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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Exciting News!
April is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of investment opportunities. It’s the season to shake off the winter chill and start showing signs of growth. This month, all eyes are on Manasquan Bank, and how this neighborhood establishment can you build your own wealth. I’m personally a big fan of the Beach Badge, and love the curated collection of stories about the Jersey Shore, so I am excited that William Patrick Tandy (the editor and publisher) shared more of his story with us. Pick up a copy online or at ABC on Cookman. Finally, we have an exciting new publisher coming on board next monthmore on that in the May issue. Happy Spring :)
CHRISTINE MCKENNA-TIRELLA, PUBLISHER
@ASBURYPARKCITYLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Christine McKenna-Tirella christine.tirella@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Ed Condran | ed.condran@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
William Patrick Tandy
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
Hannah Leimkuhler
QUALITY CONTROL
At Manasquan Bank, we’re more than just your local bank – we’re your partner in growth. As a community bank, we’re right here, close to you, and ready to help your small business thrive.
Whether you’re expanding your space, managing cash flow, or investing in new equipment, we offer flexible lending solutions tailored to your unique needs. From real estate loans to lines of credit and term loans, we make it easy to secure the funding you need, when you need it.
Let’s work together to make your business dreams a reality. Stop by or call today – we’re closer to you, so you can get closer to your goals!
BANK WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS
Invested in Monmouth
ARTICLE BY APCL STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANASQUAN BANK
The team at Manasquan Bank
Have you ever thought about how important it is to trust your bank? When it comes to managing your money, you want a partner who has your back. A good bank isn’t just a place to stash your cash—it’s somewhere you can feel confident about saving for the future, whether you’re planning for a rainy day or reaching bigger goals.
Founded in 1874, Manasquan Bank has evolved from a small, community-oriented savings institution into a leading provider of banking services across New Jersey. With over 150 years of service to the residents and businesses of Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties, the bank has built a reputation for fostering lasting relationships within the communities it serves. Today, as a full-service financial institution, Manasquan Bank offers a wide range of services, including personal and business accounts, mortgages, and commercial lending.
Beyond traditional banking services, the Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation plays a vital role in giving back to the community, supporting local organizations and initiatives that align with the bank’s dedication to community development.
With deep roots in the region and a legacy of service, Manasquan Bank continues to play an integral role in helping individuals and businesses thrive, contributing to the growth of stronger, more connected communities.
CONTINUED >
The Ocean Location
TOP TIPS FOR STARTING A SAVINGS ACCOUNT
1. Start Small – Even a small deposit today can lead to big savings over time. The key is consistency. Set up automatic transfers with Manasquan Bank’s Infinity Saver account and start saving with no minimum balance required – making it easier to grow your savings.
2. Set Goals – Whether you’re saving for an emergency fund, a specific purchase, or a dream vacation, having clear goals can keep you motivated. For families, Manasquan Bank offers exclusive access to the Goalsetter app to help teach younger savers the importance of goal setting and budgeting. With financial literacy courses within the app, kids can start learning smart money habits early on!
3. Avoid Fees – Nobody wants to pay fees just to keep their account open. That’s why many of our popular accounts, including the Infinity Saver, come with no monthly maintenance fees. With Manasquan Bank, you can save without worrying about unnecessary charges eating into your balance.
4. Emergency Fund – It’s always a good idea to have a savings buffer in case of unexpectedexpenses. Aim to have at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses saved up.
Grand Opening
Community dayManasquan Bank gives back
HOW CAN YOU HELP PEOPLE PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT?
At Manasquan Bank, we offer various retirement savings services designed to help you build a secure future. Whether you’re just beginning to save or are nearing retirement, our experts will guide you through a variety of retirement account options, including IRAs, to find the best fit for your financial goals. We take the time to understand your needs and develop a tailored plan that aligns with your timeline, so you can feel confident that you’re on track to meet your long-term retirement objectives.
DOES THE BANK HAVE AN ONLINE BANK AND MOBILE APP?
Yes, we offer a full suite of digital banking services, allowing you to check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and more with ease. Our secure mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, brings banking right to your fingertips – whether at home, on the go, or traveling. With features like instant mobile deposits and real-time account alerts, managing your finances has never been more convenient.
WHY SHOULD PEOPLE BANK LOCALLY WITH MANASQUAN BANK?
Banking locally with Manasquan Bank means you’re not just a number – you’re a valued member of our community. We’re deeply committed to supporting local businesses and organizations through financial products and services designed to meet your unique needs. Our community involvement goes beyond banking; we sponsor local events, support charities, and contribute to the growth of the region. Plus, our clients often tell us how much they appreciate the personalized, attentive service they get – which sets us apart from the larger, impersonal national banks.
WHERE ARE THE BRANCHES LOCATED?
Manasquan Bank has 15 branches across Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties. Whether you’re in Metuchen, Shrewsbury, Ocean Township, Wall, Brick, or Manahawkin, our branches are conveniently located to serve your needs. Check our website or mobile app to find the nearest branch to you!
A LABOR OF salt air and love
WILLIAM PATRICK TANDY DISCUSSES LOCAL TREASURE THE BEACH BADGE
ARTICLE BY WILLIAM PATRICK TANDY AND APCL STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM PATRICK TANDY
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF.
My old man was career Coast Guard, so I grew up in various spots along the Jersey Shore – mainly the Manahawkin / Long Beach Island area, but also Cape May, Ocean City, Marmora. After graduating from Southern Regional, I earned a bachelor’s in communications from what is now Stockton University. But the shore back in the late-’90s was no place to launch such a career, especially in the off-season. For a while, I worked as a traveling sales rep for a Plainfield-based book dealer, selling remaindered coffee table books to indie bookstores everywhere east of the Mississippi. At the time, Amazon was uprooting the industry, and driving a lot of our established client base out of business. I left the job in fall 1999 and moved to Maryland.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH
BEACH BADGE?
I’ve always loved reading and writing. My wife, Davida, long a fixture in underground media, got me into zines and self-publishing. After I relocated to Maryland, I published a few early efforts under an imprint I called Eight-Stone Press, a name inspired by a tourist trap along the English coast. Eventually, I launched a submission-based zine called Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore!, a wartsand-all celebration of the city featuring personal essays, poetry, and photography by underground artists, regular
workaday Joes, city homicide police, you name it. Smile, Hon ran for many years, and garnered a bit of local and even national acclaim. But I’m a Jersey boy at heart, and almost from the get go I dreamed of applying a similar formula to my native shores. Work and other life circumstances burned me out for a few years in terms of self-publishing, but as we emerged from the pandemic, the time finally felt right to revisit the idea of a Jersey Shore zine. So I began reaching out to friends and family with good shore-related stories that I thought they might be interested in telling. I drew upon everything I’d learned over 15 years of publishing Smile, Hon – what worked, what didn’t. Beach Badge debuted Memorial Day 2022. Asbury Book Cooperative hosted a release party later that summer. Since then, I’ve averaged two issues per year.
rich or poor, local or benny, there’s a vast, rich trove of diverse experience here that makes the shore what it is; whether it’s yours or mine, in any given case, doesn’t make it any less true.
Beach Badge is available locally at Asbury Book Cooperative, in Asbury Park, or order it
online directly at EightStonePress.com.
Beach Badge reflects that varied experience – by turns anecdotal, contemplative, hilarious, harrowing – in the form of personal stories, essays, poetry, photography or other visual artwork. Not everyone in its pages is a “writer” per se, though there are more than a few. In the end, a good story told well is the most important criterion, regardless of format. I will smooth any corners that need it, but overall, I favor a light editorial hand to keep things as conversational, colloquial, and true to each author’s own voice as I can, which I think gives the end product a more “authentic” feel.
WHAT TYPES OF STORIES AND PRICES CAN PEOPLE EXPECT TO READ?
Beach Badge is more of a cultural enterprise than a commercial one. Many people have a somewhat monolithic image of the Jersey Shore in mind, when, in fact, it’s really 130 miles of wildly disparate little fiefdoms, each catering to its own residents and clientele – the same people who return year after year. Old or young,
HOW DO PEOPLE SUBMIT THEIR WORK TO BE CONSIDERED?
Beach Badge is published twice yearly. The submission deadline for the next issue – slated for publication in summer 2025 – is Memorial Day, May 26. Submissions and queries are welcome on our website. Beach Badge is inclusive and open to submissions from all. All you need is a good story – just write it like you tell it.
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1. Squeeze your OJ.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
3. Shake.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
6. Garnish.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies. The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
6BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital— whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement— doing some of your own research is often helpful. We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
ONE UP ON WALL STREET
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
THE WEALTH DECISION THE WOLF OF INVESTING
The Wolf of Investing: My Insider’s Playbook for Making a Fortune on Wall Street by Jordan Belfort. From the investment guru and author of The Wolf of Wall Street, this is a witty and clear-eyed guide for anyone who wants to play the stock market to their advantage and learn the secrets of a top Wall Street investor.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Spring Floral Bowl
BRING THE BRIGHTNESS AND FRESHNESS OF SPRING INDOORS BY CREATING YOUR OWN FLORAL BOWL ARRANGEMENT.
Spring, come quickly! And if not, bring spring indoors anyway. Flowers brighten any room, any day of the year. No need to wait for a special occasion or holiday – give yourself permission to brighten everyday life with a bowl full of flowers. Place florals in an entryway, kitchen, living room space or even bathroom. Florals make any room come alive with pops of color and the smells of spring that’s just about ready to burst outside.
Consider this your personal invitation to play with flowers by creating your very own Floral Bowl Arrangement. Use any cereal bowl in the kitchen and a bundle of store bought flowers. For extra texture and depth, look for small spring branches and ornamental grasses found in your yard to pop into the arrangement, like I did here. Then, place your floral bowl in a place where you need that burst of joy most. Enjoy!
Supplies:
• 1 bundle of flowers (about 24 stems) + floral food packet
• spring branches & ornamental grasses found in your yard (optional)
• 6” bowl (cereal bowl size)
• floral shears (or garden clippers, kitchen shears, even craft scissors in a pinch)
• 12” square cut chicken wire
• wire cutters
• garden gloves to protect your hands when forming chicken wire
• clear floral tape (scotch tape will also do)
• lazy susan to easily move your arrangement and work from all sides (optional)
Preparation & Assembly:
• First prepare the mechanics. The mechanics are the non-floral elements used to assemble a floral arrangement. These materials will act as a grid in which the flowers are built into to hold each stem in its place.
• Wearing garden gloves, cut chicken wire roughly into a 12” square. Loosely form the chicken wire into a ball and place inside the bowl.
• Use clear floral tape to make an X shape over the top of the bowl to hold the chicken wire securely into place. This will also give extra support when adding the floral elements later.
• Fill the bowl with water and mix in a flower food packet, if your flowers came with one.
• Begin to arrange floral elements into the bowl. As a general rule, you will want to start with the strongest, thickest stems and end with the most delicate stems. Here, I began with branches, then the largest base flowers followed by taller focal flowers, and finally delicate stems, grasses and wispy greens.
Tip:
Stuck with broken, leftover blooms from creating your floral bowl arrangements? Don’t discard those flowers just yet! Simply arrange leftover blooms and a few ornamental grasses onto a cake to elevate any tablescape. Even though the blooms are arranged out of water, they will look fresh for hours (especially when using roses and carnations). Enjoy!
Meghan Carroll Real Estate
Take advantage of the prime spring market and position your home for a top-dollar sale before summer arrives!
Working with an experienced local expert like Meghan Carroll ensures your home is strategically marketed to attract the right buyers and sell for top dollar.
From staging to negotiation, Meghan’s proven approach makes the process seamless—so you can move on to your next dream home before the summer rush!
Cell: 732-508-7402
Email: mcarroll@remax.net
URL: www.MCsellsbythesea.com
FEBRUARY 25TH – APRIL 26TH
Singer-Songwriter Series - Jersey Shore Arts Center
Jersey Shore Arts Center 66 S Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756, USA | Multiple times
The Jersey Shore Arts Center is thrilled to announce the official lineup of Americana singer-songwriters for the inaugural season of the Split Level Concerts music series!
2/25 - Maia Sharp & Antje Duvekot
3/22 - Michael McDermott
4/26 - Rod Picott & Anya Hinkle
FEBRUARY 26TH – MAY 14TH
Bingo & Brews - Twin Lights Brewing
Twin Lights Brewing 4057 Asbury Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753, USA | Multiple times
Join us every Wednesday for Bingo Night, hosted by Trivia Revolution! Enjoy a fun-filled evening of exciting bingo games, prizes, and great company. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let the numbers roll—it’s the perfect midweek break!
APRIL 1ST
Experience Hendrix - Count Basie Center for the Arts
Count Basie Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM (EDT)
The Experience Hendrix Tour evokes the era when artists treated each performance as a unique interaction with their audience. Jimi Hendrix called this his ‘Electric Church.’ The Experience Hendrix Tour fully embraces this approach, presenting multiple opportunities for performers and audiences to witness unique collaborations among the participating artists, and will highlight these artists performing their favorite Hendrix signature songs.
APRIL 3RD – 11TH
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Spring Lake Community House and Theatre | Multiple times
Step into the enchanting world of biblical times with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at The Spring Lake Theatre. Follow the captivating story of Joseph, his coat of many colors, and his incredible journey from slavery to redemption. With its irresistible blend of catchy music and colorful characters, this family-friendly musical is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
APRIL 4TH – 19TH
Godspell - The Musical
Brookdale Performing Arts Center | Multiple times
Godspell is a high-energy, uplifting musical that transforms the teachings of Jesus into a modern-day celebration of love, community, and joy. Set in a contemporary urban environment, the story unfolds through a captivating blend of music, dance, and storytelling, featuring unforgettable songs like “Day by Day” and “Prepare Ye.”
APRIL 5TH
Asbury Park Half Marathon
Convention Hall
RunAPalooza 2025 is all set for 5 April 2025. Registration is Closed as we have reached our limit, but come out to cheer on the runners and enjoy the beach! Individuals can still register for an existing team below on the Relay link. All events start at 8:30 am
APRIL 5TH
27th Annual Step Up For The Arc Walk
Long Branch Boardwalk 221 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
Help fundraise for an important cause! The Arc of Monmouth is a 503(c) nonprofit devoted to improving the lives of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities(IDD). We are very excited to be hosting our 27th Annual Walkathon at Long Branch Boardwalk! A fun day which will include music, food, and games. We hope you will join us! 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (EDT)
APRIL 11TH
Spring Disco and Market
Convention Hall
6:00pm - 11:00pm Featuring DJ Adam Jay and DJ Tyler Valentine. Come join us for an evening filled with groovy tunes, delicious food, and unique shopping experiences. Get ready to dance the night away at our disco party and explore the various vendors at our night market. $25-$35
APRIL 19TH
Ready Cassette Go - Asbury Park Brewery
Cookman Ave
Live music featuring Ready Cassette Go! Bring your favorite mixtapes to life! 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (EDT)
APRIL 24TH
Yellow Jackets - Bell Theater
Bell Theater, Bellworks
Grammy-Winning Jazz Legends! Yellowjackets have gained and maintained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups. Throughout their storied 43-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 26 albums, received 16 Grammy® nominations – won 2 – performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT)
APRIL 26TH
Dance Competition: Spring Festival
Lincroft, NJ | 8:00 AM
Spring Festival Cheer Comp is open to all teams. Cheer & Dance Event. Open to All Star, Rec Stars, School, Pop Stars, College.
APRIL 26TH
Lake Como 5K
Lake Como, NJ 07719
Jersey Shore Running Club in partnership with Bar Anticipation presents The 20th Annual Lake Como Spring Break 5k And 2 Mile Walk. 10am for the 5k, 2-mile Walk Begins at 10:02. RACE IS RAIN OR SHINE Want to be featured?
A Wicked Time for Good
Celebrate The Center at the Convention Hall this April 24th!
GET READY FOR A WICKEDLY FUN NIGHT AT CENTER À LA CARTE!
What started as a simple spaghetti dinner in 2009 has now grown into The Center’s biggest and most anticipated fundraiser of the year ! This year’s Wicked themed celebration promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, exciting entertainment, and incredible opportunities to give back—all in support of a great cause.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
One of the most exciting aspects of the evening will be the array of food. Over 25 local restaurants will be showcasing their best dishes, offering guests a chance to indulge in a variety of flavors. Whether it’s savory bites, decadent desserts, or something in between, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the food, attendees will have access to a
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CENTER
top-shelf open bar, ensuring the drinks flow all night long, perfectly complementing the festive atmosphere.
ENTERTAINMENT THAT WILL KEEP GUESTS DANCING
The fun doesn’t stop with the food! A live DJ will be spinning an energetic mix of tunes to keep guests dancing throughout the evening. From classic favorites to the latest hits, the music will create a vibrant party atmosphere that keeps everyone on their feet and having a great time.
EXCITING RAFFLES AND SILENT AUCTION
As if the food, drinks, and music weren’t enough, the event will also feature an exciting array of opportunities to win fantastic prizes. Guests will have the chance to purchase 50/50 and
raffle tickets for a chance to win amazing gift baskets filled with everything from gourmet goodies to fun surprises. And for those looking for something truly special, the event will host a silent auction with incredible items up for bid. Whether it’s exclusive experiences or unique collectibles, the auction promises some must-have items, all while raising funds for a worthy cause.
WHY THIS EVENT IS A MUST-ATTEND
At its heart, Center À La Carte is about coming together as a community to support The Center and its important programs. The funds raised during this event will directly benefit The Center’s mission, helping them continue to make a positive impact on the lives of many. It’s an evening of celebration, giving, and connection—one that guests won’t want to miss.
Mark the calendar and get ready for a magical night. The Center À La Carte promises to be a highlight of the year—an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and philanthropy!
DATE & TIME
Thursday, 04/24/2025
7:00pm EST - 10:00pm EST
Convention Hall in Asbury Park 1300 Ocean Ave N Asbury Park, 07712 United States
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