Asbury Park, NJ November 2024 by City Lifestyle

Thankful

Phew. Thanks for opening this month’s Asbury Park City Lifestyle. It’s November and I bet you need a political break, and we’re here to deliver some smiles, hope, and inspiration. Perhaps you haven’t noticed yet, but our magazine is unapologetically politics-free. We’ll leave that type of journalism and the op-eds to our wonderful local newspapers. We celebrate all the community and encourage you to vote, but we won’t tell you who to support.

If you are like me, you probably wish for more hours in the day. For work, for family and friends. In our Giving article, we highlight some of the amazing local folks that manage to juggle all of the above AND volunteer in our community, giving back to the most needy. I find each one of their stories inspirational. In this election cycle it’s so important to stay focused on what unites, not divides.

We also highlight C. Henry Painting, and Asbury Circle Car Wash, and check out our pictorial in City Scene dedicated to the part-music festival, part-survivor style challenge show that featured so many talented local artists. Season two should be available on YouTube and other channels this winter.

Happy Thanksgiving!

CHRISTINE MCKENNA-TIRELLA, PUBLISHER

@ASBURYPARKCITYLIFESTYLE

November 2024

PUBLISHER

Christine McKenna-Tirella christine.tirella@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ed Condran | edward.condran@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Turn Key Media | info@turnkeywomensalliance.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bernie Augustine, Ed Condran

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kartheek Hedge, John Matlosz, Jeff Crespi, Charlotte Nagy, Cynthia Soler, Chatter Creative

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

This Month’s City Scene is dedicated to SurviFern: Last Foe Standing, a part music-festival, part challenge reality show. Shot this summer, Season two will be released Spring 2025. 1: Season 2 contestant and Season 3 production member Jamison Miller setting up the next challenge 2: Contestant Jon Bass poses for the camera before a challenge begins. 3: Guitarist Dave Case of the band The Alt performs on Day 3 of the festival 4: Local singer-songwriter Juliana Frangella performs on Day 3 of the festival 5: Producer Fern caught filming behind the scene footage of Season 3 of Survifern 6: Behind the scenes shot of the auction on day 3 of Survifern: Last Foe Standing 7: Local singer-songwriter Emma Engel performing with her band on Day 3 of the festival

JOHN MATLOSZ

JEFF CRESPI

JOHN MATLOSZ

8: Contestant Meagg E. Moon hugs an audience member after a Purple Team victory 9: Contestants Haley Kisly and Janai Freer celebrate after a Red Team victory 10: Contestant Meg Leahy celebrates after a Red Team victory

CHARLOTTE NAGY

business monthly

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

The Residence Inn Ocean Township Hotel Opens!

The Residence Inn Ocean Township is thrilled to announce its grand opening, welcoming guests to experience a new standard of hospitality in the heart of Ocean Township. This state-of-the-art hotel features spacious suites designed for with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable home-away-from-home experience. Located conveniently near local attractions, dining, and shopping, The Residence Inn is perfect for both business and leisure travelers and available for events.

Scan to read more

Renderings for Riverwalk, Oceanport, is now available

The Riverwalk development in Oceanport is poised to become a vibrant new waterfront hub, covering approximately 12 acres. This innovative project will feature a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, with views of Shrewsbury River. Residents and visitors can look forward to scenic walking paths, parks, and dining options that promote outdoor activities and community engagement. For more details on the renderings and plans https://www.riverwalkcenter.com/

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AT THE CARWASH

ARTICLE BY ED CONDRAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARTHLEEK HEDGE

AT ASBURY CIRCLE CAR WASH, YOU SCORE AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

You’ve probably driven by Asbury Circle Car Wash and perhaps noticed the array of squeaky-clean automobiles exiting the facility. At 3,500 square-feet, the impressive foot-print is hard to miss, located at 707 NJ-35 in Neptune. Asbury Circle Car Washes owner Dino Nicoletta isn’t just in the car wash business. Nicoletta is an innovator and leader in the space, and has been President of the Car Wash Operators of New Jersey since 2021. Nicoletta and his team are passionate about providing excellent service to every customer and every car. From automobiles that are purely utilitarian to rare exotic sports cars and large pickup trucks, regardless of tire width and even with plow attachments, his dual-car wash system is equipped to handle every type of vehicle. Customers can simply drive up, unwind in the spotless waiting area while their car is being serviced,

benefiting from quick, courteous, and professional services at an exceptional price.

Asbury Circle Car Wash utilizes the latest technology for car washing and are among the pioneers offering both a conventional automated wash and a gentle hand wash, guaranteeing that every vehicle shines as if it just rolled out of the showroom.

Nicoletta, a Colts Neck resident, entered the car wash business in 1995, when he opened City Line Car Wash in Jersey City. It felt like a natural fit. “I grew up in a garage and was very knowledgeable in mechanics and repairs,”Nicoletta said. A decade later, Nicoletta became the managing partner of Shrewsbury Car Wash. In 2014 he bought into the existing car wash business at the NJ-35 location, renaming it Asbury Circle Car Wash.

Nicoletta and his team recently introduced unlimited memberships, starting at just $19.99 per month for a basic unlimited wash, to $99 for the most VIP of services. Nicoletta sees the unlimited package as a win-win, keeping his staff of 22 productive and building a loyal, happy customer base. “It’s a big money saver,” Nicoletta said. “The cost of the program is less than two-car washes of any package. So if you come twice a month you’re ahead of the game.”

Asbury Circle Car Wash is more than a car wash, it is a premier destination for comprehensive car care. They offer meticulous detailing, expert paint correction, interior shampooing, and steam cleaning. Additionally, their quick lube service is fully equipped to handle both imported and domestic vehicles, ensuring that every car receives the highest level of care. Customers can drive in and experience the difference for themselves!

Carter Schwartz

A FRESH COAT OF PAINT TO BRIGHTEN THOSE IN NEED ROOMS AND LIVES

ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE

It’s not surprising that the video went viral. The clip displays a yard in dire need of a makeover. A man approaches the homeowner and asks if he can mow the lawn and trim the weeds for free. The video of a man providing a service Edward Scissorhands would appreciate is compelling. It’s not just the visual of a lawn going from unruly to well-manicured. There’s something about the appreciation the homeowner exudes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHATTER CREATIVE

C.Henry Painting associate hard at work

after a stranger took care of a task that had fallen off the to-do list.

“You should do something like that,” an associate said to Carter Schwartz, who owns C. Henry Painting, when the two were at a charity event at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls.

Schwartz had never heard of SB Mowing, whose viral videos have led to 3.4 million followers on Instagram, but he was taken by the idea.

“I was like, ‘Oh boy, I can do that’,” Schwartz said. But instead of a lawnmower and weed trimmer, Schwartz’s team has rollers and brushes.

At the end of the summer, Schwartz turned the concept into reality and launched the “Paint it Forward” program. His goal is providing one free job a month for a person or family that needs to have their space spruced up a little bit.

“Every time I talk about it, I get really fired up about doing it more,” Schwartz said just before he started his first job of the program for a single mother in Asbury Park.

Veronica Holbert, who owns Casa Sol Design Studio in Ocean, provided the first round of assistance for a family. Holbert was working on a renovation in Spring

C Henry Painting handles interior and exterior jobs

“ ‘PAINT IT FORWARD’ AIMS TO HELP ONE FAMILY IN NEED EVERY MONTH ”

Lake and the client’s old cabinets were in excellent condition. The client was open to donating them. Holbert installed the cabinets along with new countertops that she and her husband provided. They also connected the family, who had been without a functioning kitchen for nearly a year, with a plumber and electrician to get the space safe and up to code.

“Being in this industry, we’re typically working for people who can afford the luxury designer or contractor experience,” said Holbert, who connected

C Henry

Schwartz with the family. “It’s not very often that we’re able to provide services for people in need. It really touched me.”

Assisting the community is a blessing that isn’t lost on Schwartz. He also knows that a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room and the people living in it.

“That’s what I love about it,” Schwartz said. “It’s the fastest way to transform a space in a day or two.”

While the room rejuvenation can be quick, the path to this point was a little longer. Schwartz opened C. Henry

handles interior and exterior jobs

Painting in 2018, but has been working in the field for years. When Schwartz was an undergrad at Rutgers, he had a summer internship where he was responsible for all aspects of what was essentially a painting franchise, Schwartz hired staff, handled sales and marketing and, of course, he dealt with the painting. Schwartz worked in other trades after graduating and ultimately launched his own business after taking inspiration from his father, who operates his own law practice in Arizona.

So now, in between commercial and residential jobs, the attention is on helping where he can, and hopefully connecting like-minded peers to contribute.

“It feels really good to have it out there in the world,” Schwartz said. “ I’m hoping that it kind of snowballs.”

Or maybe it’ll grow like the weeds in those lawn-mowing videos.

If you know someone who could benefit from the Paint it Forward program, submit it to office@chenrypainting.com.

C.Henry Painting associate hard at work

Painting

giving dip -

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.

fig & honey brie

The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.

ingredients:

• 8 ounce brie wheel

• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam

• ¼ cup pecans

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley

directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.

garlic herb feta dip

This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.

ingredients:

• ½ cup plain greek yogurt

• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted

• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese

• 3 teaspoons olive oil

• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon dill

• 1 teaspoon parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

directions:

First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in a n oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!

HOW TO: seasonal home scents

ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO

B E W E L L N E S S

Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting those from sickness prevalent in the colder season. “Seasonal scents are cozy and warm” states Kecia Doll, who is an esthetician from Sweet Be Wellness, “the seasonal scents remind us about how a new time is coming: it’s a time of renewal.” Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.

immune boost

DIRECTIONS :

Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).

INGREDIENTS:

• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic

• Lemon: Uplifts, Kills Bacteria; Reduces Inflammation

• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant

• Eucalyptus: Decongestant and Provides Healing

HOW TO USE:

Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.

home defender

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the following essential oils.

INGREDIENTS:

• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial

• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing

• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System

• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory fatigue

HOW TO USE:

Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.

ARTICLE BY APCL STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY VARIOUS

HIGHLIGHTING THE HARD WORKING, DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS WORKING IN AND AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

ASBURY GIVES

Terry Browne

Volunteering is vital. It brings people together and strengthens communities in heartwarming ways. When individuals lend their time and talents, they not only support local organizations and causes but also create meaningful connections. These acts of kindness

the last six years, Terry has volunteered on average three days per week and will sign up for extra shifts if she sees we are short staffed. She has even gone as far as to work a lunch service, go home, check her email, and see that we are requesting help for dinner service.

“VOLUNTEERING BRIDGES DIVIDES, NURTURE UNDERSTANDING, AND BUILDS A MORE CARING, RESILIENT SOCIETY”

provide essential services to those in need while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose for everyone involved.

Volunteering helps bridge divides, nurture understanding, and build a more caring, resilient society. Ultimately, the spirit of volunteering enriches lives and helps us feel more connected and hopeful.

For our thankful issue we are highlighting just a few of the many amazing folks who give their time to worthy causes locally. We asked a few of our local services to nominate a volunteer from their organization.

TERRY’S HEART AND SOUL IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Theresa (Terry) Browne, JBJ Soul Kitchen, Toms River.

The volunteer staff along with Soul Kitchen guests are amazed at the energy Terry has at 87-years of age. Over

The volunteers praised Terry for her faithful service, great humility, and tireless dedication to our guests. She was commended for taking all new volunteers “under her wing” and training them with the utmost patience and kindness.

BIG BROTHER BRYAN MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Bryan Keelan, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Asbury Park

Bryan is a mentor who is committed. This has been evident throughout his match relationship with Little Brother Jaiden since 2019. Bryan remains a constant in Jaiden’s life by attending wrestling matches, sharing meals, riding bikes around town, and even including Jaiden as a groomsman in his wedding. Bryan continues to be a constant source of support and guidance for Jaiden despite big changes in both of their lives

CONTINUED >

“My only regret is that I didn’t get involved sooner,” Bryan said. “However, everything happens for a reason and I’m so happy I was lucky enough to match with Jaiden.”

A CATTANI WHO LOVES DOGS

Dorian Cattani, @fosteringmama , Asbury Park

For Cattani, the desire to give back came from her father, who taught her to “work hard and be kind to people.”

When Dorian Cattani and her boyfriend started fostering senior dogs, they envisioned a simple act of giving older pooches a place to be themselves. Caring for them has deepened their patience, empathy, and understanding in ways they never imagined. “It’s amazing how these senior dogs bring into our lives, reminding us of the beauty in resilience and unconditional love,” Cattani said. “These older dogs often face abandonment or neglect, but you wouldn’t know it as they come with such excitement for life and are so grateful for every treat they eat or toy they play with”.

SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THE COMMUNITY

Sister Joyce Valese and Sister Therese Dowd, The Center, Asbury Park

With a combined 135 years of service as Sisters of Saint Joseph, these two remarkable women have dedicated their lives to helping others. Their deep commitment to serving their community is rooted in their faith and desire to make a difference in the world.

Bryan Keelan

Dorian Cattani

“VOLUNTEERING BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER AND STRENGTHENS COMMUNITIES”

Their friendship began in the 1970s while working together at in Newark. In the 1980s, they were missioned to a parish school in Bethlehem, PA, where they lived and worked for 23 years. When they relocated to St. Denis Parish in Manasquan, they became part of a warm and welcoming parish and were introduced to The Center, where they have volunteered in the kitchen for the past 12 years.

Their approach to volunteering is quiet but impactful. They find fulfillment not in recognition or material gain but in the simple act of working alongside others who share their dedication to improving the lives of those in need. Their service at The Center reflects the core values of the Sisters of St. Joseph, whose guiding principle is “to be a healing presence, advocating with and responding to persons experiencing marginalization, and addressing the systemic injustices responsible for the miseries of our day.”

Sister Joyce Valese and Sister Therese Dowd

Joyce Ciallella

A GIFT IN THRIFT

Joyce Ciallella, The Center ThriftShop, Asbury Park

Joyce, originally from Wall Township, moved to Belmar 50-years ago when she became a bride. She enjoyed a fulfilling 34-year career at Bell Laboratories before retiring. Joyce decided to retire and drew from her family’s long history of community involvement. She and her children, who volunteer in their respective states, have always been dedicated to giving back. When The Center Square Thrift Shop opened nine years ago, she knew it was the perfect place to make a difference.

GOOD HABITS ON DISPLAY AT AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

John Posner, Habitat for Humanity, Monmouth County

John is one of Monmouth County Habitat’s most dedicated volunteers. During the week, John volunteers with our construction team either working on one of our single-family affordable home builds or assisting with a home repair project. When John, who has volunteered for a dozen years, is not at the job site, he can usually be found at the ReStore on Memorial Drive. John is always eager and willing to help customers, repair items to find creative solutions to problems, and to act as a mentor to volunteers and students.

John Posner

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.

NOVEMBER 2024

NOVEMBER 15TH

Hank Azaria & The EZ Street Band

913 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 7:00 PM

Hank Azaria comes to the Stone Pony to play covers of your favorite Jersey Sound, and more.For more details go to https://www.stoneponyonline.com/

NOVEMBER 16TH

Lou Gramm: The Voice of Foreigner

913 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 7:00 PM

A Stone Pony 50th Anniversary Event, for more details go to https://www. stoneponyonline.com/

NOVEMBER 23RD

Marshall Crenshaw: 40+ Years in Showbiz

1213 Ocean Ave Asbury Park, 07712 7:00 PM

The Wonder Bar present Marshall Crenshaw, celebrating a career that’s spanned four decades, 13 albums, Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, film and TV appearances (Buddy Holly in La Bamba) and thousands of live performances. https://wonderbarasburypark.com/