Issuu

Spring Lake SEPTEMBER 2026

ALSO SERVING SEA GIRT TUNNEL TO TOWERS

KEEPING THE MISSION ALIVE

FROM BROADWAY TO THE BOARDWALK NICK BARRINGTON COMES HOME

Meet Marée

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Denise Dreyer

REALTOR® Associate GRI, ABR, SRS, SRES

Denise Dreyer

201.819.2604 Cell 732.449.5959 Office dreyer@wardwightsir.com

REALTOR® Associate GRI,Realty ABR, SRS, SRES Ward Wight Sotheby’s International | Sea Girt Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Sea Girt Company Top Producer 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,Realty 2018,| 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 Company Producer Top Producing Agent inTop Sea Girt*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 ® NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Gold Sales Award ® Named #3 in NJ by RealTrends Verified Named #3 in NJ by RealTrends Verified *MOREMLS Sea Girt Closed Sales: All Categories 01/01/2025 - 12/31/2025

Every successful sale represents a unique journey, a valued relationship, and a goal Let’s make your property part of the next success story. achieved. My 2026 year-to-date results reflect a continued commitment to thoughtful Every successful sale represents a unique journey, a valuedthe relationship, and a goal achieved. guidance, local expertise, and personalized service throughout Jersey Shore. My 2026 year-to-date results reflect a continued commitment to thoughtful guidance,

Let’s make your local property partand of the next success story. expertise, personalized service throughout the Jersey Shore.

SOLD

22 Crescent Drive, Brielle Denise Represented the Seller & Buyer

SOLD

8 Byram Lane, Little Silver

564 Perch Avenue, Manasquan

Denise Represented the Seller

Denise Represented the Buyer

225 1st Avenue, Manasquan Denise Represented the Seller

PENDING

118 Neptune Place, Sea Girt

409 Sea Girt Avenue, Sea Girt

105 Philadelphia Blvd, Sea Girt

Denise is Representing the Seller

Denise is Representing the Seller & Buyer

Denise Represented the Seller & Buyer

Denise Represented the Seller

SOLD

1035 Ocean Ave, Mantoloking

504 Crescent Parkway, Sea Girt Denise Represented the Seller

SOLD

300 Washington Blvd, Sea Girt Denise Represented the Seller & Buyer

SOLD

102 Baltimore Blvd, Sea Girt

413 Philadelphia Blvd, Sea Girt

107 Philadelphia Blvd, Sea Girt

Denise Represented the Seller & Buyer

Denise Represented the Seller

Denise Represented the Seller & Buyer

SOLD

PENDING

208 Tuttle Ave, Spring Lake

2005 Marconi Road, Wall Twp

82 Harrison Avenue, Red Bank

Denise Represented the Buyer

Denise Represented the Seller

Denise is Representing the Seller

* MOREMLS Sea Girt Closed Sales: All Categories 01/01/2025 - 12/31/2025 * #3 in NJ Per RealTrends Verified

For more information call Denise at 201.819.2604 (Cell) or 732.449.5959 (Office) or email ddreyer@wardwightsir.com

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Contents SEPTEMBER 2026

16 F EATU RES

Hip, Hip, Marée!

Spring Lake’s first downtown restaurant with a full bar is in full swing. 20

Tunnel to Towers

Kathy Cunningham’s “Team Shamrock” keeps the Tunnel to Towers mission alive at the Jersey Shore. 24

From Broadway Back to the Boardwalk

A Spring Lake Heights teen’s whirlwind season on Broadway and the joy of coming home

24 10

I N TH I S I S SUE

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Welcoming September

LIFE OUTDOORS On Our Boardwalks

BOOK NOOK Take a Book, Leave a Book

PHOTO OP The Last Light of Summer

COVER

Restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach of Marée 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

WELCOMING SEPTEMBER

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE

AS SEPTEMBER rolls in and the crowds roll out, we get this magical slice of summer that is reserved just for us. The ocean is still warm, the sun is still shining; it’s time to relax and enjoy the bounty of the Jersey Shore. This month we take a look at our beloved boardwalks, the wooden roads that feel like they’ve always been here, carrying generations of earlymorning walkers, sandy-footed kids, and afternoon strollers. Spring Lake also welcomes its very first downtown restaurant with a full bar. Marée, from longtime local restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach, which brings a coastal French bistro feel to a beautifully reimagined 1940s bank building. And we’re celebrating some serious hometown pride: Spring Lake Heights’ own Nick Barrington spent the year on Broadway in the Tony-winning revival of “Ragtime,” with his family and community cheering him on every step of the way. We hope this issue finds you enjoying a quiet beach day, a cool afternoon on the porch, or on the sidelines of a freshly cut soccer field. Happy fall!

Spring Lake MAGAZINE

Publisher and Editor Brynn Coleman Brynn.Coleman@wainscotmedia.com Lead Writer and Editorial Coordinator Danielle Kutcher Writers Judith Jones Ambrosini Maria O’Donnell Photographers Michelle Wolfe Vincent Dicks Michael Scotto John 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 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

Brynn Coleman

Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Publisher

springlakemagazine.com @springlakemagazine

Have a story idea?

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Email the publisher: Brynn.Coleman@wainscotmedia.com.

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.

8/18/26 12:10 PM

Built on Trust. Built onon Trust. Built Trust.

Proven Through Relationships. Proven Through Relationships. Proven Through Relationships.

$227M $227M + ++ $227M

616161

Career Sales Volume Exclusively in Career Sales Volume Exclusively in Career Sales Volume Exclusively Spring & Sea Girt in Spring Lake & Lake Sea Girt Spring Lake & Sea Girt

Homes Sold Across Homes Sold Across Homes Sold Across Spring & Sea Girt Spring Lake & Lake Sea Girt Spring Lake & Sea Girt

Homes Sold inLake Spring Lake Homes Sold in Spring Homes Sold in Spring Lake

in Sea Girt HomesHomes Sold inSold Sea Girt Homes Sold in Sea Girt

43 4343

18 1818

The numbers tell one part the story. TheThe numbers telltell one part of the story. numbers one part of of the story. The relationships behind them mean even more. TheThe relationships behind them mean even more. relationships behind them mean even more.

Strengthened byFamily. Family. Strengthened bybyFamily. Strengthened

Embraced Through Generations. Embraced Through Generations. Embraced Through Generations.

The relationships builtthe over the15 past 15 years TheThe relationships built over past relationships built over the past years 15 years remain at the heart of everything we do. remain at the heart of everything we do. remain at the heart of everything we do. Today, TheTeam Skea Team brings the experience, Today, TheThe Skea brings thethe experience, Today, Skea Team brings experience, perspective and energy ofgenerations two generations to those perspective and energy of two to those perspective and energy of two generations to those relationships, while continuing to build new ones relationships, while continuing to build newnew ones relationships, while continuing to build ones throughout the communities wehome. call home. throughout the communities we call throughout the communities we call home.

Two Generations. Renewed Energy. One Standard. Two Generations. Renewed Energy. One Standard. Two Generations. Renewed Energy. One Standard. Professionalism, integrity and personal service. Always. Professionalism, integrity and personal service. Always. Professionalism, integrity and personal service. Always.

THE SKEA TEAM THE SKEA TEAM THE SKEA TEAM

Matthew Skea Matthew Skea Matthew Skea Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate

Michael Skea Michael Skea Michael Skea Broker Associate Broker Associate Broker Associate

Moira Jones Moira Jones Moira Jones Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate

matthewskea@wardwightsir.com mskea@wardwightsir.com mskea@wardwightsir.com moiraskea@wardwightsir.com moiraskea@wardwightsir.com matthewskea@wardwightsir.com matthewskea@wardwightsir.com mskea@wardwightsir.com moiraskea@wardwightsir.com

*MORRMLS Closed Sales 01/01/1108/17/2026 *MORRMLS Closed Sales 01/01/1108/17/2026 *MORRMLS Closed Sales 01/01/11- 08/17/2026

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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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Open 77 days days a week for Open for dinner dinner Wednesday - Saturday Saturday for Wednesday forlunch lunch Sundays for for Brunch Sundays Brunch

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12/10/24 8:52 AM

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John C. Tassini, Esq.

Photo by Amy Nolan

Wills, Trusts & Estates: Planning and Administration

Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC (732) 230-5003 | jct@mtglawyers.com 302 Washington Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762 mtglawyers.com

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LI FE OUTDOORS

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF VINCENT DICKS AND MICHAEL SCOTTO; DRONE PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN SCOTTO MEDIA

An early image of the boardwalk along the dunes in the late 1880s in Sea Girt. The image is looking south near what is today Philadelphia towards the Beach House Hotel at current Trenton Boulevard.

On Our Boardwalks For generations, the boardwalks of Spring Lake and Sea Girt have connected neighbors, visitors, and the sea. Their history is a testament to the people who built, preserved, and rebuilt these treasured coastal landmarks. BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

SUMMER, FALL, Winter, Spring— season after season, year after year—the boardwalks of Sea Girt and Spring Lake hum with life. They feel as if they’ve always been there for early-morning walkers, sandy-footed children, and sunset strollers. Yet these wooden roads alongside the mighty Atlantic hold history. SPRING LAKE Long before Spring Lake built its oceanfront boardwalk, there were boards circling the lake and wrapping around the Essex and Sussex Hotel. In the late 1800s, hotel owners favored wooden walkways because they kept sand out of their lobbies. In 1896, much of the oceanfront boardwalk washed

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The gazebos along Spring Lake and Sea Girt boardwalks are a popular place to take in the view of the sunrise.

away. Then, after a devastating fire in 1900, the town voted to build a larger, sturdier walkway in time for the opening of the New Monmouth Hotel. But a full extension along the oceanfront would have to wait, as the Great Depression slowed everything down. That changed in 1937. As part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) set out to build a concrete-piled boardwalk along Ocean Avenue. During those lean years, men labored long, hard hours to create the two-mile stretch that would become the town’s signature promenade. By then, Spring Lake was already a summer jewel—grand hotels, sprawling estates, and Victorian charm. The new boardwalk heightened its allure. Today

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LI FE OUT DO OR S

Runners, walkers and, in the offseason, bike riders enjoy the scenic view and safety of the boardwalk for exercise.

it remains the longest uninterrupted non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey, a place to watch tides change, seagulls fly, and to listen to the rhythm of footsteps. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy nearly erased it. Only the original pilings remained—some still stamped WPA 1937 as if in remembering the men who built them. By late 2013, after months of reconstruction, $5.49 million in funding (much of it from FEMA), and the dedication of local workers, the boardwalk rose again. There were 242 new benches, bike racks, drinking fountains, and 2,000 feet of sand fencing, which elicited a collective sigh of joy. Today, residents and visitors stroll this open-air corridor, with sky above, a breeze at their backs, the ocean not far away, and history beneath their feet. SEA GIRT “Sea Girt” means surrounded by the sea, and the name fits. Before beach badges and summer crowds, the land was farmland. In 1853, Commodore Robert F. Stockton purchased the entire area and built a sweeping summer estate from Stockton Lake to

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Wreck Pond—the seed for the town’s beachfront identity. While no cornerstone marks the exact building of Sea Girt’s boardwalk, the late 19th century brought beachfront hotels, bathhouses, and a growing summer population. More than likely, a walkway existed as a simple path through tall sand dunes, with homes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. A lighthouse was built in 1896, anchoring the shoreline with its red brick presence. Old maps and deeds show a road

facing the ocean, and public opinion at the time was divided. Some residents cherished Sea Girt’s natural, unspoiled beauty—its trees, shrubs, birds, and wildlife. Others believed a boardwalk would enhance the beach and boost property values. A 1927 letter to the Spring Lake Gazette captured the tension: “There are some people who believe that a boardwalk will be a good thing for the community. On the other hand, there are those who see nothing but a menace in a boardwalk; a place for undesirables to congregate.”

By 1929, taxpayers finally approved construction, and the boardwalk was built in 1932. Sea Girt’s boardwalk is shorter than Spring Lake’s, just a three-quarter-mile promenade. It’s a peaceful walkway bordered by sweeping ocean views, rolling sand dunes, and quiet homes. The Sea Girt Lighthouse remains the boardwalk’s crown jewel as the last Shore Lighthouse on the East Coast constructed with a keeper’s residence and the first in the nation to host a radio beacon. It is one of the most photographed spots in town. TWO TOWNS, ONE SHORELINE Together, the boardwalks of Spring Lake and Sea Girt tell a story of resilience and seaside beauty. One was born of the New Deal, the other shaped organically by sand dunes and early shore life. One stretches two miles, the other three-quarters of a mile. Both offer the promise of a place to relax and to feel the vitality of changing seasons. Whether it’s a brisk winter walk, a spring jog, a summer stroll, or a fall sunset, the boardwalks offer the timeless joy of being by the sea. Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident, member of the Holly Club of Sea Girt, and author of the “Sisterhood of Diabetes.” SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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Reach virtually EVERY home in Spring Lake and Sea Girt with your business message. 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’s first downtown restaurant with a full bar is in full swing. BY MARIA O’DONNELL

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE WOLFE

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SPRING LAKE is famous for its gorgeous beaches, grand historic homes, and majestic tree-lined streets. Now, it boasts its very first downtown restaurant with a full bar. Named after the French word for “ocean tides,” Marée is the creation of longtime local restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach and her partner, Fresh Markets owner Bret Morgan. The unique municipal project operates on a long-term lease partnership, with the town of Spring Lake owning the building and liquor license. Marée brings a “Coastal French neighborhood bistro” vibe to town. A welcoming spot whether you’re rolling in straight off the beach or

dressing up for dinner. Inside the former 1940s bank building, the French coastal aesthetic comes alive through unique lighting, rich textures, and thoughtfully repurposed architecture. Unable to remove the building’s massive original vault, the team turned it into an intimate private dining space, complete with leather banquettes and original porcelain tile. The menu, crafted by Marilyn, highlights freshly sourced, sustainable ingredients. Produce comes from local staples like Kula Farm and Two River Mushroom Farm, where Marilyn’s husband, Scott Szegeski, is a partner. Eco-conscious choices are

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woven throughout the entire operation. Marée avoids plastic packaging, provides natural palm or agave straws only upon request, and cooks completely free of seed oils. The kitchen relies exclusively on sustainable seafood, organic chicken, and plants that support local bees and butterflies to minimize environmental impact, and for a touch of whimsy, the menu even features soft-serve ice cream available to order for takeout. The artwork is a celebration of all things coastal. Behind the bar, a giant mural by Olivia Hartgers offers a nod to classic scrimshaw and the

French surfing spots Marilyn visited with her husband. Marilyn describes the overall look as “Ralph Lauren taking his family on a trip to the South of France”: soulful, elegant, and designed to feel more like a cozy home than a commercial dining room. The space continues to evolve daily. Local upholsterer Andrew Grossman is currently finishing three bar-facing banquettes featuring custom curvature designed by Scott Szegeski and designer Keith Fiore, with additional styling touches by Ninie Norris. Custom barstools were imported

directly from Nicaragua. Whether you’re sipping a craft cocktail, a zero-proof mocktail, or a local brew, the food hits the spot. Playful starters like escargot rangoons and French onion dip sit alongside classic comfort mains like steak frites. Spring Lake has long craved a downtown gathering place for a great glass of wine and a delicious bite after a summer day at the beach, a long workday, or during the crisp days of autumn and winter. No matter the season, Marée has officially filled that missing piece in the heart of town.

Maria O’Donnell is a passionate food and wine writer who lives in Spring Lake with her husband and two children. She can be found @foodwritergirl on Instagram and @cookingwithmaria on Facebook.

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Kathy Cunningham, who lost her brother Donald on 9/11, leads the charge for Team Shamrock at the Tunnel to Towers run each year.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF KATHY CUNNINGHAM

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Tunnel to Towers

Kathy Cunningham’s “Team Shamrock” keeps the Tunnel to Towers mission alive at the Jersey Shore.

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS after the attacks of Sept. 11, the nearly 3,000 victims continue to be spoken about and honored. In the aftermath of the attack, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established by New York City firefighter Stephen Sillers’ family. Siller had just finished his overnight shift with FDNY Squad 1 in Brooklyn when he learned that the World Trade Center had been attacked. After driving back to the

Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which was closed, he put on his firefighting gear and ran through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave his life helping others. His family established the foundation to ensure that his heroism and sacrifice, and the sacrifices of all first responders, military service members, and their families, would never be forgotten. Each year, the Tunnel to Towers run/walk in New York City draws

about 30,000 people who retrace the route that Stephen Siller took. Last year, Spring Lake Heights resident Kathy Cunningham established The Jersey Shore Tunnel to Towers Run and Walk 5K in Wall Township. The event supports The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its mission to “Never Forget.” Kathy’s brother Donald Robertson, Jr. was 35 years old and one of the Cantor Fitzgerald employees killed in the North Tower,

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leaving behind a wife and four children. From this tragedy came purpose. Kathy now serves on the Board of the Foundation while also leading the charge at the Jersey Shore so that locals can participate in their own community. TEAM SHAMROCK At the center of the Jersey Shore Run is Team Shamrock, a name chosen because of Donald’s shamrock tattoo. They are a dedicated group

of volunteers who work yearround building awareness for the foundation’s “Never Forget” mission. The Jersey Shore has always had a strong sense of community, where friends and neighbors support one another, so the Tunnel to Towers mission is especially meaningful. Local businesses contribute sponsorships and volunteers donate their time. Participants return because they believe in the foundation’s mission to honor the

The steel from the World Trade Center travels around the country, reinforcing the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to “Never Forget.”

lives lost, support families facing unimaginable loss, and inspire future generations. Since its inception, Team Shamrock has raised over two million dollars, which has gone to building smart homes (that bear a plaque honoring Donald) for the most catastrophically injured U.S. service members, and also paying off mortgages for first responders killed in the line of duty. In addition to the run/walks, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation raises money through motorcycle rides, charity dinners, golf outings, and tower climbs. Kathy says, “To keep my brother’s memory alive, Stephen’s memory alive, and all those who were lost on 9/11, we do good by taking care of our military and first responders, and now our homeless veterans. Tunnel to Towers supports America’s heroes.” On race day, American flags line the course. Firefighters, police officers, military veterans, and neighbors will wear the names of loved ones across their shirts or carry photographs of family members lost on Sept. 11 or in military service. Many simply come to say thank you, and to “Never Forget.” It is a day of remembrance, healing, and hope. Kathy says, “Our local community is a community of proud patriots who remember 9/11 and vow to never forget it and join in the mission of Tunnel to Towers.”

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Team Shamrock is recognized for the Tunnel to Towers Climb, where they climbed the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.

KEEPING THE MEMORY ALIVE As the years pass, a new generation has grown up with little or no memory of Sept. 11. Events like the Jersey Shore Tunnel to Towers Run help bridge that gap, transforming something kids learn about in school into something personal. Organizations like Tunnel to Towers remind young people why names are read each September and why communities continue to gather decades later. Currently, Kathy tours the country keeping the memory of those lost on Sept. 11 alive, emphasizing the importance of never forgetting the victims and their families. The message she spreads is more about honoring the lives that were lost than about the tragedy, turning grief into purpose. To make the impact even greater, Kathy and her team travel with a piece of steel from the World Trade

Center that ironworkers and recovery workers cut into a small cross. These pieces were presented to some of the victims’ families and creates a tangible connection to Ground Zero. The steel is a symbol that reinforces the message that remembering those who died should inspire acts of service. The race is held each fall at the Wall Township Municipal Complex and welcomes supporters of all ages. This year the race will be held

Sunday, Oct. 18 at 9 a.m., with the ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m. To register and support the foundation, and find out more information, visit runwalkjerseyshore.t2t.org. For questions, email Jerseyshorerun@ t2t.org. As Kathy says, “We are making sure that all those who lost their lives are remembered not simply for how they died, but for how they lived.” Never Forget.

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From Broadway Back to the

Boardwalk

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

Above: “Ragtime” photograph of Nick Barrington and Rodd Cyrus by Matthew Murphy. Right: Barrington with Tabitha Lawing during the recording of the cast album.

PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY THE BARRINGTON FAMILY.

A Spring Lake Heights teen’s whirlwind season on Broadway and the joy of coming home.

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W WHEN SPRING Lake Heights resident Nick Barrington stepped onto the Broadway stage in the Tony Award-winning revival of “Ragtime,” he wasn’t standing there alone. Behind every performance was his family, whose unwavering support helped him pursue his dream. His community, both in town and at the Spring Lake Theatre, celebrated every milestone. For the Barrington family, Broadway became far more than an extraordinary opportunity. It became a reminder of how powerful encouragement, friendship, and hometown pride can be. “We are very proud of Nick, but it still feels surreal,” says his mother, Nicki Barrington. “It was so exciting seeing him live out his dreams at such a young age. We also knew how much work it took for him to get there.”

became another reminder that the entire community was supporting this family. “It was particularly heartwarming to see not just our large family, but our communities rally behind Nick and show him so much love and support,” Nicki says. That encouragement became an important source of strength for the family throughout Nick’s Broadway journey.

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING Although Nick’s schedule was demanding, his family remained the constant that kept him grounded. Nick and his mother spent much of the week in New York City while his father, Scott, and siblings, Carly and Jimmy, kept life moving at home in New Jersey. While the arrangement required flexibility, the Barrington family viewed every challenge

DREAMS COME TRUE While audiences saw Nick performing eight shows each week in one of Broadway’s most celebrated productions, family, friends, neighbors, teachers, and classmates were cheering him on, both at home and in the audience itself. Many familiar faces made the trip to New York City to experience “Ragtime.” Every ticket purchased, every message sent, and every social media post celebrating Nick

“Ragtime” photograph of Barrington and Colin Donnell by Matthew Murphy.

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Barrington, surrounded by friends and fellow Spring Lake Theatre Workshop students after the Nov. 9 matinee performance of “Ragtime.”

through the lens of gratitude. Scott says, “It was an amazing experience and a commitment that the entire family had to make. I’m very proud of all of us, especially the kids, for enduring the difficulties that came with being separated and also enjoying the adventure.” Despite the challenges, Nick and Nicki made the most of their time in New York, exploring museums, attending other Broadway productions, and creating memories together that extended far beyond the theater district. Nick says, “I met so many amazing

people, and I had experiences I never could have imagined, like being in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and performing at the Tony Awards. It was the experience of a lifetime!” BEHIND THE SCENES For Nick, some of his favorite memories from “Ragtime” happened backstage. The cast became like an extended family. Between scenes, Nick spent hours laughing, playing games, and building friendships with the other young performers and child guardians. “It was a

wonderful balance,” Nicki says. “He helped tell a powerful story on stage while still having fun backstage.” Despite performing in all eight weekly performances of “Ragtime,” balancing school tutoring, rehearsals, and media appearances, he found time to enjoy being a kid. As “Ragtime” earned critical acclaim, excitement continued to build. When the production received 11 Tony Award nominations, the celebration extended well beyond Broadway. Family, friends, and neighbors eagerly followed

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every announcement, sharing the excitement from New Jersey to New York. Nick’s own excitement grew when he learned he would perform not only in “Ragtime’s” featured number during the Tony Awards, but also in the show’s opening performance. The evening was unforgettable. Although Nick admits he was nervous beforehand, the energy backstage quickly replaced anxiety with excitement. “He said

Top left: Barrington and costars hanging out in their dressing room between scenes. Above: Alijah Joseph (left) and Nick Barrington perform on stage during the 79th Annual Tony Awards, representing the cast of “Ragtime.” Photograph by Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions. Below: The Barrington Family.

backstage felt like a party,” Nicki recalls. “He couldn’t wait to get out there.” Later that evening, surrounded by castmates and family members, Nick watched “Ragtime” win four Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. “It was something we’ll never forget,” Nicki says. When “Ragtime” announced it would extend its Broadway run, Nick made the decision to return home to the Jersey Shore. “The transition home has been surprisingly easy,” Nicki says. “We miss the friends we made, but it was the right time for Nick to get back to being a kid.” SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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PARTNER C ONTENT

FINDING RELIEF FROM DEBILITATING FACIAL PAIN Penny Prosperi’s journey from initial symptoms to diagnosis and successful treatment of a condition that causes severe facial nerve pain was a long one—15 years, to be exact. IT BEGAN WITH occasional ear pain. A few years later, Denville resident Penny Prosperi noticed that the back of her mouth would sometimes feel numb. Or she’d touch her lip and wouldn’t feel anything. She knew something odd was going on, but none of these issues seemed urgent. Plus, life was busy. She was a licensed social worker and an adjunct at Seton Hall University with a passion for pickleball and shopping. Penny also helped administer support groups for rare medical disorders at Saint Clare’s Self-

Help Group Clearinghouse. She remembers her boss talking about setting up a national support group for trigeminal neuralgia. Having never heard of the condition, Penny asked what it was. “Nothing you’d ever want,” her boss replied. As she learned more about this chronic nerve disorder that causes shocklike facial pain, she thought, “Well, I’m glad I don’t have that.” Unaware that she was experiencing the first signs of this condition, Penny visited her dentist, suspecting a TMJ (jaw joint) disorder, which was quickly ruled out.

NUISANCE PAIN BECOMES EXTREME Things took a turn for the worse four years ago when Penny went on a trip with some friends and suddenly found herself in unbearable pain. “I couldn’t eat or drink,” she says. “I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t talk. The pain was excruciating.” She returned to the dentist, who delivered the diagnosis: trigeminal neuralgia. She ended up in the emergency room at Morristown Medical Center, but there wasn’t much the ER staff could do for her. They administered a shot of valium and told her to see a specialist. A combination of several

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medications relieved her pain temporarily, but in October 2025, her symptoms came raging back. By this point, Penny had become the co-leader of the New Jersey trigeminal neuralgia support group for the Facial Pain Association. She knew that most people with this condition end up undergoing surgery, but many people reported side effects like deafness or trouble walking. Now, however, her fear of constant pain outweighed her fear of having surgery. Penny scheduled an appointment with Dr. Gary Heir, an orofacial pain expert at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. She had seen Dr. Heir earlier in the year for a general consult and imaging. The MRI revealed a clear vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve, with multiple blood vessels compressing the nerve on the right side. Dr. Heir explained this made her a candidate for a microvascular

decompression (MVD), a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pressure on the trigeminal nerve caused by a nearby blood vessel. He also recommended a neurosurgeon— Dr. Stephen Johnson of Atlantic Brain and Spine (ABS), a trigeminal neuralgia specialist and expert in MVDs. Penny met with him a few days later. “Dr. Johnson really listened to me,” Penny says. “I never felt pressured to have surgery. He gave me space, and he was there for me when I was ready.” INSTANT RELIEF, ZERO COMPLICATIONS In February 2026, Dr. Johnson performed a right MVD. An audiologist was present during the procedure to ensure none of the nerves that affect hearing were impacted and confirmed actual improvement of hearing in her right ear—an unexpected bonus. “Trigeminal neuralgia can cause truly debilitating pain,” Dr. Johnson

says. “MVD was the right option for Penny, and I was so happy to be able to give her the relief she deserves so she can go back to enjoying the simple things in life.” After spending one night in the ICU, Penny was cleared to return home. Aside from feeling very tired during recovery, she felt great, with no pain. ENJOYING A PAIN-FREE LIFE Penny gradually returned to the pickleball court and her other favorite activities. Today, she has some lingering numbness on the side of her face and the tip of her tongue, but there is hope those issues will eventually resolve. What’s most important to Penny is being pain-free and back to living life to the fullest. “I wouldn’t think twice about referring anyone to Dr. Johnson,” says Penny. “He even offered to speak to our support group. He is truly wonderful.”

Atlantic Brain and Spine is a New Jersey neurosurgical practice specializing in complex brain, spine, and neurovascular conditions, serving communities across northern and central New Jersey with offices in Morristown, Summit, New Brunswick, Manalapan, and Edison. Learn more at AtlanticBrainAndSpine.org or call 973-993-7100.

I was so happy to be able to give Penny the relief she deserves so she can go back to enjoying the simple things in life.” – Dr. Stephen Johnson, neurosurgeon at Atlantic Brain and Spine

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BOOK NOOK

Take a Book, Leave a Book On Warren Avenue in Spring Lake, the Little Free Library houses books from every genre, ready to be shared with the community.

WHEN WALKING by the Spring Lake Municipal Building on Warren Avenue, a cute bluepainted box may catch your eye. Officially registered with littlefreelibrary.org with charter No. 49491, this literary box houses some of the most interesting, diverse books left there by members of the community. The Little Free Library organization’s motto of “take a book, leave a book” supports its mission for bringing neighbors together, inspiring readers of all ages, and increasing access to quality books. These little libraries are always open, so people have the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book that they can connect with. Currently, there are more than 200,000 libraries in 128 countries, with more than 500 million books shared. Spring Lake’s Little Free Library may be small, with about a 25book capacity, but it has become a place where everything from biographies and memoirs to science and travel can be found. Books that are unique, that may have never been considered,

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

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are placed on the shelves, only to be gone soon after. Caring for this special little corner of town is Spring Lake resident Maureen Mulhall. This past year, she was asked to oversee the library by her friend Syd Whalley, who had grown increasingly disheartened by how neglected it was becoming. Now, Mulhall visits the library once or twice a week to go through the books to make sure it’s neat and organized. She can tell there are avid readers in town because there is an 80% turnover every month. She has seen a variety of book topics, from textbooks to beach reads, some which she

thought would never be taken out of the library. However, she has never had to remove a book from the shelves, as all the books find a good, temporary home. Mulhall says, “You can find out a lot about the town by the nature of

the books left and taken from the library.” People are also very generous with the books they leave, often leaving new and popular books. She says that people will inscribe little notes on the inside cover. Some will have a note about how much they enjoyed the book; others may have their favorite chapter or line. Some may even have words of encouragement for the new readers. “If you want to feel good about humanity, go and look at the Little Free Library on Warren Avenue. It’s a microcosm of who we are as a community,” says Mulhall. There is an anonymity to the exchange: strangers who will likely never meet, connected by a shared love of books. A note tucked within the pages, or an inscription inside the front cover, is often the only trace they leave behind. Proof that someone else sat with the same story. The Little Free Library has found its place in the Spring Lake community, one small door, open again and again, by people looking for something to read next. So, take a stroll to the Municipal Building, swing open the little blue-painted door, and see what’s waiting on the shelf. You might just find your next favorite book. SEPTEMBER 2026 |

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PHOTOGRAPH BY DEB DURIG

PHOTO OP

THE LAST LIGHT OF SUMMER A summer evening stroll around the lake.

Have a great image for Photo Op?

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

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