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Monmouth OCTOBER 2026 | $6.95 | MONMOUTHMAG.COM | VOLUME 24 ISSUE 10

VOLUME 24 ISSUE 10 | OCTOBER 2026

HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

LIFE AT

HOME

THE FALL HOME ISSUE

SEA BRIGHT RENO SPOTLIGHTS THE VIEW BATHROOM BLISS 6 PROS’ SECRETS MEET HOWELL’S KING OF HAUNTS

MAMMOGRAM MYTHS, BUSTED

Atlantic

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THE NEW DESIGN CENTER STANDARD. Cabinetry • Countertops • Tile Windows • Doors • Flooring Custom Closets • Mouldings Stairs • Railings • Decking

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Contents OCT 2026

42 Departments

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Monmouth Buzz 7

Learn something new and take home a treasure at these close-by destinations.

Friends & Neighbors 20

Tastes 42

7 Myths About Mammograms, Busted 24

Style Watch 14

Hold your head high in coats that command attention.

Celebrate autumn’s favorite fruit with recipes that’ll bring the orchard to your table.

Restaurant Review 50 At Middletown’s Olimora, Italian and Puerto Rican cuisines come together in a surprisingly natural—and delicious—pairing.

Gatherings 54

The best available breast-cancer screening tool continues to be the subject of misinformation. Here, a Monmouth breast oncologist clears things up.

Home Front 16 Here are the pieces you need to make entertainng at home a breeze this fall.

The View’s The Thing 28 The renovation of a contemporary Sea Bright condo puts waterfront vistas center stage—and opens up a space for entertaining so that guests can applaud.

Milestones 26 New Jersey already had lots of “haunted trails” for Halloween. Then, half a decade ago, Howell’s Rob Panasuk upped the game.

Bathroom Beauty 34 Six Monmouth design experts chime in on how to make a space that’s all about necessity become a source of solace and inspiration.

ON THE COVER Thanks to interior designer Sheila Rich, the renovation of a Sea Bright condo preserves the waterfront view. Photo by Lauren Hagerstrom.

Monmouth residents always show up to support their neighbors.

A Monmouth Moment 56 A family enjoys a peaceful day aboard a canoe at Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold.

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 22 52

Editor’s Note Health News Be There

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Escapes 40

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

Wall’s Hance Sitkus grew up with the Historic Village at Allaire in his “backyard.” Now he’s in charge of it.

Features

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EDITOR’S NOTE

• • • • • •

GUNITE POOL SPECIALISTS VINYL & FIBERGLASS POOL INSTALLS FULL POOL/PATIO RENOVATIONS POOL TILE, COPING, PLASTER RENOVATIONS FULL LINER REPLACEMENTS POOL SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

• • • • • • •

LANDSCAPING HARDSCAPE PAVER DRIVEWAYS DRAINAGE FENCING LIGHTING JUNK REMOVAL & DUMPSTER RENTALS

Experience, Expertise, Excellence: Achieving the Ideal End for Your Best New Beginning

Surprises? Hoping For The Good Kind What’s behind door No. 1? For the homeowners of a Sea Bright condo, the answer was stunning vistas of the Sandy Hook bridge and the Shrewsbury River. The problem, as you’ll read on page 28, was that nobody could celebrate the view—the main floor’s layout kept the visual treasures boxed up and hidden. The clients’ goal when they teamed up with designer Sheila Rich was a dramatic gut renovation that not only opened the door to many joyous gatherings, but also made the space warm and inviting as well. For the chef-driven kitchen, Rich installed not one, not two, but (surprise!) three islands—each to inspire face-toface conversation. Surprisingly easy? That, perhaps, is the verdict you’ll reach if you follow six Monmouth designers’ tips for creating a beautiful bathroom. Starting on page 34, our experts weigh in on choosing colors and patterns, selecting materials for countertops and vanities and installing the right lights and finishing touches. Yes, a bathroom is all about necessity, but a few thoughtful touches can make it a surprising source of solace and inspiration. Evidently there’s a yin and yang of surprises—in home design, as in life. In a strange way, it’s like Halloween. We want no part of genuine danger, but an entertaining scare or two is among the holiday’s thrills. In this Home Issue for October, we present inspiring examples of home design and autumnal activities that include Halloween fun. Find, on page 7, places to take your older kids for a super-sized seasonal fright—or to shepherd young ones for a suitably “spooky” experience that still won’t leave them in tears. Who’s behind some of the scariest sites in Monmouth County? Meet Howell’s Rob Panasuk on page 26; he’s upped the game for New Jersey’s many “haunted trails.” ’Tis the season of comfort food and heart-warming dishes, and on page 42 you’ll find recipes for two enticing desserts made with apples. And if you’re a crafty traveler, read on page 40 about five places where you can observe talented craftspeople at work and take home a fitting souvenir. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our health article on page 24 explodes seven common myths about mammography. There’s more, of course, but let it be a surprise. Here’s hoping that for you, this season’s surprises will be of the happiest sort.

A boutique firm that provides engaged, individual attention to its clients’ family law matters.

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

Megan S. Murray, Esq. The Family Law Offices of Megan S. Murray 960 Holmdel Road, Building II, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733 732-847-9896 | MurrayFamilyLaw.com

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An Inheritance: What’s Next? Five Questions Families May Want to Consider

An inheritance often represents more than financial assets. It may reflect a lifetime of planning, hard work, and the desire to provide for future generations. Whether you’ve recently received an inheritance or simply want to be prepared, taking a thoughtful approach can help you make informed financial decisions. Every family’s circumstances are different, but these are a few questions worth considering before taking the next step.

1. Do I fully understand what I’ve inherited? An inheritance may include investment accounts, retirement assets, real estate, business interests, or cash. Understanding what you’ve received—and how each asset may fit into your financial picture—is an important first step. 2. How does this fit into my long-term financial goals? An inheritance may create new opportunities or change existing priorities. Reviewing how it fits alongside your retirement planning, investment strategy, charitable giving, or future family goals can help provide clarity. 3. Are there tax considerations I should understand? Certain inherited assets, including retirement accounts, may have distribution requirements or tax implications. Understanding those considerations before making financial decisions may help you avoid unintended consequences. 4. Is this a good time to review my own estate plan? Receiving an inheritance is often a reminder that financial plans evolve over time. It may be worthwhile to review beneficiary designations, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to ensure they continue to reflect your wishes. 5. Do I have the right team supporting me? Financial, legal, and tax professionals each play an important role during major life transitions. Having experienced guidance can help families make informed decisions with confidence.

“An inheritance isn’t simply about receiving assets—it’s an opportunity to honor a legacy while thoughtfully planning for your family’s future.”

ADVISOR PROFILE

— Larsen H. Flin

A Thoughtful Conversation Can Help

Every inheritance tells a different story, and every family’s financial goals are unique. Whether you’re navigating an inheritance today or planning for future generations, taking time to understand your options can help you move forward with confidence. Contact Red Coach Wealth Management to begin the conversation.

Contact Red Coach Wealth Management to begin the conversation. 101 Crawfords Corner Road #1120, Holmdel, NJ 07733 848.313.2422 | www.redcoach.net | larsen.flinn@lpl.com

Larsen H. Flinn is a financial professional serving individuals, families, and business owners throughout Monmouth County, including Rumson and Fair Haven. As founder of Red Coach Wealth Management, he helps clients navigate important financial milestones—from preparing for retirement to managing inheritances and seeking to preserve wealth across generations. Raised in a three-generation family dedicated to financial stewardship, Larsen brings a multigenerational perspective to his work, helping clients align evolving priorities with a disciplined, long-term financial strategy. Affiliated with LPL Financial, he pairs independent fiduciary guidance with access to institutional research and investment resources.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized legal advice. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.

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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

Account Executive TISCIA BONANNO

Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN

Director, Special Programs LAURA A. DOWDEN

Contributing Editors PAUL RANCE JR. DONNA ROLANDO

MARKETING, DIGITAL & OPERATIONS

Contributing Photographer LAUREN HAGERSTROM

PRODUCTION

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

BE SOCIAL Join our online community! LIKE us on Facebook: MonmouthMagazine FOLLOW us on X: @MonmouthHandL SEE our photos on Instagram: @MonmouthMagazine VIEW our boards on Pinterest: HealthandLife SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, Monmouth, P.O. Box 1044, Asbury Park, NJ 07712; fax: 201.746.8650; email rita.guarna@ wainscotmedia.com. Monmouth assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.

Director of Operations CATHERINE ROSARIO Office Manager KRIS PEPPER PUBLISHED BY WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN President & CEO MARK DOWDEN Senior Vice Presidents EDWARD R. BURNS LIZETTE CHIN THOMAS FLANNERY RITA GUARNA Vice Presidents NIGEL EDELSHAIN NOELLE HEFFERNAN MARIA REGAN STEVEN RESNICK

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to Monmouth, Circulation Department, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541

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

ENJOY THE SPOOKY SEASON Ready to get your “boo” on? Monmouth County is conjuring up plenty of spooky ways to celebrate Halloween this October, including breathtaking walks and haunted happenings. • Burrowes Mansion, Matawan. This 300+-year-old home was featured on Travel Channel’s Ghost Nation for a reason. According to legends, it’s haunted by the ghost of Mrs. Burrowes, who was killed here by British troops during the Revolution. Info: matawanhistoricalsociety.org • C. Casola Farms Haunted Attractions, Marlboro. This farm has four haunted attractions: Haunted Hayride of Terror, 3D Haunted Barn, The Living Maze and Marlboro Zombie Breakout. Are you brave enough to try them all? Info: hauntedcasola.com • The Conover Killings, Wall. Walk the long, winding trail at Conover’s Farm to experience the story of “The Mill Massacre” come to life. This exhibit

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immerses visitors in the fright and includes some serious scares, so you may want to leave the kids home for this one. (Read more about The Conover Killings on page 26.) Info: theconoverkillings.com • Downtown Asbury Park. Paranormal Books & Curiosities leads three different spooky tours around town: The Original Asbury Park Ghost Tour, Asbury Park Ghosts of the Boardwalk and the Haunted Pub Tour. Discover and learn all about AP’s spooky history. Select programs are available nightly throughout October except Mondays and Wednesdays. Info: paranormalbooksnj.com • Historic Village at Allaire, Farmingdale. Visit this old-time, interactive town and museum in what was once an iron-producing factory community. History comes alive Oct. 18 and 25, when volunteers host ghost tours for curious and brave visitors. (For more on the Historic Village, see page 20.) Info: allairevillage.org

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TALENT IN THE SENIOR SET

Creative energy in our county doesn’t stop with the first gray hair, and this year’s Monmouth County Senior Art Show proves it. Presented by Monmouth Arts, the annual exhibition celebrates artists age 60 and older, showcasing everything from painting and photography to sculpture, mixed media and digital art. Works by this year’s first-place winners moved on to the statewide New Jersey Senior Citizens’ Art Show this fall. First-place honorees are: • Best in Show: Ann Marie Fitzsimmons, professional; Gene Nigro, nonprofessional

• Pastel: Barbara John Calvo, professional; Susan VanVolkenburgh, nonprofessional

• Acrylic: Ann Marie Fitzsimmons, professional; Susan Shrott, nonprofessional

• Photography: Dana McKay, professional; Gene Nigro, nonprofessional

• Craft: Beth DeMartino, professional; Rosie Rounds, nonprofessional • Digital: Louis Rivera, professional • Mixed media: Suzanne Krass, nonprofessional • Oil: Laura Lutz, professional; Katherine Mace, nonprofessional

• Sculpture: Audrey Goldman, professional; Brant Isaacoff, nonprofessional • Watercolor: P. J. Meara, professional; Melissa Raffay, nonprofessional • Works on paper: Jean Siegel, professional; Jed Zaitz, nonprofessional

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Leo, 6-year-old golden retriever Owners: Marisa and Jeffrey Kwolek, Middletown Leo the Great came into the Kwolek’s lives in 2020, when the couple brought him home from Ohio as a 3-pound pup. Named after a famous Hollywood leading man, Leo has been “in charge” of his new house since he came through the door. “He gets everything he wants: toys, treats, walks, Dad’s lap,” says Marisa. “He still has those ‘puppy dog eyes’ that no one can say ‘no’ to.” Many of those walks take place at the Spring Lake dog beach as well as local parks in Holmdel and Middletown. What doesn’t this spunky pooch enjoy? “He’s athletic and plays fetch, but he’s not used to climbing down stairs,” Marisa says. “The good thing is our building has an elevator—otherwise we’d have to carry him down stairs. Honestly, though, we’d do anything for him!” Do you want to see your furry friend in an upcoming issue of Monmouth? Email a brief description and photo of your pet to Editor in Chief Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

MAKING A SPLASH

Talk about ending the summer on a high note: Belmar Beach Patrol lifeguard Amy White made waves at the 2026 U.S. Lifesaving Association National Lifeguard Championships in Fort Lauderdale, capturing a rowing triple crown with first-place finishes in women’s singles, women’s doubles and open mixed doubles. The adult championships, held Aug. 5–7, brought together more than 750 of the nation’s top open-division lifeguard competitors. White’s standout performance was part of a strong showing for Belmar, with current and former patrol members John Gepp, Don Griffin, Matt Guido, Erik Kepley, Ryan Matthews, Jack Mulcahy, Max Nordhausen, Ross O’Neill, Jay Petillo, Mark Spagnuolo, Aiden Trenery and Chris Yoda also earning top finishes. White is no newcomer to the national stage: She was part of the Monmouth County team that won the 2023 national championship, and her rowing prowess has made her one of the patrol’s perennial standouts. MONMOUTHMAG.COM

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CAPTURE THE BEAUTY

We’re spoiled in New Jersey with views of beautiful fall foliage, and it’s particularly stunning here in Monmouth, where seasonal color mixes with coastal vistas. A locale like Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold is a feast for the eyes, and you also can stop at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook in Atlantic Highlands for incredible views—or head to nature centers and parks for scenic trails. Want to capture those views? Here are some tips for shooting fall foliage like a pro.

CULINARY CORNER

If you’re looking for something beyond your usual Italian, Japanese and barbecue restaurants, these recently opened eateries put a spin on those cuisines: TWO CULTURES, ONE TABLE Middletown’s new Olimora is bringing Italian comfort food and Puerto Rican flavor together under one roof—and the combination is anything but ordinary. The BYOB spot serves up everything from arancini alla vodka and cacio e pepe to pernil with rice and pigeon peas, ropa vieja with tostones and a sofrito-marinated pork chop with maduros and guava sauce. Can’t choose just one cuisine? Go for the best of both with the arroz con pollo parmesan, or split a fig and burrata pizza and call it dinner. (See our review on page 50.) • Olimora, 26 Route 36, Middletown, 732.769.2899; olimorarestaurantnj.com SMOKE SHOW Kosher barbecue has found a new home in Oakhurst at SmokinDeal, where the smokehouse lineup includes 18-hour smoked brisket, burnt ends and shredded hot pastrami. Start with the brisket empanadas, pastrami eggrolls or housemade kibbeh, then dig into a brisket sandwich piled onto a hero and finished with signature barbecue sauce. With plenty of fries, slaw and sauces to round things out, SmokinDeal makes a strong case for adding a little smoke to your next Jersey Shore takeout night. • SmokinDeal, 250 Norwood Ave., Oakhurst, 732.757.2595; smokin-deal.com MEET ME AT ESQUINA Asbury Park’s newest dining destination, Esquina No. 525, is bringing a lively Nikkei spin to the Cookman Avenue scene, pairing Japanese technique with the bold flavors of Peru. One plan of action? Start with the yellowtail tiradito, sea bass ceviche or roasted octopus, then move on to the sea bass cazuela or a shareable 42-ounce tomahawk. And save room for the yuzu cheesecake! (The vibe gets livelier as the night goes on.) • Esquina No. 525, 525 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park; theesquina525.com

• Watch the weather. Sometimes you want the sun at its peak for the best outdoor shots, but you can get a lot of mileage out of overcast days for capturing fall color. Soft, low-contrast lighting means the foliage will look saturated and rich, and a lack of direct light on the leaves reduces glare. (Fog can add an incredible soft-focus ambiance.) You’ll also want a day with low wind, or you risk blurry leaves.

sun to your right or left to add depth to your images.

• Consider light. Even if the sun isn’t shining, the “golden hour,” occurring either just after sunrise or just before sunset, is the best time to shoot outside. In fall, the soft light enhances the already warm tones of the season, making everything glow. Position yourself with the rising or setting

• Get low and close. For max visual impact and interest, take a close-up and low-down angle to the subjects in the foreground of your pictures. Not only will this bring close-by objects and colors into sharp relief, it also will make the background colors appear towering and immersive, in addition to creating depth and contrast.

COSTUMES ON PAW-RADE

Why can’t dressing up for Halloween include the whole family—even four-legged members? All over Monmouth, you can take your dressed-up pup to doggy-costume parades and festivities, many of them featuring contests for “best dressed.” Stop by: • Oct. 18. Monmouth County Park System’s Dog Parade & Costume Contest, Thompson Park, Lincroft, 11 a.m. • Oct. 24. Ocean Grove’s Halloween Pet Parade, Fireman’s Park, noon • Oct. 21. Bell Works Fresh Paw-rade & Costume Contest, Bell Works, Holmdel, 3 p.m. Where to pick up a costume that’s perfect for your dog? Check out some of Monmouth’s pet boutiques: • Good Boy Good Girl, 520 Rte. 9, Manalapan,

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• Seek reflections. When the light hits still water of a lake or a pond just right, you can get double the amount of fall color in your shots. Head to locations that will give you access to that water— the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell, for example, is a great option, as is Lake Lefferts in Matawan.

732.908.7224; gbggs.com • Paws & Anchor, 614 Main St., Bradley Beach, 732.775.7297; pawsandanchor.com • Paws Barkery & Boutique, 658 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, 732.455.9843; pawsbarkeryand boutique.com • Purr’n Pooch, 2424 Route 35, Manasquan, 732.528.8100; 86 Gilbert St. W., Tinton Falls, 732.842.4949; purrnpooch.com

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by TOWN & COUNTRY DESIGN STUDIO

HOME | GIFT | LIFESTYLE | DESIGN

306 Morris Avenue, Spring Lake 25 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank TownandCountry_FP_SPL_gd0626V2.indd 1 Untitled-6 1

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PUMPKIN PICKINGS

Pumpkins are perfectly autumnal and, as décor, work equally well for the spooky vibes of Halloween and the homey warmth of Thanksgiving. But did you know that there are more than 150 pumpkin varieties? Beyond the ones you see in local patches, there are pumpkins with bold colors, interesting shapes and, if you’re bringing them into the kitchen, unique flavors. The one you see most often at local farms in this season is the Appalachian, which is hardy and great for carving. (Get ready to make jack-o’lanterns!) A “Cinderella pumpkin,” meanwhile, is deeply ribbed, flat and wide. With a sweet flavor, it’s perfect for making soups, breads and pies. For something more savory that’s ideal for roasting, consider the Long Island cheese pumpkin, named because it’s shaped like a wheel of cheese. Craving color variation? The cotton-candy pumpkin has glossy white skin, and the Queensland blue pumpkin is dark blue-gray (as the name implies). And if you want a bona-fide giant, reach for “Big Max” pumpkins, which commonly grow to 100 pounds.

OCTOBER’S GOOD CAUSE

It’s always a good time to support breast-cancer research, as the disease is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S. (behind skin cancer). One in every eight women will develop it in their lifetimes. But the rallying cry is particularly loud in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when we celebrate survivors, listen to the stories of those undergoing treatment, spread the word about early detection and raise money toward a cure. Looking for local events where you can help the cause? Here are some options this month: • Oct. 11. Party in Pink Zumba with Sandy, Bell Works, Holmdel, 11 a.m.; bell.works

If you can’t make it to these events, consider supporting these local nonprofits that provide services to breast-cancer patients, survivors and their families:

• Oct. 17. Mary’s Place by the Sea Walk-a-thon-and 5K, Ocean Grove, 9 a.m.; marysplacebythesea.org

• Breast Intentions, Middletown, breastintentions.org

• Oct. 18. Making Strides of Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant Beach, 10 a.m.; cancer.org • Oct. 27. Breast Health and Cancer Prevention Virtual Talk, Monmouth County Library, 6 p.m.; monmouthcountylib.org

• I Pink I Can, P.O. Box 82, Allenwood; ipinkicannj.com • Just Us Girls Inc., P.O. Box 663, Manasquan, 732.223.0754; justusgirls.net • Mary’s Place by the Sea, 22 Main Ave., Ocean Grove, 732.455.5344; marysplacebythesea.org

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GIVE THE RAZOR A REST

Calling all guys: Thinking about going clean-shaven before No Shave November rolls around? National No Beard Day on Oct. 18 is the perfect excuse to ditch the scruff, sit back and let a pro take care of the razor work. From old-school, straight-razor shaves to hot towels and a little well-deserved pampering, these Monmouth County barbershops know how to make a close shave feel like a luxury. (Some are MONMOUTH 2026 Readers’ Choice Award winners.) Get smooth now—then let that beard grow wild come November. • Fly Guys Barbershop, 329 Route 35, Red Bank, 732.747.0980; vagaro.com • The Handsome Devil, 501 Main St., Belmar, 732.898.3780; thehand somedevilbarbershop.com • Old World Shaving Parlor, 75 Monmouth St., Red Bank,

732.345.9700; oldworldshaving parlor.com • Swagger Barbershop, 104 Leonardville Rd., Belford, 732.495.1718; swaggerbarbers.com • The Vagabond Barber, 261A E. Main St., Oceanport, 732.239.2102; thevagabondbarber.com

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AllSaints Black Rummy Leather Jacket next.us

STYLE WATCH

Nili Lotan Blondie Virgin Wool Jacket nililotan.com

Forward March Hold your head high in toppers that command attention.

Karen Millen Military Tailored Midi Coat Macy’s, Freehold, 732.683.1345

Haxmnou Women’s Double-Button-Front Military Style Formal Jacket Walmart, multiple locations Brooklyn Women’s Hussar Jacket theextreme collectionusa.com

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Women’s Pirate Leather Jacket ballwool.com

OCTOBER 2026

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In Senior Living, Experience Is Everything

AtriaTintonFalls.com 44 Pine Street, Tinton Falls 732.339.3681

The little things matter. A favorite table at lunch. Eggs prepared just right. A warm greeting from someone you’ve known for years. Diane, the Executive Director at Atria Tinton Falls, says the senior living community is able to offer that kind of seamlessness and consistency thanks to a host of staff who’ve been there since the doors opened 25 years ago.

Trust takes time Kirsten is one of those long-tenured staff. As a cook at Atria Tinton Falls, she’s created healthy and delicious meals for 25 years, and while she loves to whip up everything from braised duck to strawberry crunch cake, it’s the meaningful connections that keep her coming back. “I come out here every day,” she says, gesturing to the dining room. “Because my favorite part is the residents.” And they’re happy to see her, too – both because she’s their favorite cook in the kitchen and because they know she’s always willing to listen.

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I love to help – that’s why I’ve been here for 25 years. Care beyond the job description For many veteran employees, caring is part of who they are, not just a part of their official responsibilities. Rita, for example, has spent 25 years making the community’s apartments shine as a housekeeper, but her work is equally about making people smile. “You have to understand when people have a bad day,” she says, “and help them laugh. I love it. I love to help – that’s why I’ve been here for 25 years.”

Years of experience, a world of difference At Atria Tinton Falls, long-tenured teams make every day as easy as it is delightful. They know who prefers extra cream in their coffee, who needs a little encouragement to join an exercise class and the family members who walk through the front door for a visit. For residents and families alike, the comfort of familiar faces can make all the difference.

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HOME FRONT Madera Leather Accent Chair crateandbarrel.com

Elric Pendant Light vakkerlight.com

Mid-Century Leather Show Wood Sofa West Elm, Red Bank, 732.268.8537

Leather Together

Solid Wood and Genuine Leather Mirror ebarza.com

Combine two classic materials for a look that’s chic, rustic and perfect for the season.

Rustic Wooden Serving Tray with Leather Handles ruralhandmade.com

Halston Chair Raymour & Flanigan, Freehold, 732.252.0065

Poly & Bark Gio Ottoman bedbathandbeyond.com

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OCTOBER 2026

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Visit our New Design Shop in Shrewsbury

Uniquely Yours. Beautifully Designed. Custom window treatments, upholstery, bedding, and more, expertly crafted to bring comfort and personalized style to every room. Enjoy complimentary design services in-store or in your home. Get started at calicocorners.com.

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HOME FRONT Hilborn Pottery Guacamole Bowl hilbornpottery.ca

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Tulum Cocktail Shaker serenaandlily.com

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Host In Style

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OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:13 PM

A Conversation with DOREEN DEMARCO

GET TO KNOW DOREEN DEMARCO For Doreen DeMarco, real estate has always been about more than buying and selling homes. It is about community, relationships, strategy and helping people make confident decisions during some of life’s biggest transitions. A longtime Holmdel resident and full-time real estate professional, Doreen has built her business throughout Monmouth County on local knowledge, straightforward advice and a highly personal approach to every transaction..

Q: Who is Doreen DeMarco? Doreen: First and foremost, I am a proud mom of three beautiful young women who grew up in Holmdel and are now thriving adults. My oldest daughter was married in May and lives in Pittsburgh, my second daughter is an actress in Los Angeles, and my youngest daughter is local and currently in law school. My husband, Eugene, and I have been married for 32 years. His family business, DeMarco’s Catering and Gourmet Deli is located in Aberdeen, and has been a part of the community for more than 50 years. I grew up in Staten Island with three brothers and moved to Holmdel in 1987. Outside of real estate, I love traveling with our friends, shopping and dining out, as I am always excited to try the newest stores and restaurants in the area. Supporting local businesses is something I genuinely enjoy and believe strongly in.

Q: Before real estate, you had a successful career in retail. How did that experience shape the Realtor you are today? Doreen: I began my career with Federated Department Stores and ultimately became a buyer for Bloomingdales where I was honored to be named Bloomingdale’s Buyer of the Year. That world taught me how to analyze numbers, understand consumer behavior, negotiate and recognize the importance of presentation. Those skills translate beautifully to real estate. Pricing, positioning and marketing a property require both an analytical and creative approach.

Q: What distinguishes your approach to real estate? Doreen: I believe clients deserve more than someone who simply facilitates a transaction. My job is to advise, anticipate problems, communicate clearly and create a strategy based on their individual goals. I am very hands on. I want my clients to understand the market and the reasoning behind my recommendations so they can make informed decisions with confidence.

Q: You are particularly well known in Holmdel and throughout Monmouth County. How important is local knowledge? Doreen: It is invaluable. Real estate can change significantly from one town to another and even from one section of a town to another. Understanding recent comparable sales, inventory, property characteristics, taxes, market activity, transportation, recreation and local amenities gives clients a much more complete picture. Having lived and worked here for many years, I understand the nuances that cannot always be captured by statistics alone.

Q: What is your philosophy when representing a seller? Doreen: Preparation matters. Long before a home enters the market, I am thinking about presentation, photography, marketing and how we will position it against the competition. The goal is to create the strongest possible market introduction and then negotiate from a position of knowledge and preparation.

Q: And when working with buyers? Doreen: Education is incredibly important. Buyers need to understand value, financing, inspections, contracts, current inventory and the competitive landscape. I want them to feel prepared rather than pressured. I also remind buyers that one of the most important things they are choosing is the location. A home can often be renovated, updated or changed over time, but its location cannot. I encourage buyers to think carefully about the area and the factors that matter most to them personally. Sometimes the best advice I can give is to move quickly, and sometimes it is to walk away. My responsibility is always to protect their interests.

Q: Your connection to Monmouth County extends beyond real estate. Tell us about that. Doreen: Community has always been important to me. I have served the Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence for more than 20 years, and I love supporting local organizations and businesses. I am also the cohost of Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen. The podcast gives us an opportunity to introduce listeners to local entrepreneurs, professionals, organizations and experts while also providing useful real estate education.

For advice on your move contact Doreen at:

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FOX & ROACH 732.241.5015 | doreen.demarco@foxroach.com | 963 Holmdel Rd., Holmdel, NJ 07733

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9/17/26 1:06 PM

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

His Life Is History In 1822, James P. Allaire, an industrialist, master mechanic and steam-engine builder, purchased a Monmouth County industrial site he named the Howell Works. There he created a self-sustaining, ironworking community of 400 people that prospered until the 1840s. In the early 20th century the site was bought by Arthur Brisbane, a legendary newspaper editor. Brisbane preserved the property and the buildings and, in 1944, they were donated to New Jersey as Allaire State Park. Today, the buildings of that community make up the Historic Village at Allaire, a “living history” museum in which costumed interpreters portray 19th-century individuals to bring the past to life. The executive director is Hance M. Sitkus of Wall, 47. Besides his work with Allaire, he owns an accounting business and describes himself as “married to his work”—though he notes he has eight godchildren, who brighten his life. How did you get started with the Historic Village? My first memory of Allaire is riding the Pike Creek Railroad when I was 3. It’s always been in my backyard. But I really started getting involved around 1988, when my cousin Jennifer and I started volunteering. We were teenagers and thought it would be good on our résumés. Early on, we found out how much our family’s history was entwined with the property. Really, it’s shaped every aspect of my life. How so? Originally, I wanted to be a history professor. But one day when I was volunteering, they asked me to work in the bakery. Doing that made me realize that I could increase sales and influence the product. I was the retail sales manager here for a long time, and then I went to college for accounting. I stayed connected to Allaire and, when I graduated, they asked me to join the board of trustees at age 23, the youngest member ever. Tell us about that family connection. On my grandfather’s side, I can trace my family

back to 1630, coming in through Boston/Newport and getting land grants in 1667 to settle in the Allenwood area. My great-great grandfather worked for Arthur Brisbane as his superintendent of property here at Allaire. Plus, my grandmother and aunt were founders of the museum in 1957. I’m continuing that legacy. What makes Allaire special? All the original buildings are still here. It’s a self-contained community surrounded by 3,000 acres of open space. Central New Jersey has gotten so developed—it’s amazing to have this. During COVID, we were a place of respite, where people could get out of the house but still follow distancing guidelines. It’s also a place that exists because of great men and visionaries. You can come here and walk through places they walked. That resonates. Why are people drawn to “living history” attractions? Today, everything is fast. We encourage people to

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slow down, touch something in front of them and be immersed in history. When people see a craft demonstration, it’s not through a screen; it’s done right in front of them by real people. That creates a feeling of personal connection, between people and between past and present. A challenge? We’ve gotten good at what I call “the pivot.” We pick up early when things aren’t working and change them. We did holiday lantern tours, but noticed that a lot of people didn’t want something structured. They just wanted to wander the village with the decorations and the snow. OK, pivot. Now we do a “holiday stroll” event that offers that experience. A cool moment with a patron? Recently, I interpreted our carpentry shop for a group of home-school students. I got to watch the kids make that connection— between the past and present, between themselves and the people who lived here years ago. The light bulb goes on. Something you’re proud of? In 2007, I hosted a joint family reunion between my family and the Brisbane family here. We dedicated a bench for my great-great-grandfather, and the day was also a catalyst for getting Chad Brisbane, Arthur’s grandson, on our board of trustees. But the best moment was when my grandmother and Elinor Brisbane, Arthur’s only living daughter at the time, both around 80, went off in a golf cart to explore their old walking and horse trails, reliving their youth. Any ghost stories? No apparitions, but I’ve had the odd door close on its own. I certainly feel a presence here; a lot of people do. It feels protective, not malicious. Hal Allaire, James’s second son, almost went broke trying to save this place. But if it is him, well, I’ve worked some long hours in the executive director’s office and in the general store, until 1 or 2 a.m., and he’s never once stepped out and offered to help me out! That seems rude, don’t you think? —Kirsten Meehan

Photography by The Historic Village at Allaire

Wall’s Hance Sitkus grew up with the Historic Village at Allaire in his “backyard.” Now he’s in charge of it.

OCTOBER 2026

9/22/26 11:35 AM

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9/16/26 9:21 AM

HEALTH NEWS DO OBESITY DRUGS IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE, HEART HEALTH?

GOING TO MOVIES, MUSEUMS AID HEALTHY AGING

Higher levels of cultural engagement are significantly associated with lower physiological aging, suggests an analysis recently published. A person’s physiological age—a measure that reflects how well the body functions—can be different from their chronological age. Greater cultural engagement can improve blood pressure and other health markers, the study reports. —Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health

Despite substantial weight loss, most obesity drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro do not meaningfully improve quality of life and few show cardiovascular benefits at one year, finds an analysis of the latest evidence. Substantial weight loss is also associated with greater stomach and bowel issues, fatigue and loss of lean (muscle) mass. Treatment decisions should be individualized, balancing expected benefits versus harm. —The BMJ

‘ONE-SIZE’ FETAL GROWTH CHARTS OFTEN MISS AT-RISK BABIES

One-size-fits-all fetal growth charts used to monitor babies’ growth before birth often misclassify babies as being either too small or too large, which can lead to missed cases resulting in stillbirth or unnecessary interventions, finds a study of more than 3 million births. Customized charts could help improve maternity safety, say researchers. —The BMJ

AI DETECTS EARLY ‘INVISIBLE’ TISSUE CHANGES OF PANCREATIC CANCER

An AI model, REDMOD, can detect the very early, subtle tissue changes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common form of pancreatic cancer, which conventional imaging and the human eye find difficult to detect, says recent research. It offers the potential to shift a late-stage, terminal disease diagnosis to one that is at an early stage—stage 0—and treatable, say the researchers. While REDMOD was more accurate than experienced radiologists, it requires testing in high-risk patients, defined as those with unexpected weight loss and newly diagnosed diabetes, before it can be widely used in clinical practice, they add. —Gut

GUM DISEASES LINKED TO HEART DISEASE

Researchers have found that bacteria linked to gum disease may help develop calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) by triggering inflammation and calcium buildup in the heart valve. The early findings suggest that keeping gums healthy could play a role in reducing the risk of this serious heart condition. —American Heart Association

2 IN 5 WOMEN WITH OVARIAN CANCER DIAGNOSED POST EMERGENCY

Two in five women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed only after an emergency hospital admission, when they are three times less likely to have earlystage and potentially curable disease, finds a recently published data analysis. —BMJ Oncology

TEEN WEED USE COULD DOUBLE RISK OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Teenagers who use cannabis may be more likely to develop serious psychiatric conditions by young adulthood, according to a major new study. Researchers tracked more than 450,000 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 through age 26. They found that teens who reported using cannabis within the previous year faced significantly higher risks—approximately double—of developing psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety. —JAMA Health Forum

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

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OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:15 PM

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7 MYTHS

ABOUT MAMMOGRAMS, BUSTED

THE BEST AVAILABLE BREASTCANCER SCREENING TOOL CONTINUES TO BE THE SUBJECT OF MISINFORMATION. HERE, A LOCAL BREAST SURGEON CLEARS THINGS UP. October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, brings pink ribbons and plenty of reminders about the importance of breast health. And for good reason: Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, and approximately 42,140 will die from the disease. Mammograms are an important tool in detecting breast cancer, sometimes finding abnormalities before they can be felt or cause symptoms. But for something so routinely recommended, mammograms can still raise plenty of questions in the public mind. For example, do they really need to start at 40? How often should you get one? Does having dense breasts complicate the process? Does a mammogram hurt—and can it actually cause harm? MONMOUTH spoke with Genevieve A. Fasano, M.D., a surgical oncologist at Monmouth Medical Center, to separate fact from fiction and tackle some of the most common misconceptions surrounding mammograms. The goal isn’t to add

Genevieve A. Fasano, M.D., breast surgeon, Monmouth Medical Center

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OCTOBER 2026

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comfortable. “Optimizing scheduling can help reduce the chance of pain,” Dr. Fasano says. “It is best not to schedule a mammogram in and around your menstrual period as the breasts can become swollen or tender during this time.”

to the noise, but to provide some clarity—and hopefully encourage readers to have informed conversations with their own health care providers about what screening is right for them. • Myth: “Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family, so I don’t need mammograms.” Not having a family history of breast cancer does not mean a woman is at low risk. In fact, roughly 85 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history of the disease. “While family history is important to understand personal risk, even women without a family history of breast cancer should undergo screening mammography,” Dr. Fasano says. While family history can certainly increase a woman’s risk, it is only one piece of the picture. Getting older is also an important risk factor. “Current guidelines recommend that women at average risk should undergo annual mammography starting at age 40,” she says. • Myth: “The radiation from a mammogram could cause breast cancer.” It’s understandable that some women may have concerns about radiation exposure, as mammograms do use X-rays—but they involve a very small dose. “Screening mammograms use low-dose radiation with a negligible cancer risk,” says Dr. Fasano. “The benefit of finding and treating breast cancer at an early stage outweighs any small theoretical risk of causing cancer from a mammogram.” To put the exposure into perspective, the radiation from a typical screening mammogram is comparable to the amount of natural background radiation a person encounters over roughly one to two months. • Myth: “Mammograms are very painful.” One reason many women delay scheduling a mammogram is the fear of physical discomfort. While breast compression can be uncomfortable, the experience varies from person to person, and the compression itself lasts only a few seconds for each image. The compression that women may feel helps create clearer images while also reducing the amount of radiation needed to produce those images. If the compression during testing creates significant pain, however, the patient can ask the technician to make adjustments. In addition, the doctor says that timing your mammogram for when your breasts are less tender may help make the experience more

• Myth: “Dense breasts mean something is wrong.” The term “dense breasts” can sound concerning, but breast density is not a disease or an abnormality. It describes the relative amounts of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue in the breast. Dr. Fasano says having dense breasts is “extremely common, occurring in nearly half of women over 40.” There are, however, two important things women should know about breast density. First, dense breast tissue is itself a risk factor for breast cancer. Second, it can make some cancers more difficult to see on a mammogram because dense tissue and many breast abnormalities both appear white on the image. But that doesn’t mean mammography stops being useful. Medical professionals agree a mammogram is still the best screening tool for all women, including those with dense breasts. Mammograms can still identify many cancers in women with dense breasts, and newer technology can improve the ability to detect abnormalities. Three-dimensional mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, can be particularly useful in women with dense breast tissue. In some cases, additional screening may be recommended. A woman’s overall risk—including factors such as family history—can influence that decision. Dense breasts are more likely to hide a cancer where a mammogram, which is a type of X-ray, doesn’t see it. “Supplemental imaging with breast ultrasound or MRI can sometimes be helpful to help improve cancer detection rates,” says Dr. Fasano. “However, it is important to balance personal risk when making these decisions. Along with being more sensitive for finding certain cancers, MRI carries the risk of false positives, which can lead to additional testing. When making any recommendations for MRI screening, shared decision-making is key.” • Myth: “Mammograms often find cancers that never would have caused a woman any harm, meaning that breast cancer screening can do more harm than good.” Breast cancer screening reduces mortality by finding cancer early when it is treatable and curable, our experts says. “Screening

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mammograms help identify cancer before it has spread outside the breast; however, we have no way to tell which cancers will be life-threatening and which may remain localized. Currently, the benefits of testing outweigh any risks of overtreatment.” • Myth: “Artificial intelligence can read my mammogram just as well as—or better than—a radiologist.” Artificial intelligence is increasingly being incorporated into breast imaging, but it isn’t intended to replace the physician interpreting the study. AI can analyze mammograms and flag areas that may deserve additional attention. But interpreting what an abnormality means—and determining what additional testing or follow-up may be appropriate—still requires the expertise of a radiologist. “Many patients prefer human oversight and still would favor human involvement, especially when it comes to callbacks,” says Dr. Fasano. “Realistically, AI will serve as a useful adjunct in high-volume screening settings to help improve cancer detection rates and to optimize radiologist workload, but not as a standalone tool.” • Myth: “If I’m called back after my mammogram, it means I have cancer.” Getting a callback can be unsettling, but it does not mean that cancer has been found. “Callbacks after screening mammograms are very common—in fact more than 3.8 million patients are recalled each year for additional imaging,” says Dr. Fasano. “While this often leads to significant anxiety, a callback doesn’t mean you have breast cancer, it simply means more images are needed for the radiologist to interpret.” A radiologist may recommend additional imaging because an area wasn’t completely clear on the original images, because dense breast tissue makes interpretation more difficult, or because a finding such as a cyst or a calcification needs a closer look. Followup testing may include additional mammographic images or an ultrasound, allowing the radiologist to examine the area in greater detail. And the odds are reassuring: “Just because you have a callback after a screening mammogram does not mean you have cancer,” Dr. Fasano says. “Less than 1 in 10 women that are called back for more images are found to have cancer.”

OCTOBER 2026

9/22/26 1:24 PM

MILESTONES

FIVE SCARY YEARS

NEW JERSEY ALREADY BOASTED LOTS OF “HAUNTED TRAIL” ATTRACTIONS FOR HALLOWEEN. THEN, HALF A DECADE AGO, HOWELL’S ROB PANASUK UPPED THE GAME.

Have you heard the story of the Mill Massacre?

It began 13 years back, when a young man named Jonathan is said to have invited his friends over for a game-filled Halloween get-together in Wall Township. But what started as a night of fun quickly became a nightmare, as Jonathan hunted each of his friends through the woods near the Conover Christmas Tree Farm and murdered them with tools from his shed. Afterward, he vanished into those same woods—and some say he never left them. Are you brave enough to enter on a cool autumn night? If you’re scratching your head trying to figure out how you missed such a bloody news story in 2013, worry not. The above is a fictional narrative created by Howell native Rob Panasuk, the founder of a haunted trail attraction called The Conover Killings in Wall. Since its debut in 2021, it has gained fame as one of the state’s most exciting haunted attractions. As it marks its fifth anniversary this year, Panasuk and his team have no intention of slowing down—or muting the scare factor—any time soon. In New Jersey’s rich array of seasonal haunted attractions (called “haunts” by enthusiasts to differentiate them from both traditional, kid-friendly spots and paranormal ghost tours), The Conover Killings stands out. For one thing, it’s all outdoors. Guests wander trails in dense woods where they stumble on set pieces and surprises, all while scare actors stalk them, ready to deliver serious frights. (They’re all professionals—safety

is priority one, and no one actually gets hurt.) The experience is immersive, with an ambiance that starts when you pull into the parking lot and continues until the moment you leave. Rather than just walking through a building or a maze, you become a part of what feels like a slasher flick—in the role of one of the victims— guided by recorded narration written by Panasuk. Only one small group enters the haunt at a time, and a few such groups pass through it each night. As Halloween attractions go, you can fairly call this one “boutique.” And the scare payoffs are big. Customers leave shaking, smiling and satisfied. The story of the haunt’s origins begins not with a slasher-movie setup, but with some trails in the woods. Says Panasuk: “During the COVID lockdown, a friend and I got really into mountain bikes. I was making a this long, winding bike trail in the woods in my backyard, and I lost track of time. It got really dark. And as I was walking back, I thought to myself, ‘It would be fun to bring people out on a path like this and scare them.’” Panasuk is a lifelong fan of all things spooky and Halloweenish. (And he works remotely in media marketing and analytics, giving him some scheduling flexibility.) “I’ve been to many of the other haunts in the state, and I love all of them,” he says. “I was really inspired to create my own.” Funds and props were in short supply, but what he did have was an idea for the fictional serial killer who would become the center of the attraction. Panasuk started writing, and the idea

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started growing—and seeming more feasible. In the fall of 2021, Panasuk presented his haunt for the first time. It was low-budget by necessity, set up in those woods behind his house, run by him and a handful of friends as scare actors, and people entered free of charge. He didn’t expect much to come out of it, but the feedback was overwhelmingly positive—and he and his friends had a blast. “Something this immersive, especially outside, just didn’t exist in New Jersey,” says Panasuk. He started charging admission to fund props, sets and more actors. The haunt outgrew his backyard, and he began to reach out to local farmers looking for space and a partnership. That’s how he connected with the Conover family of Conover’s Christmas Tree Farm in Wall. From day one, it was a match made in heaven. “The way they operate their farm and the way I aim to operate the haunted trail are very much in sync,” explains Panasuk. “We both believe very strongly in quality over quantity. You don’t worry how many trees get sold or how many people get to see the haunt every night. You focus on giving everyone who does come a really special experience.” Jack Conover, he reports, quickly became one of his closest friends, and the Conovers’ farm dog Hamilton is a big hit with patrons of the haunt. Every year the attraction has grown larger and more elaborate—more actors, more complex sets and props, an expanded trail. “We are very scare-actor-focused, and we have a really amazing staff,” Panasuk says. Running

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Originally a free attraction set up in the woods behind founder Rob Panasuk’s home, the Conover Killings haunted trail has spent the past half decade getting bigger, better—and scarier. Now, the haunt is held at Conover’s Christmas Tree Farm in Wall, attracts scare enthusiasts from far and wide and has earned no small number of accolades.

the haunt has become a full community effort—Panasuk’s mother greets people as they pull up, and his father, stepfather and friends all help run things on the back end. Prepping takes months for only a few weeks of performances, but all that hard work pays off. The website New Jersey Haunted Houses, the premier guide to scares in the Garden State, named The Conover Killings “Haunt of the Year” in 2024 and 2025. The industry podcasts “Halloween Haunts 365” and “Anything Goes with Greg & Alex” both visited and delivered glowing reviews—despite making a career out of visiting haunted attractions, they’d never seen anything quite like Panasuk’s setup. What to expect if you drive up to The Conover Killings this year? An unsettling ambiance that starts when you pull into a dark, rural parking lot. You pick up your tickets, say hi to Hamilton and sit around a roaring bonfire. You wait there, listening to the screams from the group ahead of you, until it’s time to enter the woods for the ultimate Halloween experience—if you dare. “It’s like going on a roller coaster,” Panasuk says. “You’re going to feel some adrenaline pumping. You’re going to get jump-scared. It’s going to freak you out. But, at the end of the night, you’re going to be OK and it’s all safe. You’re all harnessed in. And so it’s really fun.” MONMOUTHMAG.COM

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THE VIEW’S THE THING

THE RENOVATION OF A CONTEMPORARY SEA BRIGHT CONDO PUTS WATERFRONT VISTAS CENTER STAGE—AND OPENS UP A SPACE FOR ENTERTAINING SO THAT GUESTS CAN APPLAUD. Design by Sheila Rich Interiors

Photography by Lauren Hagerstrom

Text by Donna Rolando

A Sea Bright couple’s travel treasures are displayed in niches within the living room’s oak paneling, drawing attention away from the waterfront—if only for a moment. Though the clients’ style is conservative, designer Sheila Rich created a lively aesthetic with blackand-white contrast and a contemporary fireplace with stained glass as eye candy. Remote-controlled LED lighting sets the mood after dark.

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Waterfront views are meant to be celebrated, but a Sea Bright condo’s compartmentalized layout kept its visual treasures—the Sandy Hook bridge and the Shrewsbury River—boxed up and hidden. The closed-off architecture of this three-story condo also frustrated the owners’ goal of transforming their entire main floor into a contemporary party paradise. A dramatic gut renovation made way for the high-end chef ’s kitchen, where three islands provided the final design stroke in 2025. “It was all about capturing the views,” says Sheila Rich of the eponymous Monmouth Beach design firm. “It became contemporary, with clean lines and fabrics that were going to hold up because this couple loves to entertain.” The project—tackled shortly after the homeowners moved in—won a silver Design Excellence Award for condominiums from the American Society of Interior Designers in 2025. And while it opens the door to many MONMOUTHMAG.COM

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joyous gatherings, the redesign challenged Rich to make a cavernous, window-dominated space both warm and inviting as a home as well. No non-essential walls meant no built-in definition, but Rich rallied in the living room with a black-and-white geometric rug from Masland, which grounds a seating area punctuated with black leather, suiting the clients’ conservative tastes. A close rival to the view, the fireplace is a visual gem, with a black granite surround and a backlit stained-glass mantel centered in an equally alluring rift-sawn, oak-paneled built-in. For unity, Rich embraced oak as a natural-grain inspiration for the flooring throughout—and even wrapped it around a kitchen support beam. Those congregating in the living room can find refreshment at the wet bar, which celebrates the beauty of movement with gray quartzite counters, while a white-on-white dimensional backsplash brightens the black frame.

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This page: Every guest has a place at this expandable Old Biscayne table, which maximizes comfort with automated solar shades and style with a contemporary LED chandelier. Opposite: The wet bar’s strategic placement allows guests to mingle without competing with the bustling professional kitchen. The nearby entry hallway creates a quiet moment with a lampakanay-rope-wrapped console and original wildlifethemed art.

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This page: Premium pots and pans hang like art from the ceiling of a glass alcove fully equipped for a high-class culinary act. Opposite: Anchoring the kitchen, two spacious quartzite islands are curved to promote dinner chatter. Nearby, black stools offer crisp contrast in harmony with the adjacent living room.

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After that cocktail, one might find a seat in the dining room, where the Old Biscayne table can easily expand to accommodate an entire dinner party. What else would you expect from a top-of-the-line, chef-driven design? With a gray-on-gray pattern, the chairs by Vanguard prioritize comfort and ease with performance fabric, and the modern linear pendant doesn’t compete with the waterfront. Another challenge was equipping this main floor to work independently of the rest of the house so there’d be no climbing stairs. No traditional walls? No problem! Rich concealed the bathroom discreetly behind pantry walls and tucked away a broom closet inside sleek kitchen cabinetry. This dream kitchen is anchored by two large quartzite-topped islands built in a semi-circular shape to inspire face-to-face conversation, but a third island just might be the spark that gets tongues MONMOUTHMAG.COM

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talking. A glass-enclosed kitchen alcove puts all the tools of the trade within easy reach while dazzling the eye with a ceiling-mounted pot rack. Another wow is the stainless-steel floating hood by Viking, which Rich describes as “very sculptural” and visually unobtrusive. While this chef ’s delight favors white in the Shaker-style cabinetry and high-gloss backsplash tile, a black coffee bar toward the rear “gives it some contrast and drama and warms up the kitchen a little,” she says. Completing this design meant tackling a lengthy wish list that left the main floor uninhabitable at times during the project’s six-month duration. A worthwhile sacrifice, because as Rich says, “In stripping the main floor back to its structural essence and rebuilding it around connection, the project redefines what open-plan living can be.” OCTOBER 2026

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BATHROOM BEAUTY Six Monmouth design experts chime in on how to make a space that’s all about necessity become a source of solace and inspiration. Why, when you come right down to it, should your bathroom look nice? Guests may see it, for one thing, and you want to make a good impression. But more important is the role this indispensable retreat and haven plays in your own day. It’s where you restore and refresh yourself, and it’s psychologically soothing to do so in a place that’s not only clean and functional but a little stylish and inspiring too.

An effective bathroom renovation, however, takes more than just changing out a rug and flipping out the shower curtain; there’s a lot to consider when it comes to making the aesthetics of this space work. Here, a half-dozen designers from all over Monmouth chime in on how to reimagine your primary bathroom into an oasis to be proud of, from bottom to top.

OUR EXPERTS:

Yelena Gerts, House of Style & Design, Holmdel

Malorie Goldberg, Noa Blake Design, Marlboro

Andrea Leone, I&I Designs, Manalapan

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Nancy Mikulich, Oasis Home Designs, Asbury Park

Nicole Rice, Coastal Décor & Interior Design, Monmouth Beach

Holly Volpe, HV Design Group, Colts Neck

OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:23 PM

MATERIALS MATTER

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTIC TILE

Whether you’re looking at surfaces such as countertops and vanities or tiling for the floor, you should always start by carefully considering your materials. Says Holly Volpe: “For countertops, I love quartz for its durability and soft veining, and natural marble when a client wants that organic, lived‑in elegance.” Volpe also likes palettes that “lean neutral and calming—warm white, soft taupe and misty grays, and a gentle splash of color such as blues or greens. Patterns should enhance serenity, not overwhelm it.” She likes tiles that embrace “subtle veining and small‑scale mosaics, or elongated ‘subway tiles,’” and shouts Stone Impressions as a standout brand (it’s available through Garden State Tile). Nicole Rice agrees that quartz is a great option for countertops because it’s “durable, low-maintenance and available in many beautiful finishes.” She adds that “subway tile in ceramic, porcelain or natural stone remains one of my favorite choices because of its versatility and timeless appeal. With so many colors, textures, finishes and installation patterns, it can be used in many ways. Try combining it with patterned tile to give the bathroom more personality. In our coastal area, clients tend to gravitate toward blues, teals and whites to create a bright, calming space.” Andrea Leone sings the praises of “using a bold pattern or statement tile to bring a sense of fun and personality to a bathroom. I also favor warm neutrals, soft veining and handmade textures such as zellige, which add depth and character without overwhelming the space.”

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OCTOBER 2026

9/22/26 1:25 PM

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

COLOR CHIC

Space in bathrooms can be tight and awkward, particularly in older homes, but bathrooms do all the heavy lifting when it comes to stashing away your cosmetics, toiletries and other personal items. One suggestion comes from Leone: “Custom vanities with deep drawers. When space is limited, consider a vanity with drawers rather than doors to maximize your space, or cabinetry that extends vertically to take advantage of otherwise unused height.” Rice agrees that drawers “make everyday items easier to organize and access than deep cabinets.” She also suggests adding “floating shelves, narrow cabinets or decorative baskets that provide storage while still complementing the overall design.” Volpe likes “leaning ladders for towels,” which look chic and high-end, and designing with the goal of creating a sense of calm and avoiding clutter. Vertical storage units can be used to stash towels and other linens. Says Malorie Goldberg: “Floating shelves specifically above the toilet are always a great use of space, and cute baskets can house extra toilet paper or toiletries and still look tidy and clean despite being outside a cabinet.”

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Wall color and pattern create a room’s first impression and always deserve careful consideration, but a primary bathroom offers something extra to contend with—a very high moisture level. “Durability, function and style are all important when selecting paint or wallcoverings for a bathroom,” says Rice. “For painted bathrooms, I always upgrade to a kitchen-and-bath paint formulated to withstand moisture and humidity.” Our designers agree on this point, and options like Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath & Spa are a go-to for just that. Another point our experts concur on: Though bold wallpaper a great way to make a powder room feel distinctive, you need to be careful with it when you use it in primary baths. “Moisture matters, so wallpaper should be vinyl‑coated or placed away from direct water,” says Volpe. That second condition can be tricky, particularly in smaller spaces or for families with young children who splash around during bath time. Vinyl wallpaper is usually the way to go. Nancy Mikulich says that she likes “textured wall vinyl that is both reflective and in either silver or champagne tones. This is not only decorative, it also helps with overall lighting—and everyone looks great in an additional layer of light! Vinyl can also be easily cleaned.” Besides textured vinyl wallpapers, Yelena Gerts endorses “moody color palettes in these smaller spaces, balanced with thoughtful tile choices.” Volpe, on the other hand, suggests that less is more with this space: “Powder rooms are perfect for bold pattern, but primary baths call for something softer and more serene. Go for warm whites, soft neutrals or a gentle color that supports the sanctuary feel.”

OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:23 PM

FULL IMMERSION?

A primary bathroom is not complete without someplace to wash, exhale and unwind. The shower or bathtub is, in many ways, the star of the show. Says Goldberg: “We rarely design a primary bathroom without a tub. People really buy into that age-old adage that a primary bathroom tub is required for a home to maintain resale value. In reality, I find that only having a tub somewhere in the house is the important thing.” But that’s something that more homeowners may be cluing into as well; says Mikulich, in contrast, “Many primary bathroom renovations I do right now involve shower expansions and eliminating bathtubs. The tubs stay in guest bathrooms.” Something to keep in mind—Mikulich also notes that, while changing the size or look of plumbing features is very common, changing the layout of a bathroom often requires a more extensive renovation. “Moving water lines and especially sewer lines can be complicated,” she says. When considering showers and tubs, Gerts advises: “You always need to ask, ‘Whose bathroom is this?’ Does that person like soaking? A spa-like experience with all the bells and whistles in the tub? Or an upgraded shower with luxury features like steam or jets?” She adds: “For those with young children, a tub can be a worthwhile addition, and we also encourage aging-in-place considerations such as a curbless shower, handheld showers and benches.” Rice has also seen an uptick in interest in those features. “Aging in place and wellness are becoming more important to people,” she says. “I worked with older clients who wanted a whirlpool tub for back issues, but also needed an accessible shower. We reimagined the layout to accommodate both.” Volpe adds: “A shower‑only layout works beautifully when space is tight or when clients prefer simplicity. A tub is ideal when there’s room to make it feel intentional and not squeezed in. Clients want comfort, safety and ease: curbless entries, handhelds, benches, grab bars and layouts that support long‑term living without sacrificing beauty.”

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OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:23 PM

BRIGHT IDEAS

What to consider when it comes to lighting? Remember, says Volpe, “Lighting sets the tone. I always layer it: sconces at the vanity for flattering light, overhead lighting for function and accent lighting to make the room feel warm and spa‑like. To make it feel special, I choose fixtures with soft finishes such as aged brass, matte black or brushed nickel with shapes that feel sculptural but quiet.” Leone agrees. “Bathroom lighting should be layered,” she says. “Incorporate functional lighting at the mirror, ambient overhead lighting and decorative lighting that adds warmth and atmosphere. I love using sconces for soft, flattering light, and they give the bathroom more personality.” “At night or early in the morning,” adds Goldberg, “your decorative sconces or pendants can act as a nightlight with softer bulbs, while the recessed lights will keep everything bright during the day, especially in a space where you may require good light to apply makeup.” That quality of light is very important to keep in mind. Says Gerts: “Among the biggest considerations we have when it comes to lighting is color temperature. Do you prefer a warmer light or a brighter/whiter light? Having light fixtures on a dimmer is important. You want that custom intensity depending on the time of day or the mood you want to set. We also add accent LEDs in special areas such as niches—even in the shower!—or in a custom built-in unit to create a beautiful glow.” Rice’s summary? “Bathroom lighting should be both functional and flattering, and each area should be considered separately. I always include a light in the shower— decorative sconces, an illuminated mirror or a chandelier.”

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OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:23 PM

FINISHING TOUCHES

PHOTO COURTESY OF OVERSTOCK.COM

All our experts agree: hardware—that is, facets, handles and showerheads— is beautiful and worth splurging on. Gerts says, “We always think of plumbing fixtures and hardware as the bathroom’s jewelry. They are there to enhance the look, but not take away or distract from the overall design. I love to use classic finishes that never go out of style, such as polished or brushed nickel or brushed brass. Finding pieces that have subtle, unique qualities such as a knurled detail, or an inlay in a handle, is a subtle way to make the bathroom feel custom and special.” Volpe adds, “Fixtures should feel cohesive with the overall palette. Warm metals add softness and elegance. And function matters just as much as beauty. You want hardware that feels good in the hand.” For a different finish, Mikulich is using chrome more these days “because it is clean, timeless and dollar-for-dollar the best value. It is also the easiest finish to clean.” Goldberg adds that you should always keep an eye on the full picture: “Gold tones complement certain color palettes and material choices, while silver tones complement others—and often the reverse does not feel right. It’s also very important to pay attention to how these pieces match. For instance, a brass finish from Kohler and a brass finish from Brizo are very different. Certain cabinet hardware or mirror frames will look good with one and not the other.” But don’t be afraid to be bold and have a little fun; says Leone, “Mixing metals can add depth and interest when it is done thoughtfully and repeated consistently throughout the space.” Rice agrees. She’s fond, she says, of “mixing finishes in a bathroom to create a more customized, collected look. I also prefer solid brass hardware over lower-quality plated metals, which can discolor or lose their finish over time.”

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OCTOBER 2026

9/22/26 1:26 PM

ESCAPES

5 PLACES TO GET C Learn something new and take home a treasure at one of these close-by destinations full of creative opportunities.

Autumn opens the gate for getting busy—and creative. It’s time to fire up the oven to produce dinners that quell the chill or baked goods that taste like comfort, pull out your yarn and needles and settle back with your next scarf or blanket, point your camera toward beautiful foliage or get started on that art project you put off while the weather was warm and the beach was beckoning. Though the internet yields all manner of tips, tricks and how-tos, there’s nothing like some hands-on instruction—and access to tools of the trade you may not have at home. At any one of these easily reachable destinations, you can indulge your inner artist and take home a new treasure:

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GLASS BLOWING: The Morris School of Glass, Morristown.

Molten glass is hypnotizing to look at, and there’s nothing quite like watching a master of the art manipulate it—glowing hot liquid transforms into delicate stems, structures and vases with a few twirls and puffs of air. And you can experience that, hands-on, at the Morris School of Glass, only about an hour and 10 minutes from Monmouth. Billing itself as a “public-access glassblowing educational facility,” it offers both group classes and oneon-one lessons for all ages, from 8 (though such youngsters need to be accompanied by an adult) to seniors. If you just want a taste of this craft, book a “mini session,” which are half-hour, one-on-one lessons with a glassblowing expert who will help you create and then send you home with anything from a paperweight to a bud vase to a wine glass or a glass pumpkin. You also can opt into a longer “workshop” class, which fills a whole day with glass arts and teaches how to make bottles and glasses. Want something a little less fiery? Sit down for a mosaic or stained-glass workshop and assemble a beautiful image to take home. After class. Charming Morristown is historic and full of places to explore. See the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, which boasts sprawling formal gardens, woodlands, meadows, walking trails and a historic mansion, in all its fall splendor. (This is a popular spot for photo shoots for a good reason.) For more green space (and more history), stop by the Morristown Green, a park tucked into the city’s center and filled with statues, monuments and a bubbling fountain—and you’ll be surrounded on all sides by fantastic shopping and restaurants to browse. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to great bites—grab an elegant lunch at The Grand Café, for instance, for an upscale vibe and innovative takes on French cuisine. More info: mcsog.com

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POTTERY AND WHEEL THROWING: Clay Art Center, Port Chester, N.Y.

In Westchester County, about an hour-and-45minute drive from Monmouth, this nonprofit has roots that stretch back to the 1950s and master potter Henry Okamoto and Katherine Choy. Now it’s a bustling nonprofit studio with one-session classes, recurring workshops and educational opportunities for everything you might want to know about clay. Classes for those ages 17 and above are split up by levels, from introductory (the basics of things like hand building and wheel throwing) to intermediate (when you’re ready to refine those basics) to advanced (for those more experienced at the art). Also offered are “clay exploration” classes, in which youngsters 11 to 16 can get started on basic techniques and explore their own creativity. Create pots, bowls, sculptures and other vessels and then use the art center’s kilns to fire them solid. Keep an eye out for “special topic” classes which deep-dive on something specific, such as using colored glazes or working with porcelain. Don’t forget to stop by the exhibitions by the artists-in-residence, some of the most celebrated ceramists working today. After class. Also in Port Chester is The Capitol Theatre, a historic building celebrating its 100th birthday in 2026, where you can catch shows by bands and artists from all over the country. On Oct. 17, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country brings a fresh take on country music, for example, or stop by Oct. 24 for some of the best the New Orleans jazz scene has to offer with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Then dine in the historic 1881 Kitchen Table, where the wood-fired pizzas are always a hit and the ambiance is dim and intimate. More info: clayartcenter.org

OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:25 PM

CRAFTY COOKING: The Cooking School at Ninety Acres, Peapack. If you’ve

ever wanted to learn to make farm-to-table meals that feel elegant and refined, here’s where to do so. At Pendry Natirar, a “classic county estate”-style resort and getaway about an hour from Monmouth where the quiet is luxurious and the pace is slow, you can take a culinary journey and learn techniques, recipes and tips from prolific local chefs. Ninety Acres’s own menu and wine list will have your mouth watering; it prides itself on a seasonally rotating menu sourced from local farmers for the freshest bite imaginable. Its cooking school brings that same sensibility to your fingertips. With farm ingredients and locally sourced products, you’ll learn to make in-season dishes that take inspiration from all around the world (the flavors of Baja and the Middle East, just to name two) and from the past as well (recipes from the Gilded Age, for example) in a world-class, stately kitchen overlooking breathtaking scenery. After class. Pendry Natirar has, among other amenities, an incredible spa that offers eucalyptus steam rooms, cedar saunas, rainfall showers and botanical infusion facials, three other dining options to indulge in (including a whimsical and boozy take on afternoon tea) and a charming, on-site farm you can wander and enjoy. For even more rustic charm (and the perfect fall vibes), drop by Bluebird Farm Alpacas to meet adorable animals and shop a curated farm store filled with cloud-soft alpaca wool. More info: ninetyacres.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: The Art of Intuitive Photography, New York City. The fall foliage turns us all

into nature photographers; hone those skills with the instructors at the Art of Intuitive Photography. Based in Manhattan (around an hour and 15 minutes from Monmouth), these photography lessons will take you all over the City That Never Sleeps so that you can focus your lens on a diverse array of subjects and lighting. This school is the brainchild of Mindy Véissid, an internationally exhibited photographer known for her dreamy imagery and intuitive method, which she’s taught to students worldwide. Whatever your level of skill with a camera, you’ll find something to learn here—and to love. For total newbies, “Digital Photography I: An Introduction for Beginners” is a guide through shutter speed, aperture and the anatomy of your camera. More advanced classes focus on capturing beautiful images at night; they’ll take you to Lincoln Center in the evening. Learn how to “capture the heart and soul” of a subject with a group class in Central Park, or pick a “photo exploration” tour and snap locales like Roosevelt Island, Flushing, Queens or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After class. October is a prime time to visit NYC, and you should take full advantage of it (with your camera at the ready). Central Park is beautiful all dressed up in autumn colors—stop by the zoo and meet penguins, puffins and sea lions. You also can take to the water at that park with a rowboat or gondola rental at the Central Park Boathouse and glide across the pond on a cool day. Autumn is also a fantastic time for theater, and Broadway is bustling—hit musicals such as Hadestown, & Juliet and Wicked are still running, while Paranormal Activity, a new and immersive show based on the hit horror-movie series, comes to the Broadway stage for the first time, bringing scary, eye-popping visuals. More info: artofintuitivephotography.com

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QUILTING: Pennington Quilt Works, Pennington.

Get warm and cozy at this renowned fabric and quilting destination about an hour from our county. The class selection here is as extensive as the fabric selection. Classes include classic “one-block wonder” quilts, deep dives on specific patterns and how-tos for using scrap fabric to create something beautiful, and more innovative patterns and projects such as quilted totes, pouches and pants. Also popular is the Saturday Sampler series, a drop-in program made for beginners. On each month’s second Saturday, drop by for a demonstration on how to create a standard shape and quilting block, and hands-on advice on what to do if you’re struggling. Registration includes the starter kit with all the needed fabric blocks. If you’re itching for more, Pennington Quilt Works also stocks kits and precuts so you can take the fun home without measuring and cutting the fabric yourself. After class. Take advantage of the scenery and the remaining good weather at Hopewell Valley Vineyards, also in Pennington, which is rooted in three generations of Tuscan winemaking tradition and waiting for you to come and try bright, refreshing whites and rosés and bold, structured reds. (The Vidal Blanc and Barbera are highly recommended.) If you visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can catch a performance by talented local musicians while bathed in golden-hour sunshine and snacking on brick-oven pizza. (A special Nutella pizza is offered for dessert.) If you’d prefer something a bit more active (or you’re traveling with kids), try Pennington Golf Center, which has a mini-golf course as well as a driving range with four target greens. More info: penningtonquilts.com —Kirsten Meehan

OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:26 PM

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OCTOBER 2026

9/16/26 4:15 PM

TASTES

An Apple A Day Celebrate autumn’s favorite fruit with comforting recipes that’ll bring the orchard to your table.

APPLE CINNAMON CREPES Yields 8 servings INGREDIENTS 3 eggs ¼ tsp. salt 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups milk ¼ cup vegetable oil ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced ½ cup white sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 2 Tbs. water 2 Tbs. cornstarch 1 Tbs. water 1½ Tbs. milk 8 tsp. vegetable oil, divided

DIRECTIONS Whisk eggs and salt together in a bowl. Gradually stir flour into eggs, alternately with 2 cups milk, until fully incorporated. Beat 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon into flour mixture. Refrigerate batter for at least 1 hour. Mix apples, sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 2 tablespoons water in a pot. Whisk cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl; pour into apple mixture. Simmer apple mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Keep warm. Whisk 11/2 tablespoons milk into chilled batter. Heat about 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a crepe or frying pan over medium heat. Pour about ¹/³ cup batter into hot oil; tip and rotate the crepe pan until batter covers the entire area. Cook until edges begin curling away from the pan’s sides, about 30 seconds; flip crepe and continue cooking until bottom is lightly golden, about 30 more seconds. Remove crepe from the pan, add more oil and repeat with remaining batter. Spoon apple filling into each crepe; fold crepe over filling and serve.

“Apples are a great source of soluble fiber. Authentic French crepes are made with 100 percent buckwheat flour, which has an earthy and nutty flavor, plus beneficial plant compounds not found in refined white flour. If you don’t want to use all buckwheat flour, substitute one cup of the all-purpose flour for it.” —Wendy Bright-Fallon and Debbie Peterson, national board-certified health and wellness coaches, Nourish Coaches, Red Bank

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OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:27 PM

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OCTOBER 2026

9/16/26 4:15 PM

TASTES

SPICED BROWN-BUTTER APPLES Yields 6 servings INGREDIENTS 6 small Pink Lady apples (2 to 21/2 pounds), halved lengthwise 1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus 1 Tbs. for greasing baking dish 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. fresh nutmeg, grated 1/4 tsp. Chinese five-spice 21/2 Tbs. light brown sugar 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice 1/4 tsp. kosher salt ¹/³ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped vanilla ice cream or heavy cream, for serving

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub 1 tablespoon butter on bottom and sides of a 13x9-inch baking dish. Scoop out and discard core and seeds from each apple half using a melon baller or teaspoon. Slice a very thin sliver from opposite side of apple so apple lies flat. Arrange the apples, cored sides up, snugly in prepared baking dish. Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter in small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and Chinese five-spice, and heat until fragrant and just beginning to brown, about 1 minute. Whisk in brown sugar, lemon juice and salt. Spoon butter mixture evenly into hollows of apples. Use the back of spoon to spread a thin layer onto cut surfaces of apples. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake in preheated oven until apples start to soften, 30 to 40 minutes. Uncover dish and scatter pecans over apples. Baste with juices from bottom of pan. Increase oven temperature to 400°F, and bake until apples are nicely browned and very tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.

“We love these warming spices in the fall; they are small but mighty sources of protective plant compounds. When you see refined sugar in recipes, you can always substitute coconut sugar or maple sugar crystals. These options are still sugars, but are less refined and provide a richer flavor. We recommend buying organic apples whenever possible, as apple crops are often highly treated with pesticides.” —Wendy Bright-Fallon and Debbie Peterson, national board-certified health and wellness coaches, Nourish Coaches, Red Bank MONMOUTHMAG.COM

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OCTOBER 2026

9/16/26 4:15 PM

BAR TAB

Sip Into Fall

Embrace the season with a pumpkin-spiced cocktail made for crisp nights and good company.

PUMPKIN SPICE COCKTAIL Makes: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS 1½ oz. vodka ½ Tbs. pumpkin purée pinch of pumpkin pie spice ¼ oz. lemon juice ½ cup cream soda splash of club soda rosemary, cinnamon stick, star anise, orange slices, for garnish

DIRECTIONS Add the first five ingredients to a cocktail glass and whisk together. Fill the glass with ice. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick and star anise if desired.

COURTESY OF THESOCIALSIPPER.COM

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OCTOBER 2026

9/22/26 11:36 AM

Excel on stage and in the classroom.

Education Planner SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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GIVE YOUR CHILD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE: CHALLENGED

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Open Houses and Personal Tours by Request Contact our Admissions Office at admissions@oakhillacademy.com

347 Middletown-Lincroft Rd., Lincroft, New Jersey 07738 732.530.1343 | oakhillacademy.com

OakHill_1.4p_0326_v1.indd EDU_SS_1026.indd 47 1

Age 3 - Grade 12 in Tinton Falls, NJ

2/20/26 9:23 AM

9/22/26 2:32 PM

Education Planner

Brookdale Community College

Christian Brothers Academy

Oak Hill Academy

Ranney School

At Brookdale, earn a degree that prepares you for the workforce or builds a strong foundation for a bachelor’s degree. Explore 68+ programs, 50+ transfer partnerships, dual admission opportunities, and pathways to colleges and universities across the country. At Fall Open House on October 25, meet faculty, tour campus, explore career options, and discover an affordable, high-quality college experience designed to help you reach your goals.

Christian Brothers Academy has built a reputation rooted in excellence, basing our educational philosophy on the Lasallian tradition. Each student creates his own legacy at the Academy through challenging academics, ever-present principles of faith and service, dynamic arts, championship athletics, and countless more activities. For over 65 years, CBA has developed young men of character, fostered an unparalleled brotherhood between students, and provided an exceptional foundation for our graduates to achieve their greatest aspirations.

Imagine your child’s future at Oak Hill Academy - one of the finest independent schools for students in grades PreK-8 located on a beautiful 20 acre campus in Lincroft. Oak Hill’s intention is to provide a student centered curriculum that emphasizes strong communication, problem solving, and computational skills. Students develop positive social and emotional traits in a caring and engaging environment. Graduates gain acceptance and excel at many premiere high schools.

At Ranney School, we know and value every child to inspire them to reach their highest potential at every stage of their educational journey. Ranney is an Age 3 through Grade 12 independent, co-ed, secular college preparatory school located in Tinton Falls. From our youngest learners to those looking ahead to college, Ranney students are prepared, challenged, and encouraged as individuals. Ranney offers an innovative curriculum and robust student life. Each student is supported by a team of educators and a nurturing community to pursue all of their passions.

765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft 732.224.2345 | brookdalecc.edu

EDU_SS_1026.indd 48

CBA Office of Admissions 850 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft 732.747.1959 ex.217 CBALincroftNJ.org/admissions

347 Middletown-Lincroft Rd., Lincroft 732.530.1343 oakhillacademy.com

235 Hope Rd., Tinton Falls 732.542.4777 | ranneyschool.org

9/22/26 2:32 PM

BEGIN YOUR CBA LEGACY!

OPEN HOUSE OCT.4

12 - 3 P.M.

OCT.14

4:30 - 6:30 P.M.

ENTRANCE EXAM OCT.24

NOV.14

9/14/26 11:17 AM

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Pasta Meets Pernil My girlfriend and I have a soft spot for restaurants that refuse to stay in one culinary lane. Give us a good mash-up and we’re intrigued— Mexican and Korean, Chinese and Indian, Japanese and Peruvian, or any other combination that makes you stop and think, “Wait, why didn’t anyone do this sooner?” So when we heard that a new restaurant in Middletown was bringing together two cuisines we wouldn’t immediately have thought to pair—Italian and Puerto Rican—we had to check it out. That restaurant is Olimora, and it has a bit of history to contend with too. The eatery took over the longtime home of Lubrano’s 36, an Italian restaurant that had been a fixture in the area for about a decade. That meant Olimora wasn’t exactly walking into an empty room; it was stepping into a space with some pretty well-established expectations. Fortunately, rather than trying to live in the shadow of what came before, Olimora seems intent on creating its own identity—one where pasta and meatballs happily coexist with rice and beans. We visited on a cool and rainy Sunday in August, and the air-conditioned dining room got us off to a chilly start. But warm greetings from both our host and our server made us feel more comfortable, and a basket of steaming-hot bread really helped us settle in. When it was time to order, we started with two appetizers that represented the Italian side of the menu particularly well. The eggplant rollatini was a comforting, oldschool Italian choice, with tender, breaded eggplant wrapped around a creamy ricotta filling and finished with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and basil. The combination of rich cheese, bright tomato and silky eggplant was satisfying from the first bite, and it was almost exactly what I’d want from a classic Italian starter. My only qualm was a slightly burnt edge, a minor flaw that didn’t alter the overall taste of the dish, just that small section of it. Our other appetizer, the large Caesar salad, provided a welcome change of pace. Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, creamy Caesar dressing and Pecorino Romano made for a straightforward version of a restaurant staple. After the richness of the rollatini, the cool salad was a good palate reset. Before we could finish the pair of starters, our server brought out the entrées, playing a Tetris-like game to cram all the plates onto the table. While the

OLIMORA 26 Route 36, Middletown, 732.769.2899; olimorarestaurantnj.com

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timing of delivery wasn’t ideal, we welcomed the hot food with open arms and hungry eyes. For her main course, my girlfriend went with the linguine and clams, another Italian classic. When it’s done well, there’s something wonderfully satisfying about twirling strands of pasta with tender clams and a flavorful sauce. Olimora offers a choice of a white garlic-and-wine sauce or a light tomato broth (she chose the former), and the dish strikes that balance between comforting and fresh that makes seafood pasta such a perennial favorite. If you love clams, either in their shells or hidden within pasta, don’t hesitate to order this entrée. I decided I wasn’t going to ignore the Puerto Rican half of the equation. (I vow to try the true mash-up of cuisines, arroz con pollo Parmesan, next time.) I ordered the pernil with a side of mofongo, and this turned out to be the meal’s biggest reminder that Olimora is more than an Italian restaurant with a few Puerto Rican dishes sprinkled in. The pernil, slow-roasted pork shoulder, was tender and packed with the savory, deeply seasoned flavor you hope for from this Puerto Rican staple. The accompanying tostones, rice and pigeon peas created a hearty, satisfying plate. And then there was the mofongo—dense, savory and substantial, with the mashed plantains providing a wonderful contrast to the tender pork. We couldn’t leave without dessert, and thankfully, we had the good sense to split the tres leches de coquito. “Extraordinary” doesn’t quite do it justice. The classic tres leches cake was taken in a distinctly Puerto Rican direction with coquito, giving the dessert a creamy, coconut-forward richness that was downright decadent. What makes Olimora particularly interesting is that the pairing of Italian and Puerto Rican cuisine actually makes sense if you think about it. Both culinary traditions put a premium on generous portions, bold flavors, family recipes and food that is meant to make you feel at home. And that’s what makes the restaurant worth a visit. Olimora isn’t simply asking customers to choose between Italian and Puerto Rican food; it’s inviting them to explore both. For diners who, like us, enjoy discovering unexpected culinary combinations, that’s a pretty fun proposition. —Darius Amos

Photos by Darius Amos

At Middletown’s Olimora, Italian and Puerto Rican cuisines come together in a surprisingly natural—and delicious—pairing.

OCTOBER 2026

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Thea Bowers stands out as a master of her craft. With 20 years of experience in real estate, Thea is ranked in the top 1.5% of agents nationwide and has consistently appeared as Top Producer for REMAX. With nearly 1,000 homes sold and a career volume exceeding $200 million, Thea sets herself apart by blending global sophistication and “boots-on-the ground” tenacity. Thea Bowers, Broker Associate

● RANKED IN THE TOP 1.5% OF 6 MILLION AGENTS NATIONWIDE ● EARNED TOP REALTOR – MONMOUTH COUNTY | ELITE STATUS ● TOP 20 AMONGST REMAX AGENTS SINCE 2019 ● NJ REALTORS® CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE WINNER SINCE 2014

REMAX GATEWAY 45 Main Ave., Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 O: 732-361-0770 | C: 202.528.6933 theabowers.com | TheaBowers@gmail.com

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Support Today for a Brighter Tomorrow Compassionate care for every stage of life.

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Serving Patients Primarily via Telehealth throughout New Jersey In Freehold by appointment 609.245.8550 | dr@gsinghmd.com | gsinghmd.com

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HAPPENINGS

Be There

Autumn comes alive in Monmouth with fantastic festivals, amazing musicals and community get-togethers—and that’s just the start. OCT. 10 One of Monmouth’s most beloved charity events returns when the WITCHES OF SPRING LAKE PADDLE FOR A CAUSE comes to Spring Lake Park. More than 100 people dressed as witches and warlocks will take to the water on paddleboards decked out in spooky décor to raise money for the Blue Dot Community. The fun starts at 10 a.m., and the listed rain date for this event is Oct. 11. For registration and more information, stop by visitspringlake.com.

OCT. 16–25 Relive the heart-warming story of OLIVER!, which comes to Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre. Based on Charles Dickens’ timeless novel, the musical follows a young orphan in London as he tries to find people to be his family. Multiple seatings are available, including matinees. For tickets, see algonquinarts.org.

OCT. 10 At the East Freehold Showgrounds, take part in the fifth annual CHARLOTTE JOY TOUCH-A-TRUCK FESTIVAL. Starting at 10 a.m., you can enjoy a full day of rides, vendors, live music performances, food trucks and over 200 vehicles to explore. This event benefits the Ashley Lauren Foundation, a Brielle-based nonprofit that supports New Jersey families battling pediatric cancer. For more information, see ashleylaurenfoundation.org.

OCT. 10 Celebrate autumn at Aberdeen’s BONFIRE BASH. This evening will be filled with seasonal family fun, including gourmet food trucks and inflatables for the kids. Kick back and listen to some live music, and then enjoy a giant bonfire at dusk. This event begins at 5 p.m. For more information, check out aberdeennj.org.

OCT. 10 ’Tis the season to take part in an OKTOBERFEST, and Red Bank offers a can’tmiss option. Enjoy beers from over a dozen craft breweries plus plenty of food trucks, live music, a vendor and craft market and a dedicated kids’ zone with games, rides and fun. Everything kicks off at 1 p.m. at Edmund Wilson Plaza. Pick up tickets and learn more at redbank.org.

OCT. 17 In Ocean Grove, join Mary’s Place by the Sea, a wellness retreat for women going through cancer treatment, for its 15TH ANNUAL WALK-A-THON AND 8TH ANNUAL 5K RUN. In addition to the run and walk, you’ll also find a market with local vendors and craftspeople, live music and dancing, food and a celebration of the women who heal at Mary’s Place. Checkin starts at 8:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony is at 9:30. Be sure to register at runsignup. 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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OCTOBER 2026

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OCT. 18 Head over to Long Branch for the BREAKTHROUGH T1D NEW JERSEY WALK, which raises awareness and funds for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research. Registration and check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. For more info or to register yourself, see breakthrought1d.org.

OCT. 18 Monmouth Parks System hosts THOMPSON PARK DAY in Lincroft. This seasonal celebration features pumpkin painting, a scarecrow contest, wagon rides, food vendors, crafts, entertainment and more, all in a beautiful park setting. The fun starts at 11 a.m., and admission and parking are free. (Some activities require an additional fee.) For more info, see monmouthcountyparks.com.

OCT. 24–25 Celebrate the spookiest time of the year at the ASBURY PARK HALLOWEEN FOOD TRUCK & MUSIC FESTIVAL! Here, you’ll find 20 gourmet food trucks, an adult beverage garden, costume contests for kids and adults alike, live music, a themed vendor shopping village, kids’ activities—and that’s just the start. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the fun goes all day. For more information, check out municipalevents.com.

OCT. 25 Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Historic Village at Allaire’s GHOST TOURS in Wall always provide a fun fright. Dive deep into the spookier history of the village, learn tales of ghostly experiences and hear about what may or may not have gone bump in the night. This event is recommended for ages 12 and up. Two tour times are available, one leaving at 6 p.m. and one leaving at 8 p.m. For tickets and more, see allairevillage.org. OCT. 31 Spend Halloween watching one of the scariest movies of all time when THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT comes to Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. Relive this iconic flick about three film students who enter the woods to find an urban legend. Plus, then take part in a Q&A with the three lead actors, Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams. The movie starts at 8 p.m., and you can find more at thebasie.org.

OCT. 18 Get ready to put your sleuthing skills to the test. In Farmingdale, you can take part in a MASQUERADE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER to benefit All Fur Love Animal Rescue. Dress in your finest formal or semi-formal attire, pair it with a masquerade mask and prepare for a night where nothing is quite as it seems. Put your detective skills to the test as you work to solve a thrilling mystery before the evening comes to a close, while enjoying a delicious dinner. Doors open promptly at 4:30 p.m. For tickets, see allfurlove.org.

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OCTOBER 2026

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ON THE TOWN

Gatherings

Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors. 1

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9 1. 180 TURNING LIVES AROUND Hazlet-based 180 Turning Lives Around held its annual Sunset on the Navesink, celebrating the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary. The event brought together community leaders, donors and friends to support the organization’s mission of providing services for survivors of domestic violence in Monmouth.

2-3. ARC OF MONMOUTH The Arc of Monmouth hosted its annual golf classic at the Battleground Country Club in Manalapan. Day festivities included the golf outing, while the evening program celebrated Arc supporters Carl and Mary Gross. Funds raised go toward the group’s services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

4. MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER Monmouth Medical Center presented its annual Power of Pink event, raising funds to support specialty services at the new Vogel Medical Campus, which is expected to open early next year. The event included a conversation with New York Times bestselling author and cancer survivor Jill Martin, who shared her personal breast cancer journey.

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5. MONMOUTH REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce held its annual Beacon of Excellence Awards ceremony. During the event, the chamber honored Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon with its Beacon of Light Award, celebrating excellence in public service, leadership and community.

6-7. MONMOUTH BAR ASSOCIATION Members of the Monmouth Bar Association recently attended the organization’s annual golf outing. The event took place at Battleground Country Club in Manalapan and supported the association’s low bono program.

8-9. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey held its 50th anniversary celebration at Bell Works in Holmdel. The gala raised more than $325,000 for local youth mentoring programs. During the event, the organization also launched the Founders Circle to honor key legacy partners.

180 Turning Lives Around (1), Arc of Monmouth (2-3), Monmouth Medical Center (4), Monmouth County Clerk’s Office (5), Monmouth Bar Association (6-7), Big Brothers Big Sisters (8-9)

OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:30 PM

BEDROCK GRANITE

HOME SHOWCASE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CALICO CUSTOM DECORATING Since 1948, Calico has been helping homeowners create spaces that are uniquely their own. Offering thousands of designer fabrics, custom furniture, window treatments, reupholstery, bedding, wallpaper and more, Calico combines exceptional craftsmanship with personalized design expertise. Their complimentary design services make the custom decorating process approachable and convenient, whether you’re refreshing a single piece or transforming an entire room. With quality, creativity and attention to detail at the heart of every project, Calico brings beautiful, custom interiors to life. 732.784.1002 | CALICOCORNERS.COM

CUSTOM POOL PROS At Custom Pool Pros, we’re more than pool builders—we’re backyard visionaries. As a family-owned company with over two decades of experience, we create complete outdoor living spaces throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. From custom Gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl pools to patios, outdoor kitchens, hardscaping, and landscaping, we handle every detail from design through completion. Our commitment to craftsmanship, transparency, and collaboration ensures every project is thoughtfully designed around your home, lifestyle, and vision. 973.467.8800 | CUSTOMPOOLPROS.COM 732.866.1661 | BRICKPAVERPROS.COM

P. MILLER LUXURY CLOSETS

WOODHAVEN

With 15 prestigious national awards, P. Miller Luxury Closets is recognized for exceptional design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. We create custom luxury closets tailored to each client’s unique style, needs, and lifestyle. Our collaborative approach extends to partnerships with builders and interior designers, allowing us to seamlessly integrate beautifully designed storage into the overall vision of a home. Every project combines sophisticated design, personalized service, and functionality to create spaces that truly elevate everyday living.

For almost 50 years, Woodhaven has provided exceptional building experiences for builders, contractors, and homeowners. Known for outstanding customer service and expertise, we offer kitchens, baths, 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 help elevate it. With locations in Lakewood, Manahawkin, Point Pleasant, Shrewsbury, and our new Freehold showroom, Woodhaven brings quality products, expert guidance, and personalized service together to help bring your vision home.

PMILLERLUXURYCLOSETS.COM | 732.742.2281

732.795.6200 | WOODHAVENLUMBER.COM

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Transform your home with the timeless elegance of Bedrock Granite. With over 35 years of award-winning expertise, we deliver the premium craftsmanship your vision deserves. Whether you’re a trade professional or a homeowner, we specialize in making the custom design process seamless, sophisticated, and entirely stress-free. Experience our premier on-site collection of hand-selected slabs and one-of-a-kind remnants. Visit our showroom today to collaborate with our expert design team and discover the perfect centerpiece for your next project. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily design inspiration and a gallery of our latest luxury installations. 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. SHOPGPS.COM | KOHLERBYGPS.COM

WORLDWIDE FLOORING DESIGN CENTER For over 30 years, Worldwide has been proudly serving residents surrounding their four locations in Edison, Fairfield, Lawrenceville, and Old Bridge. While all locations offer the finest selection of brand name flooring, carpet, stair runners, rugs and window treatments, the Edison and Old Bridge locations feature Kitchen and Bath Studios offering the same fine quality in cabinets, countertops and more. From concept to installation, Worldwide’s sales experts, designers, and installers make their customers’ home updates and renovations a wonderful experience. OPEN SEVEN DAYS. | 1.888.WORLD40 WORLDWIDEWHOLESALE.COM

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“Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold is such a great place to visit—I love hosting picnics there with family and friends to celebrate birthdays. It’s a picturesque retreat and really does offer a little bit of everything, from fishing and canoeing to charcoal grills. Being there is one of my favorite ways to spend a warm afternoon—peaceful, clean and quiet.” —Belinda P. Thomas, Toms River

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

MONMOUTH Magazine Volume 24, Issue 10 (ISSN# 2573-8151 and USPS 025-351) is published 12 times a year by Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Postmaster: Send address changes to Subscription Department, Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage paid at Park Ridge, N.J., and additional mailing offices.

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Photo courtesy of Belinda P. Thomas. Instagram: @phenomenaldiva4nyc

A MONMOUTH MOMENT

OCTOBER 2026

9/21/26 4:30 PM

Make the fire the second most beautiful thing in the room. Specialists in fireplace surrounds and hearths — marble, quartzite and granite, fabricated and installed by the experts who have done it since 1989.

For more than 35 years, Bedrock Granite has cut and set the stone that anchors Monmouth County’s finest rooms. Every surround and hearth is templated, fabricated and installed by our own craftsmen in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 803 Shrewsbury Ave, Shrewsbury, NJ (732) 741-0010 • BedrockGranite.com

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