Monmouth May 2025

Monmouth MAY 2025 | $6.95 | MONMOUTHMAG.COM | VOLUME 23 ISSUE 5

VOLUME 23 ISSUE 5 | MAY 2025

HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

GOOD TIMES NEWLYWEDS WELCOME NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE

THE CELEBRATIONS ISSUE

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Contents MAY 2025

42 Departments Monmouth Buzz 8 Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Style Watch 12 Bouclé is a timeless texture that exudes elegance from head to toe.

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Home Front 14 A touch of seafoam green can add a cool, coastal vibe to any room.

Features

Friends & Neighbors 16

The Skin You’re In 20

Whatever role Rumson’s Bob McLynn takes on— performer, manager, brewer—count on him to crush it.

A benign bump or a cause for alarm?

A Monmouth dermatologist explains when to see an expert when something changes on your epidermis.

Milestones 38

Betting On A Shore Thing 22

They say one generous act can create a chain reaction.

In Keyport, for three years running now, they’ve proved it with boxes of cereal.

A Spring Lake Heights couple knew they wanted the beach to play a starring role in their wedding. Sure enough, it didn’t dare rain.

Showered With Joy 28 To make her baby shower a thoroughly happy event, Matawan’s Amanda Clifton had a secret weapon: her best friend.

Tastes 42 Who says veggies are boring? These delicious, nutritious bites are easy to make and will please any crowd.

Bar Tab 46 A boozy twist on a Shirley Temple is a nostalgic trip and sip for adults.

Gatherings 53 Monmouth residents always show up to support their neighbors.

A Monmouth Moment 64 A Tinton Falls resident captures a perfect sunset at Dorbrook Park in Colts Neck.

Tim Frangione and Sara Cervelli exchange vows in Spring Lake. Photography

by Alicia Savoly.

A beautifully planned Dec. 31 wedding is sweetened by an inevitable touch of Auld Lang Syne.

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Five day-trip destinations promise to make your mother’s day on Mother’s Day (or any other day).

ON THE COVER

New Year, New Life 32

MONMOUTHMAG.COM

Escapes 40

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IN EVERY ISSUE 4 18 54

Editor’s Note Health News Be There

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Let’s Hear It For Enjoyment What’s your excuse not to have fun?

I’ve got lots of ’em. New issues to plan, a “Things to Do” list as long as Route 36, and the day-to-day twists and turns of Achieving the Ideal End for Your Best New Beginning life. But I also know that we all need the occasional break. Marking special occasions with joy, beauty and a festive spirit isn’t playing hooky from life; it’s a blessed recharge that nourishes us and helps us be more whole and present for all those inevitable nose-to-the-grindstone moments— and for each other. So, ladies and gentleMegan S. Murray, Esq. men, I present our Celebrations Issue.

The Family Law Offices of Megan S. Murray Amanda Clifton of Matawan knew that 960 Holmdel Road, Building II, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733 gathering her family and friends wasn’t going 732-847-9896 | MurrayFamilyLaw.com to solve any global conflicts. She wasn’t even sure she could have a baby shower, between considerable morning sickness and her husband’s travel schedule—he’s a pro hockey player for the Buffalo Sabres.

But her party (page 28) last year went swimmingly, thanks to a support team MeganMurray_1-4p_0225_v2.indd 1 1/14/25 8:41 AM that planned and coordinated the entire event and brought everyone together.

SPECIAL PROMOTION Clifton’s favorite part of the day: spending time with loved ones.

The beach united Sara Cervelli and Tim Frangione. It’s where the two first met as friends, and an oceanside boardwalk is where they got engaged.

Two Rivers Counseling, LLC They knew then that they would get married during a no-fuss ceremony 732.788.6146 | Bonnieblacklcsw@gmail.com at the Shore as well. The couple celebrated their nuptials (page 22) at Tim McCloone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park, catering to their 100 guests while How long have you paying homage to the place where their life together started: the beach. been practicing?

Celebrations are worthy of being celebrated, and that includes the one this month called Mother’s Day. On page 8, you’ll find four out-of-the-ordinary I have been working in mental health for over 16 years, solely operating my ideas for fun with Mom, and page 40 reveals five travel destinations perfect private practice since 2020. for taking her along—complete with sights and eats and extras.

Also in this issue: a health article on how to tell when skin problems are What types of serious (page 20), a school district where generosity creates a chain reaction procedures do you (page 38) and a visit with a Rumson man (page 16) who makes music, manages global talent and brews killer beers. perform regularly?

So by all means, be serious and goal-directed in this not-always-merI provide individual counseling, ry month of May. But when there’s an occasion to celebrate—no excuses, clinical supervision, and mental now—go for it! health consultation services.

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

4/21/25 1:22 2:33 PM

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Monmouth Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA

Group Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY

Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO

Publisher JODI BRUKER

Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS

Senior Account Executive SARA MCMAHON

Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN

Director, Special Programs LAURA A. DOWDEN

Contributing Editors PAUL RANCE JR. DONNA ROLANDO NAYDA RONDON

MARKETING, DIGITAL & OPERATIONS

Contributing Photographers GUARDIAN ANGEL EVENTS JENNY RODRIGUEZ PHOTO ALICIA SAVOLY, PEACH PHOTOGRAPHY PRODUCTION

Production Manager FERN E. MESHULAM Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE

Director of Marketing and Digital Media NIGEL EDELSHAIN Director of Advertising Services JACQUELYNN FISCHER Chief Finance Officer STEVEN RESNICK Assistant Controller URSZULA JANECZKO Accounts Receivable Manager KASIE CARLETON Director of Operations CATHERINE ROSARIO Office Manager MARIA MARTUCCI

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Monmouth Buzz

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

MAKE MOM’S DAY

You can deliver breakfast in bed or give a great gift, but there are even more ways of showing Mom you care on Mother’s Day (May 11). Here in Monmouth there are plenty of events where you and your mom can laugh, relax, enjoy great food and celebrate your relationship: • Mother’s Day Market + Brunch at Whitechapel Projects. On May 11 in Long Branch, visit a special market and brunch hosted by Asbury Park Bazaar. Enjoy delicious food while artisan vendors offer everything from jewelry to home goods to self-care and beauty products. La Vie En Rose NYC will set up a flower wall for memorable photo ops. The fun starts at noon.

More info: asburyparkbazaar.com • Run the Hook 5K. A family that runs together stays together.

Lace up your shoes with Mom and head over to Ford Road in Sandy Hook on May 11 to try this scenic race, which supports local nonprofit Clean Ocean Action. Take in the beautiful views, get your heart pumping and support a great cause. The race starts at 8 a.m. More info: runthehooknj.com • Mother’s Day at the Track.

Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport marks the day with free admission for all ladies May 11.

It’ll give away flowers and offer brunch at the Dining Club & Turf Club. Face painting, pony rides and other family-friendly activities are also on tap. The park opens at 11 a.m. More info: monmouthpark.com • Mother’s Day Free & Open at the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County. This Shrewsburybased Y will celebrate moms May 12 with a day of free classes, gym and pool access. Tours of the facility also will be offered. Families are welcome. The day of fun with Mom starts at 9 a.m. More info: ymcanj.org

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COOL WHEELS

You needn’t be a car fanatic to enjoy one of our county’s free auto exhibitions in May and early June, but if you are, so much the better!

• May 17, Middletown South Car Show, Middletown High School, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check out a variety of super cars, American muscle cars, motorcycles and trucks. Coffee, donuts and games will be available.

• May 18, Monmouth County Sheriff Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association 314 Car Show, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A range of cool classics, modern marvels and awesome antiques will be on display. The event also will include music, games, food trucks and a police K9 demonstration.

• May 24, Port Monmouth Fire Company Car Show, Port Monmouth Fire Department, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This indoor-outdoor show will raise money for pancreatic cancer research while entertaining all ages with an assortment of cars. Food, beverages and prizes also will be available.

• June 1, 53rd Annual All American Car Show, Crave Eatery, Neptune, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All makes and models will be showcased, but special awards will be presented to top Fords, Corvettes and other General Motors cars.

• June 1, Hot Rods and Summer Vibes Car Show, Wellington Estates, Spring Lake, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This inaugural show, presented by the Greasers Car Club, is open to all years, makes and models.

Spectators also can enjoy food trucks, giveaways and a live DJ.

KUDOS TO…

…Diederik Boonman of Oakhurst, a student at West Long Branch’s Monmouth University, who discovered that a new species of invasive anemone had been introduced to the Jersey Shore. Boonman, a senior studying marine and environmental biology and policy, had been observing marine species on a beach near campus as part of a homework assignment when he noticed an anemone he could not name. He brought the observation to Endowed Professor of Marine Science Jason Adolf, and the species was identified as the beadlet anemone, native to the British Isles but not seen in North America until now. …the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which helped rescue a bald eagle that was injured alongside Route 18 in Neptune Township. In March, the SPCA retrieved the bird safely and transported it to a local clinic for treatment and rehabilitation. Though the bald eagle was officially removed from New Jersey’s endangered list in January, experts continue monitoring its population. …officers Rich Brendon Bernard and Rich Enzerillo of the Holmdel Police Department, who helped deliver a healthy baby girl at a Holmdel home in March. The officers responded to a call about a woman in labor and, after determining that the birth was imminent, acted immediately before medical personnel arrived. Baby and mother were taken safely to a local hospital and reunited with the officers a few days later.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Middletown resident Nick Zaremba won the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners’ third annual County Travel Guide photo contest. His first-place shot is an aerial image of a Sea Bright beach that includes a rock jetty extending into the ocean with a beach umbrella on one side and beautiful green waves on the other.

“Nick’s photo captures one of the many ways residents and visitors can enjoy Monmouth County,” says Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Tourism.

The contest attracts photo submissions from across the state.

The commissioners select three finalists before turning to New Jersey residents, who vote for the winning picture. The winning image will appear on the County Travel Guide cover, and Zaremba will be spotlighted within the publication.

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WANT GOOD HEALTH? DO YOUR PART

Keeping up with regular tests is one of the best ways to make sure you’re in good health. Our area hospitals and imaging centers can help, as can the Monmouth County CEED Program (cancer education and early detection), which offers free cancer screenings to eligible residents with no symptoms or previous diagnosis. CEED tests include breast and colorectal exams. For information, call 732.933.3952.

Not sure if you need a test? Below are some up-to-date recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • Breast health. As of this past fall, the CDC recommends that women ages 40 to 74 have breast screenings, including mammograms, every other year. Monthly breast self-exams are recommended for those 40 and older.

• Colorectal Health. All adults 45 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer, and screening should continue once every 10 years if no polyps are found. Those who are at risk of developing colon cancer (people with inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colon cancer or specific genetic syndromes) should talk to their doctors for earlier screening.

• Heart health. Regular blood-pressure checks should begin at age 18, and those with no risk factors should continue testing once every two to five years. Testing frequency should increase to every one to two years for those ages 40+.

Cholesterol tests for healthy adults should begin between ages 17 and 21 and continue at five-year intervals. Those with a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes should be screened more often.

• Diabetes. Blood-sugar testing in healthy adults should begin at age 45 and continue every three years. Those with prediabetes and diabetes will need a hemoglobin A1C blood test at least twice a year.

NOW YOU’RE COOKIN’

Memorial Day traditionally kicks off the season, but with warm weather there’s a good chance you’re already feeling the urge. You want to fire up the BBQ, gather your friends and family and spend a nice, long afternoon enjoying the company and the sun.

Want to take your next outdoor party or cookout to the next level? Try these tips: • Brew local. Good, cold beer is essential to any outdoor get-together, and you can go beyond the big brands. Nothing elevates your spread like adding a few brews from local craft breweries. Try Carton Brewing (6 E. Washington Ave., Atlantic Highlands; cartonbrewing.com) for IPAs, Japanese-style pilsners and cream ale; Belford Brewing Company (84 Leonardville Rd., Belford; belfordbrewing. com) for honey ale, brown ale and stouts; or Kane Brewing Company (1750 Bloomsbury Ave., Ocean Township; kanebrewing.com) for legendary IPAs and pale ales.

• Don’t skimp on sides. You can’t go wrong with classics like potato salad and grilled corn, but there are other options too. Put together a baked-potato bar with a wide array of toppings to choose. Or go daring and try adding grilled watermelon to the menu (brush it down with a mixture of honey and lime and then serve sprinkled with cilantro).

Or add a high-end twist and grill thin slices of zucchini topped with pesto.

• Pick a theme. Themes aren’t just for children’s parties. Choosing one can add a touch of whimsy or serve as an icebreaker if you’re gathering people who don’t know each other well. It can be as simple as asking people to wear a favorite sports jersey or a Hawaiian shirt or planning your menu to match a favorite movie or international cuisine.

• Embrace game day. Odds are that you have a Can Jam set (a lawn game played with frisbees) tucked somewhere in your garage. If you want more options for great lawn games, look for ladder ball, played by tossing a bola (two weighted balls connected by a thin cord) onto a ladder, or show off the skills you picked up playing pickleball with PaddleSmash, in which you spike small whiffle balls against a trampoline to the other player.

Catering to a younger crowd? Giant games of Connect Four are always a hit.

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CULINARY CORNER

Sometimes a new or improved eatery comes along that’s a must-try. This trio may fit that bill: SOUTHERN COMFORT TV personality and celebrity chef James Avery has opened his first eatery, Palmetto Southern Kitchen. Known for his appearances on Hell’s Kitchen, Avery joins with BarCo Brands to combine Southern classics with beach-inspired fare: Think lobster gumbo, peel-and-eat shrimp and po’ boys as well as barbecued lion’s mane, ribeye steaks and center-cut pork chops.

• Palmetto Southern Kitchen, 1000 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, 732.361.3639; palmettoasburypark.com ITALIAN CLUB Now open in Lincroft is Falcone, serving traditional and modern Italian cuisine in a supper club-like environment.

Housed in a restored former church, the reservations-only restaurant boasts a menu with entrées such as whole branzino, aged balsamic pork chop and veal aleo as well as pasta dishes, salads and a slew of antipasti options.

• Falcone, 623 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft; falconenj.com PIZZA PLUS PLUS Despite the name, Just the Crust offer much more than toasty bread. This new Long Branch restaurant specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza (we love the soppressata picante pie), but the appetizers, including warm octopus and roasted mushrooms, and the sandwiches are tempting too. Ask your server for the perfect wine pairing to go with your food. (Just the Crust teams up with neighboring gastropub Nip N Tuck for smart combinations.)

• Just the Crust, 11 Norwood Ave., Long Branch, 732.272.1505; justthecrust.pizza

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BEYOND THE BEACH

We love our beaches in Monmouth County, but so does the rest of the state and many of our New York and Pennsylvania neighbors. If you’re looking to avoid the big crowds on Memorial Day Weekend, maybe— • Head to a splash pad. Skipping the beach, but the kids still want to get wet? Splash pads are playgrounds that spray water, and they’re often not overcrowded and have plenty of space for you to catch some rays too. Check out Veteran’s Park in Keyport, Cross Farm Park in Holmdel and Michael J. Tighe Park in Freehold.

• Start a mini sports tournament. Monmouth is home to several pickleball courts (e.g., Fort Monmouth Recreation Area in Tinton Falls and One Love Pickleball in Ocean Township) where you and your friends can set up a round robin. Or challenge them to an old-fashioned mini golf game. (Try Monster Mini Golf in Eatontown, Castaway Cove in Point Pleasant Beach or Shipwreck Island Mini Golf in Bradley Beach.)

• Frolic with flowers. Sand and surf aren’t the only things Monmouth summers are known for. The blooms and gardens at public grounds like Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown and David C. Shaw Arboretum in Holmdel are picturesque this time of year.

• Take a hike. Immerse yourself in nature and head into the woods for a quiet hike. You’ll surely get some exercise in the dense forests and rolling hills of our county. Try the trails at Hartshorne Woods Park and Holmdel Park as well as along the Manasquan Reservoir and Shark River Park.

GRATITUDE ON PARADE

PUPPY LOVE

Is there a better way to thank those who gave their lives in service to our country than by holding a parade in their honor? Many Monmouth County towns will host such events on or around Memorial Day (May 26): • May 24–25, 9 a.m., Bradley Beach Memorial Day Parade and Festival.

The parade takes place Saturday at 10 a.m. Entertainment and live music will be performed along Ocean Avenue both days.

Dog: Tobias Longboarder, a 2½-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi Owner: Juliane Randazzo of Red Bank Don’t let his long name put you off— this pup goes by “Toby.” And, if you ask Juliane, fate brought the two of them together. “I was looking for years, on and off, to adopt a dog,” she says. “It just never panned out. One night I had a dream about a corgi, which was weird, because they were never on my top list of breeds—I always wanted a small, non-shedding dog I could travel with.

A few weeks after my dream, a friend asked if I was still looking to adopt a dog, because he knew someone who had to rehome a four-month-old corgi! That was my sign.”

Toby loves people, but he’ll give that infamous corgi “side eye” if he isn’t acknowledged by passersby on walks. He loves hopping around in the snow when it’s cold and exploring Monmouth’s beaches when it’s warm. He’s also a smart puppy—he knows the command “play music,” and will squeak his toys if you give it. According to Juliane, he knows more than 44 words and commands—and counting.

You can also find Toby listening to tunes (Juliane says he prefers opera), stealing socks and watching other animals on the TV, particularly other dogs, cows or sheep. For some reason, his owner says, it never works when he tries to herd them.

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

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• May 26, 10 a.m., Freehold Memorial Day Parade. Watch the procession of the county’s largest Memorial Day parade, as it steps off from Brinkerhoff Avenue and heads down Main Street through the center of town.

• May 26, 10 a.m., Middletown Memorial Day Parade. The town and American Legion Post 338 hold their annual parade, which steps off from Bayshore Middle School and heads to Post 338. Services will take place after the parade, and attendees can enjoy hot dogs and beverages afterward.

• May 26, 10:30 a.m., Colts Neck Memorial Day Parade.

The town’s annual event begins at town hall on Cedar Drive and ends at the firehouse.

• May 26, 1 p.m.

Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade. The town’s 52nd annual parade steps off from Main Street and concludes at the war memorial at Lutz Park.

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good health Chiropractic Care for Infants, Children, and the Whole Family • Pregnancy specialists with expertise in breech, pre & postnatal, pediatric, and family wellness.

• Health and wellness experts promoting vitality and anti-aging lifestyles.

Robert F. Coombs, D.C., CACCP 2424 Bridge Ave., Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 CoombsChiropractic.com ● 732.899.9600 CoombsChiro_1-2H_0225_v2.indd 1 Untitled-13 1

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FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

For Music Or Beer, He’s The Man You may not have heard Bob McLynn’s name, but odds are you’ve heard of some of the musicians he and his company, Crush Management, manage: Fall Out Boy, Green Day, Weezer, Kesha, Miley Cyrus. Originally from Summit, the now 52-year-old McLynn was a staple in New Jersey’s hardcore music scene for years. He’s put out records with multiple bands, including the Step Kings and Headlock. He’s toured Europe and opened a bar in Spain.

Now living in Rumson with his wife and two daughters, McLynn is one of the founders of the Asbury Park Brewery, which reopened on Cookman Avenue last summer after a temporary closure.

How did you get started in music?

Def Leppard and Tesla were playing the Brendan Byrne Arena (now the Meadowlands), and I was blown away. I started going to see hardcore shows in NYC and Newark. I found some buddies in high school who knew how to play stuff and figured bass was my easiest way in.

Your favorite band?

Old Van Halen and Johnny Cash.

Memories from playing in Asbury?

I was in a hardcore band and we were at all the venues—Fast Lanes, Wonder Bar, Stone Pony. I remember playing the Stone Pony once with SOD [Stormtroopers of Death] and some other acts, and it would get crazy. I was back in the merch booth, and fights started breaking out and spilling onto us. I needed to throw people out. Not a sunny memory, but that’s what it was like back then.

How did you transition into management?

I always said that if I hit 30 and didn’t have a gold record, I would go into the business side of things.

I switched to management full-time when I was 29. My last band, the Step Kings, was touring with E.Town Concrete, probably the biggest hardcore band to come out of the state. I started helping them out with management stuff. That helped the transition. I had a great run of performing, but

even when I was in the bands I was the business guy in the bands.

The hardest part of those early days?

Making money. Making ends meet was tough.

When did that start changing?

My first big client was Fall Out Boy. I went to see them at South by Southwest down in Austin, Texas. They were playing out of a little trailer with speakers, and I knew right away that these guys had something. I wanted to take them all out for dinner afterward and talk, but, like I said, I didn’t have any money. But we were at this music convention, and there were these industry events I knew I could get into where everyone got free barbecue and beer. So I said, “Hey guys, I’ll take you out to this event!” Then, once we got there, I realized—they’re vegan! They don’t eat meat and they don’t drink beer. So that part, uh, didn’t work out so well.

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How did you know they “had something”?

I was never the biggest fan of the poppunk genre, which Fall Out Boy came up from, but Pete [Wentz]’s lyrics were different from everything else and Patrick [Stump]’s voice had a lot of soul. That combined with the punk beats.

Do you ever get starstruck?

Not with clients; clients are friends. But I’m a huge Yankees fan, so Paul O’Neill bringing his kids backstage at a Fall Out Boy show was really cool.

How do you stay grounded?

I have two little girls—nothing keeps you more grounded than that. They’re 11 and 13, and they don’t give a crap about who my clients are. I’m just Dad. How did you discover your love of brewing?

When I was touring Europe in the ’90s. I would go out in Germany and see all the craft breweries, the different types of beer, the whole culture of it.

An obstacle?

In both industries, music and the brewery, COVID was the greatest challenge I’ve faced. A lot of breweries closed during that time, and no one could tour. No money was coming in.

Something you’re proud of?

The Hella Mega Tour. It was all my acts together as headliners: Fall Out Boy, Green Day and Weezer. We did in in 2021, as the first major music tour out of COVID. The first night we opened in Dallas was a sold-out show—after all those months of everything being closed down. It felt amazing.

A beer recommendation from the brewery?

Hazy Dragon or our Scarlet Ale. Parting words about Monmouth?

This is my favorite place in the world. We have the ocean, all these music scenes—Asbury Park, Red Bank, Long Branch—and I can raise my kids here. I’m never leaving.

—Kirsten Meehan

Photo courtesy of Bob McLynn

Whatever role Bob McLynn takes on—performer, manager, brewer—count on him to crush it.

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4/17/25 3:05 PM

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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.

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HEALTH NEWS TRY THE MEDITERRANEAN

HEAT STROKE FROM SAUNA USE

The Mediterranean diet— consisting of mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds plus healthy fats—has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease plus cognitive decline.

—The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Basking too long in a sauna may put bathers at risk of heat stroke, particularly if they haven’t drunk enough water beforehand, warn doctors. Although relatively rare, heat stroke can be life threatening, even in the absence of various underlying risk factors, such as heart, lung or neurological disease.

—BMJ Case Reports

PAIN AND DEPRESSION

Chronic pain boosts the risk of depression and anxiety fivefold, according to a recent study of nearly 32,000 Americans.

—Pain

GYN WOES LINKED TO HEART DISEASE RISK

RETINAL ‘FINGERPRINT’ TO PREDICT STROKE RISK?

A vascular “fingerprint” on the retina can predict a person’s risk of stroke as accurately as traditional risk factors alone, finds recent research. The retina’s intricate vascular network is known to share common anatomical and physiological features with the vasculature of the brain, making it an ideal candidate for assessing damage from conditions such as diabetes, explain the researchers.

—Heart

Having one or more common gynecological disorders, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or heavy and/or irregular periods, may be linked to a heightened risk of heart disease and conditions that affect blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular disease).

—Heart

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NO SHOTS FOR CHRONIC BACK PAIN

Spine injections should not be given to adults with chronic back pain because they provide little or no pain relief compared with sham injections, reports a panel of experts. The recommendations apply to procedures such as epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks for people living with chronic back pain—lasting at least three months—that is not associated with cancer, infection or inflammatory arthritis.

—The BMJ

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The percent by which the risk of dementia increases in older people who are socially isolated.

—Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

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The Skin You’re In

A BENIGN BUMP OR A CAUSE FOR ALARM? A MONMOUTH DERMATOLOGIST EXPLAINS WHEN TO SEE AN EXPERT IF SOMETHING CHANGES ON YOUR EPIDERMIS.

Your skin is your largest organ, and it’s the most visible part of you. Exposed to the sun, the elements and other people’s eyes, it can take a lot of abuse, and it goes through some serious changes as you age. Wrinkles, age spots, increased sensitivity, more visible veins—while it may be tempting to write off all of these as inevitable symptoms of Father Time, take caution. Sometimes changes in your skin can be indications of a larger problem.

As Christine Schafer, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Little Silver Dermatology in Little Silver, says, “I think people put off a dermatologist visit because there’s always a natural anxiety about the skin exam or over the possibility of a skin biopsy, which can feel scary if someone hasn’t experienced it before. People can also dismiss skin concerns as being insignificant because they don’t understand the dangers of skin cancer and other problems.”

When should you be concerned? MONMOUTH

Christine Schafer, M.D. dermatologist, Little Silver Dermatology, Little Silver

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talked to Dr. Schafer about red flags, when to seek out a professional and some solutions that professional can offer.

Changing moles and patches of skin. “There are inevitable skin changes that come with aging, but it’s for something that is new, whether a growth or a brown spot, that one should always be evaluated by a dermatologist,” says Dr. Schafer. A new mole, or an old one changing or growing, can be a sign of skin cancer.

“Anything that’s looking different from the rest of the spots on your skin, or anything that’s changing in size, shape or color, is a concern that should be evaluated,” the doctor adds. “You should also keep an eye on anything that isn’t healing. If you have a pimple or a bump you thought was an injury that’s lingering for a couple of weeks, that’s something that should be looked into.”

There are three common types of skin cancer: squamous-cell carcinoma, basal-cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Squamous-cell carcinoma and basal-cell carcinoma form in the upper and lower layers of the epidermis, respectively, and are the more common forms. Melanoma develops deeper in the skin, within the cells that give our skin its color, and it’s much more likely to spread and become dangerous than squamouscell or basal-cell carcinoma.

Fortunately, says Dr. Schafer, “When caught early, the vast majority of skin cancers can be treated with a simple, in-office, scrapingtype procedure by a dermatologist, with a minor surgical procedure or with Mohs surgery.”

Often called “the gold standard” for such treatment, Mohs surgery precisely removes the skin cancer layer by layer, preserving the healthy tissue around it.

Always, says the doctor, early detection is key. “The earlier a skin cancer is diagnosed, the better, and the easier it is to treat.”

Melanoma more often arises from pre-existing moles than from new ones, and doctors provide the “ABCDs” of identifying them: asymmetry, border, color and diameter. In order, if a preexisting mole starts changing and is different on one side versus the other (asymmetry), begins to develop jagged edges instead of smooth ones (border), is an uneven hue (color) or begins to grow significantly (diameter), that’s a sign you should see a doctor.

Though skin cancer is more likely to develop in places with high sun exposure, such as the face or neck, it’s not limited to those places. “You can get it anywhere on the body,” says Dr. Schafer, who flags the top of the feet as a common problem area that people forget to check on themselves. “I recommend doing skin checks on yourself every couple of months,” she adds. “When you get out of the shower, really look at your skin and notice if anything is new or has changed.”

In addition, as you get older, you may also develop a lipoma, or a raised bump of fatty tissue growth, usually between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. A lipoma feels doughy, is usually not painful and will move with finger pressure. It’s usually not a cause for concern. “Lipomas are very common and often normal,” says the doctor, “but I always tell people to watch them. If one starts changing, growing or hurting, those are reasons to have it looked at.”

Skin irritation. Often, irritated skin just needs some moisturizer and time. But sometimes it needs something more. “Any kind of rash or irritation that lasts longer than a few weeks and doesn’t respond to common-sense measures such as moisturizer, you should get checked out,” says Dr. Schafer. “In addition, if it’s causing a lot of discomfort—if it’s painful or blistering, for instance—I would seek someone out right away.”

If a rash follows a pattern where something may have touched your skin, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis, which is produced by contact with something you’re allergic to. “It can be caused by anything from poison ivy to a new cosmetic-product fragrance,” says Dr. Schafer.

These reactions are usually treated with creams or oral steroids—and advice to avoid the allergen in the future. Rashes can also be caused by bacterial skin

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infections (a staph infection, for example), which can cause the skin to look crusted and yellow and are treated with antibiotics, or viral infections such as shingles, which often blister.

Says Dr. Schafer: “There are also genetic inflammation conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. They are chronic, but can present any time in your life.” Eczema and psoriasis both make skin appear to be “scaly,” and need to be treated with either creams or a newer class of medications called biologics, which are derived from living organisms.

“Those are different injections, or sometimes pills, that treat that inflammation from the inside out,” says the doctor. “Both conditions cause inflammation internally as well. The biologics calm down general inflammation and are life-changing for patients.”

Both conditions are also associated with other health concerns—eczema with allergies and asthma, and psoriasis with arthritis. Addressing the skin issue and inflammation can also sometimes help ease other symptoms of these conditions.

Hair loss. Male- or female-pattern hair loss, the most common cause of baldness, is genetic and results from testosterone shrinking hair follicles until they can’t support hair growth. While there are effective ways of treating that as well, Dr. Schafer says to pay attention if you start losing hair rapidly, or if the loss is accompanied by scalp irritation. “If it’s not a gradual progression over time, if you’re just shedding, then something could be wrong,” she says. “It’s also concerning if your scalp is red or itchy.

That’s not a natural part of the aging process—that could be a problem.”

For instance, anemia, low red blood cells or certain thyroid conditions can cause hair loss. The abovementioned eczema and psoriasis can also cause hair loss when spread to the scalp. And there are autoimmune conditions that cause the body to attack its hair. “That’s called alopecia areata,” explains Dr. Schafer. “Your skin is actually attacking your own hair follicles.” Hair loss caused by alopecia areata will manifest in circular patterns, and anti-inflammatory medications can treat it and ensure that hair grows back healthy.

More than anything, Dr. Schafer stresses patient comfort when dealing with everything from skin cancer to a benign lesion. “Skin problems in general, while they are only on the surface of the body, can certainly cause a great deal of discomfort. These symptoms can often be managed efficiently, and early detection is always better.”

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Betting On A

SHORE THING A Spring Lake Heights couple knew they wanted the beach to play a starring role in their wedding. Sure enough, it didn’t dare rain.

Photography by Alicia Savoly, Peach Photography

Text by Donna Rolando

Some couples dream of exotic, faraway wedding venues, but Sara Cervelli and Tim Frangione had their hearts set on where Cupid first struck: the Jersey Shore.

No place could better reflect the essence of the Frangiones as a couple, starting with their meet-cute in 2018 through mutual friends in Belmar, where “we clicked immediately” and grew into best friends, recalls the bride.

Further demonstrating how the Shore shaped their lives, Tim proposed on Spring Lake Beach in November 2023 as the couple walked their Aussiedoodle, Howie. They drew applause from a boardwalk crowd and a camera-toting friend hiding in the dunes captured the moment, which was followed by a small gathering—another surprise for Sara.

“It’s just our happy place,” says Sara Frangione of the beach. So, when Tim’s previous job took them to Houston for a few years, they always knew they’d return. “It was The spirit of this Spring Lake Heights couple is captured with their beloved ocean as background.

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Clockwise from left: Sara and Tim Frangione exchanging vows; guests with ribbon streamers outside St. Catharine Church; bridesmaids in flattering satin from Show Me Your Mumu; Long Branch Trolley Co. with a party atmosphere during the photo shoot.

always going to be at the beach,” Frangione says of their wedding venue. “We met here; we started dating here, fell in love here.”

True to her words, they married in Monmouth County on Sept. 20, 2024, then made their home in Spring Lake Heights, where Tim, now 33, grew up. (Sara, 31, is a Lebanon Township native but they both loved time spent at the beach.)

After booking the church for the wedding, Frangione looked for a venue with a beach connection and found it at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club on the Asbury Park boardwalk.

“We didn’t want a ballroom-type reception,” she says. “We wanted something more fun that didn’t feel so formal. And McLoone’s ended up being perfect because it’s right on the boardwalk,” offering booth seating with a view. The restaurant’s balcony—overlooking the beach, of course—provided the ideal setting for cocktail hour.

Due to health issues, accessibility might have been a challenge for some relatives, but not at this venue, Frangione says. “We are not the kind of people to throw a huge party,” adds the bride, happy that they kept the guest list to 100.

Of course, the ceremony at their local parish—St. Catharine in Spring Lake—had its share of highlights as well. The bride walked down the aisle musically accompanied by both a violinist and pianist and wearing a floral Rebecca Ingram gown, with her late grandmother’s scarf wrapped around the bouquet.

“It was our way of having my grandma be a part of it and remembering her,” Frangione says. It also touched her heart that MONMOUTHMAG.COM

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Clockwise from top left: The couple’s dog in fondant on the multi-tiered cake; expressing their love to King Harvest’s “Dancing in the Moonlight”; simple floral and candle décor by Solstice.

a total of six siblings (a combo of his and hers) joined the service, which included her then two-year-old godson/nephew Adrian Cervelli with his parents.

Frangione says she cannot speak highly enough of all the members of her team: Solstice Floral Shop in Glen Gardner for the simple bouquets and place settings; Chocolate Carousel in Wall for a buttercream-and-vanilla cake with a “little mini version of our dog” and pink cookie favors; Kristin Noelle of Honey Blossom Beauty for makeup; and Ashley@SolKissedManes for hair.

But she especially appreciates the support from Alicia Savoly of Peach Photography, who made the wedding day “more fun by capturing all our special moments and those in-between moments” as well, becoming like a trusted friend. Long Branch Trolley Co. kept the good times rolling for the wedding party (and their plus-ones) during the couple’s photo session, naturally set in Spring Lake.

With DJ Barry Bostick of Elite Entertainment in Tinton Falls in charge of beats, the couple danced their first of the night to King Harvest’s “Dancing in the Moonlight.” Then the bride danced with both her dad and her mom. It represented a special moment to share with her mother, who, she explains, was “really involved in the planning.”

The Jersey Shore is known for its unpredictable weather. But in this case, sunny skies replaced the anticipated showers, and “all day it was perfect,” says the bride, getting the Shore’s biggest fans off to a happy start.

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Clockwise from top: A lively dance floor courtesy of Elite Entertainment; lots of bubbly and a traditional menu with New York strip steak, chicken parm and Atlantic salmon.

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SHOWERED WITH JOY To make her baby shower a thoroughly happy event, Matawan’s Amanda Clifton had a secret weapon: her best friend.

Photography by Guardian Angel Events

Text by Kirsten Meehan

A first pregnancy is always a challenge, and it was especially so for Amanda Clifton of Matawan. She had considerable morning sickness, and her husband, Connor, couldn’t help being away much of the time. He’s a professional hockey defenseman in the National Hockey League, currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres. But a baby shower turned out to be the easy part.

For one thing, the question of where to hold the 2024 shower was a slam-dunk (if a hockey family may borrow that basketball term). Says Clifton: “We’ve lived in Boston and now in Buffalo, and everyone’s been nice and welcoming. But, really, there’s no place like home.”

Many of her friends and family had had events at Red Bank’s Oyster Point Hotel over the years and had nothing but good things to say. So that was one choice made—and the selection of an event planner was even easier. It was Marisa Tomasiello-Anzevino, owner of Guardian Angel Events.

“Marisa’s been my best friend since high school,” says Clifton. And they had experience working together—Tomasiello-Anzevino planned Clifton’s bridal shower back in 2021, in Amanda Clifton of Matawan put planning her baby shower into the capable hands of Marisa Tomasiello-Anzevino, her best friend since high school and owner of Guardian Angel Events.

When baby Callie was born in May 2024, Tomasiello-Anzevino became her godmother.

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addition to helping with the wedding itself.

“I was also the maid of honor,” says Tomasiello-Anzevino with a laugh. “I grew up with Amanda. My parents and her parents went to high school together.

It was really special to plan this shower.”

Coordinating an event for such a close friend might have been intimidating, but Tomasiello-Anzevino was undaunted. “Amanda is a very easy person to plan for,” she says. “She gives me a gist, a theme and some inspiration images, and I take things from there.”

Tomasiello-Anzevino herself made the centerpieces, balloon walls and backdrops, bathing the venue in shades of rosy pink and white. Baby Clifton was

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This page, above: A onesie with Dad’s number is essential for a baby when Dad is a professional athlete. Top right: The cake, vanilla with a raspberry filling, was one of the mom-tobe’s special requests and came from Chocolate Carousel in Wall Township. Bottom right: Clifton’s mother, stepmother and mother-in-law all came together to prepare games and prizes to make the day fun and memorable. Opposite page, above: The party’s theme and color scheme were nods to the time of year—just 10 days after Valentine’s Day—but also turned out to be appropriate, as Callie is “just the biggest sweetheart in the world,” reports Tomasiello-Anzevino. Left: Clifton has nothing but good things to say about the staff, food and ambience at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank.

“They were very attentive and made everything easy,” she says. Below: Spending time with her family and loved ones was Clifton’s favorite part of the day.

going to be a girl, and the added hearts and flowers in the décor were a playful nod to the time of year the shower was being held: February 24, just after Valentine’s Day. Clifton’s mother, stepmother and mother-in-law put together the games (including trivia and a “guess the belly bump size” activity with string), the prizes and the party favors.

They worked together to take as much of the burden as possible off Clifton. “I was very tired,” she says. “It was nice to just let Marisa take the reins. I didn’t have to check in too much, and I was so surprised when I walked in. It was awesome.”

She adds: “It was so nice to have everyone together. I saw so much of my family, which can be hard with travel and my husband’s schedule. My college roommate, my sister-in-law, all my aunts and cousins—they were all there and excited about my daughter.”

One person who didn’t make an appearance was Dad, and not because of any “ladies-only” tradition. “He was actually playing a game that day,” says Clifton, which stopped him from traveling to Monmouth. “We were able to FaceTime before it started, though.” On Feb. 25, the Sabres beat Carolina, 3-2, in a shootout.

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NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE A beautifully planned Dec. 31 wedding is sweetened by an inevitable touch of Auld Lang Syne.

Photography by Jenny Rodriguez Photo

Text by Nayda Rondon

Jacqueline Truesdale and Patrick Heeney didn’t meet Hollywood cute. Theirs wasn’t a whirlwind romance. Their love story is one founded on friendship, tested by time and strengthened by loss and joy.

They met in 2010 when Patrick worked as a server at Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, one of three venues owned by Jackie’s father, George Truesdale.

Patrick became good friends with Beau, a fellow server and Jackie’s brother. “Over time, Beau started bringing Patrick to social events I was attending and we quickly became friends,” Jackie says. The pair saw each other primarily during summers and kept in touch through Snapchat.

More relaxed than romantic, their first “date” was in 2018. Jackie picked Patrick up with a bottle of wine, which they enjoyed while sitting outside a local restaurant.

“We didn’t tell Beau or the rest of my family,” says Jackie. “We wanted to keep it low-key and just enjoy time together.” While the evening was fun, she adds, they remained in the friends’ zone. Demanding work schedules and the fact that Jackie lived in Hoboken and Patrick in Point Pleasant didn’t help either.

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At a New Year’s Eve wedding in Point Pleasant, bride Jacqueline Truesdale, 34, wore a simple gown from Anthropologie and went sans makeup, opting instead for the sun-kissed effect of light spray tanning. Her hairstyle was loose and carefree. Cool and classic, groom Patrick Heeney, 32, sported a Ralph Lauren velvet jacket and an old-school bow tie.

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Then, in January 2020, Beau passed away. In the devastating aftermath of that loss and with the onset of COVID, Jackie—a teacher at the time—moved back home.

She also started assisting her dad at the wedding venues, eventually becoming general manager. Balancing remote teaching and helping with the business kept her occupied; it also brought her closer to Patrick. “We spent nearly every day together; our bond deepened and eventually we decided to live together,” Jackie explains. “We welcomed our daughter, Summer, on January 1, 2024. Patrick proposed when Summer was approximately eight months old.”

With only their daughter and dog as witnesses, Patrick, ring in hand, got down on one knee during a sunset walk on a private beach at Clarks Landing. “It was so beautiful!” Jackie remembers. “I was caught completely off guard.”

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This page, clockwise from top: Jackie and her daughter, Summer, make a beautiful bridal pair; proud Dad—George Truesdale, founder of Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues— lives his dream of walking his daughter down the aisle at one of his venue properties; a classic black-and-white color palette and elegant florals contribute to the sophisticated décor. Opposite page: The couple’s nieces and nephews help make the court a true family affair; Jackie keeps her late brother close, pinning his photo to her Eve’s Florist bouquet; the bridal posse strikes a pose before going all-glam.

If the proposal was unexpected, the choice of Clarks Landing Yacht Club as the celebration location was never in question.

Not only is it owned by Jackie’s father, it’s also where the couple first met and where Jackie now serves as general manager, a position formerly held by her late brother, Beau.

All weddings at Clarks Landing Wedding Venues—now renamed Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues—are outstanding affairs. But given the personal family connection, none was more so than Jackie and Patrick’s nuptials on December 31, 2024.

With 194 guests in attendance, their New Year’s Eve wedding celebration was filled with memorable moments.

“From the start, my brother Luca, our officiant, had everyone laughing with his jokes,” Jackie says. “We’d already gotten married in church two weeks prior, so this ceremony was about celebrating and having fun.”

Details like the elegant black-and-white color scheme, sparkling disco balls and the photo booth’s stunning balloon backdrop were given a New Year’s Eve twist to create a uniquely festive atmosphere. The extended cocktail hour gave guests plenty of time to mingle and enjoy amazing appetizers and specialty drinks, such as a martini luge. The Morning After Band & Elite Entertainment DJ kept the music pumping—and dancers jumping—all night. Adding to the excitement, disco dancers helped ring in 2025 with a show-stopping surprise performance at midnight.

To ensure that no guest went hungry, servers offered second portions after dinner. For dessert, they made their way around with traveling treats of mini cannoli, ice-cream cones and

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Clockwise, from top: The Chocolate Carousel cake tastes as great as it looks; Clarks Landing’s stylish, modern design provides the perfect setting; at midnight, disco-ball dancers help ring in the New Year; halfway into their first dance, the couple welcomes their daughter.

cupcakes. Signature drinks—Bourbon Bracer and Lavender French 75 during cocktails; espresso martini and chocolate martini during dessert—were also toast-worthy hits. And at night’s end, guests left with goodies from the Jersey Shore to-go station—pork-roll-egg-and-cheese sandwiches; sausage-eggand-cheese sandwiches and cookies.

“The entire evening was an absolute blast, but one of the most heartfelt moments came around 12:15 a.m., just after we’d toasted the New Year,” Jackie recalls. “Since New Year’s Day was also our daughter’s first birthday, we streamed her baby monitor on a screen and everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ as she slept peacefully in her crib.”

For Patrick, walking down the aisle with his baby girl earlier that evening was another highlight. “It’s something I’ll cherish forever—and hopefully repeat by walking her down the aisle someday,” he says.

An equally beautiful but bittersweet moment was when Patrick danced with his older sister, Kayla, in tribute to their mom, who passed away in May 2024. “It was hard not having her physically with us,” says Patrick. “However, I know she was there in spirit, watching over us.”

“Everyone who reached out afterward said it was the best wedding ever, from the food and service to the venue itself,” he says.

And Jackie adds: “They shared that celebrating our love and the start of a new year with us was truly unforgettable.”

More happy memories await. Jackie reveals: “We’re expecting another baby in September! It’s an exciting time for us, and we’re looking forward to new adventures ahead as we continue to grow our family.”

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MILESTONES

DOMINO EFFECT

THEY SAY ONE GENEROUS ACT CAN CREATE A CHAIN REACTION. IN KEYPORT, FOR THREE YEARS RUNNING NOW, THEY’VE PROVED IT WITH BOXES OF CEREAL.

Run a charitable program one year, and it may be a one-off. Do it again next year—possibly you’ve started something. But repeat it for a third year, with numbers bigger than ever, and you’re off to the races. That’s the way it is now with the Keyport School District’s Domino Cereal Challenge. It has become a serial challenge—an annual event.

The goal is to take in boxes of breakfast cereal for food banks and food pantries to give to needy families. The program was dreamed up by Lisa Savoia, superintendent of Keyport Public Schools, and Natalie Smith, executive director of the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry, which serves more than 550 households with some 1,700 individuals.

“I had seen something similar years ago,” explains Savoia. “I thought the concept worked very well for this.”

That concept? “Give us enough cereal,” says Smith, “and we’ll do something fun.”

Students in the school district collect boxes of cereal throughout January and February. In March, teachers and administrators set up the boxes on a sprawling, multi-room, domino course, then start the boxes—the “dominoes”—tumbling as the kids watch on and cheer.

In 2023, the first year, students collected about 500 boxes of cereal. Year Two doubled that total. Then, this March, students gathered 2,300 boxes of cereal

to create a domino course that stretched from the lunchroom through the hallways, downstairs and into the gymnasium, cheered on by students of all ages.

“It really hit me that we were doing something cool,” says Savoia. After all, charity can be cool, and it’s way cool that this thrilling visual metaphor mimics how one act of kindness can trigger another, and another, and so on.

Smith says she goes out of her way to engage with each one of her food pantry’s recipients. “Nobody wants to go to a food pantry,” she says, “so I try to make it welcoming, like a family. Or I try to make it just like going to any other supermarket.”

By Smith’s estimate, the food pantry is half stocked by donations from the public, and half stocked by Fulfill, a Neptune-based nonprofit that supplies healthy food to food banks and pantries all over Monmouth and Ocean counties. “But Fulfill is never going to give me Froot Loops,” says Smith. “It’s always going to give me cereal with a high nutritional value, and that’s important—I get that. But, sometimes, kids don’t want that.” It makes sense: Just because a family is coming to a food pantry doesn’t mean they don’t deserve fun cereal occasionally.

Besides bringing in cereal from home, students from the National Junior Honor Society joined Savoia one Saturday outside the local Stop & Shop, collecting for the drive. Says Savoia: “It was great to

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watch them learn life skills right there. One man passed by and donated a hundred dollars. I sent two kids in to buy as many boxes of cereal as they could with it.” The students became strategic about maximizing their buying power, says Savoia, “so that the next group that went in could do an even better job.”

The food pantry and school district have a relationship beyond this food drive, including a special community partnership course, headed by eighth-grade elective teacher and ELA interventionalist Tamme Manganelli, that invites kids in the middle school to go into the food pantry to learn life skills and learn about giving back to others.

“Keyport is only 1.4 miles square,” says Savoia.

“The town is extremely committed to community and people helping each other. Children don’t know what they don’t know. We need to teach them about resources, and to explain that anybody at any time may need support. Nobody is too good to help—or to need help.”

“The first year we did this was right after the 2023 school shooting in Nashville,” says Smith. “One of the younger kids came up and gave me a hug and said, ‘This is the best day at school, because sometimes I’m scared.’ We want them to learn to give back to the community, of course, but we also want them to have fun. I grew up being taught that your neighborhood is your family, and I’m glad to pass that on.”

MAY 2025

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ESCAPES

MOM DESERVES A Five destinations promise to make your mother’s day on Mother’s Day (or any other day).

It’s a Mother’s Day cliché that Mom merits a break, but don’t you as well?

Play your cards right and you may tag along with the day’s official celebrant on a fun day trip that requires minimal planning but yields major memories.

Does Mom have a taste for flowers, wine, shopping, being pampered or checking out interior design? One of these destinations may be just the ticket.

WAVE SPA AT WAVE RESORT, LONG BRANCH

Everyone deserves pampering from time to time, and this spa delivers. Tucked inside the beautiful Wave Resort waterfront hotel right here in Monmouth, it offers all manner of massages and body-work sessions, besides aromatherapy and treatments that include self-heating marine mud, seawater balm and black sand, all lauded for their restorative properties. You can also order mimosas, cheese plates or chocolate-covered strawberries to enjoy while you relax and take in stunning ocean views.

For your meal. Whatever type of meal you crave after all that unwinding, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant has it. Take advantage of its extensive raw bar, indulge in a full lobster or try a braised lamb shank. There’s also a Sunday brunch menu perfect for Mother’s Day, offering strawberry shortcake pancakes, eggs benedict and avocado toast.

Round out the itinerary. The weather is warming up, and you’re at the Jersey Shore.

Though beaches won’t open for swimming until Memorial Day, you’re free to walk around and take in the view and the ocean air. Long Branch is home to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, with soft, sandy beaches and miles of shoreline to wander. If you want your bodies of water smaller and your walks less sandy, try nearby Ross Lake Park, with a quiet lake, a garden of native plants and walking paths.

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LAURITA WINERY, NEW EGYPT

A 45-minute drive takes you to this picturesque winery, known for sustainable practices, dessert wines and stunning landscape. It’s an ideal place to spend the day celebrating with the people you love, and it’s open every Thursday through Sunday. On May 11, the vineyard hosts its Mother’s Day Brunch with a spread that includes crepes, quiche and beef sirloin, plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. Sip wine (Laurita makes reds, whites and berry wine—it’s the only winery in the state to make wine with strawberries and milk) and enjoy the sunshine and rolling fields.

For your meal. Craving a full dinner? Try nearby Oak & Ember Grill, a local staple with a killer happy hour and clever twists on classic bar food (we’re eyeing the house-special pulled pork and special meatloaf sandwich). The dessert menu is an always alternating surprise, so ask your server what’s new and delicious.

Round out the itinerary. New Egypt is known for its large and quirky outdoor flea market, held every Sunday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. This antiquer’s paradise sprawls over 40 historic buildings, some of them original World War I barracks relocated from Fort Dix. Enjoy the old-time country market vibes while unearthing estate jewelry, rare books and collectibles.

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S A TREAT

MANSION IN MAY, WILDFAIR, CHESTER TOWNSHIP

We’re in luck—the state’s premier showhouse returns just in time to enjoy it with your mom.

Mansion in May, the signature fundraiser for the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, is back, this year at the Wildfair estate in Chester Township, a little over an hour from Monmouth. More than 30 interior designers and a dozen landscape designers, all New Jersey-based, join together to transform this historic mansion into a sprawl of modern-day elegance, with innovative designs in every room and enchanting gardens all around the grounds. And it’s for a great cause—the money raised goes toward a new proton therapy center at the medical center.

For your meal. Those craving elegant cuisine after so many elegant home designs will enjoy Monte Casa Ristorante, also in Chester, which promises “fine Italian dining” and has the white tablecloths and the menu to back it up. Start with stuffed gnocchi with asiago cheese for an appetizer and choose a pasta, veal or seafood main course.

Round out the itinerary. May is a beautiful time to visit Chester’s Alstede Farms. Enjoy the weather, venture into the fields and pick yourself a sweet treat among the farm’s U-Pick strawberries, which should be coming into season in mid-to-late May. You can visit adorable baby farm animals, choose fresh flowers for your favorite people and check out the farm’s extensive market, filled with fresh produce and amazing baked goods.

THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN, NEW YORK, N.Y.

Whether your mom has a green thumb or just a love of beauty, there’s lots to appreciate at NYC’s most famous garden (and it’ll take about two hours to get there by car). Stop by May 10 and 11 from noon until 5 p.m. for a Mother’s Day Garden celebration on Daffodil Hill, in full, beautiful bloom, which will provide the perfect backdrop for food trucks, lawn games, live music and other familyfriendly activities. There’s also the rest of the 250-acre garden to explore. Check out the North American magnolia trees, which will be in luxuriant pink bloom, or see what spring looks like in the Native Plant Garden. The gorgeous Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a tower of ornamental glass, can introduce you to plants from around the world.

For your meal. The garden is minutes away from famed Arthur Avenue and the Bronx’s Little Italy.

Try Ann & Tony’s, open since 1927 and familyoperated for five generations. Every pasta offering here is top-notch, and every Italian classic you can imagine is served to perfection.

Round out the itinerary. Less than 10 miles away from the Botanical Garden is the BartowPell Mansion Museum, one of New York’s smaller museums and the last surviving manor house in the Pelham Bay Park area. Take a guided tour or stroll by yourself through soaring Greek Revival interiors and the stately formal gardens (with spectacular Long Island Sound views). American history buffs are in for a treat: The notorious Aaron Burr’s desk is among the furniture items displayed.

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WOODBURY COMMON PREMIUM OUTLETS, CENTRAL VALLEY, N.Y.

About two hours away from Monmouth is this giant outlet, with more than 200 luxury and designer brand storefronts. Michael Kors, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Prada, Burberry and Alexander McQueen are among the names to tempt you.

The outlets are also designed as an outdoor, village-style shopping experience, so enjoy the warm May sunshine in between stores as opposed to the sterile AC of an indoor mall.

For your meal. The outlets offer plenty of places to grab a bite—everything from soft pretzels at Auntie Anne’s to burgers at Shake Shack—but we suggest venturing about 15 minutes away to Dottie Audrey’s Bakery and Kitchen, one of the gems in this part of the Hudson Valley. At this cozy café, everything is scratch-made and delicious.

Try breakfast or brunch options (the French toast on homemade cinnamon brioche is something special) or opt for any number of hardier lunch choices, including hot and cold sandwiches, soups and tartines.

Round out the itinerary. A short drive from Woodbury Common is Sugar Loaf, an arts and crafts village filled with handmade goods, boutiques and antiques stores. Check out Bostree for handcrafted pottery and jewelry, Sugar Loaf Mountain Herbs for custom tea blends or Rosner Soap for one-of-a-kind body-care products.

—Kirsten Meehan

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TASTES

Crispy Sides Who says veggies are boring? These delicious, nutritious bites are easy to make and will please any crowd.

ZUCCHINI FRITTERS Yields 4 servings INGREDIENTS n 1 lb. zucchini, about 3 medium n 2 large eggs n 1½ cups chopped scallions, about 1 bunch n 3 garlic cloves, grated n 2 Tbs. fresh dill, chopped n 1 Tbs. lemon zest n 1 tsp. sea salt n 2¼ cups panko breadcrumbs, divided n 3 Tbs. all-purpose flour n avocado oil, for the pan n freshly ground black pepper n tartar sauce or creamy dill sauce, for serving

DIRECTIONS Grate the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater. Place on a kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the grated zucchini, scallions, garlic, dill, lemon zest, salt and several grinds of pepper. Add 1½ cups of the panko, sprinkle in the flour and fold to combine. Place the remaining ¾ cup panko in a shallow dish and set aside.

Preheat a cast-iron skillet to medium heat. Use a ¼-cup measuring cup to form the zucchini mixture into 14 to 16 thin patties. Place each into the reserved panko and coat well. The mixture might seem loose at this point, but the patties will firm up as they cook. Coat the skillet generously with oil. Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, flip and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until well browned, working in batches as necessary. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain. Season to taste and serve with the sauce.

“This recipe can be enhanced with the power of almonds. Simply swap the recommended flour for almond flour. By doing so, you are increasing your intake of vitamin E. I also recommend air frying this recipe to cut back on the fat.”

—Julianna Szatmari, registered dietitian nutritionist, Intuitively Nourished, Eatontown

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TASTES

SPRING ONIONS TEMPURA Yields 4 servings INGREDIENTS n 3 bunches of green onions, 4 if onions are too thin n 3 cups of coconut or vegetable oil for frying Tempura Batter: n 1½ cup all-purpose flour n 1 12-oz. ice-cold beer n ½ tsp. baking powder n 1 Tbs. sesame oil Dipping Sauce: n 2 Tbs. soy sauce n juice of ½ lime n sriracha sauce to taste n toasted sesame seeds to taste

DIRECTIONS Clean the green onions. Cut off the white heads and most of the length of the green parts—you are aiming at pieces 6-7 inches long.

Set aside.

Make the dipping sauce by combining all the ingredients and set aside.

Over medium heat, add 2 cups of coconut or vegetable oil in a deep, heavy bottomed pan or a wok. Wait until the oil reaches 375°F. In the meantime, in a mixing bowl combine the flour and baking powder. Mix well. Add the sesame oil and the beer and stir until combined. Small flour “chunks” are OK. Once the oil reaches 375°F dip four green onions in the batter until completely covered and drop them in the oil. Fry for just over a minute, until you see that the batter begins to turn golden. Remove from the oil and set to drain over paper towels.

Continue with the rest of the green onions, working in batches of 4.

Serve while hot with dipping sauce.

“To make this recipe healthier, simply dip the onions in a mixture of egg wash and panko breadcrumbs. (Plus, panko gives a better crunch!) I would also recommend air-frying this recipe at 370°F for 8-11 minutes to maximize the fried texture.”

—Julianna Szatmari, registered dietitian nutritionist, Intuitively Nourished, Eatontown

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BAR TAB

All Grown Up A boozy twist on the kid-friendly mocktail is a nostalgic trip and sip for adults.

DIRTY SHIRLEY COCKTAIL Makes: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS n 2 oz. vodka n 1 oz. fresh lime juice n 1 oz. grenadine n 4 oz. lemon-lime soda n Maraschino cherries and lime wheels, for serving DIRECTIONS Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.

Pour vodka, lime juice and grenadine over ice. Add lemon-lime soda and stir with a long-handled spoon to combine. Serve topped with cherries and a lime wheel.

RECIPE COURTESY OF DELISH.COM

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Celebrations Showcase SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Celebrations Showcase

Mosaic Wellness & Beauty Escape, Indulge, and get Pampered at Mosaic Wellness & Beauty Nestled in two prime New Jersey locations—Tinton Falls and Woodbridge—Mosaic Wellness and Beauty offers a luxurious escape from the everyday.

More than just a salon and spa, Mosaic is a full-service sanctuary for hair, nails, skin and body care. Whether you’re looking for sleek, frizz-free locks with a Keratin or Brazilian Blowout, or dreaming of luscious volume through expert hair extensions, Mosaic delivers personalized hair care with precision and artistry.

Hair restoration treatments also offer hope and transformation for those experiencing thinning hair loss.

Mosaic offers a range of luxury facials and advanced anti-aging therapies—including Hydrafacial, Glo2Facial by Geneo, Microdermabrasion, and peels—each designed to rejuvenate, hydrate, and restore your skin’s natural glow.

Mosaic is also a top destination for wedding beauty—think stunning bridal updos, flawless makeup, and full bridal party glam.

Hosting a celebration? Mosaic’s signature spa parties and kids’ birthday experiences are both unique and unforgettable. Tinton Falls guests enjoy an added treat: a serene relaxation room, sauna and outdoor patio with a picturesque view—perfect for unwinding before or after treatments.

With flexible spa memberships, reward programs, and Gift Card incentives, Mosaic makes self-care both accessible and rewarding.

Whether you’re prepping for a big day or just treating yourself, Mosaic Wellness & Beauty is where transformation meets tranquility.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Mosaic is offering beautifully packaged Gift Cards and customizable Spa Packages—a perfect way to treat the moms in your life to well-deserved relaxation and pampering.

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Gift Cards Available for Mother’s Day

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Celebrations Showcase

The Oyster Point Hotel Reimagined. Refined. Remarkably Red Bank.

Tucked along the banks of the picturesque Navesink River in Red Bank, New Jersey, The Oyster Point Hotel offers more than just a stay, it delivers a refined experience that blends modern elegance with timeless charm. This boutique hotel, a cherished destination for discerning travelers and brides alike, has recently unveiled its stunning renovations, setting a new standard for luxury on the Jersey Shore.

Step into one of the newly renovated guestrooms and immediately feel the serene influence of the riverfront setting. Soft coastal hues, contemporary furnishings, and thoughtful amenities create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for weekend getaways, business travel, or extended stays.

Planning a celebration? The Oyster Point’s reimagined event spaces are designed to impress . With flexible layouts, waterfront views, and elevated décor, the venue is ideal for everything from

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intimate gatherings to grand weddings and corporate events to grand weddings and corporate events. The hotel’s attentive event team ensures that every detail is managed with care, making each occasion as seamless as it is memorable.

For brides, the experience reaches a new level of indulgence. The all-new luxurious bridal suite is the epitome of bridal bliss, featuring panoramic river views, spa-like comfort, and professionalgrade make-up stations for a flawless start to the big day. It is not just a suite; it is a sanctuary.

Located just steps from Red Bank’s vibrant downtown scene – home to boutique shopping, acclaimed dining, and live entertainment - The Oyster Point Hotel is where sophisticated style meets small-town charm. Whether you are saying, ‘I do,” hosting an event, or simply soaking in the riverside serenity, there is no place quite like it.

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Celebrations Showcase

Chocolate Carousel Life’s special moments deserve a sweet touch that’s as unique as the moment. Whether celebrating a milestone birthday, hosting a wedding, or simply bringing people together for a gathering, custom desserts from Chocolate Carousel are the perfect way to elevate any occasion. At Chocolate Carousel, they specialize in cakes and desserts that add a touch of elegance and flare to every celebration.

Their custom creations can even be personalized to fit any theme or color scheme, offering endless options for every taste. And speaking of taste, they are so delicious. They also provide various edible favors that coordinate with the event desserts, allowing hosts to send their guests home with a delicious treat they are sure to enjoy. The talented team of designers at Chocolate Carousel is ready to help plan custom desserts, ensuring that every celebration is even sweeter! And remember, Life’s Short…Eat Dessert First!

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We’ll handle the details Falco’s Catering At Falco’s Catering our gourmet full-service catering company specializes in creating unforgettable experiences tailored to your event’s unique needs. With a passion for exquisite flavors and attention to detail, we offer a diverse range of culinary options, from elegant hors d’oeuvres to multi-course meals. Our team of experienced Chefs and Event Planners ensures every aspect, from food preparation to presentation, is executed flawlessly. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we provide exceptional service, ensuring your guests are treated to an unforgettable feast that exceeds expectations and elevates your celebration to the next level!

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4/21/25 9:34 AM

ON THE TOWN

Gatherings

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

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1. MONMOUTH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Monmouth County Commissioners proclaimed March as Craft Beverage Month in the county during a ceremony at Birdsmouth Beer in Oceanport. This initiative helped promote the county’s breweries, distilleries and wineries.

2. HAZLET POLICE DEPARTMENT Retired Hazlet Township Police Department chief Ted Wittke was sworn in as the president of the FBI National Academy Associates, New Jersey Chapter.

The FBINAA is an international nonprofit organization that provides communities, states, countries and professions with the highest degree of law enforcement expertise.

3-4. MERCY CENTER The Monmouth County culinary community came together to support the Mercy Center food pantry in Asbury Park. The Chefs’ Feast fundraising event at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel featured a “Top Chef” competition and attracted nearly 200 guests.

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5. COUNT BASIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Circus Foodtown customers in Port Monmouth, Atlantic Highlands, Red Bank and Sea Girt donated more than $4,000 to the Basie Center in Red Bank. The funds go toward hundreds of scholarships for students interested in attending our classes and productions.

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6. MARY’S PLACE

BY THE SEA Mary’s Place by the Sea held its first-ever pickleball fundraiser event to support women with cancer.

Held at The Atlantic Club in Manasquan, the program featured players of all ages and skills, as well as a beginner’s clinic and an option to watch while enjoying dinner and refreshments.

7. NORTH TO SHORE Prudential North to Shore Festival recently announced the lineup for its June festival, held in Newark and Asbury Park. Attending the ceremony were: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Asbury Park Mayor John Moor, NJPAC President John Schreiber, Community Foodbank CEO Elizabeth McCarthy, Prudential Financial Chairman Charlie Lowrey, First Lady Tammy Murphy and Gov. Phil Murphy.

Monmouth County Commissioners (1), Hazlet Police Department (2), John Vitollo (3–4), Count Basie Center for the Arts (5), Mary’s Place by the Sea (6), Jeremy Smith (7)

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HAPPENINGS

Be There

From fabulous festivals to amazing musicals, you can kick off the season in style here in Monmouth.

MAY 2–18 The electrifying musical ROCK OF AGES, once described as “Broadway’s best party,” comes to the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal.

The show tells the story of a small-town girl and a city boy as they chase love, dreams and rock ’n’ roll, all set to the music of bands like Journey, Styx and Bon Jovi. Multiple performances are available, including matinees. For tickets and more information, see axelrodarts center.com.

MAY 11 The Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport celebrates all moms with the yearly MOTHER’S DAY AT THE TRACK event. In addition to the live horse racing, there will be free family activities throughout the day, including face painting, pony rides and a bounce house. You can also treat Mom to brunch at the Dining Club & Turf Club, or pack a special picnic. The park opens at 11 a.m.

For tickets and more information, see monmouthpark.com.

MAY 9–18 Want to see the story of the Founding Fathers as you’ve never seen them before? Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theater puts on a production of 1776, part of its 2025 Broadway Series.

This revolutionary musical follows John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and more as they draft the Declaration of Independence.

Multiple shows are available, including matinees. For tickets and more information, head over to algonquinarts.org.

MAY 10 & 11 Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Grand Arcade in Convention Hall in Asbury Park with the ASBURY PARK SPRING BAZAAR. Enjoy a flower bouquet bar, shopping with local artists, designers, crafters and collectors, special seasonal photo ops, great food and more. This event begins at noon on both days. For more, see asburyparkbazaar.com.

MAY 10 Celebrate local artists and browse amazing fine arts and crafts at the Monmouth Park System’s 10th annual CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL at Thompson Park in Lincroft. This juried art festival showcases the best in the county, and the day will also be filled with demonstrations, live music, children’s activities and food vendors. The fun starts at 10 a.m. For more information, see monmouthcountyparks.com.

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MAY 17 Want to see some impressive rides and donate to a great cause? The Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a VINTAGE CAR SHOW on Main Avenue in Ocean Grove to benefit St. Paul’s Food Pantry. The entry fee is a canned good or a $5 donation. You can pick up some food and listen to great music while you browse. The show starts at 11 a.m. For more information, see oceangrovenj.com.

*Editor’s note: All events are subject to cancellations or changes. Attendees are encouraged to confirm dates and times with organizers and venues.

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MAY 17 & 18 Start your engines!

Over in Highlands, you can watch the second annual Highlands ROAR ON THE RIVER RACE, sponsored by the Highlands Business Partnership, Offshore Powerboat Association and Jersey Shore Boat Racing. You’ll find food, live music and a beer and wine garden on the first day of this celebration, leading up to the boat races on the second day, which can be viewed from Highlands waterfront establishments. The festivities begin at noon.

For more information, see highlandsnj.com.

MAY 26 Freehold’s MEMORIAL DAY PARADE, one of the oldest and largest of its kind in Monmouth, steps off at 10 a.m. This is the parade’s 151st year, and dozens of bands, floats and community groups will march to honor those who have fallen in battle. For more information and the full parade route, see freeholdmemorialdayparade.com.

MAY 18 OCEAN FUN DAY returns to Sandy Hook! This event celebrates ocean discovery, coastal stewardship and energy conservation with family-friendly crafts, crab races, exhibits, food and more. Enjoy the ocean water, the sea breeze and great company. The event starts at 11 a.m., and parking is free. For more information, check out oceanfundays.org.

MAY 24-26 The tradition continues at the Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, where you can kick off the summer in style with the JERSEY SHORE FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL. Over the course of Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy over 30 gourmet food trucks, live music on two different stages and kids’ activities such as pony rides and clowns.

The fun starts at 11 a.m. For more information, see monmouthpark.com.

MAY 29 By popular demand, Red Bank’s Count Baise Center for the Arts expands its celebration of Bob Dylan’s birthday with BOBFEST— BOOTLEG, RARE & UNRELEASED. Here, you can take in rare and alternative versions of songs from Dylan’s catalog, presented by musicians Pat Guadagno and Tired Horses.

Also featured is Rob Paparozzi, who coached Timothée Chalamet in harmonica for Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more, see thebasie.org

MAY 24 The SPRING LAKE 5 MILE RUN returns for its 47th installation.

This is one of the county’s biggest and best running events, drawing thousands of people every year—and it’s all for a great cause. After race expenses, all proceeds are donated to charitable organizations or allocated for town projects. The festivities kick off at 8 a.m. For registration and more information, head over to runsignup.com or springlake5.org.

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MAY 2025

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A MONMOUTH MOMENT

“I was at Dorbrook Park in Colts Neck, going for a leisurely walk. It was sunset, right before a rainstorm. I was in awe of the landscape, the sky and the clouds rolling in. It was absolutely amazing. I love taking pictures in Monmouth because you will always capture something unique and beautiful.”

Send us your Monmouth Moment! Email your photo and a short description to editor@wainscotmedia.com.

Monmouth Magazine (Volume 23 Issue 5 May 2025) (USPS 25821) is published monthly by Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Ste 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage paid at Mahwah, NJ, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Ste 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Copyright © 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved.

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Photo courtesy of Marylou Clayton

— Marylou Clayton, Tinton Falls

MAY 2025

4/17/25 3:20 PM

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