Monmouth April 2025

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Features

Your Ailing Head 26

Headaches come in several kinds and have many causes. But knowing your own patterns can help you minimize hazardous “triggers” and spend more time pain-free.

Shore To Please 30

Purchased with a gut-job reno in mind, a Highlands luxury condo now maximizes its waterfront setting with a coastal yet elegant design.

Departments

Monmouth Buzz 11

Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Style Watch 18

Brave April showers with a chic coat.

Friends & Neighbors 20

Freehold’s Timothy Rohrer had a lonely life in high school. Today, as an author and a public speaker, he tries to make life easier for kids like him.

Tastes 50

Let’s toast the roast and celebrate in true style.

Bar Tab 54

Both citrusy sweet and sour, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect sip for spring’s warmer days.

Gatherings 78

Monmouth residents always show up to support their neighbors.

A Monmouth Moment 80

42 ON THE COVER

Coastal Cool 36

The casual vibe of a Seaside Park vacation home allows a dad and his three adult children to chill and connect in comfort and style.

You’re Welcome 42

The foyer makes a home’s first impression. Here, six Monmouth design experts help you make sure it’s a great one.

Milestones 28 years, Monmouth Court-Appointed Special Advocates have kept courtroom focus on thing: the well-being children.

Escapes 48

Across the nation, fields flowers welcome spring in all its majesty.

Neptune residents capture one of Mother Nature’s signs of spring at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building.

A Seaside Park home sparkles thanks to interior designer Lisa Santoro. Photo by Meghan Balcom. 20

IN EVERY ISSUE

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From Good To Better

One danger faces home-design magazine articles, and I’m afraid we’re not immune. In describing the transformation of a home or room, there’s a tendency to be too hard on the “before” picture. Damning terms like “dark” and “cluttered,” and—worst of all—“outdated”— can suggest to the credulous reader that the pre-renovation home was a hellhole. Very often that’s not the case.

Actually, it’s a freeing insight. There is no test of terribleness your home must pass before you undertake a redesign project. Even beloved designs that were brilliant in their day sometimes need an update. (Think how folks dressed in the ’70s.) There are trends in home design; today we favor sunnier exposures, brighter palettes, subtler themes, more open layouts, more practical traffic flow and more provision for home-office use. A renovation can better suit your family’s life today—while building on the virtues your home already has. My secret agenda for this Home Issue, then? It’s really OK if you kind of like your house already. And it’s also fine—so long as you’re prepared for the expense and the temporary disruption—to make it even better.

That’s what a widower thought about his Seaside Park home, a six bedroom place he bought with his late wife in 2015. It was sparkling new a decade ago, but that freshness has since faded. Enter Lisa Santoro of LJS Interiors of Morristown, who was put in the driver’s seat of the renovation project. She opted to keep the existing open floor plan and reinvigorated the interior with all new furniture, lighting and decor in complementary colors, textures and styles. These changes not only met the homeowner’s needs, but also exceeded expectations. Read all about the transformation on page 36.

Changes were more dramatic in a Highlands condo renovated by interior designer Richard Scuderi (page 30). The home had most of the original features from when it was built in the ’70s, popcorn ceilings, mirrored walls and the like. To refresh the space, Scuderi scrapped most of those design elements, and even ripped out a couple of walls, but he preserved perhaps the most important part of the condo: the breathtaking vistas.

Speaking of designs that can take one’s breath away, entryways are a home’s chance to make a great first impression. On page 42, six Monmouth design experts tell how to make yours dazzle. Lighting, mirrors, millwork and rugs are all parts of the aesthetic equation—and don’t forget functionality. (It’s nice to have a place to shed muddy shoes.)

There’s more, of course, beyond beautiful homes in this issue. Meet an autistic 24-year-old who’s making a difference as a children’s book author and a public speaker (page 20). On page 28, read about the important work of the 20-year-old Monmouth Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). And the Easter-egg hunts we help you find (page 11) just may make your kids egg-static.

This issue of MONMOUTH, like every other issue, is all about helping you achieve a better life. Even if your life is already pretty great.

Enjoy!

Monmouth

Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA

Creative Director

STEPHEN M. VITARBO

Senior Associate Editor

DARIUS AMOS

Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN

Contributing Editors

PAUL RANCE JR.

DONNA ROLANDO

NAYDA RONDON

Contributing Photographers

MEGHAN BALCOM

MARISA PELLEGRINI

PRODUCTION

Production Manager

FERN E. MESHULAM

Production Artist

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Monmouth Buzz

THE BUNNY AND THE HUNT

An Easter-egg hunt and a photo with the Easter Bunny are beloved traditions for many as Easter Sunday (April 20) approaches. These rituals can be family memory makers, even in a year when that ubiquitous breakfast oval costs a little eggs-tra:

• April 12, 11 a.m. at Belmar Beach, Belmar. Kids in four age groups hunt for more than 3,500 plastic eggs hidden on the beach. The Easter Bunny will be on hand, and prizes will be awarded to children who find the “golden egg” in each group. Info: belmar.com

• April 13, 10 a.m. at West End Park, Long Branch. The Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce’s egg hunt includes photos with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt and music and entertainment by DJ Manny. Info: longbranch.org

• April 12 and 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic Village at Allaire, Wall. More than 18,000 eggs will be hidden on the green for hunts happening every 15 minutes. Children will be grouped by age. Pre-registration is recommended. Info: allairevillage.org

• April 20, noon to 3 p.m. at Hamilton United Methodist Church, Neptune. Bring the kids and a basket to the Community Easter Egg Hunt for an afternoon of fun. Info: hamiltonumc1.org

CELEBRATING MOTHER EARTH

We should consider environmental conservation every day, of course, but it’s even more on our minds on Earth Day, April 22. Want to celebrate? Check out events held by eco-friendly organizations all around Monmouth:

• April 19, 10 a.m. to noon, Earth Day Beach Cleanup, Sandy Hook. Nonprofit Waterspirit will lead a cleanup to remove trash from the shoreline. Info: waterspirit.org.

• April 22, noon to 3:30 p.m., Butterfly Garden Earth Day Event, West Long Branch. Head to Monmouth University for the school’s handson nature lesson and activities with butterflies. Info: monmouth.edu

• April 22, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Earth Day Planting, Holmdel Park, Holmdel. Join Monmouth Parks System staff to plant trees that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Info: monmouthcountyparks.com

• April 27, 10 a.m. to noon, Earth Day Beach Cleanup, Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. Join other volunteers to help clean the coastline. Info: monmouthcountyparks.com

• April 27, 1 to 3 p.m., Seven Presidents Park, Long Branch. Help Monmouth Parks staff remove trash and plastic debris from the beach. Info: monmouthcountyparks.com

KUDOS TO…

…siblings Samantha and Vincent Farrugia of Colts Neck, who organized a hearthealthy food drive to benefit the Lunch Break food pantry in Red Bank. The initiative gathered nutritious food for those in need, focusing on the dietary requirements of individuals with heart disease or diabetes. People were encouraged to donate low-fat, low-sodium and no-sugar-added food items. Samantha is a junior at St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel, and Vincent is an eighth grader at Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft.

…Infinity Brooks of Asbury Park, Gina Capardi of Colts Neck (pictured) and Madison Grayson of Long Branch, who all made the opening day roster for the Jersey Shore Wave. The Wave begin their inaugural season in the Women’s National Football Conference this month when they take on the Chicago Winds. Brooks will play offensive lineman, and Capardi and Grayson will be wide receivers.

…Andrew DePrisco of Wayside, who has been promoted to executive artistic director of Axelrod Performing Arts Center. DePrisco has been a part of APAC since 2015, and under his leadership the Axelrod has grown into a professional Equity regional theater and received national recognition for outstanding performances. He takes over from founding CEO Jess Levy, who retired in November.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS

There’s still time to make your voice heard! Voting for the 2025 MONMOUTH Readers’ Choice Awards closes on April 15. Tell us your favorite bagel shop, spa, shoe store, bakery, etc., and help them win well-deserved recognition. Online ballots are free and easy to fill out. Head to monmouthmagazine.com to vote today, And make sure you’re following @monmouthmagazine on Instagram for updates and future announcements.

BRING YOUR A GAME

You waited all season to get outside and play pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, but what to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Jersey Pickleball Club is now open in the lower level of Holmdel’s Bell Works, offering five all-season pickleball courts, locker rooms and lounge areas to hang out with snacks and drinks. It’s the club’s first location, and staffers can help anyone improve, from beginner to seasoned pro. The club offers memberships (for unlimited access), events, tournaments and much more. Get ready to play!

• Jersey Pickleball Club, Bell Works, Crawford Corner Rd., Holmdel; jerseypickleballclub.com

CHEERY CHERRY

You could travel to Washington, D.C., to see the cherry blossoms that famously herald springtime—or head over to Branch Brook Park in Essex County. But cherry trees are also in their glory around mid-April at these parks here in Monmouth:

• Bliss Price Arboretum,

Freddy’s Monmouth, mouth Rd., Oakhurst, 732.483.4700; freddysonmonmouth.com

• Fred and Murry’s Deli, 4345 Route 9, Freehold, 732.462.3343; fredandmurrysdeli.com

• Kings Highway Glatt, 250 Norwood Ave., Oakhurst, 732.660.1010; khglatt.com

• M & A Kosher Market, 198 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst, 732.531.2100

CULINARY CORNER

stellar dining destinaMonmouth recently added eateries:

OLD IS NEW

Neck Inn Steak House, Jersey’s oldest inn (it first 1717), has reopened major renovation, and be excited to see the The dining room, bar banquet rooms have been and the menu is revamped. Many classic dishes plated with new sides and and new offerings sushi, a raw bar and expanded list of specialty

Route 537, Colts Neck, 732.462.0383; coltsneckinnsteakhouse.com

OUT

lovers, rejoice, beButtermee Pancakes is in Long Branch’s Pier Village this month. Fans fell for the pancake house when it debuted in Asbury Park last year; now they’ll have a chance to dine on the signature mini-pancakes (try them with the spiced banana sauce) at the new location too.

• 8 Ocean Ave., Long Branch; buttermeepancakes.com

“A little goofy and lots of fun”

-is how kids describe Dr. Dinah on any given day.

Dinah Jammal, D.D.S. Polished Pediatric Dentistry

This December, Dr. Dinah cut the ribbon and opened the doors to her brand new, private pediatric dental practice. Through her combined personal and educational interests, she found her path to pediatric dentistry, a calling that brings her great emotional and professional fulfillment. Coined as Polished Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Dinah is truly excited to welcome parents and their children to experience exceptional dentistry at her new, relaxing, kid-friendly space for “an incredible, polished experience from start to finish.”

With over eight years of experience working in other practices, Dr. Dinah knew she wanted to establish a space where she could implement things in her own meticulous way, prompting her to set up shop. Longer appointments, minimally invasive techniques, state-of-theart technology including pain-free injections, special needs care and hand-picked materials of the highest quality are the things that make

the practice unique. Above all else, Dr. Dinah has established transparency as her “polished principal.” Both verbally and visually, she tries to address any questions or uncertainties so that parents can understand and feel empowered. Using intraoral cameras with screens in every room, parents can become an active partner in their child’s dental treatment.

With a kid’s eye in mind, Dr. Dinah took special care in designing the Polished space. Pops of color and floor to ceiling windows offer an airy, contemporary feel that draws in her young patients. She chose a fun, retro 70’s feel when designing her logo that seemed to match the practice vibe. When a child seems uneasy, Dr. Dinah asks, “Do I seem nervous?” With the usual shake of the head, she responds, “Then there’s nothing you need to be nervous about.” A big, bright smile and a relaxed posture always follows.

TOP CHILIS

During the annual chili cookoff at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), the only thing hotter than the food was the competition. On Feb. 16, 15 amateur chefs and five restaurants battled to create peerless chili. Contestants needed to bring least eight quarts of any kind of chili without toppings or garnishes—the food needed to on its own—to impress the MAC’s panel of judges, which included Food Network Chopped champion Lauren Covas and New Jersey State Senator Declan O’Scanlon.

The winners in the three categories:

• First-Place Restaurant: Monty’s BBQ of Atlantic Highlands

• First-Place Amateur: Ray Bashore of Belford

• First-Place People’s Choice: Broad Street Diner of Keyport

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Baker, a 1-year-old golden retriever

Owners: Jeffrey and Victoria Steidl of Middletown

Both Jeffrey and Victoria grew up with dogs, and adding a golden retriever to their family had been on their to-do list for years. “I already beat cancer once,” says Victoria, “but when I found out that it came back, I was so upset that I told my husband I wanted a puppy. I was going to be home all the time anyway.” The couple liked in Brick, and they felt immediately drawn litter.

“It was the easiest and best decision we says. “We picked up Baker on my birthday. more perfect timing.”

Besides keeping his “mom” company and better (she’s been cancer-free since June of swim in pools or the ocean. (Sandy Hook Beach for that.) His other hobbies include collecting walks. Whenever Baker meets a new person, that he needs to pick up a toy or bone in his mouth to help contain his joy—but that doesn’t stop his tail from wagging. “He’s the best addition to our family,” says Victoria. Want to see your pet in an upcoming issue of MONMOUTH? Email a brief description and photo to Editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

also can opt in for farm-fresh fruit and eggs. Monmouth’s CSA sources from a New Jersey farm in the Andover Township, and has pick-up locations all over the county—Howell, Wanamassa, Middletown, West Belmar, Spring Lake Heights and Ocean Grove.

For more information on rates or to buy into this season, see yourlocalcsa.com.

Beacon Hill

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

He’s Autistic‑And Thriving

Freehold’s Timothy Rohrer had a lonely life in high school. Today, as an author and a public speaker, he tries to make life easier for kids like him.

High school social life can be difficult enough without a challenge, but Timothy Rohrer grew up with a doozy: he’s autistic. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how one interacts with others and perceives the world, and its symptoms are widely varied. It may make it difficult to process sensory information—or to understand one’s emotions. Some autistic kids don’t speak. For Rohrer during his school years, autism made it hard to make friends. But it didn’t make him want to be isolated.

Now 24, the Freehold resident is doing his best to spare others the pain he once felt. Since 2018, he has created pamphlets, educational materials and a children’s book focusing on the social inclusion of people, often specifically children, with disabilities. Many of them are free through his Tips4Inclusion website. He has also spoken to schools, school districts, parent groups and corporations all over the state.

How did you get your start?

In high school, I was bullied for having autism and I had trouble making friends because other kids didn’t include me. Even with kids who weren’t bullies, I was still very socially excluded. I was invited to sit with people at lunch, but not to talk to them. Or people would say hello to me in the hallways, but not outside of school. It was very lonely. I tried to write for the school newspaper about it, but it didn’t get very far with the other students. After I graduated, in November of 2018, I wrote my first pamphlet, “How to Be a Good Influence to People with Disabilities.” I showed it to my mother, and she showed it to a few organizations who liked it.

You call for social inclusion. What does that mean?

That people with disabilities are included by their peers, especially peers without disabilities, in friendships and activities. For children, that happens on the playground during recess, but also at events outside of school.

Why is that important?

People with disabilities such as autism spend hours being taught how to communicate with people without disabilities. Why don’t we teach those without disabilities how to communicate with us as well? That helps everyone. Social inclusion makes that happen.

What are some ways people can practice social inclusion?

If you’re holding a party and inviting someone who’s autistic, try to make it more sensory-friendly, reducing sensory input so it’s not overwhelming. Turn down the music; be aware if people’s voices are getting too loud. For kids, you may want to avoid playing games like tag that involve touching.

A favorite part of public speaking?

I love doing question-and-answer sessions with students. They always want to know more, and ask me questions about what it’s like to have a disability, and how to include people with disabilities.

They come up for high-fives and handshakes afterwards. My favorite question they ask is, “Is having autism difficult for you?”

How do you answer that?

Well, yes, sometimes it’s hard. It’s hard to regulate my emotions. It was hard to learn in school. For a long time, it was hard to make friends.

Has it gotten easier?

Yes! It was at its worst in high school. Before that, parents and teachers made sure I was included, but in high school everyone starts choosing who they spend their time with. But now, as an adult, I have friends who include me. I have friends at a church group I go to, for instance. There’s also someone who reached out and apologized for leaving me out in high school, and she and I are good friends now.

Something you’re proud of?

When I’m speaking, I hear kids talking about having friends with autism, and I hear autistic kids talk about having friends.

I love that.

A misconception you’d like to clear up?

People think those with autism aren’t social. While it’s true that some people with autism may feel more comfortable being by themselves, many others want to be included by their peers. Autism doesn’t determine common interests. Yes, if you have autism you know more about another autistic person’s experience, but that doesn’t mean you have the same tastes in art, or sports, or video games. To find friends with those interests, you need to expand your social group.

What’s next for you?

I’ve spoken all over New Jersey, but I really want to expand nationally, and then maybe even internationally. I spoke at a school in Virginia virtually. I want to do more of that.

Parting words?

People with disabilities are like you. You may need to give them more time or some accommodations, but we can all communicate with each other.

—Kirsten Meehan

by Amy Rohrer

Photography

Photography Credit: John Martinelli

HEALTH NEWS

MORNING HIGH

Things really do seem better in the morning, suggests a recent study, with clear differences in self-reported mental health and wellbeing. Respondents cited feeling best when they awake and worst around midnight.

BMJ Mental Health

VITAMINS AND DIABETES

Micronutrient deficiency, where levels of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy bodily function are far too low, is common in people with type 2 diabetes, finds a recent study. A lack of vitamin D is the most common “missing” micronutrient, overall, with women at greater risk than men of these deficiencies.

—BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health

CANCER DRUGS LINKED TO NERVE PAIN

Chemotherapy is linked to persistent peripheral nerve pain (neuropathy) for around 4 in every 10 patients treated with these drugs, suggests recent data. The drugs used to treat cancer damage healthy cells and tissues, including the nervous system. Effects can include movement disturbances, such as loss of balance or coordination, and sensory disturbances, such as loss of sensation, numbness, tingling (“pins and needles”) or a burning sensation on the skin.

Medicine

EXERCISE AIDS SURGICAL OUTCOMES

for major surgery by exercising improving diet is associated with complications, less time in the hospital, and improved recovery quality of life in adults, finds an analysis of clinical trials.

—The BMJ

CARBONATED WATER AIDS WEIGHT

Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are keys to maintaining a healthy weight, but carbonated water might aid weight loss by boosting blood glucose uptake and metabolism—the rate at which the body uses and converts energy. Study authors warn that drinking water alone can’t be relied on to shed excess pounds.

BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health

CAN HIGH HDL LEAD TO GLAUCOMA?

“Good” (HDL) cholesterol, usually considered to be beneficial for health, may be linked to a heightened risk of glaucoma—at least among people over the age of 55— according to a recent study. Paradoxically, “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, usually regarded as harmful to health, may be associated with a lower risk of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, potentially leading to irreversible sight loss or total blindness.

61

The percentage doctors who private equity unfavorable

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

Your Aching Head

HEADACHES COME IN SEVERAL KINDS AND HAVE MANY CAUSES. BUT KNOWING YOUR OWN PATTERNS CAN HELP YOU MINIMIZE HAZARDOUS “TRIGGERS” AND SPEND MORE TIME PAIN-FREE.

Do you ever wonder wake up in the morning with a mysterious headache—and wonder why? Even after a restful eight hours of sleep, the annoying pain thwarts the start of the day. But you look out the window, and now it makes sense: It’s cloudy and rainy; the weather must be to blame.

Weather and fluctuating barometric pressure are indeed associated with some headaches. Other headache “triggers” include stress and anxiety, certain foods and beverages, sleep deprivation and dehydration—and genetics and hormones can contribute to making them more likely. Headache is one of the most common medical complaints, but it can be complicated to manage. In some instances, a headache may indicate something more serious that needs attention.

Most headaches happen when muscles or blood vessels in a person’s head and neck tighten, swell or go through other changes that stimulate the surrounding nerves or put pressure on them. The more sensitive the nerves are, the worse the pain will feel. The jolt of a roller coaster at Great Adventure can constrict blood vessels, as can changes in atmospheric pressure—the reason why we often blame “weather” for the pain.

But many also will get headaches this time of year when dreaded spring allergies cause inflammation of the sinus lining.

For that reason, it’s important that we understand the different types of headaches, causes and treatment to help manage them effectively.

• What’s ailing you? Headaches divide into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are categorized as those that are not caused by another medical condition. Tension headaches are among the most common, our expert says, and they often cause a dull, aching sensation around the head along with tightness in the neck or scalp. A cluster headache is an intense pain that occurs in groups (sometimes multiple headaches a day over some time). These are often accompanied by watery eyes or nasal congestion. Migraines are severe and sometimes debilitating, feature throbbing pain and can include neurological symptoms such as sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, noises and more.

Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are caused by another medical issue such as respiratory infections like the flu, sinus congestion, meningitis, arthritis in the neck or even dental problems such as impacted molars or jaw clenching.

Sinus headaches are frequent this time of year because increased pollen levels can trigger allergies and sinus inflammation. These are sometimes confused with migraines, but they differ due to their cause—sinus inflammation.

Secondary headaches also can be developed from more serious causes: insomnia, sleep apnea and brain conditions such as tumors and aneurysms, for instance.

• Diagnosis and Treatment. More often than not, the first-thing-in-the-morning headache or the mild pain after a long day of work is a tension headache that can be treated with over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, rest and hydration. Tension headaches often result from poor posture and muscle tension in the upper body. Spending long hours at a desk or looking down at a smartphone can strain neck and shoulder muscles, triggering headaches. Incorporating daily stretching routines can alleviate this tension. These days, mindfulness practices are encouraged as another “medicine.” Meditation and controlled breathing exercises are excellent for reducing headache symptoms. These techniques help manage stress, a leading cause of tension headaches, since they relax tight muscles and improve blood circulation. Acupressure also can relieve pain and improve

circulation. For tension headache relief, apply gentle pressure to the base of the skull, the temples or the webbing between your thumb and index finger.

Hot and cold therapy also offers immediate relief for headache pain caused by muscle tension. he adds. Applying a heating pad to the neck or shoulders helps relax tight muscles, while a cold compress on the forehead can numb pain and reduce inflammation.

For more severe cases, like migraines, pain can be treated with beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and blood pressure medicine. In recent years, CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) inhibitors, a new class of drugs, have shown promise in specifically targeting the pathways believed to be critical in triggering migraines. Sufferers also can find relief through herbal supplements, biofeedback and acupuncture.

If headaches are frequent, severe or persist for multiple days despite trying multiple remedies, it could indicate an underlying condition such as sleep apnea or a need for specific headache medication. Additionally, cluster headaches, which are more intense and localized, may require specialized treatment. Don’t try to be a hero—don’t try to tough it out if intense pain goes on for too long.

• Preventive measures. Avoiding headaches altogether is unlikely—everyone gets them— but you can reduce the likelihood of developing one. Because dehydration is a common cause of chronic headaches, drinking enough water throughout the day helps prevent headaches and supports overall health. Aim to consume at least eight glasses of water daily and adjust for your activity level or climate. Magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach, almonds, and avocados, specifically have been known to reduce the frequency of tension headaches.

Also consider keeping a headache diary to track triggers and patterns. Persistent headaches that you can’t relieve with conventional remedies should be evaluated. If steps like rest, hydration and taking over-thecounter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen don’t help after a week, or your headaches keep getting worse, don’t hesitate to discuss the problem with your doctor, who can order imaging tests such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging study) or CT (computed tomography) to rule out structural problems or tumors.

A VOICE FOR EVERY CHILD

FOR 20 YEARS, MONMOUTH COURT-APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES HAVE KEPT THE COURTROOM FOCUS ON ONE THING:

The court system can be confusing, overwhelming and difficult to navigate for anyone. Imagine what it’s like for a child, removed from his or her home by strangers, listening to adults argue about whether it will be permissible to return. In a courtroom filled with parents, guardians, social workers, lawyers and the judge, it is very easy for that small voice to be drowned out.

That’s where Monmouth Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) steps in.

Established in 2005, Monmouth CASA has “ensured that children in foster care who have experienced abuse or neglect have a dedicated advocate on their side,” explains Lynn Pitarresi, the organization’s executive director. CASA trains a base of volunteers, each of whom is assigned one case of the hundreds in Monmouth’s foster system—usually one child or a pair of siblings. That volunteer meets with the child a minimum of once a month, forming a relationship. He or she collects information for a report to the court—a kind of extra, non-biased “eyes and ears” to help the judge make an informed choice about the child’s well-being—in addition to providing what Pitarresi describes as “a sense of stability, hope and belonging.”

Explains Tony Shay, one of Monmouth CASA’s founders and a longtime member of the Board of Directors: “When a child is in an out-of-home placement, they don’t have a constant. Their foster family, legal guardian and social worker can all change. But a CASA volunteer doesn’t change. One of the things that we tell people during training is that, if you’re going to do this, make sure you’re in

THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN.

it for the long haul. The purpose of the program is to give a child that constant.”

Shay’s own journey began 25 years ago when, while reading the newspaper, he came across a call for volunteers for the Child Placement Review Board in Monmouth County, a group of people who help review foster placements and ensure that no child “falls through the cracks.” Shay joined one of these boards, as did Cynthia Van Brunt, CASA’s co-founder. “We did that for about four or five years,” recalls Shay. “And then we were solicited by the state. There were already CASAs all over New Jersey; they wanted one here. We put together a steering committee, figured out a plan and got initial jump-start funding from the state.”

“This was Cindy’s passion,” says Shay. “She told me, ‘Hey, Tony, this is what I really want to do,’ and I said, ‘Okay, I’m in.’ We resigned from the review board and put all our time and energy into the CASA.” Van Brunt became the executive director less than a year after the founding, a position she would keep until her death from ovarian cancer in 2022 at the age of 51. Monmouth CASA’s humanitarian award is named in her honor.

Since that founding, CASA has trained hundreds of volunteers and helped countless children. “Our volunteers range in age from 21 to 80,” says Pitarresi. “They come from all walks of life—there’s no required background or education. Our goal is to have an advocate for every child in the foster system.”

The special thing about CASA, says Shay, is how immediate and direct its impact is. “There are so many worthy causes out there, but with this one, I can see the difference we make firsthand,” he says.

Pitarresi recalls a story of one child-and-advocate pair. “There’s a little boy named Luca who is 6 years old,” she says. “His advocate’s name is Mike, and they would talk all the time about how much Luca loves Spider-Man. On Luca’s birthday, Mike brought a Spider-Man cake to his foster home. Luca started crying, and Mike was worried he had gotten the wrong design on it or something. But Luca said no—that was the first time anyone had ever gotten him a birthday cake.”

Some CASA volunteers stay in the child’s life long after the court proceedings end. As Pitarresi says, “they attend high school and college graduations. I know one volunteer who went to the wedding of the child she advocated for.”

More than anything else, meeting the needs of the children it serves remains CASA’s goal. The focus is always on getting the child out of the system and into a safe, stable place where it’s possible to thrive. “Our volunteers make sure that the kids stay the priority in the legal system,” says Pitarresi. “It’s a scary system for children, but we can make sure they have support, a voice and a path to a loving home.”

Shay adds that awareness is always key. “People don’t realize how many kids are in the foster system all over Monmouth. It’s not just in areas you would call ‘disadvantaged.’ People think it’s something that doesn’t affect them. It does. It affects everybody. Bad things can happen to any child if no one looks out for them.”

“The goal of CASA is to one day be unnecessary,” says Shay. “Until then? We’re going to keep doing right by these kids.”

From left to right: Volunteers need not have special background to be a Monmouth Court Appointed Special Advocate; they “come from all walks of life,” says Executive Director Lynn Pitarresi. Two advocates and a member of CASA’s staff pose at an event. CASA’s Board of Directors, including Pitarresi. Children flock to Santa at CASA’s annual holiday party, an event that Pitarresi calls “one of her favorites.”

SHORE TO PLEASE

PURCHASED WITH A GUT-JOB RENO IN MIND, A HIGHLANDS LUXURY CONDO NOW MAXIMIZES ITS WATERFRONT SETTING WITH A COASTAL YET ELEGANT DESIGN.

Design by Richard Scuderi

Photography by Marisa Pellegrini

Text by Donna Rolando

Two friends took a ride to Highlands one day and came away with the find of their lives. With views of both the Atlantic waterfront and the more distant NYC skyline, a luxury high-rise condo stole their hearts. It would become a full-time residence for one of them and an ocean getaway for the other—a designer—but only after a complete overhaul.

Though sold on the location, they found the two-bedroom condo built in 1976 clinging to the past with popcorn ceilings, mirrored walls and no fireplace for that toasty touch.

A gut-job renovation was called for. “As soon as we got the keys, we started it,” says Rich Scuderi, owner of Clinton-based Mavin Hill Designs. The work was completed in June 2022.

While Scuderi (host of Comcast’s Designed for the Times ) had the design chops, he worked with his best friend, the late Frank Mazzarella, M.D., a longtime Nutley internist and later chief medical officer at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, who wanted a coastal connection—light, bright and masculine.

A two-bedroom Highlands condo had location and views to die for, but whispered “1976” a little too audibly. After a gut-job reno, the great room’s Heatilator fireplace is remote-operated and makes a crackling noise, leading the designer to note that technology has “really come a long way.”

Scuderi hit the mark with Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray, which he accented with blue and navy throughout, while staining the solid oak floor to enhance the grain in another common thread.

To create one big space for entertainment, Scuderi recalls how he ripped out a wall between the kitchen and the great room, comfortably fitting in a sizable island with tufted gray chenille stools. “We had a large party,” he says. “Not only can you eat at the island, but everything could be served on the island.”

For decorative lighting above the island, Scuderi built a box to accommodate bubble-glass pendants by Hesco. Illumination was simpler in the counter area, where, he notes, the backsplash is “Carrara marble in a herringbone pattern that is very pretty with undercounter lighting.”

As with the Carrara, gray veining also wows the white quartz counters, which extend from the gray wood island to the white, Shaker-style

cabinets with polished-nickel hardware. Warming up the white with artwork and accessories, the designer, in his own words, “peppered the kitchen with pops of cobalt blue glass from the Mavin Hill collection.”

A party-time complement of the kitchen, the transitional-style great room became a hotspot with its own fireplace, but only after Scuderi demolished a wall of mirrors to make way for an electric fireplace by Dimplex, operated by remote control. Super-white built-ins brighten the space around the fireplace, which combines a fieldstone look with a reclaimed wood beam.

As the home was steered away from the former design’s earth tones and into the drama of blue and white, coastal influences set the tone. One example is the area rug featuring waves like the ones right outside the triple windows—a setting meant for relaxing in navy swivel recliners. Another is the abstract artwork, sourced from Mavin Hill like the rug. Casual elegance was the aim in the great room’s

This page: Doubling as a china cabinet, the dining room sideboard is a highlight with illuminated glass and a companion ocean abstract. Opposite page: The Shore home gained party power with the toppling of a wall to join the great room and the kitchen.

Ethan Allen and Bassett furniture, which minimizes maintenance with Sunbrella fabric, yet elevates with an inlaid marble table.

On the twin sofas, tie-dye fabrics and lime add a color punch, the latter one of Scuderi’s favorite accents. The fireside chairs, in Dr. Mazzarella’s family for more than 100 years, were revamped in navy velvet and silver leaf, while stackable, distressed-wood tables and navy ceramic lamps complete the scene.

In the dining room, Scuderi was quick to scrap another mirrored wall and use custom rugs to spread the home’s signature blue-and-white motif. “I brought in another color of the ocean,” he says of the pale baby-blue sideboard with china cabinet that lights up the night. With spectacular vistas beckoning from the covered balcony, guests can enjoy dinner with a view at the wood table joined by a mix of navy tufted and wooden chairs.

Though Scuderi sticks to the blue-and-white scheme, each room is unique, as seen in the way Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue plays

off the white of a bathroom’s shiplap walls and quartz-top Shaker vanity. A windowless room could have been a challenge to make bright, but Scuderi curated a mirror-framed mirror to max the industrial lighting. For a more modern edge, he added marble hexagon flooring.

The primary bedroom gave Scuderi an opportunity to work with real grass paper in navy by Pacific Designs International to accent the room’s neutral gray. A hammered-copper coastal mirror also dazzles above the maple sleigh bed, while crown molding makes the setting distinctive. In another nod to the Shore, there’s Martha Stewart’s tie-die bedding and a custom coastal rug. Polished-nickel lamps add bedside sparkle and palm-print artwork keeps blue bountiful.

Room by room, the two friends created a special place to embrace breathtaking vistas. “Ecstatic” over the results, Dr. Mazzarelli had three housewarming parties to show it off, Scuderi says, and “he really wanted it to be in a magazine.”

page:

and

join in creating a bathroom’s oceanic setting, just right for a sea-turtle print. Opposite page: With navy grass paper and a hammered copper mirror, the headboard wall in the primary bedroom knows how to turn heads.

This

Newburyport Blue

white shiplap

COASTAL COOL

THE CASUAL VIBE OF A SEASIDE PARK VACATION HOME ALLOWS A DAD AND HIS THREE ADULT CHILDREN TO CHILL AND CONNECT IN COMFORT AND STYLE.

Design by Lisa Santoro

Photography by Meghan Balcom

Text by Nayda Rondon

A father and his three twentysomething kids are busy professionals all leading full, productive lives. They’re also a close-knit family that loves to spend time together, especially at their happy place—a vacation home in Seaside Park.

The single-family raised house—the kind where the house is lifted on stilts and the ground underneath serves as a relaxation/recreation area— has six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a bay view. It had been everyone’s go-to fun spot since 2015, when the homeowner and his late wife purchased the new spec home for its move-in-ready, fully furnished appeal. However, nearly a decade later that freshness had faded, leaving the widower homeowner contemplating updates but at a loss as to where to turn for design counsel.

Serendipitously, it was his own role as a financial advisor that helped him. He got to talking with a new client about vacation homes and his need to refresh his, only to discover not only that both men shared Seaside Park retreats, but also that his client’s wife, Lisa Santoro of LJS Interiors in Morristown, would be perfect for the design job.

In this six-bedroom Seaside Park vacation home, Crate & Barrel furniture, JF Fabrics window treatments by Clifton-based Donna Corizzi Custom Window Treatments and an area rug from Edisonbased Woven Floors keep things casually chic in the living area. Over the sofa, seascape paintings highlight the coastal connection.

“And the rest is history,” says Santoro, explaining how the homeowner, whose main residence is in Newton, Pennsylvania, gave her the literal keys to the house, giving her almost total creative license. The family, she says, provided “must-haves from a functionality standpoint and shared their fave colors, but beyond that they gave me the freedom to create a cohesive coastal look, and it was incredibly rewarding to present ideas that not only met their needs, but also exceeded their expectations.”

Keeping to the existing open floor plan, Santoro reinvigorated the interiors with all new furniture, lighting and décor in complementary colors, textures and styles. To maintain an airy sense of continuity, she gave all the rooms a refreshing coat of Benjamin Moore Classic Gray and incorporated the relaxed coastal vibe with natural materials such as abaca and jute. She made sure the tiles in each bathroom had elements—whether in color or shapes like “wavy” swirls—that evoked the ocean. The kitchen got a facelift with new countertops, backsplash, sink, hardware and lighting. Furnishings and fabrics were chosen with an eye to utilitarian style.

“They are a relaxed family and wanted durable materials,” says Santoro, “so we kept that in mind for the sofa and chairs.”

This page: The Visual Comfort Antigua Light’s circular lines and natural abaca/antique burnished brass composition draw the eye. Opposite: The custom island’s countertop, a durable quartz that can withstand lots of entertaining, was also used for the kitchen backsplash. Essentials for Living Tapestry counter stools sit well with the coastal vibe. Their interwoven rope pattern and neutral colors complement the light-toned wood base; the plush seat cushions clad in performance fabric provide easymaintenance comfort.

The project, taking place from February to July 2024, wasn’t all easybreezy, though. “All four bathrooms underwent a complete gut renovation at the same time,” says the designer. “It was incredibly important to me that each had its own unique coastal feel, yet remained cohesive with the adjacent spaces. And each bathroom reflected the style of a family member.

Coordinating the selection of tiles and materials for multiple bathrooms at once definitely required careful planning and attention to every detail.”

Things were also “interesting” when it came to installing the single-sheet quartz tops for the kitchen counters and the custom island. “Getting them into the house was crazy,” Santoro recalls. ”Since the home is elevated, we had to bring in a boom lift, remove the front railings and bring the slabs in through the porch. It was a particularly windy day, and I was convinced that the slabs might take out every window in sight. Fortunately, everything made it inside safely, though I don’t think I exhaled until the last piece was in place.”

Working under a time crunch—the project had to be completed before the July 4th weekend—didn’t make things a day at the beach, either. But Santoro wasn’t going to let her client down. When the final outstanding piece—the missing Dovetail Furniture dining table—arrived just past the last scheduled pre-holiday delivery date, she personally went to the warehouse, loaded the 48-inch table top and base in her SUV and drove to the house. “The electrician helped me bring them into the house,” she says. “I’m quite handy so I had no problem attaching the base to the top. No, the homeowner wasn’t there when I brought it in. But, yes, the homeowner was very appreciative when he was able to go that weekend to host a gathering with everybody there.

“Seeing how much the family truly loves their home is rewarding,” Santoro says. “Beach houses tend to be a hub for visitors, and it’s been wonderful to hear how much they enjoy sharing their beautiful space with friends and family.”

This page: The primary bedroom’s Lexington Furniture natural abaca bed fosters dreams of tropical nights. “I love the material and color of the bed; it just gives the space the right amount of interest,” says designer Lisa Santoro. Opposite: “The wave shape is fun and brings through the coastal theme,” she says of the marble tiles from Garden State Tile used to create the firstfloor hall bathroom’s shower accent wall. Also noteworthy for its visual and tactile appeal: the reeded design of the teak vanity by Willow Bath & Vanity.

YOU’RE WELCOME

The foyer makes a home’s first impression. Here, six Monmouth design experts help you make sure it’s a great one.

OUR EXPERTS

Everyone who’s ever been on a job interview or a blind date knows the importance of a first impression. Before you even open your mouth, you convey a novel’s worth of information—the way you’re dressed, the smile, the eye contact, that all-important first handshake. Your home’s closest equivalent is its entryway. It’s the first thing people see when they come in the front door. It should draw them in like a welcoming smile, well-pressed clothes or a firm, confident handshake. So how do you design a foyer that will say what you want it to say? Six Monmouth design experts offer tips:

Nicole Forina, Nicole Forina Home, Tinton Falls

Malorie Goldberg, Noa Blake Design, Marlboro Township

Ria E. Gulian, Interior Designs by Ria, Oceanport

Karin Kelly, Red Clover Designs, Rumson

Andrea Leone, I & I Designs, Manalapan

Jennifer Li, Jennifer Li Interiors, Holmdel

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PIECES

When finding fitting furniture for a foyer (try saying that five times fast), start with function. “An entryway table is a must-have for both style and function,” Jennifer Li says. “Begin by considering practicality—say, a sleek leather catchall for keys and sunglasses to keep essentials within reach. Consider a multifunctional table with concealed compartments to keep shoes and umbrellas neatly tucked away.” Adds Ria E. Gulian: “A bench, with or without storage, can be used along a wall to provide a place to slip on your shoes.” Nicole Forina’s idea? “Some kind of table or a chest will create a vignette and add extra storage if you don’t have a coat closet.” Because the entryway is the first thing visitors see, says Malorie Goldberg, “incorporate a surface that can facilitate this, whether it’s a console table along a side wall or a small round table in the center of a large foyer. It allows you to include coffee-table books, meaningful trinkets, fresh flowers and other items that are welcoming and warm.”

MAKE MILLWORK WORK

Eye-catching moldings, paneling, trim and baseboards can help you get the most out of an entryway. “Millwork details in an entryway instantly elevate it by supplying visual interest, texture and depth along with a high-end, custom feel, says Karin Kelly, who adds that “balance, proportion and aesthetics are key when choosing the right millwork design for your space.” How to master those principles? “The style of millwork should align with the home’s overall aesthetic, whether traditional, coastal or craftsman,” Andrea Leone explains. She also encourages having fun with colors. “Millwork can be painted a bold color to make a statement or kept classic in white for a timeless look. I particularly love pairing millwork with wallpaper—it’s an elegant way to elevate the space and add character to the foyer.” Gulian praises “picture-frame” molding for two-story foyers because “it creates visual interest in what would otherwise be a ‘sea of sheetrock.’” A hint from our pros: the space can be designed to include hooks for hanging jackets and other essentials.

Design by Noa Blake Design, photo by Malorie Goldberg

LET THERE BE LIGHT

You walk home on a dark night, enter through your front door and hit a light switch—what greets you? “An entryway isn’t a taskheavy space where you need bright, functional lighting—it’s all about setting the right mood,” says Forina. All our experts agree that a pendant or a ceiling-mounted fixture is a must in an entryway. The height of your ceilings will determine which you should go for. “Nothing elevates an entryway like a statement pendant or chandelier, instantly delivering that coveted ‘wow’ factor,” Li says. No space for that? “If ceiling height is limited,” she adds, “opt for a timeless, semi-flush mount that balances style and function. For added impact, pair it with elegant wall sconces to create a layered glow and sophisticated tone for your home.” Goldberg also calls a statement chandelier “essential” in two-story foyers. She explains: “Lighting is the jewelry of the home; it adorns your spaces in a way that elevates them and makes them feel special. Adding sconces to the walls or table lamps to a console incorporates those textural elements and makes things shine.” Leone cautions against overdoing it. “While layering lighting is really optimal,” she says, “it’s important to strike a balance, ensuring that the design feels cohesive rather than chaotic.”

ADMIRE THE “VIEW”

The one essential piece of wall décor in an entryway? The mirror. “Mirrors are a go-to, as they instantly add depth, light and make the space appear larger,” says Kelly. “It’s also always nice to be able to get a glimpse of yourself before leaving the house.” Leone says mirrors are “especially effective when layered over bold or patterned wallpaper.” What size? According to Forina, “bigger is almost always better! A large mirror makes the space feel more open.” As for other décor, Gulian reports: “I work with the colors that have been established throughout the rest of the design to enhance the space, and always keep my client’s interests in mind. Personally, I would not place family photos in an entryway; personal photos belong in family rooms, hallways and bedrooms.” Li agrees, and says you should “avoid hanging something just to fill space; instead, curate with intention.” Says Goldberg: “Entryways often have smaller walls, so we try to layer artwork to make smaller pieces have as much of a presence as larger ones. Play with size and orientation so that it feels found instead of forced. And always spend on framing! A well-framed print can look as good as an original piece.”

Design by Nicole Forina Home, photo by Andrew Frasz

WATCH YOUR STEP

It’s hard to overstate what a good rug can do for a space. Gulian likens an area rug to a piece of artwork, stressing that “selecting the proper colors and patterns will enhance the overall design aesthetic.”

Forina says, “In a high-traffic area like an entryway, durability is key,” and Li agrees, adding: “Opt for a durable, easy-to-clean material like wool, which stands up to high traffic while maintaining its elegance. A richly patterned design not only adds visual interest but also cleverly conceals dirt, keeping your entryway polished and inviting.” Leone says to consider the whole scope of your space: “The size and shape of the entryway dictate whether an elongated runner or a square rug is the best fit. Ideally, rugs should be centered within the space, leaving 12 to 18 inches of floor visible around the perimeter.” Says Kelly: “Many mills are now making beautiful, patterned indoor/outdoor rugs that are great options to withstand the wear and tear an entry rug will endure. Tough materials such as nylon, jute or sisal will not only warm up the space with texture, but also allow for your guests to wipe off their shoes. Using an interesting shape, adding fringes or borders, or positioning the rug diagonally can add to the uniqueness. I also like switching up entryway rugs per season—sisal and natural rugs tend to be a bit easier to shake out from sandy toes, and nylon makes for a better option for those snowy boots during the dog days of winter.”

IN FULL BLOOM

Across the nation, fields of flowers welcome spring in all its majesty.

If a single flower is a miracle of nature, what is a field with thousands of them? Different people would venture different answers, but surely a moodbrightener would be among them. A restorer of spirits, a kick-start to the emotional imagination, an uplift, a rush of visual joy. Whatever flowers mean to you, there are places to visit them in stunning profusion, and while we can’t promise they’ll redeem your every woe, neither can we guarantee that after glimpsing their beauty you’ll ever be quite the same.

Will a planned trip take you near one of the five floral wonderlands described below? If so, remember that these attractions are at the mercy of Mother Nature—be sure you check websites and weather before heading out.

HOLLAND RIDGE FARMS, CREAM RIDGE, N.J.

Flower: Tulips. Season: April–May. This farm right here in Monmouth transforms annually into a bright, joyful attraction that brings the beauty of the Netherlands’s tulip fields to your fingertips. More than eight million flowers bloom in dozens of beautiful colors (the farm boasts 100+ tulip varieties), blanketing the ground as far as the eye can see. Photo-ops abound here, as floral-themed props and sculptures ranging from bicycles to princess carriages pepper the farm. (This is a very popular spot for an engagement or maternity shoot.) On weekends, Holland Ridge welcomes a farmers’ and makers’ market, with artisan goods from local vendors and Dog & Ram Spirits to serve floral cocktails and mocktails. Gourmet food trucks are on site every day (as is the farm’s bakery). You can take these beautiful flowers home too—pay a dollar a stem on weekends, 50 cents a stem on weekdays.

Beyond the blossoms. Charmingly rural with rolling hills, Cream Ridge offers much to love and discover. As the weather warms up, more events start rolling into the nearby Cream Ridge Winery, which has been in operation for 37 years and makes truly special local vintages. Stop by for vineyard tours and wine tastings. More of a sportsman? Check out either of the two 18-hole golf courses in the area, Gambler Ridge Golf Course and Cream Ridge Golf Course, both picturesque with on-site restaurants. More info: hollandridgefarms.com

BRANCH BROOK PARK, NEWARK, N.J.

Flower: Cherry blossoms. Season: mid-April. You needn’t drive down to our nation’s capital to see some of the most stunning cherry blossoms the country has to offer. This Essex County park has the largest, most varied collection of Japanese cherry-blossom trees in the United States, with 5,300 trees in 18 varieties. That means that springtime in the park is a magic fairyland of pink petals, perfect for a short stroll, a photo session or a family day trip. The county also goes all-in on celebrating the flowers. Bike rides and races lead up to a full family day April 12, with paddle boats, crafts, face painting and lots of food, and the annual Bloomfest on April 13, which includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, live music, a crafters’ marketplace and activities throughout the day.

Beyond the blossoms. If you’ve never visited The Newark Museum of Art, you’re missing out. Ongoing exhibits include “Jewelry: From Pearls to Platinum to Plastic,” featuring one of the country’s most comprehensive historic jewelry holdings, and the Ballantine House, an 1885 mansion that spotlights Newark’s legacy of skilled craftsmen in addition to historical furniture and architecture. If you want to close your day of flowers with a show, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center features classical music, comedians and dance companies throughout the month. Or, if the cherry blossoms have you craving even more flowers, local favorite spot Fern & Fossil offers terrarium-building workshops and plantand-sips every week.

More info: branchbrookpark.org

BROWN HILL FARMS, TUNKHANNOCK, PA.

Flower: Tulips. Season: April–May. This facility has been family-run for five generations, and that family impressively welcomes springtime with more 50,000 tulips available for browsing, picking and photo ops. (Both professional and amateur photographers are welcome.) Tulips are the main draw, but not the only one—check out the farm’s 25,000 daffodils as well and create a beautiful bouquet to take home. Family-friendly activities include a giant sandpit with toy trucks and buckets, a large petting zoo, a kids-sized playhouse filled with places to climb and a pedalpowered tricycle course. Stop by on May 3 or 4 for a “baby animal” weekend and get up close and personal with baby goats, lambs, calves and chicks. End the day with a treat from the farm’s concession stand—how could you say no to fudge, kettle corn or cinnamon-sugar donuts? Beyond the blossoms. Tunkhannock is filled with antiques shops to browse and enjoy, and cozy bistros and coffee shops where you can drop in for a bite once you’re done. The Art-Deco Dietrich Theater is a great place to catch a new release or a vintage movie—or you can stop by any number of cultural and arts events. (Keep an eye out for music, open mics and special speakers.) This is also the heart of the Pocono Mountains, a perfect place for a day hike. Vosburg Neck State Park’s breathtaking views come alive in spring.

More info: brownhillfarms.com

GIBBS GARDENS, BALL GROUND, GA.

Flower: Daffodils. Season: March to midApril. Here’s one of the Peach State’s must-see springtime attractions. More than 20 million daffodil flowers in over 100 varieties bloom across 50 acres of rolling hillsides and valley. Gibbs Gardens plants bulbs with intention, carefully crafting 10-foot-wide streams of color that guide you through the garden, which is large enough that you need four hours to experience it in full. (It’s also threaded through with calming springs and streams for the soothing sounds of natural water.). Staged photography is prohibited here, so save the engagement shoots for elsewhere, but snapping landscape shots and quick family photos is welcome. If you need a bite to eat after all that walking, the on-grounds Arbor Café offers snacks, salads, sandwiches (including barbecued pulled pork) and drinks. Beyond the blossoms. Foodies, rejoice—there’s a lot to love within arm’s reach of this garden. Craft brewery Rocksolid Brewing Co., also in Ball Ground, has innovative sips in addition to comedy shows and live music. (Try the Bees Knees honey blonde ale, which uses English honey malt rather than actual honey for a stronger flavor.) For a sit-down meal, head to Lora Mae’s, a self-proclaimed “boutique café” that sells itself as much on its charm as on its great food (including a filet medallion served over truffle bread pudding).

More info: gibbsgardens.com

THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD RANCH, CARLSBAD, CALIF.

Flower: Giant Tecolote Ranunculus. Season: Early March to early May. The farthest of our five flower destinations is also one of the country’s largest. This attraction is the result of nearly 85 years of floral cultivation, and those years have paid off. Every spring, all 55 acres of this ranch paint the rolling hills of northern San Diego County with a spectacular display of color and beauty. The blooming is a two-month-long local event and celebration, and the ranch treats it as such. Weekly live music, flower yoga and family yoga, floral workshops, wine tastings and themed dinners await you during your visit. (You can even make your own flower crown with the blooms.)

This year you can also see the new Glass in Flight exhibit, a sculpture exhibit by celebrated artist Alex Heveri. See more than three dozen sculptures of birds and insects, crafted from Dalle de verre glass and steel.

Beyond the blossoms. It’s rarely a bad time to visit sunny Southern California, but spring there is a knockout. For more outdoor wonders, check out the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, where you can boat, “wakeboard,” sail and fish surrounded by truly beautiful landscape, and then check out the discovery campus for a “touch tank,” live animal ambassadors and hands-on activities. For the kids, Legoland California’s rides and attractions are sure to please, including the popular Driving School, where they can build and drive their own mini-cars.

More info: theflowerfields.com

—Kirsten Meehan

Holiday Feast

Let’s toast the roast and celebrate in true style.

TASTES

ROASTED ROSEMARY GARLIC RACK OF LAMB

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 2 1.3-lbs. racks of lamb, frenched

Marinade:

n 4 garlic cloves, minced

n 1 Tbs. fresh rosemary, finely chopped

n 4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

n 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

n 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Cooking:

n 2 Tbs. olive oil, for searing

Basting finish:

n 2 Tbs. butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

n 2 garlic cloves, smashed n 1 sprig rosemary

DIRECTIONS

Mix marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag. Place lamb in bag, massage to coat, then seal and marinate in refrigerator for at least 24 hours (up to 48 hours). Remove lamb from fridge 1 hour prior to cooking, to ensure even cooking.

Wrap each bone with a small piece of foil. This keeps the bones white. Preheat oven to 390°F.

Heat 1 Tbs. oil in a cast iron skillet (or other oven-proof, heavy-based skillet) over high heat. Sear one lamb rack on all sides until golden brown, including the ends. Remove and repeat with other lamb rack.

Place both racks in the skillet and roast for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 135°F (for medium-rare). Remove pan from oven.

Add butter, smashed garlic and rosemary to pan. The residual heat of the pan will melt the butter. Spoon the butter over the lamb continuously for 30 seconds.

Remove lamb from skillet and place on a rack set over a tray. Pour butter remaining in the skillet over lamb. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes.

Cut lamb into individual cutlets or several cutlets per slice.

“If you are looking for a recipe lower in saturated fat, swap the butter for olive oil or avocado oil, which is packed with omega 3 fatty acids. This marinade can also be used with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, lean beef or even fish and shrimp for seafood lovers.”

— Ashley Kravitz, registered dietitian, Ashley Kravitz Health, Freehold

TASTES

PORK ROAST IN PAN WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 1 8-bone center cut rack of pork ribs, frenched

n 1 tsp. seasoned salt

n ½ tsp. black pepper

n 1 cup Italian salad dressing

n 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

n 1½ Tbs. finely minced fresh rosemary

n ½ Tbs. finely minced fresh thyme

n 4 large carrots, peeled, halved widthwise

n 12 Brussels sprouts, halved

n 16 baby potatoes (ping pong ball sized), pierced with fork

n 1 red onion, cut into eighths

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle seasoned salt and pepper over rack of pork ribs and rub it in. In a large bowl, combine the Italian dressing, garlic, rosemary and thyme; stir well.

Reserve 1/3 cup marinade. To the large bowl, add the rack of pork ribs and toss to coat.

Place pork rack of ribs on a greased sheet pan. Add cut vegetables to the remaining marinade and toss to coat. Arrange marinade coated vegetables around the rack of pork ribs.

Cover tips of rib bones with foil and bake at 375°F for 75 to 90 minutes or until the pork registers 140°F with an instant-read thermometer.

“To make this recipe more heart-healthy, consider swapping the pork ribs for pork loin, a leaner cut of meat with significantly less fat content. Store-bought Italian dressings can contain unhealthy additives and high sugar levels. A great alternative is to make your own: Simply combine ingredients like olive oil, white vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard and a mix of herbs and spices for a healthier homemade dressing.”

—Lindsay Dolashewich, registered dietitian, Absolute Nutrition Counseling, Neptune

Pour It On

Both citrusy sweet and sour, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect sip for spring’s warmer days.

APRIL SHOWERS COCKTAIL

Makes: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 3 oz. gin

n 1 oz. fresh lemon juice

n 11/2 Tbs. agave nectar

n 6 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice

n edible flowers for garnish, optional

DIRECTIONS

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, agave nectar and grapefruit juice, shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with edible flowers (optional).

MONMOUTH COUNTY’S

2025 TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS

MONMOUTH COUNTY IS HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST SEASONED AND TALENTED REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS IN THE COUNTRY.

To help readers find the best agents to work with, Monmouth magazine contracted DataJoe Research of Boulder, Colorado to facilitate a multi-faceted research campaign. It consisted of an online survey delivered directly to agents across Monmouth County via email as well as internet research. In the survey, real estate agents were asked to provide sales volume ranges and also nominate their peers. In the Internet campaign, DataJoe consulted a variety of websites to build richer knowledge of individual licensed real estate agents across the county.

DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at the time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If they were not able to find evidence of a real estate agent’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that real estate agent was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied results to Monmouth magazine for final review.

We recognize that there are many good real estate agents who are not shown on the representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the county.

ASBURY PARK

LILIANA MILITARU

Redfin Premier 619 Lake Ave., Suite 500 Asbury Park, NJ 07712 201-669-3486

EATONTOWN

MICHELE ASHKENAZI

Schecher Realty Inc. 76 Broad St. Eatontown, NJ 07724

732-542-1990

FAIR HAVEN

JACALYN GRIECO

Compass 623 River Rd. Fair Haven, NJ 07704

732-213-6640 | 732-936-5248

PAUL KIERNAN

RE/MAX Welcome Home

740 River Rd., Suite 206 Fair Haven, NJ 07704

732-492-7271

FREEHOLD

DAVID BORRERO

RE/MAX Homeland Realtors

42 E. Main St., Suite 101 Freehold, NJ 07728 917-681-2603

MELISSA DESANTIS

eXp Realty 218 Schanck Rd. Freehold, NJ 07728

732-757-2522 | 732-210-9973

DREW ROBUSTELLI

RE/MAX Homeland Realtors

42 E. Main St., Suite 101 Freehold, NJ 07728

718-200-2413

HOLMDEL

PASCALE COPPOLA

Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty 38 Main St. Holmdel, NJ 07733

908-902-0404 | 732-946-9200

DOREEN DEMARCO

Berkshire Hathaway

Homeservices Fox & Roach

Realtors

963 Holmdel Rd., Unit 1 Holmdel, NJ 07733

732-241-5015

RON ISON

Keller Williams Realty

Central Monmouth 952 Holmdel Rd. Holmdel, NJ 07733

917-974-1915 | 732-945-5253

LONG BRANCH

CATHY ADES

Cathy Ades Real Estate

369 Monmouth Rd. Long Branch, NJ 07764 732-996-5619

MANALAPAN

ROMAN BALANDIN

Roman Balandin Realty 198 Route 9 North, Suite 102 Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-786-3838

JASON GUMNITZ

RE/MAX Central 520 Route 9 North Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-740-3017

GREGORY PAPALCURE

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors 357 Route 9 South Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-539-4054 | 732-536-1200

GEORGE PAVLUSHKIN

RE/MAX Central 520 Route 9 North Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-984-8300

BRIAN TEITEL

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Fox & Roach Realtors

357 Route 9 South Manalapan, NJ 07726 732-536-4003 | 732-616-5499

MIDDLETOWN

ERIC BOSNIAK

Coldwell Banker Realty 864 Route 35 Middletown, NJ 07748 732-245-0340 | 732-842-3200

JUSTIN EBERLE

Coldwell Banker Realty 864 Route 35 Middletown, NJ 07748 908-433-1781 | 732-842-3200

DENNIS FRESHNOCK

RE/MAX First Class 113 Tindall Rd. Middletown, NJ 07748 908-601-6692

CHRISTOPHER WALSH eXp Realty 113 Tindall Rd. Middletown, NJ 07748 732-309-5502 | 732-933-0200

MONMOUTH BEACH

WENDY CAMBRIA O’Brien Realty, LLC 37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 917-716-5988 | 732-229-3532

SCOTT GILBERT O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-241-7120 | 732-229-3532

RICHARD NAGEL RE/MAX Elite

27 Beach Rd., Suite 4 Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-820-1425

KERRIN O’BRIEN O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-229-3532

EDWIN OELS O’Brien Realty, LLC 37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 908-447-4280 732-229-3532

MORGANVILLE

SUJATHA BHASKARA

Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth 50 Route 9, Building B Morganville, NJ 07751 732-319-1340

LAURIN LALIMA

Century 21 Mack-Morris Iris Lurie, Inc. 47 Rte 9 South Morganville, NJ 07751 732-261-7288 | 732-536-2228

GEORGE ADAM RUSS

Keller Williams West Monmouth 50B Route 9 North Morganville, NJ 07751 631-241-7650 | 732-536-9010

NEPTUNE

LISA ENGLISH Jersey Property Group Realty 1142 Corlies Ave. Neptune, NJ 07753 201-951-7036 | 732-800-1767

NEPTUNE CITY

CINDY NELSON Nelson Realtors 2300 Route 33 Neptune City, NJ 07753 732-774-5554

OCEAN GROVE

STACY STEFANI Jack Green Realty 72 Main Ave. Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 646-599-4311 | 732-776-6400

RED BANK

CHRISTIAN GIAMANCO

eXp Realty

213 Route 35 Red Bank, NJ 07701 732-996-1292 | 732-933-0200

GARY THOMSON

Century 21 Thomson & Co.

254 Route 35 Red Bank, NJ 07701 908-601-6932 | 732-945-7035

MAUREEN YETMAN

Century 21 Thomson & Co.

254 Route 35 Red Bank, NJ 07701 732-687-3186 | 732-945-7035

(CONTINUED)

RUMSON

BERNADETTE BARNETT

Heritage House

Sotheby’s International Realty

1 W. River Rd. Rumson, NJ 07760 908-902-5035 | 732-842-8100

ELAINE EADON

Sotheby’s International Realty

1 W. River Rd. Rumson, NJ 07760 732-778-4400 | 732-842-8100

ROBERT HASPEL

Preferred Properties

Real Estate NJ

105 E. River Rd. Rumson, NJ 07760 732-778-7852 | 732-224-9200

ELIZABETH LUBIN

Heritage House

Sotheby’s International Realty

1 W. River Rd. Rumson, NJ 07760 732-236-9330 | 732-842-8100

MARIO VENANCIO

Berkshire Hathaway

Homeservices Fox & Roach Realtors

110 Avenue of Two Rivers Rumson, NJ 07760 732-881-4306 | 732-530-2800

KELLY ZACCARO

Heritage House

Sotheby’s International Realty 1 W. River Rd. Rumson, NJ 07760 732-492-8224 | 732-842-8100

SEA BRIGHT

ANTHONY GONZALEZ

Redfin

602 Ocean Ave. Sea Bright, NJ 07760 732-860-0489 | 732-687-8426

KAREN MOSES

Redfin

602 Ocean Ave. Sea Bright, NJ 07760

732-479-8867 | 732-687-8426

SEA GIRT

DENISE DREYER

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty

522 Washington Blvd.

Sea Girt, NJ 08750

201-819-2604 | 732-449-5959

PATRICIA MAYER

Diane Turton Realtors

512 Washington Blvd.

Sea Girt, NJ 08750

908-309-9374 | 732-974-8700

SHREWSBURY

MICHAEL GRUOSSO

Keller Williams Realty East Monmouth

750 Broad St. Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

908-489-4107 | 732-704-4033

SPRING LAKE

LAUREN GILL

Diane Turton Realtors 1216 3rd Ave.

Spring Lake, NJ 07762

732-996-4865 | 732-449-4441

STEVEN PORZIO

Coldwell Banker Realty 1122 3rd Ave. Spring Lake, NJ 07762 732-691-1668

GREGORY RICE

Coldwell Banker Realty 1122 3rd Ave. Spring Lake, NJ 07762 732-449-2777

MICHAEL SKEA

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty 1117 3rd Ave. Spring Lake, NJ 07762

732-272-5898 | 732-449-3322

EDWARD SZUMSKI

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Fox & Roach Realtors 1101 Third Ave. Spring Lake, NJ 07762

732-859-3751 | 732-859-3750

TINTON FALLS

DANIELLE COYLE

RE/MAX Select

4001 Asbury Ave., Suite 1L Tinton Falls, NJ 07753

732-598-0428

ABERDEEN

SUSAN GRACE MCGOWAN

Hometown Residential Realty 1061 Route 34 Aberdeen, NJ 07747

732-614-4025 | 732-583-8888

ASBURY PARK

NATASHA BARTOLOMEO

Redfin Premier 619 Lave Ave. Asbury Park, NJ 07712

201-584-4065

WILLIAM HAGAN

eXp Realty

910 1st Ave. Asbury Park, NJ 07712

732-245-7665 | 732-719-2302

MATEO MALEK

eXp Realty 910 1st Ave.

Asbury Park, NJ 07712

732-804-3990 | 866-201-6210

SHANNON MITCHELL

Space & Company

410 Bond St. Asbury Park, NJ 07712

848-448-6302

KENNETH RICKEL

Space & Company

410 Bond St. Asbury Park, NJ 07712

732-245-4833 | 732-427-8453

MORGAN SACKMAN

Sackman Realty 513 Cookman Ave. Asbury Park, NJ 07712 914-610-5071 | 732-798-8188

AVON-BY-THE-SEA

JOE BAUMANN

The Connolly Agency 216 Main St. Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717 732-221-0865 | 732-361-0800

BRENDA CONNOLLY

The Connolly Agency 216 Main St. Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717 732-272-7700 | 732-361-0800

CHERYL SULLIVAN

The Connolly Agency 216 Main St. Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717 973-220-2918 | 732-361-0800

BELFORD

VINCENT ALU

Lighthouse Realty of NJ, LLC

892 Main St. Belford, NJ 07718

732-670-6565 | 732-884-8151

BRADLEY BEACH

PATRICK PARKER

Patrick Parker Realty, LLC 523 Main St. Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 201-788-6182 | 732-455-5252

COLTS NECK

PATRICK BUTERA

Engel & Völkers New Jersey 420 Route 34 Colts Neck, NJ 07722 848-275-3526

ENGLISHTOWN

ANTOINETTE PAGANO

Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth 45 Route 520, Suite 200 Englishtown, NJ 07726 732-604-0373

JOSE SANCHEZ

Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth 45 Route 520, Suite 200 Englishtown, NJ 07726 848-231-6020 | 732-536-9010

FAIR HAVEN

STACIE BENDER

Compass 623 River Rd. Fair Haven, NJ 07704 973-818-9668 | 732-936-5248

CHRIS KATZ

Douglas Elliman Real Estate 803 River Rd. Fair Haven, NJ 07704 732-859-8505 | 732-387-3807

SUZANNE VENINATA

Douglas Elliman Real Estate 803 River Rd. Fair Haven, NJ 07704 646-279-2373 | 732-387-3807

RANKA VUCETIC

Christie’s International Realty 756 River Rd. Fair Haven, NJ 07704 732-610-7010

FREEHOLD

VIKTORIA ADAMOV

Realty ONE Group CentralFreehold 17 Broad St. Freehold, NJ 07728 848-391-6336 | 732-348-3777

TIMOTHY O’ROURKE

RE/MAX Homeland Realtors

42 E. Main St., Suite 101 Freehold, NJ 07728 347-693-8565

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

RICHARD ADAMSKI

eXp Realty 4410 Route 9 Freehold Township, NJ 07728 848-909-7653 | 732-592-6229

HAZLET

ANGELA DORSI

RE/MAX Imperial 684 Holmdel Rd. Hazlet, NJ 07730 732-670-4823

MONICA KLOC

RE/MAX Imperial 684 Holmdel Rd. Hazlet, NJ 07730 732-895-9135

HOLMDEL

SHERYL B. DENTE Weichert Realtors 43 E. Main St. Holmdel, NJ 07733 732-946-9400

CATHERINE ERKAL Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors

963 Holmdel Rd., Unit 1 Holmdel, NJ 07733 732-778-7000 | 732-946-3200

DJ TEN HOEVE

Keller Williams Realty Central Monmouth 952 Holmdel Rd. Holmdel, NJ 07733 201-315-9157 | 732-925-5253

NICOLE RABBAT LEVINE Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty 38 Main St. Holmdel, NJ 07733 732-216-4700 | 732-946-9200

CARISSA MARSHALL

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Fox & Roach Realtors 963 Holmdel Rd., Unit 1 Holmdel, NJ 07733 908-601-8487

ROBERT SHIRVANIAN, JR. EXIT Realty East Coast

57 E. Main St. Holmdel, NJ 07733 732-768-3546 | 732-768-3546

GERINE SKAMARAK

EXIT Realty East Coast

57 E. Main St. Holmdel, NJ 07733

908-902-4778 | 732-946-2000

BARRY WEINSTEIN Weichert Realtors

43 E. Main St. Holmdel, NJ 07733

732-715-1222 | 732-946-9400

KEYPORT

SUSAN MONTANTI

Driftwood Real Estate Group

158 Main St. Keyport, NJ 07735

732-895-5921 | 732-888-0041

LINCROFT

DAVID SGALAMBRO

Melrose Realty

631 Newman Springs Rd. Lincroft, NJ 07738

908-578-8071

LITTLE SILVER

ANNA GARIFINE

RE/MAX Synergy

31 Church St. Little Silver, NJ 07739

732-245-2484 | 732-870-1212

LONG BRANCH

DANIEL EFFENBERGER

O’Brien Realty, LLC

150 Ocean Blvd. Long Branch, NJ 07740

732-676-8569 | 732-229-3532

MANALAPAN

LORI BOCCHIERI-BENNETT

RE/MAX Central

520 Route 9 North Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-239-8044

KATHRYN DECKER

Coldwell Banker Realty

335 Route 9 South Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-995-2042 | 732-462-4242

GIUSEPPE DIMAGGIO

Coldwell Banker Realty

335 Route 9 South Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-551-1104 | 732-462-4242

ROSEMARY DIPASQUALE

RE/MAX Central

520 Route 9 North Manalapan, NJ 07726

917-767-3008 | 732-972-1000

JULIE ANN KING

RE/MAX Central

520 Route 9 North Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-598-2222

ALAN KURLANDER

Coldwell Banker Realty

335 Route 9 South Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-284-6302 | 732-462-4242

DANIELLE LAZZARO

Coldwell Banker Realty

335 Route 9 South Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-533-3933 | 732-462-4242

THERESA LEE

Coldwell Banker Realty

335 Route 9 South Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-241-5851 | 732-462-4242

RAFFAELE MARINO

Coldwell Banker Realty

335 Route 9 South Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-713-3193 | 732-462-4242

GINA PAPPONE

RE/MAX Central

520 Route 9 North Manalapan, NJ 07726

908-770-4896

GIOVANNI RANDAZZO

RE/MAX Central

520 Route 9 North Manalapan, NJ 07726

646-533-4299 | 732-972-1000

MANASQUAN

JAMES WHALEN

Shire Realty

2629 Route 70 Manasquan, NJ 08736 908-930-7926 | 732-528-6560

MARLBORO

GLENN AARONSON

Red Door Realty

34 N. Main St. Marlboro, NJ 07747 732-616-8020 | 732-462-4242

AMY ARNONE

Jason Mitchell Real EstateNew Jersey LLC

52 N. Main St., Suite C2 Marlboro, NJ 07746 917-626-3747 | 732-377-2602

LAWRENCE VECCHIO

VRI Homes Realty

27 N. Main St. Marlboro, NJ 07746

732-241-1090 | 732-264-9593

MATAWAN

JEFFREY KAGAN

KP Edgestone Realty

76 Main St. Matawan, NJ 07747

646-246-5598 | 732-307-3200

MIDDLETOWN

BARBARA ALVAREZ

Coldwell Banker Realty 864 Route 35 Middletown, NJ 07748

732-616-7093 | 732-946-9600

KATHRYN PEREZ

Coldwell Banker Realty 864 Route 35 Middletown, NJ 07748

732-581-9735 | 732-671-1000

NATALIE PERRONE

Coldwell Banker Realty 864 Route 35 Middletown, NJ 07748

732-895-3655 | 732-671-1000

JEANNE RICH

Coldwell Banker Realty 864 Route 35 Middletown, NJ 07748

732-439-0016 | 732-671-1000

MILLSTONE

ROBIN CITTONE

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Fox & Roach Realtors

222 Millstone Rd. Millstone, NJ 08535

609-647-8659

MONMOUTH BEACH

KATHRYN BATEMAN

O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-403-9200 | 732-229-3532

MARK GARDNER

O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-229-3532

PATRICE GEORGE

O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-229-3532

LINDA JAMES

O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-229-3532

AMY JENGO

RE/MAX Elite

27 Beach Rd., Suite 4 Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-299-1070

KATHLEEN PERRI

O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-229-3532

MICHAEL SHAHEEN

O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750 732-229-3532

CHRISTINE STOUT

Shore Homes Shirvanian Realty

35 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750

732-241-7344 | 732-430-2700

EMILY VALENTINO

O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750

732-672-1398 | 732-229-3532

JOHN YABLONSKI

O’Brien Realty, LLC

37 Beach Rd. Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750

860-913-6949 | 732-229-3532

MORGANVILLE

SPENCER FREEDMAN

Keller Williams Realty

West Monmouth 50B Route 9 North Morganville, NJ 07751

732-685-9987

NEPTUNE CITY

BONNIE HOGAN

Nelson Realtors 2300 Route 33

Neptune City, NJ 07753

732-614-9581 | 732-774-4499

GARY MAWSON

Jersey Property Group Realty 1142 Corlies Ave. Neptune City, NJ 07753 609-839-8218 | 732-800-1767

OAKHURST

ALEX SAKA

Avenue Realty 1813 Route 35 North Oakhurst, NJ 07755 732-508-0778

OCEAN

JOANNE BOTWINICK

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Fox & Roach Realtors 829 W. Park Ave. Ocean, NJ 07712 732-493-4900

RED BANK

MIKE FABOZZI

Century 21 Thomson & Co. 254 Route 35 Red Bank, NJ 07701 908-601-0423 | 732-945-7035

RIVER GIBERSON

Century 21 Thomson & Co. 254 Route 35 Red Bank, NJ 07701 609-276-8866 | 732-945-7035

RUMSON

KELLY FERNANDES

Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty 1 W. River Rd. Rumson, NJ 07760 908-489-5970 | 732-842-8100

PAMELA GIRARD

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Fox & Roach Realtors 110 Avenue of Two Rivers Rumson, NJ 07760 732-233-7158

MICHAEL A. MILANO

Diane Turton Realtors 8 W. River Rd. Rumson, NJ 07760 908-910-6334 | 732-530-6686

CHRISTOPHER PIZZOLA

Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty 1 W. River Rd. Rumson, NJ 07760 732-575-6523 | 732-842-8100

SEA GIRT

CONNIE KING

Weichert Realtors 2165 Route 35 Sea Girt, NJ 08750 732-586-6006

SHREWSBURY

ERIC HOFFMAN

Keller Williams Realty East Monmouth 750 Broad St., Suite 1 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 732-239-0272

DIANNA OLSON

Heritage House Sotheby’s

International Realty 848 Broad St. Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 732-233-9310 | 732-842-3434

JERILYN RESTIVO

Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty 848 Broad St. Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 732-241-5281 | 732-842-3434

SPRING LAKE

SUSAN BASTARDO

Coldwell Banker Realty 1122 3rd Ave. Spring Lake, NJ 07762 732-245-5848 | 732-449-2777

RICHARD DAVIDSON RE/MAX Revolution 1218 3rd Ave. Spring Lake, NJ 07762 732-859-7239

CINDY NAPP

Diane Turton Realtors 1216 3rd Ave. Spring Lake, NJ 07762 732-859-7808 | 732-449-4441

COLLEEN A. TOBIN

Diane Turton Realtors 1216 3rd Ave. Spring Lake, NJ 07762 732-213-5166 | 732-449-4441

SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS

STEPHANIE LISKOWITZ

Keller Williams Spring Lake 2005 Route 71 Spring Lake Heights, NJ 07762 908-720-1877 | 848-220-7120

OUT OF COUNTY

MONTCLAIR

AMANDA CRUZ

eXp Realty

28 Valley Rd., Suite 1 Montclair, NJ 07042 848-309-4120 | 973-878-9843

MELISSA HADDAD

eXp Realty

28 Valley Rd., Suite 1 Montclair, NJ 07042 732-337-0098

ALEKSANDR PRITSKER

eXp Realty

28 Valley Rd., Suite 1

Montclair, NJ 07042 732-688-3819

LAURA QUINN

eXp Realty

28 Valley Rd., Suite 1 Montclair, NJ 07042 732-233-2303 | 973-878-9843

TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS

KERRY O’BRIEN

Fueled by her love of family and community, Kerry O’Brien has built a real estate company recognized as one of the most successful brands in Monmouth County. As co-founder and broker, Kerry exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and unmatched drive that has transformed O’Brien Realty from one humble “mom and mom” office to four business ventures that together provide comprehensive support throughout every stage of the real estate process. Kerry is a leading name in luxury real estate, the number one waterfront agent in Monmouth County and a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and fostering relationships that endure.

Together, Kerry and her partner, Tammy, opened O’Brien Realty in 2013 sharing a vision guided by the beliefs that success follows the core values of respect, honesty and trust.

Through the savvy duo’s determination, resilience, business acumen and creative marketing approach, the company has experienced rapid growth becoming Monmouth County’s go-to brand for all things real estate. When working with O’Brien, clients receive a seamless, full-service experience from start to finish. From buying and selling with O’Brien Realty to seamless closings with O’Brien Title, white glove moving with O’Brien Moving and personalized home services including assistance with seasonal rentals with O’Brien Concierge – O’Brien is a one-stop shop for a stress-free real estate experience.

Scattered throughout the county, O’Brien’s six brick and mortar offices are strategically located in Monmouth Beach, Rumson, Long Branch, Oceanport, Atlantic Highlands and

the newest in Asbury Park. Two virtual offices in New York and Florida facilitate smooth relocations to these popular destinations. Kerry’s commitment to sharing her extensive knowledge is unwavering and extends beyond her clients. She has instituted a culture where the company’s 200 agents are valued, motivated and fully supported to ensure their success and to further the company’s mission.

By exploring and adapting to leading-edge technology, Kerry is able to showcase sellers' homes and provide buyers with insights and information on market trends helping them to make wise and informed decisions. Clients recognize her innovative spirit and forward thinking approach distinguishing her brand from the competition and positioning O’Brien Realty as a force to be reckoned with in a very competitive

industry. A consistent New Jersey Realtors’ Circle of Excellence recipient at the highest Platinum level attests to Kerry’s unfaltering pursuit of exceptional customer service and outstanding results.

The root of Kerry’s entrepreneurial journey is her sheer and selfless desire to build a better community and create a l asting legacy that ensures generational stability and success for her family and loved ones.

O’BRIEN REALTY/O’BRIEN TITLE

O’BRIEN MOVING/O’BRIEN CONCIERGE

37 Beach Road, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750

917.567.0684 | kerry@obrienrealtyllc.com

TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS

DENISE DREYER, Realtor Associate GRI, ABR, SRS, SRES

Denise Dreyer is a Top Producer—just ask the clients that she helps guide through one of the biggest milestones of their lives. Exemplifying excellence in service, marketing, and creative solutions, Denise stands out in the industry and at Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty for over 16 years. She consistently ranks as the Company Top Producer—an accolade that she has received in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. Her achievements also include her recognition as one of NJ’s Top Realtors by Real Trends and achieving NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Platinum status, selling over $109 million in real estate in 2024.

Clients value Denise for her candid advice and commitment to ensuring low-stress transactions that optimize their investments. As a Sea Girt resident for almost 18 years, Denise leverages her personal knowledge of the community to help guide clients searching for their dream home. Her understanding of construction through her husband’s expertise as a builder allows her to guide clients through all the stages of buying and selling. One client says: “Denise really cared about what our wants and needs were. We hadn’t purchased a home in over 20 years, and she guided us every step of the way. I always felt that we were her top priority. She continues to help us and be a resource to us now that we are in our home.”

Denise thrives on surpassing client expectations at every stage of their journey. Always showing patience and delivering on her promises, Denise finds her ultimate fulfillment in making a client’s experiences exciting and rewarding.

PASCALE COPPOLA, Realtor®

Pascale Coppola is a distinguished real estate professional and a top company producer at Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty. Ranked as the #5 agent in Monmouth County, Pascale has achieved over $67 million in sales in 2024, a testament to her unmatched expertise and commitment to excellence.

A Colts Neck native, Pascale first earned recognition as a top agent in 2013 and has continued to build a reputation for excellence across Monmouth County. With extensive experience and a results-driven approach, she helps clients achieve their real estate goals—whether buying, selling, or investing. Her strategic insight and dedication ensure that every client receives top-tier service and a seamless transaction experience.

Pascale’s success is driven by her deep industry expertise, sharp negotiation skills, and unwavering dedication to her clients. She takes a personalized approach to every transaction, ensuring that each client receives tailored guidance that aligns with their unique goals. Whether it’s securing top dollar for a seller or finding the perfect home for a buyer, Pascale’s results consistently exceed expectations.

Beyond her impressive sales record, Pascale is known for her integrity, professionalism, and tireless work ethic. She also brings a global perspective to real estate, as she is fluent in Spanish, Greek, and English, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of clients. Her ability to navigate the ever-evolving real estate landscape with confidence and precision has solidified her reputation as a leader in the industry.

“Pascale consistently demonstrates excellence as our Company Top Producer,” says Mary Burke, CEO and Owner of Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty. “Her keen expertise and unwavering dedication shines through, and I’m proud to celebrate her outstanding achievements and the high standards that she brings to our team.”

TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS 2025

DOREEN DEMARCO, Broker Associate

Doreen DeMarco believes that so much about being a top realtor comes down to building deep and trusted relationships. That is why she made the important decision to remain a solo agent allowing her to provide more personalized and attentive service to her clients, colleagues and her community. Doreen knows the impact it makes when the person whose name appears on every communication is the one actively involved in each step of the process and personally invested in a client’s success.

Doreen is repeatedly described as the ultimate professional whose experience, dedication and guidance make every aspect of a real estate transaction seamless. She brings a sense of joy, balance and compassion to each interface, always making sure her clients are confident and comfortable at every step of the process. Doreen takes pride in the unsolicited recognition she receives at all ends of the negotiation table.

A resident of Holmdel since 1987 and a mom of three, one of Doreen’s greatest pleasures and responsibilities as a realtor is sharing her love of the community and the flavor of the surrounding towns. Together with her friend and fellow realtor, Kate, they created a podcast called “Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen.” From highlighting the vibrant Monmouth County real estate scene, market trends and insider tips to life as a busy mom, favorite restaurants and vacation spots, the 20 to 30-minute episodes are full of personality, fun, and a sure way to have a few laughs while gathering new perspectives and valuable information. Grab your favorite tea or coffee drink and infuse your day with inspiration while staying tuned into the latest buzzworthy events happening right in your own community.

KELLY FERNANDES, Global Real Estate Advisor, Realtor®

For Kelly Fernandes, real estate is more than a career - it’s personal. Growing up in the prestigious Two River area, Kelly’s understanding of homeownership was shaped at just six years old when her father, a respected builder, suffered a life-changing accident that left him paralyzed. That experience taught her that a home is not just a transaction - it’s a foundation of security, stability, and legacy. This drives her unwavering commitment to handling every transaction with care, integrity, and a strategic approach that delivers exceptional results.

From the start of her career, Kelly embraced social media and technology to redefine luxury real estate. With her background in residential construction, she understands how design and staging influence a home’s perception and desirability. Kelly works closely with clients to showcase their properties at their best. While many agents relied on traditional marketing, she built a powerful digital presence that continues to elevate her clients’ properties.

In today’s competitive market, experience and intuition alone aren’t enough. Kelly leverages artificial intelligence, exclusive digital strategies, and data-driven insights to ensure each home commands the market, rather than follows it.

With a decade of experience, a 97% referral-based business, and one of the industry’s most powerful global networks, Kelly connects clients with top opportunities across Monmouth County and beyond.

A recognized leader in real estate innovation, Kelly speaks at industry events nationwide, sharing insights on high-impact marketing, AI-driven strategies, and the evolving luxury market. She has been featured in The New York Times, Asbury Park Press, and Inman News. Kelly has also earned the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® multiple times. As one of New Jersey’s top social media real estate agents, she sets the bar in digital marketing, concierge staging, and AI-powered audience targeting. Follow @KellyFernandes_Homes to see how she’s redefining luxury real estate in Monmouth County!

NICOLE RABBAT LEVINE

As a child, Nicole Rabbat Levine was always running a business, from a ‘nail salon’ in her room to selling books in the park, fueling the entrepreneurial spirit that led her to real estate nearly 18 years ago. She earned a business degree with a focus on marketing at Monmouth University and realized the world of real estate became her true calling.

The Nicole Rabbat Levine Real Estate Group is built on relationships first and foremost. Nicole is deeply in touch with the emotional as well as financial goals of clients, recognizing that there are many reasons for buying or selling a home. In the robust world of real estate, Nicole knows the importance of due diligence when selecting a Realtor. With Nicole as the leader, the Nicole Rabbat Levine Real Estate Group includes three strong-minded professionals who align with her principles of commitment to excellence and cohesive service. Heather, Client Success Partner, is a licensed realtor with real estate paralegal experience who ensures that client’s goals are met efficiently; Maria, a full-time Realtor, guarantees top-notch service and Marie, Transaction Coordinator, is a beacon of guidance and support through her seamless quality control skills. Together, they champion a client-first model, the cornerstone of their success.

In her desire to uphold the standards of the industry, Nicole added Real Estate Broker, Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) to her resume. Nicole proudly puts her success back into the community by donating part of her commission from every transaction to a local charity. She gives back to her clients with annual events, contests and equity reports. Nicole is a NJ Association of Realtors Circle of Excellence recipient for the last 11 years, at the Platinum level since 2020, and a New Jersey Real Trends Top Producer which ranks the top 1.5% of agents across the U.S. in each state by closed volume. Nicole is also the Chair of the Member Engagement Committee of the prestigious Board of Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors.

RANKA VUCETIC

Bespoke service, hands-on advocacy and 30 years of experience; those are the pillars for success that Ranka Vucetic brings to her clients’ real estate journeys. In a market as unpredictable as real estate, Ranka remains true to her approach, always displaying confidence, independence and empowering her clients with knowledge and guidance.

In line with her promise to provide personalized attention to every buyer and seller she represents, Ranka doesn’t work behind a team. Operating independently means that Ranka gets to be fully hands-on doing what she loves most about her job – building relationships and helping her neighbors. No matter what stage of the process they’re in, when a client needs something, Ranka answers the call. She loves resolving the day-to-day challenges that are inherent in her line of work.

Clients like Laurie say, “Good realtors sell your house. Great realtors sell your house, understand the market, calm your nerves, communicate regularly, anticipate and mitigate issues and serve as your greatest advocate. Ranka Vucetic is a great realtor who I would recommend to everyone.” Another client simply said, “Ranka is THE agent to represent you. She is caring and determined and to see her experience put to practice is dazzling.”

Over her 30 years in real estate, Ranka has achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze certification for the New Jersey Realtors’ Circle of Excellence Sales Award. Beyond her work ethic and standout approach, Ranka says she relies on her intuition and expert interpersonal skills to present the best options to buyers and highlight the intangible aspects of sellers’ homes. “Every house has a story,” she says. “Seeing beyond what’s on paper means recognizing how a property will fit into someone’s lifestyle and goals. I consider that part of ‘knowing the market.’ It’s not just recalling facts and figures and spotting trends, it’s about the lives that will unfold in that space.”

KATHRYN BATEMAN, Sales Associate

From running a packed open house in heels to clearing out a client’s garage an hour before closing, Kathryn Bateman is everything to everyone—but her greatest gift is the way she makes you feel like the only person in the room, no matter how much she has on her plate. Growing up on a soccer field, teamwork and camaraderie are deeply ingrained in her spirit, shaping the way she connects with and collaborates alongside her clients and colleagues. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious, always encouraging others to push their limits and achieve their best.

The heart of the office, whenever in need of a helping hand, clients and colleagues know exactly who to call. Never shying away from hard work, Kathryn is a reliable and dedicated team player. Whether it’s getting on her hands and knees cleaning out a property to get it ready for market, taking her buyers on tours to view potential homes, or guiding a new agent, Kathryn always steps up when needed.

A distinguished agent consistently recognized as a top-producing Monmouth County Realtor, Kathryn’s reputation is built on exceptional client service and outstanding results. Her business is primarily driven by repeat clients and referrals, a true testament to her dedication and the insightful guidance she consistently delivers.

Her approach is rooted in building genuine relationships. She prioritizes listening closely to her clients’ needs and desires, tailoring each transition to align with their unique goals. Simply getting a job done is never enough for Kathryn—she consistently goes above and beyond, striving for excellence in every task. With a strong work ethic and a generous spirit, she ensures the real estate journey is not only successful, but sprinkled with a bit of fun along the way.

37 Beach Road, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750

732.403.9200 | kathrynlbateman@gmail.com

LAURA QUINN

Laura Quinn's experience in helping run her family business undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping her successful and robust real estate career. The organizational and problem solving skills she developed taught Laura how to manage complex situations, think strategically and navigate challenges. Laura has deservedly earned a reputation for her unmatched drive and exceptional client care – qualities recognized by both her peers and, most importantly, the clients who put their trust in her.

The recipient of multiple New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Awards, Laura’s tenacious work ethic combined with emotional intelligence and professional poise offers a real estate experience like no other. Having grown up in North Jersey and later moving to the Shore over 30 years ago, Laura is uniquely equipped to serve her clients’ diverse needs with firsthand, hyper-local knowledge of both markets and communities while helping them to navigate the complexities of a transaction. Laura goes above and beyond the “realtor call of duty” and embodies her promise to “make it happen"... "get it done" by doing whatever it takes to resolve any issues big or small from home repairs and cleanup services to winning deals at the closing table. Clients all agree, “Laura is a fantastic agent, a consummate professional and a truly wonderful person.”

EXP REALTY

213 State Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 07701

C: 732.233.2303 hetem333@yahoo.com

BERNADETTE BARNETT

In an industry where careers are built on word-of-mouth and results, Bernadette Barnett has been flourishing for over twenty years. “The bottom line,” she says, “is that I’m a hard worker dedicated to doing the best job possible for my clients. I love what I do, and my clients trust me.”

Bernadette is a four-time top producer at Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty and an 11-time Platinum New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award winner. Recognized as one of 2022 Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals in New Jersey, it would be easy to assume that Bernadette’s sales and marketing acumen have led her to be frequently among the top one percent of realtors in Monmouth County. She believes her success is due equally to the relationships that she develops with her clients by being a hardworking advocate for their best interests.

Before she became a real estate agent, Bernadette relocated many times, living in New York, Connecticut, California, and Hong Kong before coming back to New Jersey. She experienced first-hand how important it is to partner with a realtor who is an excellent listener and communicator, and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you find the right home. Those moves also showed her what it’s like to have to make a housing decision over the course of a single weekend—something that has become commonplace in today’s real estate market.

HERITAGE HOUSE

SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 1 West River Rd., Rumson, NJ 07760 O: 732.842.8100 | C: 908.902.5035 www.bernadettebarnett.com bernadettebnj@gmail.com

SUZANNE VENINATA, Salesperson

Suzanne Veninata sets the standard in real estate, combining deep market knowledge with exceptional service, making her a leading local agent. With over 20 years of experience in Real Estate Finance, Suzanne not only navigates the complexities of buying and selling but also offers insider insights into the area’s finest dining, beauty, and local happenings. Now at the helm of her own team with Douglas Elliman, Suzanne specializes in strategic market analysis, home preparation, and staging, ensuring a seamless process from listing to closing.  She is driving growth in New Jersey by leveraging her authenticity and unwavering commitment to her clients’ interests. These qualities have earned her top billing in 2024 at Douglas Elliman as the #1 Medium Team in NJ as well as a Pinnacle Award winner, recognizing her as part of the top 3% of agents nationwide in the company. Additionally, she has received multiple New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Awards.

Working with Suzanne means partnering with a dedicated, honest professional who blends expertise with a playful approach to deliver outstanding results. She embodies the promise, “With you every step of the way,” nurturing lasting relationships beyond the closing table. Her dedication to community shines through her involvement in local boards and educational foundations such as Monmouth Medical and VNA, Rumson Parent Teacher Organization and Rumson Education Foundation. Choose Suzanne Veninata for an unparalleled real estate experience with an agent who’s truly invested in you and your lifestyle.

JACALYN GRIECO

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE

803 River Rd., Ste 101, Fair Haven, NJ 07704 O: 732.387.3807 | C: 646.279.2373 www.elliman.com/suzanneveninata Suzanne.Veninata@elliman.com

Jackie Grieco understands every nuance of real estate and the joys of home ownership both personally and professionally. As a resident of Monmouth County for over three decades and a licensed agent since 2010, Jackie is unmatched in her knowledge of living and investing in its spectacular towns. An experienced investor and trusted partner, Jackie knows exactly how to guide clients through a real estate transaction.

When you work with Jackie, you get more than an exceptionally skilled negotiator and seasoned advocate, you also get the benefits of Compass Real Estate, a national groundbreaking company with the latest and smartest platform to help you buy or sell your home. Compass offers a unique perk called Compass Concierge which assists the seller with the cost of home improvement services allowing them to maximize the sale price of their home.

Jackie is a consistent recipient of the NJ Realtors’ Circle of Excellence Sales Award and maintains a 5-Star Zillow rating. People often remark that she dedicates an exceptional amount of effort into her work, and her results speak for themselves. Passionate about supporting her clients and mentoring new agents, she has earned a strong reputation among her loyal clientele and peers who admire her dedication and expertise. Contact Jackie for expert guidance and exclusive market insights! Follow Jackie on Instagram @jackiegriecorealtor

COMPASS REAL ESTATE

623 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704 C: 732.213.6640 | O: 732.936.5248

jackie.grieco@compass.com jacalyngrieco.com

GREG PAPALCURE

Buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a life-changing experience. That’s why Greg approaches every client with patience, expertise, and a commitment to building lasting relationships. With a forward-thinking mindset and a deep understanding of the market, Greg ensures that his clients achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.Specializing in luxury properties across Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean counties, Greg delivers the personalized service and exceptional results his clients deserve. With over 20 years of industry experience, he has cultivated strong relationships with top-tier service vendors, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. His dedication to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Greg is a consistent recipient of the prestigious Monmouth County Circle of Excellence Awards and holds a top-ranking position with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services nationwide. His multiple Platinum Awards speak to his exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to his clients. Beyond the accolades, what truly sets Greg apart is his genuine care for his clients. Whether helping buyers find their dream home or guiding sellers through a smooth, successful transaction, his expertise and passion make all the difference. Looking to buy or sell? Partner with Greg for an experience that’s not just successful but also seamless and rewarding. Reach out today and take the first step toward your real estate goals!

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES

357 US-9, Manalapan, NJ 07726 O: 732.536.1200 | C: 732.539.4054 www.papalcure.com greg.papalcure@foxroach.com

CATHERINE "CATRINA" ERKAL, REALTOR® Associate

Expertise. Integrity. Connection.

Catrina Erkal is more than a top real estate professional—she is a trusted advisor, dedicated to making every transaction a seamless and rewarding experience. With over 20 years of success in Monmouth County’s luxury and residential markets, she combines deep local expertise with a global perspective, ensuring her clients receive unparalleled service and results. Whether representing a waterfront estate or guiding buyers to their perfect home, Catrina’s approach is both strategic and deeply personal. Her ability to connect with clients on a meaningful level is reflected in the trust she has built over the years. As one longtime client shares, “Catrina is the best realtor we have ever worked with. She was always available and had the best attitude. She treats clients the same whether you’re looking to buy a million-dollar home or a rental.”

Recognized for her professionalism, discretion, and innovative marketing strategies, Catrina is a recipient of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices' Chairman’s Circle Gold Award, placing her in the top 2% of the BHHS network of more than 45,000 real estate agents. For those looking to buy or sell, Catrina offers a level of service that turns real estate goals into exceptional results.

DIANNA OLSON, SRES, SRS, ABR

Dianna Olson never settles for less—and she makes sure her clients do the same. With 20 years of real estate experience, Dianna is accessible during each step of the buying or selling process. “I’m in this business to make lifelong relationships,” says Dianna. A recipient of the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award since 2013, Dianna is committed to following her client’s lead. She sits down to learn their expectations and goals, as well as their time frame and budget. A Monmouth County resident and former flight attendant for United Airlines, she is uniquely positioned to help others find their dream home. Dianna participates with Monmouth Ocean Regional REALTORS® on the Adult Communities and Public Relations committees.

SUSAN MONTANTI, Broker/Owner

Susan Montanti’s success in real estate is based on two things: experience and communication. Embracing a natural approach for building trust and relationships, Susan asks questions to understand the wants and needs of buyers and sellers. She has been representing buyers and sellers in the Bayshore area for over 30 years. Since 2012, Susan has been a consecutive recipient of the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award, achieving Platinum in 2024. Three years ago, Susan opened Driftwood Real Estate Group. She works closely with her husband, Chris, who is also a licensed Real Estate Agent and possesses 40 years of construction experience, which has proven valuable for their clients.

HERITAGE HOUSE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

848 Broad St., Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

732.233.9310 | www.diannaolson.com diannaolson21@gmail.com

DRIFTWOOD REAL ESTATE GROUP

158 Main St., Keyport, NJ 07735

732.895.5923

www.driftwoodrealestatenj.com susanmontanti@gmail.com

HOME & GARDEN SHOWCASE

BACKYARD STRUCTURES NJ

Backyard Structures NJ transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary retreats. Whether you’re looking for a stylish shed, a custom pergola, a luxurious pool house, and more, we craft high-quality, durable structures that elevate both function and aesthetics. Our expert craftsmanship ensures every design blends seamlessly with your landscape, adding value and charm to your property. Explore our collection and create your perfect outdoor escape today!

513 ROUTE 36, BELFORD

732.495.8866 | WWW.BACKYARDSTRUCTURESNJ.COM

BEDROCK GRANITE

Bedrock Granite is known for its superior customer service. We have been in business for over 30 years serving both the trade and public. We are committed to making the design process easier for our customers who are looking for custom fabrication for home remodeling projects. For your convenience, we are open seven days a week and we have a large selection of slabs and remnants on site to browse through. Visit Bedrock Granite’s Instagram and Facebook pages to see our newest and most elegant projects.

803 SHREWSBURY AVE., SHREWSBURY

732.741.0100 | WWW.BEDROCKGRANITE.COM

GATSBY GLASS

Discover elegance and sophistication with Gatsby Glass. From custom glass showers and mirrors to glass railings and wine rooms, we tailor each project to your vision. Our expert team ensures top-quality craftsmanship and minimal disruption to your home or office. Experience clarity and style like never before. Schedule your consultation today!

848.347.2779 | WWW.GATSBYGLASS.COM

GPS SHOWROOMS

You’ll find plenty of “advice” when you embark on a home remodel, but there’s no substitute for real expertise. Since 1910, GPS design, supply and remodel specialists have guided homeowners and contractors through countless unique and challenging projects. Whether you’re looking for the perfect faucet to garnish your kitchen masterpiece or looking to bathe in inspiration for your dream bathroom, stop by your local GPS Showroom for exceptional expertise, top brands, and unmatched service.

GPS SHOWROOMS: BAYONNE ∙ BERGENFIELD

FLEMINGTON ∙ GREEN BROOK ∙ HAWTHORNE

LAKEWOOD ∙ MATAWAN ∙ MORRIS PLAINS ∙ ORANGE

PISCATAWAY | WWW.SHOPGPS.COM

KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES: EATONTOWN

MANHASSET ∙ PARAMUS | WWW.KOHLERBYGPS.COM

NJ GRAVEL & SAND

Celebrating almost 90 years in business, our staff at family owned New Jersey Gravel & Sand brings a world-class level of attention and detail to your every landscape, hardscape, and natural stone need. We fabricate stone masterpieces for all interior and exterior applications, from fireplace hearths and mantels crafted with natural stone, to thin veneers, to stone used for outdoor kitchens, and custom pool coping. We carry a large in stock selection of Natural Stone, Flagstone and Veneer. Visit our website, Facebook or Instagram accounts and of course our amazing 23-acre stone yard to experience exciting new products and ideas.

1661 ROUTE 34 SOUTH, WALL 732.938.5252 | WWW.NJGRAVELSAND.COM

PELLA

Pella leads the window and door industry through continuous innovation, superior-quality products, and design excellence. Our Experience Centers are cutting-edge. They combine a comprehensive collection of Pella products with state-of-theart meeting spaces. Our elite and experienced sales teams collaborate with architects, homeowners, and contractors, delivering hands-on design assistance and providing expert guidance and tailored solutions to the many options available. Visit Pella Windows and Doors and bring your project vision to life.

732.432.8314 | WWW.PELLA.COM

PMI I NTERNATIONAL STONE IMPORTERS

Direct from the quarry to your home! PMI travels around the world hand selecting the highest quality natural stone for your project. From marble to quartzite and everything in between, we have one of the largest selections in the tri-state area. Our 30,000 sq. ft. indoor warehouse is open to the public and trades. Come visit us – we are eager to assist you in making the ideal stone selection for your project.

MARLBORO, NJ | ALBANY, NY WWW.PMIROCK.COM

SALEM LANE DESIGN

Salem Lane Design is a full-service, luxury interior design firm based out of Little Silver in Monmouth County. Led by top NYC trend forecaster and design expert, Jackie Wilson, Salem Lane Design does everything from new builds and renovations to furnishings and 10-hour consultations, all specifically curated for each client and their needs. With a casual luxury design aesthetic, Salem Lane Design makes spaces light and comfortable with an overall polished feel, giving clients a sense of ease and peace in their homes or spaces. As a former trend developer, Jackie and her team innately combine texture, pattern, and color creating unparalleled yet cohesive design stories that make each project fully personal and extraordinary.

LITTLE SILVER | 201.370.9638

JACKIE@SALEMLANEDESIGN.COM

WWW.SALEMLANEDESIGN.COM

TOWN APPLIANCE

Create the ultimate outdoor kitchen with top-tier appliances from Town Appliance. From premium grills to fully equipped outdoor kitchen islands, Town Appliance offers a curated selection of the finest brands, including Hestan, Lynx, Weber, Coyote, XO Appliance, and more. Whether you’re hosting summer gatherings or perfecting your grilling skills, their expert team is ready to guide you in selecting the best fit for your space. With over 45 years of expertise in appliances, Town Appliance offers nationwide delivery and personalized service. High-performance grills, outdoor refrigeration, wine coolers, and their expert guidance ensure you have everything needed for the perfect open-air culinary experience.

800.288.1647 | WWW.TOWNAPPLIANCE.COM

SALES@TOWNAPPLIANCE.COM

UNIVERSAL WINDOWS

With energy costs on the rise, now may be a great time to consider updating your home with energy efficient windows and doors!

Universal Windows Direct of NJ provides outstanding service offering new windows, siding and entry doors backed by a lifetime transferrable warranty! Let our team of experts stop by to discuss your many options or feel free to call and schedule an appointment to visit our showroom! Call TODAY and ask us about the Energy star tax credit and receive a FREE triple pane upgrade!

1836 RT. 35N, SOUTH AMBOY

732.738.1500 | WWW.UNIVERSALWINDOWSNJ.COM

WOODHAVEN

For over 45 years, Woodhaven has provided exceptional building experiences for builders, contractors, and homeowners. We are known for outstanding customer service and expertise in kitchen and custom closet design, flooring, stairs, railings, windows, doors, and now tile. Understanding that your home is one of your biggest investments, our team offers solutions to elevate it. With locations in Lakewood, Manahawkin, Point Pleasant, Shrewsbury, and a new showroom in Manalapan/Freehold, we’re committed to providing quality service wherever you are.

732.795.6200 | WWW.WOODHAVENLUMBER.COM

WORLDWIDE FLOORING DESIGN CENTER

For over 30 years, Worldwide has been proudly serving residents surrounding their four locations in Edison, Fairfield, Lawrenceville, and Old Bridge. While all locations offer the finest selection of brand name flooring, carpet, stair runners, rugs and window treatments, the Edison and Old Bridge locations feature Kitchen and Bath Studios offering the same fine quality in cabinets, countertops and more. From concept to installation, Worldwide’s sales experts, designers, and installers make their customers’ home updates and renovations a wonderful experience.

OPEN SEVEN DAYS | 1.888.WORLD40

WWW.WORLDWIDEWHOLESALE.COM

WHERE TO EAT

Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Monmouth County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.

Robinson Ale House, Asbury Park

ASBURY PARK

Heirloom at

The St. Laurent

408 7th Ave.

732.795.2582 thestlaurent.com

Iron Whale

1200 Ocean Ave. 732.361.5185 ironwhalenj.com

Moonstruck 517 Lake Ave. 732.988.0123 moonstrucknj.com

Pascal & Sabine

601 Bangs Ave. 732.774.3395 pascalandsabine.com

Porta 911 Kingsley St. 732.776.7661 pizzaporta.com

Robinson Ale House

1200 Ocean Ave. N. 732.774.1400 therobinsonalehouse asburypark.com

Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar

800 Ocean Ave. 732.775.7776 stellamarinarestaurant.com

Taka 660 Cookman Ave. 732.775.1020 takaasburypark.com

Talula’s

550 Cookman Ave. 732.455.3003 talulaspizza.com

ATLANTIC

HIGHLANDS

Copper Canyon

51 First Ave.

732.291.8444 thecoppercanyon.com

Harborside Grill

40 First Ave. 732.291.0066 ahwinebar.com

Kunya Siam Thai Restaurant

99 First Ave. 732.291.2397 kunyasiam.com

On The Deck 10 Simon Lake Dr. 732.872.1424 onthedeckrestaurant.com

AVON-BY-THE-SEA

Clementine’s 306 Main St. 732.988.7979 clementinesavon.com

Seed to Sprout 410 Main St. 732.774.7333 seedtosproutnj.com

BELFORD

Belford Bistro 870 Main St. 732.495.8151 belfordbistro.com

Naples Pizzeria 872 Main St. 732.787.9479

BELMAR 10th Ave. Burrito Co 801 Belmar Plz. 732.280.1515 tenthaveburrito.com

Anchor Tavern

713 Main St. 732.280.2266 anchortavernnj.com

Boathouse Bar & Grill

1309 Main St. 732.681.5221 boathousebarandgrill.com

Brandl 703 Belmar Plz. 732.280.7501 brandlrestaurant.com

Federico’s 700 Main St. 732.681.6936 federicospizza.com

La Dolce Vita

400 Ocean Ave. 732.749.3177 ladolcevitanj.com

WHERE TO EAT

Anchor Tavern, Belmar

The Buttered Biscuit

700 Main St. 732.807.4069 thebutteredbiscuitcafe. com

The Elbow Room 416 Main St. 732.898.6860 elbowroomnj.com

BRIELLE

Due Amici

420 Higgins Ave. 732.528.0666 dueamicibriellenj.com

110 Union Ave. 732.612.8331 lamondinabrielle.com

The Pig and Parrot Sandbar 201 Union Ln. 732.528.7750 thepigandparrot.com

Shipwreck Grill

720 Ashley Ave. 732.292.9380 shipwreckgrill.com

All Seasons Restaurant 176 Wyckoff Rd. 732.542.9462 allseasonsrestaurant.net

ENGLISHTOWN

Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina 180 Rte. 9 732.617.0099 rosalitasnj.com

FREEHOLD

618 Restaurant 618 Park Ave. 732.577.0001 618nj.com

Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro 30 E. Main St. 732.333.0933 aarzu.com

Court Jester 16 E. Main St. 732.462.1040 courtjesternj.com

El Meson 40 W. Main St. 732.308.9494 elmesoncafe.com

Federici’s Family Restaurant

14 E. Main St. 732.462.1312 federicis.com

Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine

3710 Rte. 9 732.808.2727 marmaracuisine.com

Metropolitan Cafe

8 E. Main St. 732.780.9400 metrocafenj.com

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap

3492 Rte. 9

732.543.0053 tommystavernandtap.com

Tre Pizza Pasta Beer Garden 611 Park Ave. 732.751.4422 trepizzanj.com

HAZLET

Neil Michael’s Steakhouse 1104 Rte. 36

732.217.3626 neilmichaelsteak house.com

Yesterday’s Restaurant

3153 Rte. 35 732.264.3777 yesterdaysnj.com

HIGHLANDS

Bahrs Landing 2 Bay Ave. 732.872.1245 bahrslandingnj.com

Proving Ground

56 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.872.2266 theprovingground.com

HOLMDEL

Palumbo’s 24 Ayers Ln. palumbospizza35.com 732.671.8820

KEYPORT

Drew’s Bayshore Bistro 25 Church St. 732.739.9219 drewsbayshorebistro.com

LONG BRANCH

21 A On Broadway 202 Broadway 732.483.6967 21aonbroadway.com

Avenue 23 Ocean Ave. 732.759.2900 avenuelongbranch.com

Charley’s Ocean Grill 29 Avenel Blvd. 732.222.4499 charleysoceangrill.com

Mar Belo 611 Broadway 732.870.2222 marbelorestaurant.com

McLoone’s Pier House 1 Ocean Ave. N. 732.795.3493 mcloonespierhouse.com

Rooney’s Oceanfront 100 Ocean Ave. N. 732.870.1200 rooneysocean.com

Sirena Ristorante 27 Ocean Ave. N. 732.222.1119 sirenaristorante.com

MANALAPAN

Anemos Greek Cuisine

333 Rte. 9 732.414.6590 anemosgreekcuisine.com

Cholula Restaurant 24 Wilson Ave. 732.786.0080 cholularestaurant englishtown.com

Manalapan Diner 48 Rte. 9 732.462.7165 manalapandiner.com

Nonna’s Citi Cucina 190 Rte. 9 N. 732.536.9050 nonnasnj.com

Peking Pavilion 110 Rte. 33 732.308.9700 pekingpavilion.coma

MANASQUAN

Blend on Main 152 Main St. 732.223.0030 blendonmain.com

Harpoon Willy’s 2655 River Rd. 732.223.8880 harpoonwillys.com

The Salty Whale And Guesthouse 390 E. Main St. 732.592.3344 thesaltywhale.com

Squan Tavern 15 Broad St. 732.223.3324 squantavern.com

MATAWAN Buttonwood Manor 845 Rte. 34 N. buttonwoodmanor.com

MIDDLETOWN

Crown Palace 1283 Rte. 35 S. 732.615.9888 crownpalacenj.com

MJ’s Restaurant Bar & Grill 1005 Rte. 35 732.796.1400 mjsrestaurant.com

Neelam Exotic Indian Cuisine 1178 Rte. 35 S. 732.671.8900 neelamindiancuisine.com

NEPTUNE Il Posto 1129 Fifth Ave. 732.775.4823

Molinari’s 312 W. Sylvania Ave. 732.775.7733 molinarirestaurant.com

Pete & Elda’s 96 Woodland Ave. 732.774.6010 peteandeldas.com

OCEAN

Illiano’s 933 W. Park Ave. 732.493.2003 illianosrestaurant.net

Piccola Italia 837 W. Park Ave. 732.493.3090 piccolaitalianj.com

Anemos Greek Cuisine, Manalapan

RED BANK

26 West On The Navesink

26 W. Front St.

732.383.5664 26westonthenavesink.com

Birravino

183 Riverside Ave.

732.842.5990 birravino.com

B2 Bistro + Bar

141 Shrewsbury Ave.

732.268.8555 b2bistro.com

Char Steakhouse

33 Broad St.

732.450.2427 charsteakhouse.com

Danny’s 11 Bridge Ave.

732.741.6900 dannyssteakhouse.com

JBJ Soul

Kitchen

207 Monmouth St. 732.842.0900 jbjsoulkitchen.com

Juanito’s Restaurant

159 Monmouth St. 732.747.9118 juanitosredbank.com

Kitch Organic

75 Leighton Ave.

732.471.5400 kitchorganic.com

Molly Pitcher Inn

88 Riverside Ave. 732.747.2500 themollypitcher.com

Muang Thai Restaurant

7 E. Front St. 732.741.9999 muangthairedbank.com

Nicholas Barrel & Roost

160 Rte. 35 S. 732.345.9977 barrelandroost.com

Patrizia’s

28 Broad St. 732.741.5555 patrizias.com

Pazzo MMX

141 W. Front St. 732.747.4551 pazzoredbank.com

Teak

64 Monmouth St. 732.747.5775 teakrestaurant.com

RUMSON

Barnacle Bill’s 1 First St. 732.747.8396 barnaclebills rumson.com

Giorgia

102 Ave. of Two Rivers 732.741.3880 ristorantegiorgia.com

River Pointe Inn 132 E. River Rd. 732.530.6590 riverpointeinn.com

Salt Creek Grille 4 Bingham Ave. 732.933.9272 saltcreekgrille.com

Undici

11 W. River Rd. 732.842.3880 undicirestaurant.com

Victory Park Tavern

21 W. River Rd. 732.842.6205 victoryparktavern.com

SEA BRIGHT

Anjelica’s 1070 Ocean Ave. 732.842.2800 anjelicas.com

Eventide

Grille

1400 Ocean Ave. N. 732.530.1414 eventidegrille.com

The Rum Runner

816 Ocean Ave. 732.842.2894 mcloonesrumrunner.com

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap

1030 Ocean Ave. 732.842.5044 tommystavernandtap.com

SEA GIRT

Fratello’s 810 The Plaza 732.974.8833 fratellosnj.com

SHREWSBURY Americana Diner 1160 Rte. 35 S. 732.542.1658 americanadiner.net

Bayroot 555 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.747.3444 bayrootmarket.com

D’jeet 637 Broad St. 732.224.8887 djeetcatering.com

SPRING LAKE

Amelia’s By The Sea 1505 Ocean Ave. N. 732.769.5700 ameliasbythesea.com

Spring Lake Tap House 810 Rte. 71 732.282.1530 springlaketaphouse.com

St. Stephen’s Green Publick House 2031 Rte. 71 732.449.2626 ssgpub.com

Whispers 200 Monmouth Ave. 732.974.9755 whispersrestaurant.com

WALL Meemom’s 1825 Rte. 35 732.359.8544 meemoms.com

Mossuto’s Market & Cafe 2029 Rte. 35 S. 732.449.8058 mossutosmarketnj.com

Shogun Legends 1969 Rte. 34 732.449.6696 shogunlegends.com

Muang Thai Restaurant, Red Bank

HAPPENINGS

Be There

From food trucks to musicals to ways to make a difference, you’ll never run out of things to do this month in Monmouth.

THROUGH APRIL 11

The Spring Lake Theater in Spring Lake presents its rendition of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT This family-friendly musical has been delighting audiences for decades with a classic Andrew Lloyd Webber score. Multiple performances are available, including matinees. For tickets and more, see springlaketheatre.com.

THROUGH APRIL 19

Performing arts students at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft will put on a production of GODSPELL High-energy and uplifting, this musical reimagines the life of Christ into a celebration of love, community and joy, set in a modern city. Multiple shows, including matinees, are available. For tickets, cast and more information, see brookdalecc.edu.

APRIL 12 & 19

Join in on one of Monmouth’s favorite Easter festivities: EASTER CELEBRATION AT ALLAIRE VILLAGE in Wall. Wander this historical working farm while visiting live chicks and bunnies. There will also be a bubble magician, bonnet decorating, historical Easter egg dying demos and more. This event starts at noon. For tickets and more see allairevillage.org.

APRIL 12

The Monmouth Parks system’s SPRING CRAFT SHOW returns for another year. Held at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls, the show features artists and crafters from all over the county, all of them showing off artisan goods for you to browse. Admission and parking are free, and the fun starts at 9 a.m. For more information, head over to monmouthcountyparks.com.

APRIL 12

At the American Hotel in Freehold, you can enjoy a night of music with DUELING PIANOS , featuring Tony T. and Wildman Joe. Enjoy drinks and food from the hotel while you listen to two skilled musicians at work. Proceeds from this event benefit Downtown Freehold. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets, see downtownfreehold.com.

APRIL 19

Do your part for our planet with an EARTH DAY BEACH CLEAN UP in Highlands, hosted by environmental nonprofit Waterspirit. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves and wear clothes and shoes that they don’t mind getting dirty. Registration is required. For more information and registration, head over waterspirit.org.

APRIL 21

Ever wonder what your furry best friend thinks?

The Count Basie Center THE show petconnection science how and animal behaviorists. at the begins For thebasie.org.

APRIL 25

Indie rock favorites THE NEON TREES stop by Asbury Park’s the Stone Pony for a night of unforgettable music. A stop of their Sink Your Teeth tour, you can listen to radio hits such as “Everybody Talks” and “Animals” as well as your favorite deep cuts live. The show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets, head over to stoneponyonline.com.

APRIL 26

The Jersey Shore Running Club presents the 20TH ANNUAL LAKE COMO SPRING BREAK 5K AND 2-MILE WALK Following the race, a barbeque bash will be held at Bar

APRIL 27

The area’s top opera performers come together at the Algonquin Arts Theater in Manasquan for AN AFTERNOON AT THE OPERA Father Alphonse’s Orchestra of by the brings

APRIL 27

APRIL 26

For a night of jazz and tradition, head over to Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel for THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK: A TRIBUTE TO DANNY BACHER Jazz pianist Art Topilow, M.D., and cornetist Tom Manuel join forces to pay tribute to their close friend and colleague Danny Bacher, the award-winning jazz vocalist and saxophonist. They will be giving their renditions of classic songs from the Great American Songbook. The show starts at 8 p.m. For tickets and more, see belltheater.org.

Soak up that spring sunshine in Freehold at the United for IMPACT FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Starting at noon in Downtown Freehold, there will be food, beer, live music, family activities—and, of course, dozens of trucks. This event is held in conjunction the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. For more information, check downtownfreehold.com.

Gatherings

Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.

1. MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

Monmouth Medical Center’s Chinese Medical Program partnered with Global Minds BRG to present a Lunar New Year celebration at the hospital. Performances included Lion Dance, Chinese Qipao, Flower Age and traditional Chinese and interactive ribbon dragon and Zumba dances.

2-3.

CASA OF MONMOUTH COUNTY

CASA (court appointed special advocates) of Monmouth County held a Volunteer Recognition Happy Hour at Brick House Tavern and Tap in Neptune. The event celebrated the volunteers who advocate tirelessly for children in foster care.

4-5.

FULFILL

To celebrate this year’s MLK Day of Service, Neptune-based Fulfill hosted Congregation Torat El, Netflix–Jersey Shore Chapter, Jack and Jill of America and the Jersey Shore chapter of The Links. Volunteers from the organization pitched in to assist the community food bank for the day.

6. MONMOUTH REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce held its annual membership meeting and installation ceremony at Jumping Brook Country Club. The evening brought together members, leaders and partners to share updates and celebrate accomplishments.

7-8.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Hundreds of residents participated in the fourth annual Patriot Polar Plunge in Sea Girt this winter. Proceeds from the plunge go toward Monmouth Habitat’s LIFT (Local Inititiative For Troops) Fund for Veterans, which provides home repairs at no cost for Monmouth County veteran homeowners.

9-10.

GIRL SCOUTS OF THE JERSEY SHORE

Members of Girls Scouts of the Jersey Shore attended the 3rd Annual Young Women’s Leadership Summit at Ocean County College. The Summit was filled with opportunities for networking, professional development and personal growth.

CentraState Healthcare

Friends, family and staff gather for the Foundation’s 63rd Annual Celebration Ball.

CentraState Healthcare Foundation raised more than $290,000 at its annual Celebration Ball. Held in February at Freehold’s South Gate Manor, “A Night on the Red Carpet” honored John and Jane DeTullio, Valerie Mac Phee & CentraState Associate Auxiliaries and Wm. Blanchard & Co.

A MONMOUTH MOMENT

“At the recent Master Gardeners of Monmouth County program called Bugs, Birds and Beyond, there was a pollinator garden. This butterfly decided to check it out. I hope that everyone can enjoy beautiful pollinators in the wild, and realize we can help them thrive.”

—Richard

Monaghan and Maureen Eng, Neptune

Send us your Monmouth Moment! Email your photo and a short description to rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

Photo courtesy of Richard Monaghan and Maureen Eng