Now does a commendable job bringing in local food vendors that offer some truly excellent dining options. Past years have included such local faves as MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos, Betty’s Ice Box, Hoagito’s, and more and we expect more of the same this year.
Now for the not-so-good part: No official word on this year’s setup, but in the past, they have only offered two specific sites with food vendors. Lines do tend to be long unless you go at oddball hours, and seating is an extremely rare commodity at Sea.Hear.Now, so you’ll have to get creative.
Figuring out the food situation has it’s challenges at the festival, but luckily, getting drinks is one of the easiest things at Sea.Hear.Now as they have a seemingly endless lineup of bars at every turn, all ready to serve you quickly and with little to no lines at any of them. The best of them are the sponsored bars, (The Malibu Rum beach house bar they had a few years back was a lot of fun as was the Sierra Nevada tent and we can’t wait to see the new ones for this year.)
Merch – The merch tents are most notable for their slow-moving long lines and for selling out of the specific t-shirt everybody wants, so your best bet is to make this your first stop upon entering the festival.
Bathrooms – A surprisingly efficient and clean system of individual port-o-pottys make the bathroom scene at Sea.Hear.Now one of the best and least gross you will find at any festival of its kind. Kudos to the organizers for having this aspect nailed down.
Golfers Gather to Fight Pediatric Cancer at Tee Off for Mya Fundraiser
The Mya Lin Terry Foundation (TMLTF), a nonprofit dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer, engaged golfers, volunteers, supporters and friends at the 5th Annual Tee Off For Mya Memorial Golf Classic on Monday, July 1, at Jumping Brook Country Club (JBCC). The event was hosted by Eagles Quarterback Kenny Pickett and more than 210 avid golfers flocked to JBCC to honor the memory and continue the legacy of an amazing little girl, Ocean Township native, Mya Lin Terry.
Golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the course and competed in a scramble format for the Mya Lin Terry Memorial Cup, awarded to the first-place low team gross winners: Bob Heugle, Bobby Baragona, Kyle Magnusson and John Menditto. Following golf, guests were invited to attend a festive evening awards dinner while recognizing Angel Logan Parker, Warrior Jaxson and Warrior Anna along with their families. This is TMLTF’s largest fundraiser of the year, enabling TMLTF to continue their mission in support of pediatric cancer.
“Without the incredible generosity from the community, we could not provide this vital support to our warriors and families during the most difficult of times of their lives,” said Kelly Terry, President. “We are very grateful to Kenny Pickett (Mya’s cousin), our Golf committee, volunteers, sponsors and participants who made this event so successful.” Since inception, TMLTF has gifted over $1.4m directly to families and pediatric research institutions.
For more information about The Mya Lin Terry Foundation (TMLTF) or to make a contribution, visit www.themyalinterryfoundation.org.
Pictured (left to right): Frankie Henry, Kenny Pickett, Joe Appio and Anthony Tedesco at the 5th Annual Tee Off For Mya Memorial Golf Classic.
TMLTF Warrior Anna recognized at the 5th Annual Tee Off For Mya Memorial Golf Classic on July 1st.
Golfers putt for TMLTF’s mission and their fight against cancer.
Sponsored Golfer Foursome representing Crumble, one of Tee Off For Mya’s Memorial Golf Classic event sponsors and winners.
Volunteers and community supporters gather together at JBCC in support TMLTF on July 1st.
BIZBEAT
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
Makana’s Opens in Asbury Park
After many months of anticipation, Makana’s has finally opened its doors on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park. The restaurant offers breakfast and lunch options – with a healthy slant and a Hawaiian flavor profile. A full menu includes chai teas, matcha lattes and more, along with an array of breakfast bowls, salads and baked goods. MakanasNJ.com
Freehold Raceway Mall Adds New Tenants
The Freehold Raceway Mall has had an exciting summer as far as major announcements are concerned. Arguably the biggest news is the upcoming addition of a Dave & Busters along with Freehold Athletic Club, which will bring exciting new nightlife to the first-floor space formerly occupied by the now shuttered Sears department store. In addition, the grocery store Lidl will join the ranks, alongside Dick’s House of Sport, the global lifestyle brand Minoso (best known for their plushies, blind box toys, cosmetics, home goods and fragrances), and the Australian-based children’s clothing store Cotton On Kids. FreeholdRacewayMall.com
618 Restaurant in Freehold to Host Five-course Wine Dinner
From 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 618 Restaurant in Freehold will host its Ruffino Wine Dinner. The Dinner consists of five courses, each paired with a different Ruffino wine. The cost is $185 per person. For full menu details, go to 618nj. com/winedinner/ruffino-wine-dinner. For reservations, call 732-577-0001.
Asbury’s
Latest Sushi Spot is Hadaka
Yet another opening within the strip of retail shops taking up the ground floor of the newly constructed mixed-use building at 527 Bangs Avenue in Asbury Park, Hadaka is a small sushi bar boasting the town’s first omakase-only dining experience. For the unfamiliar, omakase is a Japanese phrase that translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” and in the case of a sushi bar, this means each dish in your meal will be hand selected by the chef as opposed to being ordered in a more traditional fashion. The space is sleek, the reservations have been nearly impossible to get on a weekend night, and the buzz is big. Come see what all the fuss is about. HadakaNJ.com
74% Married
80%+ College Educated
72% Have Children
40% Own A Second Home
ZONE 1
Colts Neck • Holmdel
ZONE 2
Fair Haven • Little Silver
Oceanport • Rumson
Shrewsbury • Red Bank
ZONE 3
Allenhurst • Asbury Park Avon by the Sea • Belmar Bradley Beach • Deal Lake Como • Loch Arbour
Long Branch • Monmouth Beach
ZONE 4
Eatontown • Ocean Township
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
Median Age 47
Median Income $185,000
Median Home
The Arc of Monmouth Celebrates 75 Years of Empowerment and Advocacy
BY MATT DOHERTY
Building a Legacy of Love, Vision, and Innovation
In 1949, a group of visionary parents, driven by a shared need, came together. These parents faced a hard reality: their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were denied the basic right to education and were sometimes subjected to degrading conditions. They placed an ad in a local newspaper inviting others to a meeting at Red Bank Borough Hall. Their aim was to develop the maximum potential in adults with disabilities, challenging and changing the societal norms of their time. This meeting was more than just a gathering; it was the birth of a community and a movement.
“The power of families loving their children and wanting the best lives possible for them is how The Arc was born 75 years ago,” said Bob Angel, Executive Director. “Through hard work, vision, and innovation, The Arc of Monmouth has grown exponentially over time, all because a few individuals refused to accept less for their children.”
From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition
The initial gathering of concerned parents led to the formation of The Arc of Monmouth, which has since grown significantly and now stands as one of the nation’s most recognized and effective agencies advocating for and providing services to people with IDD and their families. Over the decades, The Arc of Monmouth has expanded its reach and impact, developing a wide range of services that cater to the diverse needs of the IDD community.
Among the many events The Arc of Monmouth is known for, none is as significant as The Winter Glow Gala, which celebrates its 58th anniversary this year while commemorating the 75th anniversary of The Arc of Monmouth. This event, originally suggested by Countess Anatole Buxhoeveden during an Arc meeting, has become a cornerstone of philanthropy, touching lives and inspiring change. “I have an idea that may help you financially,” the Countess had said, sparking the inception of what would become a vital source of support for the organization.
Expanding Services and Programs
What began as a simple classroom in the Little Silver Woman’s Club has grown into an agency that offers a comprehen-
sive array of services. The Arc of Monmouth now boasts an employment program at the Work Opportunity Center, residential services, a college program in partnership with Brookdale Community College called KACH, health services, recreational activities, supported employment, and numerous day habilitation Programs across Monmouth County. This includes the newly opened Campus Parkway location, representing a new era in reimagining day habilitation programs. Here, tailored care includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy, complemented by onsite registered behavior technicians and nurses, among other services.
Honoring a Legacy
This year, The Arc of Monmouth is honoring the legacy of the pioneering parents and the entire community that rallied behind them. The organization celebrates the realization of what was once a dream of innovation and is now a reality in New Jersey.
Upcoming Celebratory Events
To mark this momentous occasion, The Arc of Monmouth has organized two significant events in celebration of their diamond anniversary: Founder’s Day: An event to honor the organization’s history by celebrating its participants and their families. The Arc of Monmouth is partnering with Rising Treetops at Oakhurst to host an amazing festival Saturday September 14 from noon-4 p.m. More information is
available on their website.
The Arc of Monmouth’s Diamond Jubilee: Taking place on December 6, at The Addison Park in Aberdeen. As The Winter Glow celebrates its 58th anniversary, it will honor the 75th anniversary of The Arc of Monmouth. This year’s honoree is Frank Brusco, Restaurateur. Tickets will go on sale in early September.
Looking Forward
As The Arc of Monmouth reflects on its 75 years of service, it remains committed to continuing its mission of empowering individuals with IDD and advocating for their rights. The organization’s growth and success are testaments to the enduring power of community, love, and a relentless pursuit of better lives for all.
Eatontown
8th Grader Wins Essay Contest on Hometown Pride
The Eatontown Historical Committee sponsored an essay contest for 8th grade students in which the participants were tasked with writing on the topic “What Eatontown Means to Me.” The students each shared a variety of points and anecdotes about what aspects of the community made them most proud of their hometown. The winner of the contest was Destiny Perez, who received a $150 prize for her work as well as a proclamation of recognition from the Borough of Eatontown. Congrats Destiny!
Photo credit: Borough of Eatontown Facebook page
The Antique Boutique
Red Bank Antique Center celebrates 60 years of treasure hunting
BY MAIA FRANCO
Along the Navesink River stands a community with a great reputation of supporting artists, collectors, and small businesses. That community is Red Bank, and for all of its fun bars and restaurants, perhaps its most endearing feature is its abundance of antique shops, a micro-industry which manages to play a significant role in keeping Red Bank’s charm alive and well.
Starting with the opening of Red Bank Antique Center in 1964, the town has become a thriving hub for antique dealers and collectors. If you begin your shopping by walking along West Front Street near the Two River Theater and The Galleria, one can find thousands of antique items between these shops that can be yours, often for less than you would expect.
Antiques draw those who have an affinity for understanding the past. Stepping into Red Bank Antique Center feels like walking right into a warm and nostalgic past life. The floors of the building all boast a multitude of booths, each rented by a vendor with a different collection of items for sale. As one walks from booth to booth, vendors transport shoppers to different decades and different niches. A booth can host Victorian dolls, while the one next to it sells cameras from the 1960s. One of the most abundant items in the shop is glassware, with pint glasses, wine glasses, teacups, bowls, and more from throughout the 20th century. A book on the shelf of an antique store may have sat on someone else’s shelf 100 years ago, yet holds a story that can still be enjoyed today.
Guy Johnson has been running the Red Bank Antique Center for many years, following in the footsteps of his mother. After selling antiques at outdoor and seasonal flea markets, Guy’s mother, Nan, had the idea to create what she coined as a year-round, permanent antique show. “To our knowledge, this is the first antique mall in the country,” Guy remarked. “Before we had this space, antique collectors relied on the flea market season.” Not only did Guy inherit the business from his mother, but he has had the chance to keep antiquing in the family. Guy’s daughter, Kim Johnson-Katz, is now the general manager at the business.
The charming store has a number of permanent fixtures, each with their own story. One of the first things you can find when you walk in is a vintage funhouse mirror, gifted by a very famous, frequent customer. The mirror that reflects warped, elongated reflections was given to Guy by Debbie Harry, the lead singer of Blondie turned Red Bank local. “Debbie comes in every now and then, she really likes
to wear vintage clothes and we have a wide variety.”
Another permanent resident is a Regina upright music box, built in 1896 in Rahway, NJ. It comes with a key, allowing the user to wind it up and play a song. This beautiful piece of vintage music came to Guy from a restaurant on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. It had been painted over so many times that he had to call in an expert to completely restore it by taking it apart and intricately stripping every single layer of paint. When asked if it was for sale, Guy joked, “Well no… unless someone makes me an offer I can’t refuse!”
Anthony Vanacore has been selling antiques since 2015, and has been selling in Red Bank since 2022. His interest in vintage clothing and accessories is lifelong, and he recalls wanting to dress in vintage wear as early as kindergarten. “Once I was old enough to start earning my own money, one of the first things I bought myself was a vintage watch I admired.” When getting into vintage collecting, Anthony was drawn to eyewear. He began restoring glasses from the 20th century, including pairs popularized by Elvis Presley and President Kennedy. Anthony’s glasses have been rented out by wardrobe departments on productions of period pieces. Today, they are available for sale on his eBay and Instagram pages.
At the Antique Center, Anthony sells vintage clothing that he no longer has a use for. “I was drawn to these pieces, but if I cannot flip them to fit me or someone
in my life, I will sell them here.” In addition to his vintage clothing, Anthony sells t-shirts he designs. The use of social media has proven helpful in running an antique business. In the past, someone would have to seek out an item, but if it is posted on Instagram, shoppers know exactly where to find it. The Red Bank Antique Center has a page dedicated to featuring various booths.
The antique industry sees a variety of trends over time. In recent years, dealers have seen a large uptick in interest in vinyl records. New record players have become trendy, and many new albums are now becoming available in record form again. Antique dealers who have collected these records over time have been able to sell albums from the golden age of vinyl records, like Queen, The Beatles, and Tina Turner. For antique shoppers that do not have an interest in records, there are still many vendors catering to music lovers, selling band merchandise, posters, t-shirts, CDs, and more.
In addition to music, there has been an increase in furniture and kitchenware sales. Buyers have become very interested in furnishings that have brown wood, as these mid-century modern pieces have grown in popularity. Of these oak furnishings, dining sets have posed a large challenge to sell. “No one has dining rooms anymore,” Guy remarked, “We receive these dining room sets but new home buyers are not using dining rooms as much as they used to.” As far as collectibles, there are strong followings for original Pyrex glassware, coins, and
vintage clothing. Christmas ornaments and Halloween decor sell very well, no matter the time of year!
Nestled conveniently for Jersey Shore visitors from New York and Pennsylvania, Red Bank is a gem for shoppers of vintage and new items alike. Red Bank Antique Center opened in 1964 and will celebrate its 60th birthday this year! Visit its 2 locations at 195 & 226 West Front Street, open from 11-5 Monday-Saturday and 12-5 on Sundays.
What’s
Brewin’?
This month CM features Triumph Restaurant & Brewery in Red Bank
BY LILIANN PARAS
Since opening in 2018, Triumph has been the go-to place to enjoy original brews; what sets it apart from many other breweries is the attached two-story restaurant, replete with a full bar and live music. When weather permits, the outdoor patio is also a popular spot to gather with friends where dogs are welcome too. Triumph is conveniently located adjacent to the Two River Theater and many theater goers take in a preshow dinner or enjoy an after-show celebration. Other offerings include a daily happy hour, weekend brunch, and a variety of spaces available for private social or corporate events. The extensive on-site brewery is not to be missed and it was definitely reassuring to engage with the knowledgeable staff members. They happily educate patrons on the particulars of their rotating seasonal beers which ensures that aficionados as well as occasional drinkers can find a perfect taste match.
Featured Brew:
FESTBIER — A strong pale lager (ABV 6.0%) brewed once a year for Oktoberfest, described as “tasty with bread notes, gaining a little more heft as the weather starts to cool.” It has a September release date but begins the brewing journey in July.
Crowd Faves:
• Constantly changing taps include the very popular Keller Pilsner, Haze Project IPA, and Bengal Gold IPA
• Live, original music featured on the Triumph stage
• Outdoor patio
Don’t Miss:
• Seasonal food selections designed by Chef Matt Grote; craft cocktails; special brews
• Live music, Thursday-Sunday; Weekend brunch, Saturday and Sunday 12-4 p.m.; Happy Hour, daily 4-6 p.m. with food and drink specials
www.triumphbrewing.com
1 Bridge Avenue Red Bank NJ 07701 / 732-852-7300 Open Wednesdays 4-10 p.m.; Thursdays 4-11 p.m.; Fridays 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturdays 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; and Sundays 12-10 p.m.
Coastal Living Awaits You
