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HEALTHCARE

GUIDE

A Year of Growth Colts Neck Resident’s Passion Continues to Blossom at Inspo Dental

PLUS: Favorite First Courses in Monmouth County Home Away From Home Stands as Leaders in Early Childhood Education Colts Neck Brothers Form Tennis Ball Recycling Nonprofit JUNE 2025 Colts Neck • Holmdel

CONTENTS

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20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF R YA N L O U G H L I N SALES DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER ROSEANNE SOFIA ASSOCIATE EDITOR E M M A S Y LV I A

ON THE COVER Dr. Dorothy Lee’s Passion Continues to Blossom at Inspo Dental

MONTHLY GUIDE Healthcare Guide

8

Places to Take a Stroll in Monmouth County

10

Tasting Tour of Best First Courses in Monmouth County

30

Colts Neck Brothers Form Tennis Ball Recycling Nonprofit

33

Events Calendar

36

Pet Celebs

48

Colts Neck Student Earns Spot on National Kidz Bop Tour

56-57

Around Town

OFFICE MANAGER PA M R O G E R S ACCOUNTS PAYABLE S H I R L E Y S T. C L A I R REPORTERS BILL CL ARK M AT T D O H E R T Y REBECC A KING L I L I A N N PA R A S DESIGN DIRECTOR DEBBIE MCKENNA PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHN ARCARA ANDREI JACK A ME T ANDRE A PHOX J O E LY P O W Y PUBLISHER AND OPERATOR D I R E C T C O M M U N I C AT I O N S & C O N S U LT I N G , L L C

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Community Magazine features profiles on our community and features various advertisers throughout the region. Our magazine features the incredible products and services of our advertisers. We are not a news publication and do not report news.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

MonmouthCommunity.com

JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

4 Deborah Drive, Colts Neck Presented at $1,255,000

UNDER CONTRACT

4 Sandra Court #2743, Old Bridge 2093 Crestwood Dr., Forked River Presented at $575,000 Offered at $469,000 — Representing Buyer —

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

501 Stone Road, Union Beach Offered at $449,000

6 Pelican Road, Howell Offered at $375,000

45 Penny Lane, Neptune Offered at $668,990 — Represented Buyer —

HOLMDEL OFFICE 38 MAIN STREET o. 732.946.9200

LEANNE LUCARELLI Sales Associate, ABR , PSA ®

M: 917.596.2772 E: leanne.lucarelli@sothebysrealty.com NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® 2011-2024 NJ REALTORS® Distinguised Sales Award® 2020

ELIZABETH ‘LIZ’ DRITSAS

Sales Associate, ABR®, PSA

M: 732.567.1610 E: elizabeth.dritsas@sothebysrealty.com SERVICING MY CLIENTS SINCE 2004 NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® 2021, 2022

Sotheby’s International Realty™ is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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Renovation Without Hesitation

P

When it comes to installing frameless shower enclosures, quality products and skilled technicians make all the difference

closing hydraulic hinges with capacity of 250 pounds are the best in the industry, allowing for the widest doors (up to 40”). The soft close feature prevents damage to the enclosure caused by slamming with low quality spring-loaded hinges.

urchasing a frameless shower enclosure is often the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation. For that reason, it is important to understand the differences among the many products on the market today. Tom Basile of Precision Shower Doors, an industry veteran with more than 40 years’ experience, offers advice and great tips to help you be an educated consumer.

Q) It seems everyone is selling frameless shower enclosures.

Are they basically all the same?

A) Great question. The simple answer is no, frameless shower enclosures are not all the same. In fact, there is a great disparity between products.

Education is the key to getting value for your money. A frameless enclosure consists of glass and hardware, but quality can vary greatly. Hiring someone with the right experience and expertise in the measurement, manufacture, and installation is just as important as finding the right product.

Expertise

Glass Durability

Clarvista® glass is patented specifically for shower enclosures.

It is nonporous and will not stain.

Clarvista® is permanent. Less expensive glazing quality glass is porous, and once stained, it is permanently discolored and will always look dirty.

Caution! After-market coatings are mostly temporary and often sold with exorbitant markups. If you purchase the correct glass, you will have no need for costly add-ons.

Glass Clarity Fact: “Clear glass” is green, and depending on its origin, it can be very green. Starphire® ultra-clear glass

by Vitro Glass is the industry’s clearest choice. Unlike conventional clear glass, which gets darker and greener as it becomes thicker, the clarity of Starphire® glass actually intensifies with greater

thickness. Because of its unparalleled clarity, Starphire® glass also offers exceptional color fidelity.

Glass Thickness

1/2” glass is the preferred thickness for structural stability. 3/8” glass is often used to compensate for low-capacity hinges, and is inferior. All factors being equal, the cost difference between the two is negligible, so 1/2” is recommended.

Hinges + Hardware

While most shower door hinges look similar, the true measure of a quality hinge is in its weight capacity and function. Soft

Even the best materials will not compensate for poor craftsmanship. From accurate measurement to precise manufacture to final installation, each step is crucial to ensure your shower remodel will live up to your expectations for years to come. It’s important to use a reputable, reliable company.

Remember, after-sale service can and will be needed throughout the life of the product. A professional will stand behind the product and make themselves available for maintenance in a timely manner.

When possible, visit the vendor’s showroom and test the displays.

Ask questions. Demand answers.

Make sure all necessary costs are included in the quote — glass, hardware, installation, and removal of your existing shower door.

Leave nothing to chance.

We hope these tips will help you make the most educated decision when purchasing your shower door. Be diligent about making an apples-to apples comparison, because false comparisons are useless. In the end, satisfaction is the only metric of the true cost and value of the product. Be more suspicious of a cheap price, as no one sells something for less than it is worth.

Basile welcomes all those seeking a quality frameless shower enclosure to call, email or visit Precision for the facts.

The team at Precision will answer your questions free of obligation, review and critique any competitors’ quotes and offer a free comparative quote. Whether you decide on a Precision manufactured product or not, you can do so with all the facts.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 89 Highway 35 North • Eatontown, NJ • (732) 389-8175

PrecisionShowerDoors.com

Turkey Swamp Park

Exploring Monmouth County’s Most Pleasant Spots for an Afternoon Stroll

BY RYAN LOUGHLIN

A

fter a mentally exhausting week at work, nothing works better to reset the brain and body than a nice relaxing walk in the fresh air.

And with the warm weather firmly in place, June makes for a perfect time to get out and enjoy the more picturesque spots in and around Monmouth County. From nature hikes and lakeside treks to a brisk walk on the boardwalks, there is no excuse to stay cooped up indoors. Here are a few of the top spots to go for a stroll in Monmouth County.

Ocean Grove Boardwalk

Turkey Swamp Park (Freehold) Those looking to take a break from the bustle of downtown Freehold need not travel far in order to immerse themselves in nature, as a walk through the serene landscape of Turkey Swamp Park can be found right here in town. Miles and miles of picturesque trails await and offer a chance to observe local wildlife and various species of birds you might not run into in your own backyard. The 17-acre lake which serves as one of the grand features of the park also offers opportunities for fishing as well as kayak, rowboat and canoe rentals, should you choose to partake.

MonmouthCountyParks.com The Boardwalks (Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon, Belmar and Spring Lake) While a walk along the boardwalk is an obvious choice for a summer activity, it can also make for a serious workout. Ambitious athletes can start as far north as Asbury Park and continue on through the towns of Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon, Belmar and Spring Lake without a break as each boardwalk connects to the next, offering miles of brisk exercise for those looking to sweat a bit while enjoying the gorgeous oceanfront scenery. On the way back, you can reward yourself with a frosty treat at the finish line in Asbury, as some of the tastiest shave ice creations can be found at Betty’s Ice Box inside Convention Hall.

Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook

Downtown Red Bank 8

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook (Atlantic Highlands) At 12 acres in size, Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook may not be the largest area on this list, but it’s easily one of the most beautiful. Boasting the impressive status of being the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard, the park offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, New York City and Sandy Hook. In addition to fabulous views, the space also serves as the site of Monmouth County’s 9/11 Memorial, which serves as a tribute to the 147 men and women from Monmouth County who lost their lives in the terrorist attack. MonmouthCountyParks.com Downtown Red Bank (Red Bank) Who says a walk has to be based solely around natural elements? After all, few activities are more enjoyable than a leisurely saunter through a vibrant downtown shopping district, and Red Bank’s is one of the best in all of Monmouth County. Boost your step count as you pop in and poke around the various shops that line Broad Street, and be sure to head down to the Navesink River to take in a few laps and enjoy the lovely views at Riverside Gardens Park.

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MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

9

Love at First Bite A quick tasting tour of some favorite first courses in Monmouth County

BY RYAN LOUGHLIN Short Rib Ravioli – 618, Freehold

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ness and you have yourself a combo you’ll be coming back for again and again. St. Stephen’s Green is located at 2031 Rt. 71 in Spring Lake. Go to SSGPub.com

Irish Sausage Rolls – St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, Spring Lake A fabulous Irish twist on the classic party app pigs in a blanket, the Irish Sausage Rolls from St. Stephen’s Green are hearty enough for one to create a full meal of them all by themselves (and I would never judge you for doing just that). A full plate of bangers — those are Irish sausages for the uninitiated — come wrapped in buttery puff pastry and served with a side of whole grain mustard for dipping. Paired with a pint of Guin-

Short Rib Ravioli – 618, Freehold Short ribs made a big comeback about 15 years ago and have maintained a stronghold on menus ever since. While trendy foods often have a tendency to annoy people (anyone still think truffle oil is cool?) this is one example of a trend that I hope lives on for years to come, as short ribs are frankly delicious. What else is delicious?

Ravioli! And 618 in Freehold has melded the two into an unforgettable dish that is available both as a main course or an appetizer. For me, the app is the way to go on this, as the dish’s richness doesn’t have the opportunity to fill you up the same way it might as a full entrée, yet you still get to enjoy the fabulous combination of short ribs stuffed into pasta pillows and topped with a creamy sauce accented beautifully with peas, shiitake mushrooms, overnight tomatoes and Reggiano. 618 is located at 618 Park Ave. in Freehold. Go to 618NJ.com.

hen dining out, for some reason the entrees always seem to get top billing. Heck, they even refer to them as the “main course” on most menus, but the fact of the matter is that more often than not, it’s the first course where the most interesting and delicious bites of food can be found. That first course is when things have a tendency to come bacon-wrapped, stuffed with cheese, slicked with sauce and offered with any number of delicious dips to dunk in, making the hardest choice of the night which ones to order. Here are some of my faves from around Monmouth County:

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

Cheese Empanada – Chilangos, Highlands

Ebi Salmon Roll – Taka, Asbury Park

Cheese Empanada – Chilangos, Highlands Empanadas are a common enough starter on many menus, but generally speaking they usually just consist of a fried dough pocket with a filling of some kind. The empanadas at Chilangos in Highlands follow the same basic outline, but the difference is that the shell here is a flaky as opposed to the overly dense style you see at many spots, and the whole thing is gloriously crowned with sour cream, diced peppers and onions, cilantro and cotija cheese, elevating it to an almost nacho-like level of grand presentation. Inside awaits the kind of cheese pull that would make any dairy farmer proud. You only get one of them in an order, but it’s more than enough food to share. Chilangos is located at 272 Bay Ave. in Highlands. Go to ChilangosHighlandsNJ.com

Irish Sausage Rolls – St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, Spring Lake

Ebi Salmon Roll – Taka, Asbury Park One of my favorite things about dining at an Asian restaurant is the shareability of dishes and the blurred lines between what constitutes an app vs a standalone entrée. Case in point – sushi rolls. One can easily make an individual meal out of them, but the shared experience of getting a few for the table makes for a great way to kick off any fun night out with friends. Also, the signature rolls on any menu are where the chef has a chance to stretch out a bit and get playful and creative. Case in point — the Ebi Salmon Roll at Asbury’s sexiest sushi spot, Taka. This combo of shrimp tempura and avocado gets topped with a wonderfully smoky torched salmon plus scallions, lobster salad, sriracha and caramelized soy sauce for the win. Taka is located at 660 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park. Go to TakaAsbury.com MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

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Delivering Extradorinary Properties THE SPRING MARKET BEGINS NOW!

WILLIAM KILBRIDE REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON M 732.859.7682 bill.kilbride@compass.com kilbridecagninagroup.com FAIR HAVEN OFFICE 623 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ O 732.936.5248

Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Teacher Feature

FIRST RESPONDERS

Q&A

Name: Katheryn Richmond Title: High School Teacher Place of Employment: Colts Neck High School Town of Residency: Howell

Q: What do you love about teaching, and what keeps you coming back each day?

A: The differences every year. If you’re having a bad year, everything is going to turnover. I like that every year the students keep me young.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about your job?

A: The administrative part of it. The paperwork that goes into stepping into the classroom or the type of documents that you have to do to prove things. Also, technology is more prevalent in the classroom, and in students’ hands at all times. It’s a very big challenge.

Q: What was your own school experience like as a kid? Did you enjoy school?

A: I did!

Q: If you could add one new subject that every kid would have to take in school, what would it be and why?

A: Civics, as a requirement to graduate.

Q: What is the most important thing that your students have taught you?

A: Laughter and to be young.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

Name: Michael Spinella Title: Captain Place of Employment: Colts Neck First Aid Town of Residency: Colts Neck Q: What initially made you want to be a first responder?

A: When I first moved to the area, I never really envisioned myself becoming involved in first aid work. My initial goal was to find a way to contribute, but I wasn’t interested in responding to emergency calls. I preferred the idea of helping out with fundraising or administrative tasks. However, over time, something changed. I became more involved, and what started as a small commitment quickly grew into a deep passion for helping others.

Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about this kind of work?

A: For me, the most rewarding aspect of this work is the feeling of relief on a patient’s face when they realize that someone is there to help. That moment when they know they are not alone, and that help has arrived – it’s incredibly powerful. It’s those moments that remind me why I do this.

Q: What is the hardest aspect of the job?

A: There’s really nothing about this job that I find too difficult. My focus is always on ensuring that our patients receive the care they need while making sure our team members return home safely. It’s a balancing act, but it’s one that we are all trained for, and it’s always a priority.

Q: Do any aspects of the job ever scare you?

A: I wouldn’t say that I’m “scared” in the traditional sense, but I do carry a responsibility with every call. My primary concern is ensuring I’m doing the very best for the people I am treating. Each situation is unique, and I want to make sure that I’m providing the best care possible under whatever circumstances we’re facing.

Q: What was your most memorable experience on the job so far?

A: One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had as a volunteer was responding to a call to deliver a baby. Being there to help bring a new life into the world was an incredibly moving and unforgettable experience. It’s moments like that that remind me of the profound impact that this work can have on people’s lives.

2573 HOOPER AVE, BRICK

9 MAJESTIC AVE, LINCROFT

TOMS RIVER

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UNDER CONTRACT

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Kerry Ascione

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44 Majestic Ave, Lincroft the Let’s connect and see if Call me for more details or the market is right for you. for your private tour

Janice Troiano

Broker Associate * Off ice Manager

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732-306-6397

JaniceT@EXITRealtyEC.com Janice Troiano Search Listings www.JaniceTroiano.REALTOR Broker Associate Facebook: @JaniceTroianoRealEstate Instagram: @Real_Estate_With_Jan ice 732-306-6397 JaniceT@EXITRealtyEC.com www.JaniceTroiano.REALTOR Facebook: @JaniceTroianoRealEstate Instagram: @Real_Estate_With_Jan ice

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Acacia Fenter-Watts 732-778-0128

UNDER CONTRACT 474 MONMOUTH ROAD,WEST LONG BRANCH Kim Graham

732-567-4001

UNDER CONTRACT

732-809-6316

I’M SOLD

Mary-Jo Hart 732-241-6691

546 WINTER STREET, LONG BRANCH

Denise Ripnick 268 ROCKWELL AVE, LONG BRANCH 2 QUINCY COURT, FREEHOLD

JUST LISTED

Chris Raddatz 646-341-2247

3 OAK TREE LANE, HOLMDEL

732-809-6316 UNDER CONTRACT

FREEHOLD Myint “Lisa” Albero

I'M SOLD 65 DANELLA WAY, HOWELL

Denise Ripnick

732-216-7643 JUST LISTED

I’M SOLD

13 SHAFTO STREET, FARMINGDALE Mary-Jo Hart

732-241-6691

62 BUENA VISTA AVE, FAIR HAVEN

UNDER CONTRACT Gerine A. Skamarak 908-902-4778

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Luciana Dias Lourenco 1105 POPPY PLACE, JACKSON 201-966-1894

Gerine A. Skamarak 908-902-4778

31 STRATFORD LANE 494, HOLMDEL

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EXIT REALTY EAST COAST • 877-778-3948 EXIT REALTY EAST COAST • 877-778-3948• •5757EEMain MainStreet, Street,Holmdel, Holmdel, NJ NJ •• EXITREALTYEASTCOAST.com EXITREALTYEASTCOAST.com

Keeping Monmouth County Smiling Holmdel Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Celebrates 25th Anniversary

BY EMMA SYLVIA

PHOTOS BY ANDREI JACKAMETS

I

f you ask most people, their immediate feelings toward going to get their teeth fixed likely aren’t ones of jubilation. Often, people aren’t just anxious to go to their dentist or periodontist – they’re downright horrified. It’s an understandable feeling, and a fear that Dr. Wayne Aldredge is well aware of. It’s why when you walk into his office in Holmdel, it’s entirely warm. There are shades of brown and orange to complement a roaring fireplace, and each treatment room is spacious and friendly. All of the artwork on the wall is from one of Aldredge’s patients, an artist. It’s with this aesthetic that Aldredge shows the crux of Holmdel Periodonitics & Implant Dentistry— making patients comfortable.

Aldredge grew up in Cranford, New Jersey, before attending dental school at Rutgers. But Aldredge didn’t come from a long familial line of dentists. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

“I come from a family of dental-phobics,” he says.

“Back then, dentistry wasn’t as advanced technologically and wasn’t as efficient and comfortable as it is today.

That’s why we’ve invested in and incorporated new tech,

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

so patients to have a more comfortable experience.”

Aldredge’s career path was anything but typical. He began his general practice residency as an Army captain at West Point. While there, he coached the Army rugby team, and he learned how he would want to treat his patients for the rest of his career. “You treat patients to your best ability to keep people – in this case, soldiers – as healthy as you can,” he elaborates. This atmosphere is also what inspired Aldredge to keep his practice as warm and comfortable as possible. “Back then, everybody wore shades and sunglasses to the dentist because of the bright lights. These days, doctors wear the light on their foreheads. It’s about that personal relationship – we keep it warm. We want to be predictable when you come in.”

After his time at West Point, Aldredge was happy to be back in New Jersey. “This is where everybody is. All the good, happy things are here – Springsteen and the Giants. Holmdel didn’t have a periodontist before I came into town. It’s been a great 25 years.”

The past quarter century has been illustrious for Aldredge. He’s a former president of the American Academy

PHOTOS BY ANDREI JACKAMETS of Periodontology, and he continues to bring innovative procedures to Holmdel. Not only this, but he also educates at his own Advanced Dental Education Center. “We’ve become part of the fabric of dentistry in Monmouth County,” Aldredge says. “I love who I work with, and some of the best dentistry I’ve seen in the world is in Monmouth County.

It’s the level of care, the quality and attention to detail.”

This esteemed local patient care is Aldredge’s utmost priority. He’s come into the office on Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving for an emergency. “If someone has an emergency, that’s what you do,” he says.

Being part of the community in Monmouth County is something that’s near and dear not just to Holmdel Periodontics, but to Aldredge. He says, “It’s nice to give back to your community. I have great people working for me. Everything is built around the patient.”

Funnily enough, Aldredge doesn’t recognize his patients by their faces – he identifies them by their smiles. “I don’t remember them by their face but by their teeth, so if they smile, I recognize them. It’s nice to help people. That’s what your dentist and healthcare providers are here for; so people can smile for a lifetime. Your smile is your calling

card in life; if you can’t smile, you’re missing your right to self-esteem. It’s so basic to life to be able to smile and chew food. It’s human dignity.”

About half of Holmdel Periodontics’ clientele comes from word of mouth, and the other half are from referrals from dentists in the community.

“Being accepted and being part of the community for 25 years feels good. The community gives back to us, too.”

Of course, everyone wants to hear dental advice to keep their smile the best it can be. Dr. Aldredge recommends one of the simplest tasks: “Brush your teeth twice a day and floss. We can’t control genetics or a poor diet, but homecare is so important.” He emphasizes that though the community is integral to Holmdel Periodontics, the goal is for a patient to walk in once through the door and never come back, since their teeth and gums will be as healthy as they can be for a patient’s entire life.

Aldredge compares taking care of your smile to taking care of your car: “If you don’t change the oil in your car, your engine is going to break down. It’s simple. It’s the same in dentistry and in medicine; you need to follow the owner’s manual to stay healthy.”

Aldredge, and Monmouth County, are renowned enough for dental care

that he sees patients from far and wide.

“We’ve seen people from as far as Bermuda and California. The patient from Bermuda heard about us from her dentist in Canada and saw us while staying with a friend in Rumson. The patient from California, I met on vacation, and he came here for his implants. We have people from Brooklyn and Queens. I love that.”

Aldredge is ecstatic from having been in business for as long as he has.

Currently, his son Parker is following in his father’s footsteps and attending dentistry school, while his son Connor is graduating from law school. Recently, the practice has had the new addition of Dr. Nasim Lasemi, who Aldredge says brings a new perspective to their care.

More than anything, Aldredge is happy simply to be on the journey with his staff and continue to bring comfort to Monmouth County residents and beyond.

“It’s part of giving back to the community. Everyone has stressful days, and it’s stressful to open that door and walk in here. But I tell people: We’re still here for them.”

You can find out more about Holmdel Periodontics by calling 732-671-7100 or by visiting ISaveTeeth.com

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

17

HEALTH CORNER

We Heart Summer Fun! How to Enjoy the Season and Get Your Cardio In

BY MAIA FRANCO

W

hen the sun is shining and the Jersey Shore is calling, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy some heart-healthy activities. Mix and match these fun workouts to keep things fresh and take full advantage of the scenic beauty that the Jersey Shore has to offer.

Where to Go: Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park (Long Branch): Perfect for ocean swimming or body surfing.

Dorbrook Recreation Area (Colts Neck): Offers a splash pad and seasonal pool for water aerobics classes.

1. Walking and Hiking Walking and hiking elevate your heart rate, strengthen your legs (quads, hamstrings, calves), and engage your core for balance—making them ideal low-impact cardiovascular exercises.

4. Kayaking and Paddleboarding These activities offer a full upper body and core workout while also improving balance and coordination. The continuous paddling action keeps your heart rate up for a solid cardio session.

Where to Go: Hartshorne Woods Park (Highlands): With over 16 miles of trails, you can take in views of the Navesink River and the ocean, challenging your endurance with both flat and hilly terrain.

Manasquan Reservoir (Howell): This 5-mile loop trail is perfect for a walk or hike with beautiful dune and water views.

Where to Go: Red Bank Marina: Rent kayaks and/or paddleboards and head out on the Navesink River.

Oceanport Paddle Club: Offers classes and rentals, with calmer water ideal for beginners.

2. Biking Biking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the legs and glutes, and enhances joint mobility. It’s also easier on your knees compared to running.

Where to Go: Henry Hudson Trail: A scenic, 24-mile multi-use path stretching from Aberdeen to Highlands, ideal for long rides or shorter routes.

Ocean Avenue(s): Ride along the main drag of just about any shore town in Monmouth County to enjoy ocean views and refreshing breezes. (Insider tip —You can go south on Ocean Avenue from Bradley Beach straight through Avon, Belmar and Spring Lake without having to break from the main road.)

3. Swimming and Water Aerobics Swimming works almost every muscle group, improves heart and lung health, and is gentle on joints. Water resistance adds light strength training to the cardio, benefiting your upper body, legs, and core.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

5. Beach Volleyball This fast-paced game boosts cardiovascular endurance, strengthens legs and arms, and sharpens agility and reflexes.

Plus, the sand adds extra resistance, intensifying your workout.

Where to Go: Pier Village (Long Branch) and The Sandbox (Highlands): Frequently hosts beach volleyball games and tournaments.

Belmar, Avon-by-the-Sea, and Sea Bright Beaches: Plenty of space to set up a game with friends.

6. Yoga in the Park or on the Beach Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and muscular strength while lowering stress levels and supporting heart health through controlled breathing and mindfulness.

Where to Go: Monmouth County Parks System: Offers numerous indoor and outdoor yoga classes in the summer Asbury Park Boardwalk: Hosts regular outdoor yoga sessions with ocean views.

Thompson Park (Lincroft): Offers wide-open fields and shady spots perfect for a personal or group yoga flow.

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HEA LT H CARE GU ID E

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G

How to Treat Your Sinus Infection

BY FRANK SCACCIA, MD FACS

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Sinus side.

Infection rse on one Obviously, not every illness is sinus ree that I lated. snore loud!

There is often overlap and confusion in distinguishing between allergies, influenza, the common cold and a sinus infection. But be aware that all four are capable of leading into n ENT specialist who happening can the other and/or together. While all and the of most themeffective are capable of causing nasal congestion postnasal drip, red, the and loud snoring is a bout of sinusitis is distinguished by also causing facial pressure and yeleral steps necessary for a low discharge.

for confirmation of a sinus infection and/or polyps, and take cultures of nasal discharge, which can then help decide the best choice of antibiotics and therapy. These treatments often include special steroid and/or antibiotic nasal rinses. Additionally, for more complex or long-lasting infections, CAT scans can be ordered for further evaluation.

Can Recurrent or Chronic Sinus Infections/Polyps Be Cured?

Yes! (Or at least significantly improved.)

The latest, cutting-edge technology procedures are done via very small scopes into the Home Treatment for a Sinus Infection The initial treatment for a sinus infection is the same as a nose that project images in 4k on a monitor while the ENT surtrauma cold: to the nose and also rest, hydration, sleep with head elevation, over the counter geon uses micro instruments that open up blockages in the sie nasal cavity recurrent nuses, while utilizing laser-guided Brainlab navigation devices oral andlike topical decongestants, and saline rinses. for&precise FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY SINUSaccuracy.

CENTER Recovery is quick, post-op pain is minisprays such as Afrin. mal and there is no bruising.

When to Seek Medical Help If there is no relief or improvement with home remedies American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT) look forfor septal a fewdeviations, days (and especially if accompanied by a fever, perFrank Scaccia, MD FACS sistent discharge and/or facial pain), it’s now time to• structures, andyellow draining American Board of Otolarngology (ENT) American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery your provider, who may recommend antibiotics specific for al nasalsee structure for American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery sinusitis-causing bacteria. The providers most qualified to di-• Riverside Facial Plastic Surgery & Sinus Center tion. Also allergy tests,sinusitis are board certifiedTop agnose and treat ENT specialists.

NYC Metro Doctor 2006-2023 70 E. Front St., 3rd Floor, Red Bank, NJ | 732-747-5300 ENT doctors, after taking a careful history, will often utilize • www.riversideface.com a fiberoptic scope to look deep into a patient’s nasal passages

Frank J Scaccia, MD FACS

RIVERSIDE

In-office NJ state licensed accredited

obstruction. Can be as Ambulatory Surgery Center 20 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com ions or more complex

HEA LT H CARE GU ID E

The Healing Power of Holistic Massage Therapies

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n today’s fast-paced world, true wellness is more than the absence of illness—it’s about achieving balance in body, mind, and spirit. Holistic care addresses the whole person, not just symptoms, by supporting the body’s innate healing capabilities. At the heart of this philosophy lies therapeutic bodywork, which can be profoundly transformative. At Kur Wellness Studios in Asbury Park, a diverse selection of specialty massages invites clients into deeper states of healing, each with its own targeted benefits.

One of the most calming therapies offered is Craniosacral Therapy. This deeply restorative treatment uses gentle, lighttouch techniques to improve the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the spine and skull. The result is a soothing shift into the parasympathetic nervous system — a state where healing naturally occurs. Clients experiencing migraines, stress, or sleep disturbances often find relief and balance through this subtle, yet powerful therapy.

For those experiencing challenges with conception, Fertility Massage offers gentle, holistic support during what can often be an emotional and physically demanding time. This full-body, abdominal-specific holistic healing practice gently manipulates the muscle and connective tissue around the uterus and other organs in the pelvis. It is a delicate, non-invasive therapy that includes essential oils and acupressure points.

Customized for the guest’s cycle and changes, service topics over a series of visits will include detoxifying, blood builder, deep pelvic release, and calming the nervous system. Completing a series can provide significant benefits, such as promoting egg quality, lowering hormone disruption, supporting uterine lining, and encouraging relaxation. Appropriate for both natural and artificial reproductive therapies.

Lymphatic Drainage, another gentle yet effective technique, uses light rhythmic strokes to stimulate the flow of lymph throughout the body. Especially beneficial for post-surgical recovery or chronic swelling, this treatment clears blockages and boosts immune function, helping the body detoxify and heal more efficiently.

Addressing long-term pain and postural imbalances, Myofascial Release focuses on the fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. This treatment uses sustained pressure without oils or tools, releasing restrictions and allowing for greater mobility and relief from chronic pain. It’s ideal for those with persistent tension or injury-related discomfort.

Individuals navigating cancer treatment will find compassionate support through Oncology Massage. Specially modified to address the unique challenges faced during and after cancer care, this therapy enhances sleep, reduces stress, and may improve tolerance to treatment. It’s designed with the utmost care, beginning with a thorough intake to ensure safety and personalization.

Meanwhile, Thai Bodywork — sometimes called “passive yoga”— invites clients into a full-body experience of movement, stretching, and energetic balance. Performed on a floor mat, it works along the body’s energy lines to release tension and harmonize the flow of life force, or “prana.”

Each of these therapies embodies holistic care at its finest — gentle, individualized, and rooted in a deep respect for the body’s natural wisdom. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, recovery, or rejuvenation, Kur Wellness Studios offers an integrated path to wellness.

Kur Wellness Studios offers more than 100 traditional and Ayurvedic treatments and services – massage, facials and waxing, including eastern Ayurvedic therapies and products, and a yoga studio that doubles as a private personal training gym. Located in downtown Asbury Park, Kur offers treatments and classes in a tranquil, yet hip, urban setting, by the best team of practitioners around — each with positive attitudes and true commitments to health.

Kur Wellness Studios 412 Bond St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 732.361.8956 | info@kurstudios.com www.kurstudios.com

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

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The Importance of Taking Care of Your Dental Health

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ood oral hygiene practices are fundamental to staying healthy, and regular visits to the dentist are an essential part of this regimen.

The Importance of Dental Health Your oral health is more than just a sparkling smile—it’s closely connected to your general health. Neglecting dental care can lead to serious issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, but the consequences can go far beyond the mouth. Studies have shown that poor dental health is linked to major health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

The frequency of a patient’s professional dental cleaning is specific to each person. Most patients will adhere to the recommendation of every 6 months, which is the frequency most insurance companies will cover. However, the true frequency should be dependent on the patient’s level of oral health and the risk factors present. For instance, patients with a history of periodontal disease or multiple cavities, may need more frequent cleanings. Smoking, genetics, diet and flossing habits can also affect your dental health so these are factors to consider when planning a recall interval of possibly 3-4 months instead of every 6 months.

Regular dental visits are vital for early detection of potential issues. Dentists can identify signs of oral cancer, cavities, or gum disease in their early stages, often before the patient experiences any symptoms. A proactive approach to dental health not only helps prevent complications but also saves time, money, and discomfort down the road.

Introducing InspoDental: A New Benchmark in Luxury Dental Care Arrives in Red Bank In the quest for improved oral health, InspoDental is setting a new standard in patient-focused dental care.

Located in the heart of Red Bank, NJ, InspoDental is a premier general and cosmetic dental practice led by Dr. Dorothy

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and enjoyable experience for patients.

InspoDental provides a comprehensive range of services, from routine check-ups and preventive care to advanced cosmetic treatments, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Upon arrival, patients complete a client comfort list to ensure their specific requirements are met. Private treatment rooms, high-end amenities, and the latest technology— including 3D imaging and laser-assisted procedures—ensure that each visit is seamless and stress-free.

Lee, DMD. Founded earlier this year, the practice was established with the mission to redefine the traditional dental experience by offering personalized care in a modern, luxurious environment that inspires confidence and promotes well-being.

“We’re beyond excited to serve the local community and bring a new level of dental care to Red Bank,” said Dr. Lee, founder and lead dentist at InspoDental.

“The comfort and satisfaction of every patient who walks into our office is paramount. We believe dental care should combine personalized treatment, advanced technology, and premium care with a touch of luxury. We’re eager to show how InspoDental is setting a new benchmark in luxury dental care.”

A Woman-Owned Business with a Personal Touch As a woman-owned and led business, InspoDental is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all patients. Dr. Lee, a mother of four, pursued her dream of opening her own practice with a vision to help others achieve confident smiles. Her passion and commitment are evident in every detail of the practice, which was thoughtfully designed to offer a relaxing

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The InspoDental Experience InspoDental is more than just a dental office—it’s a sanctuary for patients seeking both excellent care and a luxurious experience. The elegant design and patient-first service model create a comfortable atmosphere where patients can feel at ease. By blending cutting-edge technology with a warm, welcoming environment, InspoDental delivers top-notch dental results while ensuring that every patient leaves feeling confident and empowered.

Located at 146 Maple Avenue in Red Bank, NJ, InspoDental offers an array of personalized services ranging from general dentistry to advanced cosmetic procedures. The practice is committed to the highest standard of care, with a focus on patient comfort and well-being. For Dr. Lee and her team, redefining the dental experience means going beyond conventional care to make every visit comfortable, enjoyable, and transformative.

For more information about InspoDental, please visit the website at www.inspodental.com or call the office at 732-530-5111.

Make Dental Health a Priority Start with the basics: brush and floss regularly, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits. And if you’re in the Red Bank area, you now have access to InspoDental, where you can enjoy personalized, high-quality care in a luxurious setting. With good oral health, not only will you achieve a brighter smile, but you’ll also contribute to a healthier, happier you.

HEA LT H CARE GU ID E

Kean Prepares Tomorrow’s Health Heroes — Today

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s New Jersey faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals - from nurses to mental health practitioners - Kean University is stepping up to meet the challenge.

Kean’s College of Health Professions and Human Services offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to help build interprofessional relationships and prepare students for a rewarding career across a variety disciplines. Kean trains students in high-demand fields such as nursing, public health, speech-language pathology and exercise science. Whether pursuing a degree in athletic training, recreational therapy or physician assistant studies, students at Kean learn side-by-side, building the interprofessional skills today’s healthcare system demands.

With campuses in Union and Toms River, Kean provides accessible, affordable education that leads to real career opportunities and public impact. Through state-of-the-art facilities, award-winning faculty and a strong emphasis on community service, students gain the hands-on experience they need to make a difference - right here in New Jersey and beyond.

Kean’s commitment to preparing healthcare leaders reflects a larger purpose: to build healthier, stronger communities through education, service and innovation that meets today’s needs—and anticipates those of tomorrow.

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

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Monmouth County Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers Directory Hospitals/Medical Centers

Monmouth Medical Center Long Branch 732-222-5200

HMH Jersey Shore University Medical Center Neptune 732-775-5500 HMH K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital Neptune 732-775-5500 Meridian Health Systems Ocean Grove 732-776-8473 HMH Bayshore Medical Center Holmdel 732-739-5900 Unterberg Children’s Hospital Long Branch 732-923-7250 HMH Riverview Medical Center Red Bank 732-741-2700 Meridian Health Foundation Wall Township 732-751-5100 CentraState Medical Center Freehold Township 732-431-2000 RWJ Barnabas Health Eatonton 732-935-1590 Memorial Sloan Kettering Middletown 848-800-5913

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Urgent Cares

Carbon Health Urgent Care Ocean 732-455-8444 Carbon Health Urgent Care Eatontown 732-515-5111 Hackensack Meridian Urgent Care with Behavioral Health Neptune 732-455-5800 Hackensack Meridian Urgent Care Eatontown 848-309-4911 Family First Urgent Care Eatontown 732-380-5456 Family First Urgent Care Oakhurst 732-531-0100 AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch 732-222-8000 CityMD Wall Urgent Care Wall 732-280-2600 Immediate Care Medical Walk-In Red Bank 732-933-4100 Immediate Care Medical Walk-In Hazlet 732-264-5500 Optum Urgent Care Wall 732-449-1352

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Optum Urgent Care Howell 732-886-7342 IMA Urgent Care Shrewsbury 732-542-0002 Carbon Health Urgent Care Howell 732-366-3377 IMA Urgent Care Middletown 732-471-0400 Hackensack Meridian Urgent Care Freehold 732-414-6850 Hackensack Meridian Urgent Care Hazlet 848-308-4600 Hazlet Family Care Hazlet 732-888-7646 PM Pediatric Urgent Care Holmdel 732-706-5437 AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen 732-583-5100 CityMD Urgent Care Middletown 732-226-8582 CityMD Urgent Care Freehold 732-226-8580

Behind the Scenes with Monmouth County’s Leading ENT & Facial Plastic Surgeon Monmouth Resident Frank Scaccia Talks About Life and Career as a Surgeon

BY EMMA SYLVIA

D

r. Frank Scaccia is an ENT and a facial plastic Surgeon at Riverside Facial Plastic Surgery & Sinus Center in Red Bank and is here to discuss his practice and give readers an inside look about what led to his livelihood choice and offer advice to others considering a similar path.

“I started out in 1992 when I joined an established fourman otolaryngology (ENT) group in Red Bank where I stayed for 8 years until deciding to open my own solo practice and surgery center a few blocks away on Front Street. Although I considered initially opening a practice in Southern California, I decided it would be best to come back home to my roots and family after being away for 15 years of schooling and residency, as I grew up in the Wayside section of Ocean Township. My father, who was a prominent dentist in Avon, was raised in Little Silver and born at Riverview Medical Center, which is one of the hospitals where I now have admitting and surgical privileges. I grew up in a loving Italian home with a mother and father that helped me pursue my dreams. My one younger sister went on to become a talented dentist that I owe my bright smile to.”

As far as hobbies are concerned, Dr. Scaccia had many growing up, including fishing, scuba diving, cross-country skiing and playing classical guitar. However, it was competitive running, which he started in 8th grade, that became his most serious pastime.

“I didn’t feel complete just being a good student and future doctor, as I wanted to excel in a sport too. But for whatever reason, I found although I had little talent in traditional sports like baseball, I did have endurance, hence I became a distance runner and even-

PHOTO BY JOHN ARCARA MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

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PHOTO BY JOHN ARCARA tually a Top 10 nationally ranked marathoner for my age group,” he says.

In college, he continued running varsity track while at Duke University, but a stress fracture ended his running, and he soon transitioned into bicycle racing; eventually riding at a ProAM level and qualifying one year for the USA Road Nationals/Olympic trials.

“I loved that sport and made a lot of lifelong friends and rode for several teams over the 20 years I raced,” Scaccia remembers. “Nowadays I just ride for fun and fitness.” Scaccia also notes that his background and discipline in sports helped prepare him later in life for the rigors of surgery, as there are many similarities in the demands of a long challenging surgery and a long strenuous race.

Growing up with a father who was a dentist and having a strong interest in science, Scaccia always wanted to become a doctor, more specifically a surgeon.

“I felt surgery would be the most challenging and rewarding career for me and was confident that with my skills

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and dexterity as a classical guitarist I would be competent enough to use my hands to operate,” he says. Due to his athletic background, he was initially considering specializing in orthopedic sports medicine but eventually found his niche in ENT and Head & Neck surgery. “And as facial plastic surgery was a large part of my ENT residency training, I soon discovered I had a real passion for that subspecialty as not only am I somewhat of a perfectionist, but I also enjoy the challenges of improving someone’s appearance.”

After finishing 15 years of schooling and residency and finally starting his practice, only then was he qualified to sit for his board certifications.

“That was another 2 or 3 years of studying I would have to do after working all day,” he laughs. Scaccia is now double board certified in both Otolaryngology (ENT) and Facial Plastic Surgery.

“My special interest though is the nose; everything about the nose — especially breathing, snoring, sinus issues

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and, of course, cosmetic rhinoplasty.”

With his experience in both sinus and rhinoplasty surgery he was selected early in his career to write one of the first book chapters on his technique in performing simultaneous sinus surgery with rhinoplasty. Dr. Scaccia was also one of the first in NJ to offer Brainlab navigation during sinus procedures for safer and more precise surgery.

What’s unique and special about his practice? Plenty. “First of all, my support crew at Riverside is fantastic,” he says, emphatically. “I have a wonderful team of compassionate and highly trained nurses and staff, many of whom have been with me for over 20 years. We all have the common goal to do whatever it takes to make sure each patient has a comfortable and successful experience.

I also like to say my practice is really a combination of old school with a hi-tech flair. We are old-fashioned in that our patients are never rushed or treated like an assembly line. There are no mid-level providers in my practice, as I feel a pa-

PHOTO BY JOHN ARCARA tient coming to see a specialist should be treated solely by an MD specialist with his or her years of experience and training. But we are also high-tech, as I stay current and offer the latest and most effective diagnostic and treatment modalities. Dr. Scaccia also sees his office as a “one-stop shop,” as they offer almost everything one would need for ENT and facial plastics. This includes hearing tests, allergy tests, digital sinus Olympus endoscopy, home sleep studies, Zeiss microscope for ear procedures, sublingual allergy immunotherapy, radio surgery skin lesion removal, and same day treatments for skin lacerations, fractured noses, and any other ENT emergencies.

But what really sets Dr. Scaccia’s

practice apart from others is that most of his surgeries are done right down the hallway from his exam rooms in his own personally designed and owned NJ state licensed and Joint Commission accredited ambulatory surgery center that is specially equipped for nasal and sinus and facial plastic surgery. They offer a full range of anesthesia including general fully asleep anesthesia administered by board certified anesthesia doctors.

He also still maintains his admitting and surgical privileges at Riverview Medical Center and Bayshore hospital for after hour emergencies.

So, what goes through Dr. Scaccia’s head during his surgeries? "Except for maybe some Grateful Dead playing in

the background, nothing but the task at hand,” he assures us. “Even if it’s a multihour surgery, I stay totally focused and in the zone from beginning to end.”

That level of focus plays a big part in what has made Scaccia so successful. And for those just beginning the search for their career path, he offers a bit of advice: “Find your passion and just go for it. Realize you may have failures along the way, but don’t be discouraged. Understand most achievements in life take hard work so minimize all the distractions out there these days with social media, reality TV and whatever.”

Dr. Scaccia wraps up with a pair of famous quotes that have inspired him: “Legendary Olympic distance runner Steve Prefontaine once said: ‘To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.’ Another prolific quote that I will always remember was by my Otolaryngology chairman and professor Dr. Anthony Maniglia who trained me at University Hospitals in Cleveland, who said: ‘A man that loves his job, loves his life.’”

To learn more about Frank Scaccia, MD FACS, American Board of Otolarngology (ENT), American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Riverside Facial Plastic Surgery & Sinus Center, visit riversideface.com Riverside Facial Plastic Surgery & Sinus Center 70 E. Front St., 3rd Floor, Red Bank, NJ 732-747-5300

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

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At Brightview, it’s entirely up to you! Pursue your creative passions, socialize at happy hour, enjoy an outing, rejuvenate in our salon, take in a concert, or simply relax in your apartment home.

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Our associates have one question for you: Why not? Each day presents opportunities to explore new interests and embark on new adventures at Brightview. Want to try a new cuisine? Learn an instrument? Start a club? Cross “zip-lining” off your list?

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Playing Doubles Colts Neck Brothers Form Tennis Ball Recycling Nonprofit

BY EMMA SYLVIA

A

t a young age we’re all taught some of the basics to keep Mother Nature as healthy as we can: Reduce, reuse, recycle. It’s a simple thing to keep in mind, but not everyone takes it to heart. That’s not the case though with Colts Neck brothers Ricky and James Ecklord. Both students at Christian Brothers Academy, they run the nonprofit Ricky founded, Tennis Balls Round Two, a 501(c)3 that recycles tennis balls across Monmouth County, all in an effort to fight against climate change and pollution.

Ricky, a senior at CBA, plays tennis in the summers with his younger brother, James.

“We started playing a couple of years ago, and there’s a recycling program where we play. It was fall of last year, and we saw there were about 30 tennis balls just lying around, some of which were totally destroyed by lawnmowers, and the others were just sitting in the corners of the court. We thought, ‘Why don’t people do something about this?’” Ricky explains.

The brothers went home and began to research the problem, and learned it takes over 400 years for a tennis ball to decompose, and that over 100,000,000 tennis balls end up in landfills each year. “We wanted to do our part to change this.”

Ricky then founded Tennis Balls Round Two, aiming to re-

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duce the number of tennis balls in landfills and spread awareness about the importance of recycling, especially among the tennis community.

Today, the nonprofit works with eight courts around Monmouth County, including the Monmouth County Park System, CBA Tennis Team, New Shrewsbury Racquet Club in Tinton Falls, Trump Colts Neck Golf Club and Park Avenue Tennis Center in Ocean Township. Their main goal is to expand, as the brothers plan to run the nonprofit until they both go to college.

Their goal is to institute Tennis Balls Round Two as a club in CBA, so that other students can continue to run the nonprofit and keep the mission statement strong. Recently, the nonprofit reached 10,000 balls collected. Now, they aim to simply collect as many as possible. “Every ball counts,” Ricky says.

“If you asked me about this last year, I’d say there was no way I could do something like this. But it’s been a cool thing to be a part of. I’ve managed it well, balancing it with school and tennis as well,” he notes.

“They’re amazing,” said Brian Biedinger, a partner and head pro at New Shrewsbury Racquet Club. “They started doing this probably back in the fall, and it’s taken off at the club.

They’ve already recycled thousands of tennis balls. Everyone

at the club is all on board.”

“At Park Ave Tennis Center, we have a large supply of balls for our programs and players,” says Sean McCarthy, manager of Park Avenue Tennis Center in Oakhurst. “We needed a place to recycle, so the Ecklord brothers partnered with recycledballs.com, located in West Virginia, which turns tennis balls into usable materials. The brothers approached me – they knew me from playing lacrosse with my grandson at CBA – and asked if we’d like to partner. I said, sure – it’s a perfect partnership.

They even educate the players on recycling and making tennis more sustainable. It works out well for everybody. I think word is getting out in the tennis community to drop your balls off to

Park Ave Tennis Center, and we’ll put them to good use. It’s a worthwhile cause.”

To mitigate climate change and make the sport more sustainable, the brothers have a simple message: Recycle. “It doesn’t take much effort,” Ricky says. “Now that we’re making it widely available, it’s a great opportunity for people to take advantage of. It’s more sustainable.”

You can recycle your tennis balls at the Laird Road Courts in Colts Neck and Park Ave Tennis Center in Colts Neck. To learn more about Tennis Balls Round Two, visit tennisballsroundtwo.org

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

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BIZBEAT

BY RYAN LOUGHLIN

A roundup of new things happening at Monmouth County businesses.

New location opens for Monarch Medical Transport Monarch Medical Transport just opened up their brandnew office in Hazlet! Monarch is a family-run business that proudly serves the community with reliable, compassionate emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services.

Based locally, the company is committed to providing safe, timely, and professional transport for patients of all needs, whether it’s a routine appointment, dialysis, physical therapy, hospital discharge, or urgent care.

Their team of certified drivers are highly trained to ensure every patient is treated with the utmost respect, dignity, and attention.

Monarch Medical Transport understands that every trip is more than just a ride — it’s a vital part of a patient’s care journey.

They operate with the highest standards of service, safety, and professionalism and are proud to be a trusted partner for families, healthcare providers and facilities throughout the region.

Monarch Medical Transport is located at 1 Bethany Road, Building 4, Suite 58 in Hazlet, NJ . For more info, go to MonarchMedicalTransport.com

Ageless Affairs Med Spa relocates to new office in Tinton Falls Ageless Affairs — a premier med spa dedicated to enhancing natural beauty and promoting confidence through personalized aesthetic care, has relocated to a new office at 628 Shrewsbury Avenue in Tinton Falls. Founded by nurse practitioners Alix DeTullio and Carrie Liming, the practice reflects their shared passion for wellness, artistry, and science.

Both Alix and Carrie grew up along the Jersey Shore, where their deep-rooted friendship and love for helping others inspired them to pursue careers in healthcare. With years of advanced medical training and aesthetic experience, they combine clinical expertise with a warm, client-focused approach. At Ageless Affairs, clients receive customized treatments using the latest technologies in injectables, skin rejuvenation, and wellness therapies—all delivered in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Alix and Carrie are committed to creating natural, radiant results that align with each client’s unique goals. Their mission is simple: to help every client look and feel their absolute best at every stage of life.

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618 Park Avenue | Freehold, NJ 07728 www.618nj.com | 732-577-0001 @618restaurant

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JUNE EVENTS CALENDAR

THURSDAYS (JUNE 5, 12, 19, 26) West End Farmers Market Head down to Long Branch every Thursday for the West End Farmers Market West End Park 607 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch 9am - 3pm For more information, visit longbranch.org FRIDAYS (JUNE 6, 14, 20, 27) Run Club at Bakes Brewing Co. Join the Run Club for a 2-3 mile run, jog or walk through Belmar and back to Bakes Brewing Co. Bakes Brewing Co. 1718 NJ-71, Belmar 7pm - 7:30pm For more information, visit bakesbrewing.co

Allenhurst Farmers Market Shop fresh and shop local at your local farmers market in Allenhurst 201 Main St, Allenhurst 10am - 2pm For more information, visit instagram.com/allenhurstfarmersmarket SUNDAY, JUNE 1 MMC Big Steps for Little Feet Spring into Summer with Monmouth Medical Center’s inaugural 5K, 1-mile fun run-walk, and a NICU reunion on Sunday, June 1 at the Fort Athletic Center Fort Athletic Club 114 Saltzman Ave, Oceanport 10am For more information, visit rwjbh.org/bigsteps New Jersey’s 33rd Annual Pride Celebration Head down to Asbury Park for the state’s annual Pride parade, followed by a day of music, vendors and fun Festival at Bradley Park, Asbury Park For more information, visit jerseypride.org THURSDAY, JUNE 5 Beacon of Hope Cocktail Reception Join Shore House for their annual fundraiser that honors the commitment and dedication of their supporters and community Navesink Country Club, 50 Luffburrow Lane, Red Bank 5:30 - 8pm For more information, visit ShoreHouseNJ.org Sisters Academy Spring Luncheon Join Mercy Center in honoring members of the community Spring Lake Golf Club

901 Warren Ave, Spring Lake 11:30am - 2pm For more information, visit mercycenternj.org/event/academy-luncheon/

44th Annual Spring Lake Historical Society House Tour Engross yourself in Monmouth County history on their annual tour Spring Lake Railroad Station Warren Ave, Spring Lake 10am - 3pm For more information, visit SpringLakeHistoricalSociety.org Keyport Classic Car Show Join auto-enthusiasts for a classic car show Mini Park, W Front St, Keyport 6pm - 9pm For more information, visit VisitKeyport.org THURSDAY- SUNDAY, JUNE 5-8 Bayshore Greek Fest Join the Greek Orthodox Church for amazing Greek food and celebrations at their annual Greek Fest 20 Hillcrest Rd, Holmdel 6pm For more information, visit greekfestivalholmdel.com FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 6-8 ASBURYFEST Head down to Asbury Park for a weekend of music, food and fun Bradley Park across from Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park For more information, visit AsburyParkChamber.com/asburyfest SATURDAY, JUNE 7 Red Bank’s Pride in the Park Celebrate Pride in Red Bank with a day of music, entertainment, local shopping and more.

Riverside Gardens Park, Red Bank For more information, visit redbanknj.org SUNDAY, JUNE 8 Holmdel Annual Garage Sale Join the Holmdel High School Parent Group for their annual Garage Sale Townwide For more information, visit holmdelparents.org/holmdel-high-school 53rd NJ Irish Festival Head to Monmouth Park for a night of traditional Irish music, food, dancing, vendors

and more Monmouth Park 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport 10am - 6pm For more information, visit monmouthpark.com Juneteenth Celebration Downtown Freehold holds its annual Juneteenth Celebration, featuring cultural performances, food, vendors and family activities Downtown Freehold 12pm - 5pm For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com SATURDAY, JUNE 14 77th Canterbury Fair Join St. George’s-by-the-River Church for its Canterbury Fair, featuring a White Elephant Market Place, kids section and food.

St. George’s by-the-river Episcopal Church 12 Waterman Ave, Rumson 8am - 3pm For more information, visit stgeorgesrumson.org 6th Annual Red Bank 5k Classic Join Red Bank Classic for a 3.1 mile trek through Red Bank to benefit the YMCA 8am - 1pm For more information, visit redbankclassic.com FRIDAY, JUNE 20 Jazz Night at Belmar Arts Center Join Belmar Arts Center every third Friday of the month for a lively night of jazz Belmar Arts Center, 608 River Rd, Belmar 7pm - 10pm For more information, visit belmararts.org SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Beer, Wine and Spirits Fest Enjoy a day of potent favorites, paired with live entertainment, food and games Bradley Park, 101-199 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park 1pm - 4:30pm For more information, visit summerfestusa.com/asbury-park

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 - SUNDAY, JUNE 29 247th Anniversary of Battle of Monmouth Reenactment Take a trip back in time for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth Monmouth Battlefield 20 NJ-33 Business, Manalapan Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 3pm For more information, visit friendsofmonmouth.org/reenactment.html

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

33

picks for some fun Dinner Ournights out at local Show bars and restaurants — AND A —

Pick up a copy of our latest edition in these locations!

Zone 1 (Colts Neck/Holmdel Area): Dearborn Market (Holmdel) Pantano Home (Holmdel) Colts Neck Pharmacy Prima Pizza (Colts Neck) Zone 2 (Rumson/Fair Haven Area): Shrewsbury Volkswagen Shoprite (Shrewsbury) Foodtown (Red Bank) Gianni’s (Red Bank) Zone 3 (Jersey Shore Area): Foodtown (Sea Girt) Shoprite (Belmar) Shoprite (Neptune) Zone 4 (Ocean Township Area): All Seasons Diner (Eatontown) Blue Swan (Ocean) Gianni’s (Ocean) Ocean Township Library Sunset Diner Zone 5 (Middletown Area): Shoprite (Middletown) Circus Liquors (Middletown) Foodtown (Atlantic Highlands) Foodtown (Port Monmouth) Middletown Arts Center Zone 6 (Freehold Area): Shoprite Freehold Cafe 360 Bagel Nook NJ Leaf

Check out our digital editions online at monmouthcommunity.com

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

this month

Every Monday (June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) • 7:30pm - 9:30pm What: Quizzoholics Trivia Where: Deal Lake Bar + Co, Loch Arbour deallakebarco.com Every Tuesday (June 3, 10, 17, 24) • 6 p.m.

What: Live Irish Music Where: St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, Spring Lake SSGPub.com Every Wednesday (June 4, 11, 18, 25) What: Country Night - Live Bands & Line Dancing with Rachael & DJ Mike Nice Where: Bar Anticipation, Lake Como When: 6pm - 10pm bar-a.com What: Boozy Bingo with DJ Lunique Where: Deal Lake Bar + Co, Loch Arbour When: 7pm - 9pm deallakebarco.com What: Trivia Night Where: Chubby Pickle, Highlands When: 7pm thechubbypicklenj.com Every Thursday (June 5, 12, 29, 26) • 6pm - 9pm What: High Standards Trio Where: R Bar, Asbury Park ItsRBar.com Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday • Evenings, times vary What: Live Music Where: The Columns, Avon-by-the-Sea thecolumnsnj.com Every Friday and Saturday • 6 p.m.

What: Live Music Where: The Anchor Tavern, Belmar www.anchortavernnj.com Every Weekend What: Live music Where: Triumph Restaurant & Brewery, Red Bank TriumphBrewing.com Thursday, June 6 • 7pm What: Allie Sandt & Sarah Gross Where: Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, Asbury Park timmcloonessupperclub.com Thursday, June 12 • 7pm What: Mountain Grass Unit, Dark City Strings Where: Wonder Bar, Asbury Park wonderbarasburypark.com Friday, June 20 • 7 p.m.

What: The Parlor Mob Where: Wonder Bar, Asbury Park wonderbarasburypark.com Saturday, June 21 • 6 p.m.

What: Sir Rod Where: Reef and Barrel, Sea Girt reefandbarrel.com

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LUIGI of Holmdel

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com Send in a photo to info@CommunityMagazineNJ.com

Four-legged Fun!

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Barktastic places to hang out with your pets this month and beyond The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach, Highlands — A casual beach bar with stunning views of the New York City skyline, The Sandbox offers an amazing setting to unwind and enjoy amazing food and drinks with your favorite K-9 companion. Located at the Seastreak Ferry Terminal, 326 Shore Drive, The Sandbox welcomes guests all summer long. sandbox.seastreak.com/ Hot Sand Glass Blowing Studio, Asbury Park — Located in downtown Asbury Park, the Hot Sand Glass Blowing Studio offers a fun do-it-yourself activity to create a glass imprint craft of your hand, foot — or for pet lovers — a paw of your furry friend! Visit them at 550 Cookman Avenue and be sure to reserve ahead. hotsandap.com/hot-paws-faq Carton Brewing Company, Atlantic Highlands — Join this independent craft brewery for any of their dog-friendly happy hours this summer! Carton Brewing is located at 6 E Washington Ave, Atlantic Highlands. cartonbrewing.com/ Woofstock, Keyport — This year’s Woofstock takes place from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at Mini Park in Keyport and is a dog friendly event featuring a street market, live music, dog contest, and adoptions.

West End Farmers Market, Long Branch — Head over to West End Park in Long Branch every Thursday from June 5 to October 16 to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other delicious options with your pup alongside! The market is open from 9 AM to 3 PM on Brighton Avenue. longbranch.org/283/Programs-Events

s temperatures rise and outdoor adventures ramp up, summer is the season when your dog’s grooming routine matters more than ever. Regular grooming does more than just keep your dog looking great—it plays a key role in their overall health and comfort. From managing shedding to preventing skin issues, professional grooming helps your furry friend stay cool, clean, and happy during the hottest months of the year here at the Jersey Shore. Green Leaf Pet Resort in Ocean Township offers expert grooming services tailored to your dog’s needs, so you can both enjoy a carefree summer together.

Q: Why is professional grooming especially important during the summer?

A: The summer heat can be tough on dogs, especially those with thick coats. Regular grooming helps remove excess fur, dirt, and debris that can trap heat and irritate the skin. A professional groomer can also check for issues like hot spots, ticks, and skin infections that are more common in warmer months. Grooming keeps your dog’s coat healthy, allowing for better air circulation and helping them stay cooler.

Q: Can grooming help reduce shedding in the summer?

A: Absolutely. Many dogs shed their winter coats in late spring and early summer. Professional de-shedding treatments remove loose undercoat fur that can otherwise end up all over your house. Groomers use specialized tools to gently remove excess hair, making your dog more comfortable and reducing the amount of fur you’ll find on your furniture, floors, and clothes.

Q: Are there special grooming considerations for dogs who swim often?

A: Yes. Dogs that swim regularly, especially in pools or salt water, can experience dry skin or coat issues. Professional grooming helps remove chlorine or salt buildup and keeps the coat properly conditioned. Groomers also check ears for moisture buildup, which can lead to infections if left untreated.

Q: What grooming services does Green Leaf Pet Resort offer?

A: Green Leaf Pet Resort provides a full range of grooming services, including baths, haircuts, de-shedding treatments, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and more. Their experienced groomers tailor services to your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Whether your dog needs a full summer haircut or just a refreshing bath, Green Leaf has you covered.

Q: How can I schedule a grooming appointment at Green Leaf Pet Resort?

A: Scheduling is simple! Call (732) 272-0800 or visit greenleafpetresort.com/oakhurst/ to book your dog’s grooming session. Give your dog the gift of comfort and cleanliness this summer with the expert care at Green Leaf Pet Resort in Ocean Township.

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

37

PARENT'S CORNER

Getting Ahead of the Curve: National Scoliosis Month

J

BY MAIA FRANCO

une marks National Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to educate families about scoliosis—a condition affecting approximately 2–3% of the U.S. population, or about 5 to 9 million people. Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often developing during the rapid growth periods of adolescence. While the exact cause is unknown, it is more prevalent in girls and can be hereditary. Parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms in young children, which can worsen as they grow taller. Early detection is vital, as untreated scoliosis may lead to complications such as pain, postural issues, and in severe cases, respiratory difficulties.

Recognizing the Signs Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for the following signs: • Uneven shoulders or hips • A prominent shoulder blade • Leaning to one side • Asymmetrical waistline • Visible spinal curve when bending forward Regular screenings during annual check-ups are essential, especially for children aged 6 to 8. Often, school nurses conduct these screenings in elementary schools.

Treatment Options 1. Observation — For mild cases with curves less than 25 degrees, regular monitoring may suffice. This approach involves periodic evaluations to track any progression of the curvature.

2. Bracing — For moderate curves (25–40 degrees) in growing children and adolescents, bracing is a common non-surgical treatment. The goal is to prevent further progression of the curve. Braces are custom-made and are typically worn for 12–20 hours daily.

3. Physical Therapy — The Schroth Method is a specialized physical therapy approach focusing on posture and breathing exercises tailored to each patient's unique spinal curvature.

This method aims to stabilize and improve the curvature of the spine, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life.

4. Surgery — In severe cases with curves exceeding 45–50 degrees, or when other treatments are ineffective, surgical in-

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

tervention may be necessary. Spinal fusion surgery is the most common procedure, aiming to correct and stabilize the spine.

Local Treatment Centers Seaview Orthopaedics — Comprehensive spinal care with specialists experienced in surgical and non-surgical options treating scoliosis.

Schroth Spinal Physical Therapy of NJ — Located in Red Bank, this center specializes in the Schroth Method for scoliosis treatment, offering personalized physical therapy sessions.

Kinney Chiropractic — Situated in Belmar, Kinney Chiropractic provides chiropractic care aimed at managing the effects of scoliosis, focusing on pain relief and improved mobility.

Coastal Spine — Located in Wall Township, Coastal Spine offers a range of services, including observation, bracing, physical therapy, and surgical options for scoliosis patients.

Encouraging Early Detection Early detection and intervention are key to managing scoliosis effectively. Parents should remain proactive by scheduling regular check-ups and discussing any concerns with their child's healthcare provider. With the right care and support, children and adolescents with scoliosis can lead active, healthy lives.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the listed centers directly. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the management of scoliosis.

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A Year of Growth Colts Neck resident’s passion continues to blossom at Inspo Dental

BY EMMA SYLVIA

D

r. Dorothy Lee knew from a young age exactly what she would grow up to be: a dentist. Residing in Staten Island for most of her young life, it was there where she was exposed to dentistry. At age 15, she began working for a general dentist, in a shadowing and assisting capacity, and she fell in love with the profession. It was from this experience that Lee was able to start a long and transformative career in dentistry, bringing her skills from Staten Island to Red Bank, where her practice, Inspo Dental, resides to this day.

“My first inspiration was my godmother, who was my mom’s best friend since childhood,” Lee elaborates. “She was the one person in my life who was a college grad and had a career; I really looked up to her. She was a hygienist, and she encouraged me to go all the way and be a dentist. From age 15, that was the track.”

At age 18, after her initial shadowing job, Lee worked in another office, learning many procedures and honing her skills and passion for dentistry.

“I went to dental school at the Rutgers School of Medicine,” Lee continues. “From there, I did my four years of residency.” She began working at Old Bridge Dental, commuting from Staten Island the entire time. It was when this practice decided to sell to a corporation that Lee knew what the next

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PHOTOS BY JOE LYPOWY step was — opening her own practice. “That was always my goal, but with four children, I thought, ‘When’s the time?’”

In 2019, Dr. Lee and her family moved from Staten Island to Colts Neck in order to raise their four children.

“Staten Island was just very crowded. I already had one child and was pregnant with my second. We thought New Jersey was a better fit. There’s more land and a better school system. I hardly go back to Staten Island; we love it here.”

Lee purchased the dental practice in January of 2024, and it was then that Inspo Dental was born. She attributes the year as being one of change and trying new things. They did floor-to-ceiling renovations, bringing a personal and elevated aesthetic to the practice to fight against a sterile, typical dentist office feel. “I hate when it’s impersonal,” Lee says. “Here, it doesn’t give ‘dentist office’ when you walk in. It’s more like a spa. A lot of patients are dental-phobic, and they don’t want to come into that. We make it comfortable.”

According to Lee, 2024 was a year of ups and downs. She’s grateful for the great team that worked with her, helmed by her husband, Michael. The team allowed the practice to stay open so they could continue to care for patients through the inevitable changes that come with taking over a business. New ownership and the new renovations took some getting used to. “With

PHOTOS BY JOE LYPOWY growth, change has to occur,” Lee says.

“I implemented processes and systems that I felt would be a better experience for patients and for the team.”

Inspo Dental keeps everything inhouse, from fillings and crowns to implants and surgeries to aesthetics like botox and fillers.

“Professionally, you’re always learning. I like to learn new things,” she says.

Lee will be heading to Arizona to learn more about no-prep veneers to advance her cosmetic dentistry, which aims to conserve enamel while maintaining a beautiful result. “It makes things less painful and more convenient, more aesthetically pleasing,” Lee notes.

For anyone looking to break into the field of dentistry, Lee recommends getting firsthand exposure.

“I myself wanted to be an orthodontist. My first year of dental school, I

took Ortho 101, and thought, ‘This is not for me.’” Lee is especially interested in inspiring and aiding the new generation of dentists. “I’m totally open to having them come in, shadowing me, and seeing how our day-to-day is and what we do here.” There might be things that some might not realize they need to be familiar with, like the sight of blood or other invasive procedures.

Lee says one of the most important points after getting your feet wet in the field is preparing yourself for an arduous four years of dental school. “In my second year of dental school, I thought about quitting. It was very stressful, but I thought, ‘I have to see this through.’

The third year of school, I got to see patients, and it ignited something in me.

You’re devoted to dental school – but the end result is so worth it.”

Lee has to shout out her biggest

supporter: her husband, Michael. “We started dating right before I left for dental school. I really feel like it was destiny; it set me up to have someone through those hard four years.” Once Lee got her own practice, her husband aided in the design and business aspect, as he’s a business owner himself. “Without him, I don’t think I’d be able to do this. He’s an amazing support system.”

Personally and professionally, Lee looks forward to growth, from hiring more team members, having an associate coming in more days, and traveling for her daughter’s cheer team. “Each year, we’re growing – from a business, cultural and personal aspect.”

To learn more about Inspo Dental, visit inspodental.com or visit their Instagram page @inspodental

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

41

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

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OME AWAY FROM HOME ACADEMY continues to remain parents’ number one choice, serving the community for over 30 years. Children are benefiting more and more from their curriculum every day, every month and every year. Parents are realizing the difference between daycare vs. private school. Children are not just ‘playing’ all day anymore; they are playing with a purpose. Parents are finding that by incorporating fun and play into their academic curriculum, their young children are retaining what they learn and have a significant competitive edge. Within every area of early education — which includes reading, writing, math, social studies, foreign language, science, music and art — children are also developing socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively and academically.

Marketing studies have shown that an astonishing 70% of students who left Home Away From Home Academy after Kindergarten remained in the top 10% of their classes, while the other 30% continued in Gifted and Talented programs.

Lisa McCoy of Aberdeen, a mother of three children in the school says, “I am certain that the superior education my children are receiving at Home Away From Home Academy will

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provide them with a solid foundation for their future. Every day I know that my children’s best interests are a primary concern with academically qualified and loving teachers.” She couldn’t have said it better, since the school firmly believes that a child’s first school experience will be carried with them for a lifetime.

As leaders in early childhood education, Home Away From Home Academy is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools as a private school paving the way in excellence for over 30 years. Carmine and Phyllis Visone, owners, say “Given the right tools, balanced with the right kind of play and guidance, delivered during the right stages of development – children will grow into adults who are not only ‘smart’ academically, but also kind and respectful; they will be smart in a life sense, and will lead productive, abundant lives.” The school prides itself on the feedback of so many families who have went through this program, and are now successful in their professional careers after college.

The school exists in the centrally located Aberdeen/Holmdel area, and under the capable guidance of the owners, the Academy has grown and developed over the years, currently

shaping more than 200 young minds from infancy through Kindergarten with 30 praiseworthy teachers on staff, three fourths of whom are certified in addition to a registered nurse on premises.

At the top of its class, Home Away From Home Academy is dedicated to ensuring the success of well-rounded children in an environment that is safe, loving and happy. A child’s brain is said to be a sponge and the Visones are taking every opportunity to soak it up with the aforementioned academic subjects all while emphasizing the importance of the individual child at each stage of development and keeping the essence of ‘play’ in the core of this curriculum.

The educational values of Phyllis and Carmine Visone have served as a model to other early childhood educators, and their inspiring book entitled: “The Visone Method: A New Philosophy in Early Childhood Education” has been awarded “Publisher’s Choice”, STAR status within the publishing company and nominated for “Book of the Year”

by Foreword Magazine.

The Visone Method is a common sense approach to early childhood education that happens to be extraordinary; it considers the whole child at every turn.

There is an array of small components to this entire philosophy that developmentally prepares children younger for higher learning. The main purpose of the book is to give parents

and teachers a complete and new understanding of how a child’s learning develops in the early years, how a child accumulates 50% of lifelong knowledge from ages 0-7.

Both Carmine and Phyllis have enthusiasm, integrity and love for what they teach and practice. They take great pride in their professional, yet nurturing environment as a family-owned business. Community involvement is no small feat for this couple as they strive to teach the children lifelong lessons through charitable giving.

“Giving is just as important as receiving and this is a lesson for children of all ages to embrace,” states Phyllis Visone, owner and director. Over the last several years, Home Away From Home Academy has received many accolades, including Township Proclamations, a NJ

State Senate Resolution, and an award for their collection of over 800 pounds of food for Fulfill: Students Change Hunger.

Additionally, Carmine and Phyllis Visone were the recipients of the Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of the school’s annual generous donation of toys to Hope for Children Foundation. In the most recent years, the school has also participated in a Hop-a-Thon fundraiser to benefit the ALS Clinic at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

The school invites you to take the time to schedule a private tour and see for yourself as hundreds of other parents have – what you read is what you see and what you see is what you get. Allow your child to be a part of this growing success story.

For tour scheduling, please call 732-290-0033 or visit www.hafha.com.

Phyllis Visone, Kristie Tapolow, Karen Hinds, Heather Sperduto, MaryBeth Walz, Eric Hinds, Carmine Visone

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

3 47

Bop to the Top

Colts Neck student earns spot on national Kidz Bop Tour

BY EMMA SYLVIA

N

ot many 15-year-olds can boast that they’ve traveled across the world to compete at an international level – and won. But that’s exactly what Matt Gugliara – better known as Matty Googs – gets to announce as his claim to fame. Born in Staten Island and now a Colts Neck local, Gugliara is chasing his dreams, going from competing at national levels to being announced as the newest performer on the Kidz Bop national tour which is also making stops in the UK. Gugliara has been a dance aficionado for as long as he can remember.

“One of the ways I got really into dancing was because of the Nintendo Wii game ‘Just Dance’,” he recalls.

His favorite song to listen to and recreate the moves of was “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men. From his love of “Just Dance,” his parents, Sherri and Sal Gugliara, began to play music videos for their son to follow along to. It was through this that Gugliara discovered his two main inspirations: Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake.

Gugliara’s professional name, “Matty Googs,” came from when he was attending conventions when he was younger, and found that many people across the country, (especially those from communities that weren’t largely Italian) couldn’t pronounce his last name. Gugliara’s father was nicknamed “Goog” when he was younger, which became the inspiration for his son’s professional moniker.

“He gave me that nickname, and I fell in love with it. I have teachers that call me ‘Googs,’” he says.

His dance career began at age three, when Gugliara joined the studio ICON. Since then, he’s been training with conventions, like Monsters of Hip-Hop, a weekend dance convention that hosts multiple classes with world-renowned choreographers, the likes of whom

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

have worked with top artists like Britney Spears, Sierra, and yes, Justin Bieber.

Through this schooling, Gugliara learned many different styles of dance, from ballet, tap and contemporary, before falling in love with hip-hop.

“Hip-hop has helped me express my feelings,” Gugliara says.

To hone his skills, Gugliara has trained with Justin Timberlake’s choreographer, Marty Kudelka, who has also served as Timberlake’s artistic director for nearly two decades, working on music videos, tours and more.

“It’s been really good to know him; he’s a big mentor in my life,” he notes.

Having a working relationship with Kudelka doesn’t hurt to keep Gugliara motivated as well, as his dream is to dance on tour with Justin Timberlake.

That’s not to scoff at who Gugliara has toured with already. At six years old, he got to dance with Justin Bieber. Nick DeMoura — the creative director and choreographer behind Bieber’s Justice Tour — teaches at Monsters, and selected Gugliara to join other dancers for Bieber’s tour stop at the Prudential Center. The dancers were all ages 6-15, and Gugliara was the youngest.

Gugliara also placed 8th in the world when competing for Team USA Hip Hop in Bremerhaven, Germany. “I got to audition for the US Team,” he recalls, “and I ended up making it and competing for solo and for a group. I ended up finishing 8th place in the world as a soloist. That was in October of 2019, so I had just turned 10,” he remembers.

In the summer of 2019, Gugliara was selected to be in the Monsters Rebirth Show. He

was nominated for the kids cast, and later that summer, the directors announced that Gugliara made the show.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” he says.

“I was in Los Angeles for two weeks of training for the two-hour show. It’s a beautiful piece of dance to watch. I was so grateful to be part of the cast.”

Gugliara’s father, Sal watches proudly from the sidelines. “The theme for him is that he’s always the youngest in the stuff that he’s done,” Sal says.

But being the youngest dancer in a group or cast never seems to intimidate Matt.

“It only motivates me more. I love the pressure; any pressure involved with dance makes me happy, because of how much I love dance.”

Gugliara attributes his positive attitude to his father. “My dad always told me, ‘Don’t let other people affect how you feel.’ That’s always been my motto. I always let everything motivate me. My love of dance is so strong that pressure doesn’t get to me at all. I’m so happy with what I’m doing.”

Aside from participating in Monsters, Gugliara has assisted choreography for a routine for the Washington Commanders NFL Dance Team, performed for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

(and many other televised appearances) and danced for celebrities like DJ Khaled.

And now, his sights are set for the Kidz Bop national tour.

“This January, my agency, Bloc, approached me with a Kidz Bop audition.

I was really excited to audition; but they only have a few members for the tour, so they were only looking for one boy.”

Originally, the auditions were to be held in LA – but due to the recent wildfires, they were relocated to Woodbridge,NJ, just a half hour away from Colts Neck.

With a Kidz Bop show happening in London in just a few months after the audition, a new dancer had to be picked immediately. After initially narrowing it down to 10 kids, the next day, Gugliara got the job.

“It was so exciting,” he says. “Going into this year, I thought I would just be training; this wasn’t on my radar. The audition came and changed everything, and I’m so grateful for that.”

Now homeschooled to accommodate the new schedule – which includes training for seven weeks before traveling across the country and in the UK for months – Gugliara is ecstatic for the new endeavor.

“It’s going to be a completely new show. I’ll be learning choreography, having vocal lessons and recording the songs.

It’s a great process, and I’m super excited for all of it.” The tour will have 63 stops in North America and another eight stops in the UK. The process to prepare is a rigorous one. The Gugliaras have a full studio in their basement, with Gugliara having school for three hours with the certified teacher that travels with the dancers, followed by another five hours of lessons with the choreographer.

“He picks it up very quickly,” Sal Gugliara says. “He learned 24 dances in the matter of a week.”

Aside from performing this tour, Gugliara is looking forward to inspiring fans.

“When I was young, I was very inspired by people older than me, so I know how it feels. I love inspiring kids. I love dancing on stage. I’m a big performer. I really enjoy making people happy.”

For the future, Gugliara aims to be a choreographer with the ultimate goal of being a creative director for a tour. Currently, though, he’s enjoying teaching his own classes. For others that want to break into dance, he says: “If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail. If you want something, work hard for it – because it’s never gonna get handed to you.”

To follow along with Matty Googs’s career and learn about dance lessons, follow him on Instagram @mattygoogs

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

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The Semiquincentennial Celebration is Coming!

BY LILIANN PARAS

D

id you hear? All over the country, preparation is underway for the Semiquincentennial. Also known as the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, the Quarter Millennium, or America 250, it is quite simply, the name for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the USA, a multitude of festivities are planned for this auspicious anniversary. Although it is a year away, preparation takes a great deal of time. Monmouth County and area towns, including Colts Neck, played a significant role in the American Revolution and are deep into planning a variety of celebrations.

The 250th anniversary is particularly meaningful for our area. According to historian Michael S. Adelberg, during the Revolutionary War, Monmouth County had more violence than anywhere else in New Jersey. More than 100 battles and skirmishes took place here. Governor William Livingson became increasingly desperate for reinforcements. He wrote to General Washington, describing the Monmouth shoreline as the “theatre of spoil and destruction.” Less known is that the war was also a time of great strife among the Monmouth colonists: Whigs against Loyalists, against each other within the factions, and fights with people having hidden loyalties.

“The annual county elections were often marred by violence, and intense factional rivalries dominated local politics…The war increased violent crime and paved the way for a great deal of opportunistic plundering masquerading as military operations.” (Adelberg, Michael S. The American Revolution in Monmouth County: The Theatre of Spoil and Destruction, Arcadia Publishing, 2010). Yet, despite those very trying times, our citizens were resourceful and resilient, our county and country ultimately came together, and we have much

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

to celebrate together as we mark this milestone.

In preparation for the USA’s anniversary, Monmouth NJ 250 Committee was created by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners. Its slogan, Freedom’s Battleground, alludes to the amazing facts about the outsized role Monmouth County played in the war and our country’s formation. The Committee invited towns to participate and share resources, and Colts Neck enthusiastically came on board.

The familiar saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person” certainly is apt in Colts Neck. Sue Fitzpatrick, former Colts Neck mayor who currently serves on the Township Committee, stepped up and is now chairing the newly formed Colts Neck 250 Committee. In addition to contributing to the Monmouth NJ 250 materials, the Committee is arranging a variety of ways to focus more locally.

I met with Fitzpatrick and Mary Pahira, Chair of the Colts Neck Historic Preservation Committee. Both enthusiastically filled me in on some of the events underway and those in the early planning stages. “I am looking forward to seeing our ideas becoming a reality. It will be a great opportunity to pull the community together and celebrate our history,” said Fitzpatrick.

The monumental effort makes the head spin. Already they have garnered the support of Historic Preservation, Library, Seniors Club, Women’s Club, Polo, Farmland Preservation, CNBA, Sports Foundation, and Trail Riders Club. Ornaments depicting historic sites are available for sale through Historic Preservation and many crafts will be interactive, such as poster contests and window painting. Special events being considered include historical reenactments by members of the CN Seniors Club, a Walking Tour of the Burlington Path (Route 537), carriage rides,

visits to the Montrose one-room schoolhouse, food tastings (including recipes using Laird & Company products), a town parade replete with flags along the route, fife and drum entertainment, and of course, fireworks! All this kicks off this year at the Colts Neck 4th of July Fireworks, where a Monmouth NJ 250 traveling exhibit brimming with information will be on hand highlighting the Revolutionary War and its effect on everyday life in our county.

Here are just a few facts gathered from the various Committees, to whet your appetite.

DID YOU KNOW? New Jersey became known as “The Crossroads of the American Revolution” due to its location in the center of the 13 colonies.

General George Washington spent more time in New Jersey than in any other colony during the War. The Battle of Monmouth was the largest and longest one-day battle of the war, taking place on June 28, 1778 near the Monmouth Court House. Approximately 26,000 soldiers were involved.

General Washington engineered the Continental Army’s counterattack and forged his reputation as a capable leader.

The British retreated through Colts Neck along Revolutionary Road.

On June 28, 1778, Private Michael Field was captured by the British and left to die on Dutch Lane Road. He was later found and buried by colonial forces on Heyers Mill Road.

More battles were fought in New Jersey than in any other colony.

On a happier note, Laird & Company is the oldest licensed distillery in the country — it was granted License No.1 in 1780. General Washington is known to have enjoyed the “cyder spirits” made there and requested a recipe.

There is a lot to look forward to!

Why not be a part of this historic celebration? This special community undertaking will require a lot of volunteers and talent. All levels of participation are welcomed and appreciated.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any suggestions for Colts Neck 250, please contact Sue Fitzpatrick at sfitzpatrick@coltsneck.org or Mary Pahira at 732-216-8083.

For information on Monmouth NJ 250, visit MonmouthNJ250.org.

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

53

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AROUND TOWN » COLTS NECK

Cedar Drive Middle School Celebrates 60th Anniversary

T

he Colts Neck community celebrated the 60th anniversary of a local institution – Cedar Drive Middle School. The celebration, which included a historical exhibit, display of commemorative student art, and a performance by the school band brought generations of residents and alumni together. Happy 60th to Cedar Drive – a school rich of history, traditions, and excellence!

Photo and editorial credit: Colts Neck Schools Facebook pages

Colts Neck Students Visit 200-Year-Old School House

O

n April 30, the Colts Neck Historic Preservation Committee hosted Conover Elementary third graders at the Montrose School House. Volunteers with the committee welcomed students by seating them at old desks and benches and hosted a Q & A session regarding the history of the schoolhouse.

Photo and editorial credit: Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee and Colts Neck Schools Facebook pages

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com

AROUND TOWN » COLTS NECK | HOLMDEL

Holmdel Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt Huge Success

H

olmdel Township held its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Cross Farm Park. The community event, put together by the Holmdel Township recreation department and department of public works, brought together families across town to hunt for Easter eggs on a beautiful spring day. With the help of volunteers and the Easter Bunny, the festive atmosphere made it to be a special day for many Holmdel residents!

Photo and editorial credit: Holmdel Township Facebook pages

Student Successes

A

ugustus Giller of Holmdel was named to the Dean’s List at Bates College for the fall semester. Giller is a major in Politics with a minor in Russian.

Vanessa Burns of Colts Neck has graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Arts in Design BA. Alexandra Schaul of Holmdel was among the 49 University of Scranton students inducted into Omega Beta Sigma, the women's business honor society. Induction is open to students who major or minor in business, have at least sophomore academic standing, and have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Schaul is a junior pursuing an accounting degree at Scranton.

Do you want to send us a student success tip?

Please e-mail to info@communitymagazinenj.com

MonmouthCommunity.com JUNE 2025

57

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