Manasquan +Brielle
HOOP DREAMS
SUMMER SLAM 2024
A DREAM
COME TRUE WATERLILY CELEBRATES 15 YEARS IN MANASQUAN
EAT FRESH WITH CHEF DARREN MONROE
GREGORY RICE GREGORY RICE PRESENTS PRESENTS
406 Brown St, Brielle
There is a quiet little street in Brielle that is in the Golf Club Section, yet just 1 block from the Marina District's waterfront restaurants and shops and easy biking distance to the beach. On that street is a stunning Cape Cod home with circular driveway and incredible wraparound mahogany front porch. That house is now for sale! Not only is it prime location, but this beautiful 3BR/2.5BA home also has a newly remodeled kitchen, 2 new bathrooms, new roof and gutters, new furnace and AC zone, new patio and fire pit, and a Generac generator! There is a 4th bedroom option/den/office spaces, a gorgeous living room w/ vaulted ceilings, and a finished basement for bonus room! Experience true coastal living all from this gem of a house in the heart of Brielle! List Price: $1,495,000
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- Conway Family, Seller, Brielle
We recently engaged Greg Rice to sell our Manasquan home. We could not be more pleased with this process from start to finish. Greg is friendly, professional, hardworking and smart. His marketing approach was first class, his negotiating skills fantastic. There was no request he could not handle. We recommend him without reservations.
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August Arrives Already?
Wow. It’s hard to believe that we’re onto the August issue already. Granted, as I write this, it’s still late June, but as usual, summer is going by way too fast.
I could swear that just last night I was at the opening show of the Stone Pony Summer Stage. (Checks calendar; that was six weeks ago) And wasn’t it just Memorial Day, like, a few days ago? (Checks calendar; that was actually one month ago)
In terms of actual daylight, these are supposedly the longest days of the year. So why is it that the glorious summer season always seems to flash by in the blink of an eye?
Maybe the problem is that, like most people, I spend these precious summer months trying to do it all. I want to squeeze in as much hiking, biking, swimming and surfing as humanly possible, while somehow finding time to work and sleep and mow the lawn. In
my next life, I’m going to try out to be a lifeguard, so at the very least I can get paid for the swimming part.
That brings me to this month’s feature story on Doug Anderson. As the Chief Lifeguard of Manasquan Beach, Doug spends his summers protecting swimmers and saving lives. But a few years ago, during the height of the pandemic, it was Doug’s own life on the line. The details of his hospitalization are harrowing, but the story of his recovery is truly inspiring. Doug’s journey is exactly the kind of story that we love to spotlight here at M+B. And this story only came across our desks when Doug’s wife Kristine was kind enough to reach out. We’re so grateful to the Andersons for sharing the details of their experience, because we know that after reading Morgan Mechler’s story, our readers will come to see their familiar, friendly Chief Lifeguard with more respect than ever before.
On that note, we’re always looking for the next story, big or small. And I’m willing to bet that everybody reading this has a great story or two right under their own roof. So please continue to reach out with your thoughts, and let us know who or what to feature next. Maybe your story is the cover story of our next issue.
To all of our readers, enjoy the month of August, and try to savor every day of it. The September issue will be here soon. Probably too soon.
Christopher Baldi Editor
Manasquan +Brielle MAGAZINE
Group Publisher
Jodi Bruker
Director of Business Development
Kathy Gordon
Editor
Christopher Baldi
Art Director
Sue Park
Writers
Darren Monroe
Meghan Schultzel
Morgan Mechler
Clara Seigler
Photographer Alanna Mahon
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Manasquan + Brielle magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Manasquan and Brielle, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ALANA MAHON
Around Town
Casting call! On June 8, the Manasquan Fishing Club held its Youth Fishing Clinic at Mac’s Pond, where the next generation of anglers put their skills to the test. Want to make a splash? The Manasquan Fishing Club offers tournaments and activities for anglers of any age and experience level. Check out manasquanfishingclub. com for details.
On June 8, Brielle Local PBA 395 held their fifth annual Brielle Food Truck Festival, which drew a crowd of hundreds to Green Acres Park for a day of live music, perfect weather and an amazing array of local food vendors. Lines stretched across the park for some of the best meals on wheels in New Jersey, including Harry’s Smokin’ BBQ, FitChicks, Shore Good Eats N Treats and Kiersten’s Creations. Thanks to everybody who came out to support a great cause, which raised over $15,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey.
Welcome back, Elin! On June 20, BookTowne welcomed bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand back to Sea Girt’s Parker House to celebrate the release of Swan Song, the epic conclusion to Hilderbrand’s beloved “Nantucket” series. The event drew over 500 fans for what has become an annual Parker House tradition. “I love watching the interaction between Elin and her fans,” said Manasquan’s Marla Sofia, who works closely with Hilderbrand to co-organize her local appearances. “The genuine love she has for her readers is quite heartwarming.”
Summer reading: From Manasquan native and romance author Jennifer Vido comes Serenity by the Sea, the second book in her award-winning Gull Island series, and a perfect page-turner for the last days of summer. Serenity by the Sea is Vido’s eagerly awaited follow-up to 2023’s Serendipity by the Sea, which won the prestigious Best First Book award from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest. Available July 31 in paperback and eBook.
Around Town
Since 2006, The Spring Lake Hope Foundation has been supporting families of children with rare illnesses, assisting with essential medical expenses and living costs. On August 1, The Spring Lake Hope Foundation hosts its Starry Night Gala at the Spring Lake Golf Club, for what we hope will be an amazing new annual tradition. Get your tickets early for a great night of dancing under the stars with a live band, an open bar, a silent auction and all proceeds going to an incredible cause. Local businesses, find out how to get involved at springlakehopefoundation.org.
Congratulations to Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre on a tremendous production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats Director/ choreographer Jessica O’Brien helmed the latest installment of The Algonquin’s Broadway Series, with a dazzling cast that included Bridget Hughes, Anthony Preuster, Madison Greenfield, Elena Worton, Alex Dubinsky and John C. Short. Next up: The Algonquin’s Broadway Series continues with their August production of Spring Awakening. Get your tickets now!
Are you ready to rock? Manasquan’s free Summer Concert Series continues through August with live performances every Thursday night from 7:30 - 9 p.m. Admission is free, so bring the whole family to Manasquan’s Main Beach to catch these great local artists!
• August 8: The Kootz
• August 15: The GrooveSharks
• August 22: So Shot
• August 29: The Laura G Band
Movies on the beach! This August, pack the beach chairs and get the popcorn to go, because these great movies are coming to a beach near you! Admission is free; movies begin at dusk. Check your town’s homepage for exact locations.
BELMAR:
• August 7: Under the Boardwalk
• August 14: The Little Mermaid
• August 21: Wreck It Ralph
• August 28: The Wizard of Oz
POINT PLEASANT:
• August 6: Wonka
• August 13: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
• August 20: Haunted Mansion
• August 27: The Marvels
SEA GIRT:
• August 16: Despicable Me 4
SEASIDE HEIGHTS:
• August 4: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
• August 11: The Super Mario Bros Movie
• August 18: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Batter up! On August 3, hit Manasquan’s Riddle Way Beach for the 8th Annual Beach Smash Wiffleball Tournament. Registration is now open to boys, girls, men and women of all ages. It’s a full day of fun in the sun, but bring your game face because the competition is fierce! For more details, check out beachsmash.com.
Service please! Team registrations begin in August for Brielle Recreation’s Co-Ed Volleyball League. The season spans from late September through May 2025, with skill levels ranging from beginner to highly competitive.
Visit www.briellenj.gov/parks-recreation for more details.
What Summer’s All About
Cooking with Chef Darren
BY DARREN MONROE
Chef Darren hosts various events, such as farm-to-table dinners and cooking classes throughout the Jersey Shore, and offers food prep for those who need a little help eating healthy. He recently teamed up with the Brielle Cookbook Club for culinary education and inspiration. His mission is to cultivate connection and build community through the medium of amazing food. To learn more, check out his socials @darren.monroe, website at www.darrenmonroe.co or e-mail him at darren.monroe@yahoo.com
Recently, I had a three shower day. You know: one of those active, hot summer days when you get so sweaty, salty or otherwise dirty that you need to shower three separate times throughout the day! It doesn’t happen very often but when it does, you know it was a good day. This particular day was July 4th, and I decided to take a workout class in the morning, after which I showered. Then I went to the beach and enjoyed a long, perfect beach day filled with volleyball, frolicking in the sand with a toddler, sunbathing and playing in the waves, after which I showered again. Finally, we went back to the beach at night to watch the fireworks and showered one last time when we got home. And there you have it, a three shower day. That’s what summer’s all about!
You know what else summer’s about here in New Jersey? Produce. Jersey Tomatoes and Jersey Sweet Corn. Blueberries. Zucchini. Cucumbers. Watermelon. The
list goes on. We are the Garden State, after all. If you don’t appreciate some good Jersey Fresh produce this season, I feel sorry for you. That first batch of Jersey blueberries to hit the shelves is something special. And the corn… fuhgeddaboudit! You can chomp on those sweet kernels raw straight from the cob!
There are many great farms here in New Jersey, but my favorite is in Toms River, and it’s called Silverton Farms. It’s a small organic farm and Farmer Tom has been there getting his hands dirty and growing food for nearly 60 years. I host a monthly farm to table there for up to 50 lucky guests, where I showcase the amazing produce grown on premise during a five-course dinner, which includes a farm tour and chef talk from yours truly.
Places like Silverton Farms are sanctuaries where we can go to remind ourselves that we live in a colorful, living world that, given the right conditions and some TLC, can sprout something sweet or bitter (and
everything in between) like magic! Local farmers like Tom are keeping alive the tradition of cultivating the land here in the most urban, developed state in the Union, and they’re growing some of the best food you can get your hands on!
So I encourage you to visit your local farmer’s market whenever you can, or find some locally grown fruits and vegetables on your next trip to the grocery store and taste the difference for yourself. So here’s to three shower days and to Jersey Fresh produce. They’re what summer’s all about! Cheers!
A Miracle in Manasquan
How Manasquan’s Doug Anderson rebounded from the fight of his life, with help from his family and community.
MORGAN MECHLER
For Doug and Kristine Anderson, the darkest days of the pandemic began, ironically, right after their vaccinations. It was an ordeal that tested their faith, but one that ended with nothing short of a miracle. Along the way, their journey has inspired an entire community, reminding everyone of the power of hope and faith.
Doug is a lifelong Manasquan native with a long list of titles: Husband, father, teacher, retired football coach and Chief Lifeguard of Manasquan Beach. He played three sports in high school and football in college. For years, Doug, Kristine, and their kids Hayden and Maddy, led generally active and healthy lives.
Then came 2020, and Covid-19. The first American cases were reported in January of that year, quickly followed by the lockdowns that began in March. But the Andersons made it through the first twelve months of the pandemic relatively unscathed. Neither Doug nor Kristine contracted Covid during that tenuous first year, even as the number of cases around the world skyrocketed.
By 2021, the vaccines were becoming readily available, often administered in a series of two doses. On March 9, 2021, Doug and Kristine received the first doses of their first Covid vaccinations. Neither had any significant reactions to the first dose.
On March 23, Doug and Kristine received their second doses of the vaccine. In response, almost immediately, Doug became ill. It began with exhaustion and a heavy cough, soon followed by a debilitating fever.
Initially, the Andersons attributed these symptoms as common side effects, or as a possible sinus infection. But Doug’s health quickly worsened. On March 27, Kristine called 911, and within minutes, Doug was driven away in an ambulance.
At Jersey Shore Medical Center, Doug was diagnosed with both Covid and Pneumonia. Over the next few days, his condition continued to deteriorate. Within 48 hours of being
admitted to Jersey Shore, his lungs had completely crystallized. His family and community were in shock.
A Critical Battle
On April 1, 2021, Doug was placed on a ventilator. He would remain on that ventilator for 54 harrowing days, battling for his life.
For nearly two months, Kristine was not allowed to visit her husband. At the time, Covid protocols prevented hospitals from allowing visitors, even immediate family members. But in the face of these restrictions, Kristine was determined to stay connected with her husband. Drawing from her own experience as a middle school counselor, she found ways to maintain their bond, even in the darkest of circumstances.
“I knew as a counselor the importance of not feeling alone,” says Kristine. “I made the nurses put me on the phone so that Doug could hear my voice every day. I sang to him all the time, even if it was out of tune and didn’t sound very good.”
As weeks passed, Doug’s chances of recovery became increasingly bleak. “I asked his doctors point blank, ‘Is he going to die?’” says Kristine. “And they told me, ‘It’s not looking good.’” By this point, even if Doug survived, it was likely that he would suffer brain damage.
But even as their outlook grew darker, Kristine was determined to focus on the positive. “I told his doctors and nurses that no matter how bad the bad news got, I needed them to end every update with good news. Even if it was just them telling me that his hair looked good that day.”
Meanwhile, throughout the terrifying ordeal, the Manasquan and Brielle communities rallied around the Anderson family. Prayers and encouragement poured in from friends, neighbors and even strangers. The Manasquan High School football team organized a fundraiser. Proceeds from Brielle’s annual North Vs South event were donated to the Andersons’ cause. The collective outpouring of love and solidarity gave the entire family a renewed sense of hope.
Opposit page: Friends, neighbors and first responders filled the Andersons’ street for Doug’s homecoming. Top: Following a miraculous recovery, Doug Anderson has made a triumphant return to his position as Chief Lifeguard of Manasquan Beach. Bottom: “I got my best friend and my husband back,” says Kristine Anderson.
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift
Even before Doug’s hospitalization, 2021 had been a difficult year. In January, Kristine’s mother Lucille passed away. Due to pandemic-related delays, services were not held until four months later on May 8, 2021.
In a bittersweet irony, Mother’s Day arrived one day after Lucille’s memorial service. But on that particular Sunday, after nearly six weeks in a coma, Doug opened his eyes.
The moment marked a miraculous turn in his recovery, and the greatest Mother’s Day gift that Kristine had ever received. “I got my best friend and my husband back, and our kids got their very loved dad back.”
But Doug’s journey was far from over. Even after this critical improvement, he spent an additional ten days on the ventilator. When he was finally taken off, he was quadriplegic. He could not talk, walk, use his arms or eat solid food. But Kristine could see from the light in his eyes that Doug was determined to recover, and that he would do whatever it took to get home.
By the end of May, Doug was transferred to a rehabilitation facility. There, he learned to walk again, taking
each step with unwavering spirit and determination.
On June 22, 2021, Doug and Kristine celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Doug was still in rehab; he still couldn’t eat solid food and didn’t have much function in his arms or legs. But Kristine decorated his room with gifts and pictures and climbed into bed next to him. “I never thought I’d be spending our anniversary in rehab. But it turned out to be a day that I’ll never forget.”
Small Steps and Big Milestones
On June 23, Kristine’s prayers were answered one more time, when Doug’s doctors granted him permission to leave rehab for an hour and a half to attend Hayden’s high school graduation. That day, Doug watched the ceremony from the bay of an ambulance. In a photo that was taken to commemorate the moment, a cross of sunshine is visible, shining through the clouds above his head.
On July 11, after four long and nerve-racking months, Doug finally returned home, greeted by an overjoyed community. For his arrival, the Andersons’ street was lined with family, friends, neighbors and emergency vehicles. Posters and banners showcased
messages of love and support. The outpouring of kindness from Manasquan and Brielle was immeasurable. “We couldn’t have done it without everyone,” says Doug, his gratitude evident in every word.
Today, Doug is nearly back to 100%. He is able to walk without a walker, he has regained most of the function in his arms and hands, and incredibly, has no brain damage or residual neurological effects. He doesn’t remember much about his time on the ventilator, except for small details. He has returned to teaching, lifeguarding and running Manasquan beach, as well as to his favorite roles of husband and father.
Doug’s story is another example of the Manasquan community’s inspiring solidarity. In the end, his recovery is evidence of the power of love and of the potential for miracles in our darkest times.
“That’s why I think it’s important for people to know this story,” says Kristine. “Because no matter how dark it gets, there is always hope.”
Morgan Mechler is a graduate of Manasquan High School and currently an undergrad at the University of Miami.
Left: After nearly two months on a ventilator, Doug had to re-learn basic skills like standing and walking. Right: Graduation Day: In the middle of a difficult recovery, Doug was able to leave rehab for 90 minutes in order to watch his son’s graduation.
THANK YOU TO OUR LIFEGUARDS
Some may think that being a lifeguard looks like an easy summer job: working on the beach, getting a tan, seeing friends. In reality, lifeguarding can be a dangerous and stressful role. It’s a job that requires constant vigilance, and the ability to react quickly to any emergency.
For Manasquan beachgoers, Chief Lifeguard Doug Anderson and his team work tirelessly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Their dedication and professionalism are the backbone of local beach safety.
As a prerequisite, lifeguards are required to pass annual certification tests in swimming and running. They spend countless hours exercising, drilling and learning new techniques. Extensive training prepares them for a wide variety of emergencies, such as drownings, injuries and medical incidents.
For decades, the United States Lifeguard Association (USLA) has utilized a universal color-coded flag system, a crucial tool for swimmer safety. This system, which is used at most public beaches and strongly enforced by local lifeguards, allows swimmers to identify the conditions of the water and make informed decisions about activities.
The ocean, while beautiful and inviting, can be misleading to someone unfamiliar with the area. Rip currents, undertows and other dangerous conditions can put a swimmer in distress at a moment’s notice. By understanding and adhering to these flag warnings, beachgoers can significantly reduce their risk of danger.
Next time you visit Manasquan Beach (or any beach) take a moment to thank the lifeguards for their hard work. Remember to always swim near a lifeguard, heed their warnings and enjoy the ocean safely.
USLA color-coded flag system:
• Green Flag: Low hazard – calm conditions, exercise normal caution.
• Yellow Flag: Medium hazard – moderate surf and/or currents, exercise extra caution.
• Red Flag: High hazard – high surf and/or strong currents, dangerous conditions, stay close to shore.
• Double Red Flag: Water is closed to the public – extremely dangerous conditions.
• Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life spotted – jellyfish, stingrays, etcetera, take precautions.
Top Friends, neighbors and first responders filled the Andersons’ street for Doug’s homecoming. Bottom: Family business: Hayden and Maddy Anderson both work at Manasquan Beach during the summer, taking after their father.
This page: Geo Baker was a standout point guard for Rutgers and a Big Ten Conference Player of the Week. Opposit page: The Summer Slam League was formed in 2012 by Manasquan’s Todd Eastmond and Tommy White and has since become one of the hottest basketball competitions in New Jersey.
Summer Slam
Heats Up
It began as a friendly game of hoops between old friends but became one of the hottest leagues in basketball.
BY MORGAN MECHLER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF”JERSEY MIKE” CASSELLA, @JERSEYMIKE_SPORTS
Technically, the dog days of summer are supposed to be the basketball off-season. But all summer long, in parks across Manasquan, the game is on—and the competition has never been hotter.
The Summer Slam Men’s Basketball League has quickly become one of Manasquan’s favorite athletic events. The league originated twelve years ago, under the leadership of two Manasquan locals, best friends Todd Eastmond and Tommy White. As teenagers, Eastmond and White played basketball together at Manasquan High School.
They continued playing in recreational leagues long after graduating. In 2012, they reached out to friends and former teammates to organize a little friendly competition but with no idea of how fierce that competition would someday become.
The league was originally formed with just eight teams in the bracket. It began as a chance for local players to shoot some hoops, sharpen their skills, and in some cases, relive scholastic glory. Twelve years later, Summer Slam has become a showcase and celebration of talent from far and wide.
Matt Vadas, one of the original and current Summer Slam participants, has witnessed this growth firsthand. “It started as more of a locally focused league with most of the players coming from Monmouth and Ocean Counties,” says Vadas. “But [it] has now grown to be one of the most competitive leagues in New Jersey, and most definitely the Jersey Shore.” Today, top-tier athletes commute to Manasquan from nearby towns, and in some cases, from as far as Pennsylvania or New York, just for the opportunity to play in one of the weekly Saturday morning games.
Bringing the A Game
Manasquan is known for exceptional athletics, especially football and basketball, and this year has been no exception. With Manasquan High School’s heartbreaking “buzzer basket” loss still fresh on fans’ minds, the level of interest and competition in Summer Slam has only increased. Residual frustration from that controversy has fueled rivalries and motivated players to bring their best game to the court.
The League currently consists of sixteen teams, each named for their local sponsor, totaling 170 players in all, with Hobbie & DeCarlo not only sponsoring a team but making the entire League possible through their support. The season runs for nine weeks, with the playoffs and championship game held over the final two weeks.
For the first seven weeks of the season, games are held on Saturday mornings from 9 to 12 p.m. at three local Manasquan parks: Curtis, Indian Hill and Mallard. The games are competitive and cutthroat. Tensions run high as teams compete to advance to the playoffs and for the chance to play Manasquan’s annual Fireman’s Fair.
“Everyone wants to make it to the fair and play Friday and Saturday night under the lights, with hundreds of fans surrounding the court,” says Eastmond. “There’s nothing like it.”
Long before it became the pinnacle of the Summer Slam season, the Fireman’s Fair was already a beloved local tradition, with rides, games, a variety of local food vendors and, of course, the Leggetts Beer Tent. In recent years, a lot of the overheard onversation tends to center on one topic: The Summer Slam championship.
“When I have been on teams playing the finals at the fair, the nerves are as high as some of the bigger games of my college and high school career,” says Vadas.
Top: Manasquan High School’s Griffin Linstra: “From the very first time I watched the championship, the Summer Slam was something I wanted to be a part of.” Middle: Manasquan high school stars, from left to right: Andre Solomon, Darius Adams, Matt Solomon, Griffin Linstra, Ryan Frauenheim, Jack Dettlinger and Ben Roy (kneeling), with fans Jude Cassella (Rangers shirt) and Ryan Cassella (white shirt.) Bottom: “The level of play and competition has kept me playing and practicing at my best this summer,” says Darius Adams.
GET IN THE GAME!
You can track your favorite team’s progress by following @summer_ slam_hoops and catch all of the best action shots by following @jerseymike_ sports. On August 3, get to the Fireman’s Fair nice and early to secure your spot for the Summer Slam championship! Special thanks to Jersey Mike Cassella for his support in the league and for his amazing photographic contributions to this story.
SUMMER SLAM 2024
SPONSORS & TEAMS
• Endurance Sports Floors
• Woodbine Design & Build
• Magic Sprinklers
• ISG & Alliance Orthopedic
• TGM Masonry
• Leggetts Sand Bar
• VOH Basketball
• Rice & Brown Architects
• Nelligan
• Lomurro Law
• Atlantic Physical Therapy
• Jersey Shore Cremation
• Allied Geothermal
• Moneyline
• Keith P Walsh Plumbing
• Hobbie & DeCarlo (league sponsor)
Star Power
Darius Adams is one of the biggest talents to emerge from Manasquan High School’s basketball program in recent years and was recently ranked the Number 4 shooting guard in the class of 2025. This summer, he’s been one of the dominant forces on the Summer Slam courts. “I feel blessed to have been asked to play in the Summer Slam,” says Adams. “The level of play and competition has kept me playing and practicing at my best this summer.”
First time player and longtime spectator Griffin Linstra has been patiently waiting for the opportunity to play in his first Slam. “From the very first time I watched the championship at the fair and saw the energy as a kid, I knew immediately the Summer Slam was something I wanted to be a part of when I was old enough, and possibly get the
chance to play at the fair myself.”
What began as a friendly competition has already become a hotly anticipated summer tradition. For 2025, Summer Slam is planning to expand into a youth camp, allowing younger players to participate in the thrill and camaraderie of the competition. “It’s amazing to see so many different generations of basketball players get together on the court and play the game we all love,” says Vadas.
Meanwhile, founders Eastmond and White couldn’t be prouder of what their vision has become. “We’ve kind of built a fraternity, a family so to say,” says White. “We keep a tally of players’ points, but it’s much more than that. We are all in it together, all summer long.”
Morgan Mechler is a graduate of Manasquan High School and currently an undergrad at the University of Miami.
Brielle native Ryan Jensen was a Manasquan High School star who continued his basketball career at The College of New Jersey.
“We’d constantly fantasize about opening our own store close to home,” says Holloway.
Celebrating 15 Years in Manasquan
Waterlily Co-Owners Abbey Holloway and Catherine Spinosa reflect on growing their business in a town that they love.
Almost every morning before the spring of 2007, longtime friends Abbey Holloway and Catherine Spinosa would grab seats next to one another on the bus for their commute to New York City. “We’d constantly fantasize about opening our own store close to home and always laughed that the businesspeople surrounding us were probably rolling their eyes listening to these two girls jabbering on about opening a clothing shop,” says Holloway, a Manasquan native.
17 years and three locations later, it’s evident that Waterlily was always meant to be much more than a daydream for the duo, who both graduated from
BY MICHELLE GARAY
The Fashion Institute of Technology with degrees in Fashion Merchandising Management. With a friendship that began in high school and a shared passion for fashion, Holloway and Spinosa brought Waterlily to life in Spring Lake in 2007. Two years later, they opened a location on Manasquan’s Main Street, where it continues to shine as bright as the designs within.
“I grew up in town. I used to daydream about riding my bike to work. We both live within walking distance of our Manasquan shop. Our dream was to ride our bikes to work and hit the beach at the end of the day,” says Holloway. “Working in fashion in New
York City was an amazing learning experience, but commuting to the city made Catherine and me realize what a special community we lived in. We love seeing so many of the people we grew up with working and shopping in town. Manasquan is such a tight knit community.”
Today, Waterlily’s easy coastal vibe sets the tone for the clothing inside. Adorning every wall, table and rack are flowy silhouettes, spirited colors and transitional pieces that capture the essence of summer year-round, all intentionally selected by Holloway and Spinosa to celebrate the lifestyle of living by the beach.
Left: “With social media, fashion cycles are moving much faster,” says Holloway. Right: Waterlily’s Manasquan location opened its doors in 2009 and has since become a community favorite.
A Dream Expanded
Once Waterlily’s doors opened in Spring Lake in 2007, the customers came, the excitement surged and talk quickly turned to expansion. The Manasquan location was founded in 2009, followed by a third location in Bay Head two years later. “Abbey and I both have great memories spending time at the Manasquan Inlet and riding bikes around town. It was only natural that when thinking of expanding, Manasquan would be our next location” says Spinosa.
Manasquan’s established yearround business district proved to be the perfect fit. “Even though Spring Lake and Manasquan are only a few miles from each other, they are very different towns. Expanding into Manasquan and then Bay Head was hard at first, but we’re so glad we made the leap and are a part of these communities. Each store has a unique personality and fits the town it’s in.”
Today, both Spinosa and Holloway are raising their families in Manasquan. The magic of small-town living is not lost on them. “Thursday nights in Manasquan are such a treat. We walk into town, hear live music and bump into old friends. It’s the best!” says Spinosa.
“We are a water family,” says Holloway. “My kids have been surfing since before they could stand. We love to go out on the Glimmer Glass to go fishing and bird watch. Finishing off our workday either at the Inlet beach for an evening surf or watching the sunset from the dock is the payoff for working so close to home.”
Top: Waterlily opened its first location in 2007, with a flagship store in Spring Lake. Bottom left: Waterlily aesthetics are inspired by the easy coastal vibe of the Jersey Shore. Bottom right: With artfully decorated interiors, each Waterlily location offers a sublime shopping experience.
A Commitment to the Coastal Customer
Running a fashion business is no easy feat, particularly when trends are changing more rapidly than ever. After 17 years, Holloway and Spinosa unquestionably have their formula down to ensure that they’re prioritizing the wants and needs of their customer, while still finding a balance with the Waterlily vibe.
“It’s crazy how much trends have changed since we opened. Now, with social media, fashion cycles are moving much faster, and we have to consider what might emerge after we have already ordered for a season,” reflects Holloway. “We’ve noticed that as social media influence has grown, so have shoppers’ confusion about what to wear. Customers are looking for styling advice now more than ever.”
Across its three Instagram channels, Waterlily is nearing 12,000 followers, which strongly indicates that the boutique is a trusted source for inspiration through this lens. New content regularly shows off the store’s latest sundresses, sweaters and accessories, and visitors—both online and in-store—will be excited to know that the co-owners remain thoughtful in their approach to join fashion and seaside living.
“We always say we have the best customers,” says Spinosa, who is optimistic about the future of Waterlily. “We hope to keep doing what we love, with the people with love, in communities we love.”
Michelle Garay is a New Jersey native who is passionate about spotlighting the local scene. She is the founder of Jerseat Girl Media, a social media and creative services company for restaurants.
Top: “Abbey and I both have great memories spending time at the Manasquan Inlet and riding bikes around town,” says Spinosa, who is now raising two kids of her own in the same community. Bottom: “Our dream was to ride our bikes to work and hit the beach at the end of the day,” says Holloway, pictured here with her family.
A Haven of Contemporary Elegance
Thoughtful cabinetry design sets the tone throughout this waterfront home.
Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with the owners of this waterfront home to transform their architectural plans into a haven of contemporary elegance and cozy charm. When crafting cabinetry designs for a new home, I like to go beyond functionality. At the heart of our design concept lay the seamless integration of frameless cabinetry. Embracing clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, these cabinets infused the space with a sense of natural warmth and organic wood tones contrasting the smooth cabinetry. Classic gold hardware adorned the cabinetry to add a touch of timeless elegance.
A standout feature of the kitchen is undoubtedly the two glass-front cabinets that sit atop the countertop, framing the range. These cabinets not
BY ANDREA GARONE
only serve as a visual focal point but also offer a practical solution for displaying prized culinary possessions.
Maximizing Storage
Innovative storage solutions were instrumental in optimizing space and streamlining functionality within the kitchen. Pull-out spice and utensil inserts, base cabinet rollouts, custom drawer dividers, and a mixer lift were just a few of the organizing accessories employed. These thoughtful additions ensure that clutter is kept at bay and essentials are always within reach.
Adjacent to the kitchen lies a custombuilt bookcase in this open-concept first floor. We mirrored the smooth lines of the kitchen while similarly juxtaposing them with a warm-wood shiplap detail.
The first floor also included an
apartment-style living space. Inside lies a kitchenette with an attached banquette in line with the home’s aesthetic yet allowing for individual style.
Upstairs, the master bath features a twelve-foot reeded walnut vanity with gold hardware. This space also features glass-front cabinetry for organization with a makeup area flanked by his and hers sinks detailed with waterfall edges and softened with kickplate valances.
The subtle yet impactful details throughout this home served as a nod to tradition while maintaining the home’s contemporary allure.
Andrea Garone is a designer with Design Line Kitchens in Sea Girt. Design Line Kitchens has been a fixture for custom Jersey Shore kitchen and bath renovations since 1976.
Summer Workouts? Beach please!
Hit the sand and join us for one of these amazing beachfront workouts!
BY MEGHAN SCHULTZEL
Hi, it’s Meghan Schultzel, your monthly Wellness Watch contributor.
I’m a health and fitness coach who runs virtual fitness meet-ups 365 days a year, with a clientele made up mostly of busy moms struggling to find time for the gym. However, in the summer, I love nothing more than locking arms in person to work out together in the sun and sand. We all know that exercising is key to longevity, but sometimes, we need some new scenery to stay motivated. This time
of year, the beach offers a perfect change of venue. Smelling the salty air and hearing the ocean can enhance any workout, while the sand allows for extra resistance training. Our fitness-focused community offers multiple styles of exercise to help you find your perfect fit! Let’s check some out: Ignite Wellness offers beachside strength workouts that incorporate free weights. Don’t worry if you don’t have any to bring; I always have extra. The workouts offer extra attention on pelvic floor and core strength
for moms of all ages. We end class with a brief meditation, taking in our serene surroundings, and some participants are often brave enough for a plunge. Remaining summer workouts are Saturday August 17, Saturday August 31 and Saturday September 14 at SeaWatch Beach in Manasquan. Classes are included in Ignite Wellness VIP memberships, or $10 for anyone! Contact me at meghan.schultzel@ gmail.com or Instagram @meghan__ schultzel for the registration link.
Tom Manni began practicing yoga 20 years ago when he lived in Ocean Grove. He fell in love immediately, as it made him feel better mentally and physically.
“It’s hard to quiet your mind in class, but at the beach, it’s easier to become present and relaxed, making the mind-body connection stronger,” he says. “Always mind first, because it starts there.” Tom’s classes are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at SeaWatch Beach. Bring the $10 registration fee, sunglasses and a beach towel. Text Tom at 908-410-9436 for details or updates.
Also located at SeaWatch Beach (now nicknamed Muscle Beach) Landmark Athletics and Fitness is offering a doubleheader beach workout every Thursday through August 29. Beach Bootcamp incorporates kettlebells, bands, TRX and bodyweight exercises; the session runs from 6:30 - 7:15 a.m., immediately followed by Beach Yoga from 7:15 - 8 a.m. Classes are included in LAF membership or anyone can join for $12 for both classes. Register on Community Pass.
Rachael Van Schlick has extensive training in advanced bodywork, corrective
exercise, specialized stretching techniques and holistic health. Rachel is offering a Back Pain Relief Beach Series on Saturdays from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Pompano Beach in Manasquan. Drop-in rate is $20. Reach out to Rachael to register at rachael@ alignmovement.com or text 732-267-1944 for details.
These are just a few of the fantastic beach workout options available this summer. So grab your gear, put your toes in the sand and make the most of these unique fitness opportunities. Your body and mind will thank you!
Want to be featured in an upcoming Wellness Watch? Reach out to Meghan and follow along for local wellness events. Instagram: @Meghan__schultzel
WELLNESS WATCH AUGUST EVENTS
When: August 3
What: Sea Girt 5K
Where: 810 The Plaza, Sea Girt Register: seagirt5k.com
When: August 8 and 22
What: Chair Yoga Class Where: Manasquan Library
When: August 17 and 31, 7 a.m.
What: Ignite Wellness Beach Workout
Where: Sea Watch Beach, Manasquan Email: Meghan.Schultzel@gmail.com
When: August 31
What: Belmar Five Mile Run
Where: Belmar Register: www.runsignup.com
When: Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
What: Manasquan Beach Yoga
Where: Sea Watch Beach, Manasquan Info: tom@tommanni.com
$10/session, bring sunglasses and a beach towel
START TRAINING NOW:
When: September 7
What: Brielle Day Hill & Dale 10k
Where: Brielle Register: www.runsignup.com
When: September 21
What: Pt. Pleasant Seafood Fest 5k
Where: Pt. Pleasant Register: raceforum.com
When: September 29
What: Treasure Island Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike and Kayak Triathlon
Where: Riverfront Park, Pt. Pleasant Register: www.trisignup.com
When: October 6
What: Spooktacular Almost 4 Mile Fun Run
Where: Manasquan Register: www.runsignup.com
Have a fitness or wellness event that you’d like featured? Reach out to Meghan.schultzel@gmail.com
Hot New Releases!
As we reach the dog days of summer, here are the hot new releases being enjoyed by the BookTowne staff. Whether it’s a compelling literary mystery or a layered family drama, we have something for everyone!
BY LEIGH MALLIN
“THE GOD OF THE WOODS”
by Liz Moore
A #1 pick by independent bookstores, by the author of the bestselling “Long Bright River,” “The God of the Woods” just may be the perfect summer read. Set in the summer of 1975 at an Adirondack summer camp, 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar goes missing. However, Barbara isn’t your typical camper. She’s the daughter of the family that owns the camp, and she isn’t the first Van Laar child to disappear; her older brother vanished in a similar way 14 years earlier. A frantic search for the girl ensues, resulting in an utterly engaging read!
“SAME
AS IT EVER WAS”
by Claire Lombardo
This is one of the summer’s most anticipated books, and the follow up to the Reese’s Book Club pick “The Most Fun We Ever Had.” At 57 years old, Julia Ames finally feels like she has things figured out—but she isn’t prepared for surprises from both of her children or for an unexpected encounter with someone from her past. This layered family drama touches on so many topics: motherhood, friendship, the ups and downs of relationships and the complexity of being human.
“THE COAST ROAD”
by Alan Murrin
Set in a small Irish coastal town during the early 1990s when divorce was still illegal, this debut novel tells the story of Izzy and Colette, two women forced to make choices about how to deal with their idle marriages. Murrin does an outstanding job of setting the tone within a seaside landscape. This is an addictive and eye-opening beach read!
“BEAR”
by Julia Phillips
This is a mythical novel that follows Sam and Elena, two sisters living on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. They both have dreams of leaving the island for a better life, but caring for their ailing mother doesn’t allow for that. Working dead-end jobs and barely making enough money to get by, their lives dramatically change when the same mysterious bear keeps showing itself—first in the water and then at their home. Why is the animal here? What does it want? Haunting and compelling, “Bear” reads like a modern-day fairy tale and holds onto its reader without letting go.
“THE SAFEKEEP”
by Yael Van Der Wouden
This is one of those novels that takes its reader on a wild ride, where the only choice is to hold on and let the story unfold. Isabel’s seemingly normal life is upended when her brother and his girlfriend come to stay at their late mother’s country home. Things start to get weird pretty quickly. It’s post WWII in the summer of 1961, and the house in the Dutch countryside is a character itself. An atmospheric story of paranoia and infatuation, “The Safekeep” will stay with you long after the final page.
Leigh Mallin is a bookseller at BookTowne.
The Sky is a Neighborhood
We like to think that Manasquan and Brielle are beautifully photogenic all year round. But all things considered, there’s just nothing like this time of year- the long days and warm nights of summer, when there are events and activities happening everywhere you look.
We had a lot of great photo options this month, but this one just about says it all: Maeve (7), Seve (puppy), River (8) and Brucie (4) Campbell watch the Thursday Night Fireworks from the vantage point of Manasquan’s Glimmer Glass bridge.
Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to Chris.Baldi@manasquan-brielle.com.
INTRODUCING DR. RADISLAV MEYLIKH
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Radislav Meylikh to our group and are excited for him to join us this summer. Dr. Meylikh began his professional career graduating summa cum laude from Wagner College in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to earn his D.D.S. at NYU College of Dentistry, finishing in the top 5 percent of his class with OKU distinction. He then completed a General Dentistry residency and an OMFS fellowship at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.
Dr. Meylikh’s extensive training includes a rigorous oral and maxillofacial surgical residency at Kings County Hospital Center, where he specialized in facial trauma, reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, dentoalveolar surgery, and maxillofacial pathology. His exceptional skills and dedication earned him the position of Chief Resident and the honor of being named resident of the year in the Department of Dental and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Meylikh enjoys quality time with his wife, child, and dog. They love exploring local parks, going to family outings, and simply relaxing at home together. We are confident that Dr. Meylikh’s expertise and compassionate approach will greatly benefit our patients and enhance our practice. We look forward to you meeting him and experiencing his exceptional care firsthand.
