Spring Lake June 2025

Spring Lake JUNE 2025

ALSO SERVING SEA GIRT SAVING SEABIRDS

ON THE JERSEY SHORE

MAN OF MYSTERY

AUTHOR J.M. KELLY

Inspired

Art

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CHARLIE’S OF BAY HEAD 72 Bridge Avenue | Bay Head, NJ 08742 Phone: (732) 295-1110 | Email: info@charliesofbayhead.com RESY

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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 ® NJ’s Top Realtors by RealTrends Verified *MOREMLS Sea Girt Closed Sales: All Categories 01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024

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This timeless custom shore colonial has creative lines and noteworthy details, clever built-ins, angled roof lines, and unexpected spaces honoring traditional craftsmanship and gracious living. Each room is characterized by its own mix of style for the ultimate in family living and entertainment. A spacious front porch welcomes you to four levels of easy living and entertaining offering five bedrooms, four and a half baths and multiple gathering areas. Attention to detail and thoughtfully planned features provide functionality and ambiance for your family and guests. A resort style backyard designed to be your own peaceful private retreat with hot tub, bluestone patio, pergola with retractable louvers to shield the sun. Sea Girt is a special seaside town meant for long beach days, midday lunch at the Parker House and bike rides along tree lined streets. As a full time, residence or summer retreat, this is your chance to create the ideal backdrop for cherished memories.

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Contents JUNE 2025

12 F EATU RES

12

Generational Inspiration

Sisters Maie and Alexandra Vaga have turned their creative upbringing into fulfilling careers that share the joy of art with others.

18

The Fight You May Not Notice

Writer Vincent Dicks shows us the complex world of the Jersey Shore’s sea birds that live perilous lives on our shores.

I N EVE RY I S SUE

30 6

10

26

4

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Welcome to summer!

6

AROUND TOWN Summer sun, sand and smiles

10

Q&A The optimistic sisters

26

BOOK NOOK A man of mystery

30

LIVING SPACES A perfect project

32

PHOTO OP The sights of Spring Lake

COVER

Alexandra and Maie Vaga at At Source and Tradition in Bay Head.

Photograph by Christina Lilly

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PUB LISH ER’S NOTE

Spring Lake MAGAZINE

I THINK FOR US, the lucky people that get to call the Jersey Shore home, the beach is our prize. Summer holds so many traditions and vivid memories of a lifetime spent by the ocean. We grow up not knowing how good we have it, then try to move away and realize just how special it is. How our specific beach is the very best one. The way the waves come in, the way the sand feels as we walk to our favorite spot. The way low tide makes the ocean the absolute best playground for hours.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE

I

WELCOME TO SUMMER!

“Meet me at the beach” means a chance to sit and catch up after a busy year. Beach hangs turn into porch hangs and bike rides for ice cream. It really recharges you and gets you ready for the next year of busy life. I know for me, it is when the cousins all reconnect and I get to blissfully sit with my sister, mom and aunt, “shooting the breeze” as my mom likes to say, for hours on end. I hope this issue finds you enjoying that very thing, relaxing with family and friends.

On this month’s cover, I am excited to share with you two of my childhood friends, Alexandra and Maie Vaga. This article celebrates their new collaboration, which showcases each sister’s unique talents and honors their grandmother. Another exciting story this month showcases the beautiful photography of Michael Cassella and the research of Vincent Dicks as we learn about the nesting sea birds that sometimes close off full sections of our beaches. I have always been curious to learn more about these nesting birds and was excited to get this story out there.

Warm wishes for a Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and father figures. May you enjoy a wonderful weekend filled with everything you love! To all the graduates, heartfelt congratulations, and best of luck on your exciting next journey!

Brynn Coleman Publisher

Publisher & Editor Brynn Coleman Editorial Coordinator & Lead Writer Danielle Kutcher Lead Photographer Christina Lilly Writers Judith Jones-Ambrosini Niki Kovacs Vincent Dicks Photographers Mike Cassella Vincent Dicks

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.

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AROUND TOWN

Summer Sun, Sand and Smiles Look no further for coastal family friendly ideas to make your summer one to remember.

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER WITH SUMMER’S ARRIVAL, many families will be on the lookout for exciting activities that both parents and kids can enjoy together. Spring Lake and Sea Girt offer such a wide range of options that there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!

OCEAN SAFETY AND LIFEGUARDING Do you have a child who loves the ocean and is eager to become a junior lifeguard?

Both Sea Girt and Spring Lake offer fantastic programs for kids ages 6 to 16 (17 in Spring Lake), packed with fun, learning and adventure! The programs offer the opportunity to learn about ocean and beach safety and to develop the physical skills of lifeguarding in a safe and fun environment. Program sessions are led by experienced, dedicated and highly qualified instructors. The content of sessions will focus on a blend of lifeguarding skills, knowledge of the beach and ocean, physical fitness and medical aid in the aquatic environment.

SURF SCHOOL If your ocean lover—young or grown—feels like catching some waves this summer, Spring Lake Beach is the perfect spot, especially with lessons from Hammer Surf School. At Hammer Surf School, both kids and adults can dive into the exciting world of surfing. Founded by professional surfer and New Jersey native Sam Hammer, the school offers expert instruction in surfing fundamentals, techniques, ocean awareness and water safety. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced rider, you can choose from group or private lessons tailored to your skill level. So grab your board and hit the waves—it’s time to hang ten!

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ACTIVITIES AT THE LIBRARY Sea Girt and Spring Lake both have libraries that offer activities for kids and adults. Check out their children’s story time, Lego station and adult book clubs that are happening all throughout the summer. Sea Girt Library will be debuting their own Fairy Garden, have therapy dogs and weekly story time on the Boardwalk for all ages. For the adults, there will be a “Wine and Cheese Celebration” that is sure to be a hit! At the Spring Lake Library, teens and adults can take art classes, knit and crochet or join a writer’s group. There is something for everyone at the Spring Lake and Sea Girt libraries!

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AROUND TOWN

SPORTS, MUSIC AND MORE! Summer recreation programs are a big hit— especially in these two vibrant Jersey Shore towns! There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from kids and teens to adults. Think pickleball, basketball, soccer and beach yoga. Plus, there are fun-filled summer camps and opportunities to be a camp counselor! For the K-8 science adventurer, there is an exciting marine adventure camp, where kids gain hands-on experience in marine ecosystem preservation. Ever wanted to learn guitar or ukulele right on the beach? Sea Girt Recreation has partnered with Manasquan Music Academy to bring you this one-of-a-kind experience.

With so many awesome options to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone!

SPRING LAKE COMMUNITY HOUSE AND THEATRE SUMMER CAMPS Do you have aspiring actors or dancers at home? The Spring Lake Community House and Theatre offers exciting summer theatre and dance workshops—perfect for the young performer in your family! Claudia Noto, a teacher at the Spring Lake Community House and Theatre says, “The workshop programs keep the kids’ brains active, their bodies moving and their creativity flowing. It also enhances their social skills and boosts their confidence... and it’s so much fun.” Spring Lake Theatre also offers Princess Camp, where the kids sing, dance and act with a different princess each day, with a special coronation at the end of the week. There is also Superhero Camp, which empowers, builds confidence and encourages leadership through games and activities.

Don’t miss out on the unique experiences that only Spring Lake and Sea Girt have to offer. Sign up for the festive Santa Paddle on the lake and be sure to check out the Irish Festival, Art Walk and lively Sidewalk Sales. Take part in the Sea Girt 5K, play trivia at Harrigan’s Pub or join a Mah Jong club.

No matter what you choose, this summer is sure to be the best one yet!

CHECK OUT! Check out these websites for more information!

• Spring Lake Junior Guards: springlakeboro.org • Sea Girt Junior Guards: seagirtbeachpatrol.org • Hammer Surf School: hammersurfschool.com • Spring Lake Theatre: springlaketheatre.com • Sea Girt Library: seagirtlibrary.com • Spring Lake Recreation: springlakeboro.org • Sea Girt Recreation: seagirt-nj.gov • Spring Lake Events: Visitspringlake.com

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The Optimistic Sisters Sisters Cara Brown and Celeste Cecchetti have brought their optimism and positive vibes to Spring Lake.

INTERVIEW WITH

SISTERS CARA BROWN AND CELESTE CECCHETTI THIS SEPTEMBER, sisters Cara Brown and Celeste Cecchetti, the proud owners of Life is Good and Just Breezin’ in Spring Lake, are celebrating 20 years of sharing joy through their distinctive gifts and locally inspired apparel. From the moment customers step inside, they’re greeted by an atmosphere filled with uplifting energy and cheerful spirit— leaving with more than just a purchase: a lasting sense of warmth and positivity.

How did the idea for the store Life is Good come about—was it a spontaneous decision or something you dreamed of for a long time?

Back in 2005, when my daughter Shannon was entering pre-school, it was time to look for something to do. We had often talked about starting a business and the timing was right. I talked to my husband Bob and my sister Celeste about the possibility of opening a small retail shop that would just sell the Life is Good brand. It was a big yes all around! Without any retail background, we jumped right in and started It’s Good in Sea Girt, which later became a Life is Good signature shop. We expanded a year and half later and opened in Spring Lake in 2007, and when the shop next door became available in 2009, we opened Just Breezin’, specializing in Spring Lake and Sea Girt apparel and gifts.

The idea for the shop came about after seeing the Life is Good brand in several stores up in New England. We loved its positive message, fun colors and great quality. At the time there weren’t many stores in our area that carried Life is Good, and we thought it would be fun to have a dedicated shop just selling that one brand.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CARA BROWN AND CELESTE CECCHETTI

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

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What does it mean to you both, as sisters, to build something together?

Optimistic Sisters are the titles on our business cards and that is truly how we approach our business. We can honestly say that the best part of opening the store was working side by side as sisters.

It’s been a family affair, as my daughter Shannon has worked there since she could see over the counter. In addition, we knew it would be a great place for Celeste’s son Sean to work and be part of the community. Sean is a young man with Down syndrome, and he continues to be an integral part of our team spreading joy every day. We are incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful “store family” with Natali, Robin and Penny who keep the store buzzing all year long. Building the business has been great, but doing it as a family has meant everything. We hope that shines through to our customers.

The Life is Good brand has a mantra: “Do what you love, and love what you do.”

We try our best to live that every day.

What makes your store unique to Spring Lake? How would you describe the vibe of your shop?

When customers enter our shop, we want them to immediately feel welcome and enjoy the good vibes that come from the great designs, colors and positive messaging on all of the T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and accessories around the store. Whether they want to pick up the perfect gift or refresh their hometown wardrobe with a new hoodie and T-shirt, we are there to provide the best shopping experience. Doing business in Spring Lake is a privilege. We are grateful every day for both the locals and the travelers who all appreciate this beautiful town.

In addition to everything Life is Good, the most popular items we sell are the traditional Spring Lake sweatshirts and T-shirts. Who doesn’t need a great hoodie, quarter zip or crew while walking the boards in the morning or heading up to the beach on a cool day? Most of what we sell in Just Breezin’ is 100% cotton or cotton blend, and our designs are available in a variety of colors. We outfit all ages from infants to adults. It’s the ultimate comfort clothing, and we’re all about that!

What’s been the most heartwarming moment since opening?

One of the things we love best is the relationships we’ve built with the community. We have families that come in year after year to support our shop. We look forward to seeing them all and hearing about their kids who we’ve watched grow up and also sharing our stories with them.

Do you have any special ways you like to give back or connect with the community?

The Life is Good company gives 10% of their annual net profits to the Life is Good Playmaker Project, which is a non-profit organization

dedicated to helping kids heal from childhood trauma through the power of play. Although all the Life is Good stores like us are independent, we are blessed to be part of this initiative. We encourage you to learn more about the wonderful work of the Playmaker Project at lifeisgood.com, and make a direct donation if you’re able. Our shop also supports many local charities with product donations during the year, and we’re very happy to do it.

Danielle is a local mom of three and a retired elementary school teacher. She enjoys theatre, reading, and going on adventures with her family.

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Sisters Maie and Alexandra Vaga join forces and draw inspiration from their childhood to create unique treasures.

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

ENDLESS BEACH DAYS and long bike rides against the backdrop of the Jersey Shore provided sisters Maie and Alexandra Vaga the freedom to explore and cultivate their artistic talents. Their creativity was also deeply influenced by their family, who nurtured their passion and provided the support that shaped their artistic journey in a way that is still prevalent in their work today.

EARLY YEARS Maie and Alexandra grew up in Brielle and attended Saint Catharine School in Spring Lake. For them, these years were filled with absolute freedom, where they forged lifelong friendships and cultivated a deep sense of community.

They spent countless hours by the

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA LILLY; FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY THE VAGA SISTERS

E

Generational Inspiration

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Maie and Alexandra share a special moment in Source and Tradition, Alexandra’s Bay Head studio.

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Alexandra Vaga proudly showcases a selection of dinnerware and wallpaper designed and handcrafted by the Vaga sisters, that tell a story of collaboration, heritage and two artists working in harmony.

ocean, indulging in snack stand treats, swimming and unwinding.

These were the uncomplicated pleasures of summer.

“Spring Lake was our playground, from the South End to strolling through town, always discovering something to do,” recalls Maie. Their imagination guided their days, allowing them to nurture their creativity with ease.

The sisters were always immersed in arts and crafts, constantly encouraged by their artistic mother to create with their hands. Instead of traditional toys for occasions, they received art materials. A close family friend also taught them how to paint at a young age, introducing them to color, composition and technique, which made a lasting impression on them. The impact of creating, building and exploring during their early years continues to shape their designs today.

“We spent so much time making, building and exploring, which is what we do now in our businesses.

The inspiration from those early years still influences our designs today,” Maie says.

ARTISTS AT WORK Alexandra Vaga is a ceramic artist, designer and owner of Source and Tradition in Bay Head, New Jersey.

She specializes in high-volume, handmade productions. For the past two decades, Alexandra has been dedicated to refining her expertise in ceramics and bridging craftsmanship with functional design. She creates exclusive collections for Michelin-starred

restaurants and world-renowned chefs. Each piece is handcrafted in her Bay Head studio, where she welcomes visitors from April through December.

Maie Vaga has owned the popular go-to spot Noon in Spring Lake and Bay Head for the past 16 years. Noon offers the best organic coffee, tea and fresh baked goods served every day by friendly baristas. It is also

home to thoughtfully designed handmade jewelry and American-made home goods, as well as body products designed by Maie and her business partner Nora Alexander.

What’s even more special? Maie and Alexandra’s stores are side by side in Bay Head.

Despite having had different paths, their foundations are the same.

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Opposite: Maie Vaga uses her artistic skills to bring to life her and Alexandra’s creative endeavor.

This page: Alexandra and Maie ready for a late 1980s school day in their St. Catharine uniforms; the girls with their Grandmother, Irene K. Switlik, who served as the beautiful inspiration behind their latest sister collaboration.

Both sisters have a dedication to craftmanship, obsessive attention to detail and a commitment to making things of lasting beauty. They are constantly inspiring and supporting one another, with both of their businesses rooted in craftsmanship and artistry. Each has a deep-rooted desire to see each other succeed, not only in business, but also in life.

Alexandra praises Maie as a “force in the retail and design world,” and Maie shares that Alexandra consistently shows her “the true meaning of integrity.” They have a foundation of trust and shared values that have been instrumental in shaping their journey together.

A JOINT VENTURE So, it’s a natural evolution that the sisters decided to collaborate on something deeply personal. They cherished their grandmother, who had an incredible eye for beauty and craftmanship. Her China, a collection

rich with both beauty and nostalgia, holds special meaning to their family.

To Maie and Alexandra, the pieces hold stories and are “more than a set of dishes; they are a tangible connection to her, to family meals, to tradition.”

Maie and Alexandra wanted to modernize the heirloom pieces that were passed down to them while keeping their soul intact.

The project seamlessly blends Alexandra’s ceramic craftsmanship with Maie’s graphic design expertise, resulting in a one-of-a-kind creation where their two artistic languages converge beautifully. They have blended hand-painted drawings with delicate porcelain and ceramics that honor old-world elegance while making it feel fresh and relevant for today.

According to the sisters: “This collaboration isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about legacy. It’s about taking something that belonged to our past and making it part of the future.

That’s what excites us—knowing that

STOP BY MAIE AND ALEXANDRA’S STORES! Source and Tradition 524 Lake Ave., Bay Head, New Jersey, 08742 @sourceandtradition sourceandtradition.com Noon 524 Lake Avenue, Bay Head, New Jersey, 08742 1221 Third Ave., Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07762 @coffee.at.noon noondesignshop.com

these new pieces will sit on tables, be part of meals and create new memories for years to come.”

Alexandra is selling the full porcelain collection at Source and Tradition in Bay Head, and Maie has a display available at Noon in the Spring Lake shop.

Danielle is a local mom of three and a retired elementary school teacher.

She enjoys theatre, reading and going on adventures with her family.

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The

Fight

You May Not Notice

Monmouth County’s seabirds need our help to survive.

M

BY VINCENT DICKS PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL CASSELLA

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MONMOUTH COUNTY’S beaches awaken under the late March sun, and a quiet drama unfolds along the dunes. Tiny piping plovers—sand-colored shorebirds no bigger than a child’s fist—scurry across the sand, scraping shallow nests just above the tide line.

Nearby, the bold American oystercatcher, with its blackand-white plumage and vivid orange beak, probes the shoreline for clams. Amid their dance, the reddish stems of sea beach amaranth unfurl, anchoring the shifting dunes.

These three species—two birds and a plant—share a fragile coastal habitat and a dependence on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to shield them from a world that often overlooks their presence.

The piping plover, endangered in New Jersey and threatened federally along the Atlantic Coast, teeters on a razor’s edge—only about 1,400 breeding pairs remain from Canada to North Carolina, with New Jersey hosting around 100 pairs annually, many in Monmouth County. These birds face storms that swamp their nests, predators like foxes,

Opposite page: A Least Turn with her chick.

This page, top: American Oyster Catchers.

Right: Piping Plover chick.

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This page: Bald Eagles and Red Fox are known predators for the nesting shore birds.

Opposite page: Least Turns with their chicks.

coyotes, hawks, owls, gulls and cats; then the early summer rush of beachgoers who might crush their camouflaged eggs.

You might mistake them for the common sanderling, another small shorebird darting along the waves, but the differences are telling. Piping plovers, with their pale backs, black-tipped beaks and distinctive neck band (faint in winter,

bold in breeding season), are homebodies during summer, nesting in one spot.

Sanderlings, darker and streakier, lack the neck band and are restless migrants, chasing waves in flocks rather than settling down. Spot a lone bird digging a nest? It’s likely a plover, not a sanderling.

The louder American oystercatcher, a species of special concern in New Jersey with 350 to 400 breeding pairs, shares the plover’s vulnerability. Its nests—sandy hollows or marsh edges—are equally exposed to disturbance. Then there’s the sea beach amaranth, federally threatened and state-endangered, thriving in the same dune zones. Its population spiked to over 7,000 plants statewide in 2021, but it still battles beach stabilization and trampling. Together, they form a delicate coastal trio, their fates intertwined.

A HELPING HAND In Monmouth County, from Sea Bright to Manasquan, the NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife steps in each year to give the birds a helping hand. As nesting season kicks off in late March, crews armed with

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string, posts and signs cordon off beach stretches with symbolic fencing—light twine marking nesting zones and amaranth patches. In Sea Girt, where we have healthy dunes and natural areas like Wreck Pond and the National Guard Training Center (NGTC), these barriers can span hundreds of yards, urging beachgoers to stay out, give space.

It’s another good reason to leash that dog on the beach once the frost is gone and to keep your kids off the dunes. Beach patrol vehicles are rerouted, surf rakes and beach grooming stop near the ropes. It’s tough balancing human recreation with nature’s nursery.

And the birds are not winning

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This page: American Oystercatchers with their chicks.

Opposite page: A Piping Plover chick.

the battle. The plover pairs have dwindled from 144 twenty years ago to just 86 last year, with about half in Monmouth County. Sea Girt has had just one or two nests each of the last few seasons, and the last successful pair lost the mom to a fox defending her nest, and dad could not adequately protect the surviving

chicks alone.

The effort to give the birds a shot is hands-on. Biologists and interns, often with Monmouth University, monitor nests daily, counting eggs and chicks. For plovers, success hinges on fledglings—those that survive to fly. Piping plover adults and chicks feed on sand worms, fly larvae, beetles and crustaceans in the surf zone. Females lay four eggs that hatch in about 25 days, and surviving chicks learn to fly (fledge) after about 25 to 35 days.

The Oystercatchers take slightly longer to reach independence; their chicks tracked as they toddle to the tide. Their numbers ebb and flow but are more stable than the plovers. The amaranth benefits too: Fenced zones cut foot traffic, letting its seeds root. In turn, the plant bolsters dunes, offering birds better cover, which is a nice ecological synergy. The protections also help other rare species like the snowy plover, the killdeer and

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The effort to give the birds a shot is hands-on. Biologists and interns, often with Monmouth University, monitor nests daily, counting eggs and chicks.

several sandpiper species. Last fall, the NGTC instituted a program to remove non-native plantings and to modify their dunes to help promote shorebird nesting.

The ropes sometimes irk local towns and tourists who may not appreciate the need to protect the birds. But the DEP has the authority to close access to entire beaches.

They are backed by the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The total American bird population is down over 30% since the 1970s, with almost 3 billion birds lost in 50 years, mostly due to habitat loss of grassland and forests.

The shorebird population faces even greater pressure, as there is little real estate to leave them alone.

Biologists continue to try new

techniques. One promising test is colored flags planted along the ground near nest enclosures, which make enough noise and visual distraction to chase many predators away. Use caution at the beach in May and June, when the drama peaks. Vulnerable chicks attract hungry predators, and their first days walking to the shoreline are the most tense. You don’t need to add to the survival pressure, so get binoculars and enjoy from a distance or volunteer to help.

Vincent Dicks is an author of several books and is a local historian. Find more information at vincentdicks.com.

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BOOK NOOK

A life of “Transitions” is the way J.M. Kelly best describes the various phases of his life.

BY JUDITH JONES-ANBROSINI

A Man of

Mystery

BEGINNINGS 1987 was a year of great personal change. While body surfing at the Shore with his brother, a wave slammed him into the back of another swimmer with great force.

He lost consciousness. Luckily, Kelly was rescued and rushed to the hospital where he remained for months while being treated for a spinal cord injury. Upon release from, he spent more months in rehab at the Kessler Institute in West Orange. With a strong positive attitude and many hours of physical therapy, his recovery continued.

He graduated from wheelchair, to crotches, to cane. During his recovery. Kelly was hired to open a new school, the Lafayette School in Chatham. His career as an educator continued to flourish.

In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF J.M. KELLY

AFTER RETIRING FROM a long and distinguished career in education, J.M. Kelly became a writer.

The early part of his professional life began as a middle school teacher in Butler, New Jersey. He then went on to become a principal in Haledon, New Jersey. He also held positions as co-director of the New Jersery History Fair, a consultant for the New Jersey Foundation for Educational Administration, a board member of the Global Learning Project and president of the Morris County Association of Elementary and Middle School Administrators.

During these years, he authored two books based on his extensive academic experience.

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Principal of the Year Award for Visionary Leadership. This was also the year he retired, and it was when another transition began. This was when J.M. Kelly began to write mystery and horror novels.

DIVING INTO FICTION His fascination with writing began when, as a principal, he sat in on author presentations about how writers develop their craft. He was always fascinated by mysteries and mystery writers. In fact, they helped create the characters for his first two young adult novels, The Lost Treasure and Monster on the Moors. The characters’ names are Bobby Holmes and Brenda Watson (a tribute to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle perhaps?). His third novel, Tommy Ails: Good for What Ails You, is an off-beat, rather humorous adult mystery.

When asked about where his inspiration for his novels comes from, he says: “A story and its

characters come to me from within.

The characters tell me their tales.

The layers begin to peel, and a story develops. For instance, Crover Island came about as I sat on the boardwalk at Seaside Place in Sea Girt one morning.

A dense fog rolled in. In my mind’s eye I saw creatures emerge from the mist.”

Once an idea opens, Kelly develops it through researching the setting and history around his basic story. “The mystery of the Loch Ness monster in Scotland had interested me. When I did some research on the area, I found a little-known fault line that went to the Moray Firth in Scotland and became a key point for Crover Island plot.”

This most recent novel, Crover Island, has been designated as an Amazon British and Irish bestseller and hot new release in the British and Irish horror category.

Kelly and his wife, Bronwen, have resided in Sea Girt since 2015 and divide their time between New Jersey and Sarasota, Florida. They

are parents of three grown children and six grandchildren, Besides the dedication and enjoyment of his career as a novelist, J.M. Kelly always finds time to cherish the magic of those six grandchildren. But then it’s back to work, creating new characters and new ideas to weave into new novels. Kelly and Bronwen are regulars on the Sea Girt boardwalk. If you happen to spot them, be sure to give a wave.

This is the quote from J.M. Kelly that resides in the library at the Lafayette School in Chatham: “There’s no better place to be than where you are, and no better time than now to make a difference.”

His books are available on Amazon.

To learn more about the author, his works and to subscribe to his newsletter, go to: jmkellyauthor.com.

Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident, member of the Holly Club and author of The Sisterhood of Diabetes.

JUNE 2025 |

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Palm Place is a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. We are your destination shop for women’s dresses, tops, and workout wear. We also carry our Little Lilly collection of girl’s clothing. We opened this Location in the Fall of 2022 here in Sea Girt Square and we are under new ownership.

Sea Girt Square | 2100 Route 35, Sea Girt, NJ 08750 Open 7 days! |  palmplaceNJ palmplacenj.com

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Spring Lake November 2023



Also Serving Sea Girt

SUMMER CELEBRITIES

DAN FINN & BETTY KARL

SURF FISHING

JOYS & CHALLENGES

FATHER’S MUSTACHE GIVING BACK

30 Years of Ray’s Café

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Let’s Get Social!

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@springlakemagazine Have a photo or story you think should be featured?

Want to learn more about advertising in our pages?

Donna Ayers Fine Art Portraits

Contact us at hello@springlakemagazine.com

DonnaVorbach@hotmail.com • (848) 207-6589

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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!”

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Dr. Robert Scheddin | 732-974-2288 1109 3rd Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762 www.smilestudiospringlake.com

4/3/25 2:06 9:52PM AM 5/6/25

LIVING SPAC ES

A Perfect Project on Park Avenue

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Blending a timeless coastal look with modern convenience, this Park Avenue home ticks all the right boxes.

BY NIKI KOVACS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LITE PIXEL MEDIA

SOME PROJECTS just stick with you, not only because of the cabinetry. This one, located on the Jersey Shore, was a full-home design for a family relocating from North Jersey. While the home is brand new, the client actually grew up in this town, so the design needed to reflect both roots and growth—something timeless, elegant and personal.

COASTAL CLASSIC From the beginning, they had a clear vision: a home that felt coastal and classic, built to suit their lifestyle perfectly.

Whites and deep navy blues set the tone, accented with polished nickel and brushed brass for that subtle sparkle.

We warmed up the palette with touches of white oak throughout. The result is a space that feels serene but elevated: comfortable and clean without ever being cold.

They also wanted a sense of continuity throughout the home, but with a little twist in each space. Every cabinet is the same crisp white, but we played with accents to give each room its own personality.

In the kitchen, that meant navy blue, quartz countertops and stainless steel details for a fresh, polished look. The bar has beautiful brass wire mesh inserts, while the pantry and laundry rooms feel a little softer with warm wood

countertops. The primary bathroom features natural marble surfaces and elegant details, and both offices have their own tailored touches: his with a hand-applied glaze and dramatic dark countertops, hers with delicate mirror insets and thoughtful built-ins.

The homeowner was incredibly organized; she knew exactly how she wanted to live in each room, and we designed accordingly. Every drawer and shelf was planned with a purpose. That kind of clarity makes design feel less like guesswork and more like storytelling.

This was a dream team all around, especially with interior designer Sally Bacarella on board.

Everyone—from trades to design—was in sync, and it shows in every inch of the finished home.

At Design Line Kitchens, we focus on creating spaces that feel just as good to live in as they look. For us, it’s all about thoughtful design that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re building from scratch or reimagining what’s already there. Every home tells a different story, and cabinetry is a big part of how that story comes to life.

Projects like this one are a great reminder of how the right details can make a house truly feel like home.

Niki has been working at Design Line for four years, blending her background in civil engineering with a love for thoughtful, livable spaces. When she’s not working, she’s usually on the road with her husband and their dachshund, exploring new corners of the country.

JUNE 2025 |

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PHOTO OP

THE SIGHTS OF SPRING A GREAT BLUE HERON taking flight from Lake Como; Our Spring Lake Cherry Blossoms finally bloomed in late April, a sure sight that summer is not far behind.

Photographs by Christina Lilly.

Have a great image for Photo Op?

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Submit your high-resolution shot to brynn.coleman@ wainscotmedia.com.

5/7/25 1:41 PM

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