Issuu

Spring Lake NOVEMBER 2026

ALSO SERVING SEA GIRT LET THE GOOD TILES ROLL THE PARLOR ON 3RD

THE SEA CREATURE

OF SPRING LAKE

A Life In Motion MIKE MATTHEWS 0 SPL_Cover_1126_Final.indd 1

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Denise Dreyer

REALTOR® Associate GRI, ABR, SRS, SRES 201.819.2604 Cell 732.449.5959 Office dreyer@wardwightsir.com

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty | Sea Girt Company Top Producer 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 Top Producing Agent in Sea Girt* NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Gold Sales Award ® Named #3 in NJ by RealTrends Verified

There is something truly special about life along the Jersey Shore. From the beauty of our coastline to the charm of our coastal communities, we are fortunate to call this remarkable place home. This Thanksgiving, may we take a moment to appreciate the places, traditions, and connections that make our communities so extraordinary.

Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving season.

Whether you are considering a new chapter or simply exploring the possibilities, I would welcome the opportunity to share my local knowledge and real estate expertise. Let’s connect to discuss your next move along the Jersey Shore. * MOREMLS Sea Girt Closed Sales: All Categories 01/01/2025 - 12/31/2025 * #3 in NJ Per RealTrends Verified

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Contents NOVEMBER 2026

F EATU RES

Let The Good Tiles Roll

Unplug and connect with community at The Parlor on 3rd in Spring Lake, where mahjong is for everyone. 20

A Life in Motion

Step inside the adventures of Mike Matthews, a long-time Sea Girt resident who hasn’t stopped pursuing his dreams.

I N TH I S I S SU E

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Settling In

AROUND TOWN November Events

LIFE OUTDOORS The Spring Lake Sea Creature

LOCAL TASTES Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding

BOOK NOOK Cozy up With a Good Book

PHOTO OP The Great Outdoors

COVER

Mike Matthews Photograph by Michelle Wolfe

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HOME | GIFT | LIFESTYLE

306 Morris Avenue | Spring Lake, New Jersey

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PUB LISH E R’S NOTE

Spring Lake

NOVEMBER IS here and the holiday season is in full swing! As interim publisher of Spring Lake magazine, I’m happy to welcome you to this issue. As we get ready to settle in for the winter, many of you might be on the lookout for things to do indoors ahead of the cold weather. Look no further than The Parlor on

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JODI BRUKER

SETTLING IN

3rd, located inside interior design store Finishing Touches on Third Avenue, where you can gather with friends and members of the community to play and learn about mahjong and escape the winter chill. Writer Antonietta Henry takes us behind the scenes of how this little haven of connection was formed by Jersey Shore local Maureen Skea and has blossomed into something bigger than she could have imagined. You don’t want to miss it! We also stop by the home of Mike Matthews, a longtime mover who is always on the go. Writer Judith JonesAmbrosini interviews him about his fascinating life lived around the world; you’ll definitely get the travel bug from this story. As you make your way through the month, we hope you’ll enjoy a little Spring Lake history, cozy book recommendations, and a tasty pumpkin toffee recipe that will be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Thank you, as always, to our readers who keep this magazine alive. We hope you have a wonderful November. Warmly,

Jodi Bruker

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Publisher Jodi Bruker Jodi.Bruker@wainscotmedia.com Writers Antonietta Henry Alix Newton Judith Jones-Ambrosini Vincent Dicks Photographer Michelle Wolfe

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 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 Heather Arnold Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Publisher

springlakemagazine.com @springlakemagazine

Have a story idea?

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MAGAZINE

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.

Email the publisher: Jodi.Bruker@wainscotmedia.com.

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A Celebration of Lasting Relationships.

Our Third Annual Client Appreciation Event at Anchor Tavern was a special evening filled with familiar faces, new friendships, and the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful people who have become such an important part of our lives. Over the years, this gathering has grown into something we truly cherish. It’s an opportunity not only to express our gratitude to those who have placed their trust in us, but also to see the connections and friendships that have formed along the way. “We love the fact that all these folks come every year, and they’ve developed relationships of their own. So they’re not only clients, but they’re friends of ours, and they’re friends of one another.” - Michael Skea It’s moments like these that remind us just how special our community is and how fortunate we are to be part of it. To our clients, friends, and neighbors, thank you for your continued trust, loyalty, and friendship. We are grateful for the relationships we’ve built, the memories we’ve shared, and the opportunity to celebrate many more together. See you next year!

Considering Your Next Move? Let’s connect. We’d love to be part of your next chapter at the Jersey Shore.

Matthew Skea

Michael Skea

Moira Skea Jones

Cell 732.403.5363 | Office 732.449.3322

Cell 732.272.5898 | Office 732.449.3322

Cell 908.489.8809 | Office 732.449.3322

Sales Associate

matthewskea@wardwightsir.com

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Broker Associate

mskea@wardwightsir.com

Sales Associate

moiraskea@wardwightsir.com

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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!

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

Charlie’s of Bay Head & Charlie’s of Lincroft

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

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

John C. Tassini, Esq. Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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AROUND TOWN

NOVEMBER EVENTS Although the weather is turning crisper this month, these events will make you want to brave the chill.

BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE PAT RODDY BAND CONCERT SERIES November 6 The Pat Roddy Band presents The Jersey Shore meets Long Island: The music of Billy Joel on Friday, Nov. 6 at the Spring Lake Community Theatre House. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include an open bar and light snacks. Tickets may be purchased online at springlaketheatre.com/event-details/billyjoel-tribute-pat-roddy-band-concert-series.

SAVOR THE SHORE TROLLEY TOUR November 15 Hop aboard the Savor the Shore Trolley Tour and enjoy a bite-sized adventure through some of the best local food and beverage spots! This one-of-a-kind tasting event lets you explore multiple locations, enjoy delicious samples, and experience the flavors of our community. Sunday, Nov. 15 from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

THE 16TH ANNUAL TRI-STATE THEATRE FESTIVAL November 6 to 8 Come enjoy amazing theatre written by writers from New Jersey and beyond. This year’s festival includes “The Journey” by Rob Sullivan; “Fairy Tale Fail” by Joel Trinidad; “ThirdFirst Person” by Alex Dremann; “Everything’s So Expensive Lately” by Susan Bachner; “Z-A-K” by Gianna Barberia; “The Man from West New York, NJ” by Matthew J. Kaplan; “The Bench” by Darcy H. Sternberg; and “If Ever I’d Divorce You” by Loretta Bolger Wish. Visit the festival on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. Performances will take place in Wesley Hall. Tickets are available for purchase online at southstreetplayers.org/buy-tickets.html.

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PUZZLE PALOOZA -FRIENDS OF SLDL FUNDRAISER COMPETITION November 21 Come get ready for jigsaw puzzle fun! Work as a team to solve puzzles, win prizes, and help the library fund winter and summer reading events. For teens and adults, Nov. 21, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY November 28 On Saturday, Nov. 28, show your support for local businesses during Small Business Saturday in the Downtown Business District on Third Avenue. Local businesses are the backbone of our wonderful community and deserve our support this year and every year! Just in time for holiday shopping, local businesses, including retail, dining, and more, will open their doors to welcome you and your family before the year ends.

CHRISTMAS TRAIN VILLAGE November 28 Check out a beautiful holiday train display! Beginning Nov. 28, this free display is open five days a week from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Located in the Duggan Building at 313 Washington Avenue.

HOLIDAY AUTHOR CELEBRATION December 10 From 6 to 8 p.m. at Thunder Road Books, enjoy a holiday author celebration with authors Laura Rowley, Brisa Carleton, and Mariah Fredericks. Visit thunderroadbooks. com for tickets and more information. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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LI FE OUTDOORS

The Spring Lake SEA CREATURE Inside the historic discovery of a new species that occurred right here in our community. BY VINCENT DICKS

IN 1883, HENRY Stewart Howland, a sea captain, lifesaver, and beach pavilion owner, made a major scientific discovery at Spring Lake. In the surf, he had found an animal no one in town had seen before. This is the story. TURNING BACK THE CLOCK Henry Stewart Howland’s relative, John Howland, had come to Massachusetts on the Mayflower as an indentured servant in 1620. Tossed overboard in a storm, John was saved only by getting tangled in the topsail rigging, which had blown off the ship. He survived the passage and the first year in America, which killed half of

the original Pilgrims, including his master. John Howland was freed and became head of his household. In 1623, John sent for his brother, Henry Howland Jr. Together with their wives, they had 18 children. As the Society of Friends came to the New World, some of the Howland sons embraced the religion’s teachings and became Quakers. This made them unwelcome in the Plymouth Colony, but allowed them to thrive elsewhere. The Howlands were key investors and captains in the formation of the New England whaling community at New Bedford. At its peak in the mid 1800s, the fleet had 447 vessels, accounting for over 60% of US

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Frederick W. True at the Marine Mammal Curator National Museum, now known as The Smithsonian. Circa 1880s. Photograph courtesy of Vincent Dicks.

whaling tonnage. For a short time, whale oil profits made New Bedford the richest city, per capita, in the world, and made a string of “Captain Howlands.” Freedom of worship to the south in Long Island and New Jersey attracted Captain James Howland, a greatgrandson of Henry of England. He came to Shrewsbury in the early 1700s, where the family carved out a living by farming, fishing, and shipping. One of the original hotels at the beach in Long Branch was the Howland Hotel. Henry Stewart Howland, son of Asher and born in 1842, was the first Howland to live on the

Southern Monmouth County coast. FamilySearch shows eight generations in a direct line from Henry Howland Jr. and his 1624 arrival in America. Many of them made their livelihood on the sea. Asher gave a coastal plot to Henry. The farm in Wall Township was just to the north of Forman Osborne’s farm, which became the resort of Spring Lake Beach. Henry lived in a cottage on the property, with a small farm on what would become Brighton Avenue in modern Spring Lake. He ran a pound fishery with his own boats. CAPTAIN HENRY In 1861, Captain Henry S. Howland volunteered for the Civil War as a contracted captain for the Union cause. He sailed ships down the James River, moving men and supplies. When he returned home from the war, he was hired by the U.S. Life-Saving Service. His first assignment was Keeper of the Ocean Beach (Belmar) Station, and then he commanded the Station at Spring Lake on the north side of the Wreck Pond inlet. The life-saving service patrolled the beaches looking for ships in distress.

When a ship foundered, often hitting sandbars, teams performed rescues by shooting lines from a cannon to the sinking ships. They used surf boats to pick up passengers tossed into the sea. In addition to saving lives, his obituary notes that Henry ran the first bathing pavilion in North Spring Lake for 21 summers on his land, where the Breakers Hotel stands today. The business thrived after Forman Osborne sold his land to the Spring Lake Land Improvement Company. THE WHALE On April 27, 1883, Henry was alerted to what appeared to be a dead porpoise floating in the surf. As an experienced fisherman, Henry knew it was no porpoise. The life-savers carried it onto the sand. Upon closer examination, the creature was some kind of tiny female whale, just under nine feet in length, something that he had never seen. It was like a miniature sperm whale, with teeth on its lower jaw and a very flat back. A tiny dorsal fin sat close to the tail, and its head had false gill marks. When they cut into the animal, they discovered a fetus, about three NOVEMBER 2026 |

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LI FE OUTDO OR S

feet in length. It was likely the first ever encountered. As Station Keeper, Captain Howland was required to capture and preserve any unique species. The study of ecology was in its infancy. They wrapped the carcass, boxed it, and sent it to Professor Baird at the National Museum (Smithsonian Institution) in Washington, D.C., aboard a train. Frederick W. True, curator of marine mammals, took photographs, had lithographs printed, and preserved tissue and skeletal samples. It was a period of scientific awakening to the unintended consequences of wholesale destruction of species. The American Bison had dwindled from millions to an estimated 325 in the wild in 1884. Wholesale killing of predators in Pennsylvania led to an explosion of rodents. Bird plumage was all the rage for women’s hats, but it was emptying the sky. The work of the scientists to catalogue and count species, along with the public outrage over permanent losses, led to the Lacey Act in 1894. This was the first real wildlife protection by the federal government, initially applied within Yellowstone National Park, and then to the nation in 1900. Howland was correct; it was a species that no one in New Jersey had

Above: The scan of the original lithograph in the U.S. government report from Spring Lake, New Jersey 1883. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons. Below: The James River during the Civil War. Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress.

ever encountered. The pygmy sperm whale was previously undocumented in Atlantic waters. Frederick W. True initially thought this was a unique species and named it Kogia goodei. Additional strandings in 1884 in southern New Jersey and along the North Carolina coast confirmed an Atlantic population of pygmy sperm whales, Kogia breviceps, previously confirmed only in South Pacific waters. Even today, the whale is very hard to spot. Its low dorsal fin does not often protrude out of the water; it dives deep, and expels water to the side when it breathes. There is no telltale spout from a blowhole, which made the right, sperm, and humpback whales so easy to hunt.

The pygmy also has a defense mechanism. When it is frightened or threatened, it releases up to three gallons of dark reddish-brown pungent liquid from an ink sac to escape like an octopus. It avoids ships and is hard to distinguish from the air. For this reason, to this day, there is no accurate global population count of the pygmy or its close relative, the dwarf sperm whale. These small whales seem to thrive off deep continental shelves all over the world. They have been successfully hiding for thousands of years, and while rare, the species is not considered endangered or threatened. It took a seaman with a long pedigree on the ocean to demystify this whale. The Howlands remained at the beach and lived off of the proceeds of their land sales. They were well respected by the year-round residents in the borough. One of his daughters, Elise, married O.H. Brown II, the son of the longtime Spring Lake mayor, state senator, and bank president. Captain Henry lived in Como until he died in 1922, leaving his second wife and seven of his ten children. There are still surprises to be found at the ocean right here in our neighborhood. Vincent Dicks is a Sea Girt author who specializes in writing about the history of the Jersey Shore. This article first appeared on his blog at vincentdicks.com.

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Experience The Magic of the Holiday Season at Charlie’s

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CHARLIE’S OF BAY HEAD

CHARLIE’S OF LINCROFT

72 Bridge Avenue Bay Head, NJ 08742 732.295.1110

700 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, NJ 07738 732.812.4500

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Maureen Skea and her beautiful family on the beach.

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Let The Good Tiles Roll

Unplug and connect with community at The Parlor on 3rd in Spring Lake, where mahjong is for everyone. BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

PHOTOGRPAHS COURTESY OF MAUREEN SKEA

MAUREEN SKEA, owner of Finishing Touches in Spring Lake, grew up in Neptune City. A southern Jersey native, she returned after getting her bachelor’s degree in Maryland and becoming a manager and clothing buyer for the popular chain, The Children’s Place. From there, she worked as a buyer for Macy’s in the private label division and traveled all over the world. “I’ve always been involved in textiles, fabrics, colors,” says Skea. “When my children

Inside The Parlor on 3rd Avenue

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were younger, I had a cottage business in my basement making window treatments for designers and decorators.” Skea went to sewing school, as her mother Eileen felt everyone should learn. Over time, she knew she had to branch out from the basement. She took her show on the road around 2004, renting a space in Spring Lake Heights to work on her designs and sell retail items in the storefront. “I became so busy with design, sewing, and installing; it became so much,” says Skea. “Eventually

we moved to 1313 Third Avenue in Spring Lake, then a second spot right next door.” Today, the two beautiful storefronts owned by Skea work in harmony. “I still have a design business in the back of the store and retail in the front (which my daughter Moira runs), and now the mahjong parlor sits right between design and retail,” she says. A NEW PATH Mahjong has become a hot topic all over the world and has garnered an outpouring of interest thanks

Beautiful items in Finishing Touches.

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to popularity on social media. “We can’t get over how many people want to come play and learn,” says Skea. Only in its infancy stage at just shy of a month, The Parlor on 3rd is off to a running start. “We can’t keep the mahjong merchandise in stock,” says Skea. The converted storage space is a lovely mahjong room where 16 people can play at the same time. “The space is adorable, and people love it,” says Skea. The brightly colored room features tables of four, all the mahjong accessories, snacks, a fridge, and a place where locals can

spend some time unplugging and learning. It’s BYOB in the mahjong room if you’d like to make it a bit of a celebration. “It’s a great way for those new to the area to meet locals,” says Skea. “It’s fun to hear the banter between players when the game ends, exchanging numbers, making plans; I love the connections,” she says. Visitors to The Parlor on 3rd with mahjong experience can take part in open play or—for learners— lessons or guided play. Signing up to play is easy; just visit the website and choose which option you’d like.

Payment can be completed online, and gift cards are available for the mahjong enthusiast. Clients can even host an event at the parlor. “Our instructor Suzy is there for learning courses and guided play. She is wonderful,” says Skea. “The 101 class is for first-timers.” Mahjong-themed nights at the parlor are the brainchild of Skea’s daughter Moira. “A few of her ideas are Monster Mahj or charitable nights where a percentage of proceeds can go towards a good cause,” she says. “It’s such a fun vibe, and you want

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to play mahjong with people who smile,” says Skea. “There are players who take it very seriously too. The feedback has been phenomenal.” Clients like to match the beautiful and colorful mahjong sets to their home décor, and the shop has a great variety, which is flying off the shelves. “People are making mahjong rooms in their homes and building spaces around it. The tiles, the pushers, the mats, we sell wine glasses that say ‘Mahj with my girls.’ It’s so positive, happy, pretty and bright,” says Skea. CREATING COMMUNITY The goal at the parlor is to make fun connections. Music plays in the background (yacht rock is a popular choice), and the colder months will be a perfect place to

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cozy up to a game in the parlor. “It’s bringing in all ages, retired people, younger people; it’s wonderful to see,” says Skea. Of course, when visiting the parlor, you can also browse Finishing Touches, which features a theme of coastal, crisp, and fresh looks, as per the website. “A lot of the decor is blue and white, but then pops of hot pink, orange and lime green too. We love to reflect our coastal area. We carry a wide range of things including furniture, upholstered chairs, sofas, stools and mirrors,” says Skea. Skea loves to shop for her stock at the markets in High Point, North Carolina, or Atlanta, Georgia, a few times a year. “We try to carry different items than our friends in town. Being zip code friendly is important to us; we all have something to offer,” she says. The shop also features artists like Elizabeth Sabine, a talented painter of seascapes that leave the store almost as soon as they enter. Fine jewelry designer Kristen Godek’s beautiful Sea and Sky collection pieces can be found in the shop as well. A small bridal and baby department complements the space and rounds out the variety of a visit to Finishing Touches. In Skea’s spare time, it’s all about family. “If I’m not doing things for the store, I’m spending time with my family,” she says. A mother of three and grandmother of two, as well as coming from a big extended family who have stayed local, Skea’s heart is full. Her mother, Eileen, who was a familiar face and constant “employee of the month” at Finishing Touches, is local too. “It’s wonderful getting everyone together on

Sundays,” says Skea. In the end, Skea is grateful to be part of Spring Lake. “Third Avenue is such a beautiful shopping district. People come from all over, have lunch, walk the boardwalk, stroll in town. There’s a great mix of people, places and things up and down the whole avenue. Some are similar, but different enough that we all can coexist on the same street, we play off of one another. I’m proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.” The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by

appointment. The Parlor on 3rd operates Tuesday through Thursday with online sign-up. For more information, visit theparloron3rd.com and finishingtouchesbymaureen.com. Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four, and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys exploring and learning more about towns throughout her home state of New Jersey.

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motion

Step inside the adventures of Mike Matthews, a long-time Sea Girt resident who hasn’t stopped pursuing his dreams. BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE WOLFE

A Life in

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AFTER A LIFETIME of movement, service, and curiosity, Mike Matthews remains what he has always been—a man who follows his interests with full heart and steady purpose—whether on a bike, a sailboat, a snowy mountain, or a field half a world away. Most teenagers dream of their first car. At 17, while his friends were buying used sedans and handme-down hatchbacks, Matthews was saving every dollar he earned washing dishes—not for a car, but for a bike. A really good bike.

He’s 72 now, and that early instinct has never left him. Matthews still rides every week, logging a steady 100 miles with the same joy. And those weekly miles are only the warm-up. He has pedaled the 2,700mile “Great Divide” from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells on the Mexican border. He’s ridden the six-day, 600-mile “Tour de Trees” through the mountains of Oregon. He has cycled past the lakes of Chile, along volcanic valleys in Northern Patagonia, and through landscapes so remote and breathtaking that

readers may now need to stretch their legs just imagining these challenging bike rides. LOVING THE OUTDOORS When he’s not on two wheels, Matthews is often on the water. Sailing has carried him up and down the East Coast from Bar Harbor, Maine to Palm Beach, Florida, and far beyond—to Ireland, Belize, Alaska, and both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Wherever there is wind and water, Matthews finds his way. For the past two decades, he

Above: Matthews looking at a picture he took in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is an area along the Congo river where he worked with rice growers to increase yields. Opposite page: Matthews’ lemon tree (easily the largest lemon tree in Sea Girt) speaks to an interest in plants. It’s no small feat to grow a lemon tree this large in this climate!

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Opposite page: Matthews looking at a picture of a classroom in the Apac region of northern Uganda, where he introduced Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide safety to small share holder farmers.

and his wife Pam have spent their winters in Park City, Utah, where life on the mountain has become a cherished rhythm. Their children, Nathaniel and Nora, and grandchildren—Walter, Ellis, and Oona—flock to Utah for visits filled with snow, laughter, and the kind of memories that anchor a family. The Matthews’ love story began 30 years ago at a very “artsy” New York City party where everyone was either an actor, singer, filmmaker, or artist. Matthews asked her, “What’s your act?” Pam answered, “I’m not an actor; I’m a forensic microbiologist.” Matthews grinned and replied, “I’m not an actor either. I’m an agronomist: weed science.” It was, in its quirky way, a perfect beginning. Matthews’ advanced degrees in agronomy and weed science led to a career devoted to promoting safe and effective use of herbicides. He worked for the Federal Department of Agriculture before founding his own company, For-Shore, in Monmouth County. His expertise has taken him far beyond New Jersey. Matthews has done volunteer work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, and Uganda with Catholic Relief Services and other organizations. He brought integrated pest management concepts to subsistence and small share-holder farmers. In Uganda, he worked in HIV positive villages

where he taught subsistence farming and integrated pest management to small shareholder farmers and HIV farmers—encouraging the practice of sustainable agriculture. Closer to home, Matthews has served as a member and former Chair of the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Board, a key partner in New Jersey’s farmland preservation and right-to-farm efforts. And for 20

years, he has been co-chair of the Sea Girt 5K, a race that has become a beloved community tradition. He is also a founding and active member of the Sea Girt Conservancy, where members find his knowledge of native plants and help with Conservancy projects invaluable. As Matthews believes, “No matter what, life will be an adventure...you might as well live it that way. “

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View All Our Issues! Visit us online at springlakemagazine.com

Spring Lake AUGUST 2026

ALSO SERVING SEA GIRT

SCOTTO’S SPRING LAKE

UPPER GALLERY PHOTO EXHIBIT

WEAVING ART

CLAIRE GALLAGHER’S BEAUTIFUL BASKETS

Finding Joy Through Surfing

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10/16/26 1:24 AM PM 8/12/26 9:11

LOCAL TASTES

Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s just as perfect for casual weekend baking or your Thanksgiving table, this is the one for you. BY ALIX NEWTON

Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding IF FALL WERE a dessert, it would be this warm sticky toffee pumpkin pudding. A classic fall dessert with an extra twist thanks to the addition of pumpkin. It’s spiced, cozy, indulgent, and just what you need for sweater weather.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALIX NEWTON

Serves: 9 Prep time: 30 minutes Bake time:45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

For the Pumpkin Cake • 200 grams dates, chopped • ¼ cup butter • ¾ cup boiling water • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 cup pumpkin puree • ¾ cup Greek yogurt • 1 cup soft brown sugar • 1 large egg

For the pumpkin toffee sauce • 5 tablespoon salted butter • ¾ cup light brown sugar • ¾ cup heavy cream • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ¼ teaspoon salt or sea salt • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8x8 square baking dish. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, add the dates, butter, boiling water and vanilla and leave the dates to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Once soaked, mash the dates down with a fork. 3. After 15 minutes, add the sugar, pumpkin, Greek yogurt and egg to a large bowl, then add the softened dates with the liquid and mix everything together. 4. Fold in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices until everything comes together into a smooth batter then pour it into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. 5. While the cake bakes, make the toffee sauce by combining the sugar, butter, pumpkin, cream, salt, and vanilla together in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble. Leave it to simmer for a few minutes, then remove from the heat. 6. When the cake is fresh from the oven, use a skewer or fork to prick holes all throughout the cake, then pour half the pumpkin toffee sauce evenly over the cake, gently letting it sink in. 7. Serve the sticky toffee pumpkin pudding warm and top with ice cream and warm pumpkin toffee sauce.

Alix Newton is a baking blogger and photographer. Visit Alix online at mykitchensdrawer.com and follow her on social media @mykitchendrawer.

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BOOK NOOK

Cozy up With a Good Book We are almost at the end of the ‘ber months, but there is still time to get cuddle up with one of these great reads. BY SPRING LAKE MAGAZINE STAFF

CHERRY, BABY

By Rainbow Rowell Cherry (yes, that’s her actual name), is a woman who is about to lose everything. On the brink of divorce from her husband, and living alone and confused in Nebraska, she isn’t sure what to do next with her life. But as she finds out with the help of an overly large and hairy dog, just when you’re about to lose everything is just when you might find exactly what you need.

GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL LIFE

HOLLYWOOD, ENDING

By John Green This is a story about two young actors who struggle with fame, the attention economy, and the tension of figuring out who they are together and alone. John Green masterfully balances the push and pull these characters face against how the world sees them and how they see themselves, and his prose will leave you with striking questions about humanity, love, and why we are here. Recently released this year, “Hollywood, Ending” is not a novel to be missed.

OLGA DIES DREAMING

By Xóchitl González In 2017, Olga and her brother are big names in New York. But in private, they struggle, especially Olga, a wedding planner who can organize love but can’t seem to find it in her own world. When they were small, their mother Blanca abandoned them to advance a political cause. Now, 27 years later, she’s back and, along with Matteo, a young man who upsets Olga’s carefully curated life, causes more than a little chaos. “Olga Dies Dreaming” explores the American Dream, political issues, and family drama against the backdrop of a major weather event that upends everything and everyone.

By Emily Henry Two writers get the chance to tell the fascinating and secret life story of Margaret Ives, a tragic heiress and princess of the tabloids who lived a very public life until she all but disappeared from the face of the earth. As they battle for the job, their own secrets are revealed, including their burgeoning feelings for each other.

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT KITTY KARR?

By Crystal Smith Paul When Kitty Karr Tate, a white actress from the era of the silver screen dies, she leaves her fortune to the St. John sisters, who are three young and wealthy Black women. Elise St. John would rather not deal with the waves this choice has made, but as she sorts throughthe starlet’s affairs, everything she knows about the woman, and her own life, begins to unravel. A sordid tale against the backdrop of Hollywood, “Did You Hear About Kitty Carr” dives into family, race, gender, politics, and the lengths some women may go to break free.

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9/2/26 11:44 AM

The Parlor on 3RD Located in Finishing Touches

Open Play Mahjong 101 & Lessons Game Nights Private Events 1313 3rd Ave, Spring Lake 732.449.8686 theparloron3rd@gmail.com theparloron3rd.com

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We are a little bit of Palm Beach right here in NJ! Palm Place is a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. We are a destination shop for women’s dresses, sportswear, event dresses and athleisure wear. We also carry the cutest outfits from The Beaufort Bonnet Company for your little ones and we are home to our custom NJ print by Smith & Quinn. We opened this location in the Fall of 2022 and look forward to seeing you soon! Sea Girt Square | 2100 Route 35, Sea Girt, NJ 08750 Open 7 days! |  palmplaceNJ palmplacenj.com

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PHOTO OP

THE GREAT OUTDOORS The weather gets colder, but the beauty of Spring Lake doesn’t diminish. PHOTOGRAPH BY JODI BRUKER

Have a great image for Photo Op?

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Submit your high-resolution shot to jodi.bruker@ wainscotmedia.com.

10/16/26 9:34 AM

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VISIT COSNJ.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Where function meets flawless.

Designer: Andrea Garone

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10/13/26 11:13 AM