Manasquan & Brielle August 2023

Manasquan +Brielle

FOR THE GIRLS

SURF CLASSIC BRIELLE DAY SERVICE + FUN DOING BETTER FOR BODY, HOME AND PLANET

Pedal Power

INSIDE THE SHORE’S BEST BIKE SHOP

Boutique Design Studio specializing in bespoke cabintey and hard finishs for the home.

RED BANK, NJ | 732.345.1441 | TOWNANDCOUNTRYDESIGNSTUDIO.COM

Design by appointment | Visit website for Mercantile Shop hours

#1 Agent in Manasquan, and #1 Agent in Brielle!

Greg Rice has been the top-selling Realtor in both Manasquan and Brielle for the past 15 YEARS! From 2008 - 2022, Greg closed more residential real estate than any other agent at any other brokerage in each Manasquan and Brielle!* He is recognized through multiple awards and designations as one of the top real estate agents in the entire United States and was recently ranked #27 in all of N.J. (over 55,000 agents) by Newsweek Magazine's "America's Best Realtors." Contact Greg today to discover for yourself what separates him from other agents and why he is the top-selling agent in Manasquan and Brielle. He is always available for a free, discreet, and confidential consultation on what your home could be worth in this market.

"...We could not be more pleased with this process from start to finish. Greg is friendly, professional, hardworking and smart. His marketing approach was first class, his negotiating skills fantastic. There was no request he could not handle. We recommend him without reservations...."

- McManus Family, Seller, Manasquan

...In my life, I have hired four real estate agents. Greg Rice is, by a very wide margin, the best. His attention to you and overall customer service is extraordinary.I can not say enough good things.

- L. Matino, Buyer, Manasquan

"....My wife and I interviewed numerous realtors to help us sell our Brielle home, and it was clear to us w ithin a few minutes of meeting Greg that he would be our choice...Greg's preparation, presentation materials, knowledge of the local market, and his contagious enthusiasm, and professionalism stood out to us. My wife and I can not recommend Greg highly enough...."

- Tim Conway, Seller, Brielle

Just Some of Greg's Recent Sales

Summer in Full Swing Manasquan +Brielle

co-owners of Greater Goods Refillery on Parker Ave., can make that happen for you. They have a seamless way of helping people make small changes to daily habits that reduce waste and eliminate harmful toxins from the home.

Carly Coble’s second annual For The Girls’ Surf Classic was held last month, and what an event it was! The work and dedication Carly has put into this event speaks volumes about her commitment to her community, family, friends and— you guessed it—surfing!

The end of August always brings one of the most fun and anticipated events of the year, Brielle Day. Always held on the first Saturday after Labor Day, Brielle Day will be on September 9 this year. Here’s to another rainfree year with great entertainment and music, amazing crafters, fire truck rides, a beer garden and delicious food.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the August issue!

Editor & Publisher

Tracy Naimo

Group Publisher

Jodi Bruker

Art Director

Sue Park

Copy Editor

Nancy Fass

Writers

Johnny Carawan

Carly Coble

Mari Guadagno

Violet Nolan

Adrianne St. Clair

Photographer

Theresa Artigas

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

August, some would say, is the Sunday of Summer. But in Manasquan and Brielle, summer is still in full swing. Our August issue brings you magnetic content that will make you love where you live even more! This month is the perfect time to do all those “summer things” you had planned on doing but haven’t yet managed to squeeze in.

For those of you who have been meaning to “go greener,” this issue is for you. Laura Teza and Andrea Schuett,

If you are interested in being featured, know someone that should be, or have a fun and exciting idea for the magazine, please reach out to me at Tracy.Naimo@wainscotmedia.com. I want to hear from you!

Here’s to squeezing every drop of fun out of summer!

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

Tracy Naimo Publisher

Around Town

Jolly Jolly July!

Main Street celebrated Christmas in July on Thursday, July 20.

IN NEW HANDS: THE PARAMOUNT DINER

As lifelong residents of Brielle and the new owners of Paramount Diner, Linda and Mike Smith are grateful to deepen their connections with the residents of Manasquan and Brielle. The diner has been a family favorite and a shore mainstay since the early 1930s. The Smiths are honored to be stewards of this iconic eatery as they strive to continue the tradition of making family memories for many years to come. The diner is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch made to order!

WHERE’S WALDO?

The Booktowne “Where’s Waldo” scavenger hunt was in full swing for the month of July. Using their Waldo Passports, kids enjoyed searching for the elusive character in hidden locations at 25 local retailers.

Around Town

AUTHOR EVENTS AT BOOKTOWNE

For tickets, visit www.booktowne.com.

KARIN SLAUGHTER

author of “After That Night”

Tuesday, August 22, 2 p.m. at Woman’s Club of Manasquan

Literary Lunch Series (lunch, book and author talk).

Open to all.

DICK HANDSCHUCH & SAL MARINO

authors of “The Beach Bum’s Guide to the Boardwalks of New Jersey”

Signing and meet-and-greet on Thursday, August 31, 6 p.m. at BookTowne

SAIL INTO THE SUNSET

Looking to get out on the water? Head over to the Queen Mary in Point Pleasant Beach for one of its summer sunset cruises, which feature some of the Shore’s favorite local bands. Cruises set sail every Friday at 6 p.m. and return at 9 p.m. Also offered: private party cruises for all occasions. Learn more at www.njqueenmary.com.

LIFEGUARDS IN TRAINING

Manasquan Junior Guards wrapped up its 2023 season on Friday, July 28. Local kids were able to train with professional lifeguards three times a week for the month of July.

Pedal Power

A fourth-generation proprietor explains how the best bike shop on the shore has kept customers two-wheeling for almost a century.

BY VIOLET NOLAN

Tyler Scimeca and his family have owned the Manasquan Bike Shop since 1926 and are in their 97th year of operation, with Tyler (co-owner with his father) a fourthgeneration proprietor. While the business started in Bayonne, the Scimecas moved down the shore in 1978. First located behind PNC Bank off Main Street in the Plaza, the shop relocated 41 years ago to its current spot at the corner of Pearce Avenue and Main Street and has thrived there ever since.

We caught up with Tyler (who grew up in Bricktown and attended St. Joseph Grade School and Monsignor Donovan High School in Toms River) to talk about how the family has sustained a business for almost a century—and what makes cycling in Manasquan special.

Have you always been interested in cycling?

As you can imagine, tinkering around in the shop and growing up in this business has cultivated a large appreciation and admiration for all things cycling.

Why do people like biking in the Manasquan/Brielle area?

Lack of parking around town makes people gravitate toward bikes out of convenience, and traffic can get bad, especially during summer, so biking is a way more efficient mode of transportation.

But the biggest benefits of cycling include well-being and happiness. Everything here is oceanfront, and biking lets you enjoy the scenic views, which helps make the bike business so viable in this area. Having a mode of transportation without having to get in your car on top of that—it’s awesome!

INTERVIEW WITH TYLER SCIMECA

What types of bikes do you sell?

We sell different models for all different functions and styles. The beach cruiser is the classic Jersey Shore bike—perfect for riding to and from the beach. Hybrids are built for fitness in various styles. Electric bikes cut riders’ time significantly for longer treks and have been taking off recently. Bikes with large tires can ride on several different types of surfaces. We have kids’ bikes built for beginners and fashion bikes that are dedicated more to aesthetics than serious travel. We also sell anything else associated with bikes that you can imagine. From bells to locks to helmets, we’ve got it.

What are your biggest sellers?

Our most popular bike model is the Electra single-speed beach cruiser. Electra has been a terrific partner of Manasquan Bike Shop for a long time, and they have nurtured a great relationship with our shop.

What sets Manasquan Bicycle Shop apart and accounts for your success?

Our shop prides itself on quick service and same-day repairs. The longest we hold bikes is 24 hours, but we can usually turn repairs around in two to three hours or less. We can change flat tires in less than five minutes. We also have a mobile service to homes and can fix multiple bikes at one time.

Does being a family operation make a difference?

Being in this business a long time, we have families that we’ve worked with for several generations. Our dedication to a compassionate family-oriented experience is what draws people back over and over again. With that and word of mouth among local families, we find ourselves getting a lot of repeat customers. Area residents also love that we keep it simple and do not try to upsell. We just try to get customers the right equipment.

Violet Nolan is a rising senior at Manasquan High School who holds a deep appreciation for this area and the ocean.

How does it feel to have such a loyal customer base?

Just this past year, we won Best Bike Shop in WRAT’s Shore Awards. This is a consumer-voted contest, so it was very reassuring to receive this appreciation from local families. It made us feel like the shop has true value to the community, and it brought us so much joy to be acknowledged. The people in the community are the reason we open our doors every morning.

Tyler Scimeca and his dad, Greg Scimeca, co-owners of Manasquan Bike Shop, with their dog, Tuna.

Service Plus Fun: A Winning Combination

The Woman’s Club of Brielle, which hosts Brielle Day, has been supporting the community and dishing up fun activities for 51 years.

BY ADRIANNE ST. CLAIR

The first Brielle Day—a community celebration initiated by the town—took place on September 8, 1973. It served as an excellent platform for local nonprofit organizations to come together, featuring concession stands and exciting activities aimed at raising funds for their respective causes. Originally centered around marching bands and a parade, Brielle Day has evolved over 51 years to include a wide array of attractions. Today, visitors can enjoy delectable food from various vendors, live bands at the beer tent, bake sales by the school PTO and the participation of local nonprofits such as the First Aid Squad and Fire Company No. 1. The highlight, of course, is the sprawling field, spanning 16,600 square yards, that hosts numerous crafters and is managed by The Woman’s Club of Brielle.

The Woman’s Club was established in 1967, and while the

Historical Society initially hosted the craft fair, The Woman’s Club took over in 1981. After starting with just a few tables occupied by local artists, over the course of five decades, The Woman’s Club has grown the fair into a remarkable gathering. Each year, it attracts over 20,000 visitors who enthusiastically purchase arts and crafts from a diverse selection of over 170 vendors.

As a craft vendor myself, I can confidently say that this is one of the most impeccably organized craft fairs around. Upon arrival at the fair, attendees are warmly greeted by the ladies in pink, and volunteers stationed throughout the venue assist with directions and lend a helping hand whenever needed. Additionally, The Woman’s Club has established a serene tea garden, a refreshing oasis for the past 20 years that offers visitors a shaded spot and complimentary refreshments to unwind.

Run Like Clockwork

To ensure the event maintains its high standards, The Woman’s Club meticulously reviews hundreds of applications to verify the authenticity of vendors’ handmade products. The kickoff preparations involve countless hours of application filing, fund collection and banking, and meticulous mapping of vendor spots—all managed by dedicated volunteers. One of our members even learned field lining techniques from a Manasquan High School football coach! It has been said that “It never rains on Brielle Day,” and we hope Mother Nature continues to honor that tradition. Beyond providing a thriving platform for artisans to showcase their handmade creations, The Woman’s Club has achieved remarkable success in raising funds for scholarships and charitable causes. To date, the club has raised close to an impressive $250,000, contributing to the educational aspirations of young and mature students across Monmouth and Ocean counties. Whenever you come across 50/50 tickets for sale, remember that your purchase is making a valuable contribution to someone’s education.

Education, however, is not the sole focus of The Woman’s Club’s generosity. The club actively collaborates with organizations such as Dottie’s House, Harbor House, the Myocarditis Foundation, Common Ground Grief Center, POAC Autism Services, Brielle Fire Department, Brielle First Aid Squad, Emmanuel Cancer Foundation and various food banks, extending their reach to many people in need.

Above: Joan Morse (left), The Woman’s Club of Brielle president, and Erin Sainte Augustine, Evening Co-Chair Preisdent. (Not pictured, Madeline Krajewski, Evening Co-Chair President.) PHOTOGRAPH BY THERESA ARTIGAS.

Dynamic and Welcoming

Recently, I became a member of The Woman’s Club and have discovered a welcoming and dynamic group of extraordinary women from diverse backgrounds. The club offers both a day group and an evening group, accommodating members who require flexible hours to balance work and family life.

Joining The Woman’s Club is not an overwhelming commitment. We convene once a month, when we take care of club business and often undertake community service projects. A recent example was our successful diaper drive for the Jersey Shore Dream Center baby pantry, where we collected over 3,017 diapers to support families in need. The club

is growing, becoming stronger and attracting more members who share our commitment to serving the community.

In addition to our charitable efforts, we also believe in having fun! We engage in crafting, pickleball, golfing, book club discussions and various other activities and outings. Membership creates ideal opportunities to forge new friendships, especially for those who are new to the area.

If you are interested in joining, please connect with us through social media, visit www. thewomansclubofbrielle.org to send us an inquiry (click “Contact Us”) or attend one of our meetings. We welcome everyone with open arms!

Adrianne St. Clair, a Brielle resident, wife and mother of four, is the owner of Coastal Crafts and a new member of The Woman’s Club of Brielle.

Members of The Woman’s Club of Brielle. PHOTOGRAPH BY THERESA ARTIGAS.

Doing Better for Body, Home and Planet

Greater Goods Refillery aims to improve the environment by reducing harmful chemicals and avoiding plastic waste.

First-time customers entering Greater Goods Refillery (GGR), a Monmouth County sustainable shop located in the heart of Manasquan, often start with a question: What exactly is a refillery?

The answer lies with co-owners and Brielle residents Laura Teza and Andrea Schuett. Each has a passion for reducing waste and offering clean, nontoxic products for the body that are free of harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances in order to have a more positive impact on the planet.

Teza and Schuett opened the store together after they realized that their personal journeys

BY TRACY NAIMO

of trying to live healthy, sustainable lives were similar to those of many others. Wanting to bring something unique and impactful to the community, the idea of an eco-friendly refill shop fit the bill.

At GGR, customers can find sustainable swaps for everyday household products including paper towels, food storage bags and cleaning tools. As a refill shop at heart, GGR aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics by encouraging customers to bring containers from home to fill with store products. Refillable options include laundry detergent, dish soap, hand soap, bodywash, shampoo/

conditioner, lotion and others.

All GGR products are made with nontoxic, clean ingredients and sourced from companies that believe in having a minimal negative impact on the environment. “Our feeling is that there’s no need to continue buying your trash,” Teza says.

People with sensitivities or allergies find GGR an ideal place to shop for products free of harsh chemicals that can cause negative physical reactions. Many customers also find that items such as the shop’s artisan soaps, beauty products, body scrubs and candles make unique gifts.

“You only pay for the product inside by the ounce. That’s it—one plastic bottle saved from a landfill.”

– Andrea Schuett, co-owner, Greater Goods Refillery

Brielle residents Laura Teza and Andrea Schuett, co-owners of Greater Goods Refillery in Manasquan, are passionate about reducing waste and offering clean, nontoxic products for body and home.

Helpful Small Steps

Part of the shop’s mission is to make taking the first step toward a more sustainable lifestyle less daunting, especially for people who might otherwise start on the internet. “Paralysis by analysis is real and can prevent you from beginning to make a change,” Schuett says. GGR’s owners have done the hard work of researching products and curating the best options at the best price, testing and conducting trials of everything in the shop.

Exploring options at GGR’s storefront on Parker Avenue just off Main Street provides a nonjudgmental space where it’s easy to discover a way forward, however

small. “We believe that even small changes are good changes,” Teza says. “Nearly everyone who stops in finds something that works for them.”

In addition to more sustainable versions of familiar products, the shop stocks an array of products that are direct substitutes for everyday items. Examples include reusable dryer balls instead of fabric softener sheets, and washable dusters and sandwich wrappers instead of disposable ones.

GGR’s dishwasher and laundry detergent pods are wrapped in a plantbased membrane rather than plastic. This means that organic materials,

not microplastics, are sent back into waterways. Liquid detergents at GGR are also plant-based, nontoxic—and effective. They are concentrated so you only need an ounce of laundry detergent—about half a shot glass’s worth—for a regular load. Powder detergents require only a tablespoon. “These would all be one-toone sustainable swaps and a great starting point,” Schuett says.

The duo says customers quickly get on board with—and feel good about—the closed-loop idea of using great products sourced from companies that work with reusable and recyclable materials for zero waste and minimal environmental impact.

In addition to more sustainable versions of everyday cleaning products, the store offers substitutes for environmentally unfriendly products like dryer sheets and plastic food wrap.

How It Works

Bring in a container from home—for example, your decorative hand-soap pump or plastic dish-soap bottle. Place it on the scale and scan a tag on a nearby device that will remember the tare weight (how much your container weighs empty).

Keep the tag with your container and fill it up with your choice of product.

“Whether you get a lot or get a little, you’re in control,” Teza says.

Then bring your container and tag to the checkout where it will be weighed again minus the container’s tare weight.

“You only pay for the product inside by the ounce,” Schuett says. “That’s it—one plastic

bottle saved from a landfill.”

In town without your containers? Not a problem: GGR offers glass and aluminum containers for sale as well as a selection of recycled, sanitized jars for free.

Since opening in September 2022, GGR and its customers have kept 2,000 plastic bottles out of landfills through refills alone. “The truth about the environmental impact of plastics has never been more obvious,” Teza says. “As we walk down our streets and stroll on the beach, the singleuse industry is very unsightly—and just the amount of fossil-fuel energy it takes to produce plastic is staggering.”

Every piece of plastic ever produced

still exists somewhere on the planet and will not biodegrade, Schuett emphasizes.

“Knowing this,” she says, “Greater Goods Refillery is the ideal hometown shop where you can get what you need and make a meaningful choice to do better for your body, home and planet.” To learn more about GGR, check it out online at www.greatergoodsrefillery.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Tracy Naimo is the publisher of Manasquan + Brielle. She is thrilled to bring this exclusive local magazine to the town she, her husband and their 6-year-old twins call home.

Customers bring in bottles and jars from home to fill with their favorite products at the store. Containers are weighed before and after filling to determine cost based on how many ounces are being purchased.

Paying It Forward

Inspired by everyone who has supported her over the years, Carly Coble created the For The Girls Surf Classic.

BY CARLY COBLE

I fell in love with the ocean the moment I first stepped foot in it. I was like a fish, never wanting to leave the water as I played on my boogie board and swam with my friends at Riddle Way Beach in Manasquan. I took my first surfing lesson when I was 7 years old at the Manasquan Inlet and began competing and taking the sport more seriously at age 11. At that point, every other sport became less important than surfing. It didn’t feel right if I wasn’t in the water.

Pursuing surfing has been an adventure and learning experience for my entire family. While most of my fellow competitors grew up with a surf family (siblings who surf or parents who grew up

in the surf community), my parents lived in Sayreville and South Amboy for most of their lives. Always trying to surpass my goals, surfing pushed my limits and I was excited to see how far I could go.

Empowering Female Surfers

To express my gratitude to the community for supporting me throughout my surfing career, I was inspired to create For The Girls Surf Classic, a nonprofit all-girls surf contest that seeks to support and empower the female surfing community. Coming into the sport with little background and knowledge about it, the surfing community has guided me down the right path and taught me so much.

We all have our own fears; some are expressed on a surface level, and others are buried deep down. I wanted to help other girls who might be nervous to pursue their passion—whether it be surfing or something else—to let go of their fears and have confidence in who they are. I wanted to encourage them to surf more and feel more comfortable in the water. There are a lot of life lessons that come with surfing and competing. Whether it be how to carry yourself when you win or how to keep pushing forward after a tough loss, it’s imperative to keep “surfing” and have fun. And just because you are competing against someone in the water doesn’t mean you can’t be friends on the beach.

A New Classic

On July 22, 2023, I hosted my second annual For The Girls Surf Classic. The event consisted of 66 girls who traveled from Long Island, NY and as far away as New Smyrna Beach, Fla. The event had four divisions: 10 and under, 11 to 14, 15 to 17 and the Open (all ages).

The proceeds for the event, which are still being counted, will go to the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation. This group strives to give those with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers

the support, resources and funding they need to live independent and meaningful lives. I chose to donate to this organization specifically due to a severe spinal cord injury my close friend, Aaron Van Trease, experienced while playing football (the sport he loves) last September. His strength, perseverance and ability to remain a light during this seemingly dark season inspires me so much, so I thought what better than to help others dealing with a similar situation.

Photos are from the second annual For The Girls Surf Classic held on July 22nd, 2023.

Carly Coble (photo at left) recently graduated from Manasquan High School and will attend Point Loma Nazarene University in California in the fall. She plans to major in applied health science, with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist.

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout her surfing career, Carly Coble has traveled frequently to Jennette’s Pier, N.C., various spots in Florida and San Clemente, Calif., to compete. “I’m so grateful to my sponsors,” she says, “for supporting me throughout my journey.” Her sponsors include Bare Wires Surf Shop, Sisstrevolution, I-SEA Sunglasses, FINS, FCS, Sun Bum and Chemistry Surfboards.

Coble has won two consecutive Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) Northeast Regional titles for the junior women’s division (2021 and 2022); placed second in the Explorer Women’s division at the 2021 National Scholastic Surfing Association East Coast Championship; placed third in the women’s division of the 2021 Belmar Pro; came in fourth in the 2021 ESA Easterns; and competed in the 2021 and 2022 USA Surfing Championships held at Lower Trestles in California. She is featured in the upcoming all-girls surf and skate film “Riding the Rhythms,” which premieres on August 17.

Collections We Carry

Ana Ono—post surgical/ mastectomy • Bravado—maternity Chantelle • Cosabella • Elila—full figure • Journelle

Marie Jo • Montelle • Natori • Prima Donna The Rya Collection—Bridal * Wacoal

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LuLu’s Lingerie

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The Nauti Butler

Spoil yourself and be a guest at your own party and leave the worrying to us! We service all special Events large and small. We take care of everything from the Menu, flowers and decor to the tables, chairs and servers and everything in between.

We Deliver, Set-Up and Clean-Up!

Beauty delivered to your doorstep.

Willow & Oak Custom Planters specializes in creating custom outdoor container gardens for your home or business. Our designs are created by combining seasonal foliage and blooms in containers. Add four seasons of stunning planters to your porch, deck, pool or entryway for instant curb appeal.

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5

How to create thriving, head-turning seasonal container plantings.

BY MARI GUADAGNO

Container gardens can brighten up entryways, screen views and perk up patios. But creating them is an investment of time and money. How can you maximize that effort? To find out, we spoke to Mari Guadagno, owner of Willow & Oak Custom Planters, a full-service container gardening company. Below are her best tips for planning and planting a container garden.

1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTER. Start with planters that fit the scale, design and purpose of the area. Need privacy? Go for large planters that can accommodate tall plants or trees. Just want to add color to your entryway? Choose a pot that is at least half the total height of your doorway. There are a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials to choose from including concrete, fiberglass, wood and recycled eco-friendly rubber materials.

2 WATER WITH CARE. Make sure to water your plants and flowers regularly! It’s best to let them dry out slightly between waterings and then water at the base of plants until water runs out of the bottom of the container. Drainage is a must. Fertilizer is also a must, especially in the dog days of summer.

3 PLAN AROUND SUN EXPOSURE. Make sure to know how much sun the area you’ll be planting in receives. Start by considering what direction your container garden will face. For example, southern exposures get sixplus hours of sun per day and would need a combination of full-sun plants to thrive. Some great full-sun plants are petunias, Angelonia and geraniums. For shady spots, consider ferns, Brunnera and begonias.

4 CONSIDER COLOR. Are you a monochromatic lover and want only shades of white and green, or are you a “more color the better” type of person? Start with a color scheme you prefer and build from there. To round out your planter, consider neutral spillers such as ivy, Lysimachia and vinca vine.

5 GET CREATIVE! Use natural and seasonal elements to accent your final design. Use pussy willows for spring arrangements; rocks or shells for summer accents; pumpkins and gourds for fall; and ornaments, lights and ribbon for winter.

Mari Guadagno is the green thumb behind Willow & Oak Custom Planters. When she’s not digging in the dirt, she loves to travel and explore with her three daughters.

WHY A CONTAINER GARDEN?

• Container gardening is ultra-versatile: It allows you to grow anywhere, from a balcony, porch or patio to a boat deck.

• Growing plants in pots and other containers makes gardening accessible to everyone— from children to those with limited mobility. There’s no digging, heavy equipment or lifting.

• You can grow plants that might not be suitable to grow in your zone or soil, and you can grow plants from around the globe.

• You can easily change looks with the seasons, replacing summer or fall plants with festive greenery and décor elements for the holidays. There’s nothing like decorating for the season or for specific events to boost your mood and greet your guests.

Reading to the Rescue

Making the world a better place, one book at a time

Books expand the mind, allowing readers to see through others’ eyes, which can help make the world a better place. That thought has inspired the staff at BookTowne to suggest these titles that show how each of us—at any age—can make a difference.

[NONFICTION] [YOUNG ADULT]

BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT:

Conversations to Help Save the World

by Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph

Through a combination of personal anecdotes and interviews, the authors make a compelling case for tackling 16 of the biggest issues of our day, including gun violence, the prison system, transphobia, indigenous land theft, climate change, education, housing and immigration.

[FICTION]

HOW

TO GIVE UP PLASTIC:

A Guide to Changing the World, One Plastic Bottle at a Time

by Will McCallum

An accessible and essential guide to changes we all can make— both small and large—to rid our lives of disposable plastics and help clean up the world’s oceans.

THE GREAT TRANSITION

by Nick Fuller Googins

In a triumphant debut novel, the author beautifully shows how our actions today determine our fate tomorrow. This breathtaking rendering of our near future is told through the story of one family’s members who are trying to protect each other and the place we all call home.

CONSIDER THE OCTOPUS

by Nora Raleigh Baskin and Gae Polisner

When chance—or fate—throws two 12-year-olds together aboard a scientific research ship at the edge of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, it’s not all smooth sailing. This book is a heartfelt story about friendship and an empowering call to environmental protection.

[CHILDREN ]

THE LORAX

by Dr. Seuss

In this classic picture book about sustainability and protecting the environment, children learn the dangers of taking earth for granted and how to treat the planet with kindness. The book’s final pages teach that one small seed— or child—can make all the difference.

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Greater Goods Refillery is Monmouth County’s refill shop. As you start to think about BACK TO SCHOOL, consider ways to cut back on waste in your kid’s lunch box! We have reusable, machine washable/dryable sandwich wrappers, dishwasher safe Stasher bags in a variety of sizes, bamboo and metal reusable utensils and cloth napkins. All easy swaps and a great foundation for kids and young adults to become more sustainable! First lesson 

Located in the heart of Downtown Manasquan, our charming “Boutique Style” school provides kids specialized one on- one attention and an experience like no other. Each student leaves our school better than when they came in and parents see us empowering their children each and every day.

Fall Dance Programs Now Open!

Empower your child with confidence and ambition this summer with our exciting summer dance camps.

Susan Bastardo knows that “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”. Susan is attuned to the rapidly changing trends in the marketplace and keeps both buyers and sellers informed every step of way. Susan’s clients rely heavily on her previous banking & mortgage experience, keen artist’s eye for staging & decor to stage their home and “everything” Monmouth county. Her SRES designation, NJ Realtors Distinguished Sales Award, Five Star Award and Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Circle Award puts Susan in the top 7% of all Coldwell Banker agents worldwide.

2023 Client Testimonial-

Tuesday – Saturday 10-5

Sunday 10-3

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11 Parker Ave Manasquan NJ 08736

Saving Lives on the Water

BY JOHNNY CARAWAN

The U.S. Coast Guard Station at Manasquan Inlet stands as a testament to over 174 years of service. The station covers the opening of the Manasquan River and the coastal regions from Long Branch to Seaside Heights, up to 48 miles offshore. It also covers from the Manasquan River entrance to Toms River and all of the Barnegat Bay area.

According to the Coast Guard, in 1846 an investigation into the wreck of the ship John Minturn at Mantoloking indicated the need for organized lifesaving efforts in the area. By 1849, the federal government had established eight area lifesaving stations. The volunteer crew of that station justified the service’s existence in 1850 when they rescued 201 people from the Scottish brig Ayrshire. Six months earlier such a wreck would have meant certain death for all aboard.

In 1936, the Coast Guard built a new station on the south side of Manasquan Inlet in Point Pleasant Beach. This station replaced the Manasquan, Bay Head, Mantoloking, Chadwick Beach and Toms River stations because of its ocean access and protected mooring facilities.

600 Cases a Year

Today, a more modern facility stands across the street from the original station. Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet is manned by a crew of approximately 30 men and women who respond to about 600 searchand-rescue cases a year. The station’s missions are search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime safety.

The Coast Guard’s motto, Semper

For 174 years in and around Manasquan and Brielle, the U.S. Coast Guard has been rescuing boaters in distress.

Paratu s, means always prepared and is a good description of how the Coast Guard Station team conducts its operations.

Community Connections

In July, the station welcomed kids participating in a Junior Ranger program sponsored by the National Park Service and the Brielle Public Library for a guided tour and fun activities. Participants learned about the variety of boats at the station and how the Coast Guard helps boaters in distress. One highlight was being able to go onto the boats, touch the controls, sound the siren and meet the men and women who operate them.

As Officer of the Day, Petty Officer Chris Rivera led the tour along with other station members. He shared that the station is proud to be a part of the community and how he and the other members enjoy having the opportunity to encourage kids and educate them on water safety. Overall, this was a great visit for the kids and an introduction to what the U.S. Coast Guard does in our local waters.

Since 2019, Johnny Carawan (Ranger Johnny) has served as the Trail Administrator for the National Park Service (NPS) Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail.

1 Coast Guard members and Junior Rangers at the original 1936 station

2 Junior Rangers tour a 47-foot motor lifeboat

3 Petty Officer Chris Rivera

4 Getting onboard the boats was a highlight

5 Practicing how to throw a rescue line

6 Learning about the rescue mannequin

7 Checking out the onboard controls

8 Petty Officer Adamski demonstrated line throwing

Pure Joy

Five-year-old James Mangan from Manasquan getting a kick out of the swing carousel at the annual Fireman’s Fair.

Photograph by James’ mother, Dana Mangan.

Kitchen Designer: Brittany Rizzolo

Kitchen Designer: Andrea GaroneKitchen Designer: Niki KovacsKitchen Designer: Ralph Katz