Spring Lake April 2023

Spring Lake

Also Serving Sea Girt

PICKLEBALL FOR ALL FITNESS, FUN AND FRIENDSHIP ALL ABOARD FOR BOOKS THE STORY OF SEA GIRT’S LIBRARY BRING ON THE BUBBLY! A TOAST TO CHAMPAGNE

75 yearssweetof success

Your Trusted Home Expert At The Jersey Shore

HELLO SPRING LAKE NEIGHBORS & FRIENDS. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing the joy that I have for serving you as a trusted resource within your community. I am committed to providing my clients with exceptional service, unparalleled expertise, and a deep understanding of the luxury real estate market.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a high-end property, I am here to guide you through every step of the process, providing you with personalized attention and customized solutions tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

As a luxury real estate agent, I have access to an extensive network of contacts and resources within the industry, which I leverage to help my clients achieve their goals. I am also committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the luxury real estate market, so that I can provide my clients with the most accurate and timely information possible.

LET’S

Coming Home for a New Beginning

of Spring Lake and Sea Girt, my new beginning as publisher of Spring Lake magazine. Growing up in Sea Girt with grandparents in Spring Lake, my childhood was filled with a lot of joyful time spent at the special places we all still cherish. My previous role as the fashion editor of Men’s Journal magazine took me all over the world to tell the stories of interesting people in beautiful locations. As exciting as that was, I am thrilled to come home to celebrate the magic of our area and the inspiring people it has shaped.

Spring Lake MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher

Brynn Coleman

Group Publisher

Jodi Bruker

Art Director

Sue Park

Copy Editor

Nancy Fass

Writers

Melanie Bodner

Carrie Capaldi

Kate Czyzewski

Vincent Dicks

Judith Jones-Ambrosini

Cynthia Murray

Photographers

Michael Scotto

Michelle Wolfe

April is a month of new beginnings. When I smell the sweet scent of spring and feel the first signs of summer warmth, I am reminded of my childhood. Anyone who attended St. Catherine School will know the feeling of changing from the drab wool winter uniform into the light and airy crisp-cotton one designed for summer. That feeling of happy anticipation at the start of spring does not leave you as you get farther away from those years.

I am excited to share with you, the residents

It has been wonderful to meet and connect with many residents and business owners as we have put together this first issue. Inside, you will find don’t-miss stories, including a conversation with local celeb Michael Scotto, the unofficial town photographer; a feature on the pickleballers of Marucci Park; and The Bottle Shop’s favorite champagne picks. I want to thank everyone who has been so eager to help and contribute to the magazine. We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to submit story ideas or celebratory photos or have writing experience and would like to contribute articles.

Reach out to me to find out more at hello@ springlakemagazine.com

Warm regards,

Brynn Coleman Publisher

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam Spring

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE

14Pickleball

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PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE

With this philosophy, we’ve been able to give our patients honest advice and inspire them to make impactful change.

We’ve treated thousands of women who have the same goalto feel more comfortable and con dent in their bodies.

Around Town

A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR

Spring Lake Theatre Company presented Disney’s Mary Poppins in March to uproarious applause. Regina Ippolito enchanted audiences as Mary Poppins, while Reid Henderson charmed them as Bert. It was a beautiful show filled with classic songs that are etched into everyone’s hearts. Produced by Patricia Barry and directed by Kerry White, nearly all 12 performances were sold out!

SHORE STORY

Sea Girt artist Caitlin Accurso published “Benny at the Beach,” a children’s book inspired by one of her paintings. The story follows a city pigeon that finds itself on the Jersey Shore after being trapped in a pork roll food truck. The adorable and hilarious story will delight any Jersey Shore native. The book is available for order through Accurso’s website, www.caitlinaccurso.com

IMAGE COURTESY OF CAITLIN ACCURSO

Michael and Tracy Natale. The Morris Avenue shop offers premium scooped ice cream and waffle cones made fresh on-site. Check out the menu or order online at www.bellesicecreamonline.com, then visit the outdoor patio to get your first licks of spring.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLE’S ICE CREAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPRING LAKE THEATRE

CELEBRATE DOWNTOWN

Ladies’ Night in Spring Lake takes place on April 28. Twice a year, Spring Lake shops stay open late to host local women for a night of special sales, light bites and treats. Ladies’ Night is a fantastic way to support Spring Lake retailers and enjoy the downtown with friends and family before the summer season begins.

DISCOVER LOCAL ARTISTS

Sea Girt residents

Alice Hayes-Keefe and Faye Bruno opened a new community space and shop, WonderLand + Sea, in Manasquan. The shop features independent designers’ small batch goods and will host workshops and community events. Check out the events calendar at www. wonderlandsea.com

FIND YOUR SWEET SPOT

Thunder Road Books hosted Amy Poeppel for an author Q&A and book signing to celebrate her new book “The Sweet Spot,” which The Washington Post called “big-hearted” and “charming.” The galantine’s launch gathering at the Spring Lake Community House featured a pop-up shop filled with sweet treats, chocolates, wines, fashions and tarot card readings. The pop-up was hosted by local shops, including Cozy Corner Bakery, Egan’s Wines & Liquors, Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe, Warm Shop and The Endless Well.

A FROSTY DIP FOR CHARITY

Temperatures dipped to the teens for the second annual Patriot Polar Plunge on Feb. 4. Sea Girt Recreation had 400 registered for the dip in the icy Atlantic Ocean in support of Coastal Habitat for Humanity. Proceeds from the event went to Local Initiative for Troops Fund, a program for veterans that assists with home renovations. New Jersey State Police Pipes and Drums, Mounted Unit, Office of Emergency Management and Marine Service Unit and Aviation were there to support the cause.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPRING LAKE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NJ STATE POLICE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLOW BELL PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY OF WONDERLAND + SEA

MICHAEL SCOTTO

Focused on Us

A sunrise chat with Spring Lake’s unofficial town photographer

BY VINCENT DICKS

If photography is artistically freezing moments in time, then Michael Scotto needs a cold storage warehouse. He seems to be at every event in Spring Lake, camera in hand. His Facebook and Instagram accounts display over 80,000 images, most of them taken in the area. Michael, a financial services executive, also has served as a volunteer and trustee for several community organizations, earning him the honor of being named Spring Lake Citizen of the Year in 2019. He has a real talent for capturing the people, events and natural beauty of Spring Lake, Sea Girt and the surrounding areas.

I interviewed Michael on the beach just after sunrise. It was a brisk 26 degrees, and he was shooting away, with an extra camera at his hip.

PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL SCOTTO: MICHELLE WOLFE. ALL OTHER PHOTOS: MICHAEL SCOTTO

The town certainly appreciates your efforts, and your images enhance the experience of living in this community. Do you feel any pressure to show up?

Well, I can’t be at every event. It’s a labor of love, and I participate whenever I can. But yes, some people are disappointed when I don’t post photos of an event in town. The level of engagement on social media has been wonderful.

You have an eye for the town and probably know it better than anyone. What are your favorite things to shoot?

I was married in Spring Lake at St. Catharine’s, and our reception was at the Warren Hotel. My wife and I bought a house in 1991 and raised our kids here. The view down Washington toward the ocean is just beautiful, and the pavilion there frames the sky so well. We have the boardwalks here and in Sea Girt. They’re both such treasures.

A few years ago, you started an Instagram page where you only post photos of homes in Spring Lake. You’ve now shared over 8,000 pictures. What’s that all about?

Back in 1955 someone photographed every house in town, and I had the idea to update that project. I use an iPhone. People love the photos—they trigger all kinds of discussions. People who in the past summered at or lived in the homes share great stories about their fond memories of grandparents and family vacations.

Do you sell any of your images?

No. I do a lot of fundraisers for local charities that my wife and I support. I print the photos on canvas for sale or for gift baskets. Every year, I donate a book with the year in pictures to the library. I just dropped off my 2022 book, and I think it’s my best yet.

Michael and I walked together from Sea Girt along the beach to the boardwalk and shared the smiles and greetings of passersby. At the Driftwood coffee shop, a man stopped Michael and said, “You don’t know me, but I know who you are by the cameras. I follow you.” If you want to follow Michael, his primary Instagram pages are @mjscottophotography and @springlakehomesbymjsphoto.

Vincent

Dicks is a Sea Girt resident and author of several books, including “Forsaken Kings: Emma Spreckels the Surfer of Asbury Park.” He can be found at www.vincentdicks.com.

(Spring) Surf’s Up!

For many locals, surfing this time of year has special appeal.

BY BRYNN COLEMAN

Spring surfing doesn’t get the storied waves that hurricane season brings or the heavy swells of winter. But for area surfers, this time of year has its own special magic: less crowded lineups and clear emerald waves. If you’re lucky, you may even feel the warmth of the sun on your face. To find out more, we talked to Shaun McGrath, a local surfer, dad and owner of Summertime Surf school.

What makes spring surfing at the Jersey Shore different from other seasons?

We have a unique bubble here at the Jersey Shore. From Belmar to Manasquan, we’re flanked by two inlets, which creates our own little microclimate. Spring is unpredictable, weather-wise and wave-wise. Doing yard work at home you might be in shorts and a T-shirt, but down at the beach you might need a parka. If you’re ready to go at the drop of a hat, a casual wave check could turn into a couple of hours of fun. The key is being prepared with the right gear.

Do you surf the same breaks in spring as you do in other seasons?

During the fall and into winter, when the waves are strong and heavy, the sand moves around a lot. A surf break that may be your go-to spot could suddenly be too shallow. It’s a fun time to try different breaks. Spring is truly locals only as the waves aren’t reliable enough for out-of-towners to bother, but you tend to get blessed with a surprise great day here and there.

Do you need any specific gear in spring?

For the uninitiated, a “spring suit” is a popular style of wetsuit that has no value to a local New Jersey surfer in the spring. The air gets warmer, and the days get longer, but the water is still frigid. Neoprene from tip to toe is really important for peak comfort. Don’t forget sunscreen either. On these cool spring days, it’s easy to forget that the sun is already very strong; you could wind up with a red hood-shaped circle on your face!

Adam Holloway, owner of Barewires Surf Shop in Spring Lake, and his son Finn enjoy a spring surf session.

Brynn Coleman is the publisher of Spring Lake magazine, which also serves Sea Girt. Previously the fashion editor at Men’s Journal, Coleman is excited to bring a vibrant publication to her hometown.

Local surfer Bob Hoste catches one of spring’s emerald waves.

Eddie Szumski is an established and highly respected full-time real estate professional at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS® in Spring Lake. He has earned numerous accolades including being named the #1 Top Producing Solo Sales Associate every single year since 2018 at his Spring Lake office and Top 100 Individual Agents by Real Trends in NJ which puts him in the top 1.5% out of 1.6 million agents across the country. Born and raised at the Jersey Shore, Eddie is knowledgeable about the Spring Lake market as well as each of the neighborhoods surrounding his Spring Lake office. A property owner in both Belmar & Lake Como, he enjoys running on the boardwalk and attending the many year-round community activities and events.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Management, Eddie possesses a superior skill set. His training has given him the necessary tools to market, service, and negotiate successfully for his clients. Eddie understands that time is always of the essence in real estate. His responsiveness and initiative are unparallelled and clients know they can count on him to deliver. Overwhelmingly, his client testimonials say he brings a level of energy and enthusiasm to their goals, exceeding their expectations and impressing them with his passion and drive to achieve the absolute best results. Representing both buyers and sellers, Eddie works relentlessly 24/7 to ensure that his clients get real value out of their real estate experience. His intimate knowledge of the local markets contributes to his calculated approach to marketing his client’s homes while providing maximum exposure and top dollar results. Eddie’s method is founded on innovation, integrity, and the cultivation of every opportunity. It has never been more important to team up with a real estate professional who understands and leverages online marketing exposure to the fullest.

Edward "Eddie" Szumski Broker Associate CELL

Pickleball for All

This popular sport is bringing Spring Lake residents together for fun, fitness and friendship.

BY MELANIE BODNER

Pickleball was created nearly 60 years ago, but for Tim Feehan the sport began when his kids played at school and came home raving about it. When he finally tried pickleball himself, he quickly learned that neither his previous experience as a racquetball instructor nor being younger than most of his opponents meant he would always win. He also noticed the camaraderie among players and the warm welcome given those new to the game.

In time, Feehan became a certified pickleball coach. While teaching, he met Kathy Heine, the Director of Parks and Recreation in Spring Lake. In September of 2020, Heine and Feehan spoke to the Spring Lake Borough Administrator about pickleball classes. “A flyer went out—by 10 a.m. all sessions were filled, and additional classes were added,” Feehan says. In six weeks, 96 people participated and the waitlist grew to be extensive, with players from Spring Lake and surrounding towns.

Growing Demand

Pickleball demand was high, but court availability was low. Using tennis courts works (a pickleball court is half the size of a

tennis court), but the pickleball lines have to be taped and a different type of net is needed. “We recently got a grant to build two courts dedicated to pickleball,” says Heine. “Dedicated courts make it much easier because the lines and nets are permanent.”

Marucci Park Pickleball (MPP) has been instrumental in growing the sport in the Spring Lake area. The group’s inaugural members were nine local players: Feehan, Mark Greenquist, Les Hollander, Mary Eagan, Michael Landers, Victoria Foley, Christine Hammitt, Connie Duffy and Pat Corlett.

The organization is welcoming to everyone, regardless of skill level. “Pickleball allows all walks of life to enjoy playing in a culture that brings everyone together,” Feehan says. “The game is easy to play, it’s fun and it’s a great way to meet people.”

Feehan emphasizes that the participation of two Professional Pickleball Registry certified coaches—Greenquist and Bonnie Feehan (Tim’s wife)—has been key to the growth of pickleball at Marucci Memorial Park.

Now, just two and a half years after that

first flyer went out, MPP has a total of 584 members, a combination of locals and summer visitors. It offers clinics and open plays as well as two social events a year.

More Than a Sport

“My favorite parts about coaching,” Feehan says, “are watching the players grow and develop, and seeing the friendships that are formed both on and off the courts.” He also enjoys the dedication members show to the sport—he has even seen players shoveling snow to play on the outdoor courts.

MPP members are dedicated to giving back to the community. They’re involved in several local charities, including Fulfill Food Bank, Jersey Shore Dream Center and the Spring Lake Five Mile Run.

Feehan encourages anyone who wants to play pickleball to find a group close to their level, participate in open plays with sideline coaches, join clinics or take lessons. MPP consists of mostly recreational players, but there are major and minor leagues available. Anyone can book the courts through the Community Pass website under Marucci Park.

“Pickleball allows all walks of life to enjoy playing in a culture that brings everyone together.”

- Tim Feehan

Opposite page: Dave Shakespeare, Bonnie Feehan, Michael Landers and Tim Feehan finishing up a game. This page, clockwise from left: Bonnie and Tim Feehan; Michael Landers with Mark Greenquist in the background.

Melanie Bodner is proud to call the Jersey Shore home. She loves to explore with her family and write about her experiences. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

Bring on the Bubbly!

BY CYNTHIA MURRAY

Celebrating the arrival of spring—and this inaugural issue of Spring Lake magazine—calls for a glass of true Champagne. High-class bubbles with complexity, style and grace to spare make Champagne a chic wine to serve on any occasion, whether for a party of one or 100.

The Champagne region is located in northeastern France, about an hour and a half by car from Paris, and is one of the most picturesque wine appellations in the world. Sparkling wines have been made here since the 17th century, first by early Benedictine monks, the most famous being Dom Pérignon. Compared to sparkling wine made anywhere else on the planet, the ancient limestone soils laden with chalk and marl boldly distinguish the results in Champagne.

There are rigid laws in the region for quality control, as well as a specialized way to make Champagne, called the méthode champenoise, which produces a more luxurious, delicate and balanced bubbly in a natural way. The bubbles themselves are very fine and very tiny, unlike mass-produced versions of sparkling wine. When a glass of Champagne is poured, you see a gentle, steady stream of bubbles rising up to the top of your glass, which in turn tickles and caresses your palate like no other wine. It truly is a wonderful sensation!

Champagne Roundup

There are both big and small houses producing this festive elixir in Champagne. The most popular Champagne among Spring Lake and Sea Girt residents has been VEUVE CLICQUOT for the past 10-plus years. Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, the Clicquot house was put on the map by his widowed daughter-in-law, who began running the business in 1805 at age 27. In 1810, Madame Clicquot created the first recorded vintage Champagne in the region. She went on to become one of the first and, arguably, savviest businesswomen

Our Champagne guide will help you welcome spring in style.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE WOLFE

of modern times. Veuve Clicquot Champagne takes its name from her—the French word “veuve” meaning widow.

One of our own family favorites for more than 20 years has been a smaller house named POL ROGER. For six generations and 170 years, it has maintained an impeccable reputation for finesse and an exquisitely dry style. Founder Pol Roger was one of the first to champion dry Champagne instead of the sweet version that Russian royals loved. By the early to mid 1800s, the English wanted something brut

(dry). One of Pol Roger’s loyal fans was Sir Winston Churchill, who famously said, ‘‘First things first. Get the Champagne.”

Another historic house and early leader in dry Champagne production is the inimitable BOLLINGER. This iconic house continues to be run by family members through the Société Jacques Bollinger, which has upheld the house’s style since 1829. Dense yet subtle, Bollinger’s focus on the pinot noir grape, oak aging and prolonged contact with the yeasts, produces a richness, intensity and creamy effervescence that can only be Bolly. The demand from connoisseurs has increased so much that it’s difficult to procure all the bottles we would like to sell.

One of our greatest joys in the wine business is discovering new wines, new grapes and new estates. When we tasted HASLINGER for the first time, we were ecstatic about its tasty flavor and, let’s face it, its price! This house makes Champagne very

Cynthia and Tom Murray, owners of The Bottle Shop in Spring Lake, share five of their favorite Champagnes— including the bubbly that’s most popular among residents of both Spring Lake and Sea Girt—along with stories of the venerable Champagne houses that produce them.

affordable on a regular basis. Named for JeanRemy Rapeneau’s mother, Haslinger is made at the G.H. Martel Champagne Company. Martel was founded in 1869 by Henry Leopold Tabourin in the small village of Avenay, just a few miles outside of Epernay.

Last but not least, ROBERT MONCUIT is a very small house owned by the same family for five generations since 1889. The Moncuits solely produce Blanc de Blancs Champagne (meaning 100% chardonnay), from 100 percent organic estate vineyards. These pristine examples of Champagne showcase the signature chalky soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and taste ultra luxurious from the first sip to the last. If you love good white wine, you owe it to yourself to discover Blanc de Blancs Champagne, especially from this boutique producer.

Non-Vintage Champagnes

Vintage Champagnes are only made in the best years. But every good house in Champagne makes a non-vintage (N.V.) Champagne every year.

The goal of an N.V. Champagne is to exude the same style and flavor profile year in and year out. This is achieved by blending grapes from recent vintages with reserve wines from older vintages, and then adjusting the percentages to capture the true essence of the house. When you buy an N.V. Champagne, you should drink it within one year to maintain its integrity and freshness. Vintage Champagnes can be aged in a temperaturecontrolled cellar for five to 20 years depending on the marque (brand) and the vintage.

As far as food pairing, serve Champagne as the quintessential aperitif; with fresh seafood like raw oysters, pan-seared scallops, caviar, sushi, sashimi and shrimp; or with cheeses, roasted chicken or pork dishes. One of my favorite Champagne and food memories is sitting at the elegant bar at La Grenouille in midtown Manhattan for the first time, ordering a glass of Pol Roger and being served a bowl of house-made salty potato chips to nibble on. Quel classique française! Sometimes the simplest pairing can be utterly delicious.

“Every time I pop a cork and someone asks, ‘What are you celebrating?’ My answer is always the same: ‘Life.’”

- Kathy Melli, Sea Girt resident

Along with her family, author Cynthia Murray owns The Bottle Shop, a wine and spirit merchant in Spring Lake.

All Aboard for Books

Built in 1880, the Sea Girt train station is a landmark with a rich history in which the town takes pride. For many years, the coastline trains carried visitors—including one president—to this shore town. Theodore Roosevelt took the train to Sea Girt in 1902 to review the New Jersey state militia. Beginning in the 1930s, diesel locomotives began to replace steam engines. In the early 1950s, both the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway opened for automobile traffic. Rail transport began a slow decline, and 1977 saw the last train stop at Sea Girt station. Sadly, after that the station lay dormant and fell into disrepair.

BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

with Anne Ryan as its first librarian. Sea Girters were overjoyed, and the library quickly became a community hub. Volunteers staffed the new library, and Ryan oversaw operations until her retirement in 2009.

At that time, a second librarian, Lynn Kroll, came on board. She computerized systems and barcoded books to streamline the checkout process.

Meanwhile, a small lending library was operating out of limited space on the second floor of Borough Hall and in the parlor of the Sea Girt Lighthouse. Sara Zock, a longtime Sea Girt resident, came up with a brilliant idea—to transform the train station into a library—and provided a generous donation.

On May 13, 1992, the Sea Girt Library opened its doors for business

In early 2016, Lisa Luke took over as library director. Shortly afterward, JoAnn Johnson joined Luke as assistant librarian, followed by Patty Peterson as children’s librarian in 2021. This team of former volunteers and Sea Girt residents has worked tirelessly to continue Ryan’s legacy.

A dedicated group of volunteers helps keep this busy place humming along in a friendly and organized manor. Currently, there are about 28 active volunteers. They staff the circulation desk, check books out and return them to shelves when they come back. Luke and her staff are forever grateful to this wonderful group.

Sea Girt’s historic train station now serves the community as a much-loved library.

Enriching the Community

During her tenure, Luke has creatively expanded library services to include a variety of interesting programs for all ages. Peterson conducts three Story Times for children each week plus Story Times on the boardwalk in July and August. Programs for adults include cooking and art demonstrations, author talks, workshops and visits from therapy dogs. A stamp club is another innovative series recently begun, along with monthly “Coffee and Conversation” sessions. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Luke and staff provided delivery and pickup services to supply residents with books.

In addition, the library is part of a nationwide “Little Free Libraries” program. Book-sharing boxes have been placed on the boardwalk, at Baltimore Park and at the Sea Girt Elementary School and are widely used by residents.

The library programs are well attended but the physical space, which has always been a constraint, is feeling smaller and smaller as the range of programs expands. The good news is that plans are underway to build an addition in the not-too-distant future. The addition will adjoin the current building and maintain the integrity of its vintage design.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE LIBRARY

In 2015, Friends of the Sea Girt Library was established as a charitable organization, enabling residents to make tax-deductible donations. The community is generous, supporting the library with annual gifts and memorial donations. The library’s primary fundraiser is an annual wine and cheese celebration held in August and enjoyed by many town residents. During the pandemic, Friends of the Sea Girt Library sponsored a book project called “Sea Girt Strong … Our Journey Through the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Stories, photos and comments were submitted by residents and students from the elementary school. The book is available for purchase ($12) at the library.

LIBRARY EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE WOLFE

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SEA GIRT LIBRARY

From left: Lisa Luke, Library Director; JoAnn Johnson, Assistant Director; Patty Peterson, Event/ Children’s Librarian

“Talking with borrowers about books and making recommendations are two things I enjoy most at the library, along with book ordering and marketing the library on social media.”

- Lisa Luke, Library Director

Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident. She co-edited the library’s COVID-19 book “Sea Girt Strong,” and wrote the Coast Star’s “Shore Palate” column for 10 years.

75 Years of Sweet Success

BY MELANIE BODNER

Four families and 75 years of sweet history created the recipe for Jean Louise Homemade Candies in Spring Lake. A place to indulge in everything from fudge, gummies and taffy to handmade chocolate treats galore. To mark the shop’s milestone anniversary this year, we spoke with Barb and Jerry Benanti, the current owners of Jean Louise—the couple that molded the business into a combination of old-fashioned tasty classics and new sweet flavors that customers can enjoy all year round.

Jean Louise opened its doors in 1947 on Third Avenue in Spring Lake, and the name

and location remain the same today. Barb says she has heard two different stories of how the shop got its name. One is that the original owner had a lot of help from his two aunts, Jean and Louise, so he named the shop after them. According to another story, the original owner’s name was Jean Louise. Either way, one thing is for sure: The candy shop has now been in Barb’s family for over 30 years.

Barb’s mother was a key part of the business. “When the previous owners retired, the shop was presented to my mom to purchase,” says Barb. “As the business grew, my dad joined in. I worked there after college;

my dad taught me about hand-dipping the chocolate and more.”

Time-Tested Recipes

Years later, Barb’s mother passed away and her dad planned to retire. She always felt a strong connection to her mom through the shop, so Jerry and Barb decided to buy it and Barb’s dad stayed on for a year to help with the transition. Now the shop has 10 employees, including Barb and Jerry.

When the couple took over Jean Louise in 2012, they kept most things the same but added social media accounts and an updated

After serving Spring Lake for nearly three generations (and counting), Jean Louise Homemade Candies has a lot to celebrate.

website. They also made a few cosmetic changes. “The shop looks similar to the past with some small updates,” says Barb. “We also added new flavors like sea salt, but we didn’t want to change too much.” Barb and Jerry have continued to use the shop’s original recipes. “They’ve worked for 75 years, and we’re busier every year,” says Barb. If you’re looking for a unique treat to call your own, Jean Louise makes custom favors for weddings, showers, birthdays and more.

As a testament to how busy they are, around the holidays Jean Louise can sell 1,200 pounds of candy in two weeks. The best sellers are Caramel, Sea Salt Caramel and Buttercrunch. At that time of year, a 50-pound batch of Caramel and a 33-pound batch of Buttercrunch can easily sell out in a day.

In the summer, there’s more foot traffic and many new customers stop in. But overall, the shop has a loyal local clientele with the same people and companies coming back to order. “I love the sense of community in Spring Lake,” says Barb. “It’s a family-oriented town. They have events and family traditions here. There are things for kids, adults and even dogs to enjoy in town.”

What’s next for Jean Louise? Barb shares that they want to keep everything made on-site. Mail orders, which can be shipped nationwide, are currently taken by phone, but in the future Barb and Jerry hope to add online ordering.

If your sweet tooth is craving something tasty, Jean Louise is open seven days a week. Champagne Truffles, Butterscotch Buttons, Cashew Turtles and more await your taste buds at this nostalgic candy shop in downtown Spring Lake.

Melanie Bodner has been a newspaper reporter and a public-school teacher. Now a mother of three, she specializes in writing about the Jersey Shore.

Bring Spring to Your Table

Create

BY CARRIE CAPALDI

When we gather around the table for a spring celebration, it’s the table not the food that makes the first impression. The following rules of thumb will help ensure that your spring tablescape is as brilliant and lively as the conversation surrounding it.

Elke Ridge, owner of Whimsicality in Spring Lake, says table linens will set the tone for your table and suggests layering graphic, colorful linens to evoke a playful, relaxed vibe. Utilizing table runners or place mats combined with napkins in colors that complement the season will create a cohesive look. “Matouk Linens, pictured here, are beautiful and of the finest quality,” Ridge says. “They elevate any place setting.”

Ridge collaborated with Kate Duffy of Katydid Floral Design to create a gorgeous centerpiece with lots of greenery and big garden roses for one of her tables featured in the Spring Lake Kitchen Tour. You can achieve a similar aesthetic by choosing a large-bloom flower and a variety of greens. Flowering branches like forsythia and cherry blossom offer a dramatic sculptural quality and are a chic and easy way to bring the freshness of spring to the table. Play with scale by including candles of varying heights. The warm glow of candles adds intimacy to any meal.

a stunning tablescape that will make even the simplest occasion feel like a celebration.

There are subtle ways to add personality and flair to even the simplest place settings. “I love Source & Tradition, a handmade porcelain line by local potter Alexandra Vaga,” Ridge says. “She makes wonderful, unique dishes that can add a pop of whimsy to the table. I like to use her large bowls and platters and serve food family style. It’s a great way to encourage interaction among guests and allows me to showcase some of my favorite pieces.”

Ridge, who opened Whimsicality in 1999, loves to see the town come alive with lots of foot traffic in spring. You can find her out front planting her seasonal window boxes. “Planting flowers and chatting with customers as they walk by is a fun way to kick off the season!” she says.

Carrie Capaldi is a local tabletop soft goods stylist. This summer, when not on set in New York City, she’ll likely be at the beach with her three kids.

6 Books Kids Will Love

Expert picks for school-age readers

BY KATE CZYZEWSKI

Helping children and young adults find books they’ll enjoy can be a real challenge. Our roundup shares stories that will engage kids of all ages.

ELEMENTARY YEARS

• “Very Good Hats” by Emma Straub: Straub is a New York Times best-selling author of adult books. Her first book for children, “Very Good Hats,” celebrates that hats come in all kinds of designs—some fancy, some casual. And sometimes the most unlikely objects can be made into hats! This is a fun story for the whole family.

• “The Boy with Flowers in His Hair” by Jarvis: David is loved by everyone and known as the boy with flowers in his hair. When his flowers begin to wilt, his friends step in to help him. The author shows young readers how to care for others while gently approaching the idea of illness and strength in a way young readers can understand.

MIDDLE GRADES

• “A Rover’s Story” by Jasmine Warga: Calling all Disney’s “WALL-E” fans! Meet Resilience (Res for short), a Mars rover determined to live up to his name. Res was built by NASA to explore Mars. He brings along his trusty drone, Fly, on the mission. Res connects in an unlikely way with students interested in science. Heartwarming and inventive. Perfect for our STEM students.

• “Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade” by Kimberly Behre Kenna: This tender story introduces us to Artemis Sparke, a young girl who stutters and needs a break from the humans around her. She retreats to the salt marshes often. When she finds out the marshes are dying and someone in town is responsible, she faces a choice: to overcome her fear or lose this beautiful land.

HIGH SCHOOL

• “The Davenports” by Krystal Marquis: For fans of the series “American Royals” but with the flair of the Netflix show “Bridgerton.” This historical

fiction tale is based on the Pattersons, a wealthy Black family in Chicago during the early 1900s.

• “Boy in a White Room” by Karl Olsberg: Young adult readers ask us for thriller recommendations often, but it can be a struggle to find thrillers that are appropriate for teens. Look no farther than “Boy in a White Room.” A teenager wakes to find he is locked in a white, cube-shaped room with no windows or doors and no way to get out. When a computer-generated voice, Alice, begins to answer some of his questions, he starts piecing together exactly what has happened.

Kate Czyzewski, a former special education and elementary school teacher, is the store manager and events coordinator at Thunder Road Books. You can find her on social media @thunderroadbooks or @thesaltybookworm.

Donna Fahy-Waters, a top Producing broker/sales associate for more than 20 years provides experience and excellence with energy and enthusiasm while embracing the new venues of technology. She brings her Wall St. background of finance and marketing to all of her clients. She has sold waterfront properties in every town from Monmouth Beach to Seaside Heights while understanding the nuances of every glorious location.

Her business acumen, commitment to clients and intuitive sense of every market are instrumental in her success. Donna welcomes the opportunity to share her knowledge and possibilities with buyers and sellers. Call Donna, Your Shore Realtor today and Expect the Best.

Donna Fahy-Waters, Broker Sales Associate, Luxury Property Specialist

While children should have an initial visit with an orthodontist by age 7, it doesn’t mean treatment will begin right away! We evaluate your child’s specific needs and never rush into treatment so that their experience in braces is as brief as necessary. Schedule your complimentary exam and consultation today.

Spring Lake

To advertise, contact Brynn Coleman at Brynn.Coleman@springlakemagazine.com or 908-472-3384

Coldwell Banker Realty

Susan Bastardo, Realtor Associate, SRES 1122 3rd Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762

C: 732.245.5848 | O: 732.449.2777 | susan.bastardo@cbmoves.com

SUSAN BASTARDO KNOWS THAT “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.” That is why she is always attuned to trends in the market and prepared for anything that comes her way. Susan’s prior experience in the mortgage and banking industry was the perfect segue to a career in real estate.

Susan’s clients rely on her savvy knowledge of “everything” Monmouth County – and trust her artist’s eye and knack for decor when it comes to staging their home for sale. Additionally, Susan holds a SRES designation that gives her the experience to define a customized approach that fits the overall life plan for client’s buying and selling a home later in life. A recognized NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award recipient for over 10 years and bestowed a Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Award for 2020 and 2021, puts Susan in the top 7% of all Coldwell Banker agents worldwide.

White Out

Manasquan High School students got the memo! The crowd wore white to cheer on the Warriors’ boys basketball team as they made history on March 4th, clinching Manasquan’s first state championship with a 62-29 victory against Caldwell at the Jersey Mike’s Arena at Rutgers University.

BY MICHAEL CASSELLA

PHOTO OP

Campi Dental is proud to announce the ninetieth anniversary of our family-owned, fourth-generation dental practice serving the members of Monmouth and Ocean counties since 1933.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY INCLUDING ORAL SURGERY AND ORTHODONTICS