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Long Branch Celebrates Springsteen’s Roots with New Exhibit

Four Diners Still Thriving in Monmouth County

Asbury Police Officer Eugene Dello Takes Pride in His Job and His Hometown

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.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RYAN LOUGHLIN SALES DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER ROSEANNE SOFIA

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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DESIGN DIRECTOR DEBBIE MCKENNA

PHOTOGRAPHERS

JOE LYPOWY ANDREA PHOX

PUBLISHER AND OPERATOR DIRECT COMMUNICATIONS & CONSULTING, LLC

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What Are You Thankful For?

BY BEN MILLER

With Thanksgiving being the symbol of a season of reflection and gratitude, we asked Monmouth County community leaders one simple question: What are you thankful for? Their heartfelt answers reveal the strength, resilience, and shared hope that bind our communities together.

“I am truly thankful for the many blessings in my life—first and foremost, my wife and children, who fill my days with love, laughter, and purpose. Their constant support and joy remind me of what truly matters. I’m also deeply grateful for my job as the Director of Recreation & Human Services for the City of Long Branch, which gives me the opportunity to serve others, make a positive impact in my community, and provide for my family. And above all, I’m grateful for my health, which allows me to wake up each day with energy and strength to keep growing, giving, and living life to the fullest.

Kris Parker, City of Long Branch Director of Recreation & Human Services

“I’m grateful to live in our community. This is because I feel like our community has an abundance of generous, service-oriented organizations and non-profits that really help those in need — especially during the holidays.”

Margarita Mayor, Co-President of the Women’s Club in Asbury Park

“I’m thankful for my family at home and my barter family in business! There’s no better place to live and work than in our very special community filled with amazing familyowned businesses.”

Lisa Vitale, BarterPays in Fair Haven

“We are most grateful to everyone who has been a part of building the wonderful community at Shore Gamers! It has truly been a joy meeting everyone away from screens and over game tables during the past two years. We’re beyond excited to share our new space on Broad Street and write the next chapter of gaming in Red Bank with you all!”

Gennaro Monaco, Owner of Shore Gamers in Red Bank

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Local History: The Battle of Monmouth

BY WILLIAM GARDELL, MA

The Battle of Monmouth was by most accounts, the largest battle fought in the 13 colonies during the American Revolution. Some 25,000 (12,000 American/ Patriot as well as 13,000 British/Hessian/Loyalist forces) men participated in the battle directly. This tremendous engagement was fought right here in Monmouth County (in what is now Freehold and Manalapan) on June 28, 1778. This battle is significant for numerous reasons. In addition to its massive scale (especially for battles of the 18th century when most armies were relatively small) it was the first major battle where the Continental Army, under the command of Gen. George Washington, fought the British Army in an open field, in broad daylight, in the traditional European style of fighting successfully. This time no one would be able to claim that battle was ungentlemanly or in some way not a “fair fight”.

Continental soldiers and their local New Jersey Militia troops, including Joshua Huddy of Colts Neck, would go toeto-toe with some of the best units in the British Army, including the Coldstream Guards (the oldest regiment in the British Army) and the 42nd Highlanders as well as Hessians Jaegers. The Jaegers (German for "hunters") carried rifles and wore green uniforms that allowed them to blend in better with most natural surroundings. They did not fight in rigid battle formations like their counterparts in the British Regulars but instead served as skirmishers or light infantry.

The British Army had just spent their winter in Philadelphia, which was the Rebel capital at that time. However, their commander, Gen. Clinton, decided to move his army back to New York City, the British stronghold in the rebellious colonies because it was a more defensible position. The French had recently joined the war on the side of the Americans, and he feared that a large French fleet might sail up the Delaware River and trap his army in Philadelphia. His army inched its way across New Jersey, including Monmouth County while the Americans left their winter encampment at Valley Forge (outside Philadelphia) in hot pursuit.

Washington’s Army suffered a brutal winter encampment,

especially compared to the comfortable winter the British spent in Philadelphia. But the Americans had not been idle. They spent the winter training and reorganizing under the guidance of Baron Von Steuben, a Prussian Army officer and first true drill master of the Continental Army. Washington had hoped to use his now well-trained army to attack a small portion of the British Army, (known as the rear guard) defeat it and pull back, which would allow him to claim a relatively easy victory without risking his entire army. However, the first casualty in any battle is always the plan.

Instead, the Americans, led by British-born American Gen. Charles Lee, retreated from a firm British counterattack and soon the entire British Army became involved in the fight instead of continuing their retreat as expected. A small battle had now become the largest of the war. Washington relived Lee of command and personally led the Continentals, braving enemy fire on horseback. In all, there were about 500 killed on each side with slightly higher British casualties by most accounts. The 100-degree heat was just as deadly as bullets that day. Tactically, the battle was a draw, but since they were outnumbered to begin with and because they did not run, it was a moral victory for the Americans. The British continued their retreat through Colts Neck, and Middletown, where they were harassed by militia along the way before making it back to Sandy Hook and sailing to New York or Staten Island.

Zack of All Trades

A Chat with Zack Sandler of the Transparent Clinch Gallery

BY RYAN LOUGHLIN

It’s 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept 14. On the final day of the 2025 Sea Hear Now festival in Asbury Park, the gates have already opened, and various acts have begun taking the stages while fans are huddled in clusters, buzzing with palpable excitement and basking in the gorgeous 75-degree weather that has somehow become a calling card of this festival. Public Enemy — the legendary New York rap group fronted by hiphop icons Chuck D and Flavor Flav — is set to take the stage later that afternoon and will ultimately put on one of the most memorable performances of the entire weekend.

But before that, Flavor Flav has agreed to make a special appearance on the other side of the festival grounds, inside the intimate confines of the Transparent Clinch Gallery Art Tent where he plans to personally donate one of his signature clock necklaces to be auctioned off for charity. Only problem? His luggage got lost, and now there is no clock to auction unless someone finds him one — and fast.

This problem now belongs to Zack Sandler, a North Jersey transplant turned Asbury local who works as famed photographer and festival organizer Danny Clinch’s right-hand man. Clinch is a cohort of Asbury’s other adopted son, Bruce Springsteen, as well as being the face and co-curator of Sea Hear Now. The Transparent Clinch Gallery Art Tent at the festival features dozens of his photographs of famous musicians as well as

artwork created by many of the artists appearing at Sea Hear Now. Sandler is his problem-solver, both during the festival and beyond.

“Doesn’t this sort of thing make you a nervous wreck? Where are you getting a clock in the next half hour?” I ask him.

“Nah … I thrive on this kind of stuff,” he says with a convincing smirk that yin-yangs somewhere between amusement and pride. The pressure of the moment is a rush for him. He quickly finds the right guy to track down the missing timepiece and somehow get it back to the tent for Flav’s grand entrance. It all comes together … like clockwork.

This 10-second snippet of his day that I personally witnessed gave me enough reason to want to pick Sandler’s brain for Community Magazine. Graciously, he agreed to let me do so.

Community Magazine: You didn’t originally grow up in Asbury Park. How did you end up in this area and what keeps you here?

Zack Sandler: My family always had a beach house in Bradley Beach. In the summer, we’d always venture into Asbury to see concerts. Even at Convention Hall, I’d see roller derby and wrestling there. I always grew up coming down here for the arts, whether it was music or physical art or food. The businesses here are all mom-and-pop shops. You meet the own-

Photo by Conni Freestone

Photo by Michael Ryan Kravetsky

ers of the stores, and you can put a face behind the name, which is always so special. Where I grew up, it wasn’t that way. I felt more comfortable [in Asbury Park].

I ended up going to school at Monmouth University. Once I went there, I established my roots. I went to school during the day and came to Asbury at night to practice the craft. Something my boss loves to talk about – that was instilled by his boss, Bruce Springsteen – is preaching about community and giving back to the community. That’s been passed down to me. You can be here on the boardwalk and everything’s great, but a couple blocks inland, everything’s different. It’s important to help out people by donating your time as well as financially. That’s in my blood. That’s in the culture down here.

CM: How did you get involved with Danny Clinch? Tell us a bit about what you do with your job at the Transparent Clinch Gallery.

ZS: It’s ironic. I’m not really a photographer. I’m a tech nerd behind the scenes. I started with Danny right in the beginning of Covid. I was a tour manager for a band and just came back from this tour across the country when Covid happened. I was graduating from Monmouth and went from seeing hundreds to thousands of people to sitting on the couch with nothing to keep me busy.

Everyone was in the same situation. Myself and my friends in the Asbury area were some of the first pioneers to approach the concept of [quarantine era] live streaming for musicians and we were figuring out how to monetize on that. Danny Clinch had caught wind on that. Danny wanted to have a conversation with me about doing some live streams for content he had in the can.

This was the tail end of 2020 into 2021. I put together a website for him. On social media, I started producing these videos, and one thing led to another. Five years later, everything just kinda came together. I’ve always been a problem solver. I think my resume said: “opportunity obsessive problem solver.” With anything, there’s always a problem to solve. That’s what I did with Danny and his digital media. That’s what I just started to do with the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music and some other businesses in town. Creating their first impression to the world.

CM: Sea Hear Now is one of the biggest projects that you are involved in and has become Asbury’s signature music festival. How does it all come together and what are your most cherished memories from throughout the years you have been working as part of the festival?

ZS: Once the lineup is announced, we start reaching out to the artists at the beginning of the summer. We really start to get cranking in July and August. Once the artists see that their next show is in Asbury Park, they get back to us. That’s when the art conversations start going. Billy Strings did these incredible drawings a few years ago. The mediums are incredible; we’ve had videos, photography, custom guitars, surf boards – if you name it, it’s probably happened. Alabama Shakes posted a great video of what they made for the tent this year.

We had an artist a few years ago take some polaroids,

Photo by Michael Ryan Kravetsky

Photo by Michael Ryan Kravetsky

Photo by Danny Clinch

and our vision was to make a shower curtain of them. We were in the build week, and the artist’s manager reached out to us on the Thursday going into the fest weekend, and said, “This artist is willing to show up to the tent, as long as we can get him a vintage clawfoot bathtub, fill it with water, and he’s going to run over after his set, and jump in the tub. That’s the only way he’s going to show up to the tent.” We’re thinking, “Where are we going to get this in 24 hours?” But, of course, Tina and I made it happen. We went to a local vintage shop, got the tub, filled it with water, put a giant rubber ducky in it, put the shower curtain around the bathtub, and the artist came. That was a great experience.

We’re putting out those fires, but it goes back to being an obsessive problem solver. I’m grateful for everyone putting together these experiences.

CM: When Sea Hear now is actually happening, what is your role during the festival itself? It can’t all be just watching great live performances.

ZS: I’m a co-producer for The Transparent Clinch Gallery Art Tent alongside Tina Kerekes. We’re behind the scenes. We curate these experiences. People say the music business is about making people feel happy. I think it’s making people feel something. Happiness, sadness – every kind of emotion. Danny has a mantra, “Music is medicine.” During Covid, listening to some music made you feel something. With the work we do, every once in a while, I have to pinch myself and come back down to earth, and think “Did that just happen?”

CM: You’re a big fan of Springsteen, Southside Johnny and others that embody the classic Asbury Park sound. You even play sax within the local scene. What is it about this music (some of which is a half century old at this point) that resonates with you? How were you first introduced to it?

ZS: I started playing saxophone in the fourth grade. Coming out of school, there was the decision of, “How long does this stay as a hobby, and do I want to transition it into a career?” At the end of college, the music industry took off for me, and I just ran with it. I wrote my senior year thesis while on the back of a tour bus, and I never looked back.

I always knew I wanted to play mu-

sic, coming from a great household with parents that raised me around music. There was always a stereo playing, and I was always going to concerts with them. That inspired me to get into the career I’m in now. Playing, producing, touring. It’s really humbling. I’m playing a small part in a big picture.

CM: You have played sax in a number of local bands. Will we be seeing you performing onstage anytime soon?

ZS: I’ve been playing with Bobby Mahoney, one of my closest friends. I’ve collaborated with him for more than half my life. Recently, he put out his first record with Little Steven’s record label, and they’re working on another one now that I’m able to be a part of. The fact I’m able to go there and track some sax, put on some Little Steven on SiriusXM and hear myself play. To hear a new, refreshed version with Little Steven’s stamp of approval is really cool and humbling.

CM: For those that may never have visited, how does The Clinch Gallery differ from your average gallery?

ZS: The Transparent Clinch Gallery was originally supposed to be a threemonth pop-up that’s now spanned into the seventh or eighth year. It’s not a white glove gallery. We call it a “Local Living Room.” You can come have an

experience. You can see photos of everyone from Bruce to Bjork to Bob Dylan. You look in the corner and see something from Stevie Nicks or Nas. It’s so musically and culturally diverse. It’s an incredibly creative environment to soak it in and think. There are so many people that come here just for inspiration. A photograph is a way to visualize a memory; it’s tangible. That photo is a gateway to those memories. I don’t have words to describe the experiences that I’ve had in my 27 years of life.

CM: What exciting things do you have on the horizon?

ZS: I’ve been working on some really cool projects for the 50th Anniversary for [Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 album] “Born to Run” for the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, where we did candid interviews with Bruce, the E Street Band and those involved with the album. With Danny, we’re doing some cool things to celebrate the release of the new film, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.” I’m excited to keep playing and to travel. I’m excited for the things I know about, but even more excited for the things I don’t know about!

To learn more about the Transparent Clinch Gallery, go to www.TransparentClinchGallery.com.

Photo by Conni Freestone

973-751-1230

info@naninasinthepark.com www.naninasinthepark.com

info@parkchateau.com www.parkchateau.com

973-377-7100

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FIRST RESPONDERS Q & A

Name: Ron Minsky

Title: Chief

Place of Employment: Bradley Beach

Town of Residency: Bradley Beach

Q: What initially made you want to be a first responder?

A: I started as a first responder as a cadet when I was 15. I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve been chief since January 2024.

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

A: My crew. I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated bunch of people. The friendships, the camaraderie, the support that everyone gives each other around here – I’m very grateful for everything they give to this department. The department is what it is because of them, not because of me.

Q: What is the hardest aspect of the job?

A: The toughest part of my job is the administrative part of it. Up until you become chief it’s all firefighting; when you become chief, it’s paperwork, dealing with the government. There’s dealing with the state regulators; it’s an administrative burden at times. Because we’re all volunteers, everyone’s got other jobs. That administrative part takes up a lot of time for me.

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

A: Yeah. When you’re chief of the department – and I never felt this until I was the chief – you go to bed every night and wake up every morning and pray nothing happens. To the town, to the residents, and to my crew. I take that responsibility seriously, and the safety of my crew is the most important to me. If there’s anything that keeps me awake at night, it’s that.

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

A: Every time I see a new firefighter graduate the fire academy, it’s a memorable experience for me. Every time I see them perform out in the field – this fire we had in Asbury Park was a case in point. Every time I see them do the job, that’s my pride.

Teacher Feature

Name: Deirdre Varga

Title:

L-2 Science Teacher

Place of Employment: Village School in Holmdel

Town of Residency: West Long Branch

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

A: One thing I love about teaching is seeing the children build their skills and grow. It is amazing to see them light up and demonstrate pride in themselves. Over the years, many of my students have returned to my classroom as volunteers, student teachers, interns, and even medical students seeking mentorship. Knowing that I have inspired some of them even into their adulthood is what keeps me going!

Q: What is the most challenging thing about working with kids?

A: One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with the changes in curricula, law, theory, and technology. Despite all of that, each child comes with gifts and deserves the best education in a safe, exciting and loving classroom.

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

A: I loved most parts of school and always knew I would become a teacher. I was especially inspired by my 1st grade teacher Sally Morrison and my Latin teacher, Holly Cooke.

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 think students at all levels should have to learn speaking and listening skills to improve interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.

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

A: My students have taught me that their potential is boundless.

Coastal Living Awaits You

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New construction with 4–6 bedrooms, open-concept living, fireplace, chef’s kitchen, dining room, office, basement and rooftop deck. Versatile year-round or beach home. Web# 22517663

30 Rustic Terrace, Fair Haven | $1,499,000

4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home located on a quiet and highly desirable cul-de-sac, 2-car garage, full basement, and solid ‘’great bones’’ ideal for updating and make it your own. Web# 22527876

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4-bedroom, 2-bathroom brand-new construction home less than a mile from the beach. Open-concept, fireplace, beautifully designed kitchen with high-end finishes and basement. Web# 22528661

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2 BLOCKS TO THE BEACH

‘Born to Run’ Returns Home Long Branch Celebrates Springsteen’s Roots with New Exhibit

It’s become one of rock’s most iconic images — a young Bruce Springsteen leaning on Clarence Clemons’ shoulder from the cover of “Born to Run.” Fifty years after the release of the album that reshaped rock music, the city where much of it was written has unveiled a new exhibit: Springsteen in Long Branch: From the Boardwalk to Born to Run. The show, housed in the Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center, opened on August 18 and runs through Nov. 14, meaning fans only have a few weeks left to check it out. It marks a turning point in the city’s recognition of its place in Springsteen history. While Asbury Park has long claimed its connection to the musician, Long Branch is now highlighting its role in shaping the songs that would take him from the Jersey Shore to the world stage.

A City Marks Its Place

Long Branch has lived many identities: Gilded Age resort, working-class community, and seaside destination. In the early 1970s it became, briefly, the home of a restless songwriter searching for his breakthrough. Springsteen lived in a bungalow at 7½ West End Court, where he began to sketch out the music that would form Born to Run. The exhibit anchors itself in this moment, linking the modest space to the sweeping ambition of the album that followed.

Inside the Arts and Cultural Center, the story unfolds in a way that instantly sucks any fan right in. The atmosphere is

both celebratory and reflective, with black-and-white photography, handwritten notes, and objects that recreate the world of a young musician trying to find his voice. Photographs of the small house, neighborhood maps, and enlarged reproductions of notebooks draw visitors into the world of early 1970s Long Branch. One display shows the scrawled handwriting of draft lyrics, with words crossed out and replaced, lines rearranged, and entire verses abandoned in pursuit of something sharper. Even behind glass, the pages reveal the raw, painstaking process that shaped the album’s iconic sound.

Tools of the trade

The next section showcases the tools of Springsteen’s early work. A green drum kit from Earth, one of The Boss’ earliest bands, stands as a relic of his pre-fame years. Nearby, a replica of the Fender Esquire/Telecaster hybrid he holds on the “Born to Run” cover gleams under soft light.

Photographs of the boardwalk, surf shops, and crowded beaches capture the culture of the era. Postcards from Long Branch in the 1970s, along with images and relics of Bruce in his surfing days, place the music within the texture of the town itself.

Visitors are also invited to take part. Each is given a postcard featuring vintage photographs of Long Branch, with space on the back for personal reflections. These messages — memories of concerts, favorite songs, or simple thanks — are col-

lected and will become part of the Bruce Springsteen Archives at Monmouth University. The simple gesture connects fans directly to the history they are celebrating.

The Birth of ‘Born to Run’

A long timeline traces the path from the bungalow to the recording studio. Drafts of lyrics, studio notes, and promotional materials reveal the painstaking evolution of the record. A draft of “Jungleland,” full of revisions, sits under protective glass. Recording logs illustrate the months of trial and error before the album reached its final form. This section captures both the creative struggle and the sense of momentum that culminated in the album’s release in 1975.

Unlike larger institutional exhibits, the Long Branch show has a personal quality. Its scale mirrors the intimacy of the bungalow itself. Rather than the spectacle of stadium tours or the scale of a major museum, the exhibit feels like stepping into the rooms where the work first took shape.

The show functions as more than a nostalgia trip. It positions Springsteen as part of the cultural history of Long Branch and the Jersey Shore. By tying the exhibit to the city’s present-day cultural life, Long Branch is claiming its place in the larger narrative of Springsteen’s career while also investing in its own artistic identity.

The Pilgrimage to West End Court

Though not officially part of the exhibit, it’s hard to leave the gallery and not

make your way to 7½ West End Court.

The modest house still stands, privately owned and unchanged in its essential form. Fans often pause outside, take photos, or simply stand in quiet reflection. The sight of the bungalow offers a sharp reminder that the songs that filled arenas began in a small, ordinary room on an unassuming street near the beach.

A Legacy Preserved

The Springsteen in Long Branch exhibit will run through the fall, after which the artifacts and materials will return to the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University. For Long Branch, however, the impact may last longer. The

exhibit has placed the city firmly on the Springsteen map, linking its streets and shoreline to one of the most important albums in American rock history.

The show emphasizes a simple but enduring truth: great art often begins in humble places. In Long Branch, in a rented bungalow, a young songwriter pieced together words and melodies that became anthems for generations. Half a century later, the city where it happened is finally celebrating its role in that story.

The Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center is located at 577 Broadway in Long Branch. For more info, go to SpringsteenArchives.org

Jingling All the Way… Community Magazine’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

BY EMMA SYLVIA AND BEN MILLER

The time for gift giving is here! Need ideas for the best present for your loved ones this holiday season? Monmouth County is full of local hotspots and hidden gems that offer the best presents. Here are just a few of our faves:

Asbury Park Book Cooperative

Nothing is better under the tree than a good book (ignore a writer’s biases). Pick up a classic, a noteworthy newcomer, or sit down for book club at Asbury Park Book Cooperative.

Katabasis by RF Kuang

The newest novel by award-winning Kuang, fit for fans of Dante’s Inferno and mythology, this novel follows two academic rivals traversing Hell to rescue their Cambridge professor.

Asbury Park Book Cooperative is located at 644A Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park. Go to asburybookcoop.org

Canopy Crossroad

Red Bank’s trusted dispensary, Canopy Crossroad offers not just premier cannabis products, but thoughtful education for any newcomers.

Strain Cannador – $220

The 4-Strain Cannador® (with nook) is a great product for the strain-conscious connoisseur who likes to keep smaller amounts of herbs separated and fresh with glass cups that contain adjustable ventilated lids and airtight lids in case you wish to use as a regular storage product. You can store up to one ounce (or two ounces ground) in this beautifully crafted humidor in either walnut or mahogany. With a

double-fitted rim, you can rest assured that no smell will leak. Each glass cup fits 1/4 oz (or up to 1/2 oz ground). The nook can fit your accouterments, like a grinder or vape. The Cannador comes with a lock and key, so you can keep your contents safe. Veneer exterior with solid mahogany interior. The finish is a clear matte to give a more natural look and feel to the wood.

New Peak Pro with 3dXL Chamber in Pearl White – $420

The new Peak Pro 3DXL is the pinnacle of hash technology. This premium smart rig delivers in credible flavor and unparalleled performance. Unlock the fullest potential of the plant with its patented 3DXL Chamber, single-button inter face, and deep customization via the Connect app. Featuring the Joystick Cap and laser cut perc slots for improved water filtration, enjoy the best hash experience ever.

Canopy Crossroad is located at 9 West St, Red Bank. For more info, go to canopycrossroad.com

Pantano Outdoor Supply

Pantano has over 20 years of knowledge and experience in the landscape industry, ready to help you craft the perfect, lasting outdoor space.

Linnea Forest Fir Reed Diffuser Kit - $52.99

A refined homage to the noble Fraser fir, the Forest Fir Reed Diffuser Kit invites the season in—quietly and beautifully. Housed in handblown white glass, it diffuses notes of spruce, fir needle, and balsam with graceful ease. Keep near your tree to subtly extend its freshness,

all season long. Find this scent and many more seasonal options at Pantano Holmdel.

Marble Board with Canape Knife - $29.99

Tree-Shaped Cheese/Cutting Board w/ Stainless Steel & Mango Wood Canape Knife. The perfect gift for adding a little festive fromage to the wonderful holiday season! Throw in one of their gourmet meats or jams to complete this seasonal hosting gift. Stop by Pantano Holmdel for more beautiful gift options just like this.

Pantano Outdoor Supply is located at 161 St. Rt. 34, Holmdel. For more info, go to pantanooutdoorsupply.com

KUR Wellness Studios

Kur knows that much like the holiday spirit itself, wellness comes from within. Their services include massages, facials, waxing, yoga and more to suit any and every guest’s needs.

Give a $100 Kur Gift Card + Get $20

Receive a bonus voucher of $20 for each increment of $100 gift cards purchased (to a max of $100 bonus per person).

Buy in-store or online December 1st thru 15th, 2025 Drop in to buy a plastic gift card in store or buy at www. kurstudios.com using promo code GET20.

Vouchers are good January-June 2026

Vouchers are used like cash for any products or services in the store (just not tips/gratuities) and expire 6/30/2026.

KUR is located at 412 Bond St., Asbury Park. For more info, go to kurstudios.com

The Fir Farm

The Fir Farm, located at 166 Hillsdale Road in Colts Neck, offers locally grown, fresh products. Visit their beautiful property for hops, Christmas trees, raw honey, bee keeping and more! Christmas tree season begins in late November — follow Fir Farm on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Raw Honey

Fir Farm’s raw, unfiltered honey is award-winning and never heated. Endlessly popular and utterly delicious, it’s the perfect gift to fill anyone’s pantry this holiday season. Fir Farm honey is available at the farm on most sunny days 12pm - 3pm throughout the Christmas season, and by appointment.

Christmas Trees

Fir Farm has been growing Christmas trees for over 40 years. Not only can you buy the perfect tree this holiday season, you can also learn about Trees for Troops, which the farm has been participating in for 12 years. Trees for Troops is a nonprofit that delivers trees to thousands of military families in the US and to troops stationed overseas. Feel the joy this holiday season!

The Fir Farm is located at 166 Hillsdale Rd., Colts Neck. For more info, go to the-fir-farm.square.site

Sanctum Handmade

This brick-and-mortar boutique is the perfect place for plant lovers, with accessories like journals, crystals, and bandanas to boot.

Brass Crystal Air Plant Hanger – $36.00 Adorable tiny geometric himmeli hanging shelves that are perfect for displaying crystals and other small items.

Sanctum Handmade is located at 601 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park. Go to instagram.com/sanctumhandmade

Vigor

This holiday season, give the gift of relaxation and reliability with their strain-specific all-in-one disposable vapes. Each option is hand-selected for quality and consistency, ensuring that only the finest strains make it into your cart. Crafted with full-spectrum cannabis oil extracted through patented technology, these vapes deliver the natural essence of the plant with cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavor working together in one smooth draw.

At Vigor Dispensary, they believe the best input equals the best output. They start with premium flower sourced from trusted cultivators who meet the highest standards, so every inhale is pure, potent, and true to its strain. Whether you are an experienced consumer or gifting someone new to cannabis, these disposables combine convenience with uncompromising quality.

Select All-In-One Disposable Vapes:  Vitalize

Strain-specific, uplifting, and carefully chosen for energy and creativity, Vitalize is the perfect companion for keeping holiday spirits lifted.

Vibe

Balanced, versatile, and expertly curated, Vibe delivers smooth and adaptable effects that fit any moment, from daytime productivity to evening relaxation.

Vanish

Hand-picked for its depth and tranquility, Vanish is the clear choice when it’s time to release stress and fully recharge after the holiday rush.

With thoughtful craftsmanship, premium inputs, and strict quality standards, these disposables are more than just convenient. They are a reflection of cannabis at its very best and an unforgettable holiday gift.

Vigor is located at 1082 Rt. 34, Matawan. For more info, go to vigordispensary.com

iPlay America

iPlay America is the area’s most thrilling indoor amusement park and game center. And unlike the boardwalks, this form of family fun is available all year round!

Gift Card

Give the gift of fun this holiday season! iPlay America is one of the premier family entertainment venues in NJ. iPlay America Gift Cards can be used to unlock tons of entertainment throughout the 4-acre amusement park! Rides, games, arcade, Laser Tag, Go-Karts, XD Dark Ride VR and more are all on the menu. Or use it at their onsite Topgolf Swing Suite, with 5 interactive bays to experience a new level of virtual sports gaming.

Getting hungry after a long day of fun? These gift cards can also be used at their full-service restaurant, The Bistro. Just steps from all the action, dine and unwind at this delicious eatery offering a crave-worthy menu and jaw-dropping desserts. With maximum flexibility to play your way, these gift cards are a hit for the holidays. Plus, from 12/2 - 12/31/25 you get $10 BONUS PLAY for every $50 in gift cards purchased. Available in-store or online.

iPlay America is located at 110 Schanck Rd., Freehold. For more info, go to iplayamerica.com

Rainbow Art Glass

Rainbow Art Glass is here both to teach customers glass art techniques and promise new, beautiful decor for this holiday season.

Beginner and Intermediate Classes

Looking for a new hobby or a fresh way to transform your home? How about stained glass? Choose from over 100 architectural glass options for glass cabinetry, windows, and more to make your dream kitchen a reality. Rainbow Art Glass offers beginner and intermediate classes in stained glass, hot glass, and other glass applications. Customers can mention this article for 10 percent off any class or cabinet glass order.

Rainbow Art Glass is located at 1761 Rt 34 S, Wall Township. For more info, go to hsrag.com and/or customcabinetglass.com

HOLIDAY GIFT

Chêne Cheval

For the equestrian in your life—or simply those who love the refined elegance of equestrian style—consider an appointment at Chêne Cheval, an exclusive, by-appointment-only boutique in Colts Neck, New Jersey. This expertly curated shop offers a sophisticated selection that makes holiday gifting both a unique and luxurious experience.

Equestrian Club Cotton Sweater (Women/Teens) – $200

Equestrian Club Riding Shirt (Kids/Teens) – $139

Equestrian Club Riding Shirt (kids) – $139)

Cypress 16 Riding Pad – $120

Dada Sport Riding Helmet Visor – $190

Created and sold exclusively by Chêne Cheval.

The Experience

Upon requesting an appointment, you will be contacted by a team member in order to start setting up your personal curated experience. Once you arrive at the private equestrian estate you will be escorted to the Chêne Cheval boutique where you and your guests will be offered champagne or your favorite beverage. An expert personal shopper will measure you and provide you with both seasonal and classic options in the latest equestrian fashions. The store is yours exclusively during your appointment, offering a private and unique shopping experience in the heart of Colts Neck, NJ. Note: The exclusive Equestrian Club sweater is limited edition and will be sold first come, first serve.

Chêne Cheval is located in Colts Neck.

For more info, go to chenecheval.com

Wolf Fine Jewelers

Wolf Fine Jewelers is Middletown’s pre mier location for all things jewelry, with the ability to craft the perfect custom piece for each and every customer.

Crystalline Toasting Flutes (Set of 2) –(also available with Gold Crystals) – $400

Dimensions: 10”H x 2-5/8”W x 2-5/8”D

Delicate, elegant, and very festive, this is a set of two flutes for very special occasions. The clear crystal that fills the stems and the faceted clear crystal base of each of these adds an element of romance to any evening – making it a touch more special.

Minera Picture Frame – Medium – $219 (also available in a 4x6 – Retail: $179)

Dimensions: 8-1/8”H x 6-1/8”W x 4-5/8”D

Inject some timeless elegance into the home with this stunning pic ture frame. Created by product de signer Thomas Feichtner, it shines in silver-tone metal and glistens with approximately 3,300 clear and silver-colored crystals. It features a glass front and a velvety flocked back and stand and fits a 5x7 pic ture. A gorgeous gift for someone special.

Holiday Cheers Gift Ornament – $119

Dimensions: 1-3/4”H x 11/2”W x 11/2”D

This playful, gift-wrapped ornament is an ideal addition to any festive tree. Suspended from a red grosgrain rib bon, the parcel design is crafted with Swarovski’s Golden Shadow effect and 426 facets, while also featuring decorative crystals in red, green and blue. The ribbon is neatly formed from champagne gold-tone metal with a red lacquer. Add this ornament to your own seasonal display or gift it to someone special for a touch of holiday joy.

Matrix Hoop Earrings – $189

Size: 11/8”

These perfectly formed Matrix Hoop Earrings are defined by the timeless look of clear round stones and rhodium-plated metal. It’s a combination that is essential to any jewelry box. These hoops deliver perfect cir cles of radiance to any outfit.

Matrix Tennis Necklace – Medium (also available in Large) – $320

Size: 16-1/8”

Delivering a modern take on a truly classic style, this Matrix Tennis Necklace is distinguished by the purity and elegance of its shimmering clear stones and rhodium-plated de sign. Each individual stone works beautifully with the next, creating an endless stream of glamour that is perfect for an everyday look. Enjoy it for yourself, or as a gift for someone special.

Matrix Tennis Bracelet – Medium (also available in Small, Large and Extra Large) – Retail: $249

Size: 6-1/2”

This shimmering Matrix Tennis Bracelet delivers the classic combination of dazzling clear stones and cool rhodium plating, an enduring look that never goes out of style. Each of the crystals wonderfully reflects the light, ensuring your wrist is always eye-catching.

Crystal Myriad – Gouldian Finches – $23,000

Dimensions: 5-5/8” H x 5-1/4” D x 17-1/8”W

With extraordinary color and exquisite detailing, Swarovski presents this spectacular scene of Gouldian Finches – the famous “winged jewels” that paint rainbows across the Australian sky. It takes 395 hours of dedicated work by a team of skilled artisans to meticulously hand-set over 31,500 crystals on each kaleidoscopic creation. The result is a masterpiece of precision and a wondrous tribute to the beauty of the natural world. Only 200 pieces are available in this Limited-Edition selection, making each one a rare treasure for collectors.

Wolf Fine Jewelers is located at 1580 NJ Rt. 35 South, Middletown. For more info, go to wolffinejewelers.com

Belmar Bicycle Shop

The Belmar Bike Shop offers one of the best options to get a new or used beach cruiser, road bike, or e-bike for the holiday. The 55-year-old bike shop uses generations of bicycle business knowledge to find the right bike or cycling equipment for you or a loved one. Additionally, Belmar Bicycle Shop offers unmatched bicycle repair services. If you are interested in cycling merch, a new bike, or are in need of a tune-up this winter, Belmar Bicycle Shop is a must stop.

Belmar Bicycle Shop Branded Gear

T-Shirts: $19.99

Hats: $29.99

Flat Tire Repair: $32.00

Removal of wheel and tire, careful inspection for cause of puncture. reinstallation of tire with new inner tube and new permanent rim liner (if not already present).

Specialized - Allied Road and Gravel Bike:

$1,100.00

This Specialized Allez is the definitive recreational road bike. This package may be the base model parts kit but this bike has excellent bones. Including a clean hydroformed and butted aluminum frame, carbon fork, sealed cartridge bearing hubs. The perfect bike to upgrade as you go or to ride as is. The shimano drivetrain, and disc brakes will perform perfectly on quick 20mile rides or 100-mile centuries.

Belmar Bicycle Shop is located at 1318 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719. For more information, go to belmarbikeshop.com

Monmouth Wellness and Yoga

Monmouth Beach Yoga & Wellness is a great space to begin a new year with new movement. Between their classes and boutique items, Monmouth Wellness and Yoga offers various fitness related gift options for anyone on your list.

Class Packages and Options

Retail: $25-$320

With monthly subscription options or class packs sizes from one to twenty classes, Monmouth Wellness and Yoga pricing and rates are designed to provide you with transparent and affordable options to join their vibrant community. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, they offer a range of packages tailored to fit your needs.

Boutique Items

Retail: $10-$150

Before or after class, explore their in-studio boutique featuring: Ultra-soft, stylish apparel: yoga wear, dresses, joggers, sweaters, and luxurious cashmere.

High-quality yoga mats and props to elevate your practice.

Handcrafted goods by local artisans: jewelry, body oils, natural soaps, healing rubs, shells, and other unique self-care gifts.

Monmouth Wellness and Yoga is located at 36 Beach Rd Suite 10, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750. For more information, go to mbyogaandwellness.com

Sunny Skincare

Sunny Skincare is the place to go for skincare products when the winter arrives. Having been in business over 25 years at their Middletown location, they are a full-service salon offering a wide range of expert skin treatments, with a full line of Shiseido and G.M. Collin skincare products. Whether that’s a deep cleansing facial, anti-aging therapies, or rejuvenating glow boosts, experience personalized care and radiant results every time you visit.

Ultimune: $125

A power infusing serum, Ultimune helps correct signs of aging such as uneven skin tone, dullness, redness, pores, roughness, fine lines, wrinkles, smile lines, and improves firmness and elasticity.

Wrinkle Smoothing set: $101 value

Vital Perfection - Lifting & Firming set: $116 value

Future Solution LX - Anti-Aging Set: $155 value

Sunny Skincare is located at 1294 NJ-35, Middletown Township, NJ 07748. For more information go to sunnyskincare35.com

Caci Non-Surgical Facelift | Hydration Facial Cryoskin Fat Reduction | Microdermabrasion

Anti-Cellulite Treatments | TriPollar Anti-aging Treatments Microneedling Radio Frequency | Body Massage

London Spa

For a relaxing and stress-free way to bring in the New Year, London Spa in Rumson is worth a visit. Teresa Azzopardi, celebrity aesthetician, has been in the spa business for over 20 years and offers extremely effective treatments to please even the most discerning customers.

Gift Card – Whatever value you choose, this gift will be priceless to whomever receives it!

London Spa is located at 119 East River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760. For more information, go to thelondonspa.net

Jersey Cookie Girl

Located in the heart of Red Bank, Jersey Cookie Girl offers a premier selection of holiday treats for the season. Their tasty assortments of cookies, brownies, chocolate covered pretzels and many other options can be purchased individually or various arrangements for the family.

Holiday Cookie Boxes: $30.00 - $150.00

Jersey Cookie Girl is located at 11 Mechanic St., Red Bank, NJ 07701. For more information, go to jerseycookiegirl.com

GIFT CARD

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EVENTS CALENDAR

EVERY WEDNESDAY

(NOVEMBER 5, 12, 19, 26)

Bell Works Fresh Farmers and Makers Market

Head down to Bell Works for a variety of local and fresh goods

Bell Works

101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel 11am - 4pm

For more information, visit bell.works/ events/bell-works-fresh-market-30/

EVERY WEDNESDAY

(NOVEMBER 5, 12, 19, 26)

Bingo Night

Visit Twin Lights Brewing every Wednesday for bingo night Twin Lights Brewing 4057 Asbury Ave, Tinton Falls 6pm - 8pm

For more information, visit twinlightsbrewing.com

EVERY WEDNESDAY

(NOVEMBER 5, 12, 19, 26)

Trivia Night

Join Wild Air Beerworks for a night of trivia Wild Air Beerworks

801 2nd Ave, Asbury Park 7pm - 9pm

For more information, visit wildairbeer.com

EVERY SUNDAY

(NOVEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23)

Red Bank Farmers Market

Head down to Red Bank for a day of vendors, unique crafts and more Red Bank Galleria

W Front St and Bridge Ave, Red Bank 9am - 2pm

For more information, visit thegalleriaredbank.com/pages/farmersmarket.html

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Brookdale Haunted Theater

Are you brave enough to last through the Brookdale Haunted Theater? Join them for their 22nd year hosting this terrifying event

Brookdale Community College

Performing Arts Center

765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft 6pm - 10pm

For more information, visit brookdalehauntedtheater.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Fall Fest and Bull Riding Rodeo

Have an exciting day full of live entertainment, like bull riding rodeos, pig races and live music

Maple Leaf Farms, 525 US-9, Manalapan 10am - 5pm

For more information, visit mapleleaffarmsnj.com

Fall Bird Walk

Enjoy a morning of birding in Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and Beachy Birder Ocean Pathway, Neptune 10am - 2pm

For more information, visit visitnj.org

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Fall Family Fun at Atlantic Farm Market

The last day to head down to the Atlantic Farm Market for a day of family fun

1506 Atlantic Ave, Manasquan 10am - 5pm

For more information, visit atlanticfarmmarket.com

Happy Day Farm Fall Festival

The last day to enjoy fall activities like pumpkin picking, corn mazes, tractor rides, and more at Happy Day Farm Happy Day Farm

106 Iron Ore Rd, Manalapan 10am - 5pm

For more information, visit happydayfarmnj.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7

First Fridays Art and Sound at the Station

Stop by every first Friday of the month for a vibrant pop-up art and music show, a celebration of local talent

Asbury Park Transportation Center, Asbury Park 5pm

For more information, visit cityofasburypark.com

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9

Winter Fresh Farmers Market

Visit Ocean Grove for a cozy indoor winter food and farm market

66 S Main St, Ocean Grove 10am - 1pm

For more information, visit bellworksfresh.com/upcoming-events

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

NJ Wine Expo

Head to Bell Works for this historic event for wine enthusiasts and novices alike

Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel 11am - 7pm

For more information, visit newjerseywineevents.com/events/nj-wineexpo-bell-works-holmdel-2

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Turkey Trot

Enjoy the fun in Howell with a 5k and 2-mile run/walk turkey trot

300 Preventorium Rd, Howell 9am - 11:30am

For more information, visit twp.howell.nj.us

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Open Mic Night

Join the Freehold Borough Arts Council for open mic night (the 3rd Tuesday of every month) American Hotel, 18 E Main St, Freehold 6:30pm - 9pm

For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

44th Annual Granny’s Attic Craft Show

Head to Middletown for one of the largest craft shows on the East Coast Thompson Middle School, 1001 MiddletownLincroft Rd #85, Middletown 9am - 4pm

For more information, visit thompsonpfa. membershiptoolkit.com/gainformation

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Holiday Extravaganza Tree Lighting

A day of family fun, ice skating, Santa and Mrs. Claus, music, food, vendors and more, with a grand finale tree lighting

1000 Sanger Ave, Oceanport 2pm - 5:30pm

For more information, visit oceanportboro.com

Keyport Tree Lighting Make and Take

Join Keyport for a night of tree lighting and free hot chocolate

Borough of Keyport and Keyport Recreation 70 W Front St, Keyport 12pm - 3pm

For more information, visit keyportonline.com

Small Business Saturday

Head down to Spring Lake to celebrate and experience local businesses

Downtown Business District, Spring Lake 10am - 5pm

For more information, visit visitspringlake.com

Where We Deliver

ZONE 1

Colts Neck•Holmdel

Total Count: 9,829

COVERAGE: Colts Neck and Holmdel

• *100% of homes and businesses in Colts Neck (3,677) and Holmdel (6,152)

ZONE 2

Two Rivers Area

Total Count: 10,644

COVERAGE: Shrewsbury, Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, and Oceanport

• *100% of homes and businesses in Shrewsbury, (1,491) Rumson (2,546) and Fair Haven (2,188) and Little Silver (2,486)

• Roughly 80% of homes in Oceanport (1,933)

ZONE 3

Jersey Shore Area - Ocean Avenue

Total Count: 10,636

COVERAGE: Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Deal, Allenhurst, Interlaken, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Avon, and Belmar

• 100% of homes and businesses in Sea Bright (1,166), Monmouth Beach (1,906), Bradley Beach (2,787) and Belmar (2,849)

• Ocean Avenue/Pier Village portion of Long Branch (917)

• Cookman Avenue and Ocean Avenue of Asbury Park (1,011)

ZONE 4

Ocean Township Area

Total Count: 10,309

COVERAGE: All areas of Ocean Township — including Oakhurst, Wayside, and Wanamassa

• Homes and Businesses in Oakhurst (2,663), Rest of Ocean Township (6,711) - Mailing to 95% of the town

ZONE 5

Middletown Area

Total Count: 10,855

COVERAGE: Middletown, Lincroft, Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, and Red Bank

• 100% of Atlantic Highlands (1,870)

• 75% of Highlands (the Most Expensive Areas - 1,086)

• Most expensive areas of Middletown including the following areas: 100% of Lincroft (2,617), Navesink River Road, Nutswamp Road, Oak Hill Road, Chapel Hill Road, parts of Leonardo, parts of Belford, Kings Highway and Farm Road

ZONE 6

Freehold Township Area

Total Count: 9,952

COVERAGE: Freehold Township and Freehold Borough

• 80% of town including Iron Bridge, Elton Adelphia, Meadowbrook, Stillwells Corner, Green Springs, Dutch Lane, Canterbury and the most expensive areas of town

*Please note counts are rough monthly estimates and will change slightly month to month

Readers OVER 62,500 Homes and Businesses Mailed Monthly OVER 40 Local Distribution Points

CM

74% Married

80%+ College Educated

72% Have Children

40% Own A Second Home

Median Age 47

Median Income $185,000

Median Home Value $850,000+

Dine Out 12+ Times Monthly

BIZBEAT

BY RYAN LOUGHLIN

A quick roundup of what’s new and happening at local businesses in Monmouth County.

First Atlantic expands into Freehold

First Atlantic Federal Credit Union is excited to announce its expansion into the heart of Freehold with a new branch opening at 34 East Main Street in 2025. Rooted in a tradition of putting people before profits, First Atlantic will bring its signature “credit union difference” to the community. The branch will provide personalized service, competitive financial solutions, and a true hometown banking experience. From checking and savings to lending and digital services, it will serve as a trusted financial partner for Freehold residents.

For more info, go to FAFCU.com or call 732-380-3600.

Cotterell launches Netta Rose Events

Overwhelmed by event details and worried you won’t enjoy your own party? Hospitality and events professional Erin Cotterell recently launched Netta Rose Events, a day-of event coordination business, so hosts can truly be present. Cotterell ensures everything planned is carried out exactly as envisioned on the day of the celebration, allowing you to relax and enjoy the event you’ve invested so much time, money, and effort into planning. From weddings and milestone gatherings to intimate dinners and holiday parties, every occasion unfolds seamlessly. Inspired by her late grandparents, Netta and Louie, the company carries on their legacy of warm, joyful entertaining.

For more info, go to NettaRoseEvents.com

Slice celebrates 5th anniversary

Slice Merchant Services is proud to celebrate its 5th anniversary since relocating from New York City to Holmdel, NJ. What began as a growing fintech company in Manhattan has flourished in Monmouth County, bringing new career opportunities and supporting local businesses with innovative, zero-fee payment solutions. Slice remains committed to helping New Jersey’s small and medium-sized businesses thrive while continuing to grow roots in the local community.

For more info, go to StartSlice.com

A Labor of Love

Asbury Police Officer Eugene Dello takes pride in his job and his hometown

BY EMMA SYLVIA / PHOTOS BY ANDREA PHOX

“He’s an Asbury Park police officer.” When discussing subjects for Community Magazine profiles, this descriptor my boss used doesn’t exactly narrow down the list enough for me to guess who he might be referring to, though I am familiar with the Asbury Park police force through the occupation of my brother.

“He’s an Ocean Township resident, too,” my boss says.

With this, I’m able to narrow it down just a bit more, and then when the name is finally said – “Eugene Dello” – I instantly say, “I’ll cover this one.”

The reason why is simple: Eugene Dello, a resident of Ocean Township for at least 25 years and a member of the Asbury Park police force for almost 43 years, is a good family friend. Also crucially, he’s just the person to talk to involving all things Ocean and Asbury, and he’s happy to discuss his long-spanning career with me.

A Family Line

end of the day, his work in Asbury Park is, as he describes it, a labor of love.

Dello’s origins on the force date back to his father, a former police officer in Asbury Park, whom he describes as a knight in shining armor, his uniform inspiring awe in a young Dello. Dello’s uncle was the chief of police, and his great uncle was a judge in town (whom Dello is named after).

“They’ve been around since almost the beginning of Asbury Park,” Dello recalls. “And, you know, I just continued that legacy.”

Of course, Dello didn’t begin his career with his status today as the Local 6 State Delegate for the Asbury Park PBA, being named the NJ State PBA’s (Policeman’s Benevolence Association) first vice president, and chair of the NJSPCA Cop Shot and Specials/Police Directors/Regionalization & Consolidation committees. Originally, he worked himself up from court officer to dispatcher to patrolman detective.

Starting in Asbury Park in the early 1980s, Dello says that he has seen the absolute turnaround of the city, especially in the last couple of years.

“I couldn’t be happier with the direction Asbury Park is heading. We used to go to gunshot calls years ago, where it was a natural thing. Now, it’s been eliminated to practically none – now we get calls about someone throwing their garbage out too early.”

His love for the town and the people in it, is obvious. At the

A Mini Renaissance

Like many Asbury Park residents – and tourists – Dello’s favorite part of the town is the beachfront, calling that and the downtown area the “lungs” of Asbury. The restaurants, coupled with the great opportunities to work, deems it a “mini–New York City,” in Dello’s eyes.

“It’s a melting pot of people,” Dello says, acknowledging its welcoming nature to those of different classes, races and sexualities. “Everything is in Asbury Park.”

Meanwhile, his love for Ocean Township reigns strong as well. Being a resident of the town for more than two decades, his home is decorated with homages to Monmouth County history, as well as memorabilia and decorations suggesting Dello may just be the biggest fan of Frank Sinatra in the state.

He attributes the success of Ocean and Asbury Park to their town governments, especially mayors Napolitani and Moore, respectively. “They know what they’re doing. They keep the residents happy. I never want to leave.”

Above and Beyond

When looking to the future, Dello first thinks of the past and how quickly time has flown. He can’t believe he’s standing

where he is today, thanks to his mentors, who enabled him to excel in his career as an officer and to ultimately be there as a current mentor for the incoming officers working today.

With the PBA, Dello is eager to give back to the community. “We, work hand-in-hand with the Asbury Park Homeowners Association and Mercy Center to do a food drive for the less fortunate for Thanksgiving. We’re also looking forward to the PBA Toy Drive for Christmas. These kids wouldn’t be getting Christmas gifts without the Asbury Park PBA Local 6 and members of the PBA. I look forward to doing that,” he says.

As a veteran of the force, he makes sure to remind young officers that this job is about working for the people, while still acknowledging that it just might be the most gratifying job out there. And unlike many, retirement is simply not on his radar, as Dello jokes that he plans on being with the Asbury Police Department until he’s “thrown out.”

And that goes for his life as a resident of Monmouth County as well.

“There’s no better place to be. This area … it’s just phenomenal,” he says. “I couldn’t live anywhere else. It’s not even a thought in my mind. I’m very happy with everything going on with the city of Asbury Park – of Monmouth County, in general. All of our towns aren’t perfect, but we have a lot of good people trying to fix them.”

A Vision Put in Motion

Pediatric Physical Therapist Opens New Shrewsbury Business

BY EMMA SYLVIA / PHOTOS BY ANDREA PHOX

The original blueprint, drawn hastily by a college student on a random afternoon and presented to a good friend more than a quarter century ago, was a lofty one: a playground, a pool, a dream put to paper. A few decades later, the practice looks a bit different, but the overall vision for Miracles in Motion Pediatric Therapy in Shrewsbury remains.

Renee Schneider, a resident of Oceanport since 2015, shares the heartwarming stories that she’s gathered in her new practice, opened in April of this year, and what physical therapy means to the parents of Monmouth County.

A Personal Investment

Schneider attended Monmouth University for her undergraduate, originally

picking Communications as her major (as she says, primarily so she wouldn’t have to study math and sciences). However, after knowing that she wanted to work with people and lean toward the medical profession, she opted to indeed take her long-awaited STEM courses before pursuing physical therapy courses at PT school and achieving her Masters.

“That was the hardest thing: Staying the course and not giving up,” Schneider recalls. “You needed to be tenacious. It was a rollercoaster. I was accepted into Mercy College’s first ever graduating class – it felt like I had won the lottery.”

Investing in herself at the time of her graduation in 2000 allowed Schneider to invest in her own patients years later when she opened her own practice.

Prior to opening Miracles in Motion, she spent years working at various local schools and private practices. After the pandemic, she returned to school to achieve her doctorate. Spending so much time working in the field has allowed her to foster relationships with her patients that have lasted literal lifetimes.

“I run into some of the kids I treated as babies,” Schneider says. “Now, they’re graduating high school or in college. I ran into someone from when I worked in Rumson school, and now he’s going to law school. I love that I was part of the team that was part of the child’s life, and that the parents trusted me. That’s what I’m grateful for — the faith of the parents in me. I love to watch the child succeed. I’m so invested in the child.”

A Grand Opening

“I went to PT school with one of my dearest friends, Kristy,” Schneider recalls. “I drew a picture for her. She said, ‘What is this?’ I said, ‘This is the practice I’ll have when I graduate.’”

After several years of other priorities (namely, getting married and growing her family), Schneider was determined to take the leap of faith in herself. “I wanted to do it my way. I wanted to create a space that’s welcoming, warm, clean and healing.” She acknowledges that having your own business is “no joke,” but she’s grateful for the learning curve, forever loving what she does.

Miracles in Motion opened in April of this year, in a lieu of what Schneider describes as a mix of excitement and anxiety (when I first walk through the doors of her practice, she introduces herself as a “one woman army”). However, whenever Schneider expresses any selfdoubt, she’s quickly countered by a parent saying, “I told everyone about you,” after she’s helped their child, which

Schneider describes as making everything worth it.

Family First

With her physical therapy practice focused toward children, Schneider has plenty of stories that tug at her own heartstrings. She recalls a two-year-old boy that previously couldn’t even stand –with her assistance, he’s now running. Another child from Old Bridge was a typical developing girl before catching a flu that resulted in anoxic brain injury.

“I met them, and my heart broke for her. She’s the sweetest girl, and they’re an amazing family. They’re here twice a week. That girl has taught me more about myself. The parents have such faith; they’re not giving up. I think every child I meet and treat teaches me something. Once I’m in a family’s life, I’m there. I’m in.”

Schneider works with gross motor development, aiming to get kids achieving as close to typical development as possible –though, as she succinctly adds, each child’s development looks different. In the near future, she’s aiming to achieve the next level (Intermediate A) in Dynamic Movement Intervention, as well as achieving an aquatics certification.

Another priority for Schneider is to get involved in the community, including participating in the Fall Festival with Monmouth Moms at Bell Works in Holmdel. “We’re getting the word out that we’re here. I want to make a positive impact on the community and get involved in doing things, slowly but surely.”

After a few months in business, Schneider is nothing but grateful for her space, supporters and clients.

“I’m very happy where I am. I feel very blessed. My husband, Don, is very supportive; my kids are super excited for me. Everyone is so positive,” she says.

It’s this positivity that Schneider perpetuates through her own passions that makes her stand out from the rest –and all of Shrewsbury can feel it.

You can visit Miracles in Motion at 39 Ave at the Commons, St. 104 in Shrewsbury, or reach out at renee@miraclesinmotionpt.com, @MiraclesInMotionPT on Instagram and Miracles in Motion Physical Therapy on Facebook

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Dinner Show

Every Monday

(November 3, 10, 17, 24)

What: Quizzoholics Trivia Where: Deal Lake Bar + Co, Loch Arbour When: 7:30pm - 9:30pm deallakebarco.com

Every Monday (November 3, 10, 17, 24)

What: Live Jazz Music Where: Triumph Restaurant '& Brewery, Red Bank When: 6 pm – 8pm TriumphBrewing.com

Every Tuesday (November 4, 11, 18, 25) What: Irish Seisun Where: St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, Spring Lake When: 6 pm SSGPub.com

Every Wednesday (November 5, 12, 19, 26)

What: Trivia Night Where: Chubby Pickle, Highlands When: 7pm thechubbypicklenj.com

Every Thursday (November 6, 13, 20)

What: Music Bingo Night Where: Woody’s, Farmingdale When: 6pm woodysroadside.com

Every Friday & Saturday (November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22)

What: Live Music Where: The Cabin, Freehold When: 8:30 pm www.thecabinnj.com/

Our picks for some fun nights out at local bars and restaurants this month

Saturday, November 1

What: Fantastic Cat Where: Stone Pony, Asbury Park When: 7 pm www.stoneponyonline.com/

Saturday, November 8

What: Kyle Smith Where: Wonder Bar, Asbury Park When: 7pm wonderbarasburypark.com

Sunday, November 9

What: No Worries Band Where: McLoone’s Pier House, Long Branch When: 6pm www.mcloonespierhouse.com/

Thursday, November 13

What: Guns 4 Hire

Where: Drifthouse Restaurant, Sea Bright When: 6 pm drifthousenj.com/

Friday, November 14

What: Joe Baracata Band Where: Bar A, Belmar When: 7 pm bar-a.com/

Saturday, November 15

What: Surfing For Daisy Where: Stone Pony, Asbury Park When: 7 pm www.stoneponyonline.com/

Friday, November 21

What: The Cliffs Where: Bar A, Belmar When: 7 pm bar-a.com/

Saturday, November 27

What: Moroccan Sheepherders Where: Wonder Bar, Asbury Park When: 7pm wonderbarasburypark.com

Surf’s Up

IAfter a commanding performance at Sea Hear Now, local band Surfing for Daisy sets their sights on the Stone Pony and beyond

BY BEN MILLER / PHOTOS BY KENNY PRICE

f you were among the more than 35,000 people who attended the Sea Hear Now festival in Asbury Park in September, you may have been lucky enough to catch the explosive early Sunday afternoon set from Asbury Park’s own Surfing for Daisy. Despite being on a bill packed with bigger names, their passionate performance on the Park Stage was easily one of the weekend’s highlights.

For those who missed it and may be unfamiliar with the group, Surfing for Daisy is a six-piece alt-folk/rock band. Started in January of 2023, the band includes Nick Francis (vocals, acoustic guitar), Mike Bernabei (electric guitar), Steve Filippone (drums), Cam Seidel (bass), Dan DiSantis (guitar/backup vocals), and Kathryn McCarty (keys/backup vocals). They’ve become a rising force in the Jersey Shore music scene, touring across the country and earning themselves quite a bit of buzz in the process. On Saturday, Nov. 15, they will headline Asbury’s most iconic venue, The Stone Pony. We had a chance to catch up with them recently. Here’s what they had to say:

Community Magazine: How did Surfing for Daisy originally form?

Nick Francis: Previously, I had a band named Rivva, and around the end of 2022 Mike and I met. He saw Rivva, play

a few times at Homesick in Asbury Park and we got together after a while. We hit it off instantly – I started sharing my music, including some of my original songs. We started jamming together and we felt this immediate musical connection that I hadn’t felt recently with the exception of playing with Steve. I’ve known Steve most of my life and at the time I was actually recording with him on a solo project. But after jamming with Mike, I told Steve, “Hey, I met this guitar player, Mike. He is really awesome. Why don’t we maybe give this a shot?” Then before you know it we did our first gig together at Lola’s and it was incredible. It was an empty winter Tuesday or Wednesday and we played organically for three hours. No one was there but the three of us knew we had something going on by the end of the set. From that day forward, we got on the same page, started linking up more, and started trying to make this a band.

Steve Fillipone: As our band grew, we added on Dan and Katie and eventually Cam as our bass player and that’s how we got the six of us.

CM: Tell us about the songwriting process. Is it a collaborative effort?

Nick: So, I had a lot of these songs previously written. I just didn’t know what to do with them. I didn’t know where

they fit – I didn’t see the full potential of them until we started working together. I wrote a lot of these early songs like Acrobat and Flannel when I was stationed in Hawaii in the Navy. These were some of the first original songs that I had confidence in. So, when I met up with Steve and Mike, I started sharing these songs.

Mike Bernabei: I actually thought maybe he was stealing the songs at first. I didn’t really know this kid, and I was like, “Is this serious? He just has 100 songs memorized in his head that are all good?” I remember thinking, “Is he, like, is he telling the truth?” because he has so many songs. Since the beginning, every week, Steve and I wake up with a text message at 2 in the morning with two more new songs and Nick asking, “Is this good? Check this out. I just wrote this just now. Like, do we like this?”

Nick: It’s like a drug addiction in a sense – a good, positive drug addiction – because it’s something that I have to do every day. I have to create something every day. The great thing about it is that when I had these songs I had shaped them very well, but they wouldn’t be what they are without the band. Because of Mike and Steve, the songs blossomed into this beautiful thing that I personally wouldn’t have ever been able to really see. I couldn’t see past the fog of it because I just didn’t know – not until I started playing them with these guys, and they took on the songs and they took over the challenge of trying to incorporate their own pieces into it. I would say they did a pretty damn good job of it.

CM: You recently performed at Asbury Park’s Sea Hear Now festival. Tell us about that experience and what it was like to perform for so many people.

Steve: It was incredible. I just want to get back on the stage like that – it’s addicting! We had, you know, all of our close friends and our families there, and then I think we expected it to go well, but I don’t know if we expected it to go that well. It was cool to see that many people who maybe only heard of us for the first time from the festival

playlist decide to get there early at 12:30 to check us out. It meant the world.

Nick: [Festival organizer] Danny Clinch shared with us that it was one of the biggest opening shows that there’s been at Sea Hear Now. And I think it’s a testament to the hard work we’re putting in.

CM: How did you guys manage to get on the lineup for Sea Hear Now? That can’t be an easy gig to land!

Steve: For one, we’re super lucky that we’re in Asbury Park because the music community here and the community in general is just awesome. A lot of bands that don’t have that. It’s defi-

nitely an advantage for us. We definitely had some home field advantage, but pretty much as soon as we started the band, that was one of our goals – to play at Sea Hear Now.

We had been playing in town and we were lucky enough to get a show at Danny Clinch’s gallery. He wasn’t there for that one but we kind of got on his radar there. Then, in 2023 we got asked to play at the Sea Hear Now after party at The Lanes which went well. We then started touring in California, Boston, D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina, because they want to see that you’re doing it – putting in the time, the effort. Sure enough, we played the pre-party

Photo Credit Kenny Price

last year at the Wonder Bar. Traditionally how it works is if you play at the pre-party and it sells well they ask you to go onto the festival the next year. When we played, we opened the show and it was packed. Lucky enough, all three bands that played the pre-party in 2024 got invited to play in 2025 including us.

CM: What has been the key to developing your following?

Steve: Nick has unbelievable songs, so that’s the most important part, but secondly If you don’t know the business side of things, it’s really easy to get stuck, even if you have great songs. So, having business plans, setting goals, and stuff like that is really the key to keep pushing forward.

It is a tough industry, all of a sudden the success can just stop. If you don’t know how to kind of get to that next level and keep the momentum going, you won’t be able to grow.

Nick: I think Steve really guided us in the best way possible. Don’t get obsessed with social media, focus on putting on the best shows that we

possibly can – prepare. Also execute in marketing and promotion of the actual show and being able to sell tickets and then maintaining that fan base and growing that from there. Because again, you could play a show, but if you don’t have merch and you don’t know how to really perform on stage that well, you’re not going to connect with the people. We have tried our best to do this the right way and we have been able to build a community around the band which has fueled our growth.

CM: Surfing for Daisy is having their first headline show at The Stone Pony on Nov. 15. What can fans expect?

Nick: You can definitely expect a crazy live show. When we play live we have this weird spiral experience on stage, and we hope it bleeds into the crowd and they see our energy. We hope fans see that we are a family on stage and we want to give our listeners the best experience that they can get.

Steve: We will also be playing our new single “Psychic” which is the first

single off the second album. We will play some old songs, some covers, and probably most of the second album that is coming out in the next few weeks.

CM: What do you guys have coming up in 2026? Any new music? Touring plans?

Steve: Our first single comes out the day before the Stone Pony show. It’s called “Psychic” and we have plans to do four or five singles going into 2026. Additionally, we are going up to New Hampshire, opening for an artist called King Coyote on December 19 and 20 at the Press Room in Portsmouth. Then we are doing a cruise music festival in January out of Miami where we will play there and in San Juan Puerto Rico and St. Martin. Followed by the Green River Revival Festival with Sam Birchfield down in North Carolina in March. So that is our plan. We’re going to be releasing new music, tour a little bit more and get out there and spread this music wherever we can.

For more info, go to SurfingForDaisy.com.

GYPSY of Monmouth Beach

LEO and LOUIE of Monmouth Beach

LEO of Belmar

CHARLIE of Monmouth Beach

GENE of Allenhurst

MR. THURSTON HOWL of Monmouth Beach

STELLA of Long Branch

TAZ and WINNIE of Belmar

LUCY of Bradley Beach

PITA and BEANSPROUT of Monmouth Beach

We partner with homeowners by providing routine management and care for their home through our home service options.

• Comprehensive Property Checks for unoccupied homes

• Home Maintenance Services

• Vendor Key-in

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• Seasonal Home Opening/Closing

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Four-legged Fun!

Barktastic places to hang out with your pets this month and beyond

Contact us or visit our website for more information cnj@awayteamservices.com www.awayteamhomewatch.com

Skinny Flowers Brewery, Oceanport — Located at Fort Monmouth off Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport, Skinny Flowers & Brewery is a great spot to enjoy a brisk autumn afternoon with your fourlegged best friend. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcomed within their Moxie Room. Recently opened at a spacious property, Skinny Flowers Brewery is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. www.skinnyflowersbrewing.com

Low Dive, Asbury Park — With the Asbury Park Boardwalk open once again to dogs until May 15th, there may not be a better spot to go with your K-9 companion and wind down with ocean views this November than Low Dive. Located at the end of 3rd Ave on the Boardwalk, Low Dive has outside and inside seating and regularly hosts live music, so be sure to check their calendar. www.lowdiveap.com

Bagel Nook, Freehold — This Freehold-based breakfast shop serves up all kinds of bagels, sandwiches, and morning drink options! Known for their crazy bagels, the Bagel Nook offers plenty of seating outside, which makes it a great spot to start an autumn day with a coffee and Fido! www.thebagelnook.com

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell — With the leaves changing colors and crisp air fully crisping, the Manasquan Reservoir offers plenty of space for you and your four-legged companion to enjoy the season. Spend part of your day walking or fishing your way around the Monmouth County Park System’s most visited park. Please be sure to check all the rules and regulations on the Monmouth County Parks website. www.MonmouthCountyParks.com

Four Diners Still Thriving in Monmouth County

BY REBECCA KING

Is there anything more iconically Jersey than a diner?

Those smooth, prefabricated curves. The bright neon signs. The gleaming chrome accents and glossy Formica tables. This is the familiar aesthetic we’ve come to know and love in the “Diner Capital of the World.” Of course, when your state has more diners than any other, you know these homey institutions come in plenty of other shapes and sizes — as long as there’s a menu the size of a novella and a hearty stock of cakes and pastries twirling in an endless orbit inside a glass case up front.

And though the diner is a bit of nostalgia replicated the world over (this writer once went to Florence, Italy, only to stay a block away from an “American” themed diner right in the heart of the city), their numbers in New Jersey are dwindling.

Peter Sedereas, owner of Town Square Diner in Wharton, told NPR last year that he and the coalition of New Jersey diners he leads estimated that 10 years ago, the state had about 600 diners. By 2024, that number was closer to 450. Ever since the pandemic shuttered so many incredible restaurants, the diner scene hasn’t yet been able to bounce back to its prior dominance, making the din-

ers we still have all the more precious.

But the great news is – some have weathered the storm. So, let’s raise a malt to a few of our favorite diners in Monmouth County, carrying the torch for anyone and everyone who craves a plate of clams casino with a side of disco fries at 2 in the morning.

New Monmouth Diner, Middletown

Diners don’t get more classic than New Monmouth Diner. It has the works: a big neon sign, red pleather booths, and plenty of memorabilia from the ‘50s featuring Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and more. It also regularly hosts vintage

Blue Swan Diner

car shows, leaning even further into the nostalgic vibe diners cultivate so well.

And even with all that antiquity, New Monmouth Diner has embraced the new age enough to implement online ordering and DoorDash, so you can enjoy its healthy portions on the go.

Standout dishes include its chicken bruschetta melt, topped with tomato, onion, basil, fresh mozzarella and a balsamic drizzle, its homemade meatloaf and its certified Angus Beef New York sirloin.

New Monmouth Diner is located at 1887 NJ-35, Middletown Township. Go to newmonmouthdiner.com for more information.

Americana Diner, Shrewsbury

True to its name, the facade of the Americana Diner couldn’t be more classically American — from the tower of glass blocks to the star-spangled sign. But the menu pulls heavily from Greek tradition (another diner staple, as so many Greek immigrants got their start in the U.S. operating diners).

You’ll find beef gyro omelets, stuffed grape leaves, and a Greek combo plate of spanakopita, moussaka, zucchini sticks and tzatziki sauce. The Greek classics are offered alongside a tome of American diner fare, like disco fries and

corned beef hash. And for dessert? Those in the know recommend the moist layer cakes, the tart lemon merengue pie, and the cheesecakes, featuring a new flavor every week.

Looking for a night out with the family? Americana Diner regularly host kids nights with appearances from characters like Spongebob and Mickey Mouse.

Americana Diner is located at 1160 NJ-35, Shrewsbury. For more information, go to americanadiner.net.

Blue Swan Diner, Ocean Township

Follow the blue and red neon lights as you cruise down Route 35 in Oakhurst, and you’re sure to find Blue Swan Diner. This family-owned restaurant opened in 1974 and has been gaining local devotees since. In 2024, it was named a “Neighborhood Fave” by the social networking company NextDoor.

At Blue Swan, you can enjoy diner classics or trendy dishes all in one place. Nosh on eggplant parm or a Stanta Fe salad (piled with guac, grilled chicken, black beans and corn) while your dining companion dives into a heaping stack of Dubai pancakes, a decadent dish with pistachio kataifi filling, chocolate chips, pistachio cream, Nutella, and phyllo. Plus, there’s an app for ordering takeout or curbside delivery.

Or, do as the locals do and stop by on Tuesday Pasta Nights where guests get their choice of sauce, pasta, soup or salad and garlic bread for $15.95.

Blue Swan is located at 2116 NJ-35, Oakhurst. Go to blueswandiner.com.

Fair Haven Diner, Fair Haven

Fair Haven Diner just opened in May of this year and features a more modern aesthetic. The outside has clean white brick archways and beachy blue accents, while the interior takes on the look of a trendy bistro with warm exposed brick and wood floors.

Despite its new wave decor, its menu is full of classic diner dishes — thick cut meatloaf towers with frizzled onions, beef gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetables; mediterranean bowls; flatbread with saucy pulled pork and cheddar-jack cheese; and chicken, shrimp or eggplant parm. For something a bit different, opt for an appetizer of Jersey egg rolls, stuffed with pork roll, egg and cheese and served with sriracha ketchup. Fair Haven Diner also offers online orders for pick-up or delivery.

Fair Haven Diner is located at 583 River Rd, Fair Haven. For more information, go to fairhavendiner.com

Belmar History on View Showcases the Borough’s Past Along Main Street

BY MATT DOHERTY

The Belmar Historical Society (BHS) is inviting everyone to take a fresh look at Main Street — this time, by looking up. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of BHS volunteers, particularly Brian Magovern and Karen Heulitt, new historic banners have been installed at key spots along Main Street, each one highlighting the original buildings and businesses that once shaped the heart of the borough.

The banners, which feature archival photographs from Belmar’s early days, give passersby a glimpse into what the community looked like when it was first established. From general stores and hotels to corner shops and gathering places, each banner connects today’s Main Street to the vibrant local history that helped define it.

Former Belmar Mayor Brian Magovern, a lifelong resident and longtime supporter of the project, noted the community’s enthusiasm for learning more about the town’s roots. “The Historical Society

has had such positive feedback from our posting of historical scenes on the boardwalk that we believe the banners on Main Street will generate the same positive reactions,” he said.

The project mirrors the popular historical displays already showcased along the Belmar boardwalk, which have become a favorite stop for locals and visitors interested in learning more about the town’s past. By expanding the initiative to Main Street, the Belmar Historical Society continues its mission of preserving and sharing Belmar’s story through creative and engaging public displays.

Residents are encouraged to stroll through downtown Belmar, take in the new banners, and appreciate how the borough’s history continues to live on — not only in its buildings and landmarks but in the spirit of the community itself.

Photo credit: Belmar Historical Society

Sea Bright Holds Inaugural Sea Bright Day

Sea Bright Day debuted on Saturday, September 27, as a vibrant, new community tradition. Held in the municipal lot, the event brought together residents and visitors for music, food, family fun, and a beach bonfire. Highlights included a free surf lesson, dunk tank, hot dogs, face painting, a bike raffle, and Touch-a-Truck.

Local departments, businesses, and committees hosted activities, while vendors and bounce houses added to the festive atmosphere. Guests joined in Sea Bright trivia, a handprint mural, and a passport challenge to win a prize basket.

The day was made possible through borough-wide collaboration.

Photo and editorial credit: Borough of Sea Bright Facebook page

Long Branch Fire Department Rescues

Swimmers in Distress

On September 18, the Long Branch Fire Department dispatched to Cottage Avenue Beach for a report of multiple swimmers in distress. Firefighter N. Cioffi, assisted by Firefighter Fazio, initiated rescue operations in the surf upon arrival. Along with other firefighters, first responders were able to save two people from the rough surf. Thank you to the firefighters for their quick and decisive actions under extremely hazardous conditions.

Photo and editorial credits: Long Branch Professional Firefighters Facebook page

9th Annual PorchFest Unites Asbury Park Through Music

On Saturday, September 27, the 9th Annual Asbury Park PorchFest brought free, live music to porches, patios, and stoops across the city. Billed as the largest Porchfest in the Northeast, the event featured musicians performing a variety of genres from Broadway to blues, rap to Americana and beyond.

Since 2018, PorchFest has hosted over 600 acts and raised more than $50,000 for local causes. This year’s proceeds supported Mercy Center—a food pantry serving over 3,500 families monthly—and Trinity Church’s Code Blue program, which sheltered 345 people on freezing nights. Powered by generous homeowners, local businesses, and community spirit, the event encouraged donations along the route. PorchFest once again united Asbury Park through music, creativity, and compassion.

Photo and editorial credit: Asbury Park PorchFest Facebook page and website

Bradley Beach PD Supports Grammar School’s

Car Wash Fundraiser

On September 22, Bradley Beach police officers supported the Bradley Beach Grammer School’s car wash fundraiser and had a good time meeting with the students. The officers were happy to get some of their patrol cars nice and clean!

Photo and Editorial Credit: Bradley Beach Police Department Facebook page

Student Successes

Antonio Donohue of Monmouth Beach recently matriculated at Hamilton College. Donohue graduated from The Frederick Gunn School and will be a part of Hamilton's Class of 2029.

Stephen Piancone of Tinton Falls has received his Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama. UA awarded over 1,300 degrees during its summer commencement ceremonies.

Jennifer Mercado of Long Branch was named to the Southern New Hampshire University Summer 2025’s Dean List.

Do you want to send us a student success tip? Please e-mail to info@communitymagazinenj.com

A Diamond in the Rough

Wolf Fine Jewelers Finds Home in Middletown

BY EMMA SYLVIA / PHOTOS BY MANNY CARABEL

Finding the perfect piece of jewelry can be near impossible. Either the diamond isn’t the exact cut that you need, or the price for perfection is far too steep. However, at Wolf Fine Jewelers in Middletown, the name of the game is perfection. And that’s exactly what owner Scott Wolf strives for every day.

Starting Early

With a passion for watches, Wolf opened his first kiosk, American Watch Works, at the Ocean County Mall in Toms River in the early ‘90s. He was so impassioned that he went to study in Chicago to take trade school courses in watchmaking in order to expand his business.

“After a few years, I felt like I needed something more,” Wolf says. After this realization, he purchased the Jewelry Exchange at the former Monmouth Mall in Eatontown. Continuing his expansion all over New Jersey, from Atlantic City to Paramus (with his Middletown location still open today, and the Atlantic City location reopening at Caesars Atlantic City).

“Everyone kept telling me to do my

own brand, and that was Wolf Fine Jewelers,” he says.

Movin’ Out

Due to the Monmouth Mall renovations beginning last year, Wolf Fine Jewelers relocated to Middletown for its new home – and they’re nothing but grateful for the butterfly effect that led them there.

“We love it here,” Wolf says. “It’s been a dream to be in a standalone building. The residents have been more than welcoming. It’s a great time and experience.”

Wolf is ecstatic to be in a solo building instead of a mall, as it gives him more control over the store’s hours, events they can hold, product offerings, and better service. The new location in Middletown is even equipped with a lounge, where customers can enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee. In addition to this, there’s a private jeweler room. “It’s a much more rewarding experience. It’s like working but being on vacation. We control every aspect of our business,” he says.

Wolf Fine Jewelers hosted the grand opening of their Middletown space this

past March, which featured an exotic car show, a cigar roller, and food provided by MJ’s and Livotis. “We host events where we can give back to the community,” Wolf says. “It’s not just about purchasing jewelry but connecting and making friends.” Coming up, they’re planning on hosting a car show, as well as doing an Adopt a Pet event, which is something near and dear to Wolf’s own heart, as he adopted his dog, Scotch, from the Humane Society (Scotch was present during the entire interview, acting primarily as Wolf Fine’s adorable mascot, aside from being Wolf’s best friend).

They’re ecstatic for the holiday season, as 2025 will be the Middletown business’s second Christmas. Last year, before their grand opening, the town was not yet familiar with them. “We’re expecting to have an even stronger season now that everyone knows we’re here. We’re looking forward to meeting new faces and establishing new relationships.”

A Total Gem

Wolf takes immense pride in offering what he believes to be the best ser-

vice of any jeweler in the state. Faced with any challenge, the staff at Wolf Fine Jewelers doesn’t seem to know the word “no” – they’re always prepared to take on any design or request from a client, from sparkling, one-of-a kind engagement rings to necklaces that will eventually become family heirlooms. Wolf is a graduated gemologist from Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

“One of the most unique pieces I’ve made in the last couple of years was for my friend’s son who owns a deli in Marlboro,” Wolf recalls. “I made him a piece that consists of multiple components in white and gold with his family crest.”

Wolf puts on a pair of glasses and starts scrolling through his photos in or-

der to show me the custom piece. As he works through his collection, he pauses every now and then to show a different unique piece – rings, logos, pendants and more – and explain in detail the behindthe-scenes work that went into it. They use CAD, a program that allows you to create a 3D product (something Wolf explains to me as he zooms in on various facets of each piece). The passion is palpable, and Wolf agrees.

“It was either going to be this or law enforcement,” he explains. “All my friends were in law enforcement, and I thought it was a cool field. You could help people, and I like to help people. But one hundred percent, I have this passion [for the jewelry business], and I had a lot of support.”

Perfect Pieces

It’s at the crux of Wolf’s character to give back. In his own words, he’s “big” in partnering with other local businesses in the community and helping those around him. He recalls not long ago a particularly special customer, a young girl who couldn’t initially get her ears pierced due to her chemotherapy.

“She just got over chemo,” he says. “We pierced her ears for her, as a gift from our store to celebrate her beating cancer. We were all so inspired by her courage and strength.”

It’s this approach that has endeared so many people to the store and ultimately has turned Wolf Fine Jewelers into being more than simply a place to buy jewelry. It keeps people coming back — and that includes the staff. Many of the young women that once worked for Wolf when they were in high school are now married and have kids. “And now their kids have come to work for me,” he says. “We’ve created a generational environment. That’s rewarding, that people are loyal and stay with us for as long as they do.”

Wolf encourages all to come down to Middletown, have a chat, meet Scotch and find your new perfect piece.

“Nobody does I do, like we do.”

Wolf Fine Jewelers is located at 1580 Rt. 35, Middletown. Go to WolfFineJewelers.com or call 732-460-9653

The Clear Vision of Tom Basile:

Precision Mirror and Glass

PHOTOS BY TOM ZAPCIC

In the bustling world of construction and design, where deadlines are tight and expectations are high, there are few constants. Materials, styles, and technologies shift quickly, but one thing remains steady: the demand for quality. For over four decades, that demand has been met in New Jersey by Tom Basile, the driving force behind Precision Mirror and Glass in Eatontown.

Basile’s name has become synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship and trust. To clients—ranging from homeowners remodeling a bathroom to developers outfitting entire commercial complexes—he is more than a contractor. He is a partner who listens, guides, and delivers.

From Modest Beginnings to Industry Recognition

Tom Basile did not inherit a glass empire; he built Precision Mirror and Glass from the ground up with a simple belief: every project, no matter its size, deserves care and accuracy. What began as a local service for glass repair and replacement gradually evolved into a full-scale operation.

“People started coming back, not just because we fixed a crack or installed a mirror,” Basile recalls, “but because they

trusted us to do it right, every single time.” That reputation, word-of-mouth fueled, allowed his company to expand its offerings to include frameless shower doors, custom mirrors, architectural glass installations, and large-scale commercial projects.

Precision as a Philosophy

The word “precision” in the company’s name is more than branding; it’s the essence of how Basile approaches his work. In an industry where an eighth of an inch can mean the difference between a seamless installation and a costly redo, precision is everything.

His team of skilled technicians follows a process that emphasizes exact measurements, expert fabrication, and flawless installation. “Glass is unforgiving,” Basile often says. “If you rush or cut corners, it shows. Our clients don’t hire us for shortcuts—they hire us for perfection.”

Serving Both Homes and Businesses

While Precision Mirror and Glass has earned a loyal residential following, its footprint in the commercial sector has also grown steadily. Basile’s crew has worked on retail storefronts,

gym mirrors, office partitions, and restaurant interiors, often under demanding timelines.

Commercial work requires not just technical skill but also coordination with architects, contractors, and local building officials. Basile has mastered this balancing act, ensuring that projects are completed on schedule without compromising safety or style. His ability to navigate these complexities has made him a go-to choice for businesses across New Jersey.

Adapting to Trends and Technology

Glass today is not what it was 20 years ago. Innovations such as energy-efficient glazing, tempered safety glass, and decorative etched finishes have transformed the field. Basile has made it a priority to keep Precision Mirror and Glass at the cutting edge.

He also recognizes the shift in consumer taste: clients now view glass as more than a functional necessity—it’s a statement. “A frameless shower door isn’t just about keeping water in the stall,” Basile explains. “It’s about creating a spa-like retreat. A glass office wall isn’t just a divider—it’s about openness, collaboration, and modern design.”

By embracing these evolving expectations, Basile has ensured that his company remains relevant in a highly competitive market.

Built on Relationships

What truly sets Tom Basile apart is his focus on relationships. Clients frequently describe him as accessible, honest, and detail-oriented. He doesn’t disappear once the contract is signed; he stays involved, ensuring that communication remains clear and concerns are addressed promptly.

That approach has led to long-term partnerships. Contractors return to him project after project because they know what to expect: accuracy, reliability, and professionalism. Homeowners recommend him to neighbors because, in their words, “Tom treats your project as if it were his own home.”

Community and Integrity

Basile is also deeply tied to the Monmouth County community. Precision Mirror and Glass is not just a workplace

but a neighborhood business that employs local talent and serves local families. Basile has earned respect not only for what he builds but for how he conducts his business—always with integrity and fairness.

A Clear Legacy

Ask Tom Basile what he’s most proud of, and he doesn’t cite awards or big-name contracts. Instead, he points to his company’s consistency. “It’s the satisfaction of seeing a customer smile

when we finish,” he says. “That’s what keeps me going.”

For those who know him, that sums up his leadership. Tom Basile is not in the business of cutting glass—he is in the business of earning trust. And in an industry where precision defines everything, that trust is perhaps his finest achievement.

As Precision Mirror and Glass continues to thrive, one thing is certain: its reputation for excellence will remain as clear and enduring as the glass it installs.

The Medicine of the New Age:

How AI Is Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment

BY MAIA FRANCO

When it comes to healthcare, there are major concerns with receiving the right care: prompt diagnosis, access to specialists, early detection of disease, and finding effective treatments before illness advances. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is stepping in as a powerful tool to help meet those challenges. The following is a look at how AI is reshaping medical diagnosis and therapy, recent breakthroughs, and what it might mean for the near future.

What AI Brings to the Table

AI uses computer algorithms, machine learning, and large datasets (from imaging, blood tests, patient histories, etc.) to help detect disease earlier, make diagnosis more accurate, personalize treatment, and even predict outcomes. Key benefits include:

• Speed: AI can analyze images or lab data much faster than manual review.

• Early detection: Subtle signs that humans might miss are flagged by algorithms.

• Tailoring treatment: Using patient data (genomics, history, risk factors) to choose therapies that are more likely to work and less likely to have side effects.

Recent Breakthroughs & New Developments (2025)

Here are some of the most exciting recent developments in AI diagnostics and cures:

1) Blood test for Alzheimer’s

The FDA recently cleared a blood test (Lumipulse, by Fujirebio Diagnostics) that measures proteins such as pTau217 to detect amyloid plaques in the brain — a pillar of Alzheimer’s. This treatment offers a much less invasive option than PET scans or spinal taps.

2) AI Stethoscope for Heart Disease

A device developed with the NHS uses an AI-powered stethoscope to detect heart failure, valve disease, and abnormal rhythms in just about 15 seconds. In trials of symptomatic patients, it significantly improved diagnosis rates.

3) Personalizing Breast Cancer Screening

AI is helping to tailor mammogram schedules based on a person’s risk profile, rather than blanket guidelines. Tools such as “Mirai” analyze large databases of mammograms to better predict who’s at higher risk and when they should be screened.

4) New Drug Discovery Accelerated by AI

Rentosertib, a compound designed with generative AI techniques, moved from discovery to early clinical trials

in under 30 months in the field of drugs targeting certain pathways.

Challenges & What To Watch Out For

With these powerful tools come caveats. Patients should be aware of:

• False positives / false negatives: No tool is perfect. Misdiagnosis (or missed diagnosis) can occur, especially when AI is used outside of the populations or conditions it was trained on.

• Bias & equity: AI is only as good as its data. If certain groups (racial, age, geography) are under-represented, results can be less reliable for them.

• Privacy: Patient data is sensitive. With AI, large amounts of data are needed — ensuring that data is secure and consent is handled properly is essential.

• Regulation & oversight: FDA approvals, breakthrough designations help, but regulatory frameworks are still catching up. Clinicians must maintain oversight — AI should assist doctors, not replace them.

• Cost & access: Some of the newest tools may be expensive or not yet widely available. Ensuring access for smaller hospitals and clinics (which serve many Shore residents) is important.

Looking Forward: What to Keep an Eye On

Some trends that may shape the next 5-10 years:

• Personalized medicine grows, with treatments tailored to individual genetic, lifestyle, environmental data.

• Multimodal AI — combining images, lab data, clinical notes, genomics — to give richer, more accurate diagnostics.

• AI assistants for clinicians — tools that reduce paperwork, help with referral letters, documentation, freeing doctors to spend more time face-to-face.

• Ethical, regulatory frameworks being strengthened, especially around transparency

• Greater insurance coverage of AI-based diagnostic tests and treatments as evidence accumulates of their efficacy and cost-savings.

AI is not a miracle, but it is a potent new tool in medicine’s toolbox — especially for early diagnosis, safer treatment, and making care more accessible. As these tools become more integrated, informed, and equitably available, we may see a future in which serious illnesses are caught earlier, managed better, and in many cases prevented altogether.

As the air turns crisp and the lights begin to sparkle, families start preparing for the warmth and bustle of the holiday season. Between school family gatherings and gift lists, this time of year can move fast — but it’s also a perfect opportunity to slow down and teach children one of life’s most valuable lessons: gratitude.

Research consistently shows that children who learn gratitude early tend to be happier, more empathetic, and better able to handle stress. According to a 2023 study in Child Development, kids who regularly practiced gratitude reported higher emotional well-being and stronger social connections. Gratitude doesn’t just make children “nicer” — it helps them build resilience, self-awareness, and joy in everyday moments.

1. Start Simple: Model “Thank You” Moments

Children learn by watching. The simplest way to teach gratitude is to let them see it in action. When you thank a cashier, a crossing guard, or a barista, you’re showing your child that gratitude isn’t just polite — it’s meaningful.

Make “thank you” a family habit at home, too. Thank your child for helping set the table or for being kind to a sibling. When they hear gratitude used sincerely, they learn how to give it.

2. Create Family Gratitude Traditions

The holiday season is a wonderful time to build small family rituals that center on appreciation rather than gifts. Try these local and easy ideas:

• Gratitude Jar: Keep a mason jar on the counter and have each family member add a note of thanks every evening in November and December. Read them together on New Year’s Eve.

• Nature Gratitude Walks: Take a stroll through a local outdoor spot like Holmdel Park or the Manasquan Reservoir and ask your children to share something in nature they’re thankful for.

• Bedtime Thank-Yous: End each night with everyone naming one thing they’re grateful for that day — even small joys, like “our dog snuggling by the fire.”

3. Give Back Together

Few lessons teach gratitude more powerfully than helping others. Fortunately, Monmouth County offers many fami-

TEACHING THANKFULNESS to Your Children This Holiday Season

BY MAIA FRANCO

ly-friendly volunteer opportunities:

• Lunch Break in Red Bank welcomes children (with parents) to help assemble meal kits or sort donations.

• Fulfill (formerly The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties) often needs help with holiday food drives. Kids can collect canned goods from neighbors or friends.

• Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Freehold allows families to donate gently used home goods while learning about housing support.

If your children are too young for formal volunteering, start smaller — bake cookies for an elderly neighbor, donate gently used toys to the Monmouth County Library’s Giving Tree, or write thank-you cards for local firefighters.

4. Make Gratitude Creative

Art can help children express feelings they can’t always verbalize. Try:

• Gratitude Collages: Cut out photos or drawings of things that make your child happy — family, pets, the beach, their favorite ice cream from Hoffman’s — and create a “Thankful Board.”

• Thankful Letters: Have your child write (or dictate) letters to teachers, coaches, or family members who’ve made a difference this year.

5. Balance the Gift-Giving Excitement

The holiday season can overwhelm even the most grounded kids. To keep gratitude at the center, try these strategies:

• Before opening gifts, talk about how much love went into choosing or making them.

• Encourage children to give homemade gifts — a drawing, a song, or a simple craft.

• Reflect afterward: “What made you happiest today?” Often, the answer isn’t the biggest toy, but a shared moment.

As the holiday season unfolds, teaching children gratitude offers a gift that lasts far beyond Thanksgiving and the December holidays. Through simple acts of kindness, reflection, and giving back, families can help kids see that joy comes not just from receiving, but from appreciating and sharing.

FIXING A STUFFY NOSE AND SNORING

QUESTION: My nose is always stuffy, worse on one side. And not only that...I am told by my spouse that I snore loud! What can I do?

ANSWER: Your best bet is a full evaluation by an ENT specialist who can determine what is causing your nasal obstruction and the most effective treatment. Often, once the nasal breathing is restored, the loud snoring is then diminished or even eliminated. There are several steps necessary for a thorough exam:

HISTORY: Questioning the patient about previous trauma to the nose and also anything that may cause chronic swelling inside the nasal cavity like recurrent sinus infections, allergies and overuse of intranasal sprays such as Afrin.

EXAM: Fiberoptic scope of the nose and throat to look for septal deviations, polyps, abnormal enlargements of other intranasal structures, and draining secretions which can be cultured. Check the external nasal structure for cartilage collapse that can result in a valve obstruction. Also allergy tests, home sleep studies and CT scans if indicated.

TREATMENT: Customized to the patient’s cause of obstruction. Can be as simple as a regimen of intranasal and oral medications or more complex involving surgical procedures.

ADVANCED SURGICAL TREATMENT: The latest techniques allow for quick recovery, no bruising, more precise repairs and open breathing immediately after surgery. Technology has improved with the use of 4K camera/monitors and microscopic visualization, laser guided infrared navigation and new methods and instrumentation for septum repair, turbinate reduction, valve collapse reconstruction and sinus blockage. Rhinoplasty techniques have also advanced and can often be performed at the same time if there are external nasal cosmetic concerns.