Monmouth
SPRING CHIC
HOW TO WEAR THIS YEAR’S HOTTEST HUE
5 PROS SHARE FASHION TIPS
BROOKDALE STUDENTS BRING THE STYLE + MEET ST. PADDY’S DAY GRAND MARSHALS
JEWELERS IN RED BANK
The Retirement Income Puzzle
WELCOME to the latest edition of Fiscal Fitness. It's another cold, windy day at the Jersey Shore as we head into tax season. While the tax documents are on the table, now is a great time to make sure your retirement plans are on track, particularly if you are five to ten years away from retirement.
WILL I RUN OUT?
One of the most frequently asked questions I hear is “how much can I withdraw yearly from my retirement savings without running out of money?” Saving and investing for retirement seems easy when you’re working, but when the paycheck stops, figuring out how to generate a lifetime income stream presents many challenges, especially in up-and-down markets.
SEQUENCE OF RETURNS RISK
is one of the biggest challenges retirees can face. In simple terms, it’s the risk of receiving lower or negative returns in your investment portfolio just before and after you retire. The combination of lower returns and withdrawals could quickly deplete a portfolio. Timing is everything. Proper planning, effective portfolio construction, along with a “safety net” of liquid assets to draw from could help minimize the risk.
Annuities are another tool that can help mitigate the risk, but are often underutilized due to the perceived complexity and general misunderstanding in how the products work. Would guaranteed lifetime income to cover some or your fixed expenses make sense? Simply put, you are creating your own pension, while allowing your other investments to continue to grow.
WHICH ASSETS SHOULD YOU DRAW FROM FIRST?
Good question and it depends on many factors. Should you draw from taxable accounts first, tax-deferred, then tax -free (Roth IRAs)? What if your spouse is still working? Downsizing and selling a home with
a large capital gain? Starting Medicare? Do you plan on leaving an estate to your beneficiaries? If so, you will want to coordinate your retirement income plan with your estate plan. So many decisions that could have a wide range of tax implications.
REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS
You must begin taking your RMD from all IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans for the year in which you reach age 73. If you are like most, you probably have more than one IRA or 401(k). Those amounts are added together to determine your RMD for the year (based on the December 31 value of the prior year). Sounds complicated? You bet. Still working? Most 401(ks) allow RMDs to be delayed until the employee retires (check with your employer to see if your plan allows it). Missed taking your RMD? A 25% penalty on the amount not withdrawn may apply (10% if corrected in a timely manner.) A bigger questions to ask. Does it make sense to wait or should I begin taking distributions sooner? There are many factors to consider.
PLANNING YOUR RETIREMENT
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 30 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.
can be complicated and in times of uncertainty, can be difficult to stay on track. It’s okay to ask for help. Now may be the time to collaborate with an experienced and qualified CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER® Professional who can help put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Together we can make it happen…
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.
Debra Fournier 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
Features
Your Attention, Please 16
With all the distractions we face these days, actually concentrate on something longer than, a goldfish can?
Marshal Arts 20
A St. Patrick’s Day parade is a very democratic thing, but it does need a leader. Here are four the finest.
Go Bold For Spring 22
Five local fashion experts give you tips on the season’s hottest trends.
Warm And Sweet 28
Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, may be just what we all need.
Good News For Fashion’s Future 30
Encouraged to share their work, two talented young designers at Brookdale Community College achieve honors—and momentum.
Departments
Monmouth Buzz 8
Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.
Style Watch 12
This playful print brings life to spring’s trendiest pieces.
Jewelry Box 13
Textured gold is a subtle way to freshen your jewelry collection.
Friends & Neighbors 14
Forty years as promoter for the Stone Pony have acquainted Kyle Brendle top music stars— with eager young performers.
Milestones 18
Since 1970, Music Shoppe been a haven for music lovers, Bruce Springsteen included.
THE COVER
Photo by Daniel Springston.
Escapes 32
Craving a short trip? Take in the sounds of America at one of five great festivals.
Tastes 34
Whether hot or cold, these soups bring garden-fresh flavor—and they’re nutritious too.
Bar Tab 38
Celebrate drinks—or dessert—with friends with this sweet and sudsy brew.
Restaurant Review 48
The flavors of Caribbean island dining come alive at Neptune’s newest eaterty.
Gatherings 54
Monmouth residents always show up to support their neighbors.
Monmouth Moment 56
A local photographer captures a quiet moment during his winter hike at Thompson Park in Lincroft.
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 Editor’s Note
15 Health News
42 Where to Eat 52 Be There
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When Spring’s In Full Flower
Our headline may seem premature if you look out the window at the trees just now. But it’s right on time for the stores. Because it’s a magazine’s job to keep you prepared, we present our traditional March Fashion Issue with confidence and pride.
Confidence is timely, not just for the season but for this particular year. As five local fashion experts explain on page 22, “bold” is in this year. Dramatic colors, animal prints, asymmetry, imaginative mixing and layering—all of these are on trend for spring. Our gurus’ advice? Don’t waver or apologize—go for it.
That’s what Lauren Louis and Catherine St. Germaine did. The two Brookdale Community College students, both apsiring fashion designers, are using their creativity and vision to make names for themselves in the industry. Thanks to their keen eyes, fashion’s future is in good hands. Read about them on page 30.
Did you know it’s not only a year of good taste, but a tasty-sounding year as well? Pantone’s Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse, a hue that can whet your appetite for a scrumptiously satisfying look. “The pleasures of this color are basic and earthy,” as we report on page 28, “making it a perfect balance for a pop of bolder hue.” (There’s that boldness again.)
John Frattellone, D.M.D.
Lincroft Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
515 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ 07738
732.842.5915 • www.LincroftOralSurgery.com
DR. JOHN FRATTELLONE
BRINGS HIS YEARS OF EXPERTISE to a state-ofthe-art office environment, treating each patient like family. He is the Chief of Oral Surgery at Riverview Medical Center where he performs complex trauma and cancer reconstructions, among many other surgeries. The only thing he finds more rewarding than helping patients is giving back to the community, which is why he is a clinical instructor for the residency programs at both Monmouth and Jersey Shore Medical Centers and has served on the board of directors of CASA for Children.
This issue goes beyond fashion, of course. “Your Attention, Please” on page 16 deserves your attention—and please don’t stop reading in mid-article to do something else. In Escapes on page 32, we highlight five travel destinations where hip music festivals are being held in the coming weeks. These are cool, compelling cities to visit in any case—how nice to have a timely musical excuse to visit each! On page 14, meet Kyle Brendle, venue operator at the Stone Pony, who’s spent the past 40 years promoting the talent that comes through the iconic music site, including Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny. Finally, see on page 18 how store owner John Anderson’s bold decisions have helped keep his Red Bank music shop open for 55 years and counting.
Did I say “bold” once more? Some themes just assert themselves. So be brave, hang on a bit longer, and I promise you the world will soon be in luxuriant bloom—and perhaps our spirits too.
Enjoy this issue!
Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com
Photography
Monmouth
Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA
Creative Director
STEPHEN M. VITARBO
Senior Associate Editor
DARIUS AMOS
Assistant Editor
KIRSTEN MEEHAN
Contributing Editor PAUL RANCE JR.
Contributing Photographer
DANIEL SPRINGSTON
PRODUCTION
Production Manager
FERN E. MESHULAM
Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE
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To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to Monmouth, Circulation Department, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541; email fern.meshulam@ wainscotmedia.com.
Monmouth Buzz
OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.
IT’S TIME TO BIRD
Songbirds, raptors, waterfowl—Monmouth has them all. As the weather warms, you’ll have even more chances to see feathered friends. Whether you’re a nature photographer seeking the perfect shot, a dedicated birder hoping to add to your lifetime list or a nature lover who wants to take in the sights, keep an eye out for:
• Ospreys. These distinctive-looking raptors return to Monmouth in late March after wintering down south to escape the cold.
“A good place to look for them is Sandy Hook,” says Colette Buchanan of the Monmouth County Audubon Society. “Many of them nest there on nest platforms, or on chimneys on Officer’s Row.”
• Blackbirds. Also returning are grackles, with their iridescent black feathers, and other blackbirds. Watch for the brightly colored red-winged blackbird, often spotted in wetlands.
• Piping plovers. This month these small shorebirds start to return to our beaches. You can recognize one by its distinctive coloring—a black band across the forehead from eye to eye, and a black stripe running along the breast line. Monmouth County Parks System suggests looking for them at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch.
• Wading birds. Nesting season begins in late March for wading birds such as the great and snowy egret and the blackcrowned night heron. For the best view of them, the parks system recommends Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth.
• Eagles. Bald-eagle chicks start to hatch this month.
The Manasquan Reservoir in Howell has a pair of mated eagles the county parks system monitors, and they often incubate at this time of year. Be careful, though—nesting bald eagles are very sensitive to human disturbance. Keep your distance and watch these marvels using a pair of binoculars.
IF IT’S SPRING, IT MUST BE SHOWTIME
Hollywood’s finest were honored at the Academy Awards this month; now the work of some of the best up-and-coming moviemakers will be screened in Monmouth County. The 23rd Annual Garden State Film Festival returns March 27–30, showcasing dozens of feature-length works and shorts in numerous categories. As in past years, movies will be screened at select venues, including Asbury Park’s Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Asbury Lanes and the Asbury Hotel as well as the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove. Meet some of the filmmakers at a preview event at 7 p.m. March 27 at Asbury Lanes, and a gala reception (including a red-carpet welcome) is set for 7 p.m., March 28. Various ticket options are available. To purchase tickets and obtain a complete film schedule, visit gsff.org.
KUDOS TO…
…Chef David Viana of Lita in Aberdeen, who was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for “Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.”
The award recognizes “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system,” as well as a commitment to community and equity. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Before that, however, Viana will compete Food Network’s Tournament of Champions airing this month.
…teachers from Red Bank Borough Public Schools, selected for the Governor’s Educator of the Year award. Niki Cummins, Samantha Arauz and Paula Collins were all honored with this award for their dedication to their students, out-of-classroom engagement and community impact. And Red Bank teachers Beth Moran and Christina Grimaldi were recognized as Exemplary Elementary Educators for their outstanding service.
YOUR CHANCE TO SOUND OFF
Whether we’re testy over traffic or unpredictable public transit, most New Jerseyans have gripes about transportation. Now our voices can be heard. The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) seeks Monmouth residents’ input through its Connecting Communities survey, asking how you get around in the state and how you think public transit can be improved. Answers will help update the NJTPA’s long-range transportation plan, which will be up for adoption this fall. See connecting-communities-njtpa. hub.arcgis.com to take the survey now.
GET SLOPPY
Many of us grew up eating sloppy joes in school cafeterias and at home while watching afternoon cartoons. The warm, saucy ground beef on a toasted bun tasted great but made a mess. But did you know that many New Jerseyans think a “sloppy joe” is something entirely different? It’s a double-decker sandwich typically made with two different meats (turkey, roast beef, pastrami and corned beef are among the options), coleslaw, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese. It’s delicious and totally New Jersey. Below are six places to try one on March 18, National Sloppy Joe Day:
• Elsie’s Sub Shop, 74 Monmouth St., Red Bank, 732.741.7682; elsiessubs.com
• Fairwinds Deli, 798 River Rd., Fair Haven, 732.842.5030; fairwindsdeli.com
• Fred & Murry’s, 4345 Rte. 9, Freehold, 732.462.3343; fredandmurrysdeli.com
• Richard’s Deli, 155 Brighton Ave., Long Branch, 732.870.9133; richardsdeliwestend.com
• Taliercio’s Ultimate Gourmet, 500 Rte. 35, Red Bank, 732.576.1888; talierciosdeli.com
• Tom Bailey’s Market, 1323 Third Ave., Spring Lake, 732.282.0920; tombaileysmarket.com
PUPPY LOVE
Dogs: Coconut, a 5-year-old terrier mix, Almond, a 5-year-old terrier mix and Macadamia, a 3-year-old Labrador-pit bull mix
Owners: Nick and Madi Paolise of Neptune
These three are like peas in a pod—or the bag of mixed nuts they’re named for. “My first dog was named Peanut,” says Madi. “I’d never had a dog before her—we had cats growing up. After she passed, I knew I wanted to honor her by keeping the nut theme.”
Coconut and Almond were adopted during COVID from Punta Santiago Dogs, which rescues canines in Puerto Rico. Madi describes Coconut as “the mama of the pack” who thinks she owns the whole world. Almond is more low-key—her favorite pastime is snuggling up to a pillow and claiming it as her own. Macadamia, the family’s newest addition, was adopted for Nick from local rescue group Wag On Inn, but he ended up attaching to Madi instead. She calls him “a complete mama’s boy.”
CULINARY CORNER
It’s a treat to try even a familiar cuisine when a new restaurant comes to town. Consider these three:
Italian delights
When they’re not playing and chasing squirrels in their backyard, this rambunctious trio can often be found at the Asbury Park Dog Beach, where they run free and love playing with other dogs. They also love making friends (both the two- and four-legged kind) at the dog park in Wall.
Want to see your pet in an upcoming issue of MONMOUTH? Email a brief description and photo to editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.
Serving great Italian food is one of the hallmarks of Il Leone, but it’s not the only pledge the new Matawan eatery has made. As a farm-to-table restaurant, it’s dedicated to the community and uses locally sourced ingredients in its dishes. From homemade burrata and vegetables to seafood and steaks, the menu selections are fresh and guaranteed to please.
• Il Leone, 443 Rte. 34, Matawan, 973.400.0263; illeonenj.com
X marks the spot
The popular Asian eatery Xina is no longer just an Ocean County destination; its first Monmouth location opens in a few weeks in Bradley Beach. There, d iners will be able to enjoy a variety of tastes from East Asia. Think signature sushi rolls (try the Reef & Beef Roll), Peking duck and kalbi lamb chops, for instance, any time you want.
• Xina, 415 Main St., Bradley Beach, 732.988.2009; xinarestaurant.com
Keeping it kosher
If the menu at Miznon Kosher isn’t enough to bring you through its doors, knowing that it’s a koshercertified establishment may do the trick. This place offers many grass-fed chicken, lamb and beef dishes as well as an array of veggie-based plates and pitas. And specialty cocktails and wine by the bottle or glass are available.
• Miznon Kosher, Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, 732.837.1471; miznonkosherbellworks.com
PARKS APLENTY
The sun is shining, temperatures are rising—spring is coming and you’re itching to get outdoors. Monmouth offers more than 17,700 acres of county parkland to explore, from the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell to Hartshorne Woods Park in Middletown to Cheesequake State Park in Matawan. But there are many more smaller parks that are just as scenic and serene as the larger ones. Six to enjoy:
• Cross Farm Park, Holmdel. The neighborhood park has plenty of ball fields and courts for sports, and the pavilion and walking trails are perfect for those seeking passive recreation.
• Lake Topanemus Park, Upper Freehold. This 71-acre spot is shared by runners, walkers, bikers and just about anyone looking for fresh air and a waterside view.
• Michael J. Tighe Park, Freehold. There are fields galore at this town park, which is always filled with the sounds of children playing. But it has quieter spots too, where trails meander around trees and wildflowers.
WATCH YOUR WASTE
You’re not alone if you’ve been storing cleaners and other chemicals you no longer need under the sink or in the garage—but you can do something about that. The Monmouth County Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Tinton Falls is now open for all residents (you’ll be asked to show ID) to dispose of these materials, and you need not even make an appointment. If you’re dropping off hazardous waste, visit the center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays or from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Residents are limited to 20 gallons of liquid or 220 pounds of dry material. Any chemicals should be properly labeled. What’s not acceptable? Business or commercial waste, asbestos, ammunition, fireworks, boat flares, radioactive material, medical waste and medical sharps.
To learn more about Monmouth’s waste disposal program, call 732.683.8686, ext. 5210, or head to visitmonmouth.com.
• Neil Waackaack Preserve, Holmdel. Soak up the beauty of the park’s 11 acres of forested space (trail access through Allocco Park) while kids enjoy the playground, basketball court and other athletic fields.
• Poricy Park Conservancy, Middletown. There are 250 acres of open space, where wildlife and their habitats are preserved. Come for a break from the daily grind; there are miles of nature trails, ponds and ideal spots to watch birds and butterflies.
• Victory Park, Rumson. This waterside park has great views of the Navesink River with a gazebo, benches and a bocce court.
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS
When you turn off your home’s lights for Earth Hour (8:30 to 9:30 p.m.) on March 22, you’ll be joining a global movement to support the environment and reconnect with the planet. What else can you do to support Mother Nature this spring?
• Add shrubs and trees: Create shelter for wildlife by adding shrubs and trees around the edges of your property. Birds, butterflies and other pollinators can use these trees and help improve the health of your neighborhood.
• Cover your ground: Landscape ideas such as using mulch and planting shade trees will keep ground and soil from drying out. They keep it much cooler and preclude the need to be continually watering your lawn and plants.
• Add water features: Provide water for wildlife by installing a birdbath or another water feature. (Remember to keep it clean throughout the year, especially in warm months, to avoid pesky mosquitoes.)
• Use a timed sprinkler system: An automatic sprinkler system uses less water than sprinkling by hand. This means your water bill will be lower, and your landscape will live longer.
• Use a broom instead of a hose: Sweep with a broom to clean your driveway, sidewalks and garage.
• Harvest rainwater: Use rain barrels to water your gardens and landscape. It’s best to use this water on inedible and ornamental plants—apply it to the soil, not the plant itself.
Ownshoe Women’s Rubber Polka Dot Mid Calf Rain Rain Boots Walmart,
Siviglia Mother of Pearl Necklace Leonardo Jewelers, Red Bank, 732.747.7880
JEWELRY BOX
Gabriel Bridal 14K White-Rose Gold Round Diamond Crisscross Engagement Ring
Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry, Manalapan, 732.577.1030
18K Gold Over Sterling Brushed and Polished Teardrop Earrings ross-simons.com
Brushed Up
Textured gold is a subtle way to freshen your jewelry collection.
Plexus Gold Cuff Bracelet mariadorairaj.com
Eshe Earrings wolfandbadger.com
Butterfly Bangle
Wolf Fine Jewelers, Middletown, 732.460.9653
Constellation
Omega
24mm, Red Gold on Red Gold
Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry, Manalapan
Wide Crisscross Ring Wolf Fine Jewelers, Middletown
5-Band Ring
Wolf Fine Jewelers, Middletown
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
He Books The Bands
Forty years as house promoter for the iconic Stone Pony have acquainted Kyle Brendle with top music stars—and with eager young performers giving their all.
For those who’ve just popped in from Mars, the Stone Pony is a music venue that has anchored Asbury Park’s lively scene now for 51 years. It has featured Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and other luminaries, helping them get launched. And 2025 marks the 40th year in which Kyle Brendle, now 62, has been “house promoter.” That means he’s the one who brings bands to the stage. In 2008, the Asbury Music Awards honored him with the Living Legend Award for his work.
Born in Bergen County, Brendle moved to the Shore in his early 20s. He describes his extended family as “huge” and spread all over the area—five siblings, 10 nieces and nephews and 15 grandnieces and -nephews. He now resides in Bradley Beach with Joanne, his girlfriend of 10 years.
How did you get your start?
the building. So the crowd was all safely outside; people were playing guitar in the streets. I was sitting in the office while the place was empty, waiting. I looked over and saw, I swear to you, New York Mets pitcher Al Leiter, who was there for the show. He and I guarded the office while McGovern finished clearing the building. There wasn’t a bomb, and we never found out who called the threat was a crazy night. band you’re excited about right now?
I’ve always been passionate about music; I love all the ’70s rock legends. I went to Stockton State College in 1980 as an environmental science major. But right away, I fell in with the kids running the school radio station, and I switched my major to communications and political science. When we went FM, we made a carrier-current radio station just broadcasting to the school into an FM station broadcasting on 1300 watts. We were able to piggyback off a big antenna on a nearby hospital and broadcast from South Toms River to Cape May. Our first two years on the air, 1982 and 1983, we were voted the No. 1 radio station in South Jersey by Atlantic City magazine. That didn’t make professionals in the radio business down there happy. [Laughs.]
How did you come to the Stone Pony?
Jack Hurley of Spring Lake was running a lot of events there. We were introduced, and I became his assistant in 1982. I worked with the
local bands. In 1986, he asked me to work full-time.
Describe what you do.
I’m a house promoter and a venue operator, so I book and promote the bands who come through. At this point, I probably book about half of them. I keep an eye out for artists we want to get in the venue—sometimes through trade publications, sometimes through personal connections. I take a very hands-on approach. On days when we have a show, I’m at the venue too.
A memorable moment at the Pony?
In 2002, Clarence Clemons was recording a live album here for his Temple of Soul project. It was July 4th weekend, and night one went off without a hitch. But Bruce [Springsteen] showed up and played for about an hour, so for night two, the line was around the block because people wanted to see him. Someone called in a bomb threat. We needed to clear all the patrons out while they checked the place. It turns out Terry McGovern, Bruce’s personal manager, also works with the county bomb squad training dogs. He led the inspection of
Dogs in a Pile. They just had a national breakout and are touring nationally, and they’re going to be an arena band in a few years—they’re just crushing it. They’re young guys from Point Pleasant who’ve been playing the Pony since they started. They’re waving the Asbury Park flag.
The secret to the Stone Pony’s success?
We’re a focal point of the Asbury Park music scene. The big names attached to us help, but we couldn’t do it without the fans—they’re passionate, loyal and willing to make things happen. We also still book young, local bands. So one night you’ll get a huge national tour, the next night someone totally new. I love working with these young bands. I get to see them grow.
Advice for those young bands?
Be ready to work your ass off. You need more than two good songs. Young bands who work hard and promote themselves get the support of other people, and you need that. Follow up on connections. You need passion and work ethic. Something you’re excited about?
I’m working on a book about the Stone Pony. The title is Rock & Roll in Asbury Park —Kirsten Meehan
by Kyle Brendle
Photography
Bradley Beach’s Kyle Brendle has been booking and promoting the talent at the iconic Stone Pony. He’s shown here with Bruce Springsteen.
HEALTH NEWS
BREASTFEEDING ON THE RISE
The proportion of mothers breastfeeding for more than six months increased from around 71 percent to 85 percent between 2013 and 2020. And among women breastfeeding for a shorter duration, the proportion decreased from 27 percent to 15 percent. Study authors note that the longer duration be tied
an eight-year period among people eventually diagnosed with dementia compared to those people in control groups. Study authors posit that those with cognitive decline find it difficult to
DARK CHOCOLATE WINS
Eating five servings weekly of dark, milk, chocolate has been to reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a long-term study. Chocolate contains levels of flavanols (a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables), which have been shown promote heart health and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
—The BMJ
1 IN 6
The number of American adult asthma sufferers who don’t take their medication as prescribed due to the expense of the drugs. Failing to stick to the treatment has been associated with a near doubling in the risk of an asthma attack and more than a 60 percent risk of an emergency department visit, a recent study finds.
—Thorax
—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.
BIKE FOR KNEE PAIN
Folks who regularly cycled, either outdoors or on a stationary bike, were 17 percent less likely to experience knee pain and 21 percent less likely to develop arthritis in the knees later in life.
—Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
846
MILLION
The number of people worldwide— around 1 in 5—under 50 years of age living with genital herpes (HSV).
—Sexually Transmitted Infections
FITNESS TO COGNITION
Higher cardiorespiratory older age is linked several core aspects ability that are to age-related according to recent findings. Functions such as processing speed, memory, organizational skills and executive were tested.
Your Attention, Please
WITH ALL THE DISTRACTIONS WE FACE THESE DAYS, CAN YOU ACTUALLY CONCENTRATE ON SOMETHING LONGER THAN, SAY, A GOLDFISH CAN?
Nathan Carroll, D.O. chief resident psychiatrist, Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune
If it weren’t for her live-in boyfriend, says Jessica Winston, her North Jersey home likely would be in disarray. The 37-year-old works from home, as does her significant other, and during her downtime she often starts household projects: doing laundry, washing dishes, cooking dinner, propagating plants. It sounds like she’s a multitasker, but there’s one problem. “I’ll often start something but won’t finish it because I’ve moved on to a different task,” she says. “So my boyfriend is always closing cupboard doors that I’ve left open, replacing boxes that I’ve scattered or moving clothes from the washer to the dryer.”
Winston chalks her problem up to a shortened functional attention span, and the Mayo Clinic backs her up—leaving tasks partially done is a leading sign of that phenomenon, it says. And anecdotal evidence suggests that she’s far from alone. While many of us remark on our so-called “multitasking” ability, our lengthening “things to do” lists and our availability to an escalating number of rings and dings throughout the day, there’s a growing sense that the center isn’t holding—that we’re all harried and distracted, and that our very busyness is making us less effective instead of more. So, what’s causing our shortened attention spans? To answer, it’s important to understand the science of attention, which is the core cognitive ability to actively and passively process nearby information, says Nathan Carroll, D.O., chief resident psychiatrist at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. When information is processed, it’s stored in the prefrontal cortex of the brain as “working memory”
and used in the execution of cognitive tasks.
“The brain’s frontoparietal network is crucial to attention, as it filters out what we want and where and how attention is allocated,” he says. A shortened attention span occurs when the brain doesn’t have the ability to process information for a prolonged period.
Attention spans can range anywhere from two seconds to two hours, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a branch of the National Institutes of Health. The purported 8.25-second average attention-span statistic publicized by the Microsof t Corporation in 2015—a span shorter than that of a common goldfish—has since been debunked. But that’s not to say our collective attention spans are not diminishing. They are, and the number of distractions facing each of us plays a large role in the decline.
“In today’s culture, attention spans are decreasing because we tend to respond to stimuli that are easy to pay attention to,” Dr. Carroll says. “These things include danger and things that are consistent with what we already believe.” Monotony is something many minds can no longer tolerate, which leads us to disengage. “Thanks to our devices, smartphones, modern movies and TV where something is always happening, we’re intolerant of boredom,” the doctor adds. “We’re habituated to have our brains engaged. The default-mode network of the brain becomes more active when there’s decreased stimuli, which disengages our focus.”
• Signs of shortened attention span. Multiple incomplete tasks, as in Winston’s case, could indicate one’s diminishing attention span. Other clues could be poor work performance, mental strain and fatigue. For children, the inability to focus on homework as well as “annoying others” can serve as clues. “Kids with shortened attention spans might interrupt others mid-conversation or seem uninterested in activities or with other people,” says Dr. Carroll.
• Is it a concern? In many cases, a shortened attention span is not indicative of a more serious underlying condition, and people
can refuel their mental resources with good sleep and better nutrition. “There are times to multitask, but I encourage creating a time to focus on one single thing,” our expert says. “This will help exercise your attention, and it makes completing the activity more fulfilling.” Dr. Carroll also suggests creating boundaries with hyperconnectivity and putting down devices. “Having the entire world at our fingertips is not always good for us. Embrace more activities that require sustained attention, such as reading, hiking, sewing or playing table tennis.”
There are cases, however, where a reduction in attention span is the result of a medical condition. In recent years, there’s been an uptick of Americans diagnosed with attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—in 2023, about 6 percent of U.S. adults (around 15 million) reported having been diagnosed with the condition, while an earlier estimate was around 4.5 percent, reports the Association of American Medical Colleges.
“It’s important to be mindful when poor attention creates work and/or personal problems,” Dr. Carroll says. “It can lead to moodiness and anxiety. When that happens, it’s time to talk about it and seek help from your doctor or a psychiatrist.”
Attention spans naturally decline with age, but Dr. Carroll notes that for older adults, difficulty concentrating can be an early symptom of a brain disorder such as dementia. “If someone’s always had good attention but it suddenly gets worse, it’s time to seek medical attention,” he says. Tools such as bloodwork, brain scans and neuropsychological testing can accurately diagnose cognitive disorders.
For Winston, our multitasker, an internal alarm goes off when she recognizes that she’s losing focus—now that she’s aware of her problem. “That’s when I tell myself to finish what I’m doing, or I ask my boyfriend for help with chores so I can concentrate on one thing.”
Adds Dr. Carroll: “For some people, it won’t be an issue, and there are strategies to work around poor attention and lack of concentration.”
SONGS FOR SALE
SINCE 1970, JACK’S MUSIC SHOPPE HAS BEEN A HAVEN FOR LOCAL MUSIC LOVERS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN INCLUDED.
Pose the question “What sells?” to Tim Coronin, manager at Red Bank’s Jack’s Music Shoppe, and he has a hard time narrowing down the answer. The Deftones, Sabrina Carpenter and Jeff Buckley, he says. MF Doom, the Wu-Tang Clan and Taylor Swift—their stuff, too, flies off the shelves. “It’s all over the place.” Old and new, popular and obscure, across every genre imaginable, mostly but not exclusively vinyl—Jack’s sells it, and has been selling it now for 55 years.
Jack’s Music Shoppe is named after its owner, John Anderson (“But I go by Jack,” he clarifies), who is 82. Anderson has lived in Monmouth most of his life, having moved to Fair Haven when he was a teenager. (He did put in time overseas in the Army—he recalls being in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell.) The storefront that became Jack’s originally belonged to his father, who owned several Red Bank businesses. “He had a shop that sold electronics, pianos and vinyl,” says Anderson. “And the vinyl was doing very well, but it wasn’t his mindset. He didn’t really care about it. So, ultimately, he rented a store across his street and shipped the vinyl over there.” That storefront eventually beca-
me Jack’s; Anderson himself bought it and took it over in February of 1970.
Besides the storefront, Anderson’s father left another legacy: a relentless work ethic. Says Anderson: “He was born on a farm in Missouri and rode a horse 10 miles to school. He was tough.” That ethic guides everything Anderson does to this day. He still works seven days a week, between Jack’s Music Shoppe and managing several real estate properties (his main source of income, he says, and a big reason Jack’s has stayed afloat). He recalls once buying 75,000 CDs from a box store that had gone out of business. The last 25,000 were delivered to his house in Rumson, and he sorted them by himself while watching TV. He adds: “I’m going to see a woman on Sunday who says she has 20,000 CDs. We need to go through those as well, and see if any will sell.”
And CDs do sell, counterintuitive as it may seem. Anderson says the store sells “a surprising number” of used CDs—and also of used books, which the store has recently started stocking. Most of the business, though, is vinyl, which remains very popular even in this age of streaming. Some of its appeal is nostalgia, says
Coronin, but there’s more to it than that. It’s not just the older generation that comes to Jack’s—young people buy records too. (Sabrina Carpenter, after all, is a Zoomer pop princess.) “It’s almost like a ceremony,” says Coronin. “You take out the record, you clean it, you put it on the turntable, you read the liner notes. It’s cool.”
Several famous faces have appeared at Jack’s during its 55 years, including Bruce Springsteen. He used to pick up records there regularly. Anderson speaks of being in awe of his presence, but also describes him as “a great dude. He would come in and charge things, so he would sign for them. We have so many signatures, and some pictures he gave me.” The Boss had such an attachment to the shop, in fact, that he offered to buy it from Anderson about 40 years ago. Anderson turned him down.
Now Jack’s Music Shoppe goes on, opening five days a week, a touchstone of a bygone era and a mecca for music collectors. “It’s a weird outlier in history,” says Coronin. “And when it does shut down— not any time soon, but everything shuts down eventually—there will never be a place like it again.”
Marshal Arts
A
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE IS A VERY DEMOCRATIC THING, BUT IT DOES NEED A LEADER. HERE ARE FOUR OF THE FINEST.
It’s no wonder Monmouth County takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously. Figures from the U.S. Census American Community Survey show it’s one of the most Irish places in an Eire-friendly state. (Spring Lake and its environs have been dubbed “the Irish Riviera.”) We all know that the sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle don green annually for St. Patrick’s Day parades—along with other folks who only wish they were Irish. But perhaps too little attention is paid to the grand marshals who help make these parades grand:
Asbury Park, March 9
A former Catholic priest, Pivinsk has headed his city’s Environmental Shade Tree Commission (ESTC) for more than 20 years. It has helped create and maintain Asbury Park’s 27 gardens, including a food garden that in 2024 distributed more than a ton of produce. Pivinsk is well known and much respected around Asbury Park, both personally and as an environmental activist. “Everything about St. Patrick’s Day is great,” he declares. (He’s actually of Polish rather than Irish extraction, so if you see him looking green, that’s envy.)
Belmar/Lake Como, March 2
New Jersey’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade has two grand marshals this year. Lee is originally from Jackson Heights, Queens, and through his grandparents has connections to Carrick-on-Shannon in County Roscommon and Cloonagh and Curry in County Sligo. He remains close to his extended family there. A bagpipe player, he plays with the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh club and pipe band, based in Old Bridge. He’s walked with them in many Belmar/Lake Como parades. Lee has also volunteered with the parade committee for more than 15 years. Griffin has a family history of St. Patrick’s Day parades. Her father was one of the original members of the Irish American Association of Northwest New Jersey in 1974, and donated the banner for the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Wharton in memory of his father. Griffin and her siblings carried the banner to lead that first parade. She also plays bagpipes, performing with the Parsippany/Troy Hills-based CuChullain Pipe Band and the Ledgewood-based Rory O’Moore Pipes and Drums. She worked for years as a registered respiratory therapist and currently oversees quality programs for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Griffin has been volunteering with the Belmar/Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee since 2004.
Rumson, March 9
A staple in local community-service circles, Rinn serves as president and CEO of VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) Health Group, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of home health, hospice and nursing care. He’s also the current vice chair of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County’s Board of Directors and a former councilman for Fair Haven. Rinn feels a strong connection to his Irish roots; his maternal great-great-grandfather came through Castle Garden, the country’s immigrant processing center before Ellis Island. In 2022, Rinn traveled across Ireland from Ballyheigue to Dublin, which he says “deepened his connection to his heritage.”
TOM PIVINSK, ASBURY PARK
MATT LEE, PORT MONMOUTH FRAN GRIFFIN, SEAVIEW ISLAND
CHRISTOPHER RINN, FAIR HAVEN
GO BOLD FOR SPRING
FIVE LOCAL FASHION EXPERTS GIVE YOU TIPS ON THE SEASON’S HOTTEST TRENDS.
We all have that one piece in our closets. Maybe you bought it on a whim; maybe it called to you for weeks and you couldn’t resist. It’s a brightly colored top, a dress with a daring cut, or a pair of pants with a head-turning pattern. Occasionally your hand hovers over it—but you always find yourself pulling away. Or maybe you put it on, pause before the mirror and end up swapping it out for something safer. “It’s too much,” you think—too bright, too bold for you to ever truly pull off.
The time to reach for that piece is now. This spring, fashion favors the bold. Bright colors, distinctive prints and interesting silhouettes rule the day, and you needn’t be afraid to join in. Here, five Monmouth-based fashion experts share insights on how to do it exquisitely:
BOHO CHIC
“This style may feel like a huge departure from the florals and romance of spring seasons past, but it’s going to be a really fun addition to your closet. Blend it into a coastal chic aesthetic with charming, vintage European summer vibes. Don’t let the layering in boho silhouettes overwhelm you! An easy way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is to grab an embroidered white maxi dress.”
Abbey Holloway, owner, Waterlily, Spring Lake
Free People
ELEVATED SPORTWEAR
“Stylish sportswear is here and in full swing, on and off the court. Matching sets have been flying off the shelves. People love being able to work out in something cute, and then go about their day not having to change into something new. Look out for tennis dresses, tennis skirts and chic sweat sets. Pair them with cute jewelry, a slicked-back hairstyle and sleek sneakers.”
—Kelly Battaglino, owner, Good Karma Boutique, Manasquan
Tory Burch
CHERRY RED
“I’m loving the cherry-red trend! The color can act as a neutral in its own right, but it also pairs well as a pop of color with a beige or denim outfit. It looks sharp to carry a pretty, cherry-red bag with a beige ensemble, or to pair a cherry-red belt with neutrals. I love a tone-ontone look accented with a pop of color.”
—Monica Geiger, owner, Jolie by the Sea Boutique, Shrewsbury
Banana Republic
THAT JUNGLE LOOK
“Animal print is a bold, timeless trend that adds instant edge to any outfit. Whether it’s a leopard jacket or snake-print boots, it’s easy to mix with neutral pieces or go all in for a daring look. It can be a statement piece, or you can mix it with more neutral tones for balance. You can go all in, layering animal prints head to toe, or opt for an accessory like a printed scarf or bag to keep things more subtle. It’s a great way to play with texture and print without worrying too much about matching.”
—Megan Boyle, owner, Destination Asbury Boutique, Asbury Park
Tuckerneck
ASYMMETRICAL
“Think off-kilter hems, one-shoulder tops and deconstructed shapes adding interest and movement to any outfit. This trend is all about modern elegance with an edge. Style tip: Let the asymmetry take center stage by keeping the rest of your look minimal. Opt for neutral colors and understated accessories. This is an effortless way to refresh your outfit by styling classic wardrobe staples with a modern, unexpected twist.”
—Tina Montanez, owner, Trademark Boutique, Little Silver
Lapointe
Warm And Sweet
Tasty as it sounds, Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, may be just what we all need.
Women’s Satin High Waist
Flared Casual A-Line Midi Skirt modegal.com
Everywhere we look, we’re bombarded by the bright, the flashy, the glowing. The clinical white of office fluorescents; the oversaturated blur of ads on billboards and television; the eye-burning brightness of the rainbow of apps we use for work and play. In that hurricane of blinding sensory input, don’t you think it would be nice to immerse yourself in something simple and grounding?
The folks over at New Jersey-based Pantone think so. As experts developing color standards for fashion and product design, they honor a particular color each year, aiming to “capture the global collective single, that something Mocha hue richness—think milk, splash never The basic perfect hue. those they for a Let this shine
Dries van Noten SS25
Velasca Ròdich Running Sneakers velasca.com
Ray-Ban Women’s RB4408 Magellan Square Sunglasses Available at Bright Eyes Inc., Allenhurst, 732.728.0405
Plain Scarf houseofbruar.com
Coach Double Faced Wool Coat coach.com
Max Mara SS25
Vince Women’s Sarita Pointed Toe Anklet Kitten Heel Pumps vince.com
Lambswool
Veronica Beard Brown Dash Bag Leather Satchel veronicabeard.com
Good News For FASHION’S FUTURE
ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THEIR WORK, TWO TALENTED YOUNG DESIGNERS AT BROOKDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACHIEVE HONORS—AND MOMENTUM.
Back in September, Newark Fashion Week held its Emerging Designers Youth Festival, which provides a platform for young designers to show off their talent and creations. Two students at Lincroft’s Brookdale Community College, 24-year-old Lauren Louis of Neptune and 20-year-old Catherine St. Germaine of Freehold, did just that—with awardwinning results. Louis was the first-place winner, while St. Germaine placed second.
Both women are part of Brookdale’s Fashion Design & Merchandising program, and both credit BCC professor Sheridan O’Hea—who herself recently showcased a collection at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week—for pushing them to submit their work to the show. “I’m so inspired by her,” says Louis. “She’s very active in the fashion world.” St. Germaine says O’Hea “really got the wheel going” with both young designers, setting the pair on a path toward the runway, guiding them on their way there and introducing them to key industry contacts.
After what they both describe as an “intense” creation experience, which included many sleepless nights spent perfecting their work, each designer presented the judges with a full collection of clothing. Each one’s work had a core theme and vision, embodying something important or inspirational to its creator.
Louis’s collection was inspired by fantasy and fairy tales and influenced by streetwear. “Streetwear speaks to me,” she says. “I love that you can do anything
with it; I love the influences of hip-hop; I love how personal you can make it. It’s inspiring. I also wanted to tap into storybook characters. I thought, ‘OK, how can I make them look modern and cool?’” On the runway, she reimagined Little Red Riding Hood as something preppy, with distressed touches for drama.
St. Germaine, meanwhile, used her collection to explore darker themes of anxiety and navigating a world filled with misogyny— particularly, she says, in the years after the repeal of Roe v. Wade She explains: “It was the first collection I ever showcased, so I wanted to make it reflect my values. I was thinking a lot of the mutual, uniting things the women in my life were feeling. I tried to communicate that through the all-black color palette.”
navigate the backstage chaos. Louis recalls the experience as an all-day whirlwind and says she kept anchored by “locking in with her girls” to get every garment ready. St. Germaine remembers a moment right as the models were lining up, when she caught sight of her mother in the audience through the reflection in a glass door. “I was nervous,” she says. “But I was proud to present to her something I worked so hard on.”
St. Germaine also kept a sustainable ethic at the heart of her project. “I sourced fabrics from thrift stores and Fab Scrap in Brooklyn, so my designs were environmentally conscious as well,” she says.
The two young designers didn’t go into the competition alone. Fellow Brookdale students Nicole Fancera and Sara Monacelli assisted, helping both Louis and St. Germaine with fittings and last-minute alterations—and helping them
The momentum from that day still hasn’t left either of these talented creators. St. Germaine speaks of the importance of having this kind of show on one’s résumé as a young designer, and eagerly looks forward to Brookdale’s own fashion show in May. (Its “Eras of Art” theme will bring together fashion with fine art, her other great love.) Louis will serve as model captain at the next Newark Fashion Week this spring and also had a chance to showcase her designs at New York Fashion Week in February with FashionRepublic magazine. That opportunity came as a direct result of her win.
“Someone reached out to me on Instagram after Newark Fashion Week,” she confides. “She said they were including young, starting designers, and they would love to see my collection in their show. I’m excited—and grateful.”
Lauren Louis’s winning collection took inspiration from both streetwear and traditional storybook characters. The result is edgy, eye-catching and dramatic.
The all-black color palette of Catherine St. Germaine’s second place collection speaks to her feelings about navigating the world.
WHERE MUSIC
Craving a short trip? Take in the sounds of America at one of five great festivals.
Wanderlust can strike just when Ol’ Man Winter is gathering up his icicles and preparing to shuffle away. If you’re in the mood for a getaway to mark your liberation from the cold, consider its soundtrack. There’s no better time of year to immerse yourself in music.
Lucky for you, music festivals around the country in the coming weeks promise to feed your appetite for hearty listening. Check out, for example, the five described here. While one is right here in New Jersey, the other four are excuses to visit warm, Sunbelt cities you probably ought to check out anyway. Let the music begin!
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST, AUSTIN, TEX., MARCH 7–15.
Though you might not have time to head to Austin this year, you can start planning for 2026. Held annually in March since 1987, this weeklong festival (affectionately abbreviated as SXSW) is perhaps its hometown’s marquee event. Considering that the city calls itself “the live music capital of the world,” you can imagine how seriously it’s taken. Spanning nine days, the event covers far more than just music (there is also a film and television festival, comedy shows and keynote speakers), but those looking for tunes will be well pleased with the offerings this year. The lineup is filled with national and international stars spanning every genre, including Gurriers, a buzzy punkrock band from Dublin; Shiho Yabuki, a Japanese legend; and Big Freedia, a pioneer of the New Orleans Bounce sound. Passes for the whole nineday music festival start at $895.
After the music. Don’t forget to browse the other aspects of SXSW—there’s an exhibition space showing off interactive installations, cutting-edge technology demos and art exhibits in addition to the shows and screenings. Beyond that, Austin proclaims it “keeps itself weird,” offering plenty of joys for first-time tourists and returning travelers alike to explore. For an attraction that lives up to the quirky slogan, try the Cathedral of Junk, a structure built out of more than 60 tons of used furniture, home goods and such. There’s a more conventional museum browsing experience at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, which takes you deep into the history of the Lone Star State. More info: sxsw.com
THE SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL, SAVANNAH, GA., MARCH 27–APRIL 12. The vibes at this two-week festival are classy and relaxed—perfect for soaking in some of that legendary Savannah charm. If you’re looking for a slow-paced and accessible experience, look no further. Examples: an intimate performance from Julia Fischer, one of the world’s best violinists, or Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, Italy’s leading and longest-standing traditional music ensemble. Shovels & Rope and Langhorne Slim, both acclaimed folk-rock acts, will be playing acoustic sets. The venues for this festival are small and sitdown, and include the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, a Methodist church and the city’s Trustees’ Garden. Ticket prices vary depending on event and cost between $20 and $100. After the music. Savannah is a truly beautiful city. With its historic architecture dotted with the unmistakable silhouettes of evergreen oaks, taking advantage of one of the many walking tours is a must. The food culture is also can’tmiss, and its innovative offerings are fragrant with Southern charm and hospitality. Try B. Matthew’s Eatery in the Historic District for high-end twists on classics such as shrimp and grits and honey-glazed chicken thighs. Or you could try the elegant 17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant, where you can indulge in anisette cream mussels, braised short ribs and pecan pie.
More info: savannahmusicfestival.org
HAPPENS
THE ATLANTIC CITY BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL, ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., MARCH 29.
Returning to the iconic Atlantic City Convention Center for its 19th year, this one-day festival promises more than 100 breweries showcasing their finest and most innovative craft beers (including Asbury Park Brewery), mouthwatering food, fair-inspired activities and amazing live music. Leading that musical charge this year are rock band Senses Fail and punk-rock supergroup Me First and the Gimme Gimmes (which includes C. J. Ramone of the Ramones on bass), in addition to local and acoustic acts. In between sets, you can browse cooking seminars and mixology demos, try your hand at games like giant-sized cornhole—and, of course, sample some truly impressive beer. Tickets are $80, and increase to $90 the week of March 29.
After the music. One of the Garden State’s best-known resort towns, Atlantic City offers an endless variety of things to do. Those seeking post-festival fun can swing by one of its many casinos, of which the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is one of the most popular. Something a little more low-key? Tour the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest, or browse shops at The Quarter at Tropicana, an indoor mall with an Old Havana theme. And, though the March weather will likely dissuade you from taking a dip, a sunset-lit stroll on the beach is never a bad way to spend an evening.
More info: acbeerfest.com
ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL, MIAMI, FLA., MARCH
28–30.
If you need an excuse to escape to sunny Florida during an often cold and rainy month, this could be it. Called “the world’s premier electronic music festival,” this three-day event brings elite DJs with unparalleled production (Calvin Harris and RL Grime are top names) from all around the world to Miami. Each day of the event feels like an endless party, with huge stadiums, big crowds, beautiful beaches and thudding music. Ultra also goes all out with the lights and pyrotechnics, making each performance an epic, unforgettable mix of visuals and sound. Passes that cover all three days start at $450. After the music. March in Florida typically hovers in the mid-70s. While native Floridians may call that chilly, it surely sounds like heaven to someone coming off a New Jersey winter. Stop by one of the city’s many beaches and soak up some sun. More outdoor adventures? Kayak or paddleboard through Oleta River State Park. (Guided tours are offered.) Want more of the glitz and the glam instead? Miami’s nightlife scene is legendary, and shopping destinations such as Brickell City Centre and Aventura Mall combine art, food, beautifully designed spaces and sought-after brands for the perfect afternoon. More info: ultramusicfestival.com
TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL, TUCSON, ARIZ., APRIL
4–6.
Held in some of this city’s most historic sections, this family-friendly weekend celebrates folk music of all cultures, from bluegrass and Americana to Celtic to Latin and Mexican styles. Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble and Connie Brannock & The Little House of Funk Blues Edition are two names among the headliners, and more than 150 performances will be held over these three days. There are also shows for local and regional artists, a very popular Young Artist Showcase, songwriting competitions and more, spread across six stages and surrounded by food trucks and vendors. This event is free.
After the music. If you love golf, you already know about Tucson—golf pros and PGA tours have been swinging by here since 1945. With more than 40 courses in the region, players of all skill levels will find something to love and a place to play. (Try La Paloma Country Club, a noted pro favorite.) If you’re looking to soak in the majesty of the desert, visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens, which boast five-and-a-half acres of plants from dry climates around the world. While there, feast your eyes on the colors of the Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion, which is open annually from October to May.
More info: tucsonfolkfest.org
—Kirsten Meehan
TASTES
Going Green
Whether hot or cold, these soups bring garden-fresh flavor—and they’re nutricious too.
CHILLED AVOCADO SOUP
Yields 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 4 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
n 2 cups sparkling water
n ¼ cups extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
n 3 ice cubes
n kosher salt
n black pepper, freshly ground
n ¼ cup small basil leaves
n 4 red radishes, thinly sliced
n 15-20 thin slices of seeded bread, toasted, for garnish
n 1 tsp. ground merkén chile flaky salt
DIRECTIONS
Cut the flesh of one avocado into cubes and set aside.
In a blender, purée the remaining avocados with the sparkling water, oil, ice, and salt and black pepper to taste.
Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved avocado, basil, radishes, toasts, merkén, more oil and flaky salt.
“The combination of ice, sparkling water and basil makes this a super refreshing soup for warm weather, and sparkling water adds a slight acidity that helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Merkén is a traditional condiment in Mapuche cuisine in Chile. If you can’t find this ingredient, we suggest substituting ancho, smoked paprika or, for a hotter kick, cayenne.”
—Wendy Bright-Fallon and Debbie Peterson, national board-certified health and wellness coaches, Nourish Coaches, Red Bank
TASTES
CREAM OF CASHEW PEA SOUP
Yields 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 1/4 cup olive oil
n 2 large onions, finely chopped
n 2 celery stalks, chopped
n 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
n kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
n 2 cups raw cashews
n 2 Tbs. raw or light brown sugar
n 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
n 2 lbs. frozen sugar snap or green
peas, thawed
n 1 Tbs. malt vinegar
n scallions, thinly sliced, and crushed potato chips (for serving)
DIRECTIONS
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onions, celery and garlic, and cook, stirring often and adding a splash or so of water if the bottom of pan gets too brown, until golden brown, 30–40 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add cashews, sugar, red pepper flakes and 3 cups water and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are very soft and losing their structure, 10–15 minutes.
Blend one-third of sugar snap peas with one-third of vegetable mixture in a blender, adding some cooking liquid from vegetable mixture as needed to thin, until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Press purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium saucepan; discard solids. Working in 2 batches, repeat with remaining peas and vegetable mixture, adding water as needed if you run out of cooking liquid. If soup is still very thick, thin with water until you get a velvety, pourable consistency. (You should have about 7 cups soup.)
Stir vinegar into soup; season with more salt and pepper and warm over medium-low heat until heated through.
Serve soup topped with scallions and potato chips.
“You can take out the sugar. Peas can be satisfyingly sweet on their own. If you do opt for sugar, use maple sugar instead of refined sugar. Start with a 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to taste. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar, which has a more tart and fruity flavor versus malt vinegar, which is slightly sweeter and nuttier. Instead of potato chips, which don’t add nourishment, add a sprinkle of chopped cashews.”
—Wendy Bright-Fallon and Debbie Peterson, national board-certified health and wellness coaches, Nourish Coaches, Red Bank
Enjoy A Cold One
Celebrate drinks—or dessert—with friends with this sweet and sudsy brew.
GUINNESS ICE CREAM FLOAT
Makes: 3 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 1 pint rocky road
ice cream
n 2 large cans (14.9 oz. each) cold Guinness or other stout
DIRECTIONS
Divide the ice cream among 3 pint glasses. Divide 2 (14.9 oz.) cold stout among the glasses: Tip the glasses and pour the beer down the inside of each glass to fill.
EDUCATION PLANNER
Oak Hill Academy
Imagine your child’s future at Oak Hill Academy - one of the finest independent schools for students in grades PreK-8 located on a beautiful 20 acre campus in Lincroft. Oak Hill’s intention is to provide a student centered curriculum that emphasizes strong communication, problem solving, and computational skills. Students develop positive social and emotional traits in a caring and engaging environment. Graduates gain acceptance and excel at many premiere high schools.
347 Middletown-Lincroft Rd., Lincroft, NJ
732.530.1343 | www.oakhillacademy.com
Ranney School
At Ranney School, we know and value every child to inspire them to reach their highest potential at every stage of their educational journey. Ranney is an Age 3 through Grade 12 independent, co-ed, secular college preparatory school located in Tinton Falls. From our youngest learners to those looking ahead to college, Ranney students are prepared, challenged, and encouraged as individuals. Ranney offers an innovative, flexible curriculum and robust student life. Each student is supported by a team of educators and a nurturing community to pursue all of their passions.
235 Hope Rd., Tinton Falls, NJ
732.542.4777 | www.ranneyschool.org
WHERE TO EAT
Where To Eat
Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Monmouth County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.
618 Restaurant, Freehold
ASBURY PARK
Heirloom at
The St. Laurent
408 7th Ave.
732.795.2582 thestlaurent.com
Iron Whale
1200 Ocean Ave. 732.361.5185 ironwhalenj.com
Moonstruck 517 Lake Ave. 732.988.0123 moonstrucknj.com
Pascal & Sabine
601 Bangs Ave. 732.774.3395 pascalandsabine.com
Porta 911 Kingsley St. 732.776.7661 pizzaporta.com
Robinson Ale House
1200 Ocean Ave. N. 732.774.1400 therobinsonalehouse asburypark.com
Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar
800 Ocean Ave. 732.775.7776 stellamarinarestaurant.com
Taka 660 Cookman Ave. 732.775.1020 takaasburypark.com
Talula’s
550 Cookman Ave. 732.455.3003 talulaspizza.com
ATLANTIC
HIGHLANDS
Copper Canyon
51 First Ave.
732.291.8444 thecoppercanyon.com
Harborside Grill
40 First Ave. 732.291.0066 ahwinebar.com
Kunya Siam Thai Restaurant
99 First Ave. 732.291.2397 kunyasiam.com
On The Deck 10 Simon Lake Dr. 732.872.1424 onthedeckrestaurant.com
AVON-BY-THE-SEA
Clementine’s 306 Main St. 732.988.7979 clementinesavon.com
Seed to Sprout 410 Main St. 732.774.7333 seedtosproutnj.com
BELFORD
Belford Bistro 870 Main St. 732.495.8151 belfordbistro.com
Naples Pizzeria 872 Main St. 732.787.9479
BELMAR 10th Ave. Burrito Co 801 Belmar Plz. 732.280.1515 tenthaveburrito.com
Anchor Tavern
713 Main St. 732.280.2266 anchortavernnj.com
Boathouse Bar & Grill
1309 Main St. 732.681.5221 boathousebarandgrill.com
Brandl 703 Belmar Plz. 732.280.7501 brandlrestaurant.com
Federico’s 700 Main St. 732.681.6936 federicospizza.com
La Dolce Vita
400 Ocean Ave. 732.749.3177 ladolcevitanj.com
The Buttered Biscuit
700 Main St. 732.807.4069 thebutteredbiscuitcafe. com
The Elbow Room 416 Main St. 732.898.6860 elbowroomnj.com
BRIELLE
Due Amici
420 Higgins Ave. 732.528.0666 dueamicibriellenj.com
110 Union Ave. 732.612.8331 lamondinabrielle.com
The Pig and Parrot Sandbar 201 Union Ln. 732.528.7750 thepigandparrot.com
Shipwreck Grill
720 Ashley Ave. 732.292.9380 shipwreckgrill.com
All Seasons Restaurant 176 Wyckoff Rd. 732.542.9462 allseasonsrestaurant.net
ENGLISHTOWN
Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina 180 Rte. 9 732.617.0099 rosalitasnj.com
FREEHOLD
618 Restaurant 618 Park Ave. 732.577.0001 618nj.com
Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro 30 E. Main St. 732.333.0933 aarzu.com
Court Jester 16 E. Main St. 732.462.1040 courtjesternj.com
El Meson 40 W. Main St. 732.308.9494 elmesoncafe.com
The Buttered Biscuit, Bradley Beach
Federici’s Family Restaurant
14 E. Main St. 732.462.1312 federicis.com
Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine
3710 Rte. 9 732.808.2727 marmaracuisine.com
Metropolitan Cafe
8 E. Main St. 732.780.9400 metrocafenj.com
Tommy’s Tavern + Tap
3492 Rte. 9
732.543.0053 tommystavernandtap.com
Tre Pizza Pasta Beer Garden 611 Park Ave. 732.751.4422 trepizzanj.com
HAZLET
Neil Michael’s Steakhouse 1104 Rte. 36 732.217.3626 neilmichaelsteak house.com
Yesterday’s Restaurant
3153 Rte. 35 732.264.3777 yesterdaysnj.com
HIGHLANDS
Bahrs Landing 2 Bay Ave. 732.872.1245
bahrslandingnj.com
Proving Ground
56 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.872.2266 theprovingground.com
HOLMDEL
Palumbo’s 24 Ayers Ln. palumbospizza35.com 732.671.8820
KEYPORT
Drew’s Bayshore Bistro 25 Church St. 732.739.9219 drewsbayshorebistro.com
LONG BRANCH
21 A On Broadway 202 Broadway 732.483.6967 21aonbroadway.com
Avenue 23 Ocean Ave. 732.759.2900 avenuelongbranch.com
Charley’s Ocean Grill 29 Avenel Blvd. 732.222.4499 charleysoceangrill.com
Mar Belo 611 Broadway 732.870.2222 marbelorestaurant.com
McLoone’s Pier House 1 Ocean Ave. N. 732.795.3493 mcloonespierhouse.com
Rooney’s Oceanfront 100 Ocean Ave. N. 732.870.1200 rooneysocean.com
Sirena Ristorante 27 Ocean Ave. N. 732.222.1119 sirenaristorante.com
MANALAPAN
Anemos Greek Cuisine
333 Rte. 9 732.414.6590 anemosgreekcuisine.com
Cholula Restaurant 24 Wilson Ave. 732.786.0080 cholularestaurant englishtown.com
Manalapan Diner 48 Rte. 9 732.462.7165 manalapandiner.com
Nonna’s Citi Cucina
190 Rte. 9 N. 732.536.9050 nonnasnj.com
Peking Pavilion 110 Rte. 33 732.308.9700 pekingpavilion.coma
MANASQUAN
Blend on Main 152 Main St. 732.223.0030 blendonmain.com
Harpoon Willy’s 2655 River Rd. 732.223.8880 harpoonwillys.com
The Salty Whale And Guesthouse 390 E. Main St. 732.592.3344 thesaltywhale.com
Squan Tavern 15 Broad St. 732.223.3324 squantavern.com
MATAWAN Buttonwood Manor 845 Rte. 34 N. buttonwoodmanor.com
MIDDLETOWN
Crown Palace 1283 Rte. 35 S. 732.615.9888 crownpalacenj.com
MJ’s Restaurant Bar & Grill 1005 Rte. 35 732.796.1400 mjsrestaurant.com
Neelam Exotic Indian Cuisine 1178 Rte. 35 S. 732.671.8900 neelamindiancuisine.com
NEPTUNE Il Posto 1129 Fifth Ave. 732.775.4823
Molinari’s 312 W. Sylvania Ave. 732.775.7733 molinarirestaurant.com
Pete & Elda’s 96 Woodland Ave. 732.774.6010 peteandeldas.com
OCEAN
Illiano’s 933 W. Park Ave. 732.493.2003 illianosrestaurant.net
Piccola Italia 837 W. Park Ave. 732.493.3090 piccolaitalianj.com
McLoone’s Pier House, Long Branch
RED BANK
26 West On The Navesink
26 W. Front St.
732.383.5664 26westonthenavesink.com
Birravino
183 Riverside Ave.
732.842.5990 birravino.com
B2 Bistro + Bar
141 Shrewsbury Ave.
732.268.8555 b2bistro.com
Char Steakhouse
33 Broad St.
732.450.2427 charsteakhouse.com
Danny’s 11 Bridge Ave.
732.741.6900 dannyssteakhouse.com
JBJ Soul
Kitchen
207 Monmouth St. 732.842.0900 jbjsoulkitchen.com
Juanito’s Restaurant
159 Monmouth St. 732.747.9118 juanitosredbank.com
Kitch Organic
75 Leighton Ave.
732.471.5400 kitchorganic.com
Molly Pitcher Inn
88 Riverside Ave. 732.747.2500 themollypitcher.com
Muang Thai Restaurant
7 E. Front St. 732.741.9999 muangthairedbank.com
Nicholas Barrel & Roost
160 Rte. 35 S. 732.345.9977 barrelandroost.com
Patrizia’s
28 Broad St. 732.741.5555 patrizias.com
Pazzo MMX
141 W. Front St. 732.747.4551 pazzoredbank.com
Teak
64 Monmouth St. 732.747.5775 teakrestaurant.com
RUMSON
Barnacle Bill’s 1 First St. 732.747.8396 barnaclebills rumson.com
Giorgia 102 Ave. of Two Rivers 732.741.3880 ristorantegiorgia.com
River Pointe Inn 132 E. River Rd. 732.530.6590 riverpointeinn.com
Salt Creek Grille 4 Bingham Ave. 732.933.9272 saltcreekgrille.com
Undici
11 W. River Rd. 732.842.3880 undicirestaurant.com
Victory Park Tavern
21 W. River Rd. 732.842.6205 victoryparktavern.com
SEA BRIGHT
Anjelica’s 1070 Ocean Ave. 732.842.2800 anjelicas.com
Eventide
Grille
1400 Ocean Ave. N. 732.530.1414 eventidegrille.com
The Rum Runner
816 Ocean Ave. 732.842.2894 mcloonesrumrunner.com
Tommy’s Tavern + Tap
1030 Ocean Ave. 732.842.5044 tommystavernandtap.com
SEA GIRT
Fratello’s 810 The Plaza 732.974.8833 fratellosnj.com
SHREWSBURY Americana Diner 1160 Rte. 35 S. 732.542.1658 americanadiner.net
Bayroot 555 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.747.3444 bayrootmarket.com
D’jeet 637 Broad St. 732.224.8887 djeetcatering.com
SPRING LAKE
Amelia’s By The Sea 1505 Ocean Ave. N. 732.769.5700 ameliasbythesea.com
Spring Lake Tap House 810 Rte. 71 732.282.1530 springlaketaphouse.com
St. Stephen’s Green Publick House 2031 Rte. 71 732.449.2626 ssgpub.com
Whispers 200 Monmouth Ave. 732.974.9755 whispersrestaurant.com
WALL Meemom’s 1825 Rte. 35 732.359.8544 meemoms.com
Mossuto’s Market & Cafe 2029 Rte. 35 S. 732.449.8058 mossutosmarketnj.com
Shogun Legends 1969 Rte. 34 732.449.6696 shogunlegends.com
Salt Creek Grille, Rumson
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE
ADVERTISING SECTION
Brandywine
Brandywine by Monarch Communities stands out as a premier destination for senior living in New Jersey. Our locations throughout the state offer a blend of Assisted Living and specialized Memory Care services. Residents at our communities enjoy personalized care alongside vibrant activities and social programs. If you’re exploring the perfect place to settle into and call “home” in retirement, check out our five locations in Monmouth County.
Visit Brandycare.com to find a location near you.
Brightview
JERSEY SENIORS SHINE WITH AWARD-WINNING BRIGHTVIEW
TRUE Independence Come and go as you please in your vehicle or ours. Host private dinners or celebrations. Take a carefree vacation while we take care of everything at home.
Choice. What will you do today? At Brightview, you can pursue hobbies, catch a film in the theater, grab a drink in the pub, rejuvenate in the salon it’s up to you!
Possibilities. You’ll have plenty of resources and opportunities to explore new interests and embark on adventures with like-minded neighbors. Visit us online for our locations and information BrightviewEatontown.com | BrightviewHolmdel.com
Isle Be Back!
The flavors of Caribbean island dining come alive at Neptune’s newest eatery.
Far too many times I’ve ignored my own promise to try whichever new eatery has opened up in the neighborhood. That’s a small sin for any food lover, to pass an establishment and swear to go in eventually—but never live up to the guarantee.
I was excited to see Island Kitchen Cuisine open in Neptune City late last fall, but the feeling quickly turned bittersweet. That’s because it reminded me of the former Jamaican restaurant that once occupied the same space, a restaurant I’d always wanted to try but never had. That wasn’t going to happen with Island Kitchen.
On a Saturday afternoon in February, my girlfriend and I navigated the busy shopping plaza parking lot to finally dine at the Caribbean-inspired bistro. There’s plenty of spirit behind the eatery’s storefront; eyes are treated to colorful murals, and ears are soothed by festive music. And before they uttered a word, staff welcomed guests with smiles.
Just like the vibe in the tropics, Island Kitchen is uber-casual, though I’d say it’s several steps up from fast casual. The menu has many dishes one would expect to find at a Caribbean or Jamaican eatery: beef patties, jerk chicken, rasta pasta. But the heavenly aromas wafting through the dining room suggested that even the ordinary here is extraordinary.
As I browsed the offerings, I caught a glimpse of a server carrying an order of oxtail from the kitchen. Its recipient had the same hungry eyes I did. When we walked in I’d been tempted by thoughts of either escovitch (a sweet and spicy fish) or chicken curry, but the sight of braised oxtail changed my mind. And it didn’t disappoint. The meaty cuts were fall-offthe-bone delicious and had just enough fat to give a boost to the complex notes of allspice and other flavors. Each protein comes with two sides, and I had fresh veggies and rice and peas, a Jamaican classic. The
portion was more than generous—I don’t usually have leftovers, especially when the dish is oozing with flavor the way Island Kitchen’s oxtail was, but I was packing a to-go box at the end of this visit.
My girlfriend typically prefers salads and seafood, and Island Kitchen has a wide range of both, including an assortment of stews, shrimp and salmon dishes, lobster tails and crab legs. But she went out of her comfort zone and chose curry goat. Apparently she too had spied another guest’s plate, helping her make up her mind. “It looked so good,” she told me after placing her order. And it was. I sneaked a few bites of her food, and like the oxtail, the meat was tender and full of flavor. West Indies curry differs slightly from Indian curry, as it usually contains more cumin, paprika, cardamom and garlic. Her sides were potatoes and plain white rice, which mixed nicely with the curry sauce. Also similar to my dish, hers was a massive portion—she eventually filled an entire to-go box with leftovers.
Though we couldn’t down anything right away after our main dishes, we still wanted to try dessert and ordered one to take home. (Island Kitchen Cuisine was kept busy with to-go and takeout orders from the moment we walked in.) Aftermeal sweets include bulla (a doughy cake), gizzada (a sweet tart) and coco bread (coconut, not cocoa), but we opted to take a couple of pieces of sugar bun for later.
For us, later ended up being the car ride home: As soon as we reached our vehicle, we opened the dessert box and each took a few bites of the deliciously decadent buns. The sweet taste was the perfect ending to a great meal, even if we enjoyed it outside the restaurant. I’m glad we didn’t miss out on dessert, and I’m happy we didn’t miss our chance to eat here. But based on Island Kitchen’s unforgettable flavors, I’m certain there’ll be many more chances to enjoy the food here.
—Darius Amos
MONMOUTHMAG.COM/ MONMOUTH-READERSCHOICE-2025-VOTING/ Vote Now! Tell us your favorite restaurants, shops, spas, salons and more!
SCAN OR VISIT
TAKE THE TABOO OUT OF CANNABIS
See what our customers have to say:
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“These
Be There
Whether you’re looking for live music, theater, parades or great art, you’ll never run out of things to do in Monmouth.
MARCH 7
Take the stage at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. This brewery’s monthly OPEN MIC NIGHT is a favorite, where the stage is transformed into a haven for musicians, poets and comedians alike. Local musician Tim Enny hosts to keep the acts moving and the good times rolling. This event starts at 6 p.m., and more information can be found at twinlightsbrewing.com.
MARCH 7
The Two River Theater in hosts a MIDCENTURY COCKTAIL NIGHT , hosted by artistic Waldman. Visitors can enjoy night of mixology as they’re the preparation of timeless cocktails and mocktails. This 6:45 p.m. For tickets and see tworivertheater.org.
MARCH 9
It’s always a good time to and shop local. Browse the indoor WINTER FRESH FARMERS MARKET at the Jersey Shore Center in Ocean Grove. Local artisans, bakers, farmers and will be offering all their best frequent the summertime will see some familiar faces!). off at 10 a.m. For more information, jerseyshoreartscenter.org.
MARCH 14 & 15
Irish DAY Christopher community bring at at
Monmouth Arts presents its annual MONMOUTH ARTS TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL , where young people can spend two days experiencing professional critiques in their artistic disciplines, cross-disciplinary workshops, peer performances, exhibitions and more. This year’s theme is “Art Without Limits” and is all about encouraging self-expression without fear of criticism or judgment. For registration and more information, see monmoutharts.org.
MARCH 14–APRIL 6
Watch the story of a musical legend unfold at Deal Park’s Axelrod Performing Arts Center. BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL follows the journey of how Carol Klein of Brooklyn became Carole King, world-famous pop icon and hitmaker. Broadway favorite Kyra Kennedy stars as King herself. Multiple seatings are available, including matinee shows. For tickets and more information, head over to axelrodarts center.com.
MARCH 15
At the Bell Theater in Holmdel, you can see the GIANT BUBBLE SHOW , perfect for all ages. Logan Jimenez, a Ringling Brothers alumnus, combines circus stunts such as fire-eating and daring escapes with incredible bubble artistry. Watch him craft bubble sculptures and miniature volcanoes live on stage. This show offers two performances: noon and 3 p.m. For tickets and more, head over to belltheater.org.
MARCH 21
MARCH 22
Lace up your sneakers for a great cause and head Freehold for the ST. 5 MILE RACE, which at Michael J. Tighe Park. This race supports the Freehold Township Parks and Recreation Special Olympics and Township Recreation
MARCH 22
At Monmouth University in West Long Branch, you can enjoy a candlelit tribute to a music great with the BEST OF HANS ZIMMER
The Listeso String Quartet will perform various compositions by Zimmer, including “Discombobulate” from Sherlock Holmes , “This Land” from The Lion King , the Pirates of the Caribbean Suite and more, all by the soft glow of candles. The show begins at 6 be monmouth.edu.
See a beloved movie in a way you’ve never seen it before at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. DIRTY DANCING IN CONCERT is the film’s first live filmto-concert experience. A remastered cut of the movie will play on a large theater screen while a live band and singers recreate the iconic music right in front of you. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, see thebasie. org. tribute come to
Gatherings
Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.
1. FULFILL
Members of the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACECNJ) held their annual can sculpture competition. The canned goods used to build the structures were donated to Fulfill, a Neptune-based food pantry.
2-3. BELMAR LAKE COMO ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE COMMITTEE
The Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee held its 2025 fundraiser at the Salty Whale in Manasquan. Proceeds from the program benefit the organization’s events throughout the year.
4-5. MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY
Approximately 250 supporters gathered for Monmouth University’s 50th annual Gala at the Great Hall. The event also kickstarted a $175 million fundraising campaign called “Excellence. Access. Ambition.”
6. BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County was awarded the prestigious Roxanne Spillett Honor Award for Trauma-Informed Practice & Youth Wellbeing at the Northeast Regional Conference in Pittsburgh.
7. MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER
Monmouth Medical Center joined the International WeLoveU Foundation United States at Gregory Elementary School in Long Branch for their Winter Weather Clothing Drive. MMC was a sponsor of this year’s event that ensured kids across Long Branch had what they needed to stay warm this winter.
8-9. YMCA OF MONMOUTH
The YMCA held its 36th Annual YMCA MLK Commemorative Breakfast. During the event, the Y honored MLK essay winners Emily and Nathan as well as honorees Itzel Perez Hernandez, Pastor Terrence Porter and Senator Andy Kim.
Ashley Lauren Foundation
The inaugural Beau Thai Ball provides hope and help to NJ children with cancer.
The first-ever Beau Thai Ball took place at Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Point Pleasant. The event honored the life of Beau Truesdale, the late general manager of Clarks Landing Yacht Club who left a legacy of giving back to the community. The event raised more than $56K for the Brielle-based Ashley Lauren Foundation, which provides hope and help to NJ kids with cancer.
by Devin Peppler Photography
Photos
A MONMOUTH MOMENT
“Like most photographers, I almost always have a camera with me on my daily hikes. On this winter day, I was walking in Thompson Park [in Lincroft]. Winter photography provides opportunities for unique images. I find myself wondering how the other hikers are affected by the view and the weather.”
—Jeff Ricci, Lincroft
Send us your Monmouth Moment! Email your photo and a short description to rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Ricci
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