Spring Lake August 2023

Spring Lake

Also Serving Sea Girt

DYNAMIC DUO LOCAL GIRL SCOUTS EARN GOLD

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR A LOCAL BEVERAGE MAKER

SEA GIRT 5K RACING TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Henry Bossett Harnesses the Wind

MARIE REED HOMES

This home boasts 5 beautiful bedrooms, a lovely kitchen and spacious great room featuring abundant natural light. The beach is just steps away! The custom wood work and built-in cabinets are stunning throughout the house. Ample room for outdoor entertaining for you and your guests, in both the front and back of the house. Plus a 3-stop elevator! This fabulous property has all you need to enjoy a wonderful summer on Sea Girt Beach!

Sea Girt

814 First Avenue, Sea Girt, NJ

Boutique Design Studio specializing in bespoke cabintey and hard finishs for the home.

RED BANK, NJ | 732.345.1441 | TOWNANDCOUNTRYDESIGNSTUDIO.COM

Design by appointment | Visit website for Mercantile Shop hours

Michael Skea Broker Associate

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty | Spring Lake

1117 Third Ave., Spring Lake, NJ

O: 732.449.3322

C: 732.272.5898

mskea@wardwightsir.com

7 Beds | 11/1 Baths | Price Upon Request

The tranquil union of unobstructed lake views and indoor comfort translates into one of the finest luxury homes offered along the Atlantic. This custom new construction residence offers three levels of unparalleled lakefront living with fine architectural elements and well crafted details creating a timeless environment throughout this home. Here is your opportunity to indulge in a fabulous lifestyle in one of the most sought after coastal communities.

Harnessing the Wind

PHOTOGRAPH BY JULIA GARGANO

Golden Days of Summer

Happy August! With kids’ camps winding down and the strange weather of June and July behind us, I hope everyone can squeeze every last bit of fun out of the bright and sunny golden days of August.

This month, we’re excited to continue to share a variety of stories that celebrate the best of our community. Local food writer Maria O’Donnell shares her home garden and the magic of Jersey Tomatoes with us. We also celebrate two Spring Lake Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, Fiona O’Brien and Julia Moran—two young women who have made a significant impact on their communities. In addition, we explore the inspiring career of sailor and sail maker, Henry Bossett.

In the end of summer scramble to do all the things before school starts back up again, be sure to check out Spring Lake Theatre Company’s production of Peter Pan. This magical tale is shaping up to be a beautiful show, filled with lots of familiar faces. With back-to-school season on the horizon, we send lots of luck and well wishes to our local college students as they head back to campus!

As always, feel free to reach out to me with story suggestions or feedback. We hope you enjoy this issue of our magazine!

Warm regards,

Brynn Coleman Publisher

Spring Lake MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher

Brynn Coleman

Group Publisher

Jodi Bruker

Art Director

Sue Park

Copy Editor

Nancy Fass

Writers

Kate Czyzewski

Vinnie DIcks

Chris Galletta

Maria O’Donnell

Kerry Serzan

Lead Photographer

Michelle Wolfe

Photographers

Julia Gargano

Michael Scotto

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

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE

Racing for Us Q & a

BY VINNIE DICKS

Sea Girt 5k is a fun, charitable fundraiser that gets the community out and running. Originally started to raise money for playground equipment at Sea Girt Elementary School, the race has evolved into a way to support worthy causes all over Monmouth County. The race began in 1992, and over the last 19 years more than $750,000 has been raised for Sea Girt Recreation and local charities. It’s one of the oldest races in the area—the town even managed to run the race through the pandemic. Kids, walkers, joggers and serious athletes all enjoy the event with live music and fun after-parties.

Mike D’Altrui, Sea Girt resident and race director since 2005, coordinates the volunteer staff and the 2,500-plus participants.

Since 1992, the Sea Girt 5K has raised more than $700,000 for the community.

MIKE D’ALTRUI

John and Kate Tassini celebrating after the Sea Girt 5K.

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.

Why is the race special?

It’s truly a community event. We attract families who participate together. Whether competitive or not, they often open their homes and host parties to enjoy a great day in Sea Girt afterward. It’s a festival atmosphere.

How do you select the charities?

We have a race committee. We always support Sea Girt Recreation, but each year we pick a charity that is close to home with Sea Girt roots or one that benefits the local community. Many of our residents and sponsors do great charitable work. This year’s primary charity is RallyCap Sports. Paul Hooker and his wife Margo started the charity, and for 25 years they have helped to provide recreational sports opportunities to kids with special needs. The Hooker family donated the recent improvements of new accessible equipment and shade structures to Baltimore Park.

What is your favorite memory from the race?

A few years ago, it was getting late. We do an 8:30 a.m. start and most racers finish by 9:30. An ambulance usually follows the last runner. We start the kids’ races around 10:00 and the ambulance had not yet arrived. When it finally appeared at about 10:45 at the end of the plaza, a gentleman was shuffling along. He had lost several hundred pounds and had made it a personal goal to finish a 5k. As he came in the crowd erupted in cheers. It was an emotional reminder that the race is for everyone.

What does the community have to look forward to next year?

We continually look to make the event bigger and better, more organized and more fun for the participants. We are a small town—we are not looking to make it a 10,000-person race. We just want those who come out to have a fun time while doing something good for our community.

Vinnie Dicks is the author of “Forsaken Kings—Emma Spreckels the Surfer of Asbury Park,” “The Women Who Saved Spring Lake” and “Sea Girt—The Last Town at the Jersey Shore.” Learn more at www.vincentdicks.com.

Community members of all ages turn out in force to support the 2,500-plus race participants.

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.

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LET’S

Waves and Words

BY CHRIS GALLETTA

I’m one of the 15,000 TV and film writers currently on strike. So now most of our creative energy is going toward clever picket signs. I love and miss work but am digging in. My days this summer have followed a simple routine: Write something, anything to keep the juices flowing; get a cortado at Noon on Third Avenue; call and text other writers (and now actors!) in solidarity. And, when the conditions are right, surf. As much as possible.

This is my third year in the water. During the pandemic, I took a few lessons and to my happy surprise I loved it! Now I’m regularly out on the Washington Avenue break with a merry band of locals, retirees, Asbury or Rockaway day-trippers, and probably a handful of juvenile great whites.

“Brave” is not the first word I’d use to describe myself, but I know a lot of people who are scared to surf or of the ocean, a dark and mysterious place—it’s easy to imagine a fin or a tentacle or a 90s mob witness surfacing any moment.

Finding ‘Flow’

I have never been anxious about surfing. Out there, I’m chasing the same feeling I get during a great day of writing—ironically, a sense of detachment from thoughts. My best work comes from someplace deeper and wiser than my brain. ‘Flow’ is the feeling of having accessed that place; tapped into it like a vein of ore. When you come back from that wonderful place, you’re not sure what happened but you’ve got a whole bunch of words that usually feel just right. This reminds me of turning around after a wave and being happily surprised at just how long the ride was. I wasn’t in my head for it because if I had been, I’d never have caught the wave to begin with.

Maybe being willing to confront the subconscious and roll the dice—whatever’s just under the surface might be scary—isn’t all that dissimilar from giving yourself over to the ocean for a few hours. Things can definitely go wrong.

Very wrong. Or something special (even a little addicting) can happen.

If you look into the abyss, it will look back. But abysses get a bad rap. The depths contain mystery and uncertainty, which can just as easily be spun as adventure and possibility. Isn’t a glassy ocean—like a laptop screen—something more akin to a mirror, anyway?

This summer, may I suggest taking a stab at both? Have an adventure on the water: Let a wave take you somewhere unpredictable. Try it with the blank page too. Let an idea or a feeling or a memory take a little nibble on your leg. And if things get too scary, you can always assert your dominance and punch it in the gills (seriously, has anyone ever done this?) Happy summer!

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL SCOTTO

Chris Galletta is the screenwriter of “The Kings of Summer,” an upcoming comedy-mystery for Legendary Pictures. He is also a frequent contributor to The American Bystander humor magazine.

Surfing and writing require the same type of pluck—a willingness to stare into the depths, where you just may find a better version of yourself.

INTRODUCING ALAINA C. HARRINGTON, DMD, MD

Dr. Harrington a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon, with training as both an oral surgeon (DMD) and medical doctor (MD), joins our team with an extensive background and skillset. A native New Jerseyan from Bayonne, NJ, Dr. Harrington completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Drew University, before graduating from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and continuing to Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. During Dr. Harrington’s training, she served as Chief Resident in her final year at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Harrington’s surgical interests include dentoalveolar surgery, maxillofacial trauma, micro neurosurgery, and benign pathology.

Dr. Harrington’s exceptional credentials and passion for patient care make her an outstanding asset to our team and reinforce our commitment to exceptional patient care…each and every time. We are proud to welcome her to the Coastal family.

"Your Realtor at the Shore"

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

Harnessing the Wind

Olympian Henry Bossett talks about growing up in Sea Girt, his family and his career as a world-class racer and sailmaker.

BY VINNIE DICKS

“In a continuous living cycle each end becomes a beginning and life is becoming, always becoming.” This quote from Gwen Frostic’s “Wisps of Mist” appeared on Henry and Maggie Bossett’s wedding invitations. It represents the life journey Sea Girt resident and Olympian Henry Bossett is still on. Henry, raised in Brielle, started sailing at the Manasquan River Yacht Club when he was 15 years old. He went to attend the University of Rhode Island, where he was an All-American sailor in the challenging waters around Newport. After college, he worked in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where he was introduced to sailing on the ice in Detroit News “DN class” racers. On “soft” water, the Tornado class catamaran was

his specialty. Only the top boat in each class gets to represent the United States in the Olympics and Bossett qualified for the 1980 games in Moscow with crewmate Jeff Kent. President Carter and the U.S. boycotted the games over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, but Bossett continued competing and was consistently one of the top five sailors in the world. He would go on to win three DN World Championships on ice and was the first American to win the European Cup, and he took four DN North American Championships. In the sailing world he was a celebrity and was featured in a Chapstick commercial, using the product in Finland while speeding along at 40 knots, inches from the ice.

Left: Henry Bossett on an E Scow sailboat with his children, Nathan, Evan and Julia. Photograph by Peter Slack. Above: Bossett racing aboard a J44-VAMP as tactician in Newport, RI.

Support at Home

“I credit my wife Maggie and my children for their tremendous support while sailing took me around the world,” says Bossett. The community helped as well. Sea Girt declared April 1984 “Henry Bossett Month” with a banner across Washington Ave and the community raised money for his Olympic campaign.

Henry opened a sail making loft in Point Pleasant in 1975, specializing in the design and production of high-performance racing sails. “In sail making, a millimeter of cloth is the difference between a winning design and second place,” says Bossett. To expand into larger cruising and racing yachts he partnered with Shore Sails of Rhode Island in 1982. Who wouldn’t want a champion racer to try out your new sails? Henry won new business by getting out on the water with his customers and gained a worldwide following for his sails. By 1995 he became an agent for North Sails in New Jersey, the top specialty sailmaker, which gave him access to their cutting-edge technology.

Setting a New Course

In 2022 after 42 years of sail making and 52 years on the water, Henry retired from selling and cutting sails. His advice for young people trying to grow a business: “Find your niche, where you can offer something different. The market for racing sails was underserved for ice boats and catamarans. Once I established my reputation there, it was easier to move into other markets.”

Bossett has continued to get out on the water with his camera. He is a serious nature and landscape photographer, and has begun to study local history. He is currently researching the history of ice boating in North America with the intent of writing a definitive book on the subject. He recently co-hosted presentations on the history of ice boating for the Mystic Maritime Museum and the Cape Cod Maritime Museum.

The circle of becoming continues. Bossett’s son Nathan, a naval architect and sailor, is currently sailing from Mexico to Tahiti on a small craft. Daughter Julia Gargano is a professional photographer and younger son Evan works for the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, helping to preserve that unique ecosystem. Bossett and his wife split their time between Connecticut and Sea Girt, where they still live in the house on Chicago Blvd. that Bossett’s grandfather built in 1948. “I grew up hearing stories of early Sea Girt,” says Bossett. “My dad was on the beach when the first life boat came in from the Morrow Castle. My grandfather owned and ran The Village Barn. Sea Girt is a such special place, with special people. Be willing to get involved with local organizations so you have an opportunity to interact with your neighbors and help shape the future of this great town.”

Opposite page, top to bottom: Bossett racing his DN iceboat in a World Championship on Saginaw Bay in Detroit. With Mike O’Brien racing in the Tornado Class European Championship in Lake Garda, Italy. Above: After the 1980 Summer Olympics were canceled, Bossett and the U.S. Sailing Team attended a picnic with President Jimmy Carter at the White House, where they were each awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Vincent Dicks is a Sea Girt author who specializes in writing about the history of the Jersey Shore. Learn more at vincentdicks.com.

To Your Health!

How a Spring Lake woman’s nonalcoholic wellness-focused beverage won a top  national culinary award.

BY MARIA O’DONNELL

The Specialty Food Association gives its sofi Award to the winning candidates in a nationwide competition that selects the best of the best in food and drink products in a variety of categories. Products are chosen in a blind tasting by master chefs. Stephanie Bricken of Spring Lake recently won the association’s award for best new product in the alcoholic and cocktail category, competing against both nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages for the prize.

Her new creation is called Seraphim Social Beverage—a name that alludes to angels, which are close to Bricken’s heart and faith. Seraphim Social Beverage has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, nor any added sugar, and boasts healthful benefits.

It’s brewed like tea and made with ingredients such as elderberry for immune support; cacao and oat extract to calm the nervous system; and Japanese reishi mushrooms to balance the nervous system, among other ingredients. Bricken says that when people try her product at farmers’ markets and other public venues, they often say they feel “calm and tingly” even before learning of its health benefits.

Old-World Methods

Seraphim’s journey began about five years ago out of Bricken’s desire to replace red wines. She loved the wines but wasn’t a fan of the headaches and moodiness that often came after consuming them. She was confident she could make a nonalcoholic beverage that had wine’s feel and taste but didn’t taste like juice or have unpleasant side effects.

Bricken hit the books backed by her master’s degree in holistic health, starting her research at the National Institutes of Health, where she found information on essential oils and other natural food extracts. A foodie tour in Modena, Italy, led her to a secret ingredient for her beverage.

When Bricken toured a Modena balsamic vinegar factory, she learned about aging grapes in pine and walnut barrels and using them to render balsamic vinegar versus wine. She marveled that one drop of 25-year aged balsamic had so much depth and flavor, and sought to recreate that in a beverage recipe that had already started coming to life.

Through trial and error, Bricken figured out

how to cook using old-time methods from Italy— the secret ingredient she was looking for to create the qualities she passionately wanted to provide.

Locally Crafted

Bricken first brews her award-winning beverage, cooking it with a special blend of ingredients that she carefully selects for a mix of complexity and flavor notes like the attributes that wine lovers look for in a nice red. She strived to create the celebratory feeling of a glass of wine with the warmth of a cup of tea. “A wellness time,” she calls the imbibing experience. Clearly, she has succeeded.

Seraphim Social Beverage is made in New Jersey at Rutgers Innovation Food Center, and the artwork that adorns the product was created by Bricken’s friend Rachel Rowberry, a botanical artist with whom she worked in her former career at Ellen Tracy. The product also has a long shelf life as it can be stored for about a month in the refrigerator after opening.

Seraphim Social Beverage currently comes in two flavors. The first is the award-winning Cacao, which has chocolate and leather undertones

but is light, like a Pinot Noir. This pure-blend cacao with added oat has a calming effect and a complexity that settles you nicely into your “wellness time.”

Bricken’s second Seraphim blend is called Cassia, which is made with cinnamon, hibiscus and elderberries for immune support. This beverage is fruit-forward with grassy notes, like a balanced Grenache, and provides a relaxing feel and flavor you would expect from a beverage that is seeking to become as beloved as its counterpart.

Bricken has made three batches of Seraphim beverages so far and is making a fourth batch in August.

You can find Seraphim Social Beverage at Spring Lake Bottle Shop for $34.99 a bottle, and at Watermark in Asbury and Barlows in Sea Girt. Now that’s something to cheer about!

Stephanie Bricken of Spring Lake developed Seraphim Social Beverage, a nonalcoholic drink brewed from health-supporting ingredients. So far, she has two varieties, one of which— Cacao—was recognized by The Specialty Food Association as among the best of the best nationally in food and drink products.

Maria O’Donnell is a freelance food writer who lives with her husband, Brendan, and two children, Annabelle and Bubba, in Spring Lake. You can follow her page “Cooking with Maria” on Facebook and @foodwritergirl on Instagram.

Julia Moran (left) and Fiona O’Brien are both honored to be Gold Award Girl Scouts.

Dynamic Duo

Friends since birth, two recent high school graduates have been honored with Girl Scouting’s highest award.

BY KERRY SERZAN

Two local girls, faithful friends from birth who grew up blocks away from each other in Spring Lake, are the recent recipients of the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.

Fiona O’Brien and Julia Moran, brought into one another’s lives by fate and friendship, now share yet another very rare and special bond.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the equivalent of the Boy Scouts’ Eagle Award, is awarded to Scouts who help fix a problem in their community or create sustainable, lasting change using the skills they have garnered over their Scouting careers.

“The Girl Scout motto is ‘be prepared,’ says Barry O’Brien, Fiona’s father. “A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever needed, willing to serve and do the job well. Julia and Fiona are the only two girls to ever receive this very prestigious award in Spring Lake. There are not many in Monmouth County and the numbers are small even for the whole state.”

Passion Projects

Fiona’s Gold project is built on her love of history and Spring Lake, her hometown from the age of two. An avid history buff, she set a goal to educate visitors and residents about two historic buildings in town—the Fifth Avenue firehouse and the municipal building. Her notable efforts earned her the Gold Award in June 2023.

“I am feeling very accomplished and proud of the hard work I put in now that the Gold Award is completed, and I am grateful for the experiences over the years I have had as a Girl Scout,” says Fiona.

Julia’s Gold Award project grew from her interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and her desire to see more young people, especially girls, engage in scientific pursuits. She designed and ran a STEM summer camp for girls in her backyard. She then converted the camp activities into an enrichment curriculum currently in use at H.W. Mountz School. For these achievements, Julia earned her Gold Award in June 2022.

“I’m really excited to be able to share the work I did for my Gold Award with the community, and I can’t wait to see the lasting effects of my work,” says Julia. “I hope to continue this type of community service in my college career.”

The Morans (Diane and Michael) and O’Briens (Barry and Holly) met though a new parent support group affiliated with CentraState Medical Center, the Freehold hospital where the girls were born—one week apart—in October 2005. The O’Briens moved to Spring Lake from Millstone Township in 2007; the Morans relocated from Morganville in 2010.

Fiona enrolled at St. Catharine School and, later, went to high school at Trinity Hall. Julia

attended H.W. Mountz and Biotechnology

High School. “Despite being in different schools, their friendship remained on the soccer field, the softball field, the playground, at summer recreation programs, on the beach and at Spring Lake Theatre & Dance Academy,” says Holly O’Brien, Fiona’s mother. “Spring Lake is an inclusive town, so it is very easy for children from different schools to be friends.”

A Shared Love of Scouting

A common interest the girls shared as they grew up was their love of Scouting, and their separate troops would often hold meetings together.

Fiona joined Troop 997 and was a member for 13 years. Julia joined Troop 1110 in kindergarten, and her mom, Diane Moran, became troop leader. “When the other members dropped out after middle school, Julia continued to pursue Scouts without a troop throughout high school. She was known as a ‘Juliette,’” Diane notes.

Having earned their diplomas, the friends are college-bound this fall. Fiona plans to study musical theater and history at DeSales University this fall. Julia plans to attend the University of Notre Dame and study mechanical engineering.

As Julia and Fiona take on this next phase of life, Barry says, “both girls continue to be faithful friends and share this incredible honor of Girl Scout Gold.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE WOLFE. DANCE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MORAN FAMILY.

Kerry Serzan is a freelance writer and a former staff member at H.W. Mountz. You’ll often find her on the beach, at St. Mark’s or at the theater with her husband Joe and four kids.

It’s a Shore Thing

Specializing in general, surgical, pediatric, adult and cosmetic dermatology, Connolly Dermatology offers dermatological care for the whole family at offices conveniently located throughout NJ, DE and PA.

Coyle S. Connolly, D.O. has combined his passion for helping people and love of teaching to bring quality dermatological care to South Jersey for over 2 decades. Dr. Connolly prides himself in giving patients straight-forward information about their skin concerns and encouraging them to ask questions. Established in 1996, Connolly Dermatology now offers state-of-the-art surgical and non-surgical treatments of skin cancer, including superficial radiation therapy in our dedicated skin cancer treatment centers.

One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Call us today to schedule your skin cancer screening and to discuss how we can help you meet your personal skin health goals.

Coyle S. Connolly, D.O.

2023 To advertise, contact Brynn Coleman at Brynn.Coleman@springlakemagazine.com or 908-472-3384 Reach virtually EVERY home in Spring Lake and Sea Girt with your business message.

Also Serving Sea Girt

Food writer and home chef Maria O’Donnell holding one of the first Jersey tomatoes of her 2023 crop.

Ode to the Jersey Tomato

Grown or bought, the Garden State’s favorite fruits burst with distinctive aromas and flavors.

BY MARIA O’DONNELL

I recall the first time I came across a Jersey tomato. That divine smell is something that has stayed with me since, and I have discovered through my travels that it undeniably belongs to tomatoes grown only in the Garden State.

New Jersey lives up to its nickname, as we can grow it all in planting zones 6 and 7, and nothing is more prevalent in a Jersey garden than the tomato plant. If you’re a lover of this proverbial fruit (it’s technically an edible berry), you begin your seedlings at the tail end of winter—late March, to be exact—when you’re longing for cold to give way to sunnier days.

I start my seedlings at that time every season and am lucky to have a back porch that acts as a greenhouse. With the use of grow lights at night, it is the perfect space to nurture all kinds of tomato varietals straight from seed.

Delicious Options

But one of my favorite types of tomato is not grown from seed but bought locally in late summer. It’s an heirloom tomato plant that is sold only at Matt’s Farm Market & Garden Center in Belmar and is called a pineapple tomato. This varietal has distinctive reddish stripes on warm, yellow skin and bursts forth with a sweetness that is unique to this particular fruit. It has no connection to the pineapple other than its name and shared sweetness.

The top honors in tomato land, however, will always belong to the traditional Jersey beefsteak

tomato. Large, red and ripe on the vine, with that distinctive scent and classic taste, there is nothing quite like it.

Gardener’s Delight

The best thing about all tomatoes is that they are so easy to grow. You can plant them in pots, the ground, a window box—just about anywhere as long as they receive at least eight hours of sun and a little fertilizer. Just one healthy tomato plant can produce a plethora of fresh tomatoes from July to September, sometimes stretching all the way to October if the weather is welcoming.

The passion in gardening is nurturing plants from seed to sow, and you feel a responsibility when you harvest to do your rewards justice, never waste and always cherish the bounty. Tomatoes never cease to inspire with their varied ways of preparation. From chimichurri sauces to salsas, sandwiches to salads, canning for winter and slicing for summer, tomatoes are both versatile and creative.

One season, I had so many tomatoes that I dried the skins, then pulsed them in a spice mill and created a spice called tomato powder that livened up many of my dishes and lasted well through winter.

SIMPLE, PERFECT PREP

Round ripe and juicy, Garden State tomatoes will forever provide us with an array of variable dishes and yield a taste of home. Here’s my favorite preparation for a freshly plucked tomato:

• Rinse, dry and put the tomatoes in a bowl.

• Drizzle with your favorite balsamic vinegar (mine is from a small producer in Umbria).

• Sprinkle with flaky Maldon Sea Salt. Delicioso!

Maria O’Donnell is a freelance food writer and home chef who lives in Spring Lake with her husband, Brendan, a Sea Girt local, and their two children, Annabelle and Brendan II (Bubba).

There’s No Smile Like a Cuozzo Smile

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.

From left: Kelsey Lynch, Faith Montagnino, Kate Czyzewski, Caroline Giblin and shop pup, Martha Mae.

BY MICHELLE WOLFE

Turning the Page on Summer

Top end-of-season reading recommendations from Thunder Road Books

BY KATE CZYZEWSKI

Some people refer to August as the “Sunday of Summer” but staff members at Thunder Road Books hold summer reading in their hearts all year round. Here are some of their recent favorites to take you through summer and beyond!

Kate’s picks: “WE ARE THE LIGHT”

by Matthew Quick

Lucas is one of a few survivors of a tragedy that takes the lives of 18 members of the community. In the aftermath, he is left to rebuild the pieces and work through his grief, confronting his own struggles, town chatter, misinformation and survivor’s guilt. This timely, raw book shows that while many of us come from “broken” experiences, how we choose to heal defines who we are.

“WE BEGIN AT THE END”

by Chris Whitaker

The sentiment that we’re just a collection of the best and worst things we’ve done comes across in this book. Part drama, part mystery, part family saga, it took my heart and broke it, then put it back together again. These characters stayed with me long after I finished reading.

Kelsey’s picks: “A LITTLE LIFE”

by Hanya Yanagihara

A heavy and heartbreaking story about a man who struggles to reconcile his negative self-image with the positive way he’s seen by his loved ones. This book will emotionally destroy you in the best possible way.

“SILENT CAME THE MONSTER”

by Amy Hill Hearth

What better to read in summer than a book about the Jersey Shore? This one brings new life to the story of the 1916 shark attacks that inspired “Jaws,” one of which happened here in Spring Lake. A tense, fascinating and bingeable book.

Caroline’s picks: “VALLEY OF THE DOLLS”

by Jaqueline Susann

Three women take on the man’s world of 1940s New York City. Their friendship is tested throughout the decades as they realize that once you reach the top, there’s only one way down. This iconic book is one of the most entertaining I’ve ever read.

“FROM THE CORNER OF THE OVAL: A MEMOIR”

by Beck Dorey-Stein

Beck describes her inspirational coming-ofage story as she stumbles into a job at the White House. Her end goal is to be a writer but the experience and lessons she learns along the way make it hard for her to leave. Her dreams finally come true when she publishes her equally enjoyable debut novel, “Rock the Boat.”

Karen’s picks: “SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES”

by Jojo Moyes

The story of two very different women whose lives get turned upside down by husbands and bosses. Beautiful moments between new female friends illustrate themes of hope and resilience manifested in the strength women must find when they are belittled and abused.

“LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN”

by Lisa See

This well-researched blend of fact and fiction follows Tan Yunxian from childhood through years as a respected elder. The author shows how this educated woman in an elite family navigates the world of Chinese medicine and eventually breaks free from the traditional expectations of a woman—including foot binding—held during the Ming Dynasty.

Kate Czyzewski is the events coordinator and store manager of Thunder Road Books. She loves to share her love of books with the community.  You can find her @thunderroadbooks or @thesaltybookworm.

Faith’s picks: “HAMNET”

by Maggie O’Farrell

This breathtaking and deeply moving historical novel immerses readers in the vivid 16th-century world of William Shakespeare and his family. Through richly drawn characters and meticulously researched details, the author paints a mesmerizing portrait of the Bard’s enigmatic wife, Agnes, and their young son, Hamnet, to beautifully explore the complexities of love, grief and the eternal bond between mother and child.

“MOTHER IN THE DARK”

by Kayla Maiuri

This haunting debut novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey into the depths of darkness and the resilience of the human spirit. With captivating prose and masterful storytelling, the author expertly crafts a mesmerizing tale of mystery, family secrets and the unbreakable bonds between mothers and daughters.

‘The Women of Spring Lake’ tells the story of the women business owners who kept the town special.

‘Sea Girt - The Last Town at the Jersey Shore’ tells the history of the northern Jersey Coast from a Sea Girt perspective.

‘Forsaken Kings - Emma SpreckelsThe Surfer of Asbury Park’ tells the unique life story of the daughter of the Sugar King.

vincentdicks.com/bookshop

Vincent Dicks is a Sea Girt author who specializes in writing about the history of the Jersey Shore.

“There is joy in the discovery of facts that have never been written about or are long forgotten. I love to share these stories. It makes living here so much more enjoyable appreciating those who came before us. We all get a limited number of seasons at the beach, and someone will take our place someday.”

JOURNEY GALAPAGOS

EXPLORE THE CREATURES THAT MAKE THE GALAPAGOS UNIQUE

Few places in the world have remained as unspoiled as the Galapagos Islands, and we’ll spoil you wildly while you visit them. For travelers with a love for wildlife, the Galapagos should be at the top of your bucket list. Not only is this remote chain of islands home to some of the world’s rarest species, its isolation has created a community of creatures who are surprisingly unafraid of humans. No need for a telephoto lens, on these expeditions you’ll get closer than you can image to hundreds of unique animals.

ENJOY GLAMPING ON CELEBRITY FLORA SM

The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, with little light pollution, it makes it one of the most beautiful places to go stargazing. On Celebrity Flora, the first ship of her kind to be designed and built especially for the Galapagos Islands, you can enjoy the first sunset-to-sunrise experience of its kind in the Galapagos Islands. Admire brilliant constellations during naturalist-guided stargazing. Sleep under the stars in a comfortable cabana. Wake to a golden sunrise and the aromas of a private breakfast before launching your day.*

Serving

County and the Greater Tri-State Area including

How Same-Day Crowns Can Be Life-Changing

High-Quality crowns without the wait.

BY JOHN G. CAMPI III, DMD & JOSEPH G. CAMPI, DMD

SAME-DAY CROWNS: MULTIPLE BENEFITS

Anyone that has needed a dental crown knows that the procedure can span over two weeks involving temporaries, messy impression materials, multiple appointments, and sometimes unnecessary discomfort. Campi Dental has proudly offered same-day crowns since 2008. A service that our patients love for the efficiency of the process and the reduced number of appointments. Utilizing state-of-the-art CEREC Primescan technology, our same-day crowns process requires no impression material, no temporaries, and is completed with technological precision in one convenient visit. Let’s start with the basics.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is similar to a cap that is designed to cover the visible portion of the tooth and restore its size, shape, and strength, while also enhancing the look of the tooth. The tooth is attached using a very

strong, bonded dental cement. We often recommend dental crowns to our patients to:

• Protect a tooth that is cracked or weakened by decay

• Restore a tooth that’s been worn down

• Replace a large dental filling

• Hold a dental bridge or restore an implant

Enhance the tooth cosmetically

What is CEREC?

CEREC is an advanced dental restorative technology that allows us to restore decayed teeth, place crowns, remove defective fillings, or place veneers in just one appointment. This allows patients to have the highest quality, most lifelike dental restorations. Although we use this technology very often for crowns, Campi Dental can use it for multiple procedures. CEREC is an acronym, standing for:

CHAIRSIDE: The technology is performed while

you’re in the dental chair

EFFICIENT: The procedure is performed with speed, accuracy, and ease, reducing time in the chair and office visits

RESTORATIONS: CEREC produces the most precise and smooth restorations, restoring your tooth to its natural beauty, function, and strength

ESTHETIC: CEREC produces the most beautiful, lifelike restorations. They are metalfree with exact color matching capabilities

CERAMIC: High-strength ceramics are used that are close in composition to your natural tooth structure.

In the past, patients with multiple failed restorations and other serious issues typically required several appointments to achieve a full restoration. With CEREC, however, multiple inlays and onlays can be fabricated, bonded, polished and installed at once.

John G. Campi III, DMD and Joseph G. Campi, DMD are dentists and partners at Campi Dental. For more information visit CampiDental.com or contact us at 732-449-2228.

There are many benefits of same-day crowns that directly impact the patient, therefore if they are offered, it’s clearly the best option. Benefits include:

• No temporary crowns

• Saves you time

• You receive a highquality ceramic crown

• CEREC digital scans provide an exact fit for the most comfortable crown

• Exact color match

• No dental putty

• Better cosmetic appearance

• They allow for precise, smooth tooth restorations

• They preserve more of your existing tooth

• CEREC crowns are more durable

Don’t Hide in the Shade Perfecting the Art of Body Sculpting for Over 14 Years

SUMMER SPECIALS

Don’t

revolutionary laser lipolysis fat in trouble areas. The results exercise and since the treatment be in our office one day and out This works as a permanent solution tighten skin. It is the most effective ment possible. Our New York accredited by the American Association Facilities

LASEMD ULTRA

Morpheous8 skin tightening

tried and loved by many celebrities, will make

“This

Our revolutionary laser lipolysis treatment literally melts away fat in trouble areas. The results last longer than dieting or exercise and since the treatment is minimally invasive, you’ll be in our office one day and our turning heads in no time. This works as a permanent solution to remove unwanted fat & tighten skin. It is the most effective minimally invasive treatment possible. Our New jersey licensed physicians are available for free consultations in person or by virtual zoom.

out turning heads in no time. This works as a permanent solution to remove unwanted fat & tighten skin. It is the most effective minimally invasive treatment possible. Our New York licensed expert physicians are accredited by the American Association of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAASF).

LASEMD ULTRA

skin look and feel smoother and tighter.

“After my 3rd baby, Morpheous8 was my saving grace to tighten up my skin.”

A fractional laser which treats uneven skin texture, and signs of sun damage such as age spots, actinic keratosis, excess pigmentation (like dark spots and melasma), and benign pigmented lesions. This procedure can be performed in the summer.

MORPHEOUS8 MICRONEEDLING

A fractional laser which treats uneven skin texture, and signs of sun damage such as age spots, actinic keratosis, excess pigmentation (like dark spots and melasma), and benign pigmented lesions. This procedure can be performed in the summer.

A fractional laser which treats uneven skin texture, and signs of sun damage such as age spots, actinic keratosis, excess pigmentation (like dark spots and melasma), and benign pigmented lesions. This procedure can be performed in the summer.

3 Painless Treatments

4 Weeks Apart with No Downtime

For face and laxity, fine lines, stretchmarks collagen growth layer of skin. like

For face and body used laxity, fine lines, acne scars stretchmarks by collagen growth from layer of skin. Used by like

3 Painless Treatments

4 weeks apart with NO DOWNTIME

Friends for Life!

“I feel very fortunate to have grown up in the small town of Sea Girt,” says Tara (Eirich) McCarten (center, in blue and white dress). “Spending nine formative years with the same classmates makes for lifelong friends. Our 1983 graduating class was one of the historically largest grades with a class size of 35! This summer, we celebrated our 40th grammar school reunion. Amazing to see old friends!”

We proudly o er same day crowns, utilizing state-of-the-art CEREC technology.

Campi Dental is proud to be celebrating the ninetieth anniversary of our family-owned, fourth-generation dental practice. Campi Dental provides family and cosmetic dentistry, including oral surgery and orthodontics, in a friendly and caring atmosphere.

Kitchen Designer: Brittany Rizzolo

Kitchen Designer: Andrea Garone Kitchen Designer: Niki Kovacs

Kitchen Designer: Ralph Katz