Long Branch, NJ August 2024 by City Lifestyle

Kids & Pets

THE CHILDREN AND ANIMALS THAT MAKE OUR LIVES RICH

CHEVRON COLLECTION

Celebrating our Kids and Pets!

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits, and are enjoying the warm summer days. This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose it's because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment, and we are happy to highlight the best for kids in this issue.

Additionally, who could forget pets? The special kind of companionship they provide can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets offer us unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.

What children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention, and intention shape how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Cheers!

DIMES,

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Amy Dimes | amy.dimes@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Bernie Augustine | bernie.augustine@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brady Ceppulini, Bruce England, Ryan Gallagher, Andrea Phox

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrea Phox, Ryan Gallagher, Alice Kessler

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Monmouth Symphony Gala Luncheon: Composer Andrew Kosinski, flutist wide Maria and Alice Kessler 2: The Kanefsky family enjoying the Long Branch Concert Series 3: Tim McLoone and Alice Kessler at the Long Branch Concert Series Opening Night 4: Rayane Moura-Oliveira's work was featured at the NJ State Teen Arts Festival 5: The 200 Club of Monmouth County 52nd Annual Valor Awards 6: Grand Reopening of Ultimate Impressions Beauty Salon

ALICE KESSLER

EYE CARE SERVICES CONTACT LENSES DESIGNER EYEGLASSES & SUNGLASSES

As a luxury independent medical practice serving the New Jersey community for over 20 years, we emphasize personalized service. We proudly offer high-quality services because we have invested in high technology.

Doggie Sweets in Pier Village

Doggie Sweets is proof that there is no better time to be a pet.

“Not many pet stores offer dog lattes,” said Patty Dill, who opened the doors to her doggy destination in 2002. “We have a 360-degree photo booth, a beautiful grass wall for photos, and we host events every month like Yappy Hour and a Pet of the Month competition where [Insta-famous] dogs face off to get public votes.”

112 Brighton Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740

Phone: 732-870-1088 Advanced Eye Professionals

225 Gordons Corner Road, Suite 1C Manalapan Township, NJ 07726

Phone: 732-792-9800

Dr. Sergio Peneiras

Photography by Ryan Gallagher

P L A N F O R

T H E F U T U R E .

T O G E T H E R .

Summer adventures and financial goals align with professional guidance. Dive into your summer plans knowing your financial future is secure. Whether it’s a vacation, home project or to plan for your family’s future River's Edge Wealth Partners can help. Financial planning can be intimidating, but our services help make it simple. Get started planning for your family’s future and prepare for moments that give you true joy and satisfaction.

Anthony "Tony" Frigoletto, AIF CEO, Owner

OUR P I C K S FOR TOP KIDS & P E

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Kid's Activity

iCode Shrewsbury https://icodeschool.com/shrewsbury/ | 732.931.4263

DJ Got Me Fit Aberdeen https://aberdeen.djgotmefit.com/ | 917.378.4605

Five Star Swim School Eatontown https://fivestarswimschool.com/swim_school/our-locations/eatontown-nj.html | 732.380.1140

Jungle Jim & Jane https://junglejimandjane.com/ | 732.872.4380

The Peach Pit 07760 https://www.thepeachpit07760.com/ | 732.913.5335

Children's Store

Little Chicken http://www.littlechickenkids.com/ | 732.872.4354

Cuties Children's Boutique http://www.cutieschildrensboutique.com/ | 732.268.8979

Learning Express Toys of Shrewsbury, NJ https://learningexpress.com/shrewsbury/ | 732.542.1222

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Toy Utopia https://toyutopia.com/ | 732.504.9145

Cottontails Children's Consignment http://www.cottontailsconsignment.com/ | 732.542.7163

Child Care Center

The Goddard School of West Long Branch https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/nj/west-long-branch | 732.571.2244

Children of the King Academy http://childrenoftheking.org/ | 732.571.2223

KinderCare at Eatontown https://www.kindercare.com/our-centers/eatontown/nj | 732.544.5440

Little Waves Childcare Center 732.571.6288

Preschool of the Arts njpreschool.org | 732.229.2424

Veterinary Practice

Long Branch Animal Hospital http://www.longbranchanimalhospital.com/ | 732.571.4100

Garden State Veterinary Specialists http://www.gsvs.org/ | 732.922.0011

Happy Tails Veterinary Hospital https://happytailsvetnj.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_ campaign=gmb&utm_term=website | 732.268.8180

Red Bank Veterinary Hospital (RBVH) - Tinton Falls https://www.redbankvet.com/?y_source=1_ MjkzNDQyOTMtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D | 732.747.3636

Shrewsbury Animal Hospital https://vcahospitals.com/shrewsbury?utm_source=maps&utm_medium= organic&utm_campaign=Shrewsbury_Animal_Hospital | 732.542.0007

Pet Shop

Doggie Sweets https://www.doggiesweets.com/ | 609.426.1900

PetDog Grooming 848.391.6824

Purr'n Pooch Pet Resort http://www.purrnpooch.com/ | 732.842.4949

Shampoochies Grooming & Pet Supplies with The Bark A Licious Dog Barkery shampoochiesgrooming.com/ | 848.303.8665

The Prince & The Pawper thepawper.com/ | 732.695.0095

NO ONE IS WATCHING

THE BENEFITS OF DANCE CAN HELP A CHILD WITH THEIR PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH.

What do you do to soothe your newborn baby? You rock them. Maybe you sing to them or hum a lullaby. Rocking and swaying to rhythmic sounds is dancing. We are literally dancing from the earliest days of our lives, long before we take our first steps.

ARTICLE BY BRADY CEPPALUNI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA PHOX

Dance fills us with joy. It is the rare activity that heals, invigorates and calms. Dance is for everyone and can be done by everyone.

We often tell young children to “use their words,” when they are having trouble communicating their feelings, only to make the child become more frustrated when they are not able to find the words to describe what it is they are feeling. But dance can speak when words fail; it is an emotional and creative form of expression that can help a child or adult work through their feelings with movement. Try putting

on a piece of music and have them dance their feelings out. Chances are they will feel better by the end of the song.

At Dancing Through Life, we include ballet, acrobatic moves and core strengthening in our programs, which begin with children as young as 10 months. As a child gets older, dance class challenges our body to move in specific ways and to follow certain rhythms of the music. The precision of dance technique combined with rhythm and musicality develops our brain-to-body connection in a way that few other extracurricular activities do.

"DANCE TOGETHER WITH YOUR FAMILY. FEEL THE FREEDOM OF THE MOVEMENT."

As a student advances through the programs offered, we add tap dance to our ballet and acrobatic curriculum beginning at age four so the student not only sees the precise movement patterns and rhythms, but they hear them, which makes it easier for students to succeed in finding the beat and rhythms of the music. This success boosts confidence and self-esteem.

When we asked our students and their parents what gift has dance given you, an overwhelming majority said it is confidence. Our students feel sure of what they

are doing and learning and are proud to show it off. I love when my students run with a big smile on their faces and hug their parents after performing for them. They are just as happy with themselves as we are happy to watch them.

As our students grow as technical dancers, they take multiple classes a week, which teaches responsibility. The teacher and students work together to create their dance, which is truly a work of art. Every student in the class has their own special role in the dance and is

needed to complete the experience. Each dancer is responsible for their part of the dance, and our dancers form a tight bond with each other. They learn the value of commitment and hard work, in order to perform the best for their class, their teachers and themselves.

I can go on and on about the benefits of dance for all ages, but words are words, and the best way to understand is to actually dance. I dare you to dance. Tell Alexa to “put on some music” and dance together with your family or friends. Feel the freedom of the movement. Feel the moment. Feel the joy. For me, the joy inspired me to take my first class, and that first class, at age two, inspired me to never stop dancing through life.

Brady Ceppaluni is the owner and director of Dancing Through Life, located at the West End Arts Center 132 West End Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740. You can find them online at dancingrhoughlifenj.com or call the office at 732.475.3210.

Brady Ceppaluni

SAHAR KARYKOUS

121 MARINA BAY COURT, HIGHLANDS

258 HAMILTON AVENUE, LONG BRANCH - SOLD

Life With Pets

These pet parents are head-over-paws in love with their furry (and scaly) friends.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA PHOX

Dee Dee Irwin & Pickles

There’s a certain feeling when you come home from work, or running an errand, and your dog is anxiously waiting at the door, wagging its tail as hard as it possibly can to show you just how excited it is that you are back home. It’s hard not to let the worries of the day wash away when you get a homecoming like that.

But it’s not just dogs. Being a pet parent can sometimes look like a farm, or a zoo, with everything from dogs and cats to more exotic friends like snakes and lizards. We had a few animal lovers tell us about the critters they share their lives with, and you can tell that they are head-over-paws in love with their furry (and scaly) friends.

GEORGE THE CHAMELEON AND LOLA THE PYTHON

Caring for exotic pets is not just a job, it's a lifestyle for Scott Sirianni. He works at Major League Pets in Howell where he looks after more than 100 different reptiles. He has loved taking care of pets since childhood but his passion for reptiles really took off following a childhood trip to Florida, where Scott, 5 years old at the time, spent most of his time catching geckos. He loves and cares for all of the animals he works with and helps to find them happy homes, while in his own home he takes

care of nearly 20 pets of his own. These pets span a wide variety including geckos, tarantulas, different types of fish, a scorpion, a cockatiel named Mac, two cats, a chameleon named George, and a python named Lola. Lola is a beautiful Ball Python who spends her days sunning herself while working on her scaly spotted tan slithering her way to the “Viper Pit Salon” to shed her old skin. At her young age of ten, she spends her days laying around, staring intently, and coiling up around her beloved owner’s neck. She relaxes and ponders, and dreams of her monthly feast of a big fat juicy rat, so carefully placed in her tank.

CONTINUED >

Top: Lulu Barnabas Middle: Anne Haight & Skat Bottom: Oliver Phox

BEING A PET PARENT CANSOMETIMES LOOK LIK E A FARM, OR AZOO .

George is an eligible bachelor who is constantly changing his style, embracing his true colors and looking for the love of his life. He has been known to have a wandering eye for the prettiest Chameleon around. George can be a bit shifty and will try to sneak a kiss with his long sticky tongue that extends to be the entire length of his body. What lucky lady (or fella!) wouldn’t love to spend a night dining on mealworms and crickets with the charmingly adorable George?

LULU BARABAS started her directorial career at NJRep. She currently serves as the Director of FUNraising, the Director of Security, and her most important position, the Director of the Executive Team. After the show, Lulu can be spotted greeting

audience members with her infectious pawthusiasm and welcoming spirit. She likes walks in the parks, zoomies, and tummy rubs.

OLIVER PHOX became the Audience Engagement Manager after giving NJRep two-paws-up! He currently spends his free time excavating under his house and holds an advanced degree in bird management. Oliver likes to hide in the bushes outside, sit in woven baskets, and eat strawberries.

PICKLE C IRWIN is kind of a big dill. He serves as NJRep’s Director of Food and Janitorial Services, a position he takes very seriously, and is known to Southern California audiences, having played Toto multiple times. His favorite gig was when he got to star alongside Kermit the Frog in the Lythgoe Family production of Wonderful Winter of Oz. These days, Pickle would just like some snacks, thanks.

MARTY PHOX (Marty’s Paw) Marty was The Phox family’s beloved feline, who passed suddenly at 10 years old from heart disease. This picture of Marty’s paw was taken when he was 6 years old. The rainbow effect was the result of our Swarovski crystals hanging in our bedroom windows. This is a photograph taken with an iPhone.

SKAT HAIGHT is a “Sato”, (Puerto Rican street dog) who was adopted from the SPCA of Eatontown by Anne Haight of Freedom Road Pilates. He is ten years old and has been a dear companion for Anne. His name “Skat”, means sweetheart in the Danish language.

Marty Phox

Scott Sirianni & Lola

COACHING YOUR WAY

Learn How to Play the Game of Life and

ARTICLE BY BRUCE ENGLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA PHOX

Red would follow Luna to the ends of the earth; Luna turns to Red when she’s in the mood.

Love in the Animal Kingdom

Bond between a tortoise and dog shows that opposites attract

If you don’t believe in love at first sight, then you haven’t been introduced to Luna and Red Prince (until now).

Red Prince is a Red-Footed Tortoise, a species from northern South America, and was captive-bred in New Jersey. Red enjoys green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, fruits and vegetables, and slow walks through the yard foraging for clover. He loves following his humans around the house or yard, and will sit for hours smelling their Crocs. He also loves Luna!

Luna is a 12-year-old, 5-pound Chihuahua. Luna enjoys short walks on the beach, lounging in the sun on the couch, or doing zoomies in the backyard. She is a total food hound and will perform multiple tricks for a tiny morsel. She is fond of cherry tomatoes and will steal them off the vine! Luna knows she’s beautiful, and uses this to her advantage. She is also in love with Red, but he loves her more.

Luna and Red Prince began an intense love affair the moment they met. Red would follow Luna to the ends of the earth. Luna, on the other hand, turns to Red when she’s in the mood. They travel as a pair and are available for modeling, but Red needs his cohort Luna for inspiration in front of the camera. Luna and Red need to be chaperoned at all times due to their intense love affair and what may transpire if left alone. Luna and Red Prince reside with their humans and other animal friends in Long Branch. When not caring for their furry and scaly friends, the humans may be found gardening, cooking, playing word games on the phone, or in the basement creating functional works of art with clay. “Ranch House Studio” creations can be purchased at local craft shows, at their annual December open house, or by contacting the artists directly.

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Filler

HAIR OF THE DOG

Enjoy the oldest alcohol known to man alongside man's best friend

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

RYAN GALLAGHER

The four-year-old Ross’ presence was immediately made obvious when I knocked on the Beach Bee’s tasting room door. He’s a big burly beast with a great smile and unmatched fluff. All day long, it’s Ross who barks, wags, sniffs, but mostly lays around while the Meadery’s customers sip barreled mead and enjoy small-batch cider

Ross

Jack Blodgett, the co-owner of Beach Bee along with his father Curtis, assured me I had nothing to worry about. Seconds later, Ross rubbed his snout on my side, and laid down as soon as he was sure I was getting a combination flight of mead and cider.

The Blodgetts purchased their 1800sera building on Long Branch Avenue about five years ago and began renovating. After more than a year, the Beach Bee Meadery opened – serving its own version of the honey wine which takes on many different flavors from Key Lime Pie or Pineapple-Coconut to Hibiscus and Cinnamon.

Today, Beach Bee invites Long Branch locals and visitors to try mead made from fermented honey, as well as hard cider made from apple-mash in a dog-friendly indoor/ outdoor space. Making mead in an old Long Branch building is in stark contrast with new “luxury apartment” construction directly behind the Beach Bee.

“Mead is the oldest alcohol there is,” said 28-year-old Blodgett. “Before wine and before beer, there was fermented honey wine. There’s a lot of speculation about how old mead is. But the cool thing is it’s 51% fermented honey and you can add whatever fruits and spices you want to make it unique.”

While Jack and I were chatting, one of the staffers, Lauren, poured a flight–two ciders (5% ABV) and two samples of mead (14% ABV). At the same time, Curtis was in the brewing

chamber mixing up something new. In front of me were two selections of each product on offer: Pirate Daze mead, African Wildflower mead, Blue Pomegranate cider, and Earl Grey Lemon cider.

Standouts included the AFW (sweet but smokey) and the Blue Pom (great color, on the dry side, with just enough sweetness). On any given week, Beach Bee customers can bring or order food to the Meadery to enjoy the products along with live music, and community events.

“We’re doing more pop-up events like sip and paint, we have a knitting group come here, as well as a book club twice a month,” explained Blodgett.

Curtis Blodgett got his start brewing beer back in the 80s, “before it was cool,” said his son.

The Blodgetts – looking to differentiate themselves from the many NJ breweries and distilleries – got into mead out of interest and in order to express creative freedom within the local-brand alcohol production business.

The Beach Bee provides a relaxed, interesting, and educational experience for customers. The Blodgetts and their employees are super-friendly, they keep active on their website and social media, and of course, whether online or in-person–customers and followers are sure to see happy-go-lucky Ross the Golden Retriever when buying products online, and when shopping or sipping at the Meadery.

"THERE’S A LOT OF SPECULATION ABOUT HOW OLD MEAD IS. BUT THE COOL THING IS IT’S 51% FERMENTED HONEY AND YOU CAN ADD WHATEVER FRUITS AND SPICES YOU WANT TO MAKE IT UNIQUE."

DURING DIFFICULT TIMES, LONG BRANCH FUNERAL HOME'S DOGS SOOTHE GUESTS

A Friend In Need

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN GALLAGHER

“The dogs create an incredible calmness for guests. Guests wanna play with them and talk to them so it changes the dynamic of stress.”

A dog bark or some unexpected slobber might be the last thing one would expect when they enter a funeral home. But it may just be the perfect sensory distraction to support family members and loved ones through a tough loss of life.

“The dogs create an incredible calmness for guests,” said Bill Boglioli. “Guests wanna play with them and talk to them so it changes the dynamic of stress.”

Bill Boglioli has been working for the funeral home since he was 17-years-old. In 2007, he bought the business from the Woolley family, and then the Holmdel home from the Cozzetta family. Now, he’s been working in this business for more than 47 years. Since he and his wife Denise and son Scott have been in charge, they’ve introduced dogs to greet funeral home guests.

“There’s total comfort there,” Bill said, surrounded by the dogs inside the lobby of the Long Branch location. “It changes the whole feeling when guests arrive, and the dogs calm them right down. It’s a tough thing to come to a funeral home; (it’s) not on the top of the list of things you want to do since people are not here for a positive reason and something has happened to a friend or family member.”

People who use the funeral homes often live within a 10-15 mile radius. So Bill Boglioli and his family often establish deep connections with the local community in Long Branch and beyond.

“We get to know them and they get to know the dogs, their names, and guests bring treats, or gifts like a ball. One deacon comes to do prayers and he brings treats for

Stella. One time, she was upstairs when he started service. She ran down and jumped on him during the service and made everyone laugh, but I was embarrassed,” Bill said with a laugh. “Dogs are unconditional and their love is not predicated on any judgment–they’re just happy.”

Since the 1800s, the building has been a funeral home servicing and taking care of families in and around Long Branch. Bill, Scott, and Denise Boglioli are proud to serve and be part of the Long Branch community, having all grown up in town.

“Where does the time go? It's amazing to me. But there's a feeling of comfort because we've handled families for generations. It’s awkward to describe but it's unique. We’re there with people at their worst moments. We almost become part of their family. We have to be strong and organized for them and caring for them. We focus on them and their own needs are met by the comfort you give them. It’s a different business. You need a personal touch, because everyone – the individuals and family members – have relationships that are all different with the deceased. It’s very hard to capture everyone's feelings, and dogs help us do that incredibly.

“They allow people to have comfort, relaxation, and a better experience all the way around,” he said, looking down at one of the dogs. “Isn’t that right, Augie doggy?”

Wooley-Boglioli operates funeral homes in Long Branch and Holmdel. You can find them online at www.WBHFH.com.

Gemini Spray Foam Systems specializes in open and closed cell polyurethane spray foam. Gemini Spray Foam Systems was founded by Robert and Michael Gemignani of Louis & Sons Drywall and Insulation.

After much demand from their existing customers and in order to provide new customers a better choice, they formed Gemini Spray Foam Systems. Robert and Michael are twins and they incorporated their last names as inspiration for their new company. They felt a need to offer a clear alternative to their competitors by providing experience, service and dedication to the industry.

C L E AN YO URR

If you have kids, cleaning up is a neverending struggle. A backpack thrown on the floor, Barbie dolls on the kitchen counter, shoes and sneakers kicked off and left by the door for days (or weeks or months). You get the idea.

As a parent, you have to come to terms with the fact that you’re going to have to live with some level of messiness, but accepting it doesn’t mean giving up on cleaning up. The tidiness goal is twofold: keep it small enough so that it isn’t driving you totally nuts, and also teaching your kids responsibility by cleaning up after themselves.

We caught up with Shannon Littlehale, who runs Make Space, a home organization firm here in Long Branch, to get her pro tips on how to develop good cleanup habits, and make sure that Barbie doll goes back to the Dreamhouse at night.

ARTICLE BY CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

DECLUTTER CREATE SIMPLE SYSTEMS

When it comes to kids’ play spaces, having fewer toys encourages more creativity and engagement. Start by getting rid of broken or incomplete toys. Then, remove toys that your kids have outgrown. Lastly, involve your kids in deciding which toys to keep, setting a goal for them to donate the extras. Kids often surprise us by their willingness to let go of toys, especially when they know it will go to someone else.

Keeping things simple and tidy with open bins that contain broad categories like cars & trucks, stuffed animals, and pretend play is a great way to make cleaning up easy for kids of all ages. This simple organization system helps children know where everything belongs and makes it easier for them to keep their play spaces tidy.

ADD LABELS & MAKE CLEAN UP TIME FUN SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Labeling bins and shelves makes it easy for everyone to clean up after playtime is over. If your kids are too young to read, you can print picture labels instead. Set a timer and turn tidying up into a game to see who can clean up an area faster - or put on some music for a soundtrack. With simple organization systems in place, cleaning up should take just a few minutes and should be easy enough for the kids to do without much help.

Children who have never practiced cleaning their space will need your help to learn how to do it. If they can read, you can create a checklist for them to work through, but they will likely need your guidance until they have mastered the process. Taking the time to teach your children how to tidy up will help them develop important skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

You can find Make Space online at www.MakeSpaceNJ.com and you can follow them on Instagram @MakeSpaceNJ.

The Kids Got Talent

Near the end of the 2023-24 school year, Long Branch Public Schools and the Arts Center teamed up to showcase the artistic abilities of kids in the city ranging from pre-K all the way through high school. Students worked in a variety of mediums and their creations covered everything from portraits to landscapes.

"Providing a platform for students to display their work inspires young artists by demonstrating what their peers can achieve, helping to grow a new generation who have a love for the arts," said Maggie Fischer, director of the Long Branch Arts Center. "This aligns with (our) mission to nurture and promote the love for art within the community."