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BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
A quick roundup of what’s new and happening at local businesses in Monmouth County.
HOTWORX opens in Middletown — A brand-new location of the popular yoga, and fitness center HOTWORX has opened in Middletown. HOTWORX is a boutique infrared fitness studio that has eight infrared saunas that offer nine ISO sessions (Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Barre None, Hot Core, Hot Buns, Hot Bands, Hot ISO, Hot Warrior & Hot Stretch) & 3 HIITS (Hot Cycle, Hot Thunder, Hot Blast) all virtually instructed. They also have a non-heated functional training room with weights, a nautilus cable system, kettlebells and more. Members have 24/7 access to the studio. HOTWORX’ 3D training method combines infrared energy, heat and exercise, which produces benefits such as detoxification, weight loss, muscle recovery, better skin, better sleep, lower blood pressure and collagen production. The first session for new customers is always free. Visit hotworx.net/studio/middletown-nj to book or call (732) 648-0001. HOTWORX is located at 1048 Highway 35, Middletown (Bottle King plaza).
Ocean Funeral Home debuts — The team behind Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Funeral Chapel in Ocean Township have launched a new business — Ocean Funeral Home. Below is a statement from the owners:
“Our building has been operating as a funeral home since 1978, serving the Jewish community with compassion and care. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the need for our services to extend beyond our initial scope. With the evolving dynamics of our community, including mixed marriages, it became clear that we need to cater to a wider range of cultural and religious backgrounds. This realization sparked an idea – the creation of Ocean Funeral Home, a place where
our dedication to compassionate service could be extended to the entire community. After nearly two years of devoted effort, substantial investment, and love poured into the renovation, we successfully transformed our facility. In May, we proudly unveiled the completion of the project, welcoming a new chapter with the opening of Ocean Funeral Home. It is important to note that we are one building housing two funeral homes. Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Funeral Chapel continues to operate and proudly serves the Jewish Community with the same dedication and reverence as it always has.”
Offshore Coffee Co. launches in Belmar — A second location of the popular Long Branch coffee shop Offshore Coffee Co. has opened up shop in Belmar. The new location will serve a variety of delicious small-batch coffee drinks, from regular drip coffee and cold brew to espresso-based beverages, iced mochas, matcha, and more. The shop is located at 800 Main Street in Belmar. Stop by for a pick-me-up today.
The Mainstay in Asbury shuts its doors — Last November, Chef James Avery rebranded his popular Asbury Park-based seafood restaurant The Bonney Reade as “The Mainstay,” a hybrid lounge/ restaurant that traded the large menu of seafood faves for a smaller, streamlined menu of bar food and cocktails. But recently, Avery announced that the business was closing entirely, leaving the large space on the ground floor of the Steinbach building vacant. Avery still owns Black Swan, a British-style pub located just down the street and also works as the sous chef for Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay on the popular TV show “Hell’s Kitchen.” Currently there is no word as to what may replace The Mainstay moving forward.
BY EMMA SYLVIA
As the weather gets cooler, Monmouth County residents might be remiss on what to do as the beaches and boardwalks close for the summer. However, residents can celebrate the leaves turning red, the opportunity to apple and pumpkin pick, and getting ready for the holiday season with the many fall festivals that take place all over Monmouth County.
Downtown Freehold celebrates its first annual Oktoberfest. West Main Street will be shut down to make room for seating, a beer garden, and live music all day. Enjoy games, crafts, and specialty items and enjoy beers of all types.
Sunday, October 6, 12pm - 6pm For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com
Ocean Grove
Ocean Grove celebrates their Fall Harvest Festival. Go to Auditorium Square Park rain or shine for arts and crafts, as well as music by Spare Parts and Chuck Lambert Blues. Free admission for all who enter.
Saturday, October 5th, 10am - 4pm For more information, visit oceangrovenj.com
Colts Neck
Don’t miss out on Monmouth County’s Second Annual Farm to Fork. Head down to The Barn at Laird for locally sourced cuisine, craft cocktails, a silent auction, and more. The Monmouth County Historical Association is proud to be hosting one of the hottest events of the fall season.
Saturday, October 5, 6:30pm - 10:30pm For more information, visit monmouthhistory.org
Visit 4 JG’s Orchard & Vineyard for a spooky night of wine tasting by the firepit. That weekend, go on a stroll through the apple orchard and vineyard, with a scavenger hunt as well. Enjoy Halloween treats and drink in your best Halloween costume.
Friday-Sunday, October 25 - 27
For more information, visit 4jgswinery.com
Highlands
Bring your dog to the Seafarer for a free costume contest and get a chance at winning prizes for the scariest, most original, and funniest costumes. Howl-O-Ween begins at 4 p.m. and offers discounted drinks for dog owners.
Monday, October 28th, 4pm
For more information, visit highlandsnj.com
Do you want to experience authentic German food, live music, dancing, and more at a local Oktoberfest? Head down to Veterans Park in Highlands for the 23rd Annual Oktoberfest. Get a taste of Germany with traditional dishes like bratwurst, knockwurst, kraut, potato pancakes, and more. There will be a large selection of both light and dark beers. Live oopmah and polka music will be performed by the Dance Hall Detour Band, accompanied with performances by the Bayern Verien Newark Dancers. Participate in a “best dressed” contest, a beer stein holding contest, and a 50/50 drawing. Admission and parking are free.
Saturday, October 5, 1-7pm
Rain Date Sunday, October 6
For more information, visit highlandsnj.com
BY EMMA SYLVIA
Freehold Township Police Chief George Baumann has had a long and illustrious career. A New Jersey native, he was born in Elizabeth and grew up in Roselle. He and his family moved down to Freehold Township when he was 17 years old. From there, he opted to join the Marine Corp in 1980 following his high school graduation. He served for four years, being honorably discharged in 1984. His true aspiration, however, was always to be a police officer. He had joined the Marine Corp as a military policeman specifically to advance his soon-to-be career. Chief Baumann said, “It was something I had always dreamed of since I was 15 years old.”
In 1984, Baumann worked construction while taking tests in different cities in order to procure a job as an officer. However, he was always drawn back to Freehold, saying, “I liked the area, I liked the town. It was special to be a police officer in Freehold.” He was hired in August of 1986, and for
the next 12 years he worked in the patrol division at Freehold Township, primarily patrolling and taking calls.
In 1998, he was assigned as a detective, working in that capacity until 2002, when he was promoted to Detective Sergeant, serving in the detective bureau until 2006, when he was then promoted to Commander Lieutenant, being reassigned to the patrol division. Until 2009, he was a Watch Commander, before being assigned to Detective Lieutenant. In 2016, he was promoted to Patrol Captain, and finally, in February of 2020, he was promoted to the Chief of Police position.
After being promoted on February 1, within a month the pandemic was quickly upon the country. Baumann recounts, “It was a new experience, running an 80-man department, running an issue no one had ever dealt with before.” It has been more than four years since then, however, and Baumann wouldn’t change a thing about his career path.
When asked about a title or time period that stands out the most, Baumann has an immediate answer. Despite his lofty position now, Baumann considers his role of sergeant being the title of his career that is one of the most discernible and crucial. He elaborates, “This was the first time I’m not only responsible for myself but responsible for a group of men and women who are traveling out on the road.” He tells his current sergeants that while this was one of the most important steps in his career, it was also one of the most challenging.
Baumann’s job isn’t without its rewards. He says he values the mentorship aspect above all. The department has experienced excellent growth in the past few years, and luckily for Baumann, the township committee and mayor have been very supportive of the department, especially in the era of the pandemic, when things have had to slow down. Baumann remarks that the new officers of today’s age are better trained and more disciplined. He remarks, “Back when I was younger, they gave you a badge; but we were lacking in certain equipment and training.” He elaborates that today, the newer officers are better capable with de-escalating situations. Once, officers were more hands-on; today, when Baumann watches his officers deal with subjects who are at risk, he sees how the job has evolved over the years. “It’s a learning experience for me when I watch them,” he says, fondly.
As Chief, he makes decisions for the future – not just for himself, but for the entire department. While it seems like the less glamorous part of the job, he acknowledges that the financial decisions and budgeting tasks that come with being Chief are some of the most difficult aspects of the job.
“My job, really, is to prepare the department for the future for when I retire, and make sure that everything is in line.
It’s about having a vision for the future.”
He looks to the past, however, for the most memorable experience that he can recount.
“In 2011, on my own, I responded to Haiti after the earthquake. Three hundred thousand people lost their lives. I flew into Chicago and then flew into Haiti — two trips over 25 days. I did that on my own time; but I think because I was a police officer, I thought I could help. That’s something I’m very proud of.”
Baumann believes that when his time as a detective was when he had the biggest impact on individuals. The township had a program for those who committed minor infractions, which aimed for rehabilitation rather than punishment. He explains, “I’ll be off duty, and I’ll have someone come up to me — and I’m always taken aback — when it turns out they were a kid that I had helped.”
Baumann acknowledges that work is nearly always at the top of his priority list.
It is not just his vision for the future of the department, though — his retirement is on the horizon. “I’ve been working for 38 years,” he says, “and I’m 62 years old. I had thought about leaving earlier and pursuing something else, but I really enjoy the job.”
While loving his job, Baumann is ecstatic at the possibility of spending more time with his family post-retirement.
“I have three children. My daughter,
Jenna, who is a first grade teacher in Freehold Township, my older son, George came onto the force in 2014 and is a sergeant, and my younger son, Jonathan, went on the same path as me in the Marine Corp and then as a police officer.” He lovingly acknowledges his wife, Janice, who worked for the Department of Environmental Protection for 38 years and retired in 2016. “I recall her taking [the kids] to family gatherings, and I wasn’t there because I had to work. We’ve been married for 37 years.”
Aside from chasing his hobbies — which include common interests like boating and more unusual ones, such as keeping honey bees — he lists spending time with Janice to be the thing that he’s looking forward to the most. Joyously, his family is due to grow, though, with a granddaughter arriving soon.
special. The closer it gets, the more excited I get. I’m getting really psyched. It’s going to be something great.”
“That’s something new I’m not used to, but it’s going to be something
Despite retirement on the horizon, Baumann can only speak of his job fondly, through all the highs and lows.
“I would have never changed a thing about what I did in my career. Someday, the age factor will come in where I have to leave. I’ll be ready by then.” He smiles and adds, “But I’m in no rush.”
NOW THROUGH JAN. 2, 2025
Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed
Travel back in time at Monmouth Museum to explore and learn about the world of dinosaurs in an interactive exhibit.
Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft
For more information, visit monmouthmuseum.org
SEPT. 26 - OCT 31
We Unleash the Beast
Head to Rustic Roots Garden Center to experience their award winning custom truck on display. We have fun activities for the whole family including the Beast, a haunted house, corn maze, slides, sand art & fun games. On the weekends we have face painting, airbrush tattoos, music, pony rides and petting zoo.
Rustic Roots Garden Center, 336 Everett Road, Lincroft.
For more information visit rusticrootsgc.com
Fall Harvest Season at Pantano Home & Garden from 11 am to 4 pm on the weekends
Saturday, Oct. 5 • Happy Trail Pony Rides
Sunday, Oct. 6 • Touch a Truck
Saturday, Oct. 12 • Face Painting Designs by Anita Sunday, Oct. 13 • Happy Trails Petting Zoo
Saturday, Oct. 19 • Pumpkin Painting
Sunday, Oct. 20 • Happy Trails Pony Rides
Saturday, Oct. 26 • Face Painting Designs by Anita Sunday, October 27 • Happy Trails Petting Zoo Pantano Home & Garden, 161 Rte. 34, Holmdel, NJ For more information visit PantanoOutdoorSupply.com/events
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 • 7:30 pm - 10pm
The Price is Right Live!
Head on down to the Count Basie Center for the Arts to play the hit interactive stage show, The Price is Right.
Count Basie, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, NJ For more information, visit thebasie.org
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 • 7pm - 9 pm Trivia Night Thursdays
Head to the Beach Haus in Belmar every Thursday for trivia night.
Beach Haus Brewery, 801 Main St., Belmar For more information, visit beachhausbeer.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
3rd Annual Charlotte Joy Touch-a-Truck Festival
All proceeds benefit children with cancer in NJ at this Touch-a-Truck fest, featuring fire trucks, helicopters, and more.
1500 Kozloski Rd., Freehold 10am - 5pm
For more information, visit ashleylaurenfoundation.org
Farm-to-Fork
The Monmouth County History Association presents the 2nd Annual Farm-to-Fork event, full
of locally sourced food, cocktails, and live music. The Barn at Laird, 164 Laird Rd., Colts Neck 6:30pm - 10:30pm
For more information, visit monmouthhistory.org
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Head to Allaire State Park for a live performance of the famous tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Ave., Wall 7pm - 8:30pm
For more information, head to https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-legend-of-sleepy-hollowlive-adaptation-tickets-814388647367
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
Freehold Oktoberfest
Enjoy Authentic German food and beer, live music, and more at Freehold’s first Oktoberfest.
W. Main St., Freehold
12pm - 6pm
For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com
Howell Farmers Market
Head to Howell every Sunday for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and more.
Echo Lake Park, 1205 Maxim Southard Rd., Howell 10am - 2 pm
For more information, visit hearherellcnj.wootick.com
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Downtown Freehold Fall Concert Series
Catch the last of the 2024 Fall Concert Series in Downtown Freehold, with 9 South performing. Hall of Records, 1 E. Main St., Freehold
For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 • 7pm - 11pm
Everclear at Asbury Lanes
Head down to Asbury Lanes to watch the band Everclear with special guests. 209 4th Ave., Asbury Park
For more information, visit asburylanes.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 • 9am
Patty G’s Memorial 5k Walk
Join Patty G’s Help for Heroes to raise money for its memorial scholarship fund by participating in the 1st Annual Patty G’s Memorial 5k Walk. Birdsmouth Brewery, 675 Oceanport Way, Oceanport
For more information, visit pattygshelpforheroes.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
Festi-Fall
The Little Silver Endowment Fund Presents FestiFall, featuring The Heaven. Head down for live music and food trucks. BYO chairs and blankets. Fields behind Borough Hall
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 • 7pm
The African Children’s Choir
Celebrate 40 years with the African Children’s Choir at AME Church with a performance of popular children’s music, traditional spiritual
songs, and African cultural pieces.
Fisk Chapel AME Church, 58 Fisk St., Fair Haven
For more information, visit africanchildrenschoir.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 • 7:30pm - 11pm
Boots & Bling Annual Gala
Join the Bluemont Equine Sanctuary at their annual gala to support their animal sanctuary.
The Barn at South Holland, Holmdel
For more information, visit bluemontsanctuary.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Seafood Fest
Visit Bell Works to enjoy Seafood Fest, with Cousins Maine Lobster truck.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel 11AM - 7PM
For more information, visit bell.works/new-jersey Fall Music & Market in Riley Park
Enjoy shopping and live music in Bradley Beach’s Fall Market
615 Main St, Bradley Beach 11am - 4pm
For more information, visit bradleybeachalliance.org
Ashley Lauren Foundation Fun Run
Start this fun run at Charley’s Ocean Bar & Grill, followed with a Happy Hour, all to support children with cancer in NJ.
Charley’s Ocean Bar & Grill, 29 Avenel Blvd, Long Branch 10am - 12pm
For more information, visit ashleylaurenfoundation.org
Fall Craft Festival
Head over to Holmdel for crafts and baked goods at the Fall Craft Festival.
Holmdel Community UCC, 40 Main St, Holmdel 9am - 3pm
For more information, visit holmdelucc.org
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 - 20
Bread and Roses Film Festival
Enjoy film festival screenings at Asbury Park’s Showroom Cinema, as well as a preshow and after party at Parlor Gallery.
The Showroom Cinema, 708 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park
3pm - 6pm on Saturday 12pm - 6pm on Sunday
For more information, visit breadrosesfilm.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 • 5pm - 9pm
First Annual Classic and Vintage Car Show
The Greasers Car Club presents the First Annual Classic and Vintage Car Show Fundraisers, with hotrods, trunk-or-treat, music, and a costume contest for kids.
Holmdel Community UCC, 40 Main St, Holmdel For more information, visit holmdelucc.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 • 8:30am - 12pm
JSRC Trick or Trot
Join Deal Fire Company No. 2 and Jersey Shore Running Club for a 4 mile road race that benefits the fire company and rescued dogs from Shore Saves.
Deal Casino, 125 Ocean Ave. N, Deal
For more information, visit runsignup.com
For those in search of some true-to-life scares, here are a few real-life places in Monmouth County that have been rumored to be haunted by actual ghosts. Visit them … if you dare.
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
It’s October, and of course it’s not hard to find haunted attractions at every turn. Hayrides, haunted houses and other pretend scares are plentiful this time of year, but sometimes a guy in a Michael Myers mask jumping out at you with a plastic knife just isn’t enough.
Arguably the best-known house on this list for fans of the paranormal, The Spy House has been featured everywhere from TV shows to local publications such as Weird NJ and is often referred to as “the most haunted house in America.”
Located in Port Monmouth, the house is part of Bayshore Waterfront Park (where it’s known by its proper name — the Seabrook-Wilson House). Originally constructed as a small cabin in 1720, the house has been the recipient of many additions over the years, but its notoriety comes from the legend that at one point during the revolutionary war, the innkeeper used the house as a tavern and would often host British troops, getting them to reveal secrets while under the influence of a few too many drinks. Hence the nickname of “The Spy House” was born.
Much of the ghostly reputation of the property stems from the tales of Gertrude Neidlinger, a former caretaker who would give tours and spin yarns of a macabre nature. Though many doubt the validity of her stories, sightings of a paranormal nature have been reported by many folks, both from inside the house and through the windows while standing outside. Ghostly apparitions of a young boy in an upstairs window and rocking chairs moving on their own from unseen forces are just a few of the chilling sitings that have been reported. The Spy House is located at 119 Port Monmouth Road in Port Monmouth.
Built in 1710, the Allen House sits at the Four Corners intersection at Broad Street and Sycamore Avenue in Shrewsbury. In 1754, the house was sold and re-opened as the Blue Ball Tavern, the same moniker it was known as in 1779 when it was occupied by traveling soldiers from the Continental Army during the revolutionary war. The tavern was raided by Loyalists and 3 Continental soldiers were killed with 9 more taken as prisoners in what came to be known as “The Allen House Massacre.” Ghosts of the bloodbath are said to haunt the home to this day.
The house is currently owned and operated as a museum by the Monmouth County Historical Society. In past years, ghost tours have taken place in October, but the home is currently under renovation,
so it can only be viewed from the exterior presently. The Allen House is located at 400 Sycamore Ave, in Shrewsbury.
While much of Lake Avenue in Asbury Park is packed with thriving businesses and fabulous restaurants, two features of the picturesque street have been the source of more than a few chilling encounters.
One of the reportedly haunted sites is Wesley Lake itself, which runs the length of the street, gives it its moniker and divides the town from Ocean Grove. A woman was found dead in the lake back in 2004, and since then, multiple sightings — and hearings — of “The Lady of the Lake” have been reported. The unusual thing? It seems folks on the Asbury Park side of the
lake have seen her, while those on the Ocean Grove side only hear her. A truly bizarre, uncommon and creepy phenomenon.
Just opposite the lake is Kennedy Park, a small, but picturesque grassy area that fills the space between the serenity of Lake Avenue and the bustling action on Cookman Avenue. While it may seem pleasant and unthreatening, a legend has been around for hundreds of years that a Native American can be seen wandering the grounds. The story goes that a Lenape Chieftain murdered his young wife and buried her and now roams the area at Kenndy Park. Sightings of the ghostly apparition have been occurring consistently for years.
For those looking for even more ghost stories of Asbury Park, a tour of the macabre sites of the entire town can be booked at: www.usghostadventures.com/asbury-park-ghost-tour
BY BILL CLARK
The unofficial last Saturday of summer is a perfect day for Triumph Brewing Company in Red Bank. Diners are enjoying the pilsners, lagers and IPAs that Triumph offers al fresco as they wait for their dinner. The quickly setting late-August sun is being shaded by the canopies, the posts of which are lined with climbing greenery providing a bit of the natural in the middle of the modern, urban set up.
The Red Bank location, opened in 2018, is the company’s third location (they have spots in Princeton and New Hope, PA as well). Although it isn’t situated on the main drag of Front or Broad Streets, Triumph’s location on Bridge Avenue anchors the side of Red Bank that is less apt to get foot traffic. But for Triumph owner Adam Rechnitz, it’s the perfect location for the vibe that Triumph brings.
“This side of town is a little more eclectic,” he said. “It’s a little more arty.”
The space was built on the former Blaisdell Lumber yard, Rechnitz said. When the Red Bank native decided to open the Red Bank location, he had the option of rebranding however he wished. Rechnitz was not limited to retrofitting former brick warehouses to fit brewing equipment, a kitchen, bar and seating area like he was with the previous locations. But
Triumph Brewing in Princeton and New Hope had a certain look and feel which Rechnitz wanted to build on. He tapped the same architect who was responsible for crafting the first two.
“One of the tricks was in trying to get a little bit of an older aesthetic in new construction,” he said. “That’s why you see a whole lot of restored barn wood and just that vintage feel from a modern space. It’s really the combination of seeing both.”
What resulted is a look with broad appeal. The bar is lengthy with just a few televisions mounted on the back wall. Tables fill the space until they reach a small stage for performers and events. Windows allow sunlight to pour through during the day. Seating circles the perimeter of the second level where the brewing space is on full display behind a clear partition. The prominence of the tanks reminds patrons that the beer that fills their pint glass was brewed in the building itself and not shipped in from across the country or abroad.
The type of consumption license the business operates under allows Triumph to function as a brewpub instead of a traditional microbrewery. Wine and cocktails are available for those who favor beverages other than beer. The menu offers traditional entrees, sandwiches, appetizers and salads, all of which are allowed under the license that Rechnitz operates under.
But with “Brewing” in the name, Triumph can sometimes get confused for one of the microbreweries that work
under stronger restrictions or even the misconception that beer has to be paired with simpler fare. Rechnitz said that beer can still be considered a second-class drink to some, but craft brewers are chipping away at that notion and bringing legitimacy to the world.
“Because they see ‘brewery’ in the name, people automatically think you’re going to have nachos and wings or you’ll just have food trucks. And we’re trying to get the public to understand that we are really a different animal than a lot of these other breweries around,” he said.
Triumph offers a burger and pretzels on the menu, but it certainly isn’t what a diner would expect at a local dive bar.
“We have our own twist,” Rechnitz said. “What the kitchen provides is an elevated dish where we have something for everyone, including a brunch menu, where we serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Rechnitz and General Manager John Badaracoo make sure that their employees are educated and ready to answer questions that patrons may have. Bartenders and servers have to be ready to suggest a beer to a guest that may count one of the mass-produced, domestic beers as their favorite.
Both say that the bartenders are informed by the brewer on staff daily. They routinely update training and information about the science and market.
“We’re talking about the beers and what’s happening,” Badaracoo said. “We have beer classes. Our staff fully knows the process from point A to point B.”
Badaracoo said that the management is Cicerone Certified as well, the equivalent of a wine sommelier for the brewery industry.
“We know origins of beer hops to storage to the whole inner workings of beer,” Badaracoo said. “Making beer, storage, beer laws. That’s one of our prerequisites so that we can share that knowledge along with our staff.”
But since Triumph also has a full cocktail selection, bartenders must be competent mixologists as well. Badaracco is confident that the mixological skills of his staff allow the liquor drinker to be just as satisfied as those who are happy with a pint.
“That’s one thing that we do here is create a culture that everyone’s involved from start to finish,” he said. “We’re not looking for that person to come in and just be here to make money and be out the door. There’s education, there’s levels of service, and there’s involvement. That all happens.”
Triumph even offers nonalcoholic drinks outside of the typical sodas or iced teas.
“Mocktails have exploded on the market,” Badaracoo said.
Bechnitz also referred to the seasonality of the business multiple times. Triumph has staples that will be on its menu year-round like its Keller Pilsner, but different months call for different flavors. Stouts, Hefeweizens and Saisons
have their times. The menu alters with the calendar as well.
“We’re changing with the times. We’re changing with what’s available from the fresh fish that we offer to the cuts of meat that’s out there,” Badaracoo said.
Triumph also serves as a venue for weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings and private parties. The space is dynamic enough to mold itself to what is needed. Much like the beer and food menu, there is something for everyone. Those looking for a beer while they watch football this fall have a space. Craft aficionados have a menu they can taste to see how Triumph differs from other brewers. Those just looking for a
relaxed outdoor space to enjoy lunch in the fresh air are taken care of too. Even the dogs are welcome to curl up under the patio tables hoping for the chance to pounce on anything that falls their way.
Badaracoo said that the music the space offers is varied in genre but they restrict it to original artists which provides an outlet for local musicians to share their talents. Certain nights are popular enough that a sign posted by the host stand informs diners that seating by the stage cannot be guaranteed.
Triumph may have started in 1995 in Princeton, but the Red Bank iteration is special to its owner who wanted to bring his vision of artisan beer and a diverse menu to his hometown. Bechnitz knows that sometimes people can roll right past Red Bank on Route 35 for the hipness of Asbury Park.
“I think they’re kind of calling it the sixth borough of New York,” he said with a laugh about the city to the south.
But Bechnitz knows that beach towns are subject to the quality of the summer.
“It’s kind of feast or famine down there and definitely gets slower in the cooler months,” he said.
With that, Bechnitz and Triumph benefit from the year-round demand of Red Bank. Visitors are drawn because of the quality of stores, restaurants, bars and a brew pub, all of which are not dependent on the demand of weekenders and tourists.
“I’m happier to be in Red Bank,” he said. “In no small part because it is my hometown.”
BY
LILIANN PARAS
“He was a wise man who invented beer.” — Plato
Because beer is so popular, familiar, and available, it’s not surprising we generally take it for granted. The next time you raise a beer mug, impress your friends with these fun facts!
• Zythology is the study of beer, a practice since ancient times.
• The first written proof of beer is 5000 years old, but beer residue dates back more than 10,000 years.
• The very first beer brewers were women, basically because it was seen as a domestic chore.
• Death by drowning awaited any woman tending bar who shortmeasured a beer customer as decreed in the nearly 4,000-yearold Babylonian Code of Hammurabi.
• In Medieval times, Catholic monks would fast, drinking only beer, their "liquid bread."
• In 1983, there were 49 licensed breweries in the U.S. In 2023 there were 14,597.
• First prize in the North American Wife Carrying Competition (!) is the wife's weight in beer and 5 times her weight in cash.
• In 2023 the U.S. beer industry sold approximately $135 billion in beer and malt-based beverages to U.S. consumers.
• A brewery in Austria has swimming pools filled with about 42,000 pints of beer.
• The strongest beer in the world is Scottish Snake Venom, 67.5% alcohol by volume.
Cheers!
BY LILIANN PARAS
If asked to describe all that Source Farmhouse Brewery has accomplished in five short years, the answer simply would be, “Wow!”
Source set out to deliver an unforgettable beer drinking experience and that is just what visitors can expect. Phil Petracca, Keri Petracca, and Greg Taylor opened Source in 2019, after a series of twists and turns. It all began when Phil, the quintessential entrepreneur, invented Fizzics, a device that converts standard cans or bottles into Nitro-style tappoured beer. His ambitious marketing of Fizzics led to an auspicious meeting with Taylor; a successful stint on Shark Tank; and their eventual brewery ownership together. What began as a humble garage-brewing operation of five-gallon batches developed into production of more than 300 gallons at a time, with generally 30-plus different beers on tap. Running one brewery in Colts Neck expanded to a second in Fishtown, Philadelphia in 2021, with a third underway in Manayunk, Philadelphia, their biggest undertaking yet.
It all kicked off with the Colts Neck location, in large part due to their vision to create a unique physical space. They recognized the potential in what could be politely described as a farmhouse “in very rough condition.” As Phil described it, “We found this 130-year-old barn and it looked like it would fall down. But we fell in love with it and are proud of what it is today.” I toured the farmhouse with Tay-
lor before the renovations began, and as he enthusiastically explained the plan, I inwardly marveled at his optimism and confidence. I was amazed when I saw they had done it. I could not believe the two-story building — with its inviting, friendly farmhouse ambiance, outdoor deck, biergarten, and sprawling grounds — was the same space I had walked through. Source preserved the original silos, a now iconic feature and a fitting nod to the agricultural roots of the town. Visitors are treated to what Phil calls the beer-drinking trifecta: great beer, great environment, and great staff. These short five years in business have yielded many changes. CM revisited the owners to hear about their take on where they started, where things stand now, and what lies ahead.
Phil did not have a traditional path to brewery ownership. He spent 20 years in the tech field and developed Fizzics, a technology focused on dispensing beer at home. Little did he know how Fizzics would alter the trajectory of his life. Marketing Fizzics resulted in a chance meeting with Taylor, who was a brewer in Easton, PA. Greg liked what he heard and asked to join Phil in the Fizzics business. Phil and his then partner appeared on Shark Tank, and received a $2 million deal from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner. Lori was influ-
ential in getting Fizzics into Bed Bath and Beyond and Phil appeared with her on QVC several times. “In minutes, we would sell out of all the products we had. Lori was an amazing Shark and businessperson to work with, and I’m grateful for her support and friendship. But I decided that I would follow my true passion, the beer,” Phil explained. “On my exit from Fizzics, I asked Greg to join me in a new venture, and he was right behind me.”
Taylor is an advanced-level beer Cicerone (comparable to a wine sommelier) and his path was a bit more straightforward. He studied business management at Penn State and later enrolled in the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, the oldest brewing school in the US. He received his master brewer’s degree at the Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany, and began brewing in Easton shortly thereafter. “I was fortunate enough to do some traveling throughout Europe and got a taste of some world-class beer that shocked my senses and opened my eyes to the possibilities of what beer could be,” Taylor recounted. “I was instantly bitten by the curiosity bug that ended up sending me down the craft beer and brewing rabbit hole that I am still delving deeper into each passing day. I’m glad I was working the day Phil came to Easton!”
Their initial investigation of craft breweries in NJ revealed there were gaps ripe for filling. “We wondered, ‘What is this area missing?’” Taylor said. “We noticed that most breweries in the state were located in industrial warehouses or strip malls and there were no breweries in this area. Only a few were kid-friendly, and fewer had any accommodations for dogs.” As a result, family and balance became a focus at Source. The first-floor taproom welcomes families with children, the second-floor mezzanine and rooftop terrace are reserved for adults, and the beer garden and grounds are open
to all, including dogs. Phil elaborated on the genesis of their priorities. “We have visited amazing breweries not only in the US but around the world. The lasting impressions had common denominators: a focus on ‘beer first,’ community, and locally sourced ingredients. Colts Neck was at the top of our list based on the strong agriculture backbone and access to local farmers in close proximity for sourcing ingredients to incorporate into our beers. We also have the ability to donate our spent grains to local farmers for a completely sustainable business.”
“Beer to us isn’t just flavor and aroma in a vacuum. I can’t separate my favorite beer drinking memories from the places and details of the surroundings of where I was when I was drinking them,” said Taylor. Phil agreed. “The design of our draft system and the overall curated experience was influenced by our past study of the way the body perceives texture, aroma, and flavor. Every single beer is poured in its own curated glassware, at its designated temperature, carbonation level, and most importantly the ideal amount and density of the foam.” Phil also noted that although they brew in a 19th-century barn, they are a state-of-the-art facility.
Taylor weighed in on his process of crafting the beer. “I typically envision the flavor profile I’m looking for in the finished product and then work backward to put all the pieces together. We focus on four main categories of beer at Source: Lagers, IPAs, Farmhouse styles, and Stouts. There are many people trading up from mass-produced, commoditized beer to local craft beer every day, and we want our community’s experience at Source to be positive to help encourage that trend.”
And it is refreshing to know they are true advocates for independent breweries in general. “We want all of the other breweries in the area to do well so we can all collectively elevate the craft in New Jersey,” Taylor emphasized.
And how do the owners now feel about the path they are on? Taylor summed up the experiences of a half-decade. “Never a dull moment! Wearing lots of different hats, complex problem-solving, never-ending maintenance projects,
planning for growth, and keeping new and exciting beers coming out week after week.”
They faced many changes along the way. Perhaps the most unexpected change was the pandemic, which forced a taproom shutdown. Source adapted by canning all the beers, a process they continue to this day. They are grateful that customer demand persisted and they were able to pivot and sell beer on-line for pickup. A very welcome change came about through revisions in NJ laws which now allow breweries to host more events and to offer food trucks on premises. “Alcohol reform has been a long time coming. It’s always good to have more freedom and legal parity with our neighboring states,” Taylor said.
Upon opening five years ago, an optimistic Phil reflected, “We live beer. We put people and beer before profits; if we do a good job, the latter will come. The support has been amazing and we are truly grateful.”
Source Farmhouse Brewery is located at 300 Rt-34 in Colts Neck. Go to SourceBrewing.com for more info.
Alternate Ending Beer Co alternateendingbeerco.com 1057 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747
Artis Brewery artisbrewery.com
36 South St, Freehold, NJ 07728
Asbury Park Brewery asburyparkbrewery.com
614 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Bakes Brewing Co bakesbrewing.co
NJ-71, Belmar, NJ 07719
Beach Haus Brewery beachhausbeer.com
801 Main St, Belmar, NJ 07719
Belford Brewing belfordbrewing.com
84 Leonardville Rd, Belford, NJ 07718
Birdsmouth Beer birdsmouthbeer.com
675 Oceanport Way, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Bradley Brew Project bradleybrew.com
714 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Carton Brewing cartonbrewing.com
6 E Washington Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Five Dimes Brewery fivedimesbrewery.com
77 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Grin Brewing grinbrewing.com
32 E Church St, Keansburg, NJ 07734
Kane Brewing Co kanebrewing.com 1750 Bloomsbury Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712
Little Dog Brewing littledogbrewing.com 141 Steiner Ave, Neptune City, NJ 07753
Screamin’ Hill Brewery screaminhill.com 83 Emleys Hill-Prospertown Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Seven Sons Brewery sevensonsbrewing.com 2224 US-9, Howell Township, NJ 07731
Source Brewing Company sourcebrewing.com
300 NJ-34, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery talloaksbrew.com
450 Colts Neck Rd, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
The Whitechapel Projects whitechapelprojects.com
15 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Triumph Brewery triumphbrewing.com
1 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Twin Lights Brewing twinlightsbrewing.com
4057 Asbury Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753
Wild Air Beerworks wildairbeer.com
801 2nd Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
DISTILLERIES:
3BR Distillery 3brdistillery.com
7 Main St, Keyport, NJ 07735
Asbury Park Distilling apdistilling.com
527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Colts Neck Stillhouse coltsneckstillhouse.com
304 NJ-34, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Long Branch Distillery lbdistillery.com
199 Westwood Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
LAROCCA HORNIK ROSEN
GREENBERG & CRUPI LLC in Freehold, New Jersey, is a team of experienced family law counselors and advocates. We guide people through the divorce process, resolve related issues involving children, property and support, and provide services that address other family law problems. Certified in Matrimonial Law by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, LaRocca is a founding partner of the LaRocca firm. The firm unites attorneys with substantial experience in family, business and lending law, who share a bedrock commitment to serving clients. LaRocca represents clients across New Jersey in state and appellate court, in arbitration and mediation. LaRocca’s career in family law to brings together his skills to help people through challenging times. Above all, he aims to be a counselor who guides clients through to their new lives.
BY EMMA SYLVIA
This fall, Freehold has a few fun offerings for residents as they leave the beach mentality and head into the crisp breezes of autumn.
Freehold continues its Fall Concert Series in October. On Wednesday, October 2, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., catch the band Undisputed at the Hall of Records. On Wednesday, October 9 at the same time, see 9 South. Enjoy your fall evenings with this upbeat music from bands both local and prominent. Sponsored by OceanFirst Bank and Nestle. For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/FreeholdNewJersey.
On Sunday Oct. 6, Downtown Freehold is proud to present its first Oktoberfest. Head down to West Main Street in Freehold, where the road will be blocked off in order to accommodate the many vendors along with tables and seating. Live music, food and beers of multiple varieties will be presented. The event will take place from noon-6 p.m. For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
The idea of a waterfront restaurant is a popular one within any coastal community, but to say that Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant in Long Branch is just another restaurant with a pretty view of the ocean would be painfully underselling it.
Since opening its doors nearly 30 years ago (the restaurant will celebrate that milestone in June of 2025), Rooney’s has been the go-to spot for a special occasion dinner in Long Branch. Its stellar reputation among locals is unwavering, and it’s easy to see why. A sprawling restaurant, Rooney’s manages to be luxurious without feeling stuffy, its expansive space divided in a series of levels and surrounded by sweeping walls of retractable windows, making the entirety of its footprint feel open, airy and inviting.
At night, even the bar area glows with soft illumination, resulting in an enchanting atmosphere throughout, and Friday evenings feature live music to pick things up just in time for the weekend. Outdoor seating is also available for those looking to be even closer to the salt air and squawking seagulls, but even on the chilliest days of the offseason, the vibe indoors somehow channels the serenity of summer.
And all that is before you have taken your first bite.
Rooney’s in Long Branch knocks it out of the park with fresh seafood and views to die for
All the atmosphere in the world won’t matter if your restaurant can’t back it up in the kitchen. Luckily, Rooney’s absolutely hits it out of the park with their menus, offering up noticeable creativity without sacrificing the familiarity of the core flavors of each dish. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Their Sunday buffet brunch — which runs from now through Easter Sunday — has been a fan favorite since its inception and is ranked among Open Table’s 100 Best Brunches in the Country.
We began our dinner with a round of cocktails – the Blueberry Smash (a delightful mix of vodka, muddled blueberries, agave nectar, ginger beer and a hint of lime); and the Hibiscus Haze, a pleasingly floral drink consisting of Griffy’s Organics Grapefruit Hibiscus, Hendrick’s Gin, simple syrup, fresh lime juice and ginger beer. Being that our visit took place at the tail end of the summer season, we went with lighter, more summery cocktails, but keep an eye out for their fall menu, which will feature a few new additions.
Though we stuck with cocktails on our visit, fans of the vino will be happy to hear that Rooney’s has received the Wine Spectator Awad of Excellence every year for the last 25 years straight.
For appetizers, things started off strong with the fabulous Tuna Bruschetta, a fun mashup of Asian and Italian inspiration consisting of spears of toast topped with seared rare tuna, spicy guac, a wasabi and ginger based sauce accented brilliantly by sesame seeds on a bed of seaweed salad.
We also sampled the Whole Baked Artichoke, a more traditional Italian favorite, prepared in a lovely scampi sauce with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
Other apps that we were curious about (but didn’t get to this time) included Coconut Curry Mussels, Char-Grilled Oysters (a New Orleans favorite of mine that everyone should try even if they are generally averse to oysters) and the Crispy Goat Cheese, with its decadent stacking of breaded deep-fried pillows of goat cheese, honey candied pecans, red pepper jam, and grilled bread.
And for those who appreciate a fabulous raw bar, Rooney’s offers one of the finest in Monmouth County, with everything from Rochambeau oysters and Middleneck clams sold individually, to massive towers of chilled seafood packed with lobster, shrimp, oysters and more.
Perhaps the most difficult decision of the evening was choosing our entrees. The menu here offers a dizzying selection of main dishes, with the result in our case being a serious bit of FOMO, however that just gave us an excuse to come back and try something different next time, so no harm, no foul.
One can opt for a selection from their fish board, which offers the flexibility of selecting not only the fish of your choice (Atlantic salmon, shrimp, branzino, halibut, yellowfin tuna or the fresh catch of the day) but also the preparation (blackened, broiled, grilled or pan-seared), the side sauce (sweet chili and garlic, lemon butter, tomato vinaigrette, “angry style” or chimichurri), and the pair of side dishes (garlic mashed potatoes, mashed gouda cauliflower, crispy Brussels sprouts, mushroom risotto or grilled asparagus).
Other seafood options include a full mini menu of lobster dishes alongside other treasures from the sea such as Wasabi Panko Tuna, a Shrimp and Scallops combo, Crabcakes, a variety of seafood-based pasta dishes like the Cioppino, which comes with mahi mahi, shrimp, clams and garlic in a tomato broth; and the Lobster Mac-A-Rooney, a fancied-up version of a comfort food classic with fresh lobster, parmesan and mozzarella and macaroni in a rich lobster cream sauce.
Those who shy away from seafood have plenty to choose from as well, as carnivorous options such as a Braised Lamb Shank or classic Angus Beef Skirt Steak (served in a chimichurri sauce with parmesan truffle fries) will more than satisfy, as will pasta options like the Spicy Rigatoni with Calabrian chilis in a tomato cream sauce with whipped ricotta and parmesan; or Chef Jared’s Fresh Pasta of the Week.
After much hemming and hawing, we opted for the Lazy Poached Lobster — a wildly indulgent entrée consisting of a fully de-shelled 2-pound lobster resting upon a bed of gnocchi in a marvelous brown butter cream sauce — and the 14-ounce Premium Reserve Pork Chop, a wonderful bonein delight with masterfully seared edges, all finished with a bourbon apricot glaze that complemented the mild, somewhat understated flavor of the pork without masking it entirely. The chop came with crispy Brussels sprouts and a mound of garlic mashed potatoes that will put to shame anything your mother makes this Thanksgiving.
Despite stuffing ourselves to near breaking point, we couldn’t say no to the dessert menu, which mostly played it safe with beloved classics like Lava Cake, Tiramisu and Junior’s Cheesecake. We opted for the Key Lime Pie as well as the aforementioned cheesecake, which came topped with a tart strawberry puree which nicely balanced the sweetness of the cheesecake itself. The pie was creamy and almost pudding-like, with the subtle sour of the lime playing well with the whipped cream and buttery crust. It all made for a perfect ending to a perfect meal and did so without having to reinvent the wheel. Some things are favorites for a reason and stand the test of time … much like Rooney’s itself.
The Seafarer — Bring your dog to the Seafarer Monday, Oct. 28 for a free costume contest and have them compete for a chance at winning prizes for the scariest, most original, and funniest costumes. Howl-O-Ween begins at 4 p.m. and offers discounted drinks for dog owners. For more information, visit highlandsnj. com. The Seafarer, 1 Atlantic St, Highlands Middletown Dog Park gets spooky — Visit the Middletown Dog Park for a costume contest, photo op, treats, and dog-related vendors on Saturday, October 26, from 9:30-11 a.m. The event is free but signup is encouraged. 63 Tindall Rd, Middletown
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, Red 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 longstanding 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
AND A —
Now that the kids are back in school, it’s time to ensure your dog receives the playtime and attention they deserve! Many doggy day care services provide a premier experience designed to keep your furry friend happy, active, and mentally stimulated throughout the day.
Doggy day care isn’t just a place to drop off your dog— it’s a space where they can thrive. These facilities often offer a safe, fun, and enriching environment for dogs of all breeds and sizes, featuring a structured day filled with exercise, socialization, and expert care. Whether your pup enjoys frolicking with new friends or prefers individual attention, these services can cater to their needs.
With spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, dogs have ample room to stretch their legs, run, and explore. Luxurious, state-of-the-art play yards often include antimicrobial filtration systems and specialized lighting to ensure comfort and safety. Climate-controlled indoor spaces and year-round accessible outdoor areas are designed to create the perfect day for every dog.
Trained and experienced staff are always on hand to make sure each dog is well cared for, offering the right balance of play and rest. Since each dog is unique, personalized attention is a staple to ensure they feel at home.
After a busy day, you can pick up a happy, tired, and content dog who has enjoyed a fun-filled day in a safe, stimulating environment. With school back in session, now is an excellent time to provide your dog with the daytime activity they crave.
Why not treat your dog this fall?
Sign them up for Green Leaf Pet Resort’s doggy day care and let them experience all the fun while you enjoy peace of mind!
Green Leaf Pet Resort is open Monday – Friday 7AM – 7PM, Saturday and Sunday 9AM – 5PM. Conveniently located at 1602 Rt. 35, Oakhurst, NJ 07755. 732-272-0800 or online at www.greenleafpetresort.com/oakhurst/
Our picks for some fun nights out at local bars and restaurants this month
FRIDAYS (OCT. 4, 11, 18 AND 25) • 6 p.m.
Live music
Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, 100 Ocean Ave N., Long Branch RooneysOcean.com
FRIDAY, OCT. 4 • 8 p.m.
The E Street Shuffle (Bruce Springsteen tribute band) Red Rock Tap + Grill, 14 Wharf Ave., Red Bank RedRockRB.com
THURSDAY, OCT. 10 • 7 p.m.
We May Be Right (Billy Joel tribute band) Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park TimMcloonesSupperClub.com
SATURDAY, OCT. 19 • 9 p.m.
What: The Snakes Where: St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, RT 71, Spring Lake SSGPub.com
THURSDAYS, (OCT.17 AND 24) • 6-9 p.m.
What: Country Night Where: The Cabin, 984 NJ-33, Freehold TheCabinNJ.com
THURSDAY, OCT. 24 • 7 p.m.
What: The Jersey Shore Medium, Linda Shields Where: Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park TimMcloonesSupperClub.com
SATURDAY, OCT. 26 • 7 p.m.
Blue Highway- Halloween Show Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave., Lake Como Bar-A.com
BY EMMA SYLVIA
The headquarters of Solar Landscape stands proudly in downtown Asbury Park. It’s a testament both to the town’s growth, as well as the very DNA of the company — it’s Monmouth County born and bred.
The CEO of Solar Landscape is Shaun Keegan, a Monmouth native. He grew up in Wall, alongside co-founder Corey Gross. Both of their mothers were teachers, Keegan’s mother teaching in Freehold Township.
Thirteen years ago, Keegan started Solar Landscape, primarily with the goal of building and real estate. He describes the beginning of the company: “In solar, you have different parts of the value chain. We were the contractor, the construction company. We worked on the roofs for a while and became a developer.” The team expanded, with CFO Clayton Avent and President Mark Schottinger joining the company five years ago. Keegan explains, “Now we do project finance and asset management. When you think of a solar project, you have to sell it, build it, and pay for it.” Solar Landscape tackling all three of these points is quite unique for the company. “Most of our competitors just do one or two; we’re very different in that sense,” says Keegan.
Clearly, the company has grown exponentially from the bottom-up initiative that it began with, with Keegan and Gross having just $5,000 when they started the company. Even just
looking at the numbers, the growth and immense impact of Solar Landscape is obvious: “We’re at 240 employees, give or take. We’ve opened an additional office in Asbury. We’re at 17,000 square feet of office space. We have four different locations in Asbury; it’s like a campus.” Not only is Asbury Park akin to a campus for Solar Landscape, but it’s also become a home. With the CEO still living in Monmouth County, Solar Landscape purchases real estate in Asbury, and also aims to give back to the community.
Solar Landscape partnered with the Asbury Park school district to give the schools free electricity. Along with this, they provide classroom training, teaching students how solar works and how the industry operates. Aside from working with the schools, Solar Landscape is additionally partnered with Interfaith Neighbors, having completed workforce development training with the nonprofit on how to install solar panels. Semaj Vanzant, Sr., Development Manager of the Launch Center at Asbury Park-based Interfaith Neighbors, said, “In Asbury Park and Neptune, community solar is providing job opportunities and affordable clean energy. We have seen first-hand how New Jersey’s clean energy economy can benefit residents. One of our SOAR alumni completed Solar Landscape’s solar installation training program and is now a full-time employee with their company. We’re also pleased
that nearby residents can take advantage of the program to lower their energy costs and fight climate change at the same time.”
Testimonials from Monmouth County residents truly exemplify the impact that solar energy is having on residents in New Jersey. Janet Baldwin of AvonBy-The-Sea, living in a home with a roof not fit for solar panels, is excited to get the benefits of solar energy without the panels. She says, “I see cost savings every month, and that is especially helpful as I am retired and on a fixed income.”
Chris Cappiello of Wall Township, another happy customer, adds, “Being a community solar subscriber has been great. I save money, especially during the high electricity usage in the summer, and I feel good about contributing to the fight against climate change, which is important to my whole family. Plus, I get all these benefits without the need to install or maintain my own solar panels.”
Keegan is endlessly proud of Solar Landscape’s commitment to both Asbury Park and to New Jersey as a whole. “We’re proud to be from Monmouth County. New Jersey gets a bad rap, but we all share a pride in our often-over-
looked home state.” He elaborates that New Jersey has been the “launch point” not just of Solar Landscape, but of innovations in the solar industry itself. Keegan says that the company has gotten a historic number of solar projects awarded. They have launched three partnerships with the largest real estate companies in the world. “We outdid ourselves,”
he admits. “That’s national news.”
With all of these innovations coming to fruition this year, Solar Landscape attributes this achievement to being a New Jersey-based company. “New Jersey has grown its program significantly, allowing us to develop these projects. It’s sparked adjacent growth in markets like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Delaware,
Maryland. You’re seeing the Jersey model of community solar being replicated and growing nationally, and we’re at the forefront of that.” Keegan says it’s hard to imagine that 13 years ago, the company was just him and Gross in a truck, and now, they’re the biggest solar company in many states. “We’re getting solar all over the place. We’ve helped chart the course on where policy should go.”
Another point of pride for the Monmouth-made company is the large percentage of employees that are friends and family from Wall. “It’s an on-going joke about all of the Wall High School alumni that work here,” Keegan says. He remarks on the great company culture and the tremendous attitude and work of the staff. Additionally, Solar Landscape has other work partnerships that they are proud of, that allow them to focus on underserved communities. “We have huge union involvement and partnerships. I want to shout out the IBEW electrical union, which is enabling us to build so many of these megalots. We support what this represents in New Jersey: Families being supported by these wages.”
Keegan says that it’s delightful to see Asbury Park become a “true four season town.” “Even on a weekday in December, we see a hundred people on the street on any given day.” He notes that Solar Landscape isn’t constructing any new buildings in town — just putting solar panels on them. He likes to
think that Solar Landscape is part of the resurgence of Asbury Park. “When I was 21, Asbury came on the map. Even before we got here with the company, being able to see the town turn over … we’ve been huge supporters of that. We embody that sort of funky, musical, blue-collar sort of Asbury Park.” He notes that they have plenty of Asbury Park locals working for the company as construction workers, in addition to their office personnel and full-time electricians. “It’s being part of the community.”
As for the future of Solar Landscape, Keegan is entirely optimistic, saying, “We are in the most exciting and high growth industry in the greatest country in the
world, and we are the largest player in a necessary segment within that framework. What people don’t realize is the scale and impact the company is having. On a national scale, we’re helping transform and modernize the electrical grid to become renewable and carbon-free. We’re playing a real role in that.”
Brendon Shank, the Executive Vice President for Engagement at Solar Landscape, said it best: “It’s a story of hometown growth. It’s like seeing a Johnson & Johnson or a Prudential grow up in real time. We’re in seven states now, and we’ll probably be in 20 in the next two to three years. This is about a hometown company doing national good.”
Name: Sarah Reichenbecher
Title: English Teacher
Place of Employment:
Colts Neck High School
Town of Residency: Freehold Boro
Q: What do you love about teaching, and what keeps you coming back each day?
A: Once we begin to analyze and observe patterns in literature, I love seeing my students transform as readers and critical thinkers. When they understand literature as a reflection of greater social and historical themes, they begin to look at the world in which they live through a different lens. So often, our students are protected and shaped by the communities in which they were raised. Learning about other cultures, times, ideologies, and experiences through reading creates more empathetic and compassionate human beings. I'm privileged to be a part of that process.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about working with kids?
A: At the risk of sounding completely old and out of touch, I would say the most difficult thing about teaching today is the barrier created by digital access in the form of cell phones. It negatively complicates relationships, socialization, inquiry, and learning. It's simply impossible for an educator to be as entertaining as an app. It’s far too tempting for the students to have AI do the work. It’s too distracting for everybody to have a small box constantly stand between what needs to happen and what fixes a temporary need. If we can’t come together to create and enforce stricter boundaries on cell phone usage, we are going to see all new levels of student apathy and teacher burnout.
Q: What was your own school experience like as a kid? Did you enjoy school?
A: I attended Marlboro Elementary Schools and then Howell High School for the Scholars Center for the Humanities. I loved school so much that I took two English classes a year. I wound up marrying a history teacher, and we both credit the incredible educators who taught us with the people we are today. In high school, I felt seen and heard. I try to be that teacher for my own students today.
Q: If you could add one new subject that every kid would have to take in school, what would it be and why?
A: I know there is a lot of pressure to add practical courses like financial literacy, but if I could expand any program or require any class, it would have to be centered in the arts. Yes, it’s useful to balance an account and create a presentation, but it’s also necessary to respect other experiences and histories. If I could mandate a course, it would be a cultural literacy class that focused on music, poetry, and literature from a variety of human experiences.
Q: What is the most important thing that your students have taught you?
A: When I first started teaching, I assumed everybody learned the way that I did. Over the course of the past 23 years, my students have taught me to have more compassion and to not assume that there is one right way to acquire or demonstrate knowledge.
OPEN HOUSES: Saturday, October 5, 2024 Wednesday, November 6, 2024
ENTRANCE EXAMS: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Saturday, November 16, 2024 Saturday, January 25, 2025
Name: Michael Celano
Title: Captain of Freehold Independent Fire Company #1
Place of Employment: Freehold
Town of Residency: Freehold
Q: What initially made you want to be a first responder?
A: When I was younger, I had a friend who was a firefighter at Gordon’s Corner Fire Company in Manalapan, NJ. He convinced me to join there with him back in 1994. I was always interested in helping people.
Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about this kind of work?
A: The most rewarding thing is being able to help people. When the fire department is called to someone’s home or a car accident, it is usually the worst day of their life. Being able to help them is truly a great feeling.
Q: What is the hardest aspect of the job?
A: Honestly, the hardest part of this is you never know when a call is coming. It could be at 2 in the afternoon or it could be 2 in the morning. Getting woken out of a dead sleep and then having to go right to work is always tough on our minds and bodies.
Q: Do any aspects of the job ever scare you?
A: Absolutely, even on our best days, things still go wrong. We can do everything by the book and fight the perfect fire or extricate a victim from a car crash in record time, and we can still have loss of life and property. I was once told that the day this stuff doesn’t scare you is the day you should hang it up.
Q: What was your most memorable experience on the job so far?
A: On Easter Sunday a few years ago, we had a very bad car accident on Siloam Road. We were able to extricate the victim and helped save her life. After almost every accident, we do not ever hear what happens to the victim. On this call, after a year of recovery, we got a chance to meet her and spend some time with her. That’s the stuff that makes it all worth it.
BY MAIA FRANCO HEALTH CORNER
ctober marks breast cancer awareness month. This monthlong initiative serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness about one of the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women worldwide. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about increasing knowledge and understanding of the disease but also about fostering early detection, supporting research efforts, and celebrating the resilience of those affected. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for 1 in 3 women’s cancer diagnoses each year and will impact 13% of women in their lifetime. In 1985, a movement to bring awareness to this disease was sparked by the American Cancer Society and turned into a month-long event characterized by the pink ribbon in 1992. Since this campaign took off over 30 years ago, the survival rate of this cancer has increased by 43%, with developments of modern medicine and an increased awareness of early symptoms.
What are the main risk factors?
• Age: 80% of breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50.
• Genetics: Women with a family history of breast cancer are at a high risk and should be tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. A family history of ovarian cancer is also linked to a hereditary cause of breast cancer.
• Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of breast cancer developing, especially after menopause
How can I check myself for signs of breast cancer?
While the stereotypical symptom is feeling a lump, some women may have breasts that feel dense and a bit lumpy,
which is normal for them. If something feels completely abnormal and new, consult a physician immediately. In addition to breast-cancer specific screenings, follow up with your primary care physician to confirm what screenings are right for you.
When should I contact my physician?
If you are 40 or older, you should be receiving a mammogram annually, which will require a prescription from either a gynecologist or a primary care doctor. In addition to receiving annual mammograms, contact your physician if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• A lump or thickness in or near the breast/under the arm
• Unexplained swelling or shrinking of the breast, particularly on one side
• Changes in skin texture on the breast
• Fluid or discharge, other than breast milk, leaving the breast
• While less common, breast cancer can develop in your thirties and even twenties, making it imperative to always selfcheck. Women who do not have breast cancer but have factors of high-risk may be eligible for the MSKCC RISE program, a screening program designed for women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
How can I show my support?
On October 20th, The American Cancer Society “Making Strides” walk for breast cancer will be taking place at Point Pleasant Beach! You can sign up to participate or choose to donate. Go to acsevents.org for more info.
Freehold Township Mayor Anthony Ammiano celebrated the start of the football season with members from the senior center recently. Everyone had a great time supporting their favorite teams while dancing and enjoying a buffet of tailgate party dishes.
Editorial and photo credit: Freehold Township Facebook page
BY MAIA FRANCO
October is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month, shedding light on a very stigmatized mental health condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. Children with ADHD often experience challenges in multiple areas of life, including academic performance, social interactions, and family dynamics.
The symptoms of ADHD include the following:
• having a short attention span and being easily distracted
• appearing forgetful or losing things
• being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
• appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
• constantly changing activity or task
• being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
• constantly fidgeting
• excessive physical movement
• excessive talking
• acting without thinking
• interrupting conversations
• little or no sense of danger
A major disparity in ADHD diagnosis comes from the difference in symptom presentation between the two sexes. Boys are more likely to show signs of hyperactivity, while girls are more likely to show signs of inattention. This variety in the presentation of symptoms results in a high likelihood of boys being diagnosed as children and girls often struggling without a diagnosis into adulthood. Luckily, there are policies and planned curriculums in place for children who present symptoms of ADHD.
A formal plan for how a school will remove barriers so a student with a disability can learn alongside peers in general education. The term comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal civil rights law that protects against discrimination. A 504 plan is not individualized to a student, but documents the school’s use of accommodations such as assistive technology, services, and staff members that are available to ensure all students have access to the education they require.
In New Jersey an individualized education plan (IEP) is a written document that outlines a young person’s educational needs (ages 3-21). Disabilities and emotional disturbances or struggles can qualify a student for an IEP. Ideally, the student’s needs are discussed between their guardian, teacher, and guidance counselor, and accommodations are made with-
in the school. An IEP will measure a student’s progress and identify any changes that need to be made to help them reach their educational goals.
In order to properly diagnose ADHD, record any signs you observe in your child and share them with your child’s pediatrician. Pediatricians can complete a preliminary assessment and recommend a specialist, who can complete a comprehensive evaluation and recommend treatment.
TRI CHADD offers information, ADHD resources, support meetings, and presentations on ADHD for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others. Call the Monmouth County affiliate at (732-552-8012 M-F 9am-5pm) or visit their website (https://www.meetup.com/TRI-CHADD-NJ/)
Visit pyschologytoday.com and search for ADHD and ADD providers in your area, which can be filtered to show providers that take your insurance!
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