Spring Lake
ALSO SERVING SEA GIRT
QUEEN OF THE JAVELIN
BOBBI FRIEDRICH PARCINSKI
LACING UP A LEGACY
MILES AHEAD SPORTS
A Story Revivalof EDGEMERE PARK
Denise Dreyer
REALTOR® Associate GRI, ABR, SRS, SRES
Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty | Sea Girt
Company Top Producer 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024
2024 Top Producing Agent in Sea Girt*
NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Platinum Sales Award ®
Named #3 in NJ by RealTrends Verified
*MOREMLS Sea Girt Closed Sales: All Categories 01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024
Brand New Construction – 200 Ludlow Ave
Welcome to this stunning New Construction – ideally located on the north end of Spring Lake, just three blocks from the beach & boardwalk and moments to the shops & dining along Third Ave. This exceptional home offers fine architectural details offering the perfect combination for privacy & retreat. An inviting front porch invites you to four impressive levels of casual comfortable shore living. Designed with timeless coastal elegance, the home features six bedrooms, six full and 1 half baths and an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living room, dining area and gourmet kitchen ~ ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Thoughtfully appointed with custom millwork throughout, the interior exudes quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The fully finished lower levelincludes a legal bedroom, full bath, office, exercise room and a spacious family room and gaming area with custom built-ins. Enjoy the saltwater heated gunite pool and patio for summer days at home. A one car detached garage thoughtfully designed with rooftop placement of AC condensers and a full house generator to maximize yard space which completes the picture-perfect shore retreat. Estimated Completion Date is July 21st.
To learn more about my exclusive marketing platform or to discuss your real estate plans for the future, contact me today at 201.819.2604 (Cell) or 732.449.5959 (Office) or email ddreyer@wardwightsir.com
Timeless & Tranquil – 116 New York Blvd
Nantucket-Inspired Elegance – known as the ''Garden Cottage” this home is nestled in one of the most sought-after communities along the Atlantic. Designed by one of Monmouth County's leading architects, this beautifully maintained home spans three levels of thoughtfully designed living space, offering a lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and understated luxury. Some of the interior features include a four-stop elevator, four bedrooms, three and a half baths and beautifully appointed living and dining rooms each with its own fireplace adding warmth & charm to the heart of the home. From the moment you arrive, the white picket fence, lush gardens, and beautifully manicured landscape create an inviting first impression. Step inside to discover custom millwork throughout, rich hardwood floors and an abundance of built-ins that provide both character and function at every turn. Each room is filled with natural light and carefully crafted details from cozy reading nooks to integrated cabinetry and storage solutions designed for modern living. This home offers indoor and outdoor spaces to relax, unwind, and gather. Whether you're hosting summer evenings surrounded by a blooming garden or enjoying the ocean breeze from your porch, this is coastal living at its finest. A rare opportunity to own a turnkey residence in one of Sea Girt's most desirable locations.
Running Down a Dream
Step behind the scenes of beloved running shop Miles Ahead Sports, where owners Bruce and Sharon Robinson have cultivated a community that spans generations.
18 Queen of the Javelin
Olympian Bobbi Friedrich Parcinski reflects on her inspiring journey from training on the Jersey Shore to winning medals. IN EVERY ISSUE
6 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Making the Most of August 8 AROUND TOWN Sea Girt Square 10 LIVING SPACES Spacious and Stylish 22 Q&A Artists of the Jersey Shore 26
the Seed
Spring Lake MAGAZINE
HHOORAY FOR AUGUST! Labor Day weekend arrives early this year; Sept. 1st, to be exact. That means we’ve got five August weekends to pack in all the summer fun before the season slips away. With the rainy spring and early summer delaying the start of warm-weather activities, every sunny second counts! So, make time for bike rides, BBQs, ocean swims, boat days, outdoor concerts, porch hangs and ice
cream stops. Get it all in!
In this issue, we celebrate the revitalization of Edgemere Park in Sea Girt—a true testament to community effort. This public space was once overrun with invasive plants and vines and is now the home to over 2,000 native plants, shrubs and trees!
We also introduce you to Spring Lake Heights resident and Olympian Bobbi Friedrich Parcinski, whose inspiring achievements in track and field are nothing short of remarkable. Plus, we visit Miles Ahead Sports, the go-to spot for local runners, walkers and now, pickleballers! Small family businesses like Miles Ahead Sports are so important to communities like ours; we wish them continued success!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our readers and sponsors. We appreciate every message, phone call and shared idea we receive.
Please continue to share your stories with us, we are eager to tell them! YOU are the reason for this magazine and YOURS is the story we are dying to tell! Shoot us a message at: hello@springlakemagazine.com. Here’s to making the most of August!
Brynn Coleman Publisher
Publisher & Editor
Brynn Coleman
Lead Writer and Editorial Coordinator
Danielle Kutcher
Writers
Judith Jones Ambrosini
Jacqueline Litowinsky
Molly Mechler
Amanda Skunakis
Photographe
Christina Lilly
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
Spring Lake magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Spring Lake and Sea Girt, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
SEA GIRT SQUARE has Something for Everyone
Discover a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at Sea Girt’s unique local shops.
THIS SUMMER, be sure to stop by the shops at Sea Girt Square at 2100 NJ-35, where you will find unique gifts and have the chance to support local small businesses like Palm Place, Miles Ahead Sports, Darcy Park and Carter & Cavero. In a world dominated by endless online options, there’s something truly special about being able to see, feel and try on merchandise in person. It’s also a wonderful chance to connect directly with local shopkeepers who are passionate about their products.
BY AMANDA SKUNAKIS
Stop One: Palm Place
Palm Place has been located in Sea Girt Square for the past three years. This signature, privately owned boutique is known for having a wide variety of styles from brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Smith & Quinn, Smathers and Branson and Beaufort Bonnet. They have a beautiful collection of dresses and accessories and go the extra mile to help customers find the pieces and styles they are looking for. Palm Place enjoys giving back to local charities and loves being a part of a plaza that is home to other womenowned businesses.
Stop Two: Miles Ahead Sports
Miles Ahead Sports has been part of runners’ journeys since 1984. After outgrowing their original shop, a realtor suggested they relocate to the plaza. This family-owned business has had a home in Sea Girt Square for the past 13 years. They are known for their wide selection of running sneakers. Miles Ahead Sports also has a heavy selection of high-quality running attire, athletic wear, sunglasses and socks. Whether you run for fun, are a seasoned racer or are looking to start your fitness journey, Miles Ahead Sports will have you speeding in style. See page 14 for more information on this Jersey Shore staple.
Stop Three: Darcy Park
Brenda Darcy, owner of Darcy Park, named the store after her last name and her memories of living in New York City near Central Park. She thought it would be a fun way to bring Manhattan with her to New Jersey. Located in Sea Girt Square since October 2023, Darcy Park is dedicated to helping women 35 and up look trendy and age-appropriate for a price that won’t break the bank. With jeans being their most popular item, Darcy Park offers a wide range of sizes that make them inclusive to all women. Whether you are heading out for a night on the town or into the office, Darcy Park will have you looking and feeling your best.
Stop 4: Carter & Cavero
Carter & Cavero is a women-owned business that has been catering to customers for the past 14 years. They have brought a special type of shopping experience that is a must-stop for those on their way to the beach. Carter and Cavero is known for their wide selection of extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and all your charcuterie essentials, such as cheese, pasta, crackers and spreads. Proud supporters of other small businesses, Carter & Cavero pride themselves on selling honey, handcrafted pottery and earrings from other small vendors. With their traditional balsamic and Italian extra virgin olive oils being their best sellers, they are sure to be a hit at anyone’s next gathering.
Palm Place, Miles Ahead Sports, Darcy Park and Carter & Cavero are the essence of the Sea Girt Square. This is a plaza dedicated to helping small businesses flourish. Each shop offers something special— whether it’s performance running gear, stylish fashion for all ages or delicious treats to please every palate. If you are shopping for yourself or the special people in your life, the shops at Sea Girt Square invite you to support small businesses that thrive on strengthening the community around them.
Amanda Skunakis is a second grade teacher and loves Disney, Broadway and spending time with her family.
Spacious and Stylish
CMM partners with Spring Lake homeowners to create a home that’s THE ONE.
BY DANIEL GORDON
THE FIND
When you’re looking to buy a home and find one in the price range you prefer, in the area you love, with the space and layout you want, and on the same street as some of your fondest memories where your family previously lived—look no further. You have found the one. That’s the serendipity that this couple capitalized on as they hired CMM for what we initially believed would be a gut renovation of an existing home in Spring Lake.
THE TURN
During our design consultation, we, along with the homeowners, collectively realized that building a new home in place of the original home would be more advantageous to transform the 18,750-square-foot lot. We partnered with Michael Melillo of Melillo Architecture, who dazzled with his ideas and, most importantly, his willingness to listen to the homeowners’ wants, needs, vision and preferences.
THE SPACE
The custom-built home has 7 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, encompassing two master bedrooms, a bunk room in the attic and a fully finished living basement featuring a bedroom, bathroom, sitting room, family room and exercise room. The basement is creatively waterproofed by an
inversed layer around the outside of the foundation.
The home spans over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, with interior details at every turn and features a spacious kitchen. A two-sided fireplace connects the dining room to the family room.
THE POOL
It was not in the original plans, but the pool ended up being a focal point and perhaps the couple’s favorite feature of all. Complete with a spa and waterfall, this pool is a visual centerpiece, even in winter.
THE WARMTH
With a sprawling design and multiple fully furnished living spaces, the homeowners can have their kids and grandkids over any time so that the family can enjoy the Shore together. After all, the home is just four blocks from the beach—though the pool may still be the most popular pick. Even with all the space, the home embodies the warmth and gratitude that CMM experienced and enjoyed while working with the clients to bring their dream home to life.
IT ALL STARTS WITH IDENTIFYING YOUR IDEAL LOCATION!
See Our Unique Process at teamcmm.com/our-process.
CMM has been a leader in custom home building at the Jersey Shore since 1983, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and dedication to quality. As a family-owned and operated business, CMM takes a highly personalized approach to every home it builds. For more information, visit www.teamcmm.com.
Running Down a Dream
The story of Miles Ahead Sports is one of a decadeslong relay race, with the baton being passed from one generation to the next.
BY MOLLY MECHLER
LLOCATED JUST BLOCKS from the Sea Girt boardwalk, Miles Ahead Sports has grown into more than a running store—it’s become a trusted cornerstone of the community. With its signature slogan, “Running at the Shore, Since 1984,” the shop has spent four decades helping runners of all ages and every skill level find the perfect fit. Behind its success lies a love story, a marathoner’s grit and a family’s enduring passion for movement.
Bruce and Sharon Robinson have been a team ever since their days as high school sweethearts at West Essex High School in North Caldwell, New Jersey, where they graduated in 1968. In 1971, drawn by a sense of adventure, they followed a close friend who was studying art to Washington D.C. and eventually settled in Silver Spring, Maryland.
It was in Silver Spring that Bruce’s athletic journey began. While working at a store called Racket and Jog, he became the go-to guy for all things running, even resoling shoes for local athletes. Over time, he became the
Sharon and Bruce Robinson in front of the original “shoe tree.”
go-to guy for all things running—even resoling shoes for local athletes.
The pull of the Jersey Shore, where Bruce and Sharon had both spent their childhood summers, eventually became too strong to resist. In 1983, they settled in Manasquan. Bruce spent a few days a week making ice cream in his cousin’s shop, Circle Freeze, when a conversation with the landlord changed his trajectory. The commercial space next door had just become available, and Bruce was encouraged to take on his next big leap forward: opening a store of his own.
According to Bruce, “We spent six months designing, renovating and setting up the space.” In May 1984, Miles Ahead Sports officially opened its
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
- Lao Tzu
doors. The store’s name is a clever nod to running but was actually inspired by the 1957 jazz album by Miles Davis, one of Bruce’s musical heroes. As a lifelong music lover, Bruce saw the title as the perfect blend of his two passions.
Outside the original location stood a towering tree, which eventually became adorned with sneakers dangling from nearly every branch. The spectacle began as a playful challenge between Bruce and his brother-in-law Scott, as they were competing to see who could throw their shoes the highest. Over time, the Miles Ahead shoe tree became a beloved local landmark.
After 28 years at its original location, Miles Ahead Sports outgrew the space
and the shoe tree. On March 12, 2012, following a six-month renovation, the store opened the doors of its current location at 2100 Highway 35. With this move came an updated logo—a Grateful Dead-style “Stealie” with a runner at the center—inspired by one of Sharon’s favorite bands.
Today, the store remains a lively gathering place where new and longtime customers can find the best footwear along with stories, support, race-day memories and advice from familiar faces.
BORN TO RUN
Over the years, countless customers have gotten to know Bruce as a friendly and knowledgeable local business
Left: The Miles Ahead team. Right: Sharon and Bruce Robinson in their store, 2025.
owner, but he’s also a legendary athlete.
After taking a four-year break from running following high school, Bruce was inspired by watching Frank Shorter and Steve Prefontaine at the 1972 Olympics. “I thought to myself, I could do that.” And he did—over many years of incredible athletic success.
“Kind of like Forrest Gump, I just signed up for races and kept on running.”
With nothing but his high school track experience to draw on, Bruce entered his first marathon in 1973—
The George Washington’s Birthday Marathon—a three-loop course around government-owned property in Beltsville, Maryland. He crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 40 minutes and muttered the famous last words of countless runners before him, “I’m never doing that again.”
But just two short months later, he found himself at the starting line of the Boston Marathon. And as Bruce continued to race, his times improved. He finished his first Boston Marathon in 3 hours and 5 minutes.
In September 1973, he ran his first New York City Marathon, which was then held entirely in Central Park. He finished in 2 hours and 42 minutes. For some perspective, fewer than 3% of New York City Marathon participants finish in under three hours.
Years passed and Bruce’s times kept
improving. His personal best? A jawdropping 2 hours and 18 minutes at the 1978 Boston Marathon, a time that found him passing Frank Shorter, one of his own athletic heroes. (Imagine maintaining a steady pace of 5 minutes and 17 seconds per mile—and then maintaining that pace for the entire marathon distance of 26.2 miles.)
Bruce made personal history yet again at the 1980 Olympic Trials in Buffalo, edging out Shorter as he was competing for a spot on the U.S. team. His Olympic dreams were cut short when the U.S. boycotted that year’s games, but his drive never faltered.
Over time, Bruce would complete 100 marathons around the world, six Ironman races in Hawaii, 20 biathlons, 50 triathlons and countless shorter races along the way. “The celebration
after the race is always the best part,” he says with a laugh.
SOLE PURPOSE
The story of Miles Ahead has always been a shared journey. Through every mile, Sharon has been at Bruce’s side, helping to raise their children Courtney and Shaun, while also growing their business from the ground up.
After 9/11, Courtney left her job in New York City to raise her own family and assist in running the store fulltime. Shaun, who had occasionally helped with bookkeeping, became an instrumental part of the business after Bruce faced health challenges. In 2023, Shaun stepped in permanently to help bring the store into the digital space.
These days, Bruce and Sharon
Top: Sharon and Bruce Robinson, circa 1984.
Left: Miles Ahead’s first location opened its doors in 1984.
and their six grandchildren can be found at the shop chatting with the customers. They also help behind the counter, followed by a trip to Little Dom’s, their favorite pizza place, with Oma and Pops.
Now more than ever, the Miles Ahead team is more like family than staff. Longtime team members include Jay Russell, who started with tent sales in 1990 and has been onboard ever since; Gunnar Svendsen, a founding member of the store’s original running team, now celebrating 27 years; and Keith Matthews, who brought his deep technical knowledge from Foot Locker when he joined in 2003.
“We were all runners,” says Bruce. “Once a week, we’d head out for 20 miles. I never even knew how far we were going, I was too busy talking to my friends.”
THE HOME STRETCH
Today, Bruce is sidelined from competitive running, following double knee replacements. However, he can still regale a listener with decades’ worth of incredible memories. He smiles as he remembers the highlights, like placing third in his very first over 40 Ironman division or running three marathons in under three months. “I just kept signing up,” he laughs. “I didn’t really think about how close together they were.”
On an average day, a Miles Ahead customer might hear a race recap from the Honolulu Marathon, which Bruce managed to complete while recovering from an illness. They might hear a mountain biking story from Allaire State Park. They might even leave the store feeling inspired to train for their first triathlon. No matter what that
customer is looking for, Miles Ahead has always been about much more than gear. It’s about life in motion. At 41 years and counting, Bruce and Sharon are still running the race of life—with a team, a town and a great family at their sides. Their story is a decades-long relay, with the baton passing from one generation to the next. While the store has grown and evolved, its heart remains unchanged: a welcoming space where runners of all ages and abilities find more than sneakers. They find encouragement, camaraderie and a starting line just a few blocks from the sea.
Follow Miles Ahead on Instagram @milesaheadsports, Facebook at Miles Ahead, or visit their website at www.milesaheadsports.com.
Molly Mechler is a dedicated mother, seasoned educator, avid reader, recreational runner, thrifty shopper and local beach lover infused with a visionary mind for writing.
Bruce Robinson has completed over 100 marathons since 1973, including an incredible personal best of 2:18 at the Boston Marathon in 1978.
OQueen of the Javelin
A Jersey shore woman’s recordbreaking javelin journey.
BY JACQUELINE LITOWINSKY
OLYMPIAN BOBBI Friedrich Parcinski had very few examples of women like her when beginning her athletic career. Little did she know she would set a javelin record that would never be broken. Athletes like Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles and so many more have become synonymous with 21st century women’s sports in America. But their meteoric rise to fame wouldn’t have been possible without athletes like
76-year-old Barbara “Bobbi” Friedrich Parcinski.
Bobbi started her athletic career in elementary school at the Jersey Shore. Her first high school throw was 75 feet, which was when she joined the boys’ team at Manasquan High School and started training with her coach, George Bower, on an individual basis.
“Mr. Bower would be coaching the boys, so I had to wait for him for three or four hours,” Parcinski says. “I came home at seven o’clock every night, ate dinner and went right to bed. I practiced for four hours every day. I did the shot put, discus, javelin, high jump, long jump, hurdles—I did all the races from the 100 meters all
the way up.”
Still, Bobbi beat them all when it came to the boys on the team. “In my freshman year (1964), I competed in the Olympic trials and came in seventh place,” Bobbi says. “By my junior year, I made the United States team in the meet over in California where I competed against other countries. And I threw in the high 180s back then; that was pretty good.”
SETTING THE STAGE
In her early athletic career, Parcinski competed in Newark and local Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) track meets. In her senior year in 1967, she threw the javelin a whopping 198 feet, 8 inches, setting the U.S. record and
having the second-best throw in the world at the time. “I was very mad at my coach, George Bower. He wouldn’t come over to help me,” she says. “So, when I threw the javelin, it went so far it went over the official’s head and he had to chase after it. It was a record for the United States, for the girls’ high school record, and World Junior record for my age.”
And no one will ever be able to take away Bobbi’s National High School Record, as javelin specifications were changed in 2000 to make the spear land sooner for safety reasons. “They lower the grip [of the javelin] down more, so it’s harder to throw, so [my record] stays in the books forever,” she says.
After her record-breaking javelin throw in 1967, Parcinski’s Olympic trials bid was finally successful. In order to make it to the Olympics, she had to place top three and set a qualifying mark anytime during the season. She managed to finish in first place at the Denver trials, even while under the weather. “My mom went with me, and I got very sick,” Parcinski says. “I lost 10 pounds. The
high altitude affected it. When I got off the plane, the blood just gushed right out of my nose. We were 5,000 feet above sea level.”
However, Bobbi didn’t let that stop her. Still in her senior year of high school, she won gold for javelin at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg. The Pan American Games are the world’s third-largest multi-sport Games, surpassed only
in size by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. “I was the best of Canada, the United States and South America and set a Pan American record,” Parcinski says. She also participated in the Olympic trials for the ’72, ’76, ’80, and ’84 games. “The Olympics was like a home for all athletes all over the world,” she says. “We played ping pong. We had dinner together in the cafeteria. We worked out together.”
FROM COMPETITOR TO COACH
After returning home to New Jersey after the Olympics, she went to Newark State College (now Kean University). “It was hard. Nobody cared about whether we were in sports or not back in those days,” Parcinski says. “I had to motivate myself. I didn’t need anybody to tell me good luck and all this other stuff. I did it myself.” Things got easier, though, when she ended up coaching after graduating from Newark State. While coaching, she started competing in state and national events again, this time alongside the young women she trained.
She continued coaching and taught physical education at Tom’s River High School South for 32 years. She says that she and her students were a “happy family” during those three decades. Besides teaching and throwing the javelin, Bobbi played golf, tennis and bowled. She says she wanted to become a professional in golf, but “the javelin got in the way.” She was also very successful in her winter
training event, the basketball throw, which she did to stay in shape when it was too cold to throw the javelin outdoors. She won the gold in the women’s basketball throw four years in a row from 1965 to 1968 in the AAU’s USA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
In terms of the consistent rise in the popularity of women’s sports in recent years, Parcinski likes the idea, pointing to trailblazers like Billie Jean King. However, seeing athletes get paid millions is a tough pill to swallow given the fact that she would not have been able to make a living playing professional sports in her heyday. But she keeps a positive outlook on everything her career brought her. “The joy of sport, of throwing [the javelin], is more important than money,” she says.
LIFE AFTER THE JAVELIN
Bobbi grew up in Spring Lake Heights, where she lives today. Her home is cozy and full of family photos new and old, dating back to a time before her grandparents,
Zachary and Helen Litowinsky, immigrated to America from Ukraine. Many of the photos are of her and her late husband Cliff, a lifeguard and fellow athlete who played football and ran track for the Army. Though retired, Parcinski remains remarkably active and fit— a lifestyle that continues to serve her well. “I’m 76 years old,” she says. “I’m tired. I competed for 17 years. That’s a lot.”
Those 17 years of competition are reflected throughout her home, full of relics of her professional athletic career—a carefully curated folding book of medals, illustrations of her younger sport-obsessed self that were gifted by her aunt Olga “Jean” Litowinsky and various clothing items with embroidery indicative of a long history with the Olympics.
At the end of the day, Parcinski has cemented her name in the history books. Her recognition is far-ranging: In 1981, she was inducted into the Kean University Hall of Fame; in 2000, she was awarded Monmouth University’s Rebecca Stafford
Leadership Award for women who have made a difference for female athletes; in 2008, she was inducted into the Manasquan High School Hall of Fame; in 2012, she was recognized at the BlueClaws’ Olympian Night, throwing the first pitch; in 2019, she was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame and recognized in a Board of Education meeting at Manasquan High School.
With all the highs and lows in her storied career, Parcinski has tuned out anything that distracted her from her love of throwing the javelin. Her advice is not to dwell on life’s setbacks, but instead to focus on enjoying the moment. “Just be glad that you were able to do it,” she says.
Jackie Litowinsky is an incoming senior at Seton Hall University, where she’s double majoring in Public Relations and Journalism. She served this past year as The Setonian’s head News editor.
Artists of the Jersey Shore
Two local artists bring their creativity and coastal flair to the Jersey Shore.
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
INTERVIEW WITH NICOLE SHARROCK-BARRY AND DONNA VORBACH
NICOLE SHARROCK-BARRY and DONNA VORBACH bring their own style and unique vision to their art. Donna draws from emotional storytelling and an eye for subtle detail. Nicole infuses her projects with meaning, imagination and insight.
Left: Nicole Sharrock-Barry Above: Donna Vorbach
Nicole, what is The Gilded Clam, and how did you start this unique business?
I started The Gilded Clam in my garage two years ago. I grew up just a block from the beach in Belmar, where summer meant decorating shells with my best friend Joe and selling them to tourists. Life took me away for a while, but when I returned home, the urge to pick up that childhood hobby also returned. This time I wanted to make something that people hadn’t seen before (and honestly, I hadn’t either). I wanted to bring the thing in my imagination to life. I envisioned each shell to be a miniature work of art. To hold pictures and special memories. I made so many mistakes I almost quit several times. Melting a flat image into the concave surface of a shell is really frustrating. I worked in my garage for months experimenting with inks, gold leaf, resin and baking techniques.
The Gilded Clam was born! The results were stunning—people
really fell in love with them, and soon the orders started coming in. Each shell became a tiny time capsule, capturing moments and messages that resonated with people on a deeply personal level.
Each shell tells a story; a wedding proposal, a graduation, a favorite beach day, a tribute to someone missed. The packaging is also intentional. Each shell comes in a saltwater taffy box and includes a gold display stand. They range from $28 to $35, but the value is far more than the price tag. These shells are treasures: personalized, one-of-akind and filled with meaning.
I’ve now made over 800 shells, all by hand in my garage, and people still pick them up from a little bin under my mailbox. The Gilded Clam is no longer just about the shells themselves. It’s about storytelling, about giving people something that reminds them of a special time or place. It’s about making something that says, ‘I remember this moment, and it mattered to me.’
I was even honored to be included in Who’s Who in America 2025 for Innovations in Art!
Find The Gilded Clam on Facebook and Instagram @thegildedclam. To place an order, text 732.233.2768.
Nicole Sharrock-Barry transforms handpicked seashells into personalized keepsakes. Each shell comes from nearby shores and becomes a one-of-a-kind design.
Donna, tell us about your journey of becoming a portrait artist.
I was at St. Catherine’s Church, thinking about my life—about what kind of painter I wanted to be. I remember feeling envious of the French Impressionists. They had such beauty around them—the world was pristine and filled with visual poetry. Then I saw a little girl—she was wearing her Easter best, calm and poised by the pew. And I realized: Children’s clothes haven’t changed much. Children are timeless. Always beautiful. And I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll paint children.’ That moment in church gave me focus.
But even as I worked on it, I felt a little restrained. I realized no matter how many portraits I painted, I never tired of the human face. The psychology, the nuance, the story behind each expression. That realization made me
move fully into portraiture.
So, when I decided to be commissioned, I felt so at home in Spring Lake as if I already knew it again, like I had been reborn there. Even though many people had left, I knew the homes, I knew the streets, the trees and the sidewalks. I’d go door to door, introduce myself to people. I loved it because I was in my hometown, and I was just so happy walking those streets on a summer day. It gave me a kind of confidence. I was so connected to Spring Lake. I was a different person there. And from that work, I was painting stories that I was so familiar with.
Jennifer Delgado (a photographer) helped launch my career. I wanted to be a portrait artist, but I was clumsy with the camera and new to working with clients. So I called Jennifer
and said, ‘Jennifer, you are taking photographs of the exact images I want to paint.’ I told her: ‘You’re hired. When I get my next commission, you’ll be my photographer.’
We were working with the same vision. I could get what I wanted to see, and Jennifer could capture it. It was like we had parallel visions.
I also love the collaboration with Jennifer and with my clients. They have been better than some of my college teachers. Things happen during a photo shoot, and sometimes the best photographs for portraits happen because the child just posed themself, and they reveal their personality. And from there comes the story; a great painter tells a great story.
For more information please call Donna at 848.207.6589.
Kutcher is a local mom of three, and enjoys theatre, reading, the beach and family adventures.
Donna Vorbach captures timeless moments against the serene beauty of Spring Lake. Her meticulously curated paintings are inspired by the sand, shore and stories of our coastal community.
Danielle
Coldwell Banker Realty
Susan Bastardo Realtor Associate, SRES C: 732.245.5848 | NJShoreEstates.com
Spring Lake Office: 732.449.2777 1122 Third Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762 susan.bastardo@cbmoves.com
Susan has a proven track record of success. Susan’s clients rely heavily on her knowledge, experience, and strong negotiation skills to reach their real estate goals. Families, investors, & builders place their trust in Susan. Her SRES designation, NJR Distinquished Sales Club Award, Five Star Award, & CB Sterling Award places Susan in the top 12% of CB’s agents worldwide. Susan believes in educating her clients so they can make the best decision possible. If you need a dedicated, full-time, realtor call Susan!
2024 Client Testimonial – ”Susan changed her whole schedule around to help us close on our dream home! She was with us every step of the way. Call Susan, you won’t be disappointed!”
Photo by Amy Nolan
PLANTING
the Seed
A community effort transforms Sea Girt’s once abandoned park.
BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI
EDGEMERE PARK was one of those places to drive past along Beacon Boulevard in Sea Girt on the way to the beach or on the way out of town. It wasn’t given a second look since there was nothing remarkable about it. Many healthy trees were lost over the years because it had become so overgrown with invasive weeds and vines. The only area that still flourished was a small patch near the road where Sea Girt Beautification Committee members planted seasonal flowers, however, even that went by the wayside because of a lack of water.
A NEW ERA
What once felt like a lost cause began to turn around in 2020, offering a new sense of hope. Councilwoman Diane Anthony “planted the seed” for the creation of the Sea Girt Conservancy. Conservancy members, along with town volunteers, got to work cutting, weeding and pruning to rid the park of the thousands of
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA LILLY
invasive weeds that had taken hold. It seemed like an overwhelming task until eventually an interesting “smothering” process was tried. Piles of flattened cardboard and many layers of mulch helped further choke the invasive plants and vines.
As this project proceeded, it was supported through generous donations to the Sea Girt Conservancy by residents, private donations and grants. The park cleanup continued with help from the Sea Girt Firehouse and The Department of Public Works to forward the Conservancy’s mission “to promote the preservation, enjoyment and ongoing maintenance of Sea Girt’s parks and open spaces for the environment and the benefit of the public, thus ensuring the continuation of these valuable resources for current and future generations.”
Today, Edgemere Park’s trees are returning to health once again. One of the wonders of the park the
Conservancy group uncovered was that two species of trees had been hidden under the massive vines—a magnificent Big Leaf Magnolia and stunning Cottonwoods were rescued.
POLLINATOR GARDEN
A pollinator garden—a habitat that supports the biodiversity needed by the insect and bird kingdoms—also thrives in Edgemere Park. It supplies food, shelter and areas to breed and also attracts pollinating insects known as pollinators. The gardens are planted with native plants and wildflowers that attract such pollinators. Solitary bees, migratory butterflies, moths, hummingbirds and other beneficial creatures visit and transfer pollen from flower to flower.
The Sea Girt Conservancy members Donna Thurston and Tom Trivella are just two of the workers who spend time enjoying this habitat. The pollinator garden has been planted with over 2,000 plants, shrubs and trees thus far,
Opposite page, top: Members of the Sea Girt Conservancy and town volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring a pollinator garden to life at Edgemere Park in Sea Girt.
This page: Jack Horan (above) and Kali Karagias (right) are just two of the volunteers who roll up their sleeves and work on making this pollinator garden thrive.
and additional plantings are scheduled for the future.
“I am so pleased when people stop by the garden to talk about their childhood memories of riding bicycles and playing tag in the park so many years ago before the invasion of invasive weeds and vines was rampant,” remarks Donna Thurston. “Passersby are happy to see what we have done with the pollinator garden. Some even comment that Edgemere has become a nature museum!”
Mike Matthews, an environmental specialist and member of the Conservancy says: “People are becoming more aware of the need for pollinators. Much has been written about
the decline of the honeybee population attributed to the loss of habitat, pesticides and hive infestation from the Verroa Mite. Another parasite, the Tropi Mite, is headed this way from South East Asia, India and Pakistan. These dangers make the preservation of our native bees more important than ever. Fortunately, native bees are a diverse group, many of which are solitary—not living in hives—and luckily, are less susceptible to mite infestations.”
Thanks to the leadership and the dedication of The Sea Girt Conservancy members, as well as the many Sea Girt resident volunteers, Edgemere is not an
abandoned park and garden any longer. It has transcended from an overgrown invasive plant wasteland to a beautifully bountiful environmental landscape. Edgemere Park and its pollinator garden have a bright future filled with the wonders of nature—a bright haven of trees, flowers and native bees for all to enjoy.
The Conservancy gives tours of this garden. Visit their website at seagirtcconservancy.org for more information.
Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident, a member of the Holly Club and the author of “The Sisterhood of Diabetes.”
Opposite page: Councilwoman Diane Anthony (left center) joins Conservancy members in celebrating the discovery of new pollinator species and native blooms—revealed only after clearing the area of invasive weeds and vines.
This page: Volunteers of all ages dig in with enthusiasm—embracing the hard work and ongoing upkeep that keeps the pollinator garden flourishing.
From the Ground up
Jersey Shore Lawn Sprinkler keeps the Garden State irrigated.
IN THE WORLD of irrigation, one simple rule has carried Jersey Shore Lawn Sprinkler Construction Company to national recognition: Put the client first. That philosophy, rooted in customization and integrity, has helped the Toms River-based company become one of the 75 largest irrigation businesses in the country, as ranked by Irrigation Business & Technology.
The company got its unofficial start in 1985 when Anthony’s father, Anthony A. Sierchio Sr., a police lieutenant, first took on an irrigation job for a friend’s shopping center. From the beginning, the company was a true grassroots effort. Donato, one of the Sierchio sons, joined him on that first job. The two worked part-time, teaching themselves the ropes.
After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Anthony Junior was looking for his next step. He landed an irrigation contract for a gas station under construction. That was when Jersey Shore Lawn Sprinkler officially got its name.
Today, the company is co-owned by Anthony, Donato and Christopher Sierchio—all of whom remain deeply involved in day-to-day operations. Whether the project is a small residential job or a multi-acre installation, one of the owners is always on-site with the crew.
Jersey Shore Lawn Sprinkler now employs a team of 37, including nine service crews and three installation crews who work year-round, offering same-day or next-day service. Clients include schools, churches, shopping centers, parks, golf courses, health care facilities like Jersey Shore University Medical Center and even FirstEnergy Park, home of the Lakewood BlueClaws.
The company stays ahead of the curve by embracing conservation and smart irrigation technologies. Their systems are designed to minimize waste, and each new installation comes with a two-year warranty on parts and labor, plus two spring start-ups and winterizations—crucial services that protect a customer’s investment.
But what truly sets Jersey Shore Lawn Sprinkler apart is its team culture. Many team members have been with the company for more than 30 years, forming a tight-knit crew that values quality and respect. “We make sure every job site is left cleaner than when we arrived,” says Anthony. “And we train every customer to feel confident using their system.”
As they look to the future, the Sierchios remain focused on the same principle that started it all: service rooted in trust and quality. “When
your project needs an irrigation and well system, we provide expert installation at a competitive price with the most comprehensive warranties available,” says Anthony. “We care about our clients’ needs, including their schedule and their bottom line. We’ve been providing quality you can trust since 1985 and will continue for many decades to come.”
SUNRISE IN JULY by Michael Scotto. Follow @mjscottphotography on Instagram for more like this!
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PHOTO OP EARLY MORNING
Megan Schell Schnurr
Realtor Associate
Just Listed – Manasquan River Crossing – Howell
Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood is this beautifully maintained 4 BD, 4.5 BA, 5,810 square-foot colonial which sits on over two very private acres. The following has been updated since 2020: the master shower and all bathrooms in the other three bedrooms were gutted and done to perfection, as well as maple floors for the entire second. The Belgian block driveway, fence, outdoor patio kitchen pavilion and sprinkler system all new in 2020. Brand-new stainless-steel appliances have recently been installed in the kitchen, which includes an oversized Subzero refrigerator, Wolf wall oven and microwave, and two new dishwashers. Home offers plenty of storage and most of the closets are custom from Closet Tec. Home has stunning landscape lighting, outdoor kitchen and a whole house generator. $1,525,000
