This month, Spring Lake Theatre presents “Annie,” the beloved musical that sparks joy and laughter.
22 Lifeguards in the Making
The Sea Girt Junior Guard doesn’t just train lifeguards, it teaches kids determination, teamwork and respect for the ocean.
IN THIS ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Sunny Days Ahead
8 HOME FRONT
Clear the Clutter
12 LIFE OUTDOORS
Beyond the Finish Line
28 BOOK NOOK
Turning the Page
32 PHOTO OP A Summer Evening COVER
The cast of “Annie” poses in character.
Photograph by Christina Lilly.
Denise Dreyer
REALTOR® Associate GRI, ABR, SRS, SRES
Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty | Sea Girt
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ASUNNY DAYS AHEAD
AS I SIT DOWN to type this letter, it’s early June. It has been a very rainy spring, so every sunny day feels like a little gift. But it also feels like a frantic rush to get all the sunny day things in at once! I look forward to the celebratory vibe of July and all that makes high summer at the Jersey Shore special.
On this month’s cover, we are featuring the cast of Annie, which is taking place at the Spring Lake Community House this month.
I am so excited to share the enthusiasm of this production with the community. As a theatre mom, I know how thrilling it is for the kids to be cast in an SL Theatre Company production. Annie is such an iconic show and a rite of passage for so many young performers. I look forward to catching this show and seeing so many familiar faces on stage. We also highlight the Sea Girt Junior Guards program. One of the largest on the East Coast, many of the junior guards end up on the big lifeguard stands once they hit age 16. Certainly, one of the unique opportunities you have when you grow up by the ocean.
In our Book Nook section, we showcase the fantastic new location of Thunder Road Books in Spring Lake. How lucky are we to have such an amazing independent bookstore right here in town?
Be sure to keep up your running and sign up for the Sea Girt 5K! Featured in our Life Outdoors section, the SG5K is a fun community event that gets everyone together in the first week of August. This will be their 34th year! Happy Summer and enjoy July!
Warmly,
Brynn Coleman Publisher
Spring Lake MAGAZINE
Publisher & Editor
Brynn Coleman
Editorial Coordinator & Lead Writer
Danielle Kutcher
Lead Photographer
Christina Lilly
Writers
Kerry Serzan
Judith Jones-Ambrosini
Rachel Ruding
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.
Clear the Clutter
Transforming your garage into a haven of productivity.
BY RACHEL RUDING
IN THE WORLD of luxury living, attention to detail is everything—from the curated textures of your interiors to the scent of your hand-poured candles. Yet, one area often escapes this thoughtful design philosophy: the garage. Traditionally viewed as a utilitarian space, the modern garage is quietly undergoing a transformation. With careful organization and intentional design, it becomes more than a storage solution—it evolves into a productivity sanctuary and a vital extension of your home.
ORDER AS A DAILY CATALYST
We live in a time when mental clarity and personal efficiency are the ultimate luxuries. A disorganized garage—cluttered tools, misplaced hardware, stacked storage bins—can unconsciously introduce stress into the simplest of tasks. Imagine, instead, starting your day in a space where everything has its place. Your pickleball gear is within reach, tools are sorted and gleaming in custom cabinetry, seasonal decor is neatly labeled and tucked away. Order fosters clarity. It eliminates the small frictions that slow us down, turning a quick bike repair, a spontaneous DIY project or even unpacking groceries into seamless experiences.
BEAUTY IN FUNCTION
High-end design is not about excess; it’s about elegance through function. Today’s luxury garages are designed with the same attention to detail as kitchens or walk in closets. Think polished concrete floors, wall-mounted storage systems and maximizing every space with purpose and function. These upgrades elevate the garage from “space between spaces” to a design moment in itself. With thoughtful layout and custom storage
solutions, even your tools become part of the aesthetic—carefully chosen, artfully displayed and ready for action.
ELEVATING DAILY ROUTINES
From home workouts to creative workshops, the modern garage is no longer just for parking. When organized well, it becomes a multipurpose studio—part gym, part workshop, part storage facility. Everything you need to maintain your home and hobbies is accessible without chaos. This efficiency not only saves time, it brings a sense of ease to everyday tasks, allowing you to engage with your space more meaningfully. In an effort to simplify a repair, restock the bulk groceries, get in and out of the house easier…whatever the focus may be, having an organized garage encourages taking a repetitive daily task from overwhelming or discouraging to positive and productive.
INVESTMENT IN PEACE OF MIND
Beyond beauty and utility, an organized garage adds value—both to your home and your lifestyle. It reduces wear and tear on belongings, enhances safety and introduces a sense of calm to the daily routine.
So as you consider your next design upgrade, don’t overlook the garage. With the right approach, it becomes more than a catch-all. It becomes a refined space of purpose, perfectly aligned with your home—and your life.
On Track and Organized is a local business that offers organization, packing, personal assistant services as well as home staging and estate sales. Find more information at ontrackandorganized.com or 908-770-3891.
FINISH LINE Beyond the
The Sea Girt 5K is affectionately referred to as “a homegrown race,” a sentiment that reflects its deep roots in the local community.
BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI
IT ALL STARTED IN 1991
when a small group of Sea Girt residents, led by Marcy Grough, formed an informal run through town to benefit the Recreation Department. Although not an official 5K race, it was an enjoyable way for Sea Girt residents to bond and have a good time. Marcy stayed on as a volunteer as others stepped in to direct and help.
Among those who joined the effort were Mike Crowley, Dolores Randazzo, Jerry Joyce, Lynette McMoran and Bonnie Fitzpatrick. This informal run continued until the mid-1990’s. It was then that Jean Kurtz, along with other leaders in the community, took over the task of organizing the race. Even today, some of those original volunteers still show up on race day to lend a hand.
The race went on pause for a
few years in the late 1990s. Then in 2001, Sea Girt resident and avid runner Mary Lyons stepped up to revive it as an official 5K. With the support of Sargeant Potts from the Sea Girt Police Department, she secured permission to organize a proper road race through town. With help from other town parents, they created a sanctioned course, obtained official timers and set out to find sponsors. That first revived race saw mostly kids at the starting line, with just a handful of adult runners joining in.
“It was such fun and the kids got ice cream after the race. As the race grew, T-shirts were made on a shoestring budget and eventually local sponsors came on board. Not only did sponsors donate dollars, they also actively volunteered on race day. It was grassroots, and everybody had fun,” Mary recalls.
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
The Sea Girt 5K epitomizes what can be accomplished when a small town works together. “It’s a great community effort of our volunteers. Runners tell me our race is different from other local races, and maybe it’s because of this effort,” remarks Race Director Mike D’Altrui. The Sea Girt Police, Fire Department and Public Works—along with Manasquan First Aid—work together to support the event and ensure the safety of all race participants.
The generosity of sponsors always plays a major part in the success of the event, but the race could not run without the winning team of dedicated hands-on volunteers who work with great enthusiasm to see that every detail is covered. From handling registration and organizing T-shirts, to setting up food tables, staffing water stations, cheering on participants and handing out medals—every detail is covered with care. Mike D’Altrui also gives credit
to his wife Janine, their children and the dedicated Race Committee for helping bring the event to life. The committee includes Mike Matthews, Marianne Schobel, Jill Weber, Jen and Bryan Perry and Matt Begley.
THIS YEAR’S EVENT
The Sea Girt 5K will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8:30 a.m., starting at 810 The Plaza. It will be the 34th race, and Mike D’Altrui’s 20th as Race Director. When Mike and his family had settled into their new home in Sea Girt, he noticed an ad in the local newspaper for a Race Director for the Sea Girt 5K. Being new in town, he decided to volunteer for the job, as it would be a way of becoming part of his new community. Soon after applying for the position, retiring race director Mary Lyons called to congratulate him on becoming the newly appointed Sea Girt 5K Race Director.
Becoming the Race Director would also be a way for him to be involved
in something he enjoyed. Mike had run cross country in high school and later went on to complete several marathons. While in graduate school at the University of Georgia, he organized the campus Bull Dog 5K to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Over the years, the number of runners and walkers has steadily grown. This year, 3,250 entries are expected. One of the categories is the Senior Group, which used to be 65 and up. However, in 2024 the oldest runner, Olie Nelson, 88, crossed the finish line in 51 minutes, and Chick Alber, 82, ran in at 37.48 minutes. As a result, race age group categories are now 80 and up. Who knows what stiff competition this year’s senior runners will face?
Let’s not forget the music! Along the route, four bands get runners stepping up their pace, with The Billy Lawlor band at the start and finish line. Resident Mary Dougherty welcomes one of the bands to park in her driveway, asking that they play the theme from “Rocky” to keep the crowd energized. Trumpet player Dave DeMonico is always a familiar site as he sets himself up at the 1-mile water stop where he blows his horn with his right hand and snaps terrific photos of the runners with his iPhone 15, held in his left hand. There is an electric guitar player who strums away to the beat of the runners. The solitary bagpiper, clad in his kilt, stands on the boardwalk year after year, serenading the passing runners.
WHAT TO EXPECT
“The weather is always that one unpredictable factor we can always count on. We hope it will favor us,” Mike remarked. One year, the weather forecast called for rain on race day, so a couple of the organizers bought kids beach buckets and distributed them to runners at the registration tables. When the race kicked off a steady rain began to fall. Runners put the sand buckets on their heads to keep dry.
“It was quite a funny sight!” laughs Mary Lyons.
The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. and usually winds down around 9:30 a.m. By then, the ambulance has followed the last walkers toward the finish line. Typically, the kids get their turn to race at 10 a.m. They run shorter sprints that range from 25 yards for the 2 to 3-year-olds, up to 400 yards for the 10 to 12-year-olds. After their race, it’s time for fun and games, and a carnival atmosphere begins. An inflatable obstacle course, pony rides, a bounce house, face painting and an ice cream truck make for a grand time on the Boston Green.
When the running and walking is finished, it’s time to enjoy donated fruit, muffins, water, bagels and sports drinks. It’s at this time when custom medals are awarded to runners in various categories. Then the celebration continues at Fratello’s Restaurant, the official race after-party spot, where jubilant finishers gather as “BJ the DJ” kicks off singalongs and the crowd enjoys the festive atmosphere.
RACING FOR A CAUSE
In addition to being an annual town event, the Sea Girt 5K has a deeper purpose. Each year, a portion of the proceeds support Sea Girt Recreation, while an additional share is donated to
a selected local charity. This year’s Sea Girt 5K is centered around the theme of kindness, with proceeds benefiting the Kindness Café—located inside the Manasquan Bank at 305 Route 71 in Spring Lake. The organization provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs. The Kindness Cafe is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Be sure to stop by for coffee and some of their delicious baked goods.
Past charitable beneficiaries have included Fulfill Foodbank, the Samaritan Center, the Ashley Lauren Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs, Rallycap Sports Foundation and others.
In 2019, the Sea Girt 5K, under the umbrella of Sea Girt Recreation, helped create the LIFT Fund for Veterans at Monmouth Habitat for Humanity. An annual Patriot Polar Plunge is held every February at Beacon Boulevard Beach in Sea Girt to continue aiding this worthy cause.
Over the past twenty years, over $800,000 has been raised by this hometown 5K for Sea Girt Recreation and local charitable organizations. Most recently the Sea Girt 5K established the Maryann Apostolou Memorial Scholarship, honoring the legacy of the beloved kindergarten teacher from Sea Girt Elementary School. The scholarship is awarded to a high school senior from Sea Girt who exemplifies kindness to others, as embodied by Ms. Apostolou.
The mission and goal of the Sea Girt 5K remain the same: to organize a hometown event with community involvement, to make a difference in the Sea Girt community and to have fun while doing it. As Mary Lyons states, “The Sea Girt 5K is more than a local town event, it is something that comes from the heart.”
Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident, author and Holly Club member, ran the Sea Girt 5K for over a decade and plans to walk it this year!
“Annie” Hits the Spring Lake Stage
The heartwarming classic returns to The Spring Lake Theatre this July, with toe-tapping tunes, lovable characters and feel-good moments.
DANIELLE KUTCHER
WWHEN “ANNIE” first opened on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre (now The Neil Simon Theatre) on April 21, 1977, a young Andrea McArdle stepped onto the stage wearing the now-iconic red wig and dress. Since then, the role of Annie has launched the careers of Sarah Jessica Parker, Brittny Kissinger and Lilla Crawford. Even stars like Molly Ringwald and Alyssa Milano got their start in the ensemble, playing orphans in this
musical favorite.
“Annie” continues to inspire the next generation of New Jersey talent. Its roots run deep in our state, with productions on local stages that give countless young actors their first big chance to shine. Additionally, the 1982 film adaptation was partly filmed at Monmouth University in West Long Branch. The Great Hall at Shadow Lawn was transformed into the mansion of billionaire Oliver “Daddy”
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA LILLY
Top left: Spring Lake Theatre produces crowd favorite, “Annie,” every several years. The 2017 cast, pictured here, starred Gwyneth Fahy as Annie. Photograph by Michael Scotto.
From left: Clara Fiorilli, Avery Schmidt, Willa Hansen, Emilia Fiorilli, Anna Roehrig, Kay Losinger, Iris King, Zoey Carnahan, Gwenyth Mencel, Calla Ibrahim, Sophia Zavalas, Lucy Phoebus, Leanne Lardieri, Avery Clark, Sunny Carnahan, Adelaide Hayes, Madeleine Schiavone
Warbucks. Over the course of filming, various parts of the building were used to depict the grandeur of Warbucks’ New York residence. The production also involved the local community, with many residents serving as extras in the film.
“Annie” will be coming to The Spring Lake Theatre from July 9th to 20th, with Miss Hannigan, Daddy Warbucks, Annie and the orphans leading the way. This isn’t the first time “Annie” has graced the stage at The Spring Lake Theatre. The organization has a rich history of staging this classic show, with productions in 1985, 1992, 2010 and 2017.
According to Producer Patricia Barry, “I love ‘Annie’! This will be the fifth time we’ve presented ‘Annie’ on our stage. I believe that it’s important that we reprise this joyful musical every seven years or so because it gives a whole new group of children the ability to experience the joy that is ‘Annie’. A story about a little girl with a big heart and a lot of spirit that can make the world a better place is a message that never gets old.”
The tradition of bringing this beloved musical to the Spring Lake stage will have all the excitement, energy and enthusiasm of past productions, with Director Kerry White at the helm. “Growing up,
Bottom: Joseph DeMaio as Daddy Warbucks and Willa Hansen as Annie!
Opposite: The 2003 cast of “Annie” features lots of familiar faces, including this year’s director Kerry White as one of the maids; Choreographer Christine Baglivio as an orphan and this year’s Roosevelt Steve Baglivo as Mr. Bundles! Photograph courtesy of the Baglivio Family.
it was always a dream of mine to direct ‘Annie’. I was so excited when my friend Pat Barry gave me the opportunity. Not only do I get to direct my one of my favorite musicals, but I get to do it alongside my little sister, Christine Baglivio (choreographer) and my friends, Pat Barry (Producer), Beth Moore (Musical Director) and Jackie Drudy (Stage Manager)—a girl-powered team indeed!”
Audiences will be transported back to New York City in 1933 for a musical experience not to be missed. Willa Hansen is so excited to be playing this iconic role of Annie, saying, “To me, being cast as Annie is a dream come true! I have been in theatre workshop since I was 5 after I saw Scrooge the year it was outside. All the characters put everyone in
FROM THE CAST
Avery Clark, Orphan
Being cast in the “Annie” play is super exciting for me. Playing an orphan makes me realize that life is not always easy, that some people don’t have what we do. Some people are just trying to find a place called home.
Iris King, July
Being in “Annie” is the most exciting part of my summer! Being in a summertime show with so many friends is going to be so much fun! I’ve been doing theater for five years and always get excited to see the summer lineup. I’m excited to make new memories in “Annie!”
Zoey Carnahan, Tessie
I am so excited to be a part of “Annie!” I have always wanted to sing and dance. I am so excited to play the role of Tessie!
Sunny Carnahan, Pepper
Being cast in “Annie” gives me the chance to be a part of a story that brings laughter and love to an audience. “Annie” is one of those shows kids dream of being a part of, and I am very honored to play the role of Pepper.
Leanne Lardieri, Orphan
Being cast in “Annie” means having a great time, getting to know new people and learning new performance skills. I realize how lucky I am to have a great family, at the theatre and at home!
Madeleine Schiavone, Orphan
It’s an honor and privilege to be part of this amazing production of “Annie.” We always have the best time rehearsing and to be part of this community is a blessing. Can’t wait for the show!
the Christmas spirit, and I knew I wanted to learn to sing and make people happy. Annie is a kind little girl with a big heart, and I want to show that onstage. I am excited to make the audience smile and feel joyful—just like Annie does!”
When asked what being cast in this year’s production of “Annie” meant to them, the kids’ excitement was absolutely contagious. Each child lit up with pride, eagerly sharing how much they were looking forward not just to the performance itself, but also to the rehearsals ahead. Sophia Zavalis, an orphan in the production, summed it up by saying, “It means so much to me to be a part of this iconic show doing what I love most with my friends, who are a group of some of the most talented girls I know. It’s definitely not a hard-knock life!”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit springlaketheatre.com.
Gwenyth Mencel, Orphan
I feel really proud to even make it in at all because “Annie” is one of the Spring Lake Theatre’s major productions!
Kay Losinger, Kate
Being cast in “Annie” is special to me because I love performing at Spring Lake Theatre, and I’m excited to be in this production with lots of my friends!
Calla Ibrahim, Orphan
I’m excited to be an Orphan. I’m excited for all the singing and dancing I will do!
Lucy Phoebus, Molly
I used to watch the movie when I was really little, and my family always told me I would make a great Molly someday if the theatre ever brought “Annie” back. It means so much to be able to play my favorite character in one of my favorite shows in my hometown!
Anna Jane Roehrig, Orphan
Being cast in “Annie” means so much to me because SLTDA is my second home. I spend most of my time with friends in dance classes, and I love that I get to spend more time over the summer in a show that I adore. I love to perform, and “Annie” is such an amazing show, from the great dance numbers to the amazing songs that stick in my head forever. I am so grateful to be cast in “Annie.”
Avery Schmidt, Orphan I’m really excited to be in “Annie” because I love the music, and I started practicing before the audition. I’m excited to be an orphan with my friends!
Lifeguards in the Making
Sea Girt’s Junior Guard Program builds confidence, endurance and leadership.
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
TTHE SEA GIRT JUNIOR Lifeguard Program has been training future lifeguards since 1996. It is an engaging summer activity that is designed to educate future lifeguards about ocean safety, physical fitness and the values of teamwork and responsibility. The program offers hands-on training, all under the guidance of experienced lifeguards. It serves as both a fun summer experience and a steppingstone for those interested in pursuing future roles in beach safety.
Tim Harmon, Chief Lifeguard and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Borough of Sea Girt, along with Jillian Miller, Lifeguard Sergeant and Junior
Lifeguard Program Director, shared insights about this remarkable program with Spring Lake Magazine
What are the goals of the Junior Lifeguards program in Sea Girt?
The primary goals of the Sea Girt Junior Lifeguard Program are to help kids become confident and competent in open water swimming and respect the ever-changing nature of the ocean. Given the ocean’s unpredictable nature, we focus on educating junior lifeguards so they can safely navigate challenging conditions.
Participants also learn about the rescue equipment used by lifeguards and how to utilize and use them
The kids from the Sea Girt Junior Guard Program practice drills in preparation for the real deal.
properly. In addition to safety training, the program includes a competitive component, where we teach advanced techniques to prepare our juniors for local, regional, national and even world championship-level competitions.
How is the program structured (daily schedule, age groups, levels)?
Junior Lifeguards: This core program meets three days a week from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. and is divided into three age groups: Group A: 14 to 15-years-old, group B: 12 to 13-years-old, group C: 9 to 11-years-old.
Mini Guards: Designed for younger participants aged 6 to 8, this introductory program meets on Friday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Iron Guard Group: Geared toward Junior Lifeguards who are more focused on competition, this group also
meets three times per week with an emphasis on advanced training and preparation for competitive events. The age range mirrors that of the Junior Lifeguard Program.
There is an additional component of our Junior Guard programs: Safe surfing instruction by our accomplished lifeguards that surf, coach and officiate all levels of surfing and surf competitions.
We provide boards and instructors, and the kids bring the energy to learn how to surf. The program offers small group sessions and low participant to instructor ratios.
We also have our Grom Squad, which is a 5-person team of girls and 5-person team of boys that receive instruction geared to the competitive side of surfing.
The Junior Guards isn’t just a training program; it’s a bonding experience.
How do you ensure participant safety during training and ocean activities?
We ask that our Junior Lifeguards wear a cap while swimming; we issue each Junior Lifeguard a yellow swim cap with our logo on it to ensure safety. We have designated lifeguards that are strictly on “Safety Patrol” in the water for instructors. Instructors will only send a certain number of Junior Lifeguards in the water at a time to keep a controlled ratio. This is often accomplished by having “heats” of a practice event or creating relay teams. Our surf school participants are issued a rash guard to identify them in the water.
What is the typical progression for kids in the program—do many become full lifeguards? Do kids come back each year?
Yes, the majority of our newly hired lifeguards each year have come through our Junior Lifeguard Program. Kids tend to come back each year, and the ultimate goal is to become a Sea Girt Lifeguard.
Our program in Sea Girt is one of the larger programs on the east coast, and year after year has some of the top competitors at regional and national competitions. Last year we were fortunate to put three of our Junior Guards on the Junior National Team that competed in Australia at World Junior Championships. Our kids have been selected to participate on the World Junior Teams seven times over the past 10 years.
Are there competitions or special events in which Junior Lifeguards participate?
Yes, there are five local tournaments each summer, one regional tournament, one national tournament and one international level tournament. The local tournaments
are held in Spring Lake, Long Branch, Belmar, Ocean Grove and Manasquan. Sea Girt will host the regional tournament, and the national tournament will be held in Huntington Beach, California this year.
What qualities do you look to instill in the Junior Lifeguards beyond fitness?
We look to instill good teamwork, respect for each other, respect for the ocean and positive influence for our community.
How can families enroll, and how quickly does the program fill up?
Our program registration is online only via a registration program from Active Network. We post the registration link on our website and put an email out to the past participants. The mini guard program filled up within the first week, and the other programs still have availability, but historically sell out every summer. Program information can be found at seagirtbeachpatrol.org.
Are there any new additions or changes planned for this year’s program?
Big additions this year will be Junior Lifeguard of the Week, updated prizes and updated weekly themes. These include Christmas in July, ice cream truck days, superhero day, patriotic week and our yearly partnership with John Wayne Skin Cancer Foundation,
who provides the kids with a cool hat, sun safety education and some sunscreen.
What is the end goal for participants?
The ultimate goal of the program is to become comfortable with the ocean and beachfront/ocean environment. Seeing the kids have fun daily and becoming proficient in the use of the Junior Lifeguard Equipment and ultimately become a Sea Girt Lifeguard when they are old enough to try out.
Many kids come to the program at age 5 or 6 years old and continue through age 15. At 16, they are eligible to become Sea Girt Lifeguards, and many do just that.
Find out more about the Junior Guards Program at seagirtbeachpatrol.org or on Instagram @sgjuniorguards.
Danielle Kutcher is a local mom of three who enjoys theatre, reading and going on adventures with her family.
Photo by Amy Nolan
TURNING the Page
Spring Lake’s wildly popular independent bookstore Thunder Road Books has a new address.
BY KERRY SERZAN
THUNDER ROAD BOOKS reopened in May at its new location at the corner of Third and Passaic avenues, a move that took place almost four years after its original opening a few storefronts away. The bookstore traded spaces with its neighbor business, Kate and Company.
Kate Czyzewski, manager, buyer and event coordinator, says staff and patrons alike are loving the airy, multipurpose corner store. The owner worked with Louro Development Group to rework the space to suit its new purpose, leveling the floor and restoring the original wood and expanding the back part of the store.
Big draws of the new digs include double the square footage, lots of natural light, a larger and more kid-friendly children’s section and movable displays to accommodate frequent and well-attended book clubs, story times, signings and special events.
Czyzewski says expansion was needed since the business has taken off exponentially since opening, a
reflection of growing energy and demand, not only for books, but for vibrant and welcoming community spaces where ideas can thrive and people can feel a sense of belonging.
Thunder Road Books remains a passion project for owner Basil Iwanyk, who saw the need for a bookstore in Spring Lake, something it had been missing for 30 years.
“Basil wants to celebrate the art of storytelling in all forms—whether that’s writing, film or music,” says Czyzewski.
Iwanyk founded and owns the Santa Monica-based film and TV production company Thunder Road Films—most known for the John Wick film series, “Sicario” and “The Town.” He and his wife Natalie (who owns Warm Shop around the corner from the bookstore) have lived here full time since 2021 and share three sons: Charlie, Dylan and Jacob.
When Thunder Road first came to town, Czyzewski said, “we had no idea we’d be doing the volume of foot traffic that we have now, and in the beginning, we had some steep
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA LILLY
learning curves.”
Leaning into their mission to serve the community, the store began tapping into patrons’ needs, building a strong social media presence and planning and hosting a plethora of events. “Each year, in hopes of bringing more opportunities to patrons, the store sends out many author proposals,” Czyzewski says. “We throw everything at the wall and see what sticks.”
Partnering with nearby small businesses—like Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe, Kelly-McKenna Gallery, Driftwood Coffee and Barefoot Athleisure—continues that mission of bringing people together and fostering growth in the community.
Thunder Road also partners with the public library and the Spring Lake Community House, where they often pack the house for larger events.
“This is the magic of small business. Spring Lake has been so welcoming, and our area is booming with energy,” said Czyzewski, who also has experience as a teacher and book blogger. “Reading is cool again, people are excited about reading. And the way the world is right now, bookstores have been very therapeutic for communities. There’s a big movement to go away from big monopolies. Young people are putting books in
their hands instead of other things.”
But the best part about running an independent bookstore? “We never take it for granted that many of our patrons have adopted us into their families. When we get invited to a 99th birthday, when we see the families growing up with us, we are so incredibly grateful.”
Thunder Road Books, located at 1100 Third Ave. in Spring Lake, is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kerry Serzan is a part-time freelancer, admin and full-time mom who lives in Howell with her husband, Joe, and their four kids. When she’s not writing she’s getting coffee/takeout and planning their next Disney trip.
