MONMOUTH HEALTH & LIFE: DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023

Spine Surgery Is

Monmouth Medical Center Delivers Excellence In Maternity Care| 24 The hospital receives a host of national recognitions for the quality of its childbirth care. No-Fuss Festivities | 32 Simple yet thoughtful—and delicious—dishes will always win over any crowd. Here are five easy-to-make recipes to mark any occasion.

For The Children | 40

never too late to think about the kiddies and making their holiday dreams come true.

CONTENTS

Monmouth Buzz | 12

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

Your Friends & Neighbors | 16

Will the heroes of Superstorm Sandy a decade ago—or 9/11 before that—be lost to memory? Not if filmmaker Adam Worth can help it.

Style Watch | 17

A stylish bomber jacket, a transitional topper, packs a design punch.

Home Front | 18

Checkerboard is a timeless pattern that becomes of-the-moment with fun finds like these.

Tastes | 42

Vegetarians might want to turn the page, but carnivores will adore these three meaty entrées, each a delectable choice for your holiday table.

Power Food | 48

Oysters offer tempting taste, great nutrition and—if you believe it—a legendary assist in the bedroom.

Gatherings | 63

Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.

A Monmouth Moment | 64

Two sisters are caught playing with props in a candid moment during the family’s holiday photo shoot at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm in Manalapan.

The Transition Into Retirement

WELCOME

to the latest edition of Fiscal Fitness. It’s a beautiful fall day at the Jersey Shore as we head into the Holiday season. It’s been quite a rollercoaster this year with overall U.S. consumer prices climbing 8.5% in July from a year prior as the CPI hit a four-decade high1 To put things into perspective, the price of a turkey is projected to rise as high as 23% as compared to the fourth quarter last year2 So now what?

For many who have been saving and accumulating assets in the hope of securing a comfortable retirement, transitioning in times of uncertainty can be a scary proposition. How much retirement income will I need? Can I afford to do this if my retirement accounts are down? How do I turn my savings into a predictable income that will last over my lifetime?

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU PLAN FOR?

The age at which you retire can have an enormous impact on your overall retirement income situation. The good news is we are living longer. In fact, the average 65-year-old American can expect to live another 18.5 years3 For the ladies in the room, expect an additional 19.8 years (as of 2020). The bad news- your retirement assets must stretch over a longer period-of time.

HOW MUCH INCOME WILL YOU NEED?

If you can’t answer this question, perhaps you’re not ready to make that decision alone. A careful analysis of all your expenses now and how they will change over time as you transition into retirement is crucial. Is your mortgage paid off? Do you plan to relocate or downsize? What are your anticipated healthcare costs? Have you taken taxes into consideration when drawing from your retirement accounts?

AND WHAT ABOUT INFLATION?

Inflation is the risk that the purchasing power of a dollar will decline over time due to the rising cost of goods and services, which we are all feeling the squeeze right now. Although the historical long-term average hovers around 3%, the CPI increased 8.2% over the last 12 months. To put things into perspective, assuming a consistent annual inflation rate of 3% (excluding taxes and investment returns) a $50,000 income need in the first year of retirement would reach approximately $67,196 in 10 years to cover the same needs. Ouch!

FINAL NOTE: INHERITED IRAS.

The IRS issued Notice 2022-53 on Oct.7,2022 providing Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) relief by waiving the 50% RMD penalty for missed 2021 and 2022 inherited retirement account RMDs for beneficiaries subject to the SECURE ACT 10 -year rule payout? Confused? Talk to your tax advisor if you inherited an IRA in 2020 or 2021.

During times like these, it can be challenging to stay on track.Emotions can take over and lead to misguided decision making. Now more than ever is the time to meet with an experienced and qualified CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional who can help put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

About THE AUTHOR

DEBRA FOURNIER, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™, has been providing comprehensive wealth management services to families and independent women for over 25 years. Recognized as an experienced and knowledgeable professional in the areas of financial transitions and divorce financial planning, her guidance is often sought where there are complicated financial issues, significant assets or an imbalance in financial knowledge between divorcing couples.

Debra has been quoted in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine and AOL Daily Finance, appeared numerous times on Good Day New York and has been featured in the Asbury Park Press section Getting Ahead.

Looking for a more personalized approach to your finances? We invite you to call us at 732-800-8400 or email debra.fournier@lpl.com and discover how we can help you pursue your financial goals.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™

2006 Highway 71, Suite 1 Spring Lake, NJ 07762 732-800-8400 | 732-800-0622 fax seaviewwealth.com

Debra Fournier

Securities offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific tax advice or recommendations for any individual. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.

Bringing world-class care to more of Monmouth County.

At Monmouth Medical Center, we’re building more specialized care facilities and expanding our reach to create even better experiences for patients all across the county, like our Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center. That means greater access to services such as maternal and perinatal care, innovative nutrition programs and the region’s only specialized pediatric care. And by investing in our people, new experts will be joining the doctors, nurses and staff you know and trust. Learn more at rwjbh.org/avfamilycare

Proud To Offer The Best Care

For many of us, gratitude and reflection set the tone for a joyful holiday season.

As the new year approaches, I am incredibly grateful to reflect on the unwavering commitment of our Monmouth Medical Center staff to providing the highest quality, safest patient care. This is evidenced by the most recent national recognitions that continue to distinguish us as the health care provider of choice in our region, including our most recent “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Announced in November, the Leapfrog score was our unparalleled 16th consecutive “A.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a national distinction that recognizes our achievements in patient safety, and our latest “A” comes on the heels of our being named among just 148 U.S. hospitals included on the digital platform Money ’s inaugural list of the Best Hospitals in America. Created in partnership with The Leapfrog Group, the list identified hospitals that consistently deliver the safest care for patients and excellence in hospital experience. Money and Leapfrog also teamed this fall to announce its list of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, with MMC among just 259 U.S. hospitals to receive the award.

We have long been the provider of choice in our region for maternity care, and this award followed our recognition by Healthgrades for excellence in women’s care, receiving the 2022 Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award and Labor and Delivery Excellence Award. We have received these two Healthgrades distinctions for seven consecutive years, ranking us among the top 5 percent of hospitals evaluated for both obstetrics and gynecology, and for labor and delivery.

We are also proud to share we are one of 34 U.S. hospitals honored with the Emergency Nurses Association’s 2022-2025 Lantern Award, which recognizes Emergency Departments that demonstrate exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. It is yet another recognition that serves as a visible symbol to our community that excellence is valued, and that exceptional care is provided here.

All of these national recognitions are designed to inform communities how well their hospitals perform in providing the highest quality care in a safe and compassionate environment. Each one is a testament to our staff’s unwavering commitment to our patients, our communities and each other.

On behalf of Monmouth Medical Center, I wish you and your families safe and healthy holidays. It is my hope that taking care of your well-being as you go through not just the holiday season but the rest of your life is a resolution we can all commit to together.

ERIC CARNEY President and Chief Executive Officer MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER AND MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER SOUTHERN CAMPUS

A Stress-Free Holiday Season?

Quick as a wink, it’s holiday time again. As we approach Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve, many of us have gifts to buy, decorations to put up, entertaining to plan, cooking to do, social events to attend and families to reunite with. There’s joy in these traditions of the season—but there’s potential worry too. What if something doesn’t go perfectly?

Such are our hopes for the holiday season that it’s easy to feel that the tiniest flaw in things is a threat to our happiness. But let’s not let the quest for perfection become the enemy of potential joy.

Our pages can’t guarantee you a stress-free holiday, but they do offer some good ideas you can put to use. If you’re planning a get-together with family and friends, you’ll want to turn to page 32. There we present five festive recipes that are not only crowd-pleasers, but they’re also easy to make! For those still looking for the perfect present for the little ones to unwrap, turn to page 40 to see some of our picks for the season. We’re almost certain that the gifts on those pages will put smiles on every face. Want an easy and relaxing way to entertain the family? Flip to page 12 for a list of some of the best drivethrough light shows in the state.

And as we turn the calendar to 2023, many of us will take on resolutions to lose weight or improve their health. As we do every year, we offer ideas and tips that will help steer you toward a better you. Turn to page 26 for our head-to-toe guide, which offers a few words of wisdom from health experts about caring for your body.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, don’t forget to celebrate yourself and your family a little bit too. And remember that often the merriest moments turn out to be those serendipitous ones that weren’t in the script. Give yourself a bit of perspective—that’s one gift no one has to take back and exchange.

Enjoy this festive season, and this issue of Monmouth Health & Life!

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com

SEE THOSE LIGHTS

Holiday light displays are one of the joys of the season, and while your neighborhood may have some standouts, checking out truly stellar ones may require a drive. But isn’t the smile on your kids’ faces worth the time and gas? Here are a half-dozen you won’t forget:

• Augusta, Skylands Stadium, Christmas Light Show & Village. Enjoy more than 2 million lights spread out over a 1-mile drivethrough course in and around the stadium. When you’re finished driving, be sure to check out the Ferris wheel, skating rink and beer garden. Admission is $29 per car; closed on Dec. 24 and 25. Info: skylandsstadium.com

• East Brunswick, Middlesex County Fairgrounds, Winter WonderLights. New Jersey’s largest animated light show features more than 1.5 million lights that are synchronized to holiday music. Admission is $30 per car. Info: winterwonderlightshows.com

• Hillsdale, Demarest Farms, Orchard of Lights. Take a leisurely drive through the farm’s 32 acres, which are decorated with blinking lights, Santa, snowmen and much more. Once your tour is done (or before your time slot), stop by the market for s’mores and hot chocolate. Admission is $35 per car; closed Dec. 24 and 25. Info: orchardoflights.com

• Holmdel, PNC Bank Arts Center, Magic of Lights. Line up for this dazzling display of LED lights, digital animations, holiday scenes and characters. The drivethrough show takes cars around the concert venue’s campus. Admission is $20 per car. Info: magicoflights.com

• Newark, Newark Moonlight Cinema, Dasher’s Lightshow. Take the family on a 30-minute tour of the cinema campus, which is decked out with animated lights, characters and holiday images that are choreographed to music. Admission is $29.95 per car; closed Dec. 24 and 25. Info: dasherslightshow.com/Newark

• West Berlin, Diggerland, HoliDIG Light Show. America’s only construction-themed amusement park is now in its third year of drive-through light shows, and 2022’s is longer and brighter than before. Holiday displays, tunnels, lit-up trucks and Diggerland’s own accompanying radio station that syncs to the show will get your crew into the holiday spirit. Admission is $34.95 per car; closed most Monday and Tuesday nights. Info: diggerlandusa.com/holiday-light-show/

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Larry, 6½-yearold pug

Owners: Kari and Tom Murphy of Manasquan

The Murphys were living in dog-friendly Hoboken in 2016 when the thought of having a pup of their own came to mind. They had been following an Instagramfamous pug named Bentley, and the couple knew they wanted the same breed. Larry was “the one” when they first met him because his “extra fur and rolls made him that much more precious,” Kari recalls. And he’s been a lovebug at home ever since.

“He gets overly excited any time someone comes to the door—he loves greeting new people!” Kari says. “But after the excitement, he calms down and adopts the vibe of the room. And if we’re relaxing, watching TV or reading, he is right beside us, snoozing.” When he’s not napping, Larry can be found eating or cuddling with a plush toy.

“He cleans up any crumbs we leave behind,” Kari says with a laugh. “He doesn’t understand the concept of ‘fetch,’ so he isn’t interested in balls or Frisbees. He will snuggle up with a stuffed animal, though.” He’s also a big fan of Manasquan Dog Beach, Starbucks and his “friends” at Squan Animal Hospital. Speaking of fans, Larry has many: The photogenic pooch claims more than 50K followers on Instagram. Follow Larry on his adventures @apugnamedlarry.

Want to see your dog or cat in an upcoming issue? Email a photo and brief details of your pet to editor in chief Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

THE ART OF CRAFT

Beach season may be on a break, but Main Street in Belmar hasn’t stopped attracting big crowds. Visitors and locals alike have been making 801 Craft Kitchen & Spirits a go-to spot since the restaurant opened this fall in the same building as the popular Beach Haus Brewery. While Beach Haus offers craft beer and pub grub, 801 provides an elevated dining experience. Open for dinner on weekends, it features entrées such as Florida red snapper, bison pappardelle (pictured) and New Zealand grass-fed ribeye. And pairing your meal with a Craft cocktail is easy: Selections include pisco sour and a tasty Bull in the Orchard (with Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Iron Bound Cider).

• 801 Craft Kitchen & Spirits, 801 Main St., Belmar, 732.202.7783; 801craftkitchen.com

SAVE THE DATE

Planning for your big day? Before you Google “wedding photographers” or “florists near me,” visit the View for Two wedding show from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank.

Dozens of area vendors who specialize in weddings of all sizes will be on hand to answer all your questions and provide information to help you plan the perfect ceremony. And if you’re still shopping for a wedding venue, feel free to tour the hotel, which hosts boutiquestyle waterfront ceremonies. Sign up to attend the show by calling 732.530.8200.

• Oyster Point Hotel, 146 Bodman Pl., Red Bank, 732.530.8200; theoysterpointhotel.com

EAT, STREAM AND BE MERRY

If you’re not among the lucky few who will be spending holiday break in the tropics this year, why not make the most of your time at home with a holiday movie binge? Just imagine how accomplished you’ll feel, starting off ’23 by watching all the holiday films you’ve been saving on a “to do” note on your phone since 2019! Here are a few of our favorite, family-friendly classic holiday flicks and where they’re streaming. (Did we forget your favorite flick? Tell us on Instagram @monmouthhealthandlife.)

• A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV Plus)

• Elf (HBO Max)

• Four Christmases (HBO Max)

• Jingle All the Way (Starz)

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (HBO Max)

• The Holiday (Netflix)

• Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (Disney+)

• It’s a Wonderful Life (Amazon Prime)

• Love Actually (Paramount+)

• The Santa Clause (Disney+)

• Serendipity (Paramount+)

THINGS WE’RE HINTING FOR

What gifts are you hoping to unwrap this year? A cozy hoodie or a pair of boots, perhaps? A new e-bike, or the latest GoPro camera? In the holiday spirit, Monmouth Health & Life staff members share below what we hope to receive—because sometimes the things one yearns for turn out to be great ideas for giving to others too. (That’s our excuse, anyway.)

Darius Amos, “I’m a wannabe I’ve yet to of Jordan Dunks, which gotta have and logo. black and won’t object unboxing a classic blackand-red pair.”

Stephen “I mean, could be and still Taft Jack work even with a stylish and a sportcoat. these on every year building the collection.”

iPhone, and it’s gotten the point where I’m embarrassed to be out in public (or on video calls) using headphones that aren’t wireless. The horror! I’d love a pair of AirPods for Hanukkah, preferably the all-new AirPods pro, with my initials on the case. It’s 2023. It’s time.”

SHOP SMALL!

Online and big-box stores are fine, but you’re missing a bet if you don’t also check out the smaller shops and boutiques in our county this holiday season. In them you can find distinctive—often surprising—gifts ranging from home décor to hair accessories to knickknacks, and it feels good to support your neighbors by “shopping local.” Here are five little Monmouth stores that punch above their weight:

• The Barn at Calgo Gardens has everything you need to give your home (or garden) an artistic and spiritual touch. Handmade pieces include pottery, clocks, wind chimes, serving bowls and cheese boards.

—462 Adelphia-Farmingdale Rd., Howell, 732.919.7770; calgogardens.com/the-barn/

• Cuties Children’s Boutique not only has the latest fashions for boys and girls, but its shelves are also stocked with holiday keepsakes, backpacks, lunch bags, books and toys.

—703 Broad St., Shrewsbury, 732.268.8979; cutieschildrensboutique.com

• Jeweled Studio Boutique has an array of gift items for any occasion— holidays, birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, what have you.

—305 Rte. 9 South, Manasquan, 732.303.9433; jeweledstudio.com

• The Local Line’s items are all handmade, so you’ll always be giving a unique gift item. Select from its line of jewelry, bath and beauty products, kitchen items (try the honey!), paintings and prints and more.

—16 Wallace St., Red Bank, 732.996.6737

• Serenity by the Sea is filled with handcrafted and fair-trade items such as jewelry, soaps, pot holders, candles and clothing—each piece perfect for the gift-giving season.

—53 Main Ave., Ocean Grove, 973.699.1760; serenitybytheseaog.com

FORT WITH A FUTURE

Beer, a craft brewery that operates a production facility, a taproom with entertainment and an outdoor patio. But perhaps Fort Monmouth’s most notable future tenant is the streaming service Netflix, which submitted the winning bid last June to the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority to convert 293 acres of the site into a state-of-the-art film production studio. Final development plans had not been approved at press deadline. Stay tuned!

From Left to Right: Michael DiPietro, DMD, Daniel Winston, DDS, John P. Soliman, DMD, MD, Nicole Viola, DMD CONVENIENCE.

Coastal Oral Surgery’s board-certified surgeons have cared for patients in the community for over 40 years. Drs. Michael DiPietro, Daniel Winston, John P. Soliman, and newest addition Nicole Viola, have continued the legacy by creating an advanced center of excellence in all areas of maxillofacial surgery, with a focus on dental implants, dentoalveolar surgery, pathology, trauma, and anesthesia. The doctors believe each patient should feel safe and informed from the minute they arrive. “We answer every question to make absolutely sure people are comfortable and knowledgeable before treatment,” says Dr. Soliman.

The practice is affiliated with Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where the doctors also teach at the residency program. The Doctors’ large, cohesive staff is well-versed and certified in all techniques and sedation procedures. The highly trained surgical staff and friendly front office team support the doctors to ensure patients feel at ease every step of the way. In addition, doctors and staff have active roles in community outreach by supporting local charities and Monmouth and Ocean County schools.

CoastalOral_1-2H_V3_1222.indd 1

2130 Route 35, Suite 112 | Sea Girt, NJ 08750 | 732.974.0680

1608 Route 88W, Suite 101 | Brick, NJ 08724 | 732.840.4600

9 Hospital Drive, Suite 6 | Toms River, NJ 08755 | 732.286.1199 cosnj.com

Chiropractic Care for Infants, Children, and the Whole Family

• Pregnancy specialists with expertise in breech, pre & postnatal, pediatric, and family wellness.

• Health and wellness experts promoting vitality and anti-aging lifestyles.

Robert F. Coombs, D.C. Christy R. Silk, D.C. 2424 Bridge Ave., Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 732.899.9600 www.CoombsChiropractic.com

He Won’t Let Us Forget

Will the heroes of Superstorm Sandy a decade ago—or 9/11 before that— be lost to memory? Not if this documentary filmmaker can help it.

Sandy that a lot of us who live here have heard anecdotally. But the project was really the brainchild of Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon.

I have to give her credit for taking the bold step to preserve county records in this new way. What impressed you most about how New Jersey handled this disaster?

Monmouth County, despite all the dam age, didn’t experience any fatalities, and a lot of that was due to the county Office of Emergency Management as well as the Sheriff’s Office and Shaun Golden. He’s the current Monmouth County sheriff and was sheriff during Sandy. His office and the volunteer emergency responders saved a lot of lives. What acts of kind ness did you see come out of the storm?

are elevated three-story mansions. Generations of families were living in small bungalows. When things were rebuilt, those people could not neces sarily afford to come back.

What would you like viewers to draw from your work?

The thing that most excites me is the idea that this film will be shown to Monmouth County schoolchildren so that future generations will learn the stories of the heroes of Sandy.

Where can people watch The Jersey Storm?

If they search on YouTube for “The Jersey Storm: Sandy in Monmouth County,” it’s on the Mon mouth County clerk’s YouTube channel.

You also did a 9/11 documentary. Why is this footage still relevant?

We talked about the county response. The com muter ferries were turned into rescue vehicles to ferry commuters stranded at Ground Zero back to Monmouth County. The clerk’s office and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office provided footage. My parents were in Manhat tan on 9/11, and upon reviewing all the footage, I was able to find a shot of them returning to Monmouth on the ferry. It definitely hits home when you see your own family coming off the boat from Ground Zero.

Filmmaking is a tough field to break into. How did you get your start?

For the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, our county unveiled The Jersey Storm: Sandy in Monmouth County, a documentary directed by Emmy Award winner and Asbury Park resident Adam Worth, with interviews and never-beforeseen footage. A 43-year-old county native, Worth lived through Sandy and was one of the lucky ones, losing his power for two weeks, but not his home or his life. The 2002 Monmouth University graduate works as a filmmaker and director at Cine Selector, an Asbury Park-based video pro duction company.

Why a documentary about Superstorm Sandy? A lot of local heroes and stories came out of

I spent time traveling around in the back of a UHaul with a group of kids who were distributing meals to people working outside of homes. That’s one of the ways I saw the community coming together to help each other.

What are a few highlights of the film?

The leadup to the storm, the evacuation and shelter efforts, the aftermath and the damages, the volunteer efforts and the organizations that sprang up to assist those in need.

How has Sandy changed the county’s landscape?

Union Beach Mayor Charles Cucuzza talked about how before Sandy, there used to be small bungalow cottages on the Shore, and now there

I started as a filmmaker when I was a pizza de livery guy. I would deliver pizza to the TV control room at Monmouth Park Racetrack. There was a director there named Joe Montana—no relation to the quarterback. I asked him every Friday with a pizza in my hand if he wanted to hire me as a camera guy. On the third summer he gave me my first job. That’s three summers of trying to con vince him I knew what I was doing even though I didn’t. It led to a job at MSNBC in 2006—and pretty much everything.

You’ve won several New York Emmys, including one a few weeks ago. What is the common thread to your work?

I hate the term storyteller; I feel it’s a cliché. The thread is telling the stories of people in New Jer sey, though I’ve done work all over the country.

Haven’t you also worked as a deejay, winning second place in the Video DJ World Championship in 2016?

As I was trying to build a career in documentary, I was moonlighting as a DJ in Asbury Park. I do video DJing. I still do it at a few bars in Asbury Park. My Instagram is @atomworth.

—Donna Rolando

Photo courtesy of Adam Worth

Check It Out

Checkerboard is a timeless pattern that becomes of-the-moment with fun finds like these.

SOFT CHECKERED RUG West Elm, Red Bank, 732.268.8537

COAT CHECKERED BY THE CARTORIALIST LARGE ART PRINT chairish.com

OVERSIZED CHECKERED BANANA BARK ROUND BASKET maisonette.com

CHECKERBOARD COWHIDE PILLOW mgbwhome.com LARGE CHECKERBOARD LACQUER BOX BY JONATHAN ADLER jonathanadler.com

OTTOMAN

Anthropologie, Shrewsbury, 732.842.0762

CHECKERED LAMP SHADE Urban Outfitters, Red Bank, 732.741.3260

CHECKERED PATTERN WINE CHILLER society6.com

CHECKERED ROPE INDOOR/OUTDOOR BENCH Anthropologie, Shrewsbury

COVE WOVEN LEATHER

TUNING IN TO BENEFITS OF MUSIC

A review of several studies found that musically trained kids have better reading, memory and executive functions than the non-musician kids

—Frontiers in Neuroscience

CAFFEINE OK DURING FERTILITY TREATMENT

A recent analysis found no association between women’s caffeine consumption and pregnancy after fertility treatments, so it’s fine to have a cup of joe in the morning.

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

DON’T CROSS YOUR LEGS

Mom may have told you to sit up and uncross your legs, and she had good reason. Research has found that sitting with crossed legs causes the pelvis to rotate and tilt, which can cause numbness and pain over time. To avoid problem hips, keep them aligned and sit with both feet firmly planted on the ground.

POOR SLEEP HURTS

You won’t just feel tired after a bad night’s sleep, you’ll feel pain. Researchers found that participants exposed to pain after eight hours of sleep and again after staying up all night were far less likely to tolerate the pain after not getting enough shut-eye.

—The Journal of Neuroscience

56The percentage of folks who tested positive for COVID-19 during the Omicron surge who didn’t think they had it. Even if you have a case of the sniffles, it’s best to test to avoid infecting others, say experts.

—JAMA Open Network

—Journal of Physical Therapy Science

EAT LEGUMES FOR A LONG LIFE

A recent study suggested that young American adults could lengthen their life expectancy by more than 10 years by eating a diet rich with legumes, nuts and whole grains in lieu of meat.

—PLOS Medicine

CANCER

RISK

TIED TO PROCESSED FOOD

Researchers have found that men who frequently ate a diet of ultra-processed foods, typically associated with ready-to-eat products, were at 29 percent higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than men who consumed much smaller amounts.

—BMJ

CATARACTS AND DEPRESSION

A surprising benefit of surgery to fix cataracts: less depression. An analysis of people with cataracts found that those who had surgery were 25 percent less likely to develop depression than those who hadn’t had surgery.

—Scientific Reports

BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Monmouth Medical Center receives a federal grant to continue battling food insecurity within the service area.

Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) has been awarded a generous grant to support its efforts to combat food insecurity. Monmouth County allocated a total of $20 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to nonprofit organizations that provide services for the following needs: mental health, veterans, food insecurity, animal welfare, the special needs community and art, historical and cultural resources.

MMC’s Community Health, Social Impact and Community Investment Department began distributing food shortly after the onset of the COVID pandemic. RWJBarnabas Health’s Corporate Services partnered with Jersey Cares and the Common Market, a nonprofit regional food aggregator that connects communities with food from sustainable farms, to source produce and shelf-stable goods. Together, the partnership distributed 9,420 pounds of produce, dairy and bread during the pandemic, says Jean McKinney, Regional Director of

the Community Health, Social Impact and Community Investment Department.

With the funding, MMC will work directly with community partners to distribute more than 7,000 boxes of fresh produce, bread, beans and canned tomatoes through the remainder of 2022 to vulnerable members of the community. Addressing food insecurity is one of RWJBarnabas Health’s pillars of social impact and part of MMC’s commitment to improving the health of the entire community by addressing underlying social determinants of health.

Some of the recipients of MMC’s grant include: The Mercy Center, Asbury Park; St. Brigid’s Pantry at St. James Episcopal Church, Long Branch; Ezekiel’s Wheels, West Long Branch; Soldier On, Tinton Falls; Reformation Community Food Pantry at Lutheran Church of the Reformation, West Long Branch; St. Vincent DePaul at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Long Branch and Casa Freehold, Freehold.

“The global pandemic put millions of families out of work, including many families in MMC’s service area,” McKinney says. “According to resident surveys from Asbury Park, Long Branch and Red Bank, which were collected as part of the hospital’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a third of Hispanic families and a third of those in

the lowest income group reported job loss. Lost income creates difficulties in paying for basic needs like food and housing, two critical social determinants of health (SDOH). These challenges ultimately affect an individual’s health and well-being. As we continue to see changes in our economy, collecting and distributing healthy food to vulnerable populations is always a key concern.”

A portion of the funding will be used for educational purposes as well. “The grant provided a small amount of funding to provide MMC’s bilingual nutritionist to rotate through food pantries to provide nutritional information about the foods being distributed, the importance of reducing sugar in the diet and tips for preparing the foods being distributed,” McKinney says.

“Long-standing relationships within the communities we serve allows for building bridges between the residents and resources they need. The most effective way to increase knowledge, build skills and promote selfefficacy for long-term, sustained behavior change is through health education and addressing social determinants of health. By working upstream and preventing a problem before it starts, the incidence of emergent health crises can be reduced.”

To help at any of these food pantries, contact one of the organizers below:

• Ezekiel’s Wheels: Rev. Sue Mamchak, 732.618.2440

• The Mercy Center: Tracy Wilson, 732.687.8875

• Reformation Community Food Pantry: Debbie Keszler, wlbfoodpantry@gmail.com

• St. Brigid’s Pantry & Kitchen: Nancy Frances, 732.222.1411

• St. Vincent DePaul Food Panty: Donna Cetrulo, 732.222.3216, ext. 108

Volunteers, from left, Julie Kehoe and Lynn Kentz at the Mercy Center Food Pantry in Asbury Park

Shown from left at St. Brigid’s Pantry & Kitchen at St. James Episcopal Church in Long Branch are Maria Lodeiro-Skennion, nutritionist, Monmouth Medical Center; Nancy Frances Jr. Warden; Priest-in-Charge and Father Arian Wharff; and Jean McKinney, Regional Director, Community Health, Social Impact & Community Investment, Monmouth Medical Center

MAKING THE GRADE

MMC earns highest score for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group for the 16th straight year.

Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) was awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Score rating by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits, in results announced on Nov. 16. MMC is the only hospital in the region to receive an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group for 16 consecutive rating periods.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients.

“It is our responsibility to deliver the safest, most high-quality care to our patients and their families every day,” says Eric Carney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monmouth Medical Center. “Earning 16 consecutive ‘A’ ratings is a testament to the unwavering commitment our physicians and staff demonstrate daily to consistently deliver the very best care to our patients.”

“The Leapfrog Group tells communities more about things like

how well their hospitals prevent infections and encourages handwashing, how much they value patient safety by supporting strong health care teams and if they have protocols and standards in place for preventing errors,” Carney adds.

Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. For more information on The Leapfrog Group and the fall 2022 scores, visit hospitalsafetyscore.org.

To learn more about Monmouth Medical Center, visit rwjbh.org/Monmouth.

President and CEO Eric Carney and Chief Nursing Officer Darla Harmer, shown center, gather with team members from throughout Monmouth Medical Center, which recently earned its 16th consecutive Leapfrog “A” rating for safe patient care.

SPINE SURGERY IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

laminectomy (removing bone inside the spinal column) and diskectomy (removing herniated disc material) to relieve the pressure on the nerves that was causing the pain and numbness. Following the procedure, Brianna regained sensation and her ability to function, allowing her to finish her studies and continue with professional school.

recovering. “Our team strives to provide excellent and compassionate care to every patient we encounter. My partner, Dr. Menkowitz, and I perform nearly all of our surgeries together providing unparalleled expertise and attention to our surgical patients. We are experts in robotic assisted spine surgery and use minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. Our nurse practitioner, Courtney Ellenberger is also an integral member of our team and ensures excellent perioperative services. We are very proud to service our community in such fashion.”

As

Medical Center, Steve Paragioudakis, MD, has performed spine surgery on members of the same family many times over the years. However, the Weizenecker family was a first: “I’ve done parents and children, but never on multiple members from the same household,” says Dr. P, as he is commonly known.

Michael and Doreen Weizenecker, 59 and 58, respectively, and their daughter Brianna, 21, lived in Jackson, N.J., until recently when they moved to Ocala, Florida. Doreen, a former supermarket manager, was evaluated by Dr. P first. She had previous spinal fusion surgery with another surgeon, but “there was no improvement, in fact it was getting worse,” she says. Dr. P told her she needed to wait a year prior to any further intervention.

In the meantime, Brianna, who had been suffering back pain for a while, was on a school trip to Disney World when, suddenly, “I collapsed. I couldn’t walk. The pain was excruciating,” she says. She flew home and saw Dr. P, who determined she needed emergency surgery. “I was numb from the waist down, and he was concerned I might never regain feeling again,” she said. Dr. P performed a

Michael Weizenecker was a 40-year career plumber. He also had back and leg pain with numbness, and his symptoms prevented him from working and living comfortably. He had already had surgery in 2000 by another surgeon, but some symptoms continued. By 2021, his symptoms increased, and non operative treatment was not working. He was evaluated by Dr. P, who recommended a laminectomy on three vertebrae. That procedure helped him keep working till retirement, “but Dr. P told me it would probably come back, and I will need a spinal fusion,” Michael says. “I will definitely use him for that.”

Finally, it was Doreen’s turn. She needed “a big revision” of her previous fusion, in which he removed and replaced several screws and rods. “She did great like the others,” he says, though recovery will take longer.

Now in Florida full time, the parents are retired, and Brianna is in college studying radiology technology. But they return to New Jersey to see Dr. P for follow ups. “His office really worked with us” on payment options, Michael says. “He has the best bedside manner, he explains everything clearly and makes you feel so comfortable. We trust his decisions.” Brianna adds, “He is very compassionate person.”

“It’s a feel-good story,” Dr. P admits. Especially with everyone feeling well and

About The Spine Center

As a high-volume program dedicated to treatment of the spine, The Spine Center performs more procedures than any other program in the region and ranks second in all of New Jersey for the number of spine surgeries performed. The Spine Center provides patients with highly customized treatment designed to deliver long-term success. Surgeons perform leading-edge and minimally invasive reconstructions procedures designed to eliminate and reduce cervical, thoracic and lumbar pain, while restoring function.

The Spine Center also offers the following: a dedicated operating room for orthopedic surgery; a dedicated orthopedic unit for recovery and rehabilitation; physical and occupational therapy seven days a week, on the unit; a pain management program that ranks in the 99th percentile for patient satisfaction; comprehensive patient education programs and convenient pre-hospital screening; clinical coordinator/patient navigator; discharge planning and coordination; and pain management service.

MMC has successfully achieved Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification for Spine Surgery in recognition of the program’s commitment to excellence. The hospital was also the second health care facility in the state to introduce the cutting-edge Globus Medical Excelsius GPS robot for minimally invasive spine surgery.

‘Dr. P’ helps mom, dad and daughter get back on their feet again—and they continue to travel from their Florida home for follow ups at MMC.

Program Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Monmouth

Michael, Doreen and Brianna Weizenecker each underwent successful spine surgery performed by Steven Paragioudakis, M.D.

MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER DELIVERS EXCELLENCE IN MATERNITY CARE

The hospital receives a host of national recognitions for the quality of its childbirth care.

Members of the Monmouth Medical Center mother/ baby team gather at the TeamBirth NJ launch in September.

Money and The Leapfrog Group announced its list of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in October, with Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) joining sister hospitals Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset among just 259 U.S. hospitals to receive the award.

To compile its list of the best hospitals in the country for maternity care in partnership with the digital platform Money, The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization that helps to help consumers make informed decisions about their health and access to safe, high-value care, used maternity care data submitted via the 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. For over two decades, The Leapfrog Group has collected and published data on patient safety and quality of care from voluntary surveys and other sources. More than 2,200 hospitals completed its flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey in 2022.

Eligible hospitals were required to receive an “A” or “B” letter grade on the Leapfrog pital Safety Grade assessment for spring 2022 and meet specific maternity care standards.

“As the health system that delivers the most babies in the state, we are deeply committed to ensuring we provide our communities with quality, equitable maternity care and these recognitions underscore that mission,” says Suzanne Spernal DNP, APN-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, Vice President of Women’s Services, RWJBarnabas Health. “These distinctions are a testament to our facilities’ commitment to excellence in maternity care and are reflective of our dedicated and compassionate staff who ensure the highest level of care and safety for the patients we serve.”

Further illustrating MMC’s ongoing commitment to women’s health and maternity care, the recognition comes on the heels of the hospital’s recent distinctions in Healthgrades’ OB/GYN Excellence Awards. RWJBarnabas Health received 26 awards, the highest number of any system in the state, for excel-

lence in comprehensive women’s care, with MMC receiving the 2022 Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award and Labor and Delivery Excellence Award. For seven consecutive years, hospital has received two HealthGrade distinctions, ranking among the top 5 percent of hospitals evaluated for both obstetrics and gynecology, and for labor and delivery. MMC also was a Five-Star Recipient for Vaginal Delivery, a distinction that on average results in a 45.1 percent lower risk of experiencing a complication in the hospital than if the patient were treated at One-Star hospital.

This fall, the excellence of MMC’s maternity care was once again in the spotlight when the hospital was chosen as one of three New Jersey hospitals (along with sister hospital Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center) to launch the TeamBirth NJ initiative. This evidence based, national model for better provider and patient communication is designed to enhance birthing experiences

and improve outcomes for people giving birth and their babies. Most recently, MMC was chosen by the readers of the Asbury Park Press in their annual “Best of the Best” survey as the best hospital in Monmouth County for maternity/ childbirth care.

More than 6,000 babies are born at Monmouth Medical Center annually, more than any other regional facility. Monmouth Medical Center has been a Level III Regional Perinatal Center since the designation was initiated more than 40 years ago, and has built one of the safest obstetrical and gynecologic services in the nation.

“The recognitions of the excellence of our maternity care are representative of our deep commitment to providing superior care to women of all ages through a comprehensive range of women’s health services,” says President and CEO Eric Carney. “These distinctions would not be possible without the clinical excellence and compassion of our dedicated staff and clinicians that continually prioritize patient outcomes, safety and care for every patient we serve.”

For the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list, visit money.com/besthospitals/maternity/. To

Meredith (seated) and Nick (center) Picurro are pictured in an MMC postpartum suite with their newborn son Steven, who wears a commemorative TeamBirth onesie, with her care team (from left) Terry Tompkins, RN, and obstetrician-gynecologist Karen Smith, DO. Not pictured is Steven’s twin brother, Nicholas, who was being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit at the time the photo was taken.

A

GUIDE

YOUR BODY

Your body is an intricate assemblage of parts designed to work seamlessly together. And while it’s critically important to take care of the whole, it’s equally essential to make sure all those parts are in peak shape. We’ve combed through the research—and asked the experts— for info to help you maintain your body, part by part, so you can function like a well-oiled machine, throughout the coming new year and many years to follow.

SKIN: Cuts and scrapes are inevitable, but often scarring isn’t. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends keeping wounds from drying out. Cleaning injured skin, applying old-fashioned petroleum jelly and covering the area with a bandage is the best medicine to reduce scarring. Wounds should be cleaned with soap and water, and bandages should be changed daily.

HEAD: To avoid tension headaches, you don’t have to retire to an ashram. But do make sure that you’re getting sufficient vitamin D. Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland discovered that chronic headache sufferers had levels of vitamin D below the threshold for deficiency. Your primary care doctor can measure your D levels through a simple blood test. If yours is low, he or she may suggest you take a supplement.

BRAIN: If you’re looking for a way to amp up your ability to commit facts to memory, look no further than your kitchen coffeemaker (or your neighborhood barista). Neuroscientists have long known that caffeine, in moderate amounts, can improve brain function overall, but a new study out of Johns Hopkins University found that participants who were given 200-milligram tablets of caffeine (roughly equivalent to two cups of brewed coffee) after looking at a series of images were significantly better at remembering those images than their noncaffeinated counterparts. Just make sure that your daily intake doesn’t exceed 400 milligrams, the amount deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration.

*TEETH:

Teeth need healthy gums to stay healthy themselves, and an analysis of eight recent studies published in the journal Clinical Oral Investigations showed that omega-3 fatty acids can help keep gums in the pink. You’ll find omega-3s in supplement form, as well as in fish such as mackerel, wildcaught salmon, herring, bluefin and albacore tuna, lake trout, whitefish, bluefish, halibut and sea bass.

HAIR: These days, everyone is talking about the gut microbiome—the microscopic flora and fauna that live in the intestines and, in balance, promote good health and overall immunity. Turns out our scalp is home to a microbiome of its own, and, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of supply the vitamins essary to keep that which, in turn, can help itch, dry scalp and dandruff healthier hair in the

EYES: To protect macular degeneration, leading cause of agerelated blindness, go for the goji. Researchers at the University California–Davis found that eating a handful goji berries five times a week increased the eye pigments that ward off the disorder. The wasn’t true for goji supplements, an ounce or so of gojis yogurt parfait to perfect those pigments.

EARS: If you’re like most Americans, you’ve never had a baseline hearing test. But the folks at the American Academy of Audiology say it’s the best way to monitor the health of your hearing, now and over time. You needn’t see an audiologist unless you suspect you’ve suffered significant hearing loss; just ask your family doctor to perform the test at your next checkup.

SHOULDERS: To avoid those all-too-common shoulder injuries, Allen Nicholson, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon at Monmouth Medical Center and Professional Orthopaedic Associates in Tinton Falls, says it’s important for all parts of the shoulder—bones, muscles and tendons—to be strong and healthy. “Working out is very beneficial to the strength of [bone, muscles and tendons], yet sometimes working out can directly injure these structures,” he says. “The safest way to work out is to gradually ramp up the intensity with more repetitions at submaximal weight to gradually increase tendon and bone strength. This decreases the chance of traumatic injury.” Take it slow, and remember to listen to your body, Dr. Nicholson says.

NECK: Sitting is a pain in the neck—literally. Benjamin Giliberti, M.D., an orthopaedic spine surgeon at Monmouth Medical Center advises those of us with sedentary jobs to take frequent breaks to stand up and walk around. And, he notes, when we are seated, especially when facing a computer monitor, to make sure “screens are at eye level, and use supportive arm rests to avoid straining the neck and subsequent discomfort.” Sleeping can be just as hard on your neck as

sitting, and folks should always try to maintain a neutral neck position. “Side sleepers should use enough pillows to align the neck and head with the body,” Dr. Giliberti says, “and people who sleep on their back can use a soft supportive pillow under the natural curvature of their neck.”

think of strength don’t envision your study published in Strength and Conditionshowed that building up muscles of the wrist protected against the development of common disorders such wrist tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Yes, you pump iron—two small dumbbells—to develop your wrist muscles. Ask your docfor recommended light weights and extension, flexion, supina-

HEART: Want to boost heart health? Get to bed on time. For years, the American Heart Association maintained a list of seven lifestyle factors associated with heart health: nicotine exposure, diet, physical cholesterol and added an eighth healthy heart, between seven more for kids, on age).

GUT: Boosting good bugs in gut and banishing the bad ones more than promote gastrointestinal health; it also up immunity; protects against inflammation, cancer and diabetes; helps with weight loss; delays the onset of Crohn’s disease; and extends life. recent studies journal Gut found of the best ways the health of your microbiome is Mediterranean fresh fruits and legumes, whole

*SPINE: A surprising study out of Berlin’s Humboldt University found that elite athletes suffer from lower back pain as often as the rest of us, most likely because they, too, have weak lower back muscles. To strengthen these muscles and gain greater control of the spine, the study’s lead author, Maria Moreno Catala, recommends incorporating Pilates into your fitness routine. In another study, Catala found that adding some instability to your workout, like trying to balance on a workout ball, actually relieved lower back pain. (As with any exercise regimen, consult your doctor before trying this.)

LEG MUSCLES: If you experience spasms or cramps after a workout, you may be dehydrated, pushing yourself too hard or doing something incorrectly, warns Mitchell Kim, M.D., a family medicine physician and sports medicine specialist at Monmouth Medical Center. “Muscle cramps and spasms most commonly occur in the legs because of a combination of dehydration, overuse, electrolyte imbalance and tight muscle groups,” Dr. Kim says. “Consider dynamic stretching for five to 10 minutes before workout and static stretching and period for five to 10 minutes after out. Static stretching on non-workout and before bed should also be practiced.” He recommends people slowly drink 20 ounces of water about one to two before exercise and another 8 to 12 between 15 and 30 minutes before out. After your workout, he advises sports drink workout.” Foam also be 2019, the hepatitis U.S. more doubled, from to Because a viral inflammathe liver, liver disease even liver because stages it’s tomatic, for Disease and Prevention cently recommended every be tested once for and that tested during pregnancy.

KIDNEYS: avoid stones? Stay ed. Propa M.D., a and member the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group affiliated with Monmouth Medical Center, notes that dehydration is the single greatest contributing factor to the development of the

painful condition. “Remember to drink plenty of fluids to prevent stones from forming,” she says. Dr. Ghosh recommends 8 glasses (64 fl. oz.) a day; more (10-12 glasses) if you had a history of stones. “Keep your urinary a system a ‘stream,’ and not a ‘stagnant pond’,” she adds.

COLON: Want to do your colon a favor? Forget cleanses (research shows that they do little good and could even be harmful)

reported, received a record number of complaints of buttock pain. It turns out that the pain in the butt, for most, was brought on by long hours spent sitting on soft surfaces (think “pandemic couch potato”). If it feels like your derriere is in need of repair, consider switching to a more supportive seat.

*KNEES: Walking has often been touted as the perfect exercise, and if your knees could talk, they’d almost certainly agree. A British study published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research indicated that walking 6,000 steps a day could stave off the development of osteoarthritis in the knee—a cause of knee pain and disability in 27 million Americans and 250 million people worldwide. In addition, recent research out of Northwestern University’s Northwestern Medicine suggested that just one hour a week of rapid walking—the kind you do when you’re late for an important appointment—can decrease the chance of disability in people already suffering from knee osteoarthritis. If you don’t have a solid hour free for brisk walking, don’t worry—researchers say you can break those 60 minutes into six 10-minute intervals per week.

NO-FUSS

FESTIVITIES

The meal is the center of holiday get-togethers, but you need not stress over what to serve. Simple yet thoughtful—and delicious—dishes will always win over any crowd. Here are five easy-to-make recipes to mark the occasion.

FIVE-ONION SOUP

Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 4 Tbs. butter

• 4 shallots, roughly chopped

• white part of 1 leek, roughly chopped

• 1 red onion, roughly chopped

• 2 onions, roughly chopped

• white parts of 1 bunch green onions, roughly chopped

• 2 quarts chicken stock

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ½ tsp. salt

• ¼ tsp. ground black pepper

• 16 thin slices French baguette, buttered and toasted

• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese, firmly packed

DIRECTIONS

In a large, heavy stockpot over mediumhigh heat, melt the butter. When the foaming has subsided, add the shallots, leek and onions. Turn the heat to mediumlow and stir the mixture frequently, until the onions are soft and have turned deep golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Add the chicken stock and simmer the mixture, uncovered, until the onions are very soft, another 20 minutes.

Transfer the soup to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and puree it until it’s smooth. This may need to be done in batches. Return the soup to the stockpot, add the cream, salt and pepper, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for another 20 minutes until the soup has thickened.

When it’s time to serve, preheat the broiler. Divide the soup into eight individual oven-proof ramekins. Add 2 toasted baguette slices to each ramekin, overlapping them slightly if necessary, and top them with 2 tablespoons of Gruyère cheese. Broil the soup on the top rack until the cheese is brown and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes, before serving.

BUTTER LETTUCE SALAD WITH CAVIAR AND SMOKED SALMON

Makes 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

For the salad:

• 1 head butter lettuce

• Secret “Gravlax” Sauce, see below

• 4 oz. caviar

• 4 oz. smoked salmon, sliced

• 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped

• 1 shallot, minced

• chopped chives, to garnish

For the Gravlax Sauce :

Makes about 2 cups

• 1½ cups mayonnaise

• 1 cup sour cream

• 3 Tbs. Dijon mustard

• 1½ tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

• ½ tsp. ground white pepper

• ¾ tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS

To make the Gravlax Sauce, mix all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl and set aside.

To make the salad: Tear off the lettuce leaves from their core and arrange them on the plate. Add a dollop of the sauce in the center and top the sauce with the caviar. Surround the caviar mound with rolled-up slices of smoked salmon, the egg and shallot. Garnish the salad with chives.

EASIEST-EVER ROASTED BALSAMIC CHICKEN WITH SHALLOTS

Makes 10 to 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 5 lbs. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 8 shallots, quartered

• 1½ cups balsamic vinegar

• 2½ tsp. salt

• 1¼ tsp. ground black pepper

• Tomatoes Provençale, for serving

For the Tomatoes Provençale: Makes 8 tomato halves

• 4 ripe tomatoes

• 1 ¼ tsp. salt, divided

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 Tbs. minced shallots

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ½ tsp. ground black pepper

• 2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

To make Tomatoes Provençale: Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally and remove the seeds. Season the halves with ¼ teaspoon of the salt and turn them upside down on a rack to let them drain for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the remaining teaspoon of the salt, the breadcrumbs, shallots, garlic, parsley, olive oil and pepper, and stir them together to combine. Stuff equal amounts of the mixture into the drained tomatoes and place the tomatoes on a heavy quarter-sheet pan.

Top the tomatoes with the Parmesan cheese, and put them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until they are fully heatedthrough and their tops are golden brown.

To make the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Add all of the ingredients, except the Tomatoes Provençale, to a large mixing bowl, and toss them thoroughly so that the chicken is fully coated with the shallots, vinegar and seasonings.

Place the chicken in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the remaining shallots, liquid and seasonings from the sides of the bowl into the baking dish, and put it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the skin is browned and the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Remove the chicken, shallots and the sauce to a warm serving platter, and let chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before serving it.

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

Makes 50 (1½-inch square) biscuits

INGREDIENTS

• 2 sticks (16 Tbs.) plus 4 Tbs. butter, divided, plus more for the pan

• 3 cups White Lily self-rising flour

• 2½ teaspoons salt

• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. sugar

• ½ cup plus 2 Tbs. whole buttermilk

• ½ cup plus 2 Tbs. milk

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons of the butter into small cubes and place them in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and sugar, and whisk them together. Add the cold butter and incorporate it into the flour by breaking up the cubes with your hands. Continue working the butter and flour together until coarse crumbs form. Pour in the buttermilk and milk, and gently stir the mixture with a rubber spatula until a very sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, place it on a floured board and knead it only a couple of times—do not knead it more than this or the biscuits will be tough and not delicate. Press the dough to a ¼-inch thickness using your hands and cut it into 1 ½-inch biscuits.

Line the biscuits on the prepared pan so that they are touching—this will help them rise when they are baked. Brush them with half of the melted butter before putting them in the oven for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, turn the pan and cook the biscuits for another 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown.

Remove the biscuits from the oven, and brush them with the remaining melted butter before setting the pan on a counter or a rack to let them cool.

OOEY-GOOEY OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES

Makes 24 cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 2 sticks (16 Tbs.) butter

• 1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

• 1 Tbs. molasses

• 1½ cups flour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp. salt

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS

Add the butter and both sugars to the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, turn the mixer to medium and beat them together until they are smooth, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and continue to beat until they are just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Turn the mixer to low, and stir in the vanilla and molasses. Set the mixture aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add them to the butter-sugar mixture and turn the mixer to low until everything is just combined. Stir in the oats and raisins, still with the mixer on low speed. The dough will be very thick and sticky.

Cover the bowl and set it in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or up to two days, before baking.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Using a 1-inch cookie scoop (or any size you like, but adjust the baking time accordingly), scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, and set them in the oven 10 to 12 minutes until they are lightly browned.

Note: Under-baking is the key to the success of these cookies.

Recipes courtesy of Occasions to Celebrate by Alex Hitz, Rizzoli New York, 2022. Photographs © Iain Bagwell.

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BEEF UP

Vegetarians might want to turn the page, but carnivores will adore these meat entrées, each a delectable choice for your holiday table.

BEEF WELLINGTON

Yields 8-10 servings

INGREDIENTS:

n ▢3 lbs. center-cut beef tenderloin n ▢¼ cup. pancetta or bacon, finely chopped n ▢2 Tbs. unsalted butter n ▢4 cups mushrooms, preferably a mix of all different kinds like cremini, white, shiitake etc. n ▢1 shallot, diced n ▢3 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves n ▢1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling n ▢2 garlic cloves, minced n ▢1 Tbs. dry sherry or dry vermouth n ▢Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste n ▢2 Tbs. Dijon mustard n ▢10-12 thin slices prosciutto n ▢1 large egg n ▢16 oz. puff pastry, thawed

DIRECTIONS:

Using kitchen twine, tie the tenderloin into a 12-inch log, folding the thinner end onto itself. (Use your hands to squeeze the meat into a log. You can be aggressive here.)

Place pancetta in a cold 12-inch skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pancetta starts to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add butter, raise heat to high and stir in mushrooms and shallot. Cook until the liquid released by the mushrooms has cooked off, 4 to 7 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until mushrooms are browned, stirring frequently, another 18 to 23 minutes. (Take your time here, you want a deep golden color for the best flavor.) Scrape bottom of the skillet as necessary to prevent burning. If the pan looks dry, drizzle in a little olive oil, then stir in garlic and thyme leaves. Cook until fragrant, another 1 to 2 minutes.

Stir in sherry, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Scrape mixture into a medium bowl to cool. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Season beef generously with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cool slightly. Remove any twine. Brush meat all over with mustard.

On a clean work surface, overlap long sheets of plastic wrap (about 15-by-15 inches). Place prosciutto slices on top to make about a 14-by-

7-inch rectangle, arranging them in an even layer and overlapping the pieces slightly. Spread cooled mushroom mixture on top. Place beef along one long end of the prosciutto slices and roll prosciutto tightly around beef. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, twisting both ends like a candy wrapper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1 teaspoon water. Lay puff pastry out on the prepared baking sheet, lightly draping over edges. (The pastry needs to be at least 14-inches long and 13-inches wide to cover the beef; if not, roll it out as needed.)

Carefully unwrap and place chilled log along the edge of one long side of puff pastry. Roll beef up tightly, then place it seam-side down on the baking sheet. Tuck puff pastry over the ends of the beef to cover them, pinching to seal and folding underneath. Brush top and sides of pastry with egg wash, and use a small sharp knife to cut a few slits into the top of the pastry. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 115°F for rare, 25 to 35 minutes. (This timing will yield rare pieces at the thicker end and medium done pieces at the thinner end of the loin.)

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve while warm.

We love the variety of mushrooms recommended in this recipe. The nourishing benefits of mushrooms are numerous—each kind provides their own unique health benefits including antiviral and immuneenhancing properties, and they may support healthy blood sugar levels too.”

—Debbie Peterson and Wendy Bright-Fallon, health and wellness coaches, Nourish Coaches, Red Bank

BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS

Yields 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

n ▢1 lbs. beef short ribs n ▢2 Tbs. canola oil n ▢3 medium onions, chopped n ▢3 medium carrots, chopped n ▢2 celery stalks, chopped n ▢¼ cup all-purpose flour n ▢1 Tbs. tomato paste n ▢1 bottle dry red wine n ▢32 oz. beef stock (preferably low-sodium)

n ▢1 head of garlic, top sliced off to expose the cloves n ▢1 large handful of herbs (a few sprigs each of parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary) n ▢1 bay leaf n ▢coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season the ribs with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Brown the short ribs, taking care not to overcrowd your pan (overcrowding will make your ribs steam rather than sear; do in as many batches as necessary to ensure that each rib has a small amount of space around it). Remove the ribs and set them aside.

Add the onions, carrots and celery to pot and cook them for a few minutes, stirring them occasionally, until the onions are soft. Scrape the bottom to release any browned bits from searing the meat.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and add the tomato paste. Stir it well and cook a few minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Return the short ribs and any accumulated juices to the pot. Pour in the wine and beef stock (you can add a small amount first then scrape up any remaining bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, then add the rest). Add all the herbs to pot along with the garlic. Bring it to a boil, cover and transfer it to the oven.

Cook until the short ribs are tender, about 3 hours (they’re ready when they fall apart when you test them). Transfer the short ribs to a platter or a large serving bowl, and tent them with foil.

Strain the sauce into a gravy strainer and remove the fat from surface. Place the gravy into a saucepan, bring it to a boil and keep it at a strong simmer until it’s reduced by 1/3 Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve the ribs over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta and top with gravy.

GARLIC BUTTER PRIME RIB

Yields 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

n ▢4 lbs. prime rib roast n ▢¼ cup unsalted butter, softened n ▢5 garlic cloves, minced n ▢1 Tbs. kosher salt

n ▢2 Tbs. olive oil n ▢2 tsp. dried rosemary n ▢1 tsp. black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Place rib roast in a roasting pan and bring to room temperature, about 4 hours. Preheat the oven to 500°F.

Place butter, garlic, salt, olive oil, thyme, rosemary and pepper in a small bowl, then mix until combined.

Spread butter mixture evenly over the outside of the roast.

Roast the beef for 25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 225°F. Cover the roast with foil and cook for another 1 to 1½ hours, checking for internal temperature at the 45-minute mark.

Remove roast from the oven. Allow the roast to rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

It’s the perfect season to use fresh rosemary whenever possible—it not only gives a wonderful, piney flavor to your dish, but it cuts some of the heavy flavor of the beef. Use 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped rosemary as a substitute for the dry in this recipe. Rosemary contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that support overall health.”

—Debbie Peterson and Wendy Bright-Fallon, health and wellness coaches, Nourish Coaches, Red Bank

The Sexy Seafood

Oysters offer tempting taste, great nutrition and—if you believe it—a legendary assist in the bedroom.

The oyster is a salt-water bivalve mollusc—a cluster of species, really—with an odd-looking, wiggly-shaped shell containing a gooey, briny mass whose flavor varies by type (tart or sweet, but always with a tang of the sea). People have been consuming oysters since the Stone Age, as we know from piles of discarded shell remnants that date back 10,000 years.

Oysters were long a delicacy for the rich. But in the 19th century they’d become so plentiful and cheap—in 1889 you could buy an oyster for a penny—that America saw a golden age of oysters. Ubiquitous in taverns, saloons and restaurants, this seafood provided what one writer called “a peculiar charm and an inexpli cable pleasure,” and the average New Yorker consumed 600 oysters a year. Early in the Civil War, when Secretary of War Edwin Stanton wanted to rebuke the Union Army in the East for lollygagging in luxury while its comrades out West were fighting, he wrote: “The Cham pagne and oysters on the Potomac must be stopped.” Ultimately, however, overharvesting, pollution and the introduction of foreign spe cies afflicted with disease brought the oyster boom to a close. The average American’s an nual consumption today? Three.

POWER UP

An 18th-century Italian named Casanova re portedly ate large amounts of raw oysters each morning, and we know what he’s famous for. But are oysters really an erotic stimulant? Evi dence is suggestive but not definitive. While a 2005 study by U.S. and Italian scientists found an aphrodisiac effect in rat studies using two amino acids usually found only in mollusks such as oysters—D-aspartic acid and N-methylD-aspartate—no clear causal relationship in humans has been proven between oyster con sumption and interest in, or prowess in, bedroom activities.

Still, a three-ounce serving of raw oysters contains more than 300 percent of the recom mended daily value of zinc, which is vital for male sexual function. Zinc also helps maintain levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that may aid the libido’s operation in both sexes. Oysters are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (healthy even for lonely hearts), which in one study increased semen volume in young men. And the nonsexual benefits of protein-rich oysters are legion: They abound in vitamins B12 and D, copper, manganese, selenium and iron. And according to the Cleve land Clinic, a serving of six medium-sized oysters contains just 50 calories.

BUY/STORE/SERVE:

Fresh oysters in a store or seafood market should be kept on crushed ice. When you buy them, their shells should be shut tightly; avoid those with open shells (unless they quickly close up when tapped) and those with a fishy odor. If you purchase frozen oysters, freeze them in their containers or in zip-lock bags and use them within three months. Smoked oysters come in a flat, rectangular tin that can be opened with a key or a pull tab like a tin of sardines.

You’ll need to open, or shuck, your fresh oyster. Do that ideally with a thick-bladed oys ter knife, taking care to sever the tough little connector tissue—the adductor muscle, which the creature flexes to close its shell. If you can’t open your oyster in three seconds or less, aban don plans to quit your job and take up full-time shucking. (Aw, shucks!) But if you can, plan a trip to the annual World Oyster Opening Cham pionship in Galway, Ireland, next September 23.

Raw oysters on the half shell are a treat, sprinkled with lemon, cocktail sauce or a mi gnonette sauce made with vinegar, shallots and white pepper. Smoked oysters spiked on tooth picks can be a wonderful, tangy hors d’oeuvre if you have a taste for them. Oyster stew is a buttery, milky marvel in which oysters are the prizes but the liquid is scrumptious too. For Oysters Rockefeller, oysters are topped with butter, herbs and breadcrumbs and then baked or broiled. Oysters can also be boiled, steamed, fried, roasted or pickled. Cooks prepare oyster stuffing for holiday turkeys, oyster casseroles, oyster omelettes and oyster pasta; oys ters have even been known to stuff a taco or two. A quick Google will reward your culinary curiosity with recipes galore.

DID YOU KNOW? Underwater noise pollution from shipping or oil exploration can prompt oysters to close their shells—and maybe miss out on biological clues such as when to eat or spawn, according to researchers.

—Timothy Kelley

WOMEN TO WATCH

Monmouth County is home to some of the most innovative and successful businesses in the country.

Many are owned and led by women.

On the following pages, learn more about them and how they plan to be difference-makers in the year ahead.

Ashley Azizian, DDS Anthony Sallustio, DDS

1300 Allenhurst Ave., Ocean, NJ 07712 | 732.531.4046 | www.drasallustio.com

After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University, Dr. Ashley Azizian completed an advanced program in prosthodontics at Manhattan VA. Through specialized training working with veterans suffering from PTSD, Dr. Azizian is highly skilled in treating patients with anxiety.

Working alongside Dr. Anthony Sallustio, focusing on prosthetic and cosmetic dental procedures, brings great pride to Dr. Azizian. The complex cases referred to the practice allow her the opportunity to use her training, advances in technology, and keen eye for detail to achieve aesthetic excellence. Similar to Dr. Sallustio, she specializes in dental implants, crown and bridge and ceramic veneers and provides same day All-on-4 treatment. Dr. Azizian’s greatest satisfaction is in restoring form and function while maintaining esthetics, thus developing self-confidence in her patients. Dr. Azizian is passionate about her work and enjoys serving her community.

Sylvia L. Breitowich, Esq. Breitowich Law Firm LLC

1704

“Things happen for a reason,” and in Sylvia L. Breitowich’s case, the old adage certainly rang true. Originally focused on a criminal defense practice, Sylvia was introduced to the complex world of matrimonial and family law through an internship that would ultimately guide her future.

Now on her own, Sylvia practices with tenacity offering anyone coming through the doors the devoted service and legal experience they deserve when dealing with difficult family decisions. Sylvia’s goal-oriented approach begins with client strategy sessions where case plans are developed as a blueprint to manage and exceed expectations. As a Collaboratively Trained Lawyer, Sylvia guides clients toward family mediation to eliminate unnecessary chaos and to secure a swift, amicable, but equitable resolution without litigation. Particularly now with the backlog of cases in our court system, Sylvia strongly advocates for alternative dispute resolutions and formulates creative ways to protect her clients from the emotional and financial strain of delayed outcomes. Sylvia’s greatest reward is in helping her clients find their better future.

Lisa Porada

Creative designs, family recipes and the top-tier service you’d expect from a family-owned business entering its 20th year have earned Lisa Porada’s dessert shop its popularity and far-reaching following. Lisa founded Chocolate Carousel after leaving her career in business and completing culinary training. She now serves as the executive pastry chef and lead cake designer—making good on a dream she first had work ing at a sweet shop in high school.

More than just a bakery, Chocolate Carousel’s new Favor Studio sets the shop apart and makes visiting the bakery an absolute treat to the senses. Dedicated artists and pastry chefs can be seen crafting chocolate novelties, cake pops, and hand-decorated sugar cookies, tailored to complement their custom cakes for all occasions. Their extensive menu of desserts, favors, cakes and wedding cake designs, coupled with their creativity and customer service earned Chocolate Carousel its renowned reputation.

Michele Crupi, Esq. LaRocca Hornik Rosen Greenberg & Crupi LLC

In an area of practice that benefits from a financial background coupled with an innate understanding of the emotional rigors, Michele found her calling as a matrimonial attorney where she assists people through their most critical times.

There is no doubt that recent technology has made a significant impact on the practice of law. With the emergence of digital assets, practitioners have to delve a bit deeper. Using her sharp problem-solving skills, Michele is experienced in structuring and securing fair, but creative settlements. And with the mounting backlog of cases confronting the courts, Michele, a trained litigator, is particularly encouraged by the trend of alternate dispute resolution as creative approaches to help couples stay out of court and work through the details of the divorce in the best interest of family. In making their own decisions and concessions guided by a strong, skillful advocate, clients are better prepared to look beyond the present to the promise of a bright future. Michele prides herself in assisting her clients navigate that path.

Jayne Camlin, Broker/Sales Associate Compass RE

623 River Rd., Fair Haven, NJ 07704 C: 732.673.9100 | O: 732.936.5248 jayne.camlin@compass.com www.compass.com/agents/jayne-camlin

Jayne Camlin is proud to be part of an industry that has served her well over the years by creating a space where women feel heard and empowered.

Jayne’s greatest fulfillment goes well beyond making a sale. Her true passion lies in collaborating with buyers to design a space that is beautiful, functional and reflects their unique style. For sellers, Jayne’s flair for aesthetics helps to showcase a home in the best possible light. Combining her exceptional eye with her trusted list of real estate resources, Jayne helps to create the vision that makes a house a home.

In the spirit of sisterhood and solidarity, Jayne reminds her female clients and colleagues to take time each day to care for their body, mind and soul and happiness and success will most certainly follow.

Faye Alba, Lisa Vitale, and Susan Vitale BarterPays!®

2587 Route 9 North, Howell, NJ 07731 732.364.4614 | www.barterpays.com Faye Alba and her daughters, Lisa Vitale and Susan Vitale, are owners at the original BarterPays!®.

“The barter gals” are the Jersey Shore’s business matchmakers and send new customers to participating businesses. Top companies trust and trade in BarterPays!, New Jersey’s largest local barter network for 30 years.

In good times and lean ones, BarterPays! welcomes new businesses to join the barter family; it’s free to sign up. Build and improve your business with a membership in the original BarterPays!.

Bernadette Barnett 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

In an industry where careers are built on word-of-mouth and results, Bernadette Barnett has flourished for over twenty years. “The bottom line,” she says, “is that I’m a hard worker dedicated to doing the best job for my clients.” In 2022, she ranked in the top 1% for sales volume in New Jersey and earned a spot on Real Trends’ America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list.

Bernadette insists that the secret to her success as a four-time top producer at Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty and an eleven-time Platinum NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award winner are the relationships she develops as a hardworking advocate for her clients’ best interests.

Christine Ruggiero, Owner Liquivida Wellness Center

1500 Route 35, Suite 103, Middletown, NJ 07748 732.993.6559 55 Willow Lane, Suite 3, Marlboro, NJ 07726 732.612.9833 www.liquivida.com

Too often we neglect our health until we feel rundown, overweight and ill. Liquivida Wellness, a full-service medical spa, takes a proactive approach toward good health and wellness through vitamin IV therapy, medical aesthetics and innovative weight loss solutions that replenish, rehydrate and revitalize our bodies.

After a 33-year career in nursing caring for the sick, Christine Ruggiero wanted to switch gears and use her skills to help others maintain a healthy, productive and active lifestyle. Believing wholeheartedly in the philosophy behind functional medicine, Christine opened her first Center in Middletown and a brand new location in Marlboro. Her team of RNs, wellness coordinators and medical grade aestheticians help clients form the building blocks to a happy, healthy and long life.

Galina Ubogiy Galina Design Group

3430 Sunset Avenue, Suite 2 Ocean NJ 07712 732.918.0813 | galinadesigngroup.com galina@galinadesigngroup.com

Learning, healing, working, playing—everything we do starts with a space. From office, educational and religious facilities to high-end residences, Galina Ubogiy’s boutique design firm has been creating breathtaking spaces and telling stories through interior design for over 20 years.

Whether it calls for space planning, design, construction documentation, archi tecture, or all of the above, Galina’s individualized approach and background in civil engineering have made her a highly sought-after partner for any interior project.

Michelle Dlugosz, DMD Oakhurst Dental Associates

226 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755 | 732.776.9559

With almost 30 years in the dental field, Dr. Dlugosz delivers gentle care for the entire family. In 2005, Dr. Dlugosz opened her own practice so that she could personally see every patient and treat them as an extension of her fam ily. She communicates the importance of oral health and how it connects to the rest of the body in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Dlugosz recently completed training to be on the NJ State Dental Forensic ID Team and participates in Give Kids A Smile offering free check-ups to underserved elementary school children. Living by her mantra “Be the reason someone smiles today,” her proudest accomplishment is in helping boost patient’s self-esteem through a healthy and bright smile.

Suzanne Veninata

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Murphy & Co.

113 East River Rd., Suite 1A, Rumson, NJ 07760

O: 732.820.7500 C: 646.279.2373 www.suzanneveninata.com

It’s not by coincidence that friends, colleagues and clients flock to Suzanne Veninata for recommendations about the area’s best restaurants, salons and shopping destinations. Suzanne is simply a mover and shaker and eastern Monmouth County’s “go to” when in need of advice. A mom of two, a successful real estate sales associate and nature enthusiast, Suzanne simply never sits still. After 19 years living in New York City with a successful career in real estate capital markets, Suzanne found her home in Rumson.

Suzanne’s energy, charisma and innate connection to her customer’s needs has propelled her at an unprecedented pace to a top level performer in what can be a challenging business. And she’s just getting started….

WHEN A COLD OR THE FLU VISITS YOU…

…VISIT

US NEXT.

...VISIT US NEXT.

When allergy or cold symptoms visit you, visit us next. Whether you are experiencing seasonal allergies or are simply feeling under the weather - walk into AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for fast and effective treatment. In the event of unpredictable ailments or injuries, AFC Bound Brook is a convenient option to receive quality, on-demand care from a professional, certified provider — no appointment needed. Our urgent care center is open early or late, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Whether you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, seasonal allergies or are simply feeling under the weather - walk into AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for fast and effective treatment. In the event of unpredictable ailments or injuries, AFC Bound Brook is a convenient option to receive quality, on-demand care from a professional, certified provider — no appointment needed. Our urgent care center is open early or late, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Whether you are experiencing cold symptoms, seasonal allergies or are simply feeling under the weather—walk into AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for fast and effective treatment. In the event of unpredictable ailments or injuries, AFC West Long Branch is a convenient option to receive quality, on-demand care from a professional, certified provider—no appointment needed. Our urgent care center is open early or late, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Be There

In-person events are back in full swing! Here are 10 that are filled with fun, laughter and entertainment— and will help you safely return to normal.

THROUGH DEC. 30

Bring your family and friends to PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel to experience the Magic of Lights, the annual drive-through holiday lights display and show. The exhibit is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 5 to 11 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays.

Online tickets start at $20 per standard vehicle. Purchase your tickets at magicoflights.com.

DEC. 18

Learn about the true meaning Christmas during Spring Lake Theatre’s 40th production of Scrooge, 2 p.m. The show stars generations performers who return each year to contribute to the program. Tickets start $30—reserve yours now as the show out fast. Visit springlaketheatre.com more.

DEC. 28

The kids won’t be the ones humming tunes after you bring the family to Shark Live! The Christmas Show at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. The 6 p.m. show will have the audience singing and dancing in the aisles as they join Shark and friends on their adventure. Tickets range from $29 to $59. Purchase yours now at thebasie.org.

DEC. 31

Before you count down at midnight, let your kids celebrate the new year during the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop party at the Learning Collaborative in Allentown. The daytime party starts at 10:30 a.m. and includes singing, dancing, games, snacks and a ball drop at noon. Admission is $20. Reserve your child’s spot and get more details at allentowntlc.com.

14

to take the plunge? Brave participants annual LADACIN Plunge will dive into the Manasquan main beach to raise money awareness for J. Michael Hartnett Memorial. opens at 11 a.m., and the plunge is set p.m. Find out full registration details at ladacin.org.

JAN. 21

Support the Monmouth men’s basketball team as they square off against Hampton at the OceanFirst Bank Center in West Long Branch. The game is a key conference matchup for both squads as they vie for a spot in the postseason tournament. Tip-off is slated for 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Need more info? Visit monmouthhawks.com.

JAN. 21 & 22

first night of the festival of in downtown Freehold, where officials, friends and family will light the town’s menorah. The ceremony takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hall of Records. Get the full scoop at downtownfreehold.com.

23

with popular Jersey band their annual holiday Stone Pony in Asbury will be joined by special guests Illegally Blind. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30. Advance tickets are $20; door admission is $25. Find out more at stoneponyonline.com.

DEC. 31

End 2022 on a healthful note and sign up for the Jersey Shore Running Club’s annual New Year’s Eve 2-Mile Twilight Fun Run/ Walk and Party The fun takes place at Leggett’s Sand Bar in Manasquan starting at 4 p.m. Fees are $33 for the run and party or $20 for the party only. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Belmar/ Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Committee and Chef Lou’s Army. Register online now at jsrc.org.

Thinking about a home reno project in 2023? Before you start, be sure to talk to the pros and check out the products at the Jersey Shore Home Show at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. More than 250 exhibitors will be on hand to answer your questions, demonstrate the latest home products and introduce you to this year’s trends. Show times are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 at the door. Get more details at njhomeshow-br.com.

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.

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

FEDERICO’S

700 Main St. 732.681.6936 federicospizza.com

LA DOLCE VITA 400 Ocean Ave. 732.749.3177 ladolcevitanj.com

SIMPLY SOUTHERN 817 Belmar Plz. 732.243.9259 simplysouthern comfortfoods.com

BRADLEY BEACH 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

LA MONDINA 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

ASBURY PARK

ASBURY FESTHALLE

& BIERGARTEN

527 Lake Ave. 732.997.8767 asburybiergarten.com

CUBACAN BAR & RESTAURANT 800 Ocean Ave. N. 732.774.3007 cubacanrestaurant.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

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

WATERMAN’S

TAVERN

403 Higgins Ave. 732.722.8978 watermanstavern.net

EATONTOWN

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

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 neilmichaelsteakhouse. 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

KEYPORT

DREW’S BAYSHORE BISTRO 25 Church St. 732.739.9219 drewsbayshorebistro.com

PALUMBO’S 24 Ayers Ln. 732.842.5505

LONG BRANCH AVENUE 23 Ocean Ave. 732.759.2900 leclubavenue.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. 732.923.1006 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

TUZZIO’S 224 Westwood Ave. 732.222.9614 tuzzios.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.net

PEKING PAVILION 110 Rte. 33 732.308.9700 pekingpavilion.com

MANASQUAN BLEND ON MAIN 390 E. 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 93 Summit Ave. 732.774.6010 peteandeldas.com

MAR BELO, LONG BRANCH

OCEAN

ILLIANO’S

933 W. Park Ave. 732.493.2003 illianosrestaurant.net

PICCOLA ITALIA 837 W. Park Ave. 732.493.3090 piccolaitalianj.com

RED BANK

BIRRAVINO 183 Riverside Ave. 732.842.5990 birravino.com

B2 BISTRO + BAR 141 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.268.8555 b2bistro.com

CATCH 19 19 Broad St. 732.268.8543 catch19redbank.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

VIA45 45 Broad St. 732.450.9945 via45.com

RUMSON BARNACLE BILL’S 1 First St. 732.747.8396 barnaclebillsrumson.com

GIORGIA 102 Ave. of Two Rivers 732.741.3880 ristorantegiorgia.com

SALT CREEK GRILLE 4 Bingham Ave. 732.933.9272 saltcreekgrille.com

SURF 132 E. River Rd. 732.530.6590 surfbbq.com

UNDICI 11 W. River Rd. 732.842.3880 undicirestaurant.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

+ TAP

TAVERN

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 ARUGULA 306 Morris Ave. 732.974.2800 arugulaspringlakenj.com

BARELI’S BY THE SEA 1505 Ocean Ave. N. 732.769.5700 barelisbythesea.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 mossutosmarket.com

SHOGUN LEGENDS

1969 Rte. 34 732.449.6696 shogunlegends.com

Photo courtesy of Char Steakhouse

CHAR STEAKHOUSE, RED BANK

Gatherings

Whether it’s at a fundraiser or a volunteering event, Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.

NJ VIETNAM VETERANS’ MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

The NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation held its annual Salute to Patriotism Gala in Farmingdale. The program supports the Vietnam Era Museum and its educational programs, outreach, ceremonies, research initiatives and exhibitions. 4 Michael Egenton, Bill Pikolycky, Michele SextonCrowley, Nick Asselta 5 Gerry Scharfenberger, Mike Ferraro, Selina Kanowitz, Bob Smyth

SUZI’S SWEET SHOPPE

Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe in Middletown celebrated its 25th anniversary. Owner Susan Hordych was honored during a ceremony and received a proclamation from the town and a resolution from the state. 6 Susan Hordych, front, is surrounded by family, friends and local officials.

MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

Approximately 100 guests recently gathered at the Triumph Brewing Co. in Red Bank to “toast” the health of children in the community at Monmouth Medical Center’s (MMC) annual A Toast to Children’s Health event. 1 Toast committee member and event emcee Molly Kroon; Toast event chair Meghan Del Priore; Jonathan Teitelbaum, M.D., MMC’s Chairman of Pediatrics; the evening’s honoree Meg Fisher, M.D., FAAP, Special Advisor to the Commissioner of Health and Medical Director of Clinical and Academic Excellence for MMC; MMC President and CEO Eric Carney; Vice President of Development Caitlin Olson; and Claire Knopf, MMC Foundation Board Chair.

YMCA OF GREATER MONMOUTH COUNTY

Members of the YMCA attended the annual New Jersey YMCA State Alliance dinner in Hamilton celebrating the work of Ys throughout the state. The alliance also recognized the YMCA National Congressional Champion, Andy Kim, for his work upholding the Y’s values. 2 Pam Hearn, Andy Kim, Jennifer Dunn

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County (BGCM) hosted its annual signature fundraiser, A Most Unusual Evening, at Asbury Lanes. More than 250 guests wore their funkiest ’70s fashions and embraced the Saturday Night Fever theme. Proceeds from the event will help pay for more than 100 BGCM memberships for Monmouth County children. 3 Douglas Eagles, Heather Schulze, Kim Sambade, Kris Sparacino, Monique Harper

MONMOUTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and Commissioner Director Tom Arnone were honored by the VNACJ Community Health Center for their dedication, support and work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 7 Tom Arnone, Christopher Rinn, Shaun Golden

FULFILL

OceanFirst Bank and its WaveMaker team members recently pitched in at the Fulfill food pantry in Neptune. The volunteers helped update the space, painting the nonprofit organization’s warehouse. 8 WaveMaker volunteers prepare for a day’s work at Fulfill.

HABITAT MONMOUTH

Freehold-based Habitat Monmouth partnered with WRAT 95.9 FM and Monmouth Mall at the 7th Annual House that Rock Built. At the event, volunteers helped construct frames for the next build, located in Middletown. American Towne Realty of Toms River was on hand and donated $1,000 to the nonprofit. 9 American Towne Realty representatives present their donation to Habitat Monmouth.

(1), YMCA of Greater Monmouth (2), Boys & Girls Clubs (3), Ira Fox Photograph (4–5), Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe (6), Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office (7), Fulfill (8), Habitat Monmouth (9)

A MONMOUTH MOMENT

“For this family’s holiday shoot, we went to Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm in Manalapan to get a nice scenic background. These sisters, Juliana, 5, and Sophia, 3, were playing around with the ornaments and decorating one of the trees, so I decided to have a contest to see who could throw the ornament higher. This photo feels so natural, and truly captures the pure joy, happiness and fun of the holiday season.”

Erica Collegio, Manalapan

courtesy of Erica Collegio,