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AUGUST EVENTS CALENDAR
EVERYDAY WEDNESDAY
(August 6, 13, 20, 27)
Holmdel Farmers Market
Shop farm-fresh down at Bell Works. Bell Works
101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel 11am - 4pm
For more information, visit asburyfresh.com
Sea Bright Farmers Market
Buy fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and more on Ocean Ave.
Public Beach Lot
1097 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright 1pm - 6pm
For more information, visit hearhereevents.com
Wednesday Summer Jazz Series
Head to Bradley Beach for your weekly jazz fix this summer.
Riley Park, 615 Main St., Bradley Beach 7pm - 9pm
For more information, visit lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/ oAO6tLu/VisitBradleyBeach
Family Movie Night
Visit Downtown Freehold for family flix every Wednesday.
Hall of Records, 1 E Main St., Freehold 8:30pm - 10pm
For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com
EVERYDAY THURSDAY
(August 7, 14, 21, 28)
Ocean Grove Farm Stand
Hit Main Avenue in Ocean Grove for fresh produce and more.
Pilgrim Pathway and Main Ave., Ocean Grove 10am - 2pm
For more information, visit oceangrovenj.com
Thursdays by the Sea Rock out to live music on Thursdays at Pier Village!
Pier Village, 50 Chelsea Ave, Long Branch 7pm - 8:30pm
For more information, visit longbranch.org
EVERYDAY FRIDAY
(August 8, 15, 22, 29)
Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market
Shop fresh and local in Atlantic Highlands. Veterans Park
111 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands
10am - 3pm
For more information, visit ahchamber.org
Freehold Farmers Market
Head down to Freehold for their summer farmers market.
In front of the Hall of Records
1 East Main Street, Freehold 11am - 4pm
For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com
EVERYDAY SUNDAY (August 10, 17, 24, 31)
Summer Concert Series
Downtown Freehold hosts a weekly night of local music.
Downtown Freehold Gazebo, Freehold 7pm - 9pm
For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 - 3
30th Annual Clamfest
The famous Clam Fest is back for its 30th Anniversary, with fireworks at 10pm Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave, Highlands 12pm - 11pm
For more information, visit highlandsnj.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
2025 Sea Girt 5k
Get your running shoes on for a 5k Run/ Walk, with live music and an after-party. 810 The Plaza, Sea Girt 8:30am - 11am
For more information, visit seagirt5k.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
Latin Festival
Visit Monmouth Park for a day of music, over a dozen Latin food trucks, and family fun Monmouth Park
175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport 11am - 5pm
For more information, visit monmouthpark.com
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 - 10
71st Annual Sidewalk Sale
Get ready for a great weekend of shopping in Downtown Red Bank Red Bank River Center
46 English Plaza, Red Bank 10am - 6pm
For more information, visit redbank.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Surfing for a Vision
An annual event that pairs visually impaired and blind individuals with local surf instructors and surfers to experience the thrill of riding waves together.
Great Lawn Beach, Long Branch 8am - 3pm
For more information, visit longbranch.org
West End Cruise Night and Classic Car Show
Enjoy a blast from the past with classic cars and live music.
Brighton Ave, Long Branch 6pm - 10pm
For more information, visit longbranch.org
SUNDAY-TUESDAY, AUGUST 17-18
A Streetcar Named Desire
The Streetcar Project, in association with Asbury Park Book Cooperative, presents Tennessee Williams’ classic play in the historical Asbury Park Carousel Building
The Carousel House 104-108 Asbury Ave, Asbury Park
For more information, visit thestreetcarproject.com
MONDAY, AUGUST 18
Opera by the Sea
Enjoy a night of beachfront opera under the stars.
5th Ave Gazebo, Bradley Beach 6pm - 8pm
For more information, visit bradleybeachnj.gov
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival
Enjoy a day of outdoor music, food trucks, vendors and more.
The Great Lawn and Promenade, Long Branch 1pm - 9pm
For more information, visit longbranch.org
SATURDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 1
BBQ and Craft Beer Festival
The Annual BBQ and Craft Beer Festival is back for a weekend with over 40 craft beers and 20 of the area’s top pitmasters. Monmouth Park
175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport 11am - 5pm
For more information, visit monmouthpark.com
Renovation Without Hesitation
When it comes to installing frameless shower enclosures, quality products and skilled technicians make all the difference
Purchasing 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.
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 be-
comes 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 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.
Expertise
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.
Senator Gopal, Assemblywomen Donlon and Peterpaul Host Student Athlete Award Ceremony
Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul (D-Monmouth) hosted a Student Athlete Award Ceremony recognizing athletes from nine high schools in their Legislative District last week at The 10th Hole in Ocean Township.
“What an incredible year it has been for our athletes here in Monmouth County. You all have made the 11th District and our communities very proud,” Assemblywoman Donlon, who is a lifelong surfer, said in opening the June 18, 2025 ceremony. “I’d like to shout out our teams from Colts Neck - the boys basketball team brought home the Section 3 state title, and the boys soccer team made history with their first-ever Shore Conference championship. As a lifelong surfer, I know how powerful sports can be. They bring calm, focus, confidence, and most of all, joy. The peace I get from being on my surfboard is truly unmatched.”
Assemblywoman Peterpaul, a former Division 1 volleyball player while attending Duquesne University, recognized the hard work the athletes put in to have successful seasons.
“You’ve trained hard, shown up, and delivered. And today,
⊲ Lukas Sloane, Senior - Basketball and volleyball; led basketball team to first-ever state title in Freehold Regional High School District history; 1st Team All Shore.
⊲ Natalie O’Connor, Senior - Indoor track, cross country, and outdoor track; placed 10 times at Group State meet and twice at the Meet of Champions; cross-country county champion and 5-time state sectional titleholder.
we celebrate every moment that brought you here,” Peterpaul said. “I’m especially excited to see the rise in girls’ athletics. Girls’ flag football has grown from 8 to 18 teams in the Shore Conference, and in 2026, it will officially become a sanctioned sport in New Jersey.”
Senator Gopal introduced the keynote speaker, Monmouth University Football Associate Head Coach Jeff Gallo, who is starting his 21st season at Monmouth, which will be his sixth as Offensive Coordinator and second as Associate Head Coach. Gallo is a former All-American offensive lineman and NEC Champion for Monmouth.
“Coach Gallo has mentored multiple All-Americans, three Walter Payton Award finalists, and two NFL tight ends during his tenure,” Gopal said. “In 2024, under Coach Gallo, the Monmouth University Hawks led the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and ranked among the nation’s top 10 in multiple statistical categories.”
Gopal, Donlon, and Peterpaul recognized the following high school students for their athletic successes.
Freehold Boro High School
⊲ Cristian Hernandez, Senior - 4-year varsity athlete in cross country, winter track, and spring track; NJSIAA Scholar Athlete.
⊲ Olivia Edmonds, Senior - All-Division in softball and field hockey; Shore Sportsmanship Award recipient.
Freehold Township High School
⊲ Eli Druckman, Junior - Golf; 2024 State Champion.
⊲ Reese Metcalfe, Junior - Lacrosse and soccer; lacrosse division champions and soccer Shore Conference Tournament Champions.
Long Branch High School
⊲ Christopher Moses, Senior - Played football, basketball, and baseball.
⊲ Jesslyn Rodriguez, Senior - Cheerleading team member; National Honor Society.
Neptune Township High School
⊲ Koen Johnson, Junior - Football and track; defensive linebacker; 1st Team All Monmouth County and 1st Team All-Division Football (2024). ⊲ Adriana Siciliano, Senior - Soccer and flag football.
Ocean Township High School
⊲ James Sobieski, Senior - 4 years football, 2 years basketball, 1 year track and baseball; 2nd Team All-Division Football (sophomore); 1st Team All-Division (junior and senior).
⊲ Alexandria Foley, Senior - Soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track; 2nd Team A-Central Division in soccer; National Honor Society member.
Red Bank Regional High School
⊲ John Galligan, Junior - Wrestling and outdoor track; Central Jersey Group 3 Pole Vault winner; All-Division wrestler; BUC Wrestling Champion.
⊲ Anna Peterson, Junior - Field hockey, indoor track, and outdoor track; All-Division in field hockey.
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Braveheart
Holmdel Resident Wins Gold for Chilean Lacrosse Team
It’s a “Braveheart,” or in leyman’s terms, a one-on-one. One goalie, one field player. It’s a tie breaker, with teams on either side cheering for their singular player. Representing Chile at the annual Heritage Cup, it’s Claudia Diaz, a high school senior from Holmdel – and she can’t believe she got picked for the Braveheart. Heart pounding, wind roaring, it’s down to her and one other competitor.
And a moment later, it’s Diaz – and Chile, for the first time – with the gold. But of course, this story starts long before this.
Diaz moved to Holmdel from Howell when she was 8 years old, and like many girls her age, her parents encouraged her to pursue recreational sports. She immersed herself in all kinds, from gymnastics to soccer to tennis to swim – as she says, “every sport under the sun.” It was with lacrosse, however, that she finally found the sport that she both excelled at and had fun with.
In third grade, she joined a rec program for lacrosse. “It helped me acclimate to a new social environment,” Diaz says. “Having that sport gave me a group of friends and [helped me] fit in a little bit more.” She played in the rec program until eighth grade before joining a club team, Team 91 New Jersey, until the summer before her junior year, where club lacrosse finishes for girls across Holmdel. During her junior year, Diaz was named captain of Holmdel High School’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team, first playing defense before she realized that she was more geared toward midfield.
Then, almost like fate, one of Diaz’s assistant coaches at Team 91 forwarded a live viewing link to the team: “I’m competing in this tournament,” the coach said, “and I would love for everyone to watch.” The tournament itself? The Heritage Cup.
The Cup was founded in 2013, takes place in Boston and in 2025, featured 112 teams representing 36 different countries. The tournament is an opportunity for United States-based players to raise awareness of the sport of lacrosse to other countries, all while competing on behalf of a country that represents their own heritage.
While Diaz’s coach competed for Mexico, Diaz herself pondered if there was a team that represented Chile, as it is the homeland of her father. Diaz reached out, sent a film of herself and her plays, had a call with the coaches and was then chosen as one of the team players for the Cup.
PHOTO BY
PEDRO MORALES MUNOZ
Diaz headed up to Boston in May for the Cup
“I was more nervous with meeting new people than actually playing,” she remembers. “I love putting myself up against other players and seeing how I stand up next to them. We play with girls who are playing at the Division I level – they’re that good. I love playing against them, seeing what I can learn, and improving myself as a player.”
For 2025, Chile entered the Heritage Cup for only their second year. The team had an array of ages represented, with the youngest being a freshman in high school. “You get out on the field, and age isn’t a barrier. It’s just the work you put in,” she says.
The work itself spanned four days, with the team playing at least one game each day, though they still had down time and were able to bond and get to know each other off the field. “I loved the experience,” she says, emphatically.
None but the brave
Perhaps the ultimate pinnacle of the experience for Diaz was the Braveheart. For those unfamiliar, the match begins with a face-off for a draw, with just two girls against each other. The objective is to get the ball to the other net in the field. The Chilean team coach, Victor Zenteno, whom Diaz credits for making all of this possible, turned to Diaz and said: “I want you. I think you should do this.”
“I thought, ‘Me?’ I had no words,” she recalls. “I was shaking from adrenaline. ‘You’re trusting this responsibility, that could be our first win, to me?’ It was momentous; it meant so much to me. Nerves were high, but in my head, I thought, ‘I need to win this. This is for Chile. This is for all the people in the country that might want to
get into lacrosse. The better I do, the bigger it can get, the bigger the program can get.’”
Diaz was bombarded with support, from her coach and teammates to her family back home. “They were all proud of little me from Holmdel, New Jersey.”
Upon her Braveheart victory, Diaz’s father on the sidelines began to cry, with Diaz calling him her biggest supporter and the one who pushes her to chase after every new opportunity. “I’m sure I’ll have other moments in my career,” Diaz says, “but this’ll be number one forever. When I scored that goal, it felt like the ball hit the back of the net in slow motion. I don’t think I’m ever going to have an exact moment like that, being so proud of everyone on the team, winning it for my coach, it’s unreal. It’s one of the top moments [for me], not just in lacrosse, but in my life.”
Starting in the fall, Diaz will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology in Staten Island, where she’ll be majoring in Quantitative Finance and continuing to play lacrosse. She’s already met the women that will be joining the Stevens lacrosse team, all while still being in contact with all of her teammates from the Heritage Cup. “I’m excited to get started in August, and looking forward to putting in as much work as possible and contributing.” She won’t be slowing down there, though, she’ll be playing at the World’s Qualifiers in Puerto Rico in December, hoping to be selected.
PHOTO BY PEDRO MORALES MUNOZ
“I want to encourage not just the young girls but everyone who has played lacrosse to reach out to the Heritage Cup,” Diaz encourages.
“Talk to people and put yourself out there as much as you can. Especially for all young Chilean girls and boys: The program is still young. It’s an opportunity to be a part of something great.”
Teacher Feature
Name: Christina Jannarone
Title:
Special Ed Teacher
Place of Employment: West Long Branch
Town of Residency: Howell
Q: What do you love about teaching, and what keeps you coming back each day?
A: My favorite thing is to see a child really start to read and have that success when they struggle so much. It’s like a gift.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about working with children?
A: Probably the demand of paperwork and everything that we do that’s not directly working with the children.
Q: What was your own school experience like as a kid? Did you enjoy school?
A: I struggled in school. I had a lot of teachers that were wonderful with me, and it’s really a gift for me to be able to now help my students read and feel that success.
Q: If you could add one new subject that every kid would have to take in school, what would it be and why?
A: I don’t think we play enough in school. We expect a lot from our little ones, and I feel like that’s a piece that we’re missing. When they play, they socialize and problem solve with each other. A lot of times, that socialization can be missing.
Q: What is the most important thing that your students have taught you?
A: My students over the years have taught me so much. Perseverance, the gift of helping someone and feeling that reward. They’ve taught me how hard their lives are, and to be mindful of that. I’ve taught students with Down Syndrome and autism, and they’ve all given me such insight – every child has a gift to give to you.
FIRST RESPONDERS Q & A
Name: Melissa Rojas
Title: Volunteer
Place of Employment: Wanamassa Fire Company
Town of Residency: Asbury Park
Q: What initially made you want to be a first responder?
A: I wanted to help people, and I feel like doing that makes me feel better. If I’m able to do it, then it’s awesome to do it with a community that feels the same way.
Q: What do you find to be most rewarding about this kind of work?
A: The members here are all so great. They make you feel welcome right away. When I first came in, they treated me like I was here for years.
Q: What is the hardest aspect of the job?
A: There’s a lot of things for you to learn. The hard part is not to take everything in all at once because it could be overwhelming. Getting overwhelmed and feeling like you’re not meant to be part of something like this. I can get emotional making sure that nobody gets hurt and everyone is fine.
Q: Do any aspects of the job ever scare you?
A: Sometimes I feel like I might be doing the wrong thing or I’m not doing enough. I just started the academy, and there are so many things they put out there that you should know. But the instructor said, not every firefighter knows every one. So that made me feel a lot better.
Q: What was your most memorable experience on the job so far?
A: The Santa Run that we do every Christmas. I had never done it before, and being able to participate and seeing these kids get excited for Santa, that was so memorable. I was just starting, and I was in the truck and helping out. The members make it fun, and they care about everyone here in town.
732-306-6397
JaniceT@EXITRealtyEC.com
Building the Support System
Tips for helping kids thrive mentally in the new school year
BY COLE CALLAHAN, LAC (Student Assistance Coordinator, Middletown Township) and ALLISON CONNOLLY, MA (Social Studies Teacher, Township of Ocean)
For many, the start of a new school year can hold the same significance as New Year’s Day. It represents an opportunity for a fresh start, a new goal, or better habits. But, it can also be a time of stress and uncertainty, especially for our students. There are new classes, teachers and expectations to adjust to, and that can start to feel very heavy if students aren’t properly equipped to mitigate their own stressors or if they don’t have needed support. If we want to ensure academic success - whatever that looks like - and a meaningful educational experience for all of our learners, it is imperative that we prioritize students’ mental health. Feeling safe and seen by respected adults helps students recognize that progress is not linear and mistakes are normal. Adjustment periods - like the start of a school year - can be hard, but they are also temporary.
In order to help your student(s) - and family - meet success in the upcoming school year, we have put together some thoughts and recommendations for helping to support their mental health and overall well-being.
1. Determine your vision.
This can take any form - a vision board, a list of SMART goals, etc. - but the process itself can help a student decide what they want the upcoming school year to look like, and provide motivation and focus. This will be particularly important if and when things get tough. Having clear, visible goals can help re-center or ground a student who experiences a setback. For some students, plotting the year may prove daunting, so consider paring back and doing something like this each marking period or even monthly - whatever works best for your learner(s) and their needs.
2. Establish a routine.
Routines are important. They can provide a sense of comfort for many students, and help keep expectations clear and consistent. Students should have agency in creating their routine, and it is important to remember that different learners will need and want different routines - even the ones living under your roof! Some students seek a break be -
tween school and homework, for example, while others find success in getting homework done immediately after getting home. Figure out what works best for your learner and create a routine that fulfills their needs.
3. Build your toolbox.
Stress is inevitable. Setbacks will happen. Failure is normal. But, how will you handle these challenges? What will you do when things feel beyond your control? Make a plan with your student so they know what to do if and when they need help. Determine what good practices are for clearing their head - taking a walk, going for a run, talking to a friend, etc. Consider working some of these practices into their daily routine to help mitigate stress before it becomes unmanageable. Know what brings your student joy. Remember that therapy is a great option, and that mental health days are legitimate coping mechanisms that even kids can - and dobenefit from.
4. Forget the resume.
This might be controversial, we know, but the resume should not be what motivates students. We should encourage our learners to choose a sport that allows them to spend time with their friends, choose a club that fuels a passion, or choose a volunteer activity that makes them feel good about what they are doing. If they are doing it only to check a box or to impress others, it may cause more harm than good. Do not force them to do things they do not enjoy.
5. Model good behavior.
Consider this the antithesis of “Do what I say, not what I do.” You cannot expect your student to treat themself with kindness if you are overly critical of yourself. You cannot expect them to give others grace if they do not see you do so. You cannot expect them to ask for help if you find shame in doing so. Your voice is their inner monologue, so make sure it is filled with love, acceptance, and pride.
6. Listen.
Kids have problems, too - legitimate, weighty problems - so really listen to them. Listen to learn, not to respond. Your student isn’t looking for your judgment. They need a sounding board, someone to bounce something off of - not someone to solve the problem for them. Ask meaningful questions to help them sort out a solution. Be someone they can and do turn to, even
if the topic is difficult. Find a balance between providing support and giving space. Ultimately, we want our students to be able to work things out on their own, but to also recognize that we are here if or when they cannot. And remember, especially with younger kids, that our students might not always have the words to explain how or what they are feeling, and that can be particularly frustrating.
7. Grow together.
Like our students, we are still growing and learning. Own that, acknowledge it, and embrace it. It’s important for our students to see us struggle and succeed, too. If you make a mistake, apologize. If you achieve a goal, celebrate. Allow yourself to be a safety net rather than a helicopter.
8. Let them nurture life.
Give your student something small - a plant, a goldfish, etc. - and let them take care of it. Allow them to nurture it and watch it grow. Let them take responsibility for it. There are so many lessons here, both big and small, that will prove invaluable to your student’s own development.
9. Know when and how to advocate.
At the end of the day, our students are still children, and they will need our help. Be prepared to advocate for your student if and when the time comes. Know their rights and know who to contact if they are being violated or
ignored. Educate yourself, if needed - it’s allowed and encouraged. Older students might want the opportunity to advocate for themselves. Support them and empower them to do so, but let them know you’re willing to step up and step in should they need you.
10. Let them be themselves.
Our students are individual and unique. Each is their own person, and we are meant to see them, not mold them. No matter how hard it is, it is important that we allow our learners to have autonomy. We must recognize that there are many paths to success, and that those vary from student to student, even in our own households. Nothing about students is “one size fits all,” which is why grades should not be the sole indicator of meaningful achievement.
11. Have fun.
Play with your student, no matter how old they are. If your student asks to show you something, let them. If they want to spend time with you, do it. If they ask you to play with them, agree to. You won’t get these moments back, and it is often during these times that our students - our children - will forge their strongest bonds with us. They don’t care how good you are at video games or shooting hoops - they just want your time. Give it, without question or thought, and enjoy it.
Cole Callahan is a Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) and Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with experience as an Anti-Bullying Specialist and School Counselor.
Allison Connolly is a veteran educator with the Township of Ocean School District, and the president of the Township of Ocean Education Association. She also serves as the chair of the New Jersey Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools and as a member of the NJDOE Commission on Holocaust Education.
Navigating Your First Year at Brookdale: A Freshman’s Guide to Success
Starting college is a big step—and at Brookdale Community College, it’s one that comes with support, opportunity, and a whole lot of campus life to explore. As the #1 community college in New Jersey for the third year in a row, according to Niche, Brookdale offers more than just classes—it’s a launchpad for your academic and career goals.
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or returning to school after a break, one of your first priorities should be meeting with your academic advisor. It’s not just about picking classes—it’s about setting a path. If you already have a four-year degree in mind, Brookdale’s excellent transfer pathways can help you get there. Your advisor can help make sure your courses align with your transfer goals and introduce you to opportunities like the Honors Program, which is open to eligible students and offers enriching academic experiences.
Another tip? Don’t wait—get involved! With more than 50 clubs and professional organizations, from academic associations to cultural groups and special interests, joining a club can help you build your network, explore your passions, and make new friends. If you’re into gaming, the state-of-the-art Esports Arena is a mustsee.
Interested in music, dance, or theater? The Performing Arts Center is a professional-level venue where students gain hands-on experience both on stage and behind the scenes.
Need help navigating college life? Brookdale has you covered. The Accessibility Services Office is a vital resource for students with disabilities, helping to ensure you have the support you need to succeed. The International Center offers study abroad opportunities tailored to your major—so be sure to stop by and ask about upcoming programs.
Campus life also includes WBJB 90.5, Brookdale’s radio station, where students interested in broadcasting, podcasting, or audio production can get real-world experience.
Looking to build your resume? The Career Center provides free assistance with job search strategies,
resume writing, interview skills, and even professional headshots for your LinkedIn profile. They can also connect you with internship opportunities that match your field of study.
Academically, Brookdale supports student success through free tutoring services in reading, writing, math, and computer science. The Bankier Library is not only a quiet place to study—it’s also a rich research hub with helpful staff and computer labs. When it’s time to take a break, visit the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center for yoga and holistic programs, or hit the Fitness Center between classes.
And don’t forget to explore financial aid beyond your initial FAFSA. Brookdale’s scholarship opportunities are posted throughout the year, with support from generous donors and local organizations.
The bottom line? Your success starts when you Be Curious, Be Bold, and Be Brookdale. Ask questions. Take chances. Dive in. You’re not just attending college—you’re joining a vibrant, supportive community that’s rooting for you every step of the way.
Back to School Directory
A list of spots to help you and your child prepare for learning in the upcoming school year.
LEARNING CENTERS/ SPECIALTY SCHOOLS
Snapology – Kids STEM and Robotics classes
980 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls 732-965-7627
Shore Music Academy
68 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst 732-531-7676
Octopus Music School
1009 Chestnut St., Red Bank 732-955-7225
Lakehouse Music Academy
619 Lake Ave., Asbury Park 732-455-5462
Children’s Center of Monmouth 1115 Green Grove Rd., Tinton Falls 732-922-0228
The Goddard School for Early Childhood Development (Multiple Locations) GoddardSchool.com
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County
1201 Monroe Ave, Asbury Park 732-775-7862
The Malvern School of Freehold 165 Elton-Adelphia Rd., Freehold Twp. 732-780-0800
KidzArt Monmouth
250 Hillside Ave, Atlantic Highlands 732-872-2357
Inspired Minds Fine Art School 517 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft 732-530-3444
BOOKSTORES
Asbury Book Cooperative 644A Cookman Ave, Asbury Park 732-455-5549
River Road Books
759 River Rd, Fair Haven 732-747-9455
Thunder Road Books
1108 3rd Ave, Spring Lake 973-436-0914
The Book House
15 Morris Ave unit 119, Long Branch 732-571-7932
Barnes & Noble
3981 US-9, Freehold 732-409-2929
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Touchboards
205 Westwood Ave, Long Branch 732-222-1511
Lakeshore Learning Store
269 NJ-18 suite a, East Brunswick 732-967-8585
Learning Express Toys
1055 Broad St, Shrewsbury 732-542-1222
Coastal Cravings: Seeking Out the Best Seafood in Monmouth County
Summer at the Jersey Shore is defined by many things— sandy feet, ocean breezes, and sunsets over the bay—but nothing captures the spirit of the season quite like a trip to a local seafood spot. In Monmouth County, these laid-back eateries are more than just pit stops for fried clams and lobster rolls—they’re community icons, beloved by locals and weekenders alike.
Whether you’re grabbing takeout by the river, eating crabs dockside, or enjoying a no-frills fish sandwich in a paper bag, these seafood spots deliver unforgettable flavor with a healthy side of nostalgia.
Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Café – Belmar
A Belmar institution, Klein’s is perched on the banks of the Shark River and serves up waterfront dining that’s both breezy and delicious. While there’s an indoor restaurant and full-service bar, locals know the real fun is outside. Here, you’ll find fried clam strips, shrimp baskets, and their famous lobster roll served either chilled with mayo or warm with butter.
There’s plenty of outdoor seating where you can watch the boats drift in and out, and the casual vibe makes it a perfect spot to roll in after a day on the beach. The adjacent fish market also means you can bring a fresh catch home.
Mr. Shrimp – Belmar
Just a few blocks inland, Mr. Shrimp is another Belmar gem. This family-run restaurant, seafood market, and takeout
counter offers a fantastic variety of fried and grilled seafood at great prices. The coconut shrimp platter is possibly the best version of the dish in the area, and the grilled fish tacos are a standout as well.
It’s a go-to for both dine-in and takeout. Portions are generous, the seafood is always fresh, and the vibe is low-key, making it a favorite with both locals and out-of-towners.
Bahr’s Landing – Highlands
A true Jersey Shore institution, Bahr’s Landing has been feeding locals and visitors since 1917. Situated right on the Shrewsbury River with sweeping views of Sandy Hook Bay, it’s part seafood shack, part full-service restaurant. Clam strips, lobster, and fried shrimp come hot and crisp, perfect for devouring. And don’t miss their creamy New England clam chowder—it’s a local favorite for a reason.
The Boondocks Fishery – Red Bank
Tucked along the banks of the Navesink River, The Boondocks brings Key West vibes to downtown Red Bank. Open seasonally from spring through early fall, this colorful shack serves up casual seafood with unbeatable views of the marina. Expect to eat with your hands and maybe crack a few claws— their crab dinners and lobster feasts are legendary.
Everything is served picnic-style: paper plates, plastic forks, and the like. It’s rustic, it’s real, and it’s one of the most fun summer dining experiences in Monmouth County.
The Boondocks Fishery – Red Bank
618 Restaurant – Freehold
Don’t be fooled by Freehold’s inland location—618 Restaurant proves that great seafood doesn’t need to be right on the coast. Known for its stylish but unpretentious atmosphere, 618 focuses on seasonal ingredients and high-quality fish. The seared scallops are a house specialty, and the seafood risotto is a rich, satisfying option you won’t find at typical boardwalk joints.
While more upscale than a beachside shack, the focus on fresh seafood and warm service makes 618 a must for seafood lovers in central Monmouth County.
Keyport Fishery – Keyport
No seats. No frills. No problem. Keyport Fishery has been dishing out top-tier fried seafood for generations. Customers walk up to the window, place their orders, and receive piping-hot seafood packed to go. Grab a crab cake sandwich, a cup of lobster bisque, or a scallop platter and walk across the street to enjoy it at the Keyport waterfront.
This place is about simplicity and flavor. If you’re after the kind of old-school seafood experience your grandparents might remember, Keyport Fishery is the real deal.
Moby’s Lobster Deck – Highlands
Located right by the water in Highlands, Moby’s is one of those places that screams summer. Open seasonally, this casual spot serves seafood baskets, fish tacos, and—most importantly—lobster rolls that many say rival anything in New England.
The upper deck provides incredible views of Sandy Hook Bay, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to stay for hours. Whether you’re there for a quick lunch or a sunset dinner, Moby’s never disappoints. There’s even an outdoor bar and frequent live music on summer weekends.
Point Lobster Company – Point Pleasant Beach
Yeah yeah, this one is technically in Ocean County, but Point Lobster Co. is too good not to include on this list. This tiny fish market also serves incredible made-toorder seafood. The cold lobster roll is generously stuffed with tender meat and just a touch of mayo, but forget all that because the hot version is what you should be ordering. It’s loaded with lobster, dripping with butter and each bite tastes like utter perfection.
Don’t expect fancy seating — just a few picnic tables outside — but the quality of the seafood speaks volumes. It’s ideal for takeout before a beach picnic or as a reward after a long boardwalk stroll.
Lusty Lobster – Highlands
While it’s primarily known as a seafood market, The Lusty Lobster also offers ready-toeat items like lobster rolls, peel-and-eat shrimp, and fresh ceviche. It’s a great stop if you’re planning a picnic or want to bring home something special after a day at Sandy Hook.
Their products are sustainably sourced, and the prepared food menu changes regularly based on what’s fresh that day. It’s the perfect middle ground between gourmet and grab-and-go.
Bahr's Landing — Highlands
Mr. Shrimp — Belmar
BIZBEAT
BY RYAN LOUGHLIN
A roundup of new things happening at Monmouth County businesses.
Miracles in Motion in Shrewsbury hosts grand opening
Miracles in Motion - Pediatric Physical Therapy recently held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting for their new office in Shrewsbury.
Miracles in Motion provides individualized pediatric physical and occupational therapy services in a supportive and nurturing environment. Founded and led by Renee Schneider, MSPT, DPT with over 27 years of experience, the practice is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential.
phone booths. Passes and memberships are flexible, with no long-term contracts. Virtual Office plans are also available for entrepreneurs needing a business address and digital mail handling. More private offices and virtual assistant services are in development. Whether you need a quiet place to work, meet clients, or run your business remotely, Zenith is designed to make your workday easier and more focused. Zenith Workspaces is located at 106 Apple St, Suite 200W, in Tinton Falls. For more info, go to ZenithWorkspaces.com.
Transformations are the norm at Gameday Men’s Health in Holmdel
Gameday Men’s Health Holmdel isn’t your typical clinic — it’s where men go to take control. Low energy, stubborn belly fat, or trouble in the bedroom? They fix that. Specializing in testosterone replacement, medical weight loss, vitamin therapy, peptide treatments, and sexual health, they help clients to feel unstoppable. No awkward waiting rooms, no white coats — just fast labs, same-day appointments, and results that speak for themselves. Level up your game with customized plans built around your goals. Stop settling for average. Visit Gameday Holmdel today and ask about their exclusive Inbody Composition scans and performance-driven membership options. Gameday Men’s Health is located at 100 Commons Way, Suite 240 in Holmdel. Go to GamedayMensHealth.com.
They offer both traditional pediatric physical therapy and Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) intensives, tailored to support motor development, improve strength and mobility, and promote greater independence. Occupational therapy services include sensory integration, reflex integration, and traditional occupational therapy services.
Whether your child requires ongoing therapy or a shortterm intensive, Miracles in Motion delivers compassionate, expert care focused on progress, confidence, and growth, one miracle at a time.
Miracles in Motion is Located at 39 Avenue at the Commons in Shrewsbury. For more info, go to MiraclesInMotionPT.com or call 908-216-0532.
Zenith Workspaces expands on the basic the office concept
Zenith Workspaces is a self-service office space in Tinton Falls built for remote professionals, freelancers, and small business owners. Open 24/7 with app-based access, it includes hot desks, private offices, meeting rooms, and
Arthritis isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. If you have been struggling with chronic joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, you may be dealing with one of several types of arthritis—each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments.
The four common types affecting adults include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Understanding the differences is the first step toward managing symptoms and finding relief. Thankfully, Monmouth County is home to a network of specialists and support services designed to help you on your journey to better joint health.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, often considered the result of years of wear and tear. It typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back, and tends to appear in adults over the age of 50. If you experience joint pain that worsens with activity but improves with rest, OA may be the culprit.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike OA, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. It causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy joint tissue, leading to inflammation, stiffness (especially in the morning), and eventual joint erosion if left untreated.
Psoriatic Arthritis
People living with psoriasis may develop Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) — an autoimmune disease that not only affects the skin but also the joints. PsA can cause joint swelling, fatigue, and stiffness, often in asymmetrical patterns, and sometimes mimics other arthritic conditions.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a lesser-known form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It often begins in early adulthood, causing back pain and stiffness that can become severe over time. In advanced cases, it can even lead to the fusion of vertebrae.
Living with Arthritis: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Finding Support
BY MAIA FRANCO
Getting Help Close to Home
Navigating an arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming— but Monmouth County offers more than just medical treatment. Support, education, and wellness resources are available for free or at low cost to residents:
• The Arthritis Foundation – New Jersey Chapter hosts virtual and in-person support groups, including one serving the Monmouth County region. These peer-led groups offer connection, tips, and encouragement from others living with arthritis.
• LiveWell Center at Monmouth Medical Center provides nutrition counseling, movement classes, and chronic disease workshops designed for arthritis patients.
• Monmouth County Health Department and NJ Department of Human Services also promote arthritis self-management and aquatic exercise classes, shown to reduce pain and improve function.
When to See a Rheumatologist
If you’re experiencing joint swelling, prolonged stiffness, fatigue, or persistent pain, it may be time to move beyond over-the-counter remedies. Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and managing autoimmune and inflammatory joint diseases—and early treatment is key to preserving joint function and improving long-term outcomes. Whether you're just starting to notice joint symptoms or have been living with arthritis for years, the time to seek support is now. Relief is possible—and it's right here in your community.
• Arthritis Foundation – NJ Chapter: www.arthritis.org
• LiveWell Center, Eatontown: www.rwjbh.org
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BANQUETS AND EVENTS
Celebrate all of life’s joyous events at The Shore Club in our premier Jersey Shore banquet hall. Let us make your next event special, from anniversaries and family reunions to wedding rehearsals and proms. Find everything you need with party venues for groups up to 350 and on-site catering.
AMENITIES THAT MAKE IT ALL YOURS
• Professional event planner
• On-site catering
• Seating arrangements and design
• Station, plated, or buffet dining options
Table accents, décor, linens, and silverware
• Grand ballroom holding up to 350 guests
• Smaller spaces with capacities of 40 to 150
www.theshoreclubnj.com
Supporting What Matters Most: A Local Resource for Families and Small Businesses
For more than three decades, Mike Giasi has called Central Jersey home. As a financial professional based in Middlesex County, he works closely with individuals, families, and small business owners across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties to help bring clarity and structure to their financial goals — no matter how complex they may seem at first.
“People often feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning for the future,” Mike says. “My role is to simplify things, provide education, and offer support that’s grounded in real-world experience.”
Whether it’s preparing for retirement, protecting loved ones, or planning for business continuity, Mike’s focus is on helping clients take meaningful action. His services include term and whole life insurance, annuities, 401(k)/IRA rollovers, estate and retirement planning, and solutions tailored for businesses such as group benefits, key-person insurance, and buy-sell agreement funding.
A CFA charterholder with an MBA, Mike brings a professional yet approachable perspective to every conversation. He’s also deeply involved in the local community as a member of the Monmouth Regional, Eastern Monmouth Area, and Matawan-Aberdeen Chambers of Commerce. In 2025, he was honored with the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year Award, recognizing his commitment to engagement and service in the region.
“I’ve lived here since 1991, and I take a lot of pride in serving this community,” Mike says. “It’s not about transactions — it’s about building relationships that last.”
If you’re looking for a local resource who can help you protect what matters most, Mike Giasi is ready to help you get started.
Where: Triumph Restaurant & Brewery, Red Bank TriumphBrewing.com
Our picks for some fun nights out at local bars and restaurants this month
Saturday, August 2
What: Stolen Gin, Morrissey Blvd
Where: Wonder Bar, Asbury Park
When: 7pm wonderbarasburypark.com
Friday, August 8
What: Ray Andersen’s Bowie & Beyond Show Where: Wonder Bar, Asbury Park When: 8pm wonderbarasburypark.com
Saturday, August 16
What: Ocean Avenue Stompers Where: R Bar, Asbury Park When: 2pm - 5pm ItsRBar.com
Monday, August 18
What: The World Famous Glen Miller Orchestra Where: Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, Asbury Park
When: 7pm timmcloonessupperclub.com
Friday, August 22
What: Darling (fka The Dales) Where: Wonder Bar, Asbury Park
When: 8pm wonderbarasburypark.com
Saturday, August 30
What: Real Human Jazz Band
Where: R Bar, Asbury Park When: 2pm - 5pm ItsRBar.com
Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding DURING NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH
BY MAIA FRANCO
Every August, National Breastfeeding Month brings awareness to the benefits and challenges of infant feeding while supporting new parents on their journey. Whether you’re nursing, pumping, formula-feeding, or doing a bit of both, feeding your baby is a deeply personal and important part of parenthood.
In Monmouth County, healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and community organizations are working to ensure families have access to support, education, and compassion—because feeding isn’t one-size-fits-all.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods for at least one year. Benefits of breastfeeding include:
• Immunity Boost: Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from infections and illness.
• Nutritional Match: It naturally adapts to meet your baby’s changing needs.
• Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact during feeding promotes emotional closeness.
• Convenience & Cost: It’s always available, requires no prep, and is free.
• Health Benefits for Mom: Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers and may help with postpartum recovery and weight loss.
Monmouth Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center offer hospital initiatives that support breastfeeding immediately after birth and provide ongoing lactation support. Still, breastfeeding doesn’t come easy for every parent or every baby. It can be time-consuming, physically demanding, and emotionally challenging—especially during the early weeks. Common struggles with breastfeeding include:
• Latching difficulties
• Low milk supply or oversupply
• Pain, engorgement, or clogged ducts
• Pressure to exclusively breastfeed
• Returning to work or pumping difficulties
Benefits of Bottle Feeding
Bottle feeding, whether with pumped breast milk or infant formula, offers benefits that support different lifestyles, family dynamics, and health needs. Infant formula is designed to be a nutritionally complete alternative to breast milk. Modern formulas are regulated by the FDA and tailored to different developmental stages. The benefits of bottle feeding or combination feeding include:
• Shared Feeding: Allows partners and family members to participate in feeding and bonding.
• Scheduling Freedom: Can provide flexibility for work, school, or rest.
• Medical Needs: For babies with specific dietary needs or parents on certain medications, formula may be necessary.
• Mental Health: Reduces stress and guilt for parents struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or feeding challenges.
Local
Resources for New Parents
• Monmouth Medical Center – Lactation Services (Long Branch) — Offers prenatal breastfeeding classes, in-hospital support, and outpatient lactation consultations. www.rwjbh. org
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – Monmouth County — Provides formula assistance, breastfeeding counseling, and peer support. www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic
• La Leche League of Monmouth County — Peer-to-peer breastfeeding support groups, meetings, and phone consultations. www.llli.org
• Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Mother Baby Pavilion — Offers help with feeding concerns postpartum, including tongue tie assessments and pumping support. www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org
HEALTHY HAPPENS
SCAN THE QR CODE OR CALL 844-HMH-WELL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
BRIANNA, PEIRRE, and BRANDON of Colts Neck
FANG of Colts Neck
MURPHY of Colts Neck
Four-legged Fun!
Barktastic places to hang out with your pets this month and beyond
Asbury Park Dog Beach, Asbury Park — Break the summer heat and get your feet (and paws) wet at the Asbury Park Dog Beach located at the North End across the street from Deal Lake. One of the only public dog beaches in Monmouth County, during the summer months, the Asbury Park Dog Beach is a great place to relax and cool off with your four-legged friend! Dogs are permitted on the beach after 6 p.m. and before 8 a.m. Please be sure to check all the rules and regulations on the City of Asbury Park website. www.cityofasburypark.com
Pig and Parrot Sandbar, Brielle — This Key Westthemed bared with island eats is great spot to enjoy a breeze and relax with your pup this summer. With great water views overlooking the Manasquan River, tasty food and drinks and live music, Pig and Parrot Sandbar is a must stop before the season ends. www.thepigandparrot.com
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank — Located across the street from Marina Park and walking distance from the gorgeous Navesink River, Red Rock Tap + Grill is a classic American bar welcoming to human and K-9 patrons alike! With an outdoor picnic area that offers some shade from the summer sun, The Red Rock Tap + Grill provides a nice stop for you and furry best friend to stop for lunch or happy hour. www.redrockrb.com
Beach Tavern, Monmouth Beach — If you are looking for a place to do some dining with your K-9 companion, Beach Tavern in Monmouth Beach is the place. Located adjacent to the Channel Club Marina, Beach Tavern offers a rich menu with unbeatable views of the Shrewsbury River. Dogs are welcomed at the outdoor eating area near the water’s edge, and it’s a perfect spot for a summer outing. www.beachtavernnj.com
Jersey Shore Blueclaws, Lakewood — At every Sunday home game this season, the Jersey Shore Blueclaws welcome all to their Bark in the Park games! Dog owners will have to sign a dog wavier to enter. Please be sure to check their schedule to plan a trip to the ballpark and take in a game! www.milb.com/jersey-shore
pet resort & hotel
Convenient, Safe, and Fun: Green Leaf Pet Resort’s Shuttle Service for Your Dog This Summer
August at the Jersey Shore is all about soaking up the sun, enjoying day trips, and making the most of every beautiful day. But between beach outings, errands, and family adventures, finding time to drop your dog off for daycare or grooming can be tough. Green Leaf Pet Resort in Oakhurst makes it easier than ever with their convenient shuttle service—ensuring your dog gets the care, play, and pampering they deserve, even on your busiest summer days.
Q: What is Green Leaf’s shuttle service, and how does it work?
A: Green Leaf’s shuttle service offers safe, reliable transportation to and from their Oakhurst location. You simply schedule a pick-up time, and Green Leaf’s professional team will safely transport your dog to the resort. After a day filled with daycare fun, grooming, or other services, your pup will be dropped back off at home, happy and tired from their own summer adventure.
Q: Why is the shuttle service so valuable during the busy summer months?
A: Summer schedules can get hectic with day trips, guests, and outdoor activities. The shuttle service saves you time and stress by taking care of the travel for you. You can enjoy your plans knowing your dog is also having a fun and enriching day—whether playing with friends at daycare or being pampered in the grooming salon.
Q: Is the shuttle service safe for my dog?
A: Absolutely. Safety is Green Leaf’s top priority. The shuttle vehicles are designed to comfortably and securely transport dogs of all sizes. Each trip is staffed by trained professionals who ensure your dog is calm, comfortable, and secure throughout the journey.
Q: What services can my dog enjoy during their shuttle day at Green Leaf?
A: Your dog can spend the day at doggy daycare, getting exercise and socialization, or enjoy a full grooming session. Some dogs enjoy both—playing first and then getting cleaned up before coming home! The team tailors each visit to your dog’s needs and your preferences.
Q: How do I schedule the shuttle service for my dog?
A: Scheduling is simple and flexible. Just call (732) 2720800 or visit greenleafpetresort.com/oakhurst to book your dog’s shuttle pick-up and plan their day of fun.
Give your dog their own summer adventure while you enjoy yours. With Green Leaf Pet Resort’s shuttle service, your pup can play, be pampered, and arrive home happy—no extra driving required. Book your dog’s summer ride today!
Call (732) 272-0800 or visit greenleafpetresort.com/oakhurst/ to schedule a visit!
Tigger Stavola Foundation Holds Spring Fling with Mario Lopez
The Tigger Stavola Foundation (TSF) held its second Ladies Luncheon at the TillingHouse Suneagles Golf Club on June 12 to raise money to expand its drug prevention education programming to more New Jersey schools. Over 300 ladies attended and enjoyed inspiring remarks from Emmy-award winning host, Mario Lopez, who spoke from the heart of a concerned parent.
“As a father of three young children, the stats on addiction terrify me,” said Lopez. “When I heard about the Tigger Stavola Foundation’s approach to get in front of kids as young as 12 with useful, relatable education, it gave me hope. It’s time to tip the scales in education’s favor.”
In its second year, the Spring Fling fashionable fundraiser drew over 100 more attendees than in the previous year, many of whom were new supporters.
“It was a pleasure to see so many new faces contributing to the success of the event,” said Lisa Stavola, Founder and mother of Tigger. “While contributions are always needed and valued, it’s the commitment to, and excitement about, our mis-
sion that we treasure the most.”
In addition to enjoying lunch, boutique shopping, a luxury bag auction, and a diamond necklace raffle, attendees learned more about the progress the Foundation is making with its drug prevention education programming. To date, TSF has partnered with over 90 schools across New Jersey and increased middle school engagement by 162% (year over year). It has delivered educational presentations to over 112,000 New Jersey students to date.
Real estate brokerage owner and Board of Advisory member, Kerry O’Brien, served as auctioneer for two girls’ trips to Mexico and a paddle pledge with each $100 donation providing education for 33 students. Prior to the bidding, O’Brien asked the attendees to recognize Lisa Stavola’s courage and inspirational work with a standing ovation. “Right here, right now, we have the power to make a difference. Let’s stand beside Lisa and fight for our children, our families and our future – as women, as mothers, as friends,” said O’Brien.
PHOTOS BY TOM PANTALEO AND TOM ZAPCIC
A Way with Words Colts Neck Resident Publishes Poetry Collection
BY EMMA SYLVIA
Perhaps spurned by the advent of social media, literature has enjoyed a Renaissance in the last several years. From the corners of BookTok to Bookstagram, people all over are being exposed to new kinds of writing and recent releases that they perhaps never would have encountered on their own. One of the most notable genres of literature experiencing a resurgence is poetry. Typically, people are exposed to poetry at a young age via Shel Silverstein books or high school English classes. Add to that list the works of Colts Neck resident Vita Duva, who has just published her debut poetry collection, “Sunflowers Will Still Bend.”
Duva is a freelance journalist, writer and photographer, who grew up in Colts Neck before a stint in the city following college. Forever a farm girl at heart, she yearned to return to where she felt most like herself, becoming a Colts Neck resident once more around five years ago.
Beginning in high school, Duva began writing poetry, primarily in the romance genre, which is what her debut collection features. “It’s a coming-of-age collection,” she explains. “It runs the gamut of anything from intimacy to heartbreak and how to navigate those things and come out the other side.” She notes her inspiration simply as growing up, as she returned to many of the poems as she got older and expanded on them.
“I came back to it with a more fully realized set of eyes, and I was able to give it that full character arc and make it more of a concept piece.”
As a writer, Duva dives into a “little bit of everything,” as she has had some short stories published as well, but she finds poetry to be the closest to her heart. When asked if she would describe herself as a poet, she says, “It sounds kinda funny – I think of Shakespeare or some of my personal heroes when I hear ‘poet.’ But it’s something I would find to be an honor. I’m happy just being a writer and someone that took chances in every genre.”
The journey to getting published took Duva about a decade; but from the beginning, she always knew which poems she aimed to get published, dating back to her original poems from high school. As any writer can tell you – including yours truly – the process of getting published is, at the very least, a daunting one. Receiving rejection letters can be increasingly demoralizing; but Duva persisted: “I received a number of rejections. They were never about the work itself, but said that my work wasn’t a fit for them. I took that and found the right home for me.”
Duva ended up finding a home for “Sunflowers” with Bottle Cap Press, an independent publisher based out of Los Angeles that aims to highlight new voices in the literary scene.
“The manuscript’s gone through some changes throughout the years,” Duva reflects, reminiscing on how her poetry has changed alongside herself. “As I got older, I went back. When you’re in high school, you have a different perspective than in your twenties. It was meant to happen now.”
Duva relays that close family and friends are thrilled at the publication of “Sunflowers Will Still Bend,” which was released
on June 9. The rest of Colts Neck, too, joined in their jubilation.
“When I announced the book, a lot of people were excited and over the moon that I finally accomplished this goal.”
She has a wide array of inspirations, from writer Richard Brautigan and poet Kim Addonizio to the collection of movies, music and television that she grew up with. “That kind of variety of eclectic influences you have in your teens help form ideas for you.”
Colts Neck is rallying around its new resident writer too. Duva describes the experience as exciting, as a poetry book is usually not at the forefront of the local cultural zeitgeist. “A poetry book is something that’s different,” she says. “I feel like it’s not often that people are talking about poetry, but there’s been a second coming with some chatbooks that have become famous in the social media realm. It’s exciting that there’s more of a buzz around these types of things.”
Duva leaves us with advice for those aiming to someday get published themselves:
“It’s important to prepare for rejections on your first, second or third try. Keep persevering and keep trying. If you find the right place, someone will align with your vision, nurture it and get it out in the world. It’s about continuing to push forward.”
You can find “Sunflowers Will Still Bend” online at bottlecap.press/products/stillbend or at the Colts Neck General Store and Deli, at 171 Country Road in Colts Neck
Road Ready
Middletown Trailer Supply hauls its way to the top
Located in Belford, New Jersey, Middletown Trailer Supply is more than just a dealership, it is a trusted partner for contractors, homeowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and business owners alike. The business is family-owned and operated since its incorporation in 2015 by brothers-in-law Buddy Walters and Rick Hibell. Middletown Trailer Supply has grown from its humble beginnings only selling Load Rite trailers, into a trusted name in trailer sales, service, and parts. Today, the company is proud to be an authorized dealer for some of the largest and most respected brands in the industry, including Big Tex, B-Wise, Homesteader, Griffin, Load Rite, Anvil, Liberty, and Spartan. Their inventory covers everything from equipment and landscape trailers to dump trailers, enclosed trailers, utility trailers, and even watercraft trailers. Middletown Trailer Supply takes pride in its commitment to quality and customer care. Whether you are hauling tools or toys, Middletown Trailer Supply has a solution that can be tailored to your needs and budget.
Full-Service Mechanic Shop
Middletown Trailer Supply has an on-premises full-service repair shop with highly experienced mechanics that can handle anything from hitch to taillights. From quick tire changes to full axle replacements and welding, they handle it all. Middletown Trailer Supply offers unique upgrades and customizations to make sure your trailer is fully equipped to handle the day-to-day demands of use. Whether you need builtin shelving and racks on your enclosed trailer, raised sides on your dump, or just routine maintenance to ensure your trailer is road-ready, Middletown Trailer Supply has you covered.
Financing Options Available
If purchasing a new trailer for your business or personal use poses financial strain, Middletown Trailer Supply is available to help weigh your options. Middletown Trailer Supply works with a network of trusted financial lenders that offer options for all types of customers. Whether looking at a short or long-term financing option, customers can see what lenders offer in just a few clicks. Middletown Trailer Supply carefully vets and chooses the lenders they work with to provide the best options for their customers. Their goal is to make sure every customer has the convenience, clarity, and confidence to finalize the purchase!
Trailer Supplies and Parts
Beyond trailer sales and service, the shop also features a fully stocked parts department. Middletown Trailer Supply is a one stop shop for all trailer parts and accessories. The extensive inventory offers the latest products for every trailer, including top quality hitches, durable tires, and even LED strobe lighting.
Great Customer Service and Staff
What truly sets Middletown Trailer Supply apart is the people. Their team is knowledgeable and takes the time to understand your needs, helping guide you to the perfect trailer. Whether you are buying your first trailer or a seasoned hauler they offer transparent pricing, fast service, and an overall pressure-free atmosphere.
With over 200 trailers on site, options for customizable colors and sizes, expert repair department, and a team that treats you like family, it is no wonder Middletown Trailer Supply has become a staple in the community. Visit them at 550 Route 36 in Belford, New Jersey and get your new trailer today.
A Guide to Backyard Composting
BY KAREN FAVERZANI, HOLMDEL GREEN TEAM
Did you know that backyard composting is considered “nature’s way of recycling”?
It’s true. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), composting – the simple act of placing food scraps and yard trimmings in a bin so it decomposes into usable, nutrient rich dirt – is an easy and inexpensive way for homeowners to reduce their trash, address climate change and build healthy soil. And Nature does most of the work!
With each household deciding to undertake backyard composting, the environment is improved that much more. Here’s why it’s important for you as a Monmouth County resident to start composting:
• EPA estimates show that more than half the greenhouse gas emissions from landfills come from wasted food. That wasted food comprises about 24 percent of all solid waste in landfills. New Jersey alone reported that 1.46 million tons of food waste was generated in the state in 2017, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
• As the food decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas that escapes into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change.
• If food waste can be reduced, about 11 percent of greenhouse gas emissions can be eliminated from the food sector, the World Wildlife Fund notes.
Now that you’re aware of the environmental importance of backyard composting, how can you get started?
1. Begin by obtaining a composting bin either by making or purchasing one. Visit YouTube and search for different ways of making a composting bin. Or, the Monmouth County Office of Solid Waste and Recycling sells backyard compost bins for $35 which are available for
pick-up at various municipal facilities. For more information on purchasing bins, go to www.co.monmouth.nj.us/ documents/70/CompostBinFlyer2024.pdf
2. Once the bin is in place in your backyard, start by adding kitchen scraps that are cut up into small pieces along with grass clippings and weeds. Layer the kitchen scraps and green material with brown dry leaves in a 1:1 ratio. Add enough water to keep the bin moist but not soggy. Then every so often, mix or turn the pile to help break it down into soil. In the summer, the material should decompose over several weeks; longer in the winter.
3. Ideal kitchen scraps for the composting bin include vegetables, fruits, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells. Sawdust, hay/straw, feathers and dry lint are also acceptable. Don’t put meat, fats, cooking oil, dairy products, baked goods or pet waste in the composter.
4. You can save your kitchen scraps in a small waterproof container stored in the house until the material can be relocated to the composter.
5. Soon enough, the composting bin will produce nutrient rich soil that can be used in gardens or to plant flowers. In autumn, residents can also address those excessive piles of leaves by composting them in the backyard. Leaves and yard trimmings can be placed in a free-standing pile or contained in a holding or turning unit, according to the DEP. The material is then turned to accelerate the composting. For more information on how to compost leaves, visit njaes.rutgers.edu/fs074/.
Homeowners looking for more information about composting can visit the Holmdel Green Team website at www.holmdeltownship.com/507/Green-Team.
A Walk in the Park… at Holmdel Park
BY BOB MEYER
Mookie, my 9-year-old Schnauzer-something, will tell you Homdel Park is her favorite spot for a long, lazy walk. With 660 acres, 10 miles of trails, 1 million visitors a year, it’s one of the prettiest parks in Monmouth County.
It’s really three parks in one. I’ll explain as we go. Entering the park off Longstreet Road, you’ll make a left into the first parking lot. You’ll immediately be drawn to the nearby pond. Surrounded by flowering trees in spring, I always try to be there in late April, when everything is in bloom. It is breathtaking to see. But the park is gorgeous any time of year. The pond is stocked, making fishing the real deal, and most every day it’s surrounded by young and old, tending to their poles.
tending to sheep, pigs, cows, horses and more. You can walk through the grounds and buildings and get up close to the animals. On certain days, you can take the kids on a horse-drawn wagon ride. (Call the park or go online for details).
A little less than halfway around the pond, you’ll see a tall, black gate that encloses the David C. Shaw Arboretum. Started with a mere 87 trees in 1963, there are now 3,000 trees – most native to New Jersey. The Arboretum is never crowded, in fact, Mookie and I usually have this little paradise all to ourselves. However, if you’re lucky, you may come across a wedding party, capturing their big day with photos. It’s that kind of place. Leaving the Arboretum, head back out towards the pond, and a little further down, on your left, you’ll see a steep hill. Remember it come next snowstorm. In winter, it’s one of the best sledding hills in town. And when the pond freezes, they’re skating too.
The second “park” if you will is Longstreet Farm, just across from the pond. Opened in 1972, Longstreet is a working farm meant to recreate Jersey farm life as it was in the 1890s. Caretakers dress in period clothes, and you’ll find them
So what about that third “park?” Instead of turning left when you drive in, bear to the right and follow the road up to Hill Top. As much as the lower park is landscaped, Hill Top is a more natural setting. There’s a second playground just off the parking lot, but otherwise, it’s all trails. Head one way, and you’ll walk in the sun, with little shade. The trail is hilly in spots and can be challenging for some. Head into the forest, and you’ll be surrounded by densely packed, centuries old trees. Again, the walk is steep as it heads back down to the lower park. Keep an eye out for deer. Mookie and I came across a family last week, almost close enough to touch.
There’s one last thing that I suggest you try. All through the park, the benches are dedicated to lost loved ones. Many of the inscriptions are brief. But I enjoy doing a little research on those that offer hints about its namesake. Sit down and take a break from your hike. Pull out your phone and Google the name on the bench. You’ll find some fascinating stories of lives well lived. Oh, and be sure to say hi if you see Mookie and me on our walk.
Not many can boast that their high school project got them not just a good grade but spawned a company to follow them throughout their next four years – and perhaps beyond – of education. However, for 15-year-old Henry Griffith of Colts Neck, 16-year-old Rafael Guzman of Freehold and 16-year-old Luke Tyler of Belmar, all of which are students at High Technology High School in Lincroft, they get to rave about exactly that. Inspired by a school assignment, the trio founded Coffee Pod Recycling Co., which aims to make recycling accessible and environmentally friendly for coffee drinkers not just in New Jersey, but across the country.
After being assigned an end of the year project in their Intro to Engineering Design (IED) class, Griffith, Guzman and Tyler banded together to tackle the task of designing a product to help older people with arthritis. Specifically, the product was meant to be a device to open Keurig cups in order to recycle them. Keurig cups are mostly non-recyclable, as they still contain coffee grounds within them. That doesn’t bode well for the environment, with the United States alone producing more than 170,000 metric tons of waste in landfills each year from coffee pods.
The trio designed Coffee Pod recyclers, made with cutting-edge 3D printers. The group tested the product and thought that it would be great not just for older individuals,
Brewing Up a Brilliant Invention
Trio of High Tech Students Launch Coffee Pod Recycling Company
but for everyone. Their teacher, Ms. Grunthaner, agreed, and she encouraged them to get a patent.
Griffith relays that the bureaucratic work of obtaining a patent is actually fairly simple. It involves going to the patent office website and going through a step-by-step guided process, akin to a job application. “It took me a few hours,” he explains. “I sent it in, and here we are now.”
The group has been working on their company and product for just over a year. Tyler explains their process: “We have had a lot of product development. We went through a lot of different designs with blaze sizes, cup size and the users’ hands. Before we launched, we got a finalized design, and from there, we want to expand to Nespresso and other popular brands, since right now we just have a design for Keurig cups.
The group’s main goal, aside from accessibility, is to give Mother Nature a hand with the waste from millions of coffee drinkers across the United States. “It’s hard for us as high school students to make the whole community aware of all the waste being produced,” Griffith says. “All of it goes to landfills and causes this pollution.” The group hopes that, by the end of their high school careers, Keurig will purchase the product and be able to take it to the next step.
PHOTOS BY ANDREA PHOX
“We’ve had a couple of really excellent interviews in the past couple of weeks,” he adds. “We’re just trying to raise awareness to the problem.”
Accessibility is inherently built into their product. “The original assignment from our teacher was to make something for people with arthritis –but we realized it’s a great thing that can work for everyone.”
Each of the high schoolers brings their own strengths to the project. Tyler originally designed the product and continues with modifications. Guzman is described as the “technology guy,” handling the 3D printers and the actual creation of the product. Griffith manages social media and oversees the company itself. Together, they all bring their own strengths to their leadership of CPRC, with the goal of expanding and improving over the course of high school. It’s not just a freshman year project for them – it’s truly a company that they aim to bring to new heights as they continue.
All of that work would be daunting to anyone, especially a group of high schoolers. Guzman admits, “It’s been chaotic, honestly, balancing our school life and work. But it’s manageable. If you really work, you can manage your own company and finish your schoolwork with good grades.”
“Reward comes to those who work hard,” Griffith concurs. “We’re not wasting any time.” With a laugh, he reminisces, “My guidance counselor’s mom loves Keurig cups; she uses maybe two every day. My counselor showed me a picture of all these used cups in her mom’s kitchen, and asked if she could buy our product for her mom. Her mom loves them and raves about them all the time. We haven’t had one dissatisfied customer yet.”
Griffith attributes this satisfaction to their company’s design in comparison to their competitors’. “A lot of people like it more because we’re the only company out there that actually recycles the entire coffee pod. Most of our competitors only recycle the outer plastic shell – or they just don’t work. They’re bulky or hard to operate. What ours does is cut off the top of the pod –which is aluminum and recyclable – so you tap the grounds into the trash and recycle the filter and outer plastic shell.
We’re the only company out there that gets the entire job done.”
Tyler has words of wisdom for anyone that’s aiming to come out with a new product in a competitive market. “Don’t hesitate. A lot of people doubt themselves or what they come up with, thinking their idea isn’t good enough. The biggest thing is to have confidence. Work hard for it, and it’ll work out.”
Griffith gestures to a quote from President Teddy Roosevelt, a copy of it hanging in his room. It’s his famous speech, “The Man in the Arena,” and Griffith points to this as not just the mantra for the company but for how to be inspired in everyday living: ‘It is
not the critic who counts …The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.’
“If you fail, so be it. You tried your best. You tried to achieve something no one else has done before. Go at it, don’t look back. If it doesn’t work, pick yourself up, and try something else,” Griffith concludes.
To buy your own Coffee Pod recycler, visit thecoffeepodrecyclingco.com
Colts Neck Township Education Association Celebrates Local Teachers
As this year’s academic calendar ended in June, the Colts Neck Township Education Association (CNTEA), honored its hard-working members and the great teachers at Colts Neck School District at their annual end of year celebration. The teachers reflected on the past year and highlighted the successes of the district’s facility and their students. Thank you to the teacher’s dedication to their student’s well-being and success and best wishes to all the new retirees!
Photo and editorial credits: Colts Neck Township Education Association Facebook page
Holmdel Township Launches Year-Long Celebration of America’s 250th
On June 30, Holmdel Township kicked-off their year-long journey to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Local elected officials along with members of Holmdel Historical Society and Sons of the American Revolution gave remarks and shared the Holmdel 250 Committee’s exciting schedule of events planned for the rest of 2025 and 2026.
To stay updated on Holmdel’s America 250 celebrations or to get involved, please visit their municipal website at www.holmdeltownship.com.
Photo and editorial credits: Holmdel Township Facebook page
Student Successes
Catherine Schienvar of Holmdel was named to the University of Arkansas Dean's List for the 2025 Spring Semester.
"We are incredibly proud of the students who have earned a place on the Dean's List this semester," said Provost Terry Martin. "Achieving this level of academic success is no small feat and is evidence of their dedication and perseverance in their academic pursuits. It is also a testament to the families, friends and mentors whose encouragement and support have been vital to their academic journey."
Louis Bertone of Colts Neck is one of more than 20 Lebanon Valley College students who will participate in summer science research with faculty.
Do you want to send us a student success tip?
Please e-mail to info@communitymagazinenj.com
Fir Farm Honeys Crack the Top 30 at International Competition
The 14th Annual Black Jar International Honey Competition was held this June in Asheville North Carolina, and Monmouth County made its mark once again. This event is the biggest and most famous honey tasting competition in the world and is hosted by the Center for Honeybee Research. It’s judged blind, solely on taste - and two honeys from The Fir Farm in Colts Neck made the list of Top 30 honeys from around the world. All of The Fir Farm’s honey is made from hives on their own farm, and they do all their own beekeeping.
“It’s great seeing our town of Colts Neck on the global honey map again,” says Bob Clark, co-owner of The Fir Farm.
You can buy their honey right on the farm on most sunny days from 12-3 p.m. especially on the weekends and by appointment.
Fir Farm honey is also available at the Colts Neck General Store, Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck Pharmacy, and Birdsmouth Brewery. For more info, go to TheFirFarm.com
