Monmouth October 2025

Monmouth

COZY & CHIC

COASTAL CALM IN RUMSON

7 LOCAL PROS HELP MAKE YOUR CEILING APPEALING

RUSTIC PIECES WITH LAID-BACK VIBES

ALL BRANDS • ALL MODELS • ALL BUDGETS

There’s a reason Town Appliance is the go-to for homeowners, designers, builders, multi-family unit owners, and real estate professionals. We put your needs first, pairing a wide selection of appliances with expert guidance and personal attention you won’t find elsewhere.

Features

Breast Cancer:How Much Do You Know? 26

How does your knowledge measure our true-false quiz to find out.

After Breast Cancer 28

Medicine has scored remarkable gains in the battle against this scourge, but patients should understand the challenges treatment brings.

Coastal Calm 30

A Rumson home wasn’t catching the spirit of the shore—until a renovation achieved the owners’ coastal vision.

Make Your Ceiling

Appealing 38

Seven Monmouth designers tell how to top off a room with a surface you can truly look up to.

Departments

Monmouth Buzz 9

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

Style Watch 16

Dive into autumn’s freshest takes on denim.

Home Front 18

Curator taste transforms cabin vibes with these timeless accents and accessories.

Friends & Neighbors 22 storekeeper

museum curator Kathy Asbury Park is extra time of year with that can’t quite be explained.

Milestones 44

nonprofit Clean Ocean Action can’t say beach sweeps cleared beaches “everything but kitchen sink.” (Because it has found that too.)

Escapes 46

For an October adventure, these bewitching towns are packed with fright, folklore and a touch of magic.

Tastes 48

These tasty recipes are as healthy as they are comforting.

Gatherings 62

Monmouth residents always show up to support their neighbors.

A Monmouth Moment 64

An out-of-towner enjoys a magical moment with his niece and nephew in Spring Lake.

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Editor’s Note

24 Health News

54 Where to Eat

60 Be There

ON THE COVER

A Rumson renovation by Swell Design Co. captures the spirit of the shore. Photo by Julia D’Agostino.

“If

~ Sir Thomas More

You deserve respect, honesty, and to be treated the way you want to be treated.

At Allure Plastic Surgery Center, we uphold ethical standards that recognize the inherent worth and inner beauty of all our patients and staff. We understand that outer appearance can impact confidence. Let us help you reveal your inner beauty respectfully and honestly.

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Hope to see you,

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Visit us at www.allurenj.com to learn more.

A Champion for Rare Disease Research

Very little is known about the biology of rare diseases, which is what makes them especially challenging. Most of them are genetic and most are chronically debilitating, progressive, and lifethreatening, with no known treatments or cure. Collectively they are not specifically “rare” given that:

• 30 million people in the US – about 1 in 10 – suffer from a rare disease.

• There are 7,000 rare and ultra-rare diseases in the United States alone.

• Half of the sufferers are children and 30 percent of them will lose their battle before they are 5 years old due to the lack of available treatments.

Be a Tiger Foundation humbly strives to achieve an immediate impact in the rare disease space. We are a local Monmouth County, familyrun, nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity organization. Through your generous donations, we directly fund and support clinical research aimed to treat and cure Wolfram syndrome, and other rare diseases.

October 1st marks the fifth annual Wolfram Syndrome Global Awareness Day On this day, 27 years ago, the late Dr. Alan Permutt published his paper documenting the discovery of the WSF1 gene. When mutated, the WSF1 gene causes a lack of wolframin protein production on the cellular level, leading to the neurodegeneration that takes place in patients with Wolfram syndrome. Wolfram syndrome (WS) Global Awareness Day is meant to give a voice to the WS community - awareness breads knowledge, knowledge breads action, and action propels our fight against the disease and our race to find a cure.

GivingTuesday is a global charity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. It was created in 2012 as an international day of charitable giving, falling on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Since then, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This year GivingTuesday falls on December 2nd.

In 2024, the foundation received our first donation in the form of cryptocurrency—one Bitcoin [BTC]. Donating cryptocurrency is a wonderful way to support our charity, while simultaneously providing the donor with a tax efficient strategy before year end.* For all the ways to give, please visit our website www.BeATigerFoundation.org.

We humbly ask you to take a moment as you prepare for the holiday season of giving to visit our website www.BeATigerFoundation.org to learn more about our foundation, and share with your family and friends. Thank you!

With hope and gratitude, Lauren Liberatore, Co-Founder and COO beatigerfoundation@gmail.com

*Be a Tiger Foundation does not provide tax services. Please seek the advice of your tax professional when completing your tax returns.

Big Things Often Start Out Small

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen it. A couple hires a designer to help them with a single room or a specific task. When the collaboration clicks they go on to bigger things—maybe the whole house. For example, a husband-and-wife duo in Rumson found designers Elissa Palamara and Katy Champion-Uras several years ago to transform their living room. Happy with the result, the homeowners gave the designers another assignment: a large-scale reno that included the kitchen.

“When we bought our house, it was beautiful and [just] 10 years old,” says the woman of the house, “but it wasn’t finished in a style I wanted.”

On pages 30 through 37, you’ll see the modern, coastal-inspired look Smith achieved.

I think you’ll agree that it has escaped the old, dark look. It is, as its owners wished, bright, calming and soothing.

Lifestyle may dictate design, but for this month, design dictates the theme of our lifestyle magazine: It’s MONMOUTH’s Home Issue. That’s why we tap the expertise of seven pro designers about a room’s “fifth wall”—the ceiling. You may have thought that this unsung, oft-neglected topmost surface lacked design possibilities; turn to page 38 for some surprises.

Home is indeed a sacred place, but don’t be scared to venture forth. Instead, venture forth to be scared! In the spirit of Halloween (which, let’s face it, has pretty much taken over October) Escapes on page 46 offers five destinations within easy driving distance that promise to spook the pants off you in an old-fashioned, charming way, with plenty of good eats along the way.

This magazine contains, as usual, more timely info than I can do justice to here. Five places to see a Halloween parade? Page 12. To take a hayride? Page 9. To hear spooky stories and see haunted relics? Page 22. To listen to classical music this fall? Page 10. Answers to the question “What happens after breast-cancer treatment?” That begins on page 26. Let this MONMOUTH issue inspire you, whether it’s with activities for your October days or aesthetic ideas for your home—or both.

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

RICHARD LALIBERTE PAUL RANCE JR.

Contributing Photographer

JULIA D'AGOSTINO

PRODUCTION

Production Manager FERN E. MESHULAM

Production Artist

CHRIS FERRANTE

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Monmouth Buzz

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

HEY, HAYRIDES!

Nothing says fall family fun like scenic hayrides and pumpkin patches, and Monmouth County is filled with them. Here are some places where you and your crew can celebrate the season:

• Atlantic Farm Market, 1506 Atlantic Ave., Manasquan, 732.528.8660; atlanticfarmmarket.com. Visit for hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, face painting and other family-friendly activities.

• Battleview Orchards, 91 Wemrock Rd., Freehold, 732.462.0756; battlevieworchards.com. Weekend hayrides are offered at this locale, which is also known for autumn apple and pumpkin picking and freshbaked cider donuts and pies at its country store.

• Bullock Farms, 83 Emleys Hill Rd., Cream Ridge, 609.758.8726; bullockfarms.com. The harvest season features rustic hayrides to the farm’s pumpkin fields for “pick-your-own” fun. Guests will see plenty of scarecrows and other festive décor along the way.

• Happy Day Farm, 106 Iron Ore Rd., Manalapan, 732.977.3607; happydayfarmnj.com. The annual Fall Festival runs through Nov. 2, giving visitors a chance to enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin bowling, inflatables and other games and activities.

• Westhaven Farm, 725 Route 524, Allentown, 609.259.2186; westhavenfarminc.com. Stop by for a hayride any weekend in October and stick around for pumpkin picking, a corn maze and more.

PUT ON THE PINK

Every October, Monmouth residents join in a powerful display of hope, strength and solidarity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From charity walks and community fundraisers to wellness workshops and pink-lit landmarks, the events honor survivors, support those battling the disease and raise crucial funds for research and care. On this month’s agenda:

• Mary’s Place by the Sea Walk-a-Thon and 5K, Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. In addition to the walk and run, the 14th annual event features food vendors, food trucks, live music and informational booths. Info: marys placebythesea.org.

• Sisters for a Cure concert, The Headliner Oasis, Neptune, Oct. 18, 2 p.m. For the second straight year, the Sisters concert will raise money and awareness for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Mary’s Place by the Sea. Info: sistersconcert.com

• Making Strides of Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. The annual American Cancer Society fundraiser in nearby Ocean County includes a 1.5-mile walk, activities for all ages, inspirational speakers, music and giveaways. Info: makingstrideswalk.org

MUSIC WITH CLASS

and grooved during summer spectacles at PNC Bank Arts but now our senses may call for something more quietly powerful: classical or chamber music, perhaps. From intimate chamber ensembles to full orchestral productions, local venand arts organizations are bringing timeless works—and interpretations—to life for music lovers of all ages:

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra: Oct. 11, 7:30 at Count Basie Center the Arts, Red Bank. As of the Symphony at the Shore series, the orchestra perform Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1.” return to Count Basie Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. when NJSO presents Disney’s Fantasia, a film screening with the live orchestra. Info: njsymphony.org

Enchanted: A Classical Concert from the Castle with Dakota & Elle: Oct. 18, 2 p.m. at Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove. Renowned tenor and soprano duo Dakota & Elle will perform classical Disney songs, including

“Beauty and the Beast,” “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Go the Distance.” Info: jersey shoreartscenter.org

• Monmouth Symphony Orchestra: Oct. 26, 3 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Chapel, Freehold. The orchestra’s season opener includes compositions by Paul Dukas, Richard Strauss and Reinhold Glière. Info: monmouthsymphony.org

• Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea: Nov. 2, 3 p.m. at Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan. The ensemble’s “Cinema Classics & Broadway Favorites” concert will feature iconic film scores and beloved show tunes. Info: orchsp.com

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Zoey, 4-year-old golden retriever Owners: Bernadette and Glenn Davis of Wayside

The Davis family had just lost their beloved 5-year-old golden retriever, Bella, when Zoey arrived at their home in 2021. “It felt like she’d been sent straight to us from heaven and at just the right time,” recalls “mom” Bernadette Davis. Now 4 years old, Zoey is much more than a pet—she is a loyal companion with a heart as big as her wagging tail. She carries a kind of empathy that extends to every living thing around her, Davis says.

Perhaps no moment captures Zoey’s gentle nature as when, for the last two spring seasons, she’s watched over nesting robins. “Where many dogs might have barked or pawed with curiosity, Zoey instinctively knew that these fragile lives needed care and quiet,” Davis says. “She positioned herself just a few feet away, calmly and attentively, standing over the nest as if standing guard.”

“Sometimes, caring means doing nothing more than being near,” she adds, “offering your watchful heart to those who need it most.”

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

“I’M BACK TO LIVING MY LIFE.”

–RHONDA, CANCER SURVIVOR

Every day, patients like Rhonda receive life-changing diagnoses. But generous donor support makes success stories like hers possible, enabling us to provide advanced, personalized care, from precision medicine to groundbreaking clinical trials that bring hope and healing when it matters most. Join us and be the difference in giving patients like Rhonda a second chance at life.

SCARES ON PARADE

It’s time for ghosts, ghouls and skeletons to take to the streets. Halloween night will bring trick-or-treaters, of course, but you needn’t wait until Oct. 31 (though it does conveniently fall on a Friday this year). Check out one of these local Halloween parades for great costumes, great pictures and lots of family-friendly fun:

• Asbury Park, Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival. Oct. 25–26, Bradley Park, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Eatontown, Halloween Celebration. Oct. 17, Meadowbrook School and Field, 6:30 p.m.

• Long Branch, Fall Festival and Halloween Pooch Parade. Oct. 18, Pier Village, noon to 4 p.m.

• Red Bank, 77th Annual Halloween Parade. Oct. 19, Hudson Avenue and East Bergen Place, 1 p.m.

YOUR SILVER-SCREEN CHANCE

Calling all filmmakers! The Garden State Film Festival—New Jersey’s premier celebration of independent film—is now accepting submissions for 2026. But act soon—the deadline for material is Nov. 1. Are you a seasoned director or an emerging talent with a short, feature, documentary or student film? Here’s your chance to showcase your work. The 2026 film festival takes place March 26–29 in venues throughout Asbury Park. See gsff.org for submission guidelines and more information.

KUDOS TO…

…Red Bank Regional High School senior Sasha Perskie, who launched Play It Forward, a nonprofit that provides music education to kids who may not be able to afford instruments and lessons. Through Play It Forward, Sasha and other students in the high school’s Visual & Performing Arts Academy hold after-school music classes for Red Bank middle schoolers. The group also helps fund the music program at Asbury Park’s Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and awards four annual scholarships to Asbury Park kids to attend camp at the Lakehouse Music Academy.

ASBURY’S TOPS

Big news for the Jersey Shore! Asbury Park has been named the Best Small Beach Town in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine. Known for its vibrant boardwalk, eclectic art scene, live music legacy and mix of oldschool charm and modern edge, Asbury Park continues to draw visitors from near and far. The publication praised the town’s blend of beachside beauty and cultural cool, calling it a standout destination for travelers looking beyond the typical seaside escape. We already know there’s no place quite like it—now the rest of the country does too.

GOLF IS ‘IN’

When autumn’s chill makes spending four hours on the course seem like a chore, indoor golf simulators offer an alternative. With climate control and cutting-edge technology, these high-tech setups let you work on your swing—or play a full round—without weather worries:

• Baseline Social, 675 Oceanport Way, Oceanport, 732.430.2533; baselinesocialnj.com

• GolfCave, 34 Industrial Way East, Eatontown, 732.382.2283; golfcave.com

• The Golf Den, 8 E. Front St., Red Bank, 732.366.9022; golfdennj.com

• Golf Kings, 1825 Rte. 35, Wall, 732.800.6923, ext. 2; golfkingsnj.com

• Golf Republic, 343 Rte. 34, Matawan, 732.584.2090; mygolfrepublic.com

• Swing Loose Indoor Golf, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, 732.444.6333; swingloosegolf.com

RECHARGE, RECYCLE

If you’re not sipping Starbucks or reaching for Rook coffee, you’re likely brewing a cup of joe at home. Many of us use single-serving coffee pods (K-Cups or Nespresso pods, for instance), which provide a nice jolt of java—but leave you with a small piece of trash.

Three local teens have a solution for that. Henry Griffith, 15, of Colts Neck; Rafael Guzman, 16, of Freehold; and Luke Tyler, 16, of Belmar, launched Coffee Pod Recycling Co. this year to redirect some of the roughly 576,000 metric tons of coffee-pod waste that’s generated annually worldwide. Using 3D printer technology, the trio created the Coffee Pod Recycler, which easily removes the foil top of a used coffee pod. Once the pod is rinsed, it can be tossed into a bin for recycling—not trash. The invention is the result of an engineering project the trio did as freshmen at High Technology High School in Lincroft, where these enterprising teens have now started their junior year.

The Kaprico Poet Blouse in Denim suziekondi.com

Palazzo

Prada Denim Blouson Jacket prada.com

Curator taste transforms cabin vibes with these timeless accents and accessories.

Moe’s Home Collection 72” Genuine Leather Square moeshome.com

Reclaimed Round Coffee Table Pottery Barn, Shrewsbury, 732.212.1333

Inspiration

Uttermost Swell Accent Table amazon.com

Purrl Hyacinth Accent Chair with Cushion bay-isle.com

Howard

Arden Textured Clay Table Lamp vakkerlight.com

Elegantly Aged

Josh Young x Williams Sonoma Home Brigitte Vase Williams-Sonoma, Shrewsbury, 732.747.0128

Copper Dome Pendant Light smagoum.com

Faroe Ceramic Side Table

Elm, Red Bank,

Capital Lighting Nadeau Two-Light Wall Sconce with Mango Wood Shade Warshauer Electric Supply Company, Tinton Falls, 732.741.6400

Sawyer Wood Round Mirror Pottery Barn, Shrewsbury, 732.212.1333

THE FACES OF

NEUROSURGERY

NEUROSURGEONS OF NEW JERSEY

745 Hope Rd., Eatontown, NJ 07724 732.222.8866 | www.neurosurgeonsofnewjersey.com

NEUROSURGEONS OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Celebrating 30 years!

IN PATIENT CARE AND INNOVATION

This year marks a milestone for Neurosurgeons of New Jersey as the practice celebrates three decades of providing exceptional care to patients, hospitals, and communities across the state. Founded in 1995 by Jonathan Lustgarten, MD, FAANS, who also served as Chief of Neurosurgery at Monmouth Medical Center, the practice has grown from a small team to the state’s premier neurosurgical group, recognized for clinical excellence and innovation.

Over the years, Neurosurgeons of New Jersey has recruited top neurosurgeons from elite programs across the U.S. and Canada. Today, the Central New Jersey team includes Drs. David Estin, Ty Olson, Christopher Gillis, and Anthony Conte—recently named Section Chief of Neurosurgery at Riverview Medical Center. Together, they represent the practice’s mission to combine advanced medicine with compassionate, patient-centered care.

The practice has consistently been at the forefront of neurosurgical advancements. It was the first in Central New Jersey to bring Gamma Knife and Cyberknife Stereotactic Radiosurgery to local patients, offering non-invasive treatment options. Neurosurgeons of New Jersey also pioneered the use of stereotactic navigation for minimally invasive brain and spine surgery, introduced the first O-Arm for spinal fusion, and established the region’s first comprehensive multidisciplinary brain tumor center. Today, the practice includes 25 board-certified physicians across 11 locations and is affiliated with NYU Langone Health, the nation’s top-rated academic neurosurgery program.

As part of its 30th anniversary, the group continues to expand access to care. New offices have opened in Eatontown, Holmdel’s Bell Works campus, and Toms River, ensuring patients throughout Monmouth, Ocean, and beyond receive the highest level of expertise close to home. “Looking back on 30 years, we are immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together with our colleagues, hospital partners, and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Lustgarten. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to advancing the field of neurosurgery and delivering the highest level of care to every patient who walks through our doors.”

With its strong foundation, growing reach, and dedication to innovation, Neurosurgeons of New Jersey remains the state’s leading destination for comprehensive brain, spine, and neurovascular care.

DAVID ESTIN, MD, FACS

JONATHAN H. LUSTGARTEN, MD

ANTHONY CONTE, MD, FAANS

TY J. OLSON, MD, FACS

CHRISTOPHER GILLIS MD, FRCSC, FAANS

AHSAN SATTAR, MD

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

She’s Into ‘Spooky’

Storyteller, storekeeper and museum curator Kathy Kelly of Asbury Park is extra busy this time of year with things that can’t quite be explained.

October is Kathy Kelly’s time to shine. A storyteller and the founder of Paranormal Books & Curiosities and The Paranormal Museum on Cookman Avenue, the Asbury Park resident, 55, has spent two decades exploring the strange, unexplained and often overlooked corners of New Jersey’s—and the world’s—haunted history.

What sparked your interest in the paranormal?

When you’re a kid, your parents and schools teach you X, Y and Z. But I was aware that there was a lot of other things out there. I was always interested in spooky things, things that came up in reading, history and archaeology. I also loved reading Edgar Allan Poe. Why are people drawn to the unknown?

There’s much more to the human experience than what we see. You just need one experience that will wedge your inability to deny it. Paranormal experiences are like potato chips: You can’t just have one. Is that why you opened the bookstore and museum?

After my first career [working for her father in the broadcast industry], I moved from Glen Ridge, where I grew up and had been living, to Asbury Park in 2008 when I opened the store. I had a large collection of items accumulated over the years. In 2015, I bought the place next door. It’s where a murder presumably took place in 1910, and now it’s where the museum is housed. You offer “ghost” walking tours as well. I started doing the tours in Asbury Park in 2008. They’re driven by history, folklore and storytelling. Ghost stories tell a lot of what’s unresolved, the ones that stick with us we can’t sweep under the rug. We try to interpret the stories based on history. And we get all types of visitors on the tours, not just “ghost hunters.” People crave a good story, especially if they’re familiar with places and names, so we see both out-of-towners and locals. Where do you get items for the museum?

I receive a lot of donations. When you’re the only game in town, you see a lot of action. People drop off things saying, “I can’t have this in my house anymore.” When

I ask why they don’t throw it out, a typical response is: “I don’t want to release a spirit—or anger it.” Do any artifacts give you goosebumps?

A large painting called “Blue” was given to us about 18 years ago. It was done in 1968 by a California artist who believed he could draw demons out of people and trap them on the canvas. The painting for years had been owned by a family, who later donated it to a priest. The priest said he couldn’t keep it and gave it back to the family, who gave the painting to me. About seven years ago, a woman tried to break into the store, saying the painting was calling to her. It turned out that she was one of the sisters in the family that donated it. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve encountered? A woman once sent me photos of a red spot on her

drop ceiling that her dog would always bark at, and I told her to open the ceiling. When she did, she found a contract that the previous homeowner had with the Devil, and it was sealed with blood. Do I believe it’s an actual contract with the Devil? No, but there’s something unusual and unexplained that even the dog sensed.

What do you tell skeptics?

It’s not our job to convince people what’s real. We simply present artifacts and stories of those who experienced them. It’s their story, and we respect the beliefs of all parties. People are comfortable making fun of this even though everyone is curious about the unknown; we’re all going to die, after all. Nothing is wrong with someone who wants to pursue the paranormal. But because I love to learn and because any ghost story is tied to what happened in the past, I earned a master’s degree in history from Monmouth University in 2017. Now I can sit at the table with skeptics.

What do your friends and family think?

I come from a large family—seven brothers, a sister and 21 nieces and nephews, and no one is interested. But they understand that it’s my passion.

What’s your favorite scary movie?

When I was younger, while everyone was watching E.T., I was watching Poltergeist The alien from outer space was sort of supernatural, but it was too cute. The Conjuring series and The Others are also great movies.

Does anything frighten you?

Nothing [laughs]. People are afraid because they think there’s a hierarchy—what’s good and what’s evil. I’m afraid of what I can’t see in the dark.

What’s a surprising fact about you?

People have an expectation about someone like me. Yes, I own a coroner’s hearse—a 35-year-old relic that I acquired along with its original papers. But I really have a mundane life. I like to travel and play pickleball and love to garden. And, of course, I have a voracious appetite for stories.

—Darius Amos

Photos courtesy of Kathy Kelly

HEALTH NEWS

LOWERING DIVERTICULITIS RISK

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle— specifically, a diet rich in fiber but light on red and processed meats, regular exercise, not smoking, and sticking to a normal weight—is linked to a significantly lower risk of diverticulitis, finds a large, longterm study. What’s more, these five components seem to offset the effects of inherited genes, the findings indicate. Diverticulitis occurs when “pouches” develop along the gut and become inflamed or infected in the wall of the large intestine.

—Gut

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES LINKED TO DEPRESSION

WEIGHT ALONE NOT A MEASURE OF HEALTH

Focusing solely on achieving weight loss for people with a high body mass index (BMI) may do more harm than good, say researchers. They stress that weight alone might not give an adequate picture of someone’s health, and say doctors should provide high quality, evidencebased care reflecting individual needs, regardless of weight.

The BMJ

Living with an autoimmune disease— rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ syndrome (thyroid hormone disorder), inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis—is linked to a near doubling of the risk of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, with these risks higher in women than in men. Researchers theorize that chronic exposure to the inflammation caused by the autoimmune disease is responsible because a growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation is linked to mental ill health.

—BMJ Mental Health

PAIN MED LINKED TO DEMENTIA RISK

Receiving six or more prescriptions of the drug gabapentin for low back pain is associated with significantly increased risks of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment—29 percent and 85 percent, respectively—finds a recent study. What’s more, these risks were more than twice as high in those normally considered too young to develop either condition—18 to 64 year olds—the findings indicate.

—Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine

WHICH EXERCISES HELP YOU SLEEP?

Yoga, Tai Chi, walking and jogging may be the best forms of exercise to improve sleep quality and ease insomnia, suggest the findings of a recently published data analysis. The findings back the use of exercise as a primary treatment for poor sleep.

—BMJ Evidence Based Medicine

CERVICAL CANCER IN WOMEN 65+

Women aged 65 and older are still at heightened risk of cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), suggest the findings of a recent study. Most guidelines currently recommend discontinuing screening for the disease in women aged 65+ if they have had previously normal smear tests. Yet global cases of cervical cancer have been rising among women in this age group, prompting the researchers to call for a policy rethink.

—Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine

SPEECH AFTER STROKE

Combining neck surgery with intensive speech therapy is associated with greater improvements in a person’s ability to communicate after a stroke than intensive speech therapy alone, finds a clinical trial. The results show improvements immediately after surgery without any long-term severe adverse events or lasting discomfort, as well as reported improvements in quality of life and post-stoke depression over six months.

—The BMJ

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

BREAST CANCER : How Much Do You Know?

In 1985, the national breast-cancer death rate reached nearly 33 per 100,000 women, the highest ever, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. That year brought a new focus on the disease, as the American Cancer Society (ACS) and other groups designated October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, the mortality rate has gradually decreased. Though statistics are improving, there’s still plenty for both ordinary folks and the medical community to learn. How does your knowledge measure up? Take our true-or-false quiz to find out.

1Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in U.S. women.

False. Lung cancer kills more women each year, with more than 60,540 deaths expected in 2025. An estimated 42,250 women will die of breast cancer this year.

2 Other than skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.

True. Breast cancer accounts for about 30 percent of all new female cancers each year.

3

Breast cancer affects only middle-aged or older women.

False. While most cases of breast cancer occur in middle-aged or older women, about 10 percent of new cases in the U.S. are found in women under age 45.

4 The risk of developing breast cancer nearly doubles if a family member has had the disease.

True. About 15 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.

5 Men can develop breast cancer too.

True. There are roughly 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men in the U.S., and about 510 men die annually from breast cancer.

6 Most breast lumps are cancerous.

False. Breast lumps should always be checked, but the majority prove to be benign—that is, noncancerous.

7 A clear mammogram means you don’t have to worry about breast cancer for at least the next year.

False. Mammography isn’t foolproof; sometimes it can return images that look normal even if cancer is present. That’s more likely in younger women with dense breast tissue.

8 The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being female and being in an older age group.

True. Most breast cancers are found in women age 50 or older.

9 A breast injury can cause breast cancer.

False. Injuries can cause pain, bruising or bleeding, which may result in buildup of blood in the breast and lead to scarring. Also, imaging after an injury can occasionally draw attention to a breast lump that has previously formed.

10 Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

False. There is no conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants with the development of the disease.

Source: American Cancer Society and National Breast Cancer Foundation

After Breast Cancer

MEDICINE HAS SCORED REMARKABLE GAINS IN THE BATTLE AGAINST THIS SCOURGE, BUT PATIENTS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES TREATMENT BRINGS.

Roshani Patel, M.D., medical director for breast surgery, Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Here’s the good news: Breast cancer has never been more survivable. According to the American Cancer Society, when diagnosed in the “localized” stage (early, when the malignancy hasn’t left the breast tissue), it has a nearly 99 percent survival rate. According to data collected by the National Cancer Institute, breast-cancer mortality in the U.S. dropped 44 percent from 1989 to 2024.

“Survival rates have improved due to better imaging techniques that detect cancer early,” says Roshani Patel, M.D., a breast surgical oncologist and medical director for breast surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City. “Many breast centers tailor screening recommendations based on family history and breast density. If cancers are treated when they are smaller, the survival rate is higher.”

Besides that, says the doctor, “we have better treatments that target specific types of cancer. Patients who have cancers that grow in response to estrogen will be treated with a hormone blocker. There is another target for medications called HER2 [human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, a protein found on cells]. If the cancer is positive for that, there are antibody medications given with chemotherapy. Women have a close to 100-percent response to that treatment.” In addition, “patients with triple-negative cancer [which tests negative for hormone receptors and the HER2 protein and is considered more aggressive than other types of breast cancer] benefit from immunotherapy, which helps boost the immune system to fight the cancer.”

But that success begs the question: What should you expect after breast cancer treatment? What happens as you move through the remission and recovery stages?

ANTIHORMONE THERAPY

The most common form of breast cancer is “hormone-sensitive.” These cancer cells have receptors for hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which cause them to grow and spread. The cancers are now treated with drugs called hormone blockers, taken orally for five to 10 years. They do more than just stop the cancer from growing. As Dr. Patel says, “These hormone blockers reduce the risk of the cancer coming back by 50 percent when taken for at least five years.” However, because these medications disrupt the estrogen in your body, they cause menopausal symptoms. Depending on which medication

you are put on (there are two, tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors), there’s a risk of “hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and joint pain,” says the doctor. “Endocrine therapies have an impact on many aspects of patients’ lives, from weight management to sexual needs and health to personality and mood to insomnia and anxiety.”

How to manage those symptoms? Exercise can help. “Strength training has been shown to reduce side effects from joint and muscle pain by 50 percent,” says Dr. Patel. If you’re feeling stiff, not moving will make your muscles lock up more; even going on a walk will help in both the short and the long term. Something else to keep in mind: Women on aromatase inhibitors are at a greater risk of decreased bone density, which can cause problems if someone already has osteopenia or osteoporosis. “Your doctors will monitor bone density, and there are medications to help,” the doctor says. “Vitamin D and calcium supplementation may also be recommended.”

CHEMOTHERAPY

Consisting of drugs that inhibit cell division and kill fast-growing cells, chemotherapy treatment has immediate side effects that are well known— including nausea, hair loss and fatigue. Any hair loss, Dr. Patel explains, “is short-term. Your hair will grow back.” Short-term weight changes, both loss and gain, can usually be handled with dietary modification, according to the doctor. “Nausea and vomiting are typically managed with medications and some dietary modifications,” she says. “Ginger chews can help with nausea in the short term as well.”

A possible long-term side effect is neuropathy, or nerve damage that can cause numbness and tingling, particularly in the fingers and toes. Dr. Patel says: “I have my patients work with a physical therapist. There are exercises of the hand and feet that can help.” If a patient is not having success with that treatment? “Prescription medications such as Cymbalta and gabapentin can help with the side effects,” she says. The doctor also highlights the chemo “brain fog,” which can cause problems with memory, cognition and focus during or after chemotherapy. For patients she counsels patience. “Recovery can take months to years,” she says. The American Cancer Society suggests that keeping to a routine and staying active can help manage the symptoms of brain fog, and that “brain exercise” such as

learning something new or doing word puzzles can help reduce it.

SURGERY

The aftermath of breast-cancer surgery, no matter how big or small, often involves either pain or a loss of sensation at the incision site. Many health professionals recommend self-massage to manage this, to break up the fibrous band of the scar tissue. Other than that, says Dr. Patel, “We use long-acting numbing medication to help with immediate postoperative pain.” She emphasizes that “pain will resolve over time. Most of the patients in our practice do not require more than Tylenol.” Still, women who opt for full reconstruction after a mastectomy often report that the new lack of sensation takes time to adjust to. Another risk is lymphedema, or a swelling (often in the arms) caused by damaged lymph nodes. Breast-cancer surgery that also removes lymph nodes under the arm increases the risk of this, as does radiation that targets the area. Explains the doctor: “Progressive strength training and early intervention with physical therapy have been shown to reduce lymphedema.” The use of compression sleeves, Dr. Patel adds, may help patients who are at risk for this condition.

THE MENTAL TOLL

No matter how old someone is or what stage it’s caught at, going through cancer treatment is traumatic. “Often there is some level of bodyimage disturbance,” says Dr. Patel. “In addition, patients fear recurrence and often have anxiety about future imaging and exams.” Giving yourself time and space for a proper recovery is vital. “Remember that recovery takes months or years,” the doctor says. “Often, people feel that support from family and friends dies off once treatment is over, because they are ‘done’ or they ‘look good.’ Patients struggle with that.” In reality, of course, it’s perfectly normal for the psychological adjustment period to go way beyond the time of treatment itself. She urges people to “express fears and concerns”—finding a therapist can help, or a breast-cancer support group made up of people who’ve been through the process.

Finally, don’t lose sight of the big picture. “Women are living longer,” says Dr Patel, “and beating the odds when they work in conjunction with their care providers.”

COASTAL CALM

A RUMSON HOME WASN’T CATCHING THE SPIRIT OF THE SHORE—UNTIL A RENOVATION ACHIEVED THE OWNERS’ COASTAL VISION.

Design by Swell Design Co.

Photography by Julia D’Agostino

Text by Richard Laliberte

What was once a dark space obstructed by two intrusive columns is now a bright, calming haven for a Rumson family. Styled with a modern, coastal vibe, a renovation introduced lighter wood flooring, and in the kitchen a reconfigured island, ample custom cabinetry and subtle hues including pops of blue.

Situated on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, Rumson seems an ideal town for Kate Lukach and her husband. “I’ve always been drawn to live near water,” she says. “When we bought our house, it was beautiful and [just] 10 years old—but it wasn’t finished in a style I wanted.”

A recent, modern coastal renovation by Swell Design Co. in Atlantic Highlands has made the home all that Lukach hoped for. “Water is very calming and soothing; it gives you space to think, it’s sleek and not cluttered,” Lukach says—“all things that we were going for.”

Previously the interior had a dark vibe despite abundant windows. “I wanted to lighten things up, bring the outdoors in,” Lukach says. With two boys, she also strove for comfort and easy maintenance that would allow the house to feel both lived in and tidy.

The project proceeded in stages primarily focused on the downstairs, which features an open-space living room. Designers Elissa Palamara and Katy Champion-Uras first revamped the living area beginning several years ago. But

they knew the heart of the redo would be the kitchen.

“We love to entertain,” Lukach says. “Making sure the kitchen was an open, inviting space was No. 1. It was the springboard for the entire renovation.”

But there was a structural consideration. The original kitchen’s island not only sat oddly angled, with outdated cabinets and counters, but also featured two intrusive but weight-bearing end columns. “The island didn’t offer a lot of counter space, and the columns blocked views of everything,” Palamara says.

“We felt we wouldn’t do the kitchen project if the columns didn’t come down,” Lukach says. But could they remove the supports without breaking the bank? General contractor Viscon Builders of Little Silver successfully added two supportive beams to the ceiling to keep the structure sound, which greenlighted the rest of the renovation.

“We took out the old island completely and reconfigured the shape,” Palamara says. The new island (along with the rest of the kitchen) features built-in, custom cabinets with plenty of storage and quartz countertops from

This page: A bay window provides a favorite seating area even at night, with illumination f by Chester Lighting of Middletown. Opposite page: Custom cabinets include appliance garages that retain an expanse of quartz countertop inside the bottom doors at far left and right of the range. Design throughout the project lends a clean, uncluttered feel to a heavily used space.

Bedrock Granite in Shrewsbury. Budget-minded island seating came from Perigold, Wayfair’s luxury marketplace.

Flooring was another priority. Dark wood was replaced with a lighter, engineered hardwood that extends throughout the downstairs. For visual consistency, the stairs to the second floor were redone in lighter wood, with updated newel, banister, spindles and rug. (New, lighter flooring then continued upstairs.)

With foundational essentials in hand, other cohesive and expressive elements of the project could come to the fore. Picking the custom cabinets’ color was a critical decision, Lukach says.

“We didn’t want white—we wanted a warmer tone—but also didn’t want it to look too beige,” she says. “We love the warmth of the color we chose, which has gray undertones. It’s not your stark-white kitchen.”

All first-floor walls, trim and ceilings were repainted, with trim matching the cabinets.

“We reversed the original, allwhite trim to darker trim and lighter walls,” Palamara says—a venerable style rooted in Europe.

“It’s classical but not old and stuffy,” she says.

Abundant storage in the new kitchen allowed Palamara and Champion-Uras to gut a large pantry and turn it into a hardworking mudroom lined with custom cabinets for storing items like the boys’ sports

This page: A mudroom made by repurposing an awkward pantry is color-drenched in blue that adds flair and fun without disrupting the design’s cohesively calming ambiance. Opposite page: A pedestal table allows crucial room for people to scoot into banquette seating without getting hung up on table legs.

equipment. The designers also maximized a bay window by adding built-in, banquette seating for an oval pedestal table from Williams-Sonoma, accompanied by existing chairs.

The bay’s four windows were dressed in cordless, top-down shades from Twopages Curtains.

“We absolutely love that space,” Lukach says. “We spend a lot of time there.”

Design choices throughout the project express the sought-after coastal vibe in mindfully subtle and restrained ways. “There’s a difference between having seashells and coral and anchors and boats everywhere and bringing in coastal beiges, creams and blues,” Lukach says. For example, wallpaper in a powder room near the stairs uses a palmlike pattern to complement breezy colors.

Blue is used as a punctuation mark in elements such as banquette-topping cushions and pillows, which a friend of Lukach made using fabric that Lukach and the designers chose. Prevailing subtlety allowed a major statement in the mudroom, where the designers color-drenched all walls, trim and ceiling in blue.

“It’s an unexpected, fun moment for something boring like a mudroom,” Palamara says.

“We’re thrilled with the results,” Lukach says. “We love the brightness. It puts you in a good, calming mood.” Just as a home in a water-surrounded town should.

This page: New, lighter wood flooring throughout the downstairs carries over to an updated staircase. Opposite page: Just off the staircase to the left, a renovated powder room conveys the project’s coastal theme with understated colors and a palmlike wallpaper pattern.

MAKE YOUR CEILING APPEALING

Seven Monmouth designers tell how to top off a room with a surface you can truly look up to.

For years, while we said “if these walls could talk,” ceilings have been keeping mum. They’ve been left out of the design conversation, but that’s changing. Designers now recognize that matte white isn’t the only game in town—that a space’s upper surface has many aesthetic possibilities as a kind of “fifth wall.”

“The ceiling has long been overlooked,” says Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs in Holmdel. Under-looked may seem more apt, but the point is that this oftignored overhead surface is now having its day.

“What began as a growing trend is quickly becoming a design mainstay,” Mannarino explains. “When treated thoughtfully, a ceiling can add depth, dimension, drama and height to a room. Today, leaving it bare feels like a missed opportunity.”

To make sure you don’t miss out, MONMOUTH tapped the wisdom of Mannarino and six other pro designers in our county.

OUR EXPERTS

:

Ellisa Gumina & Julia Mazzucca, Oggi Design House, Monmouth Beach

Christina Melendez, Home Sweet Home Design, Manalapan

Maryan Ibrahim, J. Vera Interiors, Holmdel

Nancy Mikulich, Oasis Home Designs, Asbury Park

Anna Maria Mannarino, Mannarino Designs, Holmdel

Holly Volpe, HV Design Group, Colts Neck

BRIGHT COLOR

The simplest way to make your ceiling make a statement is to add a coat of paint. Says Holly Volpe: “Painting a ceiling is a great, accessible option. It adds instant drama and warmth, and deep tones can cozy up a room. But beware: Darker shades may visually lower the ceiling. My favorite spaces for painted ceilings are powder rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms, where intimacy and mood matter.” Nancy Mikulich likes a specific trick for dramatic dining rooms: “I like to take the paint color of a wall and extend it up onto the parameter of the ceiling. It envelops the space, hugging it and adding dimension.” Ellisa Gumina adds: “Soft neutrals or whites on a ceiling can make a space feel bright and expansive. For a bolder approach, consider color-drenching a room by painting the walls, trim and ceiling in the same hue. This technique creates a cocooning effect, amplifying the atmosphere of the room while giving it a cohesive, modern edge.”

BOLD PATTERNS

If you’re looking for something more immediately eye-catching, wallpaper may be for you. “I love using wallpaper on the ceiling as a way to introduce subtle texture and depth, especially when working with a neutral palette,” says Julia Mazzucca. “It adds interest without overwhelming the space, and it’s particularly effective in organic, modern homes where simplicity is key.” Volpe says: “Texture, pattern, personality—wallpaper brings all three to the ceiling. It’s especially striking in smaller spaces or bedrooms.” She adds that “precision is key. Skilled installation is a must to avoid seams and sagging.” But ceiling wallpaper presents challenges, as Maryan Ibrahim warns. “Installation is more difficult overhead and, in humid areas, adhesion may be an issue over time,” she says. “Still, when done well, wallpapered ceilings can add an unexpected layer of style that elevates the entire room.”

DELICATE DESIGNS

For a little more style in your paint, you can also add a stencil effect to a ceiling. “Stencil patterns bring a decorative, artistic feel to a space, and they work well in dining rooms or entryways,” says Ibrahim. But she cautions that “they require careful, precise application.” Mannarino suggests that you reach for this technique when working on your larger spaces. “A decorative painting can transform an uncluttered, open space into a striking canvas,” she says. Popular stencil options include a pattern that travels the perimeter of the room and gathers more dramatically in corners, which adds a distinctively vintage charm to a space, or a design spiraling from the anchor point of a mounted light or pendant light for a starburst effect. However, Christina Melendez says to always make sure that vintage aesthetic doesn’t become stiff: “It can sometimes lend a dated look,” she explains. Look for stencils beyond Victorian-inspired florals to avoid this.

DEEP COFFERS

Another unanimous opinion among our designers: Coffers are elegant and timeless. Says Melendez: “They’re stunning—period! Not only can they add depth and luxury to a ceiling, but they also help to reduce sound and echo in spaces such as a two-story family room or foyer.” Though installation can be a drain on your financial coffers, she considers them a great investment—and beautiful besides. Ibrahim adds that “coffered ceilings offer elegance and structure and make a classic and grand statement. They are best suited for rooms with tall ceilings where the extra depth won’t overwhelm the space.” A more specific, subtle application? “In a dramatic dining room, I like to surround the chandelier with molding and paint the interior with the appropriate wall or accent color,” says Mikulich. “This creates drama and dimension.” Mannarino says coffers are “the ultimate statement. Whether understated or ornate, with layered color, intricate trim or integrated lighting, these designs bring a sense of refinement and artistry that’s impossible to ignore.”

TERRIFIC TILE

Our designers agree that tile ceilings are best left to bathrooms and kitchens, where the moisture resistance of the tile can take center stage. And the idea of a beautiful tile mosaic on a bathroom ceiling, perhaps with a Moroccan design sensibility, has definite appeal. Says Volpe: “Tile is durable and moisture-resistant, practical and stylish, but installation must be meticulous. Grout lines and adhesion matter more when gravity’s involved.” Mazzucca agrees on both accounts: “Tile on the ceiling works best in moisture-prone bathrooms, where its durability truly shines. However, make sure the ceiling structure can support the weight, because tile can also be very heavy.” Even in a small space such as a bathroom, Ibrahim remarks, “a well-designed ceiling makes everything feel more polished and intentional.”

AMAZING MURALS

Here’s a chance to create that coveted “wow” factor—but be sure you love the idea before moving forward. “A mural creates a beautiful and personal touch in a room, and it really adds character,” says Melendez. “You can find this detail added to powder rooms, dining rooms or even a pantry. However, it is probably one of the most expensive and challenging installations to a ceiling, and it’s less likely to be changed over time. Once you decide on this route, you are committed.” But if you love a design and feel secure in your choice, there’s no reason not to go for it. Gumina advises: “For the right client, I recommend a mural in a library or formal dining room, where the artwork becomes part of the experience of the space.” Volpe, however, offers a word of caution: “The impact often gets lost overhead,” she says. “You need to have the right vantage point to appreciate the artistry.”

POTENT PANELS

Rustic and warm, wood paneling can add a lot when it’s deployed on a ceiling. “Architectural treatments such as paneling or wood slats can deliver powerful results,” says Mannarino. “While these elements may feel heavy, with the right scale and proportion they can create a striking ‘wow’ factor that anchors the room.” Gumina agrees; she loves “incorporating wood on the ceiling because it brings an immediate sense of warmth, texture and architectural interest to a space. Beyond its visual appeal, wood also enhances the acoustics of a room, helping to soften echoes and create a more inviting atmosphere. You can’t go wrong adding wood to a great room or library ceiling, in my opinion.” Melendez also sings its praises: “This is one of my favorite options for a ceiling treatment. The cost is mid-range and it’s a classic design. If you get bored with this material, a can of paint or stain can give it an entirely different vibe.”

40 YEARS OF CLEANING THE COAST

THE NONPROFIT CLEAN OCEAN ACTION CAN’T SAY ITS BEACH SWEEPS HAVE CLEARED JERSEY BEACHES OF “EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK.” (BECAUSE THEY HAVE FOUND THAT TOO.)

A cool, overcast day in April doesn’t usually mean bustling beaches. But on April 12 of this year, New Jersey’s beaches and watersides were alive with thousands of volunteers. From Bergen County’s Englewood Cliffs to the tip of Cape May and from Aberdeen down to Sea Girt in Monmouth County, people took to the sands with buckets, bags and data cards to clean up debris and trash from our coastlines. That occasion was a Beach Sweep, one of the signature programs of the Long Branch-based nonprofit Clean Ocean Action (COA). Marking their 40th anniversary this year, the twice-yearly Beach Sweeps constitute one of the longest-running coastal cleanup initiatives in the world—and one of the most effective. The next one will be held Oct. 18.

The first Beach Sweep gathered a group of 75 volunteers in Sandy Hook in 1985. The program has since bloomed into a statewide initiative that includes the Raritan Bay and the Delaware Bay in addition to the Atlantic coastline. Volunteers gather in the morning at local beaches under the supervision of a “beach captain” (also a volunteer) and, while checking in, are given a data card on which to log the kinds of debris and trash they pick up.

That card is at the heart of what makes the program

influential. Says Meg Sulzberg, the “plastic-free sea” coordinator at COA and the main coordinator of the Beach Sweeps program: “We keep a long-spanning database of what is logged. We use that data, first and foremost, to track pollution trends within New Jersey. But it’s also used to inform policy at a local, state and sometimes even national level.”

For instance, enactment of New Jersey’s Get Past Plastic law, which took effect in May of 2022 and bans single-use plastics such as plastic carry-out bags and Styrofoam takeout containers, was influenced by the data collected over years of Beach Sweeps. “Plastics, particularly small plastics, are always a problem and we always collect a lot of them,” says Sulzberg. “But, when we process the data, we really are seeing a decrease since the law was passed. It’s a huge step.”

That logging of exactly what is pulled from the sand has also led to some of Beach Sweep’s most memorable moments. “People find all sorts of weird things,” says Sulzberg. “There’s stuff you’d expect—umbrellas, chairs, boogie boards and beach toys—but this spring, multiple people found whole, unbroken watermelons. In 2024 someone found a bowling ball. Someone else found a whole kitchen sink.”

What do volunteers pick up the most of? Says

Sulzberg: “Last year, our No. 1 found item was bottle caps. They fit through the spokes of the machines used to clean the beaches, so that might be why. They are always a part of our ‘dirty dozen,’ or 12 most found items every year.” The dirty dozen in 2024 also included plastic pieces, food and candy wrappers, foam pieces, straws and stirrers, cigarette filters, plastic beverage bottles, miscellaneous other plastics, plastic cap rings, cigar tips, metal drink cans and paper pieces.

Over the program’s 40 years, more than 176,000 volunteers have contributed over one million hours to the cause, removing 8.7 million pieces of debris from New Jersey’s shores, per COA’s data. “There’s a huge sense of teamwork among the volunteers,” says Sulzberg. “It’s really become a tradition for some people. This past spring, I met two volunteers who have been coming for all 40 years. They couldn’t stay long, but it was important to them to make it. This is their community.”

And that sense of community, says Sulzberg, is part of the reason Beach Sweeps remain effective. “It’s inspiring to see how many people come out,” she says. “People from New Jersey really care about the Jersey Shore. Beach Sweeps aren’t just about cleaning trash. They’re about creating a legacy—showing future generations that we stood up and made a difference for them.”

Since 1985, Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps program has gathered the young and the old from all walks of life to New Jersey’s waterways to clean up—and log—trash and debris.

5 JAUNTS WITH

For an October adventure, these bewitching towns are packed with fright, folklore and a touch of magic.

As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, October sets the stage for a little everyday magic. Whether you’re a full-on Halloween enthusiast or simply someone drawn to the mystical side of fall, there’s no shortage of alluring destinations to explore. Take, for example, five historic towns (including one in our own county) with haunted reputations, cozy cafés offering tarot readings and shops brimming with crystals, herbs and spell books. They happen to be throughout the Northeast, but they’re all a not-toodistant drive away:

HISTORIC VILLAGE AT ALLAIRE, WALL, N.J.

Tucked inside Allaire State Park in Wall Township, Allaire Village is a 19th‑century iron‑making town that feels especially captivating in October. With its historic buildings, costumed interpreters and old world charm, the village offers a step back in time. Seasonal highlights include “Night of Frights,” held every weekend this month, and evening ghost tours for ages 12 and older. And don’t miss the All Hallows’ Eve celebration on Oct. 26— complete with trick or treating, pumpkin carving, scavenger hunts and 19th century trade demos (blacksmithing and hearth cooking, anyone?). The village general store and bakery are open on weekends for merchandise and fresh baked goods. Where to eat: There are several dining options near Historic Village at Allaire, ranging from casual to upscale. Allenwood General Store in Allenwood and Mulligan’s Bar and Grill in Farmingdale are great for breakfast sandwiches and burgers, respectively. If you’re craving something specific, Shogun Legends in Wall is known for its sushi and Japanese dishes, while La Mondina in nearby Brielle has fine Italian cuisine. For a farm to table experience, Harvest in Farmingdale serves locally sourced fare in an intimate space. More info: allairevillage.org

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y.

This Westchester County village about 90 minutes from Monmouth County famously comes alive in October, embracing its fabled status as the home of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving. Here, autumn beauty blends with spooky charm, with haunted hayrides, ghost tours and encounters with the Headless Horseman himself. The town’s 17th century Old Dutch Church and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery set a perfectly eerie backdrop, and the latter (the final resting place of Irving, financier William Rockefeller—younger brother of more famous tycoon John D.—and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie) is open to daylight and lantern lit tours. There’s also the famed Headless Horseman Bridge, a must visit landmark and photo op. Tour Sunnyside, Irving’s riverside cottage, and see what inspired the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane, Rip Van Winkle and more of Irving’s literary characters. And for not so spooky things like produce, meats and flowers, visit the TaSH (for Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow) Farmers’ Market on Saturdays for some of the Hudson Valley’s best. Where to eat: Beekman Avenue has a variety of eateries catering to all tastes, from Bridge View Tavern’s pub grub to Croqueteria’s Cuban sandwiches and savory croquetas to Hudson Farmer & the Fish’s raw bar and seafood classics. For more options (and great waterside views), a five minute drive to Tarrytown will lead you to upscale restaurants such as the Michelin starred Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Bistro12 as well as more relaxed eateries Sweet Grass Grill and Horsefeathers. More info: visitsleepyhollow.com

HAUNTS

NEW HOPE, PA.

About an hour and 15 minutes from Monmouth is this charming riverside town known for its artsy spirit, eclectic shops and historic ambiance. In October, New Hope—which is full of indie boutiques, antiques shops and galleries—elegantly blends autumn charm with eerie excitement. Begin your day at Peddler’s Village’s OctoberFeast (Oct. 11–12), where food trucks, craft brews, seasonal treats and live performances light up the fall weekend. As dusk falls, join the Ghost Tours of New Hope (available Fridays and Saturdays), a lantern-lit walking experience that dives into the town’s haunted past. For thrill seekers, the No Hope After Dark train excursion will draw you into a spooky, 90-minute haunted maze aboard the heritage railroad. As night sets in, sip whiskey on the Specters & Spirits tour—an atmospheric, ghost-walking tour paired with tastings at haunted local spots. Not terrified enough yet? The Bucks County Playhouse is staging its October tradition, The Rocky Horror Show, about a young couple who “seek shelter at a mysterious old castle on a dark and stormy night.” And then….

Where to eat: Picturesque, walkable New Hope boasts several restaurants—try oysters or seafood linguini at The Salt House on Ferry Street, housed in a 1751 building, or stroll across the bridge to Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn in Lambertville, N.J., to dine overlooking the Delaware River. Up the hill at Peddler’s Village, try the burgers at familyfriendly Buttonwood Grill or the cheesesteaks at Hart’s Tavern, or opt for an elevated experience at Earl’s New American or Cock ’n Bull Restaurant.

More info: visitbuckscounty.com, peddlersvillage.com, newhoperailroad.com

NEWPORT, R.I.

Enjoy a scenic, three-and-a-half-hour drive to this New England city, which dials up autumn allure in October with coastal charm and spirited seasonal events. Explore the dramatic Cliff Walk amidst rising fall foliage, or wander through Gilded Age mansions turned into captivating backdrops for Halloween-themed tours. Private guided ghost tours, suitable for all ages, uncover the secrets of Newport’s haunted past. Speaking of tours, be sure to stop by Washington Square and the Newport Colony House, iconic locations from the spooky/funny flick Hocus Pocus 2 If you’d rather spend time shopping than being scared, Newport’s cobblestone streets and bustling wharves are filled with eclectic gift shops, clothing boutiques, home goods and décor stores and more.

Where to eat: If you’re planning a visit Oct. 18–19, be sure to check out the 34th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, named one of the 10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast by Coastal Living magazine. More seafood options (lobster rolls are a must in this town) include Midtown Oyster Bar and Clarke Cooke House. Not a seafoodie? These restaurants also offer great steaks, burgers and chicken. For drinks and apps, try Forty 1 North, a waterfront spot overlooking the harbor and home to some of the area’s swankiest boats.

More info: discovernewport.org

SALEM, MASS.

Infamous for its 1692 witch trials, this town just under five hours away is equal parts history, mystery and haunted happenings. Throughout October, visitors can explore the Festival of the Dead, a series of eerie rituals and events across town. These events include the Salem Psychic Fair at Witch City Mall, a lantern-lit marketplace, Salem Night Faire at Pioneer Village on Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25 and the Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball at the Hawthorne Hotel on Oct. 31—complete with drumming, psychic readings and costume prizes. Beyond the events, you can tour centuries-old cemeteries, browse shops filled with spell books and crystals and soak up spooky stories on every corner. Costumed visitors stroll the cobblestone streets all month long, giving the entire town a festive, otherworldly feel.

Where to eat: Don’t worry—you won’t be eating from a witch’s cauldron in this town. Sit-down dining is offered at eateries like Finz Seafood & Grill, Mainstay Social and Koto Asian Fusion. For quick bites, you’ll find delicious slices at Flying Saucer Pizza Company or Essex’s NY Pizza & Deli. Just looking for a brew and vibes? Try Notch Brewing or Far from the Tree cider house. More info: salem.org

TASTES

Great Gourds

These tasty recipes are as healthy as they are comforting.

HEALTHY PUMPKIN OATMEAL PANCAKES

Yields 3 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 3/4 cup pumpkin puree

n 2 large eggs

n ²/³ cup unsweetened vanilla almond

milk (or milk of choice)

n 2 tsp. vanilla extract

n 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup

n 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired

n 2 tsp. baking powder

n 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

n ½ tsp. allspice

n ½ tsp. nutmeg

n ½ tsp. ground ginger

n 1/4 tsp. salt

n olive oil, for cooking

DIRECTIONS

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Lightly coat a griddle with coconut oil, vegan butter or olive oil and place over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add about ¹/³ cup of the batter to the griddle for each pancake; the batter may be thick so you’ll need to use a spoon to spread out the batter a bit. It will get thicker as it sits so be sure to cook these pancakes immediately after blending. Cook for 2-4 minutes until pancakes slightly puff up and you see a few bubbles along the edges.

Flip cakes and cook until golden brown on underside. (If you find that pancakes are browning too quickly, then you need to lower the heat. Start on medium heat, then reduce to medium low later so pancakes don’t burn. If at any point your griddle starts smoking, it means your pan is too hot.)

Wipe skillet clean and repeat with additional oil and remaining batter.

“Pumpkin’s

rich orange color comes with wonderful health benefits, including its beta-carotene content. Betacarotene is a powerful antioxidant that our body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for a healthy immune system and strong night vision. Using old-fashioned oats in this recipe boosts its fiber content as well!

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

TASTES

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BACON SPINACH QUICHE

Yields 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 8 slices bacon (or turkey bacon)

n 3 cups butternut squash, roasted and cubed

n 1/2 Tbs. olive oil

n 1 (5 oz.) bag spinach

n 6 large eggs

n ¹/³ cup unsweetened almond

milk (or sub regular milk)

n salt and pepper, freshly ground, to taste

n 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

Add bacon to a large skillet or pan and place over medium heat, cooking until both sides are crispy and golden brown. If the pan starts to smoke at any point, simply lower the heat. Once bacon is done, blot with a paper towel to absorb excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch pie pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. Add the roasted butternut squash cubes. Set aside.

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in spinach and cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Add spinach to the prepared pan with the butternut squash, then top with chopped bacon.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over the top of the spinach and butternut squash. Sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese, along with an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the egg sets up. Remove from heat and wait a few minutes before cutting into 6 slices.

“I am always looking for fun new ways to get adequate protein into my clients’ diets, and this quiche is a great way

to do

so!

An egg recipe is also a great vehicle to squeeze in a vegetable serving at the start of our day. Swap the bacon for turkey bacon for a lower saturated fat content.”

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

A Toast To Autumn

Smooth bourbon meets seasonal spice in a cocktail that tastes like fall in every sip.

CINNAMON APPLE BOURBON SMASH

Makes: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

Spicy Cinnamon Syrup

n 1/2 cup maple syrup

n 2 cinnamon sticks

n 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced

n 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

Apple Smash

n 2 Tbs. spicy cinnamon syrup

n 3 Tbs. bourbon

n 2 Tbs. lemon or grapefruit juice

n 1 Tbs. apple butter

n 1-2 dashes orange bitters

n ginger beer, for topping

DIRECTIONS

Make the spicy cinnamon syrup:

In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, maple syrup, cinnamon and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the cayenne. Let cool, then strain the syrup into a glass jar. This syrup makes enough for about six drinks.

In a cocktail shaker, combine 1-2 tablespoons of the cinnamon syrup, bourbon, lemon/grapefruit juice, apple butter and orange bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with apple slices, pomegranate arils and cinnamon sticks. If desired, light the cinnamon stick on fire for a smoky effect.

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.

Pascal & Sabine, 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 theharborsidegrill.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

Shipwreck Grill, Brielle

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

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

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

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

Photos courtesy of Pascal & Sabine, Shipwreck Grill, Bahrs Landing, Birravino

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

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 molinarisrestaurant.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

Bahrs Landing, Highlands

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

Birravino, Red Bank

Senior Living DONE BRIGHT

HAPPENINGS

Be There

From ghost tours to festivals to fantastic live music, you’ll find everything you want this month in Monmouth.

OCT. 10-26

Get ready to be transported to Rydell High as GREASE! takes the stage at the Spring Lake Community House and Theatre. Relive the iconic love story of Sandy and Danny, set to a high-energy soundtrack and a backdrop of retro charm. Multiple performances are available. See springlaketheatre. com for more info and tickets.

OCT.

10-19

Ready to do the time warp again? Seasonal classic THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW comes to the Algonquin Arts Theater in Manasquan for an unforgettable night. Enter the weird, wild and wonderful world of Brad, Janet and Dr. Frank-N-Furter for a night of sci-fi thrills and unforgettable songs—plus lots of laughs. Shows take place at 2 and 8 p.m. on each date. For tickets and more information, check out algonquinarts.org.

OCT.

11

OCT. 11

Raise a glass at Red Bank’s Edmund Wilson Plaza during a festive OKTOBERFEST celebration. Enjoy tastings of beer, wine and spirits (with expanded tasting packages added due to last year’s popularity), alongside delicious food, a lively craft vendor market, live music, a kids’ zone and more. The festivities kick off at 1 p.m., with a rain date scheduled for Oct. 18. For more information, see redbank.org.

OCT. 11

Catch START MAKING SENSE, a popular Talking Heads tribute band, live at Asbury Park’s iconic Stone Pony for a night of nonstop grooves. Known for their electrifying performances and spoton renditions, the band covers the full spectrum of the Talking Heads catalog, from crowd-pleasers like “Psycho Killer” and “Burning Down the House” to beloved deep cuts. The show begins at 7 p.m., and you can pick up tickets at stoneponyonline.com.

OCT. 12 & 19

For a day filled with great local food and sips, head over to Highlands for the 6TH ANNUAL FALL TASTE OF HIGHLANDS Enjoy five hours of food samplings and cocktails from 18 different restaurants and retailers, all with a festive fall theme. The fun begins at noon, and tickets can be purchased online at highlandsnj.com.

Get ready to explore a more haunted side of Monmouth County with the ALLAIRE GHOST TOURS at the Historic Village at Allaire in Wall. These guided evening eerie legends tales tied to century village. hear chilling unexplained and even step buildings typically closed to the public. Tours begin at 6 p.m. Visit allairevillage. org for more information and tickets.

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

OCT. 17

Get into the spirit of the season at the SHOWCASE

@ THE HOTEL HALLOWEEN PARTY at the American Hotel in downtown Freehold. This highenergy celebration features live music by local favorites Mail Order Bride, plus dancing, festive bites and a costume contest. Tickets include access to a buffet, and proceeds support Downtown Freehold. Visit downtownfreehold. com for more information.

OCT. 18

Stop by the Bell Theater in Holmdel and hear Grammywinner JOHN PIZZARELLI perform a tribute to Tony Bennett. Pizzarelli, hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and repopularizing jazz,” will play a show filled with the music of jazz, pop and swing great. show is hosted by Axelrod Performing Arts Center, and begins at 8 p.m. For tickets and more, head over to belltheater.org.

OCT. 18

Listen to the sounds of ’90s alternative rock come to life in Asbury Park when Asbury Lanes hosts EVERCLEAR, joined by rock bands Local H and Sponge. On their 30th anniversary tour for the album Sparkle and Fade, Everclear brings that same post-grunge energy to the stage every night. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, see asburylanes.com.

OCT. 25

OCT. 24-25

Embrace the best fall vibes with the SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS FALL FESTIVAL You’ll find all the best seasonal pleasures here—a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, a scarecrow decorating contest, seasonal photo ops, live music, an artisans’ market to browse and much more. The fun begins at 4 p.m. on Friday 10 a.m. on Saturday. For full timeline of events and more information, head over

See a classic film as you’ve never seen it before with DISNEY’S FANTASIA IN CONCERT at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. Watch the magic of Fantasia, both the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000 , play out on the big screen while the New Jersey Symphony plays the unforgettable score in front of you. The music starts at 2 p.m. For tickets and more, see thebasie.org.

OCT. 26

Deal Fire Company No. 2 and the Jersey Shore Running Club present the DEAL TRICK OR TROT, a Halloween-themed, 4-mile road race with added racewalk, pet walk and kid dashes. Come out for a day of exercise, competition, sweet tr eats, barbecue and fun. All proceeds benefit the Deal Fire Company and Shore Saves, an organization that cares for lost and abandoned dogs. The race starts at 10 a.m. For registration and more, head over to runsignup.com.

Gatherings

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

1. GIRL SCOUTS OF THE JERSEY SHORE

This summer, members of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore visited Australia and New Zealand. The girls snorkeled around the Great Barrier Reef, spotted koalas and soaked up jawdropping views. The trip helped the Scouts build confidence, independence and global sisterhood.

2.

FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICE

Long Branch-based Family & Children’s Service recently received a $2,500 donation from the Amboy Foundation and Amboy Bank. The funds will be used to support the organization’s in-home recreation program.

3.

RED BANK FAMILY YMCA

Jared Rumage (far left), Red Bank public schools superintendent, was named recipient of the YMCA Red Triangle Award. The award was scheduled to be presented at the Red Bank Family YMCA Community Celebration earlier this month at Street Kitchen and Pub in Red Bank.

4-5.

THE GRUNIN FOUNDATION

Members of the Grunin Foundation attended the recent Social Justice Academy Showcase and Celebration Reception at Monmouth University. The foundation offers support through funding, capacity building and coalition building to organizations such as the academy.

6.

FULFILL OF MONMOUTH AND OCEAN

Staff at The Arc of Monmouth recently volunteered at Fulfill, helping the Neptunebased food pantry in its donation sorting room. Fullfill’s mission is to provide food, support and resources to neighbors in need.

7-8. MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

Monmouth Medical Center held its 30th Annual Power of Pink luncheon in Rumson. The program, which included more than 575 guests, celebrity speaker Jon Bon Jovi and members of the JBJ Soul Foundation, celebrated the power of community and supported cancer patients and their families.

HOME SHOWCASE

BEDROCK GRANITE

Bedrock Granite is known for its superior customer service. We have been in business for over 30 years serving both the trade and public. We are committed to making the design process easier for our customers who are looking for custom fabrication for home remodeling projects. For your convenience, we are open seven days a week and we have a large selection of slabs and remnants on site to browse through. Visit Bedrock Granite’s Instagram and Facebook pages to see our newest and most elegant projects.

803 SHREWSBURY AVE., SHREWSBURY

732.741.0100

WWW.BEDROCKGRANITE.COM

GPS SHOWROOMS

You’ll find plenty of “advice” when you embark on a home remodel, but there’s no substitute for real expertise. Since 1910, GPS design, supply, and remodel specialists have guided homeowners and contractors through countless unique and challenging projects. Whether you’re looking for the perfect faucet to garnish your kitchen masterpiece or looking to bathe in inspiration for your dream bathroom, stop by your local GPS Showroom for an exceptional experience, top brands, and unmatched service.

WWW.SHOPGPS.COM | WWW.KOHLERBYGPS.COM

NJ GRAVEL & SAND

Celebrating almost 90 years in business, our staff at family owned New Jersey Gravel & Sand brings a world-class level of attention and detail to your every landscape, hardscape, and natural stone need. We fabricate stone masterpieces for all interior and exterior applications, from fireplace hearths and mantels crafted with natural stone, to thin veneers, to stone used for outdoor kitchens, and custom pool coping. We carry a large in stock selection of Natural Stone, Flagstone and Veneer. Visit our website, Facebook or Instagram accounts and of course our amazing 23-acre stone yard to experience exciting new products and ideas.

1661 ROUTE 34 SOUTH, WALL, NJ

732.938.5252 | WWW.NJGRAVELSAND.COM

SALEM LANE DESIGN

Salem Lane Design is a full-service, luxury interior design firm based out of Little Silver in Monmouth County. Led by top NYC trend forecaster and design expert, Jackie Wilson, Salem Lane Design does everything from new builds and renovations to furnishings and 10hour consultations, all specifically curated for each client and their needs. With a casual luxury design aesthetic, Salem Lane Design makes spaces light and comfortable with an overall polished feel, giving clients a sense of ease and peace in their homes or spaces. As a former trend developer, Jackie and her team innately combine texture, pattern, and color creating unparalleled yet cohesive design stories that make each project fully personal and extraordinary.

LITTLE SILVER, NJ | 201.370.9638 JACKIE@SALEMLANEDESIGN.COM

TOWN APPLIANCE

As the Tri-State’s go-to destination for the latest in home appliances, Town Appliance offers an extensive and trendy selection from the industry’s leading brands. To showcase this, our spacious showrooms and interactive website feature today’s most soughtafter appliances, from high-end luxuries to everyday essentials. Supported by sales experts trained on cutting-edge features before products even arrive, you’ll always stay ahead of the trend. And for professionals, our exclusive Trade Program extends this advantage, simplifying projects with personalized support and tailored benefits.

10 S. CLIFTON AVE., LAKEWOOD, NJ

732.364.5195 | WWW.TOWNAPPLIANCE.COM

WOODHAVEN

For almost 50 years, Woodhaven has provided exceptional building experiences for builders, contractors, and homeowners. We are known for outstanding customer service and expertise in designing kitchens, baths and custom closets,, flooring, stairs, railings, windows, doors, and now tile. Understanding that your home is one of your biggest investments, our team offers solutions to elevate it. With locations in Lakewood, Manahawkin, Point Pleasant, Shrewsbury, and a new showroom in Manalapan/Freehold, we’re committed to providing quality service wherever you are.

732.795.6200 | WWW. WOODHAVENLUMBER.COM

WORLDWIDE FLOORING DESIGN CENTER

For over 30 years, Worldwide has been proudly serving residents surrounding their Edison, Fairfield, Lawrenceville and Old Bridge, NJ locations. While all locations offer the finest selection of brand name flooring, stair runners, customer rugs and window treatments Edison and Old Bridge feature Kitchen & Bath Studios offering the same fine quality in cabinets, countertops and more. From concept to installation Worldwide’s expert sales staff, designers and installers will make updating and renovating your home a wonderful experience.onal experience, top brands, and unmatched service.

ALL LOCATIONS OPEN SEVEN DAYS.

1.888.WORLD40 WWW.WORLDWIDEFLOORS.COM

A MONMOUTH MOMENT

“My family and I traveled to Spring Lake for a vacation over July 4 weekend. After a long day at the beach, my niece Lily and nephew Kai decided they needed some ice cream from Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe, and I agreed. Their mother captured this shot as we made our way there. It was the end of a perfect day on the shore.”

—Eddie Hickman,

New York City

Photo courtesy of Eddie Hickman, Instagram: @ehick87

Early detection is the best protection.

A mammogram is one of the simplest, most powerful steps you can take to protect your health. When breast cancer is found in its earliest stage, the survival rate is 99%.

Source: American Cancer Society

SCAN TO SCHEDULE YOUR MAMMOGRAM TODAY.