Monmouth June 2025 by Wainscot Media

Monmouth

ALFRESCO LIVING

LIFEGUARDS: OUR HEROES OF THE BEACH

‘SEAS’ THE DAY A GUIDE TO 15 LOCAL SHORE SPOTS

PROS’ TIPS FOR AN OUTDOOR OASIS

THE TRUSTED CHOICE

When my dad suffered a stroke, it was my turn to help him with important decisions, like making the right choice in rehabilitation. I asked the medical professionals that treated him who they trusted for the best care and outcomes. They said Encompass Health, the nation’s largest system of rehabilitation hospitals. There, they

created a rehabilitation program specifically designed for his needs using advanced technology and innovative treatments. And he was cared for by a highly trained, experienced staff that showed professionalism and compassion throughout his recovery. Now I know why they are the trusted choice of medical professionals.

Features

Do You Understand Prostate Cancer? 20

If you’re a man—or have a man in your life— it may be time to clear out the cobwebs in your knowledge of this common, potentially deadly disease.

Yard Magic 22

Four experts help you conjure up the outdoor space of your dreams.

The Heroes Of The Beach 30

By doing what their name implies—saving swimmers’ lives—lifeguards protect our fun at the shore. But we weren’t always so blessed.

Shore Bet For Summer 32

‘Seas’ the day at our county’s beaches and Enjoy family fun, sandy toes and boardwalk adventures. Here’s what to know before you go!

Departments

Monmouth Buzz 8

Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Style Watch 12

Step into the spotlight with fashions that are fearless and bright.

Home Front 14

Polished and sleek, these furnishings are crafted to shine, built to last and designed to turn heads.

Friends & Neighbors 16

Mets may or may not “all the way” this year, but Citi Field’s in-game host Emily Reppert of Lincroft balances her roles of broadcaster and mom like a champ.

Escapes 38

When school’s out for the summer, your children deserves a junket— especially one that you too can enjoy.

Tastes 40

Whether side or starter, these salads will spice up any summer spread.

Bar Tab 44

When the weather warms, cool off with this refreshing summertime sip.

Restaurant Review 58

Yes, Just the Crust is making a name for itself on Long Branch’s informal dining scene, but the crust is just the beginning.

Gatherings 62

Monmouth residents always show up to support their neighbors.

A Monmouth Moment 64

The conditions were picture perfect for a photographer at Manasquan Inlet.

ON THE COVER

Update your backyard with tips from local experts, page 22.

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Editor’s Note 18 Health News

50 Where to Eat 60 Be There

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A Season Of Glory

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a lifeguard? You can find out by turning to our article on that critical profession on page 30. And, if you’ll permit me a moment of pure New Jersey pride, you’ll read there that in three recent years Monmouth County lifeguards won a national lifeguarding championship over teams from Florida and California. Makes me wonder: How good do you have to be at something you do for part of the year to outdo competitors who get to do it all year long? Those Sunbelt states are great places, don’t get me wrong, but I’m partial to our four distinct seasons, our Garden State history as one of the 13 original colonies and our good fortune in having the Empire State Building and the Liberty Bell in our figurative backyard.

Speaking of backyards, how’s your literal one doing? On page 22, four landscape designers from around the county offer practical tips on ways to update, brighten and revive that outdoor space that is—let’s face it—a part of your home. Would your yard benefit from added illumination, a water feature, an outdoor kitchen or a giant-screen TV? Remember: today there are ways to make that outdoor space usable for most or even all of the year—even though you don’t live in that aforementioned belt.

In a place that experiences all the seasons, of course, we appreciate the warmest, sunniest one all the more—summer is our time of glory here on the Jersey Shore. And this issue celebrates its arrival in several ways. Check out the attractions (and rules) at Monmouth’s splendid beaches starting on page 32. Try the refreshing summertime salad recipes we feature on page 40. Find festivals, carnivals and other solstice-welcoming events listed on page 10. As for who’s playing in June at Asbury Park’s Stone Pony, check out page 9.

Father’s Day is the 15th, and we don’t neglect dads either. Is yours a history buff, a connoisseur of spirits, a camera enthusiast, a golfer? Or maybe two or more of those types combined? On page 8 you’ll find ideas for a Dad’s Day experience suited to Pop’s particular passion.

Father’s Day is the 15th, and we don’t neglect dads either. Is yours a history buff—a connoisseur of spirits—a camera enthusiast—a golfer? Or maybe two or more of those types combined? On page 8 you’ll find ideas for a Dad’s Day experience suited to Pop’s particular passion.

There’s more in this issue, including a Long Branch restaurant with distinctive pizzas and so much more (page 58), a rebuttal for almost every myth you’ve heard about prostate cancer (page 20), a chat with the in-game host at Citi Field for the New York Mets (page 16) and five kid-friendly destinations for nearby vacation travel (page 38).

There’s more in this issue, including a Long Branch restaurant with distinctive pizzas and so much more (page 58), a rebuttal for almost every myth you’ve heard about prostate cancer (page 20), a chat with the in-game host for the New York Mets (page 16) and five kid-friendly destinations for nearby vacation travel (page 38).

We hope you’ll have great times, of course, in each and every month of the year. But in June in Monmouth County, you can hardly help it.

Enjoy!

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com

Monmouth

Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA

Creative Director

STEPHEN M. VITARBO

Senior Associate Editor

DARIUS AMOS

Assistant Editor

KIRSTEN MEEHAN

Contributing Editors

CHRISTEN FISHER

PAUL RANCE JR.

PRODUCTION

Production Manager

FERN E. MESHULAM

Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE BE SOCIAL

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10 Years and Counting

WELCOME

to the latest edition of Fiscal Fitness. It’s a beautiful time of the year at the Jersey Shore as the warm weather is quickly approaching. You know what else is quickly approaching? Your retirement. If you’re a decade or so away, you have reached a crucial time to prepare for this major milestone.

AGE 50 AND BEYOND

In the final years before retirement, you will likely be earning the highest salary of your career. Now is the time to save and invest as much as possible, especially in your employer-sponsored retirement plan.

For those ages 50 and older, you are eligible to contribute up to $23,500, plus an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution, helping you fast track your retirement goals. Bonus: Ages 60-63 are eligible for a Super Catch-Up contribution in the amount of $11,250. This applies to 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans that offer catch-up contributions.

ROTH 401(K): THE SECRET WEAPON FOR HIGH EARNERS

If your employer offers a Roth 401(k), it could be a game-changer, particularly if you have a high income. Unlike Roth IRAs, there are no income limits for Roth 401(k) contributions, which means you can contribute to a Roth 401(k) even if your income exceeds the traditional Roth IRA cap (currently $165,000 for single filers).

One of the most attractive aspects of the Roth 401(k) is that required minimum distributions (RMDs) are no longer required for Roth 401(k) accounts. This means you can let your investments grow tax-deferred for a longer period, maximizing your wealth accumulation strategy. While contributions to your Roth 401(k) are made on an aftertax basis, the investment earnings on those contributions can be tax-free under the right circumstances. However, to qualify for tax-

free distributions, you must meet certain requirements for a “qualified distribution.”

In most cases, you can avoid taxes by rolling your Roth 401(k) funds into a Roth IRA or another employer’s Roth 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) plan. Before making any decisions, it’s essential to consult with a qualified tax advisor to ensure you’re meeting all necessary conditions.

HEALTH CARE COSTS

Did you know the average 65 year-old couple with average prescription drug expenses, will need approximately $270,000 in savings to have a 90% chance of meeting insurance premiums and out-of-pocket health-care costs in retirement? It’s no wonder why health care should get special attention as you plan for retirement. If you’re retiring prior to age 65, have you estimated your cost of insurance before Medicare eligibility?

AND WHAT ABOUT LONG-TERM CARE

which Medicare and Medigap do NOT cover? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, of the 7.2 million people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s in the United States, 4.4 million are women. If you have a family history of debilitatingillness such as Alzheimer’s, have substantial assets you would like to protect, or looking to leave a legacy, planning for the potential costs of long-term care is essential.

The Good News, it’s never too late to take control of your financial health and well-being. Now is the time to collaborate with an experienced and qualified CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional who can help put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

About THE AUTHOR

DEBRA

FOURNIER,

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™, has been providing comprehensive wealth management services to families and independent women for over 30 years.

Recognized as an experienced and knowledgeable professional in the areas of financial transitions and divorce financial planning, her guidance is often sought where there are complicated financial issues, significant assets or an imbalance in financial knowledge between divorcing couples.

Debra has been quoted in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine and AOL Daily Finance, appeared numerous times on Good Day New York and has been featured in the Asbury Park Press section Getting Ahead.

Looking for a more personalized approach to your finances? We invite you to call us at 732-800-8400 or email debra.fournier@lpl.com and discover how we can help you pursue your financial goals.

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Monmouth Buzz

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

A DAY DAD DESERVES

We take Dad for granted sometimes, but Sunday, June 15, mustn’t be such a time. That’s Father’s Day, and if you can’t stand to buy another necktie, here are other ideas that’ll show Dad how much he means to you—depending on his particular bent:

• For the golfer… Treat Dad to 18 holes on the Howell Park Golf Course (405 Squankum Yellowbrook Rd., Howell Township, 732.938.4771; monmouthcountyparks.com), with a rustic setting, manicured fairways and fast-sloping greens for the perfect challenge. For a casual meal after you play, try Seasons Coal Fired Bistro (2200 Rte. 9, Howell Township, 732.414.1921; seasons coalfiredbistro.net) with coal-fired pizza and Italian fare, plus highly rated outdoor dining.

• For the shutterbug… Monmouth offers no shortage of beautiful places to find the perfect shot. Grab your tripod and Canon and head over to Sea Girt, where you’ll find a wealth of ocean, dunes and picturesque buildings to shoot. (The Edward H. Ahern Gazebo is a great background for Instagram pictures.) Wind down the day with a meal at the popular Committed Pig (165 Main St., Manasquan, 732.837.9800; thecommittedpig.com) for fantastic BBQ and burgers.

• For the spirits aficionado… Asbury Park Distilling Co. (527 Lake Ave., Asbury Park, 732.455.3935) is the town’s first distillery since Prohibition, creating gin, bourbon, vodka and aquavit. It offers full distillery tours on select Saturdays. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday—there you can sample seriously impressive sips. Asbury Park has eateries aplenty; try the trendy Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar (1000 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, 732.361.3639; palmettoasburypark. com) for fresh seafood and an extensive raw bar.

• For the history buff… At Monmouth Battlefield State Park, you and Pop can see the restored Revolutionary War battlefield up close and personal. If he’s craving even more, the park’s annual Revolutionary War reenactment weekend, where you can watch the field come alive again, is scheduled for June 28 and 29. Afterward, grab a meal at La Lupa (123 Rte. 33, Manalapan, 732.414.6995; lalupanj. com) for super-fresh pasta and ribeye steaks.

KUDOS TO…

…Colts Neck resident Anthony P. Mauro Sr., 69, who has published his first novel, Silent Sounds It tells of a young boy’s adventures in the summer of 1960 in Manhassett Beach, a fictional town closely based on Monmouth Beach. Silent Sounds is available through all major online retailers.

…Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon of Ocean Township, who received the Public Service Award during the Amerigo Vespucci Society of Long Branch’s 150th Anniversary Gala this spring. Hanlon, first elected county clerk in 2015, has led initiatives such as the Monmouth County Clerk’s “Honoring Our Heroes” discount program for veterans and Gold Star family members.

…Neptune-based chef and TikTok star Hailee Catalano, who released her first cookbook, By Heart: Recipes to Hold Near and Dear It’s inspired by her Sicilian roots, Midwest upbringing and years of cooking in professional kitchens. Check out, for example, her recipes for lamb-stuffed shells with smoked mozzarella and celery root and potato pierogis.

PHOTO FINISH

Most of us are armed with smartphones, and some carry hefty DSLRs. The quest all shutterbugs share, however, is for the best places to snap a picture. In Monmouth, there are plenty of picturesque spots to snap on National Nature Photography Day, June 15, including:

• Allaire State Park. Five marked trails take visitors through the 3,200-acre park in Wall and Howell. It’s teeming with wildlife and woods.

• Cheesequake State Park. This Matawan park has 1,600 acres of woods to explore—and wildlife that includes deer, hawks and herons.

• Hartshorne Woods Park. This one covers about 740 acres in the Bayshore Region of Highlands, which has a diverse landscape with woods and shoreline.

• Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area. The beaches, shoreline and woods are a haven for nature. “I like photographing birds at Sandy Hook because of the great variety that migrate there during different of the year,” says freelance photographer Garrison. “Some are just passing through, others stay.”

• Shark River Park. With about 10 along the water in Neptune, Wall Falls, this park is home to many species and animals.

A MONTH MUSIC—PLUS

The Garden State is known for great from Ol’ Blue Eyes and the Boss and the Jonas Brothers. It knows them too.

The third annual Prudential North Festival is a multi-city event (June spotlighting some of the best performers music, comedy and beyond. It also the Prudential North to Shore Community Awards. The awards provide local artists with a platform to perform give arts organizations, nonprofits and small businesses up to $10,000 funding to bring original, dynamic events to life. This year, 48 recipients will receive a total of about $400,000 during events in the festival’s host (Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic Festival headliners performing the Stone Pony in Asbury Park include: June 18: Motion City Soundtrack; June 19: Steel Pulse; June 20: Crumb; June 21: Lawrence with Allen Stone; June 22: Slightly Stoopid; June 26: Jack’s Mannequin; June 27: Streetlight Manifesto; June 28: Shadow of the City featuring the Bleachers; June 29: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic with Living Colour.

STEALING THE SHOW

Showbiz is currently being enriched by the talents of two Monmouthites:

• Shea Grant of Little Silver (left), a 2019 Red Bank Regional High School grad, made her Broadway debut in the new production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which opened in April. The show serves as a prequel to the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, and Grant plays Claudia Yount, the teenage version of the character Dustin Henderson’s mother.

• Danny Sanchez of Red Bank, who’s known around town for his portrait photography, had two films screened at the Garden State Film Festival back in March. One, the short film Babyface , is a comedy that revolves around one suspect, one detective and one phone call. The other, a music video titled “This Train,” is an excerpt from a larger “musical storybook” project called Sleeping Beauty Who Just Woke Up

CALL FOR A RIDE

Getting around in Monmouth just got a little easier. In March, the Board of County Commissioners launched the “Ride in Monmouth” initiative to replace the Special Citizens Area Transportation (SCAT) program. Intended to “make transportation in Monmouth County more efficient, cost-effective and enjoyable for our residents,” according to Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, “Ride in Monmouth” is a shared-ride transportation service, firstcome, first-served and available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents can book their trips as much as six months in advance or as little as 48 hours prior, but reserving early is recommended.

The service will transport patients for life-sustaining treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and dialysis along with taking them to other health appointments, grocery and clothing stores, community centers and hair salons. Residents eligible for “Ride in Monmouth” are 60 or older; temporarily or permanently disabled; veterans; or 18 years of age and traveling to or from 11 rural communities: Allentown, Colts Neck, Freehold Township, Holmdel, Howell, Manalapan, Millstone, Roosevelt, Tinton Falls, Upper Freehold and Wall.

“‘Ride in Monmouth’ is on pace to do over 30,000 rides this year,” says Arnone. “That equates to 400+ additional rides every month compared to [SCAT] last year.”

CULINARY CORNER

IMMERSED IN ITALIAN

The James Beard Award-nominated team behind Lita and Heirloom Kitchen has opened Judy’s inside the St. Laurent Hotel in Asbury Park. Guests can enjoy Italian-inspired steak, pasta and seafood dishes (chili crunch lobster arrabbiata, anyone?) while they soak up the whimsical vibe of the dining room. Pop into the adjacent bar, Harry’s, following your meal for the perfect after-dinner cocktail.

• Judy’s, 408A 7th Ave., Asbury Park, 732.795.2582; judyandharrys.com

KOREAN, CASUALLY

START SUMMERTIME!

Summer officially begins June 20, but warm-weather fun is already in full swing. With carnivals and festivals happening all month in the county, there’s truly something to entertain everyone. Check out, for instance, these events:

• Through June 14: Saint Leo the Great Carnival, Lincroft, 6 p.m. daily

• June 8: New Jersey Irish Festival, Monmouth Park, Oceanport, 11 a.m.

• June 12: Woofstock, Keyport Mini Park, Keyport, 6 p.m.

• June 21: Manalapan Day, Manalapan Recreation Center, 3 p.m.

• June 21: Taste of Highlands, downtown Highlands, noon

• June 24–28: St. Rose of Lima Church Carnival, Freehold, times vary

• June 28: Asbury Park Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival, Bradley Park, Asbury Park, 1 p.m.

Mogo, the popular Korean fusion eatery that started in Asbury Park, has opened a new location in Long Branch’s Pier Village. The laid-back storefront combines the L.A. foodtruck concept of delivering simple yet high-quality food with the flavor of Korean barbecue. On the menu are burritos filled with bulgogi and sweet-and-sour shrimp, as well as crispy pork belly, fried chicken and kimchi fried rice.

• Mogo Korean Fusion Tacos, 10 Centennial Dr., Long Branch, 732.443.5443; eatmogo.com

WHAT’S HOTPOT GOT? A LOT

New Jersey now has three Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood restaurants, and the latest to open is in Freehold. Though the new restaurant offers a variety of sushi, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes, hotpot is the main attraction. Diners can create their own hotpot using assorted broths, sauces, fresh veggies, meats and other ingredients. Pro tip: Come with an empty stomach!

• Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood, 4345 Rte. 9, Freehold, 732.400.1770; umibuffet.com

BRIGHTENING THE SKIES

When you’re finished barbecuing on Independence Day, stretch out a few lawn chairs and blankets for a local fireworks display. Many Monmouth towns hold all-day festivities, but the evening light show is always the highlight. Below, a few fireworks shows to check out:

• Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair, Atlantic Highlands Harbor, July 2

• Hazlet, Veterans Park, July 3

• Asbury Park, 2nd and 4th Avenue Beaches, July 4

• Long Branch, Oceanfest, Pier Village, July 4

• Bradley Beach, Ocean Avenue, July 5

• Freehold, Michael J. Tighe Park, July 12

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Maisie Mae, 2-year-old golden retriever

Owner: Erin Mattingly of Allenwood

Maisie joined the family on Memorial Day Weekend 2023, and she’s been an endless source of joy ever since. “Maisie is a true golden retriever,” says Mattingly. “She is the kindest and sweetest dog. She treats every person she ever meets like they’re her best friend who she hasn’t seen in years.” Maisie also loves chasing leaves in the fall, playing “chase” with her dog friends, digging in dirt and rolling around in mud. Mattingly cooks her meals rather than giving her dog food, and her favorite dinners include beef, eggs and chicken with veggies. Keep your eye out for Maisie at Allaire State Park, the dog park at Orchard Park in Wall and the dog beaches in Spring Lake and Manasquan, though you won’t see her swimming. As Mattingly says, “She may be the only golden who’s scared of going in the ocean or bay past her knees. She doesn’t like to swim!”

HUNT TREASURE

Want to see your pet in an upcoming issue? Email a brief description and photo of your pet to editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

Remember children’s which characters follow where “X marks the a real-life treasure hunt, start is a smartphone. Geocaching is a international scavenger by a volunteer community asts. People keep hidden public spaces such parking lots or outside the Geocache app, phone and, sometimes, the person who hid to find your prize. Once log it in the app and itself. Sometimes there’s to sign your name that you’ve found it. treasure chest filled invited to take one, something behind There are caches close to where you Thompson’s Park in Red Bank’s Riverside There are a few scattered Want to spend an indulging your inner com for more information

Brandon Maxwell Millie Silk Printed Flare Midi-Skirt saksfifthavenue.com

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

At Citi Field, A Winner

The Mets may or may not go “all the way” this year, but in-game host Emily Reppert of Lincroft balances her roles of broadcaster and mom like a champ.

Lincroft resident Emily Reppert, 38, is the in-game host for the New York Mets, one of the voices and faces of Citi Field. There she hosts on-field events during the game and pre- and post-game shows. Originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, Reppert graduated from Temple University with a degree in broadcasting, telecommunications and mass media. She got her start as a reporter and news anchor at a small Minnesota station before moving to Dallas to help produce and host Chevy Hometown Kids, a program that spotlighted young athletes in small towns. Then she was a reporter for Fox Sports Southwest, covering the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars, before becoming an anchor and reporter for Channel One News in New York.

Reppert is married to her husband, Michael, a senior project manager for a commercial real estate developer, and the mother of two girls, ages 4½ and 2½.

How did you become interested in broadcasting?

In high school, I was really into theater, but I didn’t think that was a practical career path. Broadcasting felt like it was. And I was involved with it even back then—in middle school, I was the school’s “weather girl.”

How did you get your start?

I took the traditional route in this industry. I started in a small local market, paying my dues, growing my reel. Then I got a great opportunity to host Chevy Hometown Kids, a show in Dallas about kids’ sports. I wasn’t the biggest sports fan, but I knew it was an opportunity.

How was the transition from “not the biggest sports fan” to sports reporter?

It was good that my first show was about kids! They literally taught me about sports as part of the program. I also stayed more on the lifestyle side, doing fun features with players. Where do the Mets come in?

I was working for Channel One in New York, and I heard that the Mets in-game host job had opened

up. With my background, it was a no-brainer. I had my full-time job, and then the Mets stuff as my side job. Then COVID happened and I had my babies, and I needed to take a step back. I left my fulltime job, and I’ve downshifted my career for my children. Being able to be home with them during the day was important to me, and this job with the Mets lets me have that while staying in my industry.

Your favorite part of what you do? Live event work, being in the crowd, is incredible— it feeds into your performance. You also really get to know people. I’ve worked through many seasons of my life, including both my pregnancies. Fans will ask me, “How’s your baby?” and I say, “She’s not a baby anymore!”

A memorable moment?

Being a part of last season’s playoff run. The atmosphere in Citi Field was unreal. Every playoff game was like magic.

Reactions from your family?

My husband is a huge Mets fan, so he loves it. It’s funny—the other day I was talking to my 4-year-old, and she asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said, “Well, taking care of you is my job, and working for the Mets is my job.” And she laughed and said, “Mommy, that’s not a job!” Because it’s so nontraditional and “fun,” she didn’t think it counted.

How do you balance work and motherhood?

I kind of feel like I don’t. One good thing about my job is that I work nights and weekends, and I get to stay home with my girls during the day. Even then, there are times when it’s overwhelming. I’m in awe of women who do this while having full-time jobs or running businesses. It’s been easier since my kids have gotten older—I remember being postpartum and pumping at the stadium, taking care of little babies and trying to work through the sleep deprivation. So who knows where I’ll be in five years?

The most memorable story you’ve reported on?

When I was at Channel One News, I went down to Texas with a team to cover mega high school sports stadiums—but while we were in Austin, Hurricane Harvey hit. We had to pivot and start covering that on the ground instead.

Your favorite part of what you do?

I think back to doing that kids’ sports show— there were amazing young athletes who had incredible stories. Being able to tell someone’s story and show it to the world is something I’ve always enjoyed about my job.

Advice for aspiring broadcast journalists?

There isn’t a set path anymore. You don’t need to take the traditional route—social media has changed the whole industry.

Is it weird being on this side of an interview? Yes. I always feel like I’m better at asking the questions!

—Kirsten Meehan

Photo courtesy of Emily Reppert

THE WATER’S FINE

Water/aqua aerobics for 10 or more weeks at a time can trim waist size and aid weight loss, finds a pooled data analysis of available evidence. It’s particularly effective in overweight women and people over the age of 45.

—BMJ Open

HEALTH NEWS

STAY ACTIVE TO PROMOTE GUT HEALTH

Participating in 150 to 270 minutes of moderate- to highintensity exercise per week for at least six weeks—particularly if you combine aerobic exercise with resistance training—has been shown to have a positive effect on gut microbiota, according to a systematic review of data.

FRUIT, FIBER LINKED TO LOWER RISK OF TINNITUS

Increased consumption of fruit, dietary products and caffeine may be associated reduced risk of tinnitus, or ringing in ears, suggests an analysis of available evidence. Researchers stress, however, that their findings can’t establish a direct relationship and should be interpreted carefully. They note that possible reasons may involve the protective effects of the foods on blood vessels and nerves, as well as their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Tinnitus affects approximately 14 percent adults worldwide.

—Nutrients

CAROTID ARTERY ULTRASOUND CAN LOWER STROKE RISK

Using ultrasound during surgery to unblock carotid arteries is an effective way to significantly reduce the risk of stroke and death, according to a recent trial. Researchers note that the technique has the potential to improve care for patients with carotid disease.

—The BMJ

COULD SHINGLES VACCINE LOWER DEMENTIA RISK?

Researchers analyzing the health records of Welsh older adults discovered that those who received the shingles vaccine were 20 percent less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years than those who did not receive the vaccine. These findings support the theory that viruses that affect the nervous system can increase the risk of dementia.

—Nature

INSOMNIA HELP: RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Resistance or muscle strengthening exercise, using weights or the body itself, may be the best type of exercise for tackling insomnia in older age, suggests a pooled data analysis of available research. Sleep quality tends to decline with age, with up to one in five older adults experiencing insomnia.

—Family Medicine and Community Health

PARKINSON’S ON THE

By 2050, 25.2 million with Parkinson’s worldwide—an increase from largely due aging, suggests published —Compiled Paul Rance

Questions about herbs, vitamins, or dietary supplements?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s About Herbs website can answer your questions on the proven uses, benefits, and side effects of more than 280 common herbs and dietary supplements, such as turmeric.

The active substance in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage.

Point your smartphone camera at the QR code and tap the link to learn more, and find us in Middletown at MSK Monmouth, located at 480 Red Hill Rd.

Do You Understand Prostate Cancer?

IF YOU’RE A MAN—OR HAVE A MAN IN YOUR LIFE— IT MAY BE TIME TO CLEAR OUT THE COBWEBS IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS COMMON, POTENTIALLY DEADLY DISEASE.

Mina M. Fam, M.D., Urologist, Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Quick, pop quiz—what are the four most common types of cancer worldwide? According to the World Health Organization, they’re breast, lung, colon-and-rectum and prostate. Prostate cancer is so widespread, in fact, that one in every eight men will be diagnosed with it in his lifetime, per the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Some patients are really good about asking questions and doing their own research,” says Mina M. Fam, M.D., a urologist affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Others are not. There’s a fear of treatments that sometimes drives people not to get screened. But, in my mind, knowledge is power in this situation. The fewer surprises, the better.”

It is perhaps men’s hesitancy to discuss their health—and ask questions—that has helped to allow misconceptions about prostate cancer to flourish. To mark Men’s Health Month in June, MONMOUTH sat down with Dr. Fam to clear up a few of them:

• “It’s an old man’s disease.”

Through your chances of getting prostate cancer increase as you get older, it’s not unheard of—or even terribly uncommon—for it to be diagnosed in early middle age. “The unfortunate part is that the prostate cancers that occur in younger men are typically more aggressive than the ones that occur in older men,” says Dr. Fam. “So it’s even more important that those patients are identified and treated early.” Screening for prostate cancer typically starts in a man’s late 40s or early 50s. The national guidelines given by the ACS suggest 50. Other risk factors, such as a strong family history of the disease, bump it down to 45, or even 40.

That screening involves both a physical exam by a doctor and a blood test that’s looking for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA. Men with prostate cancer tend to have a higher PSA number than those who don’t, so this test is often used as a first step in the diagnosis process. Also important to note, says Dr. Fam, is that “PSA can be elevated for a number of different reasons not related to cancer— for example, urinary tract infections or inflammatory or infectious prostatitis, where there’s inflammation of the prostate. If PSA is drawn after sexual activity, it can also be elevated.” He adds, “If you ever have a PSA elevation, even if it’s just a slight rise, that’s an indication to look further into it.”

• “If I have no family history, I’m safe.”

As with many diseases, the chances of developing prostate cancer go up if others in your family, such as a father, uncle or grandfather, have also been diagnosed with it. When tracking your family history, it’s important to look beyond just prostate cancer. To understand your risk factors, the doctor flags any history of “adenocarcinomas”—that is, cancers that start in the glands that line your organs, such as breast, esophagus, lung and colon or rectum. But that doesn’t mean a lack

of family history clears you of risk. “Without a family history, it’s less likely, but it’s never zero. I diagnose patients all the time with no family history with prostate cancer,” says Dr. Fam. “It’s a very common cancer. Someone with continuously low risk factors—tests and exams normal without a family history—doesn’t have to have a PSA test every six months, you know? You can get checked out every year or two years, but you do still need to be checked out.”

Family history is not the only risk factor considered. “African American males are more likely to be diagnosed, often specifically people of Caribbean descent,” says Dr. Fam. This group of patients is also more likely to have more aggressive forms of the cancer, which spreads outside of the prostate. Doctors suggest that screening of them begin at an earlier age for this reason.

• “If I have no symptoms, I don’t need to worry.”

“That is very inaccurate,” says Dr. Fam. “I’ve diagnosed extremely advanced prostate cancer, even some cases where it’s spread to the bone or other parts of the body, and the patient showed absolutely no symptoms. Sometimes, people will develop symptoms when the cancer is very advanced, but most do not.” Dr. Fam also says that many people confuse the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement—for instance, waking up and having trouble urinating, a very common condition in older men—with the symptoms of prostate cancer. Though very advanced prostate cancer can have obstructive urinary symptoms, as the cancer blocks the urinary tubes that drain the kidney, that will only happen in late phases of the disease. By the time someone is feeling those symptoms, the cancer has likely metastasized, meaning that it’s spread from just the prostate to over parts of the body. At this point, treatment becomes much more difficult.

Another key issue is the speed at which the malignancy grows.

“There is a notion that prostate cancer is only slow-growing,” says Dr. Fam. “That’s true for many prostate cancers, but there are some that are very aggressive and could potentially spread outside of the prostate and cause more harm. Identifying those patients earlier is incredibly important.”

• “Treatments are always invasive and life-changing.”

Says Dr. Fam, “I find that a lot of men are afraid of the treatments of prostate cancer. They’re afraid of surgery, or of radiation. But surgery has come a long way, and there is an incredibly high volume of great outcomes for patients.” Even in the case of prostate removal, new minimally invasive surgeries preserve the length of the urethra and the muscles in the area to ensure that bladder control isn’t affected, and any decline in erectile function that doesn’t recover after six months to a year, the doctor says, can be managed with medication.

YARD MAGIC

Four experts help you conjure up the outdoor space of your dreams. Summertime’s greatest pleasures are outdoor pleasures, and we’re often willing to travel many miles to enjoy them. But what about the attractions that lie just steps outside your back door? With a little thought and attention, a backyard can be a true oasis of fun—and four Monmouth landscape and design specialists are full of ideas to help you make the most of yours.

OUR EXPERTS:

Daniel S. Kraftmann, Town Appliance, Lakewood

Mark Napolitano, Celtic Concepts, Eatontown

Shaun Thomson, By Design Landscapes, Manasquan

Alan Tufts, Alan Tufts Landscape Architecture, Wall

LIGHT YOUR FIRE

It’s warm, it’s cozy, it’s great for ambiance and it’s even better for s’mores—a firepit is an easy way to bring a lot of utility and charm to your outdoor space. Says Alan Tufts: “Outdoor firepits can be a great addition to a backyard, especially if you love the fall or love outdoors during a cooler summer night.” What to consider when choosing one? “There are basically two options: gas or wood-burning,” explains Tufts, who says that gas firepits run on propane like a grill. “Some clients don’t like the smell of smoke when they come inside, so a gas firepit can be a great alternative,” he adds. Whichever option you choose, a firepit creates a focal point for a backyard. Its light draws people toward it in the evenings—kids with a bag of marshmallows or maybe your partner with a glass of wine.

KEEP IT SHADY

Creating shade does more than protect you and your guests from the heat and the sun. “It creates an entertainment area,” explains Mark Napolitano. “It’s an extension of the house, and it increases opportunities to stay outside even if the weather changes.” He particularly recommends pergolas and pavilions, which offer shelter without totally cutting you off from the outside world. Tufts echoes this sentiment. “Not only do pergolas offer shade, but many of the newer pergolas have the ability to open and close using automated louvers,” he says. (A louver is a slatted window blind that can be adjusted to let more or less light and air in.) “This allows people to enjoy their backyard even when the weather isn’t great,” Tufts adds. “We can also incorporate LED lighting, fans, heaters, TVs—just about anything you have inside, which extends the length of your season.”

COOK SOMETHING UP

Most of us likely have a grill handy for quick outdoor dinners and entertaining opportunities. But outdoor kitchens have become more and more innovative over the past few years, and now the only limits are truly your imagination and your space. Says Daniel S. Kraftmann: “Today’s outdoor kitchens can easily mirror the comfort of indoor spaces with refrigerators, dishwashers, sinks and more, all designed for the outside. They create a perfect setting for outdoor entertaining and let you spend more quality time with family and friends. While grills and refrigeration are expected appliances, many of our customers love discovering additions like pizza ovens, outdoor wine coolers and ice makers.” Kraftmann encourages you to think about the small details as well: “Things like weatherproof cabinetry can make a big impact too.” Tufts agrees that a grill and a refrigerator are the mandatories, and adds that pizza ovens have become increasingly popular.

MAKE WAY FOR WATER

According to Napolitano, “A water feature adds a lot to a backyard, both visually and emotionally. It brings beauty because it becomes a focal point, and tranquility with its gentle sound. It also attracts wildlife, which can add to that tranquility, in addition creating a positive environmental ecosystem.”

Adding creatures such as brightly colored koi fish (many of them as beautiful as abstract paintings) can enhance relaxation as you watch them swim to the tune of the falling water. Napolitano notes that water features often require regular maintenance by professionals to keep them running their best; these experts must clean out the filter and make sure the water pump is running smoothly. Adding beautiful floating pond plants, such as water hyacinth and water lettuce, will also help keep the water clean, balanced and low-maintenance.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Illumination does more than simply help keep your yard safe and easy to navigate at nighttime. Says Shaun Thomson: “People go to restaurants or resorts and find an incredible sense of ambiance. You create that kind of ambiance with lighting elements.” Lighting directs the eye and can highlight and frame elements of the landscaping that are visually pleasing—Thomson suggests impressive architectural features on the house or flowering trees as possible targets. “We’re also seeing more lower-path lighting, which kind of splashes light onto the ground in front of you. String lights remain popular, and they’re always fun. But we’re also seeing a lot of strip lighting in designs, which can highlight the whole edge and profile of something,” says Thomson. These strip lights are flush to the ground and roll out in strips, like tape. “You can also change the color of the lights,” he adds, “which is a fun feature.”

WATCH IT

A frequent note on client wish lists, say our authorities, is some way to bring TV and movies outside. Not only is this possible, you can have a lot of fun with it. “People want to watch movies outside, or watch a game,” says Thomson. “It creates even more of a gathering space. If we’re working with a TV, we try to put it in a space that will enhance that gathering, such as on top of an outdoor fireplace or under a covered area, working in tandem with a kitchen and a bar. Once we built a cabinet structure around it—so that TV doesn’t always need to be exposed. Visually, it stops feeling like you need to have it on all the time, and it becomes less obtrusive.” Another option: Take advantage of ever-advancing projection technology (some of the options on the market are not only super-portable, but also stream in high definition and connect directly to services like Google TV) and a projection screen and set up your own full theater.

GET COZY

For a living-room space outside, says Thomson, assess your needs. “Are there going to be a lot of kids around?” he asks. “Are you going to be entertaining many adults? Are you looking for something more intimate? That’s what’s going to determine if you want a couple of chairs, a love seat or a full couch.” Often, beyond furniture, creating this space starts with hardscape to literally build in a sense of enclosure. “That’s what makes it comfy,” says Thomson. “You want it to feel like a room. We’re also careful with the plants we pick around these areas. You always want four seasons of interest to keep things beautiful.” Other amenities to add to this space? “Personally, I’m a huge fan of outdoor beverage centers, such as bars,” says Kraftmann. “Customers often tell us they instantly make their backyard feel like a vacation retreat.”

CLEAN UP

We love the pool and the beach, but let’s be honest—no one likes coming back into the house covered in chlorine, salt water or sand. Says Napolitano: “Outdoor showers offer convenience for pools, hot tubs and beaches. They keep sand outside. But they also feel relaxing and natural, making your backyard feel resort-like.” Even if your yard doesn’t have direct pool or beach access, this is an upgrade you’ll appreciate. “We install them in that situation all the time,” says Napolitano. “It’s great for kids, after a hard workout or after a long day at the office.” Rather than letting the kids track in dirt, mud, bubbles, chalk or whatever today’s adventure got them into, you can have them quickly rinse off outside. Cap off a morning run with a shower in the cool morning air, lit by the sunrise. “It relaxes people and it’s very comfortable,” adds Napolitano.

KEEP IT TO YOURSELF

Your yard is for you. Thomson stresses the importance of giving an outdoor space a sense of enclosure. “You really need a vertical element,” he explains. “A softer way to do that is with hedging, or with screen trees like juniper or green giant arborvitae. And it doesn’t need to be a solid mass of trees. You can go softer, maybe something flowering, and get the same effect.” If you’re not keen on adding more plant life to your yard, though, have no fear—there are other options. “I like incorporating vertical walls into my designs,” Thomson says. “They’re usually semi-transparent, like a slatted wall, so there’s no hard barrier. Everything still breathes and you feel like you’re outside, just more protected and enclosed. You can also grow plants up it, and that’s always beautiful.”

WATCH YOUR STEP

What you surround your pool with will greatly affect both your comfort and your backyard’s durability. Explains Tufts: “For projects that are located along the beach or barrier islands, we tend to use a lot of ipe, which is a very hard tropical wood.” Not only is ipe very durable and known for standing up to the elements, it also comes in an attractive range of colors, from a deep chestnut to a brighter reddish-brown. “For inland projects, we tend to use a lot of natural stone materials, like bluestone or marble,” he adds. “Marble has become increasingly popular over the past 10 years due to the wide range of colors and textures that it comes in. Although bluestone is a beautiful, natural material, it gets very hot and can be uncomfortable to walk on without shoes. That doesn’t stop some of our clients, though!” In general, Tufts says, lighter colors also tend to stay cooler, which is a big consideration for an area where so many people will be walking with bare feet.

THE HEROES OF THE BEACH

By doing what their name implies—saving swimmers’ lives—lifeguards protect our fun at the Shore. But we weren’t always so blessed. BY CHRISTEN FISHER

It’s beach season in Monmouth County. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more than 9 million visitors flock to beaches from Sandy Hook to Manasquan. That’s more than 9 million reasons for a “thank you” to the men and women who make it their business to protect beachgoers’ safety: lifeguards.

The sea can turn suddenly dangerous, and not just far from shore. The same shoals that caused frequent shipwrecks in past centuries can still create a threat to the casual swimmer today—a threat in the form of rip currents. Caused by the interaction between waves and sandbars, they’re strong, narrow, seaward-flowing currents that begin close to shore and extend out through the surf zone and beyond, pulling swimmers with them.

A rip current can suddenly snatch someone into its raging course when just a moment ago everything seemed safe. Experienced swimmers know how to use safe practices to minimize this danger, but even they are not immune.

In the late 19th century, as recreational swimming grew in popularity, the need to be able to rescue swimmers in distress—just in case—became apparent. Enter lifeguards. According to the United States Lifeguard Association, “Beaches protected by the USLA-certified lifeguards put your chances of fatally drowning at 1 in 18 million.” With beachgoers’ welfare protected, the

beach has become a huge boon to Monmouth County’s economy and a great place to spend summer vacation with friends and family. Enjoying the sun, sand and refreshing surf is now so safe that the phrase “a day at the beach” has entered our language as a metaphor for luxurious ease. When you think about it, lifeguards make that possible.

Ocean lifeguarding is a physically and mentally demanding profession.

Belmar is the busiest beach in the county, second in the state in revenue behind Ocean City in Cape May County. Belmar lifeguard chief Harry Harsin trains his own guard staff. The beach at Belmar, he says, “is like a city within a city.” Besides their ocean rescue responsibilities, Belmar lifeguards are first responders on the beach trained to handle lost children, first aid, medical emergencies and even altercations between beachgoers. Maturity and level-headedness are requirements, but physical fitness is paramount. Belmar makes between 500 and 700 rescues each summer.

The tryout for new guards consists of a swimming test: 500 yards in under 10 minutes. Candidates are judged on technique as well as speed. Those who pass the swim test are offered a spot in a two-week training camp, during which they continue to train physically and learn everything about ocean lifeguarding—lines, torps (torpedo buoys); rescues on paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis; CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation),

AED (automated external defibrillators), advanced first aid, protocol and procedure; and above all else how to read the water. Ocean guards are trained to identify, analyze and interpret water conditions, integrate that information with observations of bathers’ behavior to make predictions about the potential for hazardous situations, and then determine the best way to avoid or manage them. Harsin routinely sends his guards into the rocks around the jetties and in the deep water on days when the ocean is rough because, he says, that’s where rescues happen. They need to learn to be calm and confident in scary situations.

One of the most dramatic rescues in recent years happened just south of Belmar in Sea Girt. On July 4, 2021, a surfer named Paul Bouchard pitched forward off his board while catching a wave, hit the sea floor and broke his neck. Good Samaritans pulled him from the water, and the Sea Girt Beach Patrol took over. Bouchard was wearing a GoPro camera that filmed his accident, rescue and the effort to restart his heart with CPR. His life was saved, and he still surfs today.

The footage from Bouchard’s GoPro was made into the award-winning documentary This Is Why We Train: The Sea Girt Beach Patrol It is shown to every first-year lifeguard at the Monmouth County Regional Lifeguard Academy, which runs a 100-hour training program for guards in Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Avon-by-the-Sea, Bradley Beach, Ocean Grove and Sea Girt. In the film, Sea Girt lifeguard chief Tim Harmon says: “I am extremely proud of my staff and the lifeguards that work here. It was evident that the training kicked in and they went to work.”

Undeniably, lifeguarding is serious work, but there is also time for camaraderie, fun and even wonder. Every year the ocean lifeguards around the county participate in various competitions, going head-to-head in timed swim challenges, boat races and team relays. Competition is strong and town rivalries are fierce, but all that is set aside when it comes time for Monmouth County to send a team to the USLA National Lifeguard Championships. Monmouth County guards won the national championship in 2014, 2017 and 2023, defeating year-round teams from Florida and California and proving that Monmouth beachgoers have the best of the best protecting them.

Veteran Belmar lifeguard Kiki Fisher says the job has changed her life. “It’s taught me things like how to break through fear and what I’m capable of.” She says she’s learned that the “slow and smooth” approach, because it’s more effective, is really faster in the long run. This Zen-like mindset runs strong through the lifeguard community on the Jersey Shore, whether it’s in a dramatic rescue, handling conflict on the beach or in the rare quiet moments. Kiki recalls a cloudy day when a pod of dolphins swarmed the Belmar beaches. Some of the guards paddled out for a closer look. She remembers ducking her head underwater and hearing the cacophony of hundreds of dolphins calling to each other. It was a moment she says she’ll never forget.

Harsin has been a lifeguard since 1979. The moment he likes best, he says, comes after his crew makes a successful rescue. It is tradition in Belmar for bystanders to applaud the guards. Even today, when he hears that applause, it brings tears to his eyes.

After passing a rigorous swim test, new lifeguard candidates in Monmouth County participate in a two-week training camp, in which they continue to train physically and learn everything from CPR and advanced first aid to rescues on kayaks and jet skis.

SHORE BET FOR SUMMER

‘SEAS’ THE DAY AT OUR COUNTY’S BEACHES AND ENJOY FAMILY FUN, SANDY TOES AND BOARDWALK ADVENTURES. HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

ALLENHURST

Description: Beach club members have access to the pool, cabanas and other amenities. Daily passes are available, giving nonmembers access to the beach.

FYI: The use of bicycles, skateboards and scooters, among other devices, as prohibited on the borough’s new boardwalk, which opened last year.

Beach fees: Daily passes for nonmembers are $12 for adults on weekdays, $15 on weekends. Children 12 and under are free with an adult. Beach parking: Free street parking Pets: No pets allowed.

For more information, call 732.531.2700.

ASBURY PARK

Description: A true destination, this Shore spot has plenty of eateries and shops along the boardwalk and events at the iconic Convention Hall.

FYI: Water bottle refilling stations are located along the boardwalk at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th avenues as well as at the restroom entrances at 7th Avenue and Deal Lake Drive.

Beach fees: $7 daily for adults (Monday–Friday), $10 weekends and holidays, free for ages 13 and under as well as active military members and veterans with military ID.

Beach parking: Payable at kiosk or ParkMobile app Pets: Dogs are allowed only on the dog beach (use the Deal Lake Drive north entrance) from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. now through September. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk at any time. For more information, call 732.502.8863.

AVON-BY-THE-SEA

Description: Visitors will find plenty of charm in this family-oriented town, from Victorian-esque bed and breakfasts to a boardwalk with live music and street fairs.

FYI: Summer concerts take place at the boardwalk/ pavilion Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Concerts for kids, featuring Enrich the DJ Guy, take place on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Beach fees: $13 per person for ages 11 and older (cash or check). Daily passes can be purchased at tag booths at the beach.

Beach parking: Free street parking

Pets: Pets are not permitted on the beach now through September. For more information, call 732.502.4510.

BELMAR

Description: One of Monmouth County’s most popular beaches caters to families and all groups big and small. Along the beach is a vibrant (but not overcrowded) boardwalk with food options and umbrella and chair rentals. Additional food and refreshment vendors are situated across the street along Ocean Avenue.

FYI: Do you love to build sandcastles? The annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest is July 16, with prizes in seven different age and group categories. It’s free to participate or watch.

Beach fees: $12 daily for adults, free for 13 and under, active military members and veterans. Passes can be purchased at Borough Hall or online at belmarbeachbadges.com.

Beach parking: Payable via ParkMobile app for beachfront; free on side streets—but arrive early as the free spots tend to fill up quickly.

Pets: Dogs are prohibited on the beach through October. Dogs are prohibited on the boardwalk any time of the year.

For more information, call 732.681.3700.

BRADLEY BEACH

Description: This beach has a serene boardwalk with shops and restaurants—and plenty of space for visitors to walk, bike or jog. It’s the perfect escape from the summer crowds! Those interested in fishing can find spots along the water where the sport is permitted.

FYI: Bradley Beach continues to improve its accessibility with ADA-friendly lockers, AccessMats and wheelchairs available for rent.

Beach fees: $12 for adults; kids 11 and under are free. Admission is free for active military members and their spouses, as well as for veterans with proper ID.

Beach parking: Paid parking is available on the entire east side of Ocean Avenue and the east end of Bradley Boulevard. Pay station kiosks are located on Ocean Avenue and Sylvan Lake. There are five numbered spaces that border Avon-by-the-Sea and are paid spots.

Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk at any time now through September. For more information, call 732.776.2999, ext. 3310.

This page: Whether there are few people in the morning or crowded in the afternoon, the Asbury Park boardwalk is a place for fun. Belmar Beach is picturesque any time of day, but stunning in the morning. Opposite page: Waves crash along the beach at Sandy Hook.

DEAL

Description: Everyone can enjoy the public beach at Conover Pavilion, or members can enjoy the sun, sand and ocean access through the Deal Casino Beach Club.

FYI: Visitors should pack plenty of water and snacks, as the beach does not have a boardwalk. Otherwise you’ll have to drive to the nearest shop if the urge for something sweet or savory arises. Beach fees: $12 for weekday admission or $15 for weekends and holidays; children under 12 and vets are free.

Beach parking: Free street parking

Pets: Dogs are prohibited from the beach through Labor Day.

For more information, call 732.531.0404.

LOCH ARBOUR

Description: It’s one of the county’s smallest beaches, but the beach offers everything one needs to enjoy a summer day. The Village Beach Club, for instance, is a great stop for refreshments, a snack and a bathroom break.

FYI: Before heading over, check out the beach’s Instagram, @locharbourbeach, for updated conditions such as UV levels and ocean temps. Beach fees: $10 per person on weekdays; $15 on weekends and holidays.

Beach parking: Most streets offer free parking, but there are metered spots near Ocean Place.

Pets: Dogs are prohibited on the beach now through September.

For more information, call 732.531.4740.

LONG BRANCH

Description: The sun and sea are the main attraction, but visitors can spend hours along the boardwalk. The Pier Village promenade features a variety of beachfront restaurants and shops and two miles of boardwalk starting at Seven Presidents Beach, a 38-acre beach park for sand and surf.

FYI: There’s always something happening at Pier Village, but don’t miss Oceanfest, Long Branch’s annual July 4th celebration along the beach. Beach fees: $6 on weekdays, $9 for weekends and holidays. Teens ages 14–17 are $3 every day, and kids under 13, seniors over age 62, military members, veterans and disabled individuals are always free.

Beach parking: There is a muncipal lot across from Ocean Place Resort (arrive early) as well as lots and metered spaces at Pier Village and Great Lawn. Parking is free for residents with proof of residency.

Pets: Pets are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk throughout summer. For more information, call 732.222.7000.

MANASQUAN

Description: The main beach in Manasquan has plenty of food options and an arcade, making it perfect for families. At the nearby Manasquan Inlet, there are opportunities to surf and fish.

FYI: Want to skip the beach but still enjoy the water? Rent a canoe, a kayak or a paddleboard at the Inlet for more adventures.

Beach fees: $10 for everyone ages 12 and over; veterans and active military personnel and their families are free.

Beach parking: Manasquan Beach offers free on-street parking. The free spots will fill up early, so arrive in the morning. However, there are five municipal lots that, if you’re not a season pass holder, require a daily fee of $15 on weekdays or $20 for weekends and holidays.

Pets: Pets are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk throughout summer. Your leashed furry friend is allowed on the east portion of the beach at nearby Fisherman’s Cove.

For more information, call 732.223.2514.

MONMOUTH BEACH

Description: You’ll find plenty of space to spread out at Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion, an immaculate and well-kept beach.

FYI: Remember to pack a bag with sandwiches, snack and drinks. The beach doesn’t have a boardwalk nor are there many eateries in the immediate area, so you’ll have to travel—though not too far—to find a bite.

Beach fees: $13 for nonmembers ages 12 and over.

Beach parking: Street parking is free but limited, so arrive early. Otherwise, try the free municipal parking lot near the pavilion.

Pets: Pets are not permitted on the beach through Labor Day.

For more information, call 732.229.2204.

This page: People-watching is just as fun as playing on the beach in Long Branch. Fishing off the pier in Manasquan is a popular hobby for many. Opposite page: There’s plenty of ocean in Deal for surfers, swimmers, paddleboarders and more.

OCEAN GROVE

Description: Just a couple blocks from the beach awaits Ocean Grove’s charming downtown, where you can grab a bite or indulge in some retail therapy. It’s truly an escape from the hustle and bustle of other popular Shore destinations.

FYI: Though there are many places to dine, expect to travel outside of town if you want a cocktail— Ocean Grove is a dry town.

Beach fees: $13 per person; children 11 and under are free.

Beach parking: You can park for free on the street or in a lot if you purchase a beach badge. Pets: Dogs are not permitted on the beach now through Sept. 30.

For more information, call 732.988.5533.

SANDY HOOK

Description: Part of the National Park Services’ Gateway National Recreation Area, this 7-mile-long peninsula features public beaches, salt marshes, a holly forest and numerous historical landmarks.

FYI: There are no trash receptacles in Sandy Hook’s beaches and parks, so bring your own garbage bag from home. It’s part of the federal park’s carry-in/ carry-out policy.

Beach fees: Free with vehicle parking Beach parking: $20 per day

Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed on bayside beaches; all pets are prohibited on ocean beaches until mid-September.

For more information, call 732.872.5970.

SEA BRIGHT

Description: Pick one of Sea Bright’s seven free public beaches along Ocean Avenue for a day of fun and relaxation. There’s also Sea Bright Municipal Beach in the center of town, which includes lifeguards, parking, restrooms and locker rentals.

FYI: Municipal Beach’s boardwalk doesn’t have activities nor concessions, but it’s within walking distance to Sea Bright’s downtown.

Beach fees: $8 for ages 12 and over; kids under 12 and military and family members are free.

Beach parking: $2 per hour every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pets: Dogs are prohibited through mid-September. For more information, call 732.842.0099.

SEA GIRT

Description: Stroll barefoot on the white sand and quiet boardwalk, or slip on flip-flops and check out the gazebos, seating areas and the historic Sea Girt Lighthouse. There also are charming restaurants and shops nearby that are worth visiting.

FYI: You don’t have to walk far if you get hungry— there’s a snack bar at the end of Beacon Boulevard. Beach fees: $12 daily; children 11 and under are free. Admission is free after 4:30 p.m.

Beach parking: Parking is free, if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot on the four-block stretch of parking along the boardwalk.

Pets: Dogs are prohibited through the middle of September.

For more information, call 732.449.9335.

SPRING LAKE

Description: Families can enjoy two miles of pristine beach in Spring Lake and a quiet boardwalk for an easy stroll or bike ride. Restrooms and snacks are located at the North End Pavilion and South End Pavilion.

FYI: Food and coolers are not allowed on the beach. Visitors can enjoy snacks and lunches on the benches and picnic tables at the pavilion.

Beach fees: Daily beach badges are $12.

Beach parking: Free along Ocean Avenue, but come early as spots are first come first served.

Pets: Dogs are only allowed in the fenced-in area near Pitney Avenue from sunrise to 9 a.m. They are not allowed on the boardwalk.

For more information, call 732.449.0800.

This page: Lifeguards keep close eye on swimmers in Sea Girt. In Spring Lake, lounging under an umbrella makes for a perfect afternoon. Opposite page: Downtown Ocean Grove awaits after a long day of sun and sand.

TAKE THE KIDS!

When school’s out for the summer, your children deserve a junket—especially one that you too can enjoy.

Did you hear? It’s tough being a kid during the school year these days, what with multiplying, coloring in the lines, prepping for college and maintaining one’s social cool. Whether it’s book reports, science experiments or the parallel bars that most bedevil your student, she or he surely merits a kid-friendly, summertime travel treat as a reward. And wouldn’t it be nice if you could stand it too? Five not-far destinations spring to mind:

DYLAN’S CANDY BAR & THE M&M STORE, NEW YORK, N.Y.

See what “a kid in a candy store” really looks like at these two sweet destinations. You’ll find the M&M store right in Times Square, with two floors filled with chocolate and chocolate-themed apparel (and cartoons of the M&M mascots). Watch kids’ eyes pop out at the sight of the two-story-tall rainbow of M&M dispensers in all flavors (peanut, classic and more), offering colors exclusive to this spot. You can also check out the M&M printer, where a batch of candy with your individual message of choice can be created in about two minutes. About a mile and a half away at 20 Hudson Yards is Dylan’s Candy Bar, where 7,000 different confections are available to browse. Bulk sour candy, giant gummy bears, fudge, specialty chocolate—there’s something to satisfy any craving, plus accessories, apparel and even home goods.

An extra treat. Don’t let the name fool you— the Museum of Ice Cream, also in Manhattan, is just as fun as it is educational and is sure to charm anyone with a sweet tooth. With dessert-themed art installations, a play area with jungle gyms created for kids of all ages (even teenagers) and an arcade and a café with all the ice cream you could ever want, good luck getting your kids to leave.

More info: mms.com; dylanscandybar.com

BOUNDLESS ADVENTURES, HARRISON, N.Y.

Adventure awaits in Westchester County with this popular high-rope and zipline course, which can turn even a quick afternoon trip into a full, heartpounding journey. Seasoned professionals will help your kids into secure harnesses and climbing gear before they take to the treetops on the high ropes course (and the professionals remain close at hand). There are 11 unique courses at the park, each one with a series of 10 to 14 obstacles for a rousing physical and mental challenge. Strategize, balance and climb your way through them, all while taking in the stunning views of the lush, green forest. Then come as close as you can get to flying with the 23 ziplines, which cater to every level of skill. Both novices and seasoned thrill seekers are welcome.

An extra treat. Keep the outdoor adventures rolling! For a structured competition, head a few miles down the Hutchinson River Parkway to Saxton Woods Mini Golf, a 19-hole outdoor course with water features and a playground. If you crave something more low-key after all the adrenaline from the ziplines, the Kensico Dam Plaza is also nearby. The dam is 307 feet high and 1,843 feet long, with distinctive architecture and carvings. There are picnic tables and seating options aplenty, plus lots of space to run around. Bring a lunch, sit back and unwind. More info: boundlessadventures.net

DELAWARE RIVER TUBING, KINGWOOD

Enjoy a real-life “lazy river.” River tubing perfectly balances an easy, laid-back afternoon in the water with the spirit of outdoor adventure, and there are plenty of spots along the Delaware River to rent the gear and have professionals help you get started. Big Bear Gear River Tubing in Kingwood is the exclusive tubing operator on this portion of the river, licensed by the state of New Jersey. It will provide the river tube and a personal flotation device to keep everyone safe; you’ll enjoy a five-mile drift down the water. The trip takes from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on weather and other conditions. Make sure you check the forecast before heading out. For those looking for a little more direction, Big Bear also offers kayak rentals. An extra treat. Kingwood is a short drive from Frenchtown, an adorable small town on the New Jersey–Pennsylvania border with cozy cafes, distinctive shops, boutiques and art galleries. Older kids may enjoy browsing the curated consignment shop Country Chic Boutique, filled with oddities, or the Frenchtown Bookshop, which has an extensive children’s and young adults’ section. If you build up an appetite with your tubing trip, check out the Frenchtown Café, with a specialty burger menu that can satisfy even the most ravenous teenager. Something lighter? Try the Bridge Café, with sandwiches, soups and rotating daily menu options.

More info: bigbeargearnj.com

JENKINSON’S BOARDWALK, POINT PLEASANT BEACH

What better way to welcome the summer than a beach trip? Jenkinson’s isn’t our state’s first boardwalk (that’s Atlantic City’s), but it’s one of the most kid friendly. Besides a fun house, a Victorian ice-cream parlor, four arcades and classic games of chance, there’s also an amusement park with rides for everyone. Younger children can enjoy bumper cars, a carousel and a fun slide, while tweens and teens can take a turn on the Pirate’s Plunge (which drops you from 50 feet up), a large, spinning swing ride or the Tidal Wave coaster. And the whole family can pile onto the Ferris wheel to end the day. All of this stretched next to a beautiful beach and the crashing waves of the Atlantic, so you can take a dip, dry out in the sun and then have even more fun at your fingertips. An extra treat. If you’re overheating in the June sun, you can head over to Jenkinson’s Aquarium for a fun, animal-filled and airconditioned reprieve. Check out exhibits on Atlantic and Pacific sharks, coral reefs and all kinds of fish. One of the aquarium’s most popular attractions? The African penguins, who waddle and swim right up to the glass walls of their enclosure. You can also purchase special “experience” tours, which bring you up close and personal with the animals. More info: jenkinsons.com

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE, JACKSON TOWNSHIP

If you’re looking for thrills, look no further. Six Flags Great Adventure is a wonderland of stomach-dropping roller coasters, more relaxed classic rides, arcade games and live entertainment. Those looking for a good stomach-drop will find much to like with the iconic Superman coaster, the wooden El Toro and the Jersey Devil coaster, one of the fastest single-rail roller coasters in the world. If you’re seeking a slower pace (or you don’t want Dad to get motion-sick), try the classic log flume if you don’t mind getting damp, Houdini’s Great Escape for a little bit of magic or the magic teacups for the young ones. Grab lunch or a snack at one of the many dining options in the park, ranging from a classic burger and fries to quesadillas and nachos to fair-food favorites like funnel cake to end the day sweetly.

An extra treat. Six Flags is famous for its roller coasters, but there’s more to the park. Don’t forget to check out Hurricane Harbor, the adjoining water park, where you can cool off with ease and in style. Additional tickets are required to enter. Along with a giant wave pool and large waterslides (the Big Wave Racer spans 1,800 feet and has several steep drops), check out the newly opened Splash Island, a giant splash pad with a treehouse play area, smaller slides and lots of room to run.

More info: sixflags.com

—Kirsten Meehan

TASTES

Fresh & Flavorful

Whether side or starter, these salads will spice up any summer spread.

ARUGULA SALAD WITH BEETS AND FETA CHEESE

Yields 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 2 medium beets, cooked (roasted or boiled) until a fork easily goes in one (about an hour), peeled, diced into bitesized pieces

n 2 handfuls (about 2.5 oz.) fresh baby arugula

n 4 Tbs. (about 1.5 oz.) feta cheese

n 1/4 cup roughly chopped toasted walnuts

Dressing Ingredients:

n 3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

n 11/2 Tbs. lemon juice

n 1/4 tsp. dry powdered mustard

n 1/2 tsp. sugar

n 1/2 tsp. salt

n 1/4 tsp. pepper

DIRECTIONS

Place dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to emulsify. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Compose each dish with a handful of arugula leaves, a few cooked chopped beets, some chopped feta cheese and some chopped toasted walnuts.

Drizzle with vinaigrette.

“Arugula, beets and feta, oh my! As a dietitian, this is one of my favorite salad combinations. The texture variations and the flavor are delicious. It also provides heart-healthy benefits with 5 grams of fiber per serving, as well as omega-3 fatty acids from the walnuts.”

Annie Zappulla, registered dietitian nutritionist, A-Z Wellness Solutions, Sea Girt

TASTES

KALE AND APPLE SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE AND GLAZED WALNUTS

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 8 cups (4 oz.) baby kale

n 1 apple, such as honey crisp or braeburn

n 4 oz. semi-firm blue cheese

Walnuts:

n ½ cup walnuts

n 1 tsp. unsalted butter

n 2 Tbs. maple syrup

n kosher salt

Dressing:

n ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

n 1½ Tbs. balsamic vinegar

n ½ Tbs. lemon juice, plus more as needed

n ½ tsp. maple syrup

n kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment. In a small nonstick pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add walnuts to pan, season with salt and toss to coat. Pour in syrup and bring to a simmer. Do not stir after maple syrup starts simmering as this could cause the sugars to crystalize. Cook 3 minutes or until most of excess liquid has evaporated, being careful not to burn the sugar.

Transfer walnuts to lined baking sheet. Bake on center rack for 10 minutes or until remaining liquid has evaporated. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack. The nuts should have a crispy coating similar to a praline.

As nuts cool, cut the apple. Slice in half lengthwise, and then in half again. Cut on a diagonal to remove the core. Using a sharp chef’s knife or mandolin, cut into thin slices. Transfer to bowl and toss in lemon juice to prevent browning. This also adds a nice tart flavor.

Add oil to bowl. Slowly whisk in vinegar and lemon juice to emulsify. Whisk in syrup.

Add kale and apples to a large bowl. Drizzle over desired amount of dressing and toss to coat. Transfer to serving bowls. Top with nuts and thin shavings or crumbles of blue cheese.

“Kale is a great source of antioxidants and fiber. Being part of the cruciferous family, it provides high levels of vitamin C, K and A. Since kale is quite hearty, it is often recommended to massage it with your hands and a little oil with lemon juice to make it softer and more pliable.”

Annie Zappulla, registered dietitian nutritionist, A-Z Wellness Solutions, Sea Girt

Get The Blues

When the weather warms, cool off with this refreshing summertime sip.

BLUE LAGOON COCKTAIL

Makes: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

n 1 oz. vodka

n 1 oz. blue curacao

n 6 oz. lemonade n lemon slice or mint leaf for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Pour the liquors over fresh ice cubes directly in glass or in cocktail shaker. Top off glass with lemonade or add 5 to 6 ounces of lemonade to shaker, shake and strain over ice. Serve with straw and garnish of lemon or mint.

JERSEY SHORE REAL ESTATE

Catrina Erkal is more than a top real estate professional—she is a trusted advisor, dedicated to making every transaction a seamless and rewarding experience. With over 20 years of success in Monmouth County’s luxury and residential markets, she combines deep local expertise with a global perspective, ensuring her clients receive unparalleled service and results. Whether representing a waterfront estate or guiding buyers to their perfect home, Catrina’s approach is both strategic and deeply personal. Her ability to connect with clients on a meaningful level is reflected in the trust she has built over the years. As one longtime client shares, “Catrina is the best realtor we have ever worked with. She was always available and had the best attitude. She treats clients the same whether you’re looking to buy a million-dollar home or a rental.” CATHERINE "CATRINA" ERKAL, REALTOR® Associate

THE MONMOUTH PET GUIDE

“The Monmouth Pet Guide”

Appearing in the August issue of Monmouth magazine, is a great place to reach pet lovers throughout the county. To reserve space, contact Jodi Bruker, Publisher 732-778-4744 or jodi.bruker@wainscotmedia.com.

Tucked into Holmdel's Old Manor section, 12 Mayfair Road is a gem that combines timeless charm with a host of thoughtful updates. Just a short walk to the Hazlet Train Station and close to shopping, dining, and top-rated schools, this split-level home offers a lifestyle of ease and convenience in one of Monmouth County's most beloved communities. Step inside to a bright and inviting great room, where a brand-new Simonton bay window brings the outdoors in, setting the tone for the light-filled spaces that follow. The kitchen has been fully renovated with crisp white cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and fresh flooring—designed for both beauty and functionality.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

CATHERINE "CATRINA" ERKAL, REALTOR® Associate

Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Monmouth County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.

Robinson Ale House, Asbury Park

ASBURY PARK

Heirloom at

The St. Laurent

408 7th Ave. 732.795.2582 thestlaurent.com

Iron Whale

1200 Ocean Ave. 732.361.5185 ironwhalenj.com

Moonstruck 517 Lake Ave. 732.988.0123 moonstrucknj.com

Pascal & Sabine

601 Bangs Ave. 732.774.3395 pascalandsabine.com

Porta 911 Kingsley St. 732.776.7661 pizzaporta.com

Robinson Ale House

1200 Ocean Ave. N. 732.774.1400 therobinsonalehouse asburypark.com

Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar

800 Ocean Ave. 732.775.7776 stellamarinarestaurant.com

Taka 660 Cookman Ave. 732.775.1020 takaasburypark.com

Talula’s

550 Cookman Ave. 732.455.3003 talulaspizza.com

ATLANTIC

HIGHLANDS

Copper Canyon

51 First Ave.

732.291.8444 thecoppercanyon.com

Harborside Grill

40 First Ave. 732.291.0066 ahwinebar.com

Kunya Siam Thai

Restaurant

99 First Ave. 732.291.2397 kunyasiam.com

On The Deck 10 Simon Lake Dr. 732.872.1424 onthedeckrestaurant.com

AVON-BY-THE-SEA

Clementine’s 306 Main St. 732.988.7979 clementinesavon.com

Seed to Sprout 410 Main St. 732.774.7333 seedtosproutnj.com

BELFORD

Belford Bistro 870 Main St. 732.495.8151 belfordbistro.com

Naples Pizzeria 872 Main St. 732.787.9479

BELMAR 10th Ave. Burrito Co 801 Belmar Plz. 732.280.1515 tenthaveburrito.com

Anchor Tavern

713 Main St. 732.280.2266 anchortavernnj.com

Boathouse Bar & Grill

1309 Main St. 732.681.5221 boathousebarandgrill.com

Brandl 703 Belmar Plz. 732.280.7501 brandlrestaurant.com

Federico’s 700 Main St. 732.681.6936 federicospizza.com

La Dolce Vita

400 Ocean Ave. 732.749.3177 ladolcevitanj.com

BRADLEY BEACH

The Buttered Biscuit

700 Main St. 732.807.4069 thebutteredbiscuitcafe. com

The Elbow Room 416 Main St. 732.898.6860 elbowroomnj.com

BRIELLE

Due Amici

420 Higgins Ave. 732.528.0666 dueamicibriellenj.com

La Mondina 110 Union Ave. 732.612.8331 lamondinabrielle.com

The Pig and Parrot Sandbar 201 Union Ln. 732.528.7750 thepigandparrot.com

Shipwreck Grill

720 Ashley Ave. 732.292.9380 shipwreckgrill.com

EATONTOWN

All Seasons Restaurant 176 Wyckoff Rd. 732.542.9462 allseasonsrestaurant.net

ENGLISHTOWN

Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina 180 Rte. 9 732.617.0099 rosalitasnj.com

FREEHOLD

618 Restaurant 618 Park Ave. 732.577.0001 618nj.com

618 Restaurant, Freehold

Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro 30 E. Main St. 732.333.0933 aarzu.com

Court Jester 16 E. Main St. 732.462.1040 courtjesternj.com

El Meson

40 W. Main St. 732.308.9494 elmesoncafe.com

Federici’s Family Restaurant

14 E. Main St. 732.462.1312 federicis.com

Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine

3710 Rte. 9

732.808.2727 marmaracuisine.com

Metropolitan Cafe

8 E. Main St. 732.780.9400 metrocafenj.com

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap

3492 Rte. 9

732.543.0053 tommystavernandtap.com

Tre Pizza Pasta Beer Garden 611 Park Ave. 732.751.4422 trepizzanj.com

HAZLET

Neil Michael’s Steakhouse 1104 Rte. 36

732.217.3626 neilmichaelsteak house.com

Yesterday’s Restaurant

3153 Rte. 35 732.264.3777 yesterdaysnj.com

HIGHLANDS

Bahrs Landing 2 Bay Ave. 732.872.1245

bahrslandingnj.com

Proving Ground

56 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.872.2266 theprovingground.com

HOLMDEL

Palumbo’s 24 Ayers Ln. palumbospizza35.com 732.671.8820

KEYPORT

Drew’s Bayshore Bistro 25 Church St. 732.739.9219 drewsbayshorebistro.com

LONG BRANCH

21 A On Broadway 202 Broadway 732.483.6967 21aonbroadway.com

Avenue 23 Ocean Ave. 732.759.2900 avenuelongbranch.com

Charley’s Ocean Grill 29 Avenel Blvd. 732.222.4499 charleysoceangrill.com

Mar Belo 611 Broadway 732.870.2222 marbelorestaurant.com

McLoone’s Pier House 1 Ocean Ave. N. 732.795.3493 mcloonespierhouse.com

Rooney’s Oceanfront 100 Ocean Ave. N. 732.870.1200 rooneysocean.com

Sirena Ristorante 27 Ocean Ave. N. 732.222.1119 sirenaristorante.com

MANALAPAN

Anemos Greek Cuisine

333 Rte. 9 732.414.6590 anemosgreekcuisine.com

Cholula Restaurant 24 Wilson Ave. 732.786.0080 cholularestaurant englishtown.com

Manalapan Diner 48 Rte. 9 732.462.7165 manalapandiner.com

Nonna’s Citi Cucina

190 Rte. 9 N. 732.536.9050 nonnasnj.com

Peking Pavilion 110 Rte. 33 732.308.9700 pekingpavilion.coma

MANASQUAN

Blend on Main 152 Main St. 732.223.0030 blendonmain.com

Harpoon Willy’s 2655 River Rd. 732.223.8880 harpoonwillys.com

The Salty Whale And Guesthouse 390 E. Main St. 732.592.3344 thesaltywhale.com

Squan Tavern 15 Broad St. 732.223.3324 squantavern.com

MATAWAN Buttonwood Manor 845 Rte. 34 N. buttonwoodmanor.com

MIDDLETOWN

Crown Palace 1283 Rte. 35 S. 732.615.9888 crownpalacenj.com

MJ’s Restaurant Bar & Grill 1005 Rte. 35 732.796.1400 mjsrestaurant.com

Neelam Exotic Indian Cuisine 1178 Rte. 35 S. 732.671.8900 neelamindiancuisine.com

NEPTUNE Il Posto 1129 Fifth Ave. 732.775.4823

Molinari’s 312 W. Sylvania Ave. 732.775.7733 molinarirestaurant.com

Pete & Elda’s 96 Woodland Ave. 732.774.6010 peteandeldas.com

OCEAN

Illiano’s 933 W. Park Ave. 732.493.2003 illianosrestaurant.net

Piccola Italia 837 W. Park Ave. 732.493.3090 piccolaitalianj.com

Sirena Ristorante, Long Branch

RED BANK

26 West On The Navesink

26 W. Front St.

732.383.5664 26westonthenavesink.com

Birravino

183 Riverside Ave.

732.842.5990 birravino.com

B2 Bistro + Bar

141 Shrewsbury Ave.

732.268.8555 b2bistro.com

Char Steakhouse

33 Broad St.

732.450.2427 charsteakhouse.com

Danny’s 11 Bridge Ave.

732.741.6900 dannyssteakhouse.com

JBJ Soul

Kitchen

207 Monmouth St. 732.842.0900 jbjsoulkitchen.com

Juanito’s Restaurant

159 Monmouth St. 732.747.9118 juanitosredbank.com

Kitch Organic

75 Leighton Ave.

732.471.5400 kitchorganic.com

Molly Pitcher Inn

88 Riverside Ave. 732.747.2500 themollypitcher.com

Muang Thai Restaurant

7 E. Front St. 732.741.9999 muangthairedbank.com

Nicholas Barrel & Roost 160 Rte. 35 S. 732.345.9977 barrelandroost.com

Patrizia’s

28 Broad St. 732.741.5555 patrizias.com

Pazzo MMX

141 W. Front St. 732.747.4551 pazzoredbank.com

Teak

64 Monmouth St. 732.747.5775 teakrestaurant.com

RUMSON

Barnacle Bill’s 1 First St. 732.747.8396 barnaclebills rumson.com

Giorgia 102 Ave. of Two Rivers 732.741.3880 ristorantegiorgia.com

River Pointe Inn

132 E. River Rd. 732.530.6590 riverpointeinn.com

Salt Creek Grille 4 Bingham Ave. 732.933.9272 saltcreekgrille.com

Undici

11 W. River Rd. 732.842.3880 undicirestaurant.com

Victory Park Tavern

21 W. River Rd. 732.842.6205 victoryparktavern.com

SEA BRIGHT

Anjelica’s 1070 Ocean Ave. 732.842.2800 anjelicas.com

Eventide

Grille

1400 Ocean Ave. N. 732.530.1414 eventidegrille.com

The Rum Runner

816 Ocean Ave. 732.842.2894 mcloonesrumrunner.com

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap

1030 Ocean Ave. 732.842.5044 tommystavernandtap.com

SEA GIRT

Fratello’s 810 The Plaza 732.974.8833 fratellosnj.com

SHREWSBURY Americana Diner 1160 Rte. 35 S. 732.542.1658 americanadiner.net

Bayroot 555 Shrewsbury Ave. 732.747.3444 bayrootmarket.com

D’jeet 637 Broad St. 732.224.8887 djeetcatering.com

SPRING LAKE

Amelia’s By The Sea 1505 Ocean Ave. N. 732.769.5700 ameliasbythesea.com

Spring Lake Tap House 810 Rte. 71 732.282.1530 springlaketaphouse.com

St. Stephen’s Green Publick House 2031 Rte. 71 732.449.2626 ssgpub.com

Whispers 200 Monmouth Ave. 732.974.9755 whispersrestaurant.com

WALL Meemom’s 1825 Rte. 35 732.359.8544 meemoms.com

Mossuto’s Market & Cafe 2029 Rte. 35 S. 732.449.8058 mossutosmarketnj.com

Shogun Legends 1969 Rte. 34 732.449.6696 shogunlegends.com

JBJ Soul Kitchen, Red Bank

SENIOR LIVING GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Brightview

THIS IS SENIOR LIVING DONE BRIGHT

TRUE Independence. Come and go as you please in your vehicle or ours. Host dinners or celebrations. Take a vacation while we take care of everything at home.

Choice. What will you do today? At Brightview, you can pursue hobbies, catch a film in the theater, grab a drink in the pub, or rejuvenate in the salon it’s up to you!

Possibilities. Embrace endless opportunities to explore new interests and embark on new adventures with like-minded neighbors. Visit us online for our locations and information www.BrightviewEatontown.com | www.BrightviewHolmdel.com

HearingLife

At HearingLife, we specialize in hearing care. Our licensed hearing experts use a personalized approach to care tailored to meet your unique needs. Through industry-leading products, state-ofthe art solutions are individually fit and fine-tuned to help you get the most out of your hearing—and your life. With more than 600 locations across 42 states, and OnDemand after-hours customer care, HearingLife is never out of reach.

Your hearing is our expertise. 908.569.8688 | www.HearingLife.com

Don’t Believe The Name

Yes, Just the Crust is making a name for itself on Long Branch’s informal dining scene, but the crust is just the beginning.

When beach season is in full swing, my cravings usually shift from table-service dining and full entrées to something way more casual—a boardwalk slice and soft-serve ice cream, for instance. One of the things I love most about Monmouth is its abundance of restaurants where one can find the in-between: personal service, laidback vibes and a great menu.

I’ll admit that upon hearing about Just the Crust, which recently opened in Long Branch, I wrote it off as just another pizza place. “We’ll check it out on our next beach day,” I told my girlfriend. What a crusty injustice!

It was early April—still too chilly to be sunbathing on the sand—when we found ourselves longing for good pizza. Instead of eating oceanside, we cruised to the middle of Long Branch to try the new pizzeria. There we walked into a bright, white eatery filled with the aroma of baked dough and cheese. It was heaven. The counter wasn’t occupied by a clear case with pizza displays; it’s a space where people can sit with friends and share a pie or two. And those at the counter have a front-row view as the chefs work in the open kitchen.

The dining area was small but cozy; there were two other couples and a group of six also eating in on this early Saturday evening. The menu had a generous list of salads and hot appetizers, each ideal for sharing, which was how all the other parties were enjoying them.

To start, my girlfriend and I ordered the warm octopus, one large arm (with all the suckers) served over a bed of fingerling potatoes, parsley, capers and tomatoes. The presentation earned high marks, and the taste scored even higher. The octopus was evenly cooked and tender from base to tip. It was covered in a light, olive-oil vinaigrette, which added just the right amount of tanginess to the mild and sweet mollusk.

While I wanted either the stuffed shrimp or the wood-fired wings as our second appetizer, my dining companion convinced me to go a little lighter: roasted, long-stem artichokes. I started the meal feeling neither

hot nor cold toward artichokes, but Just the Crust’s version turned me into a fan. A faint yet palatable char taste from the woodfired oven meshed harmoniously with the vegetable’s sweetness and nuttiness, and the accompanying capers and peppers added a touch of zest to every bite.

Going easy on the appetizers was strategic thinking, as we decided to share a pair of pizzas for our entrees. My choice, Corato, was a heavenly pie topped with creamy stracciatella cheese, sweet Italian sausage, pecorino, broccoli rabe and Calabrian chiles. (My mouth is watering all over again just thinking about the pizza.) The slices weren’t as large as a typical boardwalk slice, but there was plenty of great flavor with each bite thanks to the savory cheese and meat and the crisp-on-the-outside-chewyon-the-inside crust.

Such flavor abundance also marked my girlfriend’s selection, Piancone Prosciutto. Her pie was topped with thinly sliced prosciutto, gooey burrata, pesto, cherry tomatoes, basil and arugula. In other settings and with pasta dishes, I’d usually shy away from anything with pesto—I’ve had too many iterations that were too oily. But Just the Crust’s pesto wasn’t like those others; it worked nicely with the flavor of the cheese and the spiciness of the arugula. I wasn’t about to admit to my girlfriend that her pizza choice was better, but I ended up eating more slices of the Piancone Prosciutto than I did from my own pie.

Though feeling full and satiated (there were still seven uneaten slices that we had boxed up), I was still craving something sweet at the night’s end. At presstime, however, the restaurant didn’t have a dessert menu. No cake nor cannoli on this visit.

It does have a bar, from where I ordered a post-meal cocktail. It wasn’t the decadent bite I wanted, but my blood-orange spritz hit the spot—just as Just the Crust satisfies when you’re seeking a great sit-down dinner in a laidback atmosphere.

—Darius Amos

HAPPENINGS

Be There

From fabulous festivals to toe-tapping tunes, kick off the season in style here in Monmouth.

JUNE 14

Renew your love for art, antiques, photography and sculpture at the ALLAIRE ARTS FESTIVAL, happening at the Historic Village at Allaire in Farmingdale. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can watch live art demonstrations, explore historical buildings and grab a treat from the bakery. For tickets and more details, visit allairevillage.org.

JUNE 20

JUNE 14

Skip the trip to New York City and stop by Monmouth University’s Pollak Theater to watch Mozart’s masterpiece LE NOZZE DI FIGARO As part of the West Long Branch school’s “The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD” series, the show is presented live on a state-of-theart, 30-foot screen (subtitles too!) with surround sound, so there’s no bad seat in the house. Visit monmouth.edu for tickets and more info.

JUNE 15

For another relaxing day along the water, bring the entire family to Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold for a FRESHWATER FISHING DERBY From 2 to 5 p.m., you can fish for fun or competition—prizes for longest fish will be awarded in three categories. Limited pole rentals are available, and registration includes bait. Sign up now at monmouthcountyparks.com.

to two things he loves: and baseball. Seastreak’s YORK METS GAME

CRUISE departs from Highlands at 10:55 a.m. and arrives at World’s Fair Marina in Queens in time for the Mets’ 1:40 p.m. game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Two round-trip packages are available: boat ride only or boatand-game tickets combo. For tickets and additional details, visit seastreak.com.

Rock out with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer SHERYL CROW , headliner of Count Basie Center’s 2025 Summer Gala in Red Bank. The nine-time Grammy Award winner will perform an 8 p.m. concert, which supports the center’s mission of providing arts education opportunities to the community. Separate admission to the gala includes a dinner reception, the concert and post-show dance party. Visit thebasie.org for full details.

JUNE 21

Bring your TASTE OF 5 p.m., ticket can enjoy cocktail samples from dozens participating restaurants and vendors. Prizes and other giveaways will be offered as well. Find out more purchase highlandsnj.com.

*Editor’s note: are subject to cancellations or changes. Attendees encouraged to dates and times organizers and

JUNE 25

The tradition is back: FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT returns to downtown Freehold. Head to the Hall of Records with blankets and chairs and relax with a free outdoor viewing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone The screening begins at 8:30 downtownfreehold.com.

JUNE 29

JUNE 28 & 29

Funnyman JAMES MURRAY brings his interactive stand-up comedy routine to the Count Basie Center in Red Bank for a 7 p.m. show. Known as “Murr” on the TBS show Impractical Jokers , Murray will tell jokes, share behind-the-scenes videos from his TV show and play a few impractical jokes on the audience. Get tickets today at thebasie.org. , concert, vendors talent. at bridgefest.org. Ocean

JUNE 29

Funk legend GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC will headline a 5 p.m. show at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. The concert is part of the venue’s Summer Stage series as well as the third annual Prudential North to Shore Festival. Arrive early to catch opening act Living Colour, a twotime Grammy Award winner featuring guitar icon Vernon Reid. Tickets can be purchased at northtoshore.com.

JULY 4

Get an up-close-and-personal view of a pristine waterway during a BOAT TOUR OF THE MANASQUAN RESERVOIR The 45-minute tours are narrated by a Monmouth County Parks naturalist and are offered every hour from 2 to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour. Call 732.751.9453 to confirm times, as tours depend on weather and water level.

Celebrate Independence Day at Long Branch’s annual OCEANFEST at Pier Village. Starting at 1 p.m., visitors can enjoy a sand sculpting exhibition, face painting, balloon artists, live entertainment, food vendors and more. The day concludes with a fireworks d isplay over the Atlantic Ocean. Find out more at piervillage.com.

Gatherings

Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.

1. FREEHOLD FAMILY YMCA

The Freehold Rotary Club recently made a donation to the Freehold Family YMCA. The funds will go toward the Y’s annual campaign, which helps provide access to summer camp experiences for Freehold area children.

3 7 4 8

CATSBURY PARK

Asbury Park-based nonprofit Catsbury Park held its Adopt & Shop Fair at Bell Works in Holmdel. The program focused on giving a chance for many rescue groups, big and small, from the area to meet and connect with a large audience.

3-4. FULFILL

At the recent Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Spinnaker Awards, Fulfill board chair Susan Kyrillos accepted the Volunteer of the Year award on behalf of all Fulfill volunteers. The recognition celebrates the volunteers’ commitment to addressing food insecurity in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

6. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

In celebration of Women’s History Month, commissioner director Thomas A. Arnone and the Board of County Commissioners recognized female leaders in municipal and county government from across Monmouth County.

LONG BRANCH LIBRARY

DIGroup Architecture’s principal Rich Alderiso (left) delivered the keynote address at the Long Branch Free Public Library’s recent Celebration of Champions Gala. The event also was attended by DIG’s Kate Haas, associate and director of interior design (center), and Jaime Masler Beach, associate principal and senior project manager.

GIRL SCOUTS OF THE JERSEY SHORE

Members of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore attended the recent United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. There, the girls joined global leaders and advocates in discussions on gender equality and the advancement of girls’ and women’s rights.

Freehold Family YMCA (1), Catsbury Park (2), Fulfill (3-4), Board of County Commissioners (6), Long Branch Library (7), Girl

Sourts of the Jersey Shore (8)

A MONMOUTH MOMENT

“I’ve been a surfer for more than 40 years, so I took my bike down to the Manasquan Inlet last August to check out the waves. (There was considerable ocean swell from Hurricane Ernesto.) Luckily, I decided to bring my camera. I was trying to get a photo of the lifeguard stand and the surfer, and then the jet ski passed in the background. The waves were very good, and it was such a memorable day.”

—Martin Burns, Manasquan

Photo courtesy of Martin Burns, Instagram: @theotherburnsy