Book Your Event With Us Today & Experience The Best Of Spring!
732-660-9000 | www.falcoscatering.com 1110 State Route 35 South Ocean, NJ 07712
Spring is a Time for Celebration – Let Us Cater Your Specia l
As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, March is the perfect time to refresh your catering offerings with seasonal, vibrant, and lighter dishes that embody the spirit of spring. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or casual celebration, our seasonal menu will bring the taste of spring directly to your event. From colorful salads and zesty appetizers to light, flavorful mains and delightful desserts, we bring the best of spring to your table. With the finest ingredients sourced from the season’s bounty, our full-service catering will ensure your celebration is as beautiful and memorable as the season itself.
Exciting News from Asbury Park City Lifestyle!!
Dear Readers,
I am thrilled to share that I am embarking on a new chapter and am seeking a dynamic leader to take over as Publisher of Asbury Park City Lifestyle. This role is an incredible opportunity for someone passionate about fostering community connections and driving local success.
The future Publisher will bring fresh energy and ideas to this beloved publication while upholding its commitment to quality and community. City Lifestyle provides outstanding corporate support to ensure a smooth transition.
If you know someone who might be interested, please reach out to me directly at christine.tirella@citylifestyle.com . Thank you for your continued support of this wonderful community resource!
Warm regards,
CHRISTINE MCKENNA-TIRELLA, PUBLISHER
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Christine McKenna-Tirella
christine.tirella@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Ed Condran | edward.condran@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kartheek Hedge | hello@kartheekphoto.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Justine Bouton, Bernie Augustine
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Additional Photography from Shawn Emamjomeh
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
ARCHITECTURE & Rock’N’Roll
The Grateful Dead and Design Collide
ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARTHEEK HEDGE
He didn’t know it at the time, but Scott Daniel’s future was wrapped up under the Christmas tree. “I have a great Christmas memory,” Daniel recalled. “I got an Erector Set and, man, I loved that. It was the greatest gift in the world.” Daniel would tinker with that set, and Lego blocks and Lincoln Logs. Building and breaking down structures, all the while designing a future in architecture that he couldn’t imagine at the time.
Today, he can drive through Asbury Park and see buildings in the city that have his fingerprints on them, but it’s not only here. His work has taken him all over the globe, from Las Vegas to Istanbul and spots in between. And he can trace it all back to his formative years in Bergen County. “I was good at math, but I was a good artist, also,” Daniel said. “I took arts all the way through high school.
I kind of put two-and-two together and became an architect.” It was a little more complex than Daniel suggests, of course. He leveraged his math skills with his artistic talents – which go beyond drawing and sculpting – into an actionable career. He thought about pursuing engineering, but found it to be “pretty rigid. Architecture has more artistic components to it.” Daniel studied at NJIT, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and later earned an MBA from the University of Arizona. He worked for big firms, and on big projects, including the National Defense University in Kazakhstan, “which would be comparable to West Point,” Daniel said.
Aside from a 5-year detour to Scottsdale, Arizona, for work, Scott, his wife Heather, and their daughter have been settled in Ocean Township since 1999. “We missed the ocean and the tristate culture so much,” Daniel said. While he was balancing big projects, from a 32-story building in China to the Tulsa Cancer
“What’s really cool is working with the music culture, which is bringing Asbury back, and I’m happy to be in that movement.”
Center, Daniel was also nourishing another passion– music. “I started off playing the drums as a youngster,” Daniel said, noting that he turned his focus from drums to sports in high school, which is also when he began to learn to play guitar. “I self-taught myself all the way up to about two years ago, and I started taking lessons.” Daniel enrolled at Lakehouse Music Academy, and it proved to be a rewarding choice.
“Lakehouse just wants you to get a feel for what you want to play and listen to. I said, ‘Well, I have been playing Grateful Dead music’,” Daniel said. “I didn’t know anybody, and we just gelled because of the love of the music. It’s a great, great, great program.” For Daniel, music also reveals a part of his personality to clients. He went out on his own in 2022 with his namesake firm, Scott Daniel Architecture, and his office is adorned with a smattering of music memorabilia – he thinks he has been to over 100 Grateful Dead shows (yes, he knows that most Deadheads make that claim) – which is often a conversation starter. “I’ve had people say ‘Hey, you’re in a band? I didn’t know that.’ It’s a great icebreaker.”
So while music, with Ship of Fools being the Dead-inspired name of their band, scratches one creative itch for Daniel, designing projects big and small satisfies the other (he has an affinity for beach houses). “What’s really cool about what I’m doing now, is working with the music culture, which is really what is bringing Asbury back,” he said of having a foot in both the economic and arts scenes. “I really believe in that, and I’m happy to be in that movement now.”
ARTICLE BY JUSTINE BOUTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARTHEEK HEDGE
MEGHAN CARROLL WANTS TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR HOME MARKET READY
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Monmouth County native Meghan Carroll began her real estate career in 2015, turning a lifelong passion into a fulfilling profession. With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, Meghan’s journey has been shaped
an apartment near Deal Lake, Meghan realized her background in customer service and her understanding of the moving process positioned her perfectly for success. She soon began her real estate career with Re/Max.
“THE TOWN’S VIBRANT MUSIC, ART, AND DIVERSE NIGHTLIFE FOSTER A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY”
by a unique and varied background. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she grew up deeply influenced by her father’s work as a horse trainer. This career took her family to Monmouth County, New Jersey, for half the year to work at Monmouth Park Racetrack, while the other half was spent in South Carolina.
After earning a degree in education, Meghan lived in Asheville, North Carolina, for 13 years. During that time, she gained experience in customer service and web design, unknowingly building a skill set that would later prove invaluable in real estate. Like many young professionals, Meghan’s first career was not her last. Upon returning to New Jersey, she felt drawn to real estate. Living in
Meghan’s life experiences along the East Coast, paired with her decision to settle in Asbury Park, NJ, have given her a deep understanding of the local market. For nearly a decade, she has helped buyers and renters find their perfect shore homes, emphasizing “location as the key factor”. Meghan understands that clients are not just looking at proximity to the beach, they need walkability to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, which are top priorities for her clients.
She also shares valuable insights into the most sought-after home features at the Jersey Shore, which she says make great investments. According to Meghan, “since contractors are booked out in the future so far in advance the need for
a move-in ready house at the Jersey Shore is crucial” for ease in the buying and selling process. Adequate storage, both inside and outside the property, is another essential feature, particularly given the high cost of real estate in the area. Finished basements and yards are also highly desirable, with the latter being especially important for pet owners. One piece of advice from Meghan for buyers pertains to the desire for a move-in ready home, which is often difficult to find. Her advice is to consider and engage in “minimum repair like painting walls” because even that small aspect “does wonders” for a home feel. A proud resident of Asbury Park, Meghan believes “the town’s vibrant music, art, and diverse nightlife foster a strong sense of community” that is unmistakably original. She practices what she preaches, immersing herself in the local culture and supporting local businesses. Her favorite restaurant, Kim Marie’s on Kingsley Street, is a sentimental favorite, as it’s where she took her engagement photos. Not only does Meghan recommend the food and drinks “but the atmosphere and servers make the experience unlike any other”. She also recommends the R Bar on Main Street for its New Orleans-inspired cuisine and rooftop ambiance.
Meghan’s Top Picks: Foolish Ginger
“FOR
NEARLY A DECADE, SHE HAS HELPED BUYERS AND RENTERS FIND THEIR PERFECT SHORE HOMES”
For shopping, Meghan has a tradition of creating custom gift baskets for her clients at closing. She sources many of her items from local shops, including Carla Gizzi in Convention Hall, known for Asbury Park merchandise, clothing, and home decor. Another favorite is Foolish Ginger on Cookman Avenue, where she finds unique gifts and trinkets for any occasion.
In her downtime, Meghan enjoys spending time with her rescue dogs and engaging in peloton workouts and outdoor activities such as running and walking. Her dedication to her community, combined with her professional expertise and personal touch, makes her a trusted guide for anyone seeking a home at the Jersey Shore.
Meghan’s top Picks: Carla Gizzi’s at the Beach
Meghan’s top picks: Kim Maries
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
THE HEART OF THE HOME
designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting
compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
• On the beach in Long Branch, NJ
• 132 one to five bedroom residences
• Unobstructed ocean views
• 75,000 sq feet of indoor & outdoor amenities
• State of the art integrated appliance suite
BLINDS FOR any budget
WINDOW TREATMENTS THAT BRING THE ‘WOW’ FACTOR.
ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE
Don’t let the name fool you.
If you see Jeff Wosleger driving his truck down Ocean Ave., wrapped in advertising for his Budget Blinds franchise, he doesn’t want you to think that he’s selling a discount product.
“Someone might say ‘Oh, Budget Blinds. I’m not on a budget, why would I worry about the money?’ But it’s not like that.
“We can go from $99 a window to $920 a window,” Wosleger says. “The whole thing with ‘budget’ in the name is that we’ll work with any budget.”
That flexibility is what makes Wosleger’s business unique; he offers a price point that is available to almost anyone who is living in the community. And doing right by his neighbors is a high priority for him and his team.
“We’re a local business. I’m going to see you at ShopRite. I’ll see you at Red Rock,” he says. “I want to be able to say ‘Hi.’ I don’t want to have to hide behind the Cheerios because we had a bad experience.”
Breakfast jokes aside, the experience is something that Wosleger’s team strives to deliver at an elite level. Whether a person is looking for roller shades – he says that product is a whole lot better and varied than what you might remember; they can be motorized and hooked up to your phone or an Amazon Alexa – or plantation shutters in deep wood tones, there is something for everyone from the dynamic catalog of manufacturers that Budget Blinds can tap into.
“You don’t have to come to a showroom and say, ‘I’m not sure how it’s going to look’,” he says of their personalized approach. “We come to you, it’s like a concierge service. You can see it in your space, which removes doubt.”
CONTINUED >
“We get the opportunity to change somebody’s living space. We take it seriously.
We’re in their home.”
Being in the client’s home is a privilege that Wosleger and his team take seriously.
“Most of the time, we’re putting something in a favorite part of a house. We want to make sure that they feel good,” he says.
His hope is that the work they do, from Tommy Bahama-style shutters to outdoor treatments that can screen in a gazebo or porch, will leave the customer feeling satisfied. They’ll do custom shapes and finishes on wooden shutters and have valances, drapes and fabric treatments.
“Total eye candy for a formal living or dining room,” he calls it . And if a job well done leads to a review on any platform, well that’s just a bonus for Wosleger and his team.
“It’s a currency. It really is,” he says of the value of a customer vouching for his work.
With the backing of a parent company that has roughly 1,300 franchises in North America, Wosleger and his team are able to really stand behind the products they sell, which come with a first-in-class warranty.
After spending the first part of his career in media sales, and commuting into Manhattan, Wosleger opened his Budget Blinds franchise about six years ago and has relished being able to live and work in the same community.
“I didn’t make many 3:30 p.m. soccer games,” he says of the first 25 years of his career. “I didn’t see the community until the weekend. (Doing this) has exposed me to a lot of things that I missed.
“I live here. I’m not driving 45 minutes into an area and then leaving. I’m in it.”
Budget Blinds of Long Branch is owned and operated by Jeff and Trish Wosleger. You can contact the office at 732-204-6340 and visit them online at www.budgetblinds.com/long-branch-nj/
Editor’s note: Photos included are representations of some of the products offered by Budget Blinds. Images of Budget Blinds’ work can be found on their website.
scan here to learn more about our small businesssolutionslending
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!
TONE + TEXTURE
STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
WOVEN + KNOTTED
LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ
Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”
AGAINST THE GRAIN
TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”
BRIGHTS + WHITES
ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM
Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.
“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”
Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.
“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.
Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, bluepurple, red-purple and sky blue.
A MAGICAL NEW EXPERIENCE PROJECTED ONTO THE PARAMOUNT
COLOR & LIGHT CELEBRATES THE DIVERSE VOICES OF CREATORS IN OUR COMMUNITIES
“What sets this festival apart is its commitment to collective impact.”
“It takes all our colors to achieve light.”
This Equinox, March 21-22, 2025, Asbury Park, NJ, will shine bright when the inaugural Color & Light Festival transforms the façade of the boardwalk’s architectural treasure, the Paramount Theater, into a dazzling symphony of art, music and technology.
Presented by innovative digital art platform PolyOne in partnership with LUMA, the nation’s premier projection-mapping festival, Color & Light promises a breathtaking blend of creativity with purpose.
Free to the public, Color & Light will feature world-class projection-mapping creative
teams and a local and international roster of Web3 artists, showcasing their digital creations. These visionary artists—from Budapest to Brooklyn, Tehran to Tokyo—will debut works that push the boundaries of art and reflect our human story.
What sets this festival apart is its commitment to collective impact. Through PolyOne’s partnership with The Giving Block, proceeds from digital art sales will directly support charities addressing social and environmental causes. This innovative fusion of art and philanthropy empowers attendees to make a
difference while immersing themselves in the transformative power of creation.
With a mission to elevate creators and harness blockchain for the greater good, PolyOne, in collaboration with LUMA delivers more than a festival. They offer an opportunity for unity, hope, and action true to the ethos of their names. PolyOne means “Of Many, One,” or “E-Pluribus Unum.” LUMA means “Light”.
Shawn Emamjomeh is a resident of Asbury Park and the founder of PolyOne, a new digital art marketplace HQ’d in 07712.
With Asbury Park’s iconic Paramount as its stage, Color & Light lifts the curtain on the story of all of us. Don’t miss your chance to experience the celebration.
For details, visit colorandlight.io
Luxury Residential
Scott Daniel Architecture specializes in crafting luxury residential properties that blend elegance with the serene beauty of both coastal and inland settings. Our designs are tailored to meet the unique needs of discerning homeowners, ensuring every detail reflects sophistication and comfort.
From breathtaking ocean views to tranquil inland retreats, Scott Daniel Architecture will bring your dream home to life. We deliver exceptional results.
MARCH 14TH – APRIL 6TH
Beautiful The Carole King Musical
Axelrod Performing Arts Center
The incredible journey of how Carol Klein of Brooklyn became Carole King, world-famous pop icon and hitmaker. This captivating Tony Award-winning musical includes over two dozen timeless hits like “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Natural Woman” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”
MARCH 27TH – 30TH
Garden State Film Festival
Asbury Lanes and various
The globally recognized Garden State Film Festival [GSFF], is back again as New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival. Tickets available at www.gsff.org
APRIL 5TH
Runaplooza
Starts at The Boardwalk | 8:00 AM
The 28th year of this event which draws 3800 plus runners from around the world to the City. It includes the Jersey Shore 5k, Asbury Park Half Marathon and Jersey Shore Relay Marathon. http://www.RunAPalooza.org
HOUSEPLANTSThe Perfect Roommate
AN INDOOR GARDEN SANCTUARY
The ubiquitous houseplant has long been a cautious curiosity for many. Comments such as “I don’t have a green thumb,” or “I can’t keep anything alive,” have echoed through the rooms and hallways of almost every home in America. Well, it’s time to dispel all the mistruths about whether houseplants are beneficial and to lay the foundation for a little oasis of green happiness in the corner of every home!
By the way, you don’t really need a green thumb as there are plenty of hard-to-kill houseplants that can survive any level of neglect! And remember not only do houseplants look pretty, they also decrease stress and anxiety, increase happiness, and bring a sense of joy and relaxation to every room.
Houseplants make us feel better about ourselves in many ways because they allow us to care for them and we reap the rewards of that love. No one is alone when you have a houseplant, as they are our forever listeners. Yes, some people actually do talk with their houseplants all day long! There are many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment. Aside from reducing indoor air pollutants and increasing humidity in the home, house
plants have been shown to reduce mental fatigue, accelerate the healing process, as well as improve productivity and focus.
Pothos, spider plants, lady palms, yucca, and succulents are so pretty and easy to grow. It is no wonder that we have seen a revival of indoor gardening trends. Instagram is teeming with photos of incredible indoor “living green” vignettes that show us all how clever we can be when decorating with house plants! All you really need is to a pick a place in the home that has the best light and pick your plants.
ARTICLE BY SEAN O’KEEFE
Think outside of the box when it comes to decorating with houseplants. Look for underused spaces. Use mixed and matched pots of different sizes and shapes. Turn a shelf into a plant display. Go vertical with some hanging plants or an antique ladder. You can even group some of your favorite plants together into a single large decorative pot.
Signature large plant displays anchor the most well-designed rooms in America and it’s all there for us to look at, learn from, and bring into our own home. Whether combined into a single large decorative pot or clustered together in a corner, always remember the key to any house plant décor is to have a thriller, a tall plant usually with a strong color and form; filler plants that literally will fill the pot covering all the soil; and a spiller plant that trails over the edge of the pot. Try any combination of your favorite plants or a tried and true combination of a fiddle-leaf fig, a prayer plant, and a string of pearls. No matter how you look at it, houseplants improve our lives in many ways. Indoor gardens provide us an alternative way to commune with nature and to reconnect with the living world. We all benefit from the additional life that houseplants bring into our homes. In this crazy world of ours, wouldn’t be it nice to return home to your own personal indoor greenspace.
