07728 Freehold Magazine Dec 2021 by nmg

WINTER 2021

Visit

FREEHOLD for the holidays IN THIS ISSUE:

RED IN PA R SO

Y T B

SPO N

Borough Bites A Civil War Christmas Holiday Gift Guide Media Group ECRWSS Local Residential Customer

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Santa

and Mrs. Claus spread their

Christmas Magic BY JENNIFER AMATO

Santa and Mrs Claus

Photo provided by Jah Mitchell

WINTER 2021

anta Thomi began acting at age 13 - even though Santa is ageless. He learned how to improv and go with the flow, he said, performing in a Wild West Show across Monmouth County, appearing in a few movies, doing stunts and taking part in dinner theaters. Acting was a “paid hobby” for Santa; Thomi and his wife owned a tattoo shop in Hightstown for 30 years - though this particular Santa does not have any Christmas-related tattoos of his own under the Big Red Suit. He also worked in construction, as a bodyguard, as an elevator mechanic, and even as a competition shooter over the years when he was not sharing Christmas magic. Toy Maker Thomi was mentored by the late Santa Chester of Manalapan. In 2009, when Laurie Edwards of Phoenix Productions needed a Santa for a production of “Annie,” and Chester was unable to take on the role, Thomi decided to have a hairdresser bleach his beard, and he performed during several of the shows. Thomi said when he went to see his niece and brother-in-law after the show, there was a group of young adults with disabilities waiting 4

in the lobby of the Millstone Township Performing Arts Center at the Millstone Township Middle School. When they saw him, “they just swarmed me,” Thomi said emotionally. “They told me wonderful things and I thought maybe after that that this is my calling.” Santa Thomi, inspired by the magic of Christmas, filled in for Santa Chester, who had many visits he couldn’t attend. He spoke with agents, and has now been Santa’s Helper for 12 years. “I’ve seen so many of these kids grow up,” Santa Thomi said. “I remember when their mom was pregnant, and I’m the only Santa these kids know.” Because of this cause of the Claus, Santa made his way from Texas to New Jersey last year, despite the pandemic, because “with COVID and the protocols I feel these children are being cheated out of their holidays and whatever they can have, I want to make it that much more special for them.” Last year, they included Zoom visits with children in their schedule. For the 2021 Christmas season, Mr. and Mrs. Claus loaded up the back seat and the flatbed of their “sleigh,” a Ford F-150, with their clothing, their props and their Christmas spirit, and left Santa’s Workshop in Texas - where they stay when they need a break from the winter weather of the North Pole. After making stops in Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City, they traveled crosscountry to Jackson, New Jersey, where they will stay for December. They previously had a workshop location in Roosevelt so they are quite familiar with the area. In the span of just a few weeks, the sleigh will pull the Clauses to an elementary school in Beachwood, the Matawan tree lighting, 618 Restaurant in Freehold Borough, Seton Hall University, NextHome Zenith Realtors in Freehold and Edel Haus Alpaca Farm in Wall, among other private home visits in Freehold and Manalapan. They also plan to head to Connecticut. Christmas Eve, undoubtedly, is the busiest day for Santa and the Mrs., as they make quite a few stops during the day. They even factor in some surprise visits to friends and family who live in Monmouth and Ocean counties. “It’s only a day as an adult - but to a kid it’s THE day, and we need to make it special for them,” Santa said. Christmas Day is filled with some relaxation, Santa said, as he gets up to enjoy the morning - and then goes back to bed. “I’m tired from the past month,” he laughed. After all, every day since Thanksgiving has been filled with hustle and bustle. It takes Santa and Mrs. Claus anywhere from a half-hour to an hour to get ready for the day, making sure their costumes are perfect and everything is ready to go. please see SANTA, page 6 07728

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SANTA

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Sometimes, an added touch is needed - such as last year, when their outfits included chef hats and aprons for a cookie-making party they attended. “We want to fit in and make it as special as possible,” Santa said. “We concentrate on being bigger than life and as real as possible.” This year will have special components as well, as Santa Thomi will honor the memory of Santa Chester by wearing his belt. And Mrs. Claus will remember her friend’s mother who passed away by wearing her Christmas pin on her apron. Mrs. Claus actually made her own dresses, apron and hat, plus their capes. Santa has several burgundy suits to choose from. Sometimes, their children Jessie Leigh and Lacey Jaye, Santa’s “two favorite elves of all time,” have added their own Christmas cheer. And the family did have a “reindeer,” their dog who passed away this year. Though, Santa laughed at an actual interaction with a real reindeer. He said a few years ago, they made an appearance on FOX 5 News in New York. The reindeer, who was making her first live appearance, was “panic-stricken” - especially going up the service elevator. She made it through some of the quick 10-second clips, but she wouldn’t stand still for the five-minute segment at the end. “And she made a mess of the studio,” Santa laughed. Another memorable experience was last year’s Seton Hall alumni breakfast. Because it could not be held in person, a video production was created. Registrants were sent pancake supplies so they could still “have breakfast” with the guest of honor, but instead Santa and Mrs. Claus were able to interact with the children virtually. Their daughter helped with the speech preparation. Through the years, Santa Thomi estimates he’s met thousands of children each year. “We try to dote on them as much as possible. We try to know who they are and give them each a little bit of attention. We know WINTER 2021

their names and we make it very special,” Santa said. A child at one of the New York Giants’ Jingle Jams “really tugged at my heart,” Santa said. A young boy - who Santa expected would say wanted a Hoverboard or video game for Christmas simply wanted anything he could unwrap, since most toy drives give unwrapped presents to children. “Sixty cents worth of paper would’ve made this kid’s year,” he said. And then another child at a party hosted by the New Jersey Apartment Association told Santa that if he received a car larger than a Matchbox brand, he couldn’t bring it home since his apartment was so small. So, organizers gave him the smallest car - as well as the biggest car possible, in hopes he’d be able to keep both. Then, as a polar opposite, Santa laughed recalling a young boy at a country club who “rubbed his chin like he was a Wall Street stock broker” and asked for a platinum money clip. When another said his Christmas wish was for the New York Jets to win the Super Bowl, Santa replied that he had a better chance of offering world peace. “It’s all about the smiles,” Santa said, to which Mrs. Claus added, “the big smile on the kids’ faces, and how excited they are to see us come through the doors, and the highfives and the hugs.” Hugs are important, especially for children who follow the “Six Foot Rule” - which way preceded COVID. Mrs. Claus said she uses her mothering touch for children who don’t want to come close to Santa because they’re scared. She said they’ll start singing “Jingle Bells” and try whatever is necessary to get the parents their photograph for a lasting memory. “That’s what has the most meaning for us,” she said. “Parents gleam from ear to ear when their kid is that happy. What better job in the world than to make people happy?” Santa said. To learn more about Santa Thomi and Mrs. Claus, visit www.facebook.com/santathomi ■

Photo provided by Jah Mitchell

Santa and Mrs Claus in the workshop 6

07728 WINTER 2021 ISSUE

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In this Issue: Santa spreads Christmas magic 4 A Civil War Christmas 8 Holiday Gift Guide 10 Borough Bites 12 Recipies 16 Following Freehold 18 COVER PHOTO BY JAMIE GALLAGHER

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4th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry

Re-enacts Holidays during Civil War BY KATHY CHANG

In Downtown Freehold 37 & 39 West Main Street ● Freehold, NJ 07728

ivil War reenactors of the 4th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment will descend on the historic Oakley Farm to reenact what it was like during the holiday season. The re-enactment at the Freehold Township farm is celebrating a decade of holiday cheer on Dec. 11. It is the final event for the nonprofit reenactment organization for the year. The re-enactors - in Civil War-era clothing - recreate what the men likely would have been doing to boost spirits when there was a lull on the battlefield, from having decoration contests of their tents to a visit from Santa Claus, according to Cheryl “Cookie” Polverino, who is Freehold Township’s historian and liaison to the Freehold Township Historic Preservation Commission and the Freehold Township Heritage Society. In the 1860s, Santa Claus did not dress in today’s traditional red. It was more like a patriotic costume, she said. This year the re-enactment will feature a skirmish between the North and South. Along with the men on the battlefield, there were “camp followers” who cooked for the men and tended to their wounds. Many of them were wives of the men on the battlefield, who could travel with them, Polverino said. “The event is not only an opportunity for a history lesson, but to also celebrate Christmas,” she said. The Oakley Farm site off Wemrock Road is decorated for the holidays and the public is invited to enjoy the event and take photos of the re-enactment and with Civil War-era Santa Claus. The reenactment is one of the annual events the Freehold Township Heritage Society hosts to help raise funds for restoring and maintaining the historic properties in town. Polverino said the event is free to the please see INFANTRY, page 9

732-431-0099 ● www.EFYFlorist.com PHOTO PROVIDED BY RICH ARSENAULT

Oakley Christmas reenactment

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INFANTRY

continued from page 8

public. Donations are gratefully accepted. Freehold Township owns five historic properties, including the Oakley Farm. Three sites are museums, one is a cemetery and one is in the beginning stages of becoming a park, Polverino said. The history of Oakley Farmhouse dates to 1686. Charles Oakley Jr. bought the farm in 1911. His wife, Elizabeth, inherited the farm when he died in 1932. His daughter, also named Elizabeth, became the manager of the farm, along with her mom, according to the Freehold Township website. The motherdaughter duo managed the farm through the Depression years by selling apples in Freehold and also selling potatoes, corn and butter at the Wallabout Market in Brooklyn, New York. In 1981, the farm was the largest commercial farm in Monmouth County. The younger Elizabeth continued farm operations with tenant farmers until her death

in 1995. The Freehold Township Preservation Commission works to recognize and protect the architectural heritage of the township. The Freehold Township Heritage Society was created in 2001 as a nonprofit independent organization, with the ability to raise

funds to help pay for repairs and restoration projects. The majority of the funding is based on memberships, public donations and fundraisers. With grant opportunities few and far between, events like the reenactment play an important role to keep the sites, which

are 200 to 300 years old, viable, Polverino said. She noted the Freehold Township Preservation Commission can only seek grants. The Freehold Township Heritage Society holds fundraising events every two months. At the upcoming re-enactment, the public will be able to tour the farmhouse and barns. The museum will be selling honey, which is grown on the farm, and peruse and buy unique original slate roof tiles. The event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11 will also feature oldtime music with the harpsichord, banjo and mandolin. There will be photos with Santa, a re-enactment at 2 p.m., open house tours and tent decorating. The farmhouse is located at 189 Wemrock Road, Freehold Township. For more information, visit OakleyFarm Museum.org For more information about the 4th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, visit 4thnj.org ■

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ith the holiday season right around the corner and the winter weather having us pull our favorite gloves and coats out of storage, finding a present to treat family and friends for the holiday is on our minds. Thankfully, all around New Jersey downtown gems such as downtown Freehold have just the places to find that perfect gift.

Especially for You Florist & Gifts If you are looking to bring someone in your life a beautiful bouquet for the holiday or just because you are thinking of them, Especially for You, Florist & Gifts has exactly what you are looking for. Located on the corner of downtown Freehold Borough at 39 Main St., Especially for You is the perfect place to stop in to pick up a beautifully crafted bouquet for someone in your life. With so many different options of colorful flowers, it’s hard to leave without treating yourself to a rose, or two. The shop is also third generation, family owned and has been serving Central New Jersey for many years, and the shop’s atmosphere is almost as wonderful and welcoming as shop owner Marlene Rogala. At Especially for You, you can craft your own bouquet combining different types of flowers to create a bouquet that is unique and especially for you. There is also the opportunity to order someone a bouquet or gift online, where Especially for You has the option of Christmas-based gifts such as Candy Cane

Hug in a Mug, Holiday Cheer Sleigh Ride and a Festive Stoneware Centerpiece to bring to a family member’s house or to brighten your own table. While Especially for You is filled with beautiful flowers making you feel like you are in a garden, the shop also has a sister gift shop right next door with wonderful gifts for loved ones and friends. Shop owner Marlene Rogala walked me through herself. The gift shop is filled with fashion items such as soft and cozy hats and gloves for a warm gift for someone you love. The items are also not only soft to touch but are stylish to pair with your favorite peacoat or winter jacket for those cold winter days. The gift shop also features holiday figurines and holiday decorative home items to give to someone to cheer in the holiday spirit or for your own home.

Freehold Body Care, European Boutique Spa Walking into Freehold Body Care, European Boutique Spa is a dream for someone who likes anything relaxing. As soon as you walk in, the calming aura of the spa relaxes you instantly as you feel all of your worries drift away. The spa offers waxing; massage therapy such as hot stones and aromatherapy; eyelash and brow options; skin care facials; and options such as Reiki Energy Healing. If you are thinking of treating someone to a relaxing day of care after the hecticness of the holidays, Freehold please see GIFTS, page 11

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GIFTS

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Body Care, European Boutique Spa is the perfect choice for them to wind down and have some time to themselves. The spa also features holiday gift options in their lobby such as M.A.D. skincare products and Nature’s Fusions Hemp relief rub. The spa also offers fall specials for the season such as Professional Chemical Peels, which renews skin cells, smoothes wrinkles, minimizes scars and lightens hyperpigmentation; Dermeluxx Facial Escape, which combines Hydra-Peel Facial, Oxygen Infusion and Facial Cryotherapy; and Microneedling, which is used to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer and more toned skin for your face and neck. In looking at the holiday season, my loved ones might not be the only ones getting a spa day.

Freehold Art Gallery Tucked into downtown Freehold Borough,right next to CVS pharmacy, is the Freehold Art Gallery. The gallery, located at 74 W. Main St., has been open for about six years and is the hidden gem of the downtown area. The gallery, which can be visited with a family member or friend this holiday season, has shows that change every six weeks, according to Jeff Friedman, who also serves as president of the Freehold Borough Arts Council, board of director of the Freehold Center Management and co-chairman of the Freehold Municipal Alliance. Friedman is also involved locally, holding positions as director of the Freehold Center Management Corporation/Downtownfreehold.com, board of director of the Downtown Concert Series and more. 07728

The gallery focuses on bringing attention to local artists who excel at their said craft. In the main gallery is a variety of local talent focused on the surrounding areas such as Freehold, Monmouth County and New Jersey alongside works by artists around the world. The Central Gallery features eight curated exhibits per year that highlight specific themes or artists that aim to inspire and expose the gallery’ patrons to a range of styles. The Reception Hall also contains prints, historic documents, photography, larger pieces and CDs of local artists. The gallery also features concerts, lectures and the option to be rented out for private events. In keeping in mind spending the day with someone downtown to do some shopping and enjoy Freehold’s holiday decorations, the gallery is the perfect place to step into. The gallery is also hosting its annual $200 and under holiday show, featuring the work of watercolor, notebooks, photography, sculpture pieces and more by local artists, all $200 and under. Friedman spoke on behalf of the wonderful options of holiday gifts at the Freehold Art Gallery, encouraging everyone to come to see what the gallery has to offer. “The artwork and the gifts that are for sale are unique and they’re one of a kind,” Friedman said “They are from local artists and it’s something that gives back, by buying a piece of local art you’re not just giving a wonderful individual a gift to someone you care about, you’re giving back to the community,” If you enjoy art, or know someone who does, the gallery is the right fit to visit for the holiday season or buy a gift for someone who appreciates anything creative. In buying the gifts at the gallery, you not only purchase something for someone you are thinking of, but pay it forward to support local artists, which, in a universal way, makes everyone filled with joy. ■ PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LAUREN LAMANTIA

WINTER 2021

What’s on Tap for this Holiday Season BY RYAN GALLAGHER

iving in New Jersey, residents are completely spoiled by the food options available. The Garden State has some of the best cuisine on the East Coast. Traditional items like pizza and pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwiches simmer to the top of one’s mind when thinking of Jersey fare. However, since N.J. is a melting pot of people and flavors from all over the world, residents get to choose from unique and exotic food options as well.

“As I was pulling in [to Jersey Freeze] Bruce Springsteen was pulling out ... There’s these restaurants down here ... They got everything down here; Italians, bagels, Wawa, some tremendous pretzels,” remarked comedian Joey Diaz on his podcast as he praised the food in his new hometown of Freehold. For foodies, Freehold is a microcosm of what it means to live in this great state. The area seemingly has every style of food available. From traditional Italian delicacies to fine Indian cuisine, the restaurants in this area will be hustling to meet customer demand this holiday season.

618 Restaurant Takes on Holiday Hunger On Nov. 1, Liz and Matt Borowski celebrated their restaurant’s fifth-year anniversary. The two-level establishment features a beautiful upstairs banquet hall as well as the main restaurant on the bottom floor where they serve an eclectic, Italian-inspired menu. Most recently, the restaurant owners have opened Tuesday through Sunday to meet the holiday season demand. Not only has the 618 staff increased hours during this time, but the restaurant received a 2,000-square-foot upgrade while indoor dining was shut down last year. As a result, business is booming, and the owners suggest interested individuals make reservations two

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weeks in advance. “Our food is always top notch. But now, we’ve remodeled the whole restaurant,” said Liz Borowski. “Our bar is one of the most impressive in New Jersey. It’s inspired by New York City bars with an abundance of liquors and wines that usually customers will never find. Our bar manager, Corinne Miller, is an amazing mixologist.” As the holiday season nears, Miller and the 618 bar staff will be whipping up signature cocktails like the Mistletoe Margarita. The bar has also begun to serve themed group cocktails that can be shared among six individuals. “Ask about our secret Speakeasy Menu,” added Liz Borowski. “It’s printed on a playing card. And customers can order items like The Prohibition Era drink that’s served in a teapot.” When dining at 618, customers can always expect the award-winning Chef Christopher Dutka to deliver. Some of the best-selling appetizers include Granny’s Meatballs ($14) and the Short Rib Ravioli ($15). Customers come back time and time again for staple entrees like the Cabernet Braised Beef Short Ribs ($32) and Cajun BBQ Shrimp & Grits ($30). “Definitely keep an eye on our specials, too,” suggested Matt Borowski. “Everything includes locally sourced ingredients from the best purveyors in the area. We are very consistent and stand by our top restaurant ranking in Freehold with top-notch service, great food and a well-prepped drink every time.” The staff at 618 Restaurant plan to take their newly remodeled eatery through the Christmas season with weekly specials, events and a cozy holiday-themed ambiance. The restaurant will be closed Christmas day. “We offer a catering menu online. So, you can pick up trays of our classic choices,” said Matt Borowski. “Upstairs we’re hosting corporate holiday parties. Downstairs, Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming on Dec. 4 from 3-4 p.m. and we’re doing Toys for Tots until Dec. 18th.”

Aarzu Bistro Facilitates a Following for Modern Indian Cuisine in NJ Six years ago, Archana Sharma started the first modern Indian bistro in Freehold. Born in N.J. with parents from India, the Aarzu owner set out to provide a place for the community to gather to enjoy her take on Indian cuisine. “There weren’t many Indian restaurants in the Freehold area and there still is not. Being a female business owner and minority, I was a little bit apprehensive,” said Sharma. “It was difficult. But the one thing we stuck to was our vision. We were tempted to go the traditional Indian restaurant route, but I’m proud to stick to our modern vision.” please see BITES, page 13 07728

BITES

continued from page 12

Today, the BYOB bistro called Aarzu has made it into the N.J. top 30 restaurants two years in a row after an unsure beginning. Rather than appealing to N.J. residents of Indian descent, Sharma has been cooking food to please all sorts of customers to show off her family’s culture. “It’s all about the presentation and flavors. We do have a lot of traditional items, but our focus is to keep it clean,” explained Sharma. “Our core team has been here since day one. We understand the hardcore Indian palate. So, we do have items that are overpowering. But we have customers who are trying Indian food for the first time and these people become repeat customers. We’ve hit that medium of pleasing both palates without taking away from the flavors and core of the food.” As the Aarzu team gears up to feed the holiday crowd, the kitchen staff has a good idea of what their customers will be looking for. The bistro has items that have been around since day one like the Aarzu Lamb Chops entree ($36), street food items like the Beetroot Tikki ($14) and dessert options like

the Orange Rind Kulfi ($10). “Our signature lamb chops are a big hit,” said Sharma. “They’re made in the clay oven and double marinated for a couple of days.” Currently, the Aarzu team is planning its holiday specials from now until the new year. The restaurant offered

specials for the Indian holiday of Diwali and Thanksgiving and will do so for Christmas and New Year’s. Aarzu will be closed on Christmas day. “Specials are usually week-by-week,” said Sharma. “We plan Sunday and start serving them on Thursday. But in the past, we’ve done Cornish Game Hen, Quail Eggs and Lobster dishes.” Looking past the winter holidays, Sharma hopes to offer a special Valentine’s menu as

well as collaboration menus with other local establishments. “We also always do Valentine’s Day chef ’s tasting menu,” Sharma said. “In the past, we have done some collaboration dinners with 618 chefs where we make a whole menu. And we just did one with Heirloom Kitchen. Our collaborations help us to gain new clientele.” Furthermore, Sharma and her crew will be preparing for events in their 25-person private dining room as well as in their 120-person banquet hall. The kitchen staff works to customize menus for these events to their customers’ liking. “We have a diverse community from all different backgrounds and that’s what makes us happy,” said Sharma. “It is nice that people are loving Indian food and we feel a bit responsible for that. When we were choosing Freehold, I didn’t think much. But now I’ve seen it grow so much and don’t wanna be anywhere else.” ■ LEFT PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMIE GALLAGHER

618 Bartender Mike Holihan makes a Mistletoe Margarita RIGHT PHOTO PROVIDED BY AARZU

Serving high-quality, delicious, and authentic Italian food in Freehold, NJ. We are a BYOB Restaurant

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WINTER 2021

A look at

LOCAL HISTORY “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style …” BY MARTHA ESPOSITO

hat lyric from the song “Silver Bells“ wasn‘t written about Freehold Borough, but it certainly could have been. Each holiday season, the 1.93-square-mile borough is transformed into one of New Jersey’s premier Christmas towns. To the south, there’s Cape May. To the north, there’s Morristown. But right here in

the middle of the state, Freehold Borough shines and sparkles along with the best of them. And for the 2021 holiday season, the traditional full calendar of events is back, after they were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re a holiday destination,” said Jeff Friedman, executive director of Downtown Freehold, which was established in 1991 as a nonprofit managing the day-to-day operations of the business improvement district, including overseeing all events. The borough, which has been the Monmouth County seat since the early 18th century, has a thriving downtown, with 750 businesses, including 46 restaurants, in a two-block radius, according to Friedman. It’s the perfect backdrop for the December holiday events. And probably the biggest and most looked forward to is the annual tree lighting, planned for 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 7, with a

please see HISTORY, page 15

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performance by the Rock ‘n Roll Chorus, an a cappella group of middle and high school students directed by Joe Cantaffa, and a visit by Santa. It also most likely is the oldest holiday tradition, said Friedman, taking place “in some shape or form for 100 years.” The tree will be lit every evening until it is taken down Jan. 6. This year’s 30-foot tree, set up in the plaza at the Hall of Records at 1 E. Main St., was harvested from Dorbrook Park in Colts Neck, said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. The tree arrives by flatbed truck just before Thanksgiving, and workers from the county’s Department of Public Works set it up and string the lights -- 1,970 of them. The columns on the circa 1874 Hall of Records are wrapped in garlands of greens and topped with bright red bows For pre-COVID celebrations, local Girl Scouts made eco-friendly ornaments to adorn the branches; but for the second year, the pandemic has put a halt to that tradition. The county oversees the storage of the tree’s lights and ornaments, and stores them at the Buildings and Grounds storage area on Halls Mill Road. The lights and decorations, including swags, snowflakes and stars that glow from nearly every tree, utility and light pole downtown, and are strung across the streets, are overseen by Downtown Freehold, said Friedman. Central Jersey Electrical Contractors is charged with putting up the display, with the work starting two weeks prior to Thanksgiving. The downtown lights were scheduled to go on for the first time the evening of Thanksgiving, and stay on until the last week of January. “The electricians go through and make sure everything is perfect,” said Friedman. For the 280 planters of varying sizes that dot downtown, Taylor and Taylor Landscaping fills them with greens, berries and pinecones to add a festive touch, said coowner Tom Taylor. The company has been tending the planters year-round, he said, for close to 25 years. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah also is celebrated at the Hall of Records. On the evening of Nov. 29 (the second night of the eight-day Festival of Lights), the first two bulbs on the nine-branch candelabra were to be lit in a ceremony that was to include a blessing by a rabbi, holiday songs and traditional Hanukkah treats.

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HISTORY

continued from page 14

On each subsequent evening of the holiday, another bulb will be lit at 4 p.m., until all nine are aglow on Hanukkah’s final night. According to Friedman, the Hanukkah celebration is more low-key than the tree lighting, and has taken place for at least 15 years. Then there’s the most anticipated event of the holiday season, the Jolly Trolley, which returns in 2021 for the 12th year. The trolley, which can accommodate 30 tourists, is sponsored by Shore Luxury Limo, and its exterior is decorated with white lights and wreaths. The hour-long tour of the area takes in all the holiday sights and historic sites, while students from the Howell High School Drama Club perform skits at various stops along the way. When the tour is over, there’s time to enjoy hot chocolate and visit with Santa. “The kids have a wonderful time,” said Friedman. The Jolly Trolley is Dec. 10, with five trips starting at 4 p.m. The next day, Dec. 11, there’s a Jolly Trolley with a twist -it’s a BYOB tour for those 21 and older. According to Friedman, this is the first year for the adults-only trolley, which will have

live music on board and run six hour-long trips, starting at 4 p.m. Another longstanding holiday favorite is Brunch with Santa, held since 2010 at the American Hotel at 18-20 Main St. The brunch, which

will take place on three Sundays (Dec. 5, 12 and 19) from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., can accommodate 500 guests on each date, said Tom Gibson, manager of Market Yard Grille, the hotel‘s restaurant. The restaurant is decorated for the holiday, and there are candy canes and cookies galore as well as an appearance by the Jolly Old Elf, who is happy to pose for photos with diners. If you can’t make it on a Sunday, there’s

also brunch with Santa on Dec. 11 at Sweet Lou’s Café at 6 Main St. Seatings are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. And on the evening of Dec. 16, holiday music will ring out in the streets of Freehold Borough from 6 to 8 p.m. when carolers, dressed in Victorian garb, will stroll the downtown area and sing Christmas songs as shoppers go from store to store. One concession to this newer tradition, started a few years ago by Dru-Anne Palarima, Downtown Freehold’s event and marketing manager: This year, the carolers won’t be entering restaurants to serenade diners, and will strictly perform outdoors. From year to year, the holiday events have stayed constant with little change, except for the necessary accommodations for COVID19. “Our mission,” said Friedman, “is to create memories for visitors.” ■ PHOTO PROVIDED BY DOWNTOWN FREEHOLD

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WINTER 2021

From our

Family Yours to

Sweet Mashed Potatoes Submitted by Casey Meglino

INGREDIENTS: 6 Medium Sweet Potatoes 1 stick of butter 1/2 cup of sugar 1 tsp of Vanilla 1/3 cup of Milk 2 eggs DIRECTIONS: Peel & cube sweet potatoes. Boil for 20 minutes. Drain sweet potatoes. Add 1 stick of butter and beat with mixer. Add sugar, vanilla & milk. Beat both eggs and drizzle in slowly while mixing. Spread in 13” x 9” pan.

TOPPING: 1/3 cup of butter 1 cup of brown sugar 1/2 cup of flour 3/4 cup of walnuts or pecans DIRECTIONS FOR TOPPING: Mix topping ingredients and spread on top of sweet potatoes. Bake uncovered @ 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Celebrate the Holidays and join us as we present:

Childhood treasures displayed range from dolls, games and toys to books, carriages and historic photos.

Monmouth

FREE candy cane with any admission donation

County

Historical

Association

Hours: Generally Fridays’, Saturdays’, Sundays’ 12 noon - 5 pm, but please confirm on our website before visiting MCHA Museum, Library & Archives • 70 Court Street, Freehold, NJ 07728 • www.MonmouthHistory.org WINTER 2021

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Neapolitan Cookies (seven-layer/rainbow cookies) Submitted by Jennifer Amato

INGREDIENTS: 1 can (8 oz.) almond paste (marzipan) 1 cup butter or regular margarine, softened 1 cup sugar 4 egg yolks 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 4 egg whites Red and green (or blue for a Hanukkah twist) food coloring ¼ cup apricot preserves ¼ cup seedless red raspberry jam 1 package (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chip morsels DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease the bottom of three 13-by-9-by-2 baking pans. Line pans with waxed paper. Grease the wax paper. • Using a fork, break up the almond paste into small pieces in a large bowl. Add butter, sugar and egg yolks at medium speed until light and fluffy. • With a wooden spoon, beat in the flour until well combined. • In a medium bowl, beat egg whites

until soft peaks form when beaters are slowly raised. Add egg whites to almond paste, stirring until blended. • Remove 1½ cups of the batter, add red food coloring and turn into pan. Remove another 1½ cups of the batter, add green or blue food coloring. Leave the last 1½ cups plain. • Bake 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Invert on the rack and cool. • Spread raspberry jam on the green

or blue layer. Spread apricot preserves over the yellow layer. Top with the red layer. • Cover with wax paper. Set a cutting board or heavy flat pan on the cake to weigh it down. Refrigerate overnight. • The next day, melt the chocolate in the top of a double broiler. Spread over the top of the cake and cool. • Cut the cake into stripes. These cookies are best made at least a day ahead of time.

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Following Freehold It’s all in the details. When it comes to your social calendar, change is … not always good. But sometimes it’s inevitable. For updates pertaining to weather and other cancellations, visit downtownfreehold.com after 3 p.m. on the day of the event. Jolley Trolley

Downtown Freehold welcomes back the Jolly Trolley. Time slots are 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Saturday, Dec. 11 times are 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. The snow date is Sunday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Jolly Trolley will also be available for adults 21 and older. Time slots are 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. Snow date is Sunday, Dec. 12. Visit the shop page to purchase tickets. No refunds unless the event is canceled.

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Sweet Lew’s Café, 6 E. Main St.

Lunch with Santa

Enjoy Saturday Lunch with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11, at Panini Grill, 31 E. Main St. Reservations required by calling 732-845-5440.

Cornerstone Holiday Spectacular

The Cornerstone Holiday Spectacular featuring Cornerstone Music Studios’ students will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at St. Peter’s Church Episcopal Church, 33 Throckmorton St., Freehold. All are welcome. No admission fee.

Brunch with Santa

Enjoy Sunday Brunch with Santa from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 12 and 19, at the American Hotel, 18 E. Main St. Enjoy brunch specialties and grab a photo with Santa. Call the American Hotel for more details. Reservations are required by calling 732-431-3220.

Carolers

Listen to carolers sing through the downtown from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16.

Holiday Candlelight Walking Tour The

Borough

Freehold

Holiday

Candlelight Walking Tour will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. The tour starts at St. Rose of Lima, 16 McLean St., Freehold. Presented by the Human Relations Committee, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Recreation Commission and the Unity Coalition of Greater Freehold. Collections will support the Blessing Bag Brigade. Men’s socks, snack foods, breakfast bars, small bottles of water, travel-sized shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, travel-sized lotion, deodorant and disposable razors are needed. Contact Carrie Conger at 973-303-1915.

Send us your calendar listings!

Please include all critical information: who, what, where, when, and how to register or get tickets (if applicable), as well as a few lines of description. Email your listings to jamato@newspapermediagroup.com

Your journey home begins with me.

WINTER 2021

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