Spring Lake
ALSO SERVING SEA GIRT
SHAPING THE FUTURE THE WOMEN’S CLUB OF SPRING LAKE
DesignsDemandOn RAD SHIRTS
CUSTOM PRINTING
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
2025 Top Producing Agent in Sea Girt*
NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Gold Sales Award ®
Named #3 in NJ by RealTrends Verified
*MOREMLS Sea Girt Closed Sales: All Categories 01/01/2025 - 12/31/2025
1325 Ocean Ave in Mantoloking
At 1325 Ocean Ave, the Atlantic is not a view it is a way of life. Positioned on one of the most coveted stretches of Mantoloking’s oceanfront, this architecturally distinguished residence delivers 5,400 square feet of living across three thoughtfully designed levels – where soaring 24-foot ceilings, walls of glass, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow create an environment as serene as it is spectacular. Walls of windows and multiple balconies ensures the blue waters of the Atlantic serve as the backdrop for every gathering. Three fabulous levels of coastal living featuring 6 bedrooms and five full and 2 half baths,theater room, exercise room,and multiple living and dining areas. Outdoor oasis offers multiple outdoor living spaces – A perfect setting for sunbathing or al fresco dining. Follow your private dune walk to the elevated dune deck, where the Atlantic Ocean becomes your front yard. With custom millwork, oak floors, surround sound, three car heated garage and a full-house generator, This home is the result of a vision to live simply, but beautifully. Luxury is not only a lifestyle here, it’s an experience!
To learn more about this amazing Coastal Retreat home or to schedule a private tour please contact me directly at 201.819.2604 (Cell) or 732.449.5959 (Office) or email ddreyer@wardwightsir.com.
16 Artists on Main Street Inside Rad Shirts Custom Printing, the brainchild of artists Ryan and Lauren Wade.
20 Keeping the Music Alive
Monmouth University is opening the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, a place to preserve music and expand public access to its history.
24 The Women’s Club of Spring Lake Honoring the past, treasuring the present, and shaping the future of our town. IN THIS ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Welcoming June
8 LOCAL TASTES
Shore Nights, Fresh Bites
12 LIFE OUTDOORS Ride Safe, Ride Smart
30 BOOK NOOK Summer Reading Starts Now! 32 PHOTO OP Art by Lauren Wade
by Lauren Wade for Rad Shirts
by Lauren Wade
a little fun for our June cover. Rad Shirts, out of Manasquan, works with so many local shops and small businesses on their custom merch. They created a really fun piece that captures the essence of Spring Lake and Sea Girt in the summer. Learn more about this creative duo in our feature, and be sure to visit their site to grab some custom merch with our cover illustration.
Spring Lake MAGAZINE
Publisher and Editor
Brynn Coleman
Brynn.Coleman@wainscotmedia.com
Lead Writer and Editorial Coordinator
Danielle Kutcher
Editorial Intern Kylie Aprilante
Writers
Kate Czyzewski
Cynthia A. Murray
Dallas Hlatky
Photographers
Christina Lilly
Vincent Dicks
Michael Scotto
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
SVP, Group Publisher
Thomas Flannery
Regional Publisher Jodi Bruker
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
JWELCOMING
JUNE
JUNE IS ALWAYS such a busy month. We celebrate graduates and fathers, we hit the beach for the first time, finish up school and sports, and attend oh so many recitals and celebratory banquets. June is the time we tie up all our loose year-long ends so we can blast into summer come July. My whole life, I have thought of summer as the prize, and I still do! We had a lot of fun putting together this issue. We wanted to do something a little different and
This month, we explore the Spring Lake connection to The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, which opens this month at Monmouth University. I look forward to checking it out and seeing how it evolves over the next several years. There are lots of local events happening this month. The Spring Lake Historical Society hosts its 45th Annual House Tour on June 4, and the Garden Club of Spring Lake is hosting its Seaside Garden Tour on June 24. Be sure to check out their websites for information on tickets.
I wish you and your families a month full of togetherness and celebration. I’ll see you at the beach!
Brynn Coleman Publisher
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 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
327 South Boulevard, Spring Lake
In the heart of Spring Lake, discover an exquisite custom estate gracefully positioned on a generous 100’ wide lot. This classic Shore Colonial, with 7 Bedrooms and 6/2 Baths, occupies one of the larger parcels in this exclusive oceanfront enclave. It features 1st and 2nd level En Suite Bedrooms, 6 radiant heat zones, 5 AC zones, Italian porcelain tile, wide plank white oak floors, a full-house Kohler generator, and a slate wraparound porch—complemented by numerous premium upgrades. A walkout finished basement with a Rec Room, custom Bathroom & Bonus Room adds additional Square Footage to the main residence. The private yard boasts an expansive IPE deck with potential room for a sizable in ground pool (the buyer is to do their own due diligence). This is a rare gem for the discerning buyer. Come and make it your own! *Photos have been virtually staged.
Requesting $5,950,000
The Skea Team
DIRECTORY OF SPONSORS
Many thanks to our committed sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you high-quality local stories each month. Shopping and doing business close to home are excellent ways to support our community. When you visit our sponsors, please tell them Spring Lake Magazine sent you!
Charlie’s of Bay Head & Charlie’s of Lincroft
Design Line Kitchens
Custom Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry
Since 1976, Design Line Kitchens has crafted luxury custom kitchens and built-in cabinetry tailored to each home. From design to installation, our Sea Girt team delivers exceptional quality and timeless style. 732-449-6760 | DesignLineKitchens.com info@designlinekitchens.com @designlinekitchens
Denise Dreyer
Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty, Sea Girt
Denise Dreyer is one of the top agent of the Jersey Shore—just ask the clients that she helps guide through one of the biggest milestones of their lives. Exemplifying excellence in service, marketing, and creative solutions. She consistently ranks as the Company Top Producer, an accolade that she has received in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. 201-819-2604 | denisedreyer.com ddreyer@wardwightsir.com @denisedreyerrealestate
Town and Country
Design Studio
Comprehensive design and project management from concept through installation
As creative designers and skilled technicians, we offer a holistic, detail-oriented approach. We expertly select materials that look and feel beautiful, backed by a deep understanding of construction and the practicalities that bring our vision to life. 732-345-1441 townandcountrydesignstudio.com @townandcountrydesignstudio
Charlie’s Restaurants, including Charlie’s of Lincroft and Charlie’s of Bay Head, are renowned for their award-winning Contemporary American Cuisine that has won high praise from guests and critics alike. Both locations offer an exquisite settingLincroft featuring a casual yet elegant ambiance and decor, while Bay Head enhances the classic dining experience with its setting on Twilight Lake- paired with mouth-watering cuisine and steadfast service. Charlie’s of Bay Head: 732-295-1110 | @charliesofbayhead Charlie’s of Lincroft: 732-812-4500 | @charliesoflincroft
Platinum Dental Group
Quality Dental Care for the Entire Family
We offer quality dental care to meet the oral health needs of your entire family. Our services include preventive treatment, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry procedures, and emergency dentistry services. We also offer Invisalign clear aligners for those who want to discreetly straighten their teeth. 732-385-8466 www.platinumdentalgroup.com/platinum-dental-sea-girt
Palm Place
A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. Located just over a mile from the beach in Sea Girt, NJ. In addition to our Lilly Pulitzer selection we also offer fine leather goods by Smathers and Branson. Home to the custom NJ Smith & Quinn print. 732-223-1655 palmplacenj.com @palmplacenj
Megan Schell Schnurr
Helping Dreams Come True!
NJ REALTORS Circle of Excellence Sales Award
Platinum 2020 - 2025. Ranked Among America’s Best Real Estate Professionals in NJ 2020 - 2025 by Real Trends. Keller Williams Realty #1 Individual Producer for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 for all of Monmouth & Ocean County 732-221-5673 | MeganSchnurr@gmail.com meganss.kw.com @meganschellschnurr
The Skea Team
Michael Skea, Matthew Skea and Moira Skea Jones
The Skea Team delivers strategic, datadriven guidance with elevated marketing and multigenerational insight, helping clients navigate the Jersey Shore market with confidence and precision. 732-272-5898 @michaelskearealtor skeateam@wardwightsir.com
Fitness Lifestyles Inc.
Fitness Lifestyles offers premium fitness equipment, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and grills for homes and commercial spaces, with 10,000+ sf showroom, delivery, installation, service, repairs, in-home consultations, proudly family-owned since 1984. 732-775-1630
fitnesslifestyles.com liz@fitnesslifestyles.com
John C. Tassini, Esq.
Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC
Wills, Trusts & Estates: Planning and Administration
John C. Tassini, Esq.
Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC
Your Spring Lake attorney for thoughtful estate planning, smooth and efficient estate administration, and peace of mind for you and your family.
732-230-5003
mtglawyers.com
jct@mtglawyers.com
Spring Lake Community House & Theatre
Theatre Productions, Dance & Theatre Academy
Since 1978, the Spring Lake Community Theatre has delighted audiences with Broadway-quality musicals, comedies, and dramas, featuring lavish sets, stunning costumes and professionally talented casts. The Theatre and Dance Academy serves students from preschool through high school.
732-449-4530
springlaketheatre.com
@springlaketheatre
Contact Brynn Coleman (brynn.coleman@wainscotmedia.com) to place your ad and reach thousands of readers in the borough.
Shore Nights, FRESH BITES
Bring Your Own Bottle to these Asian gems along the Jersey Shore.
BY CYNTHIA A. MURRAY
WHEN IT COMES TO food and wine pairing, some really interesting and cool experiences happen with fresh Asian fare and unique global wines. We are lucky that our local area boasts several bring-your-own-bottle eateries specializing in Asian cuisines. Whether dining out or ordering in this summer, extraordinary new tastes and delectable wines await you.
The right wine makes Asian cuisine sing. Let Spring Lake Bottle Shop build your perfect mixed case.
Xina
Spring Lake Seafood
Starting in Spring Lake, chef Brad Rodriguez opened Spring Lake Seafood, focusing on fresh seafood and local oysters, but he was always interested in Japanese cuisine. He trained under a master sushi chef and built an elaborate sushi and sashimi menu at Spring Lake Seafood that has garnered fans from far and wide.
A few of our favorites include the Ninja Roll with spicy tuna, snow crab, and shrimp tempura; the 3 Way Fjord Trout Roll with torched trout, sticky soy, and spicy mayo; and the Omakase Flight with three nigiri. All pair well with the high-class Ohyama Big Mountain Tokubetsu Junmai sake from a Yamagata prefecture, founded in 1872. Since its opening in 2021, we have brought a great deal of sparkling wine to Spring Lake Seafood, like the dry, creamy François Baur Crémant d’Alsace Brut, as well as dry rosé, unique dry whites and lighter, lower-alcohol reds. Asian cuisine begs for elegant, balanced wines unmasked by heavy oak treatments or overtly jammy styles. Champagne and sparkling wines are always apropos.
An exciting newcomer to our area is Xina, a sushi and oyster bar and Chinese bistro. Its original location in Toms River was rated one of the best sushi spots in New Jersey. We are thrilled about the new location in our Sea Girt-to-Asbury Park corridor, right on Main Street in Bradley Beach.
The Japanese menu includes an incredible Hamachi crudo with cucumber, Thai chili, lime, and cilantro that we love with a lusty, saline-inflected dry rosé like Guiberteau Saumur. The decadent Chilean sea bass roll, coconut shrimp roll, and miso scallops pair well with aromatic, floral, spicy whites like an Anjou chenin blanc or Côtes-du-Rhône blanc.
As for the “Chinese bistro” vibe, Xina is completely inspired. We love the scallion pancakes with a dipping sauce of creamy burrata, chili crisps, hot honey, and scallions. The tender, tangy General Tso’s chicken and roasted Peking duck with steamed bao buns are two amazing mains. These dishes scream for a concentrated “orange” wine—an organic white with an orange hue that is all the rage now. Bring Fossil & Fawn’s “Oregon Orange” and be blown away. The bright, airy, modern design of Xina is comfortable yet chic, and the open-kitchen concept is super cool. Make your reservation online in advance.
Clockwise fro top: Cynthia and Marie Murray toasting with Baur Crémant d’Alsace Brut. Spring Lake Sushi specialty sushi. Sushi Extravaganza at Sun and Waves Opening Party.
From left: General Tso’s chicken, Hamachi Crudo and unique sushi rolls
ULTIMATE
MIXED CASE FOR ASIAN FARE:
SAKE
• Ohyama Big Mountain Tokubetsu Junmai
SPARKLING
• François Baur Crémant d’Alsace Brut
• Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé
WHITES/ROSÉ/ORANGE
• Guiberteau Saumur Dry Rosé
• Fossil & Fawn Oregon Orange
• Dönnhoff German Off-Dry Riesling
• Château de la Roulerie Anjou Chenin Blanc
• Domaine de la Solitude Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc
REDS
• Fabien Duveau Saumur-Champigny “Les Gaignés”
• François Villard’s “Mermaid” Syrah
• Cono Sur Chilean Pinot Noir
• El Jefe Spanish Tempranillo
• One bottle of each: Under $250 per case of 12
LOCAL TASTES
Rice
Next, we head to Asbury Park to the most under-the-radar of our favorite Asian BYOBs: Rice on Cookman Avenue. Owned by two Chinese-born couples, Rice opened six months before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, so many locals only know it as a takeout option. Luckily, the food is so good that it survived those tough times. It offers a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisines.
We have been visiting in person since 2022 and love the freshness of the food, the casual atmosphere, and the reasonable prices. Every time we go to Rice, we start with the shrimp wonton soup. The “must-have” Asbury Park sushi roll is layered with spicy yellowtail, avocado, and tuna, topped with wasabi sauce. The Christmas roll, with lobster tempura and mango wrapped in soy paper, is pure luxury. Finally, the sushi sandwich is another big hit, layered in pink soy paper with spicy tuna, avocado, tempura flakes, and masago. This dish craves juicy, low-alcohol reds like Fabien Duveau’s Saumur red or the unoaked El Jefe tempranillo from Spain, housed in a handy 1-liter bottle.
Bamboo Leaf
Finally, Bamboo Leaf is a renowned local favorite with the best Thai food this side of Thailand. Authentic, made-to-order dishes here are loaded with fresh proteins, vegetables, unique Thai spices, and tangy sweetness.
Starting with a steaming hot soup is mandatory; take your pick of noodle, tom yum, or tom kah. For small plates, try the delicate steamed shrimp dumplings or crispy shrimp rolls. A mouthwatering, gingery German white like Dönnhoff Riesling or a sparkling Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé are fantastic with appetizers and green curries. We also bring low-alcohol organic reds like Cono Sur pinot noir and François Villard’s “Mermaid” syrah to pair with the grilled basil and chili salmon. Owned and managed by a hardworking, second-generation Thai family, Bamboo Leaf is typically open Thursday through Monday. We suggest calling ahead, as hours are subject to change.
Cynthia A. Murray is co-owner of Spring Lake Bottle Shop and a secondgeneration wine and spirit merchant.
Specialty sushi rolls and sushi sandwiches
From left: Roasted Tamarind Duck, steamed shrimp dumplings and rice noodle soup with vegetables and tofu
Ride SAFE, Ride SMART
Local bike rules, seasonal restrictions, and simple safety habits help keep our roads and boardwalk safe for everyone.
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
ONE OF THE GREAT joys of living here at the Jersey Shore is the ability to ride miles upon miles on your bicycle. It’s a rite of passage for local kids to gain independence and ride with their friends to school and town, and a great way to get a premier parking spot when headed to the beach. On any given summer day, we can expect to see dozens of candy colored beach cruisers piled up at our beaches and on the side streets along Third Avenue. With our local streets becoming more clogged each summer, please follow these guidelines to keep you and your family safe.
One of the newer laws to take note of in New Jersey is regarding e-bikes. All e-bike riders in New Jersey must be at least 15 years old, have a motorized bicycle license, register their e-bike, and carry liability insurance. Riders who are 17 and older can use a valid New Jersey driver’s license. All motorized bikes are prohibited on the boardwalk, its approaches, and the beaches. The Spring Lake and
Sea Girt Police Departments work with residents to promote safety and security and enforce these laws.
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety recommends the use of helmets for everyone, but is required for anyone under 17. Cyclists should also obey all traffic signals and ride on the right side of the road. According to Adam Levine, Owner of Pedego Electric Bikes of Spring Lake, “When you ride with traffic and follow the rules of the road, you become a more predictable rider. When you are more predictable, you are less likely to find yourself in an accident with a vehicle.”
KEEPING THE TIRES RUNNING
Maintaining your bike is important, especially in the salty air. Each year, look at all the mechanics of your bike and make sure they are in working condition. Local bike shops can help with a seasonal tune-up. For kids, check and make sure the height of the seat and handlebars keep up with their growth. Levine also suggests installing
a left-hand mirror to help avoid falls caused by looking behind while riding.
The Spring Lake Police Department offers a bicycle registration program for residents. They can bring their bicycles to Police Headquarters at 311 Washington Avenue, where an officer will log the owner’s information, the serial number, make, and model of the bicycle, and affix a numbered identification sticker to the bicycle. If a registered bicycle is ever lost or stolen, the Department will be able to use this information to try to retrieve it.
The boardwalk in Spring Lake prohibits bike riding from May 1 to Nov. 1. Sea Girt allows bike riding on the boardwalk between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Bikes should only be ridden on the street and are specifically prohibited on the sidewalk along Third Avenue between Madison and Passaic. Park your bike safely using a secure lock in the bike racks located at each street end. Whether you are a resident or just visiting for the day, follow the rules and look out for one another.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA LILLY
Artists on Main Street
Inside Rad Shirts Custom Printing, the brainchild of artists Ryan and Lauren Wade.
BY DALLAS HLATKY
AA LOT OF THE PRINTED merch you’ll find in the boutiques, pizzerias, and candy shops that make up the “main streets” in our area was printed by Rad Shirts Custom Printing. You may have driven by their workshop on Route 71 in Manasquan a thousand times and never noticed it, but you’ve certainly seen their work, whether it’s on the little groms of Summertime Surf School and Pink Pineapple Surf & Skate, the ladies who love Waterlily, or the devotees of Jean Louise Candies.
You may even recognize owner Ryan Wade’s signature hand-drawn comic-style illustrations. Ryan started the business with his now wife, Lauren, in 2005. But Rad Shirts can and does print whatever their
customers need. It’s an operation that started small, with one silkscreen press in Ryan’s Manasquan garage, and has grown over more than 20 years through steady word of mouth, returning business, and expanded capabilities. In 2011, they added a second screen press and a direct-to-garment printer, which is like an inkjet printer on fabric. The ink is water-based and soft to the touch, so it “doesn’t feel different than the shirt,” Ryan explains.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Ryan and wife Lauren met as art students at Boston College. They admit they were aware upon graduation that “art isn’t really a job,” and bought the first screen press in 2005 to start selling their own
Lauren and Ryan offer custom T-shirt design to local businesses as well as their own line of merchandise that features their own illustrations.
artwork on shirts. The business evolved into doing custom orders for events, fundraisers, and merch for businesses.
Ryan had grown up in New York City and spent summers in Sea Girt, bodysurfing, going to Junior Guards, and eventually becoming a Sea Girt lifeguard for 20 years. To add to his local bona fides, he also bartends at Parker House. Lauren grew up in Washington D.C., but was happy to settle so close to the sea. She really leaned into life in “the garden state” and has cultivated a huge garden, participating in the Sea Lavender Club garden tour. She loves to comb the beach for shark teeth and rare stones, and is amazed by our coastal
environment. “So much of the coast was covered in water, and there are so many fossils. There are amazing geological features because of that.”
Ryan’s network of connections from years of growing up in the community was one of the key factors to the organic growth of their company. Just after they had bought the press, Ryan’s friend Shaun McGrath started Summertime Surf, and he needed shirts. “It was 2006, that was one of those businesses that when they started, we started. We still print shirts for them,” Ryan explains, noting that they have grown from a small start up to a surf school with locations in four beach towns. There
is an ethos of mutual support in the community. “If we are printing the shirts for the surf shop, that’s where we are going to buy our gear,” says Ryan.
SHOPPING LOCAL
One of the benefits of working with a local company like Rad Shirts is that customers can come in and see, touch, and feel all their options. Rad Shirts offers an online portal for custom jobs and can turn orders around quickly, just like any online printing service. But being able to choose the exact t-shirt or specialty item, or browse a large collection of samples and styles gives them an edge. “In the shirt business, there
Rad Shirts has been printing shirts for local businesses for over 20 years.
are so many different factors in just placing an order. What type of fit, what type of cotton, how many. It helps to see what you are spending your money on, come in, and feel it. It’s very hands on.” Lauren explains, “We are visual learners ourselves. We want to offer that same experience to other people. Customer service is just part of it. It’s our own product and we feel so passionate about it.” They still sell their own line of printed t-shirts featuring Ryan and Lauren’s original illustrations. And they love to design custom artwork for their clients, who seek out their signature hand-drawn style. The Spring Lake Police Department has given them carte blanche to create their
touch-a-truck t-shirts.
They run a mailer design contest every year. They invite people to submit artwork, and the winners will be printed on the mailing envelopes they ship their shirts out in—“which are all eco-friendly, non-plastic, and compostable,” Ryan adds.
For two young artists who weren’t sure they could do art for a living, Ryan and Lauren have built a business in art and craft. Their artwork now even lives among us on the backs of people just walking down the street. Their work is a part of the community, unique to this landscape, like the shark teeth on the beach.
To learn more about Rad Shirts Custom Printing, visit radcakes.com.
Dallas Hlatky is a local writer and artist working under the brand Merle Works.
Keeping the Music Alive
Monmouth University is opening the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, a place to preserve music and expand public access to its history.
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
TTHE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
Center for American Music at Monmouth University has been an ongoing project since 2001, when Springsteen fans organized a campaign to collect and preserve historic memorabilia from Springsteen’s decades-long career. At first, the materials were stored in a closet at the Asbury Park Public Library and then grew until rented storage became necessary. These fans wanted to make all the materials accessible to other fans, as well as students and scholars who study Springsteen’s art and how it reflects American culture.
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY
In the summer of 2011, volunteers relocated thousands of items to the Monmouth Campus. The newly established Archive quickly began
to welcome researchers, students, and fans. Bob Satelli, a former music historian and museum developer, became the Founding Executive Director of the BSACAM. He initiated conversations that eventually led directly to Springsteen, about making Monmouth University the official home of his archives. According to Spring Lake councilwoman Syd Whalley, former business administrator and current member of the Board of Advisors, “Bob felt it was important to have Bruce’s history stay in Monmouth County, even though several national museums wanted his memorabilia.”
Springsteen agreed on the condition that the center celebrate all American music, not just his music. As the story goes, Bob went to Springsteen’s home, and during
the meeting, Springsteen decided he wanted to see the location he had in mind. So, Springsteen hopped on his motorcycle and headed to Long Branch.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTER
Whalley’s path to the Archives reflects a long and winding road. After earning a master’s in nursing from the University of California and working as a clinical nurse specialist in pediatric bone marrow transplantation, she later attended UCLA School of Law at age 45. She would go on to build a career as an attorney while raising her two children in Los Angeles. In 2009, she returned to the Jersey Shore when Peter Cancro invited her to serve as general counsel for Jersey Mike’s Subs. Following five years with the
Opposite page: An architectural rendering of the exterior of the center. This page: The Born to Run exhibit celebrated the 50th anniversary of the album at the Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center in August 2025.
company, she became involved in another major community project with Fulfill, overseeing construction of its Toms River facility, which included JBJ Soul Kitchen, founded by Jon Bon Jovi.
As that project concluded, Bob Santelli, a longtime friend from their days at Point Pleasant Beach High School, approached her about becoming involved in the early developmental stages of the Springsteen Archives. Beginning as a volunteer in 2017, she soon became the full-time administrator, playing a key role in fundraising, development, and operations over
seven years before retiring in the fall of 2023.
Whalley came to the administrator position with a strong background in nonprofit management and fundraising and was involved in every aspect of the new center. She, Santelli, and Eileen Chapman, former manager of The Stone Pony and current Director of BSACAM, were able to utilize university students to help along the way. Bruce was on site for many events, including programs, fundraisers, and rehearsals for “Springsteen on Broadway.”
During the long road to the
opening of the center, the team presented numerous programs and conferences, developed traveling exhibits, and worked endless hours with the architects. They held fundraising meetings and prepared budgets. Additionally, they developed websites and collaborated with the university trustees and Board of Directors, including Marc Cimino, (Lake Como), Anthony Ambrosio (Spring Lake), Rich Hope (Spring Lake Heights), and John Teza (Brielle).
The 32,000-square-foot BSACAM building, on the corner of Norwood and Cedar Avenue, will be opening
Clockwise from top: Syd Whalley and her husband, Tom Lepetich, with Springsteen at the 2025 American Music Honors, presented by the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, on the campus of Monmouth University. The BSACAM will feature artifacts from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band alongside explorations of American music across genres and generations.
to the public later this month, with exhibition galleries, research spaces, and a 241-seat soundstage. The first exhibit in the Rotating Gallery will be Chimes of Freedom: Protest, Politics, and the Power of Song, which explores how music has shaped and reflected social awareness.
Springsteen himself noted about the opening of the BSACAM, “Believe it or not, there are people who come from around the world for their vacations or pilgrimages to spend their hardearned dollars in Asbury Park, or Freehold in search of from whence I hailed, and now they will have someplace to go other than my house.”
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Some of the leading partners in the project include Teach Rock and Steven Van Zandt’s Disciples of Soul, the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation, and Hard Rock
International. They, along with the Museum Collective, are all contributing to the center’s mission of preserving and celebrating American music.
The BSACAM honors the legacy of Springsteen and celebrates the richness of American music. The Archives serve as the official repository for anything related to Springsteen and the E Street Band, including notebooks, lyrics, recordings, photographs, and interactive displays. The Center for American Music dives into the broader story of American music through exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs. BSACAM embodies the spirit of creativity, community, and storytelling that
defines both Bruce Springsteen and the nation his music reflects. There are several ways to become involved in the BSACAM, including signing up for the mailing list, becoming a docent or “Buying a Seat” in the theatre. Visit springsteencenter.org for more information. If you are interested in donating materials to the archives, email the curator of the BSACAM Melissa Ziobro at mziobro@ monmouth.edu.
Danielle Kutcher was born in the USA., is a true Jersey Girl, and was born to run. She is a proud member of the Spring-Nuts.
Top: Eileen Chapman in the original location of the Bruce Springsteen Archives in a cottage on Monmouth University’s campus. The Springsteen Center celebrates not just Bruce and the E Street Band but music across American history.
The Women’s Club of Spring Lake
Honoring the past, treasuring the present, and shaping the future of our town.
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
TTHE WOMEN’S CLUB of Spring Lake is an organization dedicated to service and philanthropy in the community. It exists to serve the community, its members, and to contribute to a prosperous future for women of all ages. With a rich history in Spring Lake that spans more than 100 years, the club played an instrumental role in the formation of the Spring Lake Library and Community House, which opened on Nov. 14, 1919. Today, its mission continues to focus on supporting local organizations, providing scholarships,
and promoting civic, cultural, and environmental initiatives. Through these efforts, the club helps open doors to new opportunities and makes a lasting difference in the lives of those in the community.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
What makes the Women’s Club of Spring Lake unique is the visible presence of its members throughout the town in a wide range of volunteer roles. “We contribute to all first responders and have close relationships with the Borough Council, Mayor, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Mountz School. And we hold events for veterans, focusing on women veterans,” says former WCSP President Dr. Kathleen Reddick. Members are consistently active in service across the community. They have created strong local connections by being committed to helping local needs.
Fundraising is an essential part of supporting scholarships and local charities. The club raises funds through events such as fall luncheons and theater fundraisers, as well as selling baked goods at the Spring
Lake Irish and Italian Day festivals. Additional efforts include selling pies at Thanksgiving and selling jewelry donated by members during the Christmas season. Throughout the year, the club also organizes member events that further support its philanthropic mission. They love to be involved while having fun in the process.
The Women’s Club of Spring Lake also works closely with the community to support and strengthen local initiatives. The Borough Council has supported the efforts of the WCSL by facilitating the administration of their licenses and permits. The Breakers-bythe-Sea and the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis Club host events and provide accommodation for their events. Local businesses contribute with donations, gift cards, floral arrangements, gifts, and baskets to support the raffles. They have access to the Borough Council Chambers, Marucci Recreation Center, the Spring Lake Community House, and Duggan Hall for meetings and fundraisers. The WCSL is a vital asset to the Spring Lake community because of its collaboration with other nonprofits to improve the quality of life.
SCHLORSHIP PROGRAM
Among its most impactful efforts is its scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to high school senior girls and women returning to college to further their education. The mission statement of the Scholarship Committee is to empower women through further education, promote personal growth, and foster a lifetime of community engagement. The purpose in donating to High School Seniors is to honor those young women in the community who demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement and a passion for community service. As examples, past recipients volunteered to teach dance to underprivileged children through the Red Bank Salvation Army. Another spent her ‘spare’ time volunteering to help children with special needs learn to ride horses. Through these awards, the Women’s Club hopes to send a message about the importance of women giving back to their communities and inspire a lifelong commitment to service.
The SLWC is also very proud to offer scholarships to honor women who, due to life’s challenges, have had to delay
Members of the Spring Lake Women’s Club are women who are dedicated to supporting their community and helping others.
their formal education. Through their scholarships, the WCSL acknowledges the courage and fortitude of these women. They support their desire to improve their lives and the lives of others within the Monmouth County Community through their education.
The Spring Lake community supports the Scholarship Fund in many ways. The Women’s Club Annual Fall Luncheon in November is the largest fundraiser of the year, with all the profits from this luncheon going directly into the scholarship fund.
Maureen T. Cooney, current WCSL President, says, “For as long as I have been a member of the club, many downtown businesses have donated
items, gift cards, and baskets to be entered into our raffle. It is not unusual to have local community members purchase tickets to attend, as well as make outside anonymous donations to the fund.”
Everyone shows their support by purchasing 50/50 raffles and taking chances on gift baskets to help the awards fund grow. In addition, through the generosity of Pat Barry and the Spring Lake Theatre, they raised almost $3,000 for the scholarship fund at the dress rehearsal of “The Sound of Music” last summer.
“The most rewarding part for me,” says Cooney, “is the satisfaction in knowing that we are helping local
organizations and encouraging young women to pursue their dreams of completing their educations. The future for our club is bright as long as we continue to grow and welcome members who want to give back to our wonderful community.”
The luncheon at the Breakers honors the recipients with presentations.
Linda Foy, First Vice President, says, “Our theme this year is ‘Planting Seeds and Growing Futures’. We’ve planted the seeds. I wish the recipients continued success in growing their futures.” Members feel proud of the work they do for scholarships. There is tremendous appreciation of the students, which inspires the members to reach new heights in raising funds and preserving the tradition of scholarships. They work tirelessly on fundraisers and the logistics of events. Their only reward is the pride that they feel in contributing to the future success of our scholars. Cooney adds, “It is a wonderful feeling to look in the audience and see these ‘significant others’ beaming with pride. Committee members also share their pride and happiness! This is the most rewarding part of this journey.”
The ladies of the Women’s Club work together to support scholarships, participate in community service, and give back year-round.
WHEN LIFE CHANGES
Three essential documents for your estate plan can protect your family through every stage of life.
BY JOHN C. TASSINI
NOT LONG AGO, my older son, Charlie, and I brought our dog to the Trenton Boulevard beach in Sea Girt. Watching the two of them play by the sun-dappled water’s edge, I knew that, before long, summer would release us from a long stretch of damp and drear. There are these moments, when something is happening, when things are changing. But what do you do about it? How do you handle a change
you can’t quite put your finger on, but, just the same, you know it’s there?
PLANNING
In my estate planning practice, my clients confront a version of this dilemma. Something happens to them that they know marks a change in their lives: the beginning or end of a marriage, the birth of a child or grandchild, a shift in their health or
their finances. The clients know it’s big, and they sense it will affect their futures, but they’re not sure what to do about it. The specific answer varies from client to client, but one thing is for sure: if you’re thinking about your estate plans, call your trust and estate attorney and talk it over.
Just about everyone, at every stage of life, needs a fundamentally sound estate plan. The basic plan has three parts: a Last Will and Testament, which governs the disposition of your assets after your death; a General Durable Power of Attorney, which authorizes another person to undertake business transactions on your behalf during your lifetime; and a Medical Proxy, which designates a person to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate those decisions for yourself. No matter where you are in your life, these documents ensure that your wishes will be carried out precisely and efficiently, and your interests and those of your family will be protected. As your life changes, your attorney will advise you if these documents need to be tweaked. More significant changes in your life may necessitate more advanced planning to protect your assets and take care of your loved ones. As time goes by, your trust and estate attorney will keep you and your family secure in the knowledge that you are prepared for whatever comes your way.
John C. Tassini practices trust and estate law with Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, a full-service firm, at 302 Washington Avenue, Spring Lake. Please contact John via phone 732-230-5003 or email jct@mtglawyers.com for more information.
Summer Reading STARTS NOW!
This season’s most anticipated releases have something for every kind of book lover.
BY KATE CZYZEWSKI
“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”
―Jeannette Walls “The Glass Castle”
FOR BOOKS AND new releases, June has some much-anticipated releases from beloved authors!
“WHISTLER”
by Ann Patchett
(6/2)
In 2020, Ann wrote a piece for The New Yorker called “My Three Fathers,” which shared the story of the three men her mother was married to and Ann’s different relationships with each of them. In Whistler, the main character Daphne, is visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art when she notices an older gentleman who happens to be her stepfather. Her mother’s relationship with him was brief, as was hers; however, his impact was great. Now, reunited with him, so much has changed. This is Ann as Ann
does best: characters and familial relationships that leave a lasting impact on readers.
“THE JELLYFISH PROBLEM”
by Tessa Yang
(6/2)
Since the release of “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” books with animals as the main characters are ones we cannot get enough of. We highly recommend “Sipsworth” by Simon Van Booy as well! In “The Jellyfish Problem”, Dr. Jo Ness is processing the grief of losing her best friend a few months ago. A marine biologist, she finds solace spending time at the aquarium. Jo is called to Maine to help deal with a giant jellyfish that is menacing the island community. Mystery, an ode to classic sea monster stories, and an incredible debut from a new voice in fiction!
“FIVE”
by Ilona
Bannister (out now)
Every so often, a thriller comes along that you sit down to read and do not leave until it is finished. That feeling is the one readers get when they discover “Five”. On a train platform, five strangers unknowingly face a countdown. None of them knows that this morning they are up for today’s death at this station. Only the reader knows. As you read, you judge who deserves to walk away and who deserves just five more minutes to live. This thriller sparked a publishers bidding war for the manuscript, and I can completely understand why!
“HAVE A GREAT SUMMER”
by
Francesca Cocchi
(out now)
Francesca Cocchi’s debut encapsulates the nostalgia of Jersey Shore summers spent as a kid, and the magic of Jersey Shore summers spent now, as adults. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful beaches of Monmouth and Ocean County, Francesca’s main character, Lina Mariano, epitomizes the feelings associated with being a Jersey kid. We’re desperate to leave and spread our wings, yet we’re racing back every summer, and sometimes off-season too. The pangs of first love, missed opportunities, and second chances will have any beach lover’s (Jersey or not) heart swooning through this entire story...plus making a list of all your favorite go-to local spots!
Kate Czyzewski is the manager, buyer and event coordinator for Thunder Road Books.
Photo by Amy Nolan
Have a great image for Photo Op?
Submit your high-resolution shot to brynn.coleman@ wainscotmedia.com.
Art by Lauren Wade for Rad Shirts. Visit radcakes.com for merchandise with this illustration.
LAKE
Megan Schell Schnurr
Realtor Associate
Sea Girt - Oversized Lot of 50 x 185
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath expanded Cape in the very desired beach town of Sea Girt. Only 8 blocks to Sea Girt’s pristine beaches and boardwalk! The home features a large family room with hardwood floors, centered around a cozy gas fireplace, flowing seamlessly into a bright dining area and kitchen. The versatile bedroom wing offers the potential for a private primary ensuite on the first floor. Upstairs, discover a generous bedroom complete with expansive his-and-her walk-in closets as well as another bedroom with a large walkin closet. Additional features include a large 2.5-car detached garage and a massive unfinished basement providing endless storage or finishing potential. The 50x185 lot provides ample space for a future
