Spring Lake January 2025 by Wainscot Media

Spring Lake

January 2025

Also Serving Sea Girt

UNDER THE SEA

WONDER IN THE WAVES

POWDER PLEASE!

SKI AND BOARD CLOSE TO HOME

A Big Hit

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Welcome to our Town! G O T O T H E G O -T O >

ALL BRANDS • ALL MODELS • ALL BUDGETS

S E R V I N G

T O W N

S I N C E

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L A K E W O O D 732-364-5195 • 10 S CLIFTON AVE. LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701 C E D A R H U R S T 516-303-8338 EXT 6010 • 431 CENTRAL AVE. CEDARHURST, NY 11516 B A LT I M O R E 410-364-4400 • 9616 REISTERSTOWN RD. OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117 W W W. TO W N A P P L I A N C E .C O M

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SA L E S @ TOW N A P P L I A N C E .C O M

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JANUARY 2025

Contents

16 6

12 IN EVE RY ISSU E

Publisher’s Note WELCOMING 2025

Life Outdoors PADDLE TENNIS

10 Wellness NEW YEAR, NEW ENERGY

Home Front GET ORGANIZED

28 Q&A WITH W. BRYAN DEMPSEY 30 Book Nook COOKING UP CONNECTIONS

F E AT U R ES

32 Photo Op NO SWEAT

Powder to the People

A complete guide to skiing and snowboarding for newbies and seasoned pros in and around New Jersey.

20 Under the Sea

Take a closer look beneath the waves, and you’ll find a world of amazing ocean life right beyond your door.

24 Making People Happy

Robert and Kathy Kregg have brightened our beaches with their intricate shell designs. Here’s the why and how behind the art.

O N T HE COVER

Paddle tennis team captains Brendan O’Donnell (Spring Lake) and Paul Cerami (Sea Girt). PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE

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As we close out 2024, I want to thank you for trusting me with your real estate journey. I’m excited for what 2025 has in store and look forward to helping you with any of your real estate needs this year. Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, success, and new opportunities!

Denise Dreyer

Sales Associate GRI, ABR, SRS, SRES Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty | Sea Girt Company Top Producer 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019,2020,2021,2023 2024 RealTrends Verified America’s Best Real Estate Professional NJ REALTORS∏ Circle of Excellence Sales Award

Marketing and Selling Luxury Homes Along the Atlantic... 3404 Bridge Ave 9, Pt Pleasant 720 Morven Terrace, Sea Girt

209 Beacon Blvd, Sea Girt

Denise Represented the Buyer in this Sale

Denise Represented the Seller in this Sale

4 The Terrace, Sea Girt Denise Represented the Seller in this Sale

18 York Ave, Spring Lake

289 Beachfront, Manasquan

1 Sea Girt Avenue, Sea Girt

61 South Boulevard, Spring Lake

Denise Represented the Seller in this Sale

Denise Represented the Seller and Buyer in this Sale

Denise Represented the Seller in this Sale

Denise Represented the Buyer in this Sale

120 Baltimore Blvd, Sea Girt

116 Walnut Dr, Spring Lake Hts

6 Edmund Way, Middletown

217 Washington Blvd, Sea Girt

* Pending Denise is Representing Denise Represented the Buyer in the Seller in this Sale this Sale

Denise Represented the Buyer in Denise Represented the Buyer in this Sale this Sale

904 2nd Avenue, Sea Girt

300 Washington Blvd, Sea Girt

2532 Collier Road, Wall Twp

405 New York Blvd, Sea Girt

Denise Represented the Seller and Buyer in this Sale

Denise Represented the Seller in this Sale

Denise Represented the Seller and Buyer in this Sale

314 Chicago Blvd, Sea Girt

2 Chicago Blvd, Sea Girt

300 South Street, Brielle

Denise Represented the Seller and Buyer in this Sale

Denise Represented the Seller in this Sale

Denise Represented the Buyer in this Sale

With my property knowledge about the homes in Sea Girt and the Jersey Shore, and the state-of-the-art tools and services that Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty provides to every client, I am confident that we can achieve the result you’re looking for - a timely sale, maximizing market value. Contact me today 201.819.2604

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Publisher’s Note

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE

Spring Lake

Happy New Year! I always think of January as a month of peace. After the whirlwind of summer, the hustle of fall and the excitement of the holidays, it feels good to settle into a quieter rhythm. With many residents heading south for the winter, a serene calmness settles over the area. When I was a child, I imagined the year 2025 as some distant, futuristic time! Now that it’s here, I find myself treasuring the past more than ever. Our towns, with their rich history and timeless charm, offer a comforting sense of continuity. I have a deep fondness for the older homes and buildings of Spring Lake and Sea Girt, many of which hold generations of memories. While the home that I grew up in is no longer there, both homes my parents grew up in are still standing, and

I feel a warm wave of nostalgia every time I pass them. One in particular, on 4th Avenue, brings back vivid memories of New Year’s Eves spent there with my grandparents. As kids, we would stay up until midnight, then rush outside into the freezing black night to bang pots and pans, welcoming the new year. The air still smells the same on those late winter nights. This winter and fall, the Jersey Shore has become a hot spot for incredible wildlife sightings, particularly whales, dolphins and seals! These majestic creatures have been delighting fisherman and beach walkers, reminding us of the natural beauty that surrounds our coastal community. A special thanks goes to Clarence Kehoe for his insightful writing about this phenomenon and his personal experience kayaking upon a feeding humpback whale. We are also grateful to Michael Scotto and Mike Cassella, whose stunning photography has captured these moments so brilliantly, allowing us all to appreciate the wonder of nature right here at home. I’d like to thank all of you who have shared your stories and ideas with us. This is your magazine, and it’s our privilege to celebrate the unique people, places and traditions that make this community so special. Please keep the inspiration coming—we love hearing from you!

Brynn Coleman Publisher

MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Brynn Coleman Group Publisher Jodi Bruker Writers Maria O›Donnell Judith Jones-Ambrosini Rachel Ruding Danielle Kutcher Clarence Kehoe Clara Seigler Lead Photographer and Editorial Coordinator Michelle Wolfe Photographers Vincent Dicks Michael Scotto Michael Cassella 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 Art Director Rosemary O’Connell Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden Spring Lake magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Spring Lake and Sea Girt, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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Open 77 days days a week for Open for dinner dinner Wednesday - Saturday Saturday for Wednesday forlunch lunch Sundays for for Brunch Sundays Brunch

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LIFE OUTDOORS

Battle of the Bubble

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Paddle tennis has become a winter favorite, bringing players together in Spring Lake and Sea Girt. BY MARIA O’DONNELL

Platform tennis, or “paddle tennis”—

whichever term you prefer for the sport—has clearly swept through the little towns of Spring Lake and Sea Girt, as well as many others across the state. It continues to be a favorite winter sport for both men and women. Here at the Shore, paddle tennis player and Sea Girt resident Paul Cerami initiated a fun local competition aptly named the “Battle of the Bubble,” pitting Sea Girt players against Spring Lake players since 2017. Sea Girt enjoyed a streak of winning years until Spring Lake claimed victory in 2024. A plaque commemorating each town’s winning year is proudly displayed at the victorious town’s recreation center until the next match. The “Battle of the Bubble” follows a “Davis Cup-style” competition format, where each match is weighted differently based on when it occurs. Each team can earn up to six points during the three-match event. The competition always takes place in March, marking the end of the paddle tennis season. Cerami created the event to foster greater involvement in the game and to promote the social connections it brings among neighbors and neighboring towns. Prior to the Battle of the Bubble, paddle tennis in the area was purely recreational, with no local tournaments to compete in. In 2019, Spring Lake launched its first competitive event. Brendan O’Donnell, a Sea Girt native and Spring Lake resident, along with fellow Spring Lake resident Dan Henry,

Some of the Wednesday Night crew on Thanksgiving Eve, photographed by Michael Scotto.

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LIFE OUTDOORS

Team captains Brendan O’Donnell (Spring Lake) and Paul Cerami (Sea Girt) chat on the court. Photograph by Michelle Wolfe.

organized a paddle tennis tournament through the local school booster club. That year, Spring Lake resident Jim Worth took first place (after winning in 2022). The competition welcomed parents and players from all over the area and may resume now that Marucci Park has completed its newly constructed community building next to the paddle courts. Worth was present when the Spring Lake courts opened seven years ago and remains an avid local player. The Atlantic Club also boasts an active paddle tennis program, offering opportunities to play with a diverse range of players from across the area, with various days and times for play. Locals coming together to share a love for the sport, whether for friendly games or spirited competition, has made

paddle tennis a passionate pastime for many residents. The sport also extends well beyond local borders. New Jersey has a Men’s State League featuring three teams representing Sea Girt and Spring Lake. These teams are captained by Brendan O’Donnell, Kevin Reid and Joe Cavallo. The NJ Men’s State League includes approximately 170 teams representing nearly 50 areas across the state. The women’s state league, which runs concurrently, is equally large, if not larger, than the men’s league. In addition, a Shore League runs from January through March on Wednesday nights for a six-week season. This league includes the towns of Navesink, Sea Bright, Rumson, Deal, Bay Head, Spring Lake and Sea Girt. Matches are held in various towns and are organized by the

Navesink Country Club. Each week, eight players represent their respective clubs, culminating in a bracket-style playoff for the top four teams. Cerami has also established a mixed men’s and women’s league for Sea Girt and neighboring towns, featuring 14 teams that compete from December through March. Since the first paddle tennis court was built in Sea Girt about 15 years ago, the sport has gained a massive following. Residents from our towns and beyond have embraced this challenging game of skill and speed, making it a popular pastime. Grab a racket and give it a try! Lessons are available in Spring Lake and Sea Girt through their respective recreation departments and are offered for all skill levels and ages.

Maria O’Donnell is a food and wine writer who lives in Spring Lake with her husband and two children. She can be found @foodwritergirl on Instagram and @CookingwithMaria on Facebook.

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Any Space... ANY SIZE

Your perfect home gym starts at

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JOIN US FOR THE FIRST TWO SHOWS OF 2025: THE PROM

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FEBRUARY 14, 15**, 16*, 21, 22*, 23*, 2025 JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT This beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical retells the biblical tale of Joseph's journey from adversity to triumph through a captivating blend of infectious music, colorful costumes, and timeless themes of hope and resilience.

APRIL 3, 4, 5**, 6*, 10, 11, 12**, 13*, 2025 7:30 PM Curtain, **2:00 PM Matinee & 7:30 PM Curtain

THE SPRING LAKE COMMUNITY HOUSE & THEATRE 300 Madison Ave, Spring Lake, NJ - 732.449.4530 - springlaketheatre.com

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WELLNESS

New Year, New Energy A few simple dietary and exercise changes can take your health to new heights in 2025. Forget New Year’s resolutions—they often fail within a month. 2025 will be the year you get out of your rut (and out of your own way) and create new, healthier habits because you want to feel better. To do this, you’ll need two key tools: movement and food. Exercise improves cardiovascular health and boosts energy. Food is fuel, and the right kinds of foods—those that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals—give the body the energy it requires to repair, heal and stay strong. HEALTHY EATING BEGINS 1 WITH PLANNING. Choose

three or four healthy recipes you would like to make in a week. They can be hearty salads, healthy stir-fry dishes or quick cooking seafood entrees. And if they can be made in advance and reheated, all the

better. By having healthy meals ready and waiting in the refrigerator, it helps curb the urge to grab fast food at the drive through or get a pizza delivered to your home. NUTRITIOUS SNACKS 2 KEEP ON HAND. Stock the fridge with

raspberries, clementines, grapes and apples. Cut up celery, carrots, bell peppers and cucumbers to dip in hummus. Keep hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for a quick snack. Stock the pantry with unsalted pistachios, almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried apricots and low sodium beef jerky. READ THE LABEL. When 3 purchasing packaged foods, look for

those that are higher in fiber and lower in sugar and fat. High-fiber foods make you feel more satisfied, so you eat less.

“GOOD” 4 CHOOSE SUGAR. Sugar from an orange

is beneficial; sugar from orange candy or soda, is not. Sugar is the body’s first fuel, and our bodies are made to burn fuel. Consuming naturally occurring sugars, such as those found in fruits, is how our bodies expect to receive sugar. Processed sugar, on the other hand, tends to hang around in the body and turn to fat. EMBRACE YOUR ROOTS. 5 Root vegetables, such as yams,

beets, carrots, turnips, rutabagas and parsnips, are versatile, nutritious, delicious and filling. They’re perfect as side dishes and for soups, stews and frittatas.

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EAT THE RAINBOW. Every 6 color of fruit or vegetable has a

different nutrient profile. The more you mix it up, the more your body will thank you. MAKE EXERCISE ENJOYABLE. The word “exercise” can instill fear in those who aren’t used to it. That’s because most people equate exercise with work and specific (usually difficult) fitness regimens done at a gym. While exercise can be a gym workout, it certainly doesn’t have to be. Dancing is exercise. Swimming is exercise. Walking is exercise and, it’s one of the easiest exercises you can incorporate into your daily life. The key is to get your body moving in a way you enjoy.

A SUPPORT 8 CREATE SYSTEM. Exercising with a friend

makes it easier and more fun, whether you’re walking, dancing, swimming, cycling or going to the gym. If you opt to work with a trainer, whether one-on-one or in a small group, find one who will develop a program based on your current health needs, goals and fitness level. TRY HABIT STACKING. While the name may be fairly new, the process behind it has been around for a long time. It works by attaching a new habit to an existing habit or routine that’s already second nature. For instance, you brush your teeth every morning, no matter what. You want to start stretching for ten minutes every day, but you keep forgetting. If you “stack” teeth brushing and stretching—meaning you will now stretch daily after you brush your teeth—it will be easier to remember and, hopefully, become automatic.

CHICKEN SALAD WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND CHICKPEAS A recipe by Amy Casey, a Manasquanbased personal chef This chicken salad is a protein-packed meal loaded with fresh vegetables. It’s easy to make and is a fresh take on a classic recipe. This chicken salad recipe is delicious for lunch or dinner. Instead of the usual mayonnaise-based dressing (which is high in fat and calories), a super flavorful and easy to make light herb and mustard vinaigrette is tossed with the salad ingredients. Also, this chicken salad is packed with nutritious and good-for-you ingredients. Brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas and fresh basil are delicious and full of vitamins. You can feel great about eating this salad!

FOR THE SALAD:

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE:

• 10 to 15 Brussels sprouts, leaves separated from stem

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons red wine vinaigrette

• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half • 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend

• 1 cup diced red bell pepper

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS 1. Separate the Brussels sprout leaves from the stem. Cut off about a half inch of the stem end. Peel off the leaves and keep them as whole as possible. You may need to cut another small piece off the sprout to help remove the majority of the leaves. 2. In a large bowl, add all the salad ingredients.

Amy Casey has 20 years of experience as a personal chef and recipe blogger. She’s a self-taught chef with over 45 years of cooking experience. She was previously a newspaper columnist, cooking video creator, author of two recipe blogs and featured on podcasts and in numerous publications. Amy’s cooking reflects her Midwestern roots as many of her original recipes are homey, comforting dishes, but with a healthy and modern twist. Find her at amycaseycooks.com or contact Amy via her email: amy@amycaseycooks.com.

3. In a small bowl, add the vinaigrette ingredients and whisk to combine. 4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat the ingredients evenly. 5. Divide the salad between four large plates and serve. 6. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for two to three days.

JANUARY 2025

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HOME FRONT

Get Organized BY RACHEL RUDING

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARA STADTMILLER

These are our best organizing tips and tricks to take you through the new year.

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As we welcome 2025 and seize the

opportunity for a fresh start, we set goals, change habits and clear the holiday decor with good intentions we anticipate lasting us beyond the second week in January. Whether you’ve been procrastinating on decluttering or simply want to maintain a tidy space, organizing your home can have a profound impact on your mental clarity, productivity and overall well-being. On Track & Organized home organizing services and provides the tools to help you create an organized, functional and stressfree space as you welcome in the new year.

Prioritize & Strategize Before diving into any organizing project, make a plan. The new year is the perfect time to eliminate items that no longer serve you. Start by going through each room and sort items into categories: keep, donate, trash. Tackle one room or area at a time. Declutter as you go. Segment & Simplify During this stage, it’s important to ask yourself tough questions and stay focused. While “keep” or “donate” are the most common decisions, try taking

it up a notch by sorting items into some additional piles: return, repair, future project, by family member, outside pile. When working on organizing your space, know that projects overlap, and it is OK to make piles for the next project. When something needs to go in another room, some tend to become distracted by the other projects or tasks you may find along the way. Creating piles or using bins to sort allows you to clear the current space you’re working in while staying on track and focusing only on your current task.

Condense & Contain Once you have determined what items need to remain in the space you are working on, it’s time to consider how to store them. Sorting before storing allows you to know exactly what type of organizational storage tools you should use. In many circumstances where there was once order, the disorganized areas are overflowing with what worked before we accumulated more stuff or had a shared space where others involved may not maintain the system. By starting with decluttering, segmenting and implementing smart

ON TRACK & ORGANIZED is owned and operated by Rachel Ruding with twenty years of hands-on experience working in homes along the Jersey Shore with clients from Lavallette to Monmouth Beach. Specializing in home organizing, packing, staging, estate sales, downsizing, senior living, event planning and helping clients transition from NYC to a fulltime beach house lifestyle, Rachel caters to each client’s personal needs and customizes her services to get them On Track & Organized. See more at ontrackandorganized.com.

storage solutions, you can transform your space into a sanctuary that promotes both order and peace of mind. With these organizing tips and tricks, you’ll set the tone for a year of intentional living and sustainable habits that help keep your home—and your life—On Track & Organized.

JANUARY 2025

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Powder to the People! Even if you’re brand new to skiing and snowboarding, consider this your gentle push to hit the slopes. BY CLARA SEIGLER

Let me begin by saying, I’m not

exactly a world class skier. Yet. I grew up in Austin, Texas, which gets, on average, about a quarter of an inch of snowfall a year. (And when they do, it qualifies as a major event). But once I moved to New Jersey, I discovered the beauty and excitement of a good winter snowstorm. Plus, I suddenly found myself within driving distance of multiple ski resorts. That’s how, as of last year, I found myself on a

secondhand pair of skis, barreling down beautiful snowy mountain trails, feeling an indescribable adrenaline rush when it was going well and shedding a few tears when it was not. This year, I’m already stoked to hit the slopes again. And whenever I’m excited about a new activity, I turn into a bit of a research nerd. So, if you’re a fellow newbie, or even just a little ski-curious, here is everything you need to know about getting started.

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First steps The first thing to know about skiing (or snowboarding) is this: This sport can be expensive. There’s no such thing as a pick-up game of skiing, where a girl can casually dabble around the nearest mountain—not without spending some serious dough. Even if you’re just renting gear, be prepared to spend at least $100 and possibly closer to $200, especially after buying a lift ticket, which is your admission pass to the slopes. That being said, renting gear is a great way to learn the ropes before investing in equipment of your own. Almost all ski resorts have rental shops on site, and you’ll usually pass multiple rental shops off site. Rental shop employees can be a great resource for helping you determine your sizes, boot type and more. Once you know what kind of skis or snowboard you’re most comfortable with, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are two great places to find secondhand skis, snowboards, boots and poles. Don’t assume that you need brand new or flashy gear to get started. “You don’t want to get cheap and pay for shoddy gear because that’s how people get hurt,” says Andrew Levy, a former

ski instructor with Okemo Mountain Resort. “But you don’t need the most expensive equipment on the market either. The important thing is to find skis or a snowboard that you feel comfortable and flexible with.” Previously owned skis and snowboards can still have years of life, even with cosmetic wear and tear. A few surface scratches won’t affect performance, especially at the amateur level. But stay away from cracks, rusting and delamination (when the outer layers of epoxy peels off ).

It’s all downhill from here Keep in mind that I’m a total novice, and I’m in no position to be giving technical instruction. But now that I have exactly one ski season under my belt (with the bumps to prove it) I can tell you what to expect on your first couple of outings. First: You’re going to fall. That’s all part of the learning curve, and no matter how athletic you might be, you’re going to take a few tumbles as you are starting out. So dress warm, invest in some padding and strongly consider a helmet. The beginner trails or “bunny slopes” are where you want to start, at least until you’ve

built up some serious muscle memory. These are the trails with gentle inclines, wider lanes and relatively short runs. Don’t try to tackle any advanced trails before you’ve mastered the beginners. If you do, you’re not just risking your own safety, but you’re posing a danger to the skiers and snowboarders around you. That being said, a little athletic ability goes a long way. At any skill level, skiing and snowboarding can be physically exhausting on the legs and lower back. If you’re currently going through a couch potato phase, it’s going to be twice as hard to pick up a new sport. But if you’re a regular gymgoer with a fair degree of core strength, skiing or snowboarding should come a little easier. I workout on a somewhat regular basis, so my legs and core are fairly strong, and that definitely helped me keep my balance during the awkward early stages. By the end of my first day of skiing, I wasn’t exactly ready for black diamonds (advanced-level runs), but I felt comfortable and in control. Snowboarding, I’ve learned, is even more challenging, and most snowboarders seem to agree that it takes about three full days on the mountain just to get the hang of it.

JANUARY 2025

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Skiing the Garden State Mahwah’s Campgaw Mountain is about 90 minutes from Manasquan and Brielle, making it the most accessible skiing and snowboarding option in New Jersey. Campgaw is known for its beginner-friendly environment, which is ideal for younger skiers and snowboarders and for anybody new to winter sports. Campgaw is also known for its popular tubing runs, which are 800 feet long and accessible by lift. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable options on this list. A four-hour lift ticket Monday through Thursday starts at just $36 this season. That’s about as low as you’ll find. Season passes start at $379. If you’ve already mastered Campgaw, Vernon’s Mountain Creek Resort is a great place to explore some more advanced trails. Mountain Creek is the largest ski resort in New Jersey, with 167 acres of skiable terrain, including 46 trails and eight lifts. About one quarter of those trails are beginner friendly.

Without traffic, the resort is just under two hours from the Manasquan and Brielle area. Mountain Creek’s Appalachian Hotel offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation with luxury suites and a heated pool, which makes this resort an ultimate weekend getaway if you want to spend a few bucks. Weekday lift tickets start at $59, weekends start at $68 and season passes start at $319.

Beyond New Jersey If you’re crossing state lines, Shawnee Mountain in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, is drivable in two hours (without traffic) from Manasquan or Brielle. It’s also one of the more family-friendly resorts in the Poconos, with plenty of kid- and beginner-friendly trails, tubing and family activities. Prices vary, but single day lift tickets start at $52, and season passes start at $549. Camelback Mountain Resort, in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, is generally the

most popular destination in the Poconos, with skiing, snowboarding, tubing and even an indoor waterpark, offering 39 trails across 166 acres of skiable terrain. 15 of those trails are beginner friendly. Without traffic, Camelback is a little over two hours from the Jersey Shore. This season, Camelback season passes (with blackout dates) start at $519, with twilight lift tickets priced at $55 and all day lift tickets priced at $69. Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerville, Pennsylvania, is about the same driving distance as Camelback, with over 40 trails, including the highest vertical drop in the state of Pennsylvania, at 1,082 feet. Blue Mountain’s five terrain parks are a favorite for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Prices vary based on demand, but as of this writing, four-hour lift tickets start at $48, eight-hour tickets start at $55 and season passes start at $549 for ages 22 and over. Around two and a half hours from the Jersey Shore, you’ll find Jack Frost Big

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Boulder, in White Haven, Pennsylvania. This is a single resort complex that encompasses two very distinct mountains. Jack Frost offers a more traditional skiing experience, with 20 trails and plenty of beginner-friendly runs, while Big Boulder is better known for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Daily lift tickets start at $48. Season passes vary in price, with discounts for seniors and college students; a weekday-only season pass starts at $490.

The snow must go on If you’ve mastered the local options, and if you’re still feeling ambitious, consider Hunter Mountain Resort, or Windham Mountain Club, both located in the Catskills of New York state. Both mountains are about 150 miles from the Jersey Shore, so expect a solid three hours in the car, not to mention, New York prices. To be perfectly clear, I haven’t even attempted Hunter or Windham yet. But

now that I’ve got the skiing bug, I’ve been scoping them out, and it’s only a matter of time. If you’re an otherwise outdoorsy person who has never been on a pair of skis or a snowboard, you owe it to yourself to take the plunge. There’s something magical about the fresh air of a snowy mountain; and when you mix in some good friends and a little adrenaline, the whole experience can be instantly addictive. Extra special thanks to all of the readers who shared their skiing and snowboarding photos. Looks like some of you are already way ahead of me...but not for long! See you on the slopes! Special thanks to the Portnoy Family, Lily Carhart and Darian Boyle for sharing ski photos with us! Clara Seigler is a design and glassware specialist. She recently moved to the Jersey Shore from New York City.

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Under the Sea

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Dive into the ocean world right here along the Shore. BY CLARENCE KEHOE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL CASSELLA

As I come up on my fourth decade of enjoying Sea Girt with my family and now calling it our full-time home, I can happily say some things never get old. Who doesn’t get a chill seeing a pod of dolphins or a breaching whale a few hundred feet off the coast of where we live? Increasing numbers have appeared over the last few years due in part to changing weather patterns, warming waters and an increasing supply of food closer to shore. There’s so much to learn about the animals that swim right outside our doorstep. Dolphins Both dolphins and whales are warm blooded, air breathing mammals that give birth to live young. A dolphin pregnancy can last between 8 and 16 months, giving birth to one calf every one to six years. Dolphins are carnivores and enjoy snacking on fish, squid, jellyfish and various crustaceans. The number of times a dolphin comes up for air depends upon what they are doing; if sleeping, they may surface 3 to 7 times per minute, when awake, it’s closer to 8 to 12 times. Dolphins can hold their breath much longer when diving. Dolphins are highly intelligent, curious and social. When having a good day, they are happy and playful and even share some emotional similarities to people. They travel in pods of up to 30 and occasionally form temporary “super pods” of 100 or more. They communicate with one another in their pods through a series of clicks, whistles and squeals. There are over 40 species of dolphin, most of which live in salt water. Orcas, also known as killer whales, are

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also a species of dolphin. The dolphin we typically see at the Jersey Shore are known as bottlenose dolphin. Dolphins jump out of the water to communicate, hunt, for hygiene purposes (getting rid of nasty parasites) or simply because they can: Sometimes dolphins just want to have fun. However, don’t mistake their playfulness for a desire to play with you. While dolphins generally do not pose a threat to swimmers, surfers or kayakers, remember that the creatures you see are wild animals.

Whales Common whales in New Jersey are the humpback, finback and minke. Humpbacks are usually between 25 and 50 feet in length. The humpbacks seen off the New Jersey coast are usually juvenile and are only 25 to 40 feet in length. Fin whales, second only in length to the blue whale, can be 60

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PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL SCOTTO

to 90 feet in length, with an adult weighing up to 100,000 pounds! The minke is a smaller relative of the finback and averages about 18 in length. The diets of whales differ among species and can range from microscopic zooplankton to fish, and thankfully, do not include people.

Marine wonder On one of those weirdly warm days in early November that could have passed as August, I decided to take my kayak up to the beach in the early afternoon. I found myself drifting into a school of bait fish jumping out of the water, some singularly and some in small groups like synchronized swimmers at the Olympics. I started to paddle back to my launch point making little progress against a stiff breeze, something that would normally annoy me, but as a new retiree, I did not mind. As I glanced off my left shoulder, less

than 50 feet from my boat, a humpback whale came up for a breath of air. I felt nervous, very small and extremely vulnerable. After regaining my senses, I paddled for a few more minutes then decided to go ashore. I hopped out of my kayak as it reached shallow water. Well, at 64 years old I really don’t “hop” anymore. A more candid description might be that I feebly exited without managing to hurt myself, aware of my ear-to-ear grin, wondering how someone wouldn’t believe in the intelligent design of the universe.

Food for thought The wonderful experience made me reflect on the new proposed project to create wind farms off the coast of the New Jersey shore. The project has many residents of Sea Girt, Spring Lake and Manasquan concerned. Running power cables along

the streets of our towns within 15 feet of homes, schools and businesses carrying almost 10 times the power of the Oyster Creek nuclear plant. This may present serious health and environmental concerns for us humans. Those same power cables are going to be running under the sea floor and will most likely pose the same or greater risks to whales, dolphins and other marine life, including endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale. So, I head up to the boardwalk with a cup of coffee in hand, waiting to see the sun peak over the horizon, hoping to catch sight of a few dolphins or a whale. If not, there is always tomorrow and the realization how truly fortunate I am to call this my home. Clarence Kehoe is a retired tax accountant and Sea Girt resident.

JANUARY 2025

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Robert and Kathy Kregg have dedicated their retirement to making beautiful art across Sea Girt. Their vibrant shell creations bring joy and happiness to residents year-round.

BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

After retiring from a long career in a variety of businesses, Robert Kregg wanted to do something that would keep him busy and interested. He also wanted to contribute to the Sea Girt community. He and his wife Kathy hoped to do something that would make people happy, make them smile. One July 4th nearly 20 years ago, Robert went out and bought a gross (144 count) of American flags. He and Kathy started attaching flags to posts along the boardwalk at Beacon Boulevard to celebrate America’s birthday. They continued all the way up to Philadelphia Boulevard that

first year. Judging from the reactions of walkers and joggers, the Kreggs realized they were doing something that did make people happy. From then on, year after year, the number of flags increased and the route expanded to wave flags the entire three-quarter mile boardwalk from Beacon to Trenton Bled’s. Every year they ordered more flags, since some got damaged by wind or rain and some simply went missing. The Kregg’s felt great enjoyment from their annual flag celebration.

SHELL PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ROBERT KREGG; FLAG PHOTOGRAPHS BY VINCENT DICKS

Making People Happy

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sand must be damp. It can take up to three hours to build it into mounds before we can begin to create anything. Dry sand would make it nearly impossible. The best time of day to begin is early morning while there is usually plenty of moisture in the sand. Sometimes it takes three or four hours to design, then place the shells.” This surely is a labor of love and community spirit from Kathy and Robert. Besides the flags and shells, the Kreggs can often be seen weeding public green spaces and planting seasonal flowers around town. They exemplify true community spirit and giving back. They are a gift to Sea Girt. Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident, member of the Holly Club and author of The Sisterhood of Diabetes.

SHELL PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ROBERT KREGG; FLAG PHOTOGRAPHS BY VINCENT DICKS

And then they added shells. It might seem incredible that someone would have well over 1000 large, perfectly formed clam shells in their possession. The Kreggs do! They are stored in 15-gallon buckets

in their home. They are the keepers of shells. The couple have been painting clam shells red, white, blue, gold, orange and a few odd colors for decades. Why? You might ask. What does a person do with 1000 painted sea shells? If you’ve ever walked along the Sea Girt boardwalk, you no doubt have noticed art in the sand. The giant orange pumpkin shell at Halloween, the American flag shells, and the Merry Christmas shells set in Sea Girt sand are the beautiful art of the Kregg family. “It is something we enjoy doing in addition to the waving flags.” says Robert. You might be curious to know the process of transforming ordinary clam shells picked up on the beach, painted vibrant colors and sculpted into beautiful art. “First of all,” Kathy explains, “the

JANUARY 2025

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Spring Lake November 2023

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FATHER’S MUSTACHE GIVING BACK

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30 Years of Ray’s Café

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Q &a

Preparing for Winter Spring Lake’s Borough Administrator Brian Dempsey on how the Department of Public Works prepares for winter cold and storms. BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

INTERVIEW WITH

W. BRYAN DEMPSEY Borough Administrator

Old Man Winter is beginning to wake from

his slumber, resulting in dropping temperatures around the area. Soon there may be icy and snowy conditions that residents will have to face. W. Bryan Dempsey, Borough Administrator of the Public Works Department in Spring Lake has some helpful information for residents as the town heads into the frosty winter months.

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How does the town prepare for winter, snow and nor’easters? Public Works starts to prepare the equipment (salt spreaders, plows, trucks, blowers, etc.) in the early fall.

What about the beach and boardwalk? Temporary signs are removed from the streets and snow fencing is placed on the beach where there is potential for sand to drift onto the boardwalk and roadway.

What does the department do to keep the residents of Spring Lake safe? In the event there is a snowstorm, the Department of Public Works will salt the streets, plow the streets and remove the snow from sidewalks that surround the parks. Residents should make sure all outside hose bibs and showers are turned off and winterized.

Any tips for residents as the winter months approach?

Residents that are not here in the winter should have someone checking on their home on a regular basis or have their home winterized until they return. The Borough has a notification system that is used to update the Borough residents about storm events and other happenings in the Borough. Residents can sign up for the notification by visiting the Borough’s website at springlakeboro.org or calling the Public Works Department at (732) 449-7693, extension 614. PHOTOGRAPHS BY TO COME

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL SCOTTO

In an effort to help DPW with the snow removal process, the residents should not park on the street until the event is over and the streets are cleared. If possible, the residents should stay off the streets until the snow event is over.

Danielle Kutcher is a local mom of three and a retired elementary school teacher. She enjoys theater, reading and going on adventures with her family.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY

BOOK NOOK

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Cooking Up Connections BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

If you enjoy reading cookbooks, experimenting with recipes and exchanging ideas on the art, science and enjoyment of food, the Sea Girt Library Cookbook Club is the club to join. It all began in 2016 when librarians Lisa Luke and JoAnn Johnson read about a library in Connecticut that held a cookbook club. It sounded like an interesting project for the SG library. The two women decided to adapt the Connecticut “rules.” Instead of requiring members to check out a cookbook from the library and make a recipe from it, they came up with something they thought would be more enjoyable for the SG library. “We decided we wanted to be looser in the requirements, so we chose a theme for that first meeting (apples) and asked people to bring their recipe and a sample for tasting” Luke said. Participants brought selections of soups, salads, pastas and desserts. “It was a big hit! Thus began the SG Library Cookbook Club.” “We knew from the beginning that by creating a theme, we had found the way forward for the future,” Johnson said.

“From that first meeting, we had the courses for a full dinner.” Since then, themes have been broad enough to allow for a range and variety of dishes so that the 7 p.m. meetings also become dinner. The group meets five or six times a year. Library staff Luke, Johnson and Patty Peterson set up and decorate the tables with great creativity to complement the evening’s theme. Participants gather to enjoy appetizers and perhaps a glass of wine. During the main event, tasting and talking becomes lively around the table as each person describes their contribution for the evening. At present, the room can accommodate fourteen participants. Although current members get first crack at signing up for each session, there is sometimes room for interested new cooks to claim a spot and join in on the fun. Sessions end with a discussion and decision on what the theme will be for the next gathering. For example, November’s theme was “Oh My Gourd.” Cooks were asked to make a fall recipe that included seasonal squashes in their

recipe. Last February the theme was “Red,” which everyone agreed was particularly fun for Valentine’s Day. January 2025 will challenge members to try their hands at “Creative Weekend Favorites,” where cooks will share their favorite weekend recipes, be it for football watching, casual winter get-togethers with friends or old family favorites. “Cookbook Club has always been an active club, but it really took off after the pandemic.” Luke said. “We used to promote it far and wide, and we never exceeded capacity. But when we started up again in 2022, we discovered we had to limit attendance so that there is room for everyone to sit.” If the Sea Girt Library Cookbook Club whets your appetite, there is hope for more participation as the library plans for an addition in the near future. We hope those plans will be moving to the front burner soon. Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident, author of the Sisterhood of Diabetes and an enthusiastic member of the Sea Girt Holly Club and the Library Cookbook Club.

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PHOTO OP

No Sweat Spring Lake resident and

proud mom Elaine Slattery shared this photo of her daughter, Julia, who completed The New York City Marathon just 10 months after meniscus surgery. Running for the charity Team for Kids, Julia finished with an impressive time of 4:30:40. Julia described the experience as unforgettable and said she’d gladly do it again!

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to brynncoleman@wainscotmedia.com.

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