CM: Colts Neck • Holmdel • Lincroft - July 2023

HOPS, BEES, AND CHRISTMAS TREES

The Fir Farm in Colts Neck

On Tuesday, June 27, a group of Colts Neck Seniors paid no attention to the threat of rain, boarded a chartered bus and had a lovely ride to Long Beach Island. First stop: Calloway’s Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch of salad, rolls, a choice of prime rib, chicken or salmon - all with sides of mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.followed by rice pudding or ice cream. No one left there hungry!!

Back on the bus for our second stop: Surflight Theater. What a terrific rendition the cast did of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “State Fair” - great acting, beautiful voices and excellent choreography. For many of us, it was as terrific as being on Broadway!

If you are 55 or older and a Colts Neck resident, you too can participate in our excellent programs and camaraderie. Call P resident, Ed Piotrowski at 732-946-3474 for more information.

On the Road Again

Colts Neck Seniors Update

(Photo Credit: Colts Neck Seniors)

(Photo Credit: Colts Neck Board of Education Facebook Page)

Trust professionals you know. Joseph and Donna Vitale have been residents of Marlboro and now Colts Neck for over 20 years. Chances are your children know our children and your neighbors know our business reputation for quick and immaculate home renovations. When you hire World Class Kitchen and Bath Design Center, you will be working with Joseph and Donna

direct throughout the entire course of your renovation.

Our extended team includes organized office staff and seasoned craftsmen who are also residents from local towns. We are one stop shopping including architects, plumbers and electricians. Stop by today to visit our three level showroom.

Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence (HFEE) Expresses Gratitude for Successful 5K Event

The Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence (HFEE) extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participants who joined us for the highly successful 5K and Kids Fun Run event held on Sunday, June 11. 5K Chair Amanda Volk shared, “We are immensely grateful for the community’s presence and support. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of 370 individuals, making it a resounding triumph for the Holmdel School District and a testament to their commitment to a worthy cause.”

Held on a glorious sunny day with a perfect temperature for running, the annual 5K offered participants another unforgettable experience while contributing to an important e ndeavor. The overwhelming generosity displayed during the event will help the HFEE fund our flagship project for this year, the Indian Hill Music Room. Additionally, it enables the HFEE to allocate more than $16,000 in grants for all four schools in preparation for the 2023-2024 school year.

W inners in various categories were acknowledged for their exceptional performances, including overall winners:

• K ids Fun Run: Nikolai Kovsh

• Top Female 5K: Amy DeFelice

• Top Male 5K: Connor Ryan

(Photo Credit: Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence)

Jack Kapcsos Named to Middle Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll

Jack Kapcsos of Holmdel, N.J. was one of more than 200 Lebanon Valley College student-athletes to be named to the 2023 Middle Atlantic C onference’s (MAC) Winter/Spring Academic Honor Roll.

K apcsos, a graduate of Holmdel High School, is a member of the Lebanon Valley College men’s lacrosse team, and received a bachelor of arts in history at The Valley.

T he academic honor roll is comprised of stu dent-athletes who compete in a varsity-level sport and registered a term/semester GPA of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher.

A fter LVC placed a record 150 student-athletes on this fall’s academic honor roll, the D utchmen were one of the top schools in winter sports with 129 honorees, with 27 students who registered a 4.0 GPA. Both numbers were third among MAC schools for the winter sports. The spring sports finished with 146 honorees and 28 students with a a 4.0 GPA. In total, 425 total LVC student-athletes earn a spot on the MAC Academic Honor Roll this year.

(Photo Credit: https://www.lvc.edu)

New Jersey Brewers Association (NJBA)

President Lori White Thanks Monmouth Senator Vin Gopal for Leadership on ending brewery restrictions

White announced that S-3038 passing in the New Jersey State Senate today brings us one step closer to meaningful change that will strengthen an important piece of our small business community. After the Governor signs it into law, breweries throughout the state will be in a better position than ever to impact their communities economically and by strengthening the social fabric of the towns they are proud to be a part of.”

W hite added, “We are grateful to Senator Vin Gopal and Senator Linda Greenstein for their leadership, along with co-sponsors Senators Johnson, Zwicker, Gill, Turner, and Stanfield. Additionally, we thank the New Jersey State Senate members who supported this bill, and the countless NJBA m embers, who, along with members of their local communities, spoke up about how vital these changes are to their neighborhoods.”

Brookdale Community College Celebrates Graduates at 2023 Commencement Ceremony

Monmouth County, NJ - Brookdale Community College proudly announces the successful conclusion of this year’s graduation ceremony, honoring the outstanding achievements of its graduating class. The event at the college’s Collins Arena marked a momentous milestone in the lives of 1,440 students who received their well-deserved degrees, which included 34 military a nd veteran graduates, 89 Early College High School graduates, future healthcare heroes, and many first-generation college graduates.

The morning ceremony began with a heartwarming speech from Dominic R. Sama, president of the Student Life Board, who graduated with an associate degree in political science and will be attending Montclair State University in the fall, followed by Olayi A. Calderon, who delivered a n empowering address during the afternoon ceremony. Calderon, who graduated w ith an Academic Credit Certificate in paralegal studies, recently took her LSAT and has her sights set on law school to embark on her journey toward becoming an attorney. The words of both speakers resonated with the graduating class, emphasizing the importance of courage, dedication, and the limitless possibilities that lie a head.

Distinguished guests honored the occasion, including Monmouth County Board of Commissioners Director Mr. Thomas A. Arnone, Commissioner Ms. Susan M. Kiley and Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Paul Crupi. Mr. Crupi emphasized Brookdale’s dedication to academic excellence, highlighting Brookdale’s remarkable value and affordability.

“Brookdale is ranked number one in New Jersey and within the top three percent of all community colleges in the

nation because we have invested in top ranked faculty and staff who are dedicated to academic success,” he stated. Continuing his remarks, Crupi added, “On average, our graduates have higher GPAs at their transfer colleges than the students who start out as freshmen at those other colleges. This is due to the support services, academic and career advising and student life opportunities available to all here. We also ensure that you are getting the highest quality education possible at an affordable cost. On average you have saved more than $24,000 compared to your peers who began their academic journeys at New Jersey state colleges.”

P resident Dr. David M. Stout extended a warm welcome to the graduates and shared the remarkable achievements of the class of 2023. Among the graduates were 249 students who received honorable distinctions, including 82 distinguished scholars and 113 members of honor societies such as Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and discipline specific honor societies for business administration, nursing, human services, a nd psychology. Additionally, 12 graduates earned honors in Global Distinction and Women in Leadership and Learning Distinction. Notably, 42 graduates achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, a testament to their dedication and hard work.

The ceremony also recognized six outstanding individuals with the Outstanding Student Awards from each academic institute. Steven Moccio, IV, AS, Business Administration and Christina J. Urbano, AA, Education; Iana Dunaevskaia, AA, Health Science; Ewurafua Kumpah Acquaah, AA, Liberal Arts; Jennifer Alexander, AS, Computer Science and Joseph Michael Brennan,

A S, Biology.

Moreover, the college presented honorary degrees to Stephanie Hueston-Paden a nd Douglas Quinn for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields and unwavering commitment to community service.

Brookdale Community College honored two notable alumni with the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award. Sean P. O’Halloran, a 1999 graduate, demonstrated his dedication to education through a d iverse professional journey, including a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Brookdale, a master’s degree f rom Farleigh Dickenson University, and completion of prestigious law enforcement programs. Dana Tango, a renowned researcher in biomechanics, motion analysis, a nd wound care, received recognition for her groundbreaking work in epidemiology and infectious disease prevention. Beyond her research, Tango has been an educator and advocate for diversity and inclusion in academia and healthcare. These exceptional alumni embody Brookdale’s values and serve as inspiring role models for current and future students.

A s the graduates embark on their respective journeys, Brookdale Community College wishes them joy and success in all their future endeavors. The college remains committed to providing quality education and empowering individuals to create positive change in their communities.

A s Caldron expressed, “At Brookdale, in every interaction I have had in and outside the classroom, it is apparent that every employee here cares. And her closing statement to the graduates was, “Wherever the next chapter of our life story takes us, let’s make sure the journey includes joy above all else.”

Colts Neck’s Got Talent!

A Talent Show is planned by the Colts Neck Recreation & Parks Cultural Arts Committee, as part of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series. The Talent Show will be held outdoors Thursday, August 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Colts Neck Town Hall,Pondside. Gift cards will be awarded to the top three performers. Judges’ decisions will be final.

Singers, musicians, dancers, jugglers, magicians, impressionists or other talented performers are invited to see the Colts Neck Township Website, coltsneck.org for application and further details. It is not necessary to be a Colts Neck resident.

The Talent Show and concerts are free. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

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Hops, Bees, and Christmas Trees

Story by Brian O’Malley

Founded as a family Christmas tree farm, The Fir Farm in Colts Neck has been a Monmouth County institution for over four decades. Overseen by brothers Bob and Mickey Clark for the past 20 years, The Fir Farm has expanded in recent years to growing hops and raising honey bees.

“For us it’s all about the farm,” Clark shared, “we

love being farmers, beekeepers, and hop growers.” The 23 acre farm opens for Christmas tree sales on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, however operating the farm is a year-round undertaking. From planting their crops, to caring for their bees, to harvesting and marketing their product, the Clarks have turned the management of The Fir Farm into a labor of love that they fi nd to be very fulfilling.

THE PURSUIT OF “HOP”INESS

The Fir Farm is the largest commercial hop farm in the state of New Jersey. Quick to admit that they are big fans of the craft beer industry, the Clarks began growing hops in 2015 as the industry was just beginning to take off here in the state. “We started by doing a small field of hops to see how it would go,” Clark says, “it went very well that first season so we expanded, and we’ve continued to expand each year.”

I n the years since they have been proud to offer their hops to some of the biggest names in beer in the Garden State, among them Monmouth County favorites Alternate Ending in Aberdeen, Twin Lights B rewing in Tinton Falls, and 3BR Distillery in Keyport. The farm’s hops are even used by two ice cream parlors, The Bent Spoon in Princeton and Amici Gelato in Asbury Park, for some of their signature frozen recipes.

A s Bob relates, “there’s no feeling like when you do all this work all year long, and you grow a good crop of hops and a local brewery uses them for a beer, and then you go to that brewery to try it with friends or family or a crowd of people who helped you pick them and you all get to celebrate together drinking something that was produced on our farm.”

Farming hops can be challenging work, and the Clarks are fortunate to have a strong team of volunteers who assist with harvesting their hops each summer. On the first and second Saturday in August, the farm will host the ninth iteration of Hop Harvest Fest, where volunteers are invited to pick hops for the farm while enjoying a barbecue, beer from partnering breweries, and music performed by local bands. The Fir Farm’s festival, the only hop-picking agrotourism event in the state of New Jersey, recruits nearly 100 participants each y ear to join in the festivities.

T he farm is always looking for new volunteers and Monmouth County residents i nterested in participating in Hop Harvest Fest 2023 on August 5th and August 12th should stay tuned to The Fir Farm’s social media pages for more information.

Photos Courtesy of The Fir Farm

BUSY AS A BEE

In 2016, Bob and Mickey began raising honeybees after learning about the practice of beekeeping while attending agriculture seminars. The Fir Farm started o ut slowly, with just a couple of hives, but the apiary has grown over the past few years and now includes 25 large hives and about 20 starter or “nucleus colonies”. The farm employs organic farming p ractices, weeding by hand and avoiding harmful pesticides - opting instead for introducing beneficial insects like praying mantises, ladybugs, and lacewings to eliminate the pests that would otherwise prey on their crops.

T he Clarks keep all the bees in the apiary on their farm, and they take special care to protect their bees from the harsh weather during the winter months. The bees get much of their nutrition right at The Fir Farm, where Bob a nd Mickey maintain a pollinator garden that includes elderberries, clovers, a nd other wildflowers that are perfect sources of food for the bees. As it turns out, the source of the bees’ nectar has a direct impact on the honey they produce – everything from the color to the f lavor. Early spring honey is often lighter in color because the bees are sourcing t heir nectar from trees like locusts and maples. The later it gets into the season,

more clover will find its way into the hives and the honey will start getting darker and the flavor will change.

“It’s always unique,” says Bob about the process of collecting honey, “when we harvest the box, we never know how it’s going to turn out.” He is quick to add that the honey from The Fir Farm is totally raw, not heated, filtered, or altered with supplements. As Bob puts it, “however it comes out, that’s the way it comes out!”

T he Clarks sell their honey on the farm and also at local gatherings like the Made in Monmouth event at Brookdale College. Such events give them the o pportunity to interact with the public about their bees and their honey. “People will often ask us questions about different colors,” Bob notes, adding, “and w e like that because it gives us the opportunity to talk about the process of w here the honey comes from.”

L ess than a month ago, The Fir Farm’s Dark Honey varietal was awarded second place in the International Black Jar Honey Tasting Competition, the world’s premier competition devoted to showcasing honey production. The competition is so-named because entrants’ h oney jars are wrapped in black fabric to ensure a blind judging process. Competing honeys from several states and 40 c ountries are judged solely on the taste of the honey - as opposed to other com -

petitions that judge based on moisture c ontent, clarity, foam, and particles –with points being deducted for any defects found.

B ob is extremely proud of The Fir Farm’s recognition at the competition, noting, “there were entries from all over the USA, Canada, and the international community, but to see Colts Neck, New Jersey listed among other states and countries was just incredible.”

T he competition is organized by the Center for Honey Bee Research of Asheville, North Carolina. The center’s mission includes educating the public about t he role bees play in our agriculture and the environment as a whole. The Center for Honey Bee Research estimates t hat nearly 16% of flowers and plants are pollinated by honey bees, and that honey bees are responsible for pollinating nearly $20 billion worth of American c rops annually. This is in addition to the $4 billion that the center says honey production contributes to the U.S. economy e ach year.

“ Being a beekeeper is such a fascinating profession,” Clark says, agreeing t hat honey bees are a vital part of the ecosystem. “We’d be in big trouble without bees, they are so important to pollinating and so there are a lot of crops that w ould be in big trouble if there were no bees.”

"there are a lot of crops that would be in big trouble if there were no bees"

TREES FOR THE TROOPS

For the past ten years, The Fir Farm has proudly partnered with Trees for Troops, a program organized by the National Christmas Tree Foundation. Through this program, customers can purchase an additional Christmas tree to be donated to a military family. The trees are p urchased at The Fir Farm and then the foundation coordinates with FedEx to have the donated trees brough to a nearby military base for distribution.

W hen the farm first sponsored the Troops for Trees event, they received just over 100 donations. The participations has skyrocketed to the point that l ast season they received over 300 donated Christmas trees.

“ This is our tenth year doing this

and each year it gets bigger and better,” say Bob, adding, “we are even starting to see people who aren’t looking to get a tree for themselves, they come to The Fir Farm just to donate a tree to a military family.”

L ocal companies and civic organizations have joined in on the program, w ith Bob stating that the American Legion of Union Beach regularly purchases a few dozen trees to be donated.

C ustomers who donate a tree have the opportunity to write out a message tag for the family who will receive it. Bob says that people frequently leave very personal, very loving messages of gratitude to the families of service members, o ften including memories from their own family members who served in uniform.

“ Our father served in the Navy during World War II,” notes Bob, “and

we are thrilled to be part of the Trees for Troops program that sends live Christmas trees to military families.”

T he Clarks say that people have become so generous that they wanted to d evise a way of recognizing customers and organizations who made a significant donation. Each year, The Fir Farm orders a special recognition plaque for anyone or any group who donates 10 trees or more. The plaques are hung out in the fields during the month of August so that Hop Harvest Fest attendees can view them, and then the plaques are given to the donors closer to the holiday s eason so that they can hang them in their homes or offices.

T rees for Troops Weekend is the first weekend in December, but those who are interested in donating a tree can reach out to The Fir Farm as early as the fall to help Bob and Mickey ensure that they have enough trees available for the program.

ON MONMOUTH COUNTY

Bob Clark is very proud of the work he, Mickey, and their team are doing in Colts Neck. The hard work of being a farmer is very satisfying and the community partners are a pleasure to work with.

To his Monmouth County neighbors he advises, “get outside and have some fun this summer… we’d love to have you come visit the farm.”

For additional information about The Fir Farm you can visit www.thefirfarm.com or on Instagram at @thefirfarm

For additional information about The Center for Honey Bee Research, you can visit www.centerforhoneybeeresearch.org

To learn more about Trees for Troops you can visit www.treesfortroops.org

ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST HOSPITALS

Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center was recently recognized as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades – placing the medical center in the top 5 percent of hospitals in the country for high quality care.

Healthgrades also named Bayshore an Excellence Award in Critical Care and Five-Star awards in Carotid Surgery, Hip Fracture Treatment, Pacemaker Procedures, Heart Failure, Sepsis, Respiratory Failure and more.

We’re proud of our team for continually advancing medicine, all so our patients can keep getting better.

BayshoreMedicalCenter.org

Monmouth Museum Brings Asbury Park to Lincroft This Summer

With Out of the Park: An Exhibition Featuring Work by Asbury Park Gallerists

Asbury Park is known for its art scene, but how much do you really know about the founders, directors, and curators behind the scenes of the galleries? In addition to managing their exhibitions and everyday operations, they are accomplished, exhibited artists themselves. Asbury Park is coming to the Monmouth Museum to give you a peek inside the minds of this multidisciplinary group who helped define the Cultural Renaissance of Asbury Park. The exhibition celebrates their artistry and entrepreneurship and provides the public with an opportunity to experience their work together for the first time.

Out Of The Park will feature work by Britany James and Patrick Schiavino of art629 Gallery, Jill Ricci and Porkchop of

Parlor Gallery, and Tom and Lois White of Whitepoint Gallery. These artists, along with curation by Jenn Hampton of Parlor Gallery and the Wooden Walls Project, will be showcasing work in a variety of media. To compliment their exhibit and to keep the AP theme in motion, Porkchop, Bradley Hoffer, and Jason Stumpf’s recent Parlor Gallery exhibit, The Cardboard Show will be re-imagined and reconstructed in the Nilson Gallery.

Erika Schaefer, Executive Director of the Monmouth Museum notes, “While AP is the place to be this summer, we hope to bring a slice of that to Lincroft as well for a cross pollination of art, audience, and creativity.” She continues, “As the Museum celebrates its 60th anniversary, the next

chapter lies within bringing art to communities, not just communities to the Museum itself. This collaboration is a great step toward the Museum’s vision to grow.”

Pat Schiavino, owner of art629 Gallery shares, “I am very excited about the upcoming show at Monmouth Museum. Asbury Park has been the epicenter for art in Monmouth County for the past decade, and arguably the State of NJ. It just makes so much sense that there should be a direct connection between the two. I am looking forward to future opportunities for a multitude of collaborations of what we here in A sbury Park have been doing, and the museum. The future is limitless when creative m inds come together.”

(Photo Credit: https://www.monmouthmuseum.org/press)

Platinum Ace Sponsor: at

AUGUST 3

6 PM - 9 PM

BASKET RAFFLES, REFRESHMENTS & MORE

Three Ticket Options , Per Person:

1. $60 Pickleball group lesson & open play

2. $45 Pickleball open play

3. $35 Cornhole & spectator

Or visit: www.donorbox.org/events/468207 (Tickets are limited)

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

Contact: catherine.padilla@steampark.org

For more information

Contact: liliann.paras@steampark.org

Sponsors will be prominently featured at the event and will appear in all pre -and-post-promotions through social media, blast emails, targeted apps, and print materials. Sponsors are invited to supply handouts to be displayed at the event. STEAMpark is a 501(c)(3) educational charity that works to build better futures for children with a focus on lifting up those from l ow-income and underrepresented populations. Visit us at Steampark.org to learn more.

Middletown Goes through Police Youth Week Graduation

Another Police Youth Week graduation in the books, for the 8 - 11-year-old age group! The Middletown Police Department thanks all the children who attended and for the officers that served as instructors and put together this fun and exciting week! This fantastic program that occurs over three weeks during the summer sells out quick and is one of the fun community events that our officers and the kids really look forward to. Special thanks to Det. Ric Cruz and DFC. Janine Kennedy who handles Community Relations for the PD and do a lot of the behind the scenes work to make these events a success.

Middletown Township Police Department Officers

Receive Life Saving Valor Awards

Officers Savaas Roumeliotis and Officer Elzbieta Banel received a Life Saving Valor Award by the Township Committee. These officers without protective gear entered a house fire out of concern that there may be occupants in the home and saved the family pet. Thank you Officer Roumeliotis and Officer Banel for your service!

(Photo Credit: Middletown Police Department Facebook Page)

(Photo Credit: Middletown Police Department Facebook Page)

WHY SHOULD I PREARRANGE MY FUNERAL?

TAKE CARE OF THE LITTLE DETAILS.

Holmdel First Aid Squad Update

Members of Holmdel First Aid Squad recently visited Lloyd Road School in Aberdeen to do a special interactive presentation for the students. They absolutely loved the opportunities to interact with the community, and share what they do w ith our future leaders. They have a positive relationship with their neighboring town, especially since several of their volunteers went through t he MARSD school system, and their secretary is a teacher at Lloyd Road School. They thank the volunteers who gave their time to be at this event, and to Lloyd Road School for having them! They had a great time showing the students all about volunteer EMS in our area!

(Photo Credit: Holmdel First Aid Squad Facebook Page)