Morris, NJ July 2023

July 2023 Summer Fun & Adventure

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms, and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season.  And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list (check the table of contents for ours!) and curling up with a new favorite beach read. (P.S. Teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!)

My family loves to spend time in LBI, and explore a new vacation spot out of state each year. I love exploring new hiking trails, going for bike rides, and even just having a picnic on the beach with the kids. There's something about being in nature that feels so rejuvenating and refreshing.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of our garden state this Summer!

If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within our community and the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Contact John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities and Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or call us at 973-944-1440.

We look forward to seeing you around town!

ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @MORRISCITYLIFESTYLE

July 2023

PUBLISHERS

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kaitlyn Keane | Kaitlyn.Keane@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ben Meyer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Kaitlyn Keane

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Jorda Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Children's Services non-profit.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @morriscitylifestyle

1-3: Annual Red Carty Party fundraiser at Canoe Brook Country Club for

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY is e ective as of 03/22/2023. The APY is accurate as of the latest dividend declaration date. Dividend rates and annual percentage yield are subject to change after the account is opened at our discretion without notice to you. We do not impose a limit on the amount the dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield on your account may change. The dividend rate on your account is determined by the credit union. There is no initial deposit requirement to open this account. There is no minimum balance requirement for this account. Fees could reduce earnings on this account. One account per member allowed.

If your daily balance is $10,000 or less, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance will be 3.92%, with an APY of 4.00%. A dividend rate of 1.00% will be paid only on the portion of your daily balance that is greater than $10,000. The APY for this tier will range from 4.00% to 1.12%, depending on the balance in the account.

Earn 1% Cash Back on up to $1,000 in debit card purchases (point of sale purchases can be either a PIN or signature debit card purchase, including online transactions) each month. Up to $120 cash back per year maximum. Cash back earned each month will be credited to your A nity Cash Back Debit Account by the next month’s statement cycle. ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or cash equivalents, loan payments and account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards.

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Welcome Johanna & Luminance Wellness Spa located in Madison, NJ

Luminance Wellness is run by Johanna, a talented and passionate massage therapist and Certified Holistic MLD Practitioner and more! Johanna is trained in a variety of modalities, including Lymphatic Drainage, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Prenatal and Cupping allowing her to tailor each session to the unique needs of her clients. https://luminancewellness. glossgenius.com/

Summer Programs at House of Dezign

If your kids and teens are interested in fashion design, then join us this summer in our Kids Summer Camp AND Teens Summer Workshops at House of Dezign, Fashion design academy for kids, Teens and Adults.  We teach 1:1 Fashion lessons, basics of sewing, portfolio development and more! www.houseofdezign.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MorrisNJ

The Joys of Sailing

A great sport for fun and relaxation

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

RICK METZ AND ANA MEYER

Twenty three years ago, when Rick Metz visited a yard sale with his wife and two children on Long Beach Island (LBI) in search of a used refrigerator for their garage, he not only found what he was looking for, but discovered a life-long love of sailing as well.

“The refrigerator was $75, but following standard yard sale protocol, I began to bargain with the elderly gentleman,” he says. “We came to an impasse after at least 30 minutes when finally he said, ‘I’ll tell you what. If you buy this fridge for $75, I’ll take you and your family sailing tomorrow morning.’”

None of them had ever sailed before, but he took the hard-bargaining Sam up on his offer. Although Rick had no idea what he was doing, he learned quickly. “After feeling like a 10-year-old child with my stern fifth-grade history teacher, I started to feel the power of the wind and the calm that sailing provided,” he says. “I soon experienced that wonderful feeling

of escape, freedom, apparent silence, and peacefulness that convinced me of my next move: buying a sailboat and learning to sail.”

Sam was a member of the Brant Beach Yacht Club (BBYC) in LBI, and Rick soon became a member as well. After being a board member for many years, Rick is now the 2023 commodore, or leader, of the club.

“For me, sailing is a sense of empowerment,” he says. “You’re out on the water and the only thing you have is the wind, your sailboat and your knowledge of how to move the boat. The navigation part is kind of fun and challenging.”

Sam was a world champion sailor, and over the years, Rick continued to improve upon his skills and also took part in competitive racing. There are many races, or regattas, every year, including one of the largest that takes place right here in New Jersey. BBYC hosts a regatta at the Barnegat Bay almost every year, and last

year it hosted the ILCA (International Lasor Class  Association) Nationals, where 230 plus sailboats participated.

Sailors come from near and far to participate, including those from Canada and all the way to the Virgin Islands. The club will also be hosting the C420 two-person sailboat race this summer, which is going to be the first of its kind because it’s an all-women’s North American championship race. They expect about 75 boats for a total of 150 sailors.

“Typically a one-design regatta will have only one class of boats,” says Rick. “For bigger regattas of over 100 boats, we’ll have varying fleets of boats, with different start times for them. For special regattas, we may have mixed fleets and classes of boats with different start times.”

Regattas are held even in colder months, so sailing is not just a summer sport. For children who take part in these races, it opens up whole new worlds. Many compete all over the country with

THINK THE PINNACLE OF SAILING IS TO BE ABLE TO NAVIGATE A RACE COURSE AND GET OUT IN FRONT.”

youths from around the world, which allows them to build relationships with kids from diverse backgrounds.

Like many other sports, there are also travel teams, and the U.S. Sailing Team has a youth program that allows young people to compete in Peru, Uruguay, the Canary Islands, and other far off places. In addition, some higher-education institutions, such as Boston College, Brown University, and Stanford even offer sailing programs.

At BBYC, kids can start taking lessons at 7 years old. “It’s pretty basic at that age,” says Rick. “The Optimist boats that we use kind of look like bathtubs, but they’re really quite technical and they move really well. They’re amazing little crafts.”

New Jersey is home to many sailing clubs, including the Sandy Hook Bay Catamaran Club, the Raritan Yacht Club, and the Ocean Gate Yacht Club, but for kids and adults who want to learn to sail but don’t or cannot belong to a club, there are alternatives.

“We and other clubs are trying to open it up to the community,” says Rick. “You don’t have to be a full member, but you can be a temporary sailing member where you come and take lessons and we rent you a boat. We also do boat sharing, so you don’t have to invest in a boat. We have sailing memberships that don’t include all the social aspects, which is less expensive, as well. These offerings give better access to

the sport.” It also allows people to learn to sail under safe conditions with proper guidance and instruction.

Another way they strive to share the joy of sailing with others is through their sister organization, the Brant Beach Sailing Foundation. “It’s a nonprofit organization to support and promote sailing.”

In addition to sailing being fun and relaxing, Rick also believes there are many skills you acquire from the sport that can be used in everyday life. “No doubt, one is patience,” he says. “Another is the spirit of competition and the camaraderie. It’s a nice way of getting people together from all backgrounds to do one thing.”

Another takeaway is an appreciation for nature. “I don’t want to sound too profound here, but there are a lot of things you have to navigate in your professional career and in your life, but the one constant, in a way, is always nature. Even though it’s always changing, it’s something that doesn’t lie. It can’t be manipulated, and it’s something we have to adjust to. And sailing is definitely like that.

He adds, “By the way, the refrigerator worked for another 12 years. If it weren’t for superstorm Sandy, it probably would still be working today.” www.bbyc.net

To find out more about the sport of sailing, go to USSailing.org and ASA.com

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SUMMER DINING: JERSEY SHORE EDITION

Relax while you discover new waterside dining with great vibes, food, views and fun.

Picture this: as the summer heat warms your skin, you take a deep breath and admire the sweeping views of the waterscapes, all while tasting a product of what can only be described as culinary excellence and sipping on a refreshing and rejuvenating handmade cocktail. A vision that may seem too good to be true will become your reality when you visit these stunning waterside restaurants, each of which offer the bestin-the-business food, drink, hospitality, and overall dining experience. At Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant in Long Branch, Klein’s Riverfront Bar & Grille in Belmar, and the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson, prepare to relax and let each of their welcoming and accommodating staff take care of you and your families as you revel in the delight of dining beside the water, whether it be the Atlantic Ocean, the Shark River, and Navesink River. Visit these Jersey shore treasures and treat yourself to the beauty and charm of these gorgeous venues.

ROONEY’S OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT: LONG BRANCH, NJ

For a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic and a picturesque dining experience, visit Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant.

Rooney’s serves delectable lunch and dinner, seven days a week, all year long. They also offer an award winning “Open Table Top 100 Brunch” in the country in the off-season. Best known for its “Angry Lobster”, a house favorite, pan roasted and seasoned to perfection, Rooney’s provides a serene ambiance, as its friendly staff welcomes guests for a variety of occasions, whether it’s to grab a quick bite after a long beach day or to celebrate over dinner and drinks. Adults may especially enjoy Rooney’s famous house recipe Sangria mixed daily using fresh fruit juices, served by the glass or carafe, and garnished with fresh fruit slices, while children may indulge in the kid’s menu, which offers tasty options so that everybody can choose their favorite dish. Enjoy a relaxing and elegant meal on the water and experience all Rooney’s has to offer!  https://www.rooneysocean.com/

KLEIN’S RIVERFRONT BAR & GRILLE: BELMAR, NJ

For 94 years, Klein’s has served as a Belmar staple, as this local fish market has since expanded into Klein’s Riverfront Bar & Grille, a family-oriented restaurant situated right on the Shark River. Serving the highest quality seafood in the area, Klein’s boasts

ARTICLE BY KAITLYN KEANE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

its crowd-favorite clam bake, which features steamed clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels and whole lobster served with drawn butter and choice of a side dish. Along with distinguished seafood classics, its menu offers a variety of chicken, pasta, and salads, and of course, delicious children’s options, too. Monday through Friday, Klein’s offers Happy Hour from 3-5, which features discounted drinks and food items served at the bar and high-top tables, as well as live music every weeknight! Bring your loved ones and take in the beautiful views, top-notch food and enjoy a premium jersey shore dining experience at Klein’s.

https://kleinsfish.com/

SALT CREEK GRILLE: RUMSON, NJ

The Salt Creek Grille offers classic American grill cuisine year-round, with its floor-to-ceiling windows providing vibrant waterfront views of the Navesink River. Known for its Mesquite-Grilled Baby Back Ribs, the restaurant provides a new entree special, market fish, and Chef’s soup each day, as well as a unique drink menu featuring boutique wines hailing from three different continents worldwide. Children’s menus are available as the Salt Creek Grille fosters a very family-centric vibe, and also caters to guests who wish to dock and dine. With Happy Hour occurring weekdays from 4-6, this one-of-a-kind establishment has proved the perfect venue for occasions anywhere from casual dinners to special events. See for yourself why the award-winning Salt Creek Grille is one of the Jersey Shore’s crown jewels! https://www.saltcreekgrille.com/rumson/

With so many great waterside restaurants to enjoy along our Jersey shore, take the time out this summer to simply relax and relish a great waterside sunset while you listen to live music, enjoying delicious fresh sea food and a cool refreshing Jersey shore drink.

PERSONALIZED AND PRETTY PICNICS ON THE BEACH

Growing up, Emily Jordan spent her summers on Long Beach Island (LBI), and it was always one of the most special places in the world to her. For the last couple of years, she’s also been making it a very special place for others.

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED AND ALYSSA MANCINI PHOTOGRAPHY

Picnic Perfect LBI, which she founded in the spring of 2021, provides everything needed for an upscale but relaxed celebration on the beach. “Every picnic comes with a low table with lovely cushions to sit on, but we also offer alternate seating to make every guest feel comfortable,” she says. “We also have really beautiful umbrellas for extra shade. It’s just really sweet and intimate.”

In addition to setting up the tableau, Emily can also arrange for food from her favorite local eateries. If photographs are requested to capture the event,

DELIGHT SOMEONE YOU LOVE FOR ANY OCCASION

she has a list of talented photographers. Everything is taken care of so clients can have a carefree, easy and beautiful celebration.

“Engagement proposals have been by far the most popular event,” she says. “The proposals are so sweet. They just fill up my heart.”

Last year, Emily had a gentleman contact her about proposing to his girlfriend. “Even though he and his girlfriend live in Texas, her family is from right off the island. I set up the picnic in Surf City and when the girlfriend, who thought he was still in Texas, arrived at the beach with her family and saw him standing by this picnic, she ran faster than I’ve ever seen anyone run before. He got down on his knee and proposed. Everyone was crying, laughing and taking pictures.”

She’s also overseen a few elopements. Her fiancé, Blase Clay, with whom she now lives full time in LBI, was ordained as a minister so they could offer full-service elopement packages. Another popular occasion that people celebrate with Picnic Perfect LBI are bachelorette parties. Emily’s also done a lot of birthday parties, anniversaries, and extraordinary date nights for couples looking to change things up.

Last fall, she arranged a picnic for a micro-wedding for about 50 people on the bay beach in Ship Bottom. “We customize the packages we have to fit their celebration needs. While the main picnic items basically stay the same, clients get to choose their themes and their flowers. We also offer custom signage so they can let me know what they want written on their personal chalkboard sign.”

In addition to her fiancé, Emily also gives a lot of credit to her parents, Bill and Kirsten Jordan, for the success of her business. “They have been my biggest mentors. My dad owns his own business and is one of the smartest people I know, and my mom went to the Culinary Institute of America and used to own a catering business.”

Beyond proposals and weddings, Emily’s clients hire her to celebrate birthdays, family, and overall special occasions. From sunrise to sunset, enjoy an elegant, relaxing, and memorable beach picnic experience with Picnic Perfect LBI.

PicnicPerfectLBI.com

PICNIC PERFECT LBI FOR: Wedding proposals

Elopements

Bachelorette parties

Birthdays

Anniversaries

Celebrations of life

In addition to the beach, schedule an amazing picnic for a backyard, home patio or a rooftop deck in LBI.

A Healthier Margarita

DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS

ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• .5 oz. Agave Nectar

• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur

• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.

Their first years. Our first priority.

A child’s natural curiosity is boundless. By nurturing that with a thoughtful balance of play and structure, we spark lightbulb moments every day. Learn how our approach inspires a lifelong love of discovery. Enrolling Infants-Kindergarten

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