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The Messenger-Press

Senior Sendoff

Graduates celebrated commencement at Allentown High School on June 22. At top, valedictorian Ava Kuey (left) and salutatorian Amelia Pfeffer pose before the ceremony. Below left, Jesse Johnson shows off his Snoopy-themed graduation cap. Below right, Amariah Lopez waits for the start of commencement exercises June 22. For more photos, see page 16. (Photos by Suzette J Lucas.)

By R. H. Schmitt, Jr.

Part 1 of a 2 part retrospective of the Allentown area’s importance during the American Revolution.

Trenton, Princeton and Mercer County have long commanded much of New Jersey’s Revolutionary War attention. But just beyond those better-known battlefields, Allen’s Town, Upper Freehold and the surrounding Monmouth County countryside formed one of the overlooked crossroads of the American War for Independence.

As we quickly approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of our great republic, The Messenger-Press thought it fitting

that we steal a glimpse through the not-solong-ago colonial historical lens and take, if you’ll allow, a bayonet’s stab at exploring the important role that Allen’s Town Village — Allentown Borough, for all of you modernists — played in that struggle for independence.

We must state clearly at the outset, with regard to this historical reflection — this columnist’s tribute to his beloved hometown and her residents — that we, a journeyman writer under threat of a guillotine-like deadline and you, his historically picayune readers, are as mere riders on a dark and galloping charge.

See CROSSROADS, Page 6

At the crossroads of war and independence History takes the center stage for America’s 250th

By Bill Sanservino

Before there was a country, there was a Deleware 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.

Some 250 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 this July 4. But in this region, the anniversary is especially local.

Allentown Bordentown, Trenton, Princeton, and the 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 the following months, and range from fireworks, concerts and public readings of the Declaration of Independence to museum exhibitions, walking tours,

See 250th, Page 9

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Allentown Plants Liberty Tree for 250th

The Allentown Shade Tree Commission officially commemorated the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States with the dedication of a Liberty Tree on June 14.

The ceremony, held at Heritage Park, brought together local officials and residents to honor the nation’s history and the spirit of community stewardship.

Terry Brown, chairman of the Allentown Shade Tree Commission, addressed the public regarding the historical significance of the Liberty Tree.

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Brown noted that the tree is modeled after Boston’s famous Liberty Tree, where patriots organized meetings during the American Revolution.

“Now historic Allentown has one of its own,” Brown said, noting that each of the original 13 colonies planted such trees as symbols of resistance.

During the event, Mayor Thomas Fritts read letters of recognition for the volunteers who assisted in securing the tree grant and establishing a partnership with the Upper Freehold Regional School District.

The partnership recently facilitated the planting of 140 native shade trees across district campuses to improve air quality and enhance the local environment.

PETE’S DELI & GROCERIES

The ceremony included the unveiling of a patriotic memorial plaque and a tree giveaway for attendees. Guests also included Borough Council President and

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Shade Tree Liaison John Elder; Council Vice President Nicki Darling; Historic Preservation Commission member Robert Mayer; Environmental Commission member Patricia Brown; and Senior Committee member Betty Elder.

That ride is meant to carry us back to a time of political upheaval, tectonic shifts in economics, trade and cottage industries, astonishing scientific evolution and medical discoveries, and, perhaps most important to our expedition, the audacious introduction of the idea that a person might live freely in the pursuit of his happiness or, at the very least, up to the limits of his inalienable rights and responsibilities as a private citizen, who would not by nature nor by common sense kneel before king nor kaiser.

If anything is to represent the brass ring to be grasped during our midnight journey backward into the illumination of our own history, it is this: the concept of individual liberty, uttered first on this continent by the humanistic philosopher, inventor, writer and revolutionary Thomas Paine, Englishman, founding American father and author of “The American Crisis.”

Most are aware Paine kept a cottage for himself and a small stable for his horse, Buttons, just a few miles south from here in Bordentown, but the unsubstantiated story that he lived on what is now Church Street, in Allen’s Town, with his niece for a time, also lingers — as so much else does in these parts.

We are at full gallop now, thundering back through time, clinging on astride a somehow familiar historical steed, hurtling break-

neck, all a-clatter and dashing in and out of the long-dark village alleys and passageways of the old town, past the familiar Old Mill, yes, but is that a second mill standing close by?

A tannery appears across the way where Sensi Park should be. The blur of neon and electric light left behind in our periphery, giving way now to candles flickering behind the rippled glass panes of taverns, cozy, firelit inns and quartermasters’ offices while modern trustworthy pavement falls away under hoof to unevenly worn highways of packed earth and patched brick, and on, and still striding, and still galloping on, over cobblestone, mud, murky streams of brackish water, out into the great pastures and farmlands dotted with farmhouses and barns cast in distant shadow.

We are some 10 miles from Trenton, 14 miles from Princeton and 14 miles from Freehold. In other words: the crossroads of colonial transportation, business and, eventually, the strategic center point of the American Revolution.

So then, with a final leap over wild, tangled blackberry brambles and the snarled underbrush of the deep green of the forested woodlands, ages gone, and finally, now, pausing, panting, now squinting at unknowable Lenape-Unami Indian trails, faint, barely traceable, in fact, in the glowering dusk, that break off and lead out across

the wildlands of western Jersey and disappear, as they are wont to do, into a million stories, tales and fables, we find ourselves well placed — just as General Sir Henry Clinton would find in his attempt to use this area to outflank General George Washington in his later march to New York.

See here, there are at least two Indian paths we could follow, if we’re careful. But the one fading Indian path we want fades in and out among the tall grass and brush alongside a brisk fresh stream we’ve come to call Doctors Creek, which runs right through the heart of Allen’s Town and, if followed far enough east, would lead us out through untamed forests and eventually to the Pinelands watershed and on out to the bright coastal waters of the Atlantic.

We’ve arrived. Welcome to a spring morning in colonial Allen’s Town.

Not far from this clearing by Doctors Creek, we will find that at least two mills, a fulling mill and a grist mill, are already, with the sun barely at full rise, in full daily operation. These mills, founded by Nathan Allen years earlier, are the machines at the heart of all sorts of related, necessary industries in town and nearby, and will come to be owned and operated by Joseph Height, the prosperous Burlington tavern owner of the Stage Coach Tavern in Burlington City.

The prominent family names to be reckoned with at this time included Borden —

both father and son — and Rogers.

Although we are most interested in a brief history of colonial Allen’s Town’s prominent role during the hostilities between the Crown and the colonies from 1765 to 1783, it would be difficult to tell that story if we left out what life was like there leading up to the Revolution.

Our challenge is that there is so much more to the story and to the significance of Allentown with regard to the War for Independence than can be included in a short tribute such as this one. Further, we admit our absolute reliance upon wiser, more expert historians who have done much hard work, digging and corroboration amid the historical fog and the usual expected contrarian counterpoints.

Among these experts, chiefly, is noted Monmouth County historian John Fabiano, who has made it his very life’s work to uncover, vet and verify the rich histories of the establishment of historically accurate local and more widespread colonial history and cultural understanding along with his collaborators Anne Garrison and Alice Wikoff, all residents of the Historic Village of Allentown.

The cultural and historical value of their study, originally published in 2001, cannot be underestimated. In addition to that seminal document, Wikoff is well known for See CROSSROADS, Page 8

Sweat, Sculpt & Thrive:

Your Summer Lagree Wellness Routine

Summer is officially here — and if you’re looking for a workout that keeps you cool-headed, toned, and actually excited to show up, Lagree might just be your new favorite season ritual. Think of it as Pilates’s more intense, low-impact cousin: slow, deliberate, and surprisingly brutal in the best way. Whether you’re a longtime Mini Pro devotee or Lagree-curious, here’s how to build a summer wellness routine around it that goes beyond the studio.

Why Lagree in the Summer?

Summer can derail even the most consistent gym-goers. The heat makes high-impact cardio feel brutal, schedules get looser, and motivation tends to drift along with beach days. That’s where Lagree shines. Classes are 45 minutes and pack serious results into a short window. The slow-twitch muscle engagement keeps your heart rate elevated without the pounding of a run — which means less inflammation, less joint stress, and more energy left over for actually enjoying your summer.

Building Your Weekly Rhythm

The sweet spot for most people is three Lagree sessions per week, with intentional rest or active recovery built in between. Aim for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday if you want structure, or anchor one session as a Monday reset and build from there. On off-days, lean into summer-friendly movement: a morning walk before the heat kicks in, a light swim, or even just stretching on your porch with your coffee. The goal isn’t to grind through summer — it’s to feel good in your body all season long.

Fueling It Right

Lagree is no joke on your muscles, so what you eat around your sessions matters. In summer, your body already runs warmer and needs more hydration than you think — and that’s before you factor in a full-body Mini Pro workout. Start your day with water before coffee.

About 90 minutes before class, have something light: a banana with almond butter, a smoothie with protein, or Greek yogurt with fruit. After class, prioritize protein and electrolytes. Think grilled salmon with a big salad, or a protein smoothie with coconut water. Eating seasonally is easy in summer — lean into berries, cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens. Your body (and your skin) will thank you.

Recovery Is Part of the Routine

One thing people underestimate about Lagree: the soreness is real. Because the method works muscles to complete fatigue through slow, sustained tension, your recovery needs to match the effort. Make foam rolling and stretching a non-negotiable, especially for your core, hips, and inner thighs. If you can swing a monthly massage or body treatment, summer is the perfect time — your muscles are warmer and more receptive. Sleep is also part of recovery, and longer summer days can mess with your wind-down routine, so keep your sleep environment dark and cool even when the sun sets late.

The Mental Side

There’s something about Lagree that forces you to be present. You can’t zone out on a Mini pro. The movements are too deliberate, too specific. That kind of focused movement is genuinely meditative, and in a summer that can feel chaotic with travel, events, and a packed social calendar, showing up to a 45-minute class can be the reset your mind needs just as much as your body. Think of it as your anchor: the one consistent thing you do for yourself no matter how the rest of the week unfolds.

Summer bodies are built in spring, sure — but summer wellness is built one intentional session at a time. Show up, slow down, and let Lagree do the rest.

abby@pulsestudiofit.com (609) 613 - 4694

2450 Kuser Road Suite G Hamilton, NJ 08690

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

her beloved hand-drawn illustrations of the town’s early structures, prominent homes and governmental buildings. These are collected in her book, “A Sketchbook of Historic Allentown.”

After its original establishment in 1706, the village grew to approximately 80 wooden and brick structures, but by the time of our visit, 1756, just as anti-British sentiment is heating up in Allen’s Town, Upper Freehold and Bordentown, the village was the scene of bustling industry.

In addition to the mills, there was a tannery, a pork-processing facility, haberdasheries, millineries, no fewer than three busy inns and three smoky, clattering blacksmiths, general dry-goods shops, bakeries and much more.

As the British became more demanding — even turning citizens out of their own homes in Allen’s Town, Bordentown and elsewhere in 1777 and 1778 — those businesses, including that of a bright, patriotic young Allentown lawyer, David Brearly, would contribute significantly to the cause of liberty from the Crown, according to Fabiano et al.

That important work reminds us of the close relationship between prominent merchants in Bordentown, Burlington, Allen’s Town and Perth Amboy, who together controlled travel and trade in the decades before the American War for Independence.

The coming war would bring British soldiers, their now-infamous Hessian mercenaries and loyalists, and the Colonial Army of farmers, schoolteachers and merchants, led by His Excellency General George Washington — late of the French and Indian Wars, where he established both his military prowess and absolute fearless resolve.

But we are also stalking the quarry of Allen’s Town’s place in a new nation’s varied, burgeoning areas of commerce: our

perfectly centralized location between New York and Philadelphia, the steadily developing shore towns and the hill country to the north and west, its crucial importance as a breadbasket, and a booming carriage and furniture, equestrian, milling and forge town, complete with wheelwrights, hoopers, brewers and more.

Arguably, however, as the “belt” of the Jerseys, that is the stretch of the Old York Road, or “The Crown Road,” as it was sometimes called, all the way through Allen’s Town and into Bordentown, was a strategic pinch point for both opposing forces, who regularly camped, spied, skirmished and resupplied men and livestock alike at the colonial crossroads.

In addition to Fabiano, Garrison, Wikoff and their contributors, I will, as needed, depend upon other historians, storytellers and amateur researchers as we go along.

Colonial Allentown was a centralized hotbed of a variety of invaluable 18thcentury industries that included extensive and varied agricultural contributions, carriage making, furniture manufacturing, blacksmithing, equestrian interests of every stripe, at least one well-regarded doctor and several prominent lawyers, one of whom, Maj. James Imlay, was a signer of the United States Constitution and a member of the United States Congress.

purchasing two separate parcels of land from wealthy Scots Quaker Robert Burnett, who first emigrated from England to Perth Amboy in 1690.

Burnett, inexplicably rarely discussed regarding Allentown’s early history, purchased some 4,000 acres east of Doctors Creek. The two parcels that Allen acquired from Burnett consisted of 110 acres on the east side of Doctors Creek. The other large parcel consisted of 528 acres on the north side of Indian Run Creek.

This would enable Allen to set into motion his dream of both a grist and fulling mill. Around that first earnestly planted dream, the small village began to grow.

Allentown stood out, for better or worse, as a firm, unapologetic bastion of patriotic sentiment and fervor.

Another was the well-known patriot and legal scholar Col. David Brearly, who, although young at the time, became a United States judge.

Allen’s Town was established in 1706 by Nathan Allen, who built the first mill after

early Upper and Lower Monmouth County was embroiled in open hostilities between factions of Tories — sympathetic to the Crown of King George III — and patriots yearning to establish a new republic, democratically ruled by law, not bloodlines and strategic marriages, Allentown stood out, for better or worse, as a firm, unapologetic bastion of patriotic sentiment and fervor.

Rumors have swirled for centuries that the main carriage stop and inn on the Old York Road, most recently known as DiMattia’s Restaurant, was once a serpent’s den of early Revolutionary spycraft, secret meetings and skulduggery.

The prosperous Quaker, Burnett, had two daughters who stayed on in Allen’s Town: Margaret, who married Nathan Allen, and Isabel, who married William Montgomery.

Montgomery, for his part, purchased a large parcel of land in Upper Freehold from his fatherin-law. Later incorporated as a municipality within Monmouth County from portions of Upper Freehold on Jan. 29, 1889, the village was notable not only for its central proximity between colonial north and south Jerseys, but also for its taverns, inns, mail depots and stagecoach stops between Philadelphia, New York, the coast and the westerly wildlands very near the Delaware Water Gap.

This, plainly, was Allen’s Town — the very crossroads of the American Revolution. These are plain facts, well-established and commonly discussed among historically minded residents.

Although the Historic Village of Allentown currently occupies less than a square mile of land, streams, parks and ponds, it is nothing short of astonishing in its contribution, not only to the American Revolution, but to the very founding of our nation.

Alongside such industrious and important neighbors as Upper Freehold Township, Chesterfield — and the Quaker Village of Crosswicks — and Bordentown, a community worthy of volumes in its own right and the traditional home of none other than Thomas Paine, the earlier mentioned British-born philosopher, inventor and radical humanist, often referred to as the father of the American Revolution.

Visitors to nearby Bordentown can visit the Paine monument on the corner of Prince and Courtland streets, a quiet spot offering sweeping views of the Delaware River and only steps away from the River Light Rail Station.

According to Fabiano et al., while much of

Located a mere 10 miles from Trenton and some 14 miles across farmlands to Princeton, General George Washington himself passed through and stayed in Allentown on several occasions.

Both the British and the Colonial armies understood the strategic importance of controlling the narrow belt that the Old York Road represented — a direct run between New York and Philadelphia, as well as a promising point to offer a protective southern flanking guard for both the Second Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton for whichever army controlled it.

It should be noted here that the importance of the study, as an aside to this abbreviated 250th anniversary tribute, such as it is, cannot be overestimated in either its thoroughness of academic research or bounty of sources cited and vetted.

The original document includes comprehensive topographical maps of the territory of Allen’s Town, Upper Freehold and other surrounding areas; both colonial and British troop movements; strategic meetings right in the homes and secret meeting places within the village; corroborating letters; newspaper accounts; lists of common soldiers, officers and their duties; and even quartermaster’s accounting documents of uniforms, rations, ammunition, and the care and feeding of livestock during encampments in and around Allentown.

Within the comprehensive study, there are even unearthed excerpts from a diary kept by a British defector, Thomas Sullivan, who switched sides to join the Colonial Army in the summer of 1778.

In fact, the British Army’s occupation of certain lands in and immediately around Allentown and Upper Freehold has yielded an ever-deepening understanding and historically evidenced treasure trove of information regarding both Colonial and British troop movements, encampments, strategies, and even everyday life of both soldiery and civilians during this turning point in our nation’s tumultuous birth some 250 years ago.

Editor’s note: Part two will appear next month, assuming the columnist can meet his overly generous deadline and resist waiting until the last minute to file his copy.

library programs, historic-house visits, living history events and family activities.

Some are celebrations. Some are invitations to look more closely at complicated history. Many are both. Together, they offer a chance to revisit the Revolution not as something distant, but as something that happened here.

The following events have been compiled from area municipalities, libraries, museums, historical organizations and regional America 250 programs.

Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence, Saturday, July 4: Allentown will mark America’s 250th anniversary with a public proclamation of the Declaration of Independence as part of its semiquincentennial programming.

The event connects the borough’s America 250 observance with the founding document adopted in 1776 and with Allentown’s broader effort to recognize the role the area and Monmouth County played in the fight for independence. The program is coordinated through the Allentown 250 Committee with support from The Allentown Village Initiative. For more information, www. allentownvinj.org.

The Sound of America: A Semiquincentennial Concert, Wednesday, July 1, 7 p.m.: The Garden State Arts Foundation, in partnership with MonmouthNJ 250, Live Nation, PNC Bank and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, will present a free concert at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

The concert features the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus, along with the American Bombshells, in a patriotic program marking the start of the Fourth of July weekend. The performance is part of Monmouth County’s broader semiquincentennial observance.

Free tickets are required. For more information, visit gsafoundation.org.

Monmouth County’s 250 for 250 Challenge, ongoing through Saturday, July 4: Monmouth County’s 250 for 250 Challenge invites participants to walk or run 250 miles in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

The virtual wellness challenge began 250 days before the semiquincentennial and continues through July 4. Participants may complete miles anywhere — on trails, roads, sidewalks, treadmills or boardwalks — and log them as part of the countywide effort.

Participants who complete the challenge will receive commemorative medals honoring America’s 250th anniversary and Monmouth County’s role in the fight for independence. Medal pickup is scheduled for Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 31, at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, 33 Mechanic St., Freehold. For more informa-

tion, visit monmouthnj250.org.

Burlington County Historical Society

Fourth of July Celebration, Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Burlington County Historical Society will mark America’s 250th anniversary with a Fourth of July celebration at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Burlington City.

The program is expected to include a live reading of the Declaration of Independence along with music and historical programming at one of New Jersey’s oldest church sites. The event gives Burlington County a direct July 4 connection to the founding document and the region’s Revolutionary-era history.

For more information, visit burlingtoncountyhistoricalsociety.org.

America’s 250 Potluck and Let Freedom Ring, Sunday, July 5: Allentown will continue its semiquincentennial observance with an America’s 250 Potluck and Let Freedom Ring event organized with The Allentown Village Initiative. The program is part of a broader effort encouraging communities to gather around a shared meal during the 250th anniversary weekend. The event is meant to bring residents together in a simple, communal way, using food, conversation and local connection to mark the nation’s milestone. For more information, visit allentownvinj.org.

America’s Potluck, Sunday, July 5: Burlington City will participate in America’s Potluck, a semiquincentennial initiative encouraging communities to gather around food, family history and shared stories.

The Burlington City event is expected to take place along the Riverfront Promenade and invite participants to bring family memories, photographs or artifacts connected to the oldest generations in their families. The program uses the simple act of sharing food and stories to connect the 250th anniversary to local families and community memory.

For more information, visit burlingtoncountynj.gov.

Monmouth County Fair, Wednesday, July 22, 4 to 11 p.m. (also Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, July 26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.): The Monmouth County Fair returns to the East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold, with a special 250th anniversary celebration tied to Monmouth County’s Revolutionary history.

The fair includes rides, entertainment, food, 4-H exhibits, demonstrations and family activities. Opening night is expected to include semiquincentennial programming connected to MonmouthNJ 250, recognizing the county’s role as a Revolutionary War battleground.

General admission is $10 for adults; children 12 and younger are admitted free. For more information, visit monmouthcounty-

See 250th, Page 10

parks.com.

Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford, Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.: Historic Walnford, 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, will offer demonstrations of its 19th-century gristmill, giving visitors a look at the rural industries and agricultural life that shaped the region after the Revolutionary era.

The historic site preserves the Waln family’s former mill village, including the 1773 Waln House, outbuildings and the mill along Crosswicks Creek. Each mill demonstration lasts about 15 minutes. Free. For more information, visit monmouthcountyparks.com.

Trenton

Trenton Heritage Week, Friday, July 3, through Wednesday, July 8: Trenton’s signature America 250 celebration will highlight the city’s Revolutionary War legacy and its modern multicultural character with a Fourth of July parade and festival, historic tours, Declaration readings, concerts, museum exhibits and family activities. A visitors center at 1 W. State St. will direct guests to historic sites and events. The celebration culminates July 8 with the 250th annual proclamation of the Declaration at the site where it was first publicly read in Trenton in 1776. For more information, visit trentonnj.org.

Old Barracks Grand Reopening Cel-

ebration, Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

The Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack St., will celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary with a grand reopening after a yearlong restoration. Visitors can preview three new exhibits, see George Washington’s Inaugural Flower Arch, hear Liberty Tree perform “Welcome Mighty Chief” and take part in living-history demonstrations. For more information, visit barracks.org.

Trenton Thunder Baseball and Fireworks, Saturday, July 4, 6 p.m.: Trenton Heritage Week continues at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, 1 Thunder Road, with baseball and fireworks, offering a family-friendly evening event after the downtown parade and festival. For more information, visit mlbdraftleague.com/trenton.

The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the New Jersey State Archives, Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (also Tuesday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): The New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State St., will present an exhibition developed with the New Jersey State Archives featuring documents and artifacts connected to New Jersey’s Revolutionary era and the continuing impact of Revolutionary ideals. For more information, visit state.nj.us/state/museum.

“What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, Sunday, July 5, 4 p.m.: The William

Trent House Museum, 15 Market St., will present a reading of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech with songs of the era. The program connects the 250th anniversary with reflection on freedom, citizenship and the contradictions of American history. Free tickets are available through the museum. For more information, visit williamtrenthouse.org.

Friends Meeting House Open House and Programs, Monday, July 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (also Tuesday, July 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.): The Friends Meeting House, 142 E. Hanover St., will be open during Trenton Heritage Week. Built in 1739 and used as British dragoons headquarters in December 1776, the site will host a neighborhood walking tour and a talk on Quakers in New Jersey history and the Revolution. For more information, visit trentonnj.org.

Official Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Wednesday, July 8, noon: Trenton will reenact the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence at 23 S. Warren St., the same place and time as the city’s first public reading in 1776. The ceremony anchors a day of programming tied to the Declaration and Trenton’s Revolutionary War history. For more information, visit trentonnj.org.

History Fest250, Wednesday, July 8, 1 p.m.: Following the noon Declaration reading, History Fest250 will bring exhibits, demonstrations and family activities to downtown Trenton with organizations including the Trent House, Morven, New Jersey State Archives, New Jersey State Library, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Washington Crossing Park Association and Trenton Free Public Library. For more information, visit trentonnj.org.

Historic Downtown Trenton Walking Tour, Wednesday, July 8, 3 p.m.: Explore Trenton’s Revolutionary-era landmarks, historic streets and civic buildings during a guided walking tour of downtown. The tour highlights sites connected to the American Revolution, early state government and Trenton’s development as New Jersey’s capital city. For more information, visit trentonnj.org.

International Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence and Blawenburg Band Concert, Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m.: Trenton will join communities nationwide in a public reading of the Declaration, followed by a free concert by the 55-member Blawenburg Band featuring “The Battle of Trenton” and patriotic selections. For more information, visit trentonnj. org.

Summer Saturdays 2026: Free Family Workshops Celebrate America 250, Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m. to noon (also July 18, July 25 and Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to noon): Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, 299 Parkside Ave., will host free hands-on

workshops inspired by America’s 250th anniversary. Designed mainly for children ages 5 to 12, the workshops explore art, history and the nation’s founding. Advance registration is requested. For more information, visit ellarslie.org.

Old Barracks Museum Colonial Summer Day Camp, Monday, July 13, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (also July 14-17, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Children ages 9 to 12 can experience life in Revolutionary America during a weeklong summer camp at the Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack St. Campers will learn through cooking, games, marches to historic sites and hands-on activities. Lunch is included. Cost is $275 for qualifying Old Barracks Association members and $300 for nonmembers. For more information, visit barracks.org.

The Crossing: A Revolutionary New Musical, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2 p.m.: The William Trent House Museum, 15 Market St., will host a free tavern-style preview of “The Crossing,” a new American musical inspired by Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the Ten Crucial Days campaign. For more information, visit thecrossingmusical. com.

The Crossing, Saturday, Dec. 26: The world premiere of “The Crossing” will take place at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial on the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Trenton. The musical explores Washington’s crossing, the battles of Trenton and Princeton and the Ten Crucial Days campaign. For more information, visit thecrossingmusical.com.

Patriots Week: Battles of Trenton Reenactments, Sunday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m. (also 3 p.m.): Trenton will mark the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Trenton with reenactments on and near the original battlefields. The first begins at the Battle Monument at 11 a.m.; the second takes place at 3 p.m. in Mill Hill Park. Free, rain or shine. For more information, visit barracks.org.

Princeton

“Nursery of Rebellion”: Princeton and the American Revolution, ongoing through Monday, July 13: Princeton University Library’s exhibition examines Princeton’s role in the American Revolution through rare books, manuscripts, prints and historical materials. For more information, visit library.princeton.edu.

Princeton’s Taverns: On the Road to Revolution, ongoing: The Historical Society of Princeton’s free outdoor exhibition in Dohm Alley, off Nassau Street, explores how taverns served as centers of commerce, communication, politics and community life in 18th-century Princeton. For more information, visit princetonhistory. org.

Real and Remembered: Princetonians Caught Between Study and Revolution, ongoing through Friday, April

30, 2027: The Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library at Princeton University examines how students were caught between education, politics and war during the nation’s founding. For more information, visit library.princeton.edu.

Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, ongoing through Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027: Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., presents an exhibition on New Jersey’s five signers of the Declaration of Independence: Abraham Clark, John Hart, Francis Hopkinson, Richard Stockton and John Witherspoon. More than 100 historic objects and Revolutionary-era works are on view. For more information, visit morven.org.

Community on Tap, Friday, July 3, noon (also 1 p.m.): The Historical Society of Princeton will offer guided tours of “Princeton’s Taverns: On the Road to Revolution” in Dohm Alley, focusing on taverns where Patriots and Loyalists gathered, debated, exchanged news and conducted business. For more information, visit princetonhistory.org.

Fourth of July Festival, Saturday, July 4, noon to 3 p.m.: Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration with music, lawn games, face painting, food trucks, arts and crafts, community partners, open archives and free museum admission. Poet David Mills will read Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Pre-registration is requested. For more information, visit morven.org.

250th Anniversary Independence Day Celebration at Princeton Battlefield, Saturday, July 4, noon to 3 p.m.: Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer Road, will host Declaration readings, Continental Army drill, musket-firing demonstrations, 18th-century crafts, cooking demonstrations and Clarke House tours. Free. For more information, visit pbs1777.org.

America250 Walking Tour, Sunday, July 5, 2 p.m.: The Historical Society of Princeton will lead a walking tour of Revolutionary Princeton, including British-occupied sites, homes of Declaration signers, taverns and a location connected to the Battle of Princeton. Tickets are required. For more information, visit princetonhistory.org.

Summer Reading Soirée: A Founding Mother, Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 p.m.: Princeton Public Library, Morven Museum & Garden and Labyrinth Books will present authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie discussing and signing copies of “A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams” at Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St. Tickets include a copy of the book. For more information, visit morven.org.

Revolution Sundays: The Battle of Princeton, Sunday, July 12, 1 p.m. (also July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Sept. 6, Sept. 13, Sept. 27, Oct. 11 and Oct. 18, 1 p.m.): Princeton Bat-

tlefield Society will present recurring programs at Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer Road, exploring the Battle of Princeton and the Ten Crucial Days campaign. For more information, visit pbs1777. org.

When the Declaration of Independence Was News, Sunday, July 19, 2 p.m.: Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., will host historian Emily Sneff for a Generation Declaration program on how the Declaration was communicated before anyone knew whether independence would succeed. Registration includes museum admission. morven.org.

Listening to the Revolution: 250 Years of American Music, Thursday, July 30, 6 p.m.: Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., will host a free community concert by the Blawenburg Band on Morven’s historic front lawn. Pre-registration is requested. Rain date is Friday, July 31. morven.org.

Book Talk with Brooke Barbier: A Revolutionary Take on Cocktails & History, Friday, July 31, 5 p.m.: Public historian Brooke Barbier will discuss “Cocked and Boozy: An Intoxicated History of the American Revolution” at Nassau Inn in Princeton, exploring alcohol’s role in colonial politics, relationships and the economy. Visit princetonhistory.org.

Princeton Battlefield 5K, Sunday, Sept. 6: Princeton Battlefield State Park will host a history-themed 5K and 1K walk as part of the RevolutionNJ Race Series, connecting fitness with one of the Ten Crucial Days campaign’s key sites. Visit revnj.org.

Princeton and the American Revolution: A Four-Part Series, Thursday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m. (also Sept. 17, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m.): The Historical Society of Princeton will present a four-part program at Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, examining the Battle of Brooklyn, the Ten Crucial Days and Princeton’s role as the nation’s capital in 1783. For more information, visit princetonhistory.org.

Princeton 1776 Fest, Saturday, Oct. 3: Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., will host a free community celebration co-sponsored by the Historical Society of Princeton, Morven, Princeton Battlefield Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution. The event includes music, living-history interpreters, craftspeople, exhibitions, food and drink. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 4. Visit morven.org.

Experience the Battle of Princeton, Sunday, Dec. 27, noon to 2 p.m.: Princeton Battlefield Society will mark the 250th anniversary of the Ten Crucial Days with a Battle of Princeton program coordinated with Washington Crossing Historic Park and the Old Barracks Museum. Registration is required. For more information, visit pbs1777.org.

D’Angel Carpet Service, built on quality and affordability

By Jenna Rittman

From carpet installation and repair to hardwood floor refinishing, Brian Hinkley has spent three decades helping area homeowners improve their homes one floor at a time.

Hinkley, owner of D’Angel Carpet Service, was introduced to the carpet service business 30 years ago when his stepfather needed a carpet salesman. After his stepfather died, Hinkley was taught the craft by one of his stepfather’s friends, which eventually led him to start his own installation business.

Before he entered the carpet service business, Hinkley worked in several fields, including accounting, mailing and janitorial services. He was 26 years old when he entered the industry.

Originally started in Trenton, the company is now based in Allentown and provides carpet installation, carpet repair and carpet cleaning.

Hinkley, a borough resident, said that in addition to carpets, the business also specializes in laminate flooring and sanding and refinishing hardwood floors.

The business serves more than local customers. Hinkley travels around New Jersey to provide service to those who need it. He mainly serves the Flemington area but has also traveled to Burlington, Cherry Hill and Freehold.

While homeowners make up a majority of D’Angel’s customer base, the company also assists real estate and commercial property owners.

Carpets tend to last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the type of carpet a customer chooses, and some can last for 20 years with proper care.

Hinkley said regular vacuuming is a straightforward way to extend a carpet’s lifespan.

“A lot of people underestimate the power of vacuuming your carpet in order to keep them in good shape,” Hin-

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At left is flooring installed by D’Angel Carpet Serviceft. Brian Hinton (right), owner of the Allentown-based business, has worked in the flooring industry for 30 years.

kley said. “If you got two people in your house, I would vacuum twice a week. If you have five people in your household, I would vacuum five times a week.”

Carpet stains typically occur when dust particles settle into the carpet, causing microtears. When people walk over those dust particles, the carpet starts to wear down.

For families with children or pets, D’Angel Carpet Service uses gentle cleaning formulas that clean stains effectively and do not leave a strong smell behind. Every detergent the company uses is rinsed out before use.

Most jobs take about a day, depending on the crew. Furniture can slow the process considerably, and Hinkley advises customers to remove all breakables and small items from the area beforehand. The company works with every customer’s budget and guarantees that customers will be able to get flooring, no matter the budget.

“If you think you can’t afford to get some carpet installed, believe me, it’s really affordable,” Hinkley said, adding that he consistently offers promotions to customers.

While installing carpet requires a lot of heavy lifting, and it can be difficult to find quality help, the most rewarding part of the work is helping customers, Hinkley said.

“The best feeling is when you have a customer, and you try to be perfect, and you aim for perfection and the customer really appreciates it,” Hinkley said.

“That’s the main thing, when your efforts are appreciated, especially when you know you’re giving it your best,” he added. “That’s the best feeling.”

Over the years, Hinkley’s business has gone through a number of changes. While most of his business once came by word of mouth, he has now decided to advertise more broadly. He also has gained more customers over the years.

“The Allentown area has been especially good and accepting to me,” Hinkley said.

The business has a slow and steady flow of customers throughout the year, but work starts to ramp up around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when people want their houses to look nice for the holidays.

Looking a few years ahead, Hinkley said he hopes he can find someone to take over his business after he retires, and he is hopeful that his son will take it over.

“I see my son Niles taking it over from there,” Hinkley said. “He has a slight interest [in the business]. That isn’t the direction that he’s going in right now. I don’t know what’s gonna pan out, too. He’s still young, and I like people to choose their own path.”

D’Angel Carpet Service operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. The company also offers 24-hour emergency service Monday through Saturday.

The business offers free quotes.

D’Angel Carpet Service, Allentown. 609-635-6300. dangelcarpets.com.

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

Allentown High School celebrated commencement exercises on Monday, June 22, 2026. Top: Addison Wagner (left) and Marleigh White pose before the ceremony. Center: Fernando Velazquez (left) poses for a portrait and Ava Grace Bossio leaves the stage with her diploma. Bottom: Ava Hayes (left) displays her decorated graduation cap, and Michael Buchenan waits for the start of ceremonies. (Photos by Suzette J Lucas.)

Allentown High School marked graduation day was June 22, 2026. Top: Liandra Feiteira checks her phone while seated with fellow graduates. Center: Gretchen Wiley poses for a portrait, and Student Council President Brielle Paulette waits to address classmates and families. Bottom: Paulette (left) waits during commencement exercises, and Dalton Bischoff walks from the stage after receiving his diploma. (Photos by Suzette J Lucas.)

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

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.

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

HAPPENING

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.

THuRsday, 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. 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, 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. Allages 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.

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Peppler

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 shore-area music night. The event gives the calendar another Asbury Park entertainment listing for younger adults and live-music fans. wonderbarasburypark.com.

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.

ming 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. 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.

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.

FRiday, 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.

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 swim-

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.

saTuRday, 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 See EVENTS, Page 20

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Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold offers gristmill demonstrations, showing visitors how grain was once ground into flour at the site’s working mill.

EVENTS continued from Page 18

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.

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.

sunday, July 5

Open swim at the Fort, Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Public swim hours con-

tinue 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. abbottmarshlands.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.

MOnday, 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.

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.

THuRsday, July 9

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. monmouthcountylib.org.

Family storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Allages 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.

FRiday, 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.

saTuRday, July 11

allentown Farmers Market, High Street upper elementary school parking lot, Allentown. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The mar-

ket 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 Cen-

ter, 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.

sunday, 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 ReserSee EVENTS, Page 22

voir, Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Howell. 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.

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.

MOnday, 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.

THuRsday, 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 chil-

dren. abbottmarshlands.org.

Family storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Allages 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, Robbinsville. 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.

FRiday, 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.

saTuRday, 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. horseparkofnewjersey.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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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. Free. monmouthcountyparks.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.

sunday, 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.

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

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

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.

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.

MOnday, 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, child-led sensory program for ages 6 months to 4 years with a parent or caregiver. monmouthcountylib.org.

Read to a dog, Allentown library, Allentown. 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, See EVENTS, Page 24

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

EVENTS continued from Page 23

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, Municipal 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.

THuRsday, July 23

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,

Family storytime, Allentown library, Allentown. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Allages 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.

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.

shade Tree Commission Meeting, Allentown Borough Hall, Allentown. 7 p.m. The commission meets to discuss shade

See EVENTS, Page 26

America’s 250th celebration starts on Main Street

SPRINGSIDE LOFTS & SPRINGSIDE LOFTS 55+

The community o ers two distinct living options – Springside Lofts and Springside Lofts 55+ – both thoughtfully designed for lowmaintenance living in Robbinsville, NJ. Enjoy a prime location near top-rated schools, dining, shopping, recreation, and cultural attractions with an easy commute. Just 8 miles for Princeton Junction and Hamilton train stations and 11 miles from downtown Princeton.

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By Mayor Thomas Fritts

As we head into July, I want to take a moment to reflect on why this year’s Independence Day is so special and meaningful for our community.

This summer, we stand at the crossroads of an incredible milestone. As a nation, we are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, a marker of freedom, resilience and unity. Closer to home, we are honoring our local history, our shared struggles and the community triumphs that have helped define who we are.

We have a proud legacy to uphold, and this milestone offers an opportunity to think about what makes our town an exceptional place to live, work and raise a family. It is a time to look back with gratitude and look forward with hope.

Embracing what makes our community special also requires us to recognize the people who keep it running today. While many of us enjoy well-deserved time off at backyard barbecues, family picnics, community festivals and other summer traditions, local business owners and their staffs are working hard.

They sacrifice time with their own loved ones to help ensure our celebrations are seamless, vibrant and filled with joy. They work behind the scenes to power our community spirit, making sure our needs are met even when much of the world has paused to celebrate.

Think about the effort happening on our doorsteps and along our main streets this week. From chefs and kitchen staffs preparing meals at local eateries to business owners greeting customers at specialty

boutiques, flower shops and retail stores, these neighbors stay open during major holidays.

They provide curated products, festive centerpieces and personalized services when we need them most. They are the backbone of our local economy, the creators of our town’s character and the friendly faces that make our neighborhoods feel close-knit, safe and welcoming.

It is important to support these establishments and preserve our downtown business district for generations to come.

When we choose to shop locally, we are not just making a transaction; we are investing in the future of our town.

We should recognize and appreciate the quality of the services we are fortunate to have right at our fingertips. Without these small businesses, our streets would lose much of their character, vitality and historic charm. They keep our dollars local and our community thriving.

When you look up to watch fireworks light the night sky or gather with loved ones for local festivities this holiday, remember that we are not just celebrating a date in history. We are celebrating the generations of hardworking neighbors who built this community block by block, and the dedicated people who sustain it today.

Our small-town spirit has always been, and will always be, our greatest strength. Let’s carry that pride forward by choosing to shop local, honoring our past and helping shape a prosperous future for everyone.

Have a safe, happy and meaningful Fourth of July.

Thomas Fritts is the mayor of Allentown.

Historical Preservation Commission member Angela Gurrera as Betsy Ross and Mayor Thomas Fritts as George Washington during Allentown’s 2026 Memorial Day parade.

tree and streetscape matters. allentownboronj.com.

FRiday, 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.

saTuRday, 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, Nov-

ice, Beginner Novice, Starter and PreStarter 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.

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.

sunday, 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.

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

MOnday, 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.

THuRsday, 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. Allages 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.

FRiday, July 31

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.

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CANNOT BE COMBINED. VALID FOR TAKE OUT CATERING ONLY. *MAX OF $50 OFF. *EXCLUDES SUMMER CATERING PACKAGE AND BANQUET ROOM.

Feeds 8-10 $215

Choice of 3

Garden Salad • Roasted Vegetables • Corn on the Cob

Potato Salad • Rigatoni Vodka • Totellini Salad • Pasta Salad

Tomato Cucumber & Feta Salad • Garlic Parmigiana Roasted

Potatoes • Penne Broccoli & Garlic • Caprese Skewers • Stuffed Shells

Paisana Salad • Chopped Antipasto • Rosemary Roasted Potato

Choice of 2

Sacchetti Carbonara • Brick Oven Chicken • BBQ Chicken

Shrimp Skewers • Penna Alla Mamma • Meatballs • Chicken Parm

Sausage Pepper Onions • Sausage Giambotta • Eggplant Rollatini

Short Rib Mac & Cheese • Waygo Italian Hotdogs

Choice of 1

BBQ Ribs • Boneless Short Ribs • Ribeye Steak (Chimichurri)

Shrimp Skewers • Peach Bourbon Pork Tenderloin

Shrimp Wrapped Bacon

15% OFF TAKE OUT OR DINE IN CANNOT BE COMBINED. RESTAURANT ONLY. *MAX OF $50 OFF.