Manasquan & Brielle April 2024

Manasquan +Brielle

A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FRIENDSHIP WITH JIMI HENDRIX PAWS AND REFLECT THERAPY DOGS AT SCHOOL ORGAN DONORS SAVE LIVES DR. PATRICK BUDDLE EXPLAINS

22 Crescent Dr, Brielle

List Price: $4,395,000

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the most coveted spot on the Manasquan River. Crescent Drive is that incredibly unique location literally at the mouth of the Manasquan Inlet where the water is deep enough for the most serious boaters and fishing lifestyle. No bridges or canals - you are in the Atla ntic Ocean within seconds, yet the property is tucked away from the boat traffic and overlooks a Nature Preserve! This is also that rare riverfront location that is walking distance to Manasquan Beach! This is a gigantic 21,000 sq. ft. lot (approx a half acre) w/ 138 ft of river frontage and it can accommodate an 8,000-10,000 sq. ft. showstopper of a home! All the work has been done for you: CAFRA approvals have been obtained for the new construction footprint, pool placement, and the 81' wide dock! Bulkhead has been upgraded to vinyl and the existing adorable 4BR house on the property provides for enjoyment of the location until you're ready to build!

Enchanted April

Welcome to April at the Jersey Shore. Let’s hope that we’re all dusting off the patio furniture and the beach chairs by the time you read this. And we still have a whole month to ourselves before our noisy friends from out of town arrive for the summer.

We have a great issue this month. One of the reasons I was so excited to join this magazine was to get to know the community members who have remarkable stories to tell. For example: When I happened to learn that somebody from Brielle had just published a book about his friendship with Jimi Hendrix, I knew I had to meet that guy. If you’re a rock and roll fan, you’re going to love our story about local author Jonathan Stathakis.

We also spoke to Manasquan’s Dr. Patrick Buddle about National Donate Life Month.

ALANA MAHON

Dr. B is a passionate advocate for organ donation, and his personal journey in this field is equal parts inspiring and unpredictable. The short version is that he donated a kidney to save a friend’s life and was karmically rewarded with two granddaughters. For the longer version, check out Dr. B’s interview in the Q&A department.

For our cover story, Morgan Mechler covers Clean Ocean Action and its upcoming Beach Sweep. It’s a great way to spend a day at the beach, and we hope that you’ll pitch in on April 13.

Finally, let me take a few lines to congratulate the Manasquan High School basketball team on a phenomenal season. Sports fans far and wide have been following the story of the team’s incredible game against Camden. It was a clear victory followed by an infuriating decision. Even the NJSIAA has now acknowledged that Manasquan was robbed. Referees are human, and sometimes they’re just plain wrong. But video doesn’t lie, and in the aftermath of that terrible call, the whole world went to the replays. The whole world can see that Manasquan won. Bravo to Coach Bilodeau and the team on an incredible season.

PHOTOGRAPH

Christopher Baldi Editor

New Construction in the Heart of Manasquan

Enjoy living in this coastal community that has it all - scenic beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, exceptional surf aside the inlet, a 55-acre conservation for fishermen, kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts plus walking distance to a thriving downtown with unique shops, restaurants and theater.

This classic seashore design features a covered front porch, Gambrel roof with board & batten accents, CertainTeed cedar impression siding, Andersen 400 series windows & slider, Azek trim, and cultured stone accents. Interior boasts wide plank engineered hardwood floors, decorative moldings, gas fireplace, designer kitchen cabinetry with island, Quartz countertops, pantry, wet bar, and Stainless-Steel appliances.

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Two additional homes under construction on Branin Avenue and one on South Street. Call today to preview 6 Branin Ave!

6

#8 Branin Ave

#10 Branin Ave

#39 South St

WHAT’S NEW Around Town

DRAMA ON THE COURT

It’s been a wild ride for Manasquan High School’s varsity basketball team, who pulled off a stunning upset over Camden in the last moments of the NJSIAA Group 2 Semifinals. Players and fans erupted in celebration, thinking Manasquan had advanced with a 47-46 victory. But a minute later, coaches and fans stood in stunned disbelief after the referees ruled out the final shot and erroneously gave the victory to Camden. The NJSIAA has since acknowledged that officials made the wrong call and apologized to the Manasquan High School basketball team.

FROM MISERY TO FIDDLER

Fans packed Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre for a thrilling production of “Misery,” based on the terrifying novel by Stephen King. Pamela Wilterdink and Lex Friedman brought down the house in the latest installment of The Algonquin Broadway Series. The series continues in April as Gina Lupi directs The Algonquin’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

HELP SAVE THE POLLINATORS

The Brielle Public Library presents three more installments of the Gardening for Wildlife series, sponsored by the Bayberry Garden Club of Brielle and the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. Birds, bees and butterflies are declining at an alarming rate, but you can be a part of the solution. Learn how to attract and sustain wildlife simply by planting beautiful and resilient native plants. The series continues on April 2, April 23 and April 30. Save your spot, RSVP at www.briellelibrary.com. New and experienced gardeners welcome!

UPCOMING EVENTS

DIAPER DRIVE

The Brielle Public Library and The Woman’s Club of Brielle have teamed up for the 2024 Diaper Drive. Last year’s drive helped raise more than 3,000 diapers for families in need. This year, donations of diapers and wipes can be dropped off at the Brielle Public Library at 610 South St. Monetary donations can also be made by mail, made payable to: The Woman’s Club of Brielle, Attn: Diapers, P.O. Box 502, Brielle NJ 08730. The most needed diaper sizes include 3, 4 and 4T/5T.

SPRING FLING!

Bring your family and your appetite for the return of Manasquan’s Spring Fling on April 20. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by Squan Plaza and browse through a wide array of handmade crafts, artisanal products and the very best of local food and beverage vendors. (Rain date: April 21.)

MEET FELLOW SENIORS

Are you 55 or older? Good news! Manasquan Seniors wants you! Founded in 2005, more than 130 men and women count themselves as members of Manasquan Seniors, an arm of Manasquan Recreation. Join us for movies, meals and exercise! Come out for activities like shuffleboard, bocce and cornhole! Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. Follow Manasquan Senior Citizens on Facebook for details.

WHAT’S NEW Around Town

APRIL 13: JOIN AMP’D FITNESS FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

AmyMarie DeLuca (“Luca”) has a big smile for everybody that she meets, and she’s not the type of woman to ask for help. Luca is also a lifelong amputee and a member of AMP’D Fitness. Unfortunately, her insurance doesn’t cover the high costs of her new prosthetic.

Max Gomez is the founder of AMP’D Fitness, as well as an amputee. Maybe you remember Gomez from our December 2023 cover story; he’s used a prosthetic ever since losing his foot in a motocross accident at the age of 18. This disability inspired him to launch AMP’D in 2021, which has locations in Brielle and Belmar.

When Gomez learned of Luca’s need for a new prosthetic, he was determined to pitch in—and now, you can help make the difference. Join Gomez and the entire AMP’D Fitness family on April 13 to help raise money for this amazing cause.

“I can tell you from experience, that is an awful feeling,” says Gomez. “Imagine being a size 10 shoe but wearing a size 5 for years. Now imagine a hundred times the pain and discomfort of that. That’s what she’s dealing with.”

The fundraiser will be held at AMP’D’s Belmar location, 611 Main St. in Belmar, on April 13 from 8 to 11 a.m. There will be workouts, events, vendors and prizes, with all proceeds going to Luca’s new prosthetic. Donations can also be made online at gofundme.com/lucas-leg.

How to Save Eight Lives

Manasquan’s Dr. Patrick Buddle on the importance of organ and tissue donation

BY MANASQUAN + BRIELLE STAFF

INTERVIEW WITH

DR. PATRICK BUDDLE

RETIRED

DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION

AT JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Patrick Buddle is the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for the NJ Sharing Network, a nonprofit that’s saving lives and bringing hope to thousands of people. We checked in with Dr. Buddle in honor of National Donate Life Month.

Can you explain exactly what the NJ Sharing Network does?

What makes this network so important is that we advocate for the people who can’t advocate for themselves, people who are depending on transplants to live an active and normal life. The greatest need for organ donation is kidneys, and there are also people waiting for heart, liver, pancreas transplants and so on. Unfortunately, statistics show that about 17 people die every day waiting for organ transplants. It’s a tough situation when a family member is placed on that list. Through dialysis treatment, we’re able to keep people alive a little longer as they’re waiting for transplants, but for kidneys, the wait could be three to five years.

You’re an organ donor yourself. How did you first get involved?

Even in medical school, they don’t really educate med students about organ donation. And my specialty is in physical rehab and sports medicine, so I wasn’t fully educated about the need for organ transplants. But then a friend of mine, Dr. Andy Swaroop, was battling renal disease and ended up on dialysis. I went to see him in the hospital, and by chance I asked him what blood type he was. It turned out that we were both B positive. I told him that I’d be willing to give him a kidney, and at first he refused, but I think the dialysis got the better of him, and eventually he accepted. We had our surgery in December 2002. And following that surgery, he lived another 16 years. He got to see his kids get married, he got to walk his daughter down the aisle, and he got to meet his grandkids.

Donation has also affected your own family in a really positive way. Can you share that story?

Years after that kidney donation, I was the spokesman for the Sharing Network in our hospital. And one evening, I met a family whose son Danny was in a car accident. And when it became clear that Danny wasn’t going to make it, his family offered to donate his organs. Over time, Danny’s sister Amy wanted to tell his story, and she eventually became a spokeswoman for us. Years later, after one of our 5K events, Amy went to the Parker House in Sea Girt, where my son Vinnie was working as a bartender. She noticed Vinnie’s green Sharing Network bracelet and asked him what he knew about it, and Vinnie explained to her that I was his dad. Amy mentioned that she knew me very well. Long story short, they ended up going out and eventually got married, and now they live in Manasquan with two kids. So we’ve got our two granddaughters thanks to organ donation.

The average person can opt into being a donor when they renew their driver’s license. Wouldn’t an opt-out system make more sense?

There are some European countries that use that system, in which you’re designated an organ donor unless you opt out. But in the United States, where the criteria is so strict, less than one percent of people actually qualify as donors.

What are the most common fears and misconceptions about being a donor?

That’s an important question. Some people might be afraid of consenting on their driver’s license, for example, because they’re afraid that they won’t get the same adequate treatment if they go to the hospital. They might be thinking that the hospital wants their organs for transplants. But that’s completely untrue, because not only are your physicians going to do their best to save your life, but the physicians that recover the organs never interact with the people who are actually caring for you. That’s a liaison of the Sharing Network, who interacts between both sets of medical specialties.

So what can we do to get more donors involved on a large scale?

I’m actually part of a national group who are trying to revise NOTA, the National Organ Transplant Act, and that group is trying to incentivize living donation. Even with everybody being an organ donor, the criteria for donation is so strict that we could never get everybody off the transplant list. So we’re trying to get more living donors to step up, with, for example, a very large income tax credit as an incentive. Otherwise, we’ll never meet the needs of all the people on the transplant list.

So what’s the easiest way for somebody to help if they’re thinking about becoming a donor?

One of the first things we tell people is that you should have that discussion at the dinner table, to let your family know your wishes about organ donation. Because if you’re in the ICU, you can’t speak for yourself, and the most common thing we hear from a family is that they don’t know what their loved one would have wanted. So just by having that conversation, you can start to help. One person can save up to eight lives just by being an organ donor.

In 2023 alone, the Sharing Network made 715 lifesaving transplants. You must see some amazing success stories up close.

Oh, yeah. There are times when, if both sides consent to it, the family of the donor will get to meet the recipient, and that is just incredible. I’ve actually handed my stethoscope to a mother who got to listen to her son’s heartbeat in another person. It changes your life just to see something like that. But it also changes you knowing that you can give the gift of life to somebody else.

Give someone the gift of life: Visit www.njsharingnetwork.org.

Left: Amy and Vinnie Buddle first met in 2013, when Amy recognized Vinnie’s Sharing Network bracelet. Right: Dr. Anand Swaroop (left) lived for an additional 16 years following a successful kidney transplant.

A Diet For A Healthier Planet

Cooking with Chef Darren

BY DARREN MONROE

Chef Darren hosts various events, such as farm-to-table dinners and cooking classes, throughout the Jersey Shore and offers food prep for those who need a little help eating healthy. He recently teamed up with the Brielle Cookbook Club for culinary education and inspiration. His mission is to cultivate connection and build community through the medium of amazing food. To learn more, check out his socials @darren.monroe, website at www.darrenmonroe.co or email him at darren.monroe@yahoo.com.

Earth Day on April 22 is an opportunity for all of us to think about how we can be better stewards of Mother Earth. Personally, I look at sustainability through the lens of food. Are there certain foods or patterns of eating that are better for the planet than others? It turns out that there are…

According to the EAT-Lancet Commission Report published in 2019, “Food is the single strongest lever to optimize human health

and environmental sustainability on Earth.” This report, the first scientific review of what constitutes a healthy diet from a sustainable food system, suggests a flexitarian diet that is largely plant-based but that can include modest amounts of fish, meat and dairy. They call it the “Planetary Health Diet.”

In general, animal agriculture produces significantly more greenhouse gases than plant agriculture. Since I’m writing a cooking piece and not a scientific article, I’ll leave it there, but I recommend reading the complete report for a more comprehensive understanding. Overall, it recommends a doubling in consumption of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, and a greater than 50% reduction in global consumption of less healthy foods, such as added sugars and red meat. A reduction in food waste (about 30% of food produced worldwide goes to waste) and other measures are included as well.

Now, unless you’re vegan, this news might feel like a personal affront to your American freedom to enjoy your chicken or steak dinner in peace. After all, there are many reasons that we eat the foods we do, including taste, and thinking about their environmental impact might feel like another worry on a plate that’s already overflowing

BY AMANDA MAIORANO

with worries! Well, that’s where we chefs come in! I believe, given what we now know about food and the environment, that the future mission of the culinary world should be to create food that is delicious, nutritious and sustainable: delicious, for obvious reasons; nutritious, because we all want to feel good, look good and live as long as possible and sustainable, because Planet Earth has limited resources. We need to live within certain parameters if we want to continue to enjoy a livable, breathable home.

Here’s the good news: Replacing animal protein with plant-based protein sources like legumes and nuts is generally a healthier move, and there are ways to prepare these foods that will absolutely blow your tastebuds away. All it takes is an open mind and an empty stomach! To get you started, I’ve included one of my favorite and most versatile recipes, Chickpea Cauliflower Coconut Curry.

Now, before you tell me that you don’t like curry, just give this one a try. If you’re like me, it will be love at first bite. The creaminess, the umami flavors, the delicious aromas... so satisfying. Also, you can sub any vegetable or legume you want, if you already have one in the fridge/cupboard. The possibilities are endless. Here’s to your health and to the health of our beautiful Planet Earth! Cheers!

CHICKPEA CAULIFLOWER COCONUT CURRY

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 small-medium onion, diced

• 1/2 jalapeno, deseeded and diced

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

• 1/2 cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• 2 15 oz tins chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 15 oz tin coconut milk (used half for lower fat option)

• 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes

• 1 cup water

• 1 tbsp curry powder

• 1 tsp each paprika, cumin, coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Juice of 1 lime

• Garnish: fresh cilantro and sliced avocado

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Heat a wide bottom pan or pot (at least 12 inches) with 1-2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil over a medium high heat.

• When the pan is hot, add the chopped onion, jalapeno and ginger, and cook until translucent, 2-4 minutes.

• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

• Add your bite-sized chopped veggies to the pan with spices and a generous pinch of salt, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

• Add your beans, diced tomatoes, coconut milk and water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender.

• Add lime juice and taste the dish for salt before serving.

• Garnish, serve and enjoy!

*Sub any vegetable you like or have on hand, including: broccoli, zucchini, potatoes, carrots, green beans, eggplant, spinach, mushrooms, etc.

Amazingly, as this story was nearing its deadline, Jonathan Stathakis rediscovered a long-forgotten 35mm slide. This photo of Jimi Hendrix and the massive Woodstock crowd has never previously been printed or published. Outside of a handful of people in Hendrix’s immediate circle, our readers are the first to see this historic shot. Photo by Jonathan Stathakis; courtesy of Hey Joe LLC.

Backstage Past

Local author Jonathan Stathakis shares the story of his unique collaboration and surprising friendship with Jimi Hendrix.

At first, Jonathan Stathakis didn’t use the key that Jimi Hendrix had given him. He’d been handed the key on August 26, 1970, the night of the launch party for Hendrix’s brand-new Greenwich Village recording facility, Electric Lady Studios. Since Hendrix was getting ready to fly to London the following day, he offered Stathakis the key to his apartment for whenever he needed to make a pit stop in the Village.

The thing is, Stathakis is an unimposing guy. He and Hendrix were friends, but the friendship was professional in nature, and Stathakis didn’t want to take advantage of Hendrix’s generosity or give anybody the idea that he was a hanger-on.

So, the key went unused until a few weeks later, when Stathakis had plans to meet up with a date at Kettle of Fish on Christopher Street. He was already in the neighborhood with some time to kill before his date, so he let himself into Hendrix’s place and turned on the TV.

He’d only been there for a few minutes when the breaking news hit the airwaves. The date was September 18, 1970, and the whole world was getting word that Hendrix had died at age 27. Amazingly, Stathakis just happened to learn the news of his friend’s death while he was sitting in Hendrix’s apartment, watching his TV.

BY CHRISTOPHER BALDI

The full story began in the late 1960s, when Stathakis co-wrote a low-budget independent film called “Awakening Urge.” The film screened for a handful of small crowds in London and the only prints have since been lost to the dustbin of time. “The movie was not very good” is how Stathakis himself describes it today. “Actually, it was a piece of crap.”

But it’s possible that Stathakis might be downplaying the movie’s charms because it earned at least one very important fan. Weeks after the film played in London, Stathakis, living in New York City at the time, received a mysterious phone call and was summoned to a meeting. The caller refused to identify himself or explain who the meeting was with, but he mentioned that it could lead to a job. At the time, Stathakis was a struggling writer and sometimes photographer, always looking for his next gig.

Stathakis was given an address at 37th and Madison. As he stepped out of the taxi, he was approached by a young hippie who led him into an office. Even as he arrived, nobody bothered to explain why he’d been contacted; they simply ushered him down a flight of stairs into a room where Hendrix was playing the blues on a 12-string guitar.

Stathakis was frozen. Now, he learned

that the anonymous call had been from Hendrix’s manager; Hendrix had assigned his manager to find the young filmmaker behind “American Urge.” It just so happened that one of the few people who had seen and appreciated Stathakis’ movie was one of the most important artists of the 20th century, musical or otherwise.

A Chance to Collaborate

As they got to know each other, Hendrix continued playing guitar. They talked music and movies. Through it all, Stathakis was transfixed. Soon into their meeting, Hendrix pitched the young writer a movie idea, and a potential collaboration was born. The idea was an experimental sort of Western, with musical accompaniment in place of dialogue. Stathakis would write the script with input from Hendrix; Hendrix would create the music with some of his peers. The working title was “Avril.” It was a visionary and ambitious concept, nothing like a typical Hollywood blockbuster.

The pair kept in touch and traded ideas. Hendrix was a notorious perfectionist when it came to music; he was less focused when it came to screenwriting. As months went by, progress on the script was intermittent. But Stathakis came to know a personal side of Hendrix that millions of fans never saw.

Purple Daze

At private parties and recording sessions, Stathakis was one of the very few people whom Hendrix trusted to take his picture. Stathakis found Hendrix to be very soft-spoken when he wasn’t onstage. As his management became increasingly controlling, Hendrix turned to Stathakis for legal advice. “Jimi felt like he was stuck, and his management forced him to keep touring,” says Stathakis. “They wanted him on the road playing the hits because that’s where the money was.”

In August 1969, Hendrix’s management office ordered Stathakis to drive to upstate New York to photograph Hendrix at a festival appearance. Stathakis explained that he didn’t have a ticket or a car; the office responded by sending one of each. So Stathakis hit the road in a brand-new Fiat convertible for a festival he knew nothing about.

That festival became the monumental event known as Woodstock. When Hendrix played his iconic rendition of “The StarSpangled Banner,” Stathakis and his camera were right there onstage, standing a few feet away.

Twenty months into their friendship, Hendrix died from an overdose of alcohol and barbiturates. His death left an immeasurable chasm in the world of rock and roll, along with ideas for a movie that has yet to be made and a wealth of photos that Stathakis kept private for years.

Over the years, Stathakis has remained steadily active in film and television. He’s been a concert photographer and video producer for artists like the Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers Band. He’s been backstage at some of the industry’s greatest venues. But he’s most proud of his two daughters, Audrey and Kathryn, who are both excellent musicians in their own right.

Top: One of Hendrix’s personal favorites from the Woodstock photos; Hendrix is slightly out of focus, flashing Stathakis a smile from across the stage. Bottom: Stathakis was one of the few photographers that Hendrix welcomed into the recording studio. “He was really shy and softspoken when he wasn’t onstage.” Photos courtesy of Hey Joe LLC.

Forgotten Treasure

In 2012, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Stathakis spent a day in his attic, sorting through personal items. There, his daughter Audrey discovered an entire collection of Hendrix photos that had never been made public and which Stathakis himself had long forgotten. For years, people close to him had been encouraging Stathakis to write a book about his friendship with Hendrix; the rediscovered photos only amplified those voices.

Eventually, while living in Beacon, New York, Stathakis put pen to paper. In December 2023, Permuted Press published “Jimi and Me: The Experience of a Lifetime,” a nonfiction account of Stathakis’ friendship with one of the world’s biggest rock stars. For Hendrix fans, the book reads like pure fantasy. For even casual fans, it’s a wonderfully colorful snapshot of a legendary music scene.

Stathakis includes almost none of his own biographical details in the telling, functioning instead as the perfect audience surrogate. The Woodstock chapter alone is worth the price of a purchase. Iconic figures

like Janice Joplin, Miles Davis, Patti Smith and Richie Havens make cameos. There are encounters with mobsters, nudists, hippies and drug dealers.

Stathakis was living in Brielle by the time “Jimi and Me” was published in December 2023. Around that time, he wandered into Spring Lake’s Thunder Road Books to see if there was any interest in promoting the book. The bookstore scheduled an appearance, which drew a standing-room crowd that overwhelmed Stathakis’ wildest expectations. Every copy sold out.

After years in various stages of development, “Avril” has yet to be made. Before his death, Hendrix recruited Miles Davis and Paul Butterfield to collaborate on soundtrack ideas. The only demos of those ideas have been lost, leaving the rest of us to wonder what a collaboration of that magnitude might have sounded like.

The Experience of a Lifetime

To meet Jonathan Stathakis is to understand how a young and relatively unknown writer could befriend one of the world’s biggest stars. In person, he’s easy to

talk to and has no ego or agenda. He’s full of incredible stories but doesn’t boast or exaggerate.

Stathakis has a thousand fond memories of New York City during the height of the cultural revolution, when artists like Frank Zappa and John Lennon were playing Fillmore East and when concerts lasted all night long.

His daughters aren’t overly impressed by his tales of Jimi Hendrix, but they have turned him onto Taylor Swift. “She’s the real deal,” he says. “She’s an amazing songwriter, and she puts on a really good show.”

Over coffee, I asked Stathakis if he’s still in touch with any of the characters that populate “Jimi and Me.”

“Honestly, a lot of them OD’d,” he tells me. “I never got too involved with the heavy drugs because I had a purpose. I had to stay lucid to do my job. I had a script to write, and I had pictures to take.”

It’s a good thing he did, I point out. Without the pictures to prove it, the stories would sound too incredible to be true.

Left: Writer, producer and photographer Jonathan Stathakis. Middle: “Jimi and Me: The Experience of a Lifetime” is now available from Permuted Press. Right: Stathakis on Hendrix: “Contrary to what people think, Jimi was not into heavy drug use. He used to say that music was his drug.” Photo courtesy of Hey Joe LLC.

True Blue

Clean Ocean Action is bringing community members together to keep our beaches beautiful.

BY MORGAN MECHLER

When you imagine sitting on a beautiful beach on the most perfect summer day, with the blue ocean water glistening and the sun blazing down on you, trash and litter are most definitely not what comes to mind. But sadly, this tainted image is becoming a reality as the pristine clear ocean we once knew slowly drifts away.

Coastal pollution is an urgent and quickly escalating problem. Trash and litter that make their way to the shore eventually end up in our oceans, whether they are carried by stormwater, wind or beachgoers.

Experts estimate that more than 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris are currently floating through the ocean, weighing more than 1 million pounds. Sea animals commonly and innocently mistake floating trash for food. These animals can also become entangled in ropes, fishing lines or plastic bags, any of which can be severely harmful. Action needs to be taken now, before it is too late to reverse course.

Clean Ocean Action (COA) is working to combat this ever-growing crisis. COA is a nonprofit organization that aims to

protect the marine waters of the New York and New Jersey coasts. The organization is a broad-based coalition comprising 125 active boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing and women’s groups, who refer to themselves as “The Ocean Wavemakers.” Along with holding annual beach sweeps throughout New Jersey, COA researches marine pollution issues, motivates citizens to help stop pollution and campaigns to eliminate pollution sources.

Beach Sweep volunteers from Lower Cape May Township High School

The Origin of a Movement

COA was founded in 1984 by Rumson native Cindy Zipf, who dreams of restoring the ocean to its once pure and pristine state. In 2024, Zipf was chosen as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year for her endless contributions to ocean preservation. Zipf passionately states, “We need to make sure there is always a strong voice for the sea because she doesn’t have a voice of her own.”

Over its 39 years, COA has collected 8,315,027 pieces of debris. Its first beach cleanup, then called a “debris-a-thon,” was held in Sandy Hook in 1985 with just 75 participants. Over the years, these cleanups went by various names, including Trash Bash and Trash Attack, before finally settling on “Beach Sweeps,” a moniker that everyone knows and loves today. According to www.cleanoceanaction.org, the Beach Sweeps program is New Jersey’s largest statewide environmental event, involving approximately 70 towns, 80 sites and thousands of citizens every spring and fall.

At the physical Beach Sweep events, participants stroll along beaches collecting various types of debris and recording valuable data. The organization later uses this data in its annual reports to help advance federal, state and local programs to reduce litter.

COA’s Beach Sweeps program is one of the longest-running coastal cleanup programs in the world. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers have made a difference by collecting and tabulating more than 5.2 million pieces of trash from New Jersey beaches. In its 39-year history, COA’s progress has been nothing short of remarkable.

Top: Beach Sweep welcomes help from volunteers of all ages! Bottom: Lola, Oliver and Felicity McShane of Manasquan. Photograph by Michael J. Parziale.

Bottom left: A volunteer from the Long Beach Island Beach Sweep.

Bottom right: A trio of good Samaritans pitch in at the Deal Beach Sweep.

A Commitment to Conservation

COA believes that the most important contributions of the Beach Sweeps program include educating the public about the harmful impacts of marine debris and inspiring citizens to be conscientious about their own debris. There is no question that the efforts of COA have been highly effective, evidenced by the successful closure of all eight ocean dump sites.

Through unwavering determination and passionate commitment, COA has brought the issue of beach pollution

to light and contributed to the signing of powerful new clean ocean laws. It has also heavily contributed to the removal of plastic shopping bags from the “Dirty Dozen” list of the top beach pollutants since the 2000s.

This year’s COA Manasquan Beach Sweep will be held on Main Street Beach on April 13 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., rain or shine. The event is sponsored by Manasquan Bank. Various neighboring towns are participating, including Spring Lake, Sea Girt and Belmar. Volunteers

are needed at more than 80 other locations throughout New Jersey. Tell your friends, spread the word and don’t forget to bring your own bucket and gloves!

“True blue” means faithful and loyal to an idea. COA has been nothing but true blue about protecting the ocean, with no plans to stop any time soon. Visit www.cleanoceanaction.org to participate in COA’s mission, assist in this year’s Manasquan Beach Sweep or plan a group Beach Sweep of your own.

Morgan Mechler is a senior at Manasquan High School. She is the co-editor of the school newspaper and the captain of the cheer team.

Belmar Beach Sweep volunteers

Paws and Reflect

A few special dogs are bringing calm and comfort to local schools.

BY MORGAN MECHLER

With the arrival of April comes the recognition of two very significant topics: National Stress Awareness Month is an opportunity to reevaluate your lifestyle, manage personal stress levels and understand how stress can negatively affect your health. Additionally, National Pet Day is celebrated on April 11. Here at the Jersey Shore, the Manasquan School District has found a way to recognize both celebrations at once with its very own resident “comfort dogs.”

According to the American Psychological Association, students of any age can show responses to excessive stress. Young people exhibit varying reactions to stimuli due to their various life experiences, cognitive development and societal influences. These reactions can range from crying, task avoidance, irritability, poor attendance and isolation, to anger and the development of negative behaviors. Fortunately, many schools are finding innovative ways to help students manage their stress, including the use of therapy or comfort dogs.

In the 1960s, American psychologists Boris Levinson and Konrad Lorenz began to incorporate animals into therapeutic

settings after recognizing the heartfelt bond between a human and an animal. By the 1990s, educators began introducing dogs into school programs. Today, many educators believe that therapy dogs are a perfect way to improve student attitudes and promote a sense of security.

Meet the Pups

The Manasquan School District is fortunate to have three adorable dogs, Remy, Charlie and Echo, who visit its schools regularly to help students combat the rising issue of stress. Remy, a 20-month-old mini Goldendoodle, has become the schools’ resident “comfort dog.” Remy is responsible for helping to make both Manasquan Elementary School and Manasquan High School more relaxed environments for all. She’s a calm but affectionate dog who continually lights up students’ faces and helps to alleviate the feelings of stress or anxiety that they may be experiencing.

Robert Goodall, Manasquan High School’s principal, is lucky enough to call Remy his own. Remy commutes to school with Goodall daily, but she splits her days

working between the counseling offices at both schools. While she is at the high school, Remy spends most of her time in the guidance office or in the main office where she greets students, faculty and staff. She can also be seen walking in the hallways with Goodall and even pops into classrooms to say hello.

On a typical school day, students visit the office to talk to and play with Remy. “Many students come to see her for some kind of stress relief, especially during exam weeks,” says Goodall. Remy’s favorite activity is visiting the courtyard for a game of fetch with a group of students. “When I pass Remy in the hallway, I always stop to pet her and say hello. I look forward to days when she comes outside for lunch and sits at the picnic tables with us,” says Ellie Krebs, a junior at the high school.

When Remy is at Manasquan Elementary, she spends time with Anthony Cinelli, the middle school counselor. “She reports to my office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and the middle schoolers look forward to her arrival and frequently stop in my office, eager to see her,” he says.

Therapy or comfort dogs were first introduced to American scholastic settings in the 1990s. Remy, a 20-month-old mini goldendoodle, has become a resident comfort dog at both Manasquan Elementary School and Manasquan High School.

Building Connections

“Having Remy has helped me build connections with the students. I have been able to help them work on their relationships, mental health and resilience in a really productive way,” Cinelli explains. Students frequently enjoy taking Remy on walks around the school with Cinelli. Her affectionate and loving demeanor has had exceptional effects on children of all ages. For any students who are having a particularly tough day, Remy’s calming presence helps them open up and talk about things that might be weighing on their minds.

“Over at the elementary school, I bring Remy to Sandra Hill’s kindergarten class when I read to the students,” says Goodall. “I’ve been doing this since she was a puppy. Remy makes them feel comfortable and at ease, fostering an environment conducive to learning and engagement. She also helps them gain confidence to read themselves, serving as a nonjudgmental listener and offering unconditional support, which ultimately enhances their literacy skills and self-esteem.”

Goodall greatly appreciates the board of education for its support

in bringing comfort dogs into the buildings. “It has been very successful and has met every goal of what we intended to do, and then some.”

Psychologists say that a therapy animal’s purpose is to serve others, to provide companionship and comfort, and to help improve people’s daily lives. Undeniably, Remy and the other “comfort dogs” in Manasquan do precisely that.

Morgan Mechler is a senior at Manasquan High School. She is the co-editor of the school newspaper and the captain of the cheer team.

Students at Manasquan High School often participate in walking, caring for and playing fetch with Remy.

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Inspiring Creativity and Confidence!

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 fall with our exciting fall dance classes.

The Underground Strength Gym

Zach Even-Esh’s quest to mold champions in sports and life

BY MEGHAN SCHULTZEL

This month, we’d like you to meet Zach Even-Esh, founder of The Underground Strength Gym in Manasquan and a local legend in the world of athletic training. Even-Esh resides in Manasquan with his wife, daughter and son.

Even-Esh started training athletes in 2002, inspired by his own personal injury setbacks. He’s come a long way, from training in his parents’ garage to opening multiple locations across New Jersey. Today, Manasquan’s Underground Strength Gym stands as a testament to specialized strength and conditioning, distinguishing itself as the “secret weapon” for local athletes.

Even-Esh’s mission goes beyond athletic success, as he wishes for the athletes he trains to become “champions in sports and life.” The gym’s motto, “If we’re not changing lives, then we’re not doing it right!” echoes an approach that transcends the confines of sports training. “We take zero pride in working with an athlete who becomes a high-level athlete yet struggles with being successful in school and social life.”

After their daughter was born in 2006, the Even-Eshes moved to Manasquan, where seeing groups of kids riding their bikes everywhere felt reminiscent of growing up in the ’80s. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,

FITNESS AND WELLNESS EVENTS

Even-Esh knew that he wanted to give back to his town. This inspired him to move The Underground Strength Gym to its location right off Main Street, where it is found today.

Lead by Example

When asked how parents can help their kids succeed, Even-Esh provides guidance both as a father and a seasoned coach. He emphasizes leading by example. “Demonstrate great exercise and eating habits yourself. If you don’t, your kids will struggle to believe it’s important. Don’t be afraid of your kids getting strong.”

With a keen eye on the pitfalls of modern youth sports, Even-Esh shares a stark example: “I’m seeing high school kids who pitch 80 to 100 pitches each game, yet they can’t do 10 push-ups.

That is dangerous.”

Watching Even-Esh in action at his classes is inspiring. With decades of experience, he effortlessly provides personal guidance to each athlete. In just 90 seconds, I saw him correct form, offer encouragement, check in on what an athlete ate for breakfast and provide sports-specific advice. This gym fosters a community where sportsmanship is paramount. As a testament to its impact, an athlete in a trial class received praise and an invitation back from another athlete.

The Underground Strength Gym, thriving for more than 11 years in Manasquan, stands as a beacon of health and wellness, shaping not only athletic prowess but also the character and resilience of its young participants.

WHEN: April 1–4, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHAT: Yoga Explorers for Little Minds (7–10-year-olds)

WHERE: Inlet Yoga

INFO: www.inletyoga.com (workshops and events)

WHEN: Tuesdays in April, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

WHAT: All Levels Slow Flow Yoga with Colleen McCrone

WHERE: Manasquan Senior Community Center INFO: colleendmc80@gmail.com

WHEN: April 6, 12 to 4 p.m.

WHAT: Manasquan Women’s Club Health Fair

WHERE: Manasquan Clubhouse

INFO: anita.durban89@gmail.com

WHEN: April 14

WHAT: Bubbakoos Taco Trot 5K

WHERE: Wall Municipal Complex

REGISTER: www.runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Wall/ JerseyTacoTrot5KRunWalk

WHEN: April 20 and 21

WHAT: Beer Run 5K and Beer Fest

WHERE: Allaire State Park

IINFO: www.thebeerrunnj.com

WHEN: April 27

WHAT: JSRC Lake Como Spring Break 5K

WHERE: Lake Como

INFO: www.runsignup.com/Race/NJ/LakeComo/ JSRCLakeComo5K

START TRAINING NOW FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:

WHEN: May 19

WHAT: Superhero Sprint 2 or 1 Mile

WHERE: Wall Municipal Complex REGISTER: www.runsignup.com/Race/NJ/WallTwp/ superherosprint

WHEN: July 20

WHAT: Manasquan Ocean Mile or 1/2 Mile Swim

WHERE: Manasquan Beach

REGISTER: www.raceforum.com/squanswim

Have a fitness or wellness event that you’d like featured? Reach out to meghan.schultzel@gmail.com.

Want to be featured in an upcoming Wellness Watch? Reach out to Meghan and follow along for local wellness events. Instagram: @Meghan__schultzel.

BOOK NOOK

Books to Help You Spring Into Spring!

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, there is not much better than devouring an unforgettable story.

“MERCURY”

By Amy Jo Burns

A 5-star read from New Jersey author Burns, “Mercury” is a meditation on what makes a family—the ones that we choose and the ones that we’re born into. Full of characters that are extremely flawed and yet easy to fall in love with. This is multilayered family drama at its finest with a hint of mystery, along with lots of heart, heartbreak and pulled heartstrings. Fans of “Hello Beautiful” will love this one!

“ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST”

By Xochitl González

This is a witty, whip-smart, thoughtprovoking novel about race, class, gender, love and art. González brilliantly bounces between the points of view of two Latina women, told a decade apart. Anita is the force of nature who was tragically, mysteriously silenced. Raquel is the art history student who uncovers long-hidden truths about Anita’s life and death. This is a book that will anger you and make you laugh on the same page—and you’ll never look at bats the same way again!

BY BOOKTOWNE STAFF

“THE YEAR OF THE LOCUST”

By Terry Hayes

This captivating, perfectly paced, pageturning geopolitical spy thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat! CIA agent Ridley Kane takes us on a wild ride as he risks everything to save the world from utter destruction! You will not be disappointed.

“FUNNY STORY”

By Emily Henry (available 4/23/2024)

Is it even spring if Henry isn’t releasing a new rom-com? This one could be her best yet. Daphne and Miles are complete opposites—other than the fact that they were both just dumped—and now their exes are engaged to each other. In true Henry fashion, this book is hilarious, sexy, heartwarming and so much fun. Pre-order your copy today.

“THE 57 BUS”

By Dashka Slater

On November 4, 2013, two Oakland, California, teens rode the 57 bus, where one impulsive (and horrible) decision changed the course of their lives forever. This is the incredible true story of what happened in that instant and all that followed. A study in race, gender, punishment and ultimate forgiveness, “The 57 Bus” is one of the most powerful books you’ll ever read.

“REMEMBER US”

By Jacqueline Woodson

This impactful middle grade novel follows Sage in the summer before her seventh grade year, when her Bushwick neighborhood is deemed “the matchbox” due to the overwhelming amount of house fires. Sage is trying to find her place; she loves playing basketball with the guys but also wants to stay connected to the girls she has known since childhood. Then she meets Freddy, a new kid who “really gets her.” This is a story of growing up and holding onto the past, while also looking to the future.

“GRUMPY MONKEY SPRING FEVER”

By Suzanne Lang

Everyone’s favorite grump, Jim Panzee, is back, and he’s caught a bad case of spring fever. His jungle friends get very concerned when Jim runs through the jungle in a (dare we say) good mood! They diagnose him with “spring fever” and vow to find a cure. Lively and funny, with vibrant illustrations, this story will have you and your family belly laughing this spring!

Personal reviews by BookTowne booksellers Susan Kuper and Leigh Mallin.

Seal of Approval

For several days in late February, this curious harbor seal was spotted lounging near the jetty of the Manasquan Inlet. Photographer Peter Cole used a zoom lens to capture an amazing series of photos from more than 150 yards away. If you happen to see this beautiful marine mammal (or any of her friends), Animal Control reminds you to keep a distance of at least 100 yards, or about one football field. Seals may be adorable, but just like humans, they’re easily stressed out. Thanks to Peter for sharing this epic shot!