Issuu

Graduate take center stage

The events listed below run from July 1 through Dec. 31 and range from fireworks, concerts and public readings of the Declaration of Independence to museum exhibitions, walking tours, library programs, historic-house visits, living history events and family activities. concerts and public readings of the Declaration of Independence to museum,

By Bill Sanservino

Before there was a country, there was a road through New Jersey, a river crossing in the dark, a capital city waiting in fear, a battlefield outside Princeton and a network of farms, taverns, churches and meetinghouses where ordinary people were pulled into extraordinary events.

Two hundred and fifty years later, those places are not just names in a history book. They are parks, libraries, museums, downtown streets, ballfields, old houses and river towns that still shape daily life in central New Jersey.

America’s semiquincentennial — the

250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — will be marked nationally on July 4, 2026. But in this region, the anniversary is especially local.

Trenton, Princeton, Washington Crossing, Bordentown, Allentown and surrounding communities were not bystanders to the Revolution. They were part of the ground on which the future of the country was marched over, fought for and, eventually, claimed.

The events listed below run from July 1 through Dec. 31 and range from fireworks, concerts and public readings of the Declaration of Independence to museum

History takes the center stage for America’s 250th Robs story. Is it coming? He’s among the missing

By R,J. Schmitt

America’s semiquincentennial — the

250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — will be marked nationally on July 4, 2026. But in this region, the anniversary is especially local.

The events listed below run from July 1 through Dec. 31 and range from fireworks, concerts and public readings of the Declaration of Independence to museum

PETE’S DELI & GROCERIES

The Messenger-Press

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EDITOR

Bill Sanservino

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jane Meggitt, R.H. Schmitt, Jr.

AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION

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News: news@communitynews.org

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What Lagree Is,

Why

It

Works, and Why I Knew I Needed to Open a Studio

By Abby Payson,

If you have driven past Pulse and wondered what is happening inside, the short answer is Lagree. The longer answer is the most efficient strength workout most people have never tried.

Lagree was developed by trainer Sebastian Lagree. It builds on the principles of Pilates but uses a different machine, called the Miniformer, and a different set of rules. Where Pilates focuses on alignment and mobility, Lagree adds heavier resistance, slower pacing, and a steady stream of full body work. The result is a single 45 minute class that combines strength, core, balance, and cardio.

Here is how a class works. You step onto a Miniformer, which is a spring based machine. The springs create resistance, and the slow tempo keeps your muscles engaged the entire time. There is no jumping, no bouncing, and no impact on your joints. An instructor guides you through a sequence that targets every major muscle group in one session.

What makes Lagree different is the pace. Most workouts ask you to move quickly. Lagree asks you to

move slowly, hold positions longer, and breathe through the burn. That slow tempo is what creates the strength benefit. Studies on time under tension, the amount of time a muscle is actively working in a movement, show that longer, controlled effort builds lean muscle and stability faster than fast, repetitive movement.

The benefits stack up quickly. Lagree builds long, lean strength while protecting your knees, hips, and lower back. It improves posture and core stability, which translates to fewer aches in everyday life. It elevates your heart rate steadily, so you get a meaningful cardio effect without high impact. Because the springs adjust, the workout meets you where you are, whether you are a former athlete or returning to fitness for the first time in years. It is gentle enough to do four or five days a week, and effective enough that most people see results in a month.

It is also surprisingly accessible. You do not need to be flexible. You do not need to be in shape. You just need to show up. New clients are walked through every move before class begins, and modifications are built in for every level.

I opened Pulse because I believe everyone deserves time for themselves.

As a mom of two young kids, I wanted a place where busy people could get a real, full body workout in under an hour and feel better walking out than they did walking in. I also wanted my kids to grow up watching their mom build something useful, rather than wait for someone else to build it.

Pulse is a small, locally owned studio. We know your name. We program our classes carefully. We teach beginners with patience and challenge experienced clients without asking them to leave their joints behind. Whether you are managing a long commute, recovering from an injury, balancing a busy household, or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, there is a spot for you here at Pulse.

If you have been thinking about trying Lagree, consider this your invitation. Slow movement, full body, real results. That is the whole idea behind Pulse, and we would love to introduce you to it.

abby@pulsestudiofit.com

(609) 613 - 4694

2450 Kuser Road Suite G Hamilton, NJ 08690

owner of Pulse

Abby Payson is the owner of Pulse, a Lagree studio in town, and a mom of two kids under 8.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 26 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2026

MONDAY – FRIDAY 5 PM – 11 PM

SATURDAY/SUNDAY/JULY 4 TH 3 PM – 11 PM

MERCER COUNTY PARK WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ

FREE LIVE MUSIC NIGHTLY

7/1 SHORTY LONG AND THE JERSEY HORNS @ 7pm

7/2 FRONTIERS @ 7:30pm

7/3 FEARLESS – THE TAYLOR SWIFT EXPERIENCE @7pm

7/4 FLOWER POWER @ 3PM | PURE PETTY @ 7pm

7/5 SIDEWAYS WILLY @ 3pm

7/5 SENSATIONAL SOUL CRUISERS @ 7pm

sports Workhorse Pullen emerged as Redbirds ace this year

By Rich Fisher

Strikeouts may be sexy, but Chase Pullen finds quick outs even more appealing. And that comes from constantly pitching to contact.

“My game plan mostly is to try and let the hitters hit my pitch and get weak outs,” the Allentown High junior said. “We had a really good defense behind me. Especially at the end of the season and the bigger games. So it’s just getting ahead in counts and not walking people, just pounding the zone and seeing what happens. I think that was a really good game plan this year.”

Redbirds coach Brian Nice loves that mindset, noting that it allowed Pullen to stay in his games to the end or near the end.

“He’s not an overpowering guy,” Nice said. “What he does really well is get quick outs. I guess opposing hitters kind of think of him as a comfortable at-bat because he’s not a physically imposing kid, but he’s able to locate his pitches and throw three pitches any time he wants for strikes.

“So he gets a lot of quick outs early in the count. Which is a more effective way to pitch as far as I’m concerned because he can go deeper into games without exerting his pitch count.”

Pullen did exactly that this past season as he helped Allentown to 21-9 record and berth in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III finals.

The righthander went 5-1 with a 1.32 ERA. He had 48 strikeouts in 58-1/3 innings, walked only 11 and gave up 44 hits for a 0.94 WHIP. Because of those quick outs, Pullen went at least five innings in all nine starts. He reached six in four starts and seven in four of his final five outings of the season.

Pullen ranked third in the Colonial Valley Conference in ERA, fifth in innings pitched and WHIP, and sixth in walks per seven innings (1.32).

“I don’t think he ever touched 100 pitches (95 was his high),” Nice said. “He was so efficient, he was in the strike zone. He would get five or six innings with seven or eight pitches. He was incredible to watch.

“He’s not a scary at-bat, no disrespect to Chase. But other teams don’t barrel up at all. They hit .200 against him. He’s not a guy that’s gonna strikeout 10 guys per game but that plays to his benefit because it lets him go deeper.”

The hurler credited pitching coach Craig Helfgott for calling his games and catcher Jason Villani for being easy to throw too.

“We were on the same page, so that was really helpful,” said Pullen, who throws a fastball, curveball and slider, and is developing a change-up.

Despite not hitting high on the radar gun, the ability to locate his fastball on either side of the plate has been huge.

“If you can throw a fastball to the inside corner to a high school hitter you’re

gonna get a lot of guys out,” Nice said. “A lot of high school pitchers cannot do that, are afraid to do that, or are not comfortable doing that. But Chase isn’t that kid. He can locate his fastball anywhere he wants at any time he wants.

“If he can command three pitches for strikes next year like he did this year, and pick up his velocity a little bit, he’s gonna be tremendous for us. We talked to him about getting a little bigger, a little stronger and putting a few more miles per hour on his fastball but that’s part of the normal high school development that’s just gonna happen by him getting physically stronger.”

Pullen has no problem hitting the weights. Last off-season he trained at Thunder N Lightning performance in Hamilton, doing weights and working on agility. He also went to The Yard in Pennington and did some throwing in order to stay sharp.

“The weight training definitely helps with the velocity as well as being able to get into my legs more,” Pullen said. “I can go deeper in the games too. I don’t get fatigued. I’m a little stronger, and I can push to that seventh inning.”

Pullen said he has been playing baseball for as long as he can walk, starting in T-ball, moving to little league and playing travel with the Arsenal for most of career. This year the brunt of that team formed Main Street Baseball, based down the shore, and the roster includes Redbird junior pitchers Jack Loughlin (2-2, 1.83 ERA) and RJ Davis (2-2, 2.10).

They helped comprise a strong staff along with sophomores JJ Biuso (4-1, 2.07 ERA) and Matt Laurinaitis (2-0, 2.86), as Allentown finished with a ster-

ling 2.35 earned run average. Loughlin and Pullen were One and One A where the starters were concerned.

“We challenged a lot of our pitchers back in September,” Nice said. “We knew we had a lot of arms, we just needed someone to be ‘The Arm.’ Chase certainly stepped up for us, took that responsibility very seriously and earned that responsibility.

“Early in the year he was a co-number one with Loughlin and, through no fault of Loughlin, throughout the year Chase earned that number one status. He pitched every big game come tournament time for us.”

The tone was set in his first start of the season when Pullen pitched a six-inning no-hitter against Nottingham, and things just took off from there.

By mid-May, he was peaking just in time for post-season.

Pullen beat West Windsor-Plainsboro North in the CVC Tournament’s first-round and was the hard-luck loser in a 2-1, eight-inning semifinal loss to Steinert despite allowing just six hits and no walks in 7-1/3 innings. In the CJ III tournament, he beat Spotswood in the opener and Wall in the semifinals, allowing a total of 10 hits and three runs in 13 innings.

As often happens, having a strong core of pitchers helped them drive each other to improved performances.

“Jack was a great pitcher this year for us,” Pullen said. “We were doing a lot of stuff together. He’s someone that pushes me to be better and the same with RJ Davis. He was one of our go-to guys, both of them pushed me to be the best I could

on a stellar Allentown

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be and were great teammates as well.”

Pullen has showed steady improvement in high school. As a freshman he threw 14 innings with a 4.00 ERA, followed by a sophomore season of 33 innings pitched and a 3.18 ERA.

“He’s really taken a big jump each year,” Nice said. “All the work he put in in the off-season you could just see he knew he was gonna get guys out this year.

“You can tell just from his demeanor on the mound he was so much more confident in his ability this year. Having had two years of varsity experience was part of it, and part of it was he wanted to show he was the guy. He turned out to be the guy on a great pitching staff.”

This summer, Pullen and Laurinaitis will be the lone Redbirds playing legion ball for Allentown. He figures on playing travel on weekends and legion during the week, and is hoping to work on his hitting more for both teams.

With Max Kleinz manning second base and hitting .330, Pullen had little opportunity to play the field.

“Max is graduating this year and going to Stockton, so hopefully I’ll get an opportunity to play middle infield along with being on the mound,” Pullen said. “So far

I’ve only be pitching. But I hope to be a two-way player next year.

“I’m gonna definitely hit for travel and I’m gonna try to hit for legion as well. I’m hitting and playing mostly infield for travel this year. I think that’s good thing. I’ll pitch here and there but I threw almost 60 innings for Allentown. It might not be a bad thing to just play second base and let the arm rest a little bit.”

Pullen loves pitching because enjoys controlling the game. He’s got pretty good control of the classroom as well, sporting a 3.6 grade point average this year while also performing community service for Allentown’s Leo Club.

College baseball is on Pullen’s radar and while his fastball is not eye-popping, Nice feels he has a shot.

“He will get looks,” the coach said. “Unfortunately velocity is things guys are looking for at the next level. But they’re still looking for somebody to get guys out. A lot of guys can throw 99 and can’t get anyone out. You have a kid who can throw a complete game on 85 pitches, and that’s big. He knows how to pitch. He’s not a thrower, he’s a pitcher.”

A darn good pitcher who would rather get three quick groundballs each inning than strike out the side.

Chase Pullen blossomed in his senior year and became the ace

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What’s Happening is a selection of events taking place this month in our area. For even more events, go online to our website, communitynews.org/events.

Details below were believed to be accurate at time of publication. We always recommend that you confirm all necessary details when planning to attend an event.

Wednesday, July 1

Wednesday Wonder Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy an easy group walk on the trails of Roebling Park and explore the Abbott Marshlands with others. Participants are encouraged to share what they see and ask questions along the way. abbottmarshlands. org.

seining along sandy Hook Bay, Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. 11 a.m. to noon. Join Monmouth County Park System naturalists for a hands-on nature program using a seine net to discover fish, crabs and other sea creatures along Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required, and adults must remain with children. monmouthcountyparks.com.

HAPPENING

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3 and 4 p.m. The 45-minute narrated tours are led by Park System naturalists and offer chances to view local wildlife. Tickets are purchased the day of the tour, and tours are weather and water-level dependent. monmouthcountyparks.com.

asbury Park live, 1st Avenue Green Space, Asbury Park. 7 to 10 p.m. The free local music series kicks off July 1 and runs Wednesdays at the 1st Avenue Green Space next to MOGO. The series highlights local music and gives readers a midweek Asbury Park nightlife option. apboardwalk.com.

Rumours aTl — a Fleetwood Mac Tribute, The Stone Pony, Asbury Park. 7 p.m. Rumours ATl performs a Fleetwood Mac tribute show at the Stone Pony. The concert adds a shore-area live music option for fans of classic rock and tribute bands. stoneponyonline.com.

T H u R sday, July 2

Baby storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Program for ages 6 to 24 months with a parent or caregiver. Families share stories, sing songs and take part in early-literacy activities. monmouth-

countylib.org.

life in a Freshwater Pond, Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen. 11 a.m. to noon. Park System naturalists lead an exploration of pond life, including turtles, frogs, herons, fish and other freshwater wildlife. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Family storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All-ages storytime with a parent or caregiver. Families share stories, songs and early-literacy activities. monmouthcountylib.org.

Getting Crafty, Allentown library, Allentown. 4:30 to 5 p.m. Children ages 3 and older can make an after-school craft at the library with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib.org.

The Wheeland Brothers with dylan Cotrone, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park. 7 to 9:30 p.m. The Wonder Bar hosts The Wheeland Brothers with Dylan Cotrone for a shorearea music night. The event gives the calendar another Asbury Park entertainment listing for younger adults and live-music fans. wonderbarasburypark.com.

Peppler Funeral Home

Open Mic Comedy night, Basie Center Cinema House, Red Bank. 7 p.m. Basie Center Cinema House hosts an open mic comedy night. Tickets are listed at $5 at the door. thebasie.org.

The Vagina Monologues, Asbury Park. 7 to 11 p.m. Eve Ensler’s play is presented as part of the Asbury Park events calendar. The performance adds a theater and arts listing to the month’s entertainment mix. asburyparkchamber.com.

F R iday, July 3

sangria, sliders & song, laurita Winery, New Egypt. laurita Winery celebrates the Fourth of July weekend with sangria and sliders, $1 off glasses of wine and free general admission. The holiday-weekend event continues through Monday, July 6. lauritawinery.com.

Tours are weather and water-level dependent. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Winslow — an eagles Tribute, The Stone Pony, Asbury Park. 7 p.m. New Jersey-based Winslow brings its Eagles tribute show to the Stone Pony. The band recreates the Eagles’ signature live sound and classic 1970s catalog. stoneponyonline.com.

space Bacon/sqwerv asbury Jams, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park. 7 to 11 p.m. Wonder Bar hosts a jam-band night with Space Bacon and Sqwerv as part of Asbury Jams. The event is a good fit for younger readers looking for shore nightlife and live music. wonderbarasburypark.com.

asbury Park independence day Fireworks, Asbury Park waterfront, Asbury Park. 9 p.m. The Independence Day fireworks display is held along the waterfront and boardwalk. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for a viewing spot. asburyparkchamber.com.

Promised land — american Hit Parade show, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park. 9 p.m. The Wonder Bar hosts Promised land for an American Hit Parade show following the July 3 fireworks. The event offers a late-night Asbury Park music listing for the holiday weekend. wonderbarasburypark.com.

The Rocky Horror Picture show, Basie Center Cinema House, Red Bank. 10 p.m. Basie Center Cinema House screens the 1975 cult classic. thebasie.org.

s aT u R day, July 4

Open swim at the Fort, Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Public swim hours continue at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center pool. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Thompson Park Canoe Rentals, Thompson Park, lincroft. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Canoes are available for rent on Marlu lake, with equipment provided. Rentals are open to all ages, with those under 18 accompanied by an adult, and all boats must be returned by 3 p.m. monmouthcountyparks.com.

First Responders day, Monmouth Park, Oceanport. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monmouth Park honors local firefighters, police officers and other first responders with free parking and free general admission. Gates open at 11 a.m. and first race is 2 p.m. monmouthpark. com.

Open swim at the Fort, Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy the pool during public swim hours. Daily and season swim passes are available, and swimming is weather and conditions permitting. monmouthcountyparks.com.

seining along sandy Hook Bay, Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. 11 a.m. to noon. Join Monmouth County Park System naturalists for a hands-on bay program using a seine net to look for fish, crabs and other sea life. Closed-toe shoes are required. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 6 and 7 p.m. The evening reservoir tours are narrated by Park System naturalists and include wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Celebrate america, laurita Winery, New Egypt. Noon. laurita Winery celebrates Independence Day weekend with its Celebrate America event. Admission is ticketed. lauritawinery.com.

independence day Celebration at Historic longstreet Farm, Historic longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Noon to 3 p.m. Historic longstreet Farm celebrates the holiday with games and contests. Free. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Mill demonstration at Historic Walnford, Historic Walnford, upper Freehold. 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. See the 19th-century gristmill in action during short demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Free. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. The 45-minute narrated reservoir tours are led by Park System naturalists and include wildlife viewing. monmouthcountyparks.com.

s unday, July 5

Open swim at the Fort, Fort Monmouth

Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Public swim hours continue at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center pool. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Thompson Park Canoe Rentals, Thompson Park, lincroft. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Canoes are available for rent on Marlu lake. Equipment is provided, and rentals are open to all ages with adult supervision required for minors. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Tramps like us — The springsteen Tribute, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park. 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wonder Bar hosts the Springsteen tribute act Tramps like us. The performance adds a Jersey Shore music item to the holiday weekend calendar. wonderbarasburypark.com.

Celebrate america, laurita Winery, New Egypt. Noon. laurita Winery continues its Celebrate America weekend event. Admission is ticketed. lauritawinery.com.

Mill demonstration at Historic Walnford, Historic Walnford, upper Freehold. 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Historic Walnford offers another afternoon of gristmill demonstrations. Free. monmouthcountyparks.com.

The libby Prison Minstrels at Historic longstreet Farm, Historic longstreet Farm, Holmdel. 1 to 3 p.m. The libby Prison Minstrels perform historical songs about life on the battlefield and the home front during the Civil War era. monmouthcountyparks. com.

Family sundays: Feed the animals, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Families can learn what it takes to keep the nature center’s educational animals healthy, clean and fed. Willing participants may be invited to help. abbottmarsh-

lands.org.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Park System naturalists lead narrated 45-minute tours with wildlife-viewing opportunities. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Kaleb Cohen, Wonder Bar, Asbury Park. 7 to 11 p.m. Wonder Bar hosts Kaleb Cohen for an evening music event. wonderbarasburypark.com.

M O nday, July 6

Planning Board Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 7 p.m. The Allentown Planning Board meets to handle planning and land-use business. allentownboronj. com.

Tuesday, July 7

sensory stations, Allentown library, Allentown. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Drop-in, child-led program for ages 6 months to 4 years with a parent or caregiver. Children may stay for the full hour or just part of the program. monmouthcountylib.org.

seining at Fisherman’s Cove, Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan. 11 a.m. to noon. Join a Park System naturalist for a free seining program to discover fish, crabs and other sea creatures along the cove. Closed-toe shoes are required. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Open schooling — Riders and drivers, Horse Park of New Jersey Indoor Arena, upper Freehold. 6 p.m. The Horse Park offers open schooling for riders and drivers in the indoor arena. horseparkofnewjersey.com.

Wednesday, July 8

Recycling Collection, Millstone Township, Millstone. Millstone Township’s July recycling collection dates include Wednesday, July 8. This item is best suited for a civic notices box if space becomes an issue. millstonenj.gov.

Millstone Planning Board Hearing, Municipal Meeting Room, Millstone. 7:30 p.m. Millstone Township lists a July 8 planning board hearing at the Municipal Meeting Room, 215 Millstone Road. millstonenj.gov.

seining along sandy Hook Bay, Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. 11 a.m. to noon. Park System naturalists lead a hands-on bay exploration using a seine net. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Park System naturalists lead narrated tours of the reservoir. Tickets are purchased the day of the tour. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Cornhole league, Bent Iron Brewing Co., Hamilton. Rotating game times at 5:30, 6:20, 7:10 and 8 p.m. Bent Iron’s summer cornhole league runs Wednesday nights from June 17 through Aug. 12. Games rotate by time slot. bentironbrewing.com.

T H u R sday, July 9

Family storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All-ages storytime with stories, songs and early-literacy activities. monmouthcountylib.org.

Getting Crafty, Allentown library, Allentown. 4:30 to 5 p.m. Children ages 3 and older can make an after-school craft with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib. org.

live Music, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Working Dog Winery hosts Thirsty Thursday with live music and $2 off wines by the glass. workingdogwinerynj.com.

Planning Board Meeting, upper Freehold Township Municipal Building, upper Freehold. 7 to 9 p.m. upper Freehold’s Planning Board meets to review planning, zoning and development matters. uftnj.com.

environmental Commission Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 7 p.m. The Allentown Environmental Commission meets to discuss local environmental issues, sustainability and related borough matters. allentownboronj.com.

Municipal Court, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. Allentown Borough lists municipal court for July 9. Include this as a civic notice rather than a main entertainment listing if space becomes tight. allentownboronj.com.

laurita Junior idol Final, laurita Winery, New Egypt. Laurita Winery hosts the final round of its Junior Idol competition. lauritawinery.com.

F R iday, July 10

Pressed Flower Resin Charcuterie Board, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Participants design a pressed-flower resin charcuterie board using real pressed flowers, bamboo wood and food-safe resin. workingdogwinerynj.com.

Music Bingo, laurita Winery, New Egypt. 7

p.m.

laurita hosts a free music bingo night with sing-alongs, trivia and prizes. RSVP is required. lauritawinery.com.

Rock of ages, Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank. 7:30 p.m. Phoenix Productions presents the 1980s rock jukebox musical at the Basie Center. thebasie. org.

James Maddock and Band, The Vogel, Red Bank. 7:30 p.m. James Maddock and Band perform at The Vogel on the Basie Center campus. thebasie.org.

s aT u R day, July 11

allentown Farmers Market, High Street upper elementary school parking lot, Allentown. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market features fresh produce, local vendors and family activity, including the lil Sprouts Play Patch for children. allentownboronj.com.

Open shoot archery, Thompson Park Activity Barn, lincroft. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Improve archery skills during an open shoot. This is not a beginner instructional program; equipment is provided. monmouthcountyparks.com.

live Music and Food Truck, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. Noon to 5 p.m. Working Dog Winery hosts a weekend afternoon with a food truck from noon to 5 p.m. and live music from 1 to 5 p.m. workingdogwinerynj.com.

lacemaking demonstration, Historic longstreet Farm, Holmdel. 1 to 3 p.m. Watch a demonstrator show Victorian-era lacemaking techniques including crochet, bobbin and shuttle work. Free. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Rigging 101, Manasquan Reservoir, Howell. 1 to 3 p.m. Experienced sailors can learn or refresh sailboat rigging skills and may be able to obtain a Monmouth County Park System sailing card. Free. monmouthcountyparks.com.

The Quest for america: 250, laurita Winery, New Egypt. 1 p.m. D.O.A. Mysteries presents a Revolutionary-themed outdoor scavenger hunt for teams of two to four. lauritawinery.com.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Park System naturalists lead 45-minute narrated tours of the reservoir. monmouthcountyparks.com.

sun Cruiser Cigar luncheon, Monmouth Park, Oceanport. Noon to 5 p.m. Monmouth Park hosts a ticketed cigar luncheon with buffet, premium bar, cigars and racing-season atmosphere. monmouthpark.com.

Rock of ages, Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank. 7:30 p.m. Phoenix Productions continues its run of “Rock of Ages.” thebasie.org.

The Great american soulBook, The Vogel, Red Bank. 7:30 p.m. The Basie Center lists The Great American SoulBook at The Vogel. thebasie.org.

s unday, July 12

live Music and Food Truck, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. Noon to 5 p.m. Working Dog hosts live music from 1 to 5 p.m. with a food truck from noon to 5 p.m. workingdogwinerynj.com.

Family sundays: Bug Catching, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Explore the bug world of the Abbott Marshlands using sweep nets, bug boxes and other tools. Participants take a closer look at insects before releasing them back into nature. abbottmarshlands.org.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, How-

ell. 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Park System naturalists lead narrated reservoir tours. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Rock of ages, Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank. 2 p.m. Phoenix Productions closes its three-day run of “Rock of Ages” with a Sunday matinee. thebasie.org.

an afternoon with Groucho — starring Frank Ferrante, The Vogel, Red Bank. 4 p.m. Frank Ferrante brings his Groucho Marx stage show to The Vogel. thebasie.org.

silverstein & story of the year: Camp screamo Tour, Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park. 5 to 10 p.m. Silverstein and Story of the year perform with Origami Angel and Ally Nicholas. The bill also includes inside-stage programming before and after the Summer Stage show. stoneponyonline. com.

M O nday, July 13

Parks and Public spaces Committee Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 7 p.m. The committee meets to discuss parks, public spaces and related local issues. allentownboronj.com.

Tuesday, July 14

Borough Council Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 6:30 p.m. The Allentown Borough Council meets for municipal business, ordinances, resolutions and public comment. allentownboronj.com.

Open schooling — Riders and drivers, Horse Park of New Jersey Indoor Arena, upper Freehold. 6 p.m. The Horse Park offers open schooling for riders and drivers. horseparkofnewjersey.com.

Wednesday, July 15

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Park System naturalists lead narrated reservoir tours. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Cornhole league, Bent Iron Brewing Co., Hamilton. Rotating game times at 5:30, 6:20, 7:10 and 8 p.m. Bent Iron’s summer cornhole league continues on Wednesday night. bentironbrewing.com.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 7 p.m. The commission meets to discuss historic preservation matters in the borough. allentownboronj.com.

Grace Potter: a Rare Club Performance, Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank. 7:30 p.m. Grace Potter performs at the Basie Center. thebasie.org.

T H u R sday, July 16

Baby storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Program for ages 6 to 24 months with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib.org.

Tiny Tot explorers, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. young children explore the Abbott Marshlands trails for signs of nature. Caregivers must remain with their children. abbottmarshlands.org.

Family storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All-ages storytime with books, songs and shared early-literacy activities. monmouthcountylib.org.

Getting Crafty, Allentown library, Allentown. 4:30 to 5 p.m. Children ages 3 and older can make an after-school craft with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib. org.

live Music, Working Dog Winery, Rob-

binsville. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Working Dog hosts a Thirsty Thursday live music event with $2 off wines by the glass. workingdogwinerynj.com.

Township Committee Meeting, upper Freehold Township Municipal Building, upper Freehold. 7 to 9 p.m. upper Freehold’s governing body meets for ordinances, resolutions, municipal business and public comment. uftnj.com.

Open Mic Comedy night, Basie Center Cinema House, Red Bank. 7 p.m. Basie Center Cinema House hosts open mic comedy. thebasie.org.

Congress The Band, The Stone Pony, Asbury Park. 7 p.m. Congress The Band performs with The Gringos and Rigometrics. stoneponyonline.com.

Jared Freid: The Table for One Tour, Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank. 7:30 p.m. Comedian Jared Freid brings his “Table for One” tour to the Basie Center. thebasie.org.

F

R iday, July 17

Tully’s Tales, Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Preschoolers can enjoy a nature-themed story and play time with stories, a craft or game. Caregivers must remain with their children. abbottmarshlands.org.

Concert in the Park: american Folk Rock with Jackson Pines, Thompson Park Theatre Barn, lincroft. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jackson Pines performs original songs and centuries-old folk songs with fingerpicking, fiddle, stand-up bass and vocal harmonies. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, food and soft drinks. monmouthcountyparks.com.

dance Party 2000s, laurita Winery, New

Egypt. 7 p.m. laurita hosts a 2000s-themed dance party. Tickets are listed at $11. lauritawinery.com.

Howie day, The Vogel, Red Bank. 8 p.m. Singer-songwriter Howie Day performs at The Vogel. thebasie.org.

The Rocky Horror Picture show, Basie Center Cinema House, Red Bank. 10 p.m. Basie Center Cinema House screens the 1975 cult classic. thebasie.org.

s aT u R day, July 18

saturday swim Time at Big Brook Park, Big Brook Park, Marlboro. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monmouth County Park System opens swim time at Big Brook Park. monmouthcountyparks.com.

disc Golfing at Big Brook, Big Brook Park, Marlboro. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can challenge friends or family to a round of disc golf at Big Brook Park, with baskets set up at varying lengths. Discs are provided, or players may bring their own. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Thompson Park Canoe Rentals, Thompson Park, lincroft. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Canoes are available for rent on Marlu lake, with all equipment provided. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Haskell day, Monmouth Park, Oceanport. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monmouth Park hosts Haskell Day, centered on the Haskell Stakes and summer racing. The event includes the Haskell hat giveaway and free parking. monmouthpark.com.

HPnJ Horse Trials ii, Horse Park of New Jersey, upper Freehold. The Horse Park hosts its second recognized horse trials event of the season. The two-day event continues Sunday, July 19. horseparkof-

newjersey.com.

luau Festival, laurita Winery, New Egypt. Noon to 9 p.m. Laurita hosts the first day of its luau Festival with tropical-themed food, wine and entertainment. lauritawinery.com.

live Music and Food Truck, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. Noon to 5 p.m. Working Dog Winery hosts a weekend afternoon with food truck service and live music from 1 to 5 p.m. workingdogwinerynj.com.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Park System naturalists lead narrated reservoir tours. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Billy Currington & Kip Moore, Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park. 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Billy Currington and Kip Moore perform on the Stone Pony Summer Stage, with Kenny Whitmire also on the bill. stoneponyonline.com.

Hot Tuna, Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank. 7:30 p.m. Hot Tuna performs at the Basie Center. thebasie.org.

s unday, July 19

HPnJ Horse Trials ii, Horse Park of New Jersey, upper Freehold. The Horse Park of New Jersey continues its recognized horse trials weekend. horseparkofnewjersey.com.

Thompson Park Canoe Rentals, Thompson Park, lincroft. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Canoe rentals continue on Marlu lake. monmouthcountyparks.com.

live Music and Food Truck, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. Noon to 5 p.m. Working Dog hosts live music from 1 to 5 p.m. and a food truck from noon to 5 p.m. workingdogwinerynj.com.

luau Festival, laurita Winery, New Egypt. Noon. laurita continues its luau Festival with tropical-themed food, wine and entertainment. lauritawinery.com.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Park System naturalists lead narrated reservoir tours. monmouthcountyparks.com.

M O nday, July 20

Board of education Meeting, Allentown High School, Allentown. 7 p.m. The upper Freehold Regional Board of Education meets for coach reviews, year in review and superintendent review. ufrsd.net.

Zoning Board Meeting, upper Freehold Township Municipal Building, upper Freehold. 7 to 9 p.m. upper Freehold’s Zoning Board meets to review zoning applications and related land-use matters. uftnj.com.

Tuesday, July 21

sensory stations, Allentown library, Allentown. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Drop-in, childled sensory program for ages 6 months to 4 years with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib.org.

Read to a dog, Allentown library, Allen-

town. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children can practice reading skills with a therapy dog. Open to all ages with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib.org.

Open schooling — Riders and drivers, Horse Park of New Jersey Indoor Arena, upper Freehold. 6 p.m. The Horse Park offers open schooling for riders and drivers. horseparkofnewjersey.com.

9/11 day of Remembrance Committee Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 7 p.m. The committee meets to plan and coordinate Allentown’s 9/11 remembrance activities. allentownboronj.com.

Wednesday, July 22

Recycling Collection, Millstone Township, Millstone. Millstone Township’s second July recycling collection is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22. use this as a municipal notice rather than a main calendar event if space becomes tight. millstonenj.gov.

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Park System naturalists lead narrated 45-minute tours with wildlife-viewing opportunities. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Cornhole league, Bent Iron Brewing Co., Hamilton. Rotating game times at 5:30, 6:20, 7:10 and 8 p.m. Bent Iron’s summer cornhole league continues. bentironbrewing.com.

Marine Mammals of the Jersey shore, Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth. 7 to 8 p.m. A Park System naturalist discusses marine mammals and their role in the Jersey Shore ecosystem. Free. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Millstone Zoning Board Hearing, Munici-

pal Meeting Room, Millstone. 7:30 p.m. Millstone Township lists a July 22 zoning board hearing at the Municipal Meeting Room, 215 Millstone Road. millstonenj.gov.

T H u R sday, July 23

Baby storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Program for ages 6 to 24 months with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib.org.

life in a Freshwater Pond, Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen. 11 a.m. to noon. Park System naturalists lead an exploration of pond life. monmouthcountyparks.com.

Family storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All-ages storytime with stories and songs. monmouthcountylib.org.

Getting Crafty, Allentown library, Allentown. 4:30 to 5 p.m. Children ages 3 and older can make an after-school craft with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib. org.

live Music, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Working Dog hosts Thirsty Thursday with live music and wine specials. workingdogwinerynj.com.

Municipal Court, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. Allentown Borough lists municipal court for July 23. Include this as a civic notice rather than a main entertainment listing if space becomes tight. allentownboronj.com.

shade Tree Commission Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 7 p.m. The commission meets to discuss shade tree and streetscape matters. allentownboronj. com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

F

R iday, July 24

stone Tavern XC schooling, Horse Park of New Jersey, upper Freehold. The Horse Park hosts Stone Tavern cross-country schooling ahead of the weekend’s schooling horse trials. horseparkofnewjersey.com.

shakey Graves & dope lemon, Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park. 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Shakey Graves and Dope lemon perform on the Stone Pony Summer Stage, with Texino also on the bill. stoneponyonline.com.

Kricket Comedy, laurita Winery, New Egypt. 7:30 p.m. Kricket Comedy returns to laurita Winery for a ticketed comedy night. lauritawinery.com.

s aT u R day, July 25

allentown Farmers Market, High Street upper elementary school parking lot, Allentown. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market features fresh produce, local vendors and children’s activities through the lil Sprouts Play Patch. allentownboronj.com.

stone Tavern schooling Horse Trials and Combined Training, Horse Park of New Jersey, upper Freehold. The Stone Tavern series includes Training, Novice, Beginner Novice, Starter and Pre-Starter divisions. horseparkofnewjersey.com.

italian Festival & Wine Tasting, Monmouth Park, Oceanport. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monmouth Park’s Italian Festival & Wine Tasting features food trucks, live music and wine sampling. Sampling tickets include five two-ounce samples, a commemorative glass and a betting voucher. monmouthpark.com.

live Music and Food Truck, Working Dog

July 9th, 6:30 pm - Tasteful Thursdays w/ Gray Whale Gin & Vodka at Mountain View

July 9th, 6:30 pm - Live Music from Almost Average at Mountain View

July 10th, 6:30 pm - Live Music from Spanky’s Garage at Princeton

July 16th, 6:30 pm - Tasteful Thursdays (Brand TBD) at Princeton

July 17th, 7:00 pm - Live Music from The Successful Failures at Princeton

July 18th, 8 pm - Live Music from Rocket Baby at Mountain View

July 23rd, 6:30 pm - Tasteful Thursdays w/ Cantera Negra Tequila at Mountain View

July 23rd, 7:00 pm - Live Music from Kindred Spirit at Mountain View

July 25th, 7:00 pm - Live Music from Slingshot at Princeton

July 30th, 6:30 pm - Tasteful Thursdays (BRAND TBD) at Princeton

July 31st, 7:00 - Live Music from Madwire at Mountain View

Winery, Robbinsville. Noon to 5 p.m. Working Dog Winery hosts weekend food truck service and live music from 1 to 5 p.m. workingdogwinerynj.com.

dueling Piano dudes, laurita Winery, New Egypt. 6:30 p.m. laurita hosts a high-energy dueling pianos event. Tickets are listed at $21. lauritawinery.com.

s unday, July 26

italian Festival & Wine Tasting, Monmouth Park, Oceanport. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monmouth Park’s festival continues with wine sampling, food trucks, live racing and music. monmouthpark.com.

live Music and Food Truck, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. Noon to 5 p.m. Working Dog hosts a food truck from noon to 5 p.m. and live music from 1 to 5 p.m. workingdogwinerynj.com.

John Waite, Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank. 7 p.m. John Waite performs at the Basie Center. thebasie.org.

M O nday, July 27

Recreation Commission Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 7 p.m. The Allentown Recreation Commission meets to discuss local recreation programming and events. allentownboronj.com.

Tuesday, July 28

Open schooling — Riders and drivers, Horse Park of New Jersey Indoor Arena, upper Freehold. 6 p.m. The Horse Park offers another open schooling session for riders and drivers. horseparkofnewjersey.com.

Wednesday, July 29

Cornhole league, Bent Iron Brewing Co.,

Hamilton. Rotating game times at 5:30, 6:20, 7:10 and 8 p.m. Bent Iron’s summer cornhole league continues Wednesday night. bentironbrewing.com.

asbury Park live, 1st Avenue Green Space, Asbury Park. 7 to 10 p.m. The free local music series continues at the 1st Avenue Green Space next to MOGO. apboardwalk. com.

T H u R sday, July 30

Baby storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Program for ages 6 to 24 months with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib.org.

Family storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All-ages storytime with stories, songs and early-literacy activities. monmouthcountylib.org.

Gemstone dig with Wild Jersey, Allentown library, Allentown. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children in kindergarten and older can search for gemstones in a mock rock, clean and identify what they find, and take home the gemstones. Registration is recommended because space and supplies are limited. monmouthcountylib.org.

live Music, Working Dog Winery, Robbinsville. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Working Dog hosts Thirsty Thursday with live music and wine specials. workingdogwinerynj.com.

F R iday, July

dueling Pianos, laurita Winery, New Egypt. 6 to 9 p.m. laurita hosts a dueling pianos night, with doors opening early for dinner from the winery menu. Tickets are listed at $21. lauritawinery.com.

New Talent Alert!

Please join us in welcoming Sarah and Flor to the shop! We are expanding our team to better serve you with the quality and style you’ve come to expect!

Book your visit with Sarah or Flor and help us give them a warm welcome!

A great year, a bright future

Mark Guterl SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER

As another remarkable school year comes to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the incredible Allentown High School Class of 2026 who is starting their adventure outside the walls of our community. Our community has just witnessed a year filled with profound achievements, growth, and joy. Watching our graduates walk across the stage is a powerful reminder of why we do this work, and we are immensely proud of the resilience and character they have shown throughout their educational journey…Always remember that you are loved.

memorable:

The UFR PTA: Thank you for your tireless advocacy, coordination, and community-building events.

The UFREF: We appreciate your dedication to funding innovative educational grants and opportunities.

Event Volunteers: Thank you to the countless parents who generously contributed their unique talents at multiple events.

4th Grade and 8th Grade Dance Committees: Your hard work created an unforgettable milestone celebration for our students.

Teacher of the Year Supporters: Thank you to the parents who step up to honor and support our stellar educators.

AHS Alumni: Thank you for always supporting AHS and for sharing your pride in your alma mater.

To our NES, SBMS and AHS students, thank you for continuously enlightening our lives with your curiosity, energy, and unique perspectives. You are the heart of our schools. Of course, none of these successes would be possible without our exceptional faculty and staff. Thank you for being that constant, unwavering support system for our kids every single day.

Our schools can only be the best they can be when we work in true partnership with our community. We are profoundly grateful to our parents and community members for your steadfast support of the district. A special thank you goes out to our vital community groups and volunteers who poured their time and energy into making this year so

While we are taking a moment to celebrate the great year we just had, our work does not stop. In fact, our administration and staff pivoted the very day after graduation to begin planning and preparing for the upcoming year. There is an immense feeling of optimism and excitement building for the 20262027 school year, and we are already hard at work designing new ways to help our students thrive. Thank you for being an essential part of our school family, and I look forward to partnering with you all again in the fall.

Have an amazing summer break!

Mark Guterl is superintendet of the Upper Freehold Regional School Disrrict,

House ad

Mayor’s column

nts, and to come to a decision using our wisdom and character to make what each one of us believes is the right decision for the community.

Thank you for this privilege and your trust.

Christopher Bobbitt is a councilman and mayor of Lawrence Township

SPRINGSIDE LOFTS & SPRINGSIDE LOFTS 55+

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